Christmas in Dixie

A week ago I was in "Dixie" watching freezing rain and a bit of snow - much more winter than the locals were accustomed to having in December.  The hotel lobbies, homes, stores, and countryside showed evidence that it was nearly Christmas.  (Stay tuned for other posts showing said evidence.)  I ran across this song awhile back but have listened to it several times this season.  Since I'm not going to be in the Caribbean or at a beach this year, I will have to have to settle for a few "exotic" Christmas/winter memories from the Southern USA.  This song can help with that!

Meanwhile

I remember liking "Choose Your Own Adventure" books as a kid, so was similarly intrigued when I learned about Meanwhile.  I usually make a post for a book only after I have finished reading the complete book.  I make an exception here since author and cartoonist Jason Shiga has created 3856 different story possibilities in this clever hybrid of a comic strip and choose your own adventure.  I have followed several story lines through - some leading in disappointing or disturbing endings - but have yet to find the "best" line through the book.  (Another holiday gift for one of my nieces/nephews!)

Memphis, TN

What is more Memphis than having Elvis sing about Marie?  I went to Memphis to run in a half marathon but it was cancelled due to exceptionally cold and icy weather.  So I toured Memphis for the weekend... no sign of Marie.

Dot.

Dot.  Written by Randi Zuckerberg (Mark's sister), this is a cute book that has a definite message:  Get offline!  (This is going to be a gift received by one of my nieces!)

Bumble-Ardy

I have never been a fan of books by Maurice Sendak.  (In fact, I'm not sure I knew of any of his writing besides Where the Wild Things Are.)  However, when I ran across an old interview of the late author (by one of my least favorite interviewer - and I think this interview exemplifies why I dislike her style), I was intrigued by his book, Bumble-Ardy.  The new book (2011) is based on a collaboration between Sendak and Sesame Street in the 1970s.  There are a few changes between the movie and the book (e.g., wine becomes brine in the book).

SS Edmund Fitzgerald

On this date (November 10) in 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank to the bottom of Lake Superior in the middle of a strong winter storm.  The song, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" commemorates this event.

Little Shop of Horrors

It is rare - in my experience - for a college musical production to match the quality of a professionally produced show.  My recent experience with Little Shop of Horrors was no exception.  This 1982 musical version of the 1960 movie of the same name, takes the audience on a journey into the unrealistic and absurd with catchy songs and simple lyrics.  Characters range from naive to devious, trusting to ambitious.  In the end, the plant - a Venus Flytrap - wins out.  Nothing thought provoking in the production.  Just suspend reality and be awash in the early 1960s style music and story line from science fiction.

Of Thee I Sing

George Gershwin's music and Ira Gershwin's lyrics took center stage at the Allerton Music Barn Festival in a concert version of the 1931 Pulitzer Prize Winning musical, Of Thee I Sing.  I would not rank it among the most memorable music Gershwin composed.  The story is a political satire that could as easily apply today as when it was written more than eight decades ago.

The musical lampoons American politics; the story concerns John P. Wintergreen, who runs for President of the United States on the "love" platform. When he falls in love with the sensible Mary Turner instead of Diana Devereaux, the beautiful pageant winner selected for him, he gets into political hot water.

Monty Python's Spamalot

While I'm not a fan of Monty Python or similar style humour (yes, with a u in a nod to the British origins of the material), I did attend a performance of "Monty Python's Spamalot:  The musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail."  To expect more than mindless plots and absurd characters would prove disappointing.  All in all, this production holds together as light entertainment with several hum-able melodies and a share of laughs.

Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish

Author David Rakoff deviates from his previously work in memoir to write a novel.  This is not any common novel, but one written in rhymed couplets.  Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish was published posthumously after Rakoff died in 2012 of cancer.  While the form is intriguing, I found the substance to be lacking.  The novel follows several generations of family and relationships across many decades.  None of the characters seem to get much time for development in the slim 113 page volume.  This is a book better checked out from the library and read in a weekend, than purchased to keep on your bookshelf after several readings.

A Song About Pi

For my mathematically inclined readers:  This song about Pi was recently brought to my attention.  What do you think?

Pokey LaFarge

An announcement that Pokey LaFarge is coming to play a concert nearby caught my attention.  I had not heard of him (although he is from the region) so I investigated his music online.  I'm intrigued and looking forward to attending the concert in a few weeks.  Below are four favorite songs I've heard of his so far.

Xylophone

A unique and relaxing way to perform a familiar tune...

Mama's Boy - Chicago Tap Theatre

A half-price ticket led me to this unexpectedly good performance of Mama's Boy by the Chicago Tap Theatre.  Like ballet, the story was told through dance - tap dance, in this case.  There was a roving poet who provided narration for the story.  The music, written by Arne Parrott & Kurt Schweitz was the strongest part of the performance.  It was well suited for the dancing and enjoyable for the listener.  Unfortunately, the music in the preview (above) isn't the same as that performed.  I would definitely consider going to another production from this group!

Sandra Day O'Connor

At the age of 83, retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor moves slowly but still speaks forcefully and passionately about the causes she cares about.  I attended a lecture by her where she emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary (similar message as the video below) and civics education (see video above).  One of her projects is the icivics.org website for students and teachers.