All posts by She Seeks Serene

My Journey of Reimagining Life, Love and Education

The Arts: ‘Water Gilding – How It Is Done’ (V&A Video)

Water gilding is a process which makes wood look like gold. Follow the stages involved in gilding a wooden frame – from brushing on layers of gesso (glue and chalk mixture), to applying and burnishing the gold leaf.

How to make a gilded frame: Glue applied to wood: 00:27​ Gesso mixed and applied in layers: 00:34​ Gesso smoothed with dried horsetail plant: 00:46​ Details cut into the base: 00:58​ Yellow ochre pigment applied: 01:07​ Bole applied: 01:20​ Surface is smoothed with a brush: 01:29​ Water is brushed on and gold leaf is applied: 01:56​ An animal tooth is used to burnish the surface: 02:15​ Frame is coated with glue for an even finish: 02:33

Classics: ‘Some Like It Hot’ – Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis & Jack Lemon (1959)

After witnessing a Mafia murder, slick saxophone player Joe (Tony Curtis) and his long-suffering buddy, Jerry (Jack Lemmon), improvise a quick plan to escape from Chicago with their lives. Disguising themselves as women, they join an all-female jazz band and hop a train bound for sunny Florida. While Joe pretends to be a millionaire to win the band’s sexy singer, Sugar (Marilyn Monroe), Jerry finds himself pursued by a real millionaire (Joe E. Brown) as things heat up and the mobsters close in.

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Directed by: Billy Wilder

Written by: Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond

Cast: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon

Mountain Views: ‘Aoni Village – Nagano, Japan’

This is a very small village in Hakuba, and unfortunately there is no public transport to get there. After driving up the mountain for about 20 minutes from Hakuba-station, you will come to an amazing view
with 14 large traditional Japanese houses and 7 warehouses, that were build during the Edo period (1603-1868) and the Meiji period (1868-1912).

This village is stated to be Japan’s important preservation district of historic buildings. It keeps it traditional atmosphere, has not been turned into a tourist spot.

You will be able to enjoy the primitive relaxing walk here just like the olden times. It is also famous for their beautiful terraced rice-fields.
If you visit Aoni Village, you should definitely go up the terraced rice-fields and take a look at the wonderful view of the Northern Alps over the village.

Timeline: 00:00​ タイトル(title) 00:23​ 青鬼集落(Aoni Village) 06:37​ 青鬼神社(Aoni Shrine) 07:38​ 棚田(Rice Terraces)

Aerial Views: ‘Oban – Western Scotland’

Oban is a resort town within the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland. Despite its small size, it is the largest town between Helensburgh and Fort William. Oban occupies a setting in the Firth of Lorn. The bay forms a near perfect horseshoe, protected by the island of Kerrera; and beyond Kerrera, the Isle of Mull. 

Morning News Podcast: AstraZeneca’s Vaccine, Airlines, U.S. Interest Rates

A.M. Edition for March 16. WSJ’s Jenny Strasburg discusses the broader impact as more European countries suspend use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine. 

The Federal Reserve is set to begin its policy meeting this week. Airlines see some growth in bookings, but challenges remain. Marc Stewart hosts.

Art Insider: ‘Delightful Dance’ Of Degas (Video)

Edgar Degas was a prolific artist of dance. In this latest episode of Expert Voices, Sotheby’s specialist Brooke Lampley takes us through his fascination with dance, exploring how he perfectly captured every movement both on and off-stage. Ahead of Sotheby’s upcoming Art Impressionniste et Moderne Evening Sale (25 March 2021 | Paris) discover how his painting ‘Danseuse au Tutu Vert’ beautifully illustrates a dancer’s private moment backstage. Find out about the artist’s intense use of colour and how his chosen medium of pastel has truly stood the test of time.

Penthouse Views: ‘Abu Dhabi – UAE’ (Video)

A 4 bedroom penthouse apartment in a prime Dubai Marina location.
This really is a one-of-a-kind property. Located on a high floor this 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom penthouse comes with its own, spacious private terrace from which residents can enjoy expansive views of Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab and the Marina. If the view itself wasn’t enough, the property has been fully upgraded with Fendi design touches, marble floors and beautiful Crate and Barrel furniture. 

City Views: ‘Portland – Maine’ (4K Video)

Portland is a city in the U.S. state of Maine, set on a peninsula extending into Casco Bay. The Old Port waterfront features working fishing wharves and converted warehouses with restaurants and shops. Nearby, the Western Promenade is a public park atop a bluff, offering river and mountain views. Its surrounding district, the West End, is full of Victorian-era homes, including the Victoria Mansion museum. 

Politics Monday: Tamara Keith And Amy Walter On American Rescue Plan Act

NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report join Judy Woodruff to discuss the latest political news, including the rollout of the American Rescue Plan Act, President Biden’s address to the nation and the pace of COVID vaccinations, and the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.