American Airlines is taking doctors, nurses and EMT's to Haiti from NY for free. Please call 212-697-9767. Haiti is three hours from NYC and they need help desperately.
Text 'Yele' to 501501 to donate $5 to YELE HAITI. Post it as your status on facebook or your blog and get others to do the same. There should not be a person in your facebook News Feed who does not have a link to a relief effort tonight. Information is power... Peace and Power to Lionel and Constant Bernard. We are praying for you.
Saturday Update: Lionel and Constant Bernard evacuated safely to Florida. Your prayers have been greatly appreciated.
The world has lost a great legend... Michael Jackson has collapsed and died at his home in Holmby Hills, CA on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at the age of 50 from cardiac arrest. He was rushed to UCLA Medical Center close by where they tried their best to revive him but were not successful.
Michael was just at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Wednesday night rehearsing for his upcoming tour that was to begin in July. He was set for the biggest comeback ever with 50 sold out shows at the O2 arena in London. I'm sure you've all heard the tragic news, listened to his music throughout your life, and seen many of his music videos too. The Michael Jackson Music Video Library by Sony Music highlights his incredibly creative talent. The coverage of his passing has been non stop. It is very shocking and terribly sad.
Michael Jackson, seen below at a rehearsal, had reportedly been taking painkillers for several months as he struggled to get in shape for his comeback performances. Photo courtesy Daily News article "Desperate Michael Jackson 911 caller pleaded: 'a gentleman here that needs help, he's not breathing'" by Nancy Dillon in Los Angeles and Rich Schapiro and Corky Siemaszko in New York Daily News Staff Writers Updated Friday, June 26th 2009, 1:41 PM
While it is certainly not important in light of his life... I thought you might be interested in seeing some video and pics of the home he was renting home up in Holmby Hills since the main focus of my blog is Interior Design. I also found a video about the Michael Jackson Auction, which ultimately did not occur. All the videos shown are courtesy of You Tube. Elements of Style has also posted a fabulous tribute and Fashion Homage to Michael Jackson on her blog.
Michael Jackson's $100,000 A Month Rental was mentioned in Luxist by Deidre Woolard on December 23, 2008. You can read the brief article by clicking on the title above. To highlight the important parts... "Michael Jackson's been laying low in recent years but that may be about to change. TMZ reports that Jackson has leased himself a huge spectacle of a house in one of the most exclusive areas of Los Angeles, Holmby Hills. It is said that Jackson is paying an astounding $100,000 a month for the chateau style seven-bedroom home which was recently on the market for $38 million. The three-story Richard Landry designed home was built in 2002 and includes a library, theater room and wine cellar. There is also a pool and a guest house on the property.... "
Michael Jackson's New Crib reported by TMZ on December 22, 2008 "He's been teetering on the financial brink for years, yet we've learned somehow Michael Jackson has rented a home in one of the most exclusive areas of L.A. for a whopping $100,000 a month. The $38 million Holmby Hills pad has seven bedrooms, 13 baths, 12 fireplaces, a screening room and, of course, a cellar... For sleepovers, there's a guest house, swimming pool and garden. The deal was inked several weeks ago under a heavy-duty confidentiality agreement. Michael already has stayed there."
Here are two videos about the Michael Jackson Auction which did not occur after all. However, I Think The Prices Just Went Up... a post on the blog Homer's Odd Isn't He is worth seeing. I bet they have it eventually.
Michael Jackson will be missed by many family, friends and fans but his music will live on forever.
I added music to my blog! Please let me know what you think! You can always turn it off at the bottom of the blog. I learned how to add the music playlist from Anne Marie at Na-Da Farm. Thank you Anne Marie! Check out her blog Na-Da Farm Life... it's a lovely place!
I just wanted to wish everyone a very relaxing and inspiring weekend.
This video is from Cafe del Mar: Gymnopedie with music by the French composer, Erik Satie (1866 - 1825). This video has been out for a while but I just discovered it. The music is so soothing and beautiful and I think the story is just magical! I found this version on Daily Motion.com courtesy chatbleu1.
Erik Satie, who's full name is Alfred Éric Leslie Satie (1866 – 1925) was a French composer, pianist, and writer. Dating from his first composition in 1884, he signed his name as Erik Satie, as he said he preferred it. He wrote articles for several periodicals and, although in later life he prided himself on always publishing his work under his own name, there appears to have been a brief period in the late 1880s during which he published articles under the pseudonym, Virginie Lebeau. The two pictures below are of him.
I'm not sure if there is partial nudity in this or not. It's all computer generated graphics but I just thought I would say. I cannot figure out what the female character is wearing... or not.
This video makes me think about a few things. I absolutely love antiques and old chateaus and villas, and treasures from long ago... despite all the modern decor you see so far on my blog. I often wonder what it would be like to live way back then... and hearing this kind of music just transports me back in time and helps paint the picture of times gone by. I would love to learn how to play this on the piano too.
The video also makes me think about our actions and how each move we make can make other things happen... like a chain reaction. We must take care with the moves we make and the steps we take in life in order to make our dreams come true. What steps are you taking to create the place you want to live in? I hope it is lovely!
I can't stop watching Susan Boyle singing I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables on Britain's Got Talent! Millions and millions of people all over the world have been captivated by her genuine personality and phenomenal singing! She has an amazing voice and has blown everybody away! I am so happy for her! She is gonna win and go on to make all her dreams come true!
I JUST found another recording of Susan Boyle singing Cry Me A River on You Tube. They only made 1000 copies of this back in 1999. Click on the "more info" once you click the link up above to read more about it. Her voice is just stunning!
Barbie's 50th Birthday Party was held at a spectacular home in Malibu, California where many of her fabulous friends came to celebrate. Jonathan Adler transformed the home into a bright colorful life size dollhouse which was put together by party planner extradoinaire Colin Cowie with music by DJ AM. The fabulous decor can be seen in my previous post about her birthday party.
Here is what the home really looks like, in its natural state without all the party people and over the top decor. I have been most fortunate to have been a guest at this lovely home on several occassions and it is even more beautiful in person. The home is very modern and has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California.
I hope the owners don't mind that I share their home with you. The home is used in the entertainment business a lot so some people out there may have already seen it. The place is amazing, truly spectacular! Although the best part are the owners who are the nicest people you'll ever meet with the biggest heart. They really know how to make you feel right at home in their little piece of paradise.
The interior design was done by Bussell Livingstone Interiors and completed around 2003. Apparently the two designers have since separated and have their own firms now. Janet Bussell-Erickson is in Los Angeles, CA and has added a place in Presscott, Arizona. Barrie Livingstone returned to his home in Miami, Florida after spending five years in Los Angeles, and operates his design firm from there.
The description is a combination of information from Barrie Livingstone's website, and an article Second take from Remodeling Trends volume 2006 and another article in the Los Angeles Times about the home from their Special Home Design Issue A Vision in Azure, Awash with Ocean Hues and Technical Tricks in 2004 by Barbara Thornburg. Oh and my personal tidbits of info and insight. :)
Since most of the information is from a while ago, I'm sure the home has been used for other events since then in addition to those at the end of the post too.
Yeah! We're here!
"This Malibu compound sits atop a 50-foot bluff on Zuma Beach facing the ocean and due south on clear days Santa Barbara Island some 80 miles offshore can easily be seen. Perched on a cliff above the Pacific Ocean, this home, originally designed by Ron Goldman, has now been redesigned by Bussell Livingstone Interiors.
"Our clients wanted the home to be a peaceful family retreat," says Bussell. "At the same time, they wanted the space to be a suitable location for film shoots." Bussell Livingstone created an interior that focuses on scale and colors.
"From the outset, the owners specified a simple palette of white, lilac and blue, because these colors promote tranquility, creativity and spirituality," says Bussell. "Instead of mixing diverse colors in the design, we mixed materials - marble, stainless steel, glass and sheer fabrics."
The main living area has 18ft-high ceilings with full-height sliding doors that open onto broad, stone walkways that surround the house. These provide film crews with easy access to most areas of the house.
Most walls on the ground level are Azure light glass allowing the main living space to command dramatic 360 degree views.
AAA Pure White Thassos marble was selected for the flooring. It was tracked down on the Greek Isle of Thassos known for this magical white stone. Slabs are used on the stairs as the main living area is on three levels and the entire floor is heated with a copper line heating system.
My first tidbit of insight... See the photo with barstools at the bar? There is a waterfall like fountain running down the wall behind the bar. I think it must use oil or something to make it look like tiny beads of water trickling down. It's very pretty and mesmerizing.
The kitchen is by Italy’s own Snaidero using their now famous finish designed by Ferrari's Pininfarina. The finish is glasslike and reflective and is like no other. Doors are made from injection molded plastic and are light as a feather, some are even curved.
The following article, "A Vision in Azure, Awash With Ocean Hues and Technological Tricks" by Barbara Thornburg, February 8, 2004 offers detailed information about the amazing kitchen.
Record company executive Jan Stevens has a stunning $250,000 kitchen, bathed in blue to match the Pacific Ocean visible from the food 'n' fun room of the Malibu home she co-owns with business partner Stephen Graham. But she has a confession: They rarely cook.
"We're both so busy," Stevens says. A chef comes weekly to chop vegetables and fruits and store lettuce in the refrigerator for Stevens, who has been a vegetarian since she was 19. Graham, although a talented cook, uses the kitchen principally to make coffee. The couple do entertain, however, on a large scale. "We usually have 250 guests at a time," Stevens says. Then there's the weekly boys' night, when a dozen friends drop by to shoot pool, play computer games and just hang out.
Graham and Stevens wanted a stunning kitchen to go with the dramatically modern home. Stevens was thumbing through a Shelter magazine when she first saw the periwinkle blue kitchen - her favorite color, she says. "It was love at first sight." The creation of Ferrari auto designer Paolo Pininfarina, the award-winning Ola kitchen (click for close up pics) sports many of the same features as a car: sensuous curved lines in the foam-injected, molded cabinet doors, one of which opens via a pneumatic lift, and a metallic, reflective paint finish. "We Turtle Wax it every couple of months," Graham says.
The kitchen opens to an expansive dining and entertainment area that includes a pool table with a custom blue felt surface. Graham set up his Apple Computer's iTunes program to flash images on the 60-inch Zenith plasma-screen TV that pulsate with the music from his playlist of 31,000 songs. Guests can shoot pool or stargaze through the telescope in the corner or perch on stools along the low kitchen bar opposite the billiards table. Stevens puts out snacks and lets the guys help themselves to chilled drinks and ice from the refrigerator and freezer drawers located in the bar. They can also make themselves a cappuccino from the built-in Miele coffee maker, which grinds its own beans, or throw a bag of popcorn into the overhead KitchenAid microwave.
Even though the owners don't cook often, they wanted a functional space that could handle several people preparing food at the same time - caterers mostly, and during the holidays, family - without getting in each other's way. Working with designers Janet Bussell and Barrie Livingstone of Bussell-Livingstone Interiors in Malibu, and Snaidero kitchen designer Lois O'Malley, they decided on a double-alley kitchen with a large central island that allows for easy access and a number of cooking triangles. The bar and back wall of the kitchen each have custom stainless steel sinks that are a swivel turn away from an oven. They have four, plus two warming drawers. A free-standing GE Monogram refrigerator stands nearby to complete the triangle.
The top of the island features a Miele griddle and cooktop with a central wok burner. A flush-mounted telescopic vent system emerges with the press of a button to suction smoke and odors from the cooktop and replaces a conventional hood that would have blocked views of the ocean.
The client said that the kitchen, usually full of young, hip singles, turned into a "vibrant family center" during the holidays. "My mom cooked, the kids ate every meal at the counter, sitting on the swivel bar stools and watching Nickelodeon; my sister and brother-in-law danced to country music and I played pool with my dad."
Moving out of the kitchen...
Of special note is the Azurelite glass on the homes windows. On even the greyest of Malibu mornings, it’s blueness pierces the air and sets a hip cool contrast to the brilliant white smoothness of the stucco walls.
Highly polished stainless steel furnishings by Brueton “wave bench” and dining table. Cool bar stools from Sweden, Johanson Design and dining chairs from Cantoni had to be custom lacquered in brilliant white to dazzle off the floor.
Let's go outside...
The pool is lined in a lilac glass tile with seamless hidden waterfalls and the only fifteen-person whirlpool hot tub.
At last, the fire pit. It is surrounded by a crystal clear diamonite glass wall to protect from the chilly pacific wind. Lilac exterior canvas fabric warms you and when the pit is on, the whole area becomes a sexy, romantic retreat away from the rest of the home that leaves you free to gaze up at the stars.
Hopefully you've read this far because this is where I get to add another one of my personal tidbits... The outdoor fire pit is amazing! Toss a hand full of magic dust on it to make it change all different colors at night! And even better... I know where the marshmellows are in the kitchen for roasting over the flame! Yum!
This home may look familiar to you because it is featured regularly on many T.V. shows, movies and music videos. Before it’s renovation, it was featured in “Life as a House” and Terminator 2. Now it has been used for CSI Miami, Paris Hilton’s Global Guess Campaign, videos for Jennifer Lopez and Luther Vandross, and several private videos from the Cooking Channel to Yoga & Fitness. It is also currently used for National Ad Campaigns for Kreiss Furniture and Frontgate Catalog." The home was also featured in "Win A Date with Tad Hamilton" and is also used for Weddings and Events. I'm still looking for more pics and videos that show the home... let me know if you find any! :)
One last tidbit... the front doors were "blown up" or shot out in a movie or TV show. I just forget if it was for an episode of "Miami CSI" or "The Fast and Furious" (I think it was the latter). I haven't looked through all the shows to find it. The real doors were taken off and replaced with the kind of glass they use when blowing stuff up in movies. It was quite an elaborate shoot!
Let's take a stroll along the beach and relax a bit. No need to hurry... take your time... Listen to the waves gently lapping against the shore and the birds chirping up high in the blue sky, feel the warm sun on your shoulders, the sand between your toes, and the cool breaze blowing in your hair. We can look for seashells and listen to a song and wonder what we might see at our next place...
Remember, the journey is often just as enjoyable as the destination.
I'm new to blogging and love Interior Design old and new, Art, Antiques, Architecture, Vintage Treasures, Landscaping, Fashion and Music too. I hope to develop my place so you'll love it too. In the meantime... I love looking at other beautiful blogs and just have to say, I love your place and hope you love it too!
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