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 weekend .... and week ahead. And especially: a wonderful 2018 to everyone … on a personal level, and with any luck: at this time next year we can celebrate a great year politically, too.
ART NOTES — an exhibition entitled Coming Away: Winslow Homer and England— will be at the Worcester, Massachusetts Art Museum through February 4th.
in Worcester, MassachusettsHAIL and FAREWELL to the jazz trombonist Roswell Rudd— born in William F. Buckley’s northwest Connecticut hometown, yet who came to epitomize avant-garde jazz — who has died at the age of 82.
CHEERS to a wonderful Yuletide trip to see family … and to host our 42nd annual dinner out to honor three old chums with birthdays during Christmas Week. We were worried that we might fall short of the minimum 25 to reach our package plan dollar figure … and we wound-up having 33 attend. Sweet.
THURSDAY's CHILD is named Jasmine the Cat— a Scottish kitteh seriously injured in an automobile accident (losing an eye in the process) .. but has survived after being given an emergency blood transfusion from … Tyler the Cat.
Jasmine the Scottish KittehLAST NIGHT yours truly hosted the Top Comments diary — now that the college football bowl season is upon us — with a look at three traditional rivalry games over the years that ended bizarrely … with some dejected fans caught on camera.
I ALMOST NEGLECTED to include my annual pitch for the Clare Booth Luce Institute’s Conservative Women’s Calendar— mercifully, you can place your order in time for the New Year (and it is “Not available in any store!”). Plus, there are quantity discounts available ….. you know you wanna ……..
Quantity discounts — *free* to college studentsTV NOTES — besides all sporting events imaginable this weekend, there are traditional New Year TV marathons…. two of note (all Eastern times):
1) the Three Stooges marathons: today on myTV38 (New Year’s Eve from 8 PM — 1 AM) and also on the IFC network beginning at 6 PM.
2) Also, the Sy-Fy network presents the Twilight Zone— which is already underway now, and lasting until 4:00 AM on Tuesday, January 2nd.
FRIDAY's CHILD is a false feline made by the Hasbro toy company, a Robo Cat— who, with some added artificial intelligence can keep a person company, doesn't need a litter box, purrs and meows, appears to lick its paw, roll over to ask for a tummy-rub, and remind an aging relative to take her meds or find her eyeglasses.
Robo Cat — with added A.I.BRAIN TEASER - try the last of the four parts of the Quiz of the Year’s News — on surprises— from the BBC (thirteen questions), that Bill posted the previous three.
CHEERS to the former international soccer star (and is the only African player to have won FIFA's World Player of the Year), George Weah— who has won a run-off election to become the next president of Liberia (succeeding Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and the first female head of state elected in Africa) — which marks the first time in 70 years that Liberia will peacefully transfer power from one elected president to another.
SEPARATED at BIRTH — Abdullah Topçu, the former mayor of the small Black Sea town of Görele, Turkey ….. and ……. umm …. well ….
He’s the same age as .. you-know-who...... and finally, for a song of the week ...........................… my annual New Year’s song. This is the very mellow, contemplative Goodbye, December from bluesman John Mayall - whom I saw give a standout show five years ago at age 79 (and who is now 84). This tune, though, comes from his 1971 recording Back to the Roots (featuring many of his former star musicians).
“Back to the Roots” by John MayallThis tune showcases Eric Clapton (as well as long-time Canned Heat bassist Larry Taylor). And below you can hear it ……...…. Happy New Year, everyone.
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
x xYouTube Video