Darci Kistler, a ballerina with the New York City Ballet, retired Sunday. This how I'd like to retire. In amazing shape, being showered with rose petals and loud applause. She is 46 and has been dancing for 30 years. At 16, she was hired and trained by famed choreographer George Balachine. She is the last "Balachine ballerina" to retire.
One dance in her last performance Sunday was with Charles Akegard, above. Here's a small world story. I danced with him (well, not with him, with him--in the same production) of the The Nutcracker one year when I was in the Southold Dance Theater back in South Bend! He was one of the guest artists.
(And P.S. he's married to Sex and the City writer/creator Candace Bushnell! She is the real life "Carrie Bradshaw".)
If you ever watch the 1993 movie The Nutcracker, Darci Kistler is the Sugar Plum Fairy. Watch her in action below! Beautiful...
I just read an article in the The New York Times Home & Garden section about Sandra Foster (that's her above) and her adorable Victorian cottage that sits on the land she and her husband own in the Catskills.
It's her own little retreat--with a shabby chic, all white look that's right up my alley. And this little slideshow gives you a good peek inside.
After you see the pictures --and the one of her above looking oh-so-cute in her pink wellies-- you will crack up reading about her husband and the 70's-era trailer home they share nicknamed the "groove tube".
In writing about her husband, the author offers up one of the best descriptions of a person I've ever read:
"Mr. Foster, 51, is a man whose chest gives the impression that he has to go through doors sideways."
I also love that Sandra says through tough times "Her solace was listening to the band Rush and gardening,..."
To each his own! What a great little story. Read it here.
If you need your own solace, here's a little Rush.
Yes! Just a day after my post about the Pretty in Pink--we found it on vinyl for less than $2! I love Half-Price Books on Vinyl Friday. (20% off!) Wild times.
My cousin Colleen in North Carolina recently provided me with some of her must-read titles for my summer reading list.
(Another post for another day!)
She asked me for some music recommendations. So I'm continuing the Cousin Audio-Visual Club here because it's always better to take a listen than just read about music! And "all of you"***--whoever that may--- be can enjoy the wisdom of musical taste. :)
1) Wolf Parade Expo 86
This one's not actually out yet, but will be soon. Edited to add: It's now out! However, I happen to know it is good all the way through!And I will be seeing them at Pitchfork Music Fest next month--hooray!
Here's a link where you can download two tracks.
2) Phosphorescent Here's to Taking it Easy
First of all--what better title for summer. It's got a little alt-country flavor. Put it on and listen all the way through. My favorites: We'll be Here Soon and The Mermaid Parade. Here's a review that gives it justice.
3) Sleigh Bells Treats
At first listen I wasn't that into Sleigh Bells, but now I've had it on repeat. Roll down your windows and jam to Rill Rill, my favorite track by far.
(Plus, I gotta love a cool rocker chick with cool rocker chick bangs!)
These guys are Swedish and I guess have been around for a bit. This album sounds familiar but totally different. Example: Heaven'S on Fire. Again, good all the way through! Always a plus in my book. More here.
5) Pretty in Pink soundtrack
Yes. A retro pick! And I will mention that Matt downloaded this one. It's held up well from 1986. A little OMD with "If You Leave" and "Pretty in Pink" from Psychedelic Furs.
Seriously though, that dress was never cute.
Take a listen to all at playlist.com . Couldn't get it to embed here... but this is the link!
Just a cool bonus video from Vampire Weekend as an homage to cousins !
***(I use the term "all of you" loosely. Hi, Reed. Hi, Matt. Hi, Mom)
Yes. This is awesome. I always loved Tom Colicchio on Top Chef but now he's getting extra points for showing up at Bonneroo---catching some Jay-Z. Tom, you don't have to pack your knives and go.
I love the guy in the left of the picture. He's like..."Is that the guy from Top Chef? Hmm...I think it is him."
Didn't see any pictures of Padma. (Sorry, Matt.)
I think Tom is probably in an Empire State of Mind....
(all the Bonneroo videos I found were awful quality so this is the real video.)
And if I'm not mistaken, Top Chef DC starts tonight on Bravo! Hooray!
Ladies and gentleman, Mr. Burt Bacharach....(I wanted to find that Austin Powers clip but never came across it. Bummer)
Anyways, just added this Burt Bacharach tribute album All Kinds of People Love Burt Bacharach to my itunes. Good stuff. Jim O'Rourke's tribute album features Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Glenn Kotche of Wilco and others. Songs you already know---with a makeover.
Check out (There's) Always Something There to Remind Me below.
***EDITED TO ADD:
Glee will be airing from the start of season 1 on Thursdays on Fox!
Check local listings :)
I'm nerding out or (Glee-king) out that tonight is the season finale of Glee! If you aren't watching this show, get on Netflix or go to Blockbuster (if anyone still actually does that) and get season 1 on DVD
If you think it's a teen show...see below.
That's Matthew Morrison...aka Mr. Shue on the show in a photo shoot featured in Vogue. See, something for everyone!
Plus--great singing and dancing. I often sing along with the show. And I'm not embarrassed to admit. (embarrassed for anyone to hear me...yes. But admitting, it no. Set your dvr's and pray for reruns if you haven't watched yet. :)
I have been reading this book for I don't know how long. I think there was snow on the ground when I first cracked it open. I'm posting about it here for accountability. I will finish this tome. It is 817 very detailed pages about John Lennon. I'm on page 630. The Beatles are just about to break up and Yoko's weird influence is in full swing! They haven't moved to New York just yet... but you know.. there's not much left to the story.
I loved early on when it talked about the Teddy Boy movement of the 50's. John was a real Ted. Wearing "drainies" (aka skinny jeans/pants) and slicked back hair and a wild attitude. It was also very Edwardian, with tailored suits and ties.
I have shown my love of the band The National here.. and here...but now I am beyond excited because they are coming here to Louisville this September! Yesss! Of all the bands we've seen/are seeing, I wanted to see them the most. I was bummed practically all of their summer tour is in Europe, but now they've come to their senses and are coming back to the Midwest! Hooray, my night is made!!
Above you can watch them playing in a castle**... but soon they will be playing here!!
***See that front row? See that sixth row---that's where I will be this fall!
See you in September boys!
**I recommend hitting the full screen icon for maximum enjoyment!
***Edited to add: We got sixth row! Not too shabby!
