Andy

Art I’ve Found

Cory “Withhears” Staudacher

Cory Staudacher, a.k.a. “Withhearts,” is a photographer in the minimal world. He tends to use a lot of mist, fog, and dreaminess when creating scenes to bring a sense of calm and peacefulness when looking at his art.

If you need a break from the craziness of life, scroll through his Instagram, X, or check out his website.

Find his art at:
Instagram
X/Twitter
Website

My Art

Standing Tall

As bad as some of the news might be about Chicago, it’s still a damn beautiful city. I always love the buildings, reaching for the sky.

Music I’ve Found

Blasterjaxx & Timmy Trumpet
Narco

Somehow my “Discovery Station” started playing a song that was electro house music. Okay, I’m fine with that. Then I started hearing trumpet. Cool. Then I heard a lyric with the word, “underoos, roos, roos, roos.”

Yup, it doesn’t take much to hook me in!

My Dorky Song

The Perfect Day

• YouTube

I’ve Written

So, yea, my short story is released, and as I progress with my plan for short story domination, I’m also going to offer them for free on the What Ben Didn’t Know… website a few weeks after their official release.

So, if you don’t want to spend the dollar on the Kindle version, or a few more bucks on the paperback, read it free on the website! And, if that isn’t enough, hopefully there will be a podcast release of the stories as they come out as well!

One More Thing…

John Denver sings Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs”

There’s a group of musicians called “There I Ruined It” who do odd adaptations of just about any song.

I’m an old fan of John Denver, and kind of wish he were alive to actually do this version.

Alas, technology must be used, and Black Sabbath will never sound the same!

Art I’ve Found

Jessica Cardelucci

Jessica Cardelucci is a photographer whose black and white images bring a sense of wonder to my soul.

I’ve been a fan of her work since I started finding folks in the NFT world, and her art of mustangs, not to mention her other works, is stunning.

Find her at:
Website
X/Twitter
Instagram

I’ve Written

What Ben Didn’t Know… Just Another Lunchtime Walk

My short story is live and available on Amazon! https://a.co/d/46QKFzD

I am really proud of putting this out there. I know many of the things I post can be funny, but this short story touches on serious subject matter so don’t be surprised if you shed a tear rather than chuckle.

If you can help by spreading the word to your friends who like to read fiction, I would be grateful.

My Art

Foul Pole

Music I’ve Found

Lord of the Lost

Most people don’t know that I have an appreciation for what is considered industrial music. A friend of mine suggested I listen to Lord of the Lost, and sure enough, I was hooked.

For those of you who like things on the softer side, you might not want to click the video as it might just frighten you, or have you think, “Andy likes this crap?” Yes, yes I do like it.

My Dorky Song

French Toast Sandwich

If you find yourself making breakfast and have some french toast and some berries, may I suggest you make a sandwich. It’s very tasty!

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One More Thing…

They Will Never Die

For a variety of reasons, the cockroach will probably live forever. One of those reasons is simply that most bug sprays in the United States won’t really do much to kill them according to a study by some University of Florida smart people.

Sure, you can go really, really, really, old school and use diatomaceous earth, letting the fossils slowly kill them by damaging the exoskeleton of the roach, but in the end, we will all be dirt and the roaches will probably still be roaming the earth.

I’ve Written

What Ben Didn’t Know… Just Another Lunchtime Walk

I’m proud to announce my first short story, being released on Amazon on September 1st!

The stories are about human interaction. The main character, Ben, generally has no idea he has an influence on others, i.e, he didn’t know.

You can pre-order on Amazon!

Have it delivered direct to your Kindle, and there will be a paperback version available as well.

My Art

Smoky Mountain Sunset

My wife and I recently had the opportunity to drive around the Carolinas. One of our stops was in Asheville, North Carolina. It’s quite beautiful, and the sunsets are magnificent!

My Dorky Song

I Passed the Test

It took four years. I tried and tried again to pass the test, but I kept failing. I was so happy to be failing, it was awesome, it was a great story.

Now that I passed the test, I’m stuck not being special.

• YouTube

One More Thing…

Take Things with A Grain of Salt (or add the salt to your steak)

There is a lot of information out there, a lot of studies, and most of the times the headline, and even the study, don’t give all the truth.

Recently there was a study about red meat and diabetes, kind of scary for meat eaters, until you really look at the data.

A doctor out there does a great job explaining how studies aren’t always the results you might think they are.

Art I’ve Found

Giulio Aprin

I love Giulio’s bio, “Storyteller of Deserts.”

You may just think of a desert as a barren wasteland, but Giulio Aprin will show you that, as he explains, “The desert is peace and desolation, a place as dead as it is alive. But the desert is also resilience and perfection. The desert is a woman, with curves so soft and smooth, sensual and delicate….The desert, like all forces of nature, is a mirror of what we are.”

His story is fascinating, so explore the desert through the eyes of Giulio, you will find it a thing of beauty.

Find him on:

X
Instagram
Website

My Art

Kauai From the Air

It might seem scary, but if you ever make it to Kauai, Hawaii, I suggest you splurge on a tour from a helicopter. Just be sure to position yourself by the window!

Music I’ve Found

Tito Puente

I love when people make me reconnect to some of the classics. In this case I was told to revisit Tito Puente, who I wasn’t really familiar with.

If you want a party time, go ahead and fire up a Tito Puente playlist on your favorite music source.

My Dorky Song

Ignore the World

Now that The Olympics are over you might find yourself doom-scrolling and thinking the world is a horrible place.

Take a break, quit the scrolling, at least for a little while. You might feel better.

• YouTube

One More Thing

Googly Eyes

So you’ve just bought a Tesla Cybertruck, but you want to be a little less conspicuous as you drive your tank down the road.

Give it some personality!

And yes, you can buy giant “googly eyes” on Amazon.

Art I’ve Found

Robert “Intrepid” Downie

Say what you will about Twitter/X, but it has the most interesting art community if you look for it.

Robert is an unbelievable travel photographer whose work spans the globe. What caught my eye this time, though, was a post he reposted from nearly a year ago.

The post began… 
My small family spent two years of our lives essentially stateless, stranded at sea, 18,000km from home, floating on 40ft of fiberglass. ‘Freedom to transact’ literally became a matter of life or death. This is our story.“

The story is a riveting look at resilience and being thrust into weirdness back in the days of lockdowns. You should check out his story, and especially his art on his website, Instagram, and X.

My Art

Looking Scary

I will forever remember the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

It was like being a kid again, giddy seeing the coolest, hot air balloons, even if some were kind of scary.

Music I’ve Found

Mark Knopfler

While not recently found, reading that Mark Knopfler was turning 75 years old had me revisit his music catalog.

Way back when I was never a huge fan of Dire Straits. Sure, I knew “Sultans of Swing” and the MTV song “Money for Nothing,” but it wasn’t until I heard a bar band cover “Espresso Love” that I started to become a fan, loving most things Dire Straits and even more things Mark Knopfler.

It’s great to hear him still making wonderful music.

My Dorky Song

Bats Not in the Belfry

For a while I saw what looked like rodent droppings on our deck. I thought it might be mice, squirrels, or maybe chipmunks. Then I realized it was coming from above, and sure enough, there is at least one bat in the deck of the dwelling above our deck.

Yuck!

• YouTube

I’ve Written

A new tease built off of last week’s tease.

I’m still shooting for a September 1st release, just hoping my bought with Covid didn’t delay the progress in getting all things prepped and ready. Gonna be a busy end of August while still enjoying the last bits of summer.

One More Thing…

1/16th of an Inch

I never realized things were so measurable in the lobster world!

While your lobster may be getting smaller, as long as the new rules don’t affect my favorite lobster tails, I think I’ll be okay.

Art I’ve Found

André

One day I got a new follow on X/Twitter from André. I rarely dismiss follows without looking at what they post to see if I like what they do.

I looked at his profile and saw fun, digital art that I knew would brighten up my timeline every day.

He describes his art as, for the most part, psychedelic. I find it fun, bright, and if you need something colorful to brighten your day, keep him in your viewing feeds.

Find him and his art:

Website – Linktree
X/Twitter – Instagram

My Art

Summer Lillies

Most people hear “lillies” and think of Easter. There are some stunning summer lilies around if you look for them!

Find My Art…

Music I’ve Found

Pachelbel’s Canon – 4 Flutes

Pachelbel’s Canon is the best song I have ever heard. A girl in high school played it for me on her Walkman, and I never forgot it, even eventually buying the CD.

One night it popped up on my iTunes, I wondered what happened to that girl, and Googled her. I found her on LinkedIn, she accepted my connection request, and then accepted my request to become my wife.

I found this version. It’s kind of cool as the flautist mixed four flutes for the video, and have never seen the wacky flute in the bottom right corner of the video before.

Best. Song. Ever.

My Dorky Song

Better Get to Enjoyin’ Summer

With the beginning of August here, looking at the calendar, it occurred to me that the summer is quickly wrapping up.

It’s crunch time, time to squeeze out every bit of summer while you still can.

Go do it!

• YouTube

I’ve Written

A tease with a picture of something coming soon, planned right now for September 1st! I’m even surprising myself with this project!

One More Thing…

Pig-Butt Worm

Yes, there is a thing called the “pig-butt worm.” I find it kind of cute.

Find the story on LifeScience.

Art I’ve Found

Tim “TimmboSlice” Burgess

I saw Tim’s stunning aerial photographs and became hooked watching for them in my X feed.

His art gives a perspective of the oceans that will have you see things differently the next time you gaze at the sea.

My Art

Storms a Comin’

I miss Italy. Luckily the storms stayed away while we were hanging out at The Colosseum.

Music I’ve Found

The 502s

When I heard The 502s, after I stopped bouncing at my desk, I thought they were a fun mix of sounds like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones mixed with The Lumineers.

Just a bunch of fun music to put you in a bouncy mood.

My Dorky Love Song

A Walk is Lonely Without You

I was working from home and decided to go for a walk. Walks are so much better when my wife is along!

• YouTube

One More Thing…

Kassia – Midi Art

I guess there are a few people out there making these videos, but watching the midi notes flow, like an old piano scroll, shows just how talented a piano player like Kassia is.

Art I’ve Found

Cory Babstock

It’s puffin season in Newfoundland, and Cory loves to share all things puffin and more!

Years ago I saw a news story about the puffins, and from then on, I always wanted to see them.

Right now the closest I can get to a puffin is usually through the lens of Cory on X or his Instagram. As he hosts tours at puffin-time, I do hope, someday, to make the trip across the pond to see, and take pictures of, the cute birds, in person.

My Art

The Colors of the Land of Kauai

Right now, with it being summer in the Chicago area, I don’t miss Hawaii that much. Come February, though, the thoughts of moving somewhere warm and beautiful will come creeping back.

Music I’ve Found

David Kushner

I heard the song “Daylight” from David Kushner pop on my playlist and thought, “Hmm, sounds a bit like that Hozier dude, but different.”

As happens these days, David became famous on Tik-Tok first, but don’t hold that against him. He’s got great lyrics and some great songs. There will also be a new album coming out the end of August if you find you enjoy “Daylight.”

My Dorky Song

Anticipation or Vacation

Some people say that the anticipation of vacation can be better than the vacation itself.

I say they are blowing smoke up their behinds or planning lame vacation because, for me, the vacation is the awesome part!

• YouTube

One More Thing…

World-Wide Labyrinth Locator

Are you wondering if there might be a labyrinth near you?

Who doesn’t?

Maybe you want to do a meditative stroll or just see something, well, labyrinthian.

Have no fear, the Labyrinth Locator website is here!

Yup, maybe you find yourself in Keaau, Hawaii, and have thirty to forty minutes to spare. Go ahead, stroll a replica of the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth. Better yet, head to France and see the original!

Art I’ve Found

Jonas Hangartner

When I first came across the art of Jonas Hangartner on X, I was amazed at the vibrancy and colors that seemed from another world. I learned he uses a variety of infrared filters to transform scenes that, while beautiful in their own right, become wild works of beauty.

My Art

Time to Get Busy

Sometimes you just need to be like a bee and get busy doing your work.

Music I’ve Found

Lizzy McAlpine

When I heard “orange show speedway” come across my speakers, I was intrigued. I heard a little bit of Billie Eilish in there, and some storytelling like Noah Kahan.

The more I listened, I also heard some Taylor Swift, but in a unique way.

It’s quite the mix of goodness.

My Dorky Song

Summer is the Greatest

The other day, in my car, I was pondering the seasons. It occurred to me that summer is the greatest season.

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One More Thing…

The 12-Year-Old in Me…

… finds farts funny. Even funnier to me is seeing a bear fart and seem to enjoy it.

Thank you Vermont Fish & Wildlife!

Art I’ve Found

PattiVerse

Patti is a creator who focuses on artistic photography, using creative lighting and backdrops to create stunning art.

Her messages on X/Twitter are always filled with inspiration, her photographs are beautiful, and I always love coming across her work on my feed.

My Art

Flying to Celebration

As this edition comes out on the 4th of July in the United States, I figured a picture of the American flag would be appropriate.

This one was from Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a few years ago, with a parachute team starting the evening celebrations!

Music I’ve Found

Johnny Cash – Songwriter

As you can tell from the picture of me, I have been a long-time fan of Johnny Cash.

As I was listening to music the other day, up came a Johnny Cash song I had never heard before. “What, a new Johnny Cash album?”

It appears, back in 1993, Johnny recorded a batch of demo songs and they didn’t suck. They were just never released.

John Carter Cash, Johnny’s son, found the songs, had the backing tracks re-recorded, and released them as “Songwriter,” a wonderful collection of songs just as great as anything Johnny put out when he was alive.

My Dorky Song

I Had an Egg Sandwich

If you have been following me for a while, you know my love for egg sandwiches. In fact, it’s an egg sandwich that got this whole “posting songs on YouTube” thing going when I accidentally emailed a song about an egg sandwich, meant for my wife, to my sister.

This egg sandwich was not as good as the one’s my wife makes.

• YouTube

One More Thing…

You Can’t Get Away With Anything…

I can’t believe I didn’t know about this, but apparently those lucky enough to work from home all of the time had found a way to not work but appear like they are working.

The slackers at home were buying devices that would keep their mouse active, giving the illusion they were working so things like that annoying light on Teams would stay green signifying they were “Available,” i.e. at work, instead of yellow, or “Away.”

Not for much longer.

As happens, companies are finding other ways to detect if work is getting done, so, slackers beware, you will have to find something new to pretend you are working but not work.