Portraits of Power

An interactive portfolio of portraits by Platon of world leaders, with commentary by the photographer.

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This past September, when nearly all the world’s leaders were in New York for a meeting of the United Nations, Platon, a staff photographer for this magazine, set up a tiny studio off the floor of the General Assembly, and tried to hustle as many of them in front of his lens as possible.

NewYorker.com

His commentary on Qaddafi was quite interesting, especially when he described his eyes.

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My First Christmas Card of 2009

Last Thursday I made a post asking you to send me a Christmas card.  Heck, I even provided a link in which you could send me a card for free, but I also asked if you decided to send me a traditional card, to send me a coupon because I just wanted to see what I would get.

Well, yesterday I got my first card from a reader from Topeka, KS – who sometimes posts comments as Kansascoo-coonut.

I have to admit, I was quite impressed, included was a coupon for a free Arby’s roast beef gyro (with any drink purchase at full price) and an impressive picture drawn on the envelope.

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The drawing is better than my out-of-focused camera leads on to believe.

I wonder how many more I will get?  If you are up to it, you can send me a card in the mail for free, and of course I’ll be happy to accept any traditional card, just include a random coupon for gimmicks sake.  Instructions here.

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Bag of Randomness

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  • People at work take Christmas decorating seriously.  I’m actually pretty impressed with this gingerbread house, and I thought the hanging candy was a nice touch.  I’m going to try to walk around the building today and snap some other decorations.  It’s a real festive place around here.
  • The Fig Newton got its name from the city of Newton, Massachusetts, not the scientist.
  • While watching How I Met Your Mother last night I was reminded of the trend of men wearing overalls.  This happened when I was in my junior high and early high school stage of life.  If I recall correctly, it was cooler to only use one strap instead of two, and the preferred brand were Girbeaus.  I don’t think I ever worn any.
  • The tragic event of the bombing of Pearl Harbor happened yesterday, and if it wasn’t for a few snippits on the news, I doubt hardly anyone would have noticed.  I use to think that 9/11 would be like that one day, but since the month and day are the name of the event, I don’t think many will forget.
  • It just occurred to me that two of Tom Cruise’s exes are in the movie Nine, Penelope Cruz and Nicole Kidman.   I wonder what kind of conversations they had or if there was any awkwardness.
  • Hershey’s Packaging Perfectly Contradicts Itself
  • As man times the Immaculate Reception has been replayed on television, I have never seen it as it originally aired.  For once, I just want to see it as the television audience first viewed it, without any cutaways or closeups of Franco Harris.
  • Nothing like getting a Christmas card in the mail with your name spelled “Kieth”.
  • Elephant Lives With Family
  • Power outlet of the future?
  • Google launches real-time search
  • I pass Forest Lawn Cemetery on the way home everyday on the way home from work and always think someone famous is buried there, but I can never remember who.
  • I also pass about four strip clubs on the way home from work.
  • I have to go to the dentist today for two cavities.  I was given the option of laughing gas, which I declined.  I’ve never had it, and in a way want to experience it, but from what I hear, you will do and say things without filter, and that’s just something I fear.
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