Newsletter

Art I’ve Found

Zigmarillion

Zigmarillion, also known as Zig, is a photographer who loves night photography, making the shadows work with the limited amounts of light to create scenes of beauty.

You will get a feeling of being in the scene, walking streets at night, and wonder might be lurking in the shadows.

Find Zigmarillion’s work at:

Link Cards
Instagram
Twitter/X

My Art

Hanging Bubbles

I was walking past a garbage can in a park, and the garbage bad was stretched out such that the water was evaporating and collecting on the plastic. I just thought it looked pretty cool.

Music I’ve Found

Cowhand Rockstar – John Martin Hunter

A friend I follow on Facebook shared a link to Cowhand Rockstar. I was drawn at first to the A.I. imagery, but then the sound of the music caught me and just had me groovin’ in my seat.

My Dorky Song

The Dashboard Snowflake Blues

My car warned me the roads might be slippery. Yup, there was a snowflake on my dashboard, and it made me sad.

• YouTube

I’ve Written

The Driver

Coming soon to digital and paperback, my third short story!

If you need to check out the others, head to www.whatbendidntknow.com!

One More Thing…

Stanley Legendary Bottle

Yes, you see those giant water bottles everyone is carrying, and they say Stanley on them. Don’t forget that Stanley was a thermos before a thermos was cool.

Keep your stuff hot or cold for two days – get the original!

Art I’ve Found

Lord Truffington

Lord Truffington is a street photographer based out of London but travels the globe.

He loves to capture drastic contrast in his art, many times showing striking lines or silhouettes that create stunning images.

You can find him at:
https://www.lordtruffington.com
https://x.com/LordTruffington

My Art

Rising over Dew

This image is from a sunrise at the Springbrook Prairie in Naperville, Illinois, shot a bunch of years ago when I lived out there.

Music I’ve Found

Mike Posner

You might remember Mike Posner from the song “Cooler Than Me” released back in 2009.

I heard Mike interviewed on the My First Million Podcast and found his story very interesting, I mean the dude started his career from a dorm room and recently walked across America, even getting bitten by a rattlesnake along the way.

He’s got a new song out called “Beautiful Day.” It’s a catchy tune, and might just brighten your day.

My Dorky Song

Going to the Haircut Shop

Someone I know and love made fun of me for saying I was going to the “haircut shop.”

It was rightly deserved, but it also created this little song.

• YouTube

I Program

Make Me Smile App

As this week comes to a close, you might find that you need a reason to smile.

There’s an iPhone app for that called “Make Me Smile.”

It’s free, but if you wanted to “tip” me a few bucks, it’s appreciated.

One More Thing…

Tiny Toad

Nope, it’s not a jumping spider, it’s a tiny toad!

Smaller than your finger nail, I’m always curious how people actually find these things!

Art I’ve Found

Simone Monte

Simone is a wonderful artist whose stunning black and white images will bring you to every scene.

Based out of San Paulo and Rome, her award winning images from the beaches of Rio bring the vibrancy and beauty in black and white glory.

Travel to exotic worlds with Simone at:
Simone’s Website
Instagram
X/Twitter

My Art

All Aliens Dispursed

I’ve always found milkweed to look like some kind of alien pod as they get ready to release their seeds in the autumn.

As fall is coming to a close, the pods have sent out their “alien” seeds to create more “monsters.”

Music I’ve Found

Etta James – Purple Rain

During one of my Peloton post-ride stretches, instructor Sam Yo played Etta James covering Prince’s “Purple Rain.”

It was awesome.

My Dorky Song

Running Late but Don’t Know Why

Ahh, one of those morning when I woke up on time, but everything just seemed to go in slow motion.

• YouTube

I’ve Written

What Ben Didn’t Know…

It’s November, time to hunker down during Novel Quest/Nanowrimo and create more stories!

“The Driver” is scheduled to be released December 1st, so that gives you time to read the first two stories in the series.

Check out www.whatbendidntknow.com to read for free, listen, or buy!

One More Thing…

Leica M Edition 70

Christmas is coming, and if you’re wondering what to get me, may I suggest the Leica M Edition 70 for Christmas.

There are only 250 being sold, so you better act fast. Don’t worry, it won’t set you back too much, just about $23,000.00, and I’ll also get a roll of black and white film in a platinum container.

Art I’ve Found

Simplified as Judz

They say they are from Tokyo, but I don’t know for sure. All I do know is that if you want a nice, inspiring message with a picture of a flower, follow @simpleasjade on X/Twitter.

I hope the weekend was smashing 💖💖
Good night my dear friends ✨🌛✨
Have a lovely evening ⭐️⭐️
a peaceful sleep tonight 💤💤
sweetest dreams 💫🍃💫
and tomorrow comes with a new radiance of hope🌟 and joy ❣️❣️

My Art

All Seeds Gone

Music I’ve Found

Víkingur Ólafsson

In a double-win for me, someone pointed me to Víkingur Ólafsson playing the work of Philip Glass, neither of whom I had know about.

Philip Glass is a composer and pianist, and Víkingur Ólafsson is a pianist from Iceland.

I was directed to Víkingur playing “Opening,” composed by Philip, and it’s a wonderful, rhythmic run that you can just get lost in.

My Dorky Song

No Stop at the Donut Shop

The traffic app took me on a different way to work, and it was driving past my favorite donut shop.

I have no idea how, but I didn’t stop at the donut shop.

• YouTube

One More Thing…

Yankees versus Dodgers

It’s almost Christmas, so it must be time for the World Series!

While I am annoyed that baseball can continue into November, thereby games played in snow, if I were a betting man, judging by the history of the Yankees/Dodgers’ World Series, I would put my money on the Yankees.

Then again, maybe the Dodgers are due to win two times in a row this time?

Art I’ve Found

Kurt Jurgen

Kurt is a drone photographer extraordinaire, and also an engineer extraordinaire. Going by the nickname Topdown King, it’s easy to see his kingdom.

He looks for great perspectives from the air, finds unique places to create his art, and makes me wish I had a drone until I realize that my art would pale in comparison.

Find Kurt at:
Lynkfire
Instagram
X/Twitter
Gallery on The Line

My Art

Looking Up

We are used to looking straight ahead for beauty, but sometimes looking up can be even more beautiful. It can be difficult, though, when you are trying to look up at the beauty of the underside of a flower.

Music I’ve Found

Bright Lights – The Killers

There are times I hear music, and it makes me remember how much I love an artist or band.

Such was the recent case when “Bright Lights” from The Killers hit my playlist.

It reminds me a bit of a Meatloaf/Jim Steinman song, complete with strings in the background, a bombastic sound, and a song that just makes you want to move.

It makes me excited if they could put together more music and launch a new album.

My Dorky Song

I’m Cheugy

I heard some hip kids say something like, “That outfit is cheugy.”

I saw what they were looking at and really hoped it meant, “Cool.”

Then I looked at what “cheugy” meant, and realized I was cheugy.

Guess it’s time to get rid of my cargo shorts.

• YouTube

I’ve Written (and Recorded)

What Ben Didn’t Know Podcast

Yea, I wrote a couple of short stories, but for those of you who dislike reading, I do have them released on the “What Ben Didn’t Know…” podcast.

Save the $.99 and just listen in your car, on the beach, or going to bed!

One More Thing…

“Hollaback Girl” Deconstructed

Seeing Gwen Stefani back on The Voice for some reason had my mind drift to nearly twenty years ago and someone who deconstructed her song, “Hollaback Girl.”

The entire article is a wonderful analysis of a pop song, but in case you want to jump to the chase…

A few times I’ve been around that track
So it’s not just gonna happen like that
Cause I ain’t no hollaback girl
I ain’t no hollaback girl
Gwen is apparently the captain of the cheerleader squad; she is the girl who “hollas” the chants, not one of the girls who simply “hollas” them back. Given that the squad is preparing to beat somebody up on Gwen’s behalf, she’s picked a strange time to remind them that she is their leader and they are her sheep-like followers. Gwen obviously rules her squad with an iron fist.

Art I’ve Found

Mnopxart

Nazanin, who goes by Mnopxart in her art channels, calls herself a visual artist and weirdo.

I’m not sure about the weirdo part, but I do know that I love her art and seeing the wonderful mix of colors she puts together as the beautiful images land in my feeds.

Find her at:
Instagram
X/Twitter
LinkTree

My Art

Daylight Moon

Music I’ve Found

Sabaton – Metal Machine

I guess my listening to metal music has influenced my random music as the song “Metal Machine” from Sabaton popped in my ears the other day.

The song is a tribute to the metal bands that influenced Sabaton, so somehow they fit lines like, “Riding on this crazy train, I’m going paranoid,” and “The rainbow in the dark is shining,” into the song.

Apparently Sabaton is a popular, power, metal band from Sweden, using historical events in their lyrics. I’m really liking them!

My Dorky Song

Crap, I Need Gas

I forgot to get gas in my car the other day, and then I was running late in the morning. I looked at my fuel gauge, and yup, I’m gonna be more late!

• YouTube

One More Thing…

“Shut Down the Garbage Mashers!” Ornament

I have a Death Star Christmas Tree topper, and yes, for a few years, my wife let me replace our angel with the Death Star. Along with the Death Star, the Hallmark collection includes other Star Wars characters.

This year Hallmark added a new ornament, the “”Shut Down the Garbage Mashers!” Ornament,” for all of the Star Wars fans out there. And yes, the walls move in just like the garbage masher in the movie!

Art I’ve Found

Art Cruise

Art Cruise does a lot of pixel art in the digital world, but also branches into colorful faces and geometry art that pops on a screen.

She is someone to watch, and I love seeing what she creates.

Find her at:

X/Twitter
The Hug
Her Linktree

My Art

Bread Formation

My wife makes a variety of breads. Mostly it’s the best sourdough you’ve ever eaten, but sometimes she gets a little more creative.

I thought this loaf looked like rock formations. But it is bread.

Music I’ve Found

Frank Sinatra

When I was seventeen, it was a very good year, and there actually was a small town girl, on soft, summer nights, and we would hide from the lights, just not on the village green.

There was also Frank Sinatra in my house from time to time.

He’s been with me since I can remember, and when I heard him playing at an Italian restaurant the other day, it was time to revisit the world I remember.

My Dorky Song

The Perfect Home

Yay! It’s a Love Song Thursday!

For this love song, there might be things wrong with the things where we live, but for me, it is always the perfect home as long as my wife loves me, and we are together!

• YouTube

I’ve Written

The Coffee Journey

My second short story is released! I still can’t believe it!

There is less darkness in The Coffee Journey than my first story, yet there are still some challenges to face!

As the book description puts it, “When an unexpected delay in Ben’s order leads to a simple act of kindness, it sets off a chain reaction that touches Miranda’s life she couldn’t have anticipated.”

Just $.99 direct to your Kindle, or $9.99 if you want the paperback!

Podcast version in a few weeks!

One More Thing…

Moo Deng – Live!

You may not have any clue who Moo Deng is, but in the internet world, this baby hippo, whose name translates to “Bouncy Pork,” has hit the meme world by storm.

Who doesn’t like a baby hippo?

Art I’ve Found

Steve Walasavage

Steve Walasavage creates stunning, outdoor images. His photography brings out a sense of awe about this world we live in, and I’m always amazed of how he captures waterfalls (Check out his Instagram for a bunch of examples).

Find him at:
LinkTree
Instagram

My Art

Through the Clouds

This image is from Big Island, Hawaii.

Gosh, I can’t wait to get back to the islands someday!

Music I’ve Found

Amantes Del Futuro

I was lucky enough to go to a fabulous Mexican restaurant, Mi Tocaya Antojeria, in Chicago.

As we were sitting waiting for our food, some fun music came on, I Shazam-ed it, and discovered it was Amantes del Futuro’s “Cumbia Lenta.”

It’s the kind of music that makes you want to dance and bounce around and also makes you want to eat fast!

They also sometimes sound like the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street.

I am now a fan of cumbia music!

My Dorky Song

How Long Will That Squirrel Sit?

I saw him there, or maybe it was a her, but decided to watch the squirrel until they decided it was time to go.

In the end, it wasn’t that long.

• YouTube

I’ve Written

I’m doing my best to get out my next short story, “What Ben Didn’t Know… The Coffee Journey,” next week!

If you haven’t checked out “Just Another Lunchtime Walk,” yet, now is your chance!

E-book links, listen as a podcast, or read it for free!

One More Thing…

Free Bird

Maybe you know the song Free Bird from Lynyrd Skynyrd, but you probably don’t know it played with whistle, violin, and bagpipes.

Enjoy!

Art I’ve Found

MonikasArt

Monika does wonderful, abstract art, most of which you can find in the NFT world.

My mornings are much more colorful when the algorithm decides I should see some art from Monika as I scroll through.

Check out her abstractness at:

Lynkfire: All Things Monika
Foundation
X/Twitter

My Art

Morning Glow Ascension

Music I’ve Found

The Hu

I’m not sure when the song “Shireg Shireg” popped into my music mix, but I’m sure glad it did.

The description The Hu is “a rock band that fuses heavy metal with the traditional Mongolian throat singing of their native land.”

I have to say that there aren’t that many heavy metal bands with flutes and harps in them, either.

“Shireg Shireg” isn’t that heavy metal-ish, but does have some flute and guttural throat singing.

My Dorky Song

Bug On the Ground

I saw a bug on the ground. I thought it was dead. Then it started moving. Nope, not dead!

• YouTube

I’ve Written

Trifecta Complete!

The trifecta for my short story release, “What Ben Doesn’t Know… Just Another Lunchtime Walk,” is now complete!

There are the print and e-book versions on Amazon and Apple Books.

If you don’t want to risk the $.99, you can read it for free on the website.

Don’t like reading? Listen to it as a podcast! Search for “What Ben Didn’t Know” wherever you get your podcasts like Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Now it’s on to short story number 2!

One More Thing…

If I Were Your Pup

This is just a fun song that might brighten your day, especially if you like dogs!

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!