Today in Music History: December 13

Classic rock, R&B, smooth jazz, gospel, and country dominated the music scene through the decades from the 50s to the 90s. Even soundtracks from movies and television shows hit the charts, children and adult. Throughout the decades, musical styles have reflected the society of the time and have evolved as the world has changed. Advancements in technology have impacted the music industry from not only the perspective of the recording artist but the listener as well.

Step back in time, reflect upon the hits of each decade and enjoy the memories!

No.1 singles on this day...

1955Dickie Valentine was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Christmas Alphabet', the first Christmas song to reach the No.1 position. It was the first Christmas No.1 that was actually about Christmas, a trend that would continue off and on over the next several decades.

1962Elvis Presley was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Return To Sender', his 13th UK No.1. Elvis performed 'Return To Sender' in the film Girls! Girls! Girls!. The opening bars and backing on baritone saxophone was performed by Bobby Keys who later went on to work with The Rolling Stones, The Who, Harry Nilsson, George Harrison and Eric Clapton.

1970Dave Edmunds was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with his version of the 1955 Smiley Lewis hit 'I Hear You Knocking'. The Welsh singer, songwriter and producers only No.1 hit.

1986Bruce Hornsby & The Range went to No.1 on the US singles chart, with 'The Way It Is', a No.15 hit in the UK. Written by Bruce Hornsby and his brother John Hornsby, it made explicit reference to the American Civil Rights Movement. The song was heavily sampled by Tupac Shakur in his song, 'Changes' from 1998.

1997Children's TV characters The Teletubbies went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Teletubbies Say-eh-oh'. The single spent a total of 32 weeks on the chart.

No. 1 Album on This Day...

1975Chicago started a five-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Chicago IX-Chicago's Greatest Hits', the group's fifth No.1 album.

1966Jimi Hendrix made his TV debut on ITV's 'Ready Steady Go!' (Marc Bolan was also on the show). The Jimi Hendrix Experience also recorded 'Foxy Lady' on this day. The United States version of Are You Experienced listed the song with a spelling mistake as 'Foxey Lady' and this is how it is still known among many North American fans.

1969Bob Dylan was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, on sale for 35 Cents (2/6).

Extra Tidbits into the 21st Century...

2002UK music channel Music Choice analyzed all the Christmas No.1 singles from the past 30 years and identified criteria for their success. These included the use of sleigh bells, children singing, church bells harmony and references to love. They concluded that Sir Cliff Richards 1988 hit 'Mistletoe and Wine' was the perfect Christmas hit.

2012A collection of love letters written by Mick Jagger to American singer Marsha Hunt sold at auction for £187,250. The letters were penned in the summer of 1969 while the Rolling Stones frontman was in Australia. They are believed to be the inspiration for the band's hit single 'Brown Sugar'.

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...

This Day in History: December 14, 1819

Alabama,The Yellowhammer State; The Heart of Dixie; The Cotton State

Alabama State Motto: "We dare maintain our rights"(Audemus jura nostra defendere)

Tidbit of Trivia...

The state of Alabama is host to the world's largest cast iron statue, The Vulcan, and is the symbol for the city of Birmingham, reflecting its roots in the iron and steel industry. The statue is located in a city park at the top of Red Mountain. Vulcan stands on a 126-ft pedestal built of local sandstone. The Vulcan is 56 feet tall and weighs 120,000 pounds. It is the seventh-tallest free-standing statue in the United States.

The statue's naked buttocks have been source of humor for many years. A novelty song, "Moon Over Homewood," refers to the fact that the statue "moons" the neighboring suburb of Homewood, Alabama.

Scenic Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, Alabama

How did Alabama get its name?

The origin of the name "Alabama" remains somewhat questionable. Sources vary - the traditional story is that Alabama comes from the Creek Indian language (meaning "tribal town"). Other sources claim it is derived from the Choctaw Indian language, translating as "thicket-clearers" or "vegetation-gatherers."

Even though not official probably the most familiar nickname for Alabama is The Heart of Dixie. This name was designated originally because Montgomery was the first capital of the Confederate States during the Civil War. Alabama is also called The Cotton State since it is centrally located in the cotton belt with cotton production being a major influence in the growth and culture of the state. It has been known as The Yellowhammer Statesince the civil war when a company of Alabama soldiers wore uniforms trimmed with yellow cloth and were nicknamed Yellowhammers. "Yellowhammer" is the common name given to the Northern flicker woodpecker (see State Bird below) because of the bright yellow feathers beneath its wings and tail.

http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/sc/web/series/701/aerial-america/141160/alabama

Aerial America: Alabama

Buckle up and "Roll Tide" as we journey over vast cotton fields, endless waters, storied football stadiums, and historical landmarks that collectively tell the tale of Sweet Home Alabama. Discover its rich history as we reveal the astronomical discoveries that helped us reach the moon and the civil rights victories that forged a path to equality for millions. The story of the Cotton State has as many dramatic turns as the tracks of the Talladega Superspeedway.

Prior to the admission of Mississippi as a state on December 10, 1817, the more sparsely settled eastern half of the territory was separated and named the Alabama Territory. The Alabama Territory was created by the United States Congress on March 3, 1817. Alabama joined the union as the 22nd state on December 14, 1819. During the first half of the 19th century, cotton and slave labor were central to Alabama’s economy. In the mid-20th century, Alabama was at the center of the American Civil Rights Movement. The capital of Alabama is Montgomery, which was the capital of the Confederacy during the civil war.

Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States.

Alabama State Flag

Alabama State Seal

Alabama State Bird: Yellowhammer Woodpecker (Northern Flicker)

Alabama State Game Bird: Wild Turkey

Alabama State Horse: Racking Horse

Alabama designated the racking horse as the official state horse in 1975. Legendary for its beauty, intelligence, stamina and calm disposition, the origins of the racking horse date back to the birth of our nation. The horse's popularity grew on the great southern plantations when it was learned how versatile the breed was and that it could be ridden comfortably for hours.

Alabama State Mammal: Black Bear

Alabama State Flower: Camellia

The camellia (Camellia japonica L) was designated the state flower of Alabama in 1959, replacing the original state flower adopted in 1927 (goldenrod). A native of China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan, the camellia is cultivated in the southeastern United States.

Alabama State Wildflower: Oak-Leaf Hydrangea

Alabama State Tree: Southern Longleaf Pine

http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/al/articles/plenty_of_pecans_for_the_holidays/

Alabama State Nut: Pecan

Alabama made the pecan the state nut in 1982. There are over 1,000 varieties of pecans - many are named for Native American Indian tribes such as Cheyenne, Mohawk, Sioux, Choctaw and Shawnee. The pecan, because of its pure American heritage, is honored by having the month of April declared as National Pecan Month. Astronauts took pecans to the moon on two Apollo space missions.

For all State Symbols of Alabama click HERE!

Alabama State Song: "Alabama"

Alabama State Folk Dance: Square Dance

Alabama designated the square dance as the official state American Folk Dance in 1981. Twenty-two states have passed legislation to declare the square dance as the state folk dance and more than thirty bills have been introduced at the federal level proposing the square dance as the national (folk) dance of the United States.

Echoes from the Heart of Dixie

From the toils of slave families
Cotton plantations flourished
Romance and mystery of the South

Echo tales still cherished

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Pillars_1856_Lowndesboro_Alabama_Historic_District.JPG

Antebellum splendor
Epitomizes wealth and glory
Walls of white mansions
Echo their own side of the story

Country, folk and fiddle music
Mirror recording sensations
Old-time bluegrass to gospel soul
Echo Southern vibrations

Corn bread, collard greens
Announce "We're delicious!"
Grits and fried green tomatoes
Echo simply tasty-licious

Civil war and slavery
Play center stage for civil rights
Farmers' perils and the boll weevil
Echo the Heart of Dixie's plights

©2014 Sharla Lee Shults

Centuries of History

Alabama Facts and Trivia

Next state by month: #2 New Jersey - December 18, 1787

During the winter months, comfort foods provide warmth from the chilly winds that cut right through to the bone. Such foods usually are presented in the form of hot beverages, soups, stews or chili. The soups, stews and chili can be served in large bowls or cups dependent upon just how hungry and cold you are. Today's soup is not just any soup...it contains seafood with this seafood still being in the shell. So, this is the soup you have to crack!

December 14 is...

National Bouillabaisse Day

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Bouillabaisse-238411

Bouillabaisse Recipe @Epicurious

Bouillabaisse is a classic Provençal seafood stew originating from the port city of Marseille. It is loaded with a variety of bony fish - snapper, hallibut, mullet, sea bream; shellfish - clams, shrimp, lobster; and vegetables - celery, leeks, onions, potatoes and tomatoes. The broth is delicately flavored with different herbs and spices, such as fennel, basil, bay leaf, garlic, orange peel, saffron and sometimes pastis (a licorice-flavored liquor). A unique feature about bouillabaisse is the fact that the seafood is served in its shell. Yep! Shell and all dunked right into the savory broth or if preferred, the seafood and vegetables can be served separately in another bowl. The broth is perfect for dipping seasoned garlic bread.

http://steamykitchen.com/15777-bouillabaisse-recipe.html

How to Cook Bouillabaisse (Recipe)

This Mediterranean seafood stew’s uniqueness comes from the herb and spice combination of orange peel, fennel and saffron, which is what gives the soup its deep golden color.

Bouillabaisse with Rouille and Garlic Toasts (Recipe)

This pot of Provençal mussels is bathed in a bouillabaisse-style broth with saffron, tomato, and herbs. Make the broth hours ahead. Steam the mussels just before guests sit down, and serve with buttery toasted French bread rubbed with garlic.

http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/2775/seafood+bouillabaisse

Seafood Boullabaisse (Recipe)

This healthy French-style seafood soup is tasty and refreshing too!

If you are just NOT into shells in your soup...

Easy French Boullabaisse Soup (Recipe)

This dish evokes the south, the Mediterranean flavors of the holiday, the sun and focus In the south Cote d’Azur. It also speaks of a culinary tradition alive, the evolution of a popular dish that is cooked with fish caught daily and has become one of the jewels of French cuisine.

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Is your mouth watering yet?

yum, yum, yum . . . yummy!

Next on the Calendar...Stay tuned!

Today in Music History: December 14, 1968

A traditional and long-established style of music is that which is categorized as 'soul'. Soul music originated in the United States in the 50s combining elements of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues, and often jazz. This genre of music enveloped an R&B sound that transitioned through the 60s on into the 70s. As one of Motown's renaissance men, the spotlight today shines on one who could do it all from songwriting to producing to session man. Most important he possessed a classic R&B voice that had a gritty edge yet had sweetness to it.

Welcome into the Spotlight...

Marvin Gaye - #1 and #6 in Motown's Top Ten Albums

Marvin Gaye: 60s & 70s soul singer-songwriter with Motown who produced his own records and often addressed controversial themes

Before the days of Motown, Marvin Gaye sang in his father's church and in a vocal group called the Moonglows. At a young age and throughout his childhood, Gaye found peace in music mastering the piano and drums. He developed a love for R&B and doo-wop that would later set the foundation for his career. His phenomenal musical range spanned three vocal styles. Throughout the 60s, Marvin Gaye would demonstrate his immense range, churning out solo dance hits and romantic duets with hit-makers like Diana Ross and Mary Wells.

Gaye's first certified hit under his own name wouldn't come until 1962, but his early years at Motown were full of behind-the-scenes successes. He was a session drummer for Motown legends such as Little Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Marvelettes and Martha and the Vandellas. Showing his stripes as Motown's renaissance man, Gaye went on to break into the Top 40 for the first time on his own in 1962 with his solo single "Hitch Hike." [Source: bio.com]

http://www.lipstickalley.com/showthread.php?t=494165

Marvin Gaye...Gone But Not Forgotten

Marvin Gaye created beautiful art from a troubled life. At the end of his career, he admitted he no longer made music for pleasure; instead, he said,

"I record so that I can feed people what they need, what they feel. Hopefully, I record so that I can help someone overcome a bad time."

1968 Marvin Gaye scored his first US No.1 single when 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' started a five-week run at the top. It was Marvin's 15th solo hit and also his first UK No.1 single in March 69. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1966, the single was first recorded by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles as well as Gladys Knight & the Pips.

No.1 singles on this day...

1985Whitney Houston scored her first UK No.1 single with 'Saving All My Love For You'. The song which was written by Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin, had been a minor hit for Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. in 1978 and was also a US No.1 for Houston.

2003Ozzy & Kelly Osbourne went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Changes' a remake of a track first sung by Ozzy on the Black Sabbath album Volume IV in 1972. It was the first father and daughter chart topper since Frank & Nancy Sinatra in 1967.

No.1 albums on this day...

1991Michael Jackson started a four-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with his eighth studio album 'Dangerous'. The album has sold over 32 million copies worldwide making it one of the best selling albums of all time. Nine singles were released from the album spanning two years (1991–1993).

1997 Garth Brooks was at No.1 on the US album chart with his seventh studio album, 'Sevens' which became his fourth US No.1 album.

1969The Jackson Five made their first network television appearance in the US when they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.

1980Yoko Ono called on fans to observe ten minutes of silence in memory of John Lennon. 30,000 gathered outside St George's Hall in Liverpool, while nearly 100,000 attend a memorial in New York's Central Park.

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...

A favorite sweet treat for everyone is the cupcake. Perhaps it's individuality is the key to the success of these tiny little cakes. You get the whole cake and eat it, too! No more waiting for the cake to be cut, just the right size slice to appear or getting the one with the most icing. And, the 'icing' on these li'l beauties is the ease of preparation especially for someone who feels they do not belong in the kitchen.

December 15 is...

National Cupcake Day

"There's nothing a Cupcake and Coffee can't solve."

~ Marie Williams Johnstone

The li'l cake we all know and love as the cupcake made quite a mark in history. Cakes, back in the day, did not involve measuring as we are accustomed. The ingredients used in baking at that time were primarily weighed. A prime example is the recipe for grandma's pound cake: one pound of butter, one pound of sugar, one pound of eggs and one pound of flour. Back to the cupcakes, for many years, they were known as one-two-three-four cakes because of their recipe: one cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, four eggs, plus one cup of milk and one spoon full of baking soda. This recipe is still traditional to this day.

The cupcake's mark in history: With the evolution of the cupcake came the shift in the art of baking from weighing to measuring.

There are no ordinary moments when in the kitchen knee deep in cupcake baking and decorating. Since we are in the midst of the holiday season with Christmas in the not so distant future why not bake a huge batch of Gingerbread Cupcakes!

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream and Candied Pears (Recipe)

"When you share a cupcake, you share love."
~ Unknown Author

Christmastime is family time and a time for sharing. Friends and family are coming and going on a steady basis so having a tray of cupcakes on hand is almost as big a necessity as the Christmas cookies. (Click each image for outside links.)

Some creative ideas...

http://vintageconnections.blogspot.com/2011/12/simple-cute-holiday-desserts.html

Santa Going Down the Chimney

Use a basic chocolate cupcake base, a strawberry smooshed into white icing and a dollop of white icing as the snowball tip on Santa's red hat.

http://www.createdby-diane.com/2010/12/pretty-in-pink-candy-cane-cupcakes.html

Candy Cane Crunch Cupcakes

Now you know what to do with those broken candy cane pieces that always end up at the bottom of the bag!

Orange Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting

Festive creations that say 'Happy Holidays'!

Festive Sugared Marshmallow Cupcakes

'Tis the season for holiday treats! And these festive cupcakes are no exception. Bake with your kids and see what creations will be the toppers for the holidays.

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Is your mouth watering yet?

yum, yum, yum . . . yummy!

Next on the Calendar...Stay tuned!

It is well known that chocolate goes with just about everything. If you are unsure or have some kind of questionable combination, then go ahead and give it a try. You can always scrape off & eat the chocolate! *smile*

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

- Charles M. Schulz

December 16 is...

National Chocolate-Covered ANYTHING Day!

Make anything ho-hum into something yum-yum! Just clothe it in chocolate...strawberries, bananas, pretzels, wafers, potato chips, peanuts, even bacon (Hey! Bacon Me Crazy!) While there just might be something that is not enhanced by chocolate, the point of this day is not to find out what won't go with chocolate but to explore and discover new ways to dress up anything with chocolate. You may even be one who likes the Chocolate with a Unique Crunch!Go ahead and experiment! Melt the chocolate, make a ganache, top with chocolate sprinkles. What do you have to lose?

Click each image for outside links & recipes!

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http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2012/06/14/chocolate-covered-pretzel-cookies/

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http://www.chocablog.com/reviews/cadbury-time-out/

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http://thetolerantvegan.com/2011/07/chocolate-covered-potato-chips/

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http://awakenings2012.blogspot.com/2014/03/getting-nuttier-with-chocolate.html

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http://weightloss.allwomenstalk.com/mouth-watering-paleo-snack-recipes/3/

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Ready for Chocolate with a Unique Crunch?

How to Celebrate...

If you don’t have access to a chocolate fountain, you can still have some chocolate dipping fun. Look up melted chocolate recipes and instructions and gather your favorite foods to dip in chocolate. Make it healthy and dip strawberries, pineapple spears, or really any fruit. Or go decadent and dip marshmallows, cookies, and cakes. You can really dip almost anything in chocolate and it will be delicious.

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Is your mouth watering yet?

yum, yum, yum . . . yummy!

Next on the Calendar...Stay tuned!

Related 'Chocolate' Days @Awakenings~Chocolate IS the celebration or chocolate is IN the celebration:

Word of the Day: Chocolate

The Idyllic Moment

Chip off the 'Whole' Block

Triple It!

Anything goes...that is, with chocolate!

Bake! Bake! Bake away!

Milk Chocolate Day

Bears & Chocolate, part 2

Getting Nuttier with Chocolate!

Double Chocolate's Cookin'!

What is your brew?

Chocolate, Chocolate, MORE Chocolate!

Chocolate with a Unique Crunch!

Rich, Smooth & Creamy

Smooth, Rich & Frothy

Decadently Southern

Salty & Sweet!

Light As Air & Perfect For Fall

Peanut Butter...but not alone!

How Now Brown Cow

A GR-r-r-r-REAT Combo!

Chocolate Strikes Again!

Expressly Espresso

Callin' all Cookie Lovers!

Have your cake...& eat it too!

Bacon Me Crazy!

Cookies, anyone?

Pennsylvania: Freedom Rings! The home of Hershey's chocolate!

Microwave!

Cookies! Cookies! Cookies! What is your fav?

The Perfect Snack

Drupelets 'n' Cream

Ready for a COLD sandwich?

Massachusetts: Not just any fish story! The birthplace of the Chocolate Chip cookie!

Let's split!

Buttercrunch, Toffee, or Buttercrunch Toffee?

'Nilla Vanilla

Creamy, Tangy & Sweet

Oh! Those tiny little cakes!

Today in Music History: December 15, 1970

To have one single or one album reach gold certification on any given day is exceptional for sure. Then, to have multiple singles is the icing on the cake. But, to add multiple albums at the same time on the same day is absolutely phenomenal.

Welcome into the spotlight...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creedence_Clearwater_Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival, 1968
L-R: Tom Fogerty, Doug Clifford, Stu Cook, John Fogerty

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/creedence-clearwater-revival/biography

Creedence Clearwater Revival: gritty, downright playful rockers with echoes of blues and country, wrapped around John Fogerty's down-home twang

When the band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) performs, a staple of American and worldwide airplay can be heard in multiple genres, including southern rock, grunge, roots rock, and blues.The band was primarily a group effort with leader John Fogerty's classic compositions evoking enduring images of Americana and Reflecting burning social issues of the day. The CCR's genius was their ability to accomplish this with the economic primal power of rockabilly ensemble. [Source: Billboard]

John Fogerty and his brother Tommy were raised in Berkeley, where John studied piano and at the age of 12 got his first guitar. He met bandmates Cook and Clifford at El Cerrito junior high school, and by 1959 the group was performing at local dances as Tommy Fogerty and the Blue Velvets. In 1964 the quartet signed to San Francisco-based Fantasy Records, where Tom had been working as a packing and shipping clerk. The label renamed them the Golliwogs and began putting out singles. "Brown-Eyed Girl" sold 10,000 copies in 1965, but the followups were flops. Greater success came after they adopted the CCR moniker in 1967. [Source: Rolling Stone]

1970Five singles and five albums by Creedence Clearwater Revival were certified gold in the US. The singles were: ‘Down on the Corner’, ‘Lookin out My Back Door’, ‘Travelin' Band’, ‘Bad Moon Rising’ and ‘Up around the Bend’. The LPs were ‘Cosmo's Factory’, ‘Willy and the Poor Boys’, ‘Green River’, ‘Bayou Country’ and ‘Credence Clearwater Revival’.

Creedence Clearwater Revival “Cosmos Factory”

No.1 Singles on This Day...

1965Released as a double A side The Beatles 'Day Tripper / We Can Work It Out', became their ninth UK No.1 and their third Christmas chart topper in a row. The single was a US No.1 in January 1966.

1972Billy Paul started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Me and Mrs Jones', a No.12 hit in the UK. The song which describes an extramarital affair between a man and his lover, was later recorded by Michael Buble.

1989 Jive Bunny and The Mastermixes had their third and final UK No.1 single with 'Let's Party'. With their first three releases making No.1, they equaled the record set by Gerry & The Pacemakers in 1963 and Frankie Goes To Hollywood in 1984.

2001Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman started a three-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of the Frank and Nancy Sinatra 1967 No.1 hit 'Somethin' Stupid'. The Christmas No.1 for this year. From William's album Swing When You're Winning.

2007Katie Melua & Eva Cassidy went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of 'What A Wonderful World' the version was released to raise money for the Red Cross.

2012X Factor winner James Arthur topped the UK singles chart with his debut single, Impossible. The 24-year-old's cover of Shontelle's 2010 track sold 490,000 copies becoming the fastest-selling single of the year.

No.1 Album on This Day...

1989Billy Joel went to No.1 on the US album chart with his 11th studio release 'Storm Front'. The album featured one of Joel's three No.1 hits, 'We Didn't Start the Fire', a fast-paced song, mentioning some of the major historical events that took place in his time, and 'Leningrad', Joel's take on the end of the Cold War.

1966 The first Jimi Hendrix Experience single 'Hey Joe', was released in the UK on Polydor records, the track had been rejected by the Decca label. It went on to be a No.6 hit in the UK, but failed to chart in America. Chas Chandler, who was now managing Hendrix had seen Folk singer Tim Rose perform the song at the Cafe Wha? in New York City.

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...

This Day in History: December 16, 1773

Throughout American history is story after story, event after event, that helped shape our nation. Many defining moments are embedded, so engrained, that they make us who we are in a land of innumerable freedoms. It must always be remembered that those freedoms came at a high price...a price of sacrifice.

Boston Tea Party

The Year - 1773

The Place - Boston, Massachusetts

The Event - Boston Tea Party

America's FIGHT for FREEDOM!

Amid freezing December temperatures, attentions were elsewhere rather than on Christmas gatherings around the fireplace and times of good cheer. With act after act plaguing the American colonists, it is no wonder The Tea Act became the catalyst of the Boston Tea Party. Disguising themselves as Mohawk Indians, a group of Sons of Liberty boarded three ships moored in Boston Harbor. The result: 92,000 pounds of British East India Company tea was dumped into the water. Understand this was not your ordinary tea party. . .

Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party

Boston Tea Party

An iconic event recorded in American history
reflects Boston's refusal to return shiploads
of taxed tea to Britain. Colonists boarded the ships
destroying the tea by throwing it into the Boston Harbor.

“A crumpet with your tea?”
Not the question, nor a social party
When three shiploads of tea

Were dumped freely into Boston harbor

So unbearable
Were the acts of that day!
Parliament’s Tea Act
Left people in dismay
File:Tiny Star.gif

“Good,” the British said

“Colonists would rather pay a fee
Than deny themselves
The pleasure of a cup of tea”

More and more irritated
The Sons of Liberty became
Something had to be done
Things could not remain the same

Repeatedly, constantly voices yelled

Much like a bell as it chimes

“No taxation without representation”

Became catchphrase of the times

Crown’s attempt to tax tea

Impelled the colonists to take action

Laying the groundwork

For the American Revolution

Thinly disguised as Indians, hatchets in hand

Following the orders of Leonard Pitt

“The fuse that led directly to the explosion

Of American independence was lit!”

This Day in History: December 17, 1903

In the 21st century, travel by air is commonplace, maybe annoying, untimely and aggravating all too often, but available on short or long notice if willing to pay the price. Of course, today's flights travel at super speeds so a destination can be reached in a manner of hours, rather than months as experienced by wagon train. For more than two thousand years man has been fascinated with flight. It began with the earliest kites, then, reconnaissance balloons on to dreams of man being able to fly as depicted in sketches by Leonardo da Vinci. Unmanned flight and hang gliders date as far back as the 1800s but the first successful manned, powered flight is credited to the Wright Brothers on December 17, 1903.

December 17...

Wright Brothers Day

Dreamers Who Made a Difference

The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, were born four years apart and grew up in a small town in Ohio. Both were intellectually curious with a natural aptitude for science. Man-in-flight was already being investigated which appealed wholeheartedly to the brothers' curious nature. They began experimentation in 1896 at their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. Kitty Hawk, North Carolina was selected as the proving ground because of the constant wind that added lift to their newly designed craft.

The Wright Brothers were not the first to build experimental aircraft, and news of fatal glider crashes involving other aviation trailblazers influenced the direction of their research and development. The Wright brothers focused their efforts on pilot-activated flight-stabilizing controls. Their discoveries form the basis of modern flight. In 1903 when aviation was in its infancy, sustained flight was measured in seconds and piloting was a developing skill, and although early flight lacked sophistication, it threw open the doors for the evolution of the aviation industry, and set the stage for the global travel system that we take for granted today.

From Then...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wright_brothers

Wilbur just after landing the 1901 glider. Glider skid marks are visible behind it, and marks from a previous landing are seen in front; Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.

First flight of the Wright Flyer I, December 17, 1903, Orville piloting, Wilbur running at wingtip.

'Til Now...

http://www.airplanesgallery.com/boeing-797/

Some versions of the Boeing 767 are used for military applications and even for transporting certain VIP people by air routes.

Boeing 797 meeting the huge demand for air transportation...
Boeing is preparing this 1000 passenger Jet Liner that could reshape the Air Travel Industry. Its radical "Blended Wing & Fuselage" design has been developed by Boeing in cooperation with NASA Langley Research Centre.

Show your appreciation for the current airline system and the freedom to travel to all parts of the planet by celebrating Wright Brothers Day.

Next on the Calendar...Stay tuned!

Who would have ever thought sap from the maple tree would become a hit of the breakfast table! Was it the Native Americans who first harvested and boiled the sap into a thick syrup or do we thank the French explorers and missionaries? Regardless who was first, by the 1700s, both Native Americans and European setters alike were using iron and copper kettles to make syrup and sugar.

December 17 is...

Maple Syrup Day

Pure Vermont Maple

Maple syrup is strictly North American. New York, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Vermont stake claim to the maple tree as their State Tree. Vermont leads the United States in total maple production, pumping out 1,320,000 gallons of maple syrup in 2013.

Maple Syrup Trivia...

It's called "liquid gold" for good reason: It takes about 40 gallons of raw sap to create one gallon of syrup. Plus, "sugaring season" lasts only a short six weeks in late winter.

100% Pure and natural Vermont maple syrup… a gift from Mother Nature herself!

Maple syrup was the original natural sweetener. It has been documented that maple syrup has a high nutritional value and may benefit human health in a number of significant ways. That is cool since it is just too good to resist as it flows effortlessly down a stack of hot, golden pancakes! Better still is the fact it is not limited just to breakfast.

A Bit of Maple Syrup History...

It wasn’t until the Civil War that the maple syrup industry was born, with the introduction of the tin cans and the invention of metal spouts and evaporator pans. Most early producers were dairy farmers who made maple syrup and sugar during the off-season of the farm for their own use and for extra income. [Source: History of Maple]

Breakfast Ideas

http://www.food.com/recipe/baked-maple-oatmeal-290136

Baked Maple Oatmeal (Recipe)

http://www.food.com/recipe/maple-syrup-fried-eggs-on-waffles-137962

Maple Syrup Fried Eggs on Waffles (Recipe)

Lunch or Dinner

Roasted Whole Sweet Potatoes (Recipe)

with Maple Ginger Topping

Maple Roasted Pork Tenderloin (Recipe)

Dessert

http://www.food.com/recipe/maple-upside-down-cake-134936

Maple Upside Down Cake (Recipe)

*****

Is your mouth watering yet?

yum, yum, yum . . . yummy!

Next on the Calendar...Stay tuned!

This Day in Music History: December 17, 1973

With less than a week remaining until Christmas, having the spotlight on a Christmas song is perfect timing. There are numerous songs around the country that are always in the air without question. Different songs in different countries make the charts with some being chart toppers year after year.

Welcome into the spotlight...

Slade in 1973. Left to right: Jim Lea, Don Powell, Noddy Holder, Dave Hill

Slade: the most successful British group of the 70s based on sales of singles

The English rock band, Slade, rose to prominence during the glam rock era of the early 70s with 17 consecutive top 20 hits and six number ones. Their attempt to break into the American market was not as successful. During the late 1970s, the band returned to the UK following years of commercial failure both at home and abroad.

Slade's career was unexpectedly revived when the band members were asked to perform at the 1980 Reading Festival when Ozzy Osbourne pulled out at the last minute. For the next two years, the band produced material tailored towards the heavy metal scene and by 1984, they finally cracked the American market with the hits "Run Runaway" and "My Oh My." This new-found success did not last long, however, and despite a top 25 UK hit in the early '90s the band split shortly after in 1992. However, they did leave an influential mark on a number of US bands. [Source: wikipedia.org]

1973Slade were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Merry Christmas Everybody' their sixth chart topper. It has been released during every decade since 1973, and has been covered by numerous artists. In a 2007 poll, 'Merry Christmas Everybody' was voted the UK's most popular Christmas song. The single has sold in excess of one million copies.

Noddy Holder (right) and Dave Hill (left), near the height of their fame in 1973, showing some of their more extreme glam rock fashions.

A Couple of No.1s on This Day...

2000 Bob The Builder started a three-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Can We Fix It'. Taken from the children's television program Bob the Builder.

2006Leona Lewis started a 4 week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'A Moment Like This', also a US No.1.

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...

This Day in History: December 17, 1843

Have you ever heard of, or a better choice of words 'read', the Pickwick Papers? Um-m-m-m? What about David Copperfield (1850), Great Expectations (1861), or A Tale of Two Cities (1859)? Have your children been exposed to such great epic writings? If not, then, please by all means turn off the television, take away the cellphone, pack up the iPod and begin an introduction to Charles Dickens. There is no time better than the present to not only read the classic story A Christmas Carol but also learn about the author who is considered a literary genius.

A Christmas Carol was published on this day in 1843. It has since become a classic featuring the timeless protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge, a curmudgeonly old miser, who, with the help of a ghost, finds the Christmas spirit. In the 21st century, it would be interesting to poll how many people have actually read the book. Unfortunately, the resulting figure would probably be low as compared to a similar question, "How many have seen the movie?"

A Bit of Author Background...

Charles Dickens is much loved for his great contribution to classic English literature. He was the quintessential Victorian author. His epic stories, vivid characters and exhaustive depiction of contemporary life are unforgettable. Read MORE...

Charles Dickens did not enjoy the atmosphere of quaint English inns beside a cozy fireplace. His sights and sounds of Christmas did not conjure up visions of plum pudding and Christmas punch. Dickens life was anything but glorious. He grew up during a time when orphaned and starving children were not uncommon, money was tight so misers hoarded all they could muster from the poor, murderers roamed the streets, and abusive schoolmasters instilled fear in the eyes of their students. Dickens was 19th century London personified, he survived its mean streets as a child and, largely self-educated, possessed the genius to become the greatest writer of his age. Dickens biography is a story in itself that lay the foundation for many of his characters and themes of his writing.

The Book Itself...

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Carol-prose-being-Ghost/dp/1450516955/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418830575&sr=1-2&keywords=a+christmas+carol+first+edition+charles+dickens#reader_1450516955

In 1938, an American film adaptation of Charles Dickens'A Christmas Carol hit the silver screen. For many people, this became the only exposure to the author of such a literary classic. As time moved forward so did advancements in film and theatre. Numerous adaptations of Dickens' novel have been released throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. One must remain mindful that theatre productions and film presentations are based upon a script, which requires rewriting of the context into the proper form. In doing so, much of the prolific writing is lost. Here is an example that is one of my favorites simply because it contains a phrase still commonplace today. This occurrence appears in the first stave (chapter) of the book.

STAVE ONE.

MARLEY’S GHOST.

Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it: and Scrooge’s name was good upon ’Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to. Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.

Mind! I don’t mean to say that I know, of my own knowledge, what there is particularly dead about a door-nail. I might have been inclined, myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade. But the wisdom of our ancestors is in the simile; and my unhallowed hands shall not disturb it, or the Country’s done for. You will therefore permit me to repeat, emphatically, that Marley was as dead as a door-nail.

Movies definitely bring words to life but so do great authors. The words of an author taps into creative corridors of the mind bringing the reader to the edge of imagination. As for the movies, beware. We see it without giving each scene much additional thought. It is what it is. Movies are Hollywood with added effects to make them more appealing and in tune with the times.

Bottom Line...

Don't give up going to the movies but when a classic is presented on the silver screen, STOP!Read the book first! Then, make your own comparison.

It's cold outside so grab a cup of hot cocoa, turn off the TV and cellphone, curl up in front of the fireplace, heater, or under a warm blanket, settle in with a good book and let the author take over from there! In today's case, "The Inimitable" author, Charles Dickens and the classic A Christmas Carol.

Meet Ebenezer Scrooge, then, read the book!

Today in Music History: December 18, 1961

There are songs we hear which we like but do not necessarily purchase a copy or load it onto our personal iPods. Then, there are songs we really like and add them immediately to our playlist. Upon occasion is the song (or songs) we simply never tire of no matter how many times it is played on the radio, in a TV program or even as a movie theme song. It is the latter that is the case for the song in today's music history, which is probably just as popular today as when first recorded over 50 years ago!

Welcome into the spotlight...

The Tokens:
A group of Brooklyn boys hit it big-g-g-g-g time in the 60s when they recorded what is known today as the most recognizable song on the planet! The group began in 1955 as the Linc-Tones, a name formed from the school where all the boys attended, Lincoln High School. The original group members included Hank Medress, Neil Sedaka, Eddie Rabkin and Cynthia Zolitin. The following year Rabkin left and was replaced by Jay Siegel. In 1958, Neil Sedaka left the group to pursue his solo career as a performer and songwriter. That same year Zolitin also left the group. Twelve-year-old Mitch Margo and his brother Phil joined Medress and Siegel in December 1959 and the band changed its name to The Tokens.

A Bit of Token Trivia...

The Tokens enjoyed success recording commercial jingles in the 1970s and 1980s for such products as Benson and Hedges cigarettes (“Silly Millimeter Longer”), Pan American Airlines (“Pan Am Makes the Going Great”), and Clairol hair products (“She Lets Her Hair Down”).

http://www.penbaypilot.com/article/lion-king-himself-jay-siegel/13322

"It's hard to believe, at least for me anyway, that there's not a person in the world who doesn't know that song."~The Lion King himself: Jay Siegel

1961 The Tokens started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'; it reached No.11 in the UK. REM included a live version of the song on the 1993 'Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight' single.

No.1 singles on this day...

1982Hall and Oates started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Maneater', the duo's 5th US No.1 and biggest hit in the UK making No.6.

1982UK-based Italian tenor and English girl Renee And Renato were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Save Your Love', the duo's only UK Top 40 hit and this year's Christmas No.1.

1993Take That had their third UK No.1 single with the Gary Barlow penned song 'Babe'.

2005UK pop-folk act Nizlopi were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'JCB Song', their only No.1 hit.

No. 1 Album on This Day...

1971Sly and the Family Stone went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'There's A Riot Going On'.

2005‘Fairytale of New York’ was voted the favorite Christmas song ever in a VH1 poll. The song by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl took the top spot, Mariah Carey's ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’, was voted into 2nd place and Wham's ‘Last Christmas’ came third. Other songs voted into the Top 10 were, ‘Mistletoe and Wine’, Sir Cliff Richard at No.4, ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ by Slade at No.5, ‘I Wish it could be Christmas Everyday’, Wizzard, No.6, ‘Christmas Time’, The Darkness, No.7, ‘Saviour's Day’, Sir Cliff Richard No.8, ‘Do They Know It's Christmas’ (1984), Band Aid at No.9 and ‘Lonely This Christmas’ by Mud at No.10.

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...

With cookies having already been celebrated throughout the year, why another 'cookie' day? There was even an entire month devoted to the cookie, the month of October. Since we are in the midst of the Christmas holiday season perhaps understanding why another 'cookie' day is not so difficult at all. With Christmas comes baking, with all the baking going on, at the top of the list is holiday cookies.

December 18 is...

Cookie days celebrated up to this point generally focused on any cookies with the easy way out being bought, not homemade. Bake Cookies Day is set aside for people, young and old, to stir up some cookie dough spreading holiday aromatic scents around not just the kitchen but permeating throughout the house.

Are you a novice at cookie baking? Start out sweet & simple...

This is a day to have some fun baking your favorite cookies. Don't just settle for the same-o-same-o. Get creative by decorating them with holiday flair or simply bake a batch, or two, or three, of scrumptious Christmas cookies. Make a party of it, bake cookies in groups with family, friends, kids, grandkids.

Don't stop at baking just one kind - plan an assortment...

Spend the whole day in the kitchen. Bake more than you can eat! Wrap up gift trays filled with cookies for friends and neighbors. You can even freeze some for later celebrations!

There is no way to get through Bake Cookies Day without eating your fair share. Maybe this day is misnamed...perhaps it should be "Eat Cookies Day"!

A Bit of Cookie History...

Cookies arrived in America in the 17th century, although the word arrived much later with the Dutch in its original form of “koekje”, meaning “little cake”. This was soon shortened to “cooky” or “cookie”, although cookies themselves seem to date back as far as 7th century Persia!

Welcome to the kitchen the smell and taste of cinnamon...

The Perfect Snickerdoodle (Recipe)

These are cinnamon sugar coated butter cookies that are chewy and almost cake-like in the middle with a little crunch around the edges.

You can even bake and decorate your favorite Chocolate Chip cookie!

http://richjmyliferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/12/rudolph-red-nose-reindeer-chocolate.html

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Chocolate Chip Cookies (Recipe)

https://www.google.com/search?q=christmas+chocolate+chip+cookies&tbm=isch&imgil=IL3fDz53mmlarM%253A%253BJHXQe97u1L7_XM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.bigredkitchen.com%25252F2009%25252F12%25252Fsugar-glider-chocolate-chip-cookies%25252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=IL3fDz53mmlarM%253A%252CJHXQe97u1L7_XM%252C_&usg=__jYLwrkralBaqH0GQ7ZjLdNjpePc%3D&biw=1147&bih=515&ved=0CCsQyjc&ei=IUGSVJSPBMmqggSw3YHACA#tbm=isch&q=christmas+cookies&revid=197580010&imgdii=_

Click the image for TONS of recipes!

*****

Is your mouth watering yet?

yum, yum, yum . . . yummy!

Next on the Calendar...Stay tuned!

Related 'Cookie' Days:

Cookies! Cookies! Cookies! What is your fav?National Cookie Day

Cookies, anyone?National Pecan Cookie Day

What is your favorite cookie?Girl Scout Cookie Day

Chip off the 'Whole' BlockNational Chocolate Chip Day

Sugar! Sugar!Sugar Cookie Day

October is...National Cookie Month!

This Day in History: December 18, 1787

New Jersey,The Garden State, The Clam State, The Jersey Blue State

New Jersey State Motto: Liberty and Prosperity

A Bit of Trivia...

Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet - the American classics with the first officially recorded baseball game being played in Hoboken, NJ in 1846. The "New York Nine" defeated the Knickerbockers, 23–1, in four innings. With the Knickerbocker code as the basis, the rules of modern baseball continued to evolve over the next half-century.

http://kachkaandbaumgart.ourwedding.com/view/9895330783674603/25547638

Red Mill, Clinton, New Jersey

Those who lived and worked in the 1800s and early 1900s at the site of the 200-year-old mill Red Mill did dangerous jobs, including blasting limestone and using large belts to grind grain.

How did New Jersey get its name?

New Jersey was named for the Channel Island of Jersey in honor of Sir George Carteret (one of the two men to whom the land was originally given). New Jersey was the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1789 and the first state to sign the Bill of Rights.

The official nickname for New Jersey is The Garden State. The origin of the nickname is hazy at best. [Check out the Origins of the Nickname at the official New Jersey website.] New Jersey is also referred to as The Clam State referring to the clams taken off the coast and in the Delaware Bay. New Jersey is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east. The historical nickname The Jersey Blue State recalls the blue uniforms of the New Jersey Revolutionary War soldiers. New Jersey, like other states with mountainous areas, has been referred to as The Switzerland of America. This reference, made by early settlers, was to the western part of the state and the Kittatinny range and to the Watchung, Sourland and Pickle mountains in the southeast. Perhaps the most famous are the Palisades along the Hudson River.

Wildwood Boardwalk

The Garden State boasts a history of agriculture and fertile soil with awe-inspiring sights of sunny shores and city views. New Jersey is the leading producer of cranberries, blueberries and tomatoes. Summertime invites each child (or the child in all of us) from New Jersey and beyond to stroll Wildwood’s boardwalk - "a two mile long human circus of noise, honky-tonk, and amusement rides."

The first board walk in the world was built in 1870 at Atlantic city. From the Jersey Shore to the City of Hoboken, from Camden to Cape May, from the Miss America pageant to hit the jackpot at the slot machines in Atlantic City, there is never a dull moment.

One of the original 13 colonies, New Jersey was an important battleground during the American Revolution. On December 18, 1787, New Jersey became the third state to ratify the United States Constitution, which was overwhelmingly popular throughout the state, as it prevented New York and Pennsylvania from charging and keeping tariffs on goods imported from Europe. On November 20, 1789, the state became the first in the newly formed Union to ratify the Bill of Rights. The capital of New Jersey is Trenton.

[The thirteen colonies were: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts Bay, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations]

New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and
Middle Atlantic regions of the United States.

New Jersey State Flag

New Jersey State Seal

New Jersey State Animal: Horse

New Jersey State Bird: Goldfinch

New Jersey State Bug: Honeybee

The honey bee was designated official state bug of New Jersey in 1974. Honeybees are not native to the United States. They are European in origin brought to the US by early settlers. Fifteen states have designated the Honeybee as their State Insect: Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

New Jersey has a State Dinosaur!

New Jersey State Dinosaur: Hydrosaur

New Jersey designated hadrosaur as the official state dinosaur in 1991. Seven states have declared a state dinosaur: Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming.

http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/New_Jersey/NJ_flower_violet.html

New Jersey State Flower: Violet

New Jersey State Tree: Red Oak

New Jersey State Memorial Tree: Dogwood

New Jersey State Fruit: Highbush Blueberry

For all State Symbols of New Jersey click HERE!

New Jersey's Unofficial State Song "I'm From New Jersey," passed both Legislative Houses in 1972. However it was not signed into law by the Governor. It remains popular statewide and on the Web. Copyright © 1961, 1989 By Red Mascara-All Rights Reserved

New Jersey American Folk Dance: Square Dance

Joint Resolution No. 1 was approved on January 19, 1983. Because it was approved by Joint Resolution rather than an Act of the New Jersey Legislature, the square dance is not officially documented in the New Jersey Statutes as the American folk dance of the State of New Jersey. Twenty-two states have passed legislation to declare the square dance as the state folk dance and more than thirty bills have been introduced at the federal level proposing the square dance as the national (folk) dance of the United States.

Industry, Immigrants & Innovation

http://blog.thunderbaybooks.com/2011/11/picture-of-the-day-atlantic-city-boardwalk/

Industry on the horizon
Spans what was and what's to be
An end and a new beginning
From inner cities to the sea

An industrial center
Breweries to condensed soup makers
Copper mining, electric lighting
Remain in Jersey as first placers

Immigrants on the horizon
Brought dreams to America's shores
An end and a new beginning
Opening windows, closing doors

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rogers_Locomotive_and_Machine_Works_New_Jersey_Railroad_and_Transportation_Co_no_36.jpg

Foreign-born, American vested
From steam locomotive to robot engineered
On land, in the air, under the sea
First after first after first appeared

Innovation on the horizon
Brilliance of genius at hand
An end and a new beginning
Where failure changed the plan

Innovation and innovators
Frank Sinatra to Count Basie
Rich heritage, unique resources
Shaped America like crazy

http://njbmagazine.com/monthly_articles/we-are-the-birthplace-of-american-innovation/

Industry, immigrants & innovation
Bound together like a suture
An end and a new beginning
Look past the horizon into the future

©2014 Sharla Lee Shults

http://recruiterpoet.com/2012/08/30/jersey-shore-canceled-now-we-can-reclaim-the-pride-of-jersey/

A State with a Barrelful of Firsts

Famous Firsts in New Jersey

New Jersey Facts and Trivia

Next state by month: #29 Iowa - December 28, 1846

There are countless nameless heroes throughout history. These are the lesser-known persons who encourage and inspire by example or deed. They are the champions of unrecognized contribution doing what comes naturally without effort, without question, whose bravery is unquestionable, unknown or unacknowledged. They are more often than not considered 'underdogs' who may not rise to the top of the ladder but without whom those at the top would not be where they are today.

December 19 is...

Underdog Day

Being the underdog isn’t a bad thing. It might mean you have more at stake,
more to prove, more headroom to grow, and more reasons to succeed. ~The Underdogs

For those that may not know, an “underdog” is a person in a competition or other event who is popularly expected to lose or fail.On Underdog Day honor goes to the world’s greatest unsung heroes, runners-up and unlikely winners who have pulled off the unexpected! Remember Susie Simple? How many times have you rooted for the underdog in major league sports event, especially when you didn't have a favored team playing?

A Bit of 'UnderDog' Trivia...

Originally, an underdog was a shipbuilder who stood in a dark pit and helped to saw planks of wood from beneath whilst the overdog, a supervisor of sorts, sawed the planks from above. The underdog got all dirty and covered in sawdust, yet the overdog got all of the credit for the hard work carried out. The first recorded uses of the term occurred in the second half of the nineteenth century; its first meaning was “the beaten dog in a fight”. An “underdog bet” was a bet on the underdog for which the odds were always considerably higher.

The most likely places to find innumerable underdogs are in our military, among our firefighters and within the police force. Our service men and women, military and community, give their all on a daily basis without thoughts of 'going for the gold', being the fastest, best or baddest, and becoming rich or famous. Their bravery is the epitome of one being an unsung hero.

It is inherit for many of us to root for the underdog starting with our love of cartoons and comic books. Popeye the Sailor appears to be no match for Bruno, Superheros become their alter ego in hopes of saving the day (which in their normal state would never happen), and possibly a favorite from the 60s, Underdog himself, whose rhythmic tune stuck in our heads all day long.

The movies that always capture our hearts are those where inevitably the losers become winners in the end. Don't you just love The Karate Kid, Forrest Gump, Rocky and Braveheart! What about the humble sidekicks where the main heroes would not be who they are, and would not have achieved what they achieved, if it wasn’t for the underdogs. Imagine Batman without Robin, Sherlock Holmes without Watson, Lone Ranger without Tonto, Green Hornet without Kato, Buffy the Vampire Slayer without Willow. The list goes on. Not quite the same, right?

Fact: Life tends to favor the underdog. More often than not, the underdog will try, try, try and try again sometimes realizing countless failures, few successes. After all, Life = Risk. One doesn't lose to say, "I quit. I'll only lose next time." When one loses one says, "I'll practice more. Try harder. Next time I may win."

If there's a contest or competition scheduled around the holidays, make sure to become involved but remember to root for the underdog!

*****

Next on the Calendar...Stay tuned!

Today in Music History: December 19, 1958

A taste of country. Behind all the southern drawls, guitars and cowboys is an affluence of emotion. Country music reaches deep into real life, real emotion that you not only hear but you feel. It hits you right in the gut so to speak, close to home. Almost any situation in life, good and bad, has found a place in the lyrics of country music. It embraces people from all walks of life.

Welcome into the Spotlight...

http://www.morethings.com/music/conway_twitty/conway_twitty_1974_image_gallery01.htm

Conway Twitty 1974 Hee Haw

http://www.biography.com/people/conway-twitty-20965309

Conway Twitty:iconic country singer who scored 55 No. 1 hits over the long expanse of his career

Originally a 50s rock 'n' roll singer, Conway Twitty racked up hit after hit after hit after hit over the course of two decades becoming the reigning superstar of the 70s and 80s. This was the country-pop era so Twitty's deep resonant, down-home voice led him to achieving success as one of the smoothest balladeers to work in Nashville.

More than any other singer, Conway Twitty was responsible for selling country as an "adult" music, slipping sexually suggestive lyrics into his lush productions, yet never singing misogynist lyrics -- by and large, his songs were sensitive and sensual, which is part of the reason why he achieved such a large success. Once Twitty reached the top of the country charts in the late '60s, he stayed there for years on end, releasing a consistent stream of Top Ten hits that both defined and expanded the limitations of country-pop by adding subtle R&B, pop, and rock & roll influences. Though he had some pop success, Twitty remained country to the core -- occasionally, his song titles were simply too corny -- which was why he retained his popularity until his death in 1993. [Source: Artist Biography]

1958Conway Twitty was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'It's Only Make Believe'. The first song to reach the UK Top 10 in four different years: Billy Fury (1964), Glen Campbell (1970) and Child (1978).

How does Twitty's version compare to the covers?

No.1 singles on this day...

1964The Supremes scored their third US No.1 single of the year when 'Come See About Me', went to the top of the charts. It made No.27 on the UK chart.

1970Elton John's first US hit, ‘Your Song’ entered the Billboard Hot 100, where it went on to reach number eight. The Hollies had been offered the song and Three Dog Night had already recorded a version which was included on their ‘It Ain't Easy’ album.

1987The Pet Shop Boys had their third UK No.1 single with their version of 'Always On My Mind'. The duo had performed a version of 'Always on My Mind' on Love Me Tender, an TV special commemorating the tenth anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, their performance was so well-received that the group decided to record the song and release it as a single.

1999Irish boyband Westlife started a four week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their versions of the Abba song 'I Have A Dream' and the Terry Jacks hit (written in French by Belgian, Jacques Brel and English lyrics by poet Rod McKuen), 'Seasons In The Sun'. It gave the group the Christmas No.1 and the last No.1 of the century.

No. 1 Albums on This Day...

1964The Beatles fourth album 'Beatles For Sale' started a seven-week run at No.1 on the UK album charts. Recorded when Beatlemania was just past its peak 'Beatles for Sale' was The Beatles' fourth album in just 21 months.

1981Abba scored their seventh UK No.1 album with 'The Visitors', the Swedish pop group's eighth and final studio album. It was one of the first records to be recorded and mixed digitally, and was the first in history to be manufactured on the new CD format in 1982 on Atlantic.

http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/pictures/1958_1959_elvis_presley_army.html#sthash.2NAnNsC6.dpbs

1957Elvis Presley had his draft notice served on him for the US Army. He went on to join the 32nd Tank Battalion third Armor Corps based in Germany. [NOTE: Most sources quote the date as December 20.]

http://www.mi-pro.co.uk/index.php/news/read/pink-floyd-drummer-nick-mason-saves-foote-s-music-shop/017214

http://www.urban75.org/blog/footes-drum-and-music-store-reopens-in-store-street-central-london/

2012Nick Mason stepped in to help save Foote's, the historic London music shop where he bought his first ever drum kit. The Pink Floyd drummer, along with the store's sales director, Rob Wilson, were buying the business (which will now re-open in a new location at 41 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London) from the family who has owned it since the '30s.

"After 40 something years of playing, I still have great affection for a real drum shop. And Foote’s has a special significance for me. In 1958, I headed down to the West End of London to a basement in Denman Street where a kindly man called Sid, in a white coat (maybe that’s significant as well) sold me my original kit for £7.50." ~Nick Mason

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...

This Day in History: December 19, 1997

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic_%281997_film%29

The Titanic. Its history is of epic proportion from the time of its inception to its shattering ending. On this day in 1997, the Titanic sailed once again but this time on the silver screen depicting the historical events surrounding its beginning and its tragic end with a Hollywood love story thrown into the mix for benefit of the world's captive audience. After all, what is more enticing...recapture of a historical event or a love story? Throw them both together and its hard to not produce a winner. This has been proven over and over...From Here to Eternity, Gone With the Wind, Pearl Harbor, etc.

If you were asked what you remembered most would your answer cover the plights of the soldiers in From Here to Eternity, devastation brought about by civil war in Gone With the Wind, the sights, sounds, smells of war depicted in Pearl Harbor OR the love affairs between Burt Lancaster (Sergeant Warden) and Deborah Kerr (Karen); Clark Gable (Rhett) and Janet Leigh (Scarlet); Josh Hartnett (Danny), Ben Affleck (Rafe) and Kate Beckinsale (Evelyn)? The answers are definitely no-brainers! Similarly are the same questions about Titantic...which stands out in your mind, the number of passengers who succumbed as a result of the sinking of the Titantic OR the love affair between Leonardo DiCaprio (Jack) and Kate Winslet (Rose)? Another no-brainer!

Titanic will go on to become the highest-grossing movie in history...true or false?

The combination of fact and fiction makes for a great story not only for purposes of entertainment but also for gross sales! According to History.com, "it (Titanic) will go on to become the highest-grossing movie in history." It is not absolutely clear how much Gone with the Wind earned from its initial release. The Birth of a Nation, Gone with the Wind, The Godfather, Jaws, Star Wars, E.T. and Avatar all increased their record grosses with re-releases. Some of the older films that held the record of highest-grossing film still have respectable grosses even by today's standards, but do not really compete against today's top-earners: Gone with the Wind for instance—which was the highest-grossing film for twenty-five years—does not even make the top fifty in the modern market, but, adjusted for inflation, it would still be the highest-grossing film.

So, what is the highest grossing film in history? Difficult to pinpoint when theatrical venues are not the only dollars to be taken into account. Consideration must also be given to home video and television income, which can form a significant portion of a film's earnings. More info...

Are you aware of the FIRST Titanic film - 1953?

Interested in the History Behind the Titanic?

Awakenings: Titanic - Day 1: Setting Sail

Awakenings: Titanic - Day 2: Journey Underway

Awakenings: Titanic - Day 3: Upon the Sea

Awakenings: Titanic - Day 4: Iceberg!

Awakenings: Titanic - Day 5: Tragedy Strikes

Today in Music History: December 20, 1969

In the 1960s, Greenwich Village was a crucible of creativity. Involvement in music was a matter of joyous discovery, not business. Everyone knew folk music was having an enormous impact in the Village, but was a couple of years away from being embraced on a national scale. Dozens of cultural and popular icons got their start in the Village's nightclub, theater, and coffeehouse scene during the 50s, 60s, and early 70s.

Welcome into the Spotlight...

1960s publicity photo of the group.

"Peter, Paul and Mary are not only three of the greatest folk artists ever, but also three of the performing arts' most outstanding champions of social justice and peace. They have lent their time and talents to the Civil Rights Movement, labor struggles, and countless campaigns for human rights for decades, and their compassion and commitment remain as strong as their extraordinary artistry."[Source:Peter, Paul & Mary History]

http://www.biography.com/people/mary-travers-485970

Peter, Paul & Mary: No American folk group has lasted longer or amassed a more loyal following than Peter, Paul and Mary; indeed, few groups of any genre have logged more years (45) or miles (countless) in direct, yearly touring; spreading the message and engaging the next (now four) generations.

Beginning with their debut at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village in 1961, Peter, Paul, and Mary launched a decade of recording songs that would bring socially conscious music to the mainstream. The group is now virtually synonymous with Folk music, but before Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, and Mary Travers came on the scene, McCarthyism had forced folk music from the likes of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie underground. A decade later, the trio had 11 albums and 12 hit singles, including classics such as "If I Had A Hammer" and "Leaving On A Jet Plane," firmly establishing themselves as the most successful Folk music group of all time.
[Source: Songfacts.com]

1969 Peter Paul and Mary went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Leaving On A Jet Plane'. The song was written by John Denver in 1966 and most famously recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary. The original title of the song was "Babe, I Hate to Go" but Denver's then producer Milt Okun convinced him to change the title.

No.1 singles on this day...

1959Emile Ford and the Checkmates were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For'.

1969Rolf Harris was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Two Little Boys', (the song was written in 1902). The Christmas No.1 of 1969 and the last No.1 of the 60s. The song stayed at No.1 for six weeks.

1986The Bangles started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Walk Like An Egyptian'.

1986The Housemartins were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of The Isley Brothers 'Caravan Of Love'. It was only the second a cappella song to be a No.1 hit after 'Only You' by the Flying Pickets.

No. 1 Albums on This Day...

1969The Rolling Stones went to No.1 on the UK album chart with their 10th release Let It Bleed, featuring 'Midnight Rambler', and 'You Can't Always Get What You Want'.

2008Britney Spears went to No.1 on the US album chart with Circus, the singer's sixth studio album. Spears explained that the album's title has a double-edged meaning. It refers to both her life being a metaphorical circus, and also her fondness for the actual big-top show. She said: "I like the fact that you're always on the edge of your seat when you're at a circus... You're never bored. You're just really engulfed in what's going on around you. And you want to know what's going to happen next."

1962The Osmonds appeared for the first time on the NBS-TV Andy Williams show. The brothers performed 'I'm A Ding Dong Daddy From Dumas'.

2012Adele was named Billboard's top artist of 2012, while her hit record 21 was named top album of the year in the music magazine's annual review. The 24-year-old was the first to receive both accolades two years in a row and the honors for Adele came in a year which saw her win six Grammy awards and dominate the US charts. Her second album 21 went straight to No.1 when it was released in March 2011 and did not leave the top 10 until the beginning of September 2012, during that time, it spent 24 weeks at the top spot.

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...

The holiday season is a blissful season, times spent with family and friends in a joyous atmosphere. During this time parties commence, people come and go, bringing forth festive food and spirits. Christmas treats fill candy jars and cookie trays in abundance. Tables are set with kitchen aromas announcing somethin' good's cooking! Enjoyed throughout the holidays is seasonal fruit, either sliced, chopped, diced, mixed together for salad or ambrosia, baked in pies, served in a punch or other fruity, spiced beverage, which by the way is the topic for today.

December 20 is...

Sangria Day

Sangria is a spiced wine, an ancient and much-loved tradition, and even though it originates from Spain and Portugal it’s enjoyed world-wide. It can be served as an iced outdoor treat in the summer, or as a great way to warm up indoors in the winter. Its warmth and festive color make it perfect for Christmas time.

http://redcarpettips.com/sangria-recipes

There are practically as many recipes for sangria as there are drinkers of the fruity punch, and for sure a lot of delightful sangria recipes you should try, but the most common ingredients are wine, fruit, honey and sugar. What is truly neat about sangria is the ability to adjust the recipe to individual tastes. Before delving into the actual make up of sangria let's take a peak into its origin.

A Bit of Sangria History...

Over 2,000 years ago, when the Romans inhabited Spain, they knew the water was unsafe for drinking because of bacteria, and so it was common to fortify it with alcohol to kill it off. The first sangrias (whose name comes from sangre, or blood, and refers to its dark color) were likely heavily watered down mixes of wine, water, and herbs and spices. Basically, the Romans added anything they could to kill off the bacteria in the water and to disguise the taste of mediocre table wine.

http://anightowlblog.com/2013/06/25-sangria-recipes.html/

Onward to the holiday spirits...if you have not already clicked the images do so for they link to a variety of recipes. Keep in mind sparkling water can be added to give the drink more fizz, and fruit can be kept out of the glasses using a strainer. Some of the fruit can even be mashed or grated and then stirred into the wine to give it an extra-rich flavor. How this drink varies centers on the type of fruit, the presence or lack of carbonation and the kind of spirits added, if any at all.

For the choice of fruit, the key is to use that which is in season in order to underline the flavor of the drink. If possible, try to let the fruit marinate in the wine a day ahead, or at least a few hours before serving, to get the most out of the natural fruit flavors. With this being wintertime, apples, quinces (California’s Pineapple quinces and the East Coast's Orange and Smyrna varieties), persimmons, Asian pears are in season but, of course, you can actually enjoy the taste of any fruit year around.

For the type of wine,connoisseurs suggest using a good quality red wine such as Rioja to get the authentic Spanish flavor. However, many agree that you should just choose something you like and it does not necessarily have to be an expensive wine. Inexpensive wines are perfect for this drink—after all, masking the taste of cheap wine is exactly how sangria came into existence.

Other variations suggest adding a good brandy, a few shots of a favorite liquor, or a splash of orange juice combined with Triple Sec. Do remain mindful, however, with every little bit added is an increase in alcohol content. Of course, sangria doesn't have to be alcoholic at all! If you’d like to add bubbles, consider soda water or a citrus-flavored soda pop. Some sangria lovers add honey or sugar as well. It's all about individual taste!

Sangria is NOT just for summertime! Sweet Sangria Recipes for Christmas, New Year's, Birthdays, Mondays...You Get the Idea!

http://www.latina.com/food/recipes/sweet-sangria-recipes-christmas-new-years-birthdays-mondaysyou-get-idea

*****

Is your mouth thirsting yet?

yum, yum, yum . . . yummy!

Next on the Calendar...Stay tuned!