folk

25
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

Posted by Tom in folk, Humor, Music
27
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.

Posted by Tom in folk, Humor, Music
17
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!

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Health Data

That’s Good

sausage

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…

This day in 1963 was the first day of the very first Monterey Folk Festival. It featured Bob Dylan, Peter Paul and Mary and Joan Baez among others.

Posted by Tom in folk, Humor, Music, sixties and seventies
03
May
2021

Monday….sigh…

May as well have the chicken…

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Today is the birthday, in 1919, of Pete Seeger, folk singer and social activist. He was a strong union supporter and anti-war activist. His group, The Weavers, was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. He re-emerged in the sixties as a prominent singer of music in support of international disarmament, civil rights and environmental causes. We miss him.

Posted by Tom in folk, Humor, Music
03
Mar
2021

Wednesday in the Middle

ItsPeteski
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Today is the birthday (in 1929) of Doc Watson. Blind from a young age he was renowned for his fingerstyle and flatpicking skills. He won seven Grammies and a lifetime Achievement Grammy. Here he plays and sings one of my favorite songs.

Posted by Tom in folk, Humor, Music