I am honored to have had two of my photos (included here) featured in the July 2008 issue of Vanity Fair Magazine. What makes the whole experience even more rewarding and affirming is that they are reflections on my travels to the wonderful island of Cuba.

In my five visits over the last three years to the controversial island, I have developed a deep love and respect for all things Cuban: the people, the easy way of life, the music, the colors, the textures, the cigars, the socialist aspect of governing (where everyone is truly equal) and of course, the mojito’s. But baseball, oddly enough, is at the center of that love. Baseball is Cuba’s national pastime, and although the game has lost some of its luster stateside, it is by far my personal national pastime.

Throughout its history in America, baseball, in a very strange way has always reflected our society. Whether you’re a fan of the game or not, subconsciously your life has been impacted by the game of baseball. Point in fact: after the vicious 9-11 attacks on our country, we were all paralyzed as to what to do next. But if you remember back, it was baseball that got our country rolling again. After taking a week or two off, the Commissioner of baseball, Bud Selig, insisted that it was time to “Play Ball” and so the games resumed, as did our lives.

In Cuba, baseball is a way of life. Now, not everyone follows the game religiously, but all Cubans are quite aware of its impact upon its society and have a profound appreciation for what the game means to the island. My Vanity Fair photos are a reflection of that love.

To read the article posted in the July issue of VF, click here.

–Byron Motley

Windpowered Nereus water craft dips the rider just below the surface and re-emerges…Hmmm…

So this is what I call sustainable luxury on crack. This water creation is powered by an attached kite and I’m thinking, “Would I ever go for a ride?” I’ll get back to you on that one. In the meantime here are the details:

Hold your breath! It does look like fun…

Sleek and futuristic Nereus is also sexy and modern…

Wanna go for a ride? What do you think?

For more on how this thing works, click here.

Eco-Chic Shenyang Olympic Stadium in northeast China, will host 12 soccer matches during the Olympics this summer….

Remember the Olympics? Ok, so it’s getting closer. It starts in August and yes, I know, typically ratings can be low, but the sheer eco-conscious aspect of this enormous beast is worthy of paying attention…..and the green construction involved is totally inspiring…

As stated by ChinaDaily.com:

“The local government’s campaign to deal with pollution and improve the environment ahead of the Games dates back to 2001. Over the past seven years, the local authorities have invested 78.8 billion yuan ($10.9 billion) in 460 key projects to clean up the city. All heavy-polluting factories have been either closed down or relocated, and an effective and environmentally friendly central heating system has been set up to replace small boilers.”

Go China! Check this out….

Is that a spaceship or Shenyang Olympic Stadium? That is a stunning piece of architecture!

The Olympic Stadium will host 12 football matches….that’s English for soccer….and I’m a big fan…Apparently, China gets to play since they are the hosting country…I wonder what David Beckham thinks about that….

Anyway, here are the eco-details as stated on ChinaDaily.com:

“All the items that will be used during the Games, from business cards to gift wrapping paper and disposable paper cups, are biodegradable and ecologically friendly. The stadium is even fitted with a water treatment system, which will make use of wastewater from swimming pools and bathrooms for cleaning, irrigation, flushing toilets and washing cars.”

I know, I know….A huge investment in an enormous structure. The benefit, however, is a greener city, a healthier lifestyle for its inhabitants and ultimately if they can clean up, so can we….