Words About Things

Another week, another amazing video from Vimeo.com. This week’s video is a collaboration between cameraman Thomas Noesner and sound designer Toussaint of STEREOSCREEN productions. It features footage of New York backed up with a remix of a drummer from the NY subway. I’ve never been to New York but it seems like such a vibrant place full of interesting sights and interesting people. I feel a bit like I’ve been because I’ve seen the city featured in so many films and TV programs but I guess nothing compares to actually being there.

You’ve probably heard of the Burning Man festival that is held each year in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. The event is famous for the giant statue that is built and burned each year and for being an entirely cash-free event with participants encouraged to give gifts in order to increase the community spirit.  It is also well known for the art cars which feature each year like the amazing example below:

Now there is a new festival/ party for those who like to go a little crazy in the desert: The Wasteland Weekend. This event has a post-apocalyptic, Mad Max theme and this year will feature three replica Mad Max cars as well as hundreds of other customized vehicles. It takes place in Soggy Dry Lake not far from Lucerne Valley in California.

Join the hundreds of fans coming from all over the the United States (and beyond) to gather in the Southern California desert. Set up camp at our wasteland compound, surrounded by specially-built sets. Costumes are required and post-apocalyptic campsites and vehicles are encouraged. Live for three days in a world pulled straight out of the Mad Max movies, beyond the grip of so-called civilization. Top DJs from all over will provide the soundtrack, fire dancers and bonfires will light up the night, and modified vehicles will shake the earth with their engines. Don’t miss it!

As the quote mentions costumes are required for all participants so you can’t just turn up in jeans. You’ll need a modified car in order to fit in also, no point turning up in your pristine hire car. For more information visit the Wasteland Weekend website.

This amazing video really captures the spirit and beautiful scenery of the Himalayas in India. It makes me want to book a flight to India right away!

“The majesty of mountains, prayer and devotion, magical movements from the land of high passes: Ladakh.”
Shot in Leh/Likir in India during March 2010 by Warmeye.

Following the practice being banned in the northern region of Catalonia Spanish politicians have tried to protect the future of bull fighting in Spain. Members of the Partido Popular (People’s Party) have put forward a bill which if successful would overturn the ban and prevent further legislation. They claim that the practice should be protected as it is an important part of Spain’s national Culture. If it were considered a cultural event bull fighting may escape the nationwide ban that many see on the horizon. Spain’s ruling Partido Socialista Obrero Español (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) opposes the bill being put forward by the People’s Party.

Bull fighting has been banned in the Canary Islands since 1991 but is still popular in many other regions and with visiting tourists. Many believe that bull fighting is of vital importance to Spain’s national identity and should be protected as such. Tanya Case, a 41-year-old Spanish teacher from Vermont said “you cannot have Spain without bullfighting”. Some members of Spain’s royal family would seem to agree, they are often spotted at such events. Bull breeder Eduardo Martin-Penato unsurprisingly supports the bill saying “”Under the Constitution the government is obliged to protect culture.”

Others see bull fighting as nothing more than ritual torture and welcomed the ban in Catalonia. They see the practice as outdated and unnecessary – a show for the many tourists Spain attracts and nothing more. The fact that bull fighting is a long standing tradition has little impact of the thoughts of many in the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party who believe that it should have been banned long ago. Attendance at events has fallen in recent years in part due to economic troubles but some suggest the Spanish are no longer interested in Bull fighting. Mimi Bekhechi of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals called the attempt to pass the bill “just a desperate attempt by a small minority of people to cling to this former tradition that most Spaniards have no interest in whatsoever”.

It is unlikely that the bill will be passed as law as long as the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party remains in power. The bill is only likely to succeed if the People’s Party win the next election although this looks increasingly likely.