Friday 31 December 2010

Happy New Year, 2011, Everyone!!!

It's time to Ring in the New Year!


May You All have a very Happy and Healthy New Year, for 2011!


May you be surrounded by Wonderful Friends and Family, like George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life!

May your Christmas Lights continue to shine bright on New Years Day!

May you enjoy the Hallmark Christmas Movies while they last!

May you find Joy in the year ahead, like Scrooge... at the end of A Christmas Carol!


God Bless Us, Everyone!

Happy New Year!

Thursday 30 December 2010

Billy Taylor - 1921-2010



The jazz and musical world lost a great friend two days ago when Dr. Billy Taylor died at the age of 89 in Manhattan.

Taylor was born in Greenville, North Carolina and had his first piano lesson at the age of seven. His family later moved to Washington D.C. and attended Virginia State College for Negroes (now known as Virginia State University) where he studied music.

After graduation in 1946, Billy moved to New York City at a time when jazz and bebop was about to explode onto the music scene. Within two days of his arrival, he began working with noted jazz musician Ben Webster and later became the house pianist at the famous Birdland Jazz Club.

He formed his own jazz combo in 1951, toured all across the United States, and even put his music degree to good use; lecturing at schools on jazz, writing extensive articles for DownBeat magazine, and even had a long tenure of concerts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.

Taylor's diverse resume deepened with stints on television (musical director of the 1958 NBC show called "The Subject is Jazz") and on radio (several positions as DJ and program director on NYC radio throughout the 1960s).

In 1969, Taylor was asked to become his musical director of "The David Frost Show" - going head to head with Johnny Carson. It was a good four year run from 1969 to 1972 and even spawned a full-fledged Christmas album:




After the show ended, Taylor went back to school and received a Doctorate in Music Education from the University of Massachusetts in 1975. The doctor did house calls: teaching gigs at Long Island University, the Manhattan School of Music, and then back to UMass.

Dr. Taylor has a long career at National Public Radio, first as the host of "Jazz Alive" in the late 1970s and then "Billy Taylor's Jazz at the Kennedy Center" from 1994 to 2002 (Taylor was the artistic director for jazz at the JFK Center for many years).

Early risers on Sunday mornings knew Taylor as a correspondent on "CBS News Sunday Morning", profiling nearly 250 interviews with jazz musicians. His work garnered him an Emmy.

The list of accomplishments can go on and on - his absence will be sorely felt.



I was fortunate to find a copy of his Christmas album sealed at at a record show earlier this year. This was one of the first albums I transferred using my Stanton T.92 USB turntable.

To honor the memory of Billy, I'm posting the Christmas album for a limited time:


Merry Christmas From David Frost & Billy Taylor - Bell Records - 6053 (1970)


Rest in peace, Dr. Taylor.


Capt

Billy Taylor - 1921-2010



The jazz and musical world lost a great friend two days ago when Dr. Billy Taylor died at the age of 89 in Manhattan.

Taylor was born in Greenville, North Carolina and had his first piano lesson at the age of seven. His family later moved to Washington D.C. and attended Virginia State College for Negroes (now known as Virginia State University) where he studied music.

After graduation in 1946, Billy moved to New York City at a time when jazz and bebop was about to explode onto the music scene. Within two days of his arrival, he began working with noted jazz musician Ben Webster and later became the house pianist at the famous Birdland Jazz Club.

He formed his own jazz combo in 1951, toured all across the United States, and even put his music degree to good use; lecturing at schools on jazz, writing extensive articles for DownBeat magazine, and even had a long tenure of concerts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.

Taylor's diverse resume deepened with stints on television (musical director of the 1958 NBC show called "The Subject is Jazz") and on radio (several positions as DJ and program director on NYC radio throughout the 1960s).

In 1969, Taylor was asked to become his musical director of "The David Frost Show" - going head to head with Johnny Carson. It was a good four year run from 1969 to 1972 and even spawned a full-fledged Christmas album:




After the show ended, Taylor went back to school and received a Doctorate in Music Education from the University of Massachusetts in 1975. The doctor did house calls: teaching gigs at Long Island University, the Manhattan School of Music, and then back to UMass.

Dr. Taylor has a long career at National Public Radio, first as the host of "Jazz Alive" in the late 1970s and then "Billy Taylor's Jazz at the Kennedy Center" from 1994 to 2002 (Taylor was the artistic director for jazz at the JFK Center for many years).

Early risers on Sunday mornings knew Taylor as a correspondent on "CBS News Sunday Morning", profiling nearly 250 interviews with jazz musicians. His work garnered him an Emmy.

The list of accomplishments can go on and on - his absence will be sorely felt.



I was fortunate to find a copy of his Christmas album sealed at at a record show earlier this year. This was one of the first albums I transferred using my Stanton T.92 USB turntable.

To honor the memory of Billy, I'm posting the Christmas album for a limited time:


Merry Christmas From David Frost & Billy Taylor - Bell Records - 6053 (1970)


Rest in peace, Dr. Taylor.


Capt

Christmas CD Reparation Program in effect



Several reports across our desk have told us that CD copies of this year's Christmas CD are not working correctly - discs freezing up, tracks being unable to read.

It's bad when this happens, but heaven help me - my father's CD didn't work. Man, did he teach me some new curse words!

If you received one of these defective copies, my sincerest apologies.  Please contact me here - leave a comment and I'll do my best to get you a new copy.


Rob

Christmas CD Reparation Program in effect



Several reports across our desk have told us that CD copies of this year's Christmas CD are not working correctly - discs freezing up, tracks being unable to read.

It's bad when this happens, but heaven help me - my father's CD didn't work. Man, did he teach me some new curse words!

If you received one of these defective copies, my sincerest apologies.  Please contact me here - leave a comment and I'll do my best to get you a new copy.


Rob

Stop/Start



Because of the death of Boney M-dancer Bobby Farrell, it's appropriate to post Boney's version of Auld Lang Syne. Though he doesn't sing the song (the male voice is Frank Farian's).

Boney M - Auld Lang Syne

OK, it's a terrible version. For compensation, this brilliant version by Salsa Celtica:

Salsa Celtica - Auld Lang Syne


If you're into funky Korean or Zambian rocksongs about the new year, we urge you to go HERE

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown & More Specials!

Special Programming for New Years ~

December 30, 2010, Thursday:


*Catch the TV Premiere of... 


"She's a Good Skate, Charlie Brown" following the annual airing of "Happy New Year, Charlie Brown" ... ABC ... 8 PM


In She's a Good Skate, Charlie Brown... Snoopy is the hard-to-please coach who trains Peppermint Patty for a figure skating championship. To my knowledge, neither of these Peanuts shows are available on DVD - only VHS.


I remember... as a little girl, having this story (She's a Good Skate, Charlie Brown) in a Slide show Mini Projector Toy - I'm not sure what it was technically called at this moment... but I loved it and I loved this particular little story and I can't wait to see it on TV!








December 31, 2010  ~ Friday:

*New Years Eve

Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2011 ... ABC ... 10 PM - 11 PM *NEW


NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly ... NBC ... 10 PM - 11 PM *NEW

All American New Year ... FOX NEWS  ... 11 PM - 12:30 AM *NEW

New Year's Eve Live ... FOX ... 11 PM - 12:30 AM *NEW

NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly ... NBC ... 11:30 PM - 12:37 PM *NEW

Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2011 ... ABC ... 11:30 PM - 1:30 AM *NEW






January 1, 2011  ~ Saturday:
*New Years Day

Tournament of Roses Parade ... HGTV, RFD-TV, NBC, & Various Channels! ... 8 AM *NEW

Grand Marshal : Paula Deen





I hope you enjoy all of these delightful New Years Specials, plus... the continuing Christmas Movies on the Hallmark Channel until New Years Day! (We Love them!)

Happy New Years, Everybody!

God's Blessings to you all in 2011 !!!!

What If - an Inspiring Modern Day "It's a Wonderful Life" type Movie

MOVIE REVIEW

What If

available on DVD

Network: Gospel Music Channel

Premiere Date: January 30, 2011

CAST:

John Ratzenberger ... Mike, the Angel
Kevin Sorbo ... Ben Walker
Kristy Swanson ... Wendy Walker
Debby Ryan ... Kimberly Walker
Taylor Groothuis ... Megan Walker






PLOT:

What if…, tells the story of Ben Walker (Kevin Sorbo), who fifteen years ago left his college sweetheart Wendy (Kristy Swanson), and his calling to be a preacher, in order to pursue a business opportunity. Now with a high-paying executive gig, a trophy fiancé, and a new Mercedes, he hasn’t considered a family nor felt the need to set foot in a church in fifteen years.

But God has other plans. While on a thrill ride outside the city, his new car mysteriously breaks down, and he’s visited by a tow truck driver named Mike (John Ratzenberger) who claims to be an angel sent to show Ben what his life would look like had he followed his true calling. Suddenly Ben wakes up in the middle of domestic chaos as his wife Wendy and daughters (including Disney Channel’s Debby Ryan) are getting ready for church, where Ben is the new pastor.

Before he can get back to his old life, Ben must first embrace this reality and discover the value of faith and family, and perhaps restore his love for those who were heartbroken fifteen years ago: Wendy and God. In the tradition of It’s a Wonderful Life and The Family Man, What if… is a story of finding your true purpose in life.





Movie Review:

What if is an intriguing, inspiring story of a man, Ben Walker, who thinks he has it all - wealth, career, and power... and then he receives the gift of - What if.

What if... he had chosen a different path?

He gets his wish!

What if stars Kevin Sorbo and John Ratzenberger. Sorbo portrays Ben Walker, and Ratzenberger portrays Mike, the Angel.

It's a great Christian-based story. It all begins when Ben buys himself a new Mercedes to celebrate a deal he has made as a successful investment banker.

He ends driving to his old hometown, wrecks the car, and the air bag pops out. Along then, comes Mike, the tow truck guy, who just also happens to be an Angel.

Mike explains to him the "What If" scheme, but Ben is not very cooperative, so in order to transport him to the place he’s supposed to be - Mike, the angel slugs him in the face. (I couldn't help it - I liked the rest of the movie, but thought this was odd and not really necessary. Maybe it's a guy funny thing. I did think Kevin Sorbo and John Ratzenberger made this comical.)

After being hit, Ben is immediately transported to the life, as it could have been, if he had married his girlfriend, Wendy and not left her at the bus station 15 years ago. Not only is he automatically married, but he is also a father now to two girls. And, after the family goes to church, he discovers he is also, Surprise!, the Pastor, too, which had always been his calling.

At first, Ben makes a mess of everything - handling life with his old way of thinking - misuse his power, buy people off, etc... until he gradually learns to trust in the Lord, as he develops his relationship back again by studying the word. Along the way, Ben and Wendy have their own troubles, too - but he finds her one day praying for him and it touches him deeply.

Ben begins to understand what is important in life and is just getting used to his new life when he is transported back to his powerful banker position and must decide what to do from here? Will he continue to live life on the fast track to success or will being a Pastor and finding love again with Wendy bring true fulfillment? Will Wendy even take him back after all these years?

It's an inspiring story of faith, family, and forgiveness... until the very end!


See or Skip:

See, it's a heartwarming and exciting adventure!


---------------------

Wednesday 29 December 2010

Thoughts of Christmas and more....

I hope you all had a Wonderful Christmas Day and Vacation with your Family and Friends!

It's nice to write you all again and tell you how much I enjoyed this Holy Season. I have warm special memories of Advent, Christmas Eve Candlelight, singing Christmas Carols, and listening to the greatest gift... in the story of Luke 2. Opening presents on Christmas Day was fun, too! But, I have always been most excited to give!

Also, I know a lot of you have e-mailed me questions since Christmas, and well, to make a long story short... Both my Nephew and I, started feeling "under the weather" on Christmas day... and we actually only made it through half our gifts. I am finally feeling much better today, but other family members have come down with it since. We still have "wrapped presents" under our tree.... so, we are planning (as Nanny tells Eloise) on Two Christmases, as soon as everyone is well! (I pray soon!)

So.... that's why, I'm just now getting back to answering your Questions. Many of you have wondered where the movie, An Old Fashioned Christmas, went the other night on the Hallmark Channel ~ when it was scheduled to be be played. I am looking into that and will let you know as soon as I do!

I will be doing some updating to a few pages around here - so stay tuned! Remember It's a Wonderful Movie is up all year and I cover all the new Family Movies I can find airing on TV all throughout the Year.... Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall... and back again to our Favorite Time of Year.... CHRISTMAS!

I hope you will all stay along for the journey into the New Year!

God's Blessings,
Net Movie Blogger

Sunday 26 December 2010

Happy 11



Hope y'all simply had a wonderful christmastime. Thanks for stopping by. From all contributors to Christmasagogo: all the best for 2011, see you in November!

Friday 24 December 2010

Holly Cole



The sexiest Christmas song, you ask? Santa Baby by Eartha or Kylie,you suggest? Anything from Kay Martin? Patsy Rye? No, I say. Holly Cole.

Holly Cole - 'Zat you, Santa Claus

Natalie



Want to know who this girl is, and what gorgeous Christmas song she recorded? Then head HERE.

Thursday 23 December 2010

Merry Christmas! Christ the Savior is Born!

Happy Birthday Jesus!



"And she shall bring forth a son,
and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins. "

~Matthew 1:21


Jesus came to save us from our Sins! 
That is the Greatest Christmas Gift of all!

And all we have to do is ask Him to come into our hearts and forgive us of all our wrongs. It's so simple, Christ loved us, so we love Him, by accepting Him and loving others!

God's Blessings to You and Your Family
this Holy Day and Season!

Merry CHRISTmas!!!


The Blues Are Still Blue Christmas Compilation 2010


For the sixth year in a row The Blues Are Still Blue presents:

Christmas Compilation 2010 (download here)

1. Allo, Darlin’ – Baby, It’s Cold Outside
2. David Bazan – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Christmas)
3. Lou Reed – Xmas in February
4. Hannah Peel & Tunng – Hey Santa!
5. Little & Ashley – Winter Night
6. Belle& Sebastian – The Fox In The Snow
7. The Mountains & The Trees – My Favourite Sweater (Happy Holidays)
8. Guster – Tiny Tree Christmas
9. Eux Autres – Teenage Christmas
10. Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan – Time Of The Season
11. Boca Chica – Not On Christmas Eve
12. Bishop Allen – You’ll Never Find My Christmas
13. Blitzen Trapper – Christmas Is Coming Soon
14. His Clancyness – Buying Pine Scents
15. Basia Bulat – You Are A Gift
16. The Velvet Underground – Jesus
17. Sufjan Stevens – Christmas In The Room
18. Dream Diary – Christmas All Over
19. Jukebox The Ghost – Mistletoe
20. KT Tunstall – Lonely This Christmas
21. First Aid Kit – Winter Is All Over You
22. Regina Spektor – My Dear Acquaintance (Happy New Year)

You can download last year's compilation here.

Merry Christmas!

New Cool Collective Big Band


Exclusive! Dutch jazzgiants New Cool Collective Big Band did a mash-up of their own song Little Black Dress and Slade's immortal Merry Christmas Everybody, for the tv-show VPRO's Nederpopshow (host Frank Lammers is singing). This is the only site you'll find the mp3.

New Cool Collective Big Band + Frank Lammers - Little Black Dress/Merry Christmas Everybody

A Merry Creative Christmas


From my HOME to yours!

CREATE a little Christmas Happiness!
As you all know-
This is one of my favorite times of the year. 
 I love the decorations, the cheer, the kindness, the wonder and above all, I love the meaning.  
I'm truly grateful for CHRISTmas!



          
Wishing you HAPPINESS and JOY!
Thank you for your friendship!
It's been a fun creative journey!
I appreciate all of you!
I will see you all in 2011!
What FUN it will be!
From my FAMILY to YOURS....
Merry Christmas!

Links: