Merry Christmas Everybody!!!

Luke 2:11-14

Featured Live Event of the Week - "A Christmas Story : Live"

Yeah, I know, we are normally on hiatus, but being Christmas and all..........

Spoiler-free review

A Christmas Story Live was shown live on the Fox Network on 12/17 (and hopefully will be sold on DVD at some point) and filmed on the famous Warner Brothers Lot in Burbank, California.

Some personal background. Years ago, a film called “Scrooged”, a modern day adaptation of A Christmas Carol had a plot centered around the live filming of A Christmas Carol. I always thought that was a really cool idea and would love to have seen that as a real thing, not just a fictitious plot in a movie. Background part 2 – A Christmas Story is my absolute, hands-down, favorite Christmas Movie ever. Ever.

So, I was very excited to see this come true. Admittedly, I also was concerned, I didn’t want anything to even remotely tarnish the memory of my most favorite Christmas movie. So, I went in with excitement, and hesitation. And I was NOT disappointed.

I don’t want to say much, because I don’t want to spoil the experience in any way, as I hope people will have the opportunity to view it later, perhaps on DVD or rerun or both. But I do want to say – the crew did an OUTSTANDING job turning a backlot in sunny California into the cold winter town of Holman, Indiana. Within minutes, the viewer would easily believe this was filmed on location.

The major, and most glaring difference (no spoiler) between this and the movie is that this was also part-musical. And guess what....it worked!!! The musical numbers fit perfectly.

The script stayed true to not only the original movie, but also to the chapter in Jean Shepherd’s book, and was an excellent vision of both, without being a rerun of either.

The choice to cast Matthew Broderick as the narrator (or grown-up Ralphie) was simply genius!!! I can’t even imagine it being done by anybody else after watching it.

The cast was tremendous and talented and engaging to watch. I’d like to tell you about some clever nuances, but I won’t as I don’t want to bring any spoiler to this review at all.

For some reason, for me, the ending, after they had dinner, was particularly touching, I can’t put my finger on it, but like the original movie, this will also live in my Christmas memories forever.

Some would say that I might be one of the toughest critics of this venture, being that it is my favorite Christmas movie and I have yearned for such a concept since seeing Scrooged. So, with that in mind, I would have to say, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend the viewing of this should it come around in some repeat fashion – and if it becomes available on DVD, it’s worth the purchase!

Our long-standing Holiday Tradition - Erika Amato's "A Merry Little Christmas"

[We first published this in December of 2014, and we republished in December of 2015, and again in December 2016, and again this year] 

Why do we keep republishing this?  Because in my honest opinion, this is the best Christmas CD I have ever - ever - ever owned.
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In the past, we have focused on Live Performances in this feature - but this week we are going to focus on a CD and a singer.

I have only seen Erika Amato perform live in a stage version of Flashdance - and on TV on stage at "The Bronze" with her band, Velvet Chain.  I was uber-impressed both times!  Heck, if it wasn't for that show at "The Bronze", I never would have discovered Velvet Chain.

About a year or two ago, I purchased a solo CD that Erika did called "A Merry Little Christmas" - which is available online here (the official Velvet Chain/Erika Amato webpage).

This is BY FAR THE BEST Christmas album I have ever heard since I was a kid.  It's not fair to compare this to the Christmas albums of my childhood, as those will always have a special place in my heart and will always bring back memories.  But, "A Merry Little Christmas" by Erika Amato is the best collection of Christmas songs I have heard since then - hands down - period - no discussion!

It's not just the selection of songs, but Erika's amazing, dare I say it - Angelic- voice coupled with amazing music, that makes this CD great.  The CD consists of absolutely beautiful (a word I only use when absolutely necessary, like now) music and an amazingly beautiful voice that just becomes one with the music.  It's like music+singer=perfection.

The sound is a great combination of classical and jazz - and even some rock, with piano, strings, brass, and probably instruments I am not trained enough to appreciate.  I can't say this enough, absolutely perfectly arranged around and together with Erika's absolutely amazing - angelic - voice.

It's not just the obvious talent that shines here, but the Christmas feeling is embedded in the music and the vocals.  It's not just some singer covering Christmas tunes - it IS Christmas.  The Christmas spirit can be felt within these songs - these songs bring Christmas to life.  There is no way to listen to this CD and not be filled with the Christmas spirit.  No lie - I could play this CD non-stop from Thanksgiving until New Year's and never grow tired of it - never.

My personal favorite (thought they are all my favorites, but if I had to choose) is "Christmastime Is Here", a song many will recognize from the Charlie Brown Christmas movies. It is probably the best rendition I have ever heard and is done with complete respect for the original.  (Of course, I won't lie - the Charlie Brown version will always be my most favorite - but WOW does this come close to replacing it in my heart!)

Songs on the CD :
White Christmas
Santa Baby
What Child Is This?
Merry Christmas Darling
Carol Of The Bells
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Silver Bells
Christmastime Is Here
O Holy Night
The Christmas Song

Again - this is available online at the Erika Amato's official site

Merry Christmas everybody!!!

Featured Running Event of the Week - A Christmas Story Run

Not just any Christmas story - but "A Christmas Story" - as in the Americana classic movie!!  Yes, that one they show all day and all night on TBS and TNT every Christmas.

And, yes, it has its own running event.  A 5k and a 10k.

For those that live in/near Cleveland, OH, this is right on your doorstep - for those who love running but need to travel to Cleveland - this is most definitely one of those "destination races" - or as many people at the event said "a bucket list run".  Personally, this was THE bucket list run for me!!!

And, it's not "just a themed" race - it is 100% connected to the movie.  100%.

The host hotel - and location of early packet pickup and race day packet pickup is the Renaissance Hotel into downtown Cleveland.  So, what does that have to do with anything - that is directly connected to the Higbee Building! The home of Higbee's!  Higbee's, the department store in which Ralphie gave his Red Rider wish to Santa Claus.  The same Higbee's that had the decorated windows during the Christmas Parage in the movie!!  Now today, the building is actually the home of the Jack Casino - however, just in time for the race - they decorated the windows like something right out of the 1940s!!! 

The race starts just behind this building - and is a perfect place for a photo op with the Higbee Building sign! 

The race is a 5k or a 10k - and shuttles are provided.  Why shuttles?  Well check this out.........

The 5k race finish line is at the A Christmas Story House - the real authentic house - the real deal!   So, the shuttles are there to take the 5k racers back to the start line.  The 10k races loop back to the start line - and then can take a shuttle back to the A Christmas Story House.

I really don't want to say too much more about the race, as I really and truly think it's something special to absorb and experience first hand. 

There are some things I can say without spoiling anything.  It is extremely well organized, it draws tons and tons of people.  Your entry fee includes a commemorative chip-timed bib, admission into the A Christmas Story House Tour, admission into the A Christmas Story Museum, and admission into the pre/post race festivities at the host hotel and at the finish line, plus a cool medal and long sleeve running shirt!!

Also, do not be afraid to dress up.  If you are worried that you'll be the only one dressed up - fear not - you will NOT be the only one.

I really wish I could give more details, but I really don't want to spoil anything.  If you love running (or jogging or walking) and you love A Christmas Story - you will love love love this event!!!

The course itself is a fun one, it starts in downtown Cleveland then goes on a bridge over a river, makes a few turns, and runs through a neighborhood setting with neighborhood businesses then houses.  When you get to the destination - it all fits. 

Except for the bridge, it's pretty much flat and fast.  The 10k is just a return of the 5k route, with a couple of exceptions.

For those that run the 10k, they also get all the perks, they just have to hop on a shuttle back to the House, or they can even drive back later in the day, as their bib is their admission. 

Ireally wish I could just tell you my entire experience - but you'll just have to trust me - you have to experience this for yourself.  Anything I say will be a spoiler!

Oh, I can say this, because they say this - there is NO Hot Chocolate at the finish line....instead there is......come on....you know this......hot..................Ovaltine.

The race is usually the first weekend of December.  I am posting this review now, to give everybody time to make plans.

Seriously, if you enjoy running and enjoyed the movie - you'll enjoy this race.  For me, it was THE ultimate bucket list race!!!

Our own Holiday Tradtion - Featured Artist/CD of the Week - Erika Amato's "A Merry Little Christmas"

[We first published this in December of 2014, and we republished in December of 2015, so let's keep the Holiday Tradition going, and republish now in 2016]
.
.
.
In the past, we have focused on Live Performances in this feature - but this week we are going to focus on a CD and a singer.

I have only seen Erika Amato perform live in a stage version of Flashdance - and on TV on stage at "The Bronze" with her band, Velvet Chain.  I was uber-impressed both times!  Heck, if it wasn't for that show at "The Bronze", I never would have discovered Velvet Chain.

About a year or two ago, I purchased a solo CD that Erika did called "A Merry Little Christmas" - which is available online here (the official Velvet Chain/Erika Amato webpage).

This is BY FAR THE BEST Christmas album I have ever heard since I was a kid.  It's not fair to compare this to the Christmas albums of my childhood, as those will always have a special place in my heart and will always bring back memories.  But, "A Merry Little Christmas" by Erika Amato is the best collection of Christmas songs I have heard since then - hands down - period - no discussion!

It's not just the selection of songs, but Erika's amazing, dare I say it - Angelic- voice coupled with amazing music, that makes this CD great.  The CD consists of absolutely beautiful (a word I only use when absolutely necessary, like now) music and an amazingly beautiful voice that just becomes one with the music.  It's like music+singer=perfection.

The sound is a great combination of classical and jazz - and even some rock, with piano, strings, brass, and probably instruments I am not trained enough to appreciate.  I can't say this enough, absolutely perfectly arranged around and together with Erika's absolutely amazing - angelic - voice.

It's not just the obvious talent that shines here, but the Christmas feeling is embedded in the music and the vocals.  It's not just some singer covering Christmas tunes - it IS Christmas.  The Christmas spirit can be felt within these songs - these songs bring Christmas to life.  There is no way to listen to this CD and not be filled with the Christmas spirit.  No lie - I could play this CD non-stop from Thanksgiving until New Year's and never grow tired of it - never.

My personal favorite (thought they are all my favorites, but if I had to choose) is "Christmastime Is Here", a song many will recognize from the Charlie Brown Christmas movies. It is probably the best rendition I have ever heard and is done with complete respect for the original.  (Of course, I won't lie - the Charlie Brown version will always be my most favorite - but WOW does this come close to replacing it in my heart!)

Songs on the CD :
White Christmas
Santa Baby
What Child Is This?
Merry Christmas Darling
Carol Of The Bells
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Silver Bells
Christmastime Is Here
O Holy Night
The Christmas Song

Again - this is available online at the Erika Amato's official site

Merry Christmas everybody!!!

Christmas Wisdom

The HandGrenades perform Jingle Bells

Our musical friends from Michigan - The HandGrenades performing their rendition of "Jingle Bells".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eF57RzypyM

Reason For The Season

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

First appeared in Luke 2:8-14 - and then, very eloquently spoken by Mr. Linus Van Pelt in the mid-1900s.

Merry Christmas

My 4 Favorite Christmas Movie/Show Quotes

These are my personal favorite 3 :

"....and God bless us, everyone" - Tiny Tim - A Christmas Carol

"Remember, no man is a failure who has friends" - Clarence - It's Wonderful Life

"MANKIND was my business" - Jacob Marley - A Christmas Carol

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
-- Linus Van Pelt in A Charlie Brown Christmas
-- Luke 2:8-14 in the Holy Bible

Merry Christmas

"...and God bless us, everyone"

(to borrow from Tiny Tim)

The Meaning of Christmas

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

This first appeared in the Holy Bible in the Book of Luke Chapter 2 Verses 8-14
and was later repeated over the television airwaves, hundreds of years later, by Linus Van Pelt during Charlie Brown's Christmas play.

It's A Wonderful Life

Yep - I think that pretty much says it all.