The forest-mimicking columns inside Gaudi's temple La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain (Photo by Juan Salmoral) If there is any one principle that resonates through the work of architectural legend Antoni Gaudí, it's that nothing beats the beautiful ingenuity of Nature. Born on this day in 1852, Gaudí was infatuated with the natural world. He immersed himself in nature's forms -- from sea shells to mushrooms. Organic shapes inspired Gaudí's stunningly original monuments in and around Spain's cultural mecca, Barcelona. His bizarre buildings are wrought with swirling ceilings, gill-like window vents, molten façades, ruffled rooftops, and whimsical chimney creatures. Even the structural elements of Gaudí's buildings take on surreal, nature-inspired forms through tree-like columns, bone supports, helicoid staircases, and rib-shaped rafters. Despite his innovations, Barcelonians didn't think much of him during his lifetime. Aside from the few rich clients who adored (and funded) his artistry, most civilians -- and frankly, most of Gaudi's colleagues -- scoffed equally at his major works. Nevertheless, the Catalan creator of biomorphic curves eventually earned posthumous praise from master architects and artists, solidifying his status as a forefather of Modernism. Suggested Sites... Casa Battló (1905-1907) - Gaudí's gaudy apartment, inspired by sea forms. Casa Milà (1905-1907) - Gaudí's undulating building called "The Quarry." Parque Guëll (1900-1914) - Gaudí's park, featuring his home, bridges, mosaics, terraces, and sculptures. La Sagrada Familia (1882-2026?) - his massive masterpiece-in-progress, full of cave forms and unforgettable towers. NYC Grand Hotel Plans (1908) - Gaudí fans proposed his design for the new World Trade Center.

Directory categories: Antoni Gaudi, Master Architects, Barcelona Local Guides, Art Nouveau

Archived under: 19th Century, Antoni Gaudi, Architects, Architecture, Arts, Birthdays, Buildings, Creativity, Design, Europe, History, Regional, Spain, Tourist Attractions

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"Say 'cheese!'" (Photo by Robert Mann) Summer is nearly here, so it’s time to officially come out of hibernation. For those of you who have an itchy shutter finger, today is an especially good day to venture out and about with your camera. June 15th is Nature Photography Day -- a great excuse to pause and observe the wild world and contemplate its conservation. Fortunately, you don't need to be the next Franz Lanting in order to participate in this event, or even to plan a trip to an exotic location. The North American Nature Photography Association has a very low-pressure approach. They'll be posting members’ photos in their newsletter, but they offer a few rules to follow. The main rule is that your photographs must be taken within walking or biking distance of wherever you are on June 15. This provides you with an opportunity to find the glimpses of nature that you might otherwise miss amid your ordinary day-to-day routines. You might see the sidewalk in a new way, or gain an appreciation for backyard visitors. Maybe you won’t end up with a print you want to frame at the end of the day. That’s fine. Stopping to "snap the roses" is its own reward. On the other hand, maybe you’ll be inspired to develop your skills as a photographer. The next challenge: kids! Suggested Sites... Wildlife Theater - pics taken in one suburban back yard. Wild Light - Rick Lieder's images of the birds and the bees. A Walk Through Durham Township, Pennsylvania - corn in morning fog, and other cool things. The photo.net Nature Photography Pages - guides, equipment reviews, field ethics, and much more. Nature Photography Day on Flickr - public Flickr group.

Directory categories: Nature Photography, Personal Nature Photography Exhibits, Resources for Photographers, Photo Contests, Nature Photography For Purchase

Archived under: Animals, Arts, Cameras, Conservation, Environment, Events, Hobbies, Home and Garden, Photography, Wildlife

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Will Shakespeare -- too sexy for his collar The perception of William Shakespeare as a sex symbol has been something largely postulated by books and movies. On screen, Shakespeare has been played by such hunks as Joseph Fiennes, Colin Firth, Rupert Graves, and, um, Tim Curry. But in real life, the only accurate images of the Bard depict a chubby, balding man with a penchant for bad facial hair (though not as bad as others). This is a guy who looks like he spends his nights with a quill and parchment -- not Gwyneth Paltrow. But earlier this year, the discovery of a previously-unknown painting of Shakespeare changed the way many imagined the world’s greatest writer. Well-dressed with thick hair, an aquiline nose, and striking eyes, this Shakespeare is definitely attractive, even by 21st century standards. (One could even argue he bears some resemblance to the aforementioned Mr. Fiennes.) The authentication of the painting is still on-going, but the proper authorities seem convinced; so much so that the newly found painting is scheduled to go on display today (the 445th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth and the 393rd anniversary of his death) at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon. So which Shakespeare is the real one? The nerdy writer or the charming courtier? Like so many other mysteries and theories involving Shakespeare's life, this is one question that is probably best left to the imagination -- not to mention all the future books and movies to come. Suggested Sites... Royal Shakespeare Company - world-famous Shakespeare theater ensemble, whose previous members include Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, and former Shakespeares Joseph Fiennes, Colin Firth, and Tim Curry. Folger Shakespeare Library - American institution dedicated to studying the works of the Bard. In Search of Shakespeare - PBS special about efforts to discover the man behind the myth. Soul of the Age - new biography by renowned Shakespeare scholar Jonathan Bate.

Directory categories: William Shakespeare, Theatre, English History, Stratford-upon-Avon, Painting

Archived under: 17th Century, Actors, Anniversaries, Artists, Arts, Authors, Birthdays, Celebrities, England, History, Images, London, Performing Arts, Sex and Sexuality, U.K. History, United Kingdom, William Shakespeare, Writers

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Gretchen Mol as Bettie Page in The Notorious Bettie Page (from Yahoo! Movies) Scandalous at the height of her career, and almost innocently retro now, Bettie Page remains an icon of glamour and sexuality -- even today, on what would have been her 86th birthday. Bettie began her pin-up career in 1950, posing for "private camera clubs" that were essentially legal erotica rings in an era when nude photography was heavily restricted. Her friendly smile and uninhibited poses made her a hit with both photographers and the readers of men's magazines. When photographer Bunny Yeager shot Bettie in animal-print lingerie amid a variety of wild animals, she quickly became a softcore supermodel, and the "Jungle Bettie" series became some of her most iconic work, leading to her January 1955 Playboy centerfold. But Playboy was wholesome compared to Bettie's "Dark Angel" work with photographer Irving Klaw. Klaw specialized in fetishistic content for his mail-order erotica business, and Bettie's bondage and sado-masochism photo shoots led to her appearance before a Senate hearing on juvenile delinquency. Bettie retired from modeling in 1957 and fled the public eye. She found religion and worked as a missionary. Later, still in anonymity, Bettie battled mental illness, and struggled through a series of failed marriages. In the 1990s, she was startled to learn -- while watching "Entertainment Tonight" -- that she'd become a pop culture icon once more. Fan clubs had been founded, celebrities mimicked her look, and her likeness could be seen in comics, fashion, and even tattoos. The world had changed, though, and the "dirty pictures" that were once taboo now seemed almost innocent. After 40 years outside the spotlight, Bettie returned -- with just a hint of scandal, once more -- to set the story straight. Suggested Sites... Bettie Page - official site of the late pin-up queen. Playboy: Pin-Ups and Downs - Playboy feature on Bettie Page, including photos and videos, a fan tribute, and a 1998 interview about the troubles she'd experienced since leaving the public eye in 1957. The Notorious Bettie Page - 2006 Page biopic starring Gretchen Mol. The Bettie Page - fan site featuring images, articles, and fan art.

Directory categories: Bettie Page, Vintage Pin-Ups, Fashion, Erotica

Archived under: 1950s, Artists, Arts, Bettie Page, Biographies, Birthdays, Celebrities, Censorship, Models, Photography, Pin-Ups, Recluses, Sex and Sexuality

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(Photo by Jennifer Murawski) Easter is one of those holidays that brings out the creativity in people. Maybe it's just the fresh spring air that inspires us to conduct science experiments with marshmallow chicks and bunnies, or maybe Easter just naturally supplies us with the raw materials to make artistic masterpieces in the form of baskets and colored eggs. Even for the craftily-challenged, there are step-by-step instructions online for making just about anything these days. So if you're planning an extravagant egg hunt, a brunch, or a classroom activity, start looking through our many Easter-related Directory categories for crafts, games, coloring pages, eCards, graphics, poetry, recipes, prayers, egg ideas, history, and more. You’re sure to find some inspiration. Suggested Sites... Kaboose: Easter Crafts - tons of fun ideas with instructions. Martha Stewart: Easter Baskets - way beyond dime store baskets and plastic grass. FamilyFun.com: Easter Recipes - from brunch to dessert, with plenty of bunny-shaped food. About.com: Natural Easter Egg Dyes - use the veggies, juices, and spices you already have! care2.com: Easter eCards - from classic and elegant to fun, animated eCards.

Directory categories: Easter Activities & Crafts , Easter eCards, Easter Recipes, Christian Observance of Easter, Easter Around the World

Archived under: Arts, Celebrations, Crafts, Decorating, Easter, Eggs, Holidays, Homemade, How-To, Parties, Religion, Spring, Yahoo! Directory

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