Crabs and Beer

Dec

2021

Oh No!! MONDAY!!!

Today’s holiday is Independence Day in Finland. This holiday is celebrated annually on December 6th and marks the Declaration of Independence from the Russian empire by the Finnish Parliament in 1917. Finland had been part of the Russian Empire since 1809. Following the Russian revolution and the defeats in the First World War, movements within Finland pushed for independence from Russia and on December 6th 1917, the parliament declared Finland as an independent state.

Anniversary!!

On this day in 1965, the Rolling Stones recorded this iconic song…

Dec

2021

Carmen

It looks like a beautiful day and here is the beautiful Anna Caterina Antonacci as Carmen singing this beautiful aria.

Dec

2021

Cab Calloway

I ran across this great video of Cab Calloway, his Cotton Club Band and the Nicholas Brothers this morning. It reminded me what great performers they all were. Calloway grew up in Baltimore, briefly played professional basketball but was more interested in entertainment. He was a master of scat singing and one of the most popular band leaders of the 30s and 40s. His band at one time included Dizzy Gillespie and many other famous musicians of the time. He introduced Lena Horne to film and was the first African-American to have a single record with over a million sales. Anyway, just watch the video…amazing dance…

Dec

2021

fridayFRIDAYfridayFRIDAYfriday

Today’s holiday is ‘Farmers’ Day’ in Ghana. National Farmer’s Day is a statutory public holiday in Ghana observed on the first Friday of December. Since it was introduced by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 1988, the first Friday in December has been set aside to honor farmers and fishermen for their efforts in feeding the nation and recognize the vital contributions of a strong agricultural sector to the prosperity of the Ghanaian economy.

wounded in a card game…

Yesterday was the anniversary of the death, in 1990, of Aaron Copland, outstanding American composer. He is best known for his works in what he called his ‘vernacular’ style evoking the vast American landscape and pioneer spirit. Here is a piece called ‘Hoe Down’ from his ballet ‘Rodeo’ performed by the National Youth Orchestra. It’s great fun!

Dec

2021

THURSAY (all day)

Today’s holiday is National Day in the United Arab Emirates. UAE National Day marks the date in 1971 when the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Al-Ain, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain agreed to unite as one country – The United Arab Emirates. Later in February 1972, Ras Al Khaimah decided to join and become the seventh Emirate.