Yoga: YOGATX - Yoga For Neck and Shoulder Pain

 via YOGATX

Dance: Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice - Barbie World

Choreographers: Matt Steffanina & Dytto Choreography

via Matt Steffanina

Cosplay is an Art: ComicPalooza 2023 (Houston)

 

via Gabes Studio

Gin Blossoms - Found Out About You

Music Appreciation

During the 1990s, the Gin Blossoms were the rock band that had that catchy melodic alternative rock sound. One of their most popular songs, Found Out About You, which was a track from their 1992 album "New Miserable Experience," became a classic and beloved by fans.  

Written by former lead guitarist Doug Hopkins, Found Out About You tells the story of a person who has just discovered that their love has been unfaithful. The singer describes the shock and pain of the discovery, but the unwavering love and longing to go back to how it was before. Although somber, the story is told with an upbeat catchy guitar riff and sing-along chorus. 

Directed by David Hogan, the music video captures the mood and tone of the song. It features the band performing the song in a dimly-lit room and images of a woman interspersed throughout. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

David Buttolph

Music Appreciation

David Buttolph, born on August 3, 1902, in New York City, was drawn to the piano from a young age, igniting a deep passion for music within him. He pursued his studies at the Institute of Musical Arts in New York City, now known as The Juilliard School of Music, where he perfected his skills as an accompanist and songwriter.

Fascinated by the world of opera, Buttolph ventured to the Akademie für Musik in Vienna, which is currently known as the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. During his time in Austria, he immersed himself in opera studies under the guidance of skilled maestros. Additionally, he delighted audiences with his jazz performances at various nightclubs, showcasing his versatile musical talents.

Upon returning to the United States in 1927, Buttolph embarked on a career as an arranger and conductor, collaborating with singing groups and orchestras. Eventually, he made his way to Los Angeles, where he became a studio composer, working alongside the renowned movie composer Alfred Newman.

While Buttolph contributed to numerous film scores throughout his career, it was his work as an arranger on Alfred Newman's score for The Mark of Zorro (1940) that garnered significant acclaim and recognition.

His experience as a conductor provided him with valuable insights into orchestration and a profound understanding of music's ability to enhance visual storytelling. These insights led him to compose scores for television during the mid-1950s. He became widely recognized for his versatility in covering various genres, ranging from musicals to horror to westerns. One of his most iconic works was the theme for the TV western Maverick, starring James Garner.

Buttolph's musical style was characterized by its melodious depth, thematic complexity, and masterful orchestration. He possessed a unique talent for crafting melodies that resonated with both tenderness and strength, evoking a wide array of emotions. His unwavering dedication to storytelling through music, combined with his exceptional abilities, has rightfully secured his place among the great film composers of all time.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://prod-www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/26333%7C36220/David-Buttolph

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005987/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm

https://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n85378895.html

https://dokumen.pub/the-encyclopedia-of-film-composers-1442245492-9781442245495.html

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service

What prevents our society from adopting a more widespread acceptance of topless beaches, as seen in other countries where such beach spots are more common? A prime example can be found in the Caribbean, where I encountered an island, St. Martin, boasting the renowned "clothing optional" Orient Beach.

While certain nations have readily embraced progressive viewpoints on nudity and public self-expression, the United States has generally adhered to a more conservative stance on this matter. The few topless beaches that do exist within the U.S. are typically situated in regions that exhibit a more liberal and open-minded attitude towards nudity, valuing personal freedoms and the individual rights enshrined in our Constitution.

Rip Matteson, PLAYBOY (August 1994)

"Viva Milan"

The August 1994 issue of Playboy is one I remember for its pictorials of Carol Shaya, Playmate Maria Checa, and playmates with other international models in Milan. 

"VIVA MILAN," the title read with photos of four beautiful international models.

The write-up explains, "We enlisted a team of alluring international models -- as well as Playmates Samantha  Dorman and Becky DelosSantos -- and jetted off to the city of ancient palazzi and bustling avenues."

The pictorial by photographer Stephen Wayda is lovely. With each turning page, I fell in love with a new model: Nicole Douglas, April Christenson, Alessandra Pertile, Danelle Folta, Donna Perry, Lorenza Pierucci, Nicole Rhodes, Helene Rollingswier, Becky DelosSantos, Erin Hopkins, and Samantha Dorman.

Lorenza Pierucci

Alessandra Pertile

Helene Rollingswier

Alessandra Pertile and Lorenza Pierucci

Sources:

VIVA MILAN. Playboy. Vol. 41. No. 8. Pg. 126.

https://www.iplayboy.com/issue/19940801