Au Cochonnet Marin

There are few nudities so objectionable as the naked truth. Agnes Repplier

Somebody recently sent me a little video clip apropos of Victoria Bateman. I never heard of this woman before, but now I know who she is and what she stands for.

Ms. Coleman is a British economist demanding truth in politics… and she wants the naked truth! What makes her stand out in a very crowded field, is that she argues her case au naturel! Without a stitch!
It takes a lot of confidence and conviction to do this, and she seems to have both.

She might have a point. In America, we have a big problem with gun control, but since nothing ever happens, people are tired to hear about it. They are bored stiff with this old potato.

America is still a very puritanical country and nothing seems to stir more interest and passion than the naked body. All right then!
If somebody is serious about an issue and wants to be heard, I suggest that like Ms. Coleman, he/she debates the subject nude.

People are tired of hearing worn-out political rhetoric, but regardless of the subject, they will come running and pay attention to a well-shaped naked body.
Why do you think that all modern performers now appear on stage practically naked?

Doctor Bateman, you have hit the Mother Lode! People now want to come and hear your ideas. America has often copied and aped what has been successful in the UK and presidential mavericks should pounce on this sure thing.

I, like all Americans, am dying to know the naked truth, and I want all our politicians to debate important issues without a stitch! I want them to show us that like Victoria Bateman, that they have nothing to hide.
The American people cannot wait to see and hear all our presidential candidates, and our extremely smart president, argue their case in the raw.
There will be nothing fake about it.

Don’t you also want to hear and see the naked truth? It would be un-American to refuse to deal with this hairy subject.

In conclusion…

Why should we think nudity is such a revolting thing in a land where there is so much violence and corruption and racism and hatred? Nudity seems like a welcome relief from all the bullshit in life. Anthony Kiedis

Alain

Pheme was the goddess of fame in Greek mythology; the people she favored were notable and renowned, while those who defied her were scorned and plagued by rumors.”

Today, Fame is still relevant. She is a bewitching but capricious entity. Like a spoiled child, she won’t answer when called, and she will cling to you when unwanted.
But despite her shortcomings, she is ardently pursued by many. They want her, believing that she will bring them the recognition that they deserve.

A wise man never seeks the limelight. Sometimes the limelight catches up with him, but he will quickly discourage it and shush it away. Fame seekers, on the other hand, rush to the spotlight like moths to the flame. It can be perilous.

New-found fame is like a first romance. In the beginning, it is exhilarating. Everybody loves you and wants to be seen with you. You get good tables at restaurants and make frequent television appearances.

But the goddess has a dark side… she is bipolar. If you offend her, she will stalk you and bring unwelcome attention to every detail of your life, warts and all. You won’t be able to go or be seen anywhere without being followed by paparazzi and talked about in trashy magazines.

Fame is a two-faced goddess who can enhance or spoil your existence. If you are likable, she will be kind to you. If you are petty and arrogant though, the stalker will take over and slowly destroy you.

Low popularity will bring increased scrutiny… on all the facets of your life. Nothing will remain confidential. Your personal and professional life will be put under the microscope and each of your utterings will be recorded and amplified. And may God preserves you if you lie…

Ultimately, fame could become your Tunic of Nessus. You will die of a thousand cuts, slowly and painfully and be only remembered for your infamy.
People who were previously relatively unknown, but whose vanity propelled them into the limelight, will someday woefully yearn for obscurity.

Be careful what you wish for… mind the old saying: “Pour vivre heureux, vivons cachés » (to live happily, live hidden) …

In other words, don’t make waves… flapping sounds will attract sharks…

Alain

Something to think about…
You cannot buy glory with money. —  Isokrates, 436-338 BC

Yesterday was a lovely Fall day and the perfect time to have a tournament. And so, we did. When I say we, I am using poetic license because I did not play. A back attack sidelined me, and I opted instead to photograph this event instead of playing.

Thirty-two people from all over the Bay Area came to San Rafael, ready to rumble. Teams were then assembled by Christine and Sandra in a transparent, random fashion. And it turned out that most of the teams were evenly balanced.
No superstars were present and everybody had a fair chance to snap some prizes.

The weather was a little foggy (and chilly) in the morning, but it improved in the afternoon and very soon sweaters and jackets were discarded.

Three games were played before lunch and two more after that. The winners of the tournament were determined by a combination of games won and points acquired.

I felt a little frustrated about not being able to play, but I quickly forgot about it while going on the hunt. Because yes, a photographer hunts… and at the end of the day I shot so many people that my lens started to smoke.

I shot over 600 frames which I eventually reduced to around 200. It is a very time-consuming operation and I probably spent at least 6 hours preparing to publish my work.

When I shoot an event, I try to include all the participants, but let’s face it, some people are more photogenic than some others and they probably get more coverage. Sometimes, a person does not photograph well and it is my policy to avoid publishing unflattering pictures.
Yes, it is unfair, but you ought to know by now that life is patently unfair.

The tournament was over around 2:30 pm and the winners were announced, acclaimed, presented with their prizes and photographed.

It was time for me, to reholster Big Bertha and go home.

Final results:

1^st place: Bernard Passemar & Richard Bell
2^nd place: Donna Von Edelkrantz & Caitlin Woodbury
3^rd place: Sandra Shirkey & Albert Woodbury
4^th place: Minette Etallaz & Peter Wellington

Alain

PS: Don’t be shy about “liking” my pictures.