via Remember When
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
George Stubbs
Art Appreciation
George Stubbs was born on August 25, 1724 in Liverpool, Lancashire, England. He was the son of a currier who prepared leather. His formal artist education appears to have been limited; as a young man he briefly studied with the Lancashire painter Hamlet Winstanley but developed largely through independent observation and study.
Stubbs became fascinated by anatomy, an interest that would distinguish his work from that of other sporting painters. During the late 1740s, while living in York, he studied human anatomy and provided illustrations for physician John Burton's treatise on midwifery. After a brief trip to Italy, he conducted detailed dissections of horses in Lincolnshire, carefully recording their bones, muscles and physical structure.
Around 1758, Stubbs moved to London, where his anatomical knowledge quickly attracted wealthy patrons involved in horse racing and breeding, including members of the emerging Jockey Club. His painstaking studies culminated in the publication of The Anatomy of the Horse in 1766, a landmark series of engravings that demonstrated both scientific precision and artistic skill.
Stubbs became particularly sought after for portraits of racehorses, hunters, mares and foals, often accompanied by their owners, jockeys or groomers. Yet his range extended beyond horses; he painted dogs, lions, monkeys, zebras and other exotic animals, as well as portraits, rural scenes and conversation pieces. Among his notable works are Zebra (1763), Mares and Foals in a River Landscape (c. 1763-68), A Lion Attacking a Horse (1762), Pumpkin with a Stable-lad (1774) and Reapers (1795).
Stubbs is now regarded as one of the great British painters of the 18th century and arguably its most important animal painter. During his lifetime, however, sporting painting occupied a lower position in the academic hierarchy of art, contributing to his exclusion from full membership in the Royal Academy.
His masterpiece, Whistlejacket (1762), demonstrates why his reputation has grown. The monumental painting presents the Marquess of Rockingham's chestnut stallion rearing against a plain background, without rider, saddle or landscape to distract from the animal itself.
Whistlejacket, 1762
Zebra, 1763
Mares and Foals in a River Landscape, c. 1763-68
A Lion Attacking a Horse, 1762
Pumpkin with a Stable-lad, 1774
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/george-stubbs
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/george-stubbs-whistlejacket
https://britishart.yale.edu/paintings-and-sculpture
Monday, August 24, 2026
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Friday, August 21, 2026
Modeling: Alisa Amore
Photographer: Petter Hegre
Sources:
https://www.hegre.com/models/alisa?locale=en
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Y2K + bbno$ - Lalala
Music Appreciation
“Lalala” is one of those songs that sounds almost too simple to become a massive hit—which, of course, is part of why it worked. American producer Y2K, the professional name of Ari Starace, teamed with Canadian rapper bbno$ (Alexander Gumuchian) to write the track, releasing it on June 7, 2019.
The two reportedly built the song during a studio session, with Y2K creating its Latin-flavored guitar riff and minimalist beat while bbno$ developed the vocal melody. The wonderfully goofy opening—“Did I really just forget that melody?” grew out of the recording process itself and became the song’s instantly recognizable calling card.
Released through Columbia Records, “Lalala” eventually exploded through TikTok and streaming platforms, turning what began as an independent-minded collaboration into an international viral hit.
Musically, “Lalala” blends hip-hop and pop around a sparse production dominated by its plucked, Spanish- or Latin-influenced guitar figure, programmed percussion and an absurdly catchy sing-song hook. That simplicity leaves plenty of room for bbno$’s laid-back, conversational delivery.
Lyrically, he spends much of the song joking and bragging about money, women, jewelry, his Canadian identity and his sudden success. There is a knowing silliness behind the boasting: bbno$ even describes himself as “corny,” making it difficult to take the swagger entirely seriously.
In that sense, “Lalala” is less a profound statement than a celebration of confidence, newfound success and not taking yourself too seriously. Even its nonsense syllables—“lalala,” “shashasha” and the opening “banana-na-na”—function almost like additional instruments, giving the record its rhythmic, meme-ready personality.
The fun became even more pronounced in the official music video, released on YouTube on August 20, 2019. Directed by Alex Bortz, the brightly colored video places Y2K and bbno$ on the set of the fictional “Y2K’s Big Fun Fun Show,” with Y2K playing the enthusiastic host and bbno$ appearing as his special guest. The exaggerated sets, puppets, primary colors, oversized props and deliberately low-budget television aesthetic resemble a wonderfully warped children’s educational program—somewhere between Pee-wee’s Playhouse and a show you vaguely remember watching at 7 a.m. while eating cereal. That contrast is the joke: bbno$ delivers decidedly adult rap lyrics while surrounded by the cheerful visual language of children’s television.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.sonymusic.ca/press_release/y2k-and-bbno-release-official-video-for-lalala
https://www.shazam.com/en-us/song/1470480678
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGyEDIz9jek
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Carl Rungius
Art Appreciation
Carl Rungius (1869–1959) is widely regarded as one of North America's greatest wildlife artists, despite being born in Rixdorf, Germany, on August 18, 1869. From an early age, he developed a fascination with animals, hunting, and the natural world, interests encouraged by his family's appreciation of art and taxidermy.
After apprenticing as a decorative painter, he studied at the Berlin Academy of Art from 1888 to 1890. Although he found the academy's formal instruction limiting, he devoted countless hours to sketching animals at the Berlin Zoo and studying their anatomy through dissections. Inspired by hunting trips to Maine and Wyoming, Rungius emigrated to the United States in 1896, where the abundant wildlife of the American West became his lifelong artistic focus.
Rungius built his reputation by combining the precision of a naturalist with the vision of a landscape painter. Working primarily in oil on canvas, while also producing watercolors, etchings, and illustrations, he insisted on observing wildlife in its natural habitat rather than relying solely on museum specimens.
An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he spent months each year in Wyoming, Alaska, the Yukon, and the Canadian Rockies, sketching directly from life before completing his paintings in the studio. His compositions often featured elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, grizzly bears, and deer set within sweeping mountain landscapes.
Rungius' mastery of anatomy, light, and atmosphere helped establish wildlife art as a respected fine art genre, and he became the first artist in North America to build a full-time career devoted almost exclusively to painting wild animals.
Among Rungius' best-known works are Wary Game, depicting Dall sheep in the Yukon; In His Prime, an iconic portrait of a mature bull elk; A Camp in the Rockies; and Lake O'Hara, which captures the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies.
In 1921, he established his famed "Paintbox" studio in Banff, Alberta, where he created many of his most celebrated paintings. Today, his legacy lives on through major collections at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Wyoming and the Glenbow Museum in Calgary. His work continues to be admired for i
Lake O'Hara
A Camp in the Rockies
In His Prime
Wary Game
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/carl-rungius-papers-15935/biographical-note
https://www.wildlifeart.org/exhibits/rungius-gallery
https://www.glenbow.org/blog/artist-profile-carl-rungius
Monday, August 17, 2026
ART: Erin Lynn Welch
Erin Lynn Welsh is an American painter, set designer, and photographer whose landscape paintings, inspired by her travels throughout the United States, explore themes of memory, resilience, and the relationship between people and the natural world.
A graduate of the Pratt Institute with a BFA in Photography, she lives and works between Brooklyn and Los Angeles, creating luminous compositions that blend personal photographs with imagined elements to examine the sublime beauty of nature, the resilience of plant life, and the interplay between landscapes, human experience, and memory.
https://www.erinlynnwelsh.com/
via Uprise Art
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Angela Bassett
Acting Appreciation
American actress Angela Bassett was born on August 16, 1958, in New York City and spent much of her childhood in St. Petersburg, Florida. Raised by her mother, Betty Jane Bassett, a social worker, she excelled academically and developed an early interest in the arts.
A pivotal moment came when she attended a high school summer enrichment program and heard acclaimed actress Ruby Dee perform the poetry of Langston Hughes. The experience revealed the emotional power of performance and inspired Angela to pursue acting. She later attended Yale University, earning a bachelor's degree in African American Studies before receiving a Master of Fine Arts degree from the prestigious Yale School of Drama.
Angela began her acting career in theater and television during the 1980s, taking on small roles while working steadily to establish herself in Hollywood. Her breakthrough arrived in 1993 when she portrayed music icon Tina Turner in the biographical film What's Love Got to Do with It. Her powerful performance captured Turner's resilience, charisma, and determination, earning Angela widespread acclaim, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The role established her as one of the most respected dramatic performers of her generation and opened doors to leading roles in major film productions.
Over the following decades, Angela built an impressive body of work across film and television. She earned praise for performances in films such as Malcolm X, Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and The Rosa Parks Story. On television, she became a standout performer in American Horror Story, earning multiple Emmy nominations. A new generation of audiences came to know Angela through her role as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther and its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
In a recent interview with AARP, Angela reflected on how opportunities for actors have evolved since the start of her career. She noted that performers today have more avenues to create and share their work, while she often faced limited opportunities early on. She also spoke about the remarkable cultural impact of Black Panther, recalling how the film connected with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, demonstrating the power of storytelling to create shared experiences and inspire pride.
Angela's personal life has been marked by the same values of commitment and purpose that have guided her career. She frequently praises her husband, fellow actor Courtney B. Vance, for his compassion and integrity, particularly in caring for family members during difficult times. The couple are parents to twins, and Angela has said that becoming a mother later in life brought greater patience and perspective.
Following the death of her mother from diabetes-related complications, she has become an advocate for health awareness and prevention, including education about RSV and other health risks affecting older adults. Angela continues to encourage people to reject the notion that age limits possibility, believing that growth, purpose, and new opportunities remain available throughout life.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Angela-Bassett
https://www.biography.com/actors/angela-bassett
https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/celebrities/angela-bassett-what-i-know-now/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000291
https://drama.yale.edu/alumni/angela-bassett
https://www.usmagazine.com/stylish/pictures/angela-bassetts-red-carpet-style-her-best-outfits/
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Friday, August 14, 2026
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Rachel Gregor
Art Appreciation
Rachel Gregor is an American painter whose work focuses on intimate, psychologically charged scenes of daily life.
Rachel studied painting and developed her practice through a combination of formal training and studio work, refining a figurative approach that leans into observation, memory, and emotional tone rather than strict realism. Her education laid the groundwork for a practice that balances technical control with a loose, expressive sensibility.
Her career has gained momentum through gallery exhibitions and growing critical attention, including a recent feature interview with Juxtapoz Magazine, where she discussed her interest in capturing fleeting, often overlooked moments. In that conversation, she emphasized how her compositions are often constructed from fragments—photographs, sketches, and recollections—stitched together to create scenes that feel familiar yet slightly disorienting.
Rachel recent solo exhibition at Hashimoto Contemporary marked a notable step in her trajectory, presenting a cohesive body of work that highlights her evolving style. Her technique often features softened edges, layered brushwork, and a muted palette that enhances the introspective quality of her subjects. Figures are frequently placed in quiet interiors, caught in moments of pause that suggest interior dialogue rather than outward action.
Self Portrait in Ski Sweater, 2022
Still Summer, 2025
Girl
Sources:
https://www.juxtapoz.com/news/magazine/the-purgatory-of-adolescence-an-interview-with-rachel-gregor/
https://charlottestreet.org/artist/rachel-gregor/
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/rachel-gregor-self-portrait-in-ski-sweater
https://urbanculturestudioresidents.wordpress.com/tag/rachel-gregor/
https://www.hashimotocontemporary.com
https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2014/jul/06/new-exhibit-asks-whats-gender-imbalance-art/
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Sleep Adventures on Vacation
My wife and I don't actually share a bed at home. It's not because we're mad at each other—we're just protecting each other's sleep. She has late-night conversations with our cat, scrolls through TikTok until who-knows-when, and her restless legs seem convinced they're training for a marathon. To be fair, she has to put up with my snoring and the occasional farts, so we're both making sacrifices.
Vacations, though, are a different story. Suddenly we're back to sharing a bed, and every night becomes a new adventure.
The first night, I dreamed Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were playing "Jumpin' Jack Flash," except Keith couldn't get past an A major chord. He just kept playing it over and over. I finally woke up...only to realize my wife was snoring that exact note.
The next night I dreamed I was riding in the car with my dad. I became worried because it looked like he was falling asleep at the wheel. I'd look over, and his eyes would be open, but he kept making this strange puffing sound every few seconds. Then I woke up and discovered my wife was lying beside me, happily puff-breathing away in her sleep.
Another night I dreamed I was asleep in the hotel room while someone insisted on vacuuming in the middle of the night. Even in my dream I remember thinking, "Who vacuums at 2:00 in the morning?" My irritation finally woke me up, only to discover the "vacuum" was my wife making this combination of soft moans and puffing noises that my sleeping brain had somehow translated into a Hoover.
Then came the grand finale.
In the middle of the last night, I felt the mattress gently bouncing and heard rustling under the blankets. Half asleep, my brain immediately jumped to conclusions. I thought, "Well...this vacation just got unexpectedly interesting." I rolled over, ready to be the supportive husband I aspire to be.
Instead, there she was—completely asleep.
It wasn't her pleasuring herself. It was her restless legs putting on one final performance before checkout.
Now we're back home, sleeping in our separate beds once again. She gets to chat with the cat, watch TikTok, and let her legs audition for Riverdance. I get uninterrupted sleep and dreams that no longer feature vacuum cleaners, classic rock guitarists, or phantom midnight mysteries.
Sometimes the secret to a happy marriage isn't sleeping together. It's waking up well-rested.
Monday, August 10, 2026
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Saturday, August 8, 2026
AronChupa, Little Sis Nora - I'm an Albatraoz
Music Appreciation
Released on August 8, 2014, “I’m an Albatraoz” launched Swedish DJ and producer AronChupa (Aron Ekberg) onto the international dance music scene, with vocals by his younger sister, Little Sis Nora (Nora Ekberg).
The infectious electro house track is built around a pounding four-on-the-floor beat, buzzing synthesizers, and an instantly recognizable vocal hook that deliberately embraces absurdity. Its playful lyrics contrast the confident, carefree "albatraoz" character with the fictional "mouse" persona, creating a tongue-in-cheek anthem that is more about attitude and humor than a literal narrative.
The intentionally misspelled title reflects the song's quirky personality and helped distinguish it from other electronic dance releases of the era. The combination of catchy repetition, minimalist verses, and explosive drops made it a favorite in clubs, festivals, and online dance playlists.
The song became a global commercial success, particularly across Europe. In the United States, “I’m an Albatraoz” reached No. 25 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs chart, while also finding success on several international dance rankings. It topped the charts in Sweden and Hungary and reached the Top 10 in countries including Denmark, Finland, Norway, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
The single has been certified seven-times platinum in Sweden, reflecting its enormous domestic popularity, and also earned multi-platinum certifications in several other European markets. More than a decade after its release, the track remains AronChupa's signature hit, thanks to its unconventional lyrics, high-energy production, and viral appeal that continues to resonate on streaming platforms and social media.
The official music video, directed by AronChupa and Sertac Yildizhan, matches the song's eccentric energy with colorful, fast-paced visuals. Shot at the historic Paramount Theatre in Oakland, California, the video centers primarily on Little Sis Nora delivering the song's spirited vocals while AronChupa performs behind his turntable.
Their energetic chemistry is enhanced by dancers, performers, and surreal imagery that embraces the playful nonsense of the lyrics rather than attempting a traditional storyline. The theatrical setting, vibrant costumes, and rapid-fire editing reinforce the song's party atmosphere, helping the video become a viral sensation with hundreds of millions of views on YouTube and further establishing the sibling duo as recognizable figures in electronic dance music.
Sources:
Friday, August 7, 2026
The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
Music Appreciation
"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by Scottish duo The Proclaimers was primarily written while the brothers, Craig and Charlie Reid, were sitting in a flat in Edinburgh, waiting to travel north for a gig in Aberdeen.
Released in August 1988 as the lead single from their album Sunshine on Leith, it became a defining anthem for the duo, blending their distinctive folk-rock sound with heartfelt lyrics and an undeniable energy that captured listeners worldwide.
Lyrically, the song expresses unwavering devotion, with the narrator proclaiming his willingness to walk 500 miles—and 500 more—to be with his beloved. The composition is straightforward but powerful, featuring a driving beat, stomping rhythm, and the Reid brothers’ unmistakable harmonized vocals.
While the song was a hit in the UK and Australia upon release, it gained widespread international recognition when it was featured in the 1993 American romantic comedy Benny & Joon. The film’s success catapulted the track onto the U.S. charts, where it became a cultural staple, often associated with road trips, sports anthems, and feel-good moments.
The music video, directed by Doug Kluthe and Jeff Panzer, features the band performing in front of a backdrop where various images of the band and cityscapes are projected onto a screen. The simple but effective visual style complements the song’s high-energy delivery, reinforcing its themes of movement and dedication.
More than three decades after its release, I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its infectious spirit and heartfelt message.
Wikipedia
imdb.com
Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Trashy Clothing - Fall/Winter 2026
Creative directors Omar Braika & Shukri Lawrence
Starring Mia Khalifa, Alana Hadid, Sharon, Amine, Joky, Sarah, Edine, Linah, Valentin, Cherine, Hakeem, Mary, Tylor, Nadeen, and Ava
via Trashy Clothing
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Duran Duran - Rio
Music Appreciation
In August 1982, Duran Duran released "Rio" as the fourth and final single from their second studio album of the same name. The song originated from bassist John Taylor's fascination with Rio de Janeiro, envisioning it as "a cornucopia of earthly delights." However, lead vocalist Simon Le Bon penned the lyrics not about the city but about a captivating woman named Rio. The track showcases the band's collaborative songwriting, with all members—Le Bon, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor, and Nick Rhodes—contributing to its creation.
The production of "Rio" is notable for its innovative soundscapes. Keyboardist Nick Rhodes crafted the distinctive intro by recording the sound of metal rods landing on the strings of a grand piano, then reversing the tape to achieve the unique effect. The song blends synth-pop elements with a compelling saxophone solo performed by Andy Hamilton, adding a jazzy flair to the track. This fusion of electronic and acoustic instruments exemplifies the band's experimental approach during the early 1980s.
The accompanying music video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, amplified the song's popularity. Filmed over three days in May 1982 on the Caribbean island of Antigua, the video features the band members stylishly attired in designer suits, performing aboard a yacht sailing through pristine blue waters. The yacht used in the video was the Eilean, which has since become an iconic symbol associated with the band.
Throughout the video, the band engages in playful antics, interacting with a mysterious woman adorned in body paint, portrayed by Reema Ruspoli. Scenes alternate between the yacht, the beaches of Miller's Beach, and the heights of Shirley Heights, capturing the essence of tropical escapism. Despite challenges during filming, including seasickness and equipment issues, the video remains a quintessential representation of 1980s pop culture, enhancing Duran Duran's image as pioneers of the music video era.
Sources:
Wikipedia
duranduran.com
thisisdig.com
Melissa George
Acting Appreciation
Melissa George was born on August 6, 1976, in Perth, Western Australia. Raised in a supportive family, she initially pursued dance and artistic roller skating, even winning national titles as a teenager.
Her early discipline in performance-based activities helped shape her transition into modeling and acting. Standing about 5'7" with blonde hair and blue eyes, George’s look and poise made her a natural fit for teen modeling before she moved into television.
Her breakthrough came with the long-running Australian soap Home and Away, where she gained national recognition in the early 1990s. Seeking broader opportunities, she later moved to the United States and appeared in a range of film and television roles, including parts in Alias and films such as 30 Days of Night.
Over time, George expanded her public presence beyond acting, building a following through lifestyle ventures and social media, where she shares insights into fashion, wellness, and her entrepreneurial pursuits.
Sources:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0313534/
https://www.allmovie.com/artist/melissa-george-p259093
https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/people/melissa-george
https://www.vogue.com/article/melissa-george-style-interview
https://www.babepedia.com
https://hotnessrater.com/
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Octavia Red for the 2027 Anniversary Calendar
Photographer: Manfred Baumann
via Manfred Baumann
RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Silver Surfer: The Best Defense #1 (Feb. 2019) Written and Illustrated by Jason Latour
Cover art by Ron Garney and Richard Isanove
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Album Cover: Pink Floyd – The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Album Cover
Album: Pink Floyd – The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Released: August 4, 1967
Cover Photographer: Vic Singh
Models: Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.discogs.com/master/19546-Pink-Floyd-The-Piper-At-The-Gates-Of-Dawn
Monday, August 3, 2026
Randy Travis - If I Didn't Have You
Music Appreciation
Randy Travis' "If I Didn't Have You," written by Skip Ewing and Max D. Barnes, was released on August 3, 1992, as the lead single from Greatest Hits, Volume One. Although it appeared on a greatest hits collection, the song was one of several newly recorded tracks included to promote the album.
Ewing and Barnes crafted a heartfelt ballad expressing gratitude for a faithful partner whose love gives meaning and stability to life. Rather than focusing on heartache or loss, the lyrics celebrate devotion by imagining how empty life would be without that special person.
Musically, the song is rooted in the neotraditional country style that defined Travis' career, featuring gentle acoustic guitar, piano, steel guitar, and understated fiddle. Randy Travis' warm baritone delivers the song with sincerity and restraint, allowing its emotional message and memorable melody to take center stage.
The single was warmly received by both critics and country audiences, who praised its timeless message and Travis' heartfelt vocal performance. "If I Didn't Have You" became another major success for the singer, spending one week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in late 1992. It also reached the top of the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart, extending Travis' remarkable run of chart-topping hits during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Directed by Jim Shea, the music video complements the song's romantic message with a series of scenic coastal images. It features Randy Travis spending time with a young woman at a beautiful oceanside property, where the two share quiet moments overlooking the water, walking together, and enjoying each other's company. Interspersed with these narrative scenes are shots of Travis performing the song, emphasizing its themes of love, gratitude, and companionship.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.randytravis.com/
https://www.billboard.com/artist/randy-travis/
https://www.billboard.com/artist/randy-travis/
Sunday, August 2, 2026
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Friday, July 31, 2026
Thursday, July 30, 2026
AB Logic - The Hitman
Music Appreciation
AB Logic was a Belgium techno and Eurodance project formed in 1991 by producers and arrangers Jacko Bultinck and Peter Gillis. The group paired the energetic rap vocals of K-Swing (Cedric Murril) with the melodic pop vocals of Marianne Festraets, creating a sound that blended hip-hop, house, techno, and dance-pop influences that were popular across Europe in the early 1990s. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1992, featured several club hits, but none proved more successful than "The Hitman,"
K-Swing brought a distinctive rap style that complemented Marianne Festraets' polished vocal performances. Festraets was already becoming a recognizable voice within Belgian dance scene, and her strong melodic hooks helped define AB Logic's commercial appeal. The production team, which also included noted Belgian dance producer Phil Wilde, created a polished Eurodance sound that helped the project sand out during the genre's peak years.
"The Hitman" became AB Logic's signature song. In the United States, the single reached No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 20 on Billboard's Dance chart, while also finding success internationally, particularly in Australia and several European markets. The song's combination of driving beats, catchy vocal hooks, and K-Swing's rhythmic rap delivery made it a favorite in clubs and dance radio.
The music video for "The Hitman" further showcased the group's high-energy image. Directed by Nick Burgess-Jones and Marek Budzynski, the video features the duo performing amid fast-paced dance sequences and stylized visual effects typical of early-1990s Eurodance productions. Burgess-Jones would later become known for directing videos for several prominent dance acts of the era, including associated with the growing European dance music movement.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://generation.dance/en/artists/ab-logic
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ab-logic/1448891695
https://musicvideo.fandom.com/wiki/The_Hitman
https://musicvideo.fandom.com/wiki/Nick_Burgess-Jones
https://youtu.be/NEIWD4svSfI
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Lana Kinnear
Acting Appreciation
Lana Kinnear was born on July 29, 1976, in Burbank, California. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall with blonde hair and blue eyes, Kinnear developed an athletic and outgoing personality that would later serve her well in both modeling and entertainment.
While attending college she pursued modeling and acting opportunities. In interviews, Kinnear described herself as highly athletic, participating in activities ranging from football to wrestling, and she often credited her persistence and ambition as key factors in her success.
Kinnear began building her entertainment résumé in the late 1990s and early 2000s, appearing in films, television programs, commercials, and music videos. Among her early screen appearances were uncredited roles in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Pay It Forward.
She also gained visibility as a performer in professional wrestling, appearing as Lana Star in both WWE programming and the television series Women of Wrestling (WOW). Her combination of athleticism and camera presence helped her secure numerous modeling assignments, including appearances in magazines, advertising campaigns, and special-interest publications.
Perhaps most notably, Kinnear became a familiar face in popular music videos during the height of the MTV era. She appeared in videos for artists and bands including Kid Rock, Ricky Martin, Eminem, Danzig, and Good Charlotte. Kinnear also appeared in several Playboy special editions and was selected as Playboy Cyber Girl of the Week in January 2003.
Beyond modeling, she appeared in national commercials for brands such as Ford and Bud Light and participated in the Lingerie Bowl. Her diverse career across modeling, acting, music videos, and professional wrestling made her a recognizable figure in early-2000s popular culture.
Sources:
https://www.instagram.com/wow_lanastar
https://web.archive.org/web/20090623065406/
http://www.playboy.com/articles/katie-price-emma-hemming-lana-kinnear-natasha-marley-girlwatcher/index.html?page=2
https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Lana_Kinnear
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0455698/
https://hotnessrater.com/infinite-scroll/44699/lana-kinnear
https://www.thenude.com/Lana_Kinnear_47942.htm
https://www.boobpedia.com/boobs/Lana_Kinnear
https://live.ogglebooble.com/
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Quint Buchholz
Art Appreciation
German painter and illustrator Quint Buchholz was born on July 28, 1957, in Stolberg, Germany. He grew up in a creative environment as the son of noted illustrator and artist Erich Buchholz, whose work helped shape his early appreciation for art and visual storytelling.
Buchholz studied painting and graphic arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, where he developed the technical skills and imaginative approach that would later define his career. From an early age, he was drawn to the relationship between images and narrative, a fascination that would influence both his fine art and illustration work.
Buchholz first gained international recognition as a book illustrator. His richly detailed images have appeared in numerous children's books and literary publications, earning acclaim for their dreamlike atmosphere and poetic sense of mystery.
Among his best-known illustrated works are The Collector of Moments, Sleep Well, Little Bear, and illustrations for books by authors such as Michael Ende and Jostein Gaarder. Working primarily in oil on canvas and colored pencil, Buchholz creates scenes that balance realism with fantasy. His paintings often feature solitary figures, floating objects, books, animals, and quiet landscapes, inviting viewers into contemplative worlds where ordinary reality merges with imagination.
Alongside his illustration career, Buchholz has exhibited his paintings extensively throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. His works have been shown in galleries and museums in Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and the United States, attracting audiences drawn to their cinematic quality and emotional resonance.
Boy with Book, 2013
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.quintbuchholz.de/
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2022/08/quint-buchholz-surreal-paintings/
https://biblioklept.org/2019/05/07/boy-with-book-quint-buchholz/
Monday, July 27, 2026
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Friday, July 24, 2026
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Bonaventura Peeters the Elder
Art Appreciation
Bonaventura Peeters the Elder was a Flemish marine painter, draftsman, and etcher who was baptized on July 23, 1614, in Antwerp. He was born into an artistic family; several of his siblings, including Jan Peeters I and Gillis Peeters the Elder, also became accomplished artists.
Peeters became a master in the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke in 1634, establishing himself during a period when maritime trade and exploration were central to the economy and culture of the Low Countries. He built his reputation as one of the leading marine painters of the Flemish Baroque period.
His works often depict naval battles, stormy seas, shipwrecks, harbor scenes, and exotic ports inspired by the expanding global reach of European commerce. Unlike many artists who focused solely on idealized seascapes, He demonstrated a keen interest in accurately portraying ships, rigging, weather conditions, and the dramatic effects of light on water.
Peeters' paintings combined technical precision with a strong sense of atmosphere, capturing both the beauty and danger of life at sea, and among Peeters' most recognized paintings are Sea Storm with Sailing Ships, Shipwreck, Southern Port, and Dutch Ships in a Rough Sea.
In addition to painting, he produced numerous drawings and etchings that helped spread his reputation beyond Antwerp. Though his career was shortened by ill health, leading him to relocate to Hoboken, his influence on marine painting continued.
Sea storm with sailing ships, c. 1640
Shipwreck, c. 1640
Southern Port, c. 1641
Ships in Rough Seas, c. 1633 - 1652
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://rkd.nl/en/explore/artists/62626
https://www.metmuseum.org/
https://www.britannica.com/art/Flemish-art
https://www.wga.hu/bio_m/p/peeters/bonavent.html
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
George Clinton
Art Appreciation
George Clinton was born on July 22, 1941, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, and grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey. Best known as the visionary architect of the Parliament-Funkadelic empire, Clinton developed an early interest in music, doo-wop, and performance while attending local schools in New Jersey.
Although he did not pursue a traditional fine arts education, his creative imagination extended far beyond music. Throughout his career, Clinton built an elaborate Afrofuturist mythology populated by spaceships, cosmic travelers, and larger-than-life characters, themes that would later become central to his visual art as well as his music.
While Clinton's musical achievements transformed funk, soul, and hip-hop, his visual art career emerged more prominently during the 1990s while touring with Parliament-Funkadelic. He began creating paintings, drawings, and mixed-media works that expanded upon the imagery and mythology of the P-Funk universe.
His artwork is characterized by vivid colors, surreal figures, spontaneous mark-making, and recurring symbols such as the Mothership and the Atomic Dog. Critics have noted that his artistic process mirrors his musical approach—improvisational, experimental, and unconstrained by traditional rules. His paintings often blend science fiction, African diasporic symbolism, humor, and social commentary into energetic compositions that feel both playful and visionary.
In recent years, Clinton's work as a visual artist has received increasing institutional recognition. The SCAD Museum of Art presented the landmark exhibition Cloaked in a Cloud, Disguised in the Sky, the first major museum exhibition devoted to his visual art, highlighting decades of paintings and mixed-media works. His art was also featured in Door to the Cosmos at the Mariane Ibrahim Gallery in Paris during 2025 and in Mystic Taxi in Miami Beach, demonstrating growing international interest in his artistic practice.
And Puppy Dog Tales
Parallel Consciousness, 2023
It's On and Poppin', 2023
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.scadmoa.org/exhibitions/cloaked-in-a-cloud-disguised-in-the-sky
https://marianeibrahim.com/artists/125-george-clinton/
https://www.georgeclintonart.org/exhibitions
https://www.spillmanblackwellart.com/artists/george-clinton
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/music/article/george-clinton-parliament-funkadelic-21190297.php
https://www.nmaam.org/exhibit/boundless
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-pictures/george-clinton-paintings-1234663249/
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Death Cab for Cutie - Cath...
Music Appreciation
“Cath…” is the second single from Death Cab for Cutie’s sixth studio album Narrow Stairs, officially released on July 21, 2008. Written by Ben Gibbard and produced by guitarist Chris Walla, the song follows “I Will Possess Your Heart” and precedes “No Sunlight” as part of the album’s single run.
Lyrically, “Cath…” tells the story of a young woman standing at an altar with a “well‑intentioned man” whom she does not love, while her heart still belongs to someone else. Lines such as “she can't relax with his hand on the small of her back” and “your heart was dying fast” capture a sense of emotional conflict and resignation.
Stylistically, the track balances upbeat indie-rock energy—catchy guitar hooks and rhythmic drums—with probing, melancholy lyrics, a hallmark contrast in Death Cab’s songwriting. The narrative voice feels empathetic and raw, inviting listeners to inhabit both internal tension and regret.
The music video, directed by Autumn de Wilde, visually amplifies the song’s emotional tension. In it, Beth Riesgraf plays Cath, dressed in a wedding gown beside her well-meaning groom, while Lukas Haas portrays the former lover who silently observes the ceremony from a distance. The narrative evokes Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights: Cath seems trapped in a life she does not want, torn between duty and lingering love.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-death-cab-for-cutie-asphalt-meadows
https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/aug/09/ben-gibbard-death-cab-for-cutie-the-postal-service-interview
https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/20343-kintsugi
https://oneweekoneband.tumblr.com/post/16981718381/cath-is-one-of-my-favorite-death-cab-songs-of
https://www.reddit.com/r/DeathCabforCutie/comments/70xjq8/weekly_discussion_september_18th_25th_cath
https://diymag.com/review/death-cab-for-cutie-cath
https://imvdb.com/n/beth-riesgraf
Monday, July 20, 2026
Album Cover: AB Logic - The Hitman
Album Cover
Album: AB Logic - The Hitman
Release: 1992
Art Design: Agent Orange and Noggin The Dog
Sources:
https://www.discogs.com/release/196628-AB-Logic-The-Hitman
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Album Cover: Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream
Album Cover
Album: Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream
Released: July 19, 1993
Art Direction: Len Peltier
Design: Steve J. Gerdes
Photography: Melodie McDaniel
Models: LySandra Roberts and Ali Laenger
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://web.archive.org/web/20151002182729/http://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question140577.html
https://www.discogs.com/master/48681-Smashing-Pumpkins-Siamese-Dream
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Album Cover: Sade – Diamond Life
Album Cover
Album: Sade – Diamond Life
Released: July 16, 1984
Photographer: Chris Roberts
Model: Sade Adu
Sleeve Design: Graham Smith
Wikipedia
https://www.discogs.com/release/947850-Sade-Diamond-Life
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Film: Anne Thorens - Diagonale
Film Appreciation
Many people have experienced a moment when passion, trust, and vulnerability collide with an unexpected obstacle. In her acclaimed 2019 short film Diagonale (Diagonal), Swiss-French filmmaker Anne Thorens explores that uncomfortable intersection through a deceptively simple scenario: a young couple in the midst of an intimate encounter discovers they do not have a condom. What begins as a minor inconvenience gradually reveals deeper questions about consent, communication, and the subtle power dynamics that can emerge within a relationship.
Rather than offering easy answers, Thorens invites viewers to examine how boundaries can become blurred when desire, trust, and emotional pressure coexist. Filmed in a single continuous take, the six-minute drama creates an increasingly tense atmosphere as the conversation unfolds, allowing the audience to experience the situation in real time.
The film deliberately avoids clear-cut judgments, instead encouraging reflection on how two people can perceive the same moment very differently. Thorens has described Diagonale as a question rather than an answer, challenging viewers to consider where consent begins, where it can be compromised, and how emotional experiences are often remembered in profoundly different ways.
The film features compelling performances from Leonor Oberson and Cyprien Colombo, whose natural chemistry lends authenticity to the story's emotional complexity. Their performances, combined with Thorens' restrained direction, transform an everyday situation into a thoughtful examination of intimacy, agency, and the importance of being heard.
Source:
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2021/01/07/diagonale-diagonal/
https://www.swissfilms.ch/en/person/anne-thorens/caa9602fef5048d783bc31f5ea2e4759
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10210052/
https://en.imaginastudio.com/cinema/diagonale
https://youtu.be/Ev2g6U30XU0
Monday, July 13, 2026
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Wendy Culp
Model Appreciation
Wendy Culp was born on July 12, 1976, in San Antonio, Texas. Standing 5 feet 4 inches tall with blonde hair and brown eyes, she became known for her work as a Playboy model during the early 2000s.
Before entering the modeling world, Wendy led a notably different life. She served three years in the United States Army, where she reportedly held a Top Secret security clearance. After completing her military service, she returned to San Antonio, built her own home, and worked as a paralegal, demonstrating a level of discipline and determination that would later distinguish her from many other glamour models of her era.
Culp's modeling career gained momentum when she participated in Playboy's "Who Wants to Be a Playboy Centerfold?" search in 2002. That same year, she appeared in the online pictorial "Girls Next Door: The Countdown," helping introduce her to Playboy's growing internet audience.
Her popularity increased when she was selected as Playboy Cyber Girl of the Week in December 2002. With her outgoing personality and photogenic presence, she quickly became a favorite among Cyber Club subscribers and developed a strong fan following through Playboy's online community.
Her success culminated in being named Playboy Cyber Girl of the Month for April 2003, one of the highest honors within Playboy's online modeling platform at the time. Culp also appeared in a Celebrity Photographer pictorial featuring professional wrestling personality Jerry "The King" Lawler.
In interviews, she expressed surprise at her success and credited her approachable smile and interaction with fans for much of her popularity.
Sources:
https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Wendy_Culp
https://www.boobpedia.com/boobs/Wendy_Culp
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1333575/
https://www.thenude.com/
https://www.freeones.com/
https://en.girlstop.info/
https://www.playboyplus.com/sfw
https://www.iafd.com/
Anna Friel
Acting Appreciation
Anna Friel, born Anna Louise Friel on July 12, 1976, in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, is an English actress known for her range across television, film, and stage. She stands at 5'5" with brown hair and green eyes, features that contributed to her early on-screen presence.
Raised in a media-aware household—her father a teacher and folk guitarist, her mother a special needs teacher—Anna attended Crompton House School. She began acting professionally at age 13, appearing in British television programs before gaining formal experience through early roles rather than traditional drama school training.
Anna rose to national prominence in the UK with her role as Beth Jordache on the Channel 4 soap Brookside (1993–1995), where she was part of one of British television’s most talked-about storylines.
Her transition to international recognition came with the ABC series Pushing Daisies (2007–2009), where she played Charlotte “Chuck” Charles, earning a Golden Globe nomination. Her film career includes The Land Girls (1998), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999), Timeline (2003), Goal! (2005), Land of the Lost (2009), and Limitless (2011), reflecting a mix of period drama, comedy, and mainstream Hollywood projects.
Beyond film, Anna has built a strong television and stage career. She starred in series such as Marcella (2016–2020), The Girlfriend Experience (2017), and Butterfly (2018), often taking on emotionally complex roles.
On stage, she appeared in Patrick Marber’s Closer on Broadway and in West End productions including Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Uncle Vanya. Her work has earned her an International Emmy Award, a Drama Desk Award, and a National Television Award, along with nominations for BAFTA and Golden Globe honors.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Anna_Friel
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004937/
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anna-Friel
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