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

Cosplay is an Art: Magfest 2025

via Justin Pineda Media 

Jules Bond

Modeling Appreciation

Jules Bond, a Ukrainian native born on April 4, 1994, has made a name for herself as an OnlyFans model and travel vlogger. At 5'4" with a slim, petite frame, her blue eyes and blonde hair complement her natural beauty. 

Jules is known for her adventurous spirit and love for exploring the world, documenting her experiences and offering unique insights into various cultures and traditions. Her engaging personality shines through her content, where she invites viewers to join her on her exciting journeys to far-flung destinations.

With a passion for both travel and connecting with her audience, Jules has garnered attention across multiple platforms, including TikTok. While she may be more widely known for her work as an adult model, her travel vlogs allow her to showcase her curiosity and love for adventure. 

Whether she's uncovering hidden gems or immersing herself in the local culture, Jules' dedication to sharing her experiences makes her an inspiring figure for those who seek to explore the world.

Sources:

https://www.instagram.com/wm_jules_

https://twitter.com/sheisbond

https://onlyfans.com/sheis_bond

https://www.youtube.com/@sheisbond

https://www.youtube.com/@sheisbond_tv/videos

Tariffied

Pardon the Interruption

I admit, I’m feeling uneasy about President Trump’s recent announcement on sweeping tariffs, especially those aimed at long-standing trade partners. As someone who grew up on the Thomas L. Friedman school of thought, I was taught that globalization fuels prosperity—by encouraging trade, accelerating technology, and connecting economies. For the past 30 to 40 years, that seemed to hold true.

Take the computer chip, for example. I started out on DOS back in the '80s, all text and no flair. Then came Windows 95, and suddenly, I could play video games with actual graphics -- remember DOOM. Now? We carry more computing power in our pockets than NASA had for the moon landing. That kind of innovation wasn’t born in a vacuum—it was built through decades of global collaboration.

So when tariffs are introduced with little warning, I can’t help but feel concerned. We’ve seen what happens when prices spike. Groceries became a major campaign issue during the last election. One could argue that those high prices helped Trump secure a strong showing.

Now, his supporters are calling this “short-term pain” for “long-term gain.” But I can’t help but wonder—gain for whom? As someone solidly in the middle class, I’m skeptical this will end with me having more in my wallet. The markets aren’t exactly inspired either, reacting sharply to talk of “Liberation Day.”

What’s the long game here? Will innovation slow? Will small businesses get priced out? These are the kinds of questions that keep me—and many others—up at night. And while I’m not panicking, I am paying close attention. 

Monte Wolverton, April 3, 2025

Adam Scott

Acting Appreciation

Adam Scott, born on April 3, 1973, in Santa Cruz, California, grew up in a family of educators. His mother was a special education teacher, and his father was a college professor, shaping an environment rich in learning and curiosity. 

Scott developed an early love for film and television, spending countless hours watching The Twilight Zone and classic movies. While he participated in sports like water polo in high school, his real passion was acting. A drama teacher recognized his potential and encouraged him to take the stage, leading him to enroll at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena. Determined to make it in Hollywood, Scott set out on a long and arduous journey toward success.

The 1990s and early 2000s saw Scott hustling for small roles, making brief appearances in ER, Boy Meets World, and Party of Five. He even had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment in Hellraiser: Bloodline. Despite his dedication, he remained on the fringes of mainstream success, often overshadowed by more immediately recognizable actors of his generation. 

His career took a major turn with the cult-hit comedy Party Down, where he played a disillusioned former actor working as a caterer, blending humor with a tinge of sadness. However, it was his role as Ben Wyatt on Parks and Recreation that transformed him into a household name. His portrayal of the nerdy, lovable accountant who falls for Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope showcased his ability to balance deadpan humor with heartfelt sincerity, making him a fan favorite.

Scott’s most significant career leap came with Apple TV+’s Severance, a psychological thriller that explores a world where employees voluntarily separate their work and personal consciousness. Show creator Dan Erickson had envisioned Scott in the lead role from the beginning, recognizing his ability to convey both relatability and intrigue. However, Apple executives were hesitant, leading to casting delays and an unexpected audition process. 

When Severance premiered, Scott’s performance as Mark Scout, a grieving man seeking solace in his work-life separation, became the emotional core of the show. His nuanced portrayal resonated with audiences, particularly in a post-pandemic era when people were reexamining their relationships with work. Despite production challenges—including industry strikes, rewrites, and creative delays—the show became a critical success, earning Scott his first Emmy nomination. 

Beyond acting, Scott is deeply immersed in pop culture, co-hosting a music podcast with comedian Scott Aukerman, where they obsessively analyze the discographies of bands like U2 and R.E.M. Despite his Hollywood success, he remains refreshingly down-to-earth, often joking about his "middle-aged dad" status. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/12/30/adam-scott-profile

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004395/bio/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.biography.com/actors/a63240331/adam-scott?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/745402/severance-star-adam-scott-wife-naomi-scott/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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