La Pluie

Unexpected rain here today & would that we were in Paris in the rain (or shine). Here's some good advice on how to handle Paris rain. A favorite song always helps, here or elsewhere. Don't forget to review your French, weather terms included. xoxo (photograph by Susan Sermoneta)

A Free Internet

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

If you do not understand why certain sites are not available to you today, please watch the video. If you think you do understand what SOPA/PIPPA is & think, "but people should be paid for their content, it's a good idea," please watch the video. Every seemingly good idea is not implemented properly, causing wreckage. Please make your voice heard by following the links to the online protest. If you aren't in the States, believe us, this affects you - a lot. (Thank you to Swissmiss for the video link)

ciao-meow/GGCM

(image via Comically Vintage)

Kings of Pastry

KINGS OF PASTRY Theatrical Trailer from Pennebaker Hegedus Films on Vimeo.

So far, this week seems to be going in the direction of "what's good for a coffee break." Giulia's editor recently watched Kings of Pastry (on Netflix Instant) while cooking dinner. Excessively diverting isn't the half of it. Definitely watch (or rent). Carol of Paris Breakfasts even has a label devoted to the Kings. Visit her for all the skinny. Definitely watch the trailer below.

ciao-sugary-meow/GGCM

(photograph by Le Portillon)

Starlings

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

This video of a murmuration* of starlings has gone viral but we're posting it anyway as many of our friends haven't seen it yet. Watch as Sophie Windsor Clive & Liberty Smith row out on the River Shannon. Giulia was not quite sure what was going on but she was intrigued, nose tip to screen. *A murmuration is a collection of starlings. Read more about starlings, here.

ciao-wow-meow/GGCM

(starling flock over Brighton pier by Joffley)

Oh, Elmo

If you don't love Elmo, we don't want to hear about it! Being Elmo, A Puppeteer's Journey is a terrific new documentary now showing in cities across the States. It will be opening throughout November & December. It opens here in the Washington, DC area on the 11th. If it's not scheduled to show, why not (nicely) demand it? Here.

Of course, Sesame Street's site has many excellent games, coloring pages, & other activities. Here's Elmo's page. Have fun!

ciao-meow/GGCM

Update - 6 April 2012 Being Elmo is currently being shown on PBS stations. It is also available streaming on Netflix.

(Elmo by elmo elmo)

Sunday Dinner & a Movie - Manhattan

Groucho Marx, Willie Mays, the 2nd movement of the Jupiter Symphony, Louis Armstrong’s Potato Head Blues, Swedish movies, Sentimental Education by Flaubert, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, those incredible Apples and Pears by Cezanne, the crabs at Sam Wo’s, Tracy’s face.-What make life worth living - character in Manhattan

One of Woody Allen's most brilliant films, Manhattan, is available on Netflix Instant again. Depending on where you are, there's still time to invite someone on a Sunday afternoon/evening walk (or go by yourself & people watch). If you haven't read a real Sunday paper in awhile, the Sunday Times is always fun (no matter how much we complain about newspapers today).

Then pick up some take-out (semi-healthy is available) or stop by the market for quick cold dishes on your way home. Queue up the film & have a great Sunday evening!

xo from us at GG Sunday Central

(photographs via IMDb & Every Woody Allen Film)

Splitscreen: A Love Story

Splitscreen: A Love Story from JW Griffiths on Vimeo.

Currently flying around the web is this creative video by James Griffiths, winner of the Nokia Shorts Competition 2011. Griffiths won the $10,000 grand prize and his movie will be showcased at the 2011 Edinburgh Film Festival. Incredibly, this cute movie was all shot on the Nokia N8 mobile phone. -- via My Modern Metropolis

Ma che carino! (Cough cough. It cheered us up. Wheeze.)

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photograph via Vintage Gal)

Tonight

We're officially obsessed with the night sky this summer. Earthsky has a wonderful feature on their excellent website called "Tonight." We're inching our way to the summer solstice (tomorrow), so now is a good time to check-in with Earthsky. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, or through their RSS feed.

Click on the beautiful video, The Mountain to see more night sky. More on this project soon but thank you to Marvelous Kiddo for bringing it to our attention. It is stunning.

ciao-meow/the Mgmt.

(photograph by the amazing Cig Harvey)

Summer in the City

It seems inadequate to say, "It's hot." Because it's more like "Wowsers, it's HOT!"

Giulia's editor just returned from a long walk with visiting friends. It's tempting to stay inside but try to get out...maybe before noon or just as the sun is setting. Plan an urban hike - this means along the trail of coffee shops, gelato carts, & the like. You don't have to rough it.

If you visit Washington (or are new here or just need a few ideas), visit Washington Walks. If you're in London, check out Best Summer Walks. For NYC, try Walking Off The Big Apple. We can't list everyone's town, so do a search for "summer walks."

ciao-meow/GGCM

PS: Don't resist The Lovin' Spoonful video. It's still so catchy!

(photograph by GG fave, Nina Leen/LIFE)

Les Parapluies de Cherbourg

...or The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. A nearly-silent Sunday here but for movie playing & Giulia's amazingly high leaps accompanied by squeals to steal attention away from young lovers Catherine Deneuve & Nino Castelnuovo. On the menu, pissaladière. Play the fan favorite video - Michel Legrand's score as interpeted by the great Stéphane Grappelli. Very cool.

ciao-floof-meow/GG Sunday Central

(film still via adryan dillon)

PS: Cute post from design*sponge

The Freedom Riders

Watch the full episode. See more American Experience.

Celebrate the bravery of the Freedom Riders by watching the movie tonight on PBS. If you aren't in the States, please visit the links. It may be available via the website soon. There are excellent links on the interactive website for you to teach children & young adults about this crucial turning point in the Civil Rights Movement.

Check the link to see if the traveling exhibit will be coming to a town near you.

ciao-meow/GG

(photograph of Julia Aaron & David Dennis by Paul Schutzer for LIFE)

Sunday Spanish Dinner & a Movie

...flamenco music & Javier Bardem.

We received an email about lovely Elena Parker's new series on Food52, Dinner & a Movie & instead of cooking something up, we'll leave it to the pros. Check out Elena's wonderful choices for a Spanish-themed menu in keeping with the spirit of Vicki Cristina Barcelona. It's delicious & quite easy, too.

Emilio de Benito plays Granada in the very romantic Spanish flamenco guitar scene (video).

ciao-olé-meow!

(VCB film still by Victor Bello via IMDb )

Wednesday Wishes - Sott'er Celo de Roma

...or On an Evening in Roma. If you want a little blast into the past, play this song & dance about.

Click on the video & watch Audrey & Mr. Peck set to the song by DrSamoora. If you want to plan a trip to Roma, see Italian Notebook for some excellent tips from expats. For many laughs, visit that wacky Roman family at 2 Kids & a Dog. As always, Giampaolo Macorig's photographs are wonderful. Here's his Rome set for your viewing pleasure.

ciao-sigh-meow/GG

PS: Giulia is whipping up a classic Roman Insalata di Cipolle con le Sarde & making an absolute mess. (Well, what can you expect from a cat?)

Two Royal Weddings

The AFI Silver Theatre near GG Central is showing The Young Victoria & Royal Wedding (Fred Astaire dancing on the ceiling) in a tongue-in-cheek tip of the top hat to the royal wedding across the Pond next Friday. We don't want to take any business away from the Silver (& we will be seeing Jane Eyre there soon) but both films are available on Netflix Instant. These two films could not be more different but they're enjoyable in their separate ways.

Have a great Friday evening!

ciao-meow/GG's editor

(photographs via IMDb)

French Fairy Tale

A little French girls tells a story. Watch at approximately 3.31 when she pronounces something très méchant. What a darling poupée!

ciao-meow/GG's French tutor

(Children Watch Guignol Puppet Show in Open Air Theater at Parc de Montsouris by Eisenstaedt via art.com. Prints for sale.)

Sparkly Sunday Night with GG

Regular visitors here know that Giulia rarely makes an appearance. She's rather demanding when it comes to grooming (in addition to suggested remuneration fees--which we are ignoring, thank you). Here is a rare moment of calm between fairy lights & GG. She alternates between suspicions that fairy lights suddenly coalesce into a monster to yum, these sparkly lights must be tasty. Otherwise, why would her editor shriek the moment a snaggletooth makes contact with a light tip? Oof.

Here's a new Simon's Cat video, Santa Claws. Even if you don't have a cat, it's funny. Have a good Sunday evening!

ciao-sparkle-meow/GG Holiday Central

Christmas Lights

A little overnight prettiness from us to you (via Vintage Rose Garden via Pinterest). And a song & near the end, fireworks over London. Cheers!

John

John Lennon website

Ice Skating Lessons from the English Ballet - Week's End

A little overnight distraction from the crazy world. James Streeter of the English Ballet (formerly a speed skater) gives an excellent how-to basic lesson at London's Somerset House. Then a chic video statement by Tiffany (sponsors of the ice rink). Have a great evening & tomorrow morning (in Australia)! Giulia still has her little feline heart set on a spin around the rink at the Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC. (image of Mainzer cats from personal collection/website here)

ciao-meow/GGCM

Side With the World's Children - Week's End

Join GG in the Soft Toy Movement for every child's right to education. Please go to your country's IKEA website & click on Soft Toy campaign at the bottom of the homepage. There you will find all the information you need to pass the word on. It has downloadable wallpapers, a coloring book, a banner for blogs & Facebook pages, & videos.

This year, from November 1–December 24, for every soft toy sold, 1 euro (USD $1.35) will go to IKEA global partners UNICEF and Save the Children to extend and start new children's educational programs in 22 countries.

Pick up an inexpensive soft toy at IKEA & put it in a holiday gift donation basket if you don't need it. Giulia is holding a meow-in this very moment because she wants a soft toy this year. The spring has gone out of Celeste the IKEA Pig's curly tail. We'll see about an addition but Celeste the IKEA Pig (her full name) is not going anywhere...there's a familiar orange & white pink-nosed feline draped over her every day. (images via IKEA website)

ciao-merry-meow/The Management