Jingle Bells Rock

Quite often a familiar song will just keep running through my brain, especially after not hearing it for quite a while. Well, for the last week I have been playing “Jingle Bell Rock” over and over on the old noggin juke box. In case you have forgotten, it was written and sung (at least originally) by Bobby Helms. It’s really a great Christmas holiday song, lasting past Christmas and into a snowy winter. I can’t get it out of my head, especially the bridge.

Here are the lyrics. If you actually know the tune, I defy you not to start singing it in your head.

Jingle Bell Rock

(Bobby Helms)
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air.
What a bright time, it's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell rock

Sometimes things make me smile

Thank you Mr. President II

I just ran across another terrific column scolding us for becoming “small and mean” in not recognizing the pretty stunning accomplishments President Obama has made since his inauguration.

I know it may sound a bit over-dramatic on my part, but sometimes I truly wonder whether  this country even deserves this President.  I, for one, am proud that he is my President, but I would be a fool to believe that I will agree with him about every issue. 

I was particularly proud listening to his speech given in Norway when accepting the Nobel Peace Prize.  That took some courage to point out to an audience of “peaceful people” that there truly is evil in the world and that sometimes it can only be checked by the use of force when all else fails. 

~  Tom

Thank you Mr. President

I hear all these attacks on the President from the right, and much bitching and moaning from the left about his so-called failings, and I get discouraged.  But here is a “must-read” article for those like me who really believe that Barack Obama is something special, who if given the chance will make a lasting difference in this country – all for the better of course.

“Easy Virtue” – A pleasant surprise

Based on favorable reviews, I obtained “Easy Virtue” from Netflix and gave it a whirl last night.

At first I didn’t think I was going to like it that much, but after 10 minutes or so my ear got tuned to the English accents and the plot kicked into place. 

This is an adaptation of a Noel Coward work, and it really delivers as it moves along.  Huge kudos to the main players:  Kristin Scott Thomas as the mother whose high standards are never met, a radiant and quite sexy Jessica Biel as the protagonist interloper new daughter in law, Colin Firth as the WWI damaged father with an understanding heart, and  Ben Barnes as the naive and ultimately shallow son.

I am not that familiar with Jessica Biel, but she really is great in this role. 

The movie is absolutely hilarious in some parts (see the Can Can scene for sure) and yet has a tough sweetness about it.  Trust me on this one.  Just make sure you hang in for the first 10 minutes and you should be fine after that.

~  Ciao, Tom