RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Let's Make A Sandwich

 

Kronic & Krunk! - Hey Ho

Music Appreciation

Released on April 29, 2014, "Hey Ho" by Australian DJs Kronic and Krunk! is a high-energy electro-house banger built for the club scene. Packed with a ridiculously catchy saxophone riff and a driving beat, it’s the kind of track that gets people moving whether they're at a festival or just vibing with friends.

The music video, directed by Josef J. Weber, cranks up the fun with a playful, over-the-top vibe. It kicks off with Amy-Jane Brand, Tarsha Fraser, and Caitlin Glanville rolling up to what looks like a country club in a white Moke, setting the tone for a wild time. 

Right at the entrance, a cheeky "Wanna have sex?" sign on the floor sets the irreverent mood. Inside, DJ Kronic—rocking a wig and sunglasses—shows off his saxophone skills while the girls, dressed in bikinis, one-pieces, and athletic wear, launch into a choreographed dance routine by Chris van Doren. 

As the beat builds, DJ Krunk! joins in, and the party kicks into full gear. It’s a music video that doesn’t take itself too seriously but delivers plenty of eye candy and high-energy fun, just like the song itself.

Sources:

https://www.discogs.com/release/8126099-Kronic-5-Krunk-Hey-Ho-Le-Remixes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei4rbJgMZPc

Skye Model

Modeling Appreciation

In my younger days, I had a fondness for petite blondes. Syke, much like Shannon Hrib, bore a striking resemblance to my ex-wife, in more ways than one. 

Standing at 5'4", this blonde beauty was born in Dallas, Texas, on April 28, 1986. She ventured into adult modeling in 2005 and remained in the industry for six years. 

Skye possessed the quintessential girl-next-door look, with enchanting grey eyes and a captivating smile that easily caught my attention.

Little is know about her whereabouts; however, I like to imagine that she found happiness as someone's beloved partner, perhaps with children who share her striking features.

Sources:

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

https://www.nudevista.com/?q=skye+model&s=s

https://www.freeones.com/skye-model 

DANCE: Meg Myers - Desire

Choreography: Jordan Kensley

via  Ryan Shi

Cosplay is an Art: Maxim Zayats (SirMax) - Succubus

Models: Kristina Yakimova (victim) and Oksana Chucha (Succubus)

via Maxim Zayats (SirMax)

 

Jean Crotti

Art Appreciation

Jean Crotti was born on April 24, 1878, in Bulle, Fribourg, Switzerland. He initially studied at Munich's School of Decorative Arts before moving to Paris in 1901 to attend the Académie Julian.

In Paris, Crotti's early work was influenced by Impressionism, Fauvism, and Art Nouveau. Around 1910, he began exploring Orphism, an offshoot of Cubism.

Crotti's best-known works often feature abstract compositions with spiritual themes. He also developed the "Gemmail" technique, which involved layering colored glass to create unique color combinations when illuminated.

Buste de Femme, 1920

Femme À L'éventail, 1923

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.natalieseroussi.com/en/artists/16-jean-crotti/biography/

https://www.metmuseum.org/research-centers/leonard-a-lauder-research-center/research-resources/modern-art-index-project/crotti

https://www.fivecontinentseditions.com/en/p/jean-crotti-3/

https://www.askart.com/artist/Jean_Crotti/10012218/Jean_Crotti.aspx

J.M.W. Turner

Art Appreciation

Joseph Mallord William Turner, born on April 23, 1775, in Covent Garden, London, was one of the most influential English Romantic painters. His father was a barber and wig maker, while his mother struggled with mental illness, which led to her institutionalization. 

Despite his modest upbringing, Turner showed an early talent for drawing. His father, recognizing his son’s potential, supported his artistic pursuits by selling his sketches in his shop. Turner’s childhood was marked by frequent trips to the countryside, where he developed a fascination with landscapes and natural light, themes that would define his career.

At just 14 years old, Turner entered the prestigious Royal Academy of Art in 1789. Initially, he considered becoming an architect, but his passion for painting took precedence. While studying, he developed his skills by working with topographical draftsmen, which refined his attention to detail. 

Turner’s first exhibited oil painting, Fishermen at Sea (1796), showcased his mastery of light and shadow, depicting a dramatic moonlit seascape. This work marked the beginning of his long and celebrated career, earning him recognition for his ability to convey movement and atmosphere.

Turner’s style evolved significantly throughout his life. Early in his career, he was known for detailed landscapes and historical scenes, but he gradually adopted a more expressive and abstract approach. He often used watercolor in addition to oil, which allowed him to experiment with luminosity and color. 

Turner’s later works, characterized by swirling brushstrokes and vibrant hues, pushed the boundaries of traditional landscape painting. His use of thick impasto and layered glazes created an almost ethereal quality, influencing the Impressionist movement decades later.

Among Turner’s best-known paintings are The Fighting Temeraire (1839), which depicts an old warship being towed to its final berth, symbolizing the end of an era, and Rain, Steam, and Speed (1844), which captures the power and motion of the Industrial Revolution. The Slave Ship (1840) is another striking work, blending vivid color and raw emotion to depict the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. 

Turner’s ability to portray both the grandeur and turbulence of nature solidified his legacy as one of Britain’s greatest painters.

Fishermen at Sea, 1796

The Fighting Temeraire, 1839

Rain, Steam, and Speed, 1844

The Slave Ship, 1840

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://smarthistory.org/turner-the-fighting-temeraire/

https://galleryintell.com/artex/rain-steam-and-speed-jmw-turner/

Richard Diebenkorn

Art Appreciation

Richard Diebenkorn was born on April 22, 1922, in Portland, Oregon, but spent most of his early life in San Francisco, California. From a young age, he showed an interest in art, drawing inspiration from the landscapes and architecture of the West Coast. 

He pursued formal training at Stanford University, where he studied under art historian Victor Arnautoff and was introduced to the work of modernist painters such as Edward Hopper and Paul Cézanne. His studies were interrupted by World War II when he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, but after the war, he resumed his education at the California School of Fine Arts (now the San Francisco Art Institute), where he became part of a growing community of avant-garde artists.

Diebenkorn’s early career was shaped by the Abstract Expressionist movement, and his work during the late 1940s and early 1950s reflected the gestural, energetic style popular at the time. 

He moved frequently, living in California, New Mexico, and Illinois, each place influencing his evolving artistic approach. In the 1950s, he became associated with the Bay Area Figurative Movement, shifting away from pure abstraction to incorporate representational elements. This period marked a significant transition in his work, as he explored human figures, interiors, and landscapes with a renewed focus on color and structure.

Diebenkorn’s technique was characterized by his ability to blend abstraction with a sense of spatial depth. His paintings often featured layered brushstrokes, geometric compositions, and a balance between spontaneity and careful construction. 

His most notable exhibitions included a major retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1976 and another at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 1997. Throughout his career, he continued to push artistic boundaries, earning recognition as one of the most influential American painters of the 20th century.

One of Diebenkorn’s most famous works is Ocean Park #54 (1972), part of his renowned Ocean Park series. Created after he moved to Southern California, the series showcased his shift to luminous color fields and structured compositions, inspired by the light and atmosphere of the coastal environment.

Ocean Park #54, 1972

Tri-Color, 1981

Coffee, 1959

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://diebenkorn.org/

https://www.sfmoma.org/artist/Richard_Diebenkorn/

https://whitney.org/artists/356

https://www.theartstory.org/artist/diebenkorn-richard/

https://www.sfmoma.org/artwork/72.59/

Body Art: Maurice Sagot - Captain America

Model: Michael Vargas 

via STUDIOGAMA PRODUCCIONES

Dance: Каюсь · YUVI

Choreography: Olga Baidyuk

via Czech Exotic Open 

Chocolate Bunny Pirate

Back when my daughter was little, her mom and I created our own version of the Easter Bunny tradition. Every year, the Easter Bunny would swing by and leave a basket filled with goodies, toys, and—of course—a big chocolate bunny.

One year, though, we completely dropped the (Easter) ball and forgot to prep. So, just hours before the big day, I dashed over to the nearest Walgreens, about half a mile away, in search of plastic eggs, treats, toys and, of course, a chocolate bunny. The only one left was a tall bunny with just one blue eye. That’s right—one. The other was mysteriously missing. I asked an employee if there were any more in the back. She smiled and said nope, this was the final survivor—but she did offer a discount for the optical casualty.

When I got home, my daughter’s mom was thrilled to see the bags of goodies… until I said, “There’s a small problem.” I pulled the bunny from the box and, without missing a beat, she said, “It’s missing an eye.”

We stared at our one-eyed chocolate friend in confusion, until we noticed something rattling inside the box. There it was—the rogue chocolate eye! With high hopes, she tried to press it back into place… but pressed a little too hard, and the eye went straight through the bunny’s face.

After a moment of stunned silence and a few belly laughs, inspiration struck—we had a toy eye patch left over from our daughter’s pirate-themed birthday party. We patched up our new bunny friend, tied an orange ribbon around his ears, and just like that, Captain Cocoa was born. Easter was saved.

by Adam Sacks (@adamsacks)

Album Cover: David Bowie – Aladdin Sane

Album Cover

Album: David Bowie – Aladdin Sane

Released: April 19, 1973

Cover Photographer: Brian Duffy / Philip Castle 

Model: David Bowie

Source:

Wikipedia

Emilia Song

Acting Appreciation

Standing at a petite 5’3”, Emilia Song might be small in stature, but she has a presence that’s anything but. With her slim, athletic build and measurements of 32C-26-38, she commands attention both on screen and in real life. 

Known for her graceful movements and expressive performances, Emilia brings her BFA in theater to life in a unique way, blending her acting chops with the creative freedom of adult entertainment. Her fans appreciate the blend of sophistication and groundedness she brings to her work, often comparing her to a superhero come to life – a nod to her love of cosplay.

Emilia’s striking brown eyes are one of her defining features. I'm easily seduced. These eyes have seen plenty of adventure, whether she’s immersed in character or engaging her followers in a candid, goofy moment. Known for embracing her quirky, awkward side, she finds ways to be relatable even in the most glamorous settings.

Her dedication doesn’t stop with her fans; Emilia is also an advocate for trans and sex worker rights, passionately supporting organizations that uplift her community. Her grounded outlook and fierce advocacy reflect a woman who’s equally at home in front of the camera and in the real world, using her platform to make a difference.

Sources:

https://emiliasong.com/

https://myfavoritepornstar.com/emilia-song/

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

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

https://www.thenude.com/Emilia%20Song_53198.htm

https://www.freeones.com/emilia-song

Martin Mazorra

Art Appreciation

Born in Morgantown in 1972, Martin Mazorra is renowned for his woodcuts, which reflect a meticulous dedication to hand-crafted artistry. His artistic journey is deeply influenced by his diverse heritage and upbringing, as the son of a Cuban exile immersed in the Appalachian landscape of West Virginia. Drawing from this rich tapestry of experiences, Mazorra infuses his work with humor and social commentary.

Employing a technique that involves hand-drawing, hand-carving, and hand-printing, Mazorra's pieces bear the unmistakable touch of the artisan's hand. Using moveable type on a Vandercook press, he seamlessly blends the unique characteristics of wood type with the subtle nuances of letter forms, resulting in a captivating fusion of editorial content and graphic impact. Ranging from intimate letterpress books to expansive 4' x 8' woodcuts, Mazorra's art transcends scale, delving into themes of nostalgia, social satire, and popular culture.

Sources:

https://www.newschool.edu/parsons/faculty/martin-mazorra/

https://www.martinmazorra.net/about

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Seth - Rea Irvin: An Appreciation (The New Yorker, Feb 10, 2025)

Source:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/02/17/rea-irvin-an-appreciation

Republica - Ready to Go

Music Appreciation

Released on 15 April 1996, "Ready to Go" is a dynamic track by English alternative rock band Republica. The song became a defining anthem of the 1990s, showcasing the band's energetic blend of rock and electronic elements. Its infectious rhythm and spirited vocals contributed to its widespread acclaim and enduring popularity.

The lyrics of "Ready to Go" convey a sense of excitement and anticipation, capturing the thrill of embarking on new adventures. Lead singer Saffron's powerful delivery amplifies the song's themes of liberation and readiness to embrace life's opportunities. The composition features driving guitar riffs and pulsating beats, creating an exhilarating soundscape that resonates with listeners seeking empowerment and motivation.

The music video for "Ready to Go" was directed by Ben Grosse and filmed in a warehouse setting. It features lead singer Saffron performing with the band, interspersed with dynamic visuals that complement the song's high-energy vibe. The video's aesthetic captures the essence of the mid-90s alternative scene, further cementing the track's place in music history.

 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15440110/

https://musicvideo.fandom.com/wiki/Ready_to_Go_(Republica)

https://publicdescription.com/2013/05/17/ready-to-go-with-repubica/

OneRepublic - Love Runs Out

Music Appreciation

OneRepublic’s "Love Runs Out" is a high-energy anthem that was both written and produced by Ryan Tedder, the band’s frontman, alongside band members Brent Kutzle, Drew Brown, Zach Filkins, and Eddie Fisher. 

Originally intended as the lead single for their 2013 album Native, the song was held back because Tedder struggled to perfect the chorus. It eventually found its place as a standout track on the album’s 2014 reissue and was released as a single in April of that year. With its thundering percussion and dramatic piano riffs, the song became an instant crowd-pleaser, climbing charts worldwide.

Musically, "Love Runs Out" is built on a moody G minor key signature, a moderate 120 BPM tempo, and a melody that spans D3 to D5, giving it a haunting yet powerful vocal range. The track is defined by its pulsating beats and gospel-like intensity, reminiscent of a song that could score an action-packed montage. 

Lyrically, it conveys a relentless, passionate determination, with Tedder singing about a love that will persist until the very end. Critics praised the song’s “spine-tingling” production and anthemic qualities, which made it a favorite among fans and a staple at OneRepublic’s live performances.

The music video, directed by Sophie Muller, brings an equally dramatic visual spectacle to match the song’s intensity. The video features surreal, cinematic imagery and draws inspiration from Sade’s “Soldier of Love”, another Muller-directed piece. Its mix of shadowy lighting, powerful choreography, and dramatic landscapes adds to the song’s larger-than-life feel. 

via OneRepublic

Sources:

Wikipedia

Musicnotes.com

lovelytheband - Broken

Music Appreciation

Lovelytheband's debut single, "Broken," released on April 13, 2017, marked a significant entry into the indie pop scene. The song was written by lead vocalist Mitchy Collins, alongside collaborators Christian Medice and Samantha DeRosa. Collins conceived the song during a challenging period in his life, following personal and professional setbacks, including the dissolution of his previous band, Oh Honey. This introspective piece became a cornerstone of Lovelytheband's debut album, Finding It Hard to Smile, released in 2018. ​

"Broken" explores themes of shared imperfections and the search for connection. The lyrics narrate a meeting between two individuals at a party, both recognizing their own flaws and finding solace in each other's company. The chorus, "I like that you're broken / Broken like me," encapsulates this sentiment. 

Musically, the song blends upbeat synth-pop melodies with introspective lyrics, creating a contrast that resonates with listeners. This fusion contributed to the track's success, leading it to top Billboard's Alternative Songs chart for nine consecutive weeks and securing a spot on the Hot 100. ​

The accompanying music video, directed by John F. Beach and Jonathan Hoeg, visually portrays the song's narrative. It features lead singer Mitchy Collins encountering a woman at a party. The video juxtaposes the mundane party setting with whimsical fantasy elements, effectively highlighting the song's themes of finding beauty in brokenness. 

Sources:

wikipedia 

lovelytheband.fandom.com

music.apple.com

songwriteruniverse.com

auctions.royaltyexchange.com

No Sex for 6 Weeks / Vaginal Tightening

About a year ago, my wife came home a little concerned about something she felt down there. It happened right after a workout, so she thought maybe all that exercise had shifted things around. After a visit to her primary care doctor, we got the verdict: a prolapse. The doctor recommended strengthening exercises and even mentioned that a little, uh, physical activity could help nudge things back in place—don’t have to tell me twice!

But let’s be real—my wife isn’t exactly a fan of workouts, especially when it comes to pelvic exercises, and let’s just say her enthusiasm for bedroom cardio isn’t quite what it was when we first met. Fast forward to this past month, she started noticing it more and decided it was time for a specialist. So, off we went to the gynecologist.

There I was, holding her hand while she was half-naked on the exam table, thinking, Damn, I love this woman. After the check-up, the doctor sat us down and explained that her cervix had prolapsed. He laid out three options, one of which involved surgery to reinforce the vaginal wall—a procedure called sacrospinous fixation.

Then came the crucial part: recovery time. “Six weeks, no sex,” the doctor said. Naturally, I had to protest. “Six weeks is a long time, doc.”

My wife, ever the practical one, asked for details. The doctor explained that he’d cut and stitch things up to provide better support. And then, almost as an afterthought, he mentioned that this process would also tighten the vaginal wall.

And just like that, my horny middle-aged brain wasn't that much bothered with six weeks of no sex. 

Sabrina Carpenter - Espresso

Music Appreciation

Sabrina Carpenter’s journey from Disney star to pop powerhouse has been a steady climb, marked by her ability to evolve and adapt to the music industry’s trends while keeping her own style intact. 

With "Espresso," the lead single from her sixth album, Short n' Sweet, Carpenter has firmly established herself as a confident, self-assured artist. Released on April 11, 2024, "Espresso" skyrocketed Carpenter to new heights, as she snagged her first top ten spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one on the Billboard Global 200. This breakthrough track has resonated worldwide, dominating charts in countries across Europe, Asia, and beyond.

"Espresso" was co-written by Carpenter alongside songwriting heavyweights Amy Allen, Steph Jones, and Julian Bunetta, who also produced the track. Recorded in France, the song reflects Carpenter’s self-assured persona and celebrates femininity as a superpower. The upbeat, synth-pop and disco-infused sound, layered with funk elements, mirrors Carpenter's playful yet assertive lyrics, such as the catchy line, “That’s that me espresso.” The song's energy is driven by a guitar riff and drum loop from a popular sample pack, grounding its confidence in a beat that’s as infectious as the lyrics.

The critical acclaim surrounding "Espresso" highlights its catchy hook and the cleverness of Carpenter’s songwriting. Reviewers from Rolling Stone to Vulture lauded the track’s earworm qualities and Carpenter’s distinctive lyrical flair. Critics praised the song’s whimsical, upbeat vibe, seeing it as a defining moment in her career. Carpenter's choice to embrace an '80s-inspired disco sound fused with modern pop has set her apart, appealing to fans and new listeners alike who appreciate her evolution as a songwriter and performer.

Directed by Dave Meyers, the “Espresso” music video brings Carpenter’s playful spirit to life with a sun-drenched, beachy vibe. Filmed at Castaic Lake in California, the video follows Carpenter's character on a day of mischievous fun, from a quick boat ride to dancing on a surfboard held by an entourage, then being arrested. Meyers' vibrant, retro-modern visuals complement the song’s lighthearted tone, adding a cinematic flair to Carpenter’s story of confidence and empowerment.

Source:

Wikipedia

Kenneth Noland

Art Appreciation

Kenneth Noland, born on April 10, 1924, in Asheville, North Carolina, was an influential American painter known for his contributions to Color Field painting. After serving in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, Noland utilized the G.I. Bill to study at Black Mountain College from 1946 to 1948. There, he was mentored by artists such as Ilya Bolotowsky and Josef Albers, who introduced him to European modernism and theories on color interaction. ​

Noland's career was marked by his exploration of geometric abstraction and color relationships. In the late 1940s, he studied in Paris under sculptor Ossip Zadkine and held his first solo exhibition in 1949. 

Upon returning to the United States, he taught in Washington, D.C., where he met fellow artist Morris Louis. Both were influenced by Helen Frankenthaler's "soak-stain" technique, leading Noland to develop his signature styles featuring concentric circles, chevrons, and stripes. These works emphasized pure color and flatness, aligning with the principles of Color Field painting. ​

Among Noland's notable works is "Beginning" (1958), part of his concentric circle series. This painting showcases his use of unmodulated color and simple geometric forms to create a sense of spatial harmony without relying on traditional figure-ground relationships. The interplay of vibrant hues and symmetrical patterns exemplifies Noland's commitment to exploring the emotional and optical effects of color. ​

Beginning, 1958

Untitled

Circle II, 1978

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.artnet.com/artists/kenneth-noland/

https://www.phillipscollection.org/collection/cycle

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kenneth-Noland

https://www.artsy.net/artist/kenneth-noland

https://www.theartstory.org/artist/noland-kenneth/

https://www.christies.com/en/artists/kenneth-noland?lotavailability=All&sortby=relevance

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: "Stellar Evolutions" Book Cover by MD Jackson

by MD Jackson (2020)

 

Alexei Navalny

A few months ago, I read a compelling memoir in The New Yorker about Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader and anticorruption activist who was poisoned and later jailed upon his return to Russia on January 17, 2021.

Navalny’s Prison Diaries chronicles his final years in captivity, offering a deeply personal and political reflection on his fight against Vladimir Putin’s regime. He recounts his near-fatal poisoning in 2020, his decision to return despite the certainty of arrest, and the fabricated charges that led to his imprisonment. Despite brutal conditions—solitary confinement, staged trials, and psychological torture—he remains defiant, seeing prison as the cost of his commitment to truth and democracy. His writings capture the mental toll of confinement, his resilience, and his belief that Russia will one day reclaim its freedom.

More than just a memoir, Navalny’s diaries serve as a call to action. He warns against complacency, stressing that authoritarian regimes don’t collapse on their own and that truth is the most powerful weapon against tyranny. Aware he may never be freed, he urges continued resistance, reaffirming his love for his family and country. 

Tragically, he died in prison on February 16, 2024, but his words endure as a testament to his courage and unwavering fight for justice.

by Owen Smith (@owensmithartist)

Source: 

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/10/21/alexei-navalny-patriot-memoir

Album Cover: Stabbing Westward - Darkest Days

Album Cover

Album: Stabbing Westward - Darkest Days

Released: April 7, 1998

Cover Art Work: Dave McKean

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.discogs.com/release/2765211-Stabbing-Westward-Darkest-Days
 

Alfredo Protti

Art Appreciation

Born on April 26, 1882, in Bologna, Italy, Alfredo Protti emerged from modest beginnings—his father managed a small staging workshop. Despite finding formal education unfruitful, Protti's passion for art led him to frequent local galleries, nurturing his self-taught talent. He later attended the Institute of Fine Arts in Bologna, studying under Domenico Ferri, which honed his artistic skills.

Protti's artistic journey was marked by his participation in numerous exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale and the Roman Secession. His technique evolved over time, reflecting influences from various art movements and his personal experiences. Protti's works often depicted intimate scenes of domestic life, capturing the elegance and melancholy of his subjects. His brushwork and composition demonstrated a keen understanding of light and form, contributing to the development of Bologna's modern artistic identity. 

Among Protti's notable artworks is "The Treasure Chest (Allo scrigno)," an oil on canvas that exemplifies his focus on domestic intimacy and the nuanced portrayal of women in middle-class settings. This piece has been exhibited in several retrospectives, including those held at Bologna's Museo Civico. 

The Treasure Chest

Study of Cats

At Her Toilet

Resting Between the Lace

The Flapper Girl

Sources:

https://conchigliadivenere.wordpress.com/2014/03/09/alfredo-protti-1882-1949-italian/
http://www.storiaememoriadibologna.it/protti-alfredo-515238-persona
https://www.berardiarte.com/artists/alfredo-protti/

https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8995898/?utm_source=chatgpt.com