Just a couple more day to go

It's the Sixth Day of Hanukkah



At this point you may want to skip the unnecessary calories and just drink the oil - but not too much. Mussolini used to use this as a torture for his political enemies.


Boogie Woogie Hanukkah  Stuart Winter Choir Concert Men’s Choir -




Swingin' Dreidel  Kenny Ellis -




A Hanukkah Mitzvah CBS Cares   Mayim Bialik -




Hanukkah Lovin'  Michelle Citrin -




Challah Back Girl  DJ BC -




Hanukkah, O Hanukkah   Barenaked Ladies -



Remember, so far there has been no barking dog version of I had a Little Dreidel. You might begin thinking about where you are going to store your Hanukkah decorations? (I don't mean to insinuate that you aren't normally observant. Perhaps you proudly display your heirloom menorah in your living room. I can't be everywhere.)

There are literally dozens of adaptations of A Christmas Carol. Let's take a look at a few of them:

Marley's Ghost (1901) -




Scrooge (1935) -




Scrooge (1951) -



(It isn't really Christmas in our home unless we are watching this at about 2 am Christmas morning 'assisting Santa' with the gifts.)


A Christmas Carol (1954) -



(This was actually the first adaptation to be shot in color, but only the black-and-white kinoscope survived.)


This could be the greatest mash-up ever, or at least the most labor intensive. Heath Waterman has spent 18 months putting together this labor of love, retelling the story of Ebenezer Scrooge in his video Twelve Hundred Ghosts - A Christmas Carol in Supercut.



Mr. Waterman uses clips from over over 400 versions of the holiday classic.


Blackadders Christmas Carol -




And there is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than drinking spirits -

Eggnog is usually thought of as a Christmas beverage and to tell the truth I am not a huge fan of Eggnog. So I find it amusing that the recipe that I'm posting is for Eggnog (Above is a copy of my family recipe - my father sent it to his sister in 1962.)

Coquito, a Puerto Rican twist on the classic, is a family favorite and I thought I’d share it with you and perhaps you can try it out on your family.

Please note: these drinks go down quite smoothly and are very potent – they could be administered as a calmative for frayed nerves during the holiday season.

Ingredients:

* 4 large egg yolks
* 1/4 cup of sugar
* 1/2 can of (14-ounces) condensed milk
* 1 14-ounce cans evaporated milk
* 1 1/2 cans of 15-ounce cans cream of coconut
* 1/2 of a Fifth of white rum (or more)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 teaspoon coconut (or vanilla) extract


Tools:

* Drink Blender
* Can opener
* Glass


Directions: 


Add the egg yolks, sugar, spices and vanilla into the blender. Mix until well blended.

Add the evaporated & condensed milk to the blender and briefly mix. (Condensed milk is very thick - you may want to open the can up all the way and scrap out all of the milk with a spatula.)

Vigorously shack the can of cream of coconut (it tends to separate.) Pour the cream of coconut into the blender and mix well. Scrap out any remaining coconut stuff from the can.

Add the rum and mix. Taste. If you think you need more rum, add it.

Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Serve cold.


A Christmas Carol  Tom Lehrer -

Demand Euphoria!

The ACME Eagle Hand Soap Radio Hour (46)

Another page from the ACME Catalog -

Before our feature presentation, ACME would like to start the evening with another Sylvester The Cat and Hippety Hopper Looney Tunes cartoon, the 1954 Robert McKimson directed, Bell Hoppy:



This cartoon's plot is essentially a role-reversal version of the age-old "belling the cat" fable.

It's the Fifth Night of Hanukkah and ACME wants you to join them in celebrating the holidays with your friends at The ACME Eagle Hand Soap Radio Hour - the official soap of our nation's bald eagles. Remember if your bald eagle's talons are filthy, do we have a soap for you!



Impress your friends: The fifth night of Hanukkah is called 'the darkest night', not because it falls on one of the last days of the Hebrew month of Kislev (meaning there is no moon), but because it is the only night of Hanukkah that can NEVER fall on Shabbat


We Are Lights  Philadelphia Gay Mens Chorus -




The Kvetch - a Hanukah Parody -




Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy explains Hanukkah -




Chanukah   Lewis Black -




8 Hanukkah Parody Songs in 4 Minutes!  Eric Schwartz -



I believe that oil fatigue may have already set in. Hold on, you will get through this.

For the second part of the show, we bring you - Really Bad Christmas songs. I received word from medical authorities that I should avoid posting Kanye West singing any Christmas song. It would be considered risky given your mental state.



Duly noted.


Rock and Roll Santa  Jan Terri -



I was going to post Excuse My Christmas but then I found many versions of this song. I am even more confused this year - this is an amazingly bad performance. But Ms. Terri is very well known as an 'Outsider Rock and Roll' performer and there are people posting on the web that this is one of their favorite holiday songs. It is not one of mine.


I'll Be Home For Christmas   Jillian Hall -



I get the point that WWD star Jillian Hall is supposed to be singing badly but she is not a good enough singer to put it off - it's just bad without being funny.


Christmas Tree Lyrics  Lady GaGa -



I actually like many of Lady GaGa's songs, but this just makes me feel dirty (and not in a good way.)


Spin Me a Christmas  Aqua –



From the weird folks who brought you Barbie Girl, a strange tune bringing a Disney ride to life for Christmas.


That's Christmas To Me  Pentatonix -



It's as if GAP mannequins came to life and started auto-harmonizing.


We'll end with our perennial favorite -



What list of cheesy holiday songs would be complete without this wretched dreck concerning a filthy child's odd foot fetish (especially since it centers around his dying mother) - always an uplifting tune.



But I will give Patton Oswald the final word on the subject.

Demand Euphoria!

There is none of the 'Naughty Nice list' dilemma

After hosting the fourth night of Hanukkah,



now is the time to figure out how to send all the mishpokhe home.

(Bonus points - don't forget to light your menorah before sundown today. Take it from a former Shabbos goy.)


Adam Sandler had nothing better to do than to update his song yet again - Chanukah Song Part 4 -



It's run by a big eastern syndicate, you know.


The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming -




Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah   Jinkx Monsoon & Sherry Vine -




Feast of Lights  They Might Be Giants -




8 Days (of Hanukkah)   Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings -




Hot Rod Hanukkah Meshugga Beach Party





Our holiday theme today is one of our favorite holiday games, "Guess the theme?"


Jingle Bell Rock -



This is considered the first mainstream rock 'n' roll Christmas song. The B-side of the single is Captain Santa Claus And His Reindeer Space Patrol.


A Holly Jolly Christmas -



The song has been featured on several TV shows, including Melrose Place, Roswell, My Name Is Earl, Chuck, Bones, and Mr. Robot.


(There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays -



The song was recorded twice by Perry Como. Once in 1954, and released as a single for Christmas. The second time was in 1959 and has appeared on many compilations records.



The Christmas Waltz   Frank Sinatra -



Listen for the imperfect rhyme in the line '...And this song of mine, in three-quarter time.'


Santa Baby -



Along with "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," this was one of the first Christmas novelty songs.


Happy Holidays -

Demand Euphoria!

You won't be pressured to buy Hanukkah Seals.

Tonight is the third night of Hanukkah -

Let's see what's on the ole turntable for Hanukkah this evening -

The Chanukah Song Part 3  Adam Sandler -




What is Chanukah?   Hannah Witton -




Happy Hanukkah Curious George -




Chrismukkah Speech from the series The O.C. -




Dreidel Erran Baron Cohen Feat. Jules Brookes and Y-Love -




Swingin' Dreidel  The United States Army Band -




Remember to eat some steamed vegetables or a bran muffin.


Our second theme today:

The gentlemen from South Philly were so moved by our themes concerning Frank and Dino that after much stregga and threatened 'kisses of death', for the fourth year in a row, I have be persuaded (forced at gunpoint) to have another Mobbed Up Christmas this year.

(This is not to say that any of these singers are in anyway associated with organized crime.)

It's just that Frankie Lupini, Molluschi Vincenzo, Joey Carrozza, etc, 'requested' these songs.


What Will Santa Claus Say (When He Finds Everbody Swingin’)  Louis Prima -




Merry Christmas Baby   Dion -




Do You Hear What I Hear?  Bobby Vinton -




Christmas Night In Harlem  Tony Martin -






O, Holy Night  Jerry Vale  -




After many shots (of rye) and plates of scungilli, baccalà alla vicentina and fried calamari, the boys want to wish everyone Buon Natale, as well as Happy Hanukkah.

Demand Europhia.

Another reason Hanukkah feels better than Christmas

Dr. Dreidel is a better pun than Kanye Kane.

It's the second night of Hanukkah. The fried food is still appetizing.



Gather your family around and listen to some more Hanukkah songs -

The Chanukah Song Part 2  Adam Sandler -




How do you spell Hanukkah? -




Another Hanukkah Miracle from Technion Israel -




Can I interest you in Hannukah? -




Ocho Kandelikas  Cantor Sheila Nesis -




I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas -




OK, Frank wasn't the only member of the Rat Pack to sing carols -

I've got seven kids. The three words you hear most around my house are 'hello', 'goodbye', and 'I'm pregnant'.

our other theme is A Dean Martin's Christmas (Dean died on Christmas day in 1995.)

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! -


Although this song is associated with Christmas, there is no mention of the holiday in the lyrics. This was written by the lyricist Sammy Cahn and the Broadway songwriter Jule Styne in 1945.


White Christmas -




Blue Christmas -



Originally recorded by Western actor Doye O'Dell in 1948, the song found popularity two years later with a cover by Ernest Tubb. Elvis Presley recorded it in 1957 for his Elvis' Christmas Album.


A Marshmallow World -



Written by the Brill Building songwriters Carl Sigman and Peter DeRose, this is a popular Christmas song, although it doesn't specifically mention the holiday


What the hell I'm starting to feel the bourbon, let's watch an entire episode of The Dean Martin Christmas Show -



I want to be remembered as a damn good entertainer, nothing spectacular. A good entertainer who made people enjoy themselves and made them laugh a little. I want them to think 'He was a nice guy. He did pretty good and we loved him.'

Demand Euphoria.

Before you go, remember to get your Christmas cards out soon. You've got to hurry to avoid the rush - December 19th is the busiest day of the year at the post office.

The more cards you send, the more solvent the USPS remains.

Remember: Hanukkah means "dedication"

You add the candles from right to left but light them left to right.

So, let the serious eating commence.




Original Hanukkah Song  Adam Sandler -




Rise Up  Y-Studs -




A Nice Jewish Boy Band Chanukah  Six13 -




Shine On You  Listen Up! -




Playing with a Dreidel  Sesame Street -



Please pace yourself - Eight days is a long time. And kids, know when a simple game becomes an addiction - please no actual gambling while playing with your dreidels. Gamblers Anonymous (718) 352-1671

At heart, I guess I'm a saloon singer because there's a greater intimacy between performer and audience in a nightclub. Then again, I love the excitement of appearing before a big concert audience. Let's just say that the place isn't important, as long as everybody has a good time.


I'll Be Home for Christmas -



This was originally recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943, and it quickly became one of America's most popular holiday songs along with White Christmas, which Bing had put onto disc the previous year.


Jingle Bells -



This was the first song played in space. On December 16, 1965, astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford were aboard Gemini 6 when they played this on a harmonica and bells to Mission Control. Both instruments are displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.


Santa Claus is Comin' to Town -



This was written in 1932 by Haven Gillespie and J. Fred Coots. They had trouble convincing anyone to produce it because it was seen as a kids' song, which would have been very hard to sell. The big break came when Eddie Cantor sang it on his radio show in 1934, and the song became an instant hit.


Winter Wonderland -



Although this song is associated with Christmas, there is no mention of the holiday in the lyrics. The song was originally recorded by Richard Himber and his Orchestra at the end of a recording session when they found some time to spare and it was suggested that this new tune be tried. Among his orchestra was a young clarinetist, Artie Shaw, who was doing some studio work to support himself while he caught up on his formal education.


I'm for decency -- period. I'm for anything and everything that bodes love and consideration for my fellow man. But when lip service to some mysterious deity permits bestiality on Wednesday and absolution on Sunday -- cash me out.


The Rat Pack wishes you a Merry Christmas (from Robin and The 7 Hoods.)-

Christmas is in 13 days

Demand Euphoria!

Fragapanophobia –

an irrational fear of bad experiences involving or taking place during birthday.




Just because it's SOS' birthday had no bearing on her being our third guest programmer today, (I couldn't take the constant pestering about how unfair it was that it wasn't her turn yet.)

So take it away birthday girl -


Baby, It's Cold Outside  Leon Redbone and Zooey Deschanel -



Once again I am stumped that my daughters love this song, it keeps making their lists.


Sleigh ride  Fun -



According to ASCAP, this was the most-played holiday song on American radio from 2009-2012, beating out Winter Wonderland.


Carol of The Bells  Trans-Siberian Orchestra -



The internet meme Ding! Fries Are Done is the anthem of a Burger King worker named Billy set to the tune of Carol of the Bells. It originated in 1993 on the mysterious singer's cassette album A Very Spastic Christmas and gained attention the following year on the Dr. Demento radio show.



Feliz Navidad  Jose Feliciano -



This bilingual holiday classic comprises a simple English verse with a Spanish chorus, "Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad" that translates as "Merry Christmas, a prosperous year and happiness." The song's composer, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter José Feliciano, told Billboard magazine: "If I had left in Spanish only, then I knew the English stations might not play it, so I decided to write an English lyric, 'I want to wish you a merry Christmas.' And then there was no way the stations could lock that song out of the programming."


Mistletoe  Justin Bieber -



The origin of the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is obscure. The most likely explanation is that either the custom stemmed from the association of the plant in Dark Ages Europe with Freya, the Nordic goddess of love and beauty, or it could have come from the ancient belief that mistletoe symbolizes fertility.

Demand Euphoria!