Durward Discussion

5 On Friday - Scales of Justice Edition

2012-01-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

Sorry I'm Late, but this past week and next week are jury duty, which gives me this week's theme for our weekly meme. This was invented by our buddy Travis of Trav's Thoughts. To join in follow the link to his site to sign in and share your musical choices.

Chinese New Year 2012

2012-01-22T15:25:00.000-08:00

ENTER THE DRAGON

The Dragon Enters on Monday. To find your horoscope for The year of the Dragon, find and click on your animal sign on THIS PAGE.

Hiatus

2012-01-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

Son traveling again and stuff catching up with me. Back off and on.

5 On Friday - The Mozart Effect

2012-01-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

Five on Friday was invented by our friend Travis at Trav's Throughts. To join in on the fun, sign in at his website and share your music choices for the week.

Happy Friday the 13th. Unlike most people, I always think something wonderful will happen on what others consider an unlucky day. This time I'm going for the great composers paired with more than a little nonsense:

In presenting his $12.5 billion budget proposal for fiscal 1999 to the Georgia state legislature on January 13, 1998, Democratic Governor Zell Miller covered all of the expected basics, such as schools, roads, hospitals and the like. And then he got to an interesting and unexpected item: a request for $105,000 of taxpayer money to provide Classical music CDs to every child born in the state of Georgia. At this point, the governor hit "Play" on a tape recorder he had brought with him and he treated the gathered lawmakers to an excerpt from the "Ode to Joy" section of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. "Now don't you feel smarter already?" asked Miller. "Smart enough to vote for this budget item, I hope."

On this Friday the 13th, here is your chance to feel smarter with some very, very familiar classical pieces.

Ode To Joy

Blue Danube

Sorcer's Apprentice

Peter & The Wolf Part 1

Peter & The Wolf Part 2

5 On Friday - Bluebird Edition

2012-01-05T16:29:00.000-08:00

Five Tweets In Waiting

Our friend Travis over at Trav's Thoughts invented the 5 On Friday meme. Hop over to his website for instructions, the join in to share your musical selections for the week.

On Wednesday morning, Roseanne Cash tweeted the following: "Listening to Joe Henry's new record 'Reverie' all morning. Like listening to Gabriel Garcia Marquez with a backbeat."

If you mention one of my favorite authors, you get my attention. Based on this tweet, I went hunting for another musician I had never heard and discovered songs with lyrics in which you could drown. I don't have a clue what he will say to you, but he will make you hear it.

His web page is on the link above. Here is his Wiki for even more information

Iowa Primaries

2012-01-03T08:40:00.003-08:00

In honor of the first caucus of 2012

Anais Nin

2012-01-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

Prowling around the tubes of the internet is a favorite pastime and coincidences have this strange habit of popping up and fate seems to come calling. This past weekend had such a day when in five different places I found quotes by Anais Nin. Now let's face it, she may have been unusual, scandalous, talented, and beautiful enough to inspire a perfume, but five places on the same day quoting a woman that is almost ignored except by devoted readers of frequently banned books? Can't imagine what brought her out of hiding from her usual location at Brainy Quotes.

If you aren't familiar with her writing, take a look. If you are, it may be time for another visit. Fate does not like to be ignored.

“I, with a deeper instinct, choose a man who compels my strength, who makes enormous demands on me, who does not doubt my courage or my toughness, who does not believe me naïve or innocent, who has the courage to treat me like a woman.”

― Anaïs Nin

“From the backstabbing co-worker to the meddling sister-in-law, you are in charge of how you react to the people and events in your life. You can either give negativity power over your life or you can choose happiness instead. Take control and choose to focus on what is important in your life. Those who cannot live fully often become destroyers of life.”

― Anaïs Nin

5 On Friday - What's New

2011-12-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

This brings us to the final 5 On Friday for 2011 before the arrival of the New Year 2012. To join in, please visit our friend Travis at Trav's Thoughts to sign in and share your musical choices. Grab your hat and let's get this party started with some "New" Songs

May the best you have ever seen
Be the worst you will ever see
May a mouse never leave your girnal (pantry)
With a tear drop in his eye
May you always keep hale and hearty
Till you are old enough to die
May you always be just as happy
As we wish you always to be

And to say farewell to times past and hello to all that waits in the year ahead: (Translation provided on request, but the short form is to remember friends and loved ones from whom you have parted while cherishing the friends and loved ones gathered close. ) May you and yours have the happiest of years ahead.

8th Night of Hanukkah

2011-12-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

1. Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.

2. Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.

For 8th night a bit of history and a really different recipe you might want to try:

Malawach, Yemenite Bread

Yemen is located on the southernmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula. The first Jews were sent to Yemen during the time of King Solomon. They sailed the length of the Red Sea to Yemen to find gold and silver for the Temple in Jerusalem. The Hebrew preserved by this community is said to be the most authentic articulation of Biblical Hebrew. The majority of the Jewish community of Yemen was flown to Israel in the summer of 1949 on Operation Magic Carpet. With them came malawach, now a staple in Israel.

This recipe is from Sephardic Cooking by Copeland Marks

4 cups flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cups water, or enough to make a soft dough
1/4 pound margarine, at room temperature
2 teaspoons olive oil

Mix everything except the margarine together, knead a bit for smoothness. Then let the dough rest, covered, for 3 hours. Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Flatten out one piece to about 6 inches in diameter. Incorporate about 2 teaspoons of margarine into the dough circle, pushing and kneading it in but maintaining the circle. Cut a line open from the center of the circle to the outside edge. Take one end and roll it around counterclockwise into a ball. Flatten out the dough to about 10 inches in diameter to make a pancake that is not more than 1/4 inch thick. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over moderate heat. Fry the pancake until brown and crisp, for about 5 minutes on each side.

From: The Cyber Kitchen.

Serve the malawach hot, straight out of the pan, with the tomato-schug dipping sauce.

Tomato dipping sauce with Schug (spicy pesto)

1 cup tomato puree
2 bunches cilantro
1 bunch parsley
4-5 cloves garlic, peeled
2 Serrano peppers or 4 Thai red chili peppers, stemmed
1/2 cup olive oil, plus extra if needed
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt or 1 teaspoon table salt
1/2 lemon, juiced

Cut and discard the visible, leafless stems from the cilantro and parsley. Wash and pat dry. Place the cilantro and parsley in a blender with the remaining ingredients. Blend at low speed, stopping often to smash down the ingredients as they combine. Turn up speed and blend thoroughly. Mix one teaspoon (or more to taste) of schug into one cup of tomato puree.

Traditions

2011-12-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

7th Night Of Hanukkah

The flicker of these lights echo the flame of our souls.

Searching. Hoping. Longing to find their place in the world as children of the Most High.
A G-d who promises us redemption through miracle and prayer, seeking and knowing.
He is our guidance who dispels the darkness and opens caverns of hope and salvation to our minds, eyes and hearts.

On this Festival of Lights, this miracle of days, we rekindle the Hanukkah flame in search not only of what has already come, but for the steps we have yet to journey.
And we do so as did our ancestors: in truth.

Praise be to our G-d the Heavenly One who spins the world into adventure, and us into its illuminated song.

Amen.

BOXING DAY

Boxing Day is celebrated in most countries of the British Commonwealth. Exactly why - Well who knows, it's a tradition. The two best guesses trace the origins to the Carol "Good King Wenceslaus" According to the Carol he went out on The Feast of Stephen (December 26) to distribute charity. This became an day for charity with the encouragement of the Church of England. The alternate version is that this day was when the nobility provided a celebration for their employees complete with the distribution of presents (boxes) - A sort of company Christmas Party and bonus.

Which is true, probably neither or both. Either way. It's a tradition.

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel

"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me bread and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather

In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel

6th Night

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Nun, gimel, heh, and shin,
See the wooden dreidel spin.
Nes gadol hayah shin,
If I'm lucky I will win!

I play with my new dreidel
upon the shiny floor.
I ask some friends to play with me-
we must have two or more.

I give the players pennies-
the same amount to each.
We sit down in a circle,
the pennies within reach.
Each player puts a penny
in the proper spot.
The middle of the circle
is what we call the pot.

Next I take the dreidel
and spin it round and round.
Which letter does it land on?
What fortune have I found?

I read the letter facing up-
it tells me how to play.
The letters are in Hebrew,
and here is what they say.

Nun means I do nothing-
I neither give nor take.
Heh means I take half the pot-
what a lucky break!

Gimel means I take it all.
It looks as if I'll win!
But I must put a penny back
when it lands on shin.

We go around the circle-
it's lots and lots of fun,
till one has all the pennies.
Then the game is done!

Nun, gimel, heh, and shin,
See the wooden dreidel spin.
Nes gadol hayah sham,
If I'm lucky I will win!

A Visit From St. Nicholas

2011-12-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

5 On Friday - Chanukah Edition

2011-12-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Five on Friday is a delightful meme invented by our friend Travis of Trav's Thoughts. To participate, click the link, sign in and go forth to share your selections for the week.

This week's Five on Friday just happens to fall on the Fifth Day of Chanukah. The first song is my favorite Chanukah song courtesy of Peter, Paul, and Mary. Then four samples of Klezmer music which is one of strains of music plus jazz that was woven into the music that became the Great American Songbook.

4th Night

2011-12-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us by his commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukah.

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe,
Who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

Sufganiyot

A well-known bakery in Jerusalem produces over 200,000 of these each day during the month leading up to Chanukah.

2 packages yeast
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup orange juice
1/3 cup margarine
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 or 5 cups. flour
3 egg yolks

Jelly of your choice for filling
Powdered Sugar

Mix water, sugar, juice, and yeast. Let stand 10 minutes. Melt margarine and add to yeast mixture. Beat in eggs and salt. Add flour, mixing and kneading by hand to form a soft dough. Let rise 1-1/2 hours. Roll dough 1/4 inch thick and cut circles (approximately 2 inches). Let circles rise 1/2 hour.

Deep fry at 400° F about 3 minutes, turning once. Pipe in jelly and roll in powdered sugar.

Third Night

2011-12-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us by his commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukah.

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe,
Who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

BRISKET

Ingredients

4 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons garlic salt
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons celery seed
5 pounds beef brisket

Directions

Combine liquid smoke, Worcestershire, garlic salt, onion and celery seed in small bowl. Place brisket in shallow non-metal dish, fatty side down. Pour marinade over meat; cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Remove meat from marinade and place in an ovenproof pan. Roast, fatty side up, 5 hours, until tender.

Second Night

2011-12-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

Baruch ata Adonai, Elohenu melech ha-olam
asher kideshanu be-mitzvotav, ve-tzivanu le-hadlik
ner shel Hanukah.

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us by his commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukah.

Baruch ata Adonai, Elohenu melech ha-olam
she-asa nisim la-avotenu ba-yamim ha-hem
ba-zeman ha-zeh.

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe,
Who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

Applesauce Noodle Kugel

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package wide egg noodles
1 cup reduced fat margarine
1/2 cup fat free sour cream
1 1/2 cups egg substitute
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 (16 ounce) jar applesauce
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste
Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain.
In a large bowl, mix together margarine, sour cream, egg substitute, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and applesauce. Stir in noodles and raisins.
Spread graham cracker crumbs on the bottom of the prepared dish. Pour the noodle mixture over the crumbs. Sprinkle top with cinnamon.
Bake 45 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until set. Cover with foil if it browns too quickly.

First Night

2011-12-20T11:42:00.000-08:00

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us by his commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukah.

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe,
Who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe,
Who has kept us alive, and has preserved us,
and enabled us to reach this season.

5 On Friday - Brand New Edition

2011-12-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Our good friend Travis invented this meme. To join in, hop on over to Trav's Thoughts for an explanation, sign in and share your musical selections for the week.

This week's 5 On Friday was a progression so this post got pushed a week out of time and you get two Fridays in the same week. There are weeks that I wish had 8 days or the same day twice. Sometimes in history it is feast and others it is famine. This day in history is definitely in the feast class of music possibilities. On December 16, 1893 Antonin Dvorak's "New World Symphony" premiered in New York City. A mere 84 years later on the same date, set in the same city, the premier of Saturday Night Fever made stars out of The Bee Gees and John Travolta.

Full Symphony Orchestra and movements 2 through 4 are available on You Tube

Unusual ukelele version of the hymn "Going Home" taken froms the New World Symphony theme.

5 On Friday - Travel Progression

2011-12-15T16:45:00.000-08:00

Travis has issued the following request for this week's Five on Friday. To join in, click on the link and sign in before sharing your progression with the world.

Remember this? Volume 3 was way back in April. I started thinking about doing another one to celebrate the end of the year. And wouldn't you know, Cherie suggested it in comments last Friday!

In case you don't remember what I'm talking about, the basic idea is to start with a song and then let something about the song...a lyric, the artist, the way the record was produced, etc...lead you to the next track. And keep following that progression until you have a 5 song Set.
When we did this back in April, I gave you the first song. This time around, I'll give you three possible avenues to take in building your Set. Ready?
This one is "easy". Just come up with whatever strikes your fancy.
Define 2011 with a progression that reflects how your year went.
Set the stage for what you expect in 2012.
What do you think? Are you up for it?

Let's set the date to post our progressions for 16 Dec. That gives everyone three weeks to get organized and decide on a Set. Then it's your choice whether to post the explanation of your progression with your Set, or post it later and give us all a chance to interpret it.
I hope you play along. And if you've never tried this fun way to enjoy music, this might be a good way to introduce yourself to it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a small child, this was my favorite song.

March is my birthday month. You will have to wait until next year for the story of why this video goes with that fact and why this far away place is the setting for my favorite movie.

After attending 21 schools in many cities, I finally graduated from high school the year that the next song became a hit.

Now another "travlin' man", my son Christopher, got a promotion and as a result he has been traveling for one to two weeks out of every month this year from one side of the US to the other. As a result instead of traveling everywhere, I've been stuck in place as grandmother in charge at home.

Almost to the New Year and I really need to hit the road!!!

5 On Friday - I Am Woman

2011-12-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

Our good friend Travis invented this meme. To join in, hop on over to Trav's Thoughts for an explanation, sign in and share your musical selections for the week.

Dec 9, 1972: "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy tops the U.S. pop charts. This group of songs is dedicated to some of the powerful women Singers. There were way too many possible selections (I changed my mind over and over), so feel free to nominate even more great ladies.

Helen Reddy

Sarah McLachlan

Billy Holiday

KD Lang & Melissa Etheridge

Emmylou Harris

The Tortoise and The Hair

2011-12-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

Another good story from Philosophy Works

This is the version of the story that we've all grown up with.

1. Once upon a time a tortoise and a hare had an argument about who was faster. They decided to settle the argument with a race. The tortoise and hare both agreed on a route and started the race. The hare shot ahead and ran briskly for some time. Then seeing that he was far ahead of the tortoise, he thought he would sit under a tree for some time and relax before continuing the race. He sat under the tree and soon fell asleep. The tortoise plodding on overtook him and soon finished the race, emerging as the undisputed champ. The hare woke up and realized that he'd lost the race.

The moral of the story is that slow and steady wins the race.

2. But the story doesn't end here. It continues.

The hare was disappointed at losing the race and he did some soul-searching. He realized that he'd lost the race only because he had been overconfident, careless and lax. If he had not taken things for granted, there's no way the tortoise could have beaten him. So he challenged the tortoise to another race. The tortoise agreed.

This time, the hare went all out and ran without stopping from start to finish. He won by several miles.

The moral of the story? Fast and consistent will always beat the slow and steady. If you have two people in your organization, one slow, methodical and reliable, and the other fast and reliable at what he does, the fast and reliable chap will consistently climb the organizational ladder faster than the slow, methodical chap.

It's good to be slow and steady; but it's better to be fast and reliable.

3. But the story doesn't end here. The tortoise did some thinking this time, and realized that there's no way he can beat the hare in a race the way it was currently formatted. He thought for a while, and then challenged the hare to another race, but on a slightly different route. The hare agreed. The tortoise and hare started off. In keeping with his self-made commitment to be consistently fast, the hare took off and ran at top speed until he came to a broad river. The finishing line was a couple of miles on the other side of the river.

The hare sat there wondering what to do. In the meantime the tortoise trundled along, got into the river, swam to the opposite bank, continued walking and finished the race.

The moral of the story? First identify your core competency and then change the playing field to suit your core competency.

In an organization, if you are a good speaker, make sure you create opportunities to give presentations that enable the senior management to notice you.

If your strength is analysis, make sure you do some sort of research, make a report and send it upstairs. Working to your strengths will not only get you noticed, but will also create opportunities for growth and advancement.

The story still hasn't ended.

4. The tortoise and hare, by this time, had become pretty good friends and they did some thinking together. Both realized that the last race could have been run much better. So the tortoise and hare decided to do the last race again, but to run as a team this time.

They started off, and this time the hare carried the tortoise till the riverbank. There, the tortoise took over and swam across with the hare on his back. On the opposite bank, the hare again carried the tortoise and they reached the finishing line together. Both the tortoise and hare felt a greater sense of satisfaction than they'd felt earlier.

The moral of the story? It's good to be individually brilliant and to have strong core competencies; but unless you're able to work in a team and harness each other's core competencies, you'll always perform below par because there will always be situations at which you'll do poorly and someone else does well.

Teamwork is mainly about situational leadership, letting the person with the relevant core competency for a situation take leadership.

There are more lessons to be learned from this inspirational teamwork story.

Note that neither the tortoise and hare gave up after failures. The hare decided to work harder and put in more effort after his failure.

The tortoise changed his strategy because he was already working as hard as he could. In life, when faced with failure, sometimes it is appropriate to work harder and put in more effort. Sometimes it is appropriate to change strategy and try something different. And sometimes it is appropriate to do both.

The tortoise and hare also learned another vital lesson in teamwork. When we stop competing against a rival and instead start competing against the situation, we perform far better.

To sum up, the story of the hare and tortoise teaches us many things. Chief among them are that fast and consistent will always beat slow and steady; work to your competencies; pooling resources and working as a team will always beat individual performers; never give up when faced with failure; and finally, compete against the situation, not against a rival.

Author Uknown

If you are not currently a subscriber to the Story of the Week, but would like to be, click on the link.

The Season Begins

2011-12-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

5 On Friday - Turn Up The Heat

2011-12-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

Our good friend Travis invented this meme. To join in, hop on over to Trav's Thoughts for an explanation, sign in and share your musical selections for the week.

It's been cold and rainy in the northwest so I thought it would be a good time to create a little heat.
Find a partner and let the "dirty" dancing begin

World AIDS Day

2011-12-01T04:47:00.000-08:00

Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 34 million people living with HIV. During 2010 some 2.7 million people became newly infected with the virus, including an estimated 390,000 children. Despite a significant decline in the estimated number of AIDS-related deaths over the last five years, there were still an estimated 1.8 million AIDS-related deaths in 2010.¹

The vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in low- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents.

Requiem

2011-11-29T06:52:00.000-08:00

SEAN HOLTON

November 29, 2011

“The path is one which we must all tread: why, then, mourn his death? He is not lost, but gone before. Seneca The Younger”

For those who have been following Sean's blog Same Time Tomorrow, Sean's journey with brain cancer came to an end today. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, knew of him, or just read his wonderful words. He was a man of humor, dignity, generosity, and intelligence. The world is a little darker today, but you are all invited to the wake. Bring your own Jamesons.

Home Is the Sailor

Home is the sailor, home from sea:
Her far-borne canvas furled
The ship pours shining on the quay
The plunder of the world.

Home is the hunter from the hill:
Fast in the boundless snare
All flesh lies taken at his will
And every fowl of air.

'Tis evening on the moorland free,
The starlit wave is still:
Home is the sailor from the sea,
The hunter from the hill.

A. E. Houseman

From Sean laying upon his hospice bed: Thanks to all who have left so many encouraging messages of support on my wall during the past couple of weeks. Your support has meant the world to me as I shrivel up in a state of near nothingness each afternoon watching cooking shows and storing my bodily waste in pickle jars and waiting for these damn Mormons to finish my blood transfusion so I can watch Ice Station Zebra one more time -- (with apologies to Howard Hughes).

5 On Friday - Discovery Edition

2011-11-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Supposedly this is Black Friday, but I refuse to go anywhere near a store when in recovery mode from the great American pig out. Instead I will introduce you to a musician I discovered recently totally by accident. His short life was sad, but his music was remarkable and influenced many of our most popular musicians. You can read all about him here: NICK DRAKE

To participate in this wonderful meme created by our friend Trav of Trav's Thoughts, simply sign in on his site and go forth and share your own music choices for the day.

Please give me a second grace
Please give me a second face
I've fallen far down
The first time around
Now I just sit on the ground in your way

Now if it's time to recompense for what's done
Come, come sit down on the fence in the sun
And the clouds will roll by
And we'll never deny
It's really too hard for to fly.

Please tell me your second name
Please play me your second game
I've fallen so far
For the people you are
I just need your star for a day.

So come, come ride in my my street-car by the bay
For now I must know how fine you are in your way
And the sea sure as I
But she won't need to cry
For it's really too hard for to fly.

Elton John playing Nick Drake's Way to Blue

Elton John playing Nick Drake's Way to Honesty

Thankful For The Simple Gifts

2011-11-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

"May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize, and may your

Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs!"

PEACE LOVE & JOY TO ALL

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Let the Holiday Season Begin

2011-11-20T06:06:00.000-08:00

If you have never heard a full production of "The Tender Land", you might want to check out the other arias on You Tube. For a description of this opera by composer Aaron Copeland created due to a commission from Rodgers and Hammerstein, check out the Wiki

5 On Friday - Piano Man

2011-11-17T17:46:00.000-08:00

Our buddy Travis of Trav's Thoughts has invented this delightful meme. To join in simply click on the link, sign in and go forth and share your musical selections for the week.

A mere 33 years ago, Billy Joel had his first number one album with "52nd Street" on November 18, 1978. Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of any of the songs on the album so I had to go hunting for Billy Joel songs that I did like. As Travis would say, "My blog. I can do what I want!" :-)

Because I like history and this one is literally my life story: We Didn't Start The Fire

You want to ask me out on a date? Irresistible: A Broadway musical or a Piano bar. I love a good piano bar, and I adore men who can play a piano.

Find me a dance floor: It's still Rock and Roll

A love song for a city that I really want to see

Saving the best for last. Billy Joel's music. Twyla Tharp's choreography. The 2003 Tony's featuring the music and dancers of "Movin' Out"

Owl Owls and More Owls

2011-11-16T12:38:00.001-08:00

Too Many Choices

2011-11-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

Today’s Rant: Would Amazon and Apple please merge or at least sinfully cohabit. Amazon has Kindle Fire. Apple has IPAD. Kindle has exclusive magazine contracts and books. Apple has I-Tunes (more than a 1000 that I have already bought). At some point if not now (I don’t know) I-Pad will make telephone calls. Both have games and videos. Does anybody talk to anybody else without standing on your head and twiddling your thumbs at the same time? … of course not. That would make people happy.

All I want is ONE thing that will let me read, write, listen, and call the few people who are still talking to me. Is that too much to ask?

Eletelephony

Once there was an elephant,
Who tried to use the telephant—
No! no! I mean an elephone
Who tried to use the telephone—
(Dear me! I am not certain quite
That even now I've got it right.)
Howe'er it was, he got his trunk
Entangled in the telephunk;
The more he tried to get it free,
The louder buzzed the telephee—
(I fear I'd better drop the song
Of elephop and telephong!)

5 On Friday - A Country Farewell

2011-11-09T04:30:00.000-08:00

(1945 - 2011)

A Special version of Five on Friday for the meme invented by Travis of Travs Thoughts. To join in simply click on the link, sign in and go forth and share your musical selections for the week.

Last Sunday I received the sad news of the loss of a lady that I only knew from on line, but whom I considered both a friend and kindred spirit. This 5 on Friday is dedicated to Patsi Bale Cox. Her career in life was the "As Told To" writer for many celebrities, most of them the ladies of Country. So here for Patsi is a musical farewell from the ladies whose stories she told with links to the books she wrote.

Tanya Tucker - Nickle Dreams

Loretta Lynn - Still Woman Enough

Wynona Judd - Coming Home to Myself

Pat Benatar - Between a Heart and a Rock Place

Georgette Jones - The Three of Us

Patsi didn't neglect the men either. Here are some of them:

Garth Brooks - The Garth Factor

Ralph Emery - 50 Years Down A Country Road

Tony Orlando - Halfway to Paradise

Dona Nobis Pacem -

2011-11-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

As many are aware every Friday is 5 on Friday. A Chance to share music with each other started by Travis of Trav's Thoughts. This year Friday falls on the date set for the annual DONA NOBIS PACEM the Blog Blast for Peace started several years ago by Mimi Lenox also lovingly known as Queen Mimi of Bloggingham Castle.

Because of her actions, thousands of people in 55 countries now devote one day each year to these three simple words: GRANT US PEACE (Dona Nobis Pacem) and dedicate themselves to encouraging peaceful actions within and among the countries of this blue globe we all share.

Therefor, this week's 5 on Friday are songs of peace. I hope you enjoy the music and heed the words.

By Royal Decree of Queen Mimi the return and command performance by

Bear 339 and the Bear A Tones

All We Are Saying

Is Give Peace A Chance

Joy For Whovians

2011-11-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

The Ballad of Russell and Julie. Lyrics.

Julie and Russell sat one night.
Russell sparked up a Marlboro Light.
Julie’s eyes were all ablaze,
As Russell tried to shun her gaze.
He knew the look, he knew the score;
It seemed more manic than before.
Russell cringed in fear and dread
As Julie pulled him near and said:

Let’s do it, let’s do it.
I’ve had a really good idea.
We’ll re-vamp, make more camp
A sci-fi show from yester-year.
I’ve had banter with Tranter.
Your written word will be hailed in the ming mong mantra.
Let’s do it, let’s do it tonight.

But he said…

I can’t do it, I can’t do it.
You’re asking far too much of me.
I’m harasssed, embarassed;
I’ve watched the show since I was three.
Don’t choose me, don’t use me,
My mother sent a note to say you must excuse me.
I can’t do it, I can’t do it tonight.

So she said…

Let’s do it, let’s do it-
Make a brand new Doctor Who.
We’ve got Chris in, all’s missing
Is a sidekick and an all-Welsh crew.
It’s not silly to ask Billie.
We’ll film in every quarry from here to Caerphilly.
Let’s do it, let’s do it tonight.

Ooh, then he said…

I can’t do it, I can’t do it-
The pressure of the BBC.
I must e-mail some young male
To alleviate the stress on me.
I can’t block out, please lock out,
Images of Johnny B getting his cock out.
I can’t do it, I can’t do it tonight.

She replied…

Let’s do it, let’s do it.
Phil okayed my offer to produce.
We’ll get Trac to take flack
When he lets his raging temper loose.
My decision to use your vision
Will make the show the best thing on the television.
Let’s do it, let’s do it tonight.

And he squawked…

I can’t do it, I can’t do it.
Chris is giving up his role.
No Time Lord? Oh good Lord,
How we’re gonna fill this role?
It’s too complex, we’re all wrecks.
My brain is overflowing with a bloody Dalek.
I can’t do it, I can’t do it tonight.

She excitedly said…

Let’s do it, let’s do it.
We’ll get another Time Lord in.
Don’t sweat it, you can’t let it
Make you sad and maudlin.
It’s not over, and moreover,
We’ll get the lovely fellow in from Casanova.
Let’s do it, let’s do it tonight.

And he yelled…

I can’t do it, I can’t do it.
I really think that I can’t cope.
More re-writes, no respite-
I think I’ve given up all hope.
It’ll get canned, it’ll be panned.
Lou says there’s no costumes in the whole of England.
I can’t do it, I can’t do it tonight.

Then she proclaimed…

Let’s do it, let’s do it.
Martha Jones is Freema Agyeman.
We’ll bring back Captain Jack
To fight against the Cybermen.
We’ll cast a great Master,
He can plunge the planet into global disaster.
Let’s do it, let’s do it tonight.

And he screamed…

I can’t do it, I can’t do it.
You’ve cast Australia’s pop princess.
It’s madness, my sadness
Will make this episode a mess.
My panic is manic-
The uproar when I kill her off on the Titanic!
I can’t do it, I can’t do it tonight.

And she expelled…

Let’s do it, let’s do it.
The Doctor needs a brand new mate.
Don’t linger, go ginger.
I’m gonna bring back Catherine Tate.
I wanna, you’re gonna,
Reunite the Doctor with the fabulous Donna.
Let’s do it, let’s do it tonight.

He punctuated…

I can’t do it, I can’t do it.
I’ve got obsessed with E4’s Skins.
Writer’s block. Please don’t mock,
It takes my mind off other things.
It’s so lame, I must blame dirty thoughts I’m having about Midshipman Frame.
I can’t do it, I can’t do it tonight.

Excitedly she said…

Let’s do it, let’s do it.
To film abroad will get my vote.
I promise Ed Thomas can’t bring Ancient Rome to Upper Boat.
It’s D-Day on Pompeii;
The forums will be buzzing on Outpost Gallifrey.
Let’s do it, let’s do it tonight.

And he roared…

I can’t do it, I can’t do it.
The studio in Rome’s ablaze.
On fire, it’s dire-
How the hell are you not phased?
It’s mental. Be gentle.
They say the cause of fire was a Berkley Menthol.
I can’t do it, I can’t do it tonight.

So she roared…

Let’s do it, let’s do it.
We’ve got kids back behind settees.
Our mission, ambition,
Was a show for all the families.
we should try as our goodbye
A hassle-free excursion to sunny Dubai.
Let’s do it, let’s do it tonight.

But he shouted…

Oh, let’s do it. Let’s do it!
I feel like I’ve been set free.
I won’t sweat it, now Moffat
Is taking up the reins from me.
I can’t wait, it’s just great-
I’ve got a cracking way for Dave to regenerate.
Let’s do it, let’s do it tonight!

Guess what?

They did it! They did it!
They opened up the TARDIS door.
They’re terrific, prolific.
Made it better than it was before!
A ‘thank you’ from your crew.
We crown you both the King and Queen of Doctor Who.
You did it, you did it tonight!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

All of the following drawings are by Nadin Semenets from the Ukraine. These are for fun, but she does extraordinary portraits on her Facebook page. You will enjoy the visit.

5 On Friday - Happy Halloween

2011-10-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

A Halloween Special version of Five on Friday for the meme invented by Travis of Travs Thoughts. To join in simply click on the link, sign in and go forth and share your musical selections for the week.

This week, I'm getting a bit spooky:

Paying Forward

2011-10-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Sean Holton is a wonderful man. The above video is about what he did with a gift of much needed 1000 cranes. You can read his blog at Same Time Tomorrow or visit his Facebook page. Don't miss the chance to get acquainted.

5 On Friday - Blogging Under Protest

2011-10-20T17:00:00.001-07:00

Travis of Trav's Thoughts invented the 5 On Friday Meme. To join in, visit his page for instructions, sign in and go forth to share your selections for the week.

On this date in 1967, 100,000 took to the street to protest the war in Viet Nam by marching on the Pentagon. One of the biggest weapons the peace marchers had was the protest song. In this time when people are once more hitting the streets to let their government know that things are seriously wrong, here is a musical reminder of the power people acting together can have.

U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday - On the surface, this is a song about Bloody Sunday, an infamous incident where British soldiers shot at peaceful Irish protestors. At a deeper level, it's about the stupidity of warfare, the pointlessness of harbouring hatred and how important it is to seek peace and reconciliation.

Joan Baez - Joe Hill - The classic song about unions supporting the working man

John Hurt with "I Shall Not Be Moved" - Old spiritual that has now become an anthem for any group protesting for better treatment here sung by Pete Seeger for Union protestors. It was also used for the Civil Rights protest era both as spiritual and with additional lyrics.

Peter Paul and Mary - El Salvador protesting The Disappeared political prisoners

5 On Friday - Brotherly Love

2011-10-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Travis of Trav's Thoughts invented the 5 On Friday Meme. To join in, visit his page for instructions, sign in and go forth to share your selections for the week.

On October 14, 1957, "Wake Up Little Susie" became the Everly Brothers first hit. Don and Phil have been singing for us ever since. They were elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. I've tried to select the rarer songs or covers, but it is worth it to visit You Tube to hear even more. Their unique harmonies make everything they do very special whether original with them or covers on other popular songs.

With Chet Atkins & Mark Knopfler - Certified Guitar Pickers

Seven minute documentary short on the Everly Brothers

5 On Friday - Life Upon the Wicked Stage

2011-10-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

Travis of Trav's Thoughts has invented the 5 on Friday meme. To join in on the fun, click on the link, sign in and go forth to share your music of the week.

On October 7, 1816, the first double-decked steamer, The Washington, arrived in New Orleans. One of my favorite books and later favorite movie and stage show is Edna Ferber's Showboat. I went through a Ferber phase as a child and read everything she ever wrote and have now seen all the versions of Showboat on both stage and screen. Here are the songs of Showboat as they were presented in the Broadway revival.

1994 Broadway Revival - Can't Help Lovin' That Man of Mine

Tony Awards with Old Man River sung by Michel Bell

From the show the Charleston to "Why Do I Love You"

A rather interesting version of "Life Upon The Wicked Stage" from Showboat but sung by the girls of Cabaret for Forever Broadway

Gaylord and Magnolia fall in love to Only Make Believe

This Bot Is One To Watch - Real Steel Review

2011-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

THIS BOT IS ONE TO WATCH

We were fortunate to see an early premiere. I'm the Merchant Ivory, art house, history buff in the house and I want a good script and actors who know what to do with one when they get it. My son is the "long week at work Adventure and comedy don't make me think" aficionado, and my grandson is fine as long as it is loud, has crashes and someone speaks in Japanese. We ALL loved Real Steel. Look for your cynical film buff button and press “OFF!”. Gather up everyone in the house whatever their age or gender and cart them all to the theater. Real Steel is your family feel good about being together, movie of the year. The rogue learns to be a good guy. The dejected but sharp kid gets a dad. The right robot comes out on top and while all of that is happening, you get to cheer, punch the air, and whoop or well up tears in all the appropriate places.

Hugh Jackman gets to act up a storm in a movie that for once he doesn’t have to haul up by its boot straps to make better just because he is in it. Shawn Levy has given him a vehicle he can ride all the way to the end showing what the actor you knew was there can do with a decent script and cast. Dakota Goyo is that young talent you keep hoping sticks around for the long haul who is now at the beginning of his career, and the supporting cast (special nod to Anthony Mackie) does what it is supposed to do: Provide the tension and get out of the way.

Real Steel may not be a movie for the ages, but in an era of too much over the top noise, empty characters saddled with poor writing, worse acting, and explosions instead of emotions, it is definitely the one movie you want to see this year, the one you will want to add to video collection, and the one that will make you stop for a few pleasurable moments to remember when flicking through the channels in years to come.

Anthony Mackie and Evangeline Lily

Dakota Goyo

Steve Jobs RIP 1955 -2011

2011-10-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

The colors of my life
Are bountiful and bold,
The purple glow of indigo,
The gleam of green and gold.
The splendor of the sunrise,
The dazzle of a flame,
The glory of a rainbow,
I'd put 'em all to shame.
No quiet browns and grays,
I'll take my days instead
And fill them till they overflow
With rose and cherry red!
And should this sunlit world
Grow dark one day,
The colors of my life
Will leave a shining light
To show the way...

This entry sent to the world courtesy of my Apple. Steve Jobs, thank you for your life.

Making A Scene

2011-10-03T05:03:00.000-07:00

We all have movies that imprint themselves on our brains. A simple line and all the pictures are there right in front of your eyes. Listed below are just a few of my imprinted scenes. What are yours?

To Kill A mockingbird

Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch has finished defending Tom Robinson and exits the courtroom. "Miss Jean Louise, Stand Up! Your father is passing.

Ken Burns Civil War. What do you see when you hear "Ashoken Farewell"

My Best Friend's Wedding:

Rupert Everett as George Downes: "Maybe there won't be marriage... maybe there won't be sex... but, by God, there will be dancing."

Virtually every single scene in "Same Time Next Year" for a whole lot of reasons. Here are the absolutely perfect Ellen Burstyn and Alan Alda with I'm not as wonderful as you think I am.

Please add your favorites ....

5 On Friday - That Certain Smile

2011-09-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

Travis of Trav's Thoughts has invented the 5 on Friday meme. To join in, click on the link, sign in and go forth to share your music of the week.

Johnny Mathis was born on September 30, 1935. He had his first hit record in 1957 and has now been singing for us for more than 50 years as one of the most successful recording artists of all time.

The singles "Wonderful, Wonderful" and "It's Not For Me To Say" sailed up the pop charts in the summer of 1957, quickly followed that same year by the hits "Chances Are," "Twelfth Of Never" and, in the next five years, by 13 more top-40 hits. His 1958 album Johnny's Greatest Hits spent an astonishing 490 weeks on the Billboard magazine album charts—a record finally broken by Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon in 1982.

Those were the earliest songs, but my absolute favorite came much later and as a duet with Jane Oliver as the intro music and theme song for one of my all time favorite movies: Same Time Next Year.

Nice Work If You Can Get It

2011-09-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Glitter and Be Gay from Candide

Glitter and be gay,
That's the part I play;
Here I am in Paris, France,
Forced to bend my soul
To a sordid role,
Victimized by bitter, bitter circumstance.
Alas for me! Had I remained
Beside my lady mother,
My virtue had remained unstained
Until my maiden hand was gained
By some Grand Duke or other.

Ah, 'twas not to be;
Harsh necessity
Brought me to this gilded cage.
Born to higher things,
Here I droop my wings,
Ah! Singing of a sorrow nothing can assuage.

And yet of course I rather like to revel,
Ha ha!
I have no strong objection to champagne,
Ha ha!
My wardrobe is expensive as the devil,
Ha ha!
Perhaps it is ignoble to complain...
Enough, enough
Of being basely tearful!
I'll show my noble stuff
By being bright and cheerful!
Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha!

Pearls and ruby rings...
Ah, how can worldly things
Take the place of honor lost?
Can they compensate
For my fallen state,
Purchased as they were at such an awful cost?

Bracelets...lavalieres
Can they dry my tears?
Can they blind my eyes to shame?
Can the brightest brooch
Shield me from reproach?
Can the purest diamond purify my name?

And yet of course these trinkets are endearing,
Ha ha!
I'm oh, so glad my sapphire is a star,
Ha ha!
I rather like a twenty-carat earring,
Ha ha!
If I'm not pure, at least my jewels are!

Enough! Enough!
I'll take their diamond necklace
And show my noble stuff
By being gay and reckless!
Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha!

Observe how bravely I conceal
The dreadful, dreadful shame I feel.
Ha ha ha ha!

5 On Friday - Gunning For You

2011-09-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Travis of Trav's Thoughts has invented a wonderful meme. To join in, click on the link, sign in and go forth to share your music of the week.

On this day Billy The Kid was arrested for the first time in 1875. In his honor for becoming legendary if not pleasant, five songs about outlaws.

Pancho and Lefty

Tom Dooley

Jesse James

Desperado

El Paso

The Lady With A Temper

2011-09-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

When I knew her she was in her 70s, rather sweetly mellow and teaching my cousin and myself how to hemstitch a pillow case. She was an excellent seamstress and an expert in crochet, tatting, and lace making. She made the best fried chicken, biscuits, and gravy I've ever tasted and she loved her visiting grandchildren whenever they dropped in. Still the stories of her rages were legendary. Her children relayed that her husband would literally flee the house rather than deal with her when she was on a tear.

In the picture above, she is the rather obese woman in the funny hat in about the center of the picture. The two elderly people are her parents. The man holding the baby is her husband. All the other people are eight of her nine children. She had lost one at three years of age, but managed to get all the rest to adulthood. So for the most part, she was pregnant for 23 years.

Now Lydia was born in 1880. Her once wealthy family had lost everything during the civil war and as a result moved from their lost properties in Tennessee to a rather dusty portion of Texas named Jacksboro and then moved on to the larger cities of Siloam Springs Arkansas with her parents and finally at 20 to Rowe, Oklahoma with her husband in 1901 where all of those children were born. But she always retained an air of entitlement of courtesies and behavior. When those were violated she would make her disapproval known in no uncertain terms.

They weren't wealthy even with the ever exploding brood but he was a hard worker with his own grocery store . Of course when he entered her room in July of 1923 to congratulate her on the birth of their latest daughter, she did throw her shoes at him and informed him if he ever entered her room again, she would kill him. That is about the time he took to humming and singing: "Kicking My Old Dogs Around".

Just to make things interesting, a little dustbowl came along.

When you own a store and your clientele comes from the farming community, there is no way to stay in business. Lydia, James, and their eight children moved to Fowler, California in 1930. Again he was able to work, this time for a grocery chain until his death in 1936, leaving her with no insurance and three children still at home. So she went to work as a maid. Still the imperious lady announced to the local paper when a formal tea was served in honor of her last daughter's birthday complete with the guests and description of the service. She would work until finally able to collect Social Security and live in a tiny apartment in Chowchilla and later Fresno near her daughters. Before she passed away at the age of 89, she dealt with the deaths of four of her remaining eight children. In 89 years of life she dealt with everything that came along, but there were definitely times when she made it clear that she deserved better.

It probably comes as no surprise that while working on some genealogy papers, I came across this hymn written out in her perfect, well instructed, ladylike, handwriting with a request that it be sung at her funeral. From the words it is clear that she had finally arrived at an acceptance and wisdom about life that you take your joys where you find them and deal with the bad things as they happen without anticipation. Still I think I would have loved to see her throwing those shoes.

Lydia McKeehan Pifer (1880 - 1969)

HE KNOWS

I know not what awaits me,
God kindly veils my eyes,
And o'er each step of my onward way
He makes new scenes to rise;
And every joy He sends me comes
A sweet and glad surprise.

Where He may lead I'll follow,
My trust in Him repose;
And every hour in perfect peace,
I'll sing, "He knows, He knows";
And every hour in perfect peace,
I'll sing, "He knows, He knows."

One step I see before me,
'Tis all I need to see,
The light of heaven more brightly shines
When earth's illusions flee;
And sweetly through the silence comes,
His loving, "Trust in Me!"

Oh, blissful lack of wisdom,
'Tis blessed not to know;
He holds me with His own right hand,
And will not let me go,
And lulls my troubled soul to rest
In Him who loves me so.

So on I go not knowing;
I would not if I might;
I'd rather walk in the dark with God
Than go alone in the light;
I'd rather walk by faith with Him
Than go alone by sight.

LIVE

2011-09-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

I literally "stumbled" across this today at a stumble blog called "Somethings Going Down" written by a lady who describes herself as: "I'm the duchess of all things nerdy, hot guys, nerdy guys, and movies. 50 points to Gryffindor if your mind is a messed up as mine. P. S. My name is Emily"

Now I don't know if Emily wrote this piece or committed a small criminal act by stealing it from elsewhere. Whatever the source, it is my total philosophy of life, and I would like to thank her for putting it where I could find it in just a few words. My contribution is to give it a title: LIVE and to add this one sentence: "It is never too late to have a happy childhood."

LIVE

Take a step back. Fucking Look at yourself. You are human. You are beautiful. You are so beautiful. And you can be anything. You can be everything.

Do not hate everyone because someone broke your heart, or because your parents split up, or your best friend betrayed you, your father hit you, the kid down the street called you fat, ugly, stupid, worthless.

Do not concern yourself with things you cannot control. Cry when you need to then let go when it’s time. Don’t hang on to painful memories just because you’re afraid to forget. Let go of things that are in the past. Forget things that aren’t worth remembering.

Stop taking things for granted. Stop taking life for granted. Live for something. Live for yourself. Fall in love. Fall out of love. Fall in love. Do this over and over until you know what it really is to love someone.

Question things. Tell people how you really feel. Sleep under the stars. Create. Imagine. Inspire. Share something wonderful. Meet new people. Make someone’s day.

Follow your dreams. Live your life to it’s full potential. Just live, dammit. Let go of all of the horrible things in your life and fucking live.

And one day when you’re old, look back with no regrets.

5 On Friday - The Opera Opus

2011-09-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another 5 on Friday courtesy of Trav at Trav's Thoughts. To join in, just visit his site, sign in and go forth to add more music to the blogosphere on your own site. This week I have it really easy as this is the day in history when we lost the in person voice of the glorious Maria Callas. So here are five very popular arias thanks to the fact that sound was recorded and is now available full time on You Tube.

First up one of my all time favorites: O Mio Babbino Caro from Gianni Schicchi with a very weird video of "DRAMATIC" Callas expressions but no open mouth, just the recording.

The beautiful vissi d'arte from Tosca

One of these days I have to figure out why the first six notes of this aria make me tear up every time. Un Bel Di Vedremo from Madama Butterfly. Unfortunately for this high quality version, embedding is denied, so you will need to click on this link to You Tube.

The flirtatious gypsy seductively dances to every note with the Habanera from Carmen

And last, the Libiamo ne' lieti calici (Drinking Song) duet from La Traviata

The Love Match Meme

2011-09-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

Mimi Queen of Memes calls us forth for another grilling. To report in and submit your own answers for the fun of it all and to avoid the cat of nine tails hanging in the dungeon.

1. Which is more important.... romantic chemistry or friendship?

Chemistry with a capacity for friendship

2. Would you date someone who is much taller or shorter than you? How about older or younger?

I'm only 5'3" and hate high heels but I was married to 6' 2" for nine years. Once you get their legs out from under them it works, otherwise forget taking me to your leader: Take me to a ladder.

I have a 15 year Cougar cut off. Anything more than that and it's change your name to Jocasta and put an eye surgeon on speed dial.

3. How soon should you bring up past relationships in a new relationship?

When asked but no detail until I really feel comfortable. I try not to carry excess baggage

4. What is the one red flag you KNOW from past experience to pay attention to when getting to know a new person?

Anger or rudeness towards strangers means it will be directed at you at some point ... run don't walk for the exit.

5. When dating someone, what would you consider the ultimate deal breaker?

To much pressure for commitment or intimacy too fast ... general creepy neediness.

6. Tell us about a date you had with someone that went all wrong.

That one went way way all wrong and you really don't want to know. Come to think of it, I don't want to know.

7. Imagine you have a teenage daughter. She just asked you to give your best dating and relationship advice. What will you say?

Same thing my mom told me. "Honey they like it more if you resist at least a little."

Just Because

2011-09-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

I don't want to hear a love song
I got on this airplane just to fly
And I know there's life below
But all that it can show me
Is the prairie and the sky

And I don't want to hear a sad story
Full of heartbreak and desire
The last time I felt like this
It was in the wilderness and the canyon was on fire
And I stood on the mountain in the night and I watched it burn
I watched it burn, I watched it burn.

I would rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham
I would hold my life in his saving grace.
I would walk all the way from Boulder to Birmingham
If I thought I could see, I could see your face.

Well you really got me this time
And the hardest part is knowing I'll survive.
I have come to listen for the sound
Of the trucks as they move down
Out on ninety five
And pretend that it's the ocean
coming down to wash me clean, to wash me clean
Baby do you know what I mean

I would rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham
I would hold my life in his saving grace.
I would walk all the way from Boulder to Birmingham
If I thought I could see, I could see your face.

Ten Years Later

2011-09-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Some times the best thing you can do is repeat yourself. Ten years after the attacks of 9/11 we are still involved in two unnecessary wars creating even more anguish in the world. There is a better way to resolve differences than with the slaughter of innocents just to get the bad guys.

5 On Friday - A Little Theme Music

2011-09-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

Friday comes around again, so it is time to join in with the folks who visit Trav each week at Trav's Thoughts for another round of great music. The more the merrier so go forth and share.Well before the "official" premiere in Atlanta, audiences are treated to surprise preview of Gone with the Wind on this date in 1939. Audiences at the Fox Theater in Riverside, California had a surprise showing which the manager showed as a "sneak peek" second feature so that producer David O. Selznick could observe the audience reaction. The movie was not officially released until a few months later.The other day I put up one of my favorite movie themes, "Two For The Road" and I've done some others over time such as "The Last Time I Felt Like This from "Same Time Next Year". For this 5 on Friday a few more songs to remember from the movies kicking off with Tara's Theme:

Things had certainly changed by the 60s and it was a Hard Day's Night

Did anyone ever make a walk look as good as Travolta in Saturday Night Fever

Then along came the skinny guy in the funny suit and some strange name changes: Prince in Purple Rain

And I'll close off this run of movie songs with the very hopeful, "Let All The Rivers Run" from Working Girl. The towers are still standing if only in memory.

Two For The Road

2011-09-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Some movie themes become classics. Others can get lost in time unless something triggers a memory. This is one of my favorite themes from the motion picture Two For The Road starring Albert Finney and Audrey Hepburn. Which movies have themes that you enjoy?

If you're feeling fancy free,
Come wander through the world with me,
And any place we chance to be
Will be our rendezvous.
Two for the road, we'll travel down the years,
Collecting precious memories,
Selecting souvenirs and living life
the way we please.

*In summertime the sun will shine,
In winter we'll drink summer wine,
And every day that you are mine
Will be a lovely day.
As long as love still wears a smile,
I know that we'll be two for the road,
And that's a long, long, while.

(Instrumental interlude and pick up at *.)

In summertime the sun will shine,
In winter we'll drink summer wine,
And every day that you are mine
Will be a lovely day.
As long as love still wears a smile,
I know that we'll be two for the road,
And that's a long, long, while.

Happy Birthday Freddie

2011-09-06T16:28:00.000-07:00

Google did a tribute to Freddie Mercury with this video. Freddie was another of the fantastic entertainers that we lost way too soon because of AIDS. He would have been 65 yesterday. It's hard to imagine Freddie joining AARP but if he had, it would have been way cool!!! The Christian Science Monitor has a great article about the man behind the music.

2011-09-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The Queen's Meme #937 Royal Questions on TuesdayTo join in visit Queen Mimi and sign in to share your answers.Is it just me or is the world getting stranger by the minute? Every time I turn on the news there is some stupidity amongst humans and all living mammals, reptiles, and aliens to report. Do we walk among the insane or do they walk with us? Did you get that? Think about it.....Answer these questions based on weirdness, unfairness and just plain stupid circumstances. Apparently, stupid is as stupid does. Or is it?

The Strange Stupid Meme

1. According to a news report, Medicare in the US stops plans to stop paying for preventable health problems or complications caused by hospital mistakes, including operations on the wrong person or wrong body part. These mistakes are called "never events." What would you call them?

Crimes

2. It is the policy of some TV news broadcasters to show automobile wreckage photos as soon as they can possibly get to the scene of the accident. Sometimes the family has not been notified. They get away with it by "not releasing names." How do you feel about this?

Ghouls should be shunned whenever possible.

3. Did you know that some car dealership service departments charge extra for "shop supplies"? This includes the ever expensive shop rag (retail 99 cents) which can be billed for 10x that much, Have you ever been ripped off by a car mechanic?

Actually No. I'm usually related to them.

4. In some states, including California, Alaska, Florida and Hawaii, a motorist can be cited for driving too slowly. What would make you drive under the speed limit for a long period of time?

I couldn't push the little pedals fast enough.

5. In Arkansas the law states: No person shall drive a motor vehicle onto the premises of a drive-in restaurant and leave the premises without parking such motor vehicle, unless there is no unoccupied parking space available on the premises.Explain this to me. Please.

I know the answer!!! Way back when in the mists of antiquity when drive-ins were where all the teens gathered, it would get so crowded that there was nowhere to park so the "cruisers" would get out of their cars to go order at the window and sometimes jump into other cars and leave their own. This law as poorly worded as it is was trying to deal with the blocked cars parked in the lanes.

6. But in Indiana, a horse cannot be ridden or driven on the street in excess of 10 miles per hour.Do you drive a fast horse?

A couple of hundred of them at one time. Lead Foot Lucy. See picture above.

7. And in the great city of Youngstown, Ohio, you must keep your rats under control.Do you find this to be a problem in your life?

Would you like their names and pictures for the wanted posters?

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day a little reminder for the GOP:

“Labour was the first price, the original purchase – money that was paid for all things. It was not by gold or by silver, but by labour, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased. ”

Adam Smith

Thank you Labor Unions:

1. Minimum Wage
2. 8 Hour Day
3. Overtime
4. Creation of the Middle Class
5. Insurance Coverage
6. Improved Lifespan
7. Disability Coverage
8. Workplace Safety
9. etc. etc. etc.

Thank you to all political figures who boldly defend Organized Labor!!!

Alcoholoscopes

2011-09-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

ARIES: Drinking style: Impulsive Aries people like to party and sometimes don't know when to call it a night. Their competitive streak makes them prone to closing time shot contests. They're sloppy, fun drunks, and they get mighty flirty after a couple tipples. Getting Aries people drunk is a good way to get what you want out of them,should other methods fail. Aries can become bellicose when blotto, but they will assume that whatever happened should be forgiven (if not forgotten) by sunrise. They can be counted on to do the same for you -- so long as you haven't gone and done anything really horrible to them last night, you sneaky Gemini.

TAURUS: Drinking style: Taurus prefers to drink at a leisurely pace, aiming for a mellow glow rather than a full on zonk. Since a truly intoxicated Taurus is a one-person stampede, the kind of bull-in-a-china-shop inebriate who spills red wine on white carpets and tells fart jokes to employers, the preference for wining and dining (or Bud and buddies) to body shots and barfing is quite fortunate for the rest of us. This is not to say that the Bull is by any means a teetotaler -- god, no. A squiffy Taurus will get, er, gregarious (full of loudmouth soup, some would say) and is extremely amusing to drag to a karaoke bar when intoxicated.

GEMINI: Drinking style: Gemini's can drink without changing theirbehavior much -- they're so naturally chatty and short-attention-spannedthat it's just hard to tell sometimes. They can amaze you by conversingwith finesse and allusions, then doing something to belie an extremelyadvanced state of intoxication, like puking in your shoe. Gemini'spossess the magic ability to flirt successfully (and uninfuriatingly,which is very tricky) with several people at once. They like to orderdifferent cocktails every round -- repetition is boring -- and maycreate a theme (like yellow drinks: beer, sauvignon blanc and limoncello) for their own amusement.

CANCER: Drinking style: Cancer is a comfort drinker -- and an extra winewith dinner or an after-work beer or six can be extra comforting, can'tit, Cancer darling? Like fellow water signs Scorpio and Pisces, Crabsmust guard against lushery. Cancers are brilliant at ferreting outsecret parties and insinuating themselves on VIP lists -- and, in trueHollywood style, Cancers are never really drunk; instead, they get"tired and emotional" (read: weepy when lubricated). But there's nothingbetter than swapping stories (and spit) over a few bottles of inky redwine with your favorite Cancer. Even your second-favorite Cancer willdo. The sign also rules the flavor vanilla, and you'd be adored if youserved up vanilla vodka and soda.

LEO: Drinking style: Leo likes to drink and dance -- they're oftenfabulous dancers, and usually pretty good drinkers as well, losing theircommanding dignity and turning kittenish. Of course, they're quite awarethey're darling -- Leos will be Leos, after all. They generally knowtheir limit, probably because they loathe losing self-control. When theyget over-refreshed, expect flirting to ensue -- and perhaps not with theone that brought them. But Leo's not the type to break rules even whendrunk, so just try to ignore it (try harder, Cancer) and expect asheepish (and hung over) Lion to make it up to you the next day.

VIRGO: Drinking style: Cerebral Virgos are compelled to impose orderonto their bender. Their famously fussy quest for purity could lead todrinking less than other signs, sure -- but it could also lead todrinking booze neat, to sucking down organic wine or just to brandloyalty. They rarely get fully shellacked -- but, oh, when they do!
Virgo's controlled by the intellect, but there's an unbridled beastlurking within, and they let it loose when walloped. It's dead sexy (andsurprisingly unsloppy). As one Virgo friend used to declare, "I'm goingto drink myself into a low level of intelligence tonight." A toast tothe subgenius IQ!

LIBRA: Drinking style: "I'm jusht a social drinker," slurs Libra, "it'sjusht that I'm so damn social?" Libra loves nothing more than to party,mingle and relate to everyone. Whether dipped in favor of Good Libra(with Insta-Friend device set to "on") or heavier on the Evil Libra side(they are little instigators when bored), the Scales can really work aroom. Charming as they are, Libras are notoriously lacking inself-control, however, which can get them into all sorts of trouble --including wearing their wobbly boots waaaay too early in the evening,flirting with their best friend's beau or even blacking out the night'sevents entirely. Oops!

SCORPIO: Drinking style: Don't ever tell Scorpios they've had enough,for they'll smirk at you and quietly but intentionally keep tipplingtill they're hog whimpering drunk, out of 100-proof spite. Scorpios liketo drink, and screw you if you have a problem with that. Most of themsee the sauce as something to savor in itself, and not as apersonality-altering tool -- though if depressed, self-loathing Scorpsseek total obliteration. But generally, they're fascinating drinkingpals, brilliant conversationalists and dizzying flirts. They alsoremember everything -- especially what you did when you were blitzed. Only drink with a Scorpio who likes you.

SAGITTARIUS: Drinking style: In vino veritas -- and, for Sagittarius, inbooze blurtiness: When buttered, they'll spill all your secrets and manyof their own. Tactlessness aside, Sagittarius is just plain fun to drinkwith. This is a sign of serious partying (what else would you expectfrom the sign of Sinatra, Keith Richards, the Bush twins and Anna NicoleSmith?). They're the people who chat up everyone in the room, thenpersuade the entire crowd to travel somewhere else -- like a nightclub,or a playground, or Cancun. Good-natured hijinks are sure to ensue(including a high possibility of loopy groping; spontaneous Sag is abrilliant booty call).

CAPRICORN: Drinking style: Capricorn is usually described as practical,steadfast, money-hungry and status-thirsty -- no wonder they get leftoff the astrological cocktail-party list. But this is the sign of DavidBowie and Annie Lennox, not to mention Elvis. Capricorn is the true rockstar: independent, powerful and seriously charismatic, not too eager toplease. And if they make money being themselves, who are you to quibble?But just like most rock stars, they're either totally on or totally off,and they generally need a little social lubricant to loosen up and enjoythe after party, especially if they can hook up with a cute groupie.

AQUARIUS: Drinking style: Aquarius and drinking don't go together thatwell (except for water, that is). They have an innate tendency towardknow-it-allism, and if they get an idea while sizzled, they're morestubborn than a stain or a stone. If they're throwing a party ororganizing an outing, however, they're too preoccupied with their dutiesto get combative -- and they make perfectly charming drunks in thatcase. Fortunately, they're usually capital drink-nursers. They also makethe best-designated drivers (if you can get them before they startraising their wrist): Aquarius is fascinated by drunken people andcapable of holding interesting conversations with soused strangers whilesober.

PISCES: Drinking style: If you're a Pisces, you've probably already heard that you share a sign -- and an addictive personality -- with Liz Taylor, Liza Minelli and Kurt Cobain. Not only do Pisces like to lose themselves in the dreamy, out-there feeling that only hooch can give, but they build up a mighty tolerance fast. Who needs an expensive datelike that? On the other hand, they're fabulously enchanting partners, whether in conversation or in crime. With the right Pisces, you can start out sharing a pitcher of margaritas and wind up in bed together for days. The phrase "addictive personality" can be read two ways, you know.

5 On Friday - Is It Getting Hot In Here?

2011-09-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

Another Friday rolls around and It's time to check in with Trav's Thoughts to sign in and share your music choices.

September 2, 1666 - Great Fire of London Begins - In remembrance of this rather momentous event and few melodies to make the temperature rise.

Burning Down The House

Ring Of Fire

Fire - Babyface

I'm On Fire

We Didn't Start The Fire

Queen's Meme #92

2011-08-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The Queen's Meme

7 Royal Questions on Tuesday

Sometimes strange and silly questions run through my pencil brain. Don't try to look for connections. There are none. Just have fun answering a non-serious set of 7 royal questions. **We would really appreciate a photograph as evidence for question #6** To participate head on over to Bloggingham to sign in.

1. Who should run for United States President in 2012 - The 20,465th person in the Seattle white pages. Has to be better than any of the alternatives.

2. Have you ever gone to a party and snooped in the medicine cabinet? - Yes. My stuff was better.

3. Why are Happy Meals happy? - They are part of a conspiracy to doom children to obesity so that the galactic overlords can conquer the planet.

4. Have you ever done the Hokey Pokey? Yes, but the Hunky Dory was much more fun.

5. What song sticks in your head and drives you crazy? "Who Will Buy?" from Oliver. It starts as a morning shower song and gets stuck.

6. Do you dance like crazy around the house when no one is looking? Absolutely

7. Have you ever been involved in a food fight? Grape jam fired through straws ... purple splotches everywhere

5 On Friday - Defying Gravity

2011-08-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Another Friday rolls around and It's time to check in with Trav at Trav's Thoughts to sign in and share your music choices.

This week I'm in a mood to get my feet off the ground. I'm reading the Wicked trilogy and have finished Wicked, Son of A Witch, and starting A Lion among men. Sometimes you just have to root for the witch!!!

And finally the amazing Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth "DEFYING GRAVITY" in Wicked.

You need to click on it as more than 3 million people already have because Everyone Deserves A Chance to Fly!!!

Queen's Meme #91 - A Questionable Activity

2011-08-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

The doyen of Castle Bloggingham roused me out of my ongoing inactivity long enough to answer a few questions. Should you feel like participating, you can join in at The Queen's Meme.

If you could ask one question of the following … what would your question be?

1. Your IPOD - Is it really necessary to make me cry? Just cause I loaded in songs that remind me of emotional stuff is no reason to play them so often.

2. Casey Anthony - Were you born a sociopath or did your mother create one?

3. Your ex’s last ex - I take it you couldn't get him to talk either?

4. Your Pet - Is it really necessary to lick my nose at 4:00 AM?

5. John Lennon - What were the lyrics to the song you didn't finish?

6. Your great-grandmother on your father’s side - Jane, how did you do it? Husband killed in a horrific train accident and you left with ten children to raise. You must have been an amazing woman.

7. Your mirror - Couldn't you lie every once in a while?

Pretty Pictures for your entertainment

2011-08-20T16:24:00.001-07:00

5 On Friday - More Cow Bell

2011-08-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

Our buddy Travis at Trav's Thoughts has created 5 On Friday. To join in, click link for rules and to sign in then go forth and share your music.

On August 19, 1964, more than six months after taking the East Coast by storm, the Fab Four traveled to California to take the stage at the Cow Palace in San Francisco for opening night of their first-ever concert tour of North America. Now you would think this would lead to a group of Beatles videos, but I decided to salute the now endangered venue instead.

The Cow Palace was originally created due to the popularity of the livestock pavillion at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The name "Cow Palace" was used as early as 1935 when one story editorial asked "Why when people are starving should money be spent on a 'palace for cows?" The building was stuck with the name.

It is currently used for concerts, livestock exhibitions, and rodeos. There is a fight on to save the Palace as an historical building and to prevent its destruction or sale despite the current California economic condition. In the meantime, these songs are dedicated to the men and women of a very specialized lifestyle and love for animals, cowboys, and rodeos and who can never the resist the sound of more cow bell.

Summer Hooky Schedule

2011-08-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

BUT I MAY DO IT ANYWAY

Except for 5 on Friday, I am spending the rest of August at Renaissance Fairs, County Fairs, Beaches, and putting my nose in a book. - Have fun folks, I will.

5 On Friday - Down The Yellow Brick Road

2011-08-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Lion - Tin Man - Toto - Dorothy - Scarecrow

5 On Friday

Another Friday rolls around which means another chance to play along with 5 On Friday courtesy of Travis at Trav's Thoughts. To play along, just sign in on his blog and create your songs to share with the world.

August 12, 1939 is a special date in that it was the first day, the world got to see The Wizard of Oz when it premiered in the birthplace of Frank L. Baum. The score was by Harold Arlen and E. Y. "Yip" Harburg. Although they worked together frequently, this movie was about the only place where Arlen and Harburg had a truly successful collaboration and created songs that are still performed to this day. Most of their biggest hits were with other partners. This 5 on Friday is dedicated to those songs where changing partners can be a very good thing. Of course to make it fair, it's three each for a six on Friday.

Harold Arlen and Others

Harold Arlen

The Man That Got Away (Ira Gershwin)

I Got A Right To Sing The Blues (Ted Koehler)

Come Rain or Come Shine (Johnny Mercer)

E. Y. "Yip" Harburg and Others

E. Y. "Yip" Harburg

Brother Can You Spare A Dime (Jay Gorney)

April In Paris (Vernon Duke)

How Are Things In Glocca Morra (Burton Lane)

The War Prayer

2011-08-07T16:01:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain wrote the whole of The War Prayer in response to the jingoism that took the US into the Spanish American War. It is always good to read the final interpretation and understanding what those who pray for war are actually requesting and to consider if this is really what is desired for our fellow man.

"O Lord our Father, our young patriots, idols of our hearts, go forth to battle -- be Thou near them! With them -- in spirit -- we also go forth from the sweet peace of our beloved firesides to smite the foe. O Lord our God, help us to tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead; help us to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of their wounded, writhing in pain; help us to lay waste their humble homes with a hurricane of fire; help us to wring the hearts of their unoffending widows with unavailing grief; help us to turn them out roofless with little children to wander unfriended the wastes of their desolated land in rags and hunger and thirst, sports of the sun flames of summer and the icy winds of winter, broken in spirit, worn with travail, imploring Thee for the refuge of the grave and denied it -- for our sakes who adore Thee, Lord, blast their hopes, blight their lives, protract their bitter pilgrimage, make heavy their steps, water their way with their tears, stain the white snow with the blood of their wounded feet! We ask it, in the spirit of love, of Him Who is the Source of Love, and Who is the ever-faithful refuge and friend of all that are sore beset and seek His aid with humble and contrite hearts. Amen.

For information go to the Blogblast for Peace

5 On Friday - American Bandstand

2011-08-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

Five on Friday is the creation of Trav's Thoughts To take part, drop by his web site to sign in and then create your own five selections to share with others.

On this day in history, August 5, 1957 (54 years ago my GOD!!!). American Bandstand went national. To this day, it is the show everyone remembers where people watched other people dance. Over the years, there have been many references on TV, Movies and Broadway. Here are just a few. Kicking it off, Barry Manilow with the Bandstand Boogie.

Born To Hand Jive Baby!!! GREASE

You Can't Stop The Beat - Hairspray

Where Bandstand really started: Steal Your Rock and Roll - Memphis

And the Ultimate rock and roll line dance: The Stroll

The dance was born before the song, and had it not been for an idea of American Bandstand's Dick Clark, the song may never have been. Dick noticed the kids were "line dancing" to a song by Chuck Willis called "C.C. Rider", and he needed more musical material than just the one song and ultimately a few others for the kids to do this dance. He enlisted the aid of singer Brook Benton who put pen to Dick's idea, and "The Stroll" was born. The Diamonds were given the opportunity to record this not long after their hit of "Little Darlin", and the song shot to #4 in January of 1958.

And a bonus just for Travis - A show where people watch other people dance complete with legses and one of the original Bandstand hits: Great Balls of Fire

Nothing to Fear But Fear Itself

2011-08-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

Her majesty, Queen Mimi, safely ensconced in Bloggingham castle is in a mood to increase the vocabulary of her subjects. Therefor she is administering the following quiz as part of the Queen's Meme #88. Here are my answers. Should you choose to give it a try, you can visit royalty over at The Queen's Meme.

Mysophobia - Fear of Agatha Christie novels.

Ailurophobia - Being scared of comparisons to size 3 runway models.

Technophobia - Condition caused by confrontation with Geek Squad personnel.

Novercaphobia - Abject terror produced by sound of Dentist drill even if numbed from forehead to toes.

Dipsophobia - Inability to dine on anything glutinous mass made with sour cream.

Gymnophobia - Irrational panic caused by sight of exercise equipment.

Hippophobia - Terror produced by setting foot on Disneyland Jungle Cruise ride.

Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia - Night terror caused by dream of seven foot hippo seen on Jungle Cruise ride.

Lachanophobia - Fear of Loch Ness Monster that looks like seven foot hippopotomus

Uranophobia - Screaming anguish produced by ideas that appeared from politicians' rear ends.

Levophobia - Panic that occurs when you float upward after gravity quits.

Royaldungeophobia - Fear of the dank recesses of Bloggingham -

A Wedding

2011-07-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

Canongate Kirk

Edinburgh Map

Zara Phillips, granddaughter of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II, is getting married today in the lovely church shown above. It is the Canongate Kirk. Now normally I wouldn't be all that interested in the nuptials of people unknown to me except in this case. The happy couple are getting married in the White family church.

If you look to the left of the map, you will see Tollbooth Wynd. That is where the White family lived in the mid 1700s through to the end of the 1800s, so they actually saw the church being erected. Also, it is the church for the Palace of Holyrood House (to the right on the map), the Queen's residence when she happens to be in Edinburgh.

Within a distance of three blocks, you have the homes of a dairyman and royalty, joined in time by a small church.

Holyrood House

5 On Friday - The Way Out Edition

2011-07-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

Five on Friday is the creation of Trav of Trav's Thoughts. To take part, drop by his web site to sign in and then create your own five selections to share with others.

On this day in 1958, the U.S. Congress passed legislation establishing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA has since sponsored space expeditions that have yielded vital information about the solar system and universe. With the end of the Space Shuttle program, this seems a good day to dedicate a little music in it's honor.

Snake In The Grass

2011-07-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite numbers from The Little Prince with Bob Fosse as The Snake In The Grass.

Rosalind Franklin

2011-07-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

(25 July 1920 – 16 April 1958)

While watching Warehouse 13 tonight a person was mentioned who was totally unknown to me. Since this is her birthday, and she really should get the well earned credit now that bypassed her except in very narrow circles during her lifetime.

Meet the lady who helped Watson and Crick win a Nobel Prize simply because she published her work third that they had based their work on before she published. Because the Nobel nominations cannot be posthumous, she could not be nominated or awarded the prize despite her contributions prior to her death.

Wikipedia has an excellent article on Rosalind Franklin and she is well worth the effort to pursue farther.

5 On Friday - A Purrrrrfect Set

2011-07-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Today our "I think I'll move in here" stray kitty is off to the dentist. In Ebony's honor, I'm using Trav's 5 On Friday to do a collection of cat songs. To join in stop by Trav's Thoughts, sign in and go forth to share your music of the week.

OMG The Grumpus Will Get Me.

2011-07-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I did it. Powers of the universe forgive me ... please? In listing some of the sweetest blogs, I forgot Claire. You have no idea what could happen due to this oversight. The creatures that might come out of the woodwork demanding retribution.

If you have never visited Claire's website, Claire's Facebook, Claire's other Facebook, Claire's Flickr or for that matter Claire's couch (she must have a couch somewhere), you are missing a great big piece of internet wonderfulness.
She a professional counselor, an artist, a photographer, a hiker, a teller of family tales, a Doodologist extraordinaire, and a creator of flights of fancy that take us all along for the ride. Then to top it off she does generous things that just make you smile and go along because it is the right thing to do.

You are therefor required to rush over and plead that I was just having a small seizure. Do not send the Grumpus, you get the award. Really you do.

Seven Things I've Never Told You

2011-07-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

Queen Mimi of Bloggingham has bestowed an Sweet Blog Award upon yours truly. Well actually she said some really nice things about me on her ever entertaining and amazing blog and then passed along a hand me down from One Gal Musings.

Now there are duties to fulfill in order to claim this bounty. I am required to tell you seven things about myself that I've never told you before ... excuse me while I rummage in undisclosed information closet. It's getting awfully skimpy in there.

Then I am to recommend others who have properly earned this lovely award. So here goes.

1. My Guardian Angel had to work overtime the night I swam nude in the pacific, got caught in a rip tide and ended up a mile down the beach from where I went in. Not only that, but I did it at sundown when certain large fish are known to be looking for take out. Teach me to go drinking with the girls.

2. I once had one of the above for a pet and still really like California King Snakes. Had to donate Squiggly to the school Science Dept when one of my many moves took place. He was a great lap warmer and I missed him for quite awhile.

3. Mimi told a story about somewhat unsuccessfully driving a tractor. At the age of 12, I started driving a truck on an uncle's ranch. Because of being a year ahead in school and California laws at the time, I was able to get a driver's license at 15. So off road for 55 years and on road for 52. One of my fantasies is still to have a Mary Movie Star thirties era roadster convertible.

4. I hate liver. I cannot even be in the same location where it is cooking.

5. In high school I was cast as Amanda in Glass Menagerie. Jonquils are my birth flower, but ever since doing Amanda's speech about the jonquils, they are my favorite flower. "That was the spring I had the craze for jonquils. Jonquils became an absolute obsession. Mother said, 'Honey, there's no more room for jonquils.' And still I kept on bringing in more jonquils. Whenever, wherever I saw them, I'd say, "Stop ! Stop! I see jonquils!"

6. This is Caesar. He lives on my wall. He has lived on my wall for 27 years. I like him.

7. The above are two cups from a collection currently of about 50 cups from 50 different cities. Each one may be a tourist thing but they can't be one of those I Heart tacky cups. Only rule is it must be from a city where I or one of the children have been.

Now for the other sweet blogs. First let me echo Mimi with, "ALL BLOGGERS I READ who are not mentioned below: You are every one amazing and I refuse to leave folks out." If any of you want a Sweet Blog award, feel free to grab it and have fun.

1. This Eclectic Life Shelly Tucker is a story teller of wonderful tales and a lady with a huge heart dedicated to bringing joy to children through Share A Square.

2. Fairweather Lewis - Fair may not do this because her blog is filled with wonderful ghost stories, mystery, and history but even if she doesn't, you should visit a truly sweet blog for a truly great read.

3. Watergate Summer - Alie writes about everything under the sun and then some. Every day is something different.

4./5. Now I've got a problem because Mimi nominated my two favorite bloggers in addition to herself. Trav's Thoughts and Are We There Yet. So Trav and Linda get a double dose of sweetness.

6. Border Explorer - Billie Greenwood writes an amazing blog about important issues. Whether you agree or not, she will always leave you thinking.

7. A Piece of My Mind - Julia writes books, poetry, and wonderful exposes on music of all kinds, her family ... If it is about life, Julia writes. Please go watch her do it.

It all Ends and Not Just For The Kids

2011-07-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

I stood on the sidewalk about four years ago because Amazon promised I would get it. The poor beleaguered mailman knew why I was waiting and just extended his arm to deposit the book in my waiting hands. I stayed up all night because I just had to know how it all ended. There were so many questions about the intervening 20 years between the end of Voldemort and the newest class of Hogwarts boarding the train.

Tomorrow my mid forties son and I will watch the final final movie about that last book. Half a continent away my "age appropriate" grandson will be watching the same movie with his mother. So there you have three generations waiting for resolution. Will the movie be as good as the book? Will the movie be better than the book? Will the last scene be the new generation? How will it end? Early reviews seem (to put it mildly) pleased.

I LOVE HARRY AND I DON'T WANT IT TO END

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the seventh and final of the Harry Potter novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The book was released on 21 July 2007 by Bloomsbury Publishing in the United Kingdom, in the United States by Scholastic, and in Canada by Raincoast Books, ending the series that began in 1997 with the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The novel chronicles the events directly following Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005), and the final confrontation between the wizards Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort.

5 On Friday - El viernes cinco

2011-07-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Travis of Trav's Thoughts has this marvelous meme ... Now all we need are more music lovers to take part. Stop by for a visit by clicking his link for the simple rules, sign in and then go forth to share your musical choices.

This week I'm featuring Spanish Songs that became major hits in English. Usually the exact translation doesn't have that much similarity to the original, but the music is beautiful and many artists have taken the opportunity to make these wonderful melodies into hits. Each English recording is followed by a link to the original Spanish lyrics.

I'll kick it off with an oldie from the 1940s. Is it any wonder my favorite eye color is green?

Aquellos Ojos Verdes

The exact translation for the next one is Spanish at its most passionate which isn't echoed in the English version but all that trembling "palpitar" shouldn't go to waste:

When the sun heats up here at the beach
I feel your body vibrate near me;
It's your heartbeat, your face, your hair,
Your kisses, and I shudder, oh, oh, oh!

Cuando Caliente El Sol Vikki Carr

If the next one doesn't make your hips move, check your pulse.

"¿Quién será?" (Nat King Cole)

Now who could be unfaithful to Julie London?

Perfidia (Linda Ronstadt

Two great versions of the same "frenetic" song.

Frenesi (Linda Ronstadt)