Happy Birthday, Jennifer Garner!

On this day in 1972, actress Jennifer Garner entered the world in Houston, Texas. She's the daughter of a retired English teacher (her mother) and a retired chemical engineer (her father). She initially intended to follow in her father's professional footsteps, but as she began her studies at university, the love of the stage she'd had since childhood overtook her and she switched to studying acting.

Garner first appeared on screen in 1995, with small role in a start-studded Danielle Steele adaptation, "Zoya" and spent the rest of the '90s playing bit parts and supporting roles in TV series, as well as in films for both the small and big screens. Her first major television role came on the dramatic series "Alias" in 2001, and for the past two decades her star has done nothing but rise. 

We celebrate Garner's birthday with a few pictures taken of her over her over three decades she's spent in front of cameras (so far)!

Happy birthday, Shu Qi!

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.

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, but among the Chinese it is considered a lucky number that indicates that a person is "destined to prosper".

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.

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".

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! 

Fanny Friday!

Fanny Friday

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.

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.

 

International Dance Day is coming...

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

Will she be ready by April 29? Time will tell!