A website which informs potential photographers and defends them from the “you’re a terrorist taking pictures” accusation. The video is an interview of Grant Smith (a photog) and his experience of attack for pursuing his art in a public space.

Since photography is a hobby of mine, I was interested in this viewpoint and intrigued by the entire idea of the site. Like many other inhabitants of the world today, terrorists are no longer (were they ever?) easy to spot. The average person, the well-dressed person, the person who looks like he may be taking pictures to aid his plot of attack, are no longer safe from scrutiny. If you have ever seen the television show 24 then you may be part of the curious crowd; the crowd that trusts no one. On the other hand, you may be someone whom has been targeted for what may hit you as for no apparent reason. The world has never really been a safe place and the saying goes, “better safe than sorry.”

Posted using ShareThis

Nineties funk-tech-electro pop. Deeelicious. The Stockholm Swedes  have two songs for sale, with remixes to boot, that are upbeat and absolutely addicting. Julia Spada’s vocals are strong and sweet; enviable I might add. Listening to their tracks “Time” and “Ten Strikes” are like throwbacks with modern spark. Only these two tracks (and remixes of the songs) are available on iTunes and their myspace site to listen to for FREE. Yes, the entire song can be heard for free, but I’m sure that won’t last long.

The following is taken from their myspace page about how their band got started and what the response to their genius is:

“[O'Spada was formed in 2006 by five individuals whose different influences forged a clash between soul, funk, hip hop and rock. The band gradually earned a reputation through a few demo songs and their vivid live performances, handing them a record deal with Despotz Records in 2008. This year, they have been completing their so far untitled debut album, to be released in early 2010. Both singles released this fall - Time and Ten Strikes - has had an overwhelming response. O'Spada has recieved praise internationally from acclaimed media such as The Guardian, Annie Mac on BBC Radio1, The Fader and Monocle. Here are some first responces to their assault on the world:

“Was this track made in 1984? Did we just discover it as an unmarked white label mixed in with our tio’s old freestyle vinyl collection?... …This is the only single they have so far and it’s killer. We have a rollerdisco date soon, we need more, Swedes!” / The Fader

"Time is a fizzy burst of jazzy 'fauxsetto' female vocals over the sweetest machine R&B. Enemy is confident and crisply produced, with guitars processed to sound like synths, or vice versa. Ten Strikes, the next single, recalls Teena Marie at her Madonna-trouncing peak i.e. circa 1988's Naked to the World. And Let Go is a ballad so sticky and squelchy it feels like being squirted by synth goo. If we were going to compile a list of the new-band tracks of the year, these four would be on it..." / The Guardian

"The band is tighter than a bad toupee, the synth sound is fat and squelchy, and in Julia Spada they have a singer who can convincingly put some gritty, slightly daffy soul into their mix. Did I mention they were from Sweden? Nice!" / All Music Blog]“

Definitely check them out or tweet them some support! @Ospada on Twitter. A marvel from Sweden. A must.

President Obama’s first State of the Union speech last night was presented, somewhat, as a sort of pep rally for democrats.

The first few minutes should do.

The President’s main points included health care, climate control, the deficit, and congratulating the House. Pelosi and Biden interrupted the President so many times with smirks, claps, and standing ovations that the speech lasted nearly seventy minutes. Obama also motioned to the republicans and democrats that they ought to get their act together; the dems need to use their withered spines and the republicans need to stop refusing to participate in his brilliant plans for the nation. Independents unite! Even though I am a registered republican, I am really defined as a Roman Catholic who tries incessantly to find the truthful, God-fearing, pro-life, pro-military, pro-constitutional people with a strong sense of conscience and consciousness.

The [State of the] Union

What, or I should say, who impressed me most was Governor McDonell of Virginia. His words were tempered and strong, willful and comforting. The voice of a real American dad, looking out for the good of his neighbors. I truly hope he runs for President in 2012!

Gap’s new collection for spring is military-inspired with muted desert colors of peach, khaki, brown, and greige.
Utility Collection.

WEAR IT this spring. Kind of like Revillion’s fall 2004 collection.

That was then. This is now. Vogue‘s Anna Wintour with Stephanie Winston Wolkoff and Diane von Furstenberg. Courtesy style.com.

Greige is just one trend for spring, but I confess I am absolutely intrigued by the subtlety. Not only are we seeing it in clothing, but makeup too. Greige shadow on the lid with deep black chocolate eyeliner is beautiful with bold berry-stained lips.

Beige and grey, the quintessential neutral. Lovely with jewel tones and earth tones. Greige inspired.

To define what exactly is meant by “The Bohemian Eccentric Conservative” is to define the next stage in the life of an artsy, forgetful, zealous, passionate Roman Catholic who idealizes the world in which we all live. The bohemian eccentric label is to emphasize my true desire to learn as much as I can; roaming from one phenomenon of life to the next like a gypsy artisan.

Here you will read of the marvels of my favorite soul-melting music, fashion whims and runways, world news, cultural themes, and personal opinions on the sociological categorization of my surroundings.

Appréciez!