“This one-of-a kind masterpiece manufactured by the Ruth firm of Waldkirch is one of the finest German fairground organs ever built! It was a custom order by Wilhelm A. Meissner who specifically requested an animated orchestra to outshine his competitor’s, previously having released patents for putting animated figures on carousels.
The organ eventually ended up in the hands of William Nunley, responsible for Nunley’s Happyland in Long Island. The organ played at the park until its closing in the late 70’s when it was acquired by organ restorer Gavin McDonough who has painstakingly restored the organ to beautiful original condition.
The organ was converted to Wurlitzer 165 rolls in 1948 but still retained all of it’s original pipework and wind operated action. With the addition of MIDI, the organ is once again is able to play it’s complete 78 key scale!” (from a YouTube description of the same organ playing a rendition of “Hello, Dolly” on YouTube)
That is an exceptional instrument. The sound is gorgeous. And Entry of the Gladiators is a wonderful showpiece for it. A great march, it opened the Barnum & Bailey Circus for many years. As well as a lot of other circuses.
By now, I’m sure a lot of you have heard about the Peter Jackson docuseries, Get Back, that’s just been released on Disney+ streaming. I’ve been hearing about this project for at least the last year and really looking forward to it.
I have Netflix, Prime, Hulu, HBO Max…..and, wouldn’t you know it’s on DISNEY!!!!! I love the Beatles and would love to see this, but I refuse to get another streaming service! This just gets ridiculous!
It’s book review day today. First, I had heard a good deal of good stuff about Netflix’s show “The Witcher,” so I went looking.
I found out it was based on “The Witcher” stories by Polish author, Andrzej Sapkowski. I went to the library, and found them in translation.
The Witcher Series of books.
The original writings by Andrzej Sapkowski were the short story collections:
1st) "The Last Wish"
2nd ) "Sword of Destiny"
These, I highly recommend for your reading pleasure.
There is some words translated into George Carlin's seven, but they do fit the plots and
characters.
The translator of the collections (David A. French) did a really good job in my opinion. He
could only have effectively translated the humour in spirit, and I found myself laughing
at points in all the stories of the two collections.
The novels beginning with:
"Blood of Elves," and currently at number six "Season of Storms" I am not as enthusiastic
about.
I tried to read both "Blood of Elves" and the number two book "Time of Contempt," but the
same characters were not anywhere near as interesting as in the short stories. Sapkowski
didn't write them for the longer form, and I don't think he succeeded in the
transition.
You may recall my favourable review of Terry O’Reilly’s ” This I Know: Marketing Lessons from Under the Influence. Well, here’s his latest. The book’s title, used in the spoiler box, is not an ego trip. The book is 24 short numbered essays about mistakes made by or to the subjects that actually helped the subjects succeed. The full list of essays is in the spoiler box, but three concern “Jaws,” Billy Joel, and Popsicles. Well researched and worth your time, I think.
My Best Mistake
Epic Fails and Silver Linings Terry O’Reilly
1. Jaws: You’re Gonna Need a Better Shark
2. Scotty Bowman: The First Cut Is the Deepest
3. Ski-Doo®: How Do You Spell Success?
4. Brian Williams: The Unofficial Spokesperson of the Second Chance Club
5. Billy Joel: They Sit at the Bar and Put Bread in My Jar
6. Steve Madden: The Shoe of Wall Street
7. Swanson’s TV Dinners: The Problem with Leftovers
8. Bill Maher: The Problem with Being Politically Incorrect on Politically Incorrect
9. The Dixie Chicks: On Getting Dixie-Chicked
10. Seth MacFarlane: The Gate Is Now Closed
11. Steve Jobs: The Second Bite of the Apple
12. Kellogg’s Corn Flakes: Supressing Your Desires since 1896
13. Rob Lowe: Sex, Lies and Videotape
14. The Who: Who Are You?
15. Ellen DeGeneres: When a Door Shuts, a Closet Opens
16. The Incredible Hulk: Fifty Shades of Grey
17. Anthony Carter: Turning Up the Heat in Miami
18. Popsicles: Air Conditioning on a Stick
19. Sam Phillips: Rocket ’n’ Roll
20. Kathleen King: Watching the Cookie Crumble
21. Fiberglas Pink: How a Successful Product Dyed
22. Mario Puzo: An Offer Everyone Can Refuse
23. The Old Farmer’s Almanac: White Day in July
24. Atul Gawande: Planes, Pains and Operating Tables
Walk the Wire David Baldacci
A very good read. He brings together the characters from two of his series "Memory Man," (Amos Decker and Alex Jamieson)
and "Will Robie." (Will Robie, Blue Man, and Jessica Reel). The plot is a bit far fetched, but it's a really fun read.
The story takes place in North Dakota, with a very unfortunate side trip (for a minor character) to Montana. There's lots
and lots of murder, mayhem, and bad U.S. government people getting their just deserts.
Don’t waste your time on “Falling” by T.J. Newman. Its first three pages are intriguing, and then it completely telegraphs (should I be using “instant messages” now?) the plot points and ending at the seventh page (and I would tend to think those who finished the novel didn’t have anything else to read).
I didn’t care for “Underground Airlines,” by Ben H. Winters. It’s well written, and the characters are developed, but it just did not appeal to me. It wasn’t written with my reading taste in mind, I guess. Pick it up, if it’s your cup of tea that’s a good thing.
Alternate universe, the U.S. still has slavery, and the railroad is now called an airline.
In Stel’s lovely poster, the fleas from the circus appear to be headed right for Mr. Chapbasset and his stunning facial whiskers. The humans seem to have downgraded those red streaks into fireworks. Where is the drama in that? OR the comedy? It’s sad that those species chauvinists the humans insist on degrading these classic basset films. And a big THANK YOU to Stel Bel for preserving these works and letting us see them.
Taken from the lights at E. 33rd Street looking northeast on Lexington avenue.
I’d probably have better luck with the credits if my search didn’t keep coming up with:
“Possible related search: islamabad zoo”
And then going to the Islamabad zoo on the “double search” click.
Weird.
I did click on it – now, there’s not only one, but TWO elephants in the room.
What to do? What to do?
(I don’t want to shoot them in my pajamas: those stains are persistent.)
I remembered you waving at us from the headwaters of the Mississippi River (4 years ago now?) about 20 minutes after this tee-shirt advertisement popped up (my “do not track” clicks seem to finally have done some good / I get almost completely random ads.). If my memory is correct, you might find this amusing, then again, if you don’t, I mean no harm.
My dear Alexi, what a memory you have! I find this shirt hilarious! I’m only 5’3 and MMM is 6’3. Guess who gets EVERYTHING down from just about all but the lowest shelves?
I need that shirt! I’ve been known to ask random strangers in the store if they can get something off the top shelf for me. I’m so short when I stand up, my feet barely reach the floor!
I know someone like that.
She also has a messed up shoulder, so she can’t reach up much anyway.
I get texts from her often asking me to come over and help. 😀
[Human Version]
Entrance of the Gladiators
by Julius Fučik
“This one-of-a kind masterpiece manufactured by the Ruth firm of Waldkirch is one of the finest German fairground organs ever built! It was a custom order by Wilhelm A. Meissner who specifically requested an animated orchestra to outshine his competitor’s, previously having released patents for putting animated figures on carousels.
The organ eventually ended up in the hands of William Nunley, responsible for Nunley’s Happyland in Long Island. The organ played at the park until its closing in the late 70’s when it was acquired by organ restorer Gavin McDonough who has painstakingly restored the organ to beautiful original condition.
The organ was converted to Wurlitzer 165 rolls in 1948 but still retained all of it’s original pipework and wind operated action. With the addition of MIDI, the organ is once again is able to play it’s complete 78 key scale!” (from a YouTube description of the same organ playing a rendition of “Hello, Dolly” on YouTube)
That is an exceptional instrument. The sound is gorgeous. And Entry of the Gladiators is a wonderful showpiece for it. A great march, it opened the Barnum & Bailey Circus for many years. As well as a lot of other circuses.
First, Charlie Chapbasset, and now The Entry of the Gladiators!
Nice way to start my day! Thanks, Stel.
for JP Steve…
“Bug-eyed and beautiful: This cheery damselfly was snapped by Kevin Sawford as he waved his greeting from an iris in the UK’s Norfolk Broads.”
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Love the googly eyes! Thanks, Stel…!
…
…
…
…
…
By now, I’m sure a lot of you have heard about the Peter Jackson docuseries, Get Back, that’s just been released on Disney+ streaming. I’ve been hearing about this project for at least the last year and really looking forward to it.
I have Netflix, Prime, Hulu, HBO Max…..and, wouldn’t you know it’s on DISNEY!!!!! I love the Beatles and would love to see this, but I refuse to get another streaming service! This just gets ridiculous!
“Get Back” HERE’S THE FIRST TWO HOURS 36 MINUTES, AS ALWAYS CLICK THROUGH THE CLUTTER AND GO FULL SCREEN
Do you want me to add the other two parts or do you want to get them?
By all means, Alexi….please add the other two parts, as well!!
And, thanks so much!
A beautiful lady asks, a beautiful lady shall receive.
“Get Back” PART TWO: TWO HOURS FIFTY THREE MINUTES
“Get Back” PART THREE: TWO HOURS EIGHTEEN MINUTES
Thank you for the recommendation!
And here’s something in return:
https://www2.zoechip.com/tv/the-center-seat-55-years-of-star-trek-74251
I liked the first episode very much, but the follow-ups even better.
Informative and entertaining.
I almost succumbed to the temptation to stay up all night, but managed to pause it after 20 min.
Thank’s for posting André Rieu – Entry of The Gladiators.
I have not seen that before.
He and his orchestra always give an excellent performance.
Yes, that was fun, to see the musicians being celebrated like gladiators.
I feel the same burn, but I figure I can get it eventually.
See the links above that Alexi posted! We won’t have to wait!
(But, generally, I’m beginning to hate all these streaming services!!!)
It’s book review day today. First, I had heard a good deal of good stuff about Netflix’s show “The Witcher,” so I went looking.
I found out it was based on “The Witcher” stories by Polish author, Andrzej Sapkowski. I went to the library, and found them in translation.
The original writings by Andrzej Sapkowski were the short story collections: 1st) "The Last Wish" 2nd ) "Sword of Destiny" These, I highly recommend for your reading pleasure. There is some words translated into George Carlin's seven, but they do fit the plots and characters. The translator of the collections (David A. French) did a really good job in my opinion. He could only have effectively translated the humour in spirit, and I found myself laughing at points in all the stories of the two collections. The novels beginning with: "Blood of Elves," and currently at number six "Season of Storms" I am not as enthusiastic about. I tried to read both "Blood of Elves" and the number two book "Time of Contempt," but the same characters were not anywhere near as interesting as in the short stories. Sapkowski didn't write them for the longer form, and I don't think he succeeded in the transition.You may recall my favourable review of Terry O’Reilly’s ” This I Know: Marketing Lessons from Under the Influence. Well, here’s his latest. The book’s title, used in the spoiler box, is not an ego trip. The book is 24 short numbered essays about mistakes made by or to the subjects that actually helped the subjects succeed. The full list of essays is in the spoiler box, but three concern “Jaws,” Billy Joel, and Popsicles. Well researched and worth your time, I think.
Epic Fails and Silver Linings Terry O’Reilly
A very good read. He brings together the characters from two of his series "Memory Man," (Amos Decker and Alex Jamieson) and "Will Robie." (Will Robie, Blue Man, and Jessica Reel). The plot is a bit far fetched, but it's a really fun read. The story takes place in North Dakota, with a very unfortunate side trip (for a minor character) to Montana. There's lots and lots of murder, mayhem, and bad U.S. government people getting their just deserts.Don’t waste your time on “Falling” by T.J. Newman. Its first three pages are intriguing, and then it completely telegraphs (should I be using “instant messages” now?) the plot points and ending at the seventh page (and I would tend to think those who finished the novel didn’t have anything else to read).
I didn’t care for “Underground Airlines,” by Ben H. Winters. It’s well written, and the characters are developed, but it just did not appeal to me. It wasn’t written with my reading taste in mind, I guess. Pick it up, if it’s your cup of tea that’s a good thing.
Alternate universe, the U.S. still has slavery, and the railroad is now called an airline.
Thanks for all the Little Tramp bits, Stel.
My pleasure, Dennis!
In Stel’s lovely poster, the fleas from the circus appear to be headed right for Mr. Chapbasset and his stunning facial whiskers. The humans seem to have downgraded those red streaks into fireworks. Where is the drama in that? OR the comedy? It’s sad that those species chauvinists the humans insist on degrading these classic basset films. And a big THANK YOU to Stel Bel for preserving these works and letting us see them.
I’m glad you enjoy it!!
Charlie Chaplin has to be among the greatest artists, across all art forms, of the 20th century.
chocolate mousse
.
Beautiful!
Taken from the lights at E. 33rd Street looking northeast on Lexington avenue.
I’d probably have better luck with the credits if my search didn’t keep coming up with:
“Possible related search: islamabad zoo”
And then going to the Islamabad zoo on the “double search” click.
Weird.
So where’s King Kong?
(Chrysler Building, what’s a Chrysler Building?)
..
Almost put me in a trance……….!
Wow!
Kewl.
BING Picture of the Day
11-30-2021
African Bush Elephants
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
©Yva Momatiuk and John Eastcott/Minden Pictures
(click on picture to enlarge)
I did click on it – now, there’s not only one, but TWO elephants in the room.
What to do? What to do?
(I don’t want to shoot them in my pajamas: those stains are persistent.)
“Last night I dreamed I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How an elephant got in my pajamas I’ll never know.”
That’s what I meant to imply.
And fixing the holes…
Cute poster. Well done! I enjoyed watching Charlie in the lion cage.
What a good looking family, Nighthawks!!
I remembered you waving at us from the headwaters of the Mississippi River (4 years ago now?) about 20 minutes after this tee-shirt advertisement popped up (my “do not track” clicks seem to finally have done some good / I get almost completely random ads.). If my memory is correct, you might find this amusing, then again, if you don’t, I mean no harm.
My dear Alexi, what a memory you have! I find this shirt hilarious! I’m only 5’3 and MMM is 6’3. Guess who gets EVERYTHING down from just about all but the lowest shelves?
LOL!
(that was in Oct, 2018)
I need that shirt! I’ve been known to ask random strangers in the store if they can get something off the top shelf for me. I’m so short when I stand up, my feet barely reach the floor!
I know someone like that.
She also has a messed up shoulder, so she can’t reach up much anyway.
I get texts from her often asking me to come over and help. 😀
You’re a good soul.
We need Happy3 in Montana!
http://www.instantrimshot.com
Just uploaded by Nautilus Live.