Naughty beasts (1)

The German Susann Poenisch started the creation of this painted beauty only 7 years ago. Nowadays she has got her own very unique style which could be defined as expressive and abstract. Like she says herself: “It just isn‘t a direct copy of the world, but still the world like I see it.”
Lots of work and the aim to be comfortable with anything she does, made her develop her current style. Being content with what you have and what you have achieved is a very essential mindset for Susann. Such a mindset is what makes one a role model for Susann.
Beasts are a recurring theme in Susanns paintings. Rough swines and bisons with waggish expressions are posing on the canvas, strolling around in their own colorful dreamworld. 







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The online stage of Pepse Remix Machine (0)

Not only is Holland famous for windmills, lush cheese and wooden shoes. Holland is the homecountry for big names in the dance music scene. The sound of Tiesto, Armin and others are celebrated all over the world. The talent of the Dutch DJ's is again proved with the contest set up by Pepsi Nederland. With the Pepsi Remix Machine, which was mentioned in a previous post, Pepsi Nederland offers the opportunity to show mixing talents. A track by Calvin Harris is provided to be pimped by any individual with any DJ ambition. (take your chance!)
For the non musical gifted, there is now the chance to participate! Part of the contest is getting as much votes as possible of the crowd. The Pepsi Remix Machine is like an online stage.. By voting you might even win a iPod Touch 32GB or a Dance Music Workshop!
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Vintage masterpiece by James Film Experience (0)



The Cannes crowd was the first to enjoy it, now it could be your turn. The movie Moonrise Kingdom will have the premiere show in Holland pretty soon. This vintage masterpiece by Wenson Anderson, is picked by the Jameson Film Experience to be the shown at the next edition of this spectacle.
It is a 60’ies story about two teenage lovebirds, stuck on a overly strict summer camp. Hand-in-hand they flee away, which is of course a major concern for the home front. The whole island is in commotion.
This adventure will be shown on the big screen of the idyllic Bos theatre in Amsterdam. Located in the middle of the woods, this seems a perfectly selected location. That is the X factor of the Jameson Film Experience. This will be the fifth edition of the legendary event. All the previous Jameson Film Experiences were such a success partly due to the location.
Although this will be the Dutch premiere of Moonrise Kingdom, stardom is not required. A simple subscription on the Facebook page of Jameson Film Experience Nederland is enough to be part of this promising event!


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Summer knocks on Europe's door (0)

LISTEN HERE:
Summer seems to be knocking on Europe’s door. Sweet! A suitable sound fort his season is made by Summer Heart. This is the project of David Alexander. A swedish dude with a pretty perfect sense of beauty. Fiveteen years ago he took a guitar in his hands, 5 years later he started his voice. Ten more years, he produced several epic songs. Blearing vocals accompanied by dreamy happy melodies.
Out of the blue, David became Summer Heart. “It just happened. I do love summer. But I love autumn and spring as well. And sometimes even the winter!” It is what is does to most people, summer makes him happy. Just like drinking a cup of coffee in the sun and lots of other random things.
His new album, About a Feeling, is just released. It is a homemade masterpiece. “Built on my laptop, no fancy production or so.” The single A Million Times, was released in March. After listening this song as much as the title says, boredom does not come up.
The dreamy character is visualised in the snapshots on his website. David took almost every one of them himself. He pictures his daily life on a magical way. This daily life is based in Malmö Sweden. Not the perfect place for Summer Heart. “I like big cities, but also the countryside. I prefer to be near the sea though.”
Summer Heart is on several European stages this festival season. He just came back from his tour through the continent.



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Show them what u got (0)


Always wanted to be a DJ. Seems great to have the tools in hands to make people shake their booty. The moves of the crowd depend on your crap or super sweet taste of music. What a mighty experience must that be. Especially Dutch men seems to be font of this idea. Research by PepsiCo Holland, shows that 28% of them, dreams about this superb job. The main motivation of this dream is the possibility to practice a passion for living. The opportunity to travel is another aspect what seems to make this profession very attractive. The actual implementation of the dj dream, seems to be pretty unique.  Only 1 of 5 of the Dutch dudes, ever stood behind the dj tables. Among ladies it is only 10%.
For all those dreamers, the ones who crave for a job as dj, Pepsi now offers you the chance to practice some skills. Pepsi launched a contest for the disk jockeys of Holland. The Remix Machine on the Pepsi Facebook page is made to step in the shoes of electronic producer wonder Calvin Harris. This Scottish dj accompanied many big names such as Rihanna and Ne Yo. His newest hit is “Let’s Go” is played a million times and has somehow cross the lines of amusement.
The Remix Machine is the chance for all the hidden talents to show the world what they got. Pop some dubstep sounds, drums, cheesy vocals or some guitar melodies and pimp that song up.
All these remixes will be criticised by the ears of experts. The best remix will be rewarded with a trip to Ibiza. So, gifted ladies and gentlemen of Holland, make us proud and show Pepsi what you got!




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Three dudes that portrait a bright Africa. (0)

"There is always two sides of every story. The negative side which is shown everyday on newspapers and TV. And there is the positive side that only appears in our family photo albums. We are portraying South Africa the way we see it "Beautiful".
I See A Different You is a photography project by Justice, Innocent and Vinyo, 3 dudes from South Africa. As the name says, they want to show the world the different side of their continent. With these snapshots, they present Africa in a total unexpected, bright and extraordinary way. A total different piece of cake than the usual Africa-images shown by Western development organizations and other fundraisers.
Justice, Innocent and Vinyo met at their local church in Soweto, SA, 16 years ago. There moms are like friends. Once upon a time, Innocent went to Kenya. He updated the homefront by sending some extreme beautiful footage of this trip. "Since we all have never been in Kenya, we were flabbergasted of how beautiful Kenya was. From that moment we decided to make it our mission to show Africa as we see it." Well, mission fulfilled dudes! These pictures definitely show a different side, the glitters of Africa.

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The ultimate handsomeness in all the colors of the rainbow (1)

The number 0,618, the golden number for beauty and the fascination for Frank E Hollywood. At his studio in Amsterdam, this Dutch artist puts the ultimate handsomeness on paper. "Painting is my way of expressing in pictures and colors my love for women. Women have something magical, pure and fragile, whereas they can be very powerful at the same time. For me, a woman’s face is the most important part of her body."  These painted faces are based on the golden ratio, the ratio between symmetry and harmony. Frank translates this mathematical theory into something elusive: bright colored creations. Therefor he uses different media. Where he gets those random materials from? "Well, fleamarkets, second hand shops, bookshops, anything."  

The beauty of landscapes is another theme captured on the paintings of Frank E Hollywood. The amsterdam artist is a real city person. "Metropolises such as London and Istanbul are always moving and live as a organism. Wonderful!" 
Frank is a color master. Blue and pink are a few of his most favorite colors. "Not that they are the most beautiful. They are just extra fine. Pink for example is a lucky color in Japan. The color of spring, of prosperity." His mission to color the world with his paitings is definitely fulfilled. 


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In Nigeria everybody loves fashion! (0)

ALALI BOUTIQUE
Oroma Cookey-Gam (25), Head Designer and Creative Director behind the Nigerian ALALI Boutique, made one thing clear: Although Africa has got a large amount of poverty, fashion here is not only for the extremely rich spoiled peeps. As Oroma says - with capslock on: "IN NIGERIA EVERYBODY LOVES FASHION! From the local 'okada' (mass transport bike driver) man and the woman selling in the market, to the career woman in the boardroom - everybody is in tune and aware of fashion in their own way." 

Cookey-Gam during her show @ Lagos Fashion Week
Missing out on glamour
Seems pretty obvious actually. Just as in the Western part of the world, fashion is not only for snobby peeps. And just as it is here, there are particular brands for the jetsets, for the rich and for the "poor". Well, Alali Boutique is one of those brands which is affordable for an average income. One of those brands which is actually accessible for the public. Although, according to Oroma, the makers of these accessible designs,  unfortunately miss out on the glamourous part of the fashion bizz. 
"Different designers cater to different echelons in society. It naturally follows that the higher up you deal in, the more glamorous your job is!", she explains. "So sometimes I wish ALALI Boutique was a bit more upscale and expensive but yea, I love my job!" Being accessible is the mission of Cookey-Gam. 
Oroma wants 'to make stylish clothes easily accessible to every Nigerian'. According to herself, she has got a long way to go. And of course she is determined to get there. 

 
Local fabriques
Alber Elbaz of Lanvin, is a designer that totally is like an example for her. "I'll probably die to work with him!" Cookey-Gam is a big fan of this guy because of the magical way he works with fabric. 
Cookey-Gam simply LOVES fabrics. She gets them at the local Nigerian markets. This way, she supports the local efforts as much as possible. The drawback of this local purchase, are the limited stocks of these shops. Fabriques always played a major role in her designing processes. BUT these days she changed her focus. "I'm trying to not be too enslaved to fabric as it can be distracting." 
 
"Sometimes I wish ALALI Boutique was a bit more upscale and expensive but yea, I love my job!"
 
Proud grandma's 
Cookey-Gam has got some fashion blood in her vains. Her grand ma was a tailor. "She is really proud of me", Oroma says. Understandable! This 25-year old designer just launched her next collection. This Pre Fall Collection is called Colour Me Pretty. It stands to celebrate Nigeria's tropical climate and the beauty of their year-long summer season. Last year, Oroma was one of the finalists of the MTN LFDW awards. An awardshow at the fashion week of Lagos, Nigeria. Reason enough for grandma to be proud of her grandchild.
 The other Oroma grandma, has never been into fashion. But now she is. The name ALALI is made up by her. It was the nickname she gave Oroma ever since she was born. Oroma explains that it means a child born in October or a child born in a festive season. " I loved the name but used to pretend like I hated it."
Some pieces of the new collection


A piece of her new collection 
During ALALI Boutiques show @ Lagos Fashion Week 
During ALALI Boutiques show @ Lagos Fashion Week
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Space for newfound freedom (0)

It has been a while but The Shiny Planet Project is back! Time for a new dose of glitters. Time for a new lay out. Time for some shine. 

Spaces
Six guys from Brooklyn, form Spaces. Actually their mission pretty much fits the mission of The Shiny Planet Project. Their music is a "reflection of the beauty and wonders of the Universe" - with a capital U. A reflection of a dynamic Universe with an overwhelming rough landscape. Some high peaks, some wide valleys,  some volcanoes, some wild monkeys, some mocking birds. Their album is full of rhythmic movements and orchestral pieces. 
The best place in this dynamic Universe though is definitely wherever there are friends and family you love", according to Francisco Colon. "Also good music, good food, and a lot of smiles are very essential."


He and Duke were actually the "founders" of Spaces. They both aimed for a place to fully express themselves. Some free space maybe? Well so, Francisco and Duke shook hands and started writing their own songs. They found a new freedom.

The others Jake, Nathan, Ian and Jason came later. "They bring some fresh perspectives!", according to Francisco.  
Speaking of new perspectives. "Our society is science illiterate.", according to Francisco. "People don't understand the advances of science and as a result of that are either scared or just couldn't care less. People do not realize how much of our current day technology wouldn't exist without science. People are more concerned with the immediate smaller picture. It's scary when you talk to someone and they truly believe scientific discoveries are things you 
can choose to believe or not believe."
This mindset of people inspired Spaces while making the album Nothing Exists but Atoms and the Void (2011).   As Francisco says it: We were inspired by the amazing discoveries of human beings who didn't understand the universe and strived to move forward towards knowing where we come from." 
The album is full of energy. It would be the perfect background music for being in a rocket which takes you to the galaxy atmosphere which is on their cover. These colorful masterpieces are made by Mark Malazarte. 






"Get over yourselves!", says Francisco. If you ask him, "The world would be a much better place is humans weren't always so damn self-important. Our species could use a little humility."

Check out their BANDCAMP / FACEBOOK 
About that Facebook page: Spaces is gonna give their album away to every 10th person who likes our page. Spread the word!
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Cinema Foursquare (0)

That was a good night! Last friday there was the Jameson Film Experience.. A mysterious event, mysterious location, mysterious guests, mysterious everything actually. And it still it some how! 
Although there was an overdose of snow that harrassed Holland, the attendance was great. SchieCentrale, an massive old shed, was the location-to-be. This industrial building was very conducive to that whole mysterious feeling. Great choice! 
The movie itself, fit perfect in the atmosphere of the Jameson Film Experience. It was The Hunter, a movie about the dangerous jungle track of Martin. He is sent by an bio company to track the last Tasmanian tigers. It is a some how "into the wild" movie with a mysterious twist. Must see!
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Extraordinary movie @ extraordinary location (0)

Well, Filmlovers might be happy! The International Film Festival in Rotterdam is going on. A whole week enjoying movies and stuff. How sweet. It is the 41st on line! IFF is writing history. 
Well and a couple 100 years ago - 1780 - there was a guy named John Jameson. He is the creator of some legendary liquid, Jameson Irish Whiskey. His hometown was Dublin, the center of the whiskey-world. John was a good guy, who took good care of his employees. 
Those two legends, the International Film Festival AND John Jameson are the source of another legend-to-be; The Jameson Film Experience. During the IFF the Jameson Film Experience shows 'extraordinary films on extraordinary locations'. That must be extraordinary sweet. 
The film they will show is called The Hunter. It is about Martin. Martin is is going on expedition on behalf of some kinda mysterious bio-tech-company. He is going a hunt for the last Tasmanian tiger. Seems to be a pleasure itself to see the movie, seen the cool nature shots of Tasmania.
So; the climax of the story: there is an epic movie, on an epic location, arranged by these names, served with legendary whiskey. Picture perfect. 
Wanne ba ithere? You should check their facebook page! 

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The freak photographer (0)

The weirdest people of society were her favorites. Diane Arbus was a famous 70'ies photographer from New York. She ever started her artists career as a painter. She could not stand the smell of the paint though, so she quit. 
Arbus loved "freaks". Nudist, trans-sexuals, giants and dwarfs. She shot lots of portraits of those who were seen as ugly. Someone compared Diane's work as giving a grenade to a child; she shot booming pictures! Diane was seen as one of the most important representatives of the society criticism/ social documentary-making photography. 
 




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Songs as sweet as a pineapple (0)

She is born in 1994, loves babydoll dresses and butterfly-pasta. Her hometown is on Fuerta Ventura but she loves London as well. Unicorns are her favorite animals and violin her favourite instrument. This chick is the realisation of sweetness. She covered several songs with sugar and glazed them into honey-sweet songs. Just like candy, do not take an overdose. Her music is delicious when you take it in the right proportion!


Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: "I've always received a lot of support from people I love, which is the most important thing."
 
Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Wars, hunger and natural disasters."


Q. What is the best place on earth? 
A: "There's no place like home!"
 
Q. What makes you happy? 
"My family, all those people who are next to me, beautiful days, nice songs, films, having fun, forgeting any trouble I might have on my mind, and a million things more!"


Q: If you had a megaphone with a worldwide reach, what would be your message?
"Stop in the name of Love!"


SONGTEXT 
If You Wanna Be Happy (Jimmy Soul)
If you wanna be happy
For the rest of your life,
Never make a pretty woman your wife,
So from my personal point of view,
Get an ugly girl to marry you.

A pretty woman makes her husband look small
And very often causes his downfall.
As soon as he marries her
Then she starts to do
The things that will break his heart.
But if you make an ugly woman your wife,
You'll be happy for the rest of your life,
An ugly woman cooks her meals on time,
She'll always give you peace of mind.

Don't let your friends say
You have no taste,
Go ahead and marry anyway,
Though her face is ugly,
Her eyes don't match,
Take it from me she's a better catch.




cred

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Illustrations that challenge your fantasy (0)

The work of this artists leaves so much over to the imagination. All the white space on the paper challenges your fantasy. Johan Gustavsson is the name behind these simplistic coolness. He was born in Sweden, 34 years ago. He is kind of an globetrotter, he did his art school here and another year in Finland. After these years he left Scandinavia, destination The Hague, The Royal Academy. 
Although it is not seen in his work, this illustrator is font of ugliness. He told VICE about the importance of ugliness in his work. His extraordinary theory is inspired by a quote of a Swedish professor. It is about the energy and beauty of broken and dirty stuff. He takes the example of a broken coffee cup and how cool this broken cup is compared to his clean and perfect companions. 

Johan's work is on the walls of Liefhertje en De Heer at The Hague at the moment. It will be there until next friday / 2012, 20 January. So hurry up!


Q: Who/what has been your motivation to “shine”?
A: "I think one thing leads to an other. So, probably my parents giving me pens and paper. Got compliments from friends and teachers in elementary school.. And I guess so on."

Q:Which particular mess on this planet would you like to get rid of?
A: "Oooh, soooo much mess! What to choose? The global extreme right wing up-rice would be a good start. And I really hope they we find a free energy source soon."
 
Q: What is the best place on earth?
A: "My summer house on the beautiful island Åland in Finland."

Q: What makes you happy?My faith, my family and beloved ones. 
A: "Love."

Q: If you had a megaphone with a world-wide reach, what would be
A: "I don’t think I would want to send my message to the whole world."




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