Obama time

Los Angeles - 12:45pm

Blog Action Day 2008 : "The Beggars Song"

I always go from gate to gate,

soaked to the bone and all burned up;

All of a sudden I'll lay my right ear

in my right hand

Then my own voice sounds to me

as if I had never known it.

Then I don't know for sure,

who it is that's screaming

me or just somebody else.

I'm screaming about next to nothing, really.

Poets scream about more.

Finally, I close my face

with both eyes shut;

which looks as if it's in my hands

with its whole weight, and resting.

That's so that they don't think 

I don't have a proper place,

to lay down my head.

~ Rainier Maria Rike, The Beggars Song, excerpt from The Voices, translated by Cliff Crego

Many of the blogs I read are participating in this today.  Here are a few of my favorites: Pia, Hidden In France and My Sister's In Darfur.

Are You In?

One of my fave bloggers, the lovely Pia, made me aware of this.  Next Wednesday October 15 is Blog Action Day.  This year's subject is Poverty.

Click on this link to find out more.  Also don't forget to register your blog.  This has a "hands around the world" feeling.  You don't have to be a writer to be a part of it all.  Even taking the time, to be involved, is enough.

The US, where I live, is one of the richest countries in the world and yet 12% of the population live below the poverty line.  This site brings it all back into perspective.

Scary storytelling

I can't vote as I'm a resident "alien" but I have lived in the US for more than 18 years.  I'm very interested in this election.  Its a monumental time that will go down in history.   

I have one question: why was John McCain speaking in hushed tones, last night at the debate.   It was like he was telling a very scary story to a group of school children.

Day 3 - POUL KJAERHOLM

"I consider steel a material with the same artistic merit as wood and leather"

Graduated from Copenhagen's Schooel of Arts and Crafts in 1952.  He designed furniture primarily for E. Kold Christensen but also did a few designs for Fritz Hansen.

Best known for the "PK25" chair. Its minimal steel structure combined with a thin wicker seat. 

He won many awards for this inventive design.

"PK20" chair.

"PK61" coffee table.  Satin finish stainless steel with tempered glass.

What really fascinates me about him, is he had two very different modes of design.  The architectural ie. the PK 25 chair, sometimes made with cane, canvas or leather, and the more sculptural forms like the PK20 chair and the PK9 chair (not shown) which was more like artwork.

Fritz Hansen took over the manufacturing rights for most of his work, although PP Mobler also has some of Kjaerholm's designs in production.  Precise manufacturing is required for his work, so the prices are HIGH!

All images: Courtesy of Fritz Hansen

Mulligatawny anyone ?

As the song goes, "It Never Rains In Southern California" - well today it did.  Sort of, for maybe an hour.  Enough for puddles.  Was also a little chilly for LA standards.  I know, I know.....its not like we live in the Arctic here but its great to have even a small seasonal change.

Got me thinking about SOUP.  I came across this amazing website "Vintage Recipes".  One recipe is more enticing than the last.  Not only covering vintage food recipes.  Buts there's recipes for Acid Salt - to remove ink stains, although I must admit, it initially sounded a little more sinister.  Here's another:  Thieves' Vinegar, invented by 4 London thieves in 1665.  It supposedly warded off the plague.  The thieves were able to remain in the city, and loot, while others were fleeing.

Think I'll start with the Mullatawny Soup, and go from there.  

Image: from foodireland.com.

Day 2 - NANNA DITZEL

"Beauty is a superpower that should not be underestimated"

Born in Copenhagen, Nanna initially trained as a cabinetmaker.  She was interested in obscure shapes, strange curves and continued to focus on those throughout her career.  

Not only a furniture designer for adults and children, she also designed jewelry, interiors, and fabric.  Many of her designs including her award-winning Hallingdal fabrics, can still be seen in airports, hospitals and houses around the world.

"Hanging chair" - probably her best known designs worldwide.  There have been many imposter designs, but none can match the perfect simplicity of the original.

"Sausage" chair.  

Many of her pieces were made with rattan, fiberglass, foam rubber and textiles.  I love the fact that she designed furniture for children.  Even now, there is very little groovy nursery and toddler furniture.  Nanna's designs became very popular in the '50's and '60's especially the toadstool table (not that I was alive then).

I love the idea of the Egg Chair but I have never really been that comfortable relaxing in one. I'm always afraid that either the chain is going to break, or its going to pull out of the ceiling.

Day 1 - CINI BOERI

"When I propose something with a very new shape in a new use....it's a very big joy"

Best known for her looser, freeing living.  Sofas made out of polyurethane foam, furniture from bent glass.  Her shapes were and are, revolutionary even now.  Its no wonder why pieces designed by Cini Boeri appeared in the 1982 film Bladerunner.

In this photo, Cini is sitting in her infamous "Ghost" chair.  Designed in collabration with fellow designer Tomu Katayanagi.  Made from a single piece of toughened 12 millimeter-thick glass.
 

"Bobo Divano" sofa.  Released by Artflex in 1967.  This became the first mono-block seat/chair/sofa with no internal structure.  Completely ahead of her time.

This is from the "Strips" line of furniture from 1972.  As you can see vaguely from the photo, there are huge visible zippers which makes the upholstery easy to remove.  The cover can be used as a duvet, if necessary!

"Lunario" desk/dining table.  Two-part weighted, with a chromed steel base with interior weights to support the tempered glass top.  How ingenious.

Cini is now in her '80's but hasn't slowed down.  She has taught at various universities around the world, and in 2007 she released an aluminium shelving system called To the Wall.

Cini Boeri's pieces are still readily available.  The smaller pieces start at $3,000. 

I'm in love with so many pieces.  Everyone has their passions and mine is this modular furniture - so stylish!   

20 Iconic Designers In 20 Days

One of my many design addictions is furniture.  So we're going on a journey: 20 Iconic Designers (in my opinion) in 20 Days.

Starting with Cini Boeri.

So pack your virtual bags and I'll see you tomorrow..........

The Getty Museum

My sweet little sister at 1:00pm - 91 degrees in the shade!

Amy McDonald - "Mr Rock And Rock"

A Man's (and Woman's) House is Their Castle........

"My house to me is like a castle" ~ Sir William Stanford, Les Ples del Coron (1567)

"Our law calleth a man's house, his castle, meaning that he may defend himself therein" ~ William Lanbarde, Eirenarcha (1588)

"Now one of the most essential branches of English liberty, is the freedom of one's house.  A man's house is his castle: and while he is quiet, he is well guarded as a prince in his castle".  ~ James Otis, U.S. Patriot (1725-1783), Argument against the writs of assistance, Boston, MA 1761

"The house of every man is to him his Castle and Fortresse, as well for his defense against injury and violence, as for his repose". ~ Sir Edward Coke, Seymayne's Case (1605).

Agreed - it is their castle, but to what extent? 

Early morning vices

Haven't written in a couple of days.  No sleep, dries up the creative juices in a way.  I am at the mercy of my neighbors, whose time schedule I am on.  I fall asleep in the spaces of time, when they allow me to.  I thought, perhaps this would be a good time to plow through my reading pile, to lull myself back into sleep mode.  My collection right now is finishing "A Town Like Paris" written by Bryce Corbett.  Its a funny book, so not the most suitable for early morning (1:00am) reading.  Its about an Australian guy who moves to Paris, writes about his observations.

Others are: Three Cups Of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, An Autobiography by Vanessa Redgrave, The Nasty Bits by Anthony Bourdain and The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan.

Thats quite a smattering across the literary board.  But then there's also flicking through the latest Gourmet magazine which is dedicated entirely to Paris.  Where you can eat for under $50! Best flea markets. Or the new Elle Decor.

Hoping we can get the continual noise situation worked out - don't understand why one household can wreck havoc with so many lives.  Maybe they will allow me to sneak in a nap!

Going to write on my sister's blog now...that will bring everything back into perspective............

Chris Burden sculpture

A collection of 200 restored streetlights at LACMA.

Re-Thinking The Whole Blogging Thing - Are You "Cyber-Cool" Enough........

It sounded like such a fun thing to be a part of, and research - 

"The Blogging World".

But I've realized very quickly there are barriers installed, at every turn.  Having read copious blogs over the last few years, I've realized, I am not the only one that feels like this.  This IS a popularity contest.  Its a popularity contest, where you have to prove you have something to offer, before being included.  There is a clique - its sort of weird really.  A cyber-clique.

How can it be a popularity contest when people are sharing their lives and thoughts.  Its almost vulgar really.  People's lives are being  judged.  Are you cool enough! How about a new, fresh perspective!

Hoping the experience gets better.  Thought the entertainment and fashion industries were intense, but "they're" a walk in the park, compared to this!

And yes, as a matter of fact, I am standing on a soap box, as I write this.  But I've got to be honest, and expose all this, for what I think it is. 

Cartoon courtesy of The New Yorker.

A Musical Interlude with Empire Of The Sun

Holly from Decor8 had the greatest idea - what are we all listening to right now....

Well I'm listening to Empire Of The Sun.  Sadly there's only one song right now - "Walking On A Dream".  This is their first single.  The album will be released in October.  A flash back to the '80's, with the Adam Ant make-up.  Can't wait for the entire album.

They are an Australian duo made up of the Sleepy Jackson's Luke Steele and PNAU's Nick Littlemore.  There's also a great video - if you're interested shot in Shanghai.

Long Beach Lobster Festival

Had never heard of the Long Beach Lobster Festival before.  My lovely friend Eddie, wanted to go and investigate.  

Its situated down by the Convention Centre in Long Beach, and by the time we got there, there weren't throngs of people.

I have to admit - I'm not a huge fan - I know many people who "ooh and arhhh" at the thought of lobster, dipped in butter (or butter substitute - which is even worst)

There was carnage everywhere and I can't even imagine, exactly how many lobster were shipped in and boiled, for the crowds.

I went for an Italian sausage hot dog with sauerkraut and grilled onions on a French roll.  Yes, very fitting for the "Lobster Festival".  I have an addiction to condiments so added ketchup, pickles and mustard.

Tried Funnel Cake for the first time served the old-fashioned way, just powdered sugar.  My friend P, once said to me "I would eat a chair, if it was deep-fried" and honestly, I agree.  The Funnel Cake was crunchy and fantastic.  Even got a little sugar high! 

It was all so delicious but knew as I was eating it that I was going to paying later - and I did.  My system must just be "too pure" as I woke up on Sunday morning with puffy eyes and the "dry horrors" (dehydrated).

All in all not the healthiest day, in the way of eating, but it was all so good!

The Movie Colony Hotel

Can't say enough great things about this hotel in Palm Springs.  And I haven't been pay to, either.  Originally designed by Albert Frey in the 1930's and 1940's, this boutique hotel has been completely revamped.  Its appeared in countless design magazines.

Everything has been taken care of, down to the tiniest detail.  Amazing linens on the beds, plush towels, free bikes (with wicker baskets) to ride into town, floaties in the pool.  Eames rockers and Nelson Marshmallow sofas to relax on.

Happy Hour starts at 4:00ish and ends whenever.  A choice of wine, and also a delicious fruity martini concoction, as well.  We were the only ones staying there, at one stage, and the owners served us our Happy Hour, as we lounged by the pool.  One tray, two glasses, a bottle of red, bottle of wine and peanuts.

Its said that Jim Morrison stayed here and jumped off the 2nd story townhouse balcony, into the pool.  (I can believe that).

Its situated about 5 minutes by bike, from the centre of Palm Springs.  So convenience.  If you're traveling there, anytime soon, stay here.  You won't be sorry.

The conscious Ebay

World of Good is Ebay's latest answer to showing the positive impact your purchases have on people and the planet.

My sister lives and works in Darfur.  She gave this basket to me when I saw her in March.  Its made by the Displaced Women living in the Sudan.  The workmanship is so beautiful and they have such pride in what they make.  

Take a look:  here

Re-Launch of Interview magazine

Have you seen it yet ?  The new "redesigned" Interview, actually has Kate Moss, on the cover.  The makeover debuted August 26. Its slightly larger, in size, to the old one - an inch to be exact.

Originally started by Andy Warhol and John Wilcock in 1969.  It swayed more to the cult of celebrity which was a favorite subject for Warhol.

Towards the end of his life, Warhol wasn't as hands on with the day-to-day at Interview - its now under the direction of Fabien Baron.  Baron is best known for his work with Madonna and her infamous "Sex" book.

Its a hefty one to lug around - more of a coffee table magazine but I loved it! 

 There's a great interview with Woody Allen.