Brangelina by Steven Klein

Jose Almodovar, Diatoms (100X)

Pedro Barrios-Perez, Oxidation of III-V semiconductor through pin-hole (200X)

Charles Krebs,Wing scales of Urania riphaeus (Sunset moth) (100X)

Solvin Zankl. Kiel, Germany, Sergestes larva (deep-water decapod crustacean) (30x)

www.nikonsmallworld.com

Last night I was one the lucky few to see a special solo performance by Michael Gira at The Stone, a tiny little venue in the lower east side.  It was just Micahel Gira and a guitar, which in my opinion is the most intimate way to experience someone’s music.  The highlight of the show was when he played Blind, one of my favorite Swans songs ever.  It was a real treat to hear his stripped down version.  If you are unfamiliar with the magical sound of The Swans, Love of Life is a good record to start with.

Blind
written by The Swans on Drainland

Now some of us are weak, and some endure
And some people live their lives, with a violence that’s pure and clean
But I saw a man cry once, down on his knees
In the corner of a darkened cell, and his pain meant nothing to me

But I was younger then, and young men never die
When I walked out in the sun, I was strong, clear minded,
and blind

And please don’t ask me a question, you’ll just be misunderstood
And if you could step inside me, you’d feel what hatred brings
And if you could see with my eyes, you’d see what self-deception means

I was younger once, and I created a lie
And though my body was strong, I was self-deluded, confident,
and blind

Now show some pity, for the weak of will
Because when we’re drinking, we can never be filled
And show some undentanding, for the lonely fool
Because when l’m drinking, l’m out of control

No I was never young, and nothing has transpired
And when I look in the mirror, I feel dead, I feel cold,
I am blind. 

Photos of Michael Gira by Mark Benney

One morning we work up at 5am and headed to the beach in Cirali,
Turkey. We met up with a scientist who helps the sea turtles get
through the sand and make their way to the sea after they hatched.
He let us watch the process.
It was an absolutely beautiful sight.

link to the full gallery

Shot live at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City on Icelandic Independence Day, Sigur Rós @ MoMA is a unique concert film highlighting new material from the band’s latest album, as well as classic Sigur Rós songs. Directed by Alex Simmons.

watch the film here