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Happy happy happy happy

Pharrell Williams is a rare commodity: articulate, compassionate, charismatic, and a darned talented musician. His hit HAPPY, from the film Despicable Me 2, has sold millions. No wonder -- it's uplifting, aspirational, easy to dance to, and, well, it makes me happy just to have it floating around in my head. I promise this short video will make you smile, or dance, or clap, or all three. And we should do more of all of those, every day. Be happy, and share the happiness.

Waste Land

With our attention turning to the World Cup matches in Brazil -- and the recent takeover of Rio's largest favela (slum) by the military -- it's a good time to focus on the beauty of the country and the dignity of its people. In the 2010 documentary Waste Land, artist Vik Muniz found beauty where you would expect despair. The portraits he created with garbage pickers in Jardim Gramacho, on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, hang in some of the world's great museums and art collections, and the money raised has helped build a better life for the catadores who live and work in the world's largest landfill.

Doris Day, Rock Hudson

My family has lived for years with the knowledge of my not-so-secret infatuation with the three Doris Day-Rock Hudson movies: Pillow Talk, Lover Come Back, and Send Me No Flowers. In Pillow Talk (1959), my absolute favorite, Doris Day plays an interior decorator and single gal in New York City; Rock Hudson plays a songwriting Lothario. It's a period piece in so many ways, but what a fun and campy period! You must watch it, if only to marvel at her elegant gowns and amazing apartment.