Its funny how silly little memes and pics can spark your enthusiasm in things. Skeptical? Think of all the random "Call Me Maybe" covers and remember all the "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) YouTube videos? For some reason these just make you love or (for some dull folk) hate the song even more.
When I saw this hilarious picture below last week it was no exception.
Not only did it make me nearly crap myself laughing, it also reminded me just how much I love Florence and the Machine - the band of course! My helper's name is Cynthia and I do love her for all she does to keep our abode clean - it reminded me of that too!:)
But back to the band, I actually went out of my way to listen to more of their music and am certainly not sorry! I found this new track of theirs below. It is a track from the latest flick "Snow White and The Huntsman". Breathtaking!
They should totally use that picture as an album cover! haha
So what might the two have in common you might ask? Well probably a lot more than you would think and I care to research... lets not get sidetracked!
Spending two weeks in Europe is one of the best times I have had in my entire (albeit short) life. I will post some stories and pictures very soon. Although I feel that none of the photos do any of the splendid places I saw any justice, probably because unlike my sister I am a terrible photgrapher!
Onto antique the antique radio then, as I am sure you must be eagerly anticipating the explanation for this. Quite simply, where the telly in the lounge once was now sits this beautiful antique AEG Telefunken radio circa 1953.
Not only does it look marvelous, but it also fits in with our redecorating plans which will hopefully keep me distracted from my bon voyage European blues.
With the mega success of Lana Del Rey's signature single, Video Games, it is natural that the covers would start to emerge.
Not often do I find a genre bending cover of a song that actually works for me. Linkin Park's cover of Rolling in The Deep felt like a fluke to be honest. Needless to say I was pleasently surprised when I heard the Video Games cover by The Young Professionals.
Being an electro pop / rock band, The Young Professionals certainly shifted the original tempo, adding in synths and fast and heavy drum beats. It still maintains the "good feeling" but adds the head bopping radio friendly element.
The inclusion of the subtle video game sound effects is pretty rad too!
Can you name a taleneted soccer player? Not much of a challenge hey (even I can name a handful)
But, can you name a talented male ballet dancer?
Tokisho Honda, who runs the Petit Oasis Foundation, might be able to give a few names.
A platform for boys with an interest in ballet, the Petit Oasis ballet program is located in Santa Monica, California and was established in 2006. The program runs numerous auditions to search for promising young male ballet dancers. Those that make the program are provided with quality training and even scholarships to develop their talent and ready them for greater opportunities at premier dancing academies.
Not only are the young men provided with quality training, they are nurtured in a positive environment, offering support and encouragement. Having a gift, as a male ballet dancer is one thing, facing the ridicule and stigmas attached to this art as a male performer is another. I truly wonder if people understand the strength and discipline that are required for this dance form.
This story inspires me in that; despite being in the face of adversity, there are people like Toshiko who will believe in you and motivate you to work harder. Even if you are not sure where your dreams will take you, the journey can be spectacular.
For more information about the Petit Oasis Foundationclick here.
Ok... so I might be a little late with this post. In my defence I have been meaning to share my latest obsession for sometime now.
It all started with Video Games towards the end of 2011. The haunting, mid-tempo track embodies a sincerity of hope and sadness that is as rare as an autone-free Ke$ha track. This surprise hit caught the attention of many with the music video, which she directed and shot herself, having garnered over 1,703,379 views on YouTube to date.
On the brink of exploding onto the commercial scene, Lana Del Rey who captures a sense of old school Hollywood, is not quite indie or pop either...sounds a bit like Nancy Sinatra but more haunting. But with such interesting talent is it even necessary to categorise? What is clear though is her embodiment of a similar allure and talent as surprise artists such as Adele. Perhaps there is hope of a successful new genre yet.
Flash in the pan? You might be thinking... well, possibly. The music industry is such that you are successful based on the perception of success. Could it be that artists such as Adele have begun to pave the way to change this perception? Certainly with material such as Born To Die, the second single of the debut album of the same name due out later this month, it does indicate that there is promise.
Take a peek at Video Games and Born To Die to decide for yourself. Also included is a live performance of Video Games.
Peace icon Desmond Tutu, Skoonheid actor Charlie Keegan and UCT Rugby captain Nick Fenton lend their voices to the fantastic campaign.
Already a major project in the USA, "It Gets Better" aims to build awareness about the struggles faced by LGBT youth and to prevent suicides among this group by conveying a message that things do in fact 'Get Better'. With a vast number of infamous endorsements from among others, Hilary Clinton, Nicki Minaj, Barrack Obama and Katy Perry, the campaign has certainly gained momentum and reached a wide audience.
It is so wonderful to see South Africa embrace the campaign, especially being such a diverse country. Although the South African constitution is a remarkable backbone for the LGBT community in this country, it is unfortunate that we are still far from reaching the pinnacle of where we should be. It will always be a social struggle and the LGBT youth need to know that there is acceptance... that there is a place for them in this society. We need to hear from our icons, our leaders and celebrities. We need to hear that "It Gets Better".
