Category: Blogroll

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Music of Cape Verde – Lura

She sings the music of Cape Verde, an island off the west coast of Africa which declared independence from Portugal in 1975. 

Singing both in Portuguese, and in the language of her small country, Lura mixes some of the musical traditions, like “Morna”, with a more contemporary, urban sound.  Different from the better known tragic, emotional Portuguese “Fado” songs, the music from the Cape Verde interior catches you up in its smooth, jazz-like rhythms.

Lura Albums:

“Di Kopu ku Alma” (Of Body & Soul)

“M’Bern di Fora” (I come From the Country)

 

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Weekend Moon: Radical Aquarius, Then Dreamy Pisces

The unpredictable, rebellious, group focused Aquarius Moon on Friday May 11, 2012 might give us some surprises. If that makes you nervous this weekend, think of all the fun you might have. Just avoid the “off-the-wall” stuff and think thru any extreme plans that might cross your mind. 

Early Sunday, we will experience a more warm and fuzzy feeling with the arrival of the Pisces Moon. This water sign is dreamy, sensitive and imaginative, so be sure to hold on to reality. However, this might be a great time to get creative. (Try to remember and write down any ideas that float to the surface while dreaming.)

Have a great weekend!

 

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Scorpio Full Moon – Go Passionate, Go Deep!

Beginning Friday evening, we will be under the influence of a powerful, determined Scorpio Moon. Things get even more intense this weekend as the Lunar orb goes into its “Full” phase on Saturday night, May 5, 2012.  The 8th sign of the Zodiac is a sensual, sensitive Water sign and the force of the Full Moon can distill all of its passion into a cauldron of “feelings”. Tuck in all exposed nerves. Pause before responding to slights or barbs, (real or imaginary). The comment or action that brought you to either anger or tears may not have been as snarky as imagined. Instead, use that Scorpio sizzle and passion to rock someone’s world in a delightful way. 

Scorpio pushes us to focus on money matters that may involve others. Are there any financial issues that need to be cleared or settled– taxes, business ventures? During a Full Moon, gauge what has been accomplished so far and move to finalize, complete tasks in the next few weeks. (Sort of a”what have I done?” and “what’s next”.)

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

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1959 Was A Very Good Year!

An article by Fred Kaplan, “1959: Sex, Jazz, and Datsuns” featured in a past issue of New York Magazine determines that 1959 was an important year for music, politics, world dynamics, social issues, and the arts.  The 60’s might have gotten more press, but, 1959 was the year of change, innovation, out of the box thinking.

 

The magazine piece is based on Kaplan’s book, “1959: The Year Everything Changed”.  He presents his examples of some of the greatest happenings of this special year and they include:

*Actor turned director John Cassavetes was perhaps the first “Indie” filmmaker with his partly improvised script for his movie “Shadows”.

*Completion of the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, changed the NYC sky line on the upper East Side.

*The first micro chip introduced by Texas Instruments.

*The release of the Miles Davis album (they were albums then) “Kinda Blue” (considered by many to be best jazz recording ever).

*Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro invited to NYC and staying at the St Teresa Hotel in Harlem.

*The emergence of Malcolm X and his conversations on race and politics.

(What were you doing in 1959?)


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Emotional Cancer and Dramatic Leo Moon This Weekend

As you know, the Moon changes Astrology signs every 2 to 2 1/2 days. If you don’t like the Lunar energy one day, wait a few days – it will change. This weekend is no exception.

All day Friday April 27, 2012, the Moon is in its own emotional, homey, nurturing sign of Cancer. It is happy and comfortable in the Water sign it rules – expect “feelings”, sensitivity and vulnerability. 

Saturday and Sunday, the Moon will be lit up in the upbeat, “Me” sign of Leo. This Fire sign loves attention, melodrama and fun. Ruled by the Sun, the need for theatrics can rule – just remember that it’s not all about you. Be generous and entertaining. People might flock around you in droves.

Enjoy the weekend!

 

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Talented, Terrific Taurus New Moon This Weekend!

Early Saturday morning, April 21, 2012 a New Moon joins the Sun in the 2nd Zodiac sign. A great time to initiate new projects involving Taurean themes – romance, creativity, finances. Both luminaries are in the same sign, so harness all that energy and start something. (Time for a new love, a new song, a new budget?)

Practical, Earth sign Taurus wants to feel secure and comfortable. Stay grounded and maybe find new ways to manage your cash, find new revenue streams, etc. Re evaluate how you spend and save your money.

Re: Traditional Taurus “bull like” traits – if you’re going to be “a stake in the ground” for an issue – make sure it matters to you (don’t be immovable just because…)

Have a fabulous weekend!

 

 

 

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“Bull” Works! Sun in Taurus April 19, 2012

The Second sign of the Zodiac, Taurus, has the Bull as its symbol. Perfect! The Sun moves into stubborn, steady, strong, security focused Taurus on Thursday April 19, 2012. However, since it is ruled by the lovely, romantic planet Venus, this sign has several other dimensions.

For the next 4 weeks, we can tap into all that muscle and determination so that we solidify and complete the projects started during the high energy of the Aries Sun. Earthy Taurus may be practical and dependable, but its also, sensual, a lover of beauty, good food and luxury. Loved ones are treated to poetry, music and gourmet restaurants, while getting a lecture on avoiding financial pot holes. A nice mix.

Under the influence of a Taurus Sun, watch out for a tendency to be overcautious – don’t miss out on opportunities due to fear. However, optimism should abound due to the transit of “Lucky” planet Jupiter in Taurus until June 12, 2012. True, some things are just too good to be true – so pay attention to “bigger is better” or “can’t lose”, over the top scenarios that Jupiter loves so much. But, sometimes we have to give things a second look to see the advantages. Jump on the good stuff, take a chance to win.

*Taurus (April 20-May 21) = Gemstone: Rose Quartz / Power color: Soft rose-pink

** Sun into Taurus, Thursday April 19, 2012, 12:12PM Eastern / 9:12AM Pacific

***As always, those most affected have the Sun and/or Rising sign in Taurus, but the rest of us will still feel the stable influences somewhere in our lives depending upon where the Earth sign appears in the birth chart.

 

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Weekend Aquarius Moon – Get Outside That Box!

Friday afternoon April 13, 2012, a “Triskaidekaphobia” Day, begins an unpredictable, innovative, freedom craving Aquarius Moon weekend. This Air sign is noted for its stubborn resistance to the status quo. Ruled by eccentric Uranus, it influences us to create something “new”, resist authority, and refuse boredom at all costs. It can truly lead to interesting times 🙂

Also, while under the humanitarian focused Aquarius Moon, we have a good time getting in the middle of group rallies and community activities. Get involved with anything that matters to you. We can make a difference and still have fun.

Have a super, worthwhile weekend!

FYI:  “Triskaidekaphobia” – fear of Friday the 13th. (Don’t)

 

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Weekend of Charm & Sizzle – Libra / Scorpio Moon Transits!

Smile seductively this weekend as Friday afternoon April 6, 2012, heralds the Full Moon in lovely Libra, the relationship focused, Venus ruled 7th sign of the Zodiac, to be followed by seriously scorching Scorpio on Saturday and Sunday. Charisma and heat – the possibilities are endless. 

Libra can make us more cooperative, social and elegant with an urge to beautify –people, places, things. We want to tune out/tone down any negative, angry voices in the universe or in our heads and get along- charm and beauty are always good antidotes.

The Moon will slide into powerful, intense Scorpio on Saturday morning. Filled with sensuality and emotion, this Pluto ruled sign can be a force that won’t be denied. Be aware of a tendency to be easily wounded – hold the grudge for 5 minutes max, then move on. Channel some of Libra’s graciousness and balance to smooth out any person to person explosions. Moderation works.

BTW: Mercury finally stopped its Retrograde motion on 4/4 and will pick up forward speed throughout the weekend. If you’ve been feeling restrained, not fully expressed, you will now want to sing a few choruses of the Bob Dylan classic “I Shall Be Released” as life gets its flow back.

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

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Weekend Moon – Cooking Cancer, Then Lighthearted Leo!

Friday afternoon, March 30, 2012, the Moon is in its own sign of nurturing, sensitive Cancer until early morning Sunday when a limelight seeking, colorful Leo Moon graces us with its fun until Tuesday. A Moon ruled Water sign and a Sun ruled Fire sign can make for an interesting weekend. Variety rules!

Cancer wants us to not only phone home but to stay there as well. It’s all about home and family – being safe and comfy. (Try a new cupcake recipe? Set up new behavior protocol for the kids?)

An energy change happens on Sunday when the Moon struts into upbeat, drama loving Leo. There are feelings of confidence, a generosity of spirit – that whole regal thing. Enjoy it.

Different Moon sign traits and influences – but co existence is possible.

Create a super weekend for yourself!