Half of the Dutch society doesn’t shower daily

Despite the fact that most of the Dutch people don’t feel at ease the entire day – or even a bit dirty – if they don’t shower in the morning, nearly half doesn’t shower daily.

Palmolive conducted a research about the showering habits of the Dutch people, this research was executed by Goos Marketing Research.

The results concluded that the Dutch were practical minded during showers. For example for useful activities like brushing teeth (31 percent), working out ideas (younger than 65 year olds do this more often: 24 percent to 11 percent) or the cleaning of the shower (23 percent).

Another activity during the shower is singing (17 percent), listening to the radio or a CD (15 percent), or having a conversation with relatives that are present. Only a minority of 16 percent locks the doors during the shower.

A majority of the Dutch people goes to the toilet before showering. Women significantly do this more often than men. (54 percent against 41 percent).

Nonetheless, the shower is as well as a tranquil moment as a moment of irritation. The most often mentioned is a weak stream (52 percent), suddenly cold water (51 percent), a too cold stream (41 percent) or a too hot stream that can’t be adjusted (14 percent), dirt on the floor or the wall tiles (49 percent) and a cloughed up drain (38 percent).

Women are significantly more irritated about untidiness, cloughed up drain and the lack of clean towels than men.

The research by Goos Marketing Research was participated by 502 people. The results are representative on the variables: sex, age and family composition.

Bron: www.nu.nl [15-12-2009]

[Via http://wocview.wordpress.com]

Keep the tube wringer away from Greg Oden

Six hours is a long time to sit naked in a wicker chair. It’s a long time to inhale oil paint and turpentine — especially when the old guy who’s auditing the class knocks over a jar of it, pauses, and says “Did I do that?” in a guttural Urkel with emphysema voice while toxic fumes fill the studio and our lungs.

Needless to say, we were all a bit punchy by the end of the night. And then someone busted out the tube wringer. Yes, I know what a tube wringer is for, but I also remember this really old game show called “The Liar’s Club,” where celebrity guests were given a strange object and they would make up stuff about its use. And much like “Match Game,” if they could turn it into something bawdy, they would. I clearly remember this one contraption that was in fact used to circumcise baby penises — and it looked a lot like the tube wringer. ANYWAY, the (other) cute redhead in the class asked what it was for, and I said something about circumcision, giggles ensued, and she squealed, “Ewwww!! I don’t want to touch it! I don’t know how many baby penises have been in that thing!”

After that, pretty much everything we said was followed by “that’s what she said,” and we were all giggling like a gaggle of schoolgirls.

And then today, with that whole Greg Oden thing (all show, no grow, bro) and the iPad (I’m waiting for the iPad with wings). I’m telling you, it’s just too much for a girl with a crude, juvenile sense of humor.

Well, it’s time for me to go get naked for another art class. I have a feeling that I’ll have that damn smirk on my face all night.

[Via http://librarianlyssa.wordpress.com]

Cambridge students strip to bikinis for student newspaper

The feature that has outraged some of the Cambridge top brass has made the online version of ‘The Tab‘ an instant hit. The section which features skimpily clad students is called Tab Totty.

An epitome of geeky talent and spectacled bookworms has just got some taste of explicit spice. The students of the ‘one of the top education institutions in the world’ have added a new section to their monthly print and online magazine which features students (girls) in skimpy outfits and revealing bikinis.

The feature that has outraged some of the Cambridge top brass has made the online version of ‘The Tab’ an instant hit. The section which features skimpily clad students is called Tab Totty. 

 This month, the student who featured in a Bikini admitted that she was wary of her father’s reaction to the photo shoot, but did it because she wants to break the ‘boring’ image that Cambridge students are usually identified with.   “Cambridge used to have this preconception that you can’t be both smart and beautiful but the Tab’s kind of smashing that. It’s not like I’m naked, it’s just a bit of fun. I was worried that I’d be really nervous but it was actually really casual. No pressure,” Brittany, the student model was quoted by a news website.

  [Heidi as featured on the Tab website] Student models who appeared earlier in the section were seen wearing boxing gloves, provoking criticism that the photographs demean women. The Tab was launched in May 2009 as the university celebrated its 800th anniversary.   Its controversial section has a blonde student, Becky Adams, standing in a pink bikini and high heels, a brunette English graduate from Downing College called Heidi dressed in a kickboxer outfit, and Emmalina Thompsell, from Gonville and Caius pictured in a bikini on her college lawn.   Cambridge Student Union women’s officer Natalie Szarek has reportedly called for the editorial team to remove the photos, saying: ‘Tab Totty plays into the idea of  women as sexual objects.’   bron: www.merinews.com, www.hln.be, www.dailymail.co.uk

[Via http://wocview.wordpress.com]

Catherine Brooks' Personal Mythologies: NSFW and beautiful

“The Phoenix and the Fruit.”

Extraordinary contemporary artist Catherine Brooks is based in Richmond, VA and I think she is rad.

“She traveled alone.”

My paintings are part of a story, a science fiction diary, rich in allegorical symbolism.

“Mirror Gaze.”

They are not self portraits, but instead physical manifestation of the lives within me.

“Waiting for Epimetheus.”

At a superficial blush, I think her paintings deal with imagery and conventional styles that are popular right now in the commercial world of art: lissome nymphs interacting with the natural world, an almost photo-realistic style, like a photograph or illustration recreated with oil paints, but I feel like that is, like I said a superficial comparison. The truth is that she really finds the darkness at the heart even of the popularity of those images, and more nakedly and skillfully tells the story behind them.

“Isabel’s Secret.”

The work has authority. I suppose maybe if you were to just striaghtforwardly describe her painting next to another, similar product on Etsy or something, telling only what you literally see vis-a-vis the subject matter and depiction, it could be accidentally mistaken for one of this genre of lesser and more wanly committed artistic storytellers, trendy but sort of twee, but that is not the case for me with Brooks.

“Wanderingbel.”

Besides her obvious superiority even of strictly mechanical talent — which gives her paintings a sophisticated weight lacking in some illustrations that deal with similar subjects and imagery — for me, there is more going on thematically in her compositions.

“The Gaze.”

I feel like if you look at her work, Brooks digs much deeper, like her work is a more authentic prototype than a lighter imitation, a more complete interpretation of an older and overarching theme.

“Reverent and revered.”

I am fascinated by the legends and tales that have been passed down through the rise and fall of empires and how they are weathered by oral tradition and cultural change.

“A Promise to Return.”

I work with my own personal mythology to reflect ideas on love, memory, and the inexplicable human talent for anthropomorphizing the cycles of life and all its manifestations. (via)

“Isabel and the Life Web.”

Adjusting to being Single and Living in Richmond is a bit of a roller coaster ride, but I’m pretty sure its more Tank Girl and less Hope Floats so it ain’t all bad. (blog)

Love Tank Girl. Sold.

“Driving Into the Sun.”

To discuss commissions or wholesale orders (or just to say howdy!) please drop me a line at: Robotroadkill [!at] gmail.com. (etsy)

“Half a second,” my favorite one.

I should first mention that all my analogies of life tend to be nature based, I was raised in an all female landscape business that was founded and run by my mother, for years we shared generations of stories over the tops of the flowers we cared for. Those ecosystems provided a framework and context to talk about the more complicated parts of life. That is where my imagery comes from. (interview)

I think it’s beautiful.

[Via http://thethoughtexperiment.wordpress.com]

A Look at the Nude

Herald-Leader reporter Shannon Eblen took in QX.net Nude 2010 and wrote up an insightful review of the exhibit in today’s paper. Just in time to whet your appetite for tonight’s Fifth Third 4th Friday, the first one of the year!!

Here’s an excerpt:

Feliz by Lon Brauer

The figures are not always literally, or revealingly, nude, and the works don’t always resemble the everyday human figure. In Lon Brauer’s Filez, the painting is engulfed with fleshlike forms that suggestmore than portray a nude, providing an overall rich and eye-catching effect.

And what would a nude show be without a tribute to classicism? One room of the show at the LAL @ Loudoun House gallery is largely devoted to traditional figure studies. There are stylistic variations, but the works all show a deliberate hand, from the painterly portraits by James Hajicek to finely tuned drawings by A.R. Howell.

…

As [Boris] Zakic writes in his juror’s statement: “Make no snap judgments, nor take it for granted. The nude may have been with us for a long, long time, but it is as ever-changing as it is persistent.”

LAL’s Nude show has been around for many years, but it has again proved its importance by choosing artists who rise to the challenge of redefining and re-creating the human figure.

[Via http://artbeatlexington.com]

Shanghai man survives suicide jump by having fall broken by sex doll

Unable to endure public disgrace, middle-aged man clutches his “nubile lover” and attempts suicide

At 4pm in the afternoon of January 3rd, in a residential area near Changning road in Shanghai, China, a 50-year-old man jumped from the sixth floor, landing on a bed of flowers below, and was knocked unconscious. This reporter made his way to the scene, and found out that the jumper had been sent to hospital. Residents later said: as the man in question jumped he was holding a young girl, and after impacting with the ground she was squashed under him, which is why he wasn’t killed.

Eyewitnesses: the girl exploded under his weight

According to eyewitnesses: “Upon seeing that man clutching that woman while jumping, I thought it was a tragic double suicide. When they landed I heard a loud bang, which sounded like an exploding tyre”, “I went closer and saw a man of approximately 50-years-old laying on the ground, but couldn’t see the girl who he’d jumped with at all. All I could see was some woman’s hair and a pile of clothes, it scared me to death”, “As for what woman, well, it was a dressed up inflatable doll, the kind of fake woman made specially for men to play with, go figure.”

Neighborhood residents: we understand why old Yang would want to play with an inflatable doll

Neighborhood residents revealed: the man in question is surnamed Yang, and is an old neighbor. He has been a widower for some years, his only son studies overseas, and in recent years has always been alone. His neighbors said that whenever they’d see him he’d always be smiling, but didn’t enjoy conversation, and had it not been for today’s accident, they wouldn’t have imagined that he had suicidal tendencies.

When this reporter asked about old Yang playing with an inflatable doll, most neighbors expressed their understanding. “It’s not easy, living for so many years, raising a child”, “I think that playing with something like that isn’t a bad thing, better that than going and doing something not so clean.” “Old Yang wouldn’t be a bad catch, I’d tell him to find another [partner], but he wouldn’t listen, he might have some issues”. His neighbors said that this incident wouldn’t influence their good opinion of old Yang, and in the future will try to have more neighborly communication [with him].

Reason for jumping: he had no one to talk to, life was too lonely

Upon arriving at the hospital, doctors said that the man involved did not have life threatening injuries, and had only broken two ribs and sustained light external injuries, and would be released after ten days’ observation.

By the time his interview began, old Yang’s mood had stabilised, and by just listening to him one would have never guessed that he had tried to kill himself not long before. When asked about why he chose suicide, old Yang said that he usually was alone, and that his life was too lonely.

Now that his child is an adult and had his own life, he was only getting older and older, and didn’t want to become a burden to his child. When the topic of the smashed doll was brought up, old Yang was a little embarrassed, saying that ever since his child had gone overseas to study he has had no one to keep him company, and had no alternative but to buy an inflatable sex doll. Recently there have been many people online who denounce those tho play with such inflatable dolls as BT, but since he himself plays with one often, these words hurt him deeply, which is why he chose suicide.

Old Yang said: This time I wanted to die but didn’t, instead I’ve become a huge joke.  Now I won’t be able to even see people. But upon hearing his neighbors’ opinions, old Yang gradually calmed down, and said that he wouldn’t do such a stupid thing ever again.

bron: www.chinasmack.com [14-01-2010]

[Via http://wocview.wordpress.com]

Bridal Boudoir - Hall of Mirrors

What to give the groom as a gift that is extra special is a challenge that brides often face.   Bridal boudoir photography is becoming a great answer to that question.  I love to shoot this sessions as the bride to be is always so very excited, and I now the groom to be will never forget this very special gift.

This time the room I shot in had lots of mirrors for me to play with.  I love mirrors when I work, of course they do present challenges as it is often difficult to hide yourself when dealing with multiple mirrors such as in this shot.

Of course I am always up for a challenge when I can make a future bride look this amazing.  We had a great time during her shoot, and I know the groom will love the private label album we created just for him.

Orcatek Bridal Boudoir Photography, Phoenix / Scottsdale, Arizona

[Via http://orcatek.wordpress.com]

Marisa Miller is Sexy

The website Guyism named Marisa Miller the Sexiest Woman in The World.  Wow, what a surprise.  There’s noting new here, but there is a whole lot of Marisa.

Marisa Miller: Back-to-back Sexiest Woman in the World [101 pics] | Guyism.

[Via http://christiandice.wordpress.com]

Golden Globes 2010

(Click image to enlarge)

For me, award ceremonies are less about the award winners and more about the red carpet fashion. I love looking at the designer gowns, jewellery and accessories, seeing who wore what, who looked hot and who looked like a hot mess.

With the 2010 Golden Globes being one of the first major award shows this year, there was plenty of red carpet fashion eye-candy.

Many celebrities played it safe with simple column dresses, however some stars did opt for bright colours including Sandra Bullock in vivid purple, Diane Kruger in hot pink and Cameron Diaz in striking red.Nuetrals and muted tones were the theme of the night, I have obviously got spring on the brain as all my favourite dresses were nude colours and/or ruffled. Here are my favourite, starting clockwise from top left:

Dianna Agron: The Glee beauty looked striking in this silver Badgley Mischka dress. The metallic tone beautifully compliments her fair skin and blonde hair. I often find this type of strapless dress boring, but the flowing material and detailing around the bust add to the overall look. This is simple well done.

♥

Toni Collette: I just had to include Toni Collette because I love, love, love her! She is such a talented actress and looks absolutely fabulous here. The sequin detailing on this Elie Saab number transforms the dress from simple to eye-catching, she looks luminous.

♥

Christina Hendricks: Wow! This peach coloured Christian Siriano dress looks simply divine on her. The colour compliments her fair skin and red hair, and the dress hugs her amazing curves. She looks like a real life, more refined Jessica Rabbit!

♥

Drew Barrymore: I am such a Drew fan and I love the Atelier Versace gown she wore. The champagne colour looks gorgeous on her and the detail on the hip and shoulder liven up an otherwise simple dress. I definitely prefer her blonde.

♥

Chloe Sevigny: I think you either love or hate this Valentino gown. In my case I love it, with the cascading ruffles adding a romantic, whimsical feel. The lavender colour is lovely, perfect for Spring.

♥

Kate Hudson: In my opinion the best dressed of the night. I really love this structured Marchesa number which looks both elegant and modern. The brilliant white colour makes this dress utterly unmissable.

♥

Emily Blunt: Simple but beautiful, pink tulle is such a winner with me (I love the whole ballerina look!) and this Dolce & Gabbana number in no exception. The pretty ruffles on this dress give a young feel whilst the shape shows off her toned figure.

[Via http://thebalm.wordpress.com]

Valentines Day

Valentines Day is rapidly approaching!!  Only 30 sleeps to go.  Your Christmas decorations should be down by now, and your credit card should be starting to recover.  Or not.

I have put in a new category  over at the shop, and featured all of our Valentines Day Specials on the front page.  Chiquita’s Picks are things I have tested and really like.  To be frank, if it gets me off, I like it, these are things that are a little bit special, things that really tickle my, umm, fancy..

As it is Valentines Day, I have an extra special something for my blog readers.  Both of you…

When you order, use the comments section to tell me that your toy is for Valentines Day, and I will include a box of chocolates in your order!  The perfect pick me up to get your energy back, and go again!

Damn I’m good to you.

Love,

Chiquita

x

cheapsextoys.co.nz

No Complaints, Only Moans

[Via http://cheapsextoysonline.wordpress.com]

Love the skin you're in!

Well, the holidays are over & before you know it Valentine’s day will be among us.  I know that a lot of women are unhappy with their bodies.  Gosh, I think ALL women have something they don’t like about themselves.  However, our partners seem to like our bodies….LOL

Why not do something unique and special for that special someone in your life???  In the photography industry we have a little acronym for many male photographers out there…we call him COGWC!  You know, that “creepy old guy with camera” who SAYS he is a photographer just to get women to take their clothes off.  Fortunately that is  NOT me!  LOL

I have had the pleasure of taking what is now being called “boudoir” pics of several female clients.  One wanted a 2010 calendar to give her significant other on their anniversary, another for a slide show to show her’s on a private evening and others who just wanted some sexy photos of themselves for when that special someone showed up.  Whatever you reason is…I am here to help you.

Many women say “I don’t have the body to do that”…..NOT TRUE!  Anyone can have gorgeous, beautiful, sexy photos.  It is all about how the photos are taken.  ANGLES, ANGLES, ANGLES….

If you take pictures from different angles & also change certain positions of your body you will find great photos.  Just ask several of my clients.  One of my clients had to go through about a hundred unedited pics to find her favorites and told me that she had a hard time narrowing it down to 35 because “I’ve never liked so many pictures of myself before”.

Yes, it is true.  It is really all about being comfortable with your photographer, taking photos at flattering angles, and positioning your body if there is a “problem area” that you don’t like.  Here is a collage of a few of my favorite photos.  As you will see; each one is unique in its own way.  It doesn’t matter your size….it is about YOU and capturing how beautiful you are INSIDE & OUT.

So – LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE IN!

I am offering an exclusive special if you want to do something in time for Valentine’s day.  $100 and you get a private session in your home for 1.5 hours and a 12 month 2010 calendar with your 12 favorite pics (and a pic for the cover too).  If you are not interested in a calendar, just let me know and we can work out your own unique special package.  I have lots of products to offer.  Just email me for more details.  dawnvgilmore@dawnvgilmorephoto.com

View This Poll

opinion

[Via http://dawnvgilmorephoto.wordpress.com]

Move back to Texas, Chris!

So I have been on a mission to make Chris Ebling move back to Texas. He recently sent me this picture he drew for TheMostMediocre. It just proves that he should be back home in Texas shooting nude darts, drawing, loving life, and skateboarding.

Here is the picture!

Chris you should move back to Texas!

[Via http://themostmediocre.wordpress.com]

Loudoun, cloaked in winter

The recent snow has messed up roads, frozen toes and kept the floors coated in sloppy footprints. But it’s also transformed the Loudoun House into a winter wonderland, where dogs frolick, squirrels hunt and people gather.

Come on over Friday for QX.net Nude 2010’s Opening Preview Party, sponsored by Skirt! Magazine, and warm up inside this gorgeous house.

[Via http://lexingtonartleague.wordpress.com]

Destroying you a little so that you may rise

(originally posted 11/10/09)

This month the Naked Girls read letters:  love letters, hate letters, fan letters, stalker letters, etc.  The theme was originally Naked Girls Fall in Love.   Hmmm…not the easiest theme for me to work with.  I honestly didn’t know where to begin and I was terrified.

I’m not a romantic, I’m a bit cynical, and if you were to tell me I’m a little jaded too…well…I don’t know that I could argue that.  When I first started gathering ideas for the readings, I couldn’t get this saying out of my head:  Naked Girls fall in AND out of love.  I couldn’t help it.  To me, it just seemed like a topic that should come full circle.  Now don’t get me wrong, I strongly believe in love and I don’t think that all great things must come to an end.  However, I find that the pain from life’s situations and experiences are greatly intensified because of love.   I also believe that this pain is something we need to embrace.  In writing this, I’m reminded of a quote by William Faulkner: ”Given the choice between experiencing pain and nothing, I would choose pain”.  Love and pain are too deeply intertwined to be separated, they will always be holding hands.

The Hurt

I have hurt you, my dear,

I have torn your soul.

Understand me.

Everyone knows who I am,

but that “I am”

is besides a man

for you.

In you I waver, fall

and rise up burning.

You among all beings

have the right

to see me weak.

And your little hand

of bread and guitar

must touch my breast

when it goes off to fight.

That’s why I seek you in the firm stone.

Harsh hands I sink into your blood

seeking your firmness

and the depth that I need,

and if I find

only your metallic laughter, if I find

nothing on which to support my harsh steps

adored one, accept

my sadness and my anger,

my enemy hands

destroying you a little

so that you may rise from the clay

refashioned for my struggles.

~Pablo Neruda

[Via http://nakedgirlsreadingblog.wordpress.com]

Reason #144: What's In A (Middle) Name

Growing up, the middle name used to be something of a feared thing. It only came out when you were in the deepest of troubles, and the worst of yourself.  But something has happened recently, and it appalls me.  It has suddenly become in vogue for girls to refer to themselves by their first and middle names. Gone is the surname. Maybe it’s a guise to be more of an “individual”, and denouncing your heritage, but it’s just something silly and dumb that girls have taken a shine to. I may just be bitter because I don’t have a middle name, but I’m pretty sure this is a ridiculous thing to do these days. I’ve talked to a few girls and they have the gall to try and tell me that it is “more representative of who I am”.  That, my dears, is a load of shit. Your excessive need to express your independence and individuality has resulted in, what else, but a dumb fad that just makes you one of the crowd. I’m sure all of you are the ones that started it, and the others are just copying you, but that isn’t much of an accomplishment.  Getting rid of your last name in Facebook isn’t reinventing the wheel, it’s just getting to the radius.

[Via http://reasonswhyihategirls.com]

Four More Sexy Sets

Jason Tag describes himself as follows:

I am a photographer and artist specializing in nudes. But I also shoot landscapes and other stuff for fun as well. I hope you enjoy the images and if you find an image you like please let me know by leaving a comment….

This set of  black and white photos of Leaann is superb. Check out all of Jason’s photos…

Kounelli’s profile is sparse. His set of the beautiful Nelly is an excellent collection of photos revealing her ample charms, Here’s his photostream.

Polina Manuylova’d ptogilr is totally devoid of information about her. That’s a shame; she’s a fine photographer. Enjoy her photos of Ekaterina.  Her photostream is worth a look, too. Hochzeitsfotograf Stuttgart is a German pro. Visit his website and you’ll appreciate his talent. In his set Glamour he demonstrates his fine eye for the ladies.

[Via http://cliffmichaels.wordpress.com]

Idle Model

Man. I’m bored. I’ve been through many of these art modeling breaks during holidays but for some reason this one is feeling interminable. I’m starting to get stir crazy. Nutty. Deranged. Day after day after day with no work. Ugh! Oh sure the chance to decompress, relax, and recharge was nice, and essential. But it’s enough already! I want to model! Instead, I’ve been occupying myself with all sorts of trivial, mundane crap. I organized my linen closet. Yippee! I cleaned out my refrigerator. Thrilling!!

What is truly thrilling, however, is posing. The physical act of posing. The getting ready for posing. The energy and atmosphere of posing. The dynamic of posing before a room full of artists. The excitement of providing inspiration for a drawing or painting or sculpture. Shit. Where is everybody???? What’s going on??? Helloo???? I’m losin’ it!! :carves profanities into wall with pocket knife . . . tears down Christmas decorations . . . eats tinsel . . . does cartwheels . . . rips up carpet . . . guzzles bottle of tequila . . . sucks lime . . . pukes . . . passes out:

Honestly, I’m jealous. Jealous of this painting. That should be me up there. But it’s not An accurate portrayal of the art model’s unique vantage point, this is Le Jeune Modele Posant Dans L’Atelier, by Jules Alexis Muenier:

But it’s not all bleak. Yesterday brought signs that work is returning, slowly but surely. Trickling back after the holiday hiatus. I got an email from an FIT instructor who wants to do private work with me. Yay! And I got a voicemail message from Clarity Haynes saying she wants to resume our sessions. Double yay! And very soon, the calls from school model coordinators will come streaming in, ready to do bookings for the spring semester. Bring it, fellas! I want to work! Grrrr.

Models for Olympians, in gouache, by Sir William Russell Flint. What an attractive group of gals:

Someone get me into a studio, fast! This is crazy. I mean, I do things. I have a life and interests and activities, I swear. I even had a hot date the other night with an unbelievably sexy guy But still, the absence of art modeling leaves this cavernous void. I’m lonely without it.

Painter and Model by Edward Hopper:

I feel hungry. I feel deprived. I feel unproductive. I feel too . . . too . . . clothed

Aw, shit. That’s what this is all about. The deep-seated need that models harbor and never, ever want to admit. We love the art. We love the creation. We love the interaction. But fundamentally, we’re exhibitionists. We like people looking at us in the nude. And when there’s no art modeling, no one is looking at us. Okay, did my credibility level just drop severely with this embarrassing admission? Dammit!

But unlike most art models, I have this blog. And I can act out my needs and restlessness and desires right here on these pages. My darling readers, humor me please? Let me strike a pose for you. It’s what I do. It’s my livelihood. It’s my passion. And I’m really, really hungry for the . . . attention. Guilty as charged!

Photo by Fred Hatt

[Via http://artmodel.wordpress.com]

Lust & Love

[Via http://simplymalestrength.wordpress.com]