I post a weekly diary of historical notes, arts & science items, foreign news (often receiving little notice in the US) and whimsical pieces from the outside world that I often feature in "Cheers & Jeers".
OK, you've been warned - here is this week's tomfoolery material that I posted.
CHEERS to Bill and Michael in PWM, our Wyoming-based friend Irish Patti and ...... well, each of you at Cheers and Jeers. Have a fabulous New Year’s weekend .... and week ahead. And let’s hope for a better 2017.
ART NOTES — an exhibition (featuring large woodblocks) entitled Mississippi Freedom Summer, 1964 is at the Fresno, California Art Museum to March 28th.
At the Fresno, California Art MuseumHAIL and FAREWELL to many stars (Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds) and to a lesser-known figure: the soul/jazz drummer Alphonse Mouzon— performing at a young age in the Broadway orchestra for Promises Promises, as well as an actor/drummer in the Tom Hanks-directed film, That Thing You Do (in 1996) but I best remember him in Larry Coryell’s jazz/rock band Eleventh House — who has died at the age of 68 …. to the very first manager of The Beatles, Allan Williams— who booked them into their formative 1960 shows in Hamburg, Germany — who has died at the age of 86 …. and just yesterday, to the actor William Christopher— best known for his portrayal of Father Mulcahy in “M.A.S.H.” — who has died at the age of 84.
THURSDAY's CHILDREN are named Roger the Cat and Bitsy the Dog— who were paired up after Florida kitteh Roger was found with a bullet, began to heal at a shelter … and then came under the attention of Bitsy — who is the shelter’s kitteh-loving dog (who doesn’t care for other dogs, remarkably enough).
Roger the Cat & Bitsy the DogBEER NOTES — the advent of craft brewing has led to the third stage of the story of the India Pale Ale (or IPA) — born out of necessity in the British Industrial revolution, it rose to fame … then fell nearly to extinction to its larger rival, lager beer … and has arisen to the point where nearly every small brewer makes one.
TV NOTES — over the New Year’s weekend, there are some extended TV marathons for your viewing pleasure — including the annual Twilight Zone marathon— on the SyFy channel — from the early AM on Saturday to just past midnight on Tuesday.
WHILE I DO NOT endorse violence ….. apparently many people are so upset over the poor choice of candidates that Beijing will allow to run in elections in Hong Kong— twenty years after the handover from Britain to China — that Hong Kong citizens are having street demonstrations …. and I hadda chuckle over this.
Beijing-approved candidates? Meh.OVER 500 documents of files have been released pertaining to the last military dictatorship (1976-1983) in Argentina — the latest batch to see the light-of-day after Barack Obama announced (during his first state visit to Argentina) that the White House would begin declassifying documents pertaining to that period.
FRIDAY's CHILD is named Jackson the Hero Cat— a California kitteh who awoke three people at 5:00 AM …… to an oncoming fire.
Jackson the Hero CatBRAIN TEASERS - try these Quizzes of the Year's News from the BBC: — Part One (about pictures), Part Two (quotes), Part Three (strange behavior) and Part Four (failures) — 52 questions in all.
THE OTHER NIGHT yours truly hosted the Top Comments diary with a look at a tradition that my friends and myself have carried-on for forty-one years: a birthday party for three old chums who have birthdays during Christmas week…. and thus, tend to be overlooked.
SEPARATED at BIRTH — TV star Olivia Munn (“The Newsroom”, “The Daily Show”) and Hope Solo, goalkeeper for the US Women’s World Cup championship team.
Olivia Munn (born 1980) Hope Solo (born 1981)...... and finally, for a song of the week ...........................… it’s my annual year-end musical offering. This is the very mellow, contemplative Goodbye, December from bluesman John Mayall - whom I saw give a standout show four years ago at age 79 (and who is now 83). This tune, though, comes from his 1971 Back to the Roots album (featuring many of his former star musicians). This tune showcases Eric Clapton (as well as long-time Canned Heat bassist Larry Taylor). And below you can hear it ……...…. Happy New Year, everyone.
John Mayall: Back to the Roots (1971)Time for reflection
Winter is here
Goodbye, December
The passing away of the year
Watching the day of the wind
Blowing the dirt from the sky
Clearing the air for tomorrow
Bidding December goodbye
Make celebration!
Another year is gone
Now part of history
Gotta be moving along
Look for the sunrise
Old days are dead
Goodbye, December
Got a big future ahead
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