RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Anders Erickson Makes an Old Fashioned

via Anders Erickson 

John Collier

Art Appreciation

John Collier was born on January 27, 1850, into a prominent British family deeply connected to public life. He was the son of Sir Robert Collier, later Lord Monkswell, and grew up in an intellectually active environment. 

Collier trained at the Slade School of Fine Art in London before continuing his studies in Paris and Munich, where he absorbed European academic traditions. Early in his career, he gravitated toward portraiture, quickly earning recognition for his ability to capture psychological presence alongside physical likeness.

Collier is best known for his restrained realism, clear composition, and controlled use of color. His subjects ranged from leading political and cultural figures to scenes drawn from classical mythology and literature. 

Influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite circle—particularly John Everett Millais, whose studio practice he admired—Collier favored strong outlines, even lighting, and calm, deliberate poses. His paintings often balance narrative clarity with emotional distance, allowing viewers to engage intellectually rather than sentimentally. As a writer, he also articulated his views on art practice, contributing to debates on realism and technique.

Among Collier’s most recognized works are Lady Godiva (1897), Lilith (1887), Circe (1885), and Clytemnestra (1882), paintings that combine mythological themes with modern psychological tension. He was also a sought-after portraitist, painting figures such as Charles Darwin and Rudyard Kipling.

Lady Godiva, c. 1898

Lilith, 1887

Clytemnestra after the Murder, 1882

Charles Darwin, 1882

Circe, 1885

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/the-hon-john-collier-101

https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp00970/john-collier

https://artuk.org/discover/artists/collier-john-18501934

Body Art: Nelson Montoya - Supergirl

Model: Karen Blanco (@kattyblakeoficial

via Nelson Montoya SK imagen

Ashe Maree

Modeling Appreciation

Ashe Maree, born on January 25, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, is an American social media personality and cam model. The 5'9" beauty started cam modeling in 2011 and in 2016 she received an XBIZ Award for Live Cam Modeling of the Year. 

In interviews, Ashe Maree stresses that camming is "not for everyone," noting that admirers often mistake curated visuals -- her apartment, pets, or aesthetics -- for the full reality of the job. Maree emphasizes the labor behind the scenes: hours of preparation, lighting, and performances in a space she designs to be both calming and professional. 

In another interview, she advising aspiring models to choose platforms that match their style -- social, explicit, or a blend -- and to lean into what they already do well rather than copy others. Authenticity, she argues, is the most durable strategy, even if it sounds cliché. 

Ashe Maree is equally candid about misconceptions around confidence and appearance. Maree reiterates that her body reflects unresolved gastrointestinal health issues, not a regimen worth emulating, and she cautions viewers against seeking health or body advice from her. On confidence, she admits to anxiety and insecurity, describing her on-camera poise as something she “puts on” because it reads better than visible discomfort. What sustains her, she says, is freedom: control over schedule, content, and the trust of an open-minded audience willing to follow her creative experiments. 

Sources:

https://www.instagram.com/kittenisodd

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

https://x.com/ashemareexoxo

https://bsky.app/profile/ashemaree.bsky.social

https://linktr.ee/AsheMaree

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

https://youtu.be/-7A-HkpiiMQ

https://youtu.be/G5IDzGIM8Ok

SPINNERS: T-Sia - The Best of House 90s and Classic House

via T-Sia 

Cosplay is an Art: A Wild Wild CMV

via CamLeeGamess 

Modeling: Paulina Pastel

via Manfred Baumann 

Nicolas Lancret

Art Appreciation

Nicolas Lancret was born in Paris on January 22, 1690, into a modest family and initially trained in engraving before turning to painting. He studied under Pierre Dulin and later came into contact with Claude Gillot, whose theatrical subjects and lively figures shaped Lancret’s early direction. 

Although he briefly sought instruction from Jean-Antoine Watteau, the relationship was short-lived, pushing Lancret to refine an independent voice within the emerging Rococo movement. By his late twenties, he had gained enough recognition to be admitted to the French Royal Academy in 1719.

Lancret became best known for his fêtes galantes—elegant scenes of leisure, music, flirtation, and outdoor amusement favored by the French aristocracy. His work shared Watteau’s interest in grace and sociability but leaned toward clearer narratives, firmer composition, and brighter color. 

Lancret’s figures often feel more grounded and theatrical, reflecting his interest in contemporary manners and popular entertainment. His paintings circulated widely through engravings, extending his influence beyond France and helping define the visual language of Rococo genre painting.

Among Lancret’s most recognized works are The Four Ages of Life, The Dance Before a Fountain, The Actress Camargo Dancing, and The Picnic. These paintings capture movement, costume, and social ritual with clarity and charm, offering a vivid record of early-18th-century French leisure.

The Four Ages of Man: Childhood, c.1733

Dance Before a Fountain, 1724

La Camargo Dancing, c.1730

Picnic after the Hunt, c.1735

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/nicolas-lancret

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicolas-Lancret

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Nori as A2 Nier: Automata (Cosplay)

https://www.instagram.com/x_norinyan

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

 

Dance: Diana Ashbee at Sala Hiroshima Barcelona

Choreography: Diana Ashbee

Dancer: Paige Culley

via antoni robert 

SPINNERS: The Circus. Tinzo + Jojo - Funky House Mix

via Book Club Radio and Tinzo + Jojo

Cosplay is an Art: Galaxycon Columbus 2025

via Kara Mel Photography 

Terri Summers

Acting Appreciation

Terri Summers, born January 16, 1976 in Amsterdam, built a prominent career in adult entertainment during the 2000s. Raised in Ibiza, Terri worked at Hooters in Amsterdam and modeled lingerie before entering a Penthouse competition on a dare. That decision propelled her into the spotlight when she was named Dutch Penthouse Pet of the Year, opening doors to major men's magazines such as Hustler, Playboy, Private, and Club. 

Standing at 5'8" with green eyes and brown hair, Terri became known for her camera presence and versatility across photo and video platforms. She performed from 2000 to 2008 under several aliases, working with studies like Private, Hustler, Zero Tolerance, Vivid, and Sin City. Her work ranged across solo, lesbian, and boy-girl scenes.

After leaving performing in 2008, Terri shifted toward the production side of the industry. She began directing in 2010 and has remained active behind the camera, editing and photographing content. 

Sources:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1117038/

https://x.com/TerriSummersIBZ

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

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

https://www.iafd.com/person.rme/id=e48d9e59-ef45-44e9-9f27-ef645cde3804

https://babesrater.com/infinite-scroll/55130/terri-summers

Leaving Reality at the Door: Our Christmas Movie Marathon

During the holidays, my wife and I fell into a familiar empty-nester routine: watching Christmas movies as a way to ease into the season when the house is quiet and the shopping spirit feels optional. This year, my wife was—by her own admission—a bit of a grinch, so we decided that festive films might do the heavy lifting for us.

We started with Hot Chocolate Holiday (2021), starring Aubrey Reynolds and Jonny Swenson, a sweet, low-stakes story about a coffee shop owner and a dessert shop owner who discover they share more than a love of cocoa. It didn’t need to make sense—it just needed to be pleasant, and it was.

The next night, Netflix nudged us toward A Merry Little Ex-Mas (2025), with Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson, about former partners forced back into each other’s orbit when holiday plans collide. Enjoyable, provided you leave realism at the door.

My Secret Santa (2025), starring Alexandra Breckenridge and Ryan Eggold, surprised me with its humor; Breckenridge’s comedic timing carries a story about an unexpected holiday gig and workplace romance.

An older entry, No Sleep 'Til Christmas (2018), featuring Dave Annable and Odette Annable, became a quick favorite thanks to its simple, charming premise.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Jingle Bell Heist (2025) with Olivia Holt and Conner Swindells, but its mix of action, humor, and a sharp twist made it one of the most entertaining watches.

We closed out New Year’s Eve with Champagne Problems (2025), starring Minka Kelly and Tom Woznicakz, which ended up being our favorite. Set against the pursuit of a storied French champagne house, the real draw was the chemistry between the leads—balanced, believable, and just romantic enough to earn its ending.

Michael Jackson - Remember the Time

Music Appreciation

Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time" was released on January 14, 1992, as the second single from his eighth studio album, Dangerous. The song was a collaborative effort, written and composed by Michael Jackson, Teddy Riley, and Bernard Belle, with production handled by Jackson and Riley. This track exemplifies the fusion of R&B and new jack swing that characterized much of Jackson's work during this era. 

The inspiration for the song's lyrics reportedly came from co-writer Teddy Riley, who was moved after hearing Jackson describe "falling in love with the woman he just married." This personal anecdote translated into a nostalgic narrative within the song, reminiscing about the early stages of a romantic relationship. Musically, "Remember the Time" features a blend of rhythmic beats, melodic harmonies, and Jackson's signature vocal style, creating a track that is both danceable and emotive. 

The accompanying music video, directed by John Singleton and choreographed by Fatima Robinson, is set in an imaginative portrayal of ancient Egypt. The nine-minute short film features notable appearances by Eddie Murphy as the pharaoh, Iman as his queen, and Magic Johnson as a royal servant. The storyline follows a mysterious sorcerer, portrayed by Jackson, who entertains the queen and ultimately engages in a captivating dance sequence with the palace servants. 

Filmed in January 1992 at the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot, the video was lauded for its elaborate production and innovative special effects. Upon its premiere, it garnered significant attention and was praised for its creative storytelling and visual grandeur. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Reysuka as Gemma (Monster Hunter Wilds)

Source: 

https://x.com/ReysukaXO/status/1909478964063510539 

Maroon 5 - Sugar

Music Appreciation

“Sugar” is probably one of my favorite Maroon 5 songs, largely because of its sweet lyrics, upbeat tempo, and memorable music video.

Released as a single from their fifth studio album, V, on January 13, 2015, “Sugar” was written by Mike Posner, Adam Levine, Dr. Luke, and Jacob Kasher Hindlin, with production by Ammo and Cirkut—two producers known for radio-friendly, high-energy pop hooks. The collaboration brought together seasoned songwriters and Maroon 5’s evolving style, which by this era had shifted from funk-pop toward sleek, electronic patterns designed for broad commercial appeal.

Lyrically, “Sugar” is a straightforward plea for affection, using sweetness as a metaphor for intimacy and emotional closeness. The lines highlight yearning, desire, and the comfort found in a partner’s presence.

Musically, the track blends disco, funk, and modern pop, driven by falsetto vocals, a tight rhythmic groove, and a bright structure that makes it instantly recognizable. The arrangement uses clean guitar lines, crisp percussion, and layered harmonies that push the song into dance-pop territory.

The music video, directed by David Dobkin—best known for Wedding Crashers—became a major part of the song’s popularity. Styled as a series of surprise wedding performances across Los Angeles, the video captures the band appearing unexpectedly at real receptions, energizing the crowds and creating a sense of spontaneity and joy.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/maroon-5-sugar-history

https://www.allmusic.com/album/v-mw0002680091

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4402216/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09R8_2nJtjg

Jule Golsdorf

Acting Appreciation

Jule Gölsdorf, born on January 12, 1976 in Germany, grew up with a strong interest in storytelling and communication. Jule pursued journalism and media studies, setting the foundation for her future work both in front of the camera and behind it. Her early training emphasized writing, news presentation, and live broadcasting—skills that would shape her professional identity long before she became known to wider audiences.

Gölsdorf built her career primarily in German television, where she established herself as a presenter, journalist, and actress. She became widely recognized for her work on N-TV, one of Germany’s leading news channels, where she anchored reports, conducted interviews, and covered breaking news. 

Beyond her journalism work, Gölsdorf has appeared in several television programs and films, contributing to Germany’s entertainment landscape. Her roles often reflect her versatility—moving between drama and light entertainment—while maintaining the professionalism that defined her news career. 

Sources:

https://www.ntv.de

https://www.fernsehserien.de/jule-goelsdorf

https://www.instagram.com/julegoelsdorf

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

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd95BnjnkPyE3XRq6GR3VXQ

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1216623/

The Absence of Accountability

Pardon the Interruption

On January 7, 2026, an incident captured on multiple videos showed an ICE officer pointing his firearm from less than two meters away and shooting a driver at close range, fatally wounding her. The woman killed was Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year-old mother of a six-year-old child.

Video footage shows Good, driving a Honda Pilot, stopped across the middle of the road. She is seen yelling at officers and motioning with her hand as if signaling them to go around her vehicle. ICE officers approach from different directions. One officer walks directly toward her vehicle while shouting commands, while another moves around the front and positions himself at the far left corner.

When Good appears to notice the officer attempting to open her door, she backs up, turns her front tires to the right—likely aware of the officer, Jonathan Ross, standing near the left corner—and accelerates. At that moment, Ross, who is standing roughly half a meter from the front of the vehicle draws his firearm, extends his arm, aims directly at the driver, and fires three times -- once through the window hitting Good in the face.

Law enforcement officers are trained to de-escalate situations and use non-lethal alternatives whenever possible. In this case, the officer appears to have taken a shoot-to-kill approach. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem quickly labeled the incident an “act of domestic terrorism” against ICE officers, claiming Good attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon. Former President Trump echoed that framing on social media, blaming the “Radical Left Movement” and stating that “the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting,” and that she “violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer,” who allegedly shot her in self-defense.

However, other video clips show the officer was not struck. In fact, the officer's camera shows Good turning her wheels away to avoid hitting. 

This matters because accountability shapes the limits of federal power. When a city police officer shoots someone, that officer is typically placed on leave while an investigation is conducted. If federal authorities immediately side with an ICE agent without similar scrutiny, it risks setting a precedent where lethal force is justified without accountability. That should concern anyone, because you, a loved one, or a friend being in the “wrong place at the wrong time” can mean a public street, a downtown sidewalk, or simply turning the wrong corner.

Spinners: Eva Kari - Tech House and House Music

via Eva Kari Hype 

Cosplay is an Art: Anime Expo Chibi 2025

via MELTY POP! 

Amanda Wilde

Modeling Appreciation

Amanda Wilde has carved out a loyal following by blending an unfiltered online presence with a calm, grounded lifestyle that feels distinct from many creators in her space. 

Her background as a dental hygienist from 2008 to her transition into social media gives her story an every-day relatability, but it’s her personality—light packing, spontaneous travel, a steady diet of iced coffee, true-crime podcasts, and long, steamy showers—that keeps viewers hooked. 

She’s open about her fears, quirks, and small indulgences, like polishing off a pint of Coffee Heath Bar Crunch without hesitation. Her YouTube channel, especially the quiet gardening videos, shows a softer side that balances the bolder elements of her camgirl career. Over time, that contrast between gentle simplicity and confident self-expression makes her stand out from other models and influencers.

Her blue eyes have a striking quality, and the symmetry of her face gives her a natural screen presence. That mix of approachability and beauty is rare. There’s a genuine charm in the way Amanda talks about travel mishaps, cello lessons, or why she prefers the woods over beaches.

Sources:

https://www.instagram.com/happyhoohaxo

https://x.com/freshair_Mandy

https://www.babepedia.com/onlyfans/amanda_wilde

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

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

https://msha.ke/mandy_wilde#links

Cannons - Fire for You

Music Appreciation

Formed in Los Angeles in 2013, Cannons is an indie-pop trio composed of Michelle Joy (vocals), Ryan Clapham (guitar), and Paul Davis (keyboards, bass). Clapham and Davis had composed music together since they were teens, and they recruited Joy after seeing a Craigslist post in search of a vocalist.

The band released early projects—including the EP Up All Night (2014) and the debut album Night Drive (2017)—before putting out Shadows in 2019, on which “Fire for You” first appeared. The track later became a breakthrough single, boosted by its inclusion in the Netflix series Never Have I Ever and helped the band sign to Columbia Records 

“Fire for You,” officially released as a single on January 8, 2021, is built on themes of longing, heartbreak, and the tension between attachment and letting go. Its lyrics like “I was on fire for you / Where did you go?” encapsulate the intensity of emotions when someone feels deeply invested yet emotionally abandoned. 

Musically, the track blends dreamy synth-driven production with pulsing beats, atmospheric textures, and R&B-influenced rhythms. Some commentators note staccato guitar stabs and shifting dynamics that mirror the emotional push and pull in its narrative. 

The music video for “Fire for You,” directed by Ryan Rundle, visually dramatizes the emotional journey depicted in the song. In the video, Michelle Joy appears in a wedding dress and rides in the backseat of a convertible, wearing smudged running eyeliner, while Clapham and Davis drive across a desert toward a remote skating rink where the performance takes place. Intercut scenes show her burning keepsakes and remnants of past love, visually echoing the song’s themes of letting go and emotional catharsis.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.pmstudio.com/music/music.html?page=20201002-12172

https://zevenwrites.wordpress.com/2020/12/26/fire-for-you-cannons

https://www.discogs.com/release/24488117-Cannons-Fire-For-You

https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/zrropr/cannons_fire_for_you_electronic_pop

https://www.reddit.com/r/videos/comments/1isx6qb/cannons_fire_for_you

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Christoph Niemann's "Market Shift" for The New Yorker

Source:

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cover-story/cover-story-2025-10-27

Gustave Doré

Art Appreciation

Paul Gustave Louis Christophe Doré was born on January 6, 1832, in Strasbourg, France. A prodigy from an early age, Doré showed remarkable drawing skills as a child and was largely self-taught. By his mid-teens, he was producing satirical drawings and caricatures, which led to his first major break at age fifteen when he began working for the Parisian illustrated journal Le Journal pour Rire. His early success in caricature and sequential illustration positioned him at the forefront of visual storytelling during a period when illustrated publishing was rapidly expanding.

Doré’s career soon moved beyond satire into ambitious book illustration, where he found lasting fame. He produced monumental series of engravings for literary classics, including The Divine Comedy, Don Quixote, Paradise Lost, The Bible, and works by Dante, Cervantes, Milton, and Edgar Allan Poe. 

His illustrations, translated into wood engravings by teams of skilled artisans, were widely distributed across Europe and the United States. Doré’s dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, sweeping compositions, and emotionally charged figures set a new standard for narrative illustration in the nineteenth century.

Although illustration defined his reputation, Doré also pursued painting and sculpture, often seeking recognition from the French fine art establishment, which remained ambivalent toward his work. 

Red Riding Hood meets old father wolf, 1862

(La Muerte) Vision de San Juan, 1884

Don Quijote, 1863

The Deluge, 1866

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gustave-Dore

https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/artists/gustave-dore

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG20568

Yoga: Shambhala Yoga - Easy Yoga Mobility Workout

via Shambhala Yoga 

Dance: Michael Bublé - Feeling Good

Choreography: Christin Olesen

Dancers: Britney Gale, Dominique Domingo, Alyx Andrushuk

via Dominique Domingo 

My Choices for the 2026 AVN Fan Awards

What began as a personal tradition in 2017—one year after I attended the AVN red carpet at the old Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas—has become an annual ritual I genuinely look forward to. Like a kid waiting for Christmas morning, I count down the days until AVN opens voting for the Fan Awards. Each year brings its own surprises, and this one was no exception, with several new categories and a few renamed along the way.

Out of the 23 Fan Award categories, I narrowed my focus to those that genuinely held my interest. Covering all of them would have been excessive, both in time and enthusiasm, so a bit of restraint felt like the smarter—and healthier—choice. My method for selecting favorites is admittedly unconventional: I organize nominees into a March-Madness-style tournament bracket and let them face off round by round.

That format comes with its own challenges. Strong favorites often collide early, forcing tough decisions long before the finals, but that tension is part of what makes the process enjoyable. It also keeps me honest, requiring thoughtful choices rather than easy or predictable picks.

At its core, the AVN Fan Awards are about appreciation and support. If you have a favorite performer, the best way to show it is by following their work, engaging with them on social media, and supporting their content directly. With that spirit in mind, and without further ado, here are my personal selections for the 2026 AVN Fan Awards.

FAVORITE ADULT PODCAST - INSIDE ONLYFANS & GIRLS ON PORN

It makes sense to start with an easy category: Favorite Adult Podcast, largely because I only subscribe to a handful. At the top of my list is Inside OnlyFans, hosted by the consistently entertaining CJ Sparxx and Kayla Lauren. The chemistry between the two anchors the show, but what really sets it apart is their lineup of guests—many of whom also appear among this year’s nominees. The podcast offers more than surface-level chatter; it provides insight into the OnlyFans ecosystem while giving listeners a genuine sense of who these creators are beyond their content. It’s an easy recommendation, especially if you’re staring down a long commute.

Another standout is Girls on Porn, co-hosted by Laura Ramadei and Rachel Napoleon. Their stated mission—to help listeners find “hot, ethical, just plain better porn for [their] spankbank”—is carried out with humor, curiosity, and surprising thoughtfulness. Each episode revolves around a specific search term, from “Spit Play” to “Milking Table,” which they unpack with equal parts candor and wit. While the subject matter is undeniably part of the appeal, what keeps me coming back is the hosts’ chemistry and their openness when talking about sex. The conversations feel natural, smart, and refreshingly unforced.

Both podcasts manage to be informative without feeling instructional, and entertaining without trying too hard—no small feat in this space.

FAVORITE BBW STAR - DANI VALENTINA

Dani Valentina is my top pick for Favorite BBW Star. This 33-year-old Latina stands out for her strong on-screen presence and a social media persona that feels both inviting and genuinely sensual. There’s an ease to her performances and public-facing content that makes her especially engaging—confident without trying too hard, and consistently enjoyable to watch.

Rounding out my Final Four were Jordan Love, Mazzaratie Monica, and Lily Lovely, each bringing their own appeal and loyal following. Still, Dani Valentina ultimately rose to the top for her balance of charm, confidence, and visibility across platforms, making her my clear favorite in this category.

FAVORITE CAM GIRL - EMMA STARSEED

This category is where my bracket system truly tested my resolve. Early on, I was forced to choose between two personal favorites: Emily Bloom and Emma Starseed—a matchup that felt unfair from the start. I’ll admit, I’ve developed a bit of a crush on Emma Starseed, and it’s not without reason. I selected her for Favorite Cam Girl last year as well, and her presence continues to stand out. She brings a natural confidence and warmth on camera that makes her easy to connect with, and in my view, she more than deserves recognition again.

Joining her in my Final Four were Olivia Wildin, Fiona, and Sabrina Nellie, each of whom made strong cases in their own right. Still, when the dust settled, Emma Starseed once again rose to the top—proof that consistency and connection matter just as much as novelty in this category.

FAVORITE COSPLAYER - RINCITY

If you’ve spent any time with this blog, you already know I have a deep appreciation for cosplay. That made this category both enjoyable and surprisingly challenging. More than once, I had to remind myself that Favorite Cosplayer isn’t just about girls having sex in a store-bought costume—it’s about creativity, craftsmanship, and the ability to infuse a costume with a touch of sensuality and maybe sex.

Ultimately, RinCity claimed the top spot. An exceptionally talented cosplayer and SuicideGirl, she consistently delivers imaginative designs that feel fully realized rather than purely performative. Her work strikes a balance between technical skill and visual allure that sets her apart.

Rounding out my Final Four were Cyberly Crush, Kristie Bish, and Sia Siberia, all of whom brought strong creativity and distinct styles to the bracket. Even so, RinCity’s originality and execution made her my clear favorite in this category.

FAVORITE FEMALE PORN STAR - OCTAVIA RED

Now we arrive at one of the most enjoyable—and time-consuming—categories: Favorite Female Porn Star. I’ll admit, this one took me longer than it probably should have, largely because I’m a genuine fan of so many of the nominees. Narrowing the field required more deliberation than expected, but after working through the bracket, one choice ultimately stood out.

The top spot goes to Octavia Red. At 29, she brings together beauty, charm, and a screen presence that feels effortless yet commanding. There’s an ease to her performances that makes them memorable, and that consistency is exactly why she earned my vote.

Rounding out my Final Four were Blake Blossom, Eva Sweet, and Angel Youngs—all strong contenders with devoted followings. Still, when the dust settled, Octavia Red rose above the rest, making her my clear favorite in this category.

FAVORITE MILF STAR - ELIZABETH SKYLAR

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to the Favorite MILF Star category—perhaps because I grew up watching many of these women build long, impressive careers. That familiarity made this bracket especially tough, as it often meant choosing one standout beauty over another.

This year, I took a slightly different approach. My top choice is Elizabeth Skylar, a striking 35-year-old who entered the industry in 2023. Despite being a relative newcomer, she brings a confidence and presence that immediately sets her apart, making her an easy pick for me in this category.

Rounding out my Final Four were Sophia Locke, Cory Chase, and Tanya Tate, all of whom remain strong favorites with enduring appeal. Even so, Elizabeth Skylar’s fresh energy and undeniable screen presence ultimately earned her the top spot.

FAVORITE MALE PORN STAR - MANUEL FERRARA

Male performers are far more than just a "stunt cock," and that distinction mattered to me when selecting Favorite Male Porn Star. Beyond the obvious attributes, I considered who these performers collaborate with, how they’re spoken about by peers on podcasts, and the reputations they’ve built within the industry. Chemistry, professionalism, and respect go a long way.

My top choice this year is the French-born Manuel Ferrara. While his body of work speaks for itself, what ultimately set him apart was his personality and the genuine admiration he receives from those he works with. Time and again, fellow performers describe him as generous, grounded, and deeply professional.

Rounding out my Final Four were Isiah Maxwell, Vince Karter, and Danny D., all strong contenders with distinct strengths. Still, Ferrara’s consistency, collaborative spirit, and enduring presence made him my clear favorite in this category.

FAVORITE PORN STAR CREATOR - GIA DERZA

Selecting Favorite Porn Star Creator proved to be one of the more challenging categories, largely because I follow so many creators who consistently deliver strong, engaging work. With that in mind, it felt only right to acknowledge a broader field of standouts before settling on a final choice.

My Elite Eight for this category includes Adriana Chechik, Sybil, Tru Kait, Gia Derza, Emma Hix, Serenity Cox, Violet Myers, and Mia Malkova—all creators who bring a distinct voice, vision, and level of consistency to their content. Each one made a compelling case as I worked through the bracket.

Ultimately, my decision came down to sustained output and how captivating that content remained over time. For that reason, Gia Derza earned the top spot. Her work is unapologetically bold and kinky, consistently engaging, and unmistakably her own, making her my clear favorite in this category.

FAVORITE TRANS PORN STAR - EMMA ROSE

The Favorite Trans Porn Star category required a more thoughtful approach, as it resonates with me on a personal level—I have a transgender daughter, and that connection naturally shaped how I approached my selections. With that in mind, I focused on performers whose presentation, confidence, and femininity felt authentic and fully realized.

Ultimately, my top choice was the stunning Emma Rose. She carries herself with elegance and assurance, and her presence consistently stands out in a way that feels both polished and genuine. That combination made her my clear favorite in this category.

Rounding out my Final Four were Aubrey Kate, Leah Hayes, and Andylynn Payne, all of whom brought strong performances and distinct appeal to the bracket. Still, Emma Rose’s poise and consistency ultimately set her apart.

HOTTEST STUDIO NEWCOMER - POLY YANGS

Either the performers are getting younger, or I’m simply getting older—but either way, Hottest Studio Newcomer proved to be a deceptively challenging category. The field was packed with young, striking talent, making it harder than expected to narrow things down to a single favorite.

In the end, my top choice was Polly Yangs, a 21-year-old, Russian-born blonde whose on-screen presence immediately stands out. There’s a confidence and intensity to her performances that makes them genuinely compelling, earning her the top spot in this category.

Rounding out my Final Four were Leya Desantis, Megan Longoria, and Lovely Lo, all of whom brought strong energy and promise as emerging talents. Still, Polly Yangs ultimately edged ahead, making her my pick for Hottest Studio Newcomer this year.

MOST AMAZING ASS - JADA STEVENS

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to the female posterior, which made Most Amazing Ass a category I lingered over longer than most. I took my time with this bracket, carefully weighing each matchup to be sure the right contenders advanced. That deliberation led to a few early exits for favorites like Jessie Rogers and Abella Danger, both of whom were knocked out sooner than expected.

When the bracket finally settled, my top pick was Jada Stevens. At 37 and standing 5'2", she brings a combination of confidence, proportions, and presence that makes her stand out in this category. Her appeal is undeniable, and she ultimately earned the top spot.

Rounding out my Final Four were Zoe Neli, Kelsi Monroe, and Anna Claire Clouds, all strong contenders who made this one of the tougher decisions overall. Still, Jada Stevens emerged as my clear favorite after a thorough—and enjoyable—run through the bracket.

MOST SPECTACULAR BOOBS - MIA MALKOVA

I’ll be honest—larger breasts have never really been my personal preference, which makes this category somewhat ironic given that my wife recently went from a 34B to a 34DD. That contrast shaped how I approached Most Spectacular Boobs this year. Rather than focusing on size alone, I paid closer attention to whether the breasts were natural, and if enhanced, how balanced and natural the results appeared.

That perspective ultimately led me to Mia Malkova. I remember when she first entered the industry with a smaller, natural figure, and seeing how she’s evolved over the past 12 years has been striking. Her enhancements look exceptionally well done—proportionate, polished, and complementary to her overall presence—which is why she earned the top spot in my bracket.

Rounding out my Final Four were Blake Blossom, Lily Starfire, and Angela White, each of whom brought their own strengths and appeal to the category. Still, Mia Malkova’s transformation and confident presentation ultimately set her apart, making her my clear favorite here.

UNSUNG HERO - MADI COLLINS

The next category, Unsung Darlings, shines a light on performers who have built loyal followings but haven’t yet received major industry recognition. With that spirit in mind, my top choice was Madi Collins, a petite 27-year-old redhead who has cultivated a devoted fan base drawn to her playfulness and natural charm. There’s an ease and warmth to her presence that resonates with audiences and makes her feel genuinely under-appreciated.

Rounding out my Final Four were Erin Everheart, Selena Love, and Chloe Surreal, all of whom have carved out their own strong followings and brought distinct appeal to the bracket. Still, Madi Collins ultimately stood out for the consistency of her connection with fans, earning her my pick in this category.

INDEPENDENT FEMALE CREATOR - STELLA BAREY

The final category, Independent Female Creator, recognizes performers who take full ownership of their work—producing, distributing, and managing their own content on their own terms. Because this category celebrates both creativity and entrepreneurship, it felt important to acknowledge more than just a single standout.

With that in mind, my Elite Eight includes Bonnie Blue, Kera Bear, Brook Logan, Dainty Wilder, Sweetie Fox, Waifu, Violet Brandani, and Stella Barey. Each of these creators has built a distinct brand and sustained a meaningful connection with their audience through consistency and authenticity.

Ultimately, Stella Barey claimed the top spot for me. Her content remains engaging and playful, and she has a knack for keeping things fresh while maintaining a strong sense of charm. That combination—steady output paired with genuine personality—is what makes her especially compelling and why she earned my pick in this category.

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Sources, including photos: 

Babepedia, Instagram, X, AVN 

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