RANDOM WEDNESDAY: What Russian Cities Actually Look Like

via Agent Nesty 

Harry Styles - As It Was

Music Appreciation

Harry Styles' “As It Was,” released on April 1, 2022, was the lead single from his third studio album, Harry's House. The song immediately grabbed attention with its introspective tone and an infectious, retro-inspired sound. 

Marking another evolution in Styles’ artistry, “As It Was” offers fans a more intimate look into his world, exploring themes of change and reflection. Critics and fans alike praised the song for its honesty and its seamless blend of pop innovation and nostalgic charm.

Lyrically, “As It Was” explores the struggle to adapt to change and the passage of time. Its confessional tone pairs with a buoyant instrumental track, creating an intriguing contrast. The song’s driving synth beat and shimmering melodies channel the energy of 80s pop while staying distinctly modern. 

It’s a masterclass in marrying personal vulnerability with danceable, radio-ready appeal. Lines like “In this world, it’s just us / You know it’s not the same as it was” resonate universally, striking a chord with anyone who’s ever grappled with life’s inevitable transformations.

The music video, directed by Tanu Muino and choreographed by Yoann Bourgeois, brings the song’s themes to life with a blend of surrealism and emotional depth. 

Filmed in London, the video sees Styles moving through striking visual metaphors, including a rotating platform symbolizing life’s cycles. His fluid, dreamlike choreography with Mathilde Lin captures the push-and-pull of relationships and personal growth. Combined with bold, vibrant costumes and inventive staging, the video offers a feast for the eyes, perfectly complementing the track’s introspection and energy. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://harrystyles.fandom.com/wiki/As_It_Was_(song)?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2022/04/harry-styless-as-it-was-is-immediate-hit?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/meet-choreographer-helped-harry-styles-191327409.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Body Art: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit - Kenza Fourati

Model: Kenza Fourati

via Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 

Lionel Royce

Acting Appreciation

I recently came across a compelling article by Tomas Weber in the November 2024 issue of Smithsonian Magazine titled "The Role of His Life," which details the remarkable and tragic journey of Austrian-American actor Lionel Royce, born Leon Moriz Reiss. 

The story of Royce, a Jewish actor who survived the rise of Nazi Germany by assuming the identity of an Aryan Alpine farmer, is one of resilience, deception, and survival through performance. Weber’s account provides a fascinating look at how Royce leveraged his acting skills not just for his career, but for his very survival.

Born on March 30, 1891, in Galicia—now part of western Ukraine—Reiss grew up in Vienna and found early success in the German and Austrian theater scene. Under the stage name Leo Reuss, he became a well-regarded actor, sharing stages with the likes of Bertolt Brecht and mingling with leftist intellectuals. 

His talent and charisma also led to a relationship with celebrated German actress Agnes Straub. However, the Nazi rise to power in 1933 marked the beginning of a harrowing period for Jewish artists like Reuss. Antisemitic policies forced him out of German theaters, and by 1935, after a humiliating incident in Stettin (now Szczecin, Poland), he found himself blacklisted from performing.

Facing a future lack of opportunity in Austria as the antisemitic laws took effect, Reuss devised a daring plan to conceal his Jewish identity. He transformed himself into "Kaspar Brandhofer," a simple Alpine farmer, going as far as bleaching his hair and adopting the dialect and mannerisms of an uneducated rural man. 

With forged identity papers from a real farmer named Kaspar Altenberger, he auditioned for Vienna’s prestigious Josefstadt Theater, securing a role that won critical acclaim. Even after his true identity was revealed, many saw his deception as an artistic and political act, highlighting the absurdity of Nazi racial ideology. However, exposure meant danger, and by 1937, he was forced to flee.

Royce made his way to Hollywood, where he reinvented himself once again—this time as a film actor. MGM offered him a contract, and he soon became known for playing Nazi officers in anti-Nazi propaganda films. 

Over the course of his career in America, he appeared in more than 40 films, using his craft to contribute to the war effort against the very regime that had sought to destroy him. However, tragedy followed him; his first wife, Stefanie, was murdered in Auschwitz, and his longtime companion, Agnes Straub, died in a car accident in Berlin. 

Despite his success in Hollywood, much of his personal history was lost in translation, and his Jewish heritage was largely omitted from the public record.

In 1946, Royce passed away while entertaining U.S. troops in the Philippines, a final act of service that reflected his lifelong dedication to performance. His obituaries largely ignored his Jewish background and the extraordinary deception that had enabled his survival. 

Austrian National Library

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/when-nazis-seized-power-this-jewish-actor-took-on-role-life-180985228/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0747309/

Cosplay is an Art: Pensacon 2025!

via Mason Studios 

Isiah Maxwell

Acting Appreciation

One of my favorite things to listen to while stuck in Austin traffic is Inside OnlyFans. In a recent episode, hosts Kayla and CJ Sparxx sat down with adult performer Isiah Maxwell. He shared his journey and philosophy regarding intimacy and respect in relationships. 

Born on March 28, 1989, Isiah Maxwell's journey into adult entertainment is as unconventional as it is compelling. Before entering the industry, Maxwell was pursuing a degree in journalism and secured an internship in adult media simply because it was the first to respond to a list of opportunities provided by his professor. His curiosity and work ethic led him to accept the internship, and he quickly proved himself capable in professional settings -- working behind the scenes, fetching extension cords for a vibrator being used in a scene, and observing the business. At the time, he was also working full-time at Burger King, finding humor in the contrasts between his two jobs. He navigated early challenges by respecting boundaries, staying focused on graduation, and being the first male in his family to earn a college degree. 

His transformation from intern to on-camera adult performer was gradual and thoughtful. Initially, he abided by a strict no-fraternization policy—until female performers began questioning his sexual preference. After learning that other male staff had no such restrictions, Maxwell shifted his mindset and began socializing more openly. 

His breakthrough came when multiple female adult performers, impressed not only by the size of his penis but also his demeanor, encouraged him to perform. Rather than rush in, Maxwell spent a year researching the business, interviewing other male talents, and defining his own personal boundaries. This careful preparation helped him avoid the psychological and moral pitfalls that derail many in the industry.

One of Maxwell’s standout qualities is his deliberate, emotionally intelligent approach to intimacy. He advises men to stop focusing on power and instead listen to women’s needs—verbally and through body language. He stresses the value of subtle touches, caressing, and attentiveness during foreplay, arguing that real intimacy begins long before penetration. 

Unlike the aggressive, performative sex often portrayed in mainstream porn, Maxwell champions a more intuitive and respectful style that centers the woman's experience. His emphasis on communication, physical sensitivity, and mutual pleasure stands in sharp contrast to the “power-driven” narratives many men absorb. Additionally, he stressed that while size does matter, technique trumps measurement. 

Maxwell also speaks openly about the racial stereotypes Black male performers face, particularly being typecast in “interracial” roles that fetishize their bodies while limiting broader opportunities. He challenges these industry norms and chooses to work with studios that don’t lean into those tropes. 

Despite his success, he remains grounded, acknowledging the mental toll the industry can take, especially on younger men. His advice—know yourself, define your limits, and prioritize long-term mental and emotional well-being—is both a guide for aspiring performers and a larger commentary on healthy masculinity in a hyper-sexualized world.

I found Isiah Maxwell’s interview on Inside OnlyFans both entertaining and insightful. I’ve followed his work for some time, but hearing him speak so openly and thoughtfully only deepened my respect for him as a performer.

You can listen to the interview HERE.

TMDB

@morbidthoughts

with Octavia Red (@isiah_maxwell)

Sources:

https://www.instagram.com/insideonlyfans

https://www.patreon.com/InsideOnlyFans

https://youtu.be/s3_rc8Yy8Gs

https://www.instagram.com/isiah_maxwell/

https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1364651-isiah-maxwell

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-onlyfans/id1588292413?i=1000699780052

Zoe Parker

Acting Appreciation

Born in Mansfield, Texas on March 27, 1996, Zoe Parker was a rising star in the adult film industry. She was known for her her amazing smile, natural beauty, bubbly personality, and as a talented performer. 

A gifted athlete, playing competitive softball and basketball, the 5'9" Zoe decided to enter the adult film industry at the age of 18 in 2014. She quickly gained a following and worked for several studios during her career appearing in more than 120 scenes.

Unfortunately, Zoe's life was cut short. She passed away on September 12, 2020 at the young age of 24. Her death was unexpected and shocked the industry and fans. Fellow porn star Mia Malkova tweeted, "RIP sweet girl, you will be missed."

Sources:

heavy.com/entertainment/2020/09/zoe-parker-dead/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8731689/Ex-porn-star-Zoe-Parker-dies-sleep-age-24-just-months-leaving-industry.html

https://popculture.com/trending/news/former-adult-film-star-zoe-parker-reportedly-dead-24/

https://www.babepedia.com/

https://www.erocurves.com/

https://babesrater.com/