NEW PRODUCT: Cupa glasses from Sempli

Love these!

Sempli owner Daniele Semararo describes his Cupa glassware in his interview with Ganzo Mag: 

the “Cupa – DS” [is] for brandy e whisky, the “Cupa – VS” for wine and the “Cupa – XS” for shots e liquor...These stemless glasses have a cone shaped bottom that rotates on its own axis. In doing so, the tumbler spreads the aroma in its surroundings, the wine glass helps oxygenate the wine, and the shot glass creates an amusing show on the table! There is also a tray, to help with serving the beverages, and a coaster to keep the glasses still on the table when desired. My intention is to present them at NYIGF (New York International Gift Fair) this summer, but meanwhile the first glass will be launched in the US at an event in LA next month!

GENIUS, right?


Read entire interview here:
http://www.ganzomag.com/?p=1984


Sempli Website:
http://www.semeraro.se/

EARTHQUAKE PREP: Installing clips on kitchen doors

Before I painted our kitchen cabinets, we had safety latches on the cabinet doors that were good for protecting inquisitive small children from what lay beyond, but for a couple of grown adults, these latches were unnecessary and tricky. 

That was a few years ago and needless to say after painting the cabinets, I did not re-install those latches. Since the shocking footage of the 9.0 in Japan, our interest in earthquake proofing the house is on an upswing and concern for what might fly out of our upper kitchen cabinets became a priority. I was in denial. I did not want those child proof latches. Then we realized there were options and to OSH we went. 

We found these, but I'm sure what these are called. The receipt says "door latch". They were $1.19 each. 

This door latch is composed of two main pieces - a male and a female (that's what butch guys say, isn't it?) and the screws you'll need to install them. The two plastic rollers on the female piece are spring loaded to clamp onto the protruding male piece.

After a little trial and error, the installation of the $1.19 door latch made in China and distributed by Amerock in Rockford Illinois, became fairly easy and proved quite effective. 

First, locate where female component will be installed. 

The main concern here is making sure that when male component is installed, it will actually reach and clip into the female. To achieve successful intercourse, the two rollers need to be placed exactly where door will hit when closed, so place it a little over the edge of the shelf and close the door. This will move the piece to the exact position it should be mounted. 

Next, screw the piece into position. I had to drill the screws at an angle because of gap between face and case of cabinet. 

Now that your female is in position, we need to locate the male. To do this, I was able to use a particularly inky marker that I have. Insert the male component into the installed clip. Mark the outside edges of the man part and close the door so that the ink and a faint outline will transfer onto the door, showing where it should be installed. 

Hold door latch in position and screw into place. 

Be sure that the screws will not penetrate the door and poke out thru the front...

...and you're done!

Year of the Rabbit: Intro

According to the Chinese Zodiac, Chinese New Year 4709, or 2011 in the Western calendar, is the Year of the Golden [or metal] Rabbit which begins on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012. The Chinese Year of the Rabbit ( 兔 ) is actually the Chinese Year of the Hare. The hare is the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Hare is associated with the earthly branch symbol (卯). 

Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "Year of the Hare", while also bearing the following elemental sign:

• 19 February 1939 – 7 February 1940: Earth Hare
• 6 February 1951 – 26 January 1952: Metal Hare
• 25 January 1963 – 12 February 1964: Water Hare
• 11 February 1975 – 30 January 1976: Wood Hare
• 29 January 1987 – 16 February 1988: Fire Hare
• 16 February 1999 – 4 February 2000 Earth Hare
• 3 February 2011 – 22 January 2012: Metal Hare 

METAL RABBIT Astrology____________________________________________________
Feb 6, 1951 to Jan 26, 1952
Feb 3, 2011 to Jan 22, 2012

People under this Chinese Astrology are very colorful people. They are very curious and respond to power and beauty naturally. Luck walks along with them. But it comes when they work towards it. They are very pleasant around people and are generally warm and affectionate by nature.

For metal rabbits the values of life are very important. Riches and fame are only temporary but ones reputation is for life. Metal rabbits strongly believe in this lesson of life. They hardly ever seek the limelight, but always pave the way for others success. Metal rabbits make fine book agents, art critics, teachers, political campaigners and great organizers. Though they may shy away from the limelight, they are extremely trustworthy and are always surrounded by friends. Since they are so pure of heart, their finances sometimes run deep into trouble. But on the other hand their love lives are picture perfect and complete in themselves.

WOOD RABBIT Astrology____________________________________________________
Feb 14, 1915 to Feb 2, 1916
Feb 11, 1975 to Jan 30, 1976

Wood rabbit people are very quite and warm people. Power and solitude pull them on two sides. Luck always walks along with them but they never take rash decisions or unwisely steps. They are generally cautious, conservative and bright people. Wood rabbits always earn deep respect and admiration from others. They have a philosophical bend of mind and love to read and indulge in music and art. But as far as their finances go, they have to keep a very strict check on it. Wood rabbits are big spenders and hardly have anything saved for tougher days. As far as their love lives are concerned, they are very romantic and flatter their sweetheart with all types of gifts and surprises.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The three words that best describe the hare? Calm and gentle, but persistent. People born in the Year of the Hare are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.

The rabbit is usually on anyone's Best Dressed list. Their highly developed natures can also be found in artistic pursuits. They have an impeccable eye for color and line that is evident in their thoughtful fashion sense.

Albert Einstein, Leon Trotsky, Frank Sinatra, Pope Benedict XVI, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, David Beckham, Tiger Woods, Whitney Houston.

Not many people know that the Hare is the symbol of the Moon, while the Peacock is the symbol of the Sun, and that together, these two animal signs signify the start of day and night, represent the Yin and Yang of life.  It is said that anyone making supplications for wishes to be fulfilled are certain to get what they want... and in the Year of the Rabbit, the wish-granting aspect of the Sun and the Moon combined is multiplied.  The Moon is YIN and this is the Yin of Heaven, signifying magic.  Thus on each of the Full Moon nights of this year, go out into your garden to gaze into the Full Moon and visualize plenty of Moon dust and Moon glow flowing into you, filling your whole body with bright white light and granting you fearlessness, love and courage.  This will not only strengthen your inner "Chi" energy, it will also bring wisdom into your life.

According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves.  It is a time for negotiation.  Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail.  To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children.   Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.

 

Fun Bunny Stuff...

more to come...

Bond James Bond

FOR SALE: You too can own a Bond home. 

Arguably the most widely seen of John Lautner's works, the Elrod House (1968) became famous through its use as a location in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever (1971).

The 8,900 square foot property sits on a commanding hillside location in the desert outside Palm Springs. Its best-known feature is the large circular "sunburst" concrete canopy which appears to float above the main living area; this area also incorporates a large natural rock outcrop at the edge of the room, creating the impression that the fabric of the building is fused with the rock. 

The circular canopy is fitted with curved glass sliding doors that allow the space to be completely open around half its circumference, opening out to a semi-circular swimming pool and a broad terrace. The prime hilltop site offers sweeping views of the surrounding desert.

John Lautner (1911-1994) designed many incredible homes in Los Angeles and Palm Springs during his long career including a home for Bob and Delores Hope that sits very close to this one.

About a year ago there was a Lautner home for sale in Glendale that I was fortunate to see...

Air Plant Terrarium

http://www.vivaterra.com/recycled-glass-terrarium.html

I need one of these on my coffee table.
Maybe no ribbon, tho.
You can't go wrong with interesting glass objects.

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