Cobra Starship: You Make Me Feel... ft. Sabi

Music Appreciation

“You Make Me Feel…” is a 2011 single by the American synthpop band Cobra Starship, featuring guest vocals from Sabi. Released on May 10, 2011, the track served as the lead single from the band’s fourth studio album, Night Shades, and was made available digitally through iTunes the same day. 

The song marked a continuation of the band’s shift toward mainstream pop and dance music, following the success of earlier hits like “Good Girls Go Bad.” The collaboration with Sabi, who was then emerging in the pop scene, added a polished, radio-friendly dynamic, with her vocals providing a bright counterpoint to Gabe Saporta’s lead.

Lyrically, “You Make Me Feel…” centers on the rush of attraction and the liberating energy of nightlife, with a tone that leans more toward carefree indulgence than emotional depth. The chorus, driven by Sabi’s vocals, reinforces themes of desire and escapism, while the verses maintain a playful, slightly irreverent tone typical of Cobra Starship’s style. 

Musically, the track blends synth-heavy production with a four-on-the-floor dance beat, reflecting the early 2010s pop landscape dominated by electronic influences. The song’s structure—catchy hooks, repetitive chorus, and upbeat tempo—was designed for club play and radio rotation, contributing to its commercial success.

The music video, directed by Kai Regan, captures a chaotic house party filled with vibrant visuals and youthful spontaneity. Much of the video unfolds through photobooth-style sequences, where partygoers document their night in quick, candid snapshots, reinforcing the song’s theme of living in the moment. 

One of the most memorable aspects is a cameo by actor Robin Williams, whose unexpected appearance adds a layer of humor and cultural intrigue. The video’s fast cuts, saturated colors, and playful energy mirror the track’s upbeat tone, helping cement it as a defining pop anthem of the early 2010s.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/cobra-starship-mn0000571913

https://www.billboard.com/artist/cobra-starship/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpyZEzrDf4c

https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666029/cobra-starship-you-make-me-feel-video.jhtml

https://www.songfacts.com/facts/cobra-starship/you-make-me-feel

https://genius.com/Cobra-starship-you-make-me-feel-lyrics

Cosplay is an Art: Best of Sakura Con 2026 (Seattle Anime Convention)

via Justin Pineda Media 

Carmen Kinsley

Modeling Appreciation

Carmen Kinsley was born on May 8, 1984, in Houston, Texas. She entered professional modeling in her early twenties, adopting the stage name Carmen Kinsley as she began building a presence in adult-oriented media during the mid-2000s.

Kinsley began her nude and adult modeling career in 2006 and remained active until about 2009. During that period, she accumulated credits across numerous studio productions and appeared in a range of magazine features, photo sets, and video releases, including roughly 20 cover appearances alongside multiple photo sessions and filmed projects. 

Standing about 5 feet 3 inches tall, with blonde hair and brown eyes, she was frequently noted for a youthful look, natural figure, and approachable on-camera presence that aligned with popular modeling aesthetics of the era. Her work included collaborations with several well-known studios active in the mid-2000s online distribution boom, helping her gain steady visibility among viewers of subscription and digital platforms.

Sources:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2361798/

https://grokipedia.com/page/Carmen_Kinsley

https://www.thenude.com/Carman_11737.htm

https://www.amkingdom.com/tour/model/car076

https://www.indexxx.com/m/carmen-kinsley

 https://www.freeones.com/carmen-kinsley

Caught in the Act… Thanks to My Best Friend

One of my closest friends called to see if I wanted to join him for the Lady Longhorns NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament game in Austin. That was an easy yes—I wasn’t going to pass up that opportunity. 

The seats were solid, giving us a clear view of the court, and the arena was packed with Longhorn fans. Missouri State brought energy too, with a surprisingly rowdy section and a lively student band.

While my friend—Vietnamese and fully committed to his slice of pizza—kept it simple, I went a different route with an $18, 8-ounce can of sangria. Yes, I’m the guy drinking wine at a college basketball game. Judge if you want; I’m fine with it.

We’ve been friends for over 25 years, so we know each other well—what we like, what annoys us, and how to push each other’s buttons. Vegas trips, shared rooms, no surprises. So when he nudged me mid-game and said, “Hey, check out that chick on the left—she’s got nice boobs,” I knew something was coming.

At 50, my eyes don’t snap into focus like they used to. As I turned and tried to zero in on where he was pointing, I noticed the woman already looking in my direction. Our eyes locked. I quickly looked away, pretending to scan the crowd. Too late.

“She saw me,” I muttered.

He started laughing. Got me again.

 

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Malika Favre's "Taking Flight and Rea Irvin "Eustace Tilley" for The New Yorker

Source: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cover-story/cover-story-2025-12-01 

Francine Van Hove

Art Appreciation

Years ago, I wrote about Francine Van Hove and how one of her pieces caught my attention. I was new to writing about artists and their work, and I fell short in expressing a proper appreciation.

Born on May 5, 1942, in Saint-Mandé, France, Francine Van Hove is a French contemporary painter known for her quiet, intimate portrayals of women in domestic interiors.

She studied at the prestigious École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts, where she developed a strong foundation in classical drawing and painting. Her early training emphasized observation, composition, and the human figure—elements that would remain central throughout her career. Growing up in Paris, she was immersed in a rich artistic tradition that shaped her sensitivity to light, space, and mood.

Van Hove’s career is defined by a consistent focus on contemplative female figures, often depicted reading, resting, or lost in thought. Her technique reflects careful draftsmanship, soft brushwork, and a restrained palette that leans toward warm neutrals and muted tones.

Influences from artists such as Johannes Vermeer are evident in her handling of light and interior space, while her compositions maintain a modern simplicity. Rather than relying on narrative drama, her paintings emphasize stillness and introspection.

Among her most recognized works are her depictions of reclining women, seated figures near windows, and quiet bedroom scenes—often untitled or simply described by their subject. Her work has been exhibited widely in Parisian galleries and across Europe, reinforcing her reputation within contemporary figurative painting.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.galerieclaudinelegrand.fr

https://www.artnet.com/artists/francine-van-hove/

https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Francine-Van-Hove/overview

Heather Kozar

Modeling Appreciation

Heather Kozar was born on May 4, 1976, in Akron, Ohio, and raised in nearby Green, Ohio. She grew up in a strict Christian household and graduated from Green High School in 1994. Tall at 5'8" with blonde hair and blue eyes, Kozar began modeling in her early twenties. Her Midwestern upbringing and conventional background contrasted with the high-profile modeling career that would soon follow.

Kozar’s breakthrough came when she was selected as Playboy’s Playmate of the Month for January 1998, photographed by Richard Fegley. Her popularity led to her being named Playmate of the Year in 1999, and she appeared on the cover of the June 1999 issue. 

She also received international recognition, including Playboy Russia’s Playmate of the Month (December 1999) and Playboy Romania’s (March 2000). During this period, she appeared in Playboy videos and promotional campaigns, solidifying her presence within the brand.

After Playboy, Kozar expanded into television and commercial modeling. In 2001, she became one of the “Barker’s Beauties” on the CBS game show The Price Is Right, appearing in over 200 episodes. She later stepped away as outside modeling and commercial work increased, including campaigns for BMW, Wendy’s, Brut cologne, and Cutty Sark whisky. In 2002, she served as the St. Pauli Girl spokesmodel. Her image also appeared in works by artist Jeff Koons, including variations of his “Elvis” paintings.

In her personal life, Kozar married former Tim Couch, quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, on February 26, 2005. The couple settled in Lexington, Kentucky, and have two sons. Over time, Kozar stepped back from public modeling work, focusing on family life while remaining part of late-1990s pop culture history.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Kozar

https://www.playboy.com/read/playmate/heather-kozar

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0468601/

https://www.boston.com/sports/football/2009/09/ten_prettiest_nfl_wives/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005104/

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

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

https://hotnessrater.com/infinite-scroll/5675/heather-kozar

DANCE: Magic Mike Pole Performance Blush Dance Showcase 2026 Stockport

via Blush Dance Aerial & Pole Studio

N.W.A. - Express Yourself

Music Appreciation

“Express Yourself” appeared on Straight Outta Compton and was released as a single in May 1989. Unlike much of the album’s confrontational tone, this track stood apart for its clean lyrics and funk-driven groove. 

Produced by Dr. Dre, the song samples Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band’s 1970 track of the same name. Notably, Ice Cube does not appear on the song; instead, Dr. Dre takes center stage on the mic. The single broadened N.W.A.’s reach, earning radio play and MTV exposure at a time when much of their catalog faced censorship. 

Lyrically, the song is a manifesto about authenticity and creative freedom. Dr. Dre criticizes radio censorship, industry control, and imitation within hip-hop, urging artists to stay original and speak their truth. Lines rejecting conformity underscore the group’s larger stance against authority, though here the message is framed as empowerment rather than aggression. 

Musically, the production leans heavily into West Coast funk, built around a prominent sample groove, crisp drum programming, and layered backing vocals. 

The music video, directed by Rupert Wainwright, uses surreal, dystopian imagery to critique censorship and state control. It depicts a futuristic society where individuality is suppressed, with Dre symbolically challenging uniformity.

 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.allmusic.com/album/straight-outta-compton-mw0000651981

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/nwa-mn0000316120

https://www.discogs.com/master/11374-NWA-Express-Yourself

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/straight-outta-compton-205885/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0906738/

https://genius.com/Nwa-express-yourself-lyrics

https://www.whosampled.com/N.W.A/Express-Yourself/

Violante Placido

Acting Appreciation

Italian actress and singer Violante Placido, born May 1, 1976, in Rome, grew up surrounded by cinema and performance. She is the daughter of acclaimed actor-director Michele Placido and actress Simonetta Stefanelli, an artistic environment that shaped her early ambitions. 

Violante entered the entertainment world at a young age, making her film debut in Quattro bravi ragazzi (1993) alongside her father. Raised in Italy’s cultural capital, she developed interests in acting, literature, and music, building a foundation that allowed her to move comfortably between artistic disciplines. 

Known for her brown hair and blue eyes, she has maintained a recognizable screen presence throughout a career spanning more than three decades.

Violante’s acting career expanded steadily through Italian cinema during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her breakthrough arrived with Sergio Rubini’s L’anima gemella, followed by roles in films such as Che ne sarà di noi, Ora o mai più, and Ovunque sei. 

She gained international visibility portraying Moana Pozzi in the 2009 television miniseries Moana, a performance praised for its emotional nuance. Hollywood audiences later recognized her from The American (2010), opposite George Clooney, and as Nadya in Marvel’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011). On television, she joined Transporter: The Series, portraying intelligence officer Caterina Boldieu, further strengthening her presence in international productions.

Parallel to acting, Violante cultivated a music career under the name Viola. Her 2006 debut album Don’t Be Shy… featured largely English-language songs she wrote herself, influenced by singer-songwriter traditions associated with artists such as Suzanne Vega. The single “How to Save Your Life” highlighted her introspective style, blending folk and alternative pop elements. 

She later collaborated with Italian musician Bugo and released her second album, Sheepwolf (2013), confirming her commitment to music as more than a side project. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.instagram.com/violante.placido

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0686376/

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

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

https://www.cdastudiodinardo.com/artista_3168_1_1_Violante_Placido.htm

https://www.freeones.com/violante-placido

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/violante-placido-mn0002004387

https://cineuropa.org/en/artist/5387/

MODELING: Justine Nikolaiev

Model: Justine Nikolaiev

Photographer: Arthur-Hubert Legrand

via Normal Magazine

Luigi Russolo

Art Appreciation

Born on April 30, 1885 in Portogruaro, Italy, Luigi Russolo was raised in a musical family. Since his father was an organist, he was initially trained in music rather than formal visual arts. The early exposure shaped his later fascination with sound and noise. 

In the early 1900s, he moved to Milan, where he became involved with avant-garde circles. Although largely self-taught as a painter, Russolo absorbed influences from Symbolism before aligning himself with the emerging Futurist movement, which emphasized modernity, speed, and industrial life. 

Russolo became a key figure in Futurism, working alongside artists like Umberto Boccioni and Giacomo Balla. His paintings often explored dynamism, movement, and the energy of urban environments. However, his most lasting influence came through his 1913 manifesto, The Art of Noises, where he argued that industrial sounds should be considered music. 

Among Russolo's notable works are Dynamism of an Automobile, which captured the force and motion of modern machines, and Solidity of Fog, reflecting the collective energy central to Futurist ideology. 

His paintings Music reveals the transition from Symbolist themes to Futurist abstraction. While his visual output was relatively limited compared to peers, Russolo's interdisciplinary approach -- bridging painting and sound -- cemented his reputation as one of Futurism's more experimental voices.

Self-portrait with Skulls, 1909

Dynamism of a Car, 1913

Solidity of Fog, 1912

Landscape with trees, c. 1940

Sources: 

Wikipedia

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search#!?q=Russolo

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/luigi-russolo-1894

https://www.moma.org/artists/5122

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Luigi-Russolo

Maya Deren

Film Appreciation

Maya Deren was born Eleonora Derenkowska on April 29, 1917, in Kyiv, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire. Her family fled to the United States in 1922 to escape anti-Semitic persecution, settling in Syracuse, New York. Deren’s father, a psychiatrist, changed the family’s surname to Deren, and she later adopted the name Maya, a reference to the Hindu concept of illusion.

Deren's early education was marked by academic excellence; she attended the League of Nations International School in Geneva from 1930 to 1933, where she became fluent in French. She later enrolled at Syracuse University at sixteen, studying journalism and political science, and became actively involved in socialist movements. She completed her bachelor's degree in literature at New York University in 1936 and earned a master's degree in English literature from Smith College in 1939.

After completing her studies, Deren returned to New York's Greenwich Village, where she immersed herself in the bohemian art scene. She supported herself through freelance writing and worked as an assistant to various writers and editors. In 1941, she became the personal assistant to African American dancer and choreographer Katherine Dunham, touring with her dance company and deepening her appreciation for dance and Haitian culture. This experience influenced Deren's later work, particularly her interest in ethnography and dance.

Deren’s entry into filmmaking came in 1943 when she collaborated with her then-husband, cinematographer Alexander Hammid, on Meshes of the Afternoon (1943), which received the Grand Prix International at the Cannes Film Festival in 1947. The film, considered one of the earliest and most influential works of American avant-garde cinema, explored surreal imagery and a fragmented sense of reality. It established Deren as a pioneer of independent filmmaking, setting the stage for a career that challenged Hollywood’s storytelling conventions. She continued to experiment with visual narratives, using editing techniques, slow motion, and symbolic imagery to evoke dreamlike states.

Other notable works include "Ritual in Transfigured Time" (1946), "Meditation on Violence" (1948), and "The Very Eye of Night" (1958). Her films are characterized by their exploration of psychological themes, innovative editing techniques, and integration of dance and ritual. Deren's contributions have left an indelible mark on experimental cinema, influencing generations of filmmakers.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.moma.org/artists/1497

https://www.criterion.com/films/27947-meshes-of-the-afternoon

Charleen Weiss

Modeling Appreciation

Born on April 29, 1995, in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany, Charleen Weiss (aka Charleen Weiß) grew up in the very apartment she would later return to after years in Berlin. In interviews, she has described Leipzig as grounding—a quieter environment near lakes and forests that contrasts sharply with big-city life. 

Standing 5'8" (172 cm) with brown hair and blue eyes, Weiss began working early, holding a job at 14 before being discovered as a teenager. She has credited her parents for encouraging independence while insisting she complete her education.

Weiss began modeling at 16 after being scouted on the street in Leipzig. She later moved to Berlin at 19 to pursue castings and agency work more seriously. Her first major breakthrough came with a global Axe campaign, which brought international visibility. 

With classic proportions (34-23-34) and a poised runway presence, she built a steady career in fashion and commercial modeling, eventually amassing a substantial social media following—nearly one million Instagram followers as of April 2025. Despite the glamour often associated with her work, Weiss has spoken openly about the demanding travel schedule and the importance of maintaining personal balance.

In recent years, Weiss expanded into acting, returning to a passion she first explored in her early twenties. After briefly attending acting school in London and stepping away due to self-doubt, she revisited the craft during the pandemic, beginning with short films that led to representation and larger roles. She has since starred in independent film projects, describing the experience as creatively fulfilling and team-driven.

Sources:

https://www.instagram.com/charleenweiss

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

https://yca3.com/babe/charleenweiss

https://youtu.be/94NN_K8y6pU

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Maira Kalman's "Amid It All" for The New Yorker

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cover-story/cover-story-2026-03-23

 

Hayley Marie Coppin

Modeling Appreciation

Born on April 28, 1983, in the lively county of Essex, England, Hayley Marie Coppin grew up surrounded by the culture and charm of her English hometown. From an early age, she radiated a unique beauty and natural charisma that would one day propel her to success in the modeling world. 

Hayley’s modeling career began to flourish in the early 2000s, with her fresh face and genuine allure catching the attention of prominent publications. She became a regular Page 3 model for The Sun and Daily Star, where she’s been featured consistently since 2004. 

Her experience spans numerous facets of modeling, including editorial, commercial, and, of course, glamour, establishing her as a versatile talent in the industry. Over time, she took her career a step further by launching her own members' website, Hayley’s Secrets, which not only showcased her work but also connected her with fans and collaborators who appreciate her creative approach.

Standing at a height of 5'6" that suits her perfectly, Hayley’s body type embodies the classic appeal of glamour modeling. Her statuesque figure, natural curves, and radiant skin create a look that’s both approachable and alluring. Her blonde hair and expressive green eyes give her a distinctive charm, and her smile—both bright and warm—seems to light up any room or set she steps into. 

What truly makes Hayley captivating is her natural beauty and dedication to her craft. With no shortage of admiration for her striking blonde hair and radiant green eyes, she exudes confidence and professionalism.

Sources:

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

http://www.hayleyssecrets.com/

https://www.downblouseloving.com/model.html?model=hayleymarie

https://www.modelmayhem.com/HayleyMarie

https://www.boobieblog.com/busty-brits/hayley-marie-chopin/

https://www.freeones.com/hayley-marie-coppin

https://www.boobpedia.com/boobs/Hayley-Marie_Coppin

https://www.erocurves.com/hayley-marie-in-moments/

Sally Hawkins

Acting Appreciation

Born on April 27, 1976, in Lewisham, London, Sally Hawkins grew up in a creative household; both of her parents were children’s book authors and illustrators. Surrounded by storytelling from an early age, she developed an interest in performance and the arts. 

Hawkins later trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), graduating in 1998. Her formal education at one of Britain’s leading drama schools gave her a classical foundation that would shape her disciplined yet emotionally open acting style.

Hawkins began her career on stage, appearing in Shakespearean productions and other theatrical works before transitioning to film and television. Early screen roles included collaborations with director Mike Leigh, notably in All or Nothing (2002) and Vera Drake (2004). Her breakthrough came with Leigh’s Happy-Go-Lucky (2008), in which she played the irrepressibly optimistic Poppy. The performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and widespread critical acclaim, establishing her as one of Britain’s most distinctive talents.

In the years that followed, Hawkins built an international career marked by versatility and depth. She received Academy Award nominations for Blue Jasmine (2013) and The Shape of Water (2017), the latter directed by Guillermo del Toro. In The Shape of Water, her largely silent performance demonstrated remarkable emotional precision.

Sources:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1020089/

https://www.biography.com/actors/sally-hawkins

https://www.bafta.org

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1020089/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm

https://www.theguardian.com/film/sally-hawkins

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

https://hotnessrater.com/infinite-scroll/29554/sally-hawkins

https://celebmuse.com/celebrities/sally-hawkins

Dance: FLO - Leak It

Choreographer: Fallout Courtland

via FLO 

SPINNERS: Margo Chi - Afro House Jungle Mix

via Margo Chi

 

Meghann Fahy

Acting Appreciation

Born April 25, 1990, in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Meghann Fahy developed an early passion for performance, participating in school theater and local productions. After high school, she moved to New York to pursue acting professionally, quickly landing roles on stage. 

One of her earliest breakthroughs came in the Broadway musical Next to Normal, where she served as an understudy and later stepped into principal roles, sharpening the emotional discipline that would define her later screen work. Her theater foundation gave her range and control, balancing vulnerability with restraint.

Fahy transitioned steadily into television, with appearances on soap operas and dramas before earning wider attention as Sutton Brady in The Bold Type (2017–2021). The series showcased her comedic timing and dramatic depth, and she contributed creatively behind the scenes as well. 

Her major breakthrough arrived with The White Lotus (Season 2), where she portrayed Daphne Sullivan. The role earned her an Emmy nomination and critical praise for a performance that blended charm, calculation, and emotional complexity. Daphne’s layered presence elevated Fahy into a new tier of recognition.

As profiled by Phebe Wahl in Modern Luxury Boston Common (September 2025), Fahy continues to build momentum. In 2025, she received an Emmy nomination for Netflix’s Sirens, playing Devon, a role she described as creatively demanding, using wardrobe and physicality to explore authenticity and individuality. 

Her upcoming projects include The Good Daughter opposite Rose Byrne and Brendan Gleeson, You Deserve Each Other with Penn Badgley, Rebuilding alongside Josh O’Connor, and the psychological thriller Banquet. Expanding into producing, Fahy aims to move fluidly across genres. Away from set, she values music, travel, and quiet reflection—traits that ground a career increasingly defined by versatility and intention.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.modernluxury.com/cover-star-meghann-fahy/

https://www.hbo.com/the-white-lotus

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2570188/

https://playbill.com