Monday, November 30, 2009

The Brusher - Micro Worlds Series Painting

I've made the color version for the illustration "The Brusher", as part of Micro Worlds series. The another one is called "The Gardener", with this small creatures interacting with giant people.
Was made with pen and paper and finished with digital painting. Click to enlarge.

Tags on this image:
Fun Freaky Freak Cartoon Surreal Digital strange dirty composition art children animal Dimitri Kozma humor laugh smile comic crazy mad Painting Paint Creatures Creature Surrealist Funny Pop Art Modern Toy Enjoy

Shadows

By the meantime these impressive photos are a little famous in the web.


They are by the Norwegian photographer Sølve Sundsbø and were first published in Numero 93. Even though I don’t know if Sundsbø knows the film, I discovered a big resemblance with a scene in the science fiction film “Cherry 2000” from 1987.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Star Profile: Rob Pattinson





Rob Pattinson was born on May 16, 1986 in London, England. This Taurean star loves playing music and plays both the Guitar and the Piano. He started his career at a very young age. At the age of 15 he acted in some amateur plays with the Barnes Theater Company. Later on, he played some screen roles like the Ring of the Nibelungs (2004) and Kingdom of Twilight as Giselher. In 2003, Rob played the role of Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. He catapulted to the status of a major star with his portrayel of Edward Cullen in the highly successful film Twilight(2008). His latest release New Moon has been a highly anticipated movie of 2009 and is set to be a major box office hit!

Born on the 16th of the Month...

You are an easygoing and happy-go-lucky person. You are good humoured and generous. You are also emotional and sensitive. You are modest and humble and the subtler things in life attract you. You are deeply interested in the spiritual and mystical aspects of life. You are clever, mentally alert and you have an intellectual bent of mind. You often tend to worry too much and this puts you into a depression. You are courageous and like to face challenges head on.

Rob Pattinson’s ruling number is 7...

His luck is governed by the Planet Neptune, which means that he is highly imaginative, idealistic and has a dreamy nature. He is naturally attracted to people born between October 21 and November 20, between February 19 and March 20. He also has an affinity for those governed by the numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8.

Personality Analysis:

Being a Taurean he is a strong believer in fidelity and stable relationships. He can be romantic, attentive, tender, and affectionate. Rarely feeling the temptation to stray, he can be quite possessive and can indeed get jealous if his partner's attention wavers. The romance with his partner is something that will be of constant interest and is unlikely to die even when he finally decides to be in a serious relationship. He will find an ideal match in fellow Taureans, Virgos and Capricorns.

Predictions for the Year 2010:

The Year 2010 will be a wonderful year for Rob and he will see many great things happening in both his professional and personal front. He will find happiness and will find 2010 to be full of surprises. He will receive constant media attention and will feature in many successful movies. He will receive critical acclaim for a movie in the latter half of 2010. Fans will continue to adore him. His luck will be governed by the planet Saturn and hence he has to do a lot of hard work. In terms of relationships, he will indulge in lots of short flings. It is highly unlikely for him to find someone he could have a lasting relationship with in 2010. Some interesting hook ups are likely for this young Taurean star!

New Astroyogi Christmas Offer!


Christmas Offer!!




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Happy Birthday Sagittarius!




Bold, dashing and spirited. It's a bit difficult to keep pace with you - whether it is in your movements or in your speech. You like to be free as the wind that blows, quite uncaring of the effect you may have on your surroundings. You could not care less and hate being in an atmosphere that is physically or emotionally claustrophobic. Somewhat lacking in tact, your foot-in-the-mouth syndrome could do with a little thought. Nevertheless, you are honest but more than a little tactless. Sagittarians are ambitious - always aiming higher than the goal they initially set for themselves.

You love challenges and are too full of energy to sit still. Although you see yourself more as a sportsperson than an intellectual, you secretly enjoy reading, writing, and exploring subjects unknown to you. You are a good learner and would do extremely well as an academician. You are quite popular, albeit a bit unconventional and are loyal to your friends. Many of you enjoy the patronage of influential people but unfortunately; you will also have your share of enemies who mean serious harm.

You are often driven by excitement and can be a bit ungainly when in this state; sweeping gestures tend to send things flying. You are sometimes insecure and edgy. You tend to doubt your decisions and judgement. The advice is - trust your instinct. Avoid going by what people tell you if you want to succeed in your work. A word of caution though -- your instincts may not work too well when you are betting, gambling and speculating, and you may end up losing heavily.

Read More about You Sagittarius!






Celebrity Sagittarius: John Abraham


John Abraham was born on 17th December 1972 in Mumbai. This model-turned-actor has definitely made a mark in Bollywood and has a great lineup of movies this year. He started his career as a successful model and then became an actor co-starring opposite his girlfriend Bipasha Basu in Jism. His movies have not done well at the box office yet he has managed to remain very popular and successful. His releases Dostana and New York did quite well at the box office. His female fans simply adore him. His upcoming movies include Aashayein and Luna, to name a few.

John is a Sagittarian and his ruling number is 8 and his lucky days are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The planet Saturn governs this number, which means that he is disciplined and dutiful. Being a Sagittarian he has a strong sense of adventure and loves traveling a lot. He is an optimist and always looks at the sunny side of life. He is honest and outspoken. The sun in his chart is reflected in his wide smile and cheerful personality. He remains optimistic in times of failure and that is the reason behind his success.

2010 will prove to be a very busy year for John with his signing up a number of new projects and getting into a lot of other things as well. The year will start with a bang especially with his finances taking a brilliant turn. He will be requited to take an important decision about his love life that will help bring stability back into his life. As the key planet of Sagittarius, Jupiter will encourage him to live life like an adventure and its radiance will make him happy. Breaking from the norm and expressing his individuality will help see the start of a great new phase in his life.


Find out what the stars predict for you in terms of love, career, finance, business etc. What opportunities should you take advantage of in the year 2010? Will you find true love finally? Will you be able to pay off your debt? Find answers to all your questions about the year ahead in your Year Ahead 2010 Report!

Noodle Soup for the Sunday Soul


Ah Sunday - the day of rest. A day completely dedicated to rejuvenating one's body and soul. Sure, you can work out. Go for a run. Meditate. Read the bible. Or you can find some inner warmth with a bowl of noodle soup. We're not talking bland, boring chicken soup. Packaged soup won't do either. I'm talking about a hearty bowl of spicy, salty, savory, steaming, sleep inducing soup. Say that three times fast.

Over the past few weeks, I have dedicated much time and caloric intake to finding that perfect bowl of soup. Drum roll please...

The Winner: Ippudo
"Ramen is Japan's Comfort Food" says their website. No argument here. For 13 bucks I got my chi back in order with a bowl of their Akamaru Modern - a traditional tonkotsu soup of fragrant berkshire pork, cabbage, onions, kikurage (a type of mushroom I learned) topped with scallions. It's served in what looks like thirds, measured out by three different sauces floating in one bowl: garlic oil, miso paste and their own 'special sauce'. Who doesn't love special sauce? Cool your mouth off with their cucumber salad, a fresh, albeit salty cold appetizer. If you're feeling gluttonous, treat yourself to their kakuni, braised pork belly that will melt in your mouth and slide down directly to your hips.
    Hot: The waitstaff and chefs cheer enthusiastically upon entering the dining room, wiping away any remnants of your low self-esteem Sunday. However if Saturday night left you with a raging headache, you may want to get your noodles to go. The cheers continue all night at what seems like one minute intervals. Complimentary hot tea post meal helps settle the stomach.
    Cold: Ever popular amongst NYU students, there was a sufficient wait for a table. Curb your hunger at their Ramen noodle decorated bar (you'll just have to see if for yourself to understand) - an icy cold Japanese beer and a steamed pork roll from their bar menu will help ease the wait.

Runner-up: Noodle Bar falls in second because I find their broth bland. Excluding the wonderfully spicy/sweet Singapore Noodles, their broths call for a three-pronged attack with their alla cart sauce tray - holding Srircha, soy sauce and a house made chili oil. I find myself giving each bite a pour. It does allow you to control your salt intake as well as the heat, which some might find accommodating. Their lunch specials are also worth mentioning, where for $7.95 you get your choice of soup/salad and two spring rolls alongside your entree.
    Hot: Their cold sesame-peanut noodles are tops. A must try.
    Cold: The decor- minimal, but not in that 'oh, but it looks clean' way.

Honorable Mention: Sammy's Noodle Shop Again I found their broth to be bland and their noodles too dense, but their wok noodles hit home with some of my compadres - the lo mein being the show stopper here.

Write the Heat and tell us about your favorite noodle shop. Afterall - Sunday is only a week away.

- The Heat

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Freaky Mickey Mouse Junkie - Illustration

My brand new illustration. Freaky Mickey Mouse Junkie! The classic Walt Disney's cute rat is a little stoned smoking pot.
Made this painting with traditional technique on the line art and digital color.


Tags on this illustration:
Mickey Mouse Walt Disney Junkie Junky Fun Freaky Freak Cartoon Surreal Digital strange dirty composition art children animal Dimitri Kozma humor laugh smile comic crazy mad Painting Paint Creatures Creature Surrealist Funny Pop Art Modern Toy Enjoy

Tiger Woods Car Accident:Tiger Woods Suffered Facial Lacerations in Car Crash

2009 Australian Masters - Day 3

Tiger Woods was hospitalized after being injured in a car accident outside his home in The Sunshine State Firday morning.

According to Orlando Sentinel, the 33-year-old champion golfer struck his Cadillac SUV into a fire hydrant and then hit a tree in his neighbor’s yard about 2:25 a.m. Tiger’s wife, Elin Nordegren, used her husband’s golf clubs to smash open a window and helped free him from the vehicle.

The athlete was reportedly suffered facial lacerations following the accident. He was taken to Health Central Hospital in Ocoee, Florida.

His rep issued a statement regarding the crash, saying "Tiger Woods was in a minor car accident outside his home last night. He was admitted, treated and released today in good condition. We appreciate very much everyone’s thoughts and well wishes”.

Officials has confirmed that the accident was not alcohol-related.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Gobble Gobble Gobble

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!! Well, it's official. I'm a California resident. Well...not official official because I still have a Utah Driver's License...but I'm living here now...and working...and sleeping...and paying taxes...so yeah, it's official. Here's a quick rundown of the past week...because I know that you're really concerned with how I've been doing.

Friday night, we loaded up the remainder of the moving van...and by we, I mean me & my dad while my mom, stepdad and little nephew Vinny packed. I didn't have my camera handy...but the little guy who's not even two years old was carrying sleeping bags and rolled up blankets and stuff to help out his Uncle $teve. It was about the cutest thing you can imagine...then double it. He has the biggest blue eyes and the cutest smile & laugh...he's gonna be a heartbreaker someday very soon, ladies. Anyway, we were loading up the last thing, THE LAST THING...and what happens? My dad stumbles and catches his shin on the corner of the car tow...and it pokes through TO THE BONE. Now, it's deep...and it's bleeding...so we wrap him up as best we can & my stepmom drives him to Urgent Care...while I go to Red Rocks to meet up with JL Clyde & my friend K-Fish from work. That's right, my dad was bleeding profusely...and I was having a few beers and a trout club sandwich on pimpernickel. Why? He insisted that I do it. Wait, he becomes more God-like later in the trip. That night, I slept on a twin bed. The beer helped.

Saturday, we got ready and were on I-80 heading west by 10 AM. Oh yeah, 27 stitches...and a few painkillers. That was the remedy for the injury the night before. We drove through the scenic towns like Wendover, Wells, Elko, Battle Mountain, Golconda, Winnemucca, Reno and everything else that northern Nevada has to offer, stopping every so often to get gas & listening to the radio & Led Zeppelin CDs along the way. It was great male bonding. My dad's a real trooper...and a great navigator. "Just keeping heading that way." "Will do." Also, I got a great deal on the van & gas is what it is...and I calculated that just with those two things, it cost me about a dollar per mile to move my stuff from Slick City to Truckee. Awesome, right?

We made pretty good time & got there in about 9 hours...so 6 PM Cali time. It's dark of course...and the parking area of my apartment complex...is not the biggest...and we have a 16' moving van with car tow. We decide it'd be best to take my car Brandy off, then the car tow to make it a little easier / plausible. I go to start up Brandy...and nothing. Maybe it's the battery. We pop the hood, pop the trunk...and there's no tools. F my life. Remember "the Dude"? The manager's husband / maintenance guy? Well, he was home and he loaned us some tools (as did another guy we'll call D1 the next morning) and we did what we had to do to park it for the night...but it took a while...and gave us some unwanted chores for Sunday...like going to get a new battery. Oh well, now we were hungry...and couldn't really drive around in the truck...but luckily, right on queue, a taxi pulled up to my building (apparently to pick up a drunk party girl that lives upstairs' friend...but we'll meet them soon enough). We asked him if he knew of a good pizza place that delivered (since 411 & GPS suck) and he told us about Round Rock Pizza & gave us the number. Good guy. He gave me his card. The pizza was amazing...and we slept on air mattresses with full bellies.

Sunday, we unloaded the van in just over two hours...then headed to Reno to the closest Wal-Mart for a battery...and some groceries & stuff. We got back around sunset, got Brandy running, and I showed my dad the new job location. Then we noticed something, a fog coming from the defroster. F my life. Basically, the heater coil is ruptured or worse...so whenever it's heated, it's burning anti-freeze into the cab of the car & fogs up the windshield...and because it's located in the dash, it'd cost more to fix it than Brandy's worth (you know, being over 217,000 miles it's only a matter of time before EVERYTHING combusts). So I wasn't able to take my dad around town like I wanted...and I need a new mountain ready car. Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise...but we'll see how it goes. We went into downtown, showed him around...but everything was uberexpensive, so we got more Round Rock Pizza with some wings & watched "Demolition Man" while chatting about whatever. Again, my dad is AMAZING!!! That night, I slept on my luxurious bed...and yes, I did offer it to my dad...but he insisted on sleeping on the couch...and rather enjoyed it.

Monday was my first day at the new job...and it was only a half-day because I had to take my dad to the airport in the afternoon. I still met a lot of my coworkers...and they all seem great. It's going to be a fun experience. After work, I picked up my dad, drove him to the airport, thanked him profusely and made it back home to start unpacking everything. Basically, Tuesday & Wednesday was working all day then unpacking & arranging all night. Oh...and my niece Kairi was "kidnapped" again...but this time, I'm thinking that my crack whore ex-sister-in-law screwed herself over...but we'll see what the courts have to say about that in the next week hopefully.

Today being Thanksgiving, I'm here at a Starbucks enjoying a venti caramel apple spice & using the internet since I don't have the utilities set up quite yet. I'm making a pot roast as we speak...a pork roast actually with fresh ground peppercorn, chopped onions, carrots, green beans, potatoes, etc. and slowly marinated over several hours. I'll also be picking up a pumpkin pie before too long. Also, my roommate left yesterday from Florida...so he'll probably be here tomorrow or Saturday...with his sister helping. I'll be giving him a call later to make sure everything's okay.

What am I thankful for? EVERYTHING!!! First & foremost, my wonderful family & outstanding network of friends across the globe. My father who helped me move to this new adventure in a mountain paradise...despite fairly serious injury. My mother who always has my back & loves me with all of her heart. My brother who's a great father who would do anything for his kids. My stepparents who are there for me too. This new exciting job, my new home, my wonderful & helpful neighbors, and I can only assume that my roommate will be fantastic as well. My great health. The body of a woman. Laughter & smiles. Technology that keeps me in touch with my peeps. Pumpkin pie. EVERYTHING!!! It's all so amazing. I wish you could all come experience it with me.

What are you thankful for?

Well, I'd better get back to my roast. Also, my time's gonna expire here soon. Have a wonderful holiday weekend everybody!!! I'll get back to you when I can. Thank you!!! I love you all madly.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Lisa Rinna Without Makeup (Picture)

Lisa Rinna Without Makeup Picture

Lisa Rinna, the 46-year-old actress who is best known for her plumped-up lips, posted a-makeup free picture of herself on her Twittter on Tuesday, writing, "This is what it looks like before beauty team arrives. Just keepin it real ppl!"

AFI FEST 2009 Screening Of A Single Man Closing Night Gala

Earlier this year, Lisa has admitted that she “overdid” the beauty treatments by getting dermal filler injection into her face.

"When you change your face, you don't look like yourself," she said. "Looking fresher is one thing. I look like a freak! I always said I wouldn't change my face, but I did it."

How do you think of Lisa without any makeup?

Freaky Nosteratu

A illustration line art with this strange vampire and his little pet. Made with pen.

Nude Girl - Painting

A watercolour painting and graffiti with a naked woman. Emphasis on the shadows and light spots and with a little bit influence of Pop Art.

Monday, November 23, 2009

The Heat's Hottest Thanksgiving Recipes





The past month, anyone who has read a magazine, watched a cooking show, perused a food blog or picked up the newspaper has been littered with recipe ideas for their Thanksgiving meal. To say it is overwhelming is an enormous understatement, leaving most people to stick to what they know and prepare the same old same old. It's just EASIER. Until now.
I took the time to comb through some of the more popular media sources and then narrowed down my favorites of the year. Click on an item to see the link and full recipe to each. Try them all or try just one - but have fun with Thanksgiving this year by introducing something new.

Appetizers: I like to keep most appetizers light and low maintenance, allowing me to focus on the main act. The pecans and olives can be made ahead of time. The manchego looks fancy with a quick sauce. My one 'wow' appetizer is the oysters which are served with cucumber and pickled shallot relish - bright and tangy.
  Rosemary Pecans 
  Marinated Olives with Rosemary, Red Chili, Orange and Paprika
  Manchego with Honey Brown Butter Sauce
  Oysters Danish Style

The Main Act: The past few years my family has brined our turkey, which we feel adds a depth of flavor and more importantly, moist meat, as the salt draws in and retains water. I like Emeril's citrusy brine, followed by Giada's simple preparation.
  Giada's Turkey with Herbes de Provence and Citrus
  The Brine
Salads: Say goodbye to boring lettuce on this special day.
  Apple, Radish and Celery Salad
  Brussels Sprouts with Pecans and Cranberries
Condiments: Our family has outgrown canned cranberry, while herbed butter adds a little something extra. Two easy updates.
  Cranberry-Orange Sauce
  Herb butter (make extra for both the turkey and popovers)
Sides: I am sick of boring spuds. I like my mashed skins on with a hint of garlic and sweet potatoes get a touch of heat from chipotle, cooled off with a squirt of lime. Creamed onions get the boot and a health upgrade alla balsamic glaze. And finally, lets have some adult legumes. We don't need cream or casseroles to get them down the hatch - lighten up with minted peas or brown butter sugar snap peas decorated with pecans (I'll be throwing whatever is leftover from the rosemary pecan appetizer on top - so easy!)
  Chipotle Glazed Sweet Potatoes
  Garlic Red Bliss Mashed Potatoes
  Balsamic Glazed Pearl Onions
  Green Peas with Mint
  Brown Butter Sugar Snap Peas with Pecans
Stuffing/Dressing: I recently learned that stuffing is when it's IN the bird. Dressing cooked outside. Who knew?
  Sage, Sausage and Apple Dressing
  Toasted Chestnut Stuffing
Bread bowl: I know Pilsbury wants us to think that it's not Thanksgiving without crescent rolls, but I beg to differ -
  Parmesean popovers served with leftover herbed butter from turkey preparation
Desserts: I tend to save dessert for the following morning. Pumpkin pie and a cup of coffee? Yes please. So a mug of mulled hot apple cider is the perfect prelude to my tryptophan induced nap.
  Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
  Gingery Apple Crumb Pie
  Hot Mulled Apple Cider

Happy Thanksgiving!

- The Heat

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Radiations Reaction Optical Illusion

This is the illusion which can cause harm to your eyes if you look continuously. Try looking at it for 45 sec and then see the wall you will see some radiations of this kind coming out of your wall too

Radiations Reaction Optical Illusion

This is actually not true in all cases.Just because some people see what they percieve,it has been stated here

Little Giant's Big Brunch

Saturday morning brunch - what better way to relish the travails of your Friday night than over a bloody mary and a pile of eggs. A full belly, a nip with a side of casual conversation and next thing you know, you're back. Ready to rejoin the human race. Ready for Saturday night. An attitude adjustment in an hour and a half.  Magical.

I've found my happy place at Little Giant, an oxymoron meant to play on the big flavors served at this tiny corner storefront in the Lower East Side. The interior is homey, it's shelves covered with an array of kitchen wares, an exposed brick ceiling and a large wraparound bench that is littered with comfy pillows. It is the antithesis of a see and be seen brunch, where a side of anxiety is served with your cup of coffee. The menu is filled with market inspired, seasonal options like a duck confit BLT (bland) or the baked french toast served in a heart stopping brick with caramelized bananas and banana gelato.

I prefer their take on traditional breakfast items, such as lox and eggs served on a biali with a shmear, with pickled onions, capers and a salted tomato. Or their Trucker's Breakfast, a spin on an English breakfast, where scrambled eggs are served with broiled cremini mushrooms, a slab of bacon, and andouille sausage, topped with a tomato gravy on Texas toast. A side of molasses baked beans rounds out the mayhem. Most notable however, is their cheesy egg on a roll. The name suggests nothing spectacular, however they managed to perfect the basics of this traditional hangover cure. Eggs are softly scrambled and cheesy. Bacon is apple-wood smoked and crispy. Their roll is perfection - a fluffy, buttery Parker House roll has forever separated me from my usual Kaiser. Give it your all with a spicy bloody mary and a cup of their Stumptown Coffee - it's time for Saturday night.

- The Heat

Little Giant
85 Orchard Street (at Broome) (map)
212-226-5047

Friday, November 20, 2009

Off Like A Prom Dress

Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,

Well, I'm all packed up and ready to go. The best part was...I've come to the conclusion that I've been under the weather the past few days (thanks Barbie) but I've been too damn busy to realize it other than for the occasional cold sweats. Not fun...but hey, sh*t has to be done, right? On top of all the packing and what-have-you, I've also been thinking a lot. I typically think a lot...like all the time...but this past week it's been about...well, everything. Obviously I'm a little concerned about the move...and that's to be expected. Obviously help from my family & friends and a lot of research over the past four months or so has helped out immeasurably. However, this week, I was mostly thinking about WHY I was moving to Lake Tahoe.

As you may know from reading this blog for a few years (I'm sure there's one or two of you out there), my family is very important to me. My parents are amazing...but then again, what else would you expect from Batman & Wonder Woman? Even my stepparents are awesome...though one's a witch and the other's a sloth...but they're great parents and always there if I need somebody to talk to. My brother's really blossoming into a great guy...and you know that I have the most adorable nieces & nephew in all of the world. I have the most incredible network of friends & family that a man could ask for. What does this have to do with anything? They're all centered here in Slick City. The only person that I know within an 8-hour drive of Lake Tahoe...is my stepsister & her family who live in Carson and I really only see her on Christmas. Why in the hell would I want to leave all of them behind? What could possibly motivate me to just pack up and leave a perfect situation where I'm completely surrounded by family & friends? Not only that...but it took me about three seconds to accept that job in Lake Tahoe once it was offered. Even that seemed like a little longer than necessary...but why?

Is the job paying me more? Of course it is. Why would I even consider it otherwise? However, the cost of living is more there in Truckee as well...so really, I'd say it's pretty much even keel with what I'm making now (which mind you is substantially less than it was before I moved to Denver this time last year). So it's not the money that's motivating me. The job itself is exciting and the team I'll be working with seems like a great group...but it's basically just a return to what I was doing in Denver...or here in Slick City for years before that. So it's kinda the job...but then again, there are plenty of ways to make money for a hustler like me...especially one with flexible morals like myself.

Am I running away from something? Not at all. I don't have any crazy ex-girlfriends or ex-wives, baby mamas trying to get child support out of me, angry husbands looking for the man with the tattoo of a smiley face on his ass cheek, anything like that. Hell, if anything, I'm running TOWARDS responsibilities by basically being on my own...which thinking about it really isn't what I want to do...but hey, I'm a 28-year-old man now. It was bound to happen. Basically, I'm going into a new town, new job, new surroundings, alone and basically scared sh*tless because I'm leaving everything & everyone that I've ever known...and going live in the same place where the Donner Party was forced to eat each other during peak tourist season. So the question remains...

WHY AM I DOING THIS? Why does any man do anything? For the poon tang. Okay, obviously that's not the case. I was just checking to see if you were still reading. Honestly, looking at it in this logical sense so far, it really doesn't make any sense at all. And you know how I love my logical approach to most things. Listing out the Pros & Cons, countless comparisons, running over scenarios all day every day in my head to the point of tedium. That being said...I really do feel like this is the right move for me (obviously or I wouldn't be going suddenly into debt to pull this off). I don't know, maybe it's subconsciously me just going up against all my fears and proving to myself that I can be my own man...and overcome any obstacle or some crazy stuff like that. Maybe it's that I'll be living in an absolute mountain town paradise that's still very close to the ocean, casinos, my family, and everything else. Maybe it's just that I need something new & exciting to get me out of bed in the morning (though that really hasn't been much of a problem...and instead I'll be replacing it with cold lonely nights). Whatever it may be, I just have a feeling that this is the right move for me. I mean...it is paradise...as you have seen from the pictures of my limited experience...and yeah, I'll be alone to begin with...but I'm pretty good at making friends...and there'll be plenty of new people to town looking to make cool friends like me. Who knows? Maybe there's a sweet young thang out there just waiting to meet a great guy like me to try out her book that she got for Christmas last year, "The Joy of Sex...and Cooking." I don't know exactly why...but I just really feel like this can be an incredibly good thing for me.

Please don't think for a minute that this hasn't been a really tough choice for me. I really do care about each and every one of you...and that's why I pray for you every night. Oh yeah, I pray...hard. I'm going to miss you guys...but it's not like I'm going to the island of Vanuatu to be completely cut off from society (though you wouldn't know it based on how dramatic I'm making this whole thing). I'll just be in a resort town in California...and I'm sure my friends & family will come visit...as I'll visit them when time permits. In this age of technology, we can always get a hold of each other too. Facebook, telephones, text messages, web-based journals, carrier pigeons, the postal system, television, radio waves, telepathy, smoke signals, you all know how to reach me...and vice versa. And I'm still going to pray for you every night...and be there when you need somebody to talk to...because that's what friends are for.

Anyway, my dad & I leave in the morning...and it may be a few days before you hear back from me...but don't worry, I'll drive safely and I'll be sure to send a text message or something letting you all know that I made it. Just know that I'm going to miss you guys until we meet again...and don't be afraid to drop me a line & tell me about your day...and I'll tell you about my wacky, beautiful and/or sexy adventures with a backdrop as Mark Twain said, "The Fairest Picture The Whole Earth Can Afford!" Have a great weekend everybody!!!

Christina’s World

This photo by Carter Smith appeared in Vogue 1997 as a quotation of the famous painting "Christina’s World" (1948) by Andrew Wyeth (1917–2009).

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Nicole Richie Hospitalized for Pneumonia

March Of Dimes 4th Annual Celebration Of Babies

Nicole Richie has been hospitalized with pneumonia at a Los Angeles hospital.

"Nicole has checked into Cedars-Sinai where she is being treated for pneumonia. She is doing well." a rep for the star said Wednesday.

The 28-year-old mom of two Tweeted that she was feeling badly for days on Sunday, writing, "ok cold, it's been 6 days. Lets part ways graciously & keep it moving."

Citing illness, Richie bowed out of the Nov. 10 launch of her House of Harlow jewelry at Bebe in L.A.

The Grotesque - Painting

The Gostesque is a surreal dirty painting. Lineart made by hand with pencil and digitally painted.
This image is detailed, so it's a good idea click to enlarge.



Keywords: Surreal Surrealism extreme grotesque strange bizarre unbelievable hard automatism psychic psy Dream Nightmare Freud Surrealist Dimitri Kozma Disturbing fantasy Macabre Horror

Sun Signs and Study Habits...




How Your Sun Sign Might Affect Your Study Habits

Don’t forget that the Sun's influence is merely a tendency, an inclination, and not a compellation. Blaming one's bad study and work habits on one's sun sign, or any other heavenly influence, will score you no points with the professor!

Aries (March 21 to April 20): While everyone else thinks it, you are the one most likely to ask "Why do I have to take this class?" You do your best working on assignments that you think are going to help you in the future; assignments that are not building up the skills you plan on using get less attention. Left to your own devices, you would rewrite the entire curriculum.

Taurus (April 21 to May 21): You are hard working and have a tendency to put your job ahead of your class work. And when your professors do not cut you slack for having a job, you get bull-headed and speak your mind, a habit that can lead to more trouble. Try to make time for your studies; it will lead to a better job.

Gemini (May 22 to June 21): You are easily distracted by bright shiny objects and ambitions. Some may call you an "airhead." Your problem is that you have so many projects going on at once that you do not have the time and energy to fully concentrate on any single task.

Cancer (June 22 to July 22): The most traditional of all the sun signs, you are most likely to be still using the first method of studying and research that you were taught, even if there are better ways to learn the material. You are also most likely to bring comfort food to the study group meeting and to suggest a semester-end potluck.

Leo (July 23 to August 22): Leos love being the center of attention. Thanks to that, Leos are the most likely to try to become the star of any class that they take. Unfortunately, they are so busy performing that occasionally, they don't pay enough attention to the lectures. When working in a group, Leos will try to self-appoint themselves as the group leader.

Virgo (August 23 to September 22): You are easily side-tracked by maps, graphs and various trivial details that can not be easily fitted into your papers. Your textbooks tend not to be underlined, not because you do not read them, but rather because you do not want to ruin them. You are the least likely to sell your textbooks back.

Libra (September 23 to October 22): As a student, you strive to maintain balance in your schoolwork as you do in all the other areas of your life. You believe that the purpose of your electives is to allow you to take classes that expand your horizons and better understand the world. You are likely to end up majoring in the humanities.

Scorpio (October 23 to November 21): You are very passionate about your favourite subjects and learn the material quite easily. Too bad, that is not true for the subjects that bore you which become a struggle to absorb. When it comes to study groups and partners, you try to pick the most attractive people to help you with your studies; then you spend half your time flirting with them.

Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21): You study in bursts of hot energy as the mood strikes you. If you are not in the mood, you tend to put assignments off. Unfortunately, this leads to term papers being ignored until the last moment, along with the rest of your homework. Try to develop a habit of doing a little bit of writing or research everyday, so that you are not caught so often doing things at the last moment.

Capricorn (December 22 to January 19): "How is this class going to help me make more money?" is your big question about every class that you take. You are ambitious, eager to climb both social and career ladders. By the time, you finish your degree, you are determined to have an effective network of contacts; therefore you collect contact information from anyone who shows promise in your classes.

Aquarius (January 20 to February 18): You have a tendency to drift off in daydreams while studying due to your strong imagination. Yet your imagination is also what empowers your intuition allowing you to take leaps of understanding that others find puzzling. If you can learn to add structure to your imaginings, you can develop a powerful memory.

Pisces (February 19 to March 20): Being born with your sun in Pisces, you are the one that is most fascinated by the scandalous bits of any subject; things that the professors would rather not talk about capture your attention. Your sun sign helps you understand the murkier aspects of your favourite subjects; it also makes you the most prone to losing your textbooks.

Educational Prospects Report


Finished your schooling, or wondering which line of study is best for you before you decide on a long term career. An education prospects report, helps you decide what you should do next. It gives you remedies and guidance to resolve your study related problems!