Break It Down!: December 2024

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Twelve Days of Christmas: The e-Concert - 2024 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, 12/25/21, 12/21/22, and 12/27/23)

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.

By quirk of the calendar, Christmas was a couple of days ago, but this is still Christmas Week, and so, here, as scheduled, is the Christmas 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 recent election, or the economy (recession or no recession), 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 fourteenth 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 was Monday, two days ago. 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, 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 (one male, one female), 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 – 2024 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.blogspot.com/2024/12/twelve-days-of-christmas-e-concert-2024.html

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Fourteen Days; What an Adventure (A Second Look)

It's time to Break It Down!

I penned and published this post a year ago. I’m reprising it today…just because, it’s my blog, my call. Enjoy. Or not. It's not sports, or politics, or current events. It's just a couple of extraordinary weeks from my ordinary life. Enjoy. Or not. Your call. Peace!

Occasionally, I stretch my personal boundaries and share a personal experience in my posts. During the last couple of weeks, I published reprised editions of the blog. As a concession to being away on vacation, I opted to do so, instead of delving into process of developing new or current content. But make no mistake, posting on the fly, from thousands of miles, and numerous time zones away was a challenge. Another box checked.

The last couple of weeks presented me with an extraordinary and exhilarating slice of life. My hope is, it unfolded in an unobtrusive, if not totally unnoticeable way. My wife and I undertook a 14-day odyssey that included six airports, eight flights, a 3-day cruise, and more than 10,000 miles, not including nautical miles, or ground transportation. In addition, we spent time in locations seven, and nine time zones away. Not coincidentally, I posted from cities in each of those time zones, Egypt Standard Time two weeks ago, and Gulf Standard Time last week.

For a time, we wondered whether the whole notion of this trip was merely a snake-bit idea. Initial planned and schedule for post-Thanksgiving 2020, Covid intervened, and effectively said, NOPE, not happening. It took three years to reschedule it to post-Thanksgiving 2023. Then Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, and suddenly, the journey that I had looked to with such anticipation and excitement, seemed quite possibly headed for a second cancellation. However, as we continuously monitored State Department advisories, consulted trusted friends and associates who recently traveled to Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as checked-in with our travel agents. We continued to get affirming intel, and on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, admittedly, with some degree of trepidation, we boarded our first flight, and said, “Let’s do this.”

Needless to say; there were people in our inner circle who were not wild about the idea of our traveling to the Middle East, especially, amid heightened tensions stemming from the conflict between Hamas and Israel. Interestingly, there were also folks who, in one camp, thought Egypt was overrated, and folks in another camp who were unimpressed with the UAE in general, and with Dubai, in particular. Then there was yet another camp which was enraptured by the opulence of the Emirates. Fast forward to the end. Peace in the Middle East, at least in the parts we visited, endured. Both Egypt and Dubai delivered, as advertised. They are two very different places, The Capital of Egypt, Cairo, is part of a sprawling 20 million people metropolitan area, and known for its antiquities, while the UAE was created in 1971, one of, if not the wealthiest nation on earth, and filled with gleaming streets, and soaring skyscrapers. Dubai, the largest city in the Emirates, with a population of 3 million people, and the Capital of Emirate of Dubai, is home to the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, which stands 2,722 feet tall (over half a mile). Abu Dhabi, the second largest city in the Emirates, and the Capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest Mosque in the Country, and the third largest Mosque in the world. The building complex covers an area of more than 30 acres, excluding exterior landscaping and parking.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent in the UAE, this is where I fully embrace my bias and admit, the impetus for the trip, for me, was Egypt. As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (ΑΦΑ), Inc., which holds as its symbol, the Sphinx, I’ve long wanted to see it in person. My wife is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (ΔΣΘ), Inc., and the Pyramid is one of the organization’s symbols. For an Alpha-Delta couple, it doesn’t get much better than having an opportunity to visit/see the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid. Except, it did get better. It just so happened that the trip not only covered December 4th, the Fraternity’s 117th Anniversary, but also December 1st, my 50th Alphaversary. Suddenly, that 2020 Covid cancellation is feeling like divine karma. I’ll take it.

Visiting Giza may have been the pièce de resistance of the trip, it was one of many highlights. The Hanging Church in Cairo, the seat of the Coptic Pope, is perhaps the first church built in basilican style. It is called “Hanging,” because its nave is suspended over a passageway. The Aswan High Dam is a prominent historical landmark, and one of the largest embankment dams in the world. It is used as a mechanism to prohibit the Nile from flooding, Then, there is the Nile, the world’s longest river, 4,132 miles (11 countries…Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Republic of the Sudan, and Egypt). Karnak Temple Complex, located in Luxor, comprises a vast mix of temples, monuments, and chapels. Construction of the complex began during the reign of if Senusret (1971-1926 BCE). BCE means Before the Common Era, or before Christ was born. There were also numerous museums of note, including, the Karnak Open Air Museum, the Mummification Museum, and the Le Scarabe Papyrus Museum. Every stop included shops, and or vendors.

In the UAE, we visited three of the country’s seven Emirates, all eponymous of their Emirate, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, the largest cities in each of the three largest Emirates. I mentioned the Burj Khalifa earlier. Standing on the 125^th Floor circular observation tower, looking out over, and surveying the sprawling, gleaming city of Dubai was an amazing sight. The 60-second ride from lobby level to the 124^th Floor, as you might imagine, was quite the experience. But nothing compared to cityscape vista available from any point on the 125^th Floor. By the way, to get to the top floor, you must climb the final flight of stairs. I guess the engineers, architects, and designers wanted visitors to do some of the work on their own, of ascending to the summit. The only 7-Star Hotel in the world, Burj Al Arab (Tower of the Arabs), is in Dubai. It is the third tallest hotel in the world, and one of the most iconic structures in Dubai. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is a veritable one-stop shop for viewing over 5,000 artifacts from the Islamic world. It was a fascinating venue. Finally, Abu Dhabi, home to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE. Sheikh Zayed is the third son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was the first President of the UAE, which was founded in 1971. The Presidential Palace, Qasr Al Watan, is a working palace, and a cultural landmark. Perhaps the most visited landmark in Abu Dhabi is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The main axis of the building is rotated 12 degrees south of true west, aligning it in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

We visited all these sites, and more. Mrs. Miller even rode a Camel while in Giza, and we rode the dunes in the Arabian Desert. Much appreciation to our travel agent, tour guides, and traveling compatriots. Thank God for traveling mercies. “Fourteen Days; What an Adventure (A Second Look)!“

I’m done; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the links: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.comand/or http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.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:

http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/2024/12/fourteen-days-what-adventure-second-look.html

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

December 7, 1941: A Day Which Will Live in Infamy Redux '24

It’s time to Break It Down!

In 2011, in observance of the 70th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor bombing by Japan, I wrote the following post. The now 83rd Anniversary, which we will commemorate Saturday, seems like an apt occasion to revisit subject. Since I wrote the post in 2011, a few years ago, my wife and I visited Honolulu, Hawaii, and Pearl Harbor, including the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, and the USS Cisco (Submarine) Memorial Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. It was a great trip with lots of amazing history and artifacts. So, here’s the original post:

Seventy years ago today, an incursion of the highest order befell our great nation. On that fateful Sunday in early December, the Japanese Empire, with the aid of its naval and air forces, attacked the American military installation at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Although, Hawaii did not officially become the 50^th State until June 27, 1959, the Republic of Hawaii was annexed, and had become the incorporated U.S. Territory of Hawaii on July 6, 1898. To wit, America was, in an instant, immersed in World War II (WWII), by default.

The next day, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) met with the U.S. Congress to request a Declaration of War, and in so doing, uttered these now famous words: “Yesterday, December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”

This brazen and unmitigated act of war had surprised the American military establishment, and the Country as a whole. While we as Americans remember the pillage at Pearl Harbor, the comprehensive nature of the Japanese attacks, though amply documented, is less well-known. In fact, over a two-day span, Japan spread a torrent of carnage throughout the Pacific, including:

· Torpedoing ships between Honolulu and San Francisco

· Launching an offensive against Malaya

· Assailing Hong Kong

· Raiding Guam

· Attacking the Philippine Islands

· Raiding Wake Island

· Invading Midway Island

FDR’s request was granted of course. Four days later, on December 11^th, Germany, and Italy, which had signed a three-nation pact with Japan on September 27, 1940, declared war on the United States. In his prepared statement, Adolph Hitler declared Germany and Italy were compelled to defend their ally, Japan. At that point, it’s fair to say it was on! From December 7, 1941, until Japan surrendered, unconditionally, on September 2, 1945, global Armageddon raged. Over those 3 ¾ years, many of the key operational dynamics would shift, change, or otherwise be altered, as is always the case during periods of war. During this time frame:

Benito Mussolini quit his post as Dictator of Italy
U.S. Flag raised over Iwo Jima
FDR died; Harry S. Truman was sworn in as President of the United States
Italians killed Mussolini
Adolph Hitler committed suicide
U.S. tested first Atomic Bomb at Los Alamos (New Mexico) National Laboratory
Winston Churchill lost re-election bid
U.S. dropped the (Atomic) Bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, three days apart
Allied Nations celebrated VJ (Victory over Japan) Day
Japan surrendered, unconditionally

The War had actually begun in 1939, when Germany invaded Poland on September 1^st; it lasted six years.  During that span, in what was the second World War in 25 years, every major world power was involved in a war for global domination.  By the end, over 60 million people had lost their lives.  Ultimately, the conclusion of the war was precipitated by the United States unleashing the cataclysmic and previously unknown forces of nuclear weaponry.  It was only after the U.S. destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in a three-day period that the Japanese Empire was persuaded to surrender, which for all practical purposes, ended the war.

So it is with much respect, simple humility, and a heavy dose of sadness that I salute the millions pressed to service to defend the world as we know it against the rapacious desires of those in search of global hegemony and world domination.  In any version of this story America deserves a special place.  As a nation we resisted direct involvement until victimized by a lethal and unprompted frontal assault.  After engaging, we worked with allied forces to try and repel the efforts of relentless transgressors.  Finally, when nothing else worked, we introduced a wild card, the most lethal weapons system known to man, the Atomic Bomb.  The resulting death and devastation was so stunningly pervasive, a heretofore recalcitrant enemy was forced, immediately to “call it off.”

We now live in the nuclear age of course.  Many nations have access to nuclear weapons, while others are trying to attain them.  What the future holds is uncertain.  But we know for sure that any number of countries have The Bomb at their disposal, and there are enough nuclear weapons stored around the world to destroy the earth, many times over.  With what should be mixed emotions, as Americans, we also know that the only nation ever to unleash the fury of this potential “world-ender” is us, as in the U.S.  In that regard, it was then, and remains today, an absolute truth, “December 7, 1941: A Date Which Will Live In Infamy Redux ’24!”

I’m done; holla back!

Read my blog anytime by clicking the links: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.comand/or http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com.Find a new post each Wednesday.

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:

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5166

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VqQAf74fsE

http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/day-of-infamy/

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

http://framework.latimes.com/2011/12/06/pearl-harbor-photos/#/0

http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/harford/opinion-talk/ph-ag-edit-pearl-1207-20111206,0,5066736.story

http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?id=248401

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/pearl-harbor-day-december-7-1941-a-date-live-infamy-pearl-harbor-photos-gallery-1.25192

http://docs.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/tmirhdee.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/december/11/newsid_3532000/3532401.stm

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