To My Old Brown Earth

Paul Winter is offering a free download of "To My Old Brown Earth," the last song on Pete Seeger's 1996 album, Pete. Seeger wrote the song for, and performed it at, the funeral of his friend, John McManus, co-editor of the radical newsweekly, The Guardian. The album, produced by Living Music, netted Seeger his first Grammy.

Friday 80s Flashback for January 24, 2014 (on a Saturday)

old skool cassette by ~EDIllo

Time for another flashback of a Flashback. I'm reaching into my archives and re-posting the Flashback from a year ago. I find it interesting that I was late posting that week just as I am today. 

[Atypical Qualities] -- I apologize for being late with this week's Flashback. Some things came up at work, so instead of wrapping up the post on Thursday evening, I found myself reviewing a slide deck in preparation for a Friday morning presentation. Believe me, I would have much preferred working on the Flashback.

Anyway...

This week's flashback started with a song by Robert Hazard. I cannot remember what made me think of it, but it stayed in my head. I figured that was a good indicator that the song had to be featured on the blog. I initially had some trouble building a theme around Hazard's song, but I finally settled on songs making something of an atypical description -- like "Chariots of Fire," but not that song (at least not this week). What songs did make it this week? Read and hear more after the break.

Forté Dramatic Productions Presents a Sondheim Review!

Some friends of mine are starting a theater company (Forté Dramatic Productions). Their first production is a night of Sondheim music! Details about Art Isn't Easy: A Sondheim Revue can be found at http://forte.brownpapertickets.com.

[Cross-posted at http://theaterlackey.blogspot.com/]

Friday 80s Flashback for January 17, 2014

Image from Tano Design's MLK Tribute Poster

[MLK] -- Civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) would have been 85 this week had he not been assassinated. Monday, January 20, is a day set aside to honor his legacy and his vision for America. The legislation for MLK Day was signed in 1983 and the federal holiday was first observed in 1986. Dr. King's life was one of service. Therefore, his birthday has since become the MLK Day of Service (set by the King Holiday and Service Act in 1994). Dr. King's messages of unity and peaceful resistance are as relevant today in our course, loud, and overly violent culture. You can read and hear more after the break, where we'll look back 30 or so years to find some songs that resonant with, or at least extol, Dr. King's life and work.

Image from grabnetworks.com

Friday 80s Flashback for January 10, 2014

[Happy 30th Birthday, "1984"] -- Can you believe it? 30 years ago this week -- on January 9, 1984, to be exact -- Van Halen released their sixth studio album, 1984. This is a seminal album for several reasons. For one, it was the first VH record that really pushed the use of synthesizers/keyboards. The band had been using synths since Women and Children First (1980). However, on those previous albums, the synths had been simply layered into the sound, adding texture. On 1984, the synths were pushed front and center, particularly on the first single. Second, this album generated the band's first and only #1 Billboard hit and it definitely fueled their crossover into pop (their next four albums all debuted at #1). And, third, this record marked the end of Van Halen's original lineup. Due to internal tensions -- particularly between guitarist/keyboardist Eddie Van Halen and vocalist David Lee Roth, and other issues depending on whom was asked -- Diamond Dave would split from the band after the tour and releasing his own solo album. Roth has rejoined Van Halen on three occasions, the most recent being in 2011 for A Different Kind of Truth (albeit with Eddie's son on bass rather than original bassist Michael Anthony).

This week, we'll revisit a few songs from 1984. If you are curious about a track-by-track review, check out Gary Graff's piece on Billboard. If you want to see what three tracks I picked, you can read and hear more after the break.

Final Leader Board for 25 Days of Winter Holiday Trivia

After carefully calculating and recalculating, going through each submitted answer more than once, I have the final results and can present the leader board -- and the winners -- for my 25 Days of Winter Holiday Trivia (2013).

The top three scorers are:

1. Colin G. / Stephen B. 
2. Purehero 
3. HeidiGolightly

I really had not anticipated a tie, at any level, so I will have to figure out how to work out the prizes. I'll be in touch with folks shortly.

Thanks to everyone for playing and therefore brightening my holidays (while also slightly lightening my wallet)! For your own reference, you can see the official trivia answers here and here.

Winter Holiday Trivia: Answers Part 2

Soon I'll be posting the final tabulations (and the winners!) of my 2013 trivia event: 25 Days of Winter Holiday Trivia. As promised, here are the answers for Days 17 through 25 (and the answers for Days 1 through 16)!



Day 17

Q: What is the European, pre-Christian symbolism associated with the use of candles at this time of year?

A: They represent the Sun, specifically the return of the Sun and light (and heat).



Day 18

Q: What is the name of the Roman solstice festival that began this week (circa 12/18/13), runs three to seven days in length, and is observed with many of the traditions now associated with Christmas (gifts, feasting, etc.)?

A: Before Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, etc., there was the Roman solstice holiday of Saturnalia, which began December 17. It honors Saturnus, who introduced agriculture and the arts of civilized life. It was the season when agricultural work was completed; a sort of joyous Thanksgiving-type holiday of relaxation and merriment. During Saturnalia, businesses, courts and schools were closed.

Bonus Question: What are the colors of this holiday? (A: The colors of the holiday are blue and gold.)



Day 19

Q: What is the esoteric meaning of these 12 ornaments used to decorate a Christmas tree?

A: In Revelations Chapter 22, the Tree of Life bore 12 Different Fruits and its leaves were for the healing of the nations.

Day 20

Q: What is one similarity between Santa and the night visitors of our older traditions?

A: Any of the following (and more besides) -- Night riding (flying), animal "familiars," expecting food offerings, arriving at midnight, living in the darkness of the far north, and special helpers.

Bonus Question: What was Nicholas' position in the church? (A: Bishop of Myra)

Day 21

Q: What is the name of the pioneer of electricity and magnetism who delivered multiple Christmas Lectures, including one on why a candle burns?

A: Michael Faraday

Day 22

Q: What is Norwegian scientist Odd Halvorsen's biological, and somewhat squirm-inducing, explanation for Rudolph's red nose?

A: Parasitic infection of his respiratory system. (The Physics of Christmas)

Bonus question: What is the problem with most representations of reindeer on Christmas cards? (A: Male reindeer would not have their antlers at this time of year).

Day 23

Q: What is the name of the Roman god whose birth from the Mother Rock was observed by nearby shepherds?

A: Mithra

Bonus Question: Who were the primary followers of this deity's mystery religion?  (A: Roman military)

Day 24

Q: Who invented the Christmas card?

A: The very first Christmas card was commissioned by Sir Henry Cole and illustrated by John Callcott Horsley. If you gave either name, you got credit!

Bonus question: In what year did he publish the first Christmas card?  (A: 1843)

Day 25

Q: What is the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas?

A: Sinterklass.

Bonus Question: For one extra point,  what three things did Scott Calvin (played by Tim Allen) do that forced him to become Santa (in the movie, "The Santa Clause")?  

A: Calvin read the card, put on Santa's suit (starting with the hat), and entered the sleigh and delivered gifts, thus fulfilling the "Santa Clause" (see also 3rd paragraph under Plot in the Disney Wiki entry). 

Updated Leader Board for 25 Days of Winter Holiday Trivia

Well, one new trivia fan has joined the game since my last leader board update ... and he soared straight to the top! Now, this contest is technically over because I am not posting any new questions. However, I have only posted answers for Days 1 through 16,  so if you want to take a shot at the gift cards that will go to the top three scorers, you can test your wits with the remaining entries (starting here on Day 17) and simply message me your answers. Don't post in the comments unless you don't mind sharing your work. (Just DM me on Twitter, private message me on FB, or use the contact info on this blog to email me).

As of today, the top three players are:

1. Colin G. 
2. Stephen B.
3. Purehero

Thank you for playing! 

Winter Holiday Trivia: Answers Part 1

I hope you all have enjoyed my 2013 trivia event: 25 Days of Winter Holiday Trivia. I'm still tabulating the top scores, but in the meanwhile you can check out the answers for Days 1 through 16!


Day 1

Q: What was the project for which Vince Guaraldi originally wrote and recorded "Linus and Lucy"?

A: The song was originally composed for use on a Charles Schultz documentary called A Boy Named Charlie Brown. "Linus and Lucy" appeared on Guaraldi's 1964 album, Jazz Impressions of a Boy Named Charlie Brown, a year before it was used in the Christmas special.


Day 2

Q: What other Christmas film did It's a Wonderful Life finish ahead of in terms of 1947 box office revenues?

A: Miracle on 34th Street. Miracle placed placed 27th while Wonderful Life placed 26th in box office revenues that year. Wonderful Life made $3.3 million during its initial run.


Day 3

Q: In what country were glass Christmas ornaments first manufactured? (Bonus points if you can point to who started it and in what year).

A: Germany! (In 1847 Hans Greiner began producing glass ornaments, or Glasschmuck, in the shape of fruits and nuts. This was in the small German town of Lauscha).


Day 4

Q: What are you supposed to do after kissing under the mistletoe?

A: Pick a berry.


Day 5

Q: What is the name of the calendar introduced in the 16th century that resulted in the loss of 11 days in the calendar year and moved Christmas to December 25?

A: Gregorian Calendar. The Julian calendar was switched over to the Gregorian starting in 1582.


Day 6

Q: What was the name of MADtv's parody of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and what was the cinematic source of the parody?

A: When I originally wrote this question in the early 2000s, the parody that was in rotation was THE REINFATHER (which made liberal use of The Godfather). This is the one that always stays in my mind. However, it was one part of a trilogy. So I'll also accept RAGING RUDOLPH, A PACK OF GIFTS NOW, and FULL METAL RUDOLPH (lifting from Goodfellas, Apocalypse Now, and Full Metal Jacket respectively) as correct answers ... if only because no one submitted REINFATHER.

Full Metal Rudolph, The Reinfather & A Pack of Gifts Now

The Reinfather Trilogy

Day 7

Q: The Welsh name for December is Rhagfyr, while the Gaelic name is An Mios marbh.
What do these names mean in English?

A: "The month of preparation" and "the dead month" (respectively).

Day 8

Q: In what country did the Advent wreath originate?

A: Germany

Day 9

Q: From where does the poinsettia hail?

A: Central America

Bonus question #1: Who is this flower named after? (A: Joseph Poinsett, US ambassador to Mexico)

Bonus question #2: What color are a poinsettia's flowers? (A: Yellow. The showy colored parts of Poinsettias that most people think of as the flowers are actually colored leaves. The yellow flowers, or cyathia, are in the center.)

Day 10

Q: On what instrument did Gruber compose the melody for "Silent Night! Holy Night"?

A: Guitar


Bonus Question: Where was "Silent Night, Holy Night" first performed? (A: St. Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf)

Day 11

Q: Which one of Jesus' early miracles is also supposed to be a fortunate supernatural effect attributed to Christmas Eve?

A: Turning water into wine.

Day 12

Q: One-quarter of the globe, or 48 million square miles, is ________ covered at some time during the year. Worldwide, about one-third of the water used for irrigation comes from _______.   (Note: These values were accurate circa 1998 and I have not done any digging to update them; they may have shifted).

A: Snow

Day 13

Q: What was the pre-Christian purpose behind gift-giving around the end of the year?

A: To ensure good LUCK. (Anyone who did not give freely would be unlucky in the coming year).

Day 14

Q: When using a cookie press to make Scandinavian spritz cookies, it's important to be sure that the dough is ______?

A: Well-chilled

Day 15

Q: What is considered to be the first cake/cookie traditionally associated with Christmas?

A: Gingerbread

Day 16

Q: J.W. Parkinson did something in 1841 that forever changed Christmas, at least in the retail world. What did he do, and where did he do it?

A: He hired the first department store Santa! It was a big event at J.W. Parkinson's Dry Goods store in Philadelphia. It took another several years before the department store Santa caught on, but now we cannot imagine a store without one!

  

Days of Winter Holiday Trivia: Day 25

Today is the final day of my 25 Days of Winter Holiday Trivia. Soon, I'll be tallying the scores of trivia players and designating the three winners. Because today is likely to be very busy for many folks -- what with the unwrapping of gifts, hunting down batteries, and preparing family dinners -- I'll go a little easy on folks today. So, your question for December 25 is:

What is the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas, who fills the clogs of good children with gifts and candy? Hint: "Santa Claus" is derived from mispronouncing the Dutch name. 

Bonus question: For one extra point,  what three things did Scott Calvin (played by Tim Allen) do that forced him to become Santa (in the movie, "The Santa Clause")? 

Go ahead and submit your answer to today's and previous questions. See the notes below for details on how to participate in my 25 Days of Winter Holiday Trivia (and maybe win a gift card)! I'll post the answers and the winners later this week.


Contest Notes:

Remember, my 25 Days of Winter Holiday Trivia is an actual contest. If you want to participate, all you have to do is send me your answer to each question I've posted (and for which I have not yet posted the answer). I'll start posting answers on Wednesday, but will likely only go through the first week of trivia. So you still have time to go back through the posted questions and rack up some points.

Points? Yes! The three folks who rack up the most points in my trivia game will receive a gift card!

If you want to participate, simply message me your answers. Don't post in the comments unless you don't mind sharing your work. (Just DM me on Twitter, private message me on FB, or use the contact info on this blog to email me).