Spinners: Greta Margo - Cozy Slow Morning Deep House Music

via Greta Margo 

Dance: KATSEYE - Gabriela

Choreography: Matt Steffanina and Nicole Laeno

via Matt Steffanina 

Spinners: Karla Tortilla - Indie Dance and Nu-disco

via The Good Witchez 

Kinsey Wolanski

Modeling Appreciation

Kinsey Wolanski, born on August 29, 1996, in Sacramento, California, is a model and actress known for her captivating presence. Standing at 5'5" with a curvaceous figure measuring 34E-26-36, her blonde hair and brown eyes contribute to her striking appearance. 

Kinsey began her modeling career after being approached during a visit to Los Angeles. Initially hesitant, she soon embraced the profession and relocated to pursue it full-time. Her work has been featured in renowned publications such as Maxim, Sports Illustrated, and FHM. Additionally, she has appeared on the cover of The BLVD Magazine and starred in two nationwide commercials. 

In 2019, Kinsey made her acting debut as Brittany in the film "Slasher Party." She has also been cast as Annie in the upcoming movie "Ass Clowns: Constipated." Beyond acting, she gained international recognition for a publicity stunt during the 2019 UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham, where she ran onto the field in a swimsuit promoting an adult website.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Kinsey, a fitness enthusiast, enjoys working out to maintain her physique. She also has a passion for adventure and has expressed interest in activities that push her out of her comfort zone, reflecting her love for adrenaline-inducing experiences.

Sources:

https://babesrater.com/infinite-scroll/110188/kinsey-wolanski

https://socialmediapornstars.com/blog-pornstars-that-got-arrested-for-flashing-or-sex-in-public.html

https://www.maxim.com/women/what-kinsey-wolanski-wants-2018-1/

https://www.listal.com/kinsey-wolanski#

https://babesdirectory.online/profile/kinsey-wolanski

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

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

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/kinsey-wolanski-model-age-net-worth-bio-boyfriend-more--914090055605483004/

https://www.legit.ng/1365867-kinsey-wolanski-biography-age-boyfriend-movies-surgery.html

https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/kinsey-wolanski.html

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9749562/

Gorillaz - DARE

Music Appreciation

Gorillaz's “DARE,” released on August 29, 2005, was an instant success, marking a high point for the band by reaching the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart. The song, a standout from their Demon Days album, features Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays fame and the voice of Rosie Wilson, who takes on the character Noodle. Known for its infectious beat and Ryder’s Mancunian accent that inspired the song’s title, “DARE” became a defining track for Gorillaz, gaining popularity worldwide.

The song's quirky video, directed by Jamie Hewlett and Pete Candeland, takes viewers into Noodle’s imaginative world, where Ryder appears as a giant, disembodied head kept alive by a network of machinery in her closet. Throughout, Ryder’s animated head delivers his lines, while the other band members add character in amusing ways—Russel reads a newspaper on the toilet below, and 2-D listens in with an ear pressed to the floor. The video ends in a twist with Ryder waking from what seems to be a dream, only for Murdoc to send him back to sleep, reinforcing the eerie yet playful mood that defines the band’s style.

With references to horror classics like The Exorcist, The Brain That Wouldn’t Die, and The Ring, the video builds a retro-horror atmosphere that perfectly matches Gorillaz’s unconventional image. Ryder’s head, supported by vintage props like Atari joysticks and a Speak & Spell, gives the video a surreal, humorous edge. Noodle, in control of the Frankenstein-like scene, adds a sense of empowerment as she rocks out, making “DARE” not only visually unforgettable but a memorable nod to horror and pop culture alike.

via Gorillaz

Christian Quin Newell

Art Appreciation

Christian Quin Newell was born in 1991 in Latisana, Friuli‑Venezia Giulia, Italy, to a Roman Catholic mother and a Jamaican-Italian father. He spent his formative years alternating between rural northern Italy and South East London—specifically Peckham in the 1990s. 

He’s described this upbringing as a study in contrast: “I really got an early glimpse into the extreme differences in life and lifestyle,” which shaped his sense of cultural identity and adaptability. At 18, inspired by Magritte, Dalí, and Surrealists, he chose painting as a profession, eventually earning a BA in Illustration from Camberwell College of Art in London.

Newell works primarily on small-scale paper pieces, typically around 8 inches, using high-pigment Japanese paint applied with squirrel-hair brushes, often on primed hemp paper. He deliberately avoids larger canvases and toxic media, favoring immediacy and a spiritual connection to his materials .

Newell adapts a muted palette—earth tones, sea greens, siennas—with occasional deep reds to convey subtle emotional states. His compositions echo early 20th-century metaphysical painting, featuring hybrid figures, floating objects, and dreamlike architecture, all rendered with striking intimacy. 

In his Juxtapoz interview about The Way (Public Gallery, London, summer 2024), Newell detailed how lucid dreaming guides his practice. He records dreams in a diary, entraining his mind through meditation and Buddhist mindfulness so that he can recognize and manipulate dream content—akin to “receiving letters from an inner dreamer." 

He likens lucid dreaming’s mental rehearsal effects to improved sports performance, strengthening neural pathways. Additionally, he uses non-dominant hand drawing and automatic techniques to bypass his ego, embracing subconscious impulses much like the Surrealists . These methods, along with his devotion to meditation and dreamwork, make his art a deeply introspective practice bridging mysticism, psychology, and visual poetry.

The sharing of life's blessings, 2022

From the outside looking in, 2022

Sources:

https://www.instagram.com/cee_quin

https://www.juxtapoz.com/news/magazine/features/christian-quin-newell-a-dream-sequence

https://www.christiannewell.com/general-5

https://artviewer.org/christian-quin-newell-at-public-gallery

https://www.vsf.la/exhibitions/109-christian-quin-newell-siena/overview/

https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Christian-Quin-Newell/BF9F4910E32AECCA/Biography

https://www.sargentsdaughters.com/touchstones

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Teen Titans (1966 1st Series) #32 Written by Steve Skeates, Art and cover by Nick Cardy

Cover by Nick Cardy

Kate Monogamish

Modeling Appreciation 

It was Kate's radiant smile that first caught my attention, a reflection of her warm and approachable demeanor. Standing at an elegant 5'9", this Canadian beauty from Belleville, Ontario, has been a beacon in the non-monogamous community since 2016.​

Together with her husband, Liam, Kate co-hosts "The Monogamish Marriage" podcast and blog, where they share candid insights into their journey. Their platform has become a trusted resource for those curious about or navigating non-monogamous relationships.​

Beyond the digital realm, Kate's entrepreneurial spirit shines as the owner of Sapio Tours. This venture offers small group European tours tailored for the non-monogamous community, combining her love for travel with her commitment to fostering connections.​

Kate's multifaceted endeavors highlight her dedication to authenticity and community. Whether through her podcast, blog, or curated travel experiences, she continues to inspire others to embrace their true selves and explore the vast possibilities of love and connection.​

At the end of the day, Kate Monogamish isn’t just someone you watch; she’s someone you remember. Whether it’s her smile, her confidence, or the way she makes you feel like you’re in on the joke, she leaves an impression that lingers. And really, isn’t that the best kind of presence to have?

Sources:

https://youtu.be/rnqwdcm7c1A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu0uyT89G_E

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-monogamish-marriage/id1586549659

https://www.breakingfreeauthentically.com/episode/living-off-script-with-kate-monogamish-from-the-monogamish-marriage-podcast

https://x.com/OnlyKateBackup/status/1771179227833868536

https://www.instagram.com/nnmpodcast/p/CoaOPnvvNMR/

Body Art: Trina Merry - Wakanda Warrior

Artist: Trina Merry
Model: Iyanna

 

via Trina Merry 

Dance: Mariah Carey - Fantasy

Choreography: Molly Long

via Elli Anbardan

Spinners: Neovi Veronica - House Tech House Mix

via extended studio 

Mary Moody

Acting Appreciation

I have a crush on Mary Moody. There’s something magnetic about her presence. Maybe it’s her 5’4” natural beauty, her stunning hazel eyes, or her strawberry-blonde hair and hourglass figure. But it’s more than just her looks. What stands out most is the vibrant personality she brings to her videos. Whether she’s laughing with fans, dancing during cam shows, or sharing candid insights into her life, she radiates sincerity. That blend of confidence, authenticity, and sensuality is rare—and makes her incredibly compelling to watch.

Born in Davis, California, on August 23, 1992, Mary grew up in a conservative, sheltered environment—so much so that she never even saw Beetlejuice as a child. Her curiosity and determination eventually led her down a very different path. After spending years researching how to work independently, Mary stumbled upon webcam modeling. 

At 23, following a divorce and searching for stability, she gave camming a try. She wasn’t just good at it—she was exceptional. Within a week of starting, she was earning more than she ever had at her previous café job. That early success, combined with her natural charisma, set the stage for a flourishing adult entertainment career.

Mary’s rise was driven by a clear vision: to build something of her own. She started on Chaturbate, later earning accolades like “Favorite Cam Performer” at the Pornhub Awards and “Cam Model of the Year” at the XBIZ Awards. But her success wasn’t just about sexual content—her shows often involve hours of standing, dancing, chatting, and connecting with fans. 

She deliberately avoids a fake persona, embracing flaws and staying honest about everything from her struggles with depression to her journey through sobriety. That openness has made her community not just loyal, but emotionally invested.

Beyond work, Mary has a passion for mental health advocacy and sex worker rights. She’s been vocal about the challenges of sobriety, her ADHD diagnosis, and the importance of setting boundaries online. 

Her hobbies include gaming, being outdoors, and—yes—just talking with her fans. She’s built a career on realness, and in doing so, she’s earned something rare in the adult industry: genuine admiration and respect. As she once said, she’s not a victim of porn—she’s a woman who chose her path, found power in it, and continues to grow on her own terms.

Isn't she amazing. 

Sources:

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

https://x.com/missmarymoody

https://www.instagram.com/missmoodymary

https://www.freeones.com/mary-moody

https://www.thenude.com/model_42263.htm

https://xxxbios.com/best-cam-pornstars/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cRVnT2LqdI

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Dolce & Gabbana - Alta Moda 2025: A Tribute to Rome

Artistic Director and Director: Giuliano Peparini

This documentary-style piece highlights Rome’s collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, framing the city as both inspiration and stage for a series of elaborate fashion events. The designers are celebrated not only as creators of couture, jewelry, and tailoring, but as artists who treat Rome itself as muse, subject, and setting. With support from costume houses like Tirelli Trappetti and partnerships across cinema, theater, and music, the events aim to merge Rome’s ancient grandeur and sacred traditions with modern artistry. Settings such as the Roman Forum, Castel Sant’Angelo, and Cinecittà are transformed into living runways, evoking epic films like Ben-Hur and Fellini’s cinematic visions, while performances and scenography draw from Roman, ecclesiastical, and 1960s “Dolce Vita” influences.

via Dolce & Gabbana 

Days of the Introvert

When I was a kid, I had a daily mission: wait for my dad to finish work so I could fire up Olympic Decathlon on his DOS-era Compaq computer. The game came on a floppy disk -- one of those satisfying slabs you had to shove into a slot until it clunked into place. I still remember seeing Bruce Jenner (now Caitlyn Jenner) as a stick-figure character. It was my version of after-school sports.

I had a routine. Saturday mornings meant cartoons first, then straight to my dad's computer -- no siblings, no interruptions, just me and the pixelated glory of solo gaming. Growing up during the golden age of consoles and new video games, I had a front-row seat to the evolution of digital fun. For me, video games weren't just play -- they were peace and quiet with a handheld controller.

Today, not much has changed... except now I sneak away from social obligations (my wife) and retreat to the man cave. I try to get into multiplayer games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, or Rocket League, but honestly, I'm more of a solo adventure guy. Give me Minecraft or Cities: Skylines, and I'm perfectly content building my own world -- one block, road, or zoning law at a time.

Hartley Lin (@hartley._.lin)

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Waves Down Roller Coaster

 

via Coaster Base

A Breast Day Ever!

A few days ago, my wife celebrated her birthday in a unique way—we went boob shopping. That’s right. She decided it was time to treat herself to something a little extra in the chest department. Now, if you ask me, she doesn’t need any enhancements. Back when we first started dating, I would've guessed she was rocking a solid C-cup. Turns out, padded bras are magicians. And honestly? The real thing was even better—natural, soft, and beautiful in its own right. Plus, I was more focused on her gorgeous 2 1/2 inch diameter areolas. 

After her cervical prolapse surgery, I started noticing her researching cosmetic procedures—first a facelift, then breast augmentation. Some might shy away from doing these things, but for her, it’s all about feeling confident, sexy, and fully herself. I get it. My mom went through her own glow-up years ago, complete with eyelid surgery and a surprise boob job that I unfortunately discovered mid-hug.

So, off we went to the consultation. The nurse handed my wife a pair of disposable panties and a tiny black robe. Watching her change into that outfit? Let’s just say I had to adjust myself quite often. 

The doctor was kind, thorough, and professional. He talked us through the options, from discreet incisions to possible liposuction add-ons. And then came the implant sizing—aka the great chicken cutlet comparison. She went big. Double D big. And wow—she looked amazing. Her reflection said it all: this wasn’t about vanity, it was about self-love.

She bumped up her surgery date to next month. Recovery’s only two weeks, and she’ll be ready to take on her next work trip with confidence. As for me? Let’s just say I was ready to celebrate right then and there… but birthday calls from family had other plans. Still, best birthday ever—we got new boobs. 

AI generated

Body Art: Constellations by Mathieu Degrotte

Models: Eilyam (@eilyam_model), Pauline Gérardin (@poki_razowski_grdn) - Camille Kirner - NownOow - Adèle Senninger - Aurore Sincek - Lindsay Toffano - Elodie Villa

via Mathieu Degrotte 

Spinners: Lilicay - Chill Morning Deep House Mix

via LILICAY 

Ava Max - Sweet but Psycho

Music Appreciation

Ava Max, born Amanda Koçi in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Albanian immigrant parents, emerged as a rising pop force in 2018. Influenced by early 2000s pop divas, Max began recording music at a young age and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time career in music. Her breakthrough came with the release of her debut single “Sweet but Psycho” on August 17, 2018. The track quickly catapulted her into global recognition, topping charts in more than 20 countries and establishing her signature blend of theatrical pop and bold visual style.

“Sweet but Psycho” was co-written by Ava Max, Madison Love, Tix, Cook Classics, and producer Cirkut. The song explores the duality of being misunderstood or labeled for emotional intensity, particularly from a woman’s perspective. Musically, it combines a punchy electropop production with catchy hooks and dramatic flair. The lyrics play on the stereotype of the “crazy girlfriend,” flipping it into a declaration of empowerment and self-acceptance. With lines like “Oh, she’s sweet but a psycho,” Max toes the line between satire and sincerity, making the song both provocative and an earworm.

Around the time this song came out, I was at the tail end of a relationship with a woman I loved deeply—someone who struggled with mental illness. She had schizophrenia, chose not to take her medication, lost her job, and turned to alcohol to cope. While I never believed she would hurt me, one night pushed our relationship past the edge. She threatened to end her life, and when I returned home, I found her in bed with a slicing knife hidden under the sheets. A few days later, I ended things. She didn't take it well and made several threats afterward. To this day, I still get the occasional message from her—often about a dog we never even had. This song, for all its pop gloss, hits close to home. She was sweet—and yes, a little psycho. But what made it hardest to leave was the intensity I found myself drawn to.

The music video for “Sweet but Psycho,” directed by Bengali American filmmaker Shomi Patwary, features a vibrant and stylized visual narrative. Patwary used saturated colors, intentional lens flares, and vintage anamorphic lenses to give the video a retro, dreamlike quality. Model Prasad Romijn plays the male lead, who finds himself on the receiving end of Max’s unpredictable behavior. The video follows a storyline where Max is seen swinging between loving and aggressive acts—tying him to a chair, smashing objects, and dancing seductively—mirroring the song’s lyrics. The visual plays with horror tropes and psychological thriller aesthetics, reinforcing the song’s commentary on gendered perceptions of mental health and behavior.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/music-of-roma-oscar-nominations-8494323/

Spinners: Sofi Tukker - Nashville, TN August 17, 2024

via SOFI TUKKER 

Cosplay is an Art: Yeticon 2025

 via mineralblu

MODELING: Emma Helena

Videographer: Amit Bar

Model: Emma Helena

via AmitBarArt

Sayaka Murata

Literature Appreciation

Born on August 14, 1979, Sayaka Murata (村田沙耶香) is a Japanese writer originally from Inzai, Japan. Her father served as a judge and her mother was a homemaker. Murata has described her childhood as unhappy -- she was shy, lonely, and began writing at age 10, drawing inspiration from science fiction and mystery books borrowed from her brother and mother. Her mother bought her a word processor in fourth grade after she attempted to write a novel by hand. After completing middle school, the family moved to Tokyo, where she graduated from Kashiwa High School and later studies art curation at Tamagawa University. 

Murata debuted with the novel Junyū (Breastfeeding), winning the 2003 Gunzo Prize for New Writers, and subsequently earned the Mishima Yukio Prize, Noma Literary New Face Prize, and Akutagawa Prize for Kombini ningen (Convenience Store Woman) in 2016. Her style often merges everyday realism with speculative or dystopian elements, unflinchingly exploring taboo subjects such as asexuality, adolescent sexuality, and reproduction technologies. 

In a recent The New Yorker article, Elif Batuman profiles Murata's unique worldview -- what Batuman calls "defamiliarization," using science fiction to reveal the absurdity beneath everyday life. Murata is depicted as an outsider who treats the world like an aquarium -- examining it with emotional distance and analytical clarity. Batuman highlights Murata's speculative work Vanishing World, a fictional universe where sex is replaced by artificial insemination and communal parenting -- an inquiry into biological norms and societal expectations. Vanishing World polarizes its audience -- readers either embrace the chilled speculative vision and its shocking climax or find such extremes off-putting. 

ai generated, based on Vanishing World

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/04/14/sayaka-muratas-alien-eye 

https://japanincanada.com/sayaka-murata/

https://www.wired.com/story/writer-sayaka-murata-inhabits-a-planet-of-her-own

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/oct/09/sayaka-murata-i-acted-how-i-thought-a-cute-woman-should-act-it-was-horrible

https://eliflife.substack.com/p/the-scambusters

https://www.patreon.com/posts/sayaka-muratas-126334276

Cage the Elephant - Come a Little Closer

Music Appreciation

"Come a Little Closer" by Cage the Elephant was written by lead singer Matthew Shultz and produced by Jay Joyce. Released on August 13, 2013, it served as the lead single from the band's third studio album, Melophobia. The song achieved significant success, topping the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and marking the band's fourth number-one hit on that chart. 

The lyrics of "Come a Little Closer" were inspired by Shultz's experience in São Paulo, Brazil, where he observed the sunrise over the favelas, shantytowns. This moment led him to reflect on the lives within those communities, pondering emotions such as heartache, love, loss, and joy. The song's composition blends alternative and psychedelic rock elements, featuring a dynamic progression that mirrors the emotional depth of the lyrics.

The music video, directed by Matthew Shultz, combines animation and live-action footage. It portrays the band members on an alien planet, facing various monstrous beings. Notably, Shultz is depicted navigating out of a giant whale's stomach and riding a flaming lion through surreal landscapes. These vivid visuals complement the song's themes of perception and understanding. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://music.fandom.com/wiki/Come_a_Little_Closer_(Cage_the_Elephant_song)

https://musicvideo.fandom.com/wiki/Come_a_Little_Closer_(Cage_the_Elephant)

https://www.discogs.com/release/5231492-Cage-The-Elephant-Melophobia?srsltid=AfmBOopfeYJTAEZ0DHVJpvISGIJrehfdtCjlR6Z9QAu4gy-oDCabmPu5

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: The New Yorker 1925

by Joost Swarte 

Ernestine von Kirchsberg

Art Appreciation

Ernestine von Kirchsberg was born on August 12, 1857, in Verona, the part of the Austrian Empire, and passed away on October 8, 1924, in Graz. She began formal artistic training in Graz in 1873 at the Landschaftliche Zeichenakademie under Hermann von Königsbrunn and advanced her studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. There, she was taught by prominent figures including Eduard Peithner von Lichtenfels, August Schäffer, and notably Hugo Darnaut, whose influence steered her toward the atmospheric “Stimmungsimpressionismus” style. 

Her career saw early public exposure, exhibiting at Vienna's Künstlerhaus soon after her studies. She later joined the group of "Acht Künstlerinnen," showcasing alongside peers like Marie Egner in early 1900s Vienna. In 1893, she was honored with a prize at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Von Kirchsberg made frequent painting expeditions across the Adriatic region, Styria, Carniola, and South Tyrol, and exhibited work in major cultural centers including Vienna, Munich, Berlin, Prague, and Graz.

Among her notable works are evocative landscapes rendered in both oil and watercolor, including "Waldbach im Sonnenschein," "Sommertag," and "Idyll," which capture tranquil rural scenes with atmospheric depth. Other recognized paintings are “Rast am Wegesrand,” “Dorfkirche,” and “Am Mühlwehr,” the latter featuring a mill weir and noted in a Dorotheum auction catalogue.

Sommertag

Idyll

Waldbach im Sonnenschein

Suburban Villa with Garden

A Mountain Stream with a White Rock, 1885

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://artvee.com/dl/waldbach-im-sonnenschein/

https://www.dorotheum.com/en/l/8674477/

https://www.askart.com/artist/Ernestine_Von_Kirchsberg/11248124/Ernestine_Von_Kirchsberg.aspx

Julie Ann Clarke

Model Appreciation

Back in my teenage years, there was this unforgettable photo of Julie Clarke on rollerblades that stuck with me. She’s crouched down, pink cap pulled low, light green fitness gloves on, two watches stacked on her right wrist — like time itself couldn’t keep up with her. She looked like a rollerblading Barbie straight out of my imagination.

Julie Anne Clarke was born in Tucson, Arizona, on August 11, 1969, but grew up soaking in the sunshine of St. Simons Island, Georgia. From an early age, she showed serious skill as an equestrienne, riding with the kind of grace most people can only manage in slow motion. 

At 18, she snagged a win in a swimwear pageant, then took first runner-up at the National Finals for the Venus Swimwear Model Search in Clearwater, Florida. That’s where a photographer spotted her and thought, Yep, she’s got “Playmate” written all over her. Julie later laughed in her Playboy write-up, “If I ever had a chance to be a Playmate, you wouldn’t have to ask me twice.”

Playboy crowned her Miss March 1991, then put her on the April cover for good measure. Her natural charm and bright smile opened doors to TV spots, commercials, and even a ’90s comedy flick.

On her Playmate data sheet, the 5'5" brunette dreamed of graduating college, visiting Australia, breathing fresh air, basking in the sunshine, and hanging out with animals — plus, she had a soft spot for men with “cute buns” (the non-hair kind).

She admired actress Tawny Kitaen, President George H.W. Bush, and pictured her ideal guy as a mix of strength and sensitivity, with a good sense of humor… and magic hands for massages.

Sources:

PLAYBOY, March 1991

tour.playboyplus.com/

www.imdb.com/name/nm0164836/

ogglebooble.com

vintageplayboymags.co.uk/

www.julie-clarke.com/

babepedia.com/babe/Julie_Clarke

Dance: Melody of Love Dnce by Aurora

Choreography: Aurora

via Aurora 

Cosplay is an Art: Montreal ComicCon 2025

via MaximumDiver 

MODELING: Octavia Red for Fine Nude Art Calendar 2026

Model: Octavia Red

Photographer: Manfred Baumann 

via Manfred Baumann

KALEO - Way Down We Go

Music Appreciation

"Way Down We Go" has resonated far beyond the confines of KALEO's albums -- its haunting tones have been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, commercials, and even video games. Written by Jökull Júlíusson (JJ Julius Son), KALEO's lead vocalist and guitarist, the track was released on August 7, 2015, as the second single from their album A/B. Its rich presence across media -- from shows like Grey's Anatomy and Lucifer to film trailers for Logan and video games such as FIFA 16 -- has helped it achieve multi-platinum status in multiple countries.

Musically, "Way Down We Go" merges soulful blues-rock with a slow-burn build that mirrors the intensity of its meaning. The lyrical core -- "Oh Father, tell me, do we get what we deserve?" -- uses biblical imagery to dive into themes of sin, guilt, consequence, and introspection. JJ's vocal delivery grows more powerful with each repetition, supported by a bluesy guitar solo that perfectly aligns with the mood -- intimate yet escalating in intensity. The musical arrangement's steady beat and rising tension reflect the very act of "falling" emotionally or spiritually, with the repeated chorus echoing that inevitable descent.

The official music video, directed by Shaun Silva in 2016, begins with JJ at the piano -- alone and brooding -- before shifting to cuts of the full band performing on stage. Silva employs dramatic film coloration and lighting to evoke both warmth and shadow, blending sepia and cool tones across shots. This interplay underscores the emotional highs and lows of the song: raw intimacy at the piano, collective release with the band, and then back to solitary reflection as the video closes on JJ at the keys. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.gigwise.com/way-down-we-go-lyrics-meaning-by-kaleo

https://andjusticeforreviews.wordpress.com/2017/02/20/way-down-we-go-by-kaleo-song-review

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7278154/fullcredits/

https://www.reddit.com/r/KaleoOfficial/comments/gupmri/song_of_the_week_1_way_down_we_go

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7278154/

Michelle Yeoh

Acting Appreciation

Rebecca Sun's interview with Michelle Yeoh in the December 2024 / January 2025 issue of AARP The Magazine highlights the actress’s whirlwind years following her historic Oscar win. At 60, Yeoh not only became the first Asian woman to win Best Actress but also married her longtime partner, Jean Todt. Since then, she has maintained an intense work schedule, starring in major projects like Wicked, Avatar 4, and Blade Runner 2099, while also engaging in humanitarian work. Despite her success, Yeoh reflects on the challenges of maintaining balance, acknowledging that she has been working too much and expressing a desire to slow down and spend more time with family.

The interview also explores Yeoh’s journey from ballet to action films, her struggles in Hollywood, and her determination to portray strong, dignified Asian women. She speaks candidly about the challenges of breaking into Western cinema, dealing with microaggressions, and redefining roles for older women. Yeoh’s perspective on success is deeply shaped by resilience and adaptability, lessons she attributes to her parents’ support and her own experiences navigating shifting career paths. Her Oscar win, she insists, was not just personal but a moment for representation, a statement that older women, especially women of color, still have much to offer.

Read more HERE.

Source:

https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/celebrities/info-2024/michelle-yeoh-interview/?cmp=RDRCT-ATM-MICHELLEYEOH-11222024

Album Cover: The Beatles – Revolver

Album Cover

Album: The Beatles – Revolver

Released: August 5, 1966

Cover Artwork: Klaus Voormann

Sources: 

Wikipedia

https://www.discogs.com/master/45284-The-Beatles-Revolver

Clairo - Pretty Girl

Music Appreciation

I was introduced to Clairo by my daughter, who stumbled upon her music one evening. Clairo—whose real name is Claire Elizabeth Cottrill—quickly became a favorite in our house. Her lo-fi sound, paired with a distinct vulnerability, resonated with my daughter so much that she began creating and posting her own music and videos. It’s no surprise, considering Clairo’s own story: she began uploading music to the internet at just 13 years old, gradually building a following through raw, home-recorded content that felt both personal and relatable.

"Pretty Girl" was released on August 4, 2017, as part of Clairo’s debut EP, Diary 001. It was this track, in particular, that catapulted her into the public eye. Its understated charm and emotional honesty connected with a generation of listeners navigating identity, self-worth, and relationships. The viral success of the music video—which she filmed herself—marked a new chapter in DIY pop, establishing Clairo as a leading voice in the lo-fi, bedroom pop movement.

Musically, "Pretty Girl" is deceptively simple: a minimalistic beat with synth-driven textures and a steady rhythm that lets the lyrics breathe. The production is intentionally unpolished, giving the song a confessional quality. Lyrically, it explores themes of codependence and emotional compromise in relationships, with Clairo singing about changing herself to be the "pretty girl" someone wants. The stripped-down approach reinforces the emotional core of the track without overproducing or masking its sincerity.

The music video for "Pretty Girl" became iconic in its own right, shot using Photo Booth on Clairo’s MacBook. It features her sitting in her bedroom, lip-syncing and dancing in an awkward yet endearing fashion, wearing oversized glasses and a carefree attitude. This raw and unfiltered style made the video instantly relatable, helping it rack up millions of views. Sources include interviews with Pitchfork, NPR, and The Fader.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://pitchfork.com/artists/clairo/

https://www.npr.org/sections/world-cafe/2019/12/23/790265246/how-clairo-turned-a-viral-bedroom-video-into-a-successful-music-career

https://www.thefader.com/2017/10/19/clairo-pretty-girl-video-interview

Dance: Port of Dance 2025

Performers: Simona Deaconescu & Vanessa Goodman

Body Line of Thought (BLOT)

via Hrvatski kulturni dom na Sušaku

Cosplay is an Art: Japan Expo 2025

via PanoramicSunSet *

MODELING: The Artemis 2016 Calendar Project

Models: Natasha Legeyda , Gabriella Natale, Matilde Rossi and Elena Rizzello

Photographer: Claudio Gusmaroli

via Claudio Gusmaroli