"It's $50 to blow out the old year, and $150 to start the New Year with a bang."

 

Phil Interlandi, PLAYBOY (January 1996)

Body Art: Mark Reid - Blue Jean

Artists: Rita Marie Garza, Manuel Salazar, and Shauna Burns, Pedro Gomez

Models: Rhiannon Everitt and Abbey Road 

via Beyond The Canvas Official 

Dance: Feliz Navidad

Choreography: MK Dance Studio

via MK Dance Studio 

Cosplay is an Art: MCM London October 2024

via Utah Barao 

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Carolina Herrera Resort 25 Runway Show

Creative Director: Wes Gordon

via Carolina Herrera

Fine Young Cannibals - She Drives Me Crazy

Music Appreciation

Fine Young Cannibals' "She Drives Me Crazy" instantly brings back memories of rushing home to watch MTV. As a 10-year-old boy, I was captivated by Roland Gift's striking presence—his magnetic charm made the song and its video unforgettable.

Released on December 26, 1988, as the lead single from the band’s second and final album, The Raw & the Cooked, "She Drives Me Crazy" marked a peak in Fine Young Cannibals’ career. The song showcased their innovative blend of pop, soul, and rock, pushing boundaries with a modern edge. Co-produced by David Z and recorded at Prince's Paisley Park Studios, its distinctive snare drum sound came from creative techniques, including re-recording the snare through a speaker placed on another snare drum. Coupled with Roland Gift’s unique vocal delivery, the song achieved an unmistakable groove.

Lyrically, it captures the frustration and allure of a tumultuous relationship. Lines like "I can’t help it, I’m addicted to her" convey the torment of desiring someone who doesn’t reciprocate. This mix of vulnerability and defiance gives the song an edge, making it both relatable and emotionally resonant.

The music video, directed by Philippe Decouflé, is just as iconic as the song. Featuring Roland Gift, Andy Cox, and David Steele, it blends surreal, theatrical elements with inventive choreography and vivid backdrops. Gift’s commanding presence and the video’s stylish editing made it a regular feature on MTV, cementing its place in pop culture history.

"She Drives Me Crazy" topped charts worldwide, including the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and received multiple MTV Video Music Award nominations in 1989. For me, it wasn’t just a song or a video—it was a piece of my youth, a moment of joy and inspiration that continues to resonate.

via London Records

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/she-drives-me-crazy-by-fine-young-cannibals/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.mixonline.com/recording/classic-tracks-fine-young-cannibals-she-drives-me-crazy-375247?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Merry Christmas!

 

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Snowflake – Dear Santa, Let's Disco

https://youtu.be/L5mCsXBI1RE

I've Been A Good Boy

There’s a particular Christmas I’ll never forget—not for the usual warm and fuzzy holiday memories, but for how wildly out of hand my dating life had gotten. Fresh off a two-year dry spell, it seemed like my luck had turned overnight. Suddenly, I wasn’t just dating—I was juggling.

Heading into the holidays, I was seeing three different women, and none of them had a clue about the others. It was thrilling, chaotic, and, looking back, downright irresponsible. One weekend in particular stands out. I went on separate dates with all three—dinners, thoughtful gift exchanges, and yes, ending up at each other’s places.

I’d never felt more like a playboy, but there was one night that really pushed the limits of my “naughty or nice” list. After a date with one woman that ended in amazing sex at her place, I turned right around and went on another date—with a different woman—and repeated the process. It was reckless and exhilarating, and in the moment, I thought I was untouchable.

Christmas that year was amazing. I was living in the moment, soaking up the attention and affection from different woman with unique styles in lovemaking. But as the year wound down, reality set in. New Year’s Eve was looming, and I had to make a choice. You can’t have three dates lined up for the countdown, after all.

In the end, I chose one. Did I handle the situation perfectly? Absolutely not. But that Christmas stands out as a reminder of just how messy—and fun—life can get when you’re playing with fire.

Buck Brown (December 1968)

Body Art: Léon Honings - Ugly Xmas Sweater

Model: Hannah

via Shooten.nl fotograaf en bodypainter 

Dance: Mariah Carey - All I Want for Christmas is You

Choreography: Birutė Strazdienė 

Variato Dance Studio

via Variato dance studio

Cosplay is an Art: Fujicos 2024

via World Otaku Channel

Happy Winter Solstice

 

Michelle Hamilton (aka Roxanna Platt)

Model Appreciation

Michelle Hamilton was born Roxanna Platt on December 20, 1948, in the small town of Elmira, New York. Growing up, Michelle was known for her radiant smile and undeniable charm, attributes that set her apart in her close-knit community. She found herself drawn to the world of modeling, fueled by her love for fashion and a desire to make a name for herself beyond Elmira. 

Standing at 5'5", with a curvaceous frame and stunning brown eyes, Michelle's natural beauty and confidence caught the attention of photographers. 

In the late '60s, Michelle was selected to be featured in Playboy, a significant moment that marked the start of her successful modeling career. The decision to pose for the magazine brought her recognition and gave her a platform to showcase her unique blend of beauty and poise. 

She graced the pages with a presence that was both elegant and approachable, capturing the hearts of many fans. Her personality, combined with her physical attributes, created an unforgettable image that resonated with readers across the country. 

Beyond her modeling career, Michelle led a fascinating life marked by curiosity and adventure. While she enjoyed the glitz and glamour that came with fame, she also maintained a connection to her roots and values. 

Sources:

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

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

https://babesrater.com/person/95163/michelle-hamilton

https://live.ogglebooble.com/album.html?folder=1871

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfr-lrgbwhA

Nathan Oliveira

Art Appreciation

Nathan Oliveira, born on December 19, 1928, in Oakland, California, grew up in a Portuguese-American family that cherished creativity. As a young boy, Oliveira showed an early interest in drawing, often sketching scenes from his surroundings. 

His passion for art led him to study at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, where he earned his BFA in 1951. Oliveira continued honing his skills at Stanford University, earning an MFA in 1952, where he was mentored by influential artists who encouraged him to explore his unique artistic voice.

Oliveira’s early career blossomed in the 1950s, during the rise of Abstract Expressionism. He gained recognition for his distinctive style, which combined figurative and abstract elements. In 1959, he participated in the pivotal Museum of Modern Art exhibition New Images of Man, showcasing his work alongside other prominent contemporary artists. This opportunity solidified Oliveira’s reputation as a leading figure in the Bay Area Figurative Movement, an art movement known for blending abstract and representational forms.

Known for his emotive and introspective paintings, Oliveira often depicted solitary human figures, animals, or abstract forms set against ethereal, atmospheric backgrounds. His technique involved layering paint to create textured, dynamic surfaces, lending a sense of movement and depth to his work. 

He frequently used muted, earthy tones that added a haunting, timeless quality to his pieces. One of his iconic works, Standing Man with Hands on Belt (1960), exemplifies his ability to evoke emotion through simplicity and subtlety.

In addition to his paintings, Oliveira explored printmaking and sculpture, further expanding his creative repertoire. Notable works like his Tauromaquia series showcase his mastery across mediums. 

Oliveira’s art remains celebrated for its profound humanity, reflecting universal themes of solitude, resilience, and the search for meaning. His legacy as an artist and educator continues to inspire new generations of creators.

Standing Man with Hands on Belt (1960)

Head and Shape II (1964)

Hawk IV, from the series Acoma (1975)

Bather I (1959)

Untitled Seated Figure #2 (1994)

Tauromaquia 21 (1973)

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.wikiart.org/en/nathan-oliveira

https://www.artnet.com/artists/nathan-oliveira/2

https://historicalsociety.stanford.edu/nathan-oliveira

https://www.dcmooregallery.com/artists/nathan-oliveira

https://whitney.org/artists/966

https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.5123.html

https://www.annexgalleries.com/artists/biography/1783/Oliveira/Nathan 

https://americanart.si.edu/artist/nathan-oliveira-3622

https://www.moma.org/artists/4400

https://www.berggruen.com/artists/nathan-oliveira

https://www.gailsibley.com/2012/11/28/nathan-oliveira-figurative-painter-extraordinaire/

https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/tauromaquia-21-74497

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Vespa by Franco Matticchio

by Franco Matticchio

Album Cover: David Bowie – Hunky Dory

Album Cover

Album: David Bowie – Hunky Dory

Released: December 17, 1971

Cover Photographer: Brian Ward 

Model: David Bowie

Source: 

Wikipedia

Body Art: John Neyrot - Chelsey Novak

Model: Chelsey Novak

via Neyrot Bodypaint

Dance: Mariah Carey - Oh Santa!

Choreography: Ana Vodišek

via Bolero Dance Center 

Cosplay in an Art: Otakon 2024

via Flannel Ninja 

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Creative Director: Giuliano Calza

via Philosophy Official

Mädchen Amick

Acting Appreciation

Mädchen Amick, born on December 12, 1970, in Sparks, Nevada, seemed destined for the spotlight. Raised in a creative household, her parents encouraged her to explore the arts, and she didn’t hold back. 

From playing piano and violin to mastering dance, young Mädchen was always on the move. Her unique German name, meaning "maiden," ensured she’d be memorable long before anyone saw her on screen. At 16, she left Nevada for Los Angeles with dreams of making it big, and spoiler alert—she did!

Her breakthrough came in 1990 when she landed the role of Shelly Johnson, the sassy yet troubled waitress, in David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. The quirky, surreal series became a cult classic, and Amick’s performance was a standout. She even returned to the role in Twin Peaks: The Return (2017), proving Shelly and her infamous diner were timeless. 

Over the years, she took on roles in thrillers like Sleepwalkers (1992), based on a Stephen King story, and dramas like ER. Amick had a knack for playing characters who were both relatable and a little mysterious.

More recently, Mädchen has been delighting younger fans as Alice Cooper on Riverdale, bringing depth and drama to the chaotic lives of the show’s teens. She’s managed to remain relevant across generations, effortlessly transitioning between iconic roles. With her charisma and talent, Amick is proof that being unique—and maybe a little bold—can lead to a long, successful career in Hollywood.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000749/

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/771498850

https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/madchen-amick/credits/3030057405/

https://hotnessrater.com/infinite-scroll/1090/madchen-amick

https://nudecelebrities.top/madchen-amick-sexy-topless-for-mr-warburton-magazine-december-2019/babepedia

https://babesrater.com/infinite-scroll/1090/madchen-amick

https://www.babepedia.com/babe/M%C3%A4dchen_Amick 

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Elly Clutch (Cosplay)

https://www.instagram.com/ellyclutchh/ 

Holly Witt

Acting Appreciation

"Hello, Holly," read the pictorial article showcasing the stunning 5'5" blonde beauty, Holly Witt, who graced the pages as Playboy's Playmate of the Month for November 1995. To be perfectly honest, I was initially thrilled to see Tahnee Welch as the cover girl for the November 1995 edition. However, as I eagerly flipped through the pages (yes, I admit, I glanced at the pictures first), my attention was instantly captivated by Holly Witt's feature.

Born on December 10, 1968, in Lima, Pennsylvania, Holly grew up in an old farmhouse just outside Philadelphia.

In 1995, Holly Witt's life took a dramatic turn when she was selected as Playboy's Playmate of the Month for November. It was a dream come true for her, as she confided to Playboy writer Jeff Posey, "I'd wanted to be a Playmate since I discovered my dad's Playboy when I was in first grade... I had wanted to do it for a long time. After I found out I'd been chosen, everything moved so quickly, I didn't have a chance to jump up and down."

Her Playmate data sheet revealed her aspirations to pursue a modeling career without regrets, her preference for tall men with Southern accents, and her strong aversion to lackluster pickup lines and bad manners.

The photographs, skillfully captured by Arny Freytag and Stephen Wayda, perfectly conveyed Holly's sweet and playful personality, as well as her infectious smile. One particularly charming shot depicted Holly with a milk mustache, cradling a milk bottle.

Her centerfold spread proved to be a sensation among readers, quickly establishing her as one of the magazine's most beloved Playmates. Nevertheless, her foray into the limelight was relatively brief, with only a few appearances in Playboy videos and a stint on the Howard Stern show before she decided to retire. Today, she is working as a dental hygienist in the Dallas area.

Sources:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0936869/bio/

https://boobpedia.com

https://www.listal.com/holly-witt/pictures

https://www.ogglebooble.com/

http://tour.playboyplus.com/model/gallery/holly-witt/playmates-1995-11-holly-witt-0?nats=adultfree.15.1023.1069.0.8019872.0.0.0

https://thethoughtexperiment.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/nsfw-november-holly-witt-miss-november-1995/

Body Art: Monty Knowles - 22nd IHF Women's World Championship Body Paint Campaign (2015)

Artist: Monty Knowles

 via DanskHåndbold

Gerard ter Borch

Art Appreciation

Gerard ter Borch, born in December 1617 in Zwolle, Netherlands, was a prominent painter of the Dutch Golden Age. He received his initial artistic training from his father, Gerard ter Borch the Elder, a skilled draftsman. 

Demonstrating remarkable talent from a young age, ter Borch created an accomplished drawing at just eight years old. In 1634, he studied under Pieter de Molijn in Haarlem and joined the Haarlem Guild of Saint Luke in 1635. 

His early career included travels to England, Italy, and Spain, where he was influenced by various artistic traditions. By the mid-1640s, ter Borch returned to the Netherlands, establishing himself as a master of portraiture and genre scenes.

Ter Borch's technique was distinguished by meticulous attention to detail, particularly in rendering textures like satin and silk. His ability to depict the sheen and folds of luxurious fabrics became a hallmark of his work. 

Notable paintings include The Gallant Conversation (c. 1654), also known as The Paternal Admonition, which exemplifies his skill in capturing intimate social interactions. Another significant work is The Ratification of the Treaty of Münster (1648), depicting the signing of the treaty that ended the Eighty Years' War between Spain and the Dutch Republic.

Throughout his career, ter Borch received considerable recognition. He was invited to Madrid, where he received employment and the honor of knighthood from Philip IV. In Deventer, he became a member of the town council. His works are held in major museums worldwide, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the National Gallery in London, underscoring his enduring legacy in art history.

Self Portrait (1666)

Paternal Admonition (c. 1654)

The Ratification of the Treaty of Munster (1648)

Sources: 

Wikipedia

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/gerard-ter-borch?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.983.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://bjws.blogspot.com/2014/11/1600s-music-few-folks-with-dogs-by.html

Cosplay is an Art: Cosplay Mania (Philippines)

via World Otaku Channel

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: LOEWE Spring Summer 2025 women’s runway collection

Creative Director: Jonathan Anderson

via LOEWE 

Konstantin Korovin

Art Appreciation

Konstantin Korovin, born on December 5, 1861, in Moscow, grew up in a family with deep artistic roots. His father was an art enthusiast, and his older brother, Sergei, was also a painter. 

Encouraged by this creative environment, Korovin enrolled at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture in 1875. There, he studied under renowned painters like Vasily Polenov and Alexei Savrasov, whose teachings profoundly influenced his artistic development. 

Korovin’s education continued at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, although he quickly found its rigid academic approach stifling, prompting him to return to Moscow to follow his artistic instincts more freely.

In the late 1880s, Korovin ventured into stage design, a field where his flair for dramatic composition and vibrant color flourished. His collaborations with the Russian Imperial Theaters and later the Ballets Russes were widely acclaimed, blending visual artistry with theatrical storytelling. 

Simultaneously, Korovin established himself as a skilled landscape artist, creating scenes like North Sea (1890). His travels across Europe and his exposure to Impressionism further enriched his palette and inspired him to explore the interplay of light and shadow.

Korovin’s art is celebrated for its lively brushwork and expressive use of color, often blurring the boundaries between realism and Impressionism. He masterfully captured the essence of fleeting moments, whether in urban scenes, lush gardens, or vibrant still lifes. 

Notable works include Paris. Café de la Paix (1906), which portrays the bustling charm of Parisian life, and Gurzuf (1914), a radiant depiction of Crimea’s serene beauty. His technique of layering short, dynamic brushstrokes inspired his canvases with movement and vitality, making him one of the pioneers of Russian Impressionism.

Despite his success, Korovin faced challenges later in life, particularly after the Russian Revolution, which forced him to emigrate to France in 1923. In exile, he continued to paint and design, leaving behind a legacy of art that resonated with joy, light, and the poetic spirit of his era. Today, his works remain treasured in museums like the Tretyakov Gallery, standing as vivid testimonies to his remarkable talent and vision.

North Sea (1890)

Paris. Café de la Paix (1906)

Pier in Gurzuf (1914)

Evening, Porte Saint-Denis, Paris (1932)

Two Ladies on a Terrace (1911)

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.tg-m.ru/catalog/en/artists/2625

https://www.rusimp.su/en/books/32

https://primo.getty.edu/primo-explore/fulldisplay/GETTY_ALMA21169218940001551/GRI

https://www.virtualartacademy.com/konstantin-korovin/

https://www.leightonfineart.co.uk/artist/konstantin-korovin/

https://www.tretyakovgallerymagazine.com/articles/1-2012-34/konstantin-korovin-his-paintings-and-theatre-work-tretyakov-gallery

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: George Carlin Easy Explains Why Those with Money Want to Control the People

via SkyEcho7

From Mall Santa to Amazon Prime: How Christmas Traditions Have Evolved

Pardon the Interruption

When I was young, the thrill of Christmas wasn’t just about the gifts under the tree; it was about the experience. Each year, my mom, and sometimes my dad, would take me to see Santa at the local mall. We’d join the line of excited (and sometimes restless) kids, each of us rehearsing our requests as if we were about to meet a celebrity. And like clockwork, I’d climb onto Santa’s lap, sometimes forgetting the carefully practiced list I had in mind, ending up winging it and hoping he’d get the message.

Fast forward a couple of decades, and it was my turn to introduce my own kid to Santa. Her first visit? Let’s just say it didn’t go exactly as planned. We captured a classic ‘first Santa photo’—her screaming in horror while Santa tried to look jolly. But, as the years went by, she grew to look forward to these annual visits. Just like I had, she would practice her wish list, mentally preparing for her moment with the big guy in red.

Now, my kid is all grown up, off in college, and Christmas traditions look a little different. There’s no mall Santa to line up for, but I still make it a point to ask, “What do you want from Santa this year?” Some things never change—I still have my “direct line” to him. Of course, these days that line looks a lot like Amazon Prime, where I can add everything to the cart with a few clicks.

It’s funny how traditions evolve with time, yet the essence remains the same. Whether it’s standing in a crowded mall or browsing online from the comfort of home, Christmas will always be about those special moments and connections, no matter how much easier Santa’s job has become in the digital age.

Nate Fakes

Body Art: Maggie Fox

via Maggie Fox 

Dance: Queen - Body Language

Choreographer: Liana Blackburn

via iamlianablackburn