Janus, The God, now looks to the future

 

I am writing this on Sunday when it is a balmy -17 and we are supposed to get quite the snowstorm. We shall see if this happens because it often misses us. I took this picture of our tree, last year, after an ice storm and it fits for January. Janus is the god with 2 faces, one that looks behind and the other face that looks forward. I wrote about the past/memories so now we will look forward so here are my 3 songs that, I think, fit.

1. HERE COMES THE SUN BY THE BEATLES-1969

This song is written by my favourite Beatle, George Harrison when he was at his friend's home which happened to be Eric Clapton. I guess, George was dealing with some personal issues and he wrote this which, I think, is quite a hopeful song and one we all need.

2. SHADAROBA BY ROY ORBISON-1963

This song sounds melancholy but, to me, it is the opposite because he sings this that when you are down and out you need to pick yourself up and carry on towards the future. I think that is what Shadaroba might mean since I did look it up on the web. Mainly it is Future oriented and hopeful so I shall go by that. This song was actually written by Cindy Walker who wrote many songs and was a singer herself in the country music world.

3. HOPE FOR THE FUTURE BY PAUL MCCARTNEY-2014

This song was actually written for a video game! I had no idea but when roaming for songs, I came across this and thought it sounded pretty damn good and it fit the bill. Sir Paulie still knows how to be creative.

What songs can you think of?

Soooo....just to let you know, my city was one of the worst hit with 50 cm of snow which is 1.68 ft of snow! Here are some pics...

Our entrance to our backyard.

Our car

Try and find our stairs..hahahaaa 

A view down the street.

Sitting in the snow...yup, that's me:))

Thursday Movie Picks- Hospitals

 

I am writing this too late for my own good and it’s about hospitals which was a theme I suggested and Wandering Through The Shelves chose. Let’s get to it....

1. THE SNAKE PIT-1948

This film stars Olivia DeHavilland as a young lady with mental problems( I hate the word mental as I think of it as a brain disorder) who has no idea who her husband is nor how she got to be in the psychiatric hospital. We see her slowly come to realize her issues with the help of electroshock therapy but when a nasty nurse gets the patient to erupt, she ends up on a ward called "the snake pit” which are for patients who will never get better. This is actually very well acted by DeHavilland plus Celeste Holm and Ruth Donnelly. DeHavilland took her role very seriously and would visit many hospitals plus lectures to understand the psyche. Today, the way she is being “cured” is out-dated, thankfully,  and so is the strong belief in Freudian psychosis. It is worth checking out for sure.

2. M.A.S.H.-1970

This take place in 1951 during the Korean War, at a mobile surgical hospital located about 3 miles from the front. The famous TV Show has eclipsed this film and I do love the iconic TV Show that still holds the record for the most viewers for the season finale. I watch the tv show every chance I get and love all the characters but this tv Show is based on this sarcastic film that is wicked in so many ways and could not be made today in our PC world. Hawkeye Pierce comes to this hospital and meets Trapper John where they soon bring on many hijinks to the detriment of upstart Major Frank Burns and Major Margaret Houlihan. These 2 believe in strict order and discipline unlike Hawkeye and Trapper. Burns and Houlihan find themselves loving each other all over with Burns calling her Hotlips unbeknownst that their lovemaking is being broadcast throughout the unit. This is so funny, sad,  and taking the PC society right on its head like the oncoming “suicide” of the dentist filming it like the Last Supper. I love this movie.

3. THE HOSPITAL-1971

I have not seen this in decades but it left an impression on me because it shows a hospital closer to what it really is than the self-sacrificing doctors who will do all they can to not only save your life but make sure you, the patient, get the best treatment above JFK..If he were alive. Today, nurses are shown as all Florence Nightingales with some a bit ornery but always with the best love for the patients. Now, don't get me wrong, there are many out there that are decent, but I have met my share of a-hole doctors and nurse Ratchids. This film makes biting fun of these types that, I think, we have all met. Paddy Cheyefsky wrote the film, narrates it and had control over it..rare in itself. George C Scott plays the head doctor of this falling down hospital who left his wife, kids can't stand him and he can't get it up..poor guy. On top of it all, a couple of nurses and a doctor have been killed...what is he to do. If you ever get to see it, see it as it is a biting satire on what I have seen for real.

Which hospital movies come to your mind? You know...I still have to see a Dr. Kildare movie or even the tv show with heartthrob Richard Chamberlain.

Looking Back, One More Time

 

This is our Lucy who is over 15 years old, thin, thin, thin and eats everything in sight. She is also the sweet one who decides to place her paw on my face at 3am. We tried giving her pills once, this smart cookie would swallow the pill, or so we thought, only to find the pills hidden behind furniture. Bless her...ok so Janus is not done with the past yet so I am presenting 3 songs of yesteryear....

1. YESTERDAYS SUNG BY IRENE DUNNE-1933

I have to say I do like this song which has been done many times over since Irene Dune Sung it in the film, “Roberta” which also stars Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers plus Randolph Scott. It was written by Jerome Kern  with lyrics by Otto Harbach. I think it’s a nice song even though I do love “Smoke Gets Into Your Eyes” from the same film.

2. TRY TO REMEMBER SUNG BY JERRY ORBACH-1982

This song, written by Harvey Schmidt with lyrics by Tom Jones, is from the Broadway show, "The Fantasticks” in 1960 and was introduced by Jerry Orbach known more for Law & Order and Baby's Daddy from “Dirty Dancing”. This version might be from a,  "Night of a 100 Stars", which I'd like to see again. I actually love the simple way he sings these lyrics as it makes me think nostalgic.

3.  TAXI SUNG BY HARRY CHAPIN-1972

My brother mentioned this song last week in his comments and I listened, remember it well and really like it so I thought I would present it here. Funny, Harry Chapin debuted this on the Johnny Carson Show and so many called and wrote in( must have been fast mail) that he came back the next day for an encore performance which was very rare on the Carson show also known as The Tonight Show.

Let’s see what other songs you can think up. 

Thursday Movie Picks-2021 Releases

 

A new year and we are here to talk about the releases from 2021 of which I am sorely lacking due to Covid, lockdowns, no HBO, Disney, etc.. so I saw 2 and hope to see more which I will discuss here. Wandering through the Shelves has picked more themes for this year and she always stuns me with her ability to pick themes for each week. So, here are my 3...

1.  BLACK WIDOW

I saw this by renting it and enjoying  the fun without thinking too much. This belongs to the unending chain of Marvel superheroes of which some are excellent, some good, some meh. This is fun but not too memorable taking place before the last “the earth will die”  Avengers film. We get to learn about her childhood and how she was separated from her “parents ” and created to be the woman she is today. She soon finds out the diabolical scheme that her sister is involved in and reunites with her and her parents to save the world. It’s fun and I like the sister especially when she makes fun of how the Black Widow lands on her feet. I actually like the dad who plays his role for laughs. It’s fun, forgettable and one to see on a rainy day when you don’t want to think too much.

2.  NO TIME TO DIE

This is the final outing for Daniel Craig as James Bond and it is excellent. It starts out that he is with his lady love but it quickly turns dire and sour. He ends up back at work but his 007 moniker is already taken. You find out that Freddie Mercury..um..Rami Malek, is the evil genius who has created this harmful drug that he wants to send out to the world and guess who has to save it. This Bond outing is a good one with a fitting end to Craig as the angry Bond. I was dumbfounded in disbelief by the film but I don’t want to give out more. I just pray...pray that they do not pick a female Bond because that goes against what this secret agent is supposed to be. Please, create a new series with a female gal who is equal to Bond like Charlize Theron in Atomic Blonde, who could easily clean Bond’s clock, but leave Bond a virile man who meets Holly Goodnight, Plenty O’Toole or Pussy Galore and fights the bad guys. I could easily see Henry Cavill or Idris Elba in the role but not Tom Hardy...he is too....weird for the role. 

3. WEST SIDE STORY

I know this film tanked big time st the box office but that means nadda to me since the furious flicks nake tons of money and they are shlock. I heard Spielberg did some updates from the original film and that's OK. To be honest, I always giggle and shake my head at the opening number in the original film when the thugs pirouette through the mean streets of NYC. The people can all sing in this newer film unlike the original where Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer were dubbed by the great Marni Nixon and Jimmy Bryant. Now we are in lockdown again so I vet I will see it on TV. Let's hope they don't dance in a rugged way...ooh, scary.

Which films have you seen from last year? 

Happy 3 King's Day/Day of Epiphany/ Little Christmas/ Ukrainian Christmas!

Music Fest For January

 

"Get off the table!" I yelled...Kaspar...."Yah, ok, let me ponder that while I stare at you." January and soon it will be Little Christmas or 3 King's Day. I know there is a 3rd title for January 6th but I can't recall. This is actually when the Ukrainians celebrate their Christmas which is when the 3 kings finally make it to see the babe in a manger. If I was a Ukrainian, I would feel mighty on edge right now and I do, even though I am not a Ukrainian. On a better note, I find January one of reflection, hope, fears, what will happen next?, and hating winter (I don't). Anyhoo, I thought it fun to listen to some memories so here are 3 picks from me to you.

1. THANKS FOR THE MEMORY SUNG BY BOB HOPE & SHIRLEY ROSS-1938

This song became the hit for the film, "The Big Broadcast of 1938" won the Oscar for best song and became Bob Hope's signature tune for the rest of his career. It's about a divorced couple who meet and reunite by singing this song. It was composed by Ralph Raingert with lyrics by Leo Robin. I always loved this song.

2. MEMORIES-THE WAY WE WERE SUNG BY BARBRA STREISAND-1973

This major hit song came from the film "The Way We Were" starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford and remains a great song while the film is romantic hoo haa. It was created by Alan & Marilyn Bergman and Marvin Hamlisch. It's all about love and how wondrous it all was before it went to hell and a hand basket. (I think that's the cliche saying). Funny, it was not even up for a Oscar nom. 

3. MEMORIES SUNG BY BETTY BUCKLEY-1982

Forget Cats, the film version which I still want to see, I went with the original Broadway recording with Betty Buckley in the role. She played the mom in "Eight Is Enough" a TV show where dad marries this lady after his wife dies. I had no idea Betty had such an amazing voice until I saw her perform this on Johnny Carson. I bought the album right away and I actually saw this musical 4 times, somehow. Elaine Paige originated the role of Grizabella, the former glamourous cat, now old and mangy, on the London stage in 1981, but I prefer Betty Buckley singing this since she originated it in North America and nails it. Barbra Streisand also sang this song which many people prefer. I listened to Jennifer Hudson sing it and it's ok but not a favourite and that white cat, who likes smelly cat, can't sing! Oh this is  from Andrew lloyd Webber from the poems about cats by T. S. Elliot.  Man, I have to see this movie. 

Looking back...any memory song you can think of?

Thursday Movie Picks: TV Edition-Holiday

 

New Year’s is around the corner and WTF will it bring? I hate resolutions too, so I never make any but I do hope to reply to the comments all of you make. I love reading them and seeing which movies you choose. I want to see some movies I have been meaning to see for a long time and want to see more Linda Darnell films. I so appreciate all your kind, kind words this past year as well as your movie choices, I have marked down so many that I will be 159 yrs old before seeing them all. Joel alone gives me one every week. This one isn’t a since it is the last Thursday of the month and it’s about holidays. Wandering through the Shelves creates a great list every year and I hope to see one come up very soon. Here are my 3...

1.  BOB HOPE SPECIALS FROM 1950 to 1996

Bob Hope is an institution even if he has been gone since 2003 because he entertained the troops since WW2 all the way until 1990 during Desert Shield. He was away with the servicemen during Christmas than being home. I grew up watching his Christmas specials with many famous stars. The jokes could be a bit stale and the specials a bit camp but I love them and wish we had these types of variety shows back. 

2. BING CROSBY CHRISTMAS SPECIALS- 1950s to 1977

This special, from 1977, came on after Bing Crosby died having been filmed in the late summer. This scene, with David Bowie, has now become a classic and rightly so. Bing didn't want Mr. Bowie to appear in his makeup so David is toned down and Bowie didn't think anything much about this but it is great to gave these 2 together. I enjoyed Bob Hope's specials a bit better but they are both timeless.

3. PERRY COMO CHRISTMAS SPECIALS FROM 1974-1994

Perry Como was known as a very relaxed entertainer but also known for his Christmas specials where he travelled to a different country each year..Hawaii, England, the Holy Land, French- Canada and Austria. He did other Christmas shows but I always liked these ones. 

Which ones can you recall?

Thank you again for all you have done for me this past year. It will never be forgotten.

Bonus...

Happy New Year..Thank Goodness

 

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas as I did. It was so very nice and I just felt so happy despite the earlier months. All I can say is I hope that this year will be better especially Covid wise. I thought I would showcase Kaspar the disaster this time. I hope you like these New Year songs.

1. HAPPY NEW YEAR BY ABBA-1980

I’m so glad I can fit ABBA in this with a perfect song to ring in the year. This comes from their album “Souper Trouper” and I think it’s just a nice one to choose. 

2. LET’S START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT SUNG BY BING CROSBY-1942

This song is from the film, Holiday Inn written for the film by Irving Berlin and it just works so well. There are many songs that are great from this film including the famous “White Christmas” but this song is a good one for this time.

3. AULD LANG SYNE SUNG BY ACTORS FROM "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE-1946 

This is an old folk Scots tune with lyrics written by Robert Burns and has been  SUNG in many films, theaters, parties etc. . I think it was mostly played by Guy Lombardo and his orchestra. My dad loved this Canadian.

Any songs you wish to share for the new year? I do wish you all a great new year and this Covid will pass.