Natalie Coughlin photo shoot: Natalie as Esther Williams

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:41:00 -0400

Who better to channel Esther Williams than Natalie Coughlin? The connection is so obvious: two fantastically gifted athletes in the same sport, and camera friendly as she is, we should expect that someday Natalie will have a movie career to match Esther's as well.

So, recently Natalie took on the role of Esther Williams with the help of award-winning make-up artist Melanie Mills. The results, needless to say, are stunning. What is more, the photo shoot was itself eventful, as seen in this cleverly edited footage:

A muscular history for women

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:40:00 -0400

March is Women's History Month. Right in line, literally and figuratively, with this year's theme ("Our History is Our Strength") is David Chapman and Patricia Vertinsky's new book, Venus with Biceps: A Pictorial History of Muscular Women.

I can't review Venus with Biceps in this post, as I haven't gotten my hands on a copy yet (though it seems to get generally positive reviews—even the New Yorker). Its having been published alone warrants attention here—for books exploring this neglected and marginalized aspect of women's lives and history are few and far between. Put this special book in your to-read list.

Athletic Women Blog - Art & Photography

Natalie Coughlin photo shoot: Natalie as Esther Williams

A muscular history for women