Translate

Monday, March 18, 2024

The Prodigy - Firestarter

Music Appreciation

Released on March 18, 1996, Firestarter by The Prodigy is considered one of the most recognizable electronic dance music songs. Its success was due in part to its catchy and memorable chorus, but also it's groundbreaking music video, directed by Walter Stern. 

The music video features the band's frontman Keith Flint wearing a stars and stripes shirt in an underground subway tube. The video effects adds the overall feeling of adrenaline, chaos, and anarchy. The Prodigy is considered a pioneer of the electronic dance music genre, while the video's imagery inspired many other artists to experiment with provocative visuals that challenged societal norms. 


via The Prodigy

Source:

Wikipedia

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Justin Timberlake - Rock Your Body

Music Appreciation

Justin Timberlake's "Rock Your Body," released on March 17, 2003, has solidified its place as a fan favorite and an iconic track. The song gained particular notoriety during Timberlake's Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show when he unexpectedly exposed Janet Jackson's right breast on live TV, coinciding with the lyrics "I'll have you naked by the end of this song."

This energetic blend of uptempo R&B, disco groove, and soul is a standout from Timberlake's debut studio album, Justified (2002), and was written by The Neptunes (Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams), with additional vocals by Vanessa Marquez. Upon its debut on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 61, the song steadily climbed the charts, peaking at an impressive number 5.

The music video, directed by Francis Lawrence, showcases Timberlake in white attire, delivering vocals and executing choreography alongside dancers clad in black within a cube illuminated by colored lights. The visual also features dancer and model Staci Flood, who lip syncs Vanessa Marquez's section of the song.


Sources:

Wikipedia

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Annie Lennox - Why

Music Appreciation

Annie Lennox, renowned for her commanding vocals and poignant lyrics, stands as an iconic musician in the industry. Among her notable works, "Why," released in 1992, remains etched in memory. This masterpiece, both in song and visual representation, delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and societal dilemmas.

In "Why," Lennox crafts a hauntingly beautiful ballad, delving into themes of grief, heartache, and social injustice. Collaborating with her longtime partner, Dave Stewart, Lennox pens lyrics that resonate with raw emotion, probing the mysteries behind worldly pain and suffering.

The accompanying music video, under the direction of British filmmaker Sophie Muller, further amplifies the song's impact. Set amidst the enchanting backdrop of Venice, Italy, the video unfolds with Lennox poised before a vanity mirror, meticulously preparing for the Diva album cover photo shoot. The music video garnered Lennox Best Female Video at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards.


Source: 

Wikipedia 

Friday, March 15, 2024

"Name a Salad After Me."

Adam Ellis's cartoon brought a smile to my face.

While it might seem logical to associate the Caesar salad with the Roman dictator Julius Caesar, its origins trace back to Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant running a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico.

If we turn the clock back over 2,000 years, we encounter various interpretations of Julius Caesar's final words. Perhaps the most renowned is the Shakespearian phrase that Caesar may have uttered to Lucius Junius Brutus: "Et tu, Brute?"

By Adam Ellis @adamtots


Thursday, March 14, 2024

User-friendly

When shopping for a computer, many prioritize speed and ample memory space, attributes particularly crucial for gamers seeking seamless play and advanced graphics. However, personal needs can vary, and for some, like myself, the computer's ability to efficiently stream and download content, including porn, stands as the paramount consideration. 


Doug Sneyd, PLAYBOY, May 2008

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Evil Knievel Lunch Box

 


Dana Delany

Acting Appreciation

If you're around my age, you'll likely recall Dana Delany's iconic role as the adorable nurse Colleen McMurphy in the late 80s TV series "China Beach." Delany, born on March 13, 1956, in New York City and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, began her acting journey at Phillips Academy and later pursued theater at Wesleyan University.

After college, Delany made her mark in daytime soaps like Love of Life and As the World Turns before transitioning to commercials and Broadway. Moving to Los Angeles, she guest-starred in hit TV shows like Moonlighting, Magnum P.I., and Thirtysomething, but it was her breakthrough as McMurphy that earned her critical acclaim, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe nominations.

Beyond "China Beach," Delany's career flourished with roles in films like "Light Sleeper," "Tombstone," and "Exit to Eden," alongside recurring appearances in TV hits such as "Desperate Housewives" and "Body of Proof." Notably, she's embraced diverse characters and challenging subjects, exemplified by her portrayal of a sexually adventurous photographer in "Live Nude Girls."

Despite societal pressures, including commentary on her 34D breast size, Delany remains an advocate for celebrating beauty while recognizing its complexities. Throughout her journey, she's displayed versatility, courage, and a commitment to excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry while giving back to the community, solidifying her legacy as an enduring actress.


by Roberto Rocco, PLAYBOY (1994)



Sources:

Wikipedia

Dana Delany: 20 Questions. PLAYBOY. August 1994. Volume 41, Number 8, pg. 123.

https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Dana_Delany