OKE NAPA: 2011

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Names the Top 10 Places to Get Naked

Naked Cycling: World Naked Bike Ride, next main ride 12 March 2011 worldwide Held annually since 2004 in cities around the world, people ride bikes naked to celebrate cycling and the human body. But it's not just about baring your bod; the ride demonstrates the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and is a protest against car culture. Ride proud, ride safely... Ride on!

Naked Hot Springs Bathing: Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari in Tokyo, JapanOoedo-Onsen-Monogatari, Tokyo's onsen theme park, is located in the popular Daiba area. Foreigners are able to strip off at this bathhouse and experience the therapeutic Japanese tradition of soaking in onsen (natural, mineral-rich hot springs) in which most Japanese immerse themselves. When walking around, cover your private parts with the tiny towels provided and leave your snorkel at home!

Naked Spa Treatments for Singles and Couples: Ayana Resort Bali and Spa, Indonesia Awaken your senses to opulent surroundings and drift into a wonderland of quintessential healing and indulgent therapies at Ayana Resort Bali and Spa, a spa destination marked by worldly distinction.

Naked Sauna: Kotiharjun Sauna, in Kallio, Helsinki, Finland Kotiharjun Sauna, in Kallio, is Helsinki's only remaining public wood-burning sauna and dates back to 1928. Enjoy the mellow heat of the traditional sauna, a real Finnish experience where you can also get a scrub-down and massage. There are separate saunas for men and women - the rule in Finnish public saunas.

Naked Art Festival: World Bodypainting Festival 27 June to 3 July 2011, Portschach am Worthersee, Austria Held annually since 1998, the World Bodypainting Festival is the biggest art event in the bodypainting theme. Imagine a painter who can create an image from an idea in the fullness of colour, design and expression, and then imagine this artist asking their canvas to sing, dance or scream. Whilst clothing is required to attend the event, you can be one of about 30,000 visitors to admire the wonderful work of the participants.

Naked City: Cap d'Agde, France Want to go to the bank naked? How about a naked visit to the post office or launderette? Fancy a nude stroll along a Mediterranean beach? Or even nip into the shops for some meat and potatoes, in Cap d'Agde people will do it starkers. When in France, visit the coast town of Cap d'Agde, the world's capital of naturism where the entire town is clothing-optional. Book early if you are traveling in summer as the population peaks to more than 40,000 when the summer-time crowd flocks here.

Naked Park: Schönfeldwiese in Englischer Garten, Munich, GermanyThe sprawling Englischer Garten is among Europe's biggest city parks covering an area of 3.7 square kilometres - bigger than London's Hyde Park and New York's Central Park and a favorite playground for locals and visitors alike. Within the Schönfeldwiese part of the Englischer Gartens, nude sunbathing has been permitted since the 1960s, something which many Germans (and Europeans) practice - so feel free to get into your birthday suit and soak up the sun!

Naked Beach: Haulover Beach, Miami Beach, Florida Haulover Beach is one of very few government-sanctioned clothing-optional beaches in the United States. Nestled between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, it has pristine white sand shores and is ideal for surfing as well as swimming. Although Haulover Nude Beach is only a small portion of the larger Haulover Beach Park, approximately 75% of visitors use the nude beach area, so get in the buff and join the crowd!

Naked Cruise: eWaterways Naturist Cruise Embarking 11 June 2011Split, Croatia Cruising company eWaterways offers bold holidaymakers a chance to strip off for an eight-day naked cruise along the stunning Dalmatian Coast in Croatia. With visits to enchanting islands, endless opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and exploring, this cruise is for the free spirited, promising to invigorate the senses and minimize your holiday wardrobe worries.

Naked Cultural Event: Burning Man, 29 August to 5 September 2011, Black Rock Desert, Nevada, US Held annual since 1986, The Burning Man is described by many participants as an experiment in community, radical self-expression, and radical self-reliance. Partakers are encouraged to express themselves in a number of ways through various art forms and projects. The event is clothing-optional, so what better way to express oneself than to undress oneself?

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After touching on Pixar's rejection of motion capture in my previous post, I decided to look into the studio's patents to see whether there's anything that would suggest they are taking another look at the idea.

Lo and behold, Pixar's latest filing, published on November 10, is for "light field [plenoptic] lenses" that can be used with "conventional cameras (e.g., digital or photographic/film, image and video/movie cameras) to create light field imaging systems".

Similar applications dating from 2010 were published* by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) earlier in the year and somehow managed to stay under the radar.

The applications state that "data collected by these light field imaging systems can then be used to produce 2D images [or] right eye/left eye 3D images... as well as to render and manipulate images using a computer graphics rendering engine and compositing tools."

Cameras that capture the entire light field—instead of a single plane of light like conventional cameras—have been around for years in research settings, but only now are beginning to find real-world uses. (The Lytro is the first consumer product to hit the market.)

It's long been known that data from an advanced light field surveillance camera, for example, could be used to create a photorealistic CG model of a suspect. It seems that Pixar is looking into applying a similar technique with moving images.

Such a system could conceivably capture all of a performer's complex facial expressions in stereoscopic 3-D. The greatest limitation of current mocap systems, which track select muscle groups, is, of course, that they can only capture some movements.

The Disney Research website confirms that David DiFrancesco, one the inventors named in the applications, is currently "researching instrumentation to capture lightfields for use in 3D cinematography and videography" at the Pixar Research Group in Emeryville.

The stated purpose of the Pixar Research Group is to develop new technologies that can be applied specifically to Pixar's films.

*United States Patent Applications 20110169994, 20110249341, 20110273609.

So it's been a couple of days since I purchased The Art of The Adventures of Tintin...

As you can see, except for the film's awesome logo, the cover isn't very appealing. But the concepts, rendered designs, and especially the character close-ups inside make up for it.

It's slightly different than other 'Art of' volumes in that there's greater discussion of the film's main animation process—motion/performance capture or mocap. It should have been titled The Making of...

The 200-page book is authored by Chris Guise, who was the lead conceptual designer for the movie at Weta Workshop. But much of the written material comes from quotes by others who were as instrumental in making the film.

While presenting the details in a fairly uncomplicated manner, the text holds some great facts on the filmmaking techniques used. Case in point: Weta's method for creating realistic skin textures (p. 56).

The artists at Weta are clearly proud of what they do and thus defensive about mocap.

"Do people say Michelangelo was just a technician because he copied a life model?" Guise asks in his introduction. "No. He's considered a great artist. The same should be said for digital artists, whether they build digital models, performance-capture movement, or create artificial hair for a dog."

He makes a good point. Performance capture is just another way to animate characters.

In a recent post on Cartoon Brew, animation historian and current vice president of ASIFA-Hollywood, Jerry Beck writes that mocap "is not "the future of animation" ... It will not replace human beings in narrative stories for motion pictures."

Mocap will never completely supplant frame by frame ("keyframe") animation, but to shrug off the potential for future progress is incredibly shortsighted and smacks of insecurity.

Of course I'm still with the studios (notably Pixar) that have rejected the technology because of its present limitations and hope they continue doing so as long as they feel that is in the best interests of the films.

Tintin would have been better off without motion capture. Then again, its doubtful that Spielberg would have directed it otherwise.

The Art of The Adventures of Tintin is published by Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. An iPad app based on the book is available from the iTunes App Store.

Will Brad Bird Ever Return to Animation?

Bird directing Tom Cruise on location in Dubai

That's the question I asked myself while riding the cinematic roller coaster that is Mission: Impossible–Ghost Protocol, which opened Friday on IMAX screens.

After helming The Incredibles and Ratatouille for Pixar, Brad Bird has brought his filmmaking skill to live action in a big way—one of the most successful animation-to-live action transitions for a director in film history.

The action in M:I–GP is spectacularly well executed, on the same plane as that of the Bourne trilogy. A few more like this and Bird could become Hollywood's go-to director for adrenaline.

It's a sure bet that Paramount will be pushing for a sequel as soon as the box office figures from the wide release come in next week. Should he 'choose to accept it', Bird won't be coming back full-time to Pixar anytime soon. That means no Incredibles 2.

Still it's easy to see that Bird still retains a strong connection with his first love. Ghost Protocol is sprinkled with in-jokes (A113 becomes "Alpha 113") and talent (music by Michael Giacchino and voiceover by Teddy Newton) familiar to Pixar buffs.

And then, of course, there's this.

Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines

The Giant Lantern Festival is an annual festival held in December (Saturday before Christmas Eve) in the City of San Fernando in the Philippines. The festival features a competition of giant lanterns. Because of the popularity of the festival, the city has been nicknamed the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines”.

"Merry Christmas"

'Behind the Magic' of Rango

My Favourite and Least Favourite LoTR Characters

In celebration of the release of the first The Hobbit trailer this morning, this list seems only apt. Also I recently finished watching the extended versions of The Lord of the Rings films. So basically I'm on a Middle Earth-high, and currently want to marry Martin Freeman. I mean seriously, move over Andrew Garfield! This man is a book-lover's wet dream (yes I know he's probably already married but I refuse to check). I'm Mrs. Dent Watson Baggins Freeman from now! Yaayy!!

Anyways, this list is based on the films and not the books, which I read in 7th grade and that also only the first one and half of the second. I do so love the films, and I like almost all the characters in it save a few. These are my least favourite and favourite characters from The Lord of the Rings movies.

My least favourite characters-

5) Grima Wormtongue (played by Brad Dourif)-

Grima is just creepy. He takes over poor Theoden's mind and rules his kingdom following Saruman's orders, and fancies the pretty Eowyn. He just reminds me of tentacles. Ew.

4) Saruman (played by Christopher Lee)-

I didn't like Saruman because I felt nothing for him. He was not the least bit scary in the film. He was just there. This much indifference, for a character as powerful as him, is never a good thing.

3) Denethor (played by John Noble)-

He was just so repulsive a character. A man driven mad by power, and clearly one of the worst fictional fathers of all time. He is just horrible.

2) Orcs (played by men who don't mind looking like that)-

I saw my first LoTR film, The Two Towers, when I was in fourth grade and I was genuinely terrified of them (though I got more freaked out by the Aragorn-Arwen kisses then :P). Orcs are just the grossest, scariest, most inhumane race ever.

1) Frodo Baggins (played by Elijah Wood)-

I'm sorry, but Frodo just annoys the hell out of me. He's such a whiny little bitch. Okay yes he has the One Ring around his neck blah blah blah, but it's not my fault that his irritating and stupid side is the one I am subjected to. I really would fast-forward all his scenes were it not for Sam and Gollum and the others.

And now my favourite characters-

Honourable mentions- Theoden, Gimli, Elrond, Éomer, Treebeard.

10) Galadriel (played by Cate Blanchett)-

I just love her. I am probably as taken aback as Gimli is with her, The narration, the crazy power thing in The Fellowship of the Ring, the peaceful look on her face always... I would follow her everywhere, definitely.

9) Faramir (played by David Wenham)-

I absolutely adore Faramir. He was so unloved and unrewarded, but he went past all that and became a great soldier, and certainly a fantastic man.

8) The One Ring/ Sauron-

I so want one (minus the Dark Lord influences). I love the simplicity of the look of the ring, and all the darkness it just brings with it. Every scene with the ring in it, is always dominated by it.

7) Gandalf (played by Sexgod Sir Ian McKellen)-

Isn't he just the best?! He's brave and kind and funny and quirky, and so so powerful. He would be just the most brilliant mentor.

6) Samwise Gamgee (played by Sean Astin)-

The bestest friend of them all. Though there are theories of homosexuality here (and I do agree with them till an extent), the basic fact is that Sam is the kind of friend that one can only pray for. He will never leave your side, and always help you and make you laugh and protect you. Frodo was sooo lucky Sam put up with his shit.

5) Aragorn (played by Viggo Mortensen)-

He is one of my most favourite literary kings ever. A true underdog in the world of men, with all of the power and responsibility and possible doom thrust upon him, who really rose to the occasion when required. A mighty warrior and a fine friend. Thank god Mortensen was finally cast for this... noone can open doors quite like he does *wink*.

4) Gollum (played by Andy Serkis)-

Serkis and Peter Jackson together brought a revolution in modern cinema with Gollum. He was just so amazingly made. I think Gollum is one of the most tragic characters in literature and film. I do feel sorry for all that he endured, and he really tries to be saved.

I will even go as for to say that this is the best performance of the entire series of the films.

3) Merry and Pippin (played Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd respectively)-

I love Merry and Pippin! I think of all the characters, I am most like Pippin. I cannot think of them separately, though they each bring something different to the stories. Merry is the more sensible one, who unfortunately always gets left behind but shows great valour on the battlefield. Pippin is the honest fool, as Gandalf said, and does get into a lot of trouble, but only because of his curiosity. He has a pure heart and always helps in his own way.

Both of them together have some of the best lines in the films.

2) Éowyn (played by Miranda Otto)-

With the whole series revolving around the bravery and the hunger for power of men, this one woman steals the show for me. She is beautiful and humble and kind and so very brave. Éowyn is a role model. She needs independence even at the time of battle and distress and hates that her gender comes in the way. Still, she does prove herself more than worthy on the battlefield.

The scene when she kills the Witch-King, with the whole "I am no man" is a huge favourite of mine, one which always results in me screaming "GIRL POWER YESSSS!" She really is the best of the human race.

1) Legolas (played by Orlando Bloom)-

I could not help this. I really wanted to give the top spot to Sam for his undying friendship or Aragorn for his bravery or Gollum for his tragedy or Éowyn for all the girl power, or anyone for any "proper" emotional impact, but Legolas is just so freaking coooool!! I go crazy in all of his scenes. I cheer. I clap. I scream.

Still, he is a great elf and an incredible archer. He is there in all the battles and really plays pivotal roles. He is one part of the Man-Elf-Dwarf trio. Also, that elephant scene in The Return of the Kingis my favouritest, because again, it's so freaking coooool!!

I even once wanted to name my future child Legolas. You cannot question my devotion... I am gaga for this elf.

The Adventures of Tintin is Surprisingly Fantastic

I absconded from work this afternoon to catch Steven Spielberg's The Adventures of Tintin, which finally arrived in North America today after a $239.1 million international box office run.

Since I wasn't able to attend an advance screening (no rapport with Paramount yet, this was The Pixar Blog, you know) I'll just share some quick thoughts on the film.

I walked into the theatre expecting to be disgusted by the monstrosities of the motion capture animation. This is a technique that has heretofore failed miserably at producing realistic human characters.

Instead, it was a pleasure to find that Tintin overcomes some significant hurdles.

Most of the Uncanny Valley creepiness is limited to minor characters (the Sultan was the worst) and a few of the extras. If you can get past the moments where your brain screams "You're not HUMAN!" at the main characters, the movie is fantastic.

Tintin is action-packed, grown-up, and genuinely funny. At times you really forget that it's animated. With all the gunplay, sword slashes, and Captain Haddock's comic alcoholism, that it got away with a PG rating is almost surprising.

After the movie, I had to run to the bookstore to pick up The Art of The Adventures of Tintin. Stay tuned for more on that in the next day or two.

2011 Golden Globe Nominations

Nominations for the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards were announced this hour by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).

Included among the nominees for Best Animated Feature Film are The Adventures of Tintin, Cars 2, and Rango. See what other films got nominated here.

In live-action, it's a enormous shame that The Muppets wasn't recognized in the Best Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical category. Then again, who really cares? This is the Golden Globes were talking about.

MARLOES HORST BEAUTIFUL DUTCH MODEL

Dear readers of Sport&beauty. Today we’re traveling to the Netherlands to meet one of today’s prettiest young models, the promising Dutch model Marloes Horst. In spite of the fact that her career has just started, Marloes’ résumé include a few important successes. The Dutch model has already starred in ad campaigns for Calvin Klein, S Max Mara, Victoria’s Secret, Diesel, H&M, and Blanco and has landed the cover of the most prestigious fashion magazines like “Flair”, “Elle”, and “L’Officiel” and appeared in the 2010 edition of the worldwide renowned Pirelli calendar. I really love Marloes and I really like her angel face. Dear friends, here you are Dutch model Marloes Horst one of the most promising fashion models and a real delight for men’s sight.

Marloes Horst was born in Utrecht, Holland, on March 8, 1989. She started working as a model in 2007 after signing a contract with IMG Paris and being photographed for “Elle” UK by Valerie Phillips. In June 2007 Marloes was named “model of the week” by Models.com. Soon after, she landed the covers of “D” and “Grazia” and in November appeared in an editorial of “Elle” Italy. At the beginning of 2008 Marloes left IMG to sign for Next models and in September she made her debut on the catwalk walking for Prada’s spring fashion show in Milan. Here you are Marloes’ data and measurements:

- Full name: Marloes Horst

- Birth date: March 8, 1989 in Utrecht (Holland)

- Height: 174centímetres : 5'8.5"

- Measurements: (EU) 85-62-90 : (US) 33.5-24.5-35.5

- Hair color: blond

- Eye color: blue

- Dress size: (EU) 34 : (US) 4

- Shoe size: (EU) 38 : (US) 7.5

- Agencies: Next Model Management, Ulla Models, Mega Model Agency Hamburg, Seeds Management, Union Models, IMG Models Paris and New York, Joy Model Management Milan.

At the beginning of 2009 our new friend Marloes Horst signed a fragrance contract with Valentino, in February she appeared in an editorial of “Flair” Italy and in the spring issue of “Vogue Hommes International”, and in April and May in editorials for both “Dazed & Confused” and “Amica” Italy. In June the Dutch model graced the pages of “Vogue” Russia and the cover of “Velvet” and in July she landed the pages of “V” and was photographed for the fall issues of “Lula” and “Ponytail”. In September Marloes starred in Ice by Iceberg fall ad campaign and walked for Topshop spring fashion show. Finally in December she appeared in an editorial of “Marie Clair” Italy and on the cover of “Flair” Italy. This is what I would call having a busy agenda....

In January 2010 Marloes appeared in the world-renowned Pirelli calendar and in an editorial of “Harper’s Bazaar”. In May she walked in St Tropez for Chanel’s resort fashion show and in June she landed again the pages of “Vogue” Russia. Finally, in 2011 the Dutch model became the image of Calvin Klein swimwear and appeared in an editorial of “Glamour”. As you can see, and in spite of the fact that her modeling career is still a very short one, Marloes is a must in today’s fashion world. To conclude today's post we'll leave a slideshow with some pictures of Marloes and a couple of videos where you can see this stunning Dutch beauty alive and kicking. Best regards.

Variety Cover Goes Blu for Rio

Image via Blue Sky Studios on Facebook

Rio took over the front cover of Daily Variety today as part of its For Your Consideration campaign. The ad emphasizes the film's eight Annie Award nominations to Oscar and Golden Globe voters.

Layout's got a bit of a throwback vibe, doesn't it?

OKE NAPA

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Names the Top 10 Places to Get Naked

Patents Suggest Pixar Developing Next-Gen Motion Capture