Prince - Raspberry Beret

Music Appreciation

As if directed by Prince over the radio, I eagerly waited for the ready queue after his countdown "one, two, one, two, three, four," to sing along "I was working part time in a five-and-dime..." This is a memory of mine driving with my mom in her red Toyota Corolla listening to Raspberry Beret.

Released on May 15, 1985, Raspberry Beret was a single by Prince and The Revolution from the seventh studio album Around the World in a Day. It stands as one of Prince's most beloved and iconic songs, that has an infectious melody, clever lyrics, and unforgettable hook. 

The song, which was originally recorded in 1982, was re-recorded to include a more international sound, incorporating stringed instruments, Middle Eastern finger cymbals, and a harmonica. The song is a whimsical tale of young love and summer romance. The lyrics transport us to a small town where the protagonist encounters a girl who captures his heart with her vibrant personality and unique choice of headwear. Supposedly, the song was inspired by a deleted scene from Purple Rain where The Kid and Apollonia made love in a barn. 

"Raspberry Beret" remains one of Prince's most enduring and beloved songs. Its catchy melody, clever lyrics, and vibrant energy continue to resonate with audiences of all generations. The music video, with its imaginative visuals and captivating storytelling, further enhances the song's impact and legacy.

via Prince

Sources:

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

Dance: Michael Jackson - Dirty Diana

Choreography: Michael Dameski

Dancers: Jade Chynoweth, Jasmine Mason, Ashley Gonzalez, Koko Iwasaki, Jessica Toatoa, Haley Jonae, Renee Ritchie, Macy Swaim, and Jazz Smith  

via Michael Dameski

Cosplay is an Art: Katsucon 2023

via ModernAnimator 

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2023

Creative Director: Nicolas Ghesquière

via Louis Vuitton

Laetitia Casta

Acting Appreciation 

Born on May 11, 1978, French supermodel, actress, and singer Laeticia Casta was discovered at age 15 by photographer Frederic Cresseaux in Corsica. She quickly became one of the most sought-after models in the fashion industry. 

The 5'7" Laeticia became a Guess? Girl, in 1997, and eventually was chosen as a Victoria's Secret Angel, a title given to the elite group of models, a few years later.  

Since 1998, Laeticia has been the spokesperson for cosmetics company L'Oréal. She has been featured on over 100 popular magazine covers from Rolling Stone, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Sports Illustrated (Swimsuit Issue), more. And she has walked the runways for some of the world's top designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton.  

In 1999, she made her acting debut in the French film Astérix et Obélix contre César. She would then appear in Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life where she played French model Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot. 

Laetitia is also known for her philanthropy and activism. She was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for children's charity, and has been involved in campaigns for environmental protection and animal rights.

by Studio Harcourt

by Dah Leon for Guess? (1997)

by Patrick Demarchelier

by Albert Watson

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.vogue.fr/fashion/galerie/laetitia-castas-fashion-evolution

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

https://pleasurephotoroom.wordpress.com/2015/01/30/laetitia-casta-2005/

whf c. ai (30%)

Fred Astaire

Acting Appreciation

You've probably heard the name "Fred Astaire" sometime in your life. It's reported that Tom Holland will be playing Fred Astaire in an upcoming biopic. 

Born on May 10, 1899 in Omaha, Nebraska, Fred Astaire is a legendary figure in the world of entertainment, best known for his dazzling footwork, effortless grace, and extraordinary talent as a dancer, singer, and actor. Astaire's career in stage, film and television spanned 76 years. 

Astaire started alongside his older sister Adele as vaudevillians. Their first act was called Juvenile Artists Presenting an Electric Musical Toe-Dancing Novelty. Soon after, the duo became a sensation, and over the next decade, they traveled the world performing in theaters and music halls across Europe and America. 

The family decided to take a two-year hiatus from show business around the time Fred's older sister's height became more obvious and to avoid trouble from child labor laws of the time. 

In 1912, the siblings resumed their performances incorporating tap dancing, tango, waltz, and other ballroom dances. They became known for their impeccable timing, sophisticated choreography, and effortless elegance.

By the age of 14, Fred was taking on a musical interest and incorporating his new music and dance ideas. During the 1920s, Fred and Adele appeared on Broadway and the London stage and received high praise.

Despite the siblings' success, Astaire got a chance to pursue a solo career in 1932 when he signed with RKO Pictures. Around that time, he married Phyliss Potter, a Boston-born New York socialite, and Adele married Lord Charles Cavendish. 

Fred went on to achieve success on his own on Broadway and in London with Gay Divorce. His debut film was a musical called Dancing Lady, which played a choreographer who falls in love with a struggling actress played by Joan Crawford. He would then star in a string of successful musicals, including Flying Down to Rio, The Gay Divorcee, and Top Hat, which featured some of his most iconic dance sequences. 

Astaire's dancing was a thing of beauty, and his style was characterized by its lightness, fluidity, and grace. His choreography was precise and complex, yet appeared effortless, and with an uncanny ability to make even the most difficult steps appear easy.

Astaire appeared in dozens of films and television shows, and worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland, and Audrey Hepburn. He received numerous awards and accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1936 for The Way You Look Tonight from the film Swing Time. 

He performed well into his 70s, and remained a beloved figure in the world of entertainment. He will be remembered for his extraordinary talent as a dancer, singer, and actor. 

via MsMojo

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers via PepsiPrime

Fred Astaire & Rita Hayworth via SophyaAgain

Sources:

Wikipedia

Online Porn Can't Wait Until Tomorrow

The internet made porn more accessible -- unfortunately, a little too accessible. Sometimes to the point where your everyday activities are diminished because of porn. 

It's hard to set aside time to a hobby that can consume one's energy. If not careful, one can lose a whole day.

What's worse is online porn, if not controlled, can affect relationships with spouses, significant others, friends, and family. 

Whereas online porn can provide new ideas to try in the bedroom, a little too much porn can become emotionally numbing in real sexual intercourse.

I type this acknowledging that I do enjoy porn. I've been enjoying it since I was a teenager. At times, I did find myself consumed by internet porn to the point where I had to disconnect cold turkey to reset. 

If you find yourself in this circumstance, it is okay to say "I have a problem." Disconnect. Reset. If you need to, get professional help. It's okay. 

Rip Matteson, PLAYBOY (November 1995)