Let America Be America Again

With all that's going on in the news from corporate control and bribery of Congress, wholesale attempts at union busting and transfer of wealth from the middle class to the top 1% while engaging in three wars, we just need a reminder of where that all ends up. This poem comes from Langston Hughes during the depression with its clarion call for America to once more be the government for the people.

Let America Be America Again
by Langston Hughes Originally published in Esquire (1938)
Let America be America again. Let it be the dream it used to be. Let it be the pioneer on the plain Seeking a home where he himself is free. (America never was America to me.) Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed-- Let it be that great strong land of love Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme That any man be crushed by one above. (It never was America to me.) O, let my land be a land where Liberty Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath, But opportunity is real, and life is free, Equality is in the air we breathe. (There's never been equality for me, Nor freedom in this "homeland of the free.") Say, who are you that mumbles in the dark? And who are you that draws your veil across the stars? I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart, I am the Negro bearing slavery's scars. I am the red man driven from the land, I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek-- And finding only the same old stupid plan Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak. I am the young man, full of strength and hope, Tangled in that ancient endless chain Of profit, power, gain, of grab the land! Of grab the gold! Of grab the ways of satisfying need! Of work the men! Of take the pay! Of owning everything for one's own greed! I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil. I am the worker sold to the machine. I am the Negro, servant to you all. I am the people, humble, hungry, mean-- Hungry yet today despite the dream. Beaten yet today--O, Pioneers! I am the man who never got ahead, The poorest worker bartered through the years. Yet I'm the one who dreamt our basic dream In the Old World while still a serf of kings, Who dreamt a dream so strong, so brave, so true, That even yet its mighty daring sings In every brick and stone, in every furrow turned That's made America the land it has become. O, I'm the man who sailed those early seas In search of what I meant to be my home-- For I'm the one who left dark Ireland's shore, And Poland's plain, and England's grassy lea, And torn from Black Africa's strand I came To build a "homeland of the free." The free? Who said the free? Not me? Surely not me? The millions on relief today? The millions shot down when we strike? The millions who have nothing for our pay? For all the dreams we've dreamed And all the songs we've sung And all the hopes we've held And all the flags we've hung, The millions who have nothing for our pay-- Except the dream that's almost dead today. O, let America be America again-- The land that never has been yet-- And yet must be--the land where every man is free. The land that's mine--the poor man's, Indian's, Negro's, ME-- Who made America, Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain, Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain, Must bring back our mighty dream again. Sure, call me any ugly name you choose-- The steel of freedom does not stain. From those who live like leeches on the people's lives, We must take back our land again, America! O, yes, I say it plain, America never was America to me, And yet I swear this oath-- America will be! Out of the rack and ruin of our gangster death, The rape and rot of graft, and stealth, and lies, We, the people, must redeem The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers. The mountains and the endless plain-- All, all the stretch of these great green states-- And make America again!

What Do People Live For?

Every commercial should be this good - T C Bank - Dream Rangers

Take the time to view if you haven't seen it before.

Based on a real story, a group of old men decide to revisit their motorcycling youth after one of their own passes away. "Dream Rangers" was created by Ogilvy Taiwan for TC Bank - “For Ordinary People With Extraordinary Dreams”. Creative Director: Jennifer Hu - Copywriter: Jennifer Hu, Justin Chia - Art director: Leah Chen - Producer: Abby Ku - Director: Thanonchai

Queen's Meme - The Prissy Meme

This week her majesty wants a peek in our closets, so throw open your doors and tell all. To participate (not to mention staying out of the dank, dismal dungeon) just sign in on the Queen's Meme and answer all the following too nosy for words gentle inquiries of sincere interest.

1. What is your favorite lipstick color and why? -

I've Got One Here Somewhere at the bottom of my purse. It's called "Milla's Plum". Who is Milla and why is she selling plums?

2. How long does it take you to get ready to go to work in the morning?

When I used to go to work, anything over 15 minutes was too darn long.  All clothes were bought with that goal in mind.  I now have it down to five minutes except for a really big night out.

3. Do you have your nails professionally done? Mani? Pedi?

Yes. You have to have a few "spoil me" items in your life.

4. Tell us about your latest spa experience - real or imagined.

Pretty utilitarian other than the facial and shiatsu massage. See note above about "spoil me".


5. Is there something you'd like to change about your appearance? Would you ever have cosmetic surgery?

I really want to have the "weekend lift" to tighten up the chin line. Other than that, "It Takes Courage to Be Happy". I earned these laugh lines and I'm keeping them!

6. How do you take care of your skin?

Keep it clean. Occasional facials. Exfoliating pads at bath time.

7. Tell us your secrets for vibrant, shiny, healthy-looking hair.

Mayonnaise

8. What is your favorite fragrance?

Absolute favorite at about $150.00 an ounce (Guess who has to settle for the 1/4 oz or Cologne) - Jean Deprez' Bal A Versailles.   Runner up: Paloma Picasso.

9. Everyone has a certain color they love to wear. What is yours?

Rich Burgundy. My closet is loaded with rouge et noir. Every time I try to switch to my favorite colors of blue and green, the trip to the store proves once more that they just aren't my colors.

10. Do you have ink?

If you mean tattoos, no, though I keep considering my signature owl. Guess I would have to put him on my shoulder. If you mean a real writing pen and ink then yes.

11. How would you describe your personal style?

Leftover Hippie:  Caftans, peasant skirts, fleece sweatpants/tops, and nudity.

Rising Again From The Flames

Here is an update on the Gardens since the fires

The gardens are now open for viewing from 10am - 5pm, 7 days a week

Since the tragic bushfires decimated the town of Marysville and took Brunos home and gallery with it, Bruno has been working tirelessly to restore the sculptures and the gardens to their former glory. The progress has been substantial and although there is still a long way to go, Bruno has decided to officially reopen the gardens to the public.

Bruno's home and art gallery were unfortunately completely destroyed in the 7th of February 2009 bushfire. The main attraction, the sculpture garden, has also been damaged, but around sixty percent of the sculptures have survived

Bruno has chosen to stay in Marysville to rebuild his home and restore the gardens. Brunos passion to share his love of art and the story of life with the world has not been damaged by the fires, in fact you would almost say it has been forged anew by the flames that nearly took it all away

Take This Tune - Done With Bonaparte

I haven't done a "Take This Tune" since moving it over to my main blog. The rules are simple and are on the right. Just sign in below to let everyone know if you have had an idea sparked by the lyrics to the above song by Mark Knopfler which is both a history lesson and the suffering of all soldiers asked to serve for their country. May all the men and women currently fighting around the world, come home safe to their families.

DONE WITH BONAPARTE
Mark Knopfler

We've paid in hell since Moscow burned
As Cossacks tear us piece by piece
Our dead are strewn a hundred leagues
Though death would be a sweet release
And our grande arm?e is dressed in rags
A frozen starving beggar band
Like rats we steal each other's scraps
Fall to fighting hand to hand

Save my soul from evil, Lord
And heal this soldier's heart
I'll trust in thee to keep me, Lord
I'm done with Bonaparte

What dreams he made for us to dream
Spanish skies, Egyptian sands
The world was ours, we marched upon
Our little Corporal's command
And I lost an eye at Austerlitz
The sabre slash yet gives me pain
My one true love awaits me still
The flower of the aquitaine

Save my soul from evil, Lord
And heal this soldier's heart
I'll trust in thee to keep me, Lord
I'm done with Bonaparte

I pray for her who prays for me
A safe return to my belle France
We prayed these wars would end all wars
In war we know is no romance
And I pray our child will never see
A little Corporal again
Point toward a foreign shore
Captivate the hearts of men

Save my soul from evil, Lord
And heal this soldier's heart
I'll trust in thee to keep me, Lord
I'm done with Bonaparte

Time To Go Dark

It is a very small inconvenience. In fact you could just go to sleep early and get some extra rest. If you really must watch TV, stare at a computer screen or just sit up reading, for this one night, turn out the lights, turn off the computer, unplug. Don't use 60 minutes worth of energy tonight from 8:30 - 9:30 PM your time.

Send the dark around the world and see the light about conserving energy for all.

5 On Friday - 1983 Motown 25th Anniversary

If you would like to play along on this great meme, simply head over to Trav's Thoughts, sign in and follow the Rules/No Rules:

1. Grab the banner, make your post title Five on Friday, and be sure to link back here.
2. Go to Playlist.com to make your Set of five songs. You may choose a particular theme to share with us, or post random tunes if that's your vibe for the day. You can simply post the Set, or you can add a little summary about what you are sharing.
2a. Don't feel restricted by the tracks listed on Playlist.com. And don't be discouraged if the Embed code won't work. You're welcome to use any type of media to share your Sets.
3. Be sure to sign Mr Linky so everyone can visit your Set.
4. No tags, but feel free to invite your friends to play along if they need a post topic on a Friday.

On March 25, 1983 there was a television special celebrating the 25th anniversary of Motown.  It brought together many of the Motown stars singing some of their biggest hits and showcased the first time Michael Jackson "moonwalked", not to mention Diana Ross and the other supremes in a shoving match deleted from the taped show.



Motown 25 - Jackson Five Medley



Motown 25 - Michael Jackson - Billie Jean



Motown 25 - Four Tops Vs. Temptations



Motown 25 - Diana Ross - Supremes Medley

And then on March 25, 2001 - Along came Bjork attending the Oscars - The swan made such an impression that few remember that her nominated "Best Song" was from her musical "Dancer In The Dark".

A Woman For All Seasons

27 February 1932 – 23 March 2011

Elizabeth Taylor passed away today at Cedars Sinai after a long bout with congestive heart failure.  She was one of the greatest of the ladies of the golden age of cinema, but even more she was a generous, loving woman who will be mourned by those who knew her well.

I have only one personal story about her, but it probably speaks to the woman's basic character.  It was the height of the Eddie, and Liz scandal shortly after Eddie and Liz had married.  They were passing through LAX on the way to somewhere and doing the glamorous  passage through what were then wide open areas complete with baggage and dogs.  I had stopped by to visit my aunt who worked at one of the magazine/book kiosks only to stand on the fringes as she handled the madhouse of passengers trying to pay for purchases while rushing for a plane.

Eddie Fisher rushed up with an armload of magazines demanding attention.  Aunt Ruth simply continued taking customers in order while he staged a mini "do you know who I am" scene and then rushed off without paying.  A few minutes later, Liz returned with the magazines, waited her turn in the thinning crowd and said, "I believe my husband failed to pay for these."  


No wonder Richard Burton looked like a better option - both times.

In her later years she devoted herself to the AIDS crisis raising millions to find a cure.  Condolences to her family and all who will cherish her memory.

Morning IPOD - What A Mood For Sunday

I may have to stop watching the news. The Cindy Adams put it in focus while I heated up the IPOD. What a mood for a Sunday.

5 On Friday - Strike Up The Band

In line with my latest theme of music, music, music every day of the year, this day is truly special. On this day in history exactly 100 years ago today, Irving Berlin copyrighted "Alexander's Rag Time Band". According to Today in History, this single song was the multimillion-selling smash hit that helped turn American popular music into a major international phenomenon. Take the time to read the whole write up, because it is truly interesting.

So we start the set with The Andrews Sisters doing their WW II version still popular 30 years after this first copyright



Now you can't talk about Ragtime anything without a little Scott Joplin, here with the 1901 Peacherine Rag.



Then the absolute masterpiece that is the Broadway Show: Ragtime. Here with two great numbers, the opening montage that sets up all the various groups that will be bringing on the changes of the new century.



And, with all the union news lately, here is the very dramatic song from Ragtime about Emma Goldman and the Union movement that fought back against the robber barons.



So we started with Alexander then on to Ragtime and now we end with The Band: Take A Load Off Annie



If you would like to play along on this great meme, simply head over to Trav's Thoughts, sign in and follow the Rules/No Rules:

1. Grab the banner, make your post title Five on Friday, and be sure to link back here.
2. Go to Playlist.com to make your Set of five songs. You may choose a particular theme to share with us, or post random tunes if that's your vibe for the day. You can simply post the Set, or you can add a little summary about what you are sharing.
2a. Don't feel restricted by the tracks listed on Playlist.com. And don't be discouraged if the Embed code won't work. You're welcome to use any type of media to share your Sets.
3. Be sure to sign Mr Linky so everyone can visit your Set.
4. No tags, but feel free to invite your friends to play along if they need a post topic on a Friday.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

From the preview for the new Broadway production of Finian's Rainbow



How Are Things In Glocca Morra?



If This Isn't Love

Classic Irish Coffee Recipe

Get a change to your casual coffee recipe; try the classic Irish coffee recipe. This Irish coffee recipe is quick and fun and it is elegant and sophisticated. It’s great for when you have a lot of people over or when you are in the mood to make something special for yourself.

Ingredients

• six ounces of hot, fresh brewed coffee
• 1 teaspoon of brown sugar for sweetness (alternative: rim glass with sugar rather than mixing in coffee)
• 1 ½ ounces of your favorite Irish whiskey
• heavy cream

Directions

Here is a basic Irish coffee recipe: Using the heavy cream, whip it until it becomes whipped cream. You can add sugar and confeccionate sugar to sweeten. Place into the refrigerator to chill. Once your fresh coffee is brewed, combine it with the whiskey and sugar. Mix it well until the sugar dissolves. Take the whipped cream out and float it on top of the Irish coffee mixture. And voilá, you have in your hands your first homemade Irish coffee recipe.

Helpful tips

• Make sure that the whipped cream does not break the surface of the coffee. This may take some time to accomplish but with practice, you will get there.
• Try using a warm spoon to add the whipped cream.
• Try pouring the whip cream over the back of a spoon to help the cream float rather sink into the coffee mixture.

Shelter Box

Shelter Box is already on the ground in Japan to provide emergency shelter and supplies to families left suddenly homeless.  Click on link to donate to this wonderful charity that works fast to help when disaster strikes.

For those who remember Colorado Bob from the Haiti earthquake, his site will continue to contribute to Shelter Box this time directing to Japan. This site is in British pounds and the current exchange rate would be $10 = 6.05 British pounds so you would enter 6 in the amount column.

Queen's Meme #74 - Emergency Meme

Welcome to The Queen's Meme #74
7 Royal Questions on Tuesday

Have you ever wondered how ready you would be if disaster struck your home or your town? Are you prepared for it? The horrific events in Japan this week and my own mini-disaster at home (of little consequence in comparison) caused me to start thinking about maintaining my Emergency Kit. I actually made one after 9-11 for Bloggingham and made kits for my parents and members of my family. Let's see how ready you are. Here's a link to The US Department of Homeland Security FEMA just in case you need it.  According to FEMA: A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items that members of a household may need in the event of a disaster.
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I first thought of playing this funny and then decided to take it seriously.  One nice thing about living with a retired survival trained soldier is that while you know you aren't prepared for everything possible, you are in better shape than most.

Her majesty is concerned about the survival of her subjects.  Therefor we have the following questions open for responses.  To sign in for the original post go HERE

1. How many days worth of food, water and supplies do you need in your Emergency Kit?

We have 30 Days food in the pantry as well as sterno cans for the camping stove.

2. You should prepare supplies for home, work, and vehicle. What item do you need in your car that is not needed at home?

Compass, Maps, flares.   The emergency kit means that we have blankets, food and water.  That is in the trunk of every car.

3. If you are evacuated from your workplace. You grab your "grab and go" bag. What is in it?

This is a little more difficult.  Chris is on a military base.  His car is disaster ready but in addition there are all sorts of support systems on Fort Lewis/.  The cars at home are ready to meet him at a third point.

4. How many gallons of water should each person in your household need for 3 days?

We have 25 gallons on hand plus a bottle pump.  Doesn't allow for bathing, but will handle drinking and food for three people.

5. Tell us your favorite non-perishable food items.  - One bit of silly:  Chocolate.  The world runs on chocolate.

6.  How much cash are you going to hide in your emergency disaster kit?

$500 in cash

7. Do you have a basic emergency plan developed for you and your family? Have you written it down, practiced and discussed it? Does everyone know where the emergency supplies are?

This is interesting.  In 1980 I put a map on the wall in Santa Monica  to show my children what would happen in an earthquake and where they needed to be.  To this day, the daughter and son in their respective domiciles know where the family "meet up" location is located.  For fun can you say Las Vegas?.

Out of the Inbox - Lexophiles Unite

Lexophiles = (Lovers of Words)

You can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish or…

I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. then it hit me

To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.

A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A.

The professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes was on shaky ground.

The batteries were given out free of charge.

A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail.

A will is a dead giveaway.

If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.

With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.

Show me a piano falling down a mineshaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.

You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

Local Area Network in Australia: The LAN down under.

A boiled egg, is hard to beat.

When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.

Police were called to a day care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

Did you hear about the fellow whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

If you take a laptop computer for a run you could jog your memory.

A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.

In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.

When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.

The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine has fully recovered.

He had a photographic memory which was never developed.

Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.

When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.

5 On Friday - Sir Paul

The 5 On Friday meme was invented by Travis. The basic "rules/no rules' are shown below. Be sure to sign in on the Trav's Thoughts page so we can all share your music.

1. Grab the banner, make your post title Five on Friday, and be sure to link back here.

2. Go to Playlist.com to make your Set of five songs. You may choose a particular theme to share with us, or post random tunes if that's your vibe for the day. You can simply post the Set, or you can add a little summary about what you are sharing.

2a. Don't feel restricted by the tracks listed on Playlist.com. And don't be discouraged if the Embed code won't work. You're welcome to use any type of media to share your Sets.

3. Be sure to sign Mr Linky so everyone can visit your Set.

4. No tags, but feel free to invite your friends to play along if they need a post topic on a Friday.

Go forth and enjoy music!

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

I've always maintained that something interesting happens every single day that is in some way connected to music or movie.  Here is the first edition to test that thesis.  On this day in history in 1997, Paul McCartney was knighted to become Sir Paul.



















t

Math Singalong to the Golden Mean

What Pi Sounds Like



The Golden Mean

One of the major places where people cutting school budgets go horribly wrong is trying to save money by cutting "unnecessary" music and arts programs in favor of the "basics". What they miss and why they fail students is that the structure of music and the composition of art enhances rather that detracts from the "basics".

How it all comes together:  Danny Kaye singing Inchworm & Sarah McLachlin finding just another ordinary miracle in the vast mathematical plan of the universe.

Queen's Meme - The Green Meme

First her majesty was looking more than a little green with the flu and now she is going green on her blog.  I can see a theme developing here.  Can little green men be far behind?  It is almost St. Paddy's day you know and there might be a leprechaun or ten around Bloggingham.  Join in on the weekly meme, by clicking the link below.

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Welcome to The Queen's Meme #73

7 Royal Questions on Tuesday

We will attempt to "go green" here on the Queen's Meme blog today. Even I'm green. Even Mr. Linky is green! (don't tell him) I am woefully ashamed of my non-green status in this country and wish to do better. Recyling is not my forte unless we're talking fingernails.  Let's find out how green we really are. I went to this website and was SHOCKED to learn that not only am I un-American and globally unwise in this regard, but I deserve to be smacked with a non-toxic noodle as well. I hate pain. I'd rather reform. Shall we?

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The Green Meme

How green are you?

1. Do you recycle?  

Yes.  Washington makes it easy by supplying brown (garden waste), blue (paper & plastic recyclables), and green (general garbage) and a bin for glass.   

2. Have you ever hung clothes on a line instead of using the clothes dryer? 

Yes as a child before everyone had dryers and recently while in Britain where almost everyone has a line outdoors.  It was different. 

3. Do you walk or bike to work to save energy? 

No.  Don't work so I settle for peddling by _ _ _ around the neighborhood.

4. Do you use a water filter for your tap water or do you buy bottled water?

We never buy the little bottles.  We do use the large bottles as the company takes them back for recycling.

5. How many trees do you kill each year buying new books?

There is a forest begging for mercy so I try to plant a couple of new trees somewhere every year.  Actually since trees for paper is a renewable resource, the only real problem is a mono-culture acreage replacing mixed   trees in a real forest. 

6. Have you ever considered recycling your cellphone?

Contribute them to the nearest program for battered women.  They will see that all personal info is removed and reprogram them for emergency use.

 7. All you need are a few simple non-toxic ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap to clean your home.  Are you willing to throw away the bottled chemicals?

I've already done it for almost everything.

**Remember! March 26, 2011 is Earth Hour!** I'll be asleep. 

You go to sleep at 8:30 P.M. every night?

The Road of Life

Every week I get an email from The School of Practical Philosophy.  They are always positive without being preachy.  If you like this sort of thing, there is a link at the bottom for you to subscribe and there are links to previous stories on their website.

THE ROAD OF LIFE

Once upon a time, a king had a great highway built for the people who lived in his kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many of his subjects as desired to participate. The challenge was to see who could travel the highway the best, and the winner was to receive a box of gold.

On the day of the contest, all the people came. Some of them had fine chariots, some had fine clothing and fancy food to make the trip a luxurious journey. Some wore their sturdiest shoes and ran along the highway on their feet to show their skill. All day they traveled the highway, and each one, when he arrived at the end, complained to the king about a large pile of rocks and debris that had been left almost blocking the road at one point, and that got in their way and hindered their travel.

At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed the finish line warily and walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he addressed the king with great respect and handed him a small chest of gold. He said, “I stopped along the way to clear a pile of rocks and debris that was blocking the road. This chest of gold was under it all. Please have it returned to its rightful owner.”

The king replied, “You are the rightful owner.”

“Oh no,” said the traveler, “This is not mine. I’ve never known such money.”

“Oh yes,” said the king, “you’ve earned this gold, for you won my contest…. He who travels the road best is he who makes the road better for those who will follow.”

Remember these words of wisdom as you travel the road of life!

Author Unknown
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Sheesh

Last Friday for 5 On Friday, I did all river songs because I really like rivers. Then I went and missed the obvious song for the set. George Harrison was born on February 25, 1943, so he knew something about being a Pisces who liked rivers which led to "Pisces Fish"




Rowers gliding on the river
Canadian geese crap along the bank
Back wheel of my bike begins to quiver
The chain is wrapped around the crank

Old ladies, who must be doggie training
Walking, throwing balls, chasing all the sheep
While the farmer stands around, and he’s complaining
His mad cows are being put to sleep
I’m a Pisces fish and the river runs through my soul

Smoke signals from the brewery
Like someone in there found the latest Pope
In a vat of beer that keeps pumping out with fury
While the church bell ringer’s tangled in his rope

But there’s a temple on an island
I think of all the Gods and what they feel
You can only find them in the deepest silence
I’ve got to get off of this big wheel

I’m a Pisces fish and the river runs through my soul
I’m a Pisces fish and the river runs through my soul

And I’ll be swimming until I can find those waters
That’s the one unbounded ocean of bliss
That’s flowing through your parents, sons and daughters
But still an easy thing for us to miss

Blades go skimming through the water
I hear the coxswain shouting his instructions about
With this crew oh, it could be a tall order
Have we time to sort all these things out?

Sometimes my life it feels like fiction
Some of the days it’s really quite serene
I’m a living proof of all life’s contradictions
One half’s going where the other half’s just been

And I’m a Pisces fish and the river runs through my soul
I’m a Pisces fish and the river runs through my soul
I’m a Pisces fish and the river runs through my soul

5 On Friday - Let The Rivers Run

The 5 On Friday meme was invented by Travis. The basic "rules/no rules' are shown below. Be sure to sign in on the Trav's Thoughts page so we can all share your music.


1. Grab the banner, make your post title Five on Friday, and be sure to link back here.

2. Go to Playlist.com to make your Set of five songs. You may choose a particular theme to share with us, or post random tunes if that's your vibe for the day. You can simply post the Set, or you can add a little summary about what you are sharing.

2a. Don't feel restricted by the tracks listed on Playlist.com. And don't be discouraged if the Embed code won't work. You're welcome to use any type of media to share your Sets.

3. Be sure to sign Mr Linky so everyone can visit your Set.

4. No tags, but feel free to invite your friends to play along if they need a post topic on a Friday.

Go forth and enjoy music!
 
There is going to be a busy three days, so this will go up early for the weekend.

This week was my birthday.  As such I am a Piscean which means I never want to be far from free running water:  Oceans, Waterfalls, little streams, gutters in the rain and even showers and bathtubs, I love the sound of running water.  This week you get my favorite form of water ... free flowing rivers.

 
First up the second song I ever thought of as "my favorite".  The first was "Far Away Places" and the second Shenandoah about the wide Missouri.  Somewhere between five and seven I got the idea of leaving home, and a river was the best way to get from here to there.
 
 


Shenandoah - The Robert Shaw Chorale

First heard the next song in the movie "Working Girl", then this video came out with its views of the Hudson and New York City.  New York equates to theater.  This immediately became a river that must be seen in person.



Let The River Run - Carly Simon

While living in DC, one of the Broadway musicals I was fortunate enough to see during its tryouts was "Big River" written by Roger Miller.  It isn't one of my favorites, but it has two wonderful river songs:  Muddy Water and the lovely River In The Rain.  I've seen the Mississippi and somewhere there is River Boat suite waiting.



River In The Rain - Roger Miller (Written for broadway show:  Big River)

The next is a sad song about a truly fun river.  The Kern flows down from the Sierra with white water rafting at the top and lazy fun summer floating through the San Joaquin below.  It is one I have floated many times or swung into from a tire on the edge of my uncles raisin ranch.  On one float I slipped over the side of a raft and swam in the Kern and got a surprise.  At the height of summer the air may be over a hundred, but the deeper sections of the Kern are still cold with the snow melt and the current can be very swift.  Don't get in unless you are a strong swimmer.  It took me a half hour to swim back against the current to catch my raft. .... didn't do that again.



Kern River - Merle Haggard

You know there must be a bit of history.  Disney inaccurate version of course, but who cares when there is a good song:  Pocahontas with just why rivers are so very very special to gypsy like creatures born under water signs who truly love all the rivers running.



Just Around The River Bend - From Pocahontas Sung by Judy Kuhn

Portents

Let's see. There may be some omens here. A love for the open road, movies, and music.  Then there is the absolute hatred for shoes that always had my mother saying, "Put your shoes on Lucy, you're in the city now".

1967	The Beatles complete vocal and instrumental overdubs for Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, a song that will ultimately appear on their Sergeant Pepper album, at EMI Studios in London. (photo credit: Capitol Records)

1944 U.S.A. Academy Awards 

2nd March, 1944: The Academy Awards are presented as part of a televised variety show with Jack Benny as master of ceremonies for the event.   Casablanca got an Oscar and my parents got me.

1933 U.S.A. King Kong 

2nd March, 1933 : The Original King Kong movie has its world premiere in New York 


U.S. 
1925 U.S.A. Formal Highway Numbering System 

2nd March, 1925: It was on this day that the first formal highway system was implemented. This is the time when state and federal highway officials had officially established a highway numbering system. This was done in order to maintain order on the highway, this was Following a period when each state created it's own style road signs The new sign featured the shield shaped highway number markers . 

Queen's Meme #72 - Return To Sender

Welcome to The Queen's Meme #72  - I've been on a short hiatus due to illness but glad to be back! Now that I've returned, let's talk about returns. Why not? I'll bet you have a lot to say about that.   I know I do!  Be sure to sign in with Queen Mimi at the link above.

1. When is the last time you returned a library book? - Last year.  I hardly go anymore which is a shame, but I now have several shelves of reading begging to be read and my genealogy program is now on my computer so I don't need the link to Ancestry at the library.

2. Is there anyone you'd like to see return to your life?  Yes, but unfortunately permanently gone

3. Have you finished your income tax return? - Yes

4. Do you ever return things to the store for refund, credit or exchange? Have you had a bad experience with customer service over this issue? Tell us your story. - No.  I actually hate shopping and want to spend as little time in stores as possible so I don't buy anything I don't absolutely want and can throw away if I'm wrong.

5. You would like to see your favorite movie named The Return of Drover but without all the continuity errors.

6. Is there something you're still waiting to be returned to you? Yes, my baby book but it isn't going to happen as it probably went in someone's trash about 30 years ago.

7. You are in a canyon. On the other side stands your beloved. You stand and shout something to him/her making a large echo. What do you want to hear in return?  I yi yi yi Luv uv uv You oooo though it might sound too much like this:



8. If you could turn back and go in the reverse direction in your life, making things better for yourself and those you love, how would your journey begin? - Enlisting in the Navy. I really needed to run away from home and that would have been a much better choice.