Santorum's Surprising Revelation

During an interview with Hugh Hewitt, 2016 Republican Presidential hopeful former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) marked the passing of David Bowie by owning up to liking some of the legendary Rock Superstar's music. Santorum also gave a nitty gritty explanation of the ground game in Iowa and how he hopes do do well in the caucuses. 

Santorum's honesty should be commended as it was an admission against his interests.  Much of the impetus for the Santorum for President run is about traditional family values, which hardly comports with Bowie's public aura.  Santorum's choice may not win many votes in conservative evangelical circles as they go to caucus on February 1st. 

While Santorum may have appreciated the audio artistry of the Starman, Santorum certainly did not emulate his fashion. And David Bowie (ne David Jones) would surely never be caught in the sweater vests that Santorum made infamous in 2012.

R.I.P. David Bowie (1947-2016)

David Bowie turned 69 years old on Friday January 8, 2016.  Bowie marked the occasion by releasing his 25th studio album Blackstar.  This was the Bowie album which did not feature his ever changing visage (as illustrated by Helen Green for the rock star's 68th birthday).



 
 But a video Lazarus was simultaneously released to promote Blackstar, which depicted Bowie in a hospital bed with bandages covering his face and buttons over his his eyes.

Two  days later, the world was shocked when Bowie's death was announced.  Unbeknownst to the general public Bowie had be suffering from cancer for eighteen month which he knew was incurable.  Bowie's longtime music producer Tony Visconti opined that Blackstar was a parting gift from Bowie. Visconti followed with the observation: "His death was no different than his life-- a work of art."

The lyrics to Lazarus paired with the haunting images from the video lend credence to the perception that Blackstar was a deliberate swan song. 

Look up here, I'm in heaven

I've got scars that can't be seen

I've got drama, can't be stolen

Everybody knows me now

Look up here, man, I'm in danger

I've got nothing left to lose

I'm so high it makes my brain whirl

Dropped my cell phone down below

Ain't that just like me

By the time I got to New York

I was living like a king

Then I used up all my money

I was looking for your ass

This way or no way

You know, I'll be free

Just like that bluebird

Now ain't that just like me

Oh I'll be free

Just like that bluebird

Oh I'll be free

Ain't that just like me

h/t: Helen Green

Out of the World ISS Musical Experiment

Kudos to Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield who performed and produced an out of this world music video redition of David Bowie's 1969 hit "Space Oddity" while aboard the International Space Station.  The music video was made with the full cooperation of the Canadian Space Agency and has gone viral as it has been played over 11 million times. 

This was the third time that the 53 year old former Royal Canadian Air Force officer has been to space.  This time Hadfield was ISS Commander of the Soyuz capsule as part of Expedition 35's five month mission orbiting the Earth.  

ISS Expedition 35 landing

Even though Hadfield landed in Kazhakstan on May 13th, it may take months for him to enjoy his cosmic celebrity status on the world-wide-web, as Hadfield will require a couple of months of physical therapy to recover from effects of weightessness on bone density and muscle mass. 

Crew of ISS Expedition 35 after landfall.  

A small price to be paid for sitting in a tin-can far above the world and cutting a music video which truly makes Hadfield a renowned Starman.