finding cain

Happy 30th birthday to The Smashing Pumpkins' monumental double album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness ! I was a fresh-faced 15-year-old in 1995, deep in my grunge phase—right before Boyz II Men swept me off my feet. Let's be real: when they announced this two-disc, 28-track opus, it felt less like a new album and more like an act of war against the listener. A double album from an alt-rock band in '95? That was commercial suicide on an epic scale, a towering self-regard previously reserved for the likes of Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin. Billy Corgan, fresh off the success of Siamese Dream , cashed in all his artistic capital for this two-hour obligation. This wasn't a creative endeavor; it was a doctoral dissertation on Gen X angst. Listening to it felt like being forced to read a particularly dense biography of Pablo Picasso—you admire the person, but you desperately want it to end. Take Porcelina of the Vast Oceans . Nine minutes. Nine minutes! It drags you from ...

The current art pieces on display at Galleria Nicolas in Alabang Town Center are incredibly calming. The moment I walked through the doors, it felt as though someone had hit the slow-motion button on my brain. An immediate, overwhelming sense of peace washed over me—not the boring, sleepy kind, but a quiet, deeply centered feeling. The artworks seemed to gently whisper, "Chill out," without being preachy. They weren't vying for attention; they were simply there, inviting one to look closer and truly take their time. The pieces themselves are simple and exceptionally classy, yet they possess an incredible depth. It's that wonderful feeling when you see something beautiful but cannot quite articulate why it affects you so powerfully. A lot of the art is what I'd call conventional—familiar themes, perhaps a little sentimental. But here's the good part: they take that conventional style and supercharge it, giving it new emotional weight. And the colors? They'...

I recently stumbled upon the work of Margritt Martinet , whose drawings are giving my brain a delightful yet exhausting workout. This French artist, you see, deals in the glorious, mind-bending borderland between the organic and the futuristic. She doesn't just create art; she crafts entire visual universes that are so immersive and dynamic you feel like you should be wearing a spacesuit just to look at them. My mind simply cannot wrap itself around the sheer volume of focused physical labor that goes into these things. The pieces are intricate, layered, and incredibly consistent. But what truly inspires—and simultaneously mocks—me is her patience. This, my friends, is the real superpower. I once attempted a similar large-scale, intricate project. It started so well: my early lines were sharp, and my geometric shapes were perfect. Then, slowly but surely, as the hours stretched and the cramping started in my wrist, the inevitable descent began. The sharp lines became... a little mo...

Come See Me in the Good Light follows two poets, Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley, as they confront an unimaginable challenge: an incurable cancer diagnosis. Hearing that premise, you might instinctively think, "Hard pass, I'm looking for something light." But here’s the catch: the film is described as a perfect blend of poignant honesty and unexpected humor. Instead of wallowing in darkness, these two transform their pain into an electric, joyful purpose. The result is a profoundly powerful celebration of resilience and their partnership. This isn't a story about losing a battle; it’s about winning by remaining relentlessly and authentically themselves until the credits roll. It is one of those rare documentary pieces that truly touches the soul, leaving you with a deep desire to connect with your loved ones and feel things fully. Come See Me in the Good Light hits select theaters and streams globally on Apple TV on November 14, 2025. Check out the trailer below:

The Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Filinvest City, Alabang, is a beautiful, modern landmark known for its unique, nature-centric architecture. Inspired by an inverted white lily, the chapel's graceful curve stands in beautiful contrast to the sharp angles of nearby corporate buildings, symbolizing the purity of the Virgin Mary. Since opening in 2023, its towering design appears to open toward the heavens, creating a profoundly serene atmosphere. More than just a place of worship, the chapel is a community hub with a big heart. It actively supports charitable causes, including Elsie Gaches Village, a facility for kids with developmental disabilities. This architectural gem is a must-see, combining stunning design with a genuine mission of good. I highly recommend a visit.

There’s a new Pop Mart flagship store in Bangkok. It’s being called "dreamlike," but I see it as more like walking straight into someone else’s mushroom trip. According to UrDesign , the place is "meticulously organized to guide the visitor through a psychological journey, unfolding from the exterior to the interior and from the ground floor upward." I don't know what they mean by that, but it’s an absolute mecca for Labubu fanatics. For those who haven't been subjected to them, a Labubu is a collectible toy inspired by Nordic folklore, distinguished by its slightly devilish facial features. Now, personally, I hate Labubus. But for the devoted adults out there—and I know you exist—this store is custom-made for you. You'll find your treasure here. The whole phenomenon brings me to the point: Why the obsession? Why are adults so aggressively craving these things? It's simple, really. It’s a temporary fix. It's something we passionately embrace for ...

ManilART didn't start as anything special—just another art fair. Galleries, new artists, and old masters all showed up to hang their work and make some cash. It was functional, but utterly forgettable, like a plain white wall. The organizers looked at that "basic market" and declared, "Nope. We're going bigger." They didn't want a mediocre local show; they wanted a bridge to launch Filipino artists onto the international stage. Today, ManilART is a sophisticated hub. It's not artworks hung side-by-side like strangers; it's an electrical surge of creative collaboration. And it's the collision of different disciplines that creates magic. They truly get it: The exchange of ideas across different creative fields is the whole damn game. They aren't just selling art; they're stirring the pot and letting the sparks fly. They took a simple concept and gave it personality, and in art, that's everything. See you next year!

Ezra Collective's No One's Watching Me with Olivia Dean has really grabbed my attention, even though it was released a year ago. I've been playing it at least twice a day for a straight week. Maybe it's the tune, the rhythm, or the words—I just know it's a total earworm. This song is a rare blend of mellow and energetic. The secret is that killer horn opening, which immediately establishes a contagious, upbeat vibe that carries through the entire track. Olivia's smoky, soulful vocals then glide over the music, adding a touch of pure sultry goodness. The track is held together by a fantastic, steady backbeat that never lets up, even during the impressive trumpet solo. The London quintet's Afrobeat-infused style really shines here, propelled by a funky bassline and gentle synth keys. The interplay between the intermittent horn flourishes and Dean's voice is absolutely perfect. It's a truly masterful and vibrant arrangement.

If you follow contemporary art, you know the name Simon Berger . This distinctive artist should have been on my blog sooner—my apologies for the oversight, but I’m fixing that right now. Simon literally draws with a hammer. He uses concentrated, surgical blows to create stunning portraits in safety glass, where the resulting cracks become the lines and shadows. It’s the ultimate high-wire act: he's one wrong tap away from turning a masterpiece into expensive debris. The Swiss genius might have started his career with wood, but you know artists get restless. Now, his process is pretty neat: He begins with a simple model photo, transfers the outlines onto a large glass panel, and meticulously marks the areas he’ll refine. Then comes the tricky part: he uses his hammer to carefully crack the surface, meticulously transforming the sheet of glass into an incredible portrait. WATCH: Scroll down to see more of Simon's fascinating glass art, and follow him on Facebook to keep up with ...

The winners of the Nikon Small World photo contest have been announced , showcasing truly breathtaking talent under the lens. For over fifty years, this competition has masterfully blended scientific technique with artistry, giving us an unparalleled view into the hidden biome around us. These aren't just macro photos; they are stunning, hyper-detailed portraits that transform ordinary, overlooked specks—from microscopic invertebrates to plant architecture—into monumental subjects. They prove that the greatest jungles often exist in the smallest spaces. This year’s top prize goes to Zhang You from China. His winning image is a perfectly timed and illuminated shot of a rice weevil perched on a grain. With its wings fully extended, the humble insect looks less like a pest and more like an armored shuttle preparing for an epic interplanetary battle. Below are some of my favorites. After seeing these phenomenal close-ups, you'll never look at a speck of dust or a houseplant the sam...