Serendipity = 2NE1 A bit of loveliness and soul from Korea

Serendipity is a propensity for making fortunate discoveries while looking for something unrelated, and is one of my very favorite experiences.

On my Google home page I have a wee You Tube window which led me to a GREAT-looking, Goth-ie video of a really lovely, soulful song by whom I assume (grammar police required?) is a Korean pop group - 2NE1. That led me to this live performance of the same song "It Hurts", which led to much chair dancing, and smiling and delight.

The non-performance video is gorgeous and darkly sweet as well.

So, as your occasional music explorer, I recommend sitting back and enjoying 2NE1.

As always, please click on the YouTube window to get the full view screen.

SPACE DEBRIS Monitoring Satellite Set to Launch

The Huffington Post/AP - 09.22.2010

The Space-Based Space Surveillance satellite was scheduled to launch on July 8, but it was grounded by concerns about software in the Minotaur IV rocket and a problem in the rocket's electronics.

Officials said there were no problems in the satellite itself.

It's designed to give the Air Force its first full-time, space-based surveillance of satellites and debris in Earth's orbit. It monitors them for possible collisions.

Launch will be at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. A command center at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., will oversee day-to-day operations once in orbit.

As renderings of orbital debris show, the Space-Based Space Surveillance satellite has its work cut out for it.




An early 'green' concern of mine was about the debris we humans leave in space.

What colossal arrogance!

So on a somber (with wee pinch of science geekery) note I share this event announcement with you.

When I began to see renderings of what this space flotsam might look like (as in these renderings) I was horrified and fascinated Now, they're sending up a monitoring satellite and we will get to see what exactly is up there. For better or worse.

A Song For Saturday - Ceelo

I haven't posted in quite awhile, but this (and the fact that a good friend talked me into a Facebook page and I've been referring folks to my blog) has inspired me.

Love the Mowtown-y Vibe and the sentiment...lol

I suggest you click on the image (or the post title) to get the full-screen version on YouTube. Otherwise you can't see all the lyrics and they are fabulous!

Speak German? Translation please?

I know the Felina brand of Lingerie, but what the hell is this little film?

Too long/too early for a TV ad? Corporate film about the wonders of structured undergarments? Potential fetish film? It reminds me a little of the German "Nature" films from pre-Nazi Germany, where everyone is strong and blonde and UBER healthy, looking toward tomorrow's skies.

When was it made -- 1950's? Why does he keep smoothing his mustache (smelling his finger?...ewww.) Courtesy of Jezebel ALWAYS a terrific source :))

Anyone who can tell me more gets a fabulous prize!! heh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLg_3XyXAyc&feature=player_embedded

Man Gift Supreme! Etsy Scores Again

Clever solution to the gift-idea challenged. Particularly cool for menfolk methinks.

An Etsy vendor provides the solution:

You email them with a photo and simple specs and they create a "stuffed animal" version of...er...whomever you wish.

Great idea I think for the unsufferably egotistical, as for anyone else...and they can be TOUGH to buy for.. heh.

You could do something significantly creepier by having dolls of yourself, at various ages, locales or whatever.

My imaginations' juicing up, so I leave it to yours.

Carnival in Rio!!!

The "twirling salads" are in fact:

Members of Unidos da Tijuca samba school perform during carnival celebrations at the Sambodrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.

And, if you've never seen it, each samba "school" passes through the Sabadrome to parade their costumes and party like it's going to be Lent!


To give you an idea of the scope of the venue, check this out:

What Are These?

At first look I thought...little fast food salads.

Incorrect.

Take a shot?

Hint: Almost Lent!

Magical Performance by PINK at the 2010 Grammy Awards

My intent for this blog was to give, in my humble opinion, snippets, morsels and sometimes whole menus of what touches me, makes me laugh, roils my passions, or inspires awe and wonder....no matter what the subject. Just things I'd like to share.

Lately I seem to be sharing video. Call me visual.

This one caught me off guard -- Although the first hour of the Grammy Awards (recording industry awards - all kinds of music) rocked, hard. Try following full-blown production numbers by Beyonce, Lady Gaga & Elton John, etc.

Pink is never someone I paid much attention to. I knew who she was and had heard a few tunes over the years, but nothing ever grabbed me particularly.

Her performance on tonight's 2010 Grammy awards afforded me, and I'm sure many, many others, the knowledge that she can be an astounding performer. With the sweetest, most tender song Glitter in The Air she created a bit of magic with her...well, just watch by clicking on the bar above.

Update 02.02 - They took it off YouTube of course, even though it was credited to CBS...aaaargh, sorry.

Got it again! -- click on the Magical Performance title and be transported :))

Music from Brazil on a Sunday Afternoon -- Perfect!

I came across this Brazilian blog "Rede Blogs Do Araripe" one day when I was searching for...um...something. This site plays a local Araripe, Brazil radio Station "Radio Chapada Do Araripe" with some of the greastest Brazilian music, consistently, I've heard in a long time.

I feel like I've found a treasure. I've loved the music of Brazil since I had a Brazilian room-mate in school who turned me onto Brazilian pop and jazz. IN. LOVE. from then on. THEN her Dad took us to see the incredible Stan Getz. Amazing!



So, check out this internet radio station. I swear. It's fantastic.

A little Brazilian imagery to get you in the mood?

An Antidote to Snow!!

From the delightful Desire To Inspire blog comes this oh-my-gawd-the-PERFECT-private-low maintenance-get-away-from-it-all-spot in sunny Australia.

For those blanketed with snow right now, here's some SERIOUS daydream fodder.

Enjoy :))))

The old adage is true especially if this "fisherman's shack" is in your price range. OMG the view, the boathouse, the wonderful retro vibe of the main house. If you buy this for $4 million (yes! that's not a typo) please spend a little more on the interiors (or employ a better photographer AND a stylist for the next photo shoot) to make the dream complete. I can tell you I won't be the new owner! Just a little too out of my price range. Link here while it lasts.

This post has been brought to you by sunny Australia where it's warm and wonderful. Sorry all those under a blanket of thick wet snow. I'm so cruel ;)

Walken Does Ga Ga - The Perfect Way To Say HAPPY NEW YEAR

My pseudo blog of late? BO-R-R-R-I-N-G...I know and I apologize.

But allow me to make amends and share with you one of my favorite things from the year past

The insanely funny -- in my book -- and that's the point isn't it?

Christopher Walken reading Lady Ga-Ga's Pokerface on the BBC:





Most sincerely...

...In the spirit of watching a new year born, let us relax divisiveness, suck hatred off all of us afflicted and blow it all to hell...literally...and let peace be nurtured
and cared for
and taught.

Happy New Year my friends, et al.