Happy New Year: Here's to Auld Lang Syne Redux - 2023 Edition

It’s time to Break It Down!

 

During this holiday week, here’s a reprised edition of “Break It Down!”

This Issue has been revised from the Break It Down post I originally conceived, created, and published December 29, 2010, and subsequently re-posted in amended formats December 28, 2011, December 31, 2014, December 30, 2015, December 28, 2016, January 3, 2018, January 2, 2019, December 30, 2020, December 29, 2021, and today, December 28, 2022. This is my final post of the month, and of the year 2022. This is the 809th Edition of Break It Down, which debuted August 20, 2007, on the BlogSpot platform. I migrated the principal site to WordPress August 3, 2012, approximately three weeks before the Fifth Anniversary of the blog. You may find this and most other posts at either site.

 

With this post I wish you a blessed and bountifully Happy New Year. Now, enjoy today’s blog post.

 

The one-half fortnight between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a unique occurrence in the unfolding of the American version of the Gregorian Calendar. It is the only instance in which the space of a mere seven days separates two major holidays. Unquestionably, the timing is propitious.  In year 3 of the dreaded Coronavirus, America is gradually rebounding, and millions of holiday travelers are returning home from their Christmas commemoration and revelry, just in time to get a day off to “celebrate” the New Year…and recuperate from the old, most notably  extracurricular activities, including the exploits of New Year’s Eve. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I hope to the extent feasible, most people whose traditions include Christmas, celebrated, and plan to observe the arrival of the New Year, responsibly.

 

In last week’s post, I presented a re-formatted airing of my personally crafted Christmas Concert (https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/2022/12/21/twelve-days-of-christmas-the-e-concert-2022-edition/) from past Noels. This week, I doubled down and revisited my trusty time capsule. Once again, this tack permits new readers to catch-up by seeing the piece, it allows long-time readers to reflect upon both the passing year as well as the theme lifted in the post, and finally, it ensures that those busy readers, with no time to invest in checking out a new blog during the holidays, will not have to miss anything. It’s a win, win…win!

 

With that loosely framed preamble behind us, here’s this week’s déjà vu all over again:

Since we are still in the Sweet Spot of the holidays, I shall practice minimalism. For your purposes, that means the blog should be available, but not intrusive. To that end, I am taking a page from the Christmas e-concert but going a step further. Instead of a concert, I give you a song…of reflection.

 

Robert Burns, a Scot, wrote a poem (Auld Lang Syne) in 1788 that has come to symbolize the spirit of mass contemplation that people around the world invoke as the clock strikes midnight, signaling not just the dawn of a new day, but of a new year. Undoubtedly, you have been somewhere, at some time, when you joined those assembled to sing Auld Lang Syne, which loosely translated means, Times gone by.

Once again, that time is upon us. After thoughtful reflection, even during Covid, I have had no choice but to conclude, my travails have been few and small, especially when compared to my blessings, which have been both abundant and vast! All praises to the one true, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient God; a mighty fortress is He.

No need to thank me for my inherent thoughtfulness. But, by all means, “Drink a cup of kindness,” or eggnog, or Champagne, or “name your favorite adult beverage,” for me. And, if you are a teetotaler, water will do nicely, thank-you!

As I complete my final post of 2022, and prayerfully and faithfully reflect upon another year framed by the narrative of COVID-19, I leave with you this familiar Irish Toast:

 

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.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

 

I invite you to click on the links directly below, which lead to an A cappella and a Jazz interpretation of Auld Lang Syne, arranged and performed by the late Lou Rawls (and listen to the remainder of this week’s edition of Break It Down):

 

https://youtu.be/B0z_MamGk2c

 

https://youtu.be/NkWqUR-YdWs

 

It has been my unique honor and privilege to visit with you briefly for each of the 52 weeks this year. I hope you have derived a fraction of the pleasure reading (and occasionally listening to) the blog posts, that I have experienced from preparing and sharing them with you. May 2023 bring you the fulfillment of all your fondest desires, including vanquishing the global Covid plague. 

 

Four days remain in 2022. As we rapidly approach Sunday, January 1^st, it’s my esteemed honor, and pleasure, to wish you an early “Happy New Year: Here’s to Auld Lang Syne Redux – 2023 Edition!”

 

I’m done; holla back!

 

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.com. Find a new post each Wednesday.

 

To subscribe, click on Follow in the bottom right-hand corner of my Home Page at http://thesphinxofcharlotte.com; enter your e-mail address in the designated space, and click on “Sign me up.” Subsequent editions of “Break It Down” will be mailed to your in-box.

 

For more detailed information on a variety of aspects related to this post, consult the links below:

 

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/question279.htm

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne

 

https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/2019/01/02/happy-new-year-heres-to-auld-lang-syne-redux-2019-edition/

 

https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/2020/01/01/happy-new-year-heres-to-auld-lang-syne-redux-2020-edition/

 

https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/2021/12/29/happy-new-year-heres-to-auld-lang-syne-redux-2022-edition/

http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/2022/12/happy-new-year-heres-to-auld-lang-syne.html

Twelve Days of Christmas: The e-Concert - 2022 Edition

It’s time to Break It Down!

(Revised from Break It Down – 12/24/08, 12/22/10, 12/21/11, 12/26/12, 12/25/13, 12/23/15, 12/21/16, 12/26/17, 12/26/18, 12/25/19, 12/23/20, and 12/25/21)

According to tradition, mine if no one else’s, my Christmas post includes a complement of Songs of the Season. Today’s issue will constitute the next edition in that tradition. It’s Tuesday night, or in my personal time dimension, Blog Night. In keeping with what I do, let’s make it so, Wednesday’s coming! As incorporated in the title above, many purists celebrate Twelve Days of Christmas. This has been documented in song, book form, at least one movie, and in countless tales and renditions.

It would be patently unfair, inappropriate, and frankly, unimaginable, for me to launch into a Christmas 2022 post without at least mentioning COVID-19, aka coronavirus. Again!  According to the CDC, there have been over 99.7 million cases of coronavirus reported in the United States, and over a million deaths. Since Covid vaccines have been introduced, over 224M Americans, or 68% of the population has attained the full regimen of shots. That’s good, if not great news. Oddly enough, though vaccines are the most effective vaccine combatant, many of us still resist getting them, elevating the risk level for their own life, as well as that of others. May each and every single life lost to this scourge, as well as the ones that will be lost, Rest In Peace, and may their memories be a blessing.

Here, as scheduled, is the blog. I hope you enjoy the blog/e-concert.

Merry Christmas to you! I know some of you are caught up in the whole “We Are The (Secular) World” trip; thus, you substitute Holiday for Christmas in seasonal greetings. But that really shouldn’t be a problem since the man we call 44 brought Christmas back (wink-wink). But seriously though, in case you don’t know, Christmas never went anywhere.  In fact, a quick check back over the Obama years reveals…Christmas was a staple in his repertoire. (http://www.msnbc.com/am-joy/watch/-merry-christmas-never-left-the-white-house-824078915806).  Of course, those innately curious enough to conduct the requisite etymological research know that the root derivation of holiday is “Holy Day;” but I digress; that is fodder for another day.

The beauty of this post is, it’s timeless. By the time you get around to it, most, if not all of you will already have done whatever it is you do to observe and/or celebrate Christmas. But you know what, herein lies an opportunity to take one more moment, a time out if you will, before returning full tilt to your normal schedule.

As is my custom, I will not use this Christmas Season Post, if you will allow me to call it that, to challenge you to sort through the facts, be they esoteric or mundane. Not the election, or the economy, no wars, and absolutely no (further) references to Presidents, past, present or future.

No, this is your time to take a break and leave all that behind. Notice, I did not say forget it, and I certainly would never ask that you pretend it doesn’t exist. Just give yourself a break.

In the true spirit of keeping it simple for both you and me, I am reprising an amalgam of previous posts. In fact, not just any posts…posts from several Christmas’ past. This is my twelfth e-Christmas Concert. Several years ago, I pressed the reset button on the Concert.  Instead of simply providing 12 standards, I upped the ante and provided 24, 12 by female artists, and 12 by male artists. This year, Christmas Day is Saturday, delivery day, as it were.  Take your time, but give them a listen, if you like Christmas Music.

The English playwright and poet, William Congreve, in the opening line of his 1697 Play entitled “The Mourning Bride,” asserted, “Music has Charms to soothe a savage Breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.”  I think Congreve was on to something.  If indeed music is capable of enabling us to overcome our basest instincts, and in so doing, ennoble us to pursue our finer impulses, and then indeed, we should take more opportunities to render ourselves captivated by its magical spell. (By the way, it really is breast…not beast; caught you thinking, didn’t I?)

So, I identified and pulled together an assortment of my favorite Christmas Standards by several of my favorite artists. This year’s version includes a variation of the artistic olio I pulled together for your reading, viewing, and listening pleasure several years ago. Below, you will find hot links to YouTube video interpretations and two songs for each of the 12 Days of Christmas listed and included in today’s Yuletide e-concert.

Female Artists

1. Eartha Kitt is known for having had many talents skills, and abilities, among them acting and singing.  Last year I substituted her most popular Christmas song for “Nothing for Christmas.”  After a 1-year hiatus, I’m bringing back Santa Baby.  As I’ve noted before, the song was born in 1953, and as I will this Sunday, it turned 65 this year.  She slays (or if you’re really in the Christmas spirit — sleighs) it. https://youtu.be/Mk_GmhD053E
2. Dianne Reeves is a Grammy-winning jazz artist who sings in the vein of Dinah Washington and Carmen McRae, a skilled lyricist and scat singer.  She presents “Christmas Time is Here” as if it’s her own. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hInJstw1cGE
3. Vanessa Williams was the first black Miss America.  She had a short and tumultuous reign.  But cream rises to the top, and her talent ensured that losing her title was but a mere speed bump in a star-studded road.  Her rendition of “Do You Hear What I Hear” provides a glimpse of her musical flexibility and skill. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKmvk0NJnzE
4. Lena Horne was a jazz musician whose career spanned over 70 years.  She was also an actress, dancer, and civil rights activist.  She demonstrates her vocal caliber in this version of “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh8JZp_gnU4
5. Cassandra Wilson was born December 4, 1955.  Her birthdate alone ensured that I included her on this list; ’06!  But that’s not the only reason she made the cut.  Her range includes blues, country, and folk music, as well as jazz.  Moreover, she stuck the proverbial landing in her rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmAQzS5Zk7o
6. Toni Braxton is a lot of things: a talented songwriter, singer, pianist, record producer, actress, television personality, and philanthropist. She is known to be sexy, sultry, and an unpredictable reality show star.  She’s still best known for her music though, and her version of “Santa Please” will do absolutely nothing to change that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nFWiF_E_VQ
7. The Emotions are one of those classic Old School Girl Groups born in the 70’s.  Influenced greatly by Maurice White of Earth Wind & Fire Fame, they continue to perform today.  One of my favorite tunes by them is their version of “What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas?” https://youtu.be/coO2E2v5RwE
8. Anita Baker released her first solo album in 1983.  In 1986, she released “Rapture” and it was the dawn of her stardom.  She is known for her trademark “husky” voice, and she is at her Christmas best in this version of “The Christmas Song.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHze40h13mc
9. Diana Ross and the Supremes were the “It” Group of Motown when Motown was the “It’ place of Soul Music.  The Supremes are America’s most successful vocal group with 12 number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Here they are with their 1965 rendition of “Silver Bells.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIJROwP4BnM
10. Ella Fitzgerald is jazz royalty.  Frequently referred to as the First Lady of Song, the Queen of Jazz, and Lady Ella, she was widely acclaimed for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, and intonation, as well as a horn-like improvisational ability.  Virtually all scat singing is measured against her. Check out her version of “Sleigh Ride. ”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnEbRaFaqfg
11. Whitney Houston had a voice known worldwide.  Her recordings accounted for nearly 200 million records sold.  Hers was a clarion voice of our times.  This version of “Joy To The World,” taken from the movie, “The Preacher’s Wife,” is special, as was she. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYPpyTyPf6I
12. Ledisi (Anibade Young) is an R&B and jazz recording artist.  Her first name means “to bring forth” or “to come here” in Yoruba.  She was aptly named.  Enjoy her rendering of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xMz5oGc8s1Q

          

 Male Artists

1. James Brown was renowned for his energetic performances, which earned him another of his many titles, “Hardest working man in show business.” His rendition of “Merry Christmas Baby” is not so up-tempo, but still a reminder that he had earned his chops the hard way, and that he was much more than just flash and dash. https://youtu.be/4VFZGRoZwB0
2. Donny Hathaway was a multifaceted soulful crooner and a product of Howard University who excelled in jazz, blues, soul and gospel music, an Alpha Man.  He suffered from depression and died of suicide January 13, 1979, at 33 years old.  He rendered this marvelous recording of “This Christmas. https://youtu.be/pj1mVUEHeUE
3. The O’Jays were formed in 1965 and have been a staple in Soul and R&B music ever since.  They knock it out of the park with this version of “Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas Anymore.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc4g1wsIA9g
4. The Temptations were a significant part of what made Motown, Motown, in the 60’s and 70’s.  Their rendition of Silent Night lives on as a classic among classics as far as Christmas music goes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFc7STuQF0U
5. Al Green, soul singer, turned minister, soul singer-minister was at his most popular during the 70’s.  He puts his considerable talents to good use in this version of “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cFyRwlR5YXk
6. El DeBarge was the central figure in the group known as DeBarge, which reached its zenith in the 80’s.  El was one of several members of the group who went on to fashion solo careers.  He nails this version of “Christmas Without You.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_xB6VD7fS8
7. Will Downing has been recording albums since 1988.  I’ve seen him in concerts twice, including a couple of weeks ago, and I own most of his recorded music.  He simply does not disappoint.  This recording of The First Noel is no exception. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOQWKBIuk-I
8. Joe (Lewis Thomas) released his debut album in 1993.  He has maintained a presence on the music scene ever since. His nuanced presentation of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is just another fine example of his limitless talent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vbpsVILCvU
9. Jerry Butler, popularly known as the Ice Man, fitting for an Alpha, is a singer, songwriter, and musician (guitar, electric guitar, bass, piano, saxophone, and drums) who was the lead singer for the Impressions before going on to a solo career. He recorded this classic version of O Holy Night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0dR1Dk7Bu0
10. Luther Vandross was a musical icon. Period. End of story.  He is one of my favorite musicians, and his treatment of “My Favorite Things” is certainly among my favorite Christmas songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6TRlV6MOOU
11. The Whispers hail from LA, and have been around since the 60’s.  They became members of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003…for good reason.  They got it like that.  And they prove it with this version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbJ95aWUc_A
12. Kem (Owens) is an R&B/Soul singer who has made his uniquely fashioned mark on the music scene since 1999.  He enlists Ledisi (Anibade Young), another single named musical star to create a fabulous rendition of “Be Mine For Christmas.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_8rVJ_ENaY

That’s it, 24 artists and videos and/or songs. Add it all up and you get “Twelve Days Of Christmas: The e-Concert – 2022 Edition!” Enjoy it throughout the Season, and by all means, remember the Reason for the Season!

I’m done; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/. Find a new post each Wednesday.

To subscribe, click on Follow in the bottom right-hand corner of my Home Page at http://thesphinxofcharlotte.com; enter your e-mail address in the designated space, and click on “Sign me up.”  Subsequent editions of “Break It Down” will be mailed to your in-box.

Consult the links below for more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post:

https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/2018/12/26/twelve-days-of-christmas-the-e-concert-2018-edition/

 

https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/2019/12/25/twelve-days-of-christmas-the-e-concert-2019-edition/

 

https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/2020/12/23/twelve-days-of-christmas-the-e-concert-2020-edition/

 

https://thesphinxofcharlotte.com/2021/12/22/twelve-days-of-christmas-the-e-concert-2021-edition/

January 6: The End Is Near

It's time to Break It Down!

 

This time a couple of years ago, Donald Trump and his League of Followers was busy denying the results of the November 2020 Presidential Election. Their antics crescendoed with the January 6 Insurrection/coup attempt. On June 30, 2021House Resolution 503 – Establishing the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6^th Attack on the United States Capitol passed on the House floor by a vote of 222 to 190, with all Democrats and two Republicans, Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, voting in favor. Sixteen Republicans did not vote. 

 

In summary, the resolution empowered Speaker Pelosi to appoint eight members to the committee, and empowered House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to appoint five members “in consultation with the Speaker. Pelosi indicated she would name a Republican as one of her appointees. On July 1, Speaker Pelosi appointed seven Democrats, and one Republican, Liz Cheney. On July 19, Kevin McCarthy announced his 5 selections: Jim Banks, Ranking Member, Jim Jordan, Rodney Davis, Kelly Armstrong, and Troy Nehls. Banks, Jordan, and Nehls had voted to overturn the Electoral College results in Arizona and Pennsylvania. Banks and Jordan had also signed onto the Supreme Court case Texas v. Pennsylvania to invalidate the ballots of voters in four states. On July 21, Thompson announced he would investigate Trump as part of the inquiry into the Capitol attack. Within hours, Pelosi announced that she had informed McCarthy that she was rejecting Banks and Jordan, citing concerns for the investigation’s integrity and relevant actions and statement made by the two members. She did approve the recommendation of the other three. 

 

In retaliation, McCarthy pulled all his picks and insisted he would not appoint anyone to the committee, unless Pelosi approved all 5 of his choices. Duh. At this point, Pelosi figuratively shrugged and moved on, recognizing she was now in control of the entire makeup and workings of the committee. She then appointed Adam Kinzinger, and hired former GOP Representative Denver Riggleman, as an outside committee staffer or advisor. Cheney voiced her support and pushed for both of their involvement.

 

After a year and a half hearings, investigations, reports, and related stories, Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson announced yesterday that the Committee will hold its last meeting next Monday and will issue its final report Wednesday.

 

Thompson told CNN that the panel is looking at five to six categories of referrals beyond those deemed criminal, but it has not decided on the specific number of individuals.

 

Thompson said that in addition to criminal referrals to the Department of Justice, there could be other categories of referrals the committee makes such as ethics referrals to the House Ethics Committee, bar discipline referrals and campaign finance referrals.

 

The Chairman told reporters on Tuesday that next Monday’s public meeting will include a presentation and cover the names of people facing criminal and other referrals and will be the basis for those referrals.

 

While Mr. Thompson’s Committee winds down, the new Republican majority in the House is eagerly waiting in the wings, salivating at the prospect of spawning a host of new investigations and potential impeachments. More to come…

 

All things considered, when I contemplate this erstwhile important committee wrapping up its work, I’m reminded of T.S. Elliot, and his 1925 poem, Hollow Men, in which he wrote, “This is the way the world ends This is the way the world ends This is the way the world ends Not with a bang but a whimper.”

 

Fortunately, there are other avenues available to review and evaluate the trauma wrought by Mr. Trump’s reign. While there is merit in bringing atrocities to light…in the end, it is better to know than not to know…indeed it would be better if there were an actual reckoning; some action to discourage, or to prevent said atrocities from being repeated. A dozen or so investigations aimed at Trump and his businesses are underway. While I am on the record having stated and reiterated many times, my belief that there is no jail in Donald Trump’s future, I do believe, despite his considerable acumen in legal legerdemain, he may be visited with legal consequences, when all is said and done…“January 6 Committee: The End Is Near!”

 

I’m done; holla back!

 

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.com. Find a new post each Wednesday.

 

To subscribe, click on Follow in the bottom right-hand corner of my Home Page at http://thesphinxofcharlotte.com; enter your e-mail address in the designated space, and click on “Sign me up.” Subsequent editions of “Break It Down” will be mailed to your in-box.

 

Consult the links below for more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post:

 

https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/13/politics/january-6-committee-final-public-meeting/index.html

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_6_commission

http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/2022/12/january-6-end-is-near.html

Vote '22 Part 4

It's time to Break It Down!

 

It’s Raphael: Dems 51 - GOP 49.

 

Somewhere around 10:27 p.m. last night, it was announced on the Fox News Channel (back to that later) that Senator Warnock would win the Georgia Primary Runoff, and re-election to the U.S. Senate. In the next Congress, Vice President Harris will no longer be required to do double-duty, Democrats can dropkick the power-sharing agreement they negotiated with Republicans for the 117^th Congress, and perhaps most important, Democrats will now Chair and control all Senate Committees. Given that the GOP will control the House, having an absolute Democratic majority in the Senate was a compelling necessity. It will still be tough sledding, but a 50-50 Senate would have posed an even more onerous burden on Democrats, and quite possibly even democracy itself.

 

Oh yeah, Fox News. The race was tight all night, as expected. I don’t know what time it was called on CNN, but I knew whenever Fox called it, whatever Fox called it, the right would align behind it, because, well you know, Fox is Fox. What else do you need to know? I then turned to CNN, and saw they were making the same call.

 

Just before Fox broke the news, Laura Ingraham posed the question, why do Democratic cities always come in with late votes? I presume this was headed toward another dark and capricious conspiracy theory. However, before she and her panel were able to give it the full treatment, the race was called. I don’t know whether they returned to the subject, as I turned after they projected Senator Warnock would win.

 

I could go on about the implications/ramifications of this race, but frankly, I need a break. I imagine you do too. So, to the voters of the Peach State who supported Senator Warnock, and to Warnock contributors world-wide, a well-deserved Thank-you. That’s it for…”Vote ‘22 Part 4!”

 

I’m done; holla back!

 

Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.com. Find a new post each Wednesday.

 

To subscribe, click on Follow in the bottom right-hand corner of my Home Page at http://thesphinxofcharlotte.com; enter your e-mail address in the designated space, and click on “Sign me up.” Subsequent editions of “Break It Down” will be mailed to your in-box.

 

Consult the links below for more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post:

 

https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/georgia-senate-race-results-12-06-22/index.html

http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/2022/12/vote-22-part-4.html