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Winterlude: Instrumentals for Contemplative Christmas

Winterlude: Instrumentals For a Contemplative Christmas is always the first Christmas CD I listen to. The gentle and peaceful songs ease me into the holiday spirit. I don’t break out Christmas albums until after Thanksgiving, but this one usually doesn’t even get put up in the Christmas boxes. It’s also usually the last Christmas music of the year. The songs truly are contemplative. I like to listen to the CD while cooking or decorating. Even if the kids are playing loudly in the next room, this music relaxes me and makes me feel quietly festive. Winterlude is a gentle, relaxing … Continue reading →

The Benefits of Christmas Music

It’s not that I am a Scrooge or anything but I hate Christmas music. I didn’t always feel this way, mind you, but somehow over the years I have developed this loathing for Jingle Bells and all other manner of holiday musical cheer. Seems to me that immediately the day after Thanksgiving– out comes the Christmas music. Today while shopping, Christmas music filled the air. I thought I was going to hurl. I tried to be patient but it was driving me batty. I actually walked out of KB Toys to avoid another verse of, “I’m Dreaming of a White … Continue reading →

Clarence Clemons Dead at 69

Clarence Clemons, the charismatic saxophonist for Bruce Springteen’s E Street Band, died last Saturday at the age of 69. He died due to complications from a stroke he suffered last week. Clemons, also known as The Big Man, began playing the alto sax when he was just nine years old. It was a Christmas present from his father. Clemons switched to the baritone sax in high school where he played in a jazz band. King Curtis proved to have a major influence on the young sax player, as he switched again to the tenor sax. Clemons because playing studio sessions … Continue reading →

Exercise Time: Crunching the Numbers

Regular exercise yields incredible benefits: You can lose weight, tone your physique, lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes, and increase your self esteem. But, finding time to workout is what prevents so many people from reaping the rewards of exercise. So, how can you fit workouts into your already busy schedule? Fitness experts say when you are first starting out don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to find a huge chunk of time to workout. Rather, carve out a few minutes here and there and increase the durations of your routine as time progresses. Also, look for ways you … Continue reading →

A Holiday Celebration – CD – Peter, Paul & Mary

We finally got our tree decorated last night. Our traditional music for decorating the tree is Peter, Paul, & Mary’s A Holiday Celebration. The kids sometimes make fun of my other Christmas music, but not this one. Peter, Paul and Mary really have a timeless folk sound. They are accompanied on this CD by the New York Choral Society. This CD includes songs I’ve never heard anywhere else. “The Friendly Beasts” is a fun song that tells the story of the animals who participated in the first Christmas. The “animals” take turns singing. The listener hears the cow who gave … Continue reading →

Radio Stations Temporarily Change Format

I do not know if you have experienced this or not, but here in Jacksonville, North Carolina, we have had two stations that have gone from their normal format to 24 hour Christmas music through the holidays. It seems to be a growing trend! In fact, there are approximately 399 stations in the U.S. that have temporarily changed their formats and are playing Christmas music constantly. Portland, Oregon has two stations, but some cities – I am assuming cities like New York or Los Angeles – have as many as five stations doing this. Most stations begin their “new” broadcasting … Continue reading →

Let’s Get Physical – Not Fiscal

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DVDs, exercise equipment, gym memberships, workout clothes, personal trainers and fad diets are among the first things that come to mind when you say the words exercise or get in shape. The idea is to get physical and exercise, not get fiscal and flex your wallet. Yes, the fitness industry is a billion dollar one and there are new gurus throwing their hats in every day. You can get a tight body and maintain a tight wallet at the same time. There’s nothing wrong with that in a rising costs of our economy. So the following are some ways to … Continue reading →