IMPROV EVERYWHERE: CONDUCT US

Improv Everywhere is back with another delightful event:

”We put a Carnegie Hall orchestra in the middle of New York City and placed an empty podium in front of the musicians with a sign that read, 'Conduct Us,'” they explain on the YouTube page.

“Random New Yorkers who accepted the challenge were given the opportunity to conduct this world-class orchestra. The orchestra responded to the conductors, altering their tempo and performance accordingly.”

Enjoy. [Hat tip to Nikki Lindquist]

COLD WATER LAUNDRY

It's not like the subject of laundry comes up often in conversation but once when it did and I said I use cold water for all washes, a few people reacted as though I'd said I don't bathe regularly.

Now, however, thanks to my local power company, I am vindicated. Take a look:

THE PANDA EXPRESS

Did you know that all giant pandas in zoos around the world are only on loan from China and usually for a period of 10 years? Plus, they are shipped back and forth on the official Panda Express airplane by FedEx:

Here is a giant panda arriving via FedEx in Toronto earlier this year for the zoo there:

There are more photos at the FedEx blog and more information about panda “diplomacy” here.

INEQUALITY FOR ALL

Yesterday, in many cities around the country, the documentary Inequality for All opened. It is, of course, about the concentration of wealth with the top one percent of the U.S.

As The New York Times review notes, the film is based on a class taught at the University of California, Berkeley, by former labor secretary under President Bill Clinton, Robert Reich:

”Rather than through a harangue or a lament, Mr. Reich ties together his talking points with a reasonable-sounding analysis and an unassuming warmth sometimes absent from documentaries charting America’s economic woes.”

Here is a trailer:

You can find out where Inequality for All is playing near you at this website.

THE FISH WITH A TRANSPARENT HEAD

There are all kinds of weird things in nature and this one, the Pacific barreleye fish, caught my attention. The video is self-explanatory and you'll be surprised to learn that those two things that look like eyes in the front of its head - are not eyes.

ELDERS ON TWERKING

Unless you've been on Mars for the past month or so, you have read a lot about the Miley Cyrus “twerking” episode at the MTV Music Awards in August. Now, the Fine Brothers have added twerking to their popular online React series, this episode, Elders React to Twerking. Hilarity ensues:

There are other React videos from the Fine Brother including more Elders React.... You will find them along with Kids React..., Teens React... and YouTubers React... at their YouTube Channel.

NYC BALLET NEW BEGINNINGS

This short ballet was filmed at sunrise on the top - 57th floor – of 4 World Trade Center in lower Manhattan described on the YouTube page as a “tribute to the future of the city that New York City Ballet calls home.”

LOUIS CK'S AMAZING CELL PHONE RANT

Well, he starts out making you think it will be a cell phone rant and turns into a thoughtful reflection on the human condition. Another reason to love Louis C.K. - and he's correct about this, you know:

FAREWELL TO A PRECIOUS FRIEND

A couple of weeks ago, a friend's father (also my friend) died after a long illness. Then, a few days ago I was checking my Facebook page (believe me, I never do that except on rare occasions to be certain this blog is being distributed there properly) and saw an announcement that Castine, my friend's wonderful dog, had died.

She wrote a beautiful tribute:

”My sweet Castine was worried that my Dad was in need of a friend and joined him last night. She was the purest soul I have ever known. I am a better person for sharing my life with her.

“I like to think the two of them are enjoying a cup of coffee and a bone on a great front porch watching the leaves turn on this fine fall morning.”

Interesting Stuff is a weekly listing of short takes and links to web items that have caught my attention; some related to aging and some not, some useful and others just for fun.

You are all encouraged to submit items for inclusion. Just click “Contact” in the upper left corner of any Time Goes By page to send them. I'm sorry that I probably won't have time to acknowledge receipt and there is no guarantee of publication. But when I do include them, you will be credited and I will link to your blog if you have one.