Studs n Stripes XXYYX

Canadians aren't really known to be big "soccer" aficionados, but that is changing. Where I grew up, in Flanders and Holland, we call the game Voetbal = Football and that's correct, the game is played 98% by passing the ball with the feet.  In North America the popular game of Football is a misnomer, since 98% of that game is played by hand!
How about Paul the Octopus, what a magician.  He has now a 7/7 perfect record for predicting the outcome of the German matches in the World Cup of FOOTBALL in South Africa.

The match between Germany and Spain yesterday was his seventh correct prediction.  Just google Paul the Octopus and you'll find out all about him if you don't already know. He resides in an aquarium in Oberhausen, Germany (but is originally from England).
Anyhow, after yesterday's match, in Germany there are calls to turn Paul into "Calamari"! And apparently some people sang "Anti-Octopus" songs (whatever that is.) Meanwhile over in Spain they're praising Paul with acolades and songs, "Ole, Ole, Paulo el Pulpo Magico!".
Now we await the Final on Sunday of this popular game, worldwide viewership expected to be around 2 Billion.  How about that for popularity amongst the human family?
As for that final - Holland vs. Spain - neither team has ever won the biggest prize of them all.
Prediction?  I leave that up to Paul "El Pulpo Miraculoso".  Yes, for the first time ever he's doing to make a prediction about a non-German match.  Paul, who brings tears now to some in Germany, and joy to others around the world.
Hasta Luego!  "Hup Holland Hup!"
Henri

Yes, we're still breathing, and "above soil", as my paternal grandfather used to say. Since I'm an associated futbal (soccer) affecionado of old, and we're now going into the quarterfinals of the World Cup in South Africa, here are a few lines on the beautiful game.
For those who have been tuned in at the games by now have also been tuned out by the buzzing bees and mosquito music of the Vuvuzelas! No matter, since the games are played in South Africa, where we expected a very colour ful display by the fans.
They did not let me down. 
Masked balls and Mardi Gras costumes permanently on display.  Sensation, drama, joy and disappointment are always present at this global event.
One of the many stories needs to be told (for those of you who don't know already): for this we turn to a 'psychic' who predicts the outcome of the German team's encounters. It's not your everyday crystal-ball predicting Zena or Elvira.  No siree, this one is an inhabitant of the deep seas, straight out of the Beatles "Octopus Garden in the Shade".  
Only this octopus, whose name is Paul, isn't in the shade but in global limelight and media realm.  

Paul predicts the outcome by selecting a mussel from a glass tank from his home in an aquarium.  There are two tanks filled with water, the latest has a flag of Argentina, the other Germany. Thus far, Paul predicted 5 out of 5 games correctly!
Now he is telling us by selecting the mussel from the German tank that Germany will defeat Argentina on Saturday.  Messi or no Messi!  But, it took one hour for Mr. Paul to make up his 3-brained mind before using one of his eight arms to pick up the "Germany-dedicated" mollusk out of the tank.
Happy Trails,
Henri

Look for my upcoming series on the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, coming soon. Perspectives from a long-time observer of the beautiful game.

We have a new Vimeo site featuring two videos of my artwork "Organiverse", thanks to Joe Carr, Past-President of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Victoria branch.  They are very short, just a few minutes each.

Here's the link:

http://vimeo.com/vanbentum

“To infinity and beyond, in both directions,
The micro and macro cosmos.” Henri van Bentum

In the previous post (Jan 31), we promised to elaborate some more on the contents and philosophy of Organiverse. Organiverse is a series of 100 paintings which I created in 1972, all done dot by dot, in pointillism. Each painting is a sphere or mandala, 8 ½ cm in diameter.

Not long ago the original images were digitally scanned and they are part of the upcoming “From Earth to the Universe” (FETTU) exhibit here in Victoria. FETTU is one of the projects marking the International Year of Astronomy 2009 http://astronomy2009.org.

Why pointillism? For one thing, because there is nothing solid in the Universe. Everything is separated. The planets, stars, even the Sun appear as a “dot” in space.

I coined the word “Organiverse” back in the 1970’s from two words “Organi/c” and “Un/iverse”. In the beginning there was darkness. Darkness became light. And light is colour. Organiverse embraces the evolution of colour, born from the three primaries of Red, Yellow and Blue.

From the un-formed comes form. There are no words or explanations necessary, really. What is needed is time and patience to let it all sink in, by contemplation or meditation.

Each viewer will experience the work differently according to their individual life experience and total sum of awareness. You could say Organiverse embraces the macrocosm within a microscopic frame of reference.

With this work we explore organic processes on the cosmic and microscopic levels, with here and there, a pause - - - linked to the noumena (as opposed to phenomena). But always maintaining its spirit of metamorphosis and evolution.
Now, thirty-seven years after its creation, and thanks to contemporary digital scanning technology, Organiverse is being shared with a wider audience in 21st century fashion on large flat-screens provided courtesy of SONY Style.
It’s not what I originally intended, back in 1972, but as Natasha observed:

“Organiverse will grow on the viewer,
Like friendship and music.
Observe it without distraction,
Quietly in solitude.
You will discover this contemplative Opus
Brings a welcome antidote to our stress-laden times.”
Natasha van Bentum

Here are a couple of others quotes about Organiverse:

“Organiverse is a glimpse into the multilayered beauty of all that is Life. As a physician and healer, I feel that these mandalas offer an immense opportunity for healing, and for a heart-based understanding of who we are physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Peering into each mandala, one witnesses the microcosms and macrocosms of Life, and penetrates to the very depths of that which is Truth. A dance of color, form, and contemplation, Organiverse is a meditation on selflessness.”
Dr.Mark Sherman MDCM, CCFP

“The dots are amazingly clear. Aside from their stunning pristine beauty, there is also a subtle intelligence in the progression. It seems the artist retained each image which he developed day by day --- an amazing visual memory and disciplined craftsmanship." Sonam Gyatso.

"I am extremely pleased with the beauty and depth of the Organiverse Folio. It is a garland of flowers in my daily experience. It is a wormhole entrance into both the depths of of the starry night and the inner life process of the biosphere we inhabit. A tour de force that will reverberate down the annals of human cultural history. A unique and magical work of true and lasting significance. Thank You!" Brian W. Johnson, MSW.