Morton Gould

Music Appreciation

Born on December 10, 1913, Morton Gould was an American composer. He studied at the Institute of Musical Art in New York, worked as the staff pianist at the Radio City Music Hall in the 1930s, and composed music and scores for films and Broadway in the 1940s and 1950s.

He won many accolades and recognition such as a Grammy Award in 1966, the American Symphony Orchestra League's Gold Baton Award, and Pulitzer Prize for Stringmusic.

Orchestra: USAF Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Col. Dennis M. Layendecker



via TheUSAFBand

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morton_Gould
https://youtu.be/1gdjVelqk4A

Kirk Douglas

Acting Appreciation

I remember sitting on the cold tile floor in middle school history class and watching Spartacus. It must have been soon after a lesson on the Roman Empire and gladiators. "I'm Spartacus! I'm Spartacus! I'm Spartacus!"

Born Issur Danielovitch, Kirk Douglas has appeared in over 90 films since 1946 -- his film debut being in Lewis Milestone's film noir, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers.

Three years later, Douglas was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as a boxer, Midge Kelly, in Champion. He was also nominated for an Oscar for other roles in movies such as The Bad and the Beautiful, and Lust for Life.

Other awards he has received in his career includes the Golden Globe for Best Actor-Drama for Lust for Life (1957), Cecil B. DeMille Award for Lifetime (1968), SAG Lifetime Achievement Award (1999), and the National Medal of Arts award (2002).



via jtanews


Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirk_Douglas
https://www.youtube.com/user/jtanews

Cosplay... Is An Art: SALON DEL MANGA XXII 2016 (BARCELONA)

via Teemo vs All

Cosplay... Is An Art: 2016 Worlds Cosplay

via League of Legends

Vonnie Whitworth

Art Appreciation

I came across the beautiful work by Virginia artist, Vonnie Whitworth, while visiting the art blog, Art Odyssey. She is known for her very exquisite watercolor paintings.

Check out her website HERE.

My Teacups via artodyssey1

Still Life with Lace via internationalwatercolors

Sources:

http://www.vonniewhitworthart.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vonnie.whitworth
http://wavy.com/2016/04/14/iahr-vonnie-whitworth/
http://www.internationalwatercolors.com/vonnie%20whitworth%20watercolor%20artists.htm
http://artodyssey1.blogspot.com/2013/12/vonnie-whitworth.html

Giant (1956)

Film Appreciation

"This is Texas, mighty colossus of the southwest..."

Directed by George Stevens and based on Edna Ferber's 1952 novel, Giant starred some of Hollywood huge stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, Dennis Hopper, Sal Mineo, Mercedes McCambridge, and James Dean.

The American epic Western film, which was released on November 24, 1956, won the Academy Award for Best Director.




Sources:

http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Giant-(1956)#tab=summary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_(1956_film)

Cosplay... Is An Art: Edmonton Expo 2016

via YMMPodcast