Drew Barrymore

Acting Appreciation

Drew Barrymore turns 50 today, and honestly, for those of us in the same age range, it’s kind of surreal watching someone we grew up with reach this milestone. From the moment she stole the show as little Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, she’s been part of our pop culture lives. But unlike most child stars, Drew didn’t just fade into the background—she took us along for the wildest ride.

While we were navigating high school, college, or our first jobs, she was out there doing things like partying at Studio 54 as a kid and living every cautionary tale Hollywood had to offer before she was even old enough to drive. Then came her young adult years, when Drew leaned into being the industry’s favorite rebel. She posed for Playboy at 19 and even flashed David Letterman on national television.

What’s cool about Drew is that she wasn’t just about shock value—she was smart. She co-founded Flower Films, making sure she had control over her career at an age when most of us were just figuring out how to pay rent. And it worked—she became the queen of rom-coms, giving us classics like The Wedding Singer, Never Been Kissed, and 50 First Dates. And let’s not forget Charlie’s Angels, because, at some point, we all wondered how many takes it took to perfect that iconic chair scene.

By the time we hit our 30s and 40s, Drew was evolving right alongside us. She became a business mogul, started a family, and somehow turned into the most down-to-earth celebrity ever. And now? She’s running The Drew Barrymore Show, where she interviews people like a best friend. It’s endearing, chaotic, and pure Drew.

She’s also a mom to two daughters, and if you’ve seen her talk about motherhood, you know she’s all in. She’s refreshingly honest about the ups and downs, whether it’s parenting, heartbreak, or trying to figure out life in general.

And now, she’s 50—and she’s excited about it. In her recent interview with Natasha Stoynoff for AARP The Magazine, she embraces this milestone, talking about how liberating it is to stop worrying about things that don’t matter: https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/celebrities/info-2025/drew-barrymore-interview.html. Honestly, it’s inspiring.

Source:

https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/celebrities/info-2025/drew-barrymore-interview.html

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Vitor Zerbinato Spring/Summer 2025

Fashion Designer: Vitor Zerbinato

via Swimwear & Fashion

Jan de Baen

Art Appreciation

Born on February 20, 1633 in Haarlem, Jan de Baen was a Dutch portrait painter of the Golden Age, renowned for his refined and dignified depictions of Dutch aristocracy and statesmen. At an early age, he showed an aptitude for painting and was trained by his uncle, the artist Hinderk Pyman. 

Under Pyman’s guidance, de Baen developed his skills and later studied with the prominent portraitist Jacob Adriaensz Backer in Amsterdam. His talent soon attracted the attention of wealthy patrons, allowing him to establish a successful career as a portraitist. He eventually settled in The Hague, where he became the leading court painter, working for the House of Orange and various Dutch dignitaries.

De Baen's oeuvre primarily consists of formal portraits characterized by elegance, rich detail, and a smooth, polished technique. His ability to capture the nobility and refinement of his subjects made him a sought-after artist among the elite. His work reflects the influences of both Flemish and Dutch portrait traditions, with an emphasis on realism and psychological depth. His paintings often feature elaborate costumes, finely rendered textures, and composed expressions, reinforcing the grandeur of the Dutch ruling class.

Among de Baen’s most notable works is The Corpses of the de Witt Brothers (1672), which depicts the brutal murder of the Dutch Grand Pensionary and his brother, Cornelis de Witt. This work stands out for its historical significance and stark realism. 

Another celebrated portrait is that of William III of Orange, later King of England, showcasing de Baen’s ability to depict power and authority with subtle yet striking details. His portraits of prominent figures, such as Cornelis Tromp and Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen, further solidified his reputation as one of the foremost portraitists of his time. 

Self-portrait of Jan de Baen with his wife, c. 1674

William III when Prince of Orange, c. 1667

The Corpses of the de Witt Brothers, 1672

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.rct.uk/collection/404779/william-iii-when-prince-of-orange-1650-1702

Weisner, Karen. Dutch Painting in the Seventeenth Century. Yale University Press, 1983.

Slive, Seymour. Dutch Painting, 1600-1800. Yale University Press, 1995.

Briels, Jan. Dutch Masters of the Golden Age. Thames & Hudson, 1997

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Mike Myers Rewatches Austin Powers, Shrek and Wayne's World

via Vanity Fair 

Enjoying the View While It Lasts

The other evening, my wife and I were out in our backyard, soaking in the Texas sunset. We couldn’t help but appreciate just how perfectly located our condo is—everything we need is just a short drive away. But let’s be honest, the real selling point? That sunset. From the moment she bought this place, it was love at first golden glow.

Funny enough, I had a condo in the same neighborhood first, but a few months later, she found this one—with the view. When we got married last year, I sold mine and moved into hers. And honestly? She made the right call. It’s a great spot, close to groceries, doctors, and all the essentials. But the best part? That warm, welcoming sunset at the end of the day, especially in the summer.

Of course, we both know change is coming. Eventually, a new neighborhood will rise, blocking our perfect view. But for now, we’re making the most of every breathtaking sunset while we can. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s to savor the little things—before someone builds a house in front of them!

Jeremy Nguyen, The New Yorker, February 3rd, 2025

The Obsession with Capybaras

I recently came across an article by Gary Shteyngart in The New Yorker that examines the global fascination with capybaras, the world’s largest rodent. Native to South America, capybaras are closely related to guinea pigs and chinchillas. They thrive in savannas and dense forests, always near bodies of water. As highly social animals, they typically live in groups of 10 to 20.

Shteyngart’s article follows his journey across the world, exploring the various ways humans interact with capybaras. He captures the growing obsession with these gentle creatures while also raising deeper questions about our relationship with nature. Whether as internet celebrities, emotional support animals, cryptocurrency mascots, or even political symbols, capybaras have found a unique and unexpected place in human culture.

Read the article HERE. 

Source:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/02/03/how-the-capybara-won-my-heart-and-almost-everyone-elses

President's Day