ban humbug

familiarity breeds contempt. if not contempt it certainly breeds indifference.

those things that are always there fade into the background, become part of the general "static" that surrounds us.

every once in a while let's rescue something from the fog of the familiar.

here goes ( i guarantee this selection will be met with groans, rolling of the eyes, and all things dismissive) white christmas by irving berlin

that's right , you heard me- that song! that song you hear a dozen times a day during december. that song that has been recorded hundreds of times by geniuses and dim wits alike.

but next time you hear it, try to listen as if for the first time. that melody is inviting and comfortable and familiar the first time you hear it. every one can sing it and convince themselves they sound great.

the lyrics are nostalgic and perfectly direct. the images are simple and accessible , everyone can relate. i can even detect (or perhaps project) a wry sort of humor in the idea that the winters were always perfect back then. that is without question a feeling we all share-"when i was younger, the snow was deeper, and whiter and lasted longer and on and on"

do i need to add- bing crosby? curt gowdy, the sportscaster and host of the old weekend afternoon show "the american sportsman" was asked his favorite memory of working on that show for 20 odd years and he said driving with bing crosby on their way to go fishing and listening to crosby sing along with all the songs on the radio. not performing, just singing.

i'm done-you can finish rolling your eyes now