Fernando Lamas

Acting Appreciation

Born on January 9, 1915, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Fernando Álvaro Lamas y de Santos carved a niche for himself as a charismatic and versatile actor, gaining fame for his portrayal of "Latin Lover" roles. 

Despite initially being captivated by acting in his youth and studying drama, Lamas shifted his focus to athletics. He excelled in fencing and boxing, earning trophies, and even represented Argentina in the 1936 Summer Olympics, competing in the 100-meter freestyle.

Returning to his first love, Lamas dove back into acting, initially on stage and then on radio. At the age of 24, he made his cinematic debut in "En el último piso" (1942). With his suave demeanor and undeniable Latin charm, Lamas quickly became a heartthrob. His illustrious acting career spanned several decades, marked by standout performances in films such as "The Merry Widow" (1952), "The Girl Rush" (1955), and "The Lost World" (1960).

Remembered for his distinctive voice and the famous catchphrase, "It's better to look good than to feel good," Lamas left an enduring legacy. In popular culture, comedian Billy Crystal parodied the image-conscious playboy in a recurring Saturday Night Live sketch titled "Fernando's Hideaway." Additionally, it is said that actor Jonathan Goldsmith drew inspiration from Lamas for Dos Equis' iconic The Most Interesting Man in the World advertising campaign. 

Lamas passed away on October 8, 1982, at the age of 67.

 

Sources: 

Wikipedia

https://facts.net/celebrity/11-intriguing-facts-about-fernando-lamas/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0482881/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm

Making Extra Cash Driving Rideshare

Several years back, I came across an article highlighting celebrities taking the wheel for Uber and Lyft. Notably, Deadmau5 found himself behind the wheel of an Uber, while Elwood Edwards, the voice of AOL's iconic "You've Got Mail," also has driven for Uber. Even U.S. Senator Ben Sasse and the legendary Shaq have ventured into the world of rideshare, with Shaq even going undercover as a Lyft driver. Just picture hopping into a car and realizing Shaq is your driver! 

By Adam Ellis @adamtots

Sources: 

https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/slideshow/Celebrity-Uber-drivers-163519.php

https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/14/us/famous-uber-drivers/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/14/us/famous-uber-drivers/index.html

Dance: Eve - Tambourine

Choreography: Leejung Lee

via 리정 Leejung Lee

Cosplay is an Art: L.A. COMIC CON 2023

via Chong Ahn 

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: CHANEL 2023/24 Métiers d'art Show

Creative Director: Virginie Viard 

via CHANEL

Augustus Edwin John

Art Appreciation 

Augustus Edwin John, born on January 4, 1878, in Tenby, Wales, emerged as one of the most celebrated painters in Wales, leaving a mark on the art world during the early to mid-20th century. His artistic journey began with a precocious talent for art displayed alongside his older sister Gwen. At seventeen, he briefly attended the Tenby School of Art before heading to London for further studies at the Slade School of Fine Art at the University College London.

In 1901, John married Ida Nettleship, whom he had met at the Slade, which led him to a teaching post at the University of Liverpool. Relocating to London in 1903, he co-founded Chelsea Art School with Major Sir William Newenham Montague Orpen, solidifying his influence in the art community.

Complications arose in John's personal life when Dorelia McNeill became both his model and mistress, leading to a complex ménage à trois with Ida from 1903 to 1907. Tragedy struck when Ida succumbed to puerperal fever after childbirth while the family was living in Paris with Dorelia.

Around 1910, John, accompanied by his friend James Dickson Innes, painted in the Arenig valley and established an artists' colony at Alderney Manor, where he resided with his family and Dorelia. His fascination with the Romani people prompted him to travel with his family in a caravan, eventually becoming the President of the Gypsy Lore Society from 1937 to 1961.

In 1917, he became the war artist for the Canadian military, creating memorable portraits of Canadian infantrymen. By the 1920s, John rose to prominence as Britain's leading portrait painter, gaining recognition for his portraits of notable figures such as George Bernard Shaw and William Butler Yeats.

Augustus Edwin John's artistic versatility shone through various genres, including portraiture, landscapes, and etchings. His ability to capture the emotional depth of his subjects, coupled with a fascination for the human form and a nuanced exploration of psychological subtleties, contributed to the enduring appeal of his art.

Elected as an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1921 and a full R.A. in 1928, John received the Order of Merit from George VI in 1942. Serving as a trustee of the Tate Gallery from 1933 to 1941 and as President of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters from 1948 to 1953, he was honored with the Freedom of the Town of Tenby in 1959.

Augustus Edwin John's dynamic and expressive style, influenced by Post-Impressionism and Fauvism, positioned him as a pioneering force in the British art scene, leaving an enduring legacy.

Portrait of Marchesa Luisa Casati (1919)

Fraternity (1920)

W.B. Yeats (1907)

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/fraternity-6589/tagger/add

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/mar/02/augustus-john-william-orpen-peace-conference-1920

Cop a feel

As we come close to adult entertainment award ceremony season, we all should remember to respect our stars. Although they do porn and maybe portray a character that enjoys certain sexual acts, they are private individuals with the same rights that you and I enjoy. So, no cop a feel. 

Marty Murphy, PLAYBOY (November 1995)