Dance: Tate McRae - It's ok I'm ok

Choreographer: Kyle Hanagami

via KYLE HANAGAMI 

Jean Siméon Chardin

Art Appreciation

Jean Siméon Chardin, born on November 2, 1699, in Paris, was one of the most celebrated French painters of the 18th century. 

Chardin was raised in a family of artisans, and although his early life remains relatively undocumented, it is known that he received training from influential artists of the time, including Pierre-Jacques Cazes and Noël-Nicolas Coypel. Chardin, however, did not follow the popular trends of history painting that dominated the French art scene. Instead, he focused on scenes of everyday life, still lifes, and domestic interiors, which set him apart from his contemporaries. He was admitted into the prestigious Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in 1728, thanks to his impressive still lifes.

Throughout his career, Chardin remained rooted in Paris, where he built a reputation as a master of subtle detail and naturalism. He led a relatively modest life, focusing intensely on his work and earning the admiration of fellow artists and art lovers alike. Despite not having traveled extensively or engaged in the more flamboyant lifestyles of other painters of his era, Chardin’s dedication to his craft brought him recognition. His work was appreciated not only for its technical brilliance but also for its quiet, introspective quality, which resonated with the moral values of his time.

Chardin’s body of work is renowned for its still lifes and genre paintings that depict simple, often overlooked moments with extraordinary beauty and attention to detail. Among his most famous works is The Ray (1728), a still life that showcases his talent for rendering textures and objects with incredible realism. The painting features an assortment of kitchen items and a freshly caught ray fish, arranged in a way that elevates the mundane into a subject worthy of artistic reflection. His use of soft lighting and a limited color palette creates a sense of tranquility, inviting the viewer to appreciate the quiet dignity of everyday objects.

Another notable work, The Governess (1739), depicts a tender moment between a governess and a young boy, highlighting Chardin’s skill in capturing human interaction with warmth and subtlety. The painting, while simple in composition, is rich in narrative, reflecting the domestic life of 18th-century France. Chardin's ability to infuse everyday scenes with emotional depth and his careful attention to detail have made him a beloved figure in art history, with his works continuing to inspire generations of artists.

The Governess (1739)

The Ray (1727)

Still Life with a Basket of Peaches, White and

Black Grapes with Cooler and Wineglass (1759)

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/person/103JYN

https://www.oxfordartonline.com/groveart/search?siteToSearch=groveart&q=Chardin&searchBtn=Search&isQuickSearch=true

https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/person/103JYN

https://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/chardin/

https://jean-baptiste-simeon-chardin.org/

Michael Gray - The Weekend

Music Appreciation

English DJ Michael Gray's "The Weekend," released on November 1, 2004, achieved notable success, reaching number seven on the UK Singles Chart and claiming the top spot on numerous international dance charts. The track, featuring English singer-songwriter Shèna, captivated audiences worldwide. Directed by Mike Harris, the music video portrays female workers (Ideta Kimso, Jodie Leigh, Laura More, and Sarah Merry) eagerly awaiting the arrival of the weekend, adding visual depth to the infectious energy of the song.

via Altra Moda Music

Sources: 

Wikipedia

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9892462/

Happy Halloween!

 

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Ten Second Songs - Enter Sandman in the Style of David Bowie

Vincent Anthony, Mat from Artificial Fear, Talor Steinberg from The Moon City Masters of Guitar, and Rocky Yera perform Metallica's Enter Sandman in the style of David Bowie.  

via Ten Second Songs

From Debate Disaster to Political Plot Twists: The Election Saga No One Saw Coming

Pardon the Interruption

Back in June, I shared a bit about what was sure to be a memorable Biden-Trump debate. Little did we know, Biden's performance would lead to a political earthquake. After a rocky showing, pressure mounted from all corners of the Democratic party, urging Biden to step aside. Days before the Democratic National Convention, Biden withdrew, endorsing Kamala Harris to carry the torch. 

The GOP and Trump campaign scrambled, unprepared for this switch. Their attacks, crafted around Biden’s age and mental acuity, suddenly felt outdated. To regain traction, Trump went on the offensive against Harris, taking jabs at everything from her ethnic identity to her early career. He even falsely claimed she failed her bar exam—though she later passed and joined the California Bar. Then he questioned whether Harris actually worked at a McDonald's, which later resulted with him closing a McDonald's and working the fries in a political stunt. 

But the gambles weren’t paying off. Polls showed voters were warming to Harris, especially after her first debate with Trump. And then, Trump provided a viral moment when he claimed legal Haitian immigrants in Ohio were eating dogs and cats. The internet went wild, and Trump's comments on “illegal” immigration spiraled. 

Desperate for resources, Trump turned to none other than Elon Musk, who reportedly infused $100 million into Trump’s campaign and continues to use X (formerly Twitter) to push pro-Trump propaganda. Polls tilted slightly in Trump’s favor, and pundits like Tucker Carlson started framing him as the “angry dad” America supposedly needs.

Fast forward to the October 27 Trump rally at Madison Square Garden—a rally that, disturbingly, echoed the infamous 1939 “Pro-American Rally.” Trump and his allies railed against everyone from immigrants to journalists, giving us a glimpse of what a Trump 2.0 presidency might look like. One especially eerie remark hinted at a “secret plan” with Speaker Mike Johnson—foreshadowing possible chaos if things don’t go Trump’s way come November 5.

If there’s a clear takeaway, it’s that every vote matters. This election isn’t just politics; it’s a call to action. 

Bill Bramhall, NYDN (2024)

 

Body Art: Geena (AlienttrashKitty) - Monkey D. Luffy

via AlienTrashKitty