Ushio Shinohara was a leading light in the avant garde art scene in post war Japan who in 1969 headed out to New York in 1969 to seek his (international) fame and fortune. He quickly established himself in the burgeoning artist colony in Sotho for both his art and his limitless capacity to drink. Three … Continue reading
This is one of those real life stories that you come across now and again that re-affirm your faith in the goodness of (some) human beings. Rocky Braat’s story is especially moving and relates how one very ordinary and regular young American man, who is exceptionally unselfish and wonderfully generous, made a real difference to the … Continue reading
It’s just a sheer co-incidence that I sat and watched this documentary about the uncovering of the Bernie Madoff’s audacious Ponzi fraud scheme the day before that Peter his son is sentenced to 10 years in jail for his part in the conspiracy. A reminder nevertheless that even though Mr Madoff Snr. is already behind … Continue reading
Back in 1969 an unknown singer-songwriter called Rodriguez was discovered performing in a dive bar in Detroit and was immediately offered a deal to record two albums. His music bore more than a passing resemblance to that of Bob Dylan, but his first album ‘Cold Fact’ received critical acclaim but only zero sales, and when … Continue reading
Bettie Page was a stunningly beautiful American model who in the 1950’s became known as the Queen of Pinups. She was hardly a shy blushing maiden and her lack of inhibition posing for ‘camera clubs’ had made her an instant hit. She was Miss January 1955 as one of the earliest Playmates for Hugh … Continue reading