'The Office' is Closed: Why Television Writers & Crew Strike

So why are our favorite TV shows, such as "The Office", going on a hiatus/showing re-runs during November sweeps (and possibly thereafter)? Because writers, the production crew, etc. aren't being fairly compensated!!!

Writers make 4 cents off when you buy a DVD. Writers make NO MONEY when you watch that TV show for free on the internet.

This simple video (above) explains the issues that are causing the writers to strike. Kudos to them for standing up to the broadcast companies who are taking advantage of their creative abilities! Without them, the foundation for brilliant shows like The Office would be non-existent.

La musique d'Amour

Unless you are cultured worldly music...or a huge Final Fantasy nerd, you wouldn't really know this artist.

I am neither.

During my college years, my roommate introduced me to Lara Fabian's The Dream Within. Sung in English, it is a pleasant, romantic theme emphasizing the search for your love within the heavens and stars.

The theme and lyrics are a bit cliche. The song is even featured in the "Final Fantasy - The Spirits Within" movie.

However, Lara's French & Italian material are very thematic; it conjures emotions of electric energy. Her vocal prowess, no matter if it is in English, French, or Italian, swoons the ears of listeners.

The fact that I do not speak, nor understand French positively contributes my enjoyment of her music. I feel that even if I did, I would still enjoy her work (as I admire her English pieces).

If you get a chance, listen to some of her stuff.

Gothic Toys R Us

It's been more than half a decade since I explored the darker side of me. The "hardcore/emo" stuff isn't really my scene anymore. I've gone from wearing band t-shirts and listening to bands like Thursday to sporting a clean, GQ-like wardrobe while rocking out to Michael Buble.

Despite this shift in taste, my friend Patrick, his roommate, and I took a trip to New York City to visit the 2007 MF Toys Show. This art exhibit features hand-crafted toys that sport a gothic, Halloween theme.

I, surprisingly, did not bring my dSLR with me, fearing that I would have to lug it around all day. I wish I did as the exhibits were all pretty neat to look at...

One of my favorite exhibits, created by Patrick's friend Nikki, were similar to that of ships in a bottle. Replace the ships with sculpted dolls about the size of an index finger. These dolls' eyes, made out of marbles, were big and gloomy. I hesitate to use the word "innocent" in fear of being chastised as creepy...but this further expressed their sadness of being trapped in a bottle.

Among other admittedly weird toys on display include a gruesome-looking rocker with his genitals on full display, cotton human eyeballs (which made me think of the Visine commercials), and a Darth Maul stuffed animal.

Abstract Human Body Photographer

Ladies & Gentlemen, this is the type of stuff you can find in a museum.

PopPhoto.com recently wrote about up & coming photographic artists in an article entitled, "Emerging Artists 2007." My favorite highlight focused on Steven Laxton, who has a portfolio of "abstract body shots." He enlisted the aid of the New York City Ballet to stand under a beautifully lit studio and pose as his models.

Please note that Mr. Laxton's portfolio does contain nudity. However, they are by no means pornographic. Laxton's work actually reminds me of a modern day Discobolos - sculpted by Myron. Laxton's abstract bodies accomplish the same feat; it emphasizes the beauty of the human body - similar to Myron's work during the classical Greek period.

I urge all of you to take a look at Laxton and all of the other photographers featured in PopPhoto's featurette!