Happy Independence Day!!!

Barbie as the Statue of Liberty (FAO Schwarz, 1995)

Enjoy!!!

Barbie de Mayo

Mexican Barbie and her chihuahua wish you all a Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

Enjoy!!!

Barbie: Goddess of Spring

Barbie, as the Goddess of Spring, wishes everyone a Happy Earth Day

Given my love for flowers and fascination with landscapes, one would think that these would be the images that would grace this blog on Earth Day. Well, I've been sitting on these Barbie photos for a while. So I figured that today would be a nice occasion to share them with you. ;-)

It's funny how blogging evolves over time. Going back a couple of years, I wrote about environmental topics on a regular basis, although it was never a primary focus. Now, I rarely discuss such matters. Perhaps it is because I find it so disheartening a topic. In spite of a continuous data stream of studies that reliably indicate looming ecological troubles, the governing powers of the world are not yet interested in seriously addressing the issue. Moreover, the populace as a whole is either too stuck in complacency or blinded by ideology, refusing to demand action on the matter.

It's too depressing. In short, I consider the debate for a ecologically comfortable future to be over, with the win going to those who enable the pollution and despoiling of our world. The wealthy exploitative elite will get their filthy lucre, while the powerless will suffer the consequences. Maybe some technological breakthrough will save the day, but the tipping point to bad times is soon to come.

Full length view of Goddess of Spring Barbie (2000)

Anyways, Barbie makes for a nice Earth Day image. Her plastic figure will endure well beyond our days, beyond whatever troubles may come, whether she ends up submerged beneath the waves of a toxic sea or buried in the arid desolation of a great drought-induced desert. Our little goddess will persist. ;-)

Enjoy!!!

To Gratify Your Curiosity

King Kong (1933), promotional image

Unexpected demands upon my time came up over the past few days, leaving me with little time to blog. However, I'm not complaining; it's better than being sick or pointlessly idle. Nevertheless, we can't let the day pass without celebrating the 80th anniversary of the release of King Kong.

Although it has been remade, spoofed, and copied on more than a few occasions, the classic 1933 movie still provides a compelling story, filled with thrills and adventure. Yeah, the narrative techniques and characterizations do feel antique and awkward, by modern sensibilities, but, if one is willing to suspend disbelief, to turn off the contemporary critical standards, King Kong still makes for good viewing.

Then there is the whole historical appreciation angle, assessing how it influenced subsequent "monster" films and the development of special effects in movie-making. And has there ever been a "Scream Queen" as compelling as Fay Wray? ;-)

Barbie as Fay Wray, caught in Kong's clutches (2002).

Anyways, here's to the Eighth Wonder of the World.

And remember, it was Beauty that killed the Beast.

Our Feathered Friends

Barbie (2008, Black Label) as Tippi Hedren from Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds

Today, we're celebrating the 50th anniversary of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds, adapted from a short story by Daphne du Maurier. Now, I'm not much of a Hitchcock enthusiast. Certainly, his movies are engaging and memorable, but I've rarely been blown away by their artistry.

As a fan of horror and suspense, the only one of his movies that left lingering images to haunt my imagination, even years later, was The Birds. Perhaps, it's the primal fear of Things that lurk above us, capable of swooping down when we are totally unaware, defenseless. Maybe it's Tippi Hedren's portrayal of a hapless woman facing a bizarre yet lethal threat, all while trying to establish a romantic relationship. Or, it could be the juxtaposition of the mundane and the weird, both humorous and horrific, that creates ambiguous and transgressive symbolism.

Whatever the case, The Birds is a fine movie to watch. If you haven't seen it, I recommend you give it a viewing.

Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds Barbie Doll (2008 Black Label)

And be nice to our feathered friends. ;-)

Wearing of the Green

The Wearing of the Green by Ellen H. Clapsaddle

Yes, I've been away from the blog for quite a while. Sadly, I have been persistently unwell for around a week. This has sapped my energy something fierce.

But, since it's St. Patrick's Day. I figured that we could put up a few images to celebrate the holiday. And, this time around, we're steering clear of the Irish whiskey. ;-)

Irish Barbie wishes you a Happy St. Patrick's Day. Party responsibly and steer clear of the fisticuffs.

Enjoy!!!

Writing Love Letters

Detail of Young Girl Writing a Love Letter (1755) by Pietro Antonio Rotari

This week, we've got a bunch of holidays crowded together. When celebrating Mardi Gras, two days ago, I posted up an appropriate work of art from the local art collection. I figured that would be a fun thing to do again with today's Valentine's Day post.

Therefore, here's Pietro Rotari's Young Girl Writing a Love Letter, one of my favorite paintings from the Norton Simon Museum. I adore her coquettish, sidelong glance and confident, almost saucy, demeanor. Her actions indicate that she's daydreaming about the object of her adoration, but her pose implies that this object is actually the viewer!!! It's a playful piece that I enjoy visiting time and again, both to appreciate the work and to observe how other viewers react to it.

It's especially fun to see the difference in reaction between women and men. ;-)

Anyways, we can't have a holiday post without Barbie.

Queen of Hearts Barbie (1994, designed by Bob Mackie) says "Happy Valentine's Day!!!"

Likewise, whether you have a sweetheart or are currently going solo, this day, like every other, can be as good as you can make it. So, seek out that which makes you happy and have a wonderful time!!!

While the Thrill Is On

Mardi Gras Barbie says "Laissez les bons temps rouler!!!" Now, throw her some beads. ;-)

Well, it's Fat Tuesday and we can't let the day pass without some type of celebration.

I've been taking a couple days off. That'll put me in good spirits to power through the Lenten season, in which I plan to post each and every day. I might even write on occasion about religion or spirituality, topics that I avoid but, oddly enough, about which I have a considerable amount of knowledge.

Normally, I don't like writing about matters that might upset my readers. We're here for the fun, not to quarrel across the internet. But changing things up every so often is probably a good policy, keeping fresh the random stuff that pops up here at Paideia. We'll see how it goes.

Boulevard Montmartre Mardi Gras (1897) by Camille Pissarro

But, for today, let's let the good times roll. ;-)