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Thursday, September 19, 2024

Frank Eugene

Photography Appreciation

Frank Eugene, born in New York on September 19, 1865, initially took up photography as a hobby, possibly during his time at the City College of New York. While his early photographic work was more for personal amusement, it gradually evolved into a serious artistic pursuit. 

In 1886, Eugene moved to Munich, where he enrolled at the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts. There, he studied drawing and stage design, which would later influence his distinct style in portrait photography. After completing his studies, he began his career as a theatrical portraitist, sketching well-known actors and actresses, while maintaining his passion for photography on the side.

Though Eugene’s formal photographic education remains somewhat mysterious, his photographs reflected a unique fusion of theatrical staging and artistic composition. Two of his most famous works, Self-portrait (1924) and Adam and Eve (1898), highlight his mastery of combining elements of fine arts with photography. 

His self-portrait is particularly significant, showcasing his ability to blend drawing techniques into photographic works, a method that set him apart from other photographers of his time. Adam and Eve is another notable piece that displays Eugene's talent for creative compositions, blending the mythological with the modern.

Eugene’s impact on the art world grew after his return to the United States. In 1899, his work was exhibited at the Camera Club of New York, solidifying his reputation in the photographic community.

Self-portrait (1924)

Male Nude (1897)

Adam and Eve (taken 1898), published in Camera Work no. 30, 1910


Sources:

Wikipedia

https://archive.artic.edu/stieglitz/frank-eugene/

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Jamie Jackson

Acting Appreciation

Jamie Jackson took a bold leap into the world of adult modeling and entertainment in March 2013, right after wrapping up a five-year marriage and setting her sights on sunny San Diego, California. 

Born on September 17, 1990, in Seattle, Washington, Jamie quickly became sought-after, thanks to her all-natural figure and stunning good looks. At 5'3", this "girl next door" beauty seemed to have a magical ability to look incredible in anything -- probably even a potato sack if you gave her one!

Jamie soon found herself modeling and lighting up the screen for film studios such as Brazzers, BangBros, and Teenfidelity. After leaving many of her fans happily exhausted, Jamie decided to hang up her stilettos and retire from the adult film industry in 2018. 


Sources:

https://www.indexxx.com/m/jamie-jackson-1

https://www.thenude.com/model_41230.htm

https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Jamie_Jackson?utm_source=boobpedia&utm_medium=referral

https://www.freeones.com/jamie-jackson

https://www.boobpedia.com/boobs/Jamie_Jackson

https://www.thenude.com/Jamie_Jackson_41230.htm

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6119611/

Monday, September 16, 2024

Tempe: Where Youth Is a State of Mind (and I Feel 20 Again)

Pardon the Interruption

What I love about visiting Tempe is that it makes me feel like I've shaved off a couple of decades. It's a city buzzing with young adults -- some are here to hit the books, others are here to hit the service industry jackpot. They've flocked in from every corner of the country, all with different backstories and dreams of one day returning to their home state, maybe after a few more rounds of 110ยบ plus days and rounds of Arizona iced tea. 

Let's be real, not everyone here was valedictorian or on the fast track to Wall Street. Some might be here because they, well, needed a little more "guidance" during their academic years, or they wanted to leave their parents' reach, or they're the offspring of those fortunate enough to pay for a few extra changes at life. I'm obviously generalizing here, but what I find endearing is how these kids, despite their different paths, are full of hustle and surprisingly polite. It's like they're one part college brochure and two parts a reality show you'd actually want to watch. And that's what makes Tempe so refreshingly unique.


Thursday, September 12, 2024

On the iPhone at 3 AM

There are occasions when I find myself burning the midnight oil on a project, wrapping up work before heading to bed for a full day ahead. My rational mind comprehends the need for rest and acknowledges the adverse effects of staring at a screen in the dark on my ability to fall asleep. Yet, there's a tiny corner of my brain, perhaps the ventral tegmental area, that craves that final hit of dopamine.

Even though I'm aware of my fatigue and the necessity for sleep, the temptation to check my iMessages, post on Instagram and X, and, if I'm horny enough, delve into Onlyfans, becomes irresistible.


By Adam Ellis @adamtots


Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Bo Goldman

Film Appreciation

Bo Goldman, an acclaimed American screenwriter and playwright, was born on September 10, 1932, in New York City. He grew up in a family that appreciated the arts, which shaped his early love for storytelling. After attending Phillips Exeter Academy, Goldman pursued higher education at Princeton University, where he honed his craft in creative writing and theater. His passion for writing was evident from a young age, leading him to a career that would leave a lasting mark on the film industry.

Goldman’s screenwriting career reached significant heights with two Academy Awards. His first Oscar came in 1976 for the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which he co-wrote. The screenplay was a critical success, showcasing his talent for adapting complex narratives to the screen. His second Academy Award came in 1981 for Melvin and Howard, a quirky and poignant film that further cemented his reputation as a top screenwriter in Hollywood. These accolades highlighted his ability to blend character depth with compelling storylines, making him a sought-after writer in the industry.

Among his other memorable works, Scent of a Woman (1992) stands out as a testament to his skill in crafting emotionally resonant narratives. The film, starring Al Pacino, earned Goldman a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay. His later work on Meet Joe Black (1998) further showcased his versatility, blending drama with elements of the supernatural. 

On July 25, 2023, Goldman passed away at the age of 90. His contributions to cinema continue to be celebrated, and his legacy as a storyteller endures through the timeless quality of his work.


Source: 

Wikipedia

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/aug/06/bo-goldman-obituary

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0325743/

https://tapthelinemag.com/post/bo-goldman-oscar-winning-writer-of-one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest-script-dies-at-90

Monday, September 9, 2024

Album Cover: John Mayer - Heavier Things

Album Cover

Album: John Mayer - Heavier Things

Released: September 9, 2003

Cover Photographer: Chapman Baehler

Model: John Mayer

Art Direction: John Mayer


Sources:

https://www.discogs.com/master/170455-John-Mayer-Heavier-Things

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavier_Things 

Thursday, September 5, 2024

From King David to Don the Con: The Evangelical Paradox

Pardon the Interruption

I've spent the last six years scratching my head, trying to figure out why some evangelical Christians are following a man who’s about as far from a model of piety as you can get. Some evangelicals have gone so far as to defend the former president, even claiming he’s God’s chosen one, like King David. Sure, King David had his flaws—maybe even a few that resemble Trump's—but let's not forget that Jesus warned us about false prophets in his Sermon on the Mount. And didn't Jesus toss out the moneychangers who were making a profit in the Temple? Yet, conservative Christians seem to turn a blind eye to Trump's shortcomings because they see him as a champion of their causes.

While scrolling through X, I stumbled upon groups like Evangelicals For Harris, Vote Common Good, and The New Evangelicals. These folks aren’t buying the idea that Trump is God’s chosen one, nor are they making excuses for his many flaws. Instead, they’re shining a light on the real Trump—the convicted felon, grifter, and con artist that he is. Let's be clear: He’s no King David. Not even close. He’s just Donald J. Trump, with a rap sheet longer than a Pharisee’s prayer shawl.

Garry Trudeau, Doonesbury (April 22, 2018)



 

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

The Perfect Salad

The secret ingredient to the perfect salad is shave parmesan cheese. It's not only decorative but also tasty and healthy. And if you are searching for the best Caesar salad, check out this recipe from 15 Spatulas: https://www.fifteenspatulas.com/caesar-salad-with-parmesan-peppercorn-croutons/


By Adam Ellis @adamtots


Sunday, September 1, 2024