Tag Archives: Rotterdam

Can Eurovision change the world through Dina Garipova’s “What If?”

I don’t know if you’ve ever lived in Europe. I have and while I recommend it as de rigeur as part of experiencing life, one of the downsides is called Eurovision. Why? Well, American liberal intellectuals tend to idealize all of Europe, from Vladivostok all the way to Rotterdam, and the orchestrated lather associated yearly with the Eurovision competition is shameless and humiliating for every member nation, whether they cop to it or not.  Well, the first and only Eurovision song that has ever made it to my attention after 43-years on earth while safely ensconced in the US of A comes from Dina Garipova in the form of What If.

What a beautiful song. Thanks for sharing it with me, Phil. What a message. A message that is almost too earnest and too honest for me to watch all the way through, and yet I did anyway. It’s an inspired song (and will probably be adored and mocked, both) and I like it. I hope you do, too. They’ve always said that we become more sentimental as we age, and that’s true; however, I am half Austro-Hungarian and half Irish so in many ways, sentimental is what I am — and also hopeful.

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My Former Life as a Fashion Photographer

I bet most of you didn’t know that my first career was as a photographer, shooting for Corbis née The Stock Market and Pacific Stock. I also had the honor of having Willow Chang as my best model — but shooting her was cheating.

WillowPortrait My Former Life as a Fashion Photographer

She is the most vivacious, creative, playful, and beautiful subject imaginable. She also made all her own costumes.

WillowFullBody My Former Life as a Fashion Photographer

There was noone easier to shoot. She has always been kinetic, playful, energetic, eccentric, fun, playful, and game. Plus, she designed and made her own stellar outfits. Amazing.

Maybe I should return to the world of photography.

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