Happy New Year, my true loves. Welcome to the 6th day of Christmas, New Years Eve, or as my father-in-law, God rest his soul, used to say, The anniversary of Baby Jesus' Briss. (It's true, Jews must circumcise their male Children in 6 days.) So what more fitting gift than the freshest Goose Eggs ever... Straight from the... whatever eggs come out of a goose from, of 6 Geese a Laying. Enjoy your omelettes, souffles, and custards for a whole year! I even built you a Goose Coop. Which reminds me of a Beach Boys Song, (Little Goose Coop?)
Speaking of songs, do you know what the number 7 favorite Christmas song of all time is? I'll tell ya. It's the legendary 12 PAINS of Christmas by Bobby Rivers. This was a landmarks song for several reasons. A) It accurately expresses the angst of the holiday season without depressing everyone around. 2) It established that you COULD vary the repetitions of the 12 days when spoofing this song. And D) It's very quotable, and has lent its catch phrases to the traditions of Christmas. What would a holiday season be without at least one person shouting, "One light goes out, they all go out!" or "She's a witch I hate her."
Not as depressing as the number 7 lump of coal in the stocking, "Blue Christmas." Yep. Our survey shows that we tend to dislike the songs about being alone on Christmas without our loved ones or friends. Plus... I CAN'T STAND the backing vocals. "ooOOOooOOoooo." Annoying.
Happy New Year, I'll have some beautiful swans for you to celebrate the new year with.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
12 Days of Christmas - Day 5
Well, my true loves, I got you 5 Golden Rings for today (yesterday) the 5th day of Christmas. Not Gold rings, sadly, but GoldEN rings. See the cost of gold nowadays is just devastating, so I had to get you copper, bronze and brass. So they're goldEN. I hope they don't turn your fingers funny colors.
Anyway, the number 8 Jewel in the crown of the baby Jesus is... White Christmas. It seems to be everyone's opinion that if Bing Crosby isn't singing this song, it's just not worth it. But I challenge that notion, and offer up the Drifters as a clever alternative. I, myself, prefer the doo-wop version to Bing. I can never get around the slow pace of the original song. The falsetto part in the second verse of the doo wop version is priceless and as iconic to me as Bing Crosby's voice is to others.
The number 8 lump of Oxen feces in the manger is.... Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. This song was a part of a trend from the 50s and 60s, the very first attempt at "Rock" Christmas songs. Most of the picks for worst Christmas songs are also attempts to make a pop music new favorite and sneak it into the pantheon of Holiday classics. It's comforting to know that no matter how WALK-fm has been trying, we haven't been falling for it. Rocking Around, and Jingle Bell Rock, and the like are worse offenders, because in hindsight, we realize that it isn't Rock at all. It's Country! These songs date back to the rockabilly era when rock and roll was really country swing sped up. Connie Francis, one of the least rockin' chicks around, tried to capitalize on the new trend by recording this pop flop, and was very effective for a while. But it hasn't stood the test of time.
I'm in the mood for eggs, how about you? See you tomorrow.
Anyway, the number 8 Jewel in the crown of the baby Jesus is... White Christmas. It seems to be everyone's opinion that if Bing Crosby isn't singing this song, it's just not worth it. But I challenge that notion, and offer up the Drifters as a clever alternative. I, myself, prefer the doo-wop version to Bing. I can never get around the slow pace of the original song. The falsetto part in the second verse of the doo wop version is priceless and as iconic to me as Bing Crosby's voice is to others.
The number 8 lump of Oxen feces in the manger is.... Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. This song was a part of a trend from the 50s and 60s, the very first attempt at "Rock" Christmas songs. Most of the picks for worst Christmas songs are also attempts to make a pop music new favorite and sneak it into the pantheon of Holiday classics. It's comforting to know that no matter how WALK-fm has been trying, we haven't been falling for it. Rocking Around, and Jingle Bell Rock, and the like are worse offenders, because in hindsight, we realize that it isn't Rock at all. It's Country! These songs date back to the rockabilly era when rock and roll was really country swing sped up. Connie Francis, one of the least rockin' chicks around, tried to capitalize on the new trend by recording this pop flop, and was very effective for a while. But it hasn't stood the test of time.
I'm in the mood for eggs, how about you? See you tomorrow.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
SLTM Films - A Final Review.
The family and I just shot the final film of SLTM Film's Project 52 this afternoon. I don't wish to spoil anything, but suffice it to say the final film alludes to the other films in the project. This got me thinking of a few things. First off, people who are not familiar with the rest of the films will be a bit confused. Secondly, While I've been doing my part to introduce people to the glory of Sean and Christine's work in a series of blog reviews ( 1 , 2, and 3,) I haven't written about the films at the end of the year, and I really owe them. So, do yourselves a favor... read the previous blogs, and then read below to catch up.
First of all, with the big holidays happening at the end of the year, this means a lot more weeks of the Fitz's playing the "Wild Card." These documentaries are very sweet and quite nicely done.
Week 36 - Follow Our Journey 3 - An Actor's Perspective - The third in the series of films ABOUT the project. This one featuring the actors who make it all happen. We learn not only what Sean and Christine are like to work with, but also what draws all of us to the project.
Week 46 - Make Every Dream Grow - Through a series of snapshots, we see the courtship and marriage of the Fitzgerald family, and celebrate their anniversary.
Week 48 -Measure Your Life In Love - Sean and Christine have a very special holiday celebration every year, and this year's was caught on video.
But then there are the other great fictional films.
Week 35 - Dodge The Bullet - A hitman holds a man at gunpoint, and as he pleads for his life, his life will be forever changed. Intense performances from Jerry Maggio and Steve Wangner in this one.
Week 37 - How I Learned to Love Charades - This one was conceived through a brainstorming session ONLINE. By the fans, starring the fans, and featuring ME and my WIFE! Besides that, though, it's an homage to the Twilight Zone, as a group of friends discover a strange karaoke machine that messes with their ability to communicate.
Week 38 - Kung-Fu Lessons - Hysterical Kung-fu Comedy which teaches us to be very careful when handling your girlfriend. Nicely choreographed fight scenes.
Week 39 - Dear Harold - A beautifully sweet tale of a man who writes letters in a desperate attempt to make a connection with somebody. Rivals "Heart and Soles" as the best film of the year.
Week 40 - Boys Will Be Boys - An intense playlet about the impact of bullying from the perspective of the parents involved. Nicely written and amazingly acted.
Week 44 - Hand In Hand - A sweet Romantic Comedy featuring the actor I love to watch get his heart broken, James O'Connor. Very funny, and guaranteed to melt your heart.
Week 47 - Let It Out - A concept piece about the sadness that engulfs the world. Mesmerizing and emotional.
Week 49 - Game On - Very silly and funny film about two friends competing over the final slice of pizza.
Week 50 - Naughty or Nice - A new holiday classic, at least in my house. A guy, desperately trying to impress his girlfriend's family, volunteers to play Santa at their holiday party. When his suit gets ripped, he improvises, with hilarious results.
Now, Sean is a HUGE fan of horror movies, so he set aside October to do 3. All terrifying, and creepy.
Week 41 - Devil's Night - Trick or Treaters show up a day early. You should really have candy.
Week 42 - Hush - A babysitter hears her worst nightmare over the baby monitor.
Week 43 - All Hallows Evil - Slasher flick. All you need to say.
And finally, a glimpse at the future of SLTM films.
Week 34 - The Awesome Adventures of Captain FlagWaver and the Boy Scout Episode 2 - Capture the Flag - Sean and Christine often talk about turning this into a web series. And I don't think that would be a bad thing. In this episode we see the Boy Scout's origin story, and are introduced to his nemesis.
Week 45 - No Place For Magic - A preview of a film Sean wants to make next year. It's a modern take on the classic story of Peter Pan. Peter is a cop, and Hook is a serial killer. Looks cool, I can't wait.
Now, at this time, I have not seen Week 51, and as I mentioned, we just wrapped week 52. That gives you, oh, about a week to catch up. Since no film is more than 15 minutes, it shouldn't take long to do a marathon.
I'm very proud of Sean and Christine for all their hard work. They've been an inspiration to me, and to everyone I know who has been involved in the films. Good luck to them in all their endeavors.
First of all, with the big holidays happening at the end of the year, this means a lot more weeks of the Fitz's playing the "Wild Card." These documentaries are very sweet and quite nicely done.
Week 36 - Follow Our Journey 3 - An Actor's Perspective - The third in the series of films ABOUT the project. This one featuring the actors who make it all happen. We learn not only what Sean and Christine are like to work with, but also what draws all of us to the project.
Week 46 - Make Every Dream Grow - Through a series of snapshots, we see the courtship and marriage of the Fitzgerald family, and celebrate their anniversary.
Week 48 -Measure Your Life In Love - Sean and Christine have a very special holiday celebration every year, and this year's was caught on video.
But then there are the other great fictional films.
Week 35 - Dodge The Bullet - A hitman holds a man at gunpoint, and as he pleads for his life, his life will be forever changed. Intense performances from Jerry Maggio and Steve Wangner in this one.
Week 37 - How I Learned to Love Charades - This one was conceived through a brainstorming session ONLINE. By the fans, starring the fans, and featuring ME and my WIFE! Besides that, though, it's an homage to the Twilight Zone, as a group of friends discover a strange karaoke machine that messes with their ability to communicate.
Week 38 - Kung-Fu Lessons - Hysterical Kung-fu Comedy which teaches us to be very careful when handling your girlfriend. Nicely choreographed fight scenes.
Week 39 - Dear Harold - A beautifully sweet tale of a man who writes letters in a desperate attempt to make a connection with somebody. Rivals "Heart and Soles" as the best film of the year.
Week 40 - Boys Will Be Boys - An intense playlet about the impact of bullying from the perspective of the parents involved. Nicely written and amazingly acted.
Week 44 - Hand In Hand - A sweet Romantic Comedy featuring the actor I love to watch get his heart broken, James O'Connor. Very funny, and guaranteed to melt your heart.
Week 47 - Let It Out - A concept piece about the sadness that engulfs the world. Mesmerizing and emotional.
Week 49 - Game On - Very silly and funny film about two friends competing over the final slice of pizza.
Week 50 - Naughty or Nice - A new holiday classic, at least in my house. A guy, desperately trying to impress his girlfriend's family, volunteers to play Santa at their holiday party. When his suit gets ripped, he improvises, with hilarious results.
Now, Sean is a HUGE fan of horror movies, so he set aside October to do 3. All terrifying, and creepy.
Week 41 - Devil's Night - Trick or Treaters show up a day early. You should really have candy.
Week 42 - Hush - A babysitter hears her worst nightmare over the baby monitor.
Week 43 - All Hallows Evil - Slasher flick. All you need to say.
And finally, a glimpse at the future of SLTM films.
Week 34 - The Awesome Adventures of Captain FlagWaver and the Boy Scout Episode 2 - Capture the Flag - Sean and Christine often talk about turning this into a web series. And I don't think that would be a bad thing. In this episode we see the Boy Scout's origin story, and are introduced to his nemesis.
Week 45 - No Place For Magic - A preview of a film Sean wants to make next year. It's a modern take on the classic story of Peter Pan. Peter is a cop, and Hook is a serial killer. Looks cool, I can't wait.
Now, at this time, I have not seen Week 51, and as I mentioned, we just wrapped week 52. That gives you, oh, about a week to catch up. Since no film is more than 15 minutes, it shouldn't take long to do a marathon.
I'm very proud of Sean and Christine for all their hard work. They've been an inspiration to me, and to everyone I know who has been involved in the films. Good luck to them in all their endeavors.
12 days of Christmas - Day 4
Whassaaaap? My True Loves! On this... the fourth day of Christmas, I give to you all four calling birds. Now, I will tell you that I had no idea that they would call quite so much until I got them home. And so often and so loudly. Sorry. Oh, well, just like the other birds, feel free to fry these suckers up as well!
Let's get to the important part... the NUMBER 9 Best Christmas song of all time according to all of you all: That would be... I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. Wow... In Dulci Jubilo, then It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, then this. When your head stops spinning, I'll tell you that this song is very cute, and sweet. I thought for years as a kid, that this song was about mom cheating with Santa. It wasn't until literally last year that I "got it." I know no elementary school assembly is complete without this song on the program. Which is kinda sick if you think about it.
At the other end of the scale, is the number 9 worst infectious pustule on the face of civilization that is... Frosty the Snowman. Let's face it, it's a dumb ass song! A magic hat brings a snowman to life. Really? A guess we're fortunate that it's a friendly snowman. I think many a horror movie was based on this premise going the other way. He leads them down through the streets of town, and only pauses a moment when the traffic cop yells stop. Really? I think panic would ensue when a living talking snowman is playing around with our kids. Leading them through the streets of town. And what the F is up with all the thumpety thump thumps???
I'm going to Jared. See you tomorrow!
Let's get to the important part... the NUMBER 9 Best Christmas song of all time according to all of you all: That would be... I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. Wow... In Dulci Jubilo, then It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, then this. When your head stops spinning, I'll tell you that this song is very cute, and sweet. I thought for years as a kid, that this song was about mom cheating with Santa. It wasn't until literally last year that I "got it." I know no elementary school assembly is complete without this song on the program. Which is kinda sick if you think about it.
At the other end of the scale, is the number 9 worst infectious pustule on the face of civilization that is... Frosty the Snowman. Let's face it, it's a dumb ass song! A magic hat brings a snowman to life. Really? A guess we're fortunate that it's a friendly snowman. I think many a horror movie was based on this premise going the other way. He leads them down through the streets of town, and only pauses a moment when the traffic cop yells stop. Really? I think panic would ensue when a living talking snowman is playing around with our kids. Leading them through the streets of town. And what the F is up with all the thumpety thump thumps???
I'm going to Jared. See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
12 days of Christmas - Day 3
Happy Day, My True Loves. I give to you, today, on the third day of Christmas, Three French Hens. Because they are French, they are very snobby, and dislike Americans. So either enslave them in cages for their eggs, or, use them to make a groovy Chicken soup. Or Coq Au Vin. Or Chicken Burgers.
The Number 10 Best, most joyful and delightful Christmas Song, according to our survey is... It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. It's one of the lesser performed carols, but it's got to be one of the most beautiful and meditative. Like many Christmas Carols that appear in hymnals everywhere, the true beatuy of the poem is not in the first verse only, but the others as well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Came_Upon_the_Midnight_Clear
On the other hand the number 10 song that makes us all want to take up Ebenezer Scrooge on the whole Stake of holly though the heart thing... is... The Chipmunks Song. Maybe it's backlash against the idiotic movie franchise, or as one voter put it, it puts emphasis on the Christmas list thing. (Thank God, not in the way Santa Baby does.) Whatever the reason, we hate it, and we want it to die a long slow death by hula hoop.
I'm off to call on some more birds. Have a happy day!
The Number 10 Best, most joyful and delightful Christmas Song, according to our survey is... It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. It's one of the lesser performed carols, but it's got to be one of the most beautiful and meditative. Like many Christmas Carols that appear in hymnals everywhere, the true beatuy of the poem is not in the first verse only, but the others as well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Came_Upon_the_Midnight_Clear
On the other hand the number 10 song that makes us all want to take up Ebenezer Scrooge on the whole Stake of holly though the heart thing... is... The Chipmunks Song. Maybe it's backlash against the idiotic movie franchise, or as one voter put it, it puts emphasis on the Christmas list thing. (Thank God, not in the way Santa Baby does.) Whatever the reason, we hate it, and we want it to die a long slow death by hula hoop.
I'm off to call on some more birds. Have a happy day!
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