New Year's Rocking Attic Revisited

I find this hard to believe, but it's been three years now since the last edition of the New Year's Rockin' Attic. In 2006, 2007 and 2008 I finished the "broadcast year" with the heavy metal "Auld Lang Syne" by Rockosaurus Rex and some other seasonal delights.

I've been poking around the Attic again and found those eventful podcasts tucked behind a strange looking vase that started talking to me about the Phoenix Islands. That's a tale for another day.

For now I offer this links/download opportunities with the whimsical thought that maybe I should start thinking about dusting off the microphone.

Uncle Warren's Attic #16: New Year's Rockin' Attic (Jan. 1, 2007)
Click here for the podcast

Uncle Warren's Attic #46: New Year's Rockin' Attic II (Dec. 30, 2007)
Click here for the podcast

Uncle Warren's Attic #56: New Year's Rockin' Attic III (Dec. 28, 2008)
Click here for the podcast

And then there's the closest thing to a lost episode of Uncle Warren's Attic - the seldom heard fourth New Year's Rockin' Attic! The reason it's seldom heard is that I wasn't satisfied with the results - and because it ends with a promise to return to regular podcasting - so I pulled it from circulation after just a couple of days. But now here it is - and it's not at all as bad as I remember.

Uncle Warren's Attic #59: New Year's Rockin' Attic IV (Dec. 29, 2009)
Click here for the podcast

Best covers of 2011

Here's an interesting site for people who enjoy varied interpretations of familiar tunes.

You can find a selection of the Best Cover Songs of 2011 and the Best Cover Albums of 2011, as well as full albums of covers.

Fun stuff.

Tis the season

It's a most amazing and inspiring story, of overcoming hardship (no room at the inn) and government red tape (everyone return to their hometown to register? Really?) to bring a child into the world who from the first was a beacon of hope.

However you celebrate this time of year, or even if you don't, please accept this in the spirit of peace and joy it's intended:

Merry Christmas.

Cross posted to Inward and Indeed.

Best introduction of a character in TV history: Hoban "Wash" Washburne

You never have a second chance to make a first impression. My first impression of Wash in Firefly is: I love this guy.

1. It's a Wonderful Life

I did this one already, in the blog post that started me thinking about my favorite movies in 25 words or less:
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On the brink of suicide, a man is introduced to the reality that every individual has immeasurable value and a purpose.
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Bert! What do you know about that? Merry Christmas!

2. Serenity

Nine disparate characters make a life and a family together against all odds. With Firefly, simply the best science fiction saga of our time.

3. The Wizard of Oz

A children's story for all ages; unforgettable songs, iconic images and joyous performances. (Only needed 13 words that time!)
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Anyone who knows me has heard me quote from this film numerous times, most likely "Shucks folks, I'm speechless."

When I finally saw this film on a big screen (was it for the 60th anniversary in 1999?), my biggest surprise was noticing at last that Scarecrow is packing heat in the Haunted Forest. One could argue this is proof he really does have a brain!

4. Casablanca

Everyone needs to believe in something bigger than themselves - even if it means making painful choices. No film illustrates this truth better than this one.
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(I had the pleasure of seeing this movie in a crowded college lecture hall in the early 1970s, before films were readily available, so most of us had never seen it before. The audience reaction to the line following "Major Strasser has been shot" is the best moment I've ever had in a movie theater. Delirium.)

5. E.T. the Extraterrestrial

The most glorious symphonic score ever composed for a film (Yay, John Williams!), accompanying a timeless odyssey that touches the heart.

6. To Kill a Mockingbird

Perhaps the best child performances ever; a heroic father figure; riveting courtroom drama and the tragedy of justice unserved; compelling mystery; what's not to love?

7. A Christmas Story

Jean Shepherd's greatest tales portrayed nearly perfectly, capturing a time and place that is both vintage and universal. A complete delight any time of year.

8. Field of Dreams

The full range of emotions and a fantastic mystery, followed by one of the great payoffs: "Hey - Dad? You wanna have a catch?" 'Nuff said.