Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Bernardo Ariatta
Art Appreciation
Born in 1966, Bernardo Ariatta is appreciated for his hyper-realistic paintings of fruits, objects, and female nude. His use of lights and shadows defines his subjects to be lifelike.
You can see more of his work HERE.
 |
| Semplicemente Mandarini via paisajesybodegonesaloleo |
 |
| Melodie via conchigliadivenere |
 |
| Nudo Seduto via fonface |
Sources:
http://www.bernardoariatta.it/
https://conchigliadivenere.wordpress.com/2014/05/06/bernardo-ariatta-aka-arbe-1966-italian/
http://arteprimaluce.altervista.org/bernardo-ariatta.html
http://www.rosannacotugno.com/archives/655?lang=en
http://fonface.blogspot.be/search/label/Bernardo%20Ariatta%20%28aka%20Arbe%29
http://paisajesybodegonesaloleo.blogspot.com/2013/04/bodegones-al-oleo-de-bernardo-ariatta.html
http://cuadrosmuybonitos.blogspot.com/2014/04/cuadros-realistas-de-bodegones-obras.html
Friday, January 27, 2017
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Music Appreciation
If you're my age, the name Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart might trigger a memory of Tom Hulce's portrayal of the composer in the 1984 film, Amadeus, or the song "Rock Me Amadeus" by Falco. Or maybe you recognize the music that's been featured in baby education videos, TV commercials, and blockbuster movies.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born in Salzburg, Austria on January 27, 1756, started composing at the age of five, and wrote his first symphony when he was 8. When he was little, him and his sister would perform as child prodigies before various courts in Munich, Vienna, Prague, Mannheim, Paris, and London.
At 17, he was employed as a court musician in Salzburg. Four years later, he resigned his position and traveled in search of a better position.
Mozart was summoned to Vienna in 1782 by his employer Archbishop Colloredo. After many quarrels with Colloredo, the composer was dismissed. Mozart settled in Vienna as a freelance performer and composer, and during this time, he met and married Constanze Weber.
In 1787, Mozart was appointed chamber composer by Emperor Joseph II; however, he began to struggle financially.
His health also deteriorated. On September 6, 1791, while in Prague, Mozart fell ill and eventually passed away on December 5, 1791.
Below is Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" I. Allegro as performed by European classical music orchestra violinist David Grimal and Les Dissonances.
via Fredvastaire
Source: Wikipedia
Thursday, January 26, 2017
The AVN Red Carpet
This past weekend, I experienced something pretty cool--the AVN Awards Red Carpet at the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel in Las Vegas.
What is the AVN? It's the "Academy Awards" for the porn industry. It's a day where porn stars are celebrated for their contribution in adult entertainment.
And I was there, along with many fans, to watch beautiful people walk down the red carpet in their very best attire. When I say "beautiful people," I mean gorgeous people in appearance and personality.
 |
| Shavelle Love, IAMVLADLUX, and Lynn Vega |
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| Lena Paul and Piper Perri |
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| Matt Ryder and Lexi Luna |
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| Skylar Madison |
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| Leya Falcon and Mandingo |
 |
| Ginger Banks |
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Executive Order regarding Border Security
Pardon the Interruption
First of all, I am not an attorney, but I kind of know how to read policy.
This is my take from reading the recent Executive Order regarding Border Security.
1. The definition of "Wall" can easily be interpreted as anything that is an "impassable physical barrier." In another words, we may not get the GAME OF THRONES wall we all expect but rather the spikes used at THE WALKING DEAD correctional facility. This is again amplified in Section 4 of the Executive Order with the phrase, "using appropriate materials..." So, one can say, the appropriate materials at the time of construction of this wall are wooden spikes.
In a sense, this would be the cheapest option and the President can easily declare, "I built you a yyuuuuuge wall. A wall you all wanted from day one."
2. Who will pay for it? Based on how I read Section 9, we are. In that paragraph, it reads, "shall identify and quantify all sources of direct and indirect Federal aid or assistance to the Government of Mexico..."
From how I read it, we are just gonna ask for the money we gave in federal aid and assistance to Mexico back. Smart because the President can easily call it a win saying, "Mexico owes us 265 million dollars for our yyuuuuuge wall."
Executive Order: Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements
EXECUTIVE ORDER BORDER SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) (INA), the Secure Fence Act of 2006 (Public Law 109 367) (Secure Fence Act), and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Public Law 104 208 Div. C) (IIRIRA), and in order to ensure the safety and territorial integrity of the United States as well as to ensure that the Nation's immigration laws are faithfully executed, I hereby order as follows: …
(e) "Wall" shall mean a contiguous, physical wall or other similarly secure, contiguous, and impassable physical barrier. …
(h) "Operational control" shall mean the prevention of all unlawful entries into the United States, including entries by terrorists, other unlawful aliens, instruments of terrorism, narcotics, and other contraband. …
Sec. 4. Physical Security of the Southern Border of the United States. The Secretary shall immediately take the following steps to obtain complete operational control, as determined by the Secretary, of the southern border:
(a) In accordance with existing law, including the Secure Fence Act and IIRIRA, take all appropriate steps to immediately plan, design, and construct a physical wall along the southern border, using appropriate materials and technology to most effectively achieve complete operational control of the southern border;
(b) Identify and, to the extent permitted by law, allocate all sources of Federal funds for the planning, designing, and constructing of a physical wall along the southern border;
(c) Project and develop long-term funding requirements for the wall, including preparing Congressional budget requests for the current and upcoming fiscal years; and
(d) Produce a comprehensive study of the security of the southern border, to be completed within 180 days of this order, that shall include the current state of southern border security, all geophysical and topographical aspects of the southern border, the availability of Federal and State resources necessary to achieve complete operational control of the southern border, and a strategy to obtain and maintain complete operational control of the southern border. …
Sec. 9. Foreign Aid Reporting Requirements. The head of each executive department and agency shall identify and quantify all sources of direct and indirect Federal aid or assistance to the Government of Mexico on an annual basis over the past five years, including all bilateral and multilateral development aid, economic assistance, humanitarian aid, and military aid. Within 30 days of the date of this order, the head of each executive department and agency shall submit this information to the Secretary of State. Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary shall submit to the President a consolidated report reflecting the levels of such aid and assistance that has been provided annually, over each of the past five years. …
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 25, 2017.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/25/executive-order-border-security-and-immigration-enforcement-improvements
First of all, I am not an attorney, but I kind of know how to read policy.
This is my take from reading the recent Executive Order regarding Border Security.
1. The definition of "Wall" can easily be interpreted as anything that is an "impassable physical barrier." In another words, we may not get the GAME OF THRONES wall we all expect but rather the spikes used at THE WALKING DEAD correctional facility. This is again amplified in Section 4 of the Executive Order with the phrase, "using appropriate materials..." So, one can say, the appropriate materials at the time of construction of this wall are wooden spikes.
In a sense, this would be the cheapest option and the President can easily declare, "I built you a yyuuuuuge wall. A wall you all wanted from day one."
2. Who will pay for it? Based on how I read Section 9, we are. In that paragraph, it reads, "shall identify and quantify all sources of direct and indirect Federal aid or assistance to the Government of Mexico..."
From how I read it, we are just gonna ask for the money we gave in federal aid and assistance to Mexico back. Smart because the President can easily call it a win saying, "Mexico owes us 265 million dollars for our yyuuuuuge wall."
Executive Order: Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements
EXECUTIVE ORDER BORDER SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) (INA), the Secure Fence Act of 2006 (Public Law 109 367) (Secure Fence Act), and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Public Law 104 208 Div. C) (IIRIRA), and in order to ensure the safety and territorial integrity of the United States as well as to ensure that the Nation's immigration laws are faithfully executed, I hereby order as follows: …
(e) "Wall" shall mean a contiguous, physical wall or other similarly secure, contiguous, and impassable physical barrier. …
(h) "Operational control" shall mean the prevention of all unlawful entries into the United States, including entries by terrorists, other unlawful aliens, instruments of terrorism, narcotics, and other contraband. …
Sec. 4. Physical Security of the Southern Border of the United States. The Secretary shall immediately take the following steps to obtain complete operational control, as determined by the Secretary, of the southern border:
(a) In accordance with existing law, including the Secure Fence Act and IIRIRA, take all appropriate steps to immediately plan, design, and construct a physical wall along the southern border, using appropriate materials and technology to most effectively achieve complete operational control of the southern border;
(b) Identify and, to the extent permitted by law, allocate all sources of Federal funds for the planning, designing, and constructing of a physical wall along the southern border;
(c) Project and develop long-term funding requirements for the wall, including preparing Congressional budget requests for the current and upcoming fiscal years; and
(d) Produce a comprehensive study of the security of the southern border, to be completed within 180 days of this order, that shall include the current state of southern border security, all geophysical and topographical aspects of the southern border, the availability of Federal and State resources necessary to achieve complete operational control of the southern border, and a strategy to obtain and maintain complete operational control of the southern border. …
Sec. 9. Foreign Aid Reporting Requirements. The head of each executive department and agency shall identify and quantify all sources of direct and indirect Federal aid or assistance to the Government of Mexico on an annual basis over the past five years, including all bilateral and multilateral development aid, economic assistance, humanitarian aid, and military aid. Within 30 days of the date of this order, the head of each executive department and agency shall submit this information to the Secretary of State. Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary shall submit to the President a consolidated report reflecting the levels of such aid and assistance that has been provided annually, over each of the past five years. …
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 25, 2017.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/25/executive-order-border-security-and-immigration-enforcement-improvements
Kiss the Girls and Make Them Die (1967)
Film Appreciation
Released on January 25, 1967, Kiss the Girls and Make Them Die, was a sci-fi comedy directed by Henry Levin. The film starred Michael Connors, Dorothy Provine, Margaret Lee, and Raf Vallone.
Michael Connors played an American CIA agent in pursuit of a Brazilian industrialist wanting to sterilize the human race and personally re-populate the planet with beautiful women.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiss_the_Girls_and_Make_Them_Die
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Monday, January 23, 2017
Arjen Lubach - Introduction Video About the Netherlands to President Trump
Dutch comedian Arjen Lubach presents a introduction video of the Netherlands to President Donald Trump after the President stated NATO and the EU were "obsolete."
via vpro zondag met lubach
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Trump's Suppression on the Press
Pardon the Interruption
Freedom of the press is protected by the FIRST AMENDMENT of the US Constitution.
It basically says, the government is PREVENTED from interfering with the distribution of information and opinions.
However, today, the American people witnessed a type of censorship made by a future government head to ever be suppressed on the press.
I, being a registered Texas Republican, with a background in journalism, political science, and public administration, do have issue with this blatant attempt of suppression.
Shepard Smith: "President-elect Trump today told Jim Acosta that his organization amounts to 'Fake News.' CNN's exclusive reporting on the Russian matter was separate and distinctly different from the document dump executed by an online news property. Though, we at Fox News cannot confirm CNN's report, it is our observation that it's correspondents followed journalist standards and that neither they or any other journalists should be subjected to belittling and de-legitimizing by the President-elect of the United States."
If we go down this path, then we're discrediting journalism, from Breitbart to National Review to Fox News to CNN to MSNBC to Mother Jones--journalistic integrity will be lost.
The real issue that I'm concerned with is how one word "fake" can have a huge impact on a practice that is essential for our nation.
The president-elect could have approached the inaccurate reporting another way without creating--what I fear--a blanket effect where anyone who doesn't agree with their ideology is called "fake."
The founding fathers added the FIRST AMENDMENT for a reason. The Press is the watchdog that keeps our politicians in check. If we discredit the press by calling "FAKE NEWS" to news organizations we don't agree with or calling for someone to be terminated because they did what the press is supposed to do, then we are heading on the wrong path.
Yes... suppression of the Press can happen in our country, and regardless of what your political leanings are, this should be of concern.
Freedom of the press is protected by the FIRST AMENDMENT of the US Constitution.
It basically says, the government is PREVENTED from interfering with the distribution of information and opinions.
However, today, the American people witnessed a type of censorship made by a future government head to ever be suppressed on the press.
I, being a registered Texas Republican, with a background in journalism, political science, and public administration, do have issue with this blatant attempt of suppression.
Shepard Smith: "President-elect Trump today told Jim Acosta that his organization amounts to 'Fake News.' CNN's exclusive reporting on the Russian matter was separate and distinctly different from the document dump executed by an online news property. Though, we at Fox News cannot confirm CNN's report, it is our observation that it's correspondents followed journalist standards and that neither they or any other journalists should be subjected to belittling and de-legitimizing by the President-elect of the United States."
If we go down this path, then we're discrediting journalism, from Breitbart to National Review to Fox News to CNN to MSNBC to Mother Jones--journalistic integrity will be lost.
The real issue that I'm concerned with is how one word "fake" can have a huge impact on a practice that is essential for our nation.
The president-elect could have approached the inaccurate reporting another way without creating--what I fear--a blanket effect where anyone who doesn't agree with their ideology is called "fake."
The founding fathers added the FIRST AMENDMENT for a reason. The Press is the watchdog that keeps our politicians in check. If we discredit the press by calling "FAKE NEWS" to news organizations we don't agree with or calling for someone to be terminated because they did what the press is supposed to do, then we are heading on the wrong path.
Yes... suppression of the Press can happen in our country, and regardless of what your political leanings are, this should be of concern.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Sunday, January 8, 2017
The Ognissanti Madonna by Giotto
Art Appreciation
The Orgnissanti Madonna is a large altarpiece painted by Giotto di Bondone for the Florentine Church of Ornissanti. Giotto is credited for being the father of the Renaissance, an artistic movement that portrays humans with more physical and emotional accuracy.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Thursday, January 5, 2017
The Psychology of Trump's "Russian hacking" Tweets
Pardon the Interruption.
Donald Trump, our President-elect, is a businessman who knows how to sell a product or an idea. It obviously worked, during the election, using the most powerful instrument--social media. He continues to utilize it as a megaphone to sell his agenda.
A few days ago, I posted an entry regarding our future President's odd New Year tweet. In that entry, I dissected his tweet in an attempt to find meaning.
Similarly, I've taken his recent tweets questioning the validity of the Intelligence Community's findings of substantive evidence of Russian hacking.
Let's rewind a bit and remember that during the summer of 2016, Donald Trump, the candidate, encouraged Russia to hack into Hillary Clinton's emails, "I will tell you this, Russia: If you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing."
In a tweet, earlier this week, the soon-to-be President said, "The 'Intelligence' briefing on so-called 'Russian hacking' was delayed until Friday, perhaps more time needed to build a case. Very strange!"
If we dissect the tweet, "The 'Intelligence' briefing...," he injects doubt to the word intelligence by adding quotes. "Intelligence" as if we should doubt its trustworthiness--the Intelligence Community that is a collection of 16 separate U.S. government agencies that work separately and together to conduct intelligence activities.
He continues his tweet "...on so-called 'Russian hacking'..." as to again question the credibility of the intelligence community's findings. Remember, he took time from his New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, to criticize the assessment "...I know a lot about hacking, and hacking is a very hard thing to prove. So, it could be somebody else. And I also know things that other people don't know, so they cannot be sure of this situation."
He then ends his tweet in a conspiracy-esque way about how the briefing was delayed, "....perhaps more time needed to build a case. Very strange!" This as if to plant the idea that the 16 independent national security agencies are working to fabricate a story and possibly undermine his presidency.
What's worrisome is that later he tweeted, "Julian Assange said 'a 14 year old could have hacked Podesta' - why was DNC so careless? Also said Russians did not give him the info!"
Aside that he credits Julian Assange in the tweet, which he later attempts to backpedal, what is of concern is that he deflects blame away from Russia to the DNC for being careless, "... why was DNC so careless?"
He then followed up with "Julian Assange on U.S. media coverage: 'It's very dishonest.' #Hannity "More dishonest than anyone knows." Okay, so although he backpedaled in a later tweet (see below), he did outright commend Assange for stating that the media is dishonest. To emphasize the praise, not only did he end the tweet, "More dishonest than anyone knows," but he included a photo of Julian Assange--a sign of admiration.
Ironically, Sean Hannity once condemned Assange and called for his arrest, and Trump, in 2010, said there should be the "death penalty or something" for WikiLeaks publishing classified documents and videos.
It took our future President a day to rephrase his tweet about Assange. Perhaps a move triggered after numerous top Republicans were troubled by Trump siding with Assange before intelligence briefings. In his tweet, he says, "The dishonest media likes saying that I am in Agreement with Julian Assange - wrong. I simply state what he states, it is for the people to make up their own minds as to the truth. The media lies to make it look like I am against "Intelligence" when in fact I am a big fan!"
If we dissect and find meaning in his two recent tweets, we can see that he is blatantly attempting to backpedal." Perhaps this is part of his narcissism in that he can do no wrong, but he deflects the blame of his earlier tweets on the media, "The dishonest media likes saying that I..." Applying projection, he adds, "The media lies to make it look like I am against 'Intelligence'..."
Twitter is a public forum, and the president-elect has chosen this as his megaphone. Since Trump has avoided press conferences, the media has every right to report what is posted in a public forum.
To build empathy, he addresses his followers, "...it is for the people to make up their own minds as to the truth.," while preserving his comments regarding the Intelligence Community he ends with "...when in fact I am a big fan!"
What's troublesome is what if the Intelligence Community has something on Donald Trump, and all this rhetoric is to discredit and to project blame on others before it's released to the public?
Or perhaps, the reason he ended his last tweet "...I am a big fan!" is because he's heeding to Senator Chuck Schumer's warning, "Let me tell you, you take on the intelligence community, they have six ways from Sunday at getting back to you."
UPDATED
Then this evening, the soon-to-be President tweet's again projected doubt and blame and raised a conspiracy within three tweets: "How did NBC get 'an exclusive look into the top secret report he (Obama) was presented?' Who gave them this report and why? Politics! The Democratic National Committee would not allow the FBI to study or see its computer info after it was supposedly hacked by Russia...So how and why are they so sure about hacking if they never even requested an examination of the computer servers? What is going on?"
Remember, he stated that he knew "a lot about hacking." Well, his last tweet says differently, "So how and why are they so sure about hacking if they never even requested an examination of the computer services?" Perhaps Trump only read the headline on BuzzFeed, "The FBI Never Asked For Access to Hacked Computer Servers," and failed to further read the entire article where it indicated the FBI relied on a third party cyber security firm.
His last sentence in that tweet is of concern because it makes it sound as if he is fearing something, "What is going on?" Perhaps his fear is that the intelligence community will present a report that includes something more that he is willing to share.
Donald Trump, our President-elect, is a businessman who knows how to sell a product or an idea. It obviously worked, during the election, using the most powerful instrument--social media. He continues to utilize it as a megaphone to sell his agenda.
A few days ago, I posted an entry regarding our future President's odd New Year tweet. In that entry, I dissected his tweet in an attempt to find meaning.
Similarly, I've taken his recent tweets questioning the validity of the Intelligence Community's findings of substantive evidence of Russian hacking.
Let's rewind a bit and remember that during the summer of 2016, Donald Trump, the candidate, encouraged Russia to hack into Hillary Clinton's emails, "I will tell you this, Russia: If you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing."
In a tweet, earlier this week, the soon-to-be President said, "The 'Intelligence' briefing on so-called 'Russian hacking' was delayed until Friday, perhaps more time needed to build a case. Very strange!"
He continues his tweet "...on so-called 'Russian hacking'..." as to again question the credibility of the intelligence community's findings. Remember, he took time from his New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, to criticize the assessment "...I know a lot about hacking, and hacking is a very hard thing to prove. So, it could be somebody else. And I also know things that other people don't know, so they cannot be sure of this situation."
He then ends his tweet in a conspiracy-esque way about how the briefing was delayed, "....perhaps more time needed to build a case. Very strange!" This as if to plant the idea that the 16 independent national security agencies are working to fabricate a story and possibly undermine his presidency.
What's worrisome is that later he tweeted, "Julian Assange said 'a 14 year old could have hacked Podesta' - why was DNC so careless? Also said Russians did not give him the info!"
Aside that he credits Julian Assange in the tweet, which he later attempts to backpedal, what is of concern is that he deflects blame away from Russia to the DNC for being careless, "... why was DNC so careless?"
He then followed up with "Julian Assange on U.S. media coverage: 'It's very dishonest.' #Hannity "More dishonest than anyone knows." Okay, so although he backpedaled in a later tweet (see below), he did outright commend Assange for stating that the media is dishonest. To emphasize the praise, not only did he end the tweet, "More dishonest than anyone knows," but he included a photo of Julian Assange--a sign of admiration.
Ironically, Sean Hannity once condemned Assange and called for his arrest, and Trump, in 2010, said there should be the "death penalty or something" for WikiLeaks publishing classified documents and videos.
It took our future President a day to rephrase his tweet about Assange. Perhaps a move triggered after numerous top Republicans were troubled by Trump siding with Assange before intelligence briefings. In his tweet, he says, "The dishonest media likes saying that I am in Agreement with Julian Assange - wrong. I simply state what he states, it is for the people to make up their own minds as to the truth. The media lies to make it look like I am against "Intelligence" when in fact I am a big fan!"
If we dissect and find meaning in his two recent tweets, we can see that he is blatantly attempting to backpedal." Perhaps this is part of his narcissism in that he can do no wrong, but he deflects the blame of his earlier tweets on the media, "The dishonest media likes saying that I..." Applying projection, he adds, "The media lies to make it look like I am against 'Intelligence'..."
Twitter is a public forum, and the president-elect has chosen this as his megaphone. Since Trump has avoided press conferences, the media has every right to report what is posted in a public forum.
To build empathy, he addresses his followers, "...it is for the people to make up their own minds as to the truth.," while preserving his comments regarding the Intelligence Community he ends with "...when in fact I am a big fan!"
What's troublesome is what if the Intelligence Community has something on Donald Trump, and all this rhetoric is to discredit and to project blame on others before it's released to the public?
Or perhaps, the reason he ended his last tweet "...I am a big fan!" is because he's heeding to Senator Chuck Schumer's warning, "Let me tell you, you take on the intelligence community, they have six ways from Sunday at getting back to you."
UPDATED
Then this evening, the soon-to-be President tweet's again projected doubt and blame and raised a conspiracy within three tweets: "How did NBC get 'an exclusive look into the top secret report he (Obama) was presented?' Who gave them this report and why? Politics! The Democratic National Committee would not allow the FBI to study or see its computer info after it was supposedly hacked by Russia...So how and why are they so sure about hacking if they never even requested an examination of the computer servers? What is going on?"
NBC cited two top intelligence officials who provided information regarding what was in the report presented to President Obama. Nonetheless, the President-elect was unhappy with a news media having access to the top secret report and was quick to inject "Politics!"
Remember, he stated that he knew "a lot about hacking." Well, his last tweet says differently, "So how and why are they so sure about hacking if they never even requested an examination of the computer services?" Perhaps Trump only read the headline on BuzzFeed, "The FBI Never Asked For Access to Hacked Computer Servers," and failed to further read the entire article where it indicated the FBI relied on a third party cyber security firm.
His last sentence in that tweet is of concern because it makes it sound as if he is fearing something, "What is going on?" Perhaps his fear is that the intelligence community will present a report that includes something more that he is willing to share.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Album Cover: Van Halen - 1984
Album Cover
Album: Van Halen - 1984
Released: January 9, 1984
Graphic Artist: Margo Nahas
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_(Van_Halen_album)
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
My Choice for Golden Globe Winners
UPDATED.
The Golden Globes are this Sunday, and I thought I would give my own choices as to who should win statuettes.
33% PREDICTION ACCURACY
*WINNERS
FILM
Best Picture, Drama
Manchester by the Sea
Reason: It's has the perfect formula for a win: An Affleck and a Damon
*MOONLIGHT
Best Picture, Comedy or Musical
*LA LA LAND
Reason: Gosling and Stone... wow! Plus, it was directed by Damien Chazelle. You know... the one who directed Whiplash, which received five Academy Award nominations last year.
Best Director
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Reason: Jenkins has received a few awards and nominations for this film. Considering the current political climate, I think the HFPA will make a bold step in acknowledging a very talented director.
*DAMIEN CHAZELLE - "LA LA LAND"
Best Actor, Drama
Joel Edgerton, Loving
Reason: Although I have a feeling the HFPA will award this to Casey Affleck, I think Joel Edgerton's performance was perfect.
*CASEY AFFLECT - "MANCHESTER BY THE SEA"
Best Actress, Drama
Natalie Portman, Jackie
Reason: She is a fantastic actress and her portrayal of Jackie Kennedy Onassis is amazing.
*ISABELLE HUPPERT - "ELLE"
Best Actor, Comedy
Colin Farrell, The Lobster
Reason: This one is hard. Jonah Hill is amazing in War Dogs, Ryan Reynolds is the perfect Deadpool, and we all love Hugh Grant, but I think Colin Farrell should be awarded this statuette.
*RYAN GOSLING - "LA LA LAND"
Best Actress, Comedy
Hailee Steinfeld, The Edge of Seventeen
Reason: This is another one that is hard. Although chances are the HFPA will go with Emma Stone, I think Hailee Steinfeld is the better choice.
*EMMA STONE - "LA LA LAND"
Best Supporting Actor
Dev Patel, Lion
Reason: Dev Patel is an amazing actor. Google his name and you'll see all his accomplishments.
*AARON TAYLOR-JOHNSON - "NOCTURNAL ANIMALS"
Best Supporting Actress
*VIOLA DAVIS, FENCES
Reason: Viola Davis has won numerous recognition for her portrayal of Rose Maxson.
Best Screenplay
*DAMIEN CHAZELLE, LA LA LAND
Reason: This one is a guess; although, I am thinking Kenneth Lonergan will be selected by the HFPA for this award.
Best Original Score
La La Land
Reason: This one is hard, but I'll go with La La Land.
*MOONLIGHT
Best Original Song
"Can't Stop the Feeling," Trolls
Reason: I have this on my playlist and haven't gotten bored yet.
*"CITY OF STARS" - "LA LA LAND"
Best Animated Feature Film
Kubo and the Two Strings
Reason: Dreamworks and Disney have dominated this category since its inception. I think the HFPA should consider this beautiful film from Laika Entertainment.
*ZOOTOPIA
Best Foreign Language Film
Toni Erdmann
Reason: This movie has received many accolades, including the FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) Award.
*"ELLE" - (FRANCE)
TELEVISION
Best TV Series, Drama
*THE CROWN
Reason: This award is either going to a Netflix or HBO series, and I think Netflix is overdue for recognition.
Best TV Series, Comedy/Musical
Blackish
Reason: Great show and cast. Plus, a network TV is scheduled to win one.
*ATLANTA
Best TV Miniseries or Movie
*THE PEOPLE VS. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY
Reason: Great cast.
Best Actor, Drama
*BILLY BOB THORNTON, GOLIATH
Reason: Great performance.
Best Actress, Drama
Winona Ryder, Stranger Things
Reason: She is superb in playing a restless mother looking for her missing son.
*CLAIRE FOY - "THE CROWN"
Best Actor, Comedy
Nick Nolte, Graves
Reason: Well, I think the HFPA will either go with Jeffrey Tambor or Nick Nolte. I'm going with Nick Nolte for the simple reason that we just came out of an election year.
*DONALD GLOVER - "ATLANTA"
Best Actress, Comedy
Julie Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Reason: I've been a JLD fan since Seinfeld. I'm thinking the HFPA will recognize her for her role as Selina Meyer.
*TRACEE ELLIS ROSS - "BLACK-ISH"
Best Supporting Actor
John Lithgow, The Crown
Reason: He was recently awarded the Critic's Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor. Plus, Lithgow is an amazing actor who can play just about anything.
*HUGH LAURIE - "THE NIGHT MANAGER"
Best Supporting Actress
Lena Headey, Game of Thrones
Reason: She has received numerous recognition for her portrayal of Ceresei Lannister.
*OLIVIA COLMAN - "THE NIGHT MANAGER"
Best Actor, Mini-Series or TV Movie
Courtney B. Vance, The People vs. O.J. Simpson
Reason: This one was hard to choose, since all the other actors (especially Tom Hiddleston) are amazing in their roles.
*TOM HIDDLESTON - "THE NIGHT MANAGER"
Best Actress, Mini-Series or TV Movie
Kerry Washington
Reason: Her portrayal of Anita Hill was amazing. Awarding this to Washington, the HFPA would make a political statement against sexual assault; especially, following the election of a president who has been accused by several of such acts.
*SARAH PAULSON - "THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY"
The Golden Globes are this Sunday, and I thought I would give my own choices as to who should win statuettes.
33% PREDICTION ACCURACY
*WINNERS
FILM
Best Picture, Drama
Manchester by the Sea
Reason: It's has the perfect formula for a win: An Affleck and a Damon
*MOONLIGHT
Best Picture, Comedy or Musical
*LA LA LAND
Reason: Gosling and Stone... wow! Plus, it was directed by Damien Chazelle. You know... the one who directed Whiplash, which received five Academy Award nominations last year.
Best Director
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Reason: Jenkins has received a few awards and nominations for this film. Considering the current political climate, I think the HFPA will make a bold step in acknowledging a very talented director.
*DAMIEN CHAZELLE - "LA LA LAND"
Best Actor, Drama
Joel Edgerton, Loving
Reason: Although I have a feeling the HFPA will award this to Casey Affleck, I think Joel Edgerton's performance was perfect.
*CASEY AFFLECT - "MANCHESTER BY THE SEA"
Best Actress, Drama
Natalie Portman, Jackie
Reason: She is a fantastic actress and her portrayal of Jackie Kennedy Onassis is amazing.
*ISABELLE HUPPERT - "ELLE"
Best Actor, Comedy
Colin Farrell, The Lobster
Reason: This one is hard. Jonah Hill is amazing in War Dogs, Ryan Reynolds is the perfect Deadpool, and we all love Hugh Grant, but I think Colin Farrell should be awarded this statuette.
*RYAN GOSLING - "LA LA LAND"
Best Actress, Comedy
Hailee Steinfeld, The Edge of Seventeen
Reason: This is another one that is hard. Although chances are the HFPA will go with Emma Stone, I think Hailee Steinfeld is the better choice.
*EMMA STONE - "LA LA LAND"
Best Supporting Actor
Dev Patel, Lion
Reason: Dev Patel is an amazing actor. Google his name and you'll see all his accomplishments.
*AARON TAYLOR-JOHNSON - "NOCTURNAL ANIMALS"
Best Supporting Actress
*VIOLA DAVIS, FENCES
Reason: Viola Davis has won numerous recognition for her portrayal of Rose Maxson.
Best Screenplay
*DAMIEN CHAZELLE, LA LA LAND
Reason: This one is a guess; although, I am thinking Kenneth Lonergan will be selected by the HFPA for this award.
Best Original Score
La La Land
Reason: This one is hard, but I'll go with La La Land.
*MOONLIGHT
Best Original Song
"Can't Stop the Feeling," Trolls
Reason: I have this on my playlist and haven't gotten bored yet.
*"CITY OF STARS" - "LA LA LAND"
Best Animated Feature Film
Kubo and the Two Strings
Reason: Dreamworks and Disney have dominated this category since its inception. I think the HFPA should consider this beautiful film from Laika Entertainment.
*ZOOTOPIA
Best Foreign Language Film
Toni Erdmann
Reason: This movie has received many accolades, including the FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) Award.
*"ELLE" - (FRANCE)
TELEVISION
Best TV Series, Drama
*THE CROWN
Reason: This award is either going to a Netflix or HBO series, and I think Netflix is overdue for recognition.
Best TV Series, Comedy/Musical
Blackish
Reason: Great show and cast. Plus, a network TV is scheduled to win one.
*ATLANTA
Best TV Miniseries or Movie
*THE PEOPLE VS. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY
Reason: Great cast.
Best Actor, Drama
*BILLY BOB THORNTON, GOLIATH
Reason: Great performance.
Best Actress, Drama
Winona Ryder, Stranger Things
Reason: She is superb in playing a restless mother looking for her missing son.
*CLAIRE FOY - "THE CROWN"
Best Actor, Comedy
Nick Nolte, Graves
Reason: Well, I think the HFPA will either go with Jeffrey Tambor or Nick Nolte. I'm going with Nick Nolte for the simple reason that we just came out of an election year.
*DONALD GLOVER - "ATLANTA"
Best Actress, Comedy
Julie Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Reason: I've been a JLD fan since Seinfeld. I'm thinking the HFPA will recognize her for her role as Selina Meyer.
*TRACEE ELLIS ROSS - "BLACK-ISH"
Best Supporting Actor
John Lithgow, The Crown
Reason: He was recently awarded the Critic's Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor. Plus, Lithgow is an amazing actor who can play just about anything.
*HUGH LAURIE - "THE NIGHT MANAGER"
Best Supporting Actress
Lena Headey, Game of Thrones
Reason: She has received numerous recognition for her portrayal of Ceresei Lannister.
*OLIVIA COLMAN - "THE NIGHT MANAGER"
Best Actor, Mini-Series or TV Movie
Courtney B. Vance, The People vs. O.J. Simpson
Reason: This one was hard to choose, since all the other actors (especially Tom Hiddleston) are amazing in their roles.
*TOM HIDDLESTON - "THE NIGHT MANAGER"
Best Actress, Mini-Series or TV Movie
Kerry Washington
Reason: Her portrayal of Anita Hill was amazing. Awarding this to Washington, the HFPA would make a political statement against sexual assault; especially, following the election of a president who has been accused by several of such acts.
*SARAH PAULSON - "THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY"
Monday, January 2, 2017
Sunday, January 1, 2017
My choices for the AVN "Porn Oscars"
The 33rd AVN Awards is only a few weeks away, and I thought I would provide my choices for the "Porn Oscars."
Now, let me clarify something before I present my choices. I don't watch porn day and night. I do watch it on occasion but not excessively. Since I'll be in Vegas during the event, I thought it would be fun to provide my choices as to who I think should win.
Doing this bracket was not only fun but rather educational. I actually got to know more about the actors and webcammers by visiting their Twitter, website, and chatroom.
When doing my assessment and evaluation I based my selections on the number of followers or fans, personality, performance, and attraction. And believe me when I say, it was extremely difficult in selecting one over the other--all these women and men are absolutely amazing, talented, and beautiful. So, without further ado, here are the choices for my favorite porn stars.
Favorite Female Porn Star: Jillian Janson
Other choices: Megan Rain, Brett Rossi, and Anikka Albrite
Hottest Newcomer: Naomi Woods
Other choices: Alex Grey, Angel Smalls, and Anya Olsen
Favorite Male Porn Star: Johnny Sins
Other choices: Christian XXX, Lexington Steele, and Danny D.
Most Epic Ass: A.J. Applegate
Other choices: Sunny Lane, Anikka Albrite, and Riley Reyes
Favorite Trans Porn Star: Domino Presley
Other choices: Kylie Maria, Honey Foxxx, Sienna Grace
Hottest MILF: Cherie DeVille
Other choices: Cory Chase, Tanya Tate, and Alana Cruise
Most Spectacular Boobs: August Ames
Other choices: Angela White, Valentina Nappi, and Darcie Dolce
Social Media Star: Shawna Lenee
Other choices: Katie Banks, Missy Martinez, and Vanessa Veracruz
Web Queen: Bryci
Other choices: Ariel Rebel, Veronica Rodriguez, and Anna Bell Peaks
Favorite Cam Girl: Jenny Blighe
Other choices: Emily Grey, LenaSpanks, and Ginger Banks
@xoJillianJanson
@NaomiWoodsxxx
@JohnnySins
@AJsApplebooty
@DominoPresley
@CherieDeVille
@AugustAmesxxx
@ShawnaLeneeShow
@Bryci
@JennyBlighe
@avnawards
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