Whose Line - News Conference - Santa announces retirement

Levi Stubbs' Tears - Billy Bragg

I have almost all of Billy Braggs' music on vinyl and several cds, including the retrospective Must I Paint You A Picture. The man can write a song and this one tells a story with the image of a tearful Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops. Always thought he was a great guitarist as well. This video was done in a continuous shot from start to finish sans editing.

Boubacar "Kar Kar" Traoré & Ali Farka Touré

Ali Farka Touré and Boubacar "Kar Kar" Traoré sing "Diarabi" while walking through a ruin in what seems to be Mali. This clip is from a dvd called "Je Chanterai Pour Toi" (I will sing for you) and is both haunting and inspiring. Wonderful, meaningful location and outstanding talent.

American Social History website

Briefly from the website itself:


"Aquifer American Social History Online - Find and use 19th and 20th century primary resources from unique historical digital collections. * search diverse digital content from 175 American Social History research collections * find more than 514,708 digitized objects in 9 formats, including images (photographs and cultural materials), books and pamphlets, journal articles, maps, sheet music, videos, data sets, political cartoons and posters, and oral histories."

I have not fully explored this site but it seems to be one worth mentioning and bookmarking. The browsing shortcuts to the right offer sections for time periods, places and subjects. The material would be useful for local research and general historical interest.

Winnie Pooh in Russian - Part 4

Eeyore's birthday has sent Pooh and Piglet on a mission. Pooh decided to give Eeyore a jar of honey and Piglet will give Eeyore a green balloon. Of course, the honey jar was soon empty so Pooh goes to Owl (Caba - Savvah) so that she could put his name on the jar. At Owl's house he finds a bell ringer suspiciously like a donkey tail. Meanwhile Piglet has a slight accident which leaves the green balloon no more.

All works out though, and Eeyore receives his gifts.

Winnie Pooh in Russian - part 3

First off, the voice acting is superb. Eeyore has a touch of melancholy and hypochondria.

I think it is Eeyore's birthday and Pooh decides to get gifts. I like the way Pooh rubs his nose...the ripples on the water. He runs to his house and rings his bell for Piglet. No one answers and he kicks his own door. Pooh is going to give him a jar of honey and Piglet decides to give Eeyore a balloon.

And, once again, Pooh likes to rhyme.

Otis Rush - Can't Quit You, Baby

Remarkable finesse and style on guitar and a phenomenal voice. The video is quite good as well. Blues the way it was meant to be delivered.

Winnie the Pooh in Russian part 2

Winnie continues his adventure after his unfortunate fall with collapsing balloon. This time, he and Piglet visit Rabbit who will, of course, provide refreshments for his company. There are many things I like about this little cartoon. The conversation at Rabbits door is funny as Winnie shouts into the door without realizing that Rabbit is watching from his raised "porch". After reading the mat at the door he wipes his feet into the open door. After a brief pause inside, the honey is dispensed and Winnie tries to be a good guest by washing Piglets face and briefly rubbing his own with the hand towel. I like the look he gives himself in the mirror to see if he is suitably refreshed.

The rest you can see for yourself and note how differently the American and Russian stories are played out.

I will provide chapter three tomorrow.

"Matrix Kitty" vid

Lone cat mobbed by a small herd of Cardigan Welsh corgi pups.

The cat was freaked but in no danger...except maybe drown in puppy drool.

Rory Gallagher -They Don't Make Them Like You

Winnie Poo in Russian

Winnie the Poo stories in Russian. The animation is unique and storybook looking, if you get my meaning. The characters and backgrounds are lovely and superb, the voice acting capturing the personality of each. Poo is relaxed and good-natured ...Piglet is kindhearted and loyal , Eeyore is morose but endearing.

The first video is the story of Winnie trying to get honey from beehive. The ending is abrupt, but from start to finish a delight.

BTW, Poo likes to rhyme.