Entertainment & Style

 While I was taking a walk yesterday on a warm muggy day, a woman tightly wrapped in a coat and weighed down with a back pack approached me. Immediately, she babbled about much she loved feeling the refreshing gust of wind that had just begun to drape itself over us. I agreed with her—I too have always welcomed and celebrated the delectable breezes on the Island, especially the trade winds. As I started to walk past her, the woman kept pace with me, obsessively riffing about how much she appreciated windy days in Waikiki. I again chimed in as before. Once again, I tried to continue my walk. This time as I strode along, I outdistanced the eccentric woman. Although she was a bit annoying, I am thankful that she reminded me how gratifying it is to luxuriate in the omnipresent breezes throughout Oahu. It shouldn’t matter that to me the Kona winds aren’t as invigorating as the trade winds. All I have to do is recall how excited the woman was when a wave of wind enveloped her. One of th

On January 21, 1978 Saturday Night Fever, the defining soundtrack of the disco 🪩 era, began a 24-week run at the top of the US album chart. The Grammy Award winning double album included several No.1 hits, including “Night Fever,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and “If I Can’t Have You.” With additional Bee Gee contributions “How Deep Is Your Love,” “More Than A Woman,” “Jive Talkin”, and “You Should Be Dancing.”  Prior to the release of Michael Jackson’s Thriller,it was the best selling album of all-time, selling more than 40 million copies worldwide, and was the best-selling soundtrack album of all-time until supplanted by The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992. Disco sensations included the forementioned Bee Gees, as well as ABBA, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Alicia Bridges, Thelma Houston, Earth Wind & Fire, Chaka Chan, Chic, KC and the Sunshine Band, Thelma Houston, Sister Sledge, The Trammps, Diana Ross, Kool & the Gang, and the Village People, among many others. So be ready

 ...Having a bit of fun with this one.

The first full moon of 2024 is upon us - rising. The time is nigh for howling — and healing. It's the longest moon phase of the year! In the zodiac sign of Leo, known as the 'Wolf Moon,' this lunar event gets its name from Native American tribes who said wolves would howl outside villages during the cold winter month. After the new year begins, the skies will start to brighten as the days gradually lengthen. By the time the Wolf Moon rises, you’ll have an extra half hour of daylight compared to early January. The increasing illumination means you’ll have more opportunities to spot the moon rising in the east around sunset. When the Wolf Moon becomes completely illuminated, it will shine brightly all through the night, casting shadows on the ground below. Gaze up at the glowing orb to appreciate its pearly radiance and striking craters. The sight is a peaceful respite during a month when temperatures are often at their lowest. When will the Wolf Moon Appear?[source:

National Compliment Day on January 24th offers a wonderful way to brighten someone's day or to give credit for a job well done! Give an extra compliment annually on January 24th and any time one is deserved. A compliment has a powerful effect. It can instill confidence in a child, or validate someone's hard work. A compliment not only improves the receiver's mood, but it also says something about the giver. It tells them you noticed. Whether we recognize someone's achievement or their classic style, a compliment can go a long way. To give a great compliment, first be sincere. People have a way of knowing when we are fake. If you don't mean it, it's worse than getting a thoughtless birthday gift. Complimenting character versus a new haircut are different rewards. The first says you respect the person and the other tells them you paid attention. Sometimes the receiver needs to hear one or the other, or both. Human beings like to be unique, original. Strive to give a c

GratitudeRecently I spent a couple of dreary days in the hospital because of blood clot concerns. If I happened to look through my bedside window, the most that I could see were the drab facings of adjacent medical buildings.After I was released, I entered the valet parking area.  While waiting for my car to arrive, I gazed up. What an inspiration! Overarching trees with glistening leaves that I hadn’t noticed before beckoned to me as if they were celebrating my recovery. It was a canopy of comfort.Later that day, I had lunch at the oceanfront Waikiki Elks Club. Before I had a chance to sit down, I was mesmerized by the wind-driven foaming waves, the bobbing and bucking multicolored sail boats, and the majestic cruise ships in the distance. I have always enjoyed this tableau; but it had special meaning for me after I left the confines of the hospital.Now that I am medically stable, I appreciate even more than ever the sensuous delights that nature offers me every day in Hawaii.I a

  Bob Marley:  One Love.  opens in theaters on Feb. 14, 2024   I can’t wait - one of my favorites - introduced me to Raggea 

 

National Handwriting Day (January 23rd) encourages us to put pen to paper and write out our thoughts. HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HANDWRITING DAY[source: National Day Calendar] Out of practice? Here are a few ideas to try: ✍  Start a journal.✍  Send a handwritten letter to a friend or family member.✍  Write a short story or poem.✍  Take a calligraphy class.✍  Write a to-do list.✍  Leave a love note for someone dear to you.✍  Compliment someone with a handwritten sticky note.✍  Pay with a check - if you dare.✍  Leave your server a tip and a handwritten word of thanks for their service. Work on your handwriting and use #NationalHandwritingDay to post on social media._____________________________________________________________________________Express yourself. Jot it down. Use your favorite writing instrument. Improve your handwriting. Get creative. Get fancy, if you wish. Most importantly, have fun. 

Waikiki Can Be Amusing or AppallingThe other day during my afternoon walk in the neighborhood, I noticed a burly, scraggly bearded man a block away. Determined to forge ahead, he soon strode by me as if he were on a mission. In his left hand, he tightly carried oversized crumpled-up blankets. In his other hand, he clutched massive rolls of unwrapped toilet paper, the tops of which unraveled and then billowed into the air. The man seemed oblivious to the unspooling. Nothing was going to stop him from barreling onward.Wherever he was going, he at least was prepared to rest comfortably and secure his bodily needs, precautions that many street people ignore.And the man was fully clothed. That is a plus, considering what I saw that evening as I strolled along the main drag in Waikiki. A zonked-out grizzled man stumbled toward me. His pants were so low slung that almost his entire groin was exposed. Whoa! An unselfconscious public display of pubic hair. Mercifully, he didn’t linger in front

 

I don't know about anyone else, but I've gotten so many miscellaneous gift cards with AARP that I've had to write them down in order to keep track of what I have -- there are some I still haven't used, yet. Today, I suppose, isn't really about redeeming your gift cards, more or less - mainly, it's about getting all of your obtained/collected gift cards organized, documented, and ready for use. Just a gentle reminder, if you will. Well...Have fun with that! 😁 National Use Your Gift Card Day reminds Americans to use the $1 billion in unused gift cards each year. On the third Saturday in January, take stock of the gift cards you received over the holidays. Then, make the most of each one of them before they're forgotten for good!  [source: National Day Calendar] 

 

'Blue Monday' - Some say this day in January is, "the most depressing day of the year." Blue Monday: Here’s Why Some Think It’s The Most Depressing Day Of The Year[source: Farmer's Almanac.com]✨  Blue [WIKI]✨  Monday  [WIKI] 🎵  Orkestra Obsolete play 'Blue Monday' using 1930s instruments - BBC Arts[source: BBC YouTube]Here are blue-hued images to look at/admire. 🙂 💙 Now go outside. Get some 🌬 fresh (artic, perhaps) air.[And that vitamin D!]    

 

 

 

And, you'll receive month-long good luck!  Simply say the following words (aloud), 'Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit!, the very first thing on October 1st, and you'll see yourself basking in good luck! There are other variations to this, such as...some say, 'Rabbit! Rabbit!', or 'White Rabbit!' (For those night owls/rabbits, speaking these 2 or 3 words just after midnight still counts. Because, although you may be a night owl/rabbit and have not slept yet, you too deserve some good luck!) Be sure to 'thank' this little fella, Mr. Rabbit  🐇 , if you do have some good luck, throughout the month. And, in return, he'll wiggle his little nose, just for you!  /)/)( . .)( づ♡  This will be my second rabbiting experience (my first being in September, and I did not have any good luck during that month.). So, I do hope (one day) to see Mr. Rabbit wiggle his nose, just for me! Let's make it a good one! ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و  [source: Sandra Boynton - Face

It's a huge list this year, so feel free to add anyone notlisted. As per Billboard, in no particular order:May they RIP in rocker heaven 🎸😢💜 Tina TurnerJimmy BuffettGary Rossington, Last surviving member of Lynyrd SkynyrdJeff BeckDavid CrosbyGordon LightfootTim Bachman, BTOHarry BelafonteBobby CaldwellOtis Redding IIITony BennettRobbie Robertson, The BandRandy Meisner, original Eagles bassistBernie Marsden, WhitesnakeBrad Houser,Co-founder, New BohemiansJohn Gosling, KinksSinead O'ConnorColin Burgess, Original drummer, AC/DCDenny Laine, Founding member, Moody BluesShane MacGowan, PoguesJean Knight, "Mr. big stuff"Mars Williams, Psychedelic Furs, WaitressesGeorge Brown, Kool&the GangGeorge Winston, PianistAstrud Gilberto, The girl from IpanemaRudolph Isley, Isley BrothersTerry Kirkman, Co-founder&Frontman, The AssociationRoger WhittakerGary WrightSteve Harwell, Smash MouthJack Sonni, Formerly of Dire StraitsRay Hildebrand, Paul&PaulaBob Feldman, songwriter/produ

Happy New Year to all the rock n rollers out there.  🎇 🎆🥂🎉  Wishing everyone Peace, Love, and Happiness in 2024. Imagine - John Lennonhttps://youtu.be/46_1OXewWu0?si=WVFA4FLxkS73-F6y Do you have a favorite New Year song? 

What a year [2024]. So many losses. 😔   🥀  Rest in peace. 🥀 Not necessarily meant for the living... 'May your days be many and your troubles be few. May all God's blessings descend upon you. May peace be within you. May your heart be strong. May you find what you're seeking wherever you roam, and the insight to know when you're going too far. May you have love that never ends.' / 'May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.' 'Until we meet again.' 'Remembering the big screen celebrities, music legends, cultural pioneers and those who left indelible memories on the public consciousness.' ✨  Deaths in 2024  [Wiki] ✨  Remembering The Stars We Lost In 2024  [source: Essence/essence.com] ✨  2024 Notable Deaths   [The New York Times/nytimes.com]✨  Celebrity Deaths 2024  [USA Tod

What better theme for a New Year’s Eve music blog than the word year. As we usher out the old year, and in the new, may listening to great music perhaps be one of your resolutions, and compared to many we make, an easy one to achieve. Some year/s greats include “The Year of the Cat,” “100 Years,” “Still Crazy After All These Years,” “Golden Years” which provides the title for the blog, “Reelin’ In The Years,” “New Years Day,” “All Those Years Ago,” among many others. The word also plays well into songs about Christmas and the New Year. I did include 2 songs that don’t include year in the title, with Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” which includes the iconic line “We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl year after year,” as well as Ten Years After’s “I’d Love To Change The World,” with credit for year in the band’s name. They both seemed worth of inclusion. Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with memorable moments, music, and fun. Enjoy “Golden YEARS” I hope th

I just love the accordion. It's here you can post music with heavy accordion, accordion accompaniment, (Weird Al *wink*), 'Accordion' in the title, etc...  Let's embrace the accordion! I will start:  Paul Simon - The Boy In The Bubble  

Sunday - July 11, 2021 You probably have several.Feel free to stop by each day to add songs.We would luv to hear from you!!!

Got leftover fruitcake? The beauty of this bread of fruit-nutty (hold the nuts) loaf is known for its shelf life of many, many moons (depending on how it's stored), and it can be re-gifted for next Christmas! [Not a fan of fruitcake? And, yah wanna toss that bread? Next month, on January 3rd, it's 'National Fruitcake Toss Day' (aka your lucky day!) [source: National Day Calendar/YouTube]. Or, you can use them as 'bricks,' like Pee-wee Herman! *wink* [source: YouTube]. Or! You could just keep them somewhere for sentimental reasons. The non-fruitcake lover options are endless!] National Fruitcake DayMade with chopped candied or dried fruit, nuts, and spices and sometimes soaked in spirits, fruitcake has been a holiday gift-giving tradition for many years. Across the United States, fruitcake lovers young and old, commemorate National Fruitcake Day each year on December 27th. [source: National Day Calendar] ✨  Fruitcake [source: WIKI]✨  Why