Word of the Day: Waterfalls

Something awesomely powerful and totally action packed IS at the same time oh-so relaxing. What is this two-sided coin?

The waterfall.

   From Imgur

Waterfall (Photo courtesy of
David Wimpfheimer)

It energizes. It mesmerizes. It spiritualizes. It epitomizes. 

It can even colorize with a spectrum of rainbow colors appearing in its mist. It is awe-inspiring, breath-taking and powerful all in the same moment. It is in the forefront of electricity and the backdrop for relaxation. It is the epitome of nature, the diamond in the rough.

Embrace the Past...

Before the invention of electricity, river waterfalls were used to move turbines, which powered mills that could grind wheat into flour far faster than any human hand. Its power became the mechanical basis for generators which could create electricity from the motion of falling water, the birth of hydroelectricity.

Empower the Present...

Yet, its sights and sounds can be completely mesmerizing taking the mind on an incredible journey into the world of imagination.

Waterfalls are the background for fairy tales and an all-time favorite in real life. They carry with them an aura of romance, a hint of magic whether rippling over a rocky rivulet or splashing playfully while descending rocky steps. Even when a brook babbling through a forest encounters a rocky riverbed, the result is nature playfully showing off one of its finest moments.

They highlight Mother Nature at her finest all over the world!

Enrich the Future...

May the waterfalls of life be the forces that lift your heart relinquishing thoughts of daily stress and drama. Let the meditation begin...

What do you feel at the sights and sounds of a waterfall?

There is a World of Waterfalls waiting to be explored and enjoyed!

♫Cascading Strings♫

With so many variances in styles of music, on some days it is just a matter of choice as to which one to showcase. Decisions define the level (from soft to loud), change in the level of play, the direction or flow of play, the manner in which the music is played, and changes in speed from slow to fast or fast to slow. There are tunes and melodies with a beginning aspect of calm, smooth waters only to have presented themselves as a lead-in to a crescendo emanating crashing water of a waterfall on the craggy rocks below. Such is the case of orchestral music, which is under the spotlight today.

Today in Music History: August 9, 1953

Mantovani and his Orchestra

Mantovani, was an Anglo-Italian conductor and light orchestra-styled entertainer with a cascading strings musical signature. The book British Hit Singles & Albums states that he was "Britain's most successful album act before The Beatles ... the first act to sell over one million stereo albums and had six albums simultaneously in the US Top 30 in 1959".

1953 Mantovani and his Orchestra were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Song From The Moulin Rouge', (from the film of the same name). The first ever instrumental No.1 on the UK chart.

Mantovani was not limited to UK fame. Numerous recordings experienced success in the United States. His style and unique technique survived through an ever-changing variety of musical styles prompting Variety magazine to call him "the biggest musical phenomenon of the twentieth century."

Mantovani recorded for Decca until the mid-1950s, and then for London Records. He recorded in excess of 50 albums on that label, many of which were Top 40 hits. His single tracks included "The Song from The Moulin Rouge", which reached Number One in the UK Singles Chart in 1953; "Cara Mia" (with him and his orchestra backing David Whitfield) in 1954; "Around the World" in 1957; and "Main Theme from Exodus (Ari's Theme)" in 1960. In the United States, between 1955 and 1972, he released more than 40 albums with 27 reaching the "Top 40", and 11 in the "Top Ten". His biggest success came with the album Film Encores, which attained N0.1 in 1957. [Source: en.wikipedia.org]

For your listening pleasure...

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...

Wonders of Nature

From dewdrops clinging to soft petals of a flower

to a spider spinning its web within the hour

nature's wondrous beauty whether stormy or calm 

emanates poetry in motion like a psalm

There is nothing more breathtaking than a sunrise

unless it's the splendor of a sunset's surprise

 the wonders of nature beyond imagination

capture priceless moments in anticipation

The roaring sounds a waterfall creates

draws attention for a magical place awaits

Mother Nature always alluring, never boring
invites you into her world, forever soaring

Wildlife, hummingbirds, butterflies and bees
creatures of all kinds bring you to your knees
nature's habitats from forest floor to the skies
woo, amaze and ablaze before your eyes

Birds of all feathers flock together
withstanding ice, snow, stormy weather
Nature! Nature! at its worst or best
Shouts raw imagery...a camera's test

Get the picture? That's the idea since...

June 15 is...

Nature Photography Day

Impromptu @ catnipoflife

Nature Photography Day was created by The North American Nature Photography Association in 2006. Its objective centered on promoting the beauty of nature photography and to encourage the conservation and protection of plants, wildlife, and landscapes locally and worldwide. Since then, people throughout the world have discovered numerous ways to observe and enjoy the day.

Nature is so fascinating with occurrences that truly test the imagination. The best are the missed 'Kodak moments' that always happen when no camera is anywhere nearby. Suggestion: Always keep a camera on hand, even if it is your cell phone!

Open the door. Head out into your backyard, local park, or favorite scenic spot right now! There is something going on right now you do NOT want to miss. Nature does not always give you a second chance at the same picture. Enjoy the day with your camera and explore the natural world.

See what I mean...

Canal Dreamscapes1 @ Serendipity

Canal Dreamscapes2 @ Serendipity

 Fluffy Ducklings @ A Mixed Bag

 Reflection 'n' Action @ A Mixed Bag

On the Rocks @ Life in the Foothills

 A Web in the Morning Dew @ Life in the Foothills

 Thankful for the Morning @ Oh, The Things We Shall See!

 Before THE Moment @ Oh, The Things We Shall See!

Sunsmile in the Cold @ sharing me myself and i

What the Hail is This? @ sharing me myself and i

 Even Weeds are Amazing @ Ute smile

A Walk in the Park @ @ Ute smile

What are you waiting for? Nature is calling...calling for you! Don't forget your camera! 

*****

 

Barbie's Debut

March 9 is...

Barbie Day

[Be sure to scroll through the entire article for a surprise ending!]

Today is one of the few days of celebration to which a reason for this particular day actually exists. This Day in History, March 9, 1959, is the date when an 11-inch doll with a waterfall of blond hair made her debut, her name...Barbie!

Do you know the REAL Barbie? 

Bild Lilli Doll en.wikipedia.org

Barbie was designed after the German fashion doll, the Bild Lilli Doll, produced from 1955 to 1964. The German doll was based on the comic-stip character Lilli. The comic strip was about a "gold diggin' broad always on the hunt for a wealthy man." In the cartoon, "Lilli was post-war, sassy and ambitious, and had no reservations talking about sex." Lilli was classy, fashionable and desirable, much like Marlene Dietrich of the 1930s movies. 

On August 12, 1955, Lilli was first sold in Germany, usually in smoke shops and a few toy stores. This is the doll that Ruth Handler found while shopping in Europe in 1956. This was exactly what she had been thinking of producing in the U.S.

See any resemblance?

Barbie debuted in 1959 when she was introduced by Mattel at the American Toy Fair in New York City. Barbie as we know her was created by American business woman Ruth Handler having gotten her inspiration as mentioned earlier from the German Bild Lilli Doll. One rarely hears or reads about Barbie's true origins and the details reveal the look of a miniature German hooker. 

When we approach the image of Barbie from this standpoint, it makes one wonder what we are truly teaching our little girls. Amidst Barbie's plastic beauty has definitely been her share of criticism. Comparatively speaking, with a figure of 39-21-33 if she were a real woman, it is no wonder this little doll led to a lot of controversy. Many felt Barbie provided little girls with an unrealistic and harmful example thereby fostering a negative body image. The natural connection of doll-playing with imagery of mothering was shattered by the Barbie invasion of the 20th century.

 *****************

Barbie has become a global icon of many faces with some body changes throughout her career. She has even acquired different cultural identities. Barbie remains, however, a fashion doll, unlike her predecessors, the baby dolls.

Barbie's Creator: Ruth Handler

The first Barbie Doll was introduced
in both blond and brunette in March 1959.
en.wikipedia.org

http://todayinhistory.tumblr.com/

Pretty Changes Barbie 1978
www.flickr.com

A Barbie doll in a wedding dress,
like the one Madonna wore on the 1985 Virgin Tour.
en.wikipedia.org

Animal Loving Barbie
www.flickr.com

Barbie's Tropical Splash 1994
www.bidorbuy.co.za

From 1959 - 1999
GREAT Slideshow!

Duchess of Diamonds Barbie 2001

MORE Barbie @Pinterest

Even MORE @barbiecollector,com

Despite any criticism Barbie had, sales of Barbie-related merchandise continued to soar. By 1993, sales topped 1 billion dollars annually. Since 1959 more than 800 million dolls in the Barbie family have been sold around the world. Wouldn't you agree Barbie is now a bona fide global icon? I do believe she acquired that status decades ago!

Today, Barbie represents the epitome of the fashion model with faces of many Hollywood celebrities and recording artists, duchesses, princesses and queens. She traverses the globe as a peasant girl to city slicker to circus performer to representing Lady Liberty and so much more. She dons from the simplest of fashions to the glamorous and most elaborate unimaginable designs depicted throughout the decades since she first entered the scene. 

Lady Liberty 2000
Designed by Bob Mackie

Last, but not least, where would Barbie be without Ken? Take a close, long look at the photo below; then, prepare yourself for a shocker!

These are NOT dolls...plastic dolls anyway!
Meet the real-life Ken and Barbie who
'hate the sight of each other'!!

What are your experiences with the iconic Barbie doll?

Related Articles:

The Barbie Evolution: A comparison of the 90s to the 00s Barbie - butt, waist and boobs

Barbie Doll History: Barbie's face underwent major changes from 1959 to the 2000s.

Barbie, Fashion Icon of the 60s: Barbie's evolution physically 1959 to present  

What a Doll! -- The Astrological Story of Barbie

 

Barbie's Debut

The most famous toy doll in history is the Barbie Doll. According to Mattel, 90% of girls between the ages of 3 and 10 have at least one Barbie. While we step back in time today to the beginning of this famous doll and her creator, it is interesting to note Barbie has competition. In today's market, young girls' eyes are on pop stars so the dolls with heavy make-up and extreme, far-out fashion are becoming Barbie's rivals. The most bizarre lover of Barbie is the person who became the real live Barbie...along with Ken! Keep reading...

March 9 is...

Barbie Day

[Be sure to scroll through the entire article for the surprise ending!]

Today is one of the few days of celebration to which a reason for this particular day actually exists. This Day in History, March 9, 1959, is the date when an 11-inch doll with a waterfall of blond hair made her debut, her name...Barbie!

Do you know the REAL Barbie? 

Bild Lilli Doll en.wikipedia.org

Barbie was designed after the German fashion doll, the Bild Lilli Doll, produced from 1955 to 1964. The German doll was based on the comic-stip character Lilli. The comic strip was about a "gold diggin' broad always on the hunt for a wealthy man." In the cartoon, "Lilli was post-war, sassy and ambitious, and had no reservations talking about sex." Lilli was classy, fashionable and desirable, much like Marlene Dietrich of the 1930s movies. 

On August 12, 1955, Lilli was first sold in Germany, usually in smoke shops and a few toy stores. This is the doll that Ruth Handler found while shopping in Europe in 1956. This was exactly what she had been thinking of producing in the U.S.

See any resemblance?

Barbie debuted in 1959 when she was introduced by Mattel at the American Toy Fair in New York City. Barbie as we know her was created by American business woman Ruth Handler having gotten her inspiration as mentioned earlier from the German Bild Lilli Doll. One rarely hears or reads about Barbie's true origins and the details reveal the look of a miniature German hooker. 

When we approach the image of Barbie from this standpoint, it makes one wonder what we are truly teaching our little girls. Amidst Barbie's plastic beauty has definitely been her share of criticism. Comparatively speaking, with a figure of 39-21-33 if she were a real woman, it is no wonder this little doll led to a lot of controversy. Many felt Barbie provided little girls with an unrealistic and harmful example thereby fostering a negative body image. The natural connection of doll-playing with imagery of mothering was shattered by the Barbie invasion of the 20th century.

 *****************

Barbie has become a global icon of many faces with some body changes throughout her career. She has even acquired different cultural identities. Barbie remains, however, a fashion doll, unlike her predecessors, the baby dolls.

Barbie's Creator: Ruth Handler

The first Barbie Doll was introduced
in both blond and brunette in March 1959.
en.wikipedia.org

http://todayinhistory.tumblr.com/

Pretty Changes Barbie 1978
www.flickr.com

A Barbie doll in a wedding dress,
like the one Madonna wore on the 1985 Virgin Tour.
en.wikipedia.org

Animal Loving Barbie
www.flickr.com

Barbie's Tropical Splash 1994
www.bidorbuy.co.za

From 1959 - 1999
GREAT Slideshow!

Duchess of Diamonds Barbie 2001

MORE Barbie @Pinterest

Even MORE @barbiecollector,com

Despite any criticism Barbie had, sales of Barbie-related merchandise continued to soar. By 1993, sales topped 1 billion dollars annually. Since 1959 more than 800 million dolls in the Barbie family have been sold around the world. Wouldn't you agree Barbie is now a bona fide global icon? I do believe she acquired that status decades ago!

Today, Barbie represents the epitome of the fashion model with faces of many Hollywood celebrities and recording artists, duchesses, princesses and queens. She traverses the globe as a peasant girl to city slicker to circus performer to representing Lady Liberty and so much more. She dons from the simplest of fashions to the glamorous and most elaborate unimaginable designs depicted throughout the decades since she first entered the scene. 

Lady Liberty 2000
Designed by Bob Mackie

Last, but not least, where would Barbie be without Ken? Take a close, long look at the photo below; then, prepare yourself for a shocker!

These are NOT dolls...plastic dolls anyway!
Meet the real-life Ken and Barbie who
'hate the sight of each other'!!

What are your experiences with the iconic Barbie doll?

Related Articles:

The Barbie Evolution: A comparison of the 90s to the 00s Barbie - butt, waist and boobs

Barbie Doll History: Barbie's face underwent major changes from 1959 to the 2000s.

Barbie, Fashion Icon of the 60s: Barbie's evolution physically 1959 to present  

What a Doll! -- The Astrological Story of Barbie