NYE 2014

Here's one for all those braving the coldest night of the year for our annual gumbo celebration, and even more for the ones who won't make it.

Seems like this question just won't go away

Yep. What would Jesus drink?

NPR has a story on a new class at the Boston Wine School that asks that seductive and seemingly perennial question. I'd sign up, but it's one heck of a commute. Here's a link to the story.

And don't forget the 99-cent book that takes a stab at answering the question.

Words to live by

The only way to stay in excellent health and to do good work is to not allow anyone to get you up in the morning until you are ready. -Rene Descartes

One of those songs

I stumbled on this performance in a Christmas collection of all things. This is one of those songs that challenges my equanimity, even from the woman who ripped up a photo of the pope on SNL 22 years ago.



But not as much as the original.

Something to keep in mind as you do your holiday shopping

The Wiz is right. Simultaneously beautiful and terrifying. The Hymn of Acxiom by Vienna Teng.

You can read the lyrics here, or read them as they appear on the video.



Here's a crowd-sourced version.



In other news, check out Vienna Tang's other stuff.

Long live Mr. Bennet

Happy 239th birthday, Jane Austen. #MrBennetRules!

I had the privilege of championing the cause of Mr. Bennet for an international audience on the BBC World Book Club radio show in January 2013. I come on the scene at 10:00.

And, for your dining and dancing pleasure, a sampling of the interaction between Mr and Mrs Bennet.

Surfin' Bird

Somehow I missed this in 1963. #ItsNeverTooLate #OnActualTV #AmericanBandstand

Putting the Em in Emily

Happy 184th Birthday Emily Dickinson.

I suspect that Ms. Dickinson was called Emily because of her obsession with the em dash. Or was it the other way around?

Misty Mountain Wonderland

More Christmas goodness. The Woman hates this song, but it's one of my favorites. #FlemingAndJohn #ZepAndFred #BabyBabyBabyDoYouLikeIt?

Have a Wunderfool Christmas

Here's a Christmas song you may not have heard before for your dining and dancing pleasure.



Download the full album for free.

As you watch movies this Christmas

Don't forget that Alfalfa in "Our Gang" = Guy who opens the gym/pool floor in "It's a Wonderful Life" = Freckle-faced Haynes the dog-faced boy in "White Christmas."

Alfafa


First sighting at 0:40.


Freckle-faced Haynes the dog-faced boy