Um, uhm…do I even need to say anything aside from the fact that this Victoria’s Secret yearly extravaganza is simply spectacular and incredibly sexy?! With models like Heidi Klum and Marissa Miller, it all speaks for itself…enjoy this feast of beauties, fantasy and luxury!
Still breathing or did they take your breath away?!
E.T.-Phone home! I could almost hear it as the Extraterrestrial Highway was winding closer and closer to Area 51. Along the way, I came across a research center, some suspicious burnt trees, odd signs and even a captured object referred to as a flying saucer, UFO or spaceship.
As an earthling, I felt privileged to enter such un-known territory, the town known as Rachel, with the population of approximately 75 people! Maybe the rest has been abducted?! Or maybe they were all aliens in disguise? It was hard to tell by the look of the locals…
Jet-fighters were breaking the sound barrier, as I sat in the bar next to the rubber clad black-eyed creatures, and it made me wonder if they were practicing to keep up with the UFO’s dashing back and forth. In Area 51, many has entered, few has come out. I guess it is safe to say: Stay away or they will shoot!
You don’t have to go very far outside of Las vegas to achieve some tranquility, peace and splendor. So to quiet my mind and nourish my soul, I ventured off to Red Rock and captured some beautiful moments. Some incense, lavender spray with additional waves sounding to Deepak Chopra’s words ringing out loud between the canyons, it was a picture perfect day!
Even a left-over thong basking in the sun on a branch simply put a smile on my face as I stood there and inhaled the spiritual aspect of nature and its’ creation. Simple life and simple happiness equals longevity. It looks like I will enjoy old age…
I hereby induct myself into the Hall of Fame for Nerds! My credentials are as follows: get immense pleasure out of photographing old, abandoned and dead things, don’t mind getting chased by junkyard dogs on my quests, hypnotized by rusty objects and could be mistaken for one of the mutants from “The Hills Have Eyes”.
And if that is not enough, I drag Swedish fellow shutterbug friend Dag Ohrlund into the pits of dust, heat and snapping jaws. Two cripples, one blind leading the other…oh yes, the ride home at night was adventurous to say the least. As the night engulfed the sky, racing at high speed and my one hand on the wheel…
Overall, it was a fantastic day and I highly recommend this LONG day trip for anyone who want to venture out and experience hot springs, sweet chewy dates-(the ones that grows on trees, not the Swedish import kind), eclectic tales from the past, stunning scenery and even a stop at Badwater Basin, located 282 feet below sea level-bring your scuba gear! Death Valley kills me softly…
As I was blindly driving at night in Death Valley, it reminded me of just how important it is to have your spectacles handy. Roads can be deceiving, not to mention looks, just as this hysterically funny clip from fashion giant Dolce & Gabbana goes to show. So put on your goggles and remember to keep them on. This gives a new meaning to room service…
Something lighthearted and cheerful to start off the weekend. Blondes are ridiculed for their potential lack of IQ and maybe rightfully so at times. Whether they are the two-legged kind, like myself, or the ones from the animal kingdom, they are sure to put a smile on our faces.
Viva Las Vegas once again! The BikeFest arrived and surely revved up more than a few ear-deafening bikes. I was astonished to see the tremendous turn-out, packed aisles and mindblowing choppers, trikes, Harley Davidson classics and stock bikes lined up inside and out.
With the Biker Build-Off “Artistry In Iron”, even the most discriminating connoisseur had to drop their defenses and stare in awe at the innovative and technically challenging creations. My friend Mondo of Denver Choppers, whom has appeared on many bike shows on the Discovery Channel, had entered his masterpiece.
Bikini and wet t-shirt contests added to the vast program of entertainment. A familiar face was George from Nightrider Jewelry, the kind that makes me hang drooling over a glass counter. There was no sign of weak purchasing power, the exchange flowed freely.
As the Hell’s Angels and Vagos, along with most other biker gangs, peacefully enjoyed the weekend side by side, so did everyone else that visited the BikeFest. Maybe one day I can roll in on my own chopper instead of steaming up the fenders of others, as I closely inspect the elaborate airbrushing. Ride on America!
Fantastic! Stick a needle in my eye right now and I will be marked forever. Mario Barth proved that the failing economy does not necessarily affect everyone and most certainly not the flow of dedicated fans, curious on-lookers, artists and walking canvases from coming together for a weekend of debauchery, strong sense of community and life changing experiences. Welcome to the Biggest Tattoo Show On Earth!
Talented artists from all over the world; Samoa, Polynesia, Taiwan, Japan, Germany, Norway and many more gathered to the delight of people from all walks of life, thirsting for eternal artwork. I was fascinated to watch the variety of techniques used to pound the ink into the skin.
The Samoans use two wooden sticks; the bone tipped rake gets dipped in the ink while the other is used for striking in order to puncture the skin, as multiple assistants stretch the skin taut. The right to perform tattoos in Samoa is generally traced by their ancestors. And the wife of a tattooer is greatly honored in her position by wiping the blood of the tattooed person. (NOTE! Please read comment from Peter Sulu’ape’s wife Tasha for corrected detailed information).
And imagine my surprise as I laid my eyes on this female body cast at the Tattoo Museum, only to discover it was Maud Adams, the twice James Bond girl, actress and model from my hometown Lulea in North of Sweden. It’s not everyday you see a homegirl’s torso naked on display in a glass case…
The show had something for everyone, whether you were a hardcore, diehard fan dedicated to tattoos as a lifestyle or the curious housewife and corporate husband looking to live on the edge for a day. Skulls everywhere, from devilish designs to pink delightful ones, it was all there. Jewelry, shirts, supplies and vendors offering everything remotely related to the tattoo community.
People served up their flesh for penetrating ink to crete designs and patterns to be carried away and remembered forever. Whether it was the sound of the electromagnetic coils firing away or the tapping sound of the sticks, it had a soothing rhythmical feel to it.
Men and women alike were equally decorated and decked out in body art. I saw some fascinating characters roaming the aisles; one man with silicone implants on his head and face, split tongue and piercings in places I thought were impossible. Awesome!
A more traditional style is the Japanese technique known as Tebori or tattooing by hand by puncturing the skin with needles. It is gently done by adjusting the strength of the human hand holding the handle made of wood or metal with a set of needles attached to the end. According to many enthusiasts, it does less damage than the electric version.
I loved every second of Mario Barth’s extravaganza and also ran into Evan Seinfeld, longtime friend and celebrity MC for the event. Caught him doing interviews next to Chuck Zito’s booth, former Hell’s Angels president and now actor, who was promoting his book Street Justice.
It was an eclectic weekend filled with contests, freaks on leashes and walking pieces of art. It goes to show that in tight knit families, there will always be support, even in times of economic distress. So Mr Barth, thumbs up for the Biggest Tattoo Show In Earth!
If the road takes you to Utah, make sure you do a stop in Zion National Park and explore all the grand creations it offers. If animals are your cup of tea, you can ravel in cows, horses, elk, ostriches, buffalo, bison, lama, goats and that is just a small selection of them all.
Zion’s serene atmosphere is just what the Doctor ordered for any tired mind that needs rejuvenation. Driving along the winding roads between the canyons engulf even the most discriminating mind, so these images are a true reflection of my inspiration.
The Wild Wild West sure puts a stamp on your cornea as the majestic colorful mountains reveal themselves in endless splendor. And creeks appear along the way to create stunning surreal landscape.
The desolate desert landscape stores surprises around every corner and you never know what opportunity might present itself for your lens. It’s an adventure I thoroughly bask in as often as possible, when time permits.
After all, what’s the likelihood of a Swedish flag swaying in the wind as the sun is setting on the gradient rocks, as this equally patriotic shutterbug appears to capture it all?! Coincidence?! I think NOT!
Brigitte Bardot, a living legend, a proclaimed sex symbol, an animal rights activist and an actress, born on September 28, 1934. She is turning a fabulous 75 years young today!
Born in Paris, she came from a background in ballet and started her movie career at the ripe age of 18 and hit it internationally big with the controversial movie “And God Created Woman”.
After a string of failed marriages with rather high profile men, including German millionaire playboy Gunter Sachs, she found love in Bernard d’Ormale, whom Brigitte is still married to.
In 1973, Ms Bardot announced her retirement from the movie and music industry. She decided to use her fame to promote animal welfare. A very noble cause…
As a last farewell to the industry, Brigitte Bardot posed for Playboy in a nude layout in honor of her 40th birthday in 1974. She has beauty, a strong and very sexy aura, a deep passion for others and I truly admire her.
Pamela Anderson, also an animal rights activist, has visited and supported Brigitte’s foundation in Paris. The similarities between the two sex symbols are undeniable.
Another well-known model, Claudia Schiffer, has also been compared to the stunning likeness of Brigitte Bardot. And come to think of it, I think the world is full of Bardot clones.
But as with anything that is copied, the original is always the best, most unique and will never be outdone. Brigitte put St Tropez on the map and currently resides in a village nearby.
Bardot once said: “I gave my beauty and my youth to men. I am going to give my wisdom and experience to animals.” Those words are pretty profound…
Brigitte Bardot is celebrating her birthday in her home today, she wanted a lowkey, no fuss peaceful time with her cats and dogs. Her ailing health has forced her to walk with crutches because of her arthritis.
One of her most compassionate causes is against the slaughter of seals in Canada. She has fought hard over the years and you can help by visiting her site Brigitte Bardot Foundation and see the incredible work she has done.
Ms Bardot, I hope you have a fantastic birthday and that it fulfills all of your wishes and warms your heart. From the bottom of my heart, I salute you. Happy 75th birthday!
A Swedish-born photographer based in Las Vegas, with additional ventures in writing, graphics and design.
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