Generally you find me gushing over the latest and greatest from Apple, but this demo for Microsoft’s mystery tablet device really struck me. Being a creative I have ideas hit me all the time and to be able to document and execute an idea similarly like how this device showcases could be priceless.

Right now the device is just a concept, lets see if Microsoft can execute. Meanwhile Apple is already producing.

I’ve been listening to Doves for so long and I never knew that the lead singer played bass for the band… after watching this live video of my favorite song of theirs “Snowden”, I love them even more (which I didn’t think could be possible).

I admit I’m a huge fan of Annie Leibovitz work, especially her advertising work for Louis Vuitton. Even though she may be the easiest photographer to like and not so ‘underground’, ‘hip’ or ‘up and coming’, but I think she tells a great story with a photograph and I appreciate that.

Recently she shot the Spring 2010 ad campaign for Vuitton that depicts herself, for the first time in an ad piece, along with Mikhail Baryshnikov. I’ve always loved her sets that show a ‘behind the scenes’ look, showing her lighting equipment, props and backdrop, but I’m not sure how I feel about herself in the photo. Maybe it’s her pose or something? I don’t know. Thoughts?

Developed by the global design company, and well respected, Pentegram, What Type Are You? is a fun video that asks personality questions that later reveals to you what type (or font) you are. I have to admit I feel like I am really bad at these things because I tend to answer the questions thinking that the answer would turn into something I want!

According to Radiohead’s blog, Dead Air Space, Ed (guitarist) states that the band is in the studio and working on a new album. He states that they are continuing work that they started last Summer. There isn’t an expected release date but it is enough for me to know that they showed up to work and that things are going good.

From the Radiohead blog…

The vibe in the camp is fantastic at present, and we head off into the studio in January to continue on from the work we started last Summer .. I am so genuinely excited about what we’re doing, but for obvious reasons I can’t divulge anything more.. anyway we all love surprises don’t we? 10 years ago we were all collectively (that’s the band) in the land of Kid A .. and although hugely proud of that record, it wasn’t a fun place to be .. What’s reassuring now, is that we are most definitely a different band, which should therefore mean that the music is different too and that is the aim of the game….keep it moving.

One cannot have enough blogs these days. So to separate my personal blog with my photography I’ve created a new blog that I will attempt to give a behind-the-scenes, if you will, look at my photo shoots. I know of other photographers who have done this and I love being able to see what’s behind the curtain.

The new photography blog is located here: http://kansascityphotography.blogspot.com. Real original, right? Well I think it’s relevant to where I’m shooting at and I’m trying to make a name for myself here in Kansas City so I felt it was appropriate.

Anyhow I hope to include lighting information, location information and other interesting tid bits from the shoot. Enjoy!

Ryan Strong Photography & Ryan Strong Photography Blog

So I’ve been reading a crap ton of blogs lately and I thought I’d share them. Usually I read/look at them just for photographic inspiration, fashion trends and other things that are cool.

• A Continuous Lean – pretty much so the staple for men’s fashion and related inspiration.
• All Plaid Out – Somewhat similar to ACL but feels a little less commercial.
• Secret Forts – Lots of stuff here to look at. I like how minimal it still feels with the amount of content.
• The Impossible Cool – Photography. Fashion.
• The Sartorialist – Pretty much so the best street wear photographer in NYC.

Enjoy. Bookmark. Read. Daily.

Finally launched my own website for my photography. My website features me as a photographer for fashion, beauty and portrait. Take a look… http://www.ryanstrong.net – Ryan Strong Photography – Kansas City.

I don’t think I’ve heard matched harmonies like Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe since Simon and Garfunkel. If you are unfamiliar with the Kings they are like an indie Bossa nova band. Sounds boring? No its not, its beautiful music. While Riot on Empty Street had I’d Rather Dance With You (click to watch the video, its quite comical in a Napoleon Dynamite way), a perfectly fine song for a house dance party, Declaration of Dependance loses the drums and is a bit quieter, yes it’s possible. Go out and buy the album, its the best in its genre this year.

Listen to their single Mrs. Cold…

Here’s an amazing quote from the video…

… I think the punkest thing I could be besides being sober and dealing, is actually enjoying myself, and just accepting that there’s just some stuff I like. And some of that stuff is shallow. And I don’t care… – Ryan Adams

*Warning* There is definitely some foul language…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3ah8T87wtw&feature=player_embedded

So there you have it. What I’ve been loving lately is the latest trend in men’s fashion – Americana. Going back to the roots of mid-century America. Where its all about being a man. Throw away, or better yet, burn your Ed Hardy and True Religions and replace them with classic woven dress shirts, raw fitted denim and match them with a pair of work boots or dress shoes. Here’s a little glimpse for this from A Continuos Lean (an amazing men’s fashion blog, might I add)…