Another great Holiday Movie "It's a Wonderful Life"

     This movie was released in 1947, before I was born but it remains a classic with great message.  It's timeless because of the message and the pure, simple way it is conveyed.  Jimmy Stewart stars in this black and white film and to some young people it may seem corny but it's a great movie.  It has been remade in color but nothing can replace this original film.

     You will feel better after you watch this movie, as you watch George Bailey struggle with life and the decisions he makes, you can't help it. We all have difficult times in our lives and need to believe we are living a life that makes a difference. You've heard the protesters in Ferguson chant "Black Lives Matter", no question about that, all lives matter and this movie shows how a person’s positive influence can impact others even though they may not realize it.  Inspiring!  The key is positive influence because negative action or taking no action will also have an impact on others as well.

     This 60+ year old movie has a message for all of us just as relevant today as in the past so if you haven’t seen this movie (I don’t know anyone that hasn’t) take the time to watch it or watch it over again.  This movie is filmed in black and white, which seems to enhance the experience.  Don’t let the lack of color deter you.

     I’m sure there will be some movies from today’s generation, which may have a lasting memory for young adults of today but whether they become a true classic remains to be seen.  

The Fascination of Movies

     I love movies.  They can touch your emotions, inspire you or scare you but they are there mostly to entertain you.  Movies are meant to appeal to many different people so there are some I like and some I don't like.

     For me there are a few movies that I watch more than once some are what I would describe as a seasonal tradition like "National Lampoons Christmas Vacation".  My kids although they are now adults also love the Chevy Chase movie and watch it every holiday season at least once.  There are other Holiday movies that I watch as well but they have not become a tradition.

     Inspirational movies are some of my favorites and there are many to choose from like, Remember the Titans, Argo, The Blind Side, Invincible, The Help, Erin Brockovich, Schindler's List, Dead Poets Society, Bottle Shock, etc. but most importantly for me is "Rudy".  This is not a Christmas movie but this is just the season I choose to watch it.  Most of these inspirational movies are also what I would call feel good movies as well.  If you haven't seen this movie do yourself a favor and watch it, put aside any dislike for Notre Dame (Steve, I'm talking to you) and watch this inspirational football movie.

     Comedies, suspense, romance are all be fun to watch and will make you laugh, cry or sometimes scare the hell out of you.  Good movies will brighten your day because they take you away from the harsh realities of life if only for a short time.  Christmas time should be a happy time for everyone and even if you are poor a good movie can give you a laugh, hope for the future or just a good feeling about life.

     Tell me you favorite movie, one that I should put on my list. 

The World needs more Laughter

     Lately it seems more people are less tolerable with others, taking every opportunity to judge the actions of others even if a comment or remark was meant as a joke.  As an recent example the news reported that Dave and Busters tweeted the following "I hate Tacos, No Juan said Ever".  Social media blew up claiming racial prejudice.  Are you kidding me, it was a joke, what's wrong with our society, Wow, have we become a humorless world.

     Maybe if we just laughed a little more we wouldn't get so angry over comments that were meant to be humorous.  If you're laughing you're not rioting.  Did you ever see a terrorist laugh, not unless it was a minical laugh?  Twisted angry faces is what I see.

     Laughter has a calming effect whereas anger does the opposite.  Laughter is a healthier choice.  Not to say there isn't justification for anger at times but if it becomes the norm it is a problem.  The news is mainly filled with angry people because that's what sells.  Unfortunately, the news media promotes anger and fear with only an occasional sprinkling of feel good stories.  Putting angry people on the news just fuels a bad situation and promotes more anger.

     Let's not fall prey to the anger promoted by others, take time everyday to smile and laugh with friends and strangers.  Don't look for offense remarks, look for humor.  Make the choice to improve your life by looking for a reason to smile.  "Just Saying...."

Ferguson Residents Destroy their own Community

     Reactions to the decision by the Grand Jury were violent and irractional as some expected.   Rioters destroyed their own community without a thought for their neighbors.  Many local businesses were burned and looted which does nothing but hurt the community.  Many of these businesses are locally owned by people who have taken a risk to achieve their dream.  Despite your beliefs regarding the Grand Jury decision the actions of the rioters only shows anger and retaliation toward your neighbors.

     I'm not naive enough to think this post won't change anything but destroying your community will change things.  You need to think if destruction of property is a good change or not.  It seems fairly obvious to me but it's the choice of Ferguson residents not mine.  Only you can decide to keep Ferguson dreams alive.  "Just Saying..."

My Favorite Christmas Song, one you Must hear

     There are many beautiful and classic Christmas songs written by many different songwriters.  These memorable Christmas songs have many different versions sung by a variety of singers.  I love them all but most of the time the newer versions can never live up to the version by the original artist.

     The songs I speak of include White Christmas (Bing Crosby), Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland - from Meet Me in St. Louis), just a little plug for STL, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Jingle Bells, Joy to the World, The Chipmunk Song (David Seville), Frosty the Snowman (Gene Autry), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Gene Autry), etc.

     I enjoy listening to Christmas songs during the holiday season because they bring back fond memories.  These Christmas songs are all written to evoke memories of joy, happiness, togetherness, fun and some sad songs as well like Blue Christmas famously performed by Elvis Presley which happens to be one of my favorite Christmas songs and although Elvis has a great voice and popularized this song, the version I prefer is on the attached link.  Denny Brownlee recorded his version of Blue Christmas in Ocean City Maryland during a local’s only town Christmas party hosted by 98 Rock at that time sings this version. It was a parody during open mic session and had been released to play on the morning show (John Boy and Billy radio show).

     The original song by Elvis tugs at your heartstrings as he sings about a lost love, but the Denny Brownlee's version will make you laugh every time you thing about it.  I first heard this song many years ago while driving in my car and laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes.  This version is called Porky Pig's "Blue Christmas" and if you've never heard it you don't know what you’re missing.  You need to listen to the whole song because just keeps getting better, I especially like the middle section when Porky is talking to his lost love.  Listen to it now, it only takes 2 minutes, just 2 minutes to brighten your day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg7HvF3a_Iw

Names popping into your head

   Have you ever wondered why a name of an old friend, acquaintance or relative will suddenly pop in to your head?  There doesn't seem to be a logical reason but it happens to me all the time and I'm sure if it happens to me it happens to everyone else. Being retired, I'm not burdened with the daily thoughts of budgets, spreadsheets, deadlines, etc. so that could be a factor but it's not a new occurrence for me just maybe more frequent since retirement. Have you ever accidentally run into an old friend and they said, "I was just thinking about you"?  It's happened to you, don't deny it.

     It's likely that it means nothing but could it be that this person is also remembering you at that same moment in time.  I find that interesting, of course that still doesn't explain anything but maybe there is some impact you had to each other lives that results in this casual memory.  For me as I expect with most people the memories of others are mostly pleasant sometimes funny enough to make you smile while driving down the road.  Close friends and relatives are always in your thoughts and that is no surprise but thoughts of long lost friends or casual acquaintances make me wonder.

     I've read somewhere recently that as long as a person's name is spoken or remembered by someone they are still part of this world even if they have passed away many years ago.  I'm not sure exactly what that means but I like the idea that your spirit remains with others when your body is gone. "Just Saying...."

Remembering Christmas Past

     Christmas always brings back fond memories of the past at least for me.  That may not be true for everyone so I guess I'm lucky.  I grew up in a middle class blue-collar family, like most other families in our neighborhood.  I don't remember ever being deprived of anything but I also didn't have inflated dreams for expensive toys. The fact is I don't remember any truly expensive toys, gifts were board games, erector sets, maybe a holster and toy gun so I could pretend to fight the bad guy like John Wayne.  Most toys were simply a way of expanding our imagination allowing kids to create a world of their own maybe this was unintentional, I don't know for sure.  I would also get some new clothes but that was never as interesting as the toys when I was a young boy.  The most expensive present I received was a bike, which was a big ticket item in those days something I'm sure my parents saved to get it for me.

    The Christmas holidays were special and it really started with Thanksgiving so it felt like a special time that lasted a whole month. The presents were great but it was more than that.  It was the surprise of waking up, to find the presents under the tree, then celebrating with your family and extended family, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunts, Uncles and cousins.  The celebration was as important as the presents.  I must say again I was lucky because we weren't poor nor rich but I really think it was best that way.  I remember it being a time when you would play all day and fall into bed at night totally exhausted without any worries and sleep uninterrupted until morning ready to do it all over again.

     I wish these memories for everyone although I know it won't come true for all.  It's important that we all have fond memories of special times in our lives whether it's a holiday celebration, vacation or special friends in your life.  I wonder what would life be like if we did not have pleasant memories, depressing I expect.  The thing is sometimes memories of past times seem much more special than today's experiences but today's experiences will be tomorrow's memories so why not make them special.

     Your memories will be different from mine but I hope all your Holidays are special and bring you many pleasant memories to share with others.