Manhattan in 1920 Through the Eyes of Charles Sheeler

Charles Sheeler

I was totally mesmerized by this video.  A friend sent it to me.  I had no idea when I started to watch that it was not just a video, but a wonderful time machine that could transport me back to the Manhattan of 1920 with all its vibrant optimism and self confidence.  You can virtually see industrial progress unfolding in every frame as everyday people go about their everyday, 1920 New York lives.

It's a silent film, with  rather poetic titles scattered through the footage that add to the beauty of the piece.  It is a real artistic gem-- the only film ever made by  American painter and photographer  Charles Sheeler, who is better known for his pioneering architectural photographs and  masterful precisionist paintings.  It was done in collaboration with his photographer and filmaker friend, Paul Strand, a major 20th century force in  getting photography recognized as an art form. NO wonder it is such a work of genius.

It's An Angry Bird Christmas

updated for Christmas 2012

The Ultimate Angry Bird Christmas

Wouldn't an Angry Birds Christmas tree decorated with hand-crafted ornaments from Etsy sellers just be the best?  Here you go.  There's a wide variety to choose from.  Here are a few of my faves-- some are left over from previous years, others are brand new additions. All can be found online and I've provided links ( mostly to Etsy stores) for your shopping convenience....Merry Christmas fellow Angry Bird addicts.

Wooden Angry Bird Ornaments

Hand painted, personalized heart shaped wooden ornaments are only $4.00 each(plus shipping from Ohio).  I think a whole tree full of them would be great. Or, have them made up to use as personalized gift tags. They are adorable and the price is certainly right  Order now from Heavenly Designs on Etsy.

Origami Angry Birds

Or what about origami angry bird paper ornaments, artfully folded into yes, you guessed it -- angry birds?  Aren't these wonderful?  Perfect as tree ornaments and useful all year round as table decorations,  party favors or whatever. Check them out at myorigamiandyours on Etsy

 Four Felt Angry Bird Ornaments

Set of four hand crafted felt Angry Birds, lightly padded with polyester filling and ready for your tree.  Made in Australia and 10 AUD plus shipping the set.  That's about 10.75 USD.  Check out the details at tenlittlefingers1 on Etsy

Classic Christmas Globe, Angry Bird Style

You are definitely going to want several of these for your Angry Birds Tree-- hand painted classic Christmas globes that personify your favorite birds-- wish they did the piggies too.  You could always ask.  At $9.00 each these babies are a bit pricey but definitely worth it.  Check them out at the aptly named Etsy shop, Just Balls

Birds and Piggies at Target

 Just in case you are into mass produced ornaments and want to check out Angry Birds at the Mall, Target has these babies-- birds and piggies at a price that lets you decorate a whole big tree with them. Go ahead.. You know you want to.

Yoda Treetopper

While,sadly, there is still no Angry Birds treetopper anywhere to be found ( I searched again this year) there is always Yoda with lightsaber, which is definitely not a bad way to go. I continue to recommend him as a compatable addition to your Angry Birds tree

 Merry Christmas and may the force be with you .

A Maxine Thanksgiving Moment

Happy Thanksgiving everybody.  Have a tranquil and serene day and don't let the turkeys get you down.

H/T to  The Essence of Home  for the great Maxine cartoon moment.

The Lighter Side of OWS and a Dog Named Frenchie

Frenchie is a stylishly dressed French bull dog who  may or may not be part of the 1%, but who clearly stands with the 99%. downtown at the Occupy Wall Street camp.

His conversation with a police horse has gone viral in the past few days.  No wonder. It lightens the load a lot.  Go Frenchie !

Down on The Content Farm

One picture is worth a million " content farm" words, which is why Google needed  Panda update in the first place.   It seems to be doing the trick.  Is there a bit less drivel online these days, or is it just my imagination?

Texting At Your Own Wedding

I love smart phones, but I admit I am a real stick in the mud when it comes to people talking and texting in restaurants and at social gatherings. It strikes me as really rude.  But texting while waiting for your father to walk you down the aisle at your own wedding?  That is just over the top.

I wonder if the newlyweds caught in this video will be texting each other from opposite sides of the nuptual bed on their honeymoon.. The possibilities here are just too funny.  Where is SNL when you need them.  The video below was shot by a professional wedding photographer who posted it on YouTube and had this to say about it.

"This is part of a wedding video I shot in August 2008 at the Mission Beach Women's Club in San Diego, CA. It was otherwise perfectly normal except for this one funny clip of the bride TEXTING just after her dad walked her down the isle! At one point, I noticed her doing it through my lens and I had to pull away form the camera to make certain I was seeing what I thought I was seeing. The minister was busy reading his opening comments and her back was to everyone in attendance. I was the only one to see her. Her dad glanced over at her and then saw me doing a double take and began to laugh out loud! You can see him doing it in the clip. Totally funny!"

I think it is totally funny too. Don't you?