Chinese Temple, Kuala Lumpur, January 2011
Burning Incense, Kuala Lumpur, January 2011
Crowded Incense Jar, Kuala Lumpur, January 2011
Chinese Temple, Kuala Lumpur, January 2011
Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Photography. Show all posts
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Kuala Lumpur In Detail (Part I)
Chinese Temple, Kuala Lumpur, January 2011Burning Incense, Kuala Lumpur, January 2011Crowded Incense Jar, Kuala Lumpur, January 2011Chinese Temple, Kuala Lumpur, January 2011
Friday, January 08, 2010
Sneak a Peek
Petrified, Photo by Roja NajafiHearst Castle, CA, October 2007
Liberty in Tears, Photo by Roja NajafiNY, May 2008
Is No Right, Photo by Roja NajafiGraffiti on Lord & Taylor Billboard,
NJ Transit Train Station, Princeton , April 2008
* Three photographs from Fragmented Close-up, a 17-piece photography collection; Anyone interested in exhibiting these babies?
PS. Fragmented Close-up was my two-year photography project (2007-2009) which was completed on December 2009. I thought it was clear that I am the photographer. Just to prevent the confusion I wrote the complete title with the photographer's name.
PS. Fragmented Close-up was my two-year photography project (2007-2009) which was completed on December 2009. I thought it was clear that I am the photographer. Just to prevent the confusion I wrote the complete title with the photographer's name.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Call It Your Own!
Useful Link:
This is a very useful link for those of us who like to take a look at monumental sites around the world without leaving our comfy chairs. It will give you a Panoramic view of the site. You just need to open a free account and then you search the site you want. I just learned about this website through a graduate seminar I am taking this semester; The Islamic City. The site is part of UNESCO's project to preserve world heritage sites. 1001wonders.org : World Heritage sites in panophotographies - immersive and interactive panoramic images.
And:
I am preparing a presentation for tomorrow on Peter Henry Emerson and Photography. He has many contradictory statements; each individual statement makes sense only when you read it alone but the combination of them in an essay becomes very confusing. I will end this post with one of Emerson's many statements, but perhaps the most positively confident one. Most of these statements are hints to Photographers; a very early attempt to establish photography as a worthy Art.
"Do not talk of Rembrandt pictures, there was but one Rembrandt. Light your own pictures as best as you can and call them your own." (Emerson( 1856-1936), Hints on Art)
Pond In Winter, by Peter Henry Emerson, 1888
This is a very useful link for those of us who like to take a look at monumental sites around the world without leaving our comfy chairs. It will give you a Panoramic view of the site. You just need to open a free account and then you search the site you want. I just learned about this website through a graduate seminar I am taking this semester; The Islamic City. The site is part of UNESCO's project to preserve world heritage sites. 1001wonders.org : World Heritage sites in panophotographies - immersive and interactive panoramic images.
And:
I am preparing a presentation for tomorrow on Peter Henry Emerson and Photography. He has many contradictory statements; each individual statement makes sense only when you read it alone but the combination of them in an essay becomes very confusing. I will end this post with one of Emerson's many statements, but perhaps the most positively confident one. Most of these statements are hints to Photographers; a very early attempt to establish photography as a worthy Art.
"Do not talk of Rembrandt pictures, there was but one Rembrandt. Light your own pictures as best as you can and call them your own." (Emerson( 1856-1936), Hints on Art)
Pond In Winter, by Peter Henry Emerson, 1888Thursday, February 19, 2009
This Week's Snapshots:
A Great Documentary:
I was on the Netflix waiting list for months. But Standard Operating Procedure (2008) another mind-blowing documentary by Errol Morris was really worth it. S.O.P. is a documentary about the abuse of terrorists suspects at the in Abu Ghraib prison by U.S. forces. Like other Morris' documentaries, Standard Operating Procedure is an interview-based documentary, where the director's presence is reduced to his masterly jump-cuts and his composed camera close-ups. The film chases the photographs taken by prison guards and the interview follows the line of the investigation that took place after the notorious photos broke the story of Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq to the world. The director is successful in raising questions on the role of photography (or a photograph) in transformation of people’s belief.
The film made me think of photography and the agency that the medium has obtained through the history of photography. In the early days of its invention, photography was seen as the true representation of reality. This early reputation has been long broken: in early days of photography, one believed what one saw in a photograph, but this aspect of ‘photography equals reality’ was broken by the photographic trickeries that developed pretty much early in the history of the medium. But the Abu Ghraib prison photos, in a way touches on this early reputation, which saw photographic picture as an agent of reality, a true evidence of what happened and nothing matters outside the picture. Of course there are much more going on both on Morris’ documentary and the actual historic event of 2004. What appeals to me through the film and the historic event, is the fact that the investigation for the abuse of prisoners has stopped with the photographs: the investigator looks at each photograph and stops where the frame limits him. Perhaps that’s why the only people who got in trouble because of the abuse are the prison guards who were there in that frame.
The film made me think of photography and the agency that the medium has obtained through the history of photography. In the early days of its invention, photography was seen as the true representation of reality. This early reputation has been long broken: in early days of photography, one believed what one saw in a photograph, but this aspect of ‘photography equals reality’ was broken by the photographic trickeries that developed pretty much early in the history of the medium. But the Abu Ghraib prison photos, in a way touches on this early reputation, which saw photographic picture as an agent of reality, a true evidence of what happened and nothing matters outside the picture. Of course there are much more going on both on Morris’ documentary and the actual historic event of 2004. What appeals to me through the film and the historic event, is the fact that the investigation for the abuse of prisoners has stopped with the photographs: the investigator looks at each photograph and stops where the frame limits him. Perhaps that’s why the only people who got in trouble because of the abuse are the prison guards who were there in that frame.I really didn’t mean to go on and on with my photo-philosophical thoughts, (The course I am taking on the early history of photography make me think like that), I just wanted to encourage you to see this brilliant documentary.
My Cool Backpack:
Another exciting but much less intellectual deed of mine last week was the purchase of my first backpack. Of course I had backpacks before, but they were all gifts. This is the first time I bought a backpack for myself. It is so spacious and very comfortable on shoulders. I love its design: it is a Golla design from Kolobags. And as you can see it is green; I don’t think I need to tell you about the Green color!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
East to South
If you are around New York – I am not in the East Coast anymore –there are two exhibitions worth your visit: J.M.W. Turner exhibition at Met, the largest Turner exhibition in U.S. in forty years on view until September 21st, and Polaroids: Mapplethrope at Whitney which focuses on Robert Mapplethorpe’s instant photography on view through September 14th. I cannot curse myselfe enough for not visiting Mapplethrope’s exhibition. But I visited Turner’s exhibition and wrote a review for the next issue of Peyk (#117): what was really touching in Turner’s exhibition was not only his abstract landscapes and the Sublime that turner is famous for, but also the abstraction that was created by the repetition of more than 140 works of Turner: the high number of canvas covering the walls of Tisch galleries encircled the eyes an created one huge abstract painting.
I just said I am not in the east cost anymore; we are driving our way down to the south. The more we drive south, the hotter it gets. My plants are not doing well and I am wondering whether they survive the transition; I wonder the same about us. We are in Little Rock, Arkansas, tonight; tomorrow morning I will visit Arkansas Art Center.
I just said I am not in the east cost anymore; we are driving our way down to the south. The more we drive south, the hotter it gets. My plants are not doing well and I am wondering whether they survive the transition; I wonder the same about us. We are in Little Rock, Arkansas, tonight; tomorrow morning I will visit Arkansas Art Center.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
In New Haven: Abelardo Morell
In New Haven:
Rushing out the door to catch the train to New Haven I forgot to take my toothbrush which I had left to dry after my morning wash up. The worst was I noticed its absence later during the night. But of course, my lovely host helped me out with providing one nice blue toothbrush.
Now I am heading out with Eitan for some New Haven adventures. A week or two ago I visited Behind the Scene: The photographs of Abelardo Morell at Yale University Art Galley and I really enjoyed it. This will be my second visit. I hope Eitan like it as well; Unfortunately we are missing Eyal.
I will write about Abelardo Morell’s exhibition soon: I really enjoyed his Book Photographs. This exhibition will be on view until August 10th, 2008.
Some Updates:
The Tameshk Film Club is also accessible on Facebook: Let me know if you want me to send you an invitation.
Three Dictionaries, by Abelardo Morell, 200
Now I am heading out with Eitan for some New Haven adventures. A week or two ago I visited Behind the Scene: The photographs of Abelardo Morell at Yale University Art Galley and I really enjoyed it. This will be my second visit. I hope Eitan like it as well; Unfortunately we are missing Eyal.
I will write about Abelardo Morell’s exhibition soon: I really enjoyed his Book Photographs. This exhibition will be on view until August 10th, 2008.
Some Updates:
The Tameshk Film Club is also accessible on Facebook: Let me know if you want me to send you an invitation.
Three Dictionaries, by Abelardo Morell, 200Happy 200th Post !
PS. This is Tameshk's 200th post. Many bloggers celebrate the annual anniversaries of their blogs. As a former Cinema student, however I have been celebrating every hundred posts: in filmmaking when they shoot the 100th shot they have a little party.
PS. This is Tameshk's 200th post. Many bloggers celebrate the annual anniversaries of their blogs. As a former Cinema student, however I have been celebrating every hundred posts: in filmmaking when they shoot the 100th shot they have a little party.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Heavy Light
Heavy Light: Recent Photography &Video From Japan
The International Center of Photography Museum (ICP) in New York is a place to stop by if you are in Manhattan. A month ago, I visited their current exhibition, Heavy Light, a joyful visual challenge that I always welcome.
The unconventional quality that has always amazed me when facing Japanese painting and cinema, once again struck my aesthetic taste when I saw these contemporary photographs. Heavy Light exhibition presents photographic artworks of thirteen photographers who are among the new generation of Japanese photographers. The exhibition is curated by Christopher Phillips and the Kyoto University of art and design professor, Noriko Fuku.
I started with the first gallery where Asako Narahashi’s works were displayed: his photographs called, Half Awake, Half Sleep in the Water, (2000-03), is a series of photos with unstable POV that gives a suspended view of the shore from the water. Walking through Narahashi series, little by little his strange point of view becomes the most natural viewpoint; to think of it, his suspended camera is in the most familiar place for a photographer native to an Island in the Pacific Ocean.
Blast by Naoya Hatakeyama is another photo series that really suits the idea of Heavy Light. A chain of snapshots of an explosion throwing a mixture of dust, stone and cement into the air, presents the eyes with the essence of the notions of heavy and light; heavy when it is glued to earth and light when it can detach itself form the gravity. The explosion (a mine explosion or an explosion for a construction) catalyzes the process of Heavy-Light-ing.
Yukio Nakagawa, one of the oldest photographers in this exhibition, is a norm-breaking Ikebana artist (the Japanese art of flower arrangement). Nakagawa’s flower photographs can be considered as haiku photography, if such a school exists in photography.
Among other photographers of this exhibition, I believe Midori Komatsubara’s photographs Sanctuary, leaves the door open for further studies. Sanctuary is a series of photos recreating 10 characters form a popular Japanese comic book called “Yaol”. Although the comic book characters are all boys, Komatsubara’s photographs are all played by girls. Komatsubara’s attempt to narrate a story, I believe has failed in contact with non-Japanese viewer.
To me the most enjoyable works, as well as the most realistic photographs of the exhibition were Hiroh Kikai’s portraits of people from northeast Tokyo. His lifelong project, from 1973 to present, in capturing daily faces of people, is so realistic that makes it impossible for the viewer to forget them; his portraits are more than people’s frontage; they are open gateways, so the viewer can pass the faces and get to know who they really are.
Heavy Light is on view until September 7th 2008. There is an $8 fee for students and the general admission is $12. The ICP Museum is closed on Mondays.
Yukio Nakagawa, Eyelashes, 1976,
Courtesy of Yukio Nakagawa Office and the Miyagi Museum of Art
The International Center of Photography Museum (ICP) in New York is a place to stop by if you are in Manhattan. A month ago, I visited their current exhibition, Heavy Light, a joyful visual challenge that I always welcome.
The unconventional quality that has always amazed me when facing Japanese painting and cinema, once again struck my aesthetic taste when I saw these contemporary photographs. Heavy Light exhibition presents photographic artworks of thirteen photographers who are among the new generation of Japanese photographers. The exhibition is curated by Christopher Phillips and the Kyoto University of art and design professor, Noriko Fuku.
I started with the first gallery where Asako Narahashi’s works were displayed: his photographs called, Half Awake, Half Sleep in the Water, (2000-03), is a series of photos with unstable POV that gives a suspended view of the shore from the water. Walking through Narahashi series, little by little his strange point of view becomes the most natural viewpoint; to think of it, his suspended camera is in the most familiar place for a photographer native to an Island in the Pacific Ocean.
Blast by Naoya Hatakeyama is another photo series that really suits the idea of Heavy Light. A chain of snapshots of an explosion throwing a mixture of dust, stone and cement into the air, presents the eyes with the essence of the notions of heavy and light; heavy when it is glued to earth and light when it can detach itself form the gravity. The explosion (a mine explosion or an explosion for a construction) catalyzes the process of Heavy-Light-ing.
Yukio Nakagawa, one of the oldest photographers in this exhibition, is a norm-breaking Ikebana artist (the Japanese art of flower arrangement). Nakagawa’s flower photographs can be considered as haiku photography, if such a school exists in photography.
Among other photographers of this exhibition, I believe Midori Komatsubara’s photographs Sanctuary, leaves the door open for further studies. Sanctuary is a series of photos recreating 10 characters form a popular Japanese comic book called “Yaol”. Although the comic book characters are all boys, Komatsubara’s photographs are all played by girls. Komatsubara’s attempt to narrate a story, I believe has failed in contact with non-Japanese viewer.
To me the most enjoyable works, as well as the most realistic photographs of the exhibition were Hiroh Kikai’s portraits of people from northeast Tokyo. His lifelong project, from 1973 to present, in capturing daily faces of people, is so realistic that makes it impossible for the viewer to forget them; his portraits are more than people’s frontage; they are open gateways, so the viewer can pass the faces and get to know who they really are.
Heavy Light is on view until September 7th 2008. There is an $8 fee for students and the general admission is $12. The ICP Museum is closed on Mondays.
Yukio Nakagawa, Eyelashes, 1976,Courtesy of Yukio Nakagawa Office and the Miyagi Museum of Art
Hiroh Kikai, 2002, Courtesy of the artist,
A man who tells me that he has always wanted to attract attention,
ever since he was a kid, and has always been knocked around for it,
Asako Narahashi,
Half Awake and Half Asleep in the Water (Makuhari),
2001, Courtesy of the artist
A man who tells me that he has always wanted to attract attention,
ever since he was a kid, and has always been knocked around for it,
Asako Narahashi,Half Awake and Half Asleep in the Water (Makuhari),
2001, Courtesy of the artist
Monday, July 07, 2008
Short Report:
Sleepy: I got my boarding pass and finally passed the security check. I had some time to get a cup of cappuccino.
Cold: I felt the warmth of the cappuccino in my hand and in my throat, both; I wanted to carry that warmth with me into the plane, into the air.
Excited: My pearl earrings dangled and tickled me while I was running to the baggage claim area.
Lost: Not so much in translation than in UC Berkeley. Late for registration, for seeing friends, for everything, not so much for getting lost but in makeup .
There: I got to the 19th International IWSF Conference.
Crunched: the land of Sunrise, Khavaran; the sun reminds me of you; here, from far away, I saw you, like I always do, and I saw the many golden hearts that are buried next to yours. It is 20 years now. And I am counting them, my heart crunched.
Paralyzed: Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on. I have a pillow.
Magic: I held a jar of Tameshk jam in my hand, heavier than steel; my body melted under its weight; I thought of your hand and the lively pulse in your eyes; a magician called friend.
Rodin sculptures in Stanford, August 2008
It Could Be Blue, August 2008
Excited: My pearl earrings dangled and tickled me while I was running to the baggage claim area.
Lost: Not so much in translation than in UC Berkeley. Late for registration, for seeing friends, for everything, not so much for getting lost but in makeup .
There: I got to the 19th International IWSF Conference.
Crunched: the land of Sunrise, Khavaran; the sun reminds me of you; here, from far away, I saw you, like I always do, and I saw the many golden hearts that are buried next to yours. It is 20 years now. And I am counting them, my heart crunched.
Paralyzed: Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on. I have a pillow.
Magic: I held a jar of Tameshk jam in my hand, heavier than steel; my body melted under its weight; I thought of your hand and the lively pulse in your eyes; a magician called friend.
Rodin sculptures in Stanford, August 2008
It Could Be Blue, August 2008Friday, April 11, 2008
Spring In Princeton
I missed my train at the train station in Princeton Junction. In the 20 minutes I had to wait for the next train I inhaled these early blossoms of spring; one of many times that I was happier for having my camera with me. Do you carry yours? Read: 5 Reasons to Take Your Camera Everywhere
Tiny White & Pink Blossoms, April 2008Saturday, April 05, 2008
My Day Break!
We are in Sanibel Island, Florida for the weekend. I just got back from a long walk on the beach along the Gulf of Mexico. There is no need to say that it is humid here, my frizzy hair and sticky body scream it out loud. Last night I finally finished and sent out my article for PCCSD Peyk magazine on Qajar Royal Portraits; I will give the link as soon as this issue comes out. I had a short piece on the previous volume on Abbas Kiarostami's photographs. (English, No. 114, March & April 2008, Peyk)
In the past two weeks my New York trips were full of joyous moments and activities. I went to Courbet exhibition at MET as I had planned, and it was truly worth the time I spent there. I will write about it in another post. I think most people know, but it doesn’t hurt to say it again that Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has the pay as you wish policy, which means that you should pay something, but it can be as little as 1 cent. If you are a student I really suggest you to take advantage of this and pay as little as you wish. Of course they have a suggested fee that is written all over their website and you can see it everywhere around the museum’s information booth, and most people pay that amount without even knowing about the pay as wish policy; three years ago the suggested fee for students was $7 now it is $10.
On my other trip to New York, this week, my friend and I met with two New York based filmmakers, Hamid Rahmanian & Melissa Hibbard, (aslo his wife). They are editing their latest film, Fining Home (2008). I strongly recommend you to see their short films, Shahrbanoo (2002) and Hamid Rahmanian’s first feature film, Day Break, 2005 (Dame Sobh). It was a very pleasant meeting. After that we went for a quick lunch and then we engaged ourselves in the best thing one can do in New York city: walking and talking with a dash of gossiping.
I haven’t slept for two days now, and it is near my day break so, have a great weekend.
Study of the Nude, by Julien Vallou de Villeneuve, 1850's
This was one of the photos in Courbet Exhibition at MET
In the past two weeks my New York trips were full of joyous moments and activities. I went to Courbet exhibition at MET as I had planned, and it was truly worth the time I spent there. I will write about it in another post. I think most people know, but it doesn’t hurt to say it again that Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has the pay as you wish policy, which means that you should pay something, but it can be as little as 1 cent. If you are a student I really suggest you to take advantage of this and pay as little as you wish. Of course they have a suggested fee that is written all over their website and you can see it everywhere around the museum’s information booth, and most people pay that amount without even knowing about the pay as wish policy; three years ago the suggested fee for students was $7 now it is $10.
On my other trip to New York, this week, my friend and I met with two New York based filmmakers, Hamid Rahmanian & Melissa Hibbard, (aslo his wife). They are editing their latest film, Fining Home (2008). I strongly recommend you to see their short films, Shahrbanoo (2002) and Hamid Rahmanian’s first feature film, Day Break, 2005 (Dame Sobh). It was a very pleasant meeting. After that we went for a quick lunch and then we engaged ourselves in the best thing one can do in New York city: walking and talking with a dash of gossiping.
I haven’t slept for two days now, and it is near my day break so, have a great weekend.
Study of the Nude, by Julien Vallou de Villeneuve, 1850'sThis was one of the photos in Courbet Exhibition at MET
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
A Personal Game
A Personal Game: playing against horizon with Serra's piece,R.N., San Francisco, 2007
Ballast, Richard Serra, 2004, USCF San Francisco
Just to show you how Ballast looks under undisturbed light,
I took this photo in early Autumn, in the afternoon, 2007
*Just felt like playing. At first I thought the colors are soothing; not any more, They are pushing me to the edge.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
New Art, New Ideas
This is a shot from the balcony of the New Museum of Contemporary Art. Its mission statement is new art new ideas. I enjoyed the architecture more than its current exhibition, Unmonumental, which displays in four categories objects, collage, sounds and montage-internet.
I agree with Woody Allen on that Black & White is the best when it comes to capturing Manhattan's true spirit.
I agree with Woody Allen on that Black & White is the best when it comes to capturing Manhattan's true spirit.
My Eye On Manhattan, New Museum, Jan.2008Sunday, December 02, 2007
Snow in 08540
It started snowing early this morning. So I changed my plans from visiting Fazal Sheikh’s photo exhibition to a mug of hot chocolate and reading BBC news on Bibi-Huryeh. Luckily, Khavar Sultan was parked in the garage; shoveling Kharvar would be the last thing on my list today!
I will catch up this enchanting photo exhibition on Tuesday. Beloved Daughters: Photgraphs by Fazal Sheikh has combined two of Sheikh's projects: one focuses the dispossessed widows in northern India (reminds me of Water directed by Deepa Mehta!)and the other confronts the lives of young girls in a traditional society that its merits are changing by modernity. Since early October I wanted to see this exhibition; Sheik’s black & white photograph presented on the exhibition banner was so striking that I still cannot take the image out of my head. The exhibition will be up until January 6th 2008.
Snow in 08540, Princeton, December 2007
I will catch up this enchanting photo exhibition on Tuesday. Beloved Daughters: Photgraphs by Fazal Sheikh has combined two of Sheikh's projects: one focuses the dispossessed widows in northern India (reminds me of Water directed by Deepa Mehta!)and the other confronts the lives of young girls in a traditional society that its merits are changing by modernity. Since early October I wanted to see this exhibition; Sheik’s black & white photograph presented on the exhibition banner was so striking that I still cannot take the image out of my head. The exhibition will be up until January 6th 2008.
Snow in 08540, Princeton, December 2007Friday, November 30, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
A Week Out of Ordinary!
Aberrant:
I’ve just finished this week’s translation load. The past couple of days, Bibi Huryeh, my black MacBook, was very patient with me. I dropped her almost two times and its battery ran out once, but she like a real Bibi – lady – stood by me. Overall I had such a week that I am glad is passed. Oh! the weather is getting dreadfully cold in Princeton.
New Flavor:
On Friday night I saw Michael Clayton (2007) directed by Tony Gilroy. I guess this is a film not liked by many, but certainly a sort of film that I like. A story everyone has heard, perhaps many times, but this time it is told in such a way as if you hear it for the first time. A divorced, gamble-holic, broke and experienced attorney, Michael Clayton who works in the gigantic law firm as a fixer, gets involved in a 6 years old class action suit that breaks into his daily routine. This multi-million dollar case forces Clayton to reconsider every professional decision he has ever made. Over the course of the movie, which only covers 5 days of Clayton’s messy life, Gorge Clooney (Clayton) portrays such a believable character that his powerful Clooney-ego melts away. This is a Clooney you have never seen; He is Michael Clayton. Gilroy correctly chooses a slow paste for the film. The movie's many close-ups and the characters’ voice-overs fit into the narration brilliantly. It is an A+ movie. See it and experience a new flavor.
Unique:
Also here is a very unique and neat photo-blog by Nicole Chenell. I had the chance to spend a small portion of this summer exploring Tuscany along with Nichole. After three months, now, when I look at her photos, once more I feel the warmth and tenderness that Tuscany offers its visitors.
To Be, Fountain Paint Pot, August 2007
An amazing sight in Yellowstone National park
I’ve just finished this week’s translation load. The past couple of days, Bibi Huryeh, my black MacBook, was very patient with me. I dropped her almost two times and its battery ran out once, but she like a real Bibi – lady – stood by me. Overall I had such a week that I am glad is passed. Oh! the weather is getting dreadfully cold in Princeton.
New Flavor:
On Friday night I saw Michael Clayton (2007) directed by Tony Gilroy. I guess this is a film not liked by many, but certainly a sort of film that I like. A story everyone has heard, perhaps many times, but this time it is told in such a way as if you hear it for the first time. A divorced, gamble-holic, broke and experienced attorney, Michael Clayton who works in the gigantic law firm as a fixer, gets involved in a 6 years old class action suit that breaks into his daily routine. This multi-million dollar case forces Clayton to reconsider every professional decision he has ever made. Over the course of the movie, which only covers 5 days of Clayton’s messy life, Gorge Clooney (Clayton) portrays such a believable character that his powerful Clooney-ego melts away. This is a Clooney you have never seen; He is Michael Clayton. Gilroy correctly chooses a slow paste for the film. The movie's many close-ups and the characters’ voice-overs fit into the narration brilliantly. It is an A+ movie. See it and experience a new flavor.
Unique:
Also here is a very unique and neat photo-blog by Nicole Chenell. I had the chance to spend a small portion of this summer exploring Tuscany along with Nichole. After three months, now, when I look at her photos, once more I feel the warmth and tenderness that Tuscany offers its visitors.
To Be, Fountain Paint Pot, August 2007An amazing sight in Yellowstone National park
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Mardi Gras,
The Last seven days have been the busiest days ever. Besides preparing my lectures, I had planed to go to the CAA (College Art Association) 2007 annual meeting in New York. I managed to go there for two days of the 4-day conference. I loved the Visual Culture sessions; speaking of Love we also celebrated Valentine’s Day so Happy Valentine’s Day! Then I had a toothache, which is better now.
And finally we got a chance to see Letters from Iwo Jima (2006). The twin movie of Flags of Our Fathers was also directed by Clint Eastwood and it is based on a book by Iris Yamashita. Compare to the Flags it has an interesting story and as the result it is a better movie. Letters from Iwo Jima doesn’t have an enforcing voice-over, and the narration is rightly limited to the readings of some letters that the Japanese soldiers, stock in the deserted island, wrote to their families in the Main Land; letters that didn't get there on time. Iwo Jima's tale, like Flags of Our Fathers, starts by the discovery of these letters in the present time and continues as a collection of flashbacks. I think it is an (A) movie.
Today, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) festival is being celebrated in New Orleans. Here are some photos that I took from the hurricane Katrina’s Festival in the 9th ward in New Orleans. Also some pictures of our icy lake in Princeton, where people enjoy ice skating.
And finally we got a chance to see Letters from Iwo Jima (2006). The twin movie of Flags of Our Fathers was also directed by Clint Eastwood and it is based on a book by Iris Yamashita. Compare to the Flags it has an interesting story and as the result it is a better movie. Letters from Iwo Jima doesn’t have an enforcing voice-over, and the narration is rightly limited to the readings of some letters that the Japanese soldiers, stock in the deserted island, wrote to their families in the Main Land; letters that didn't get there on time. Iwo Jima's tale, like Flags of Our Fathers, starts by the discovery of these letters in the present time and continues as a collection of flashbacks. I think it is an (A) movie.
Today, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) festival is being celebrated in New Orleans. Here are some photos that I took from the hurricane Katrina’s Festival in the 9th ward in New Orleans. Also some pictures of our icy lake in Princeton, where people enjoy ice skating.
Ninth Ward, New Orleans, 2007
Ninth Ward, New Orleans, 2007
Ninth Ward with Cowboy, New Orleans, 2007
Ninth Ward, New Orleans, 2007
The Musician Village, New Orleans, 2007under construction by the help of volunteers
Take a Walk on the Carnegie Lake, Princeton, Feb. 2007
Ice Skating on the Carnegie lake, Princeton, Feb. 2007Friday, January 26, 2007
New Orleans Revisited: French Market
I took my GRE general early this week: Miraculously my score was better than what I got in my last prep-test on the night before. (According to ETS these types of miracles do not occur. Oops! I am under oath not to talk about the test at all. You see, this is a very serious problem since I didn’t know if I was allowed to tell my scores to my lovely and concerned husband!) After the GRE excuse, I was busy following up on my PhD applications, so finally now my schedule is back to normal and with about two weeks of delay I return to were I had left in New Orleans Tales:
French Market is a daily bazaar on the bank of Mississippi river in French Quarter in New Orleans. I enjoyed walking among the carts, talking to vendors, and taking some photos. The sellers of the French market mostly carry their own business, so hurricane Katrina among other things, directly affected their earnings. Amazingly, this relatively small bazaar gathers sellers from all around the globe. Among American, Asian and Mexican sellers, I located a Syrian, a seller from Tibet who was reading the Da Vinci Code, and even an Iranian selling ornamental silver and of course, he did not let me took his picture. They sell about everything and mostly they sell what they think may attract tourists: spices, hand made masks for Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) carnival, stuffed puppets and dolls, imported goods from Sari to Turkish rugs. To make your walk lovelier in the in the French Market I recommend a refreshing Ice tea from Café du monde.
Here are some of the photos I took at the French Market in a rainy day.
French Market
French Market is a daily bazaar on the bank of Mississippi river in French Quarter in New Orleans. I enjoyed walking among the carts, talking to vendors, and taking some photos. The sellers of the French market mostly carry their own business, so hurricane Katrina among other things, directly affected their earnings. Amazingly, this relatively small bazaar gathers sellers from all around the globe. Among American, Asian and Mexican sellers, I located a Syrian, a seller from Tibet who was reading the Da Vinci Code, and even an Iranian selling ornamental silver and of course, he did not let me took his picture. They sell about everything and mostly they sell what they think may attract tourists: spices, hand made masks for Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) carnival, stuffed puppets and dolls, imported goods from Sari to Turkish rugs. To make your walk lovelier in the in the French Market I recommend a refreshing Ice tea from Café du monde.
Here are some of the photos I took at the French Market in a rainy day.
French Market, New Orleans, 2007
French Market, New Orleans, 2007
Salt & Pepper Shaker, French Market, New Orleans, 2007
French Market, New Orleans, 2007
Handmade dolls, French Market, New Orleans, 2007
A merchant from Tibet,was reading Da Vinci Code before I distracted him,
French Market, New Orleans, 2007
A Small Buddha Shop, French Market, New Orleans, 2007
French Market, New Orleans, 2007
My favorite Corner Housein the streets of French Quarter, New Orleans, 2007
To be continued …
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
My Days In New Orleans
I am back from New Orleans and finally I got to my USB cord !
French Quarter, where our hotel was located, is the gorgeous side of New Orleans especially after Katrina. New Orleans is a unique city, where, both, in its beauty, and in its beast, I felt the unsheltered harmony of survival. With its genuinely kind and easygoing people, New Orleans forms a suitable atmosphere that allows everyone to enjoy their time, whether they are in company of boring mathematicians or not.
French Quarter, where our hotel was located, is the gorgeous side of New Orleans especially after Katrina. New Orleans is a unique city, where, both, in its beauty, and in its beast, I felt the unsheltered harmony of survival. With its genuinely kind and easygoing people, New Orleans forms a suitable atmosphere that allows everyone to enjoy their time, whether they are in company of boring mathematicians or not.
I spent my mornings studying in Café Beignet in Royal Street, Which is full of Antique Shops and Art Galleries, ordering Beignet (a kind of doughnuts, that we call, Pirashky in Iran) and in afternoons I went around taking photos and talking to locals about New Orleans. I reserved the nights to be with friends. We walked every night along the crowded Bourbon Street; I do not recommend Bourbon St. during the day since it stinks.
Of course it is good to be home, nonetheless I’ve missed New Orleans already. These are some pictures out of four hundred photos that I took last week in New Orleans.
Louisiana Superdome, 2007It was used as a Shelter during Katrina disaster.
Café Beignet in Royal Street, New Orleans, 2007The gray cat waiting for charity. I named her Chimney.
Café Beignet in Royal Street, 2007The lovely gril reminded me of Little Red Riding Hood.
The view of Saint Louis Cathedral from Jackson square, 2007
Bourbon Street, Night view, 2007
Bourbon Street, Night view,2007To be continued…The next post will be about the French Market and the Lower Ninth Ward.
PS. (I) who said...
PS. (I) who said...
You are right; New Orleans is a very interesting place, but holding a math conference in a fun place does not make the attendees less boring. Nonetheless, I agree that the definition of being boring or interesting is relative, and of course if one is a mathematician, it won’t be fun to consider oneself as a boring person. So mathematicians should think that they are interesting. Now that I think more, I know some mathematicians who are really interesting creatures, in fact I am married to one of them.
Here is my theory for this matter :
1 Non-Mathematician can handle at most 2 Mathematicians. But if the number of mathematicians is greater than 2, no matter how many of us (non-Mathematicians) are there, we will lose.
Corollary: if |{mathematicians}|> 2 then they behave as Dementors.
My dear Anonymous [Tea Jana Ghoorban ] you are really in the state of denial.
First I need to clarify that I never said a conversation that is using math words or moreover any math related conversation, is boring. In fact they are really interesting. What I said is that Mathematicians Are Boring. And it is the saddest part, since no matter what they are doing, whether solving a very exciting Math problem or gossiping about one another, they, themselves are boring. And of course it would be really interesting to hear your Counterexamples to my Lemma. Since you really did not present any.
Answering this question may help us to understand My Point.
Frankly, Did I bore you when I told you guys some of my math stories?
If your answer is leaning toward NO, my point is proven; Talking about math is not boring so It depends who is talking about it and (Most of) Mathematicians do make any conversation boring.
And if your answer is Yes and I did bore you by my share of math stories - even though, I usually do not make any effort to hold an interesting conversation - I feel bad.
Anyhow, [Tea Bala Mi Sar] New Orleans is so full of joy that being with a group of (Mostly) boring mathematicians does not spoil it.
Here is my theory for this matter :
1 Non-Mathematician can handle at most 2 Mathematicians. But if the number of mathematicians is greater than 2, no matter how many of us (non-Mathematicians) are there, we will lose.
Corollary: if |{mathematicians}|> 2 then they behave as Dementors.
- said...
-
Well, we think there are many counterexamples to your lemma! :) Note that the measure of math words we used ( in our New Orleans gatherings with you and Hossein ) was almost zero! Actually, you were the one who was more interested in talking about math stories! :)
H&J
My dear Anonymous [Tea Jana Ghoorban ] you are really in the state of denial.
First I need to clarify that I never said a conversation that is using math words or moreover any math related conversation, is boring. In fact they are really interesting. What I said is that Mathematicians Are Boring. And it is the saddest part, since no matter what they are doing, whether solving a very exciting Math problem or gossiping about one another, they, themselves are boring. And of course it would be really interesting to hear your Counterexamples to my Lemma. Since you really did not present any.
Answering this question may help us to understand My Point.
Frankly, Did I bore you when I told you guys some of my math stories?
If your answer is leaning toward NO, my point is proven; Talking about math is not boring so It depends who is talking about it and (Most of) Mathematicians do make any conversation boring.
And if your answer is Yes and I did bore you by my share of math stories - even though, I usually do not make any effort to hold an interesting conversation - I feel bad.
Anyhow, [Tea Bala Mi Sar] New Orleans is so full of joy that being with a group of (Mostly) boring mathematicians does not spoil it.
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WOW! who says that mathematicians are boring! If they were, why would they hold their meetings in New Orleans! :)
H&J