Happy Easter / Resurrection Sunday

Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter / Resurrection Sunday!  (And a Happy Passover to family and friends of the Jewish faith.  Chag Kasher V’Sameach!)

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, KJV)

Art For Art's Sake

Today, I had to turn in a project for my Digital Media class.  (I had to create a fake company logo, using Adobe Illustrator.)  Here it is!

As you can tell, I'm not much of an artist.  (Nope, not graphically inclined in the least!)  It looks like something a kid would draw, which would accurately describe my skill level.

However, as I came up with the title for this blog post, it reminded me of a song from WAY back in the day (1975).  I don't think there was an "official video", but this one is pretty good:

10cc was an excellent group from that era.  I think their most famous song was this one:

Yep, that's the same song that was used in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie (which had an AWESOME soundtrack).

The only other song of theirs that was a big hit in the U.S. (at least, that I can think of) was this one:

Thank God for YouTube videos! Fasten your seatbelts, and enjoy your trip down Memory Lane via the Jukebox of Time ...

False Information In Social Media

We’ve all been guilty of sharing false information or fake news at some point or another. Sadly, this is not an uncommon occurrence on social media, but nevertheless annoying, because it can spread so quickly (plus it’s so difficult to correct).

Case in point:  the following video, which has been attributed to HRH Prince George, the son of (Prince) William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the grandson of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.  (I’m sure I’ve messed up their official titles, since proper forms of address for The Royals is not typically covered in standard American education.)  Pip pip, cheerio, give me a scone — dilly dilly!

Actually, this cute little boy named Tanner does exist, but he is not a Royal.  However, he certainly is one smart little cookie!  Here is a clip from his appearance on the Steve Harvey show.

Lesson (hopefully) learned.  Always check your sources!

La Comida Puertorriqueña

I grew up on the South Side of Milwaukee, in a working-class neighborhood that was heavily influenced by a variety of European and Latino cultural traditions.  Over the years, this melting pot neighborhood has welcomed and embraced people from many other cultures from around the world, including Asian and Middle Eastern.  Grocery stores, bakeries, gift shops, and restaurants abound, and your introduction to another culture starts right outside your door!

For the purpose of this post, I’d like to give a shout-out to the cuisine of Puerto Rico (which is frequently overshadowed by the equally delicious cuisine of Mexico).

https://www.buzzfeed.com/javiermoreno/gotta-eat-them-all?utm_term=.lo85dLZvAM#.ftEkvqRn2J

If you’re looking for ingredients, there are family-owned groceries and bakeries, as well as restaurants that serve some of the items on this list (as well as other items that are worth discovering).

However, if you’re looking for a wide variety of goods from around the world, I would like to suggest that you check out the Cermak store on 43rd Street (aka Miller Parkway).  They have some  of the best produce in the city, aisle upon aisle of world groceries, a selection of bakery and pastries that is a thing of beauty, as well as a deli and hot case that rivals some of the best.

Get out and explore!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

In honor of the day, I’m sharing one of my favorite songs by Connie Dover

Another great song by Connie Dover

And this was an early song when she sang with Scartaglen 

I Lost On Jeopardy

No, I didn’t lose on Jeopardy — I’ve never been a contestant on any game show.  However, I am a life-long fan of Jeopardy (though I’m not an avid viewer).  This was the only show (besides Star Trek), that my dad and I would watch together. (Our tastes did not usually coincide.)

However, I am referring to a classic Weird Al parody that recently came up on Jeopardy:

And here it is:

I saw Weird Al in concert once, down at The Riverside, and it had to be one of my favorite concerts.  He frequently plays Summerfest, and is well worth seeing.  (Take the kids — they’ll have a blast!)

Blog Style Updates

After careful consideration, I decided to activate the “mobile friendly” version, since it makes the blog much easier to read and navigate.   However, I do encourage everyone to check out the web version of this (or any) blog, because it can be much richer in content than the scaled-down mobile version.

Blending Fact and Fiction

I came across National Treasure today while channel surfing.  I remember seeing it in the theaters when it first came out, and thought it was fairly clever and well written.  It did a good job of weaving fact and fiction.  (Obviously, being a Disney film, it needed to appeal to all demographics.)

Part of the story takes place in Philadelphia.  When I stayed in New Jersey, I had the opportunity to go to Philadelphia and was able to see the Liberty Bell, as well as visit Independence Hall.

The sequel was not very successful, but I wouldn’t mind seeing another installment.  According to IMDb (the best resource for movies and TV), it is “in development” because they don’t have a script yet.

Beware The Ides Of March

Of course, we know that phrase doesn’t really apply to a 70s band.  But what does it really mean, and where does it come from?

According to Wikipedia, the Ides of March had religious and historic significance.  Among other things, this was the time when people were supposed to settle their debts.  (Unfortunately for Julius Caesar, that day ended with his assassination.)

Here is a link to three famous literary references to the Ides of March from Plutarch and Shakespeare, as well as the death scene:

http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/julius_caesar/9/

It was interesting to realize how many characters from The Hunger Games have names inspired by Roman history.

Rest In Peace, Stephen Hawking

Here is the video I had to edit for my Digital Media class.  I didn't supply the background music, but I added a quick vocal, which sounds goofy when combined with the existing audio track.  (Oh well.)  Enjoy!

How interesting that I was just talking about "O Brother Where Out Thou" in a recent post, and the next video that showed up on the YouTube queue was this song sung by Alison Krauss, which was one of many tracks of hers that were used in that movie.

Alison Krauss has an amazingly beautiful voice, and is well known in bluegrass, country, and other musical genres.  She is tied for second place with Quincy Jones for the most Grammy wins -- both at 27.  (The conductor, Sir Georg Solti, is in first place at 31 wins.)  She is also a talented musician, and plays violin / fiddle, piano, and mandolin.

Alison used to sing with a group called Union Station.  One of their early songs was used 20+ years ago on the soundtrack album for Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

She also performed several songs on the Cold Mountain soundtrack, including this beautiful song written by Sting.

And this one written by T-Bone Burnett and Elvis Costello:

Another Musical Post

In an earlier post, I brought up the song “Show Me” from My Fair Lady. What was not commonly known then (and may still be unknown to many), is the fact that all of Audrey Hepburn‘s songs were performed by another singer, Marni Nixon.  Marni Nixon was actually a “ghost singer” in several major movie musicals, most notably for Deborah Kerr in The King And I, and for Natalie Wood in West Side Story.

This was not the first time this had been done for a lead actor or actress in a movie, for example, George Clooney did not sing any of his songs in O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

In celebration of music history, as well as Women’s History Month, I share this interview with Marni Nixon:

Music, the soundtrack to our lives

One of my classmate’s blog discusses the songs she enjoys, and how they can lift your spirits or motivate you to achieve your goals.

I’d like to share a song that I have enjoyed — “Better Days” by Dianne Reeves.  The music and message are beautiful:

Another song that has a special place in my heart is “Ready For The Storm”, by the late, great Rich Mullins.  I was fortunate enough to see him perform three times, the last concert was just a month before his untimely death in 1997.  His words and music were both poetic and powerful.  However, this was one of the few songs he performed that was actually written by someone else.  (The original was by Dougie MacLean, a famous Scottish musician.)

Words, Words, Words

“Words, words, words, I’m so sick of words! I get words all day through, first from him, now from you! Is that all you blighters can do? “  — Eliza Doolittle, “Show Me”, from My Fair Lady.

Unlike the Pygmalion Eliza, I think I’ve always been fascinated by words.

An Australian friend recently shared this on Facebook:

And this was shared four years ago by George Takei.

I just discovered an excellent resource that discusses the origin of various quotes.  The one about the battle of wits is one of my favorites:  https://quoteinvestigator.com/2014/06/24/wit-battle/

For musicians and those who enjoy music

One thing I enjoy about Facebook is the fact that they bring up posts to remind you of things that you enjoyed sharing. In today’s feed, I was treated to this gem (which is Comedy Gold), which was shared by Jim Maneri.  At the time of Mr. Maneri’s post, this was an active listing on Craigslist (long since expired and removed).

"They call the trumpet "God's Instrument." The instrument that takes a month to learn and a lifetime to master. Forget that. I'm giving you the chance to own "Satan's Instrument." The instrument that takes a second to hate and a lifetime to get used to. If your goal is world domination, getting the ball rolling on the apocalypse, or simply disarming someone who's a little too "rapey," this miniature flute of terror will hold the game down. And how:

Brought to you by Lucifer himself, this Bundy bpc-300 Piccolo will serve his evil minion well. From it's compact arthritis-inducing body this pipe will unleash a sound that can bring entire crowds of people to their knees in pain and surrender. If you're thinking of starting a bloody coup, leave the AK-47s and sarin gas at home son, this picc is all you need.

This instrument has the ability to sing an A five lines above the staff so crisp and clear that if you're not careful may actually cleave your conductor's brain clean in half. It's highest note is one only dogs can hear, that composers have dubbed "X."

Apart from the oboe, this is the only instrument able to kick a field goal of pain right between the goal posts of your unfortunate target's neurons, resulting in synaptic misfires, blown mental fuses, and a complete breakdown of all left brain activity, leaving the right brain to writhe in pain and confusion whilst scrambling all bodily motor functions. Any soul unlucky enough to wind up on the business end of Beezulbub's piccolo will instantly be reduced to the fetal position and revoked of their right to free will.

Aside from violating several Geneva Convention protocols, this wailing weaponry can produce frequencies that wreak havoc upon others by causing:
-- sudden unexpected nosebleeds
-- aphasia
-- heart palpitations
-- aneurisms
-- loss of sanity
-- unexplainable rage
-- spontaneous combustion
-- abandonment of the will to live
-- anal leakage

It's a common mistake to think that the piccolo also has side effects on it's user. Many claim it causes acute narcissism, but in reality the only people drawn to this instrument are already delusionally narcissistic, have serial killer tendencies, and show traits as promising future dictators.

Since I'm livin' the dream, I'm retiring from my reign of terror and passing on the torch. Being evil is an arduous, exhaustive effort, and this musical scepter cannot be played by your average whitebread vanilla villain. Only the most cunning, dextrous, morally ambiguous, and questionably sane may apply. Who among you is worthy?

-200 OBO Pickup in Redmond "

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/msg/6020148036.html

Scottish Bungee Jump

Scottish Bungee Jump <<<< click here to watch

The funniest thing I’ve seen all day.  (Sadly, I couldn't find a YouTube video for this particular Scottish bungee jump.)

This reminded me of a novelty song, “The Scotsman” (made famous on the old Dr. Demento radio show), which asked the age-old question, “I wonder if it’s true what they don’t wear beneath their kilt?"

I can’t be sure, and I’m not going to look that closely, but I think this bungee-jumping piper may have opted to be *ahem* traditionally attired.

This reminded me of a production I was in, a long time ago, of “Annie Get Your Gun”.  That’s when I first heard “The Scotsman” at a cast party.  This was also the same show where one of the guys in the cast had to wear a costume that showed his underwear (because of the cut), which the audience couldn’t see (of course).  Throughout the run, he used to treat us to brightly colored speedos, until the final performance, when he decided to go au naturel.

Needless to say, we had a hard time staying in character for that scene.

Today is World Lymphedema Day.  Please follow the link below to sign the petition and spread awareness of this frequently undiagnosed (or misdiagnosed) disease.

World Lymphedema Day

The first time I heard about this disease was five years ago, when I was being prepped for surgery.  (Yes, I fall into the undiagnosed category.)

You can be born with this disease (which can also present at puberty -- which is what happened to me), or it can be a complication of injury or surgery, especially if your lymph nodes are damaged or removed. (That’s why one of the most common occurrences of lymphedema is after breast cancer surgery.)

In the very early stages, your swelling goes down when you elevate your limbs. However, as the disease progresses, the swelling does not go down on its own. At that point, you need Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD, a type of massage), you also have to wear special compression garments, and in some cases, you need to use a pneumatic pump.  (I do all of the above, but only recently got the pump.)

Two times a day, I put each leg into a compression sleeve that sequentially (and repeatedly) pumps my feet, calves and thighs (in that order), to get the lymphatic fluid to move through the system, as well as gradually soften any hardened tissue.  Each pumping session is an hour long.  When my legs are being pumped, I am stuck in the recliner with my legs elevated, which gives me time to watch TV, read, check e-mails, play games, surf the internet, or make phone calls.  However, if my doorbell rings, I have to let it go, since there isn't enough time to deflate and get out of the sleeves before the person at the door assumes I'm not home.  This makes life interesting when I get an unexpected delivery or unplanned visitor.  *sigh*  But I did finally buy a Ring Video Doorbell, which I just need to have installed.

Web of Fries

Oh, Josh Duhamel, you handsome, silver-tongued devil, you! I can’t believe you lured me into the Web of Fries ...

If only those Nacho Fries were as good as the slick production values given to the commercials.  Unfortunately, piping hot nacho cheese sauce doesn’t make up for limp, lukewarm, lackluster fries.

“Big Fries” has nothing to worry about.

As Time Goes By

As I mentioned earlier, I have resurrected this blog as part of a class project for my Social Media Technologies class.

So where have I been?  I had several health issues (including major surgery), which is one of the main reasons that I decided to centralize my communications.

I converted to Facebook for the bulk of my social media presence, because it was the platform that most of my family and friends were utilizing.  However, one of the hidden blessings of Facebook was that I was able to reconnect with people that I had lost contact with -- including those that I haven't seen in 30 years!  It was great reestablishing communications with friends and relatives throughout the world.

Of course, some of you may be wondering why I have returned to school, especially after so many years in the workforce.  Even though I have considerable work experience in a variety of fields, I never achieved any kind of degree above a GED (General Education Diploma), which is similar to an HSED (High School Equivalency Diploma).  When I unexpectedly returned to the job market in 2017, I found it hard to even get an interview with anything less than an Associate Degree, which is why I'm back in school, working on a degree as an eBusiness Technology Analyst.

Can you believe I’m resurrecting this blog for a class project?

Yes, life has changed dramatically over the past six years.