November 27, 2009
I just finished reading Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach. A 336 page reportage on the science of sex, Bonk is a quick and easy read, save for the handfuls of pages here and there that read more like an abridged version of a first year medical textbook. Roach did her research, literally. Not only did she dig up some of the first textbooks and manuals written on reproduction and sexual health, Roach also volunteered herself (and her husband!) for medical studies so as to see first hand how certain machines and stimuli work their magic (for example, ultra sound machines that image blood flow to the vagina or  monitors that measure plus and heart rate during intercourse to determine the moment of orgasm). About half the book was dedicated to the penis and how it works (or, in some cases, doesn’t) and the other half to the vagina. Roach divulges some fun and not so fun facts about anatomy (human and otherwise). For example, did you know that a panda’s penis is about the size of an adult thumb when erect? Bonk did more than just make me think more critically about sex. While reading, I paid a little more attention to what others were reading around me. (I’ll admit I got a few stares, especially from middle aged men on the A train in Queens. Okay, so maybe I squealed a few times, sat with my mouth agape from shock, and wrinkled my brows at some of the more gory surgical stuff.) So, what are New Yorkers reading? On what trains do people read the most? Can that even be charted? Let’s get some statisticss here! Check out this TNYT article on New Yorker’s top picks for subway reading. This other article gives a nice snapshot of subway readers but really doesn’t answer my more pressing questions.

I just finished reading Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach. A 336 page reportage on the science of sex, Bonk is a quick and easy read, save for the handfuls of pages here and there that read more like an abridged version of a first year medical textbook. Roach did her research, literally. Not only did she dig up some of the first textbooks and manuals written on reproduction and sexual health, Roach also volunteered herself (and her husband!) for medical studies so as to see first hand how certain machines and stimuli work their magic (for example, ultra sound machines that image blood flow to the vagina or  monitors that measure plus and heart rate during intercourse to determine the moment of orgasm). About half the book was dedicated to the penis and how it works (or, in some cases, doesn’t) and the other half to the vagina. Roach divulges some fun and not so fun facts about anatomy (human and otherwise). For example, did you know that a panda’s penis is about the size of an adult thumb when erect?

Bonk did more than just make me think more critically about sex. While reading, I paid a little more attention to what others were reading around me. (I’ll admit I got a few stares, especially from middle aged men on the A train in Queens. Okay, so maybe I squealed a few times, sat with my mouth agape from shock, and wrinkled my brows at some of the more gory surgical stuff.) So, what are New Yorkers reading? On what trains do people read the most? Can that even be charted? Let’s get some statisticss here! Check out this TNYT article on New Yorker’s top picks for subway reading. This other article gives a nice snapshot of subway readers but really doesn’t answer my more pressing questions.

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It’s been a hot topic for the last few years, ever since they decided to build (and then cancelled) that project of islands shaped like the continents. Even the art world has gotten involved, holding auctions and, most recently, Art Dubai, yet another art fair to add to the roster. PaceWildenstein shipped a Calder sculpture to Dubai for 100,000 USD. Photo credit: The New York TImes.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It’s been a hot topic for the last few years, ever since they decided to build (and then cancelled) that project of islands shaped like the continents. Even the art world has gotten involved, holding auctions and, most recently, Art Dubai, yet another art fair to add to the roster. PaceWildenstein shipped a Calder sculpture to Dubai for 100,000 USD. Photo credit: The New York TImes.

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November 26, 2009
Hours of Puppy Loving Entertainment...

Thanks to watching the commercials during the Dog Show today…

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November 23, 2009
New York City: Always keeping it real

Not so fast Stefanie Marsh. Your article is flawed. First of all it’s THE Bowery not Bowery. Second, of course you think New York is dead because you purposely talked to some weirdo who writes some blog that laments about “bygone” New York. He’s probably the creep who walks the boardwalk in Coney Island in the middle of the winter. Third, people who love money are everywhere. Last I heard, someone said that London’s run by Gucci grubby oil barons. Guess I’ll see for myself soon! (Gawker’s article has a few typos, which bothers me. Is that bad?) Thanks, Julia for the link!

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Surreal Dada Mix and Match

From Francis M. Maumann FIne Art and only mildly amusing

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November 21, 2009
“ Three waves roll together into harbour. The trio is home.
Herman Van Rompuy’s haiku called “Trio Presidency of the EU”. The Belgian PM and now President of the EU. He writes them in Flemish on his blog.
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“ The MetroCard piece is easily eighth-generation Conceptual Art.
Roberta Smith, “MetroCard as Art”
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Project Optimism

The other day, I found one of these MetroCards lying on the ground by the train station near my house. I picked it up. It had one ride left on it. I did check out the back and thought, “Cool! Free ride!” Maybe I should pay attention more. I’ve been perusing the website. You can download “Optimism” signs for free and also buy through the Supermarket site. Something’s telling me that this merch might be what I need right now…

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November 18, 2009
WiFi Worldwide

And where, may I ask, are all those hotspots in Russia?

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November 17, 2009

Ten bucks says...

Someone is out there writing a dissertation about Lady Gaga (henceforth, also referred to as “Baby Gaga” or just plain ” the Baby”).

I LOVE THIS WORLD.

Seriously! I know someone (::cough:: Joe, I hope you read this! ::cough::) who wrote this M.A. thesis on Verka Serduchka, who is not a far step from the Baby.

Maybe I should drop this whole art history thing. Who needs it! Get myself into some Lady Gaga research…

In other news, I watched Marley & Me and cried my eyes out, especially mid way through and toward the end. I gave it three stars on NetFlix, though. Major puppy action doesn’t make up for its slow movement and corniness.

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