VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps)

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents HARD (eye)CANDY / Day 2 : photo,EstateofLukeSmalley courtesyClampArt,NYC Peeps, On Monday, the Supreme Court handed down a decision that will affect the li...

photo,EstateofLukeSmalley courtesyClampArt,NYC Peeps, On Monday, the Supreme Court handed down a decision that will affect the lives of over 3000 individuals who are serving life terms without parole.  The court's ruling ( Miller v. Alabama and Jackson v. Hobbs ) barred the mandatory sentencing of juvenile offenders to life without parole, and stated that it was unconstitutional under international human rights and constitutional law.  Human Rights Watch noted that prior to this ruling, the US was the only country in the world which sentenced persons to life without parole for offenses committed before the age of 18, even for homicide offenses. ' With this landmark ruling, the United States is no longer an egregious outlier among nations in requiring judges to put kids in prison until they die there. The court did not go far enough, still allowing the sentence in rare cases, but it recognized that it is nearly impossible to be certain that any child is beyond redem...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents HARD (eye)CANDY / Day 1 : photobrentmillikan,internationalrivers Peeps, As the Rio+20 Earth Summit on sustainable development kicks off in Rio de Janeiro ...

photobrentmillikan,internationalrivers Peeps, As the Rio+20 Earth Summit on sustainable development kicks off in Rio de Janeiro next week, in northern Brazil a consortium of companies is building the massive and catastrophic Belo Monte dam complex in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The Brazilian government's costs-be-damned attitude about the Belo Monte dam and ominous recent changes to the country's Forest Code expose a glaring hypocrisy between a truly "green economy" and the human cost of measures that are destroying the Amazon and its indigenous peoples in Brazil's own backyard.  (An AMAZON-WATCH press-release, 19 June 2012) *** Over 500 indigenous peoples from different parts of the globe will march to the UNCSD (Rio+20) at  11AM today  to deliver the Kari-Oca II Declaration. The Declaration is a result of eight days of discussions on self-determination, sustainable development and indigenous peoples´ rights by indigenous leaders an...

photocourtesysean&seng late night mix, courtesy YURIY OGALTSEV http://soundcloud.com/yuriyogaltsev/continuous-2012-demo-mix-yuriy

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents BITS AND PIECES #9 / Day 4 : photobywilliamabronowicz courtesyathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, Yes, this is what I'd like to achieve by the end of summer; the end ...

photobywilliamabronowicz courtesyathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, Yes, this is what I'd like to achieve by the end of summer; the end result of my new mood of clearing and editing, cleaning and simplifying.  Through my head runs thoughts chased by others, not unlike the compulsive manic, for I know myself and must admit that once I jump on an idea, I've got to see it through, come hell or high-water.  Fantasy notwithstanding, starting over brings the opportunity for a fresh perspective on the essentials of habitation, such as a sense of privacy, and unlimited light, and objects of meaning carefully placed, and less (of them).  Where (and when) fantasy is allowed to dwell, I'll be able to simply turn off the lamps, close the door, and step out into heady adventures with enlightened travelers, fly the world and experience the wonders of Rome and London and Barcelona, and if so desired, swim with dolphins in the wild.  Truth is, I don't want to get old, polishing ...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents BITS AND PIECES #9 / Day 3... : imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog Peeps, Today, as the temperature climbed to just below the 100F marker, so did my d...

imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog Peeps, Today, as the temperature climbed to just below the 100F marker, so did my desire to strip away the superfluous and unnecessary.  Getting the garden watered was my first and foremost objective, as some time had slipped by without getting over to the vegetable beds, and it showed.  Badly!! Droopy tomato plants, as well as bean-vines and thirsty okra calling for care and attention.  Weeds had taken up residence in every available crevice of the path, and morning-glory snaked heaven-ward through rose-bushes and peonies.  Mark my words, within a decade or less the world will be covered with rose-of-sharon, for it spreads more easily than quick-berry, and is twice as stubborn in getting uprooted.  The high point of my trek through areas in desperate need of hard pruning was the discovery of multiple drifts of Queen-Anne's lace that suggested an untamed, natural beauty reminiscent of country-roads and the...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents BITS AND PIECES #9 / Day 2... : photosourceunknown Peeps, If I could, I'd encamp in this library for days on end.  It's not very difficult to imagine sheltering her...

photosourceunknown Peeps, If I could, I'd encamp in this library for days on end.  It's not very difficult to imagine sheltering here from the brutish heat of today (and what is likely to continue through the week) with all the accoutrements of refined civility; and, my only request would be endless cups of Turkish coffee and sesame-seed cakes.  Today's interior is the NYC residence of couturier Ralph Rucci whose masterful touch in the disciplines of haute-couture, fine-art, and interiors is phenomenal--so much that it borders on the sublime.  Floor-to-ceiling modern shelves filled with art-books, Chinese scholar-chairs, and Classical statuary spells perfection.  An inspirational room which still gives me the Joneses after all these years. Hope all the blog readers are staying cool, as well as enjoying this week's visual treats. Thanks, Shane PS:  Today's soundtrack is KINOBE's Slip Into Something More Comfortable

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents BITS AND PIECES # 9 / Day 1... : imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog Peeps, Today's visual treat (pictured above) aptly demonstrates how a clever designer chose t...

imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelinesblog Peeps, Today's visual treat (pictured above) aptly demonstrates how a clever designer chose to furnish a large sitting room without resorting to lots of assorted chairs and countless drink-tables.   In a large, boxy room, or an interior with cable-outlet or entertainment center on one wall, and the fireplace situated on the facing wall, back-to-back sofas are the way to go.  One of newly created sitting areas could be designated for reading and chatting, while the other devoted to TV-watching or movies.  And at party-time nothing adds more to the drama than the suspense of not knowing whose sitting on the other side of the sofa . . . Enjoy, Shane PS:  Today's soundtrack is RASMUS LIEBST's Tinnitus Of The City

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents THROUGH A SUMMER HAZE / Da... : imagecourtesyathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, It's Father's Day today, and all across the world fathers are lovingly presented with the late...

imagecourtesyathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, It's Father's Day today, and all across the world fathers are lovingly presented with the latest electronic gadgets, ties, colognes, barbecue-grill accoutrements, books on home repair, and a cadre of notions that are designed to win a smile from dear old dad.  For some, it's an occasion to take flowers to grave-sites or memorial-gardens; others will spend the day with family-members reminiscing about all the wonderful things that were shared, the lessons taught, and the memories created during Papa's lifetime.  Early in the week another father, and our President, courageously took a brave if somewhat controversial stance in declaring that the deportation of the 'DREAMERS' would be discounted, and that these individuals could apply for documentation to work in the United States, provided that certain requirements were met.  About 800,000 persons who were brought here as minors (without the proper authorization) may qu...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents THROUGH A SUMMER HAZE / Da... : photoisabellopezquesada viaathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, While some folks are preparing to head for sea-side destinations having made pl...

photoisabellopezquesada viaathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, While some folks are preparing to head for sea-side destinations having made plans to relax for the rest of summer, others are out getting new voters registered, manning campaign offices in previously ignored neighborhoods, tweeting/emailing/blogging/canvasing and many other such actions, all this for the purpose of ensuring that the average citizen has a say in the upcoming Presidential election in November.  Lamentably, it gets trickier (and more expensive) to get the finer points of either candidate's agenda out into the public arena, for the Super-PACS have almost single-handedly altered the playing field because of their ability to just buy, buy, buy ads, influence, and access to power--yet hopefully not the vote!  One of the more memorable posts on Facebook laments the fact that millions of dollars are spent on ads, yet precious little has been allocated towards eliminating homelessness and hunger in this count...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents THROUGH A SUMMER DAZE / Da... : imagecourtesyathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, It's going to be a glorious day today.  Cooler temperatures and some clouds make w...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents THROUGH A SUMMER DAZE / Da... : imagecourtesyathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, It's going to be a glorious day today.  Cooler temperatures and some clouds make w...

imagecourtesyathoughtfuleyeblog Peeps, It's going to be a glorious day today.  Cooler temperatures and some clouds make watering the new beds much more pleasant than doing so in the inferno we've experienced of late.  Right after an early breakfast, I'm heading out to the garden for as long as possible, with a few goals such as transplanting spireas that have grown too leggy situated at the base of 15-foot laurels, a new home for low-growing azaleas which will be much happier away from the glare of both mid-day and afternoon sun, and finding just the right spot for a glazed Vietnamese garden-urn recently drastically discounted at my favorite source, and now happily in my possession. Hope you all enjoy a beautiful Thursday. Best, Shane PS:  Today's soundtrack is WELLENRAUSCH's Shape Of Berlin

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents THROUGH A SUMMER HAZE / Day... : imagecourtesydesignsponge Peeps, Today, it's Election Day in my former home-town (Alexandria, VA) and the stakes are high.  I believe ...

imagecourtesydesignsponge Peeps, Today, it's Election Day in my former home-town (Alexandria, VA) and the stakes are high.  I believe that fourteen candidates are vying for eight seats on the City Council.  While I no longer reside within that county, I am well aware of two pressing issues which need to be addressed, either by new council-members or those who remain for the next term of office.  Recently, in the city's zeal to embrace new growth (in the form of more housing, retail and office space) zoning variances and tax breaks were granted in exchange for a larger number of 'affordable units' to be made available to low-income residents, many of who previously resided in public-housing complexes (now razed by the wrecking ball).  While the opportunity to live in the charming row-house style units (complete with a manufactured charm suggestive of Old Towne gentility) that have cropped up in the northern sections of the city may seem like a godsend, some...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents THROUGH A SUMMER HAZE / Da... : imagecourtesdesiretoinspireblog Peeps, Although I've been assured that its not summer yet, outside it sure feels like it.  Days of bl...

imagecourtesdesiretoinspireblog Peeps, Although I've been assured that its not summer yet, outside it sure feels like it.  Days of blistering heat when toiling under a hard task-master tends to befuddle even the hardiest, and knowing that repeated waterings of newly-planted beds are a must brings some degree of concern and anxiety.  At times like this I dream of skies of hazy blue, deep pools of cool water, and endless fields of wildflowers dancing restless beneath evening breezes.  Those fortunate among us to have swimming pools count themselves smart (or lucky) to be available to relax away from the humid bustle and grind that grips the nation's capital at this time; pitchers of brisk lemonade and tiny sandwiches (now called gliders) will keep guests happy as well as any conscientious host/hostess praised for an apparent ease in appearing relaxed and gracious. Saturday's Flag Day Picnic sponsored by the BAVF (Blinded American Veterans Foundation) and hosted by ...

A field of poppies between Kelling and Weybourne, North Norfolk, England photo by John Benestone, courtesy of wikipedia Peeps, Poppies are without a doubt the stuff of dreams, and cunningly have the ability to transport us from the here and now to the then and there--and whether achieved through tripping the memory button or tripping the light fantastic, it's still groovy, yes?? This particular flower is comprised of 4-6 petals in red/pink/orange/yellow/lilac surrounding a pistil.  While opium poppies are cultivated for opium and opiates, other uses for the cultivation of poppies include the production of poppy seeds for baking and cooking, poppyseed oil for culinary purposes, and of course also celebrated for its symbolic beauty.  I can clearly remember the first poppy I had ever seen; this was the synthetic blossom backed by a safety pin for the purposes of pinning to one's shirt or blouse or sweater.  In November invariably the solicitous parents of...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates GLOBAL CREATIVITY!!! / L... : imagecourtesylucalaserramanagement Peeps, Regretfully I did not get the opportunity to view Venus' Transit which occurred last evenin...

imagecourtesylucalaserramanagement Peeps, Regretfully I did not get the opportunity to view Venus' Transit which occurred last evening or the previous.  Apparently the celestial body passes between the earth and the sun in a pattern that repeats every 243 years (with pairs of transits eight years apart separated by long gaps of 121.5 years and 105.5 years; previous pairs of transits were in December 1874 and December 1882).  I'm almost embarrassed to admit that with very little effort, I could have driven out west, way beyond the city limits, happily ensconced in a deck chair (and fortified against the chill of the mountain air with wool blankets and doubles of Black Label), to watch an astronomical phenomena which won't reoccur until December 2117 and December 2125.  Darn it! I'm eager (as well as determined) to pick up the new album from Montreal native Luca Laserra which is scheduled to drop later this summer.  Legions of fans (and myself) are disquieted,...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates GLOBAL CREATIVITY!! / MAR... : eldiablillojaponesysuspasajerosinnocents marianocruzcecilia courtesymarianoruizcecilia Peeps, Sometimes what we believe we see is muc...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates GLOBAL CREATIVITY!!! / MA... : eldiablillojaponesysuspasajerosinnocents marianoccecilia courtesymarianoruizcecilia Peeps, Sometimes what we believe we see is muc...

eldiablillojaponesysuspasajerosinnocents marianocruzcecilia courtesymarianocruzcecilia Peeps, Sometimes what we believe we see is much, much more (than what we thought we saw).  I've experienced the feeling of 'Oh!!' so many times, especially when it pertains to Art, where it's easy to assume or surmise based on a perfunctory glance, or the wish to just hurry on because of little messages which flood our brain signaling MOVE!! for a thousand and one reasons.  Any of these feelings which causes us to linger or to scurry in search of safety, emotions such as fear or disgust, while certainly less desirable than interest, surprise, or admiration, are infinitely preferable to disinterest or indifference; wouldn't you agree?  I've never been able to stroll casually through a museum's gallery, chatting with a fellow-viewer about the merits of a particular painting or sculpture, while courteously side-stepping the 'serious' who claim a spot on the lon...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW celebrates GLOBAL CREATIVITY!! Day 2... : myquickembracehasdeletedalltimeandplace painting,satadrusovanbanduri Peeps, Big-city dwellers in India have taken to Internet-dating ...

myquickembracehasdeletedalltimeandplace painting,satadrusovanbanduri Peeps, Big-city dwellers in India have taken to Internet-dating with a vengeance rarely seen since the overthrow (of you know)!!  Cleverly, they've invented a hybrid style that is sure to sweep across the rest of the country, like the monsoon rains.  But wait, no need to wait for a gradual/actual/physical transformation spreading from village to village, state to state.  No need to wait for the runner, or the weekly post, or the radio announcer's somber intonation, cause in all parts of modern India it's all done with the click of the mouse, or a slight tap on SEND .  Almost instantaneously images of lovely women and hunky men flash across one's screen alerting the interested viewer of their availability to meet for tea and biscuits/a cold mango-lassi/walk through the park/movies/sex/marriage, or whatever . . . Satadru Sovan Bandari's art focuses on the place where reality and illusion int...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: THE PEEPSHOW celebrates GLOBAL CREATIVITY!!! : photopieterhugo courtesyflavorwire Peeps, I'm convinced that I'll never visit the Dark Continent for reasons too numerous to list, o...

photopieterhugo courtesyflavorwire Peeps, I'm convinced that I'll never visit the Dark Continent for reasons too numerous to list, of which many are purely irrational.  Nevertheless, the birthplace of human civilization continues to fascinate my interest and imagination.  Well before Picasso, Braque, and the Cubists grasped the extent of artistry and creativity to be found in the art of ' Les Savages, ' artisans and craft-persons were producing work quite innovative and more advanced than their Western (meaning European and Mediterranean) counterparts. For example, iron-working technology in eastern Niger dates to about 1500 BC, and the remains excavated from a 10th century burial site in eastern Nigeria (Igbo-Ukwu) demonstrated superb bronze-casting techniques, far superior to the achievements of other cultures of the same period.  A brief survey of world history as taught within most American class-rooms, could lead one to believe that until the 19th or 20t...