It’s that time of the year when stations start throwing in some holiday songs to break up the monotony of playing the same twenty songs over and over again!
And, many adult contemporary stations switched over to 24-hour Christmas music in early November. What do you think was the most played Christmas song last year???
According to Nielsen Music, here are the 10 most played Christmas songs on radio in 2016.
JOHNNY MATHIS — “IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS”
BING CROSBY — “WHITE CHRISTMAS”
ANDY WILLIAMS — “IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR”
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHRESTRA — “CHRISTMAS EVE SARAJAVO”
NAT KING COLE — “THE CHRISTMAS SONG”
MARIAH CAREY — “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU”
BOBBY HELMS — “JINGLE BELL ROCK”
BURL IVES — “A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS”
BRENDA LEE — “ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE”
JOSE FELICIANO — “FELIZ NAVIDAD”
Will we have a repeat this year and will there be new entries in the Top Ten?
I hope you’re enjoying your Thanksgiving and had plenty to eat.
With many out shopping or visiting with family, I’m not sure how many will check out my “Random Friday Thoughts”, but here they are.
CHRISTMAS CARD DILEMMA
I’m still one of those people trying to keep the postal service in business by buying 49-cent stamps and mailing out Christmas cards!
While I personalize each card, I started sending out a Christmas letter to recap my year for those that don’t follow me on Facebook or read my blog! (The horror!)
Last year, at the end of my Christmas letter, I shared the photo with Hillary Clinton and I wrote that it was “the highlight of the year” for me.
And, I added, “Sadly, we all know how that turned out in November! Regardless of how you voted, I was very dismayed. But, I hope for the best for the U.S. and the world over the next four years.”
I thought that was diplomatic and it expressed my sadness.
However, I was appalled by a response from, I guess, a former “friend” and co-worker. On the outside of the envelope, she wrote:
Now, I spent my only Maryland Thanksgiving with her and her husband. She was my drinking buddy and my confidant. I still considered her a friend even though at some point in 2016, she unfriended me on Facebook!
So, I was torn. Do I not send a card this year? Do I send a card and ignore the comment?
Or, do I send a card and say, “I was already living in a stronger ISIS-free America prior to the election. As for a “new found security”, I wasn’t insecure. When I’m in a large crowd, I’m aware of my surroundings, but I’ve never felt threatened or insecure. But, as one of your LGBT friends, I feel more insecure of my future now –with the current administration — than I did prior to the 2016 election!”
What would you do? At the end of the blog, I’ll tell you what I did. 🙂
STAMPS
By the way, I chose these fun stamps this year.
I’M NOT IN THE MIDWEST ANYMORE!
As the winter season moves closer, I know I’ll miss the Midwest snow. However, I won’t miss the bitterly cold air!
I smiled the other day when I saw this on an area National Weather Service Twitter feed.
Here in northwestern Florida, it only takes 2″+ of snow and/or more than 1/2″ of sleet (or a combination) in a 12-hour period for a “Winter Storm Warning”!
Back in the Quad Cities, it would take 6″ of snow in a 12-hour period or 8″ in 24 hours and/or more than 1/2″ of sleet (or a combination) for a “Winter Storm Warning” to be issued!
GOODBYE, “AHS: CULT”
This season of “American Horror Story: Cult” was incredible.
While the subject matter — the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election — brought back many painful memories, it was presented pretty realistically (although the violence was highly over exaggerated for dramatic effect!). There were things as a Hillary or a Trump supporter that you may not have wanted to hear.
So, as I say “thank you” Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk for a great season, I want to share two crazy late season scenes.
TV reporter and eventual cult member Beverly Hope tells cult leader Kai Anderson what she thinks of him and his cult as she tries to break away.
BH: “Your promises are sh*t. You’re a fake. You don’t stand for a goddamn thing.”
KA: “I’m standing up for millions of people who are finally being heard.”
BH: “Nothing is bigger than your ego. You don’t know what the f*ck you’re doing from one minute to the next. You’re an incompetent guy — just another media whore.”
And, for this next one, I won’t set up the scene because I don’t believe in complete spoilers. But, it was my favorite line of the season!
And, how can I move on without sharing this hilarious one again from earlier in the season!
WINTER FINALE — “HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER”
With all of the craziness of the past 3.5 seasons, you know when you get a special warning beyond the typical “Viewer Discretion Advised” in the last 20 minutes that it’s going to be over-the-top!
Well, this winter finale had a W-T-F ending that you couldn’t tear yourself away from –even as you cringed!
Without giving it anything away, it was the most painful and heart-wrenching scene I’ve seen on television — maybe ever!
This scene made the accidental deadly gunshot to the head and the blood spatter earlier in the episode register only as a “wow”.
“How To Get Away With Murder” returns on January 18, 2018.
NOW THAT IT’S THANKSGIVING…
Maybe people will be a little less touchy about seeing Christmas decorations and hearing all Christmas, all the time on the radio, now that they’ve had some turkey.
However, if you’re decorating this weekend and you live in Florida or in a tropical area, be careful with palm trees and lights! 🙂
PRICIEST CHRISTMAS TREE
Last year, the Christmas tree at the Emirates Palace Hotel, a seven-star hotel in Abu Dhabi, was valued at $11.4 million!
Emeralds, diamonds, and pearls enhanced the 43-feet high tree.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FOR KIDS
Since many of you will be heading out Christmas shopping, here’s an interesting tidbit:
“U.S. children make up just 3.1% of the global world population, but American families buy 40% of the world’s toys.” (“Time” — March 23, 2015)
JON STEWART SAID WHAT???
Former “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart tells “Rolling Stone” in November 2014 about Fox News and Christmas:
“They truly feel the loss of absolute power is the same as persecution. Like, watch them do their “War on Christmas” stuff. It’s real, man. There’s no bullsh*t. They are in the middle of Rockefeller Center talking about “They won’t let us put up a Christmas tree!” Meanwhile, they’re standing next to a 60-foot Christmas tree in a place with so much Christmas stuff up it looks like Santa’s balls just exploded.”
HOT JANUARY TELEVISION
Two highly anticipated television shows (at least for me) will be warming up my DVR in January.
Back in June, I wrote about the upcoming Ryan Murphy series, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”.
The 10-episode series will premiere on January 17, 2018.
It stars Edgar Ramirez as Versace, Oscar winner Penelope Cruz as Versace’s sister, Donatella, Darren Criss (“Glee”) as Andrew Cunanan, the man that killed Versace, and Ricky Martin, as Versace’s boyfriend, Antonio D’Amico.
Here’s the official trailer.
And, the 10-episode eleventh season of “The X-Files” returns even earlier on January 3, 2018, on Fox.
David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson return as FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully!
“WIND RIVER”
Jeremy Renner plays a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent who stumbles upon the body of an a teenager in the cold, wintry Wyoming tundra on the Wind River Indian Reservation.
The woman’s death isn’t a simple case of hypothermia and frostbite. The FBI is called in and rookie special agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) has to determine if this is a murder case.
Olsen is incredible in this very intense and, at times, brutal movie.
“Wind River” cost $11 million, but it went on to gross $40 million at the box office.
GRADE: A-
A DIFFERENT “THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS”
I feature this very different version of the “The Twelve Days of Christmas” every year because it’s so funny.
I hope you find it humorous, too.
CHRISTMAS CARD DILEMMA — MY SOLUTION
I took the high road and I didn’t send a card. I decided to vent and share my disappointment here.
If she hadn’t unfriended me on Facebook, I would have addressed it to her privately.
My thought is that if that’s how she approached the subject — on the outside of an envelope last year — her friendship isn’t worth 49 cents!
THAT’S IT
With all the craziness in the world, make it the best in your little part of it!
Many watch football and stuff themselves for Thanksgiving. Many love to shop until they drop.
And, some like to lounge on the couch and watch movies.
If you’re one of those people, I want to recommend a few movies if you haven’t already seen them.
Why? Because I enjoyed these and they just picked up “Independent Spirit Award” nominations.
“PATTI CAKE$”
This awesome overlooked American drama is nominated for Best First Feature for the “Independent Spirit Award”.
I’ve heard really good things about the summer drama “Patti Cake$”.
As I started watching the first 10-15 minutes of the movie, I was unsure what I was going to think about it. However, it clicked and I loved it.
Danielle Macdonald plays Patricia Dombrowski, who’s mockingly called “Dumbo” in her New Jersey neighborhood.
She’s down on her luck and her home life is appalling. She lives with her mother and terminally ill grandmother. They’re poor and behind on their bills and are constantly getting collection agency calls.
But, the hardship comes naturally for Patti. Her mother, Barb (Bridget Everett) loves to get drunk and sing karaoke at the dive bar where Patti works.
Patti’s calling is writing rhymes and rapping with her best friend, Jheri, played by a very charming Siddharth Dhananjay, a YouTube star from India.
By the end of the movie, you’re rooting for Patti and being thankful that Barb isn’t your mother.
Another interesting note about “Patti Cake$” is that while watching the movie, it had a very “Muriel’s Wedding” feel with rap music substituted for ABBA songs.
The reason could be that Macdonald is Australian, just like Muriel Heslop and actress Toni Collette.
GRADE: A-
“GET OUT”
This movie picked up five nominations in the “Independent Spirit Award”: Best Feature, Best Director (Jordan Peele), Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Male Lead (Daniel Kaluuya).
Racism is front and center of this psychological drama about a young, white woman taking her black boyfriend home to her little small New England town.
It’s the directorial debut from comedian Jordan Peele (“Key & Peele” and “MADtv”) and he masters it beautifully. Peele knows the subject very well since he’s the son of an interracial couple.
As the movie is moving toward its climax, you might have to suspend disbelief, but the point is perfectly driven home.
While it’s a drama, the comedy provided by Chicago actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery is so funny. He plays the main character’s best friend.
When he explained to his friend why he needed to “Get Out” of there, I’m glad I wasn’t taking a drink of something when he started talking about Jeffrey Dahmer, lobotomies, and penises! It was so flipping hilarious!
GRADE: A-
“THE BIG SICK”
This movie picked up two nominations for “Independent Spirit Award”: Best First Screenplay and Best Supporting Female (Holly Hunter).
This romantic comedy (dramedy) is loosely based on the lives of lead actor Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon. Both Nanjiani and Gordon were co-writers of the script.
Without giving away the “big sick” part, it’s the story of a Pakistani comedian (Nanjiani) in Chicago. One night at a show, he’s heckled by a cute, young woman (Zoe Kazan).
A romance ensues, but things get complicated by the fact that Emily is white.
Holly Hunter, who plays Emily’s mother, is incredible in the movie. It’s so great to see the Oscar winner back in a powerful role. I seriously think that she could get another Academy Award nomination for this movie. If so, that’d be her fifth Oscar nomination!
“The Big Sick” is a must see!
GRADE: A
“CALL ME BY YOUR NAME”
And, my most anticipated movie that I won’t get to see until 2018 is “Call Me By Your Name”.
This movie picked up the most “Independent Spirit Award” nominations — six — for Best Feature, Best Director (Luca Guadagnino), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Male Lead (Timothee Chalamet), and Best Supporting Male (Armie Hammer).
I so wish I lived in a big city to see this when it hits theaters Friday! But, since I don’t, it’ll be early 2018 that I’ll see it — just in time for Oscar nominations!
Can you believe Thanksgiving is now just days away?
I hope you have an incredible feast and enjoy everything about the holiday season.
Thank you for checking out my “Random Friday Thoughts”.
THANK YOU AUSTRALIA!
Australians earlier this week overwhelmingly (62%) voted “yes” for marriage equality!
Thank you for seeing that “Love Is Love Is Love”. And, thank you LeAnn Rimes for this incredible #1 U.S. Dance hit!
“COURT”ING CONTROVERSY”
75-year-old Australian tennis legend Margaret Court, who won 62 major titles in her career is a long-time opponent to marriage equality.
In one of my first blogs ever back in January 2012, I wrote about Court when she said this (and much more) about being LGBT, “It is not something you are born with. My concern is that we are advocating to young people that it is OK to have these feelings.”
At the time, I wrote, “While I fully disagree with Court, I’m glad she stands by her views and I hope one day she can open her mind for equality.” Clearly, she hasn’t.
So, ironically, I concluded my blog then with, “You old wind bag, feel free to speak your mind, but if you get on the “court” and make a lob, expect a return volley.”
No regrets!
NAVRATILOVA, MATCH & GAME POINT!
Openly gay tennis pro and LGBT rights activist Martina Navratilova posted this awesome tweet for Court.
“MR. ROBOT”
The third season of the USA Network hit series is moving right along and recently addressed #45!
Zhang (who’s also “Whiterose”), China’s Minster of State Security, tells the right wing TV host Frank Cody: “I may have a potential candidate for president I want you to back.”(with “that man” on the television).
Cody: <nervous laugh> “Look, the country’s desperate right now, but you can’t be serious. I mean the guy’s a buffoon. He’s completely divorced from reality. How would you even control him?”
Zhang (Whiterose): “If you pull the right strings, a puppet will dance anyway you desire!”
ON THAT NOTE
Vladimir Putin’s approval ratings in Russia hit a record level of 88% with the annexation of Crimea in March 2014!
Wonder what it now that he influenced the 2016 U.S. presidential election?
“MINDHUNTER”
If crime procedurals and serial killers are your thing, you’ll love the Netflix series, “Mindhunter”.
Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany star as FBI agents in the late-1970s that start the FBI’s “Behavioral Science” division to study criminal psychology and criminal profiling.
They want to learn from serial killers and this criminal profiling can help them catch future killers.
Groff (“Glee”, “Hamilton”, and Kristoff in “Frozen”) is adorable in this series. In life, his character, Holden Ford is socially awkward, but it’s his fascination with crime and killers that pushes this project forward.
It’s especially fun seeing the very sexy Groff, who’s gay in real life, play a very sexually active straight man in graphic sex scenes, much like Neil Patrick Harris did on “How I Met Your Mother” — without the graphic sex scenes.
Also, it’s great to see Anna Torv (“Fringe”) back in a series and I love the fact that she eats tuna out of the can! She rocks!
I find it hilarious that since “behavioral science” is a new division within the FBI that it’s relegated to the basement! Sounds like another FBI show that studied paranormal activity and was put in the basement!
GRADE: A-
BEST “MINDHUNTER” LINE THIS SEASON
Holden: “How do you get to be the president of the United States if you’re a sociopath?”
Breathe Trumpsters! He was talking about President Richard Nixon!
WHO LISTENS TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC?
Nielsen released data on Christmas music on the radio from last year and what groups do you think listen to holiday music the most? The results may surprise you.
Millennials (Age 18-34): 36%
Gen X (Age 35-54): 31%
Boomers & Beyond (Age 55+): 25%
Gen Z (Age 13-17): 8%
“MARIAH CHRISTMAS TO ALL”
With that in mind, I put together my “12 Days of Mariah Carey”, I mean my 12 favorite Mariah Carey Christmas songs.
If you missed the countdown earlier in the week, you have another chance. What do you think is #1? Are you right?
Last Friday, Taylor Swift released “reputation”, the follow-up to her megahit “1989”, that’s gone on to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide.
“reputation” sold 1.05 million copies in just its first four days to become the biggest selling album of 2017.
That’s four consecutive first week million sellers for Swift!
One thing I can say about the new album is that “Tim McGraw”‘s Taylor Swift is DEAD!!!!
This album is definitely more grown up and angrier with jabs to the older men she’s dated and veiled slams to Kanye West and Katy Perry (or “drama queens”).
I love the first two singles, “Look What You Made Me Do” and “Ready For It”.
The video to the album’s first single is incredible. Even if you’re not a Swift fan, at least click on the video and watch the last 30 seconds. Amazing and funny!
My favorite songs on the album are “Delicate” and “Gorgeous”.
I also love “I Did Something Bad”, “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things”, “Getaway Car”, “Dress”, and “Don’t Blame Me”.
“End Game” with Ed Sheeran and Future is great, too.
GRADE: A-
“PATTI CAKE$”
I’ve heard really good things about the summer drama “Patti Cake$”.
As I started watching the first 10-15 minutes of the movie, I was unsure what I was going to think about it. However, it clicked and I loved it.
Danielle Macdonald plays Patricia Dombrowski, who’s mockingly called “Dumbo” in her New Jersey neighborhood.
She’s down on her luck and her home life is appalling. She lives with her mother and terminally ill grandmother. They’re poor and behind on their bills and are constantly getting collection agency calls.
But, the hardship comes naturally for Patti. Her mother, Barb (Bridget Everett) loves to get drunk and sing karaoke at the dive bar where Patti works.
Patti’s calling is writing rhymes and rapping with her best friend, Jheri, played by a very charming Siddharth Dhananjay, a YouTube star from India.
By the end of the movie, you’re rooting for Patti and being thankful that Barb isn’t your mother.
GRADE: A-
Another interesting note about “Patti Cake$” is that while watching the movie, it had a very “Muriel’s Wedding” feel with rap music substituted for ABBA songs.
The reason could be that Macdonald is Australian, just like Muriel Heslop and actress Toni Collette.
“PATTI CAKE$” BONUS — “PBNJ”
“THE BEGUILED”
First off, the movie stars my “girl crush” Nicole Kidman and the very sexy Colin Farrell.
It’s set in 1864, near the end of the Civil War.
Martha Farnsworth (Kidman) runs a home for young girls in Virginia. One day while out hunting mushrooms, one of the girls finds an injured Union soldier (Farrell).
Against their better judgement, they nurse him back to health instead of turning him over to the Confederate Army.
Well, being the only (hot) man in a house of two women (Kidman and Kirsten Dunst) and a sexually provocative teenage vixen (Elle Fanning), you can imagine there’s “tension” and things go bad.
GRADE: B+
THAT’S IT
With all the craziness in the world, make it the best in your little part of it!
UPDATE: I saw Mariah Carey’s amazing Christmas show in Las Vegas last December and she was phenomenal, beautiful, and sounded incredible!
ORIGINAL POST
I can’t believe that I’ve never gotten to see the incredibly amazing Mariah Carey in concert.
I had tickets to see her and Lionel Richie in Nashville, Tennessee, this past summer, but that show was postponed. When the new tour update came out, Nashville had been dropped. 😦
I’ve equally been wanting to get to New York City to see her Christmas show at the Beacon Theater, so when it was announced that she was bringing the show to Las Vegas, I was ready to move heaven and earth to see it.
I love Christmas and I love Mariah, so guess what, it’s happening!!!!!!!
Yesterday, I shared my “12 Days of Mariah”, I mean, my 12 favorite Mariah Carey Christmas songs. If you think it’s too soon for Christmas songs, take a chance and check it out…
Today, I’m counting down my 20 favorite Mariah Carey songs. And, let me say, composing this list was so hard!
Not only has she topped the Billboard Hot 100 eighteen (18) times in her career (only the Beatles had more #1 hits), Mariah has easily spent more weeks at the top of that chart 79 weeks) than her nearest competitor. They’re 20 weeks behind the Queen!
So, let the countdown begin!!!!
“ANYTIME YOU NEED A FRIEND” (#12 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1994)
“YOU NEED ME” (Album Track — 1990)
“TOUCH MY BODY” (1 week at #1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 2008)
“WE BELONG TOGETHER” (14 weeks at #1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 2005)
“PRISONER” (Album Track — 1990)
“FANTASY” (8 weeks at #1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1995)
“YOU’RE SO COLD” (Album Track — 1991)
“MY ALL” (1 week at #1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1998)
“HERO” (4 weeks at #1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1993)
“ALWAYS BE MY BABY” (2 weeks at #1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1996)
“CAN’T LET GO” (#2 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1992)
“I DON’T WANNA CRY” (2 weeks at #1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1991)
“LOVE TAKES TIME” (3 weeks at #1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1990)
“THERE’S GOT TO BE A WAY” (Album Track — 1991)
“SOMEDAY” (2 weeks at #1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1991)
“DREAMLOVER” (8 weeks at #1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1993)
“ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU” (#11 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1994)
“VISION OF LOVE” (4 weeks at #1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1990)
“MAKE IT HAPPEN” (#5 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1992)
“EMOTIONS” (3 weeks at #1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1991)
So, those are favorite Mariah Carey songs. Check out my separate blog of my Top Ten Mariah Carey Christmas songs.
Santa (and his jovial face) is synonymous with Christmas for kids from one to ninety-two. But, he’s gotten some beautiful competition that builds each passing year.
When I think of Christmas, two modern singers come to mind: Mariah Carey and Michael Buble.
While Buble gave us the 2011 perennial favorite “Christmas” (and the 2003 EP, “Let It Snow”), it’s Mariah that dominates Christmas!
It all started with her now classic hit, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” from the 1994 “Merry Christmas” album.
That album has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide and the song alone has sold another 14 million around the world.
Mariah released a second Christmas set in 2010, “Merry Christmas II You”.
There are other singers that have released more Christmas albums (Reba McEntire, Celine Dion, Glen Campbell, and Johnny Mathis to name a few), but Mariah has made herself as much a part of Christmas as egg nog, sleigh rides, and rockin’ around the Christmas tree.
In 2014, she began an annual Christmas concert at the Beacon Theater in New York City.
This year, while she’ll still do six shows at the Beacon, there are seven other North American dates, plus a five-night residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
I was lucky enough to see the Christmas show in Las Vegas in December 2017 and Mariah looked and sounded flawless and the sets were incredible!!!!!!!
It was the most magical 90 minutes I’ve enjoyed in the past couple of years!
And, if that wasn’t enough, the Christmas show is going international with three dates in England and France!
In addition to the Christmas concerts, she has a direct-to-video animated feature called “Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You”, (November 14th), for which she recorded a new song called “Lil Snowman” for the soundtrack.
Mariah also has the title song from the upcoming holiday release “The Star” (November 17th), which also features new holiday music from Fifth Harmony and Kelsea Ballerini, which is available now!
And, if that’s not enough, there’s also the “Mariah Carey Christmas Factory”, a deal with the “Sugar Factory”, that’ll feature more than 100 Christmas-themed retail and candy items created by Mariah!
Plus, you can also look for 2015’s holiday feature, “A Christmas Melody”, on The Hallmark Channel, in which Mariah starred and made her directorial debut.
CONCLUSION:MARIAH CAREY = CHRISTMAS!
I just booked a trip to Vegas to see Mariah’s December 14th show! That means, I now have to quickly buy a ticket.
So, while I do that, let me be your jukebox as I share my “12 Days of Mariah Carey”, oops, I mean my Lucky 13 favorite Mariah Carey Christmas songs!!
“CHRISTMAS TIME IS IN THE AIR AGAIN”
“WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES”
“SILENT NIGHT”
“CHRISTMAS (BABY PLEASE COME HOME)”
“JESUS WHAT A WONDERFUL CHILD”
“THE STAR”
“MISS YOU MOST (AT CHRISTMAS TIME)”
“JOY TO THE WORLD”
“O HOLY NIGHT”
“HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS (RIGHT DOWN SANTA CLAUS LANE)”
The first story in today’s blog may not set well with some. That’s fine. Read it or scroll past it and check out the rest of my thoughts.
If you’d like to comment (and I’m asking for your opinion), do it diplomatically!
Have a great weekend and thank you for checking out my random thoughts.
REFLECTIONS — ONE YEAR LATER!
It’s been one year now since that fateful night in 2016 when the truly impossible happened.
The bottom line is that former FBI Director James Comey’s October 27th bombshell of reopening the email controversy was (and still is) the main reason for the unthinkable. If that proclamation hadn’t been made, Hillary Clinton would be the 45th President of the United States!
Now that I’ve had a year to reflect on it (and you have, too), I’m still no more at ease than I was in the early morning hours of November 9, 2016.
In retrospective, I’m not mad at the minority of people that voted for “that man”. While I don’t know, I try to understand why they did.
I’m still angrier with the people that voted for Gary Johnson and Jill Stein. Did they really think that either of them had a chance to win the election? No!
Did they vote for them to make a statement against Hillary? Yes!
But, was it worth the outcomes in the battleground states of Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin? If a fraction of the votes for Johnson and Stein in those all important states had been cast for Hillary, she would have had the electoral votes to win the election.
Now, my question for those who voted for Trump, are you happy with what he’s done for America? Also, do you think he’s well representing the U.S. and what we stand for on the world stage?
And, I didn’t even get started on the Bernie Sanders supporters that didn’t vote or didn’t vote for Hillary. Again, was the outcome of that anger worth it?
Those are some of the questions I’ve asked myself every day for the past year! I can’t answer them.
I just know how I feel waking up daily and not having Hillary Clinton as my president. 😦
I hope things change.
“AMERICAN HORROR STORY”
The seventh season of “American Horror Story” wraps up Tuesday night, November 14th!
Wait, wrong graphic! 🙂
I can’t wait to see how “Cult” ends. After the dismal fourth and fifth seasons (“Freak Show” and Hotel”, respectively), and the so-so sixth season, “Roanoke”, this season was entertaining and thought-provoking.
FAILED AGGRESSORS!
“History is filled with aggressors who triumphed for a moment. Then failed.”
Who do you think Madeleine Albright, the 64th U.S. Seceretary of State, was talking about in “Time” magazine in 2014?
Since you know me so well, I know who you’re thinking!
Surprisingly, it’s not “that man”. It’s this slime bag– Vladimir Putin!
But, as time will likely tell, it’ll fit well into our current situation, too!
LAS VEGAS AND NOW TEXAS…
It sounds like a broken record.
Here’s what I wrote on July 14, 2017, before the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history in Las Vegas and before the Texas church shooting last weekend.
“When something like the Pulse Nightclub shooting, the Sandy Hook school massacre, or the bombing outside the Manchester Ariana Grande concert happens, we’re shocked for a few days before the news cycle moves on to the next story.
People go crazy on Facebook sharing “Remember <insert city>” or “Pray for <insert city>. And, then we move on, too!”
Why is this a regular part of our lives now?
DONNA BRAZILE & HER NEW BOOK
EMMA STONE & SEXISM
In her new movie, “Battle of the Sexes”, Oscar winner Emma Stone plays tennis legend Billie Jean King.
It’s about the historic tennis match with sexist, misogynist Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell).
In “Out” magazine in August 2017, Stone talked about where King and women were in the 1970s and where we are today “with anarcissistic, self-focused, constantly-stirring-the-pot kind of guy — again this incredible, qualified woman, and at the same time be playing Billie Jean King…”
Stone adds, “Obviously the way this has all panned out has been fascinating and horrifying, and it still feels like we’re in a bad dream, but those parallels make sense to me — the equal-pay issue makes a lot of sense to me. At our best right now we’re making 80 cents to the dollar.”
“LOSING SLEEP” — CHRIS YOUNG
I’ll admit upfront that I grew up on country music in the 1970s and abandoned the genre for Top 40/English Invasion/Dance music in the 1980s, and then re-discovered country in the 1990s with Reba McEntire and Patty Loveless.
Once radio cooled on Reba and Patty, I pretty music gave up on the format and especially with its love of bro-country.
When I do buy a country album, it’s usually by female singers. The last male country album I bought was Canadian Brett Kissel’s phenomenal “Pick Me Up”, my #7 CD of 2016.
Before that, it was Michael Ray’s self titled full length in 2015.
I went out a limb and bought the latest from country crooner Chris Young.
I really like the texture of his voice on past hits, “Getting You Home (The Black Dress Song)”, “Voices”, “Think of You” (with Cassadee Pope), and “Sober Saturday Night” (with Vince Gill).
On this album, there are some standout perfect songs.
My favorites and I’m putting them in the order of how I’d love for him to release songs as singles: “Losing Sleep” (his current hit, just outside the Top Ten), the ballad “Where I Go When I Drink”, “Holiday” (the perfect summer song), and “She’s Got A Way”.
“Blacked Out”, “Trouble Looking”, and “Hangin’ On” are also great.
GRADE: B+
I KID YOU NOT! 🙂
This is the “The River 100.5” WTRV in Grand Rapids, Michigan, playlist from yesterday morning!
24-hour Christmas music was being played just after Halloween at some stations! Who needs to wait until Thanksgiving anymore?
As you can see, several Christmas songs are already charting on the Adult Contemporary charts.
CHRISTMAS ALBUMS SALES
In 2016, overall album sales dropped almost 17% (falling from 241.4 million in 2015 to 200.8 million in 2016).
However, Christmas albums sales jumped 10.6% (climbing from 7.2 million units to 7.97 million).
HOT NEW CRUSH
You may not know the name “Henry Golding” now.
But, you will when “Crazy Rich Asians” hits theaters August 17, 2018!
Golding is a 30-year-old British-Malaysian actor and he got married a year ago in August! 🙂 😦
MORE MID-FALL TELEVISION THOUGHTS
“How To Get Away With Murder” — Absolutely loving the fourth season. Analise is incredible and I can’t wait to see what this whole blood bath is all about. Plus, Connor and Frank are so hot this season!
“Mr. Robot” — I’m glad that Tyrell (Martin Wallstrom) was given a full episode to expand his back story. And, Wallstrom is so sexy!
Also, I love Darlene (Carly Chaikin) and I’m always surprised at what comes out of her mouth. In a recent episode, it was “muff divers” and “diddle your skittle”! *The horror!* 🙂
As much as I’ve enjoyed the three seasons so far, I hope it ends with this season.
“Law and Order True Crime: The Menendez Brothers” — I’m DVR-ing it, but have not watched the first episode yet. Should I just delete it and free up the space?
“The Walking Dead” (again) — Episodes 2 and 3 of Season 8 sucked! I’m giving it one more episode and I’m done.
This whole Ezekiel, his pet tiger Shiva, and the Kingdom plot line is such a laughable joke.
PICK HIT
EDM (electronic dance music) producer and DJ Marshmello, who’s identity is unknown (but may be American DJ Christian Comstock), has scored seven hits in the U.S. on the Billboard Dance charts since 2015.
Two have reached the Top Ten. “Alone” reached #9 in 2016.
His current hit featuring Khalid, “Silence” is currently at #2 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. It’s also #36 on the Mediabase Top 40 airplay chart.
“Silence” already topped the Australian Dance chart and hit the Top 5 in Belgium, Norway, Sweden, and on the UK Dance chart.
THAT’S IT
With all the craziness in the world, make it the best in your little part of it!
I just booked a solo trip to Vegas this December to see one of my favorite cities decked out in its Christmas best.
And, wouldn’t it just be too much fun if there’s snow since I won’t likely see any in Panama City, Florida!
Lionel Richie will be there the same week at The Axis at Planet Hollywood!
I had tickets to see Lionel and Mariah Carey this past May in Nashville, Tennessee, but the tour was postponed and then Nashville wasn’t on the updated tour itinerary when it kicked off.
So, while I search for tickets, enjoy this trip down memory lane as I share with you my 20 favorite Lionel Richie Songs (okay, there are a few Commodores songs on the list and a duet with Diana Ross)!
What are your favorites???
For the record, narrowing this list down wasn’t easy. As a solo artist, Lionel has 16 Hot 100 hits with thirteen of them reaching the Top Ten and five reaching #1!
With the Commodores, he also had 16 Hot 100 hits. Nine reached the Top Ten and two topped the charts.
So, do the math — that’s 32 Top 40 hits with 22 reaching the Top Ten and making it to the top!
“THREE TIMES A LADY” (with the Commodores) (#1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1978)
DEEP RIVER WOMAN” (#71 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1987)
“LADY (YOU BRING ME UP)” (with the Commodores) (#8 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1981)
“STUCK ON YOU” (#3 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1984)
“TRULY” (#1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1982)
“LOVE WILL CONQUER ALL” (#9 –Billboard Hot 100 — 1986)
“STILL” (#1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1979)
“PENNY LOVER” (#8 –Billboard Hot 100 — 1985)
“HELLO” (#1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1984)
“SAIL ON” (with the Commodores) (#4 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1979)
“MY LOVE” (#5 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1983)
“DO IT TO ME” (#21 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1992)
“ANGEL” (#70 — Billboard Hot 100 — 2000)
“OH NO” (with the Commodores) (#4 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1981)
“ALL NIGHT LONG (ALL NIGHT)” (#1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1983)
“RUNNING WITH THE NIGHT” (#7 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1984)
“ENDLESS LOVE” (with Diana Ross) (#1 — Billboard Hot 100 — 1981)
I want to share this hilarious card my friend, Jennifer, sent me before we jump into this week’s “Random Friday Thoughts”.
KEVIN SPACEY IS GAY, BUT…
This part of the blog has been re-worked many times since Monday.
In a regular blog week, I’d be happy to report that two-time Oscar Award winner Kevin Spacey comes out and is choosing “to live as a gay man”. But, it’s the circumstances surrounding that Twitter “coming out” that’s disturbing.
46-year-old gay actor Anthony Rapp, a star of Broadway’s “Rent” and the CBS All Access’ series, “Star Trek Discovery”, alleges that back in 1986, then 26-year-old Spacey invited him to a party at his Manhattan apartment, when Rapp was only 14!
Rapp tells “Buzzfeed” Spacey tried to seduce him and that “I was aware that he was trying to get with me sexually.”
It was then that Rapp says that Spacey “sort of stood in the doorway, kind of swaying. My impression when he came in the room was that he was drunk … He picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold. But I don’t, like, squirm away initially, because I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’ And then he lays down on top of me.”
Rapp told the LGBT magazine, “The Advocate”, this same story back in 2001, but he didn’t mention Spacey’s name.
Now, several others have come out with allegations against Spacey.
MY THOUGHTS ON SPACEY & THE REVELATIONS
When the story broke, Spacey tweeted, “I’m beyond horrified to hear his story. I honestly do not remember the encounter, it would have been over 30 years ago. But if I did behave as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior, and I am sorry for the feelings he describes having carried with him all these years.”
I really like Spacey as an actor and I love “House of Cards”. However, if what Rapp says is true and why wouldn’t it be, it’s not good. But, I have questions about this.
Was Spacey aware that Rapp was only 14?
And, I’m still baffled, whether 1986 or now, why a 14-year-old would be allowed to be out that late at an adult party — in New York City — without a parent or guardian???
“HOUSE OF CARDS”
After the sexual misconduct allegations against Spacey, Netflix announced that the 53-time Emmy Award-nominated series (seven wins) will end after the sixth season.
That season was set to air in 2018, but production has been suspended indefinitely!
Update: On Friday, a statement was released from Netflix: “Netflix will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey. We will continue to work with MRC [Media Rights Capital, the company that produces the show] during this hiatus time to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the show.”
Even before these developments, if you’re caught up on the show, you know that it was likely nearing its end after the season five finale.
HOLLYWOOD!
Since the Harvey Weinstein rape and sexual misconduct scandal broke and the Spacey allegations, accusations of inappropriate behavior are coming out against director Brett Ratner and actors Dustin Hoffman and Jeremy Piven.
And, women are even coming forward with allegations against former President George H.W. Bush!
“NIPPLEGATE” — 14 YEARS LATER
I was one of the 90 million people watching the Super Bowl halftime performance in 2004 when a “wardrobe malfunction” flashed Janet Jackson’s boob and pierced nipple to the world.
My first reaction was “did I just see what I think I saw?”. However, then and now, I’m still baffled about what’s so taboo about a woman’s boobie?
So, now we’re talking about it again because it was announced that Justin Timberlake, who’s had an amazing career before and after that incident, will be playing Super Bowl LII (52) in February.
Yet, Jackson is still treated like a pariah. It’s white privilege and that’s what people are saying with #JusticeForJanet.
For Christ’s sake, bring her back for a performance if only to rip off Timberlake’s shirt to reveal his nipple and chest!
JANET’S “STATE OF THE WORLD TOUR”
I saw Janet on the “Unbreakable Tour” in Omaha, Nebraska, in October 2015.
After taking time off for health reasons, to become a mother, and separating from her overbearing Middle Eastern husband, Janet is back on the road again with the re-branded “State of The World Tour”.
When I saw her, she was phenomenal and very covered up. Only her face and hands were visible. Her new tour costumes are sexier and more revealing!
Here’s a video of the incredible song “It” from the show I saw.
HILLARY CLINTON “THAT MAN”
You may have noticed that Hillary Clinton was everywhere over the past month or so promoting her book, “What Happened?”, about the 2016 presidential election.
In an interview with “The Sunday Times”, she said, “I thought I’d be a damn good president, I did not think I was going to lose.”
Clinton went on to say, “I feel a terrible sense of responsibility for not having figured out how to defeat this person. There must have been a way and I didn’t find it.”
So now, I don’t have to refer to him as #45 all the time. I now have “this person”!
“CALL ME BY YOUR NAME”
(*Disclaimer: This part of the blog was already written before the Kevin Spacey story broke earlier in the week. The upcoming movie, “Call Me By Your Name”, takes place in Italy where the legal age of consent in 16. The characters in the movie are 24 and 17.*)
After “Beauty and the Beast”, the movie I was impatiently waiting to see was “The Snowman”. Sadly, the horrid reviews scared me away and I’m now waiting for it on DVD.
My anticipation is building for “Call Me By Your Name”.
When the movie opens November 24th, I doubt that it’ll play in Panama City, Florida, but I might be surprised. If that’s the case, I’m not too worried because I’ll catch it when I visit Las Vegas in December.
As the praise and Oscar buzz for the movie grows, I’m getting rather ticked about the silly blogs and articles slamming it for not showing full frontal nudity!
Trust me, I understand it. If Armie Hammer and Timothee Chalamet were showing “the full monty”, I’d love it, too.
But, as sensual as the movie is expected to be, if that’s what you really want to see, just Google “male nudity” or check out redtube for porn! It’s free!
ON A LIGHTER, HUMOROUS MUSICAL NOTE
Proof that some people have way too much time on their hand or are way too creative, someone took the dance scene from “Call Me By Your Name” and set it too many different songs and IT WORKS. It’s hilarious.
Here’s the original from the movie with the Psychedelic Furs.
Here are a couple of favorites — “Til’ The World Ends” by Britney Spears and “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction. Too cute!
NEW HERSHEY BAR
Hershey’s is debuting a new candy bar December 1st and it sounds amazing!
It’s a caramelized creme bar with bits of salty peanuts and pretzel bits.
This is only the fourth candy bar in the company’s history. The original debuted in 1900, followed by a special dark variety in 1939, and the Hershey’s Cookies ‘n Creme bar in 1995.
MID-FALL TELEVISION THOUGHTS
“THE WALKING DEAD”— Negan is still alive and after a decent return in the eighth season opener, the second episode of mainly gunfight was so boring. If this continues, I’m seriously done!
Eric was shot, but I’m not too concerned. I’m shipping Jesaaron (Jesus and Aaron), so Eric needs to go. 🙂
“MADAM SECRETARY” — Loved Elizabeth calling out the Fox News-like network and “fake news” and how it’s hurting America. And, I was totally shocked and saddened by the departure of a beloved character. (The actress asked CBS to be released from her contract.)
“THE GOOD DOCTOR” — Still loving this hit Freddie Highmore series on ABC.
“THEBRAVE” — Still enjoying this thriller, yet it seems like every time they go up against terrorists, they always win without causalities.
That’s a good thing because this show has the most beautiful cast!
“TEN DAYS IN THEVALLEY” — After four episodes, it’s been pulled from the schedule due to low ratings. It’ll return on Saturday nights in December to burn off the remaining six episodes. I still want to see how it ends.
“AMERICAN HORROR STORY: CULT” — This crazy, enjoyable season wraps up November 14th. Sadly, I know how the real life events this installment is based on is going. I want to know how insane it’ll get over the next two weeks!
FLASHBACK TO THE ’80S
Does anyone remember “Don Quichotte” by the French trio Magazine 60?
While the song reached the Top Ten in France and it was played in American dance clubs, it only reached the Top 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986.
FINAL HALLOWEEN THOUGHT
THAT’S IT
With all the craziness in the world, make it the best in your little part of it!
Texas-born singer and country hell raiser Tanya Tucker scored her first hit in 1972 when she was only 13-years-old.
As I wrote in the summer of 2014 after reading Tanya’s book, “Nickel Dreams”, “I know my family probably tired quickly of their 8-year-old son running around and constantly belting out Tanya songs and wishing he were Tanya Tucker!”
Now, 45 years later, I’m finally getting to see the superstar I was obsessed with as a youngster in Kentucky!
I just booked a December trip to Las Vegas, one of my favorite cities, to see it in all of its Christmas glory! And, what makes the trip even more special is Tanya will be playing at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas downtown.
While I frantically check to see what seats are left, enjoy this trip down memory lane as I count down my 20 favorite Tanya Tucker songs!
By the way, this was very difficult considering that Tanya Tucker has 57 hits on the Billboard Country charts.
Of those, an incredible 40 hit the Top Ten, 32 made the Top Five, and ten reached #1!!!
Let me know your favorites, too!
“I’M THE SINGER YOU’RE THE SONG” (#18 — Billboard Country — 1979)
“SOON” (#2 — Billboard Country — 1993)
“DON’T BELIEVE MY HEART CAN STAND ANOTHER YOU” (#4 — Billboard Country — 1976)
“LOVE ME LIKE YOU USED TO” (#2 — Billboard Country — 1987)
“HERE’S SOME LOVE” (#1 — Billboard Country — 1976)
“I’LL COME BACK AS ANOTHER WOMAN” (#2 — Billboard Country — 1987)
“WOULD YOU LAY WITH ME (IN A FIELD OF STONE)” (#1 — Billboard Country — 1974)
“TWO SPARROWS IN A HURRICANE” (#2 — Billboard Country — 1992)
“IT’S A LITTLE TOO LATE” (#2 — Billboard Country — 1993)
“SOME KIND OF TROUBLE” (#3 — Billboard Country — 1992)
“DOWN TO MY LAST TEARDROP” (#2 — Billboard Country — 1991)
“TEXAS (WHEN I DIE)” (#5 — Billboard Country — 1979)
“THE JAMESTOWN FERRY” (B-side — 1972)
“BLOOD RED AND GOIN’ DOWN” (#1 — Billboard Country — 1973)
“SAN ANTONIO STROLL” (#1 — Billboard Country — 1975)
“WHAT’S YOUR MAMA’S NAME” (#1 — Billboard Country — 1973)
“IF YOUR HEART AIN’T BUSY TONIGHT” (#4 — Billboard Country — 1992)
“(WITHOUT YOU) WHAT DO I DO WITH ME?” (#2 — Billboard Country — 1992)
“DELTA DAWN” (#6 — Billboard Country — 1972)
“LIZZIE AND THE RAINMAN” (#1 — Billboard Country — 1975)
If I’m lucky, maybe Tanya will see this and I’ll get to meet her and raise some hell! After all, It’s Vegas!
Anthony
P.S. If you’d like to read my blog about “Nickel Dreams” and Tanya Tucker, here’s the link:
Mariah released a second Christmas set in 2010, “Merry Christmas II You”.
It was then that Rapp says that Spacey “sort of stood in the doorway, kind of swaying. My impression when he came in the room was that he was drunk … He picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold. But I don’t, like, squirm away initially, because I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’ And then he lays down on top of me.”
What's Peeps Thinking About Now? It's Probably Random! 