This post has absolutely no relation to the holiday season. But because I am an avid gardener, there is never a bad time to be thinking about spring and the bounty of new seeds. Each year I am trying to be a more conscious nurturer of the earth and harvesting seeds to share with others. I am sure I have shared Seed Savers down in IA who has a whole mission to preserve heirloom varieties and endless vaults of historic seeds stored. The idea of seed sharing is becoming increasing popular just like recipe sharing or book clubs. Take what you have and spread it around.
Duluth - organic and granola city that it is, has even used the local library system to support this sharing. That is until Dec. 1st when it was shit down by the MN Dept of Agriculture. The reason given is that the seeds are not formally tested prior to distribution. This same department regulates the selling of seeds which is circumspect in my mind. I understand permits et al. But this is ultimately about sharing with other like minds and I don't see the conflict overflowing into the commercial sector. Every year I give small handfuls of my garden to family. Or pass roots off to a neighbor who is wanting some of my fabulous colors. Is this a violation of state horticulture? What about the seeds I purchase through a local garden center - am I entitled to a full refund if any those seeds do not emerge? Steve Malone from the State says that normally batches of 400 seeds are tested. Is this really necessary for library patrons that are bringing in packets of 25-50 seeds? Another example of bureaucracy.
Not really Christmas related, but something for these long winter solstice nights. In the Dutch town of Eindhoven, artist Daan Roosegaarde has paid homage
to its most famous resident, Vincent Van Gogh, by creating a glowing
bike path that relies on solar-powered LED light. The half-mile walking and bike path is lit by 1000s of tiny solar powered lights that emulate the impressionist works of the painter. Beautiful swirls of shattered indigo and turquoise bursts of color on the foot path. Another small item to put on the travel Bucket List.
Many of my close friends know that I have always had a thing for the Osmonds; particularly Donny over as many years. I have been an avid fan for decades and watched him emerge as teen superstar, into pop-soul singer, then a theater junkie in Joseph, and back to his television stints as host of his own show and $10,000 Pyramid. (I did not tune in to see his triumph on Dancing With the Stars) His 2 holiday discs are the first to come back into rotation this time of year. His voice is still tops and I admire his cynical humor that has dodged tireless bullets.
I saw this great article in the Washington Post that reflects back on the team of Donny & Marie as they continue their 6 year run in Las Vegas. It seems genuine and sincere with a learned perspective. I admire them for never selling out and defying odds of their squeaky clean image that still haunt them to this day. I'd gladly buy a ticket to their show and be widely entertained. Until then - check out his solo holiday disc which is great for some fireside festive cheer.
In anticipation of the Peter Pan Live on NBC; it is likely to amass just as much scrutiny and smearing as last year's poor Carrie Underwood in the Sound of Music. I'm not quite sure if I will be tuned in for it.
But here's some money's worth for it delivered by the delightful Jane Krakowski in a parody for Funny or Die. It is part Jenna from 30 Rock in desperation as she models her Tony Award, dons a ridiculous accent, snorts fairy dust and attempts to fly off of a folding chair. Only hoping that the actual show is this entertaining.
New York green space news... Although it will certainly not be there when I arrive this week. But fabulous things have been happening in Lowertown Mahanttan over the last decades with the revitalized Battery Park and the High Line walkway. Now another mammoth structure comes in this Hudson River Pier Park. Between Piers 54 & 56, there will emerge a lovely park on top of the water covering 2.7 acres. Largely financed by a foundation formed by the billionaire couple Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg.
The development pics look like something from a tropical island planted in the canals of Venice. The entire park would be supported by 300 mushroom shaped columns. A huge park lawn, an amphitheater and an additional small stage would make it a huge summer destination... and also not interfere with the bass marine sanctuary surrounding it. I think it looks fantastic and will look forward to seeing it on a future trip.
In case ANYONE hasn't hear yet. Jeff and I are off to the Big Apple next week for the Macy's Parade and Thanksgiving. I have seen the event a few times before live and grew up marching in parades all over the country. But it has always been a Bucket List item to be IN the Macy's Parade. How very lucky that my old alma mater the Madison Scouts are celebrating their 75th and leading Santa into Herald Square this year. It has been 6 months in the planning, but now that the uniform has arrived, tickets are bought and a schedule on the calendar - the reality check is setting in.
If you are watching at home please stay tuned until the very end. I am fortunate to have a great drill slot in the front row center, so chances are good that you will catch me at least for a short glimpse as we enter. If you are in NYC, take the risk and venture out as it points to great weather that weekend. I am hoping that we get the total experience and are able to watch many of the balloons and celebrities pass in front of us as we wait to step off.
I have posted their work in the past. They are the epitome of catchy pop music which I love! But they have started a brand of incredible intricate music videos that go along with each release. They are always a mastery of a conveyor belt acrobatics that are shot in one continuous take from beginning to end. Their art director must have multiple degrees in quantum physics as well as drum corps drill writing. Here is their latest called "I Won't Let You Down" shot somewhere on a campus location in Japan with new techno motor scooters by Honda. Clever at first and mind boggling by the end! Give these guys a short film Oscar as this far outshines the music video genre.
I saw this great article in the Washington Post that reflects back on the team of Donny & Marie as they continue their 6 year run in Las Vegas. It seems genuine and sincere with a learned perspective. I admire them for never selling out and defying odds of their squeaky clean image that still haunt them to this day. I'd gladly buy a ticket to their show and be widely entertained. Until then - check out his solo holiday disc which is great for some fireside festive cheer.
But here's some money's worth for it delivered by the delightful Jane Krakowski in a parody for Funny or Die. It is part Jenna from 30 Rock in desperation as she models her Tony Award, dons a ridiculous accent, snorts fairy dust and attempts to fly off of a folding chair. Only hoping that the actual show is this entertaining.
If you are watching at home please stay tuned until the very end. I am fortunate to have a great drill slot in the front row center, so chances are good that you will catch me at least for a short glimpse as we enter. If you are in NYC, take the risk and venture out as it points to great weather that weekend. I am hoping that we get the total experience and are able to watch many of the balloons and celebrities pass in front of us as we wait to step off. 