Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Happy birthday, Shu Qi!

Qi Shu

Taiwanese actress Shu Qi turns 48 years old today. Although she's a celebrated actress in her home country and elsewhere in East Asia, she is not so well known in the rest of the world.

Qi Shu on the phone


Outside of Asia, she is best known as "the package" in the original "The Transporter" (2002) film and a co-starring turn with Jackie Chan in "Gorgeous" (1999), but that may be about to change...



Because, while 48 is considered an unlucky number by many numerologists, among the Chinese it is considered a lucky number that indicates that a person is "destined to prosper".

Qi Shu modeling

We'll have to check back in with Shu Qi when she turns 50, to see which numerologists have it right, evaluating whether her life's trajectory has been upward or downward.

Monday, April 15, 2024

Musical Tax Day with Joe Bonamassa


It's the deadline to file tax returns in the United States, and we offer this song from the Beatles (as covered by singer/guitarist Joe Bonamassa and other musicians who are getting a little long in the tooth) to remind you to get it done before it's too late/ (Or, at the very least, file an Extension so you can keep procrastinating until October!)



And here's the original version by the Beatles...


Musical Monday with Elbow



Whether or not this will mark the return of a steady stream of Musical Mondays is anyone's guess... but this a video that's as fascinating and engaging as the song it supports. Ladies and gentlemen: We bring Elbow, in their first appearance here on Shades of Gray, with their latest and greatest, "Lover's Leap".


Sunday, April 14, 2024

Pay your taxes... or there will be Hell to pay!

I am of the firm opinion that paying all the taxes owed is the socially responsible thing to do. We all benefit from the services and protections they fund; taxes are, literally, the price we pay for living in a civilized society.

If that isn't motivation enough, maybe this artist impression of one of the layers of Hell will spur you on!


Time is running out for Americans in 2024! 

Monday, April 1, 2024

Welcome to April!

April 1 is the day when we get serious around here. The staff gets together to discuss what will happen for the next year here on Shades of Gray (which needs to get back on track!) what will be released from NUELOW Games (which needs to release more actual game content!) and lots of other stuff.

It is all very professional and organized.

April by Preetorius



Sunday, March 31, 2024

Eiffel Tower Day at Shades of Gray

On this day in 1889, the Eiffel Tower was first opened to the public. Here are some pictures that capture its beauty and majesty.

Katie Boren at the Eiffel Tower
Courtney Levine in Paris
Katie Boren in Paris

 

Saturday, March 30, 2024

International Dance Day is coming...

 ... and Vera Ellen has a difficult decision to make: What shoes to use.

Vera Ellen with ballet shoes
Will she be ready by April 29? Time will tell!