folk

Apr

2024

Yup. It’s THURSDAY again.

Today is the Anniversary of the Battle of Rivas, a public holiday in Costa Rica. This day, also known as Juan Santamaria Day, honors this pivotal fight for Costa Rica, as well as the 19-year-old, barefooted hero who fought bravely against Nicaragua’s filibuster army and gave his life. The Battle of Rivas occurred on April 11, 1856, in the Nicaraguan city of Rivas. In Costa Rica, the fight is most known for Juan Santamaria’s destruction of the opposing army’s citadel. It is regarded as the most significant in a series of wars, with profound importance to Costa Rica’s national identity.

Three???

More signs…

I couldn’t find any good birthdays today so here is this amazing performance by Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch and Alison Krauss. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94h2L9oBOHM

Nov

2023

It might be THURSDAY

Today is Martyr’s Day, a public holiday in the United Arab Emirates. On 19 August 2015, President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed declared that 30 November each year will be a national holiday called Martyrs’ Day to mark the sacrifice of those who died for the UAE in the line of duty.

The United Arab Emirates is an elective monarchy formed from a federation of seven emirates, consisting of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Each emirate is an absolute monarchy governed by a ruler, and together the rulers form the Federal Supreme Council. In 2020, the country had a population of 9.28 million. Emiratis are estimated to form 11.6% of the UAE population with the remaining being expatriates.

I know many people like this…

maybe same day

The holidays are coming up. Time to send that awkward family photo!

Today is the birthday, in 1915, of American folk music and blues singer and guitarist, Brownie McGhee. He is best known for his collaboration with the harmonica player Sonny Terry. McGhee died of stomach cancer on 16 February 1996 in Oakland, California, aged 80. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX3KOaJvly4

Sep

2023

MUUUUUUUUUNNNNDAY

Republic Day is observed today in Trinidad and Tobago. This holiday commemorates the first session of the parliament on this day in 1976.

Trinidad and Tobago proclaimed its independence from Britain on August 31st 1962 with Queen Elizabeth II remaining as the head of state.

In 1976, Trinidad and Tobago decided to abolish the monarchy and become a republic within the Commonwealth. On August 1st 1976, the new constitution was promulgated, and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was proclaimed, with the last Governor-General, Sir Ellis Clarke, becoming the first President.

The 1st Republican Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago held its first session on September 24th 1976. It is this date that is marked by Republic Day. If it falls on Sunday the holiday is observed the following Monday.

Today is the birthday, in 1933, of American songwriter and a folk music artist Erik Darling. With The Tarriers their version of the ‘Banana Boat Song reached No. 4 on the Billboard chart. He was also a member of The Weavers, and had a 1963 US No.1 hit with ‘Walk Right In’ with the Rooftop Singers. That’s him with the 12-string guitar in this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-qiC1jynmc

Jul

2022

WEDNESDAY of late July

Today is The Day of Victory in the Fatherland Liberation War, a public holiday in North Korea. This day commemorates the signing of the armistice agreement on July 27th 1953 that brought to an end the fighting in the Korean War – but not the end of the war…

Standards…

Today is the birthday, in 1933, of Nick Reynolds of the Kingston Trio, one of the most prominent groups of the folk/pop era in the fifties. This is one of their number one songs.

May

2022

Tiw’s Day

Today is Constitution Day in Norway, a public holiday. It marks the signing of the constitution in 1814 which declared Norway to be independent from Sweden. Gratulerer med dagen, Norge!

That’s Good

Bada Bing!

I’m experimenting with how many apples I need to eat to keep EVERYONE away, no matter what their profession.

Owning a dog is perfect for people that never want to eat a whole sandwich by themselves again.

Student: Can I do something to raise my grade? Teacher: Ummm… It’s May. Student: MAY I do something to raise my grade?

I keep trying to make protein shakes but they keep coming out as margaritas.

Co-worker: You look so unapproachable. Me: Yet, here you are.

6YO: Daddy you’re so talented

Me: Awww Thank Y…

6YO: …this morning your snoring sounded like a pig was beatboxing.

Our dishwasher broke and I told the kids we have to wash everything in the sink and 5yo said, “Like you did in the olden days when you lived in a cave?”

I couldn’t afford an Ancestry DNA kit so I announced that I had won the lottery and I quickly found out who my relatives were.

Science question: Why do meteors always land in craters?

I felt sorry for the hypnotist last night. He hypnotized 7 guys, then dropped the mic on his foot and yelled “FUCK ME! “What happened next will haunt me for the rest of my life.

Planning…