'70s Coca Cola Holiday Commercial

https://oblivionfoodcourt.tumblr.com/post/189839384915/coca-cola-70s-christmas-hilltop-commercial

A Christmas Story (Re-post)

This is a re-post of a post originally appearing on December 17, 2011.

One of my recently acquired Christmas obsessions is the fun and enjoyable 1983 movie A Christmas Story. Based upon writer Jean Shepherd's semi-fictionalized account of a young boy, Ralphie, experiencing the Christmas holidays in 1940s Indiana with his parents, his younger brother, and his neighborhood friends. I love movies that convey a time period with great detail, and A Christmas Story clearly fits into this category. 

This movie contains one of the funniest scenes ever, where one of the young protagonist's friends gets his tongue stuck to metal pole in the cold of winter. The main story line, however, also full of funny moments, concerns Ralphie's ongoing quest to obtain a BB gun for Christmas, despite the objections ("you'll shoot your eye out, kid") of various adult figures, including his mother, his teacher, and a store Santa Claus.   

But I think the main reason I find this movie so enjoyable is that its a rather realistic, yet fun, holiday movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. It involves a rather average family doing their best to enjoy the holidays amidst
dealing with everyday life. Ultimately, this movie is about having a Merry Christmas with what you have, and with those you have around you.

An '80s Valentine: "Sea of Love"

The Honeydrippers were a band put together by former Led Zeppelin lead singer Robert Plant, who scored a major hit in 1984 with their version of '50s classic "Sea of Love." A suitable retro-'80s valentine.

Hall & Oates' "Jingle Bell Rock"

A very '80s Happy Holidays to all.

'80s Holiday Cheer

Here's some '80s holiday music memories.


Band Aid, "Do They Know Its Christmas":A multi-musician effort to raise funds for African famine relief made up of some of the most well-known '80s musical acts.
(Note: I initially mistakenly placed above a video for a subsequent version of "Do They Know Its Christmas" which was not the original '80s version.  I have corrected this, and now the original 1984 version of this song is posted above.)

The Pointer Sisters, "Santa Claus is Coming To Town"

Wham, "Last Christmas":One of the most "stylistically 80's" Christmas songs

Eurythmics' "Winter Wonderland"

Billy Squire, "Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You"

John Cougar Mellencamp, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"

Holiday Songroll 2017

Its become almost a tradition on this blog that every December, I do a post with a bunch of Christmas songs. Its that time of year again, and what a better song to start with than the truly beautiful '80s Christmas song from the Pretenders, "2000 Miles."

Here's one from the late '70s from former Beatle Paul McCartney, and his band Wings, who are having a "Wonderful Christmas Time."

Heres another incredible voice from the '80s, that of Annie Lennox.  Here, she's with her early '80s synth duo Eurythmics, with their rendition of "Winter Wonderland."

U2 rocks Christmas in a very '80s style, with "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"

Another '80s rocker, John Mellencamp, does his version of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."

And, lastly on this post, the truly memorable Christmas song with a message, Band Aid's "Do They Know Its Christmas," from 1984.

To all my readers:

Merry Christmas
Happy Hannukah
Happy Holidays
Feliz Navidad

1977 Commercial with a Message

Okay, I've posted this wonderful 1977 Coca-Cola Christmas commercial several times before, but this year in particular it's message is poignant and true. Look at the idea this clip presents, which I wish would be more true in our society: people of all walks of life and cultures together sharing the love of the holidays.

To all my readers:
Merry Christmas!!
Happy Hannukah!!
Happy Holidays!!

For July 4th: When America Came Together

I wish all of my readers in the United States a great Independence Day. 

In honor of July 4, I am re-posting a post which originally appeared May 21, 2016.  Its a post commemorating an event which brought Americans together, back when doing so seemed much more common than it does today. Hands Across America brought together Americans of very different politics, lifestyles, and viewpoints to call attention to the needs of the homeless. The event consisted of creating a human chain across the United States made up of people from all walks of life. 

I post this today in commemoration of my country, the United States of America, and also to remind us that we can come together again as we once did in the past.

Hands Across America (May 25, 1986)

On May 25, 1986, a truly unique event occurred which I think has some lessons for us today.  In an effort to draw attention to the plight of the homeless, over 6 million people joined hands in a chain that crossed the United States from coast to coast.  The effort was called Hands Across America.

The event drew support from across the political spectrum, and included participation from many political, artistic and religious figures.  These included Yoko Ono, Oprah Winfrey, Robin Williams, Michael J. Fox, Michael Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Liza Minelli, Kenny Rogers, John Cardinal O'Connor, and the Reverend Robert Schuller, all of whom joined the human chain at some point along its lengthy route.

In Washington, D.C., the event included President Ronald Reagan at the White House, and House Speaker Tip O'Neill at the U.S. Capitol.

I think this wonderful event, which went on to raise $34 million for homeless charities, is an example for today.  Now that there is such division and mistrust in the U.S., we need a reminder that it doesn't always have to be like this.   As we approach the aniversary of Hands Across America, we could do well to look back and see that we came come together with hopefullness and idealism to do good, and to see the best in one another.

hands across america
hands across the land i love
united we fall
united we stand
hands across america
mother and father
daughter and son
learn to live as one
i can not stop thinking again and again
how the heart of a stranger
beats the same as a friend
learn to love each other
see these people over there?
they are my brother and sister
when they laugh i laugh
when they cry i cry
when they need i’ll be there by their side
we are the river of hope
that runs through the valley of fear
and there is a lady whose smile shines upon us
saying all is welcome here.
learn to love each other
see the man over there?
he’s my brother
when he laughs i laugh
when he cries i cry
when he needs me
i’ll be right there, right by his side
the kiss never felt so sincere
full of countless dreams
this earth, it never smelt so sweet
cradles a song in it’s great heartbeat
learn to love each other
see the man over there?
he’s my brother
when he laughs i laugh
when he cries i cry
when he needs me

For Mom: "Thank You For Being A Friend"

In previous years, I celebrated Mother's Day by celebrating my mom's love of cop and action shows.  She also enjoyed comedy, especially the mild, non-edgy, well-meaning kind.  She loved the '80s and '90s sitcom "The Golden Girls," which featured the catchy opening song "Thank You For Being A Friend." The song was actually a top 40 pop hit for Andrew Gold in 1978, which was re-purposed for the show.

I think the song is appropriate, not only because my mom loved that show so much, but because the lyrics are also so appropriate.  My mom passed away in 2003, and this post is in tribute to her. Here's to you mom.

          Thank you for being a friend 
          Traveled down the road and back again
          Your heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant

          And if you threw a party
          Invited everyone you knew
          You would see the biggest gift would be from me
          And the card attached would say 

         Thank you for being a friend  

(Thanks to TVLand for the video.)

Billy Ocean: "Suddenly"

For Valentines Day . . . here's a classic '80s ballad.

Billy Ocean's beautiful "Suddenly." (1985)

Three Kings Day, with Blondie and Hall & Oates

 
 Latin American cultures (which is my background) continue to celebrate the Christmas holiday season up until the day of Epiphany on January 6 (and some even after that). Epiphany in  Western Christianity celebrates the visit of the Magi (i.e. the three kings, or the three wise men) to Jesus just after his birth. (Whether this is historically accurate, I will leave for others to debate.)   It is also known, more popularly, as "Three Kings Day."

Well, as I am still celebrating the Christmas holidays, I thought I'd post an '80s-related video that connects with the holiday. The best I could do is this rockin' version of "We Three Kings" from '70s and '80s new wave group Blondie. (!!)  The song came out in 2009, and it's . . .  different.  I do love Blondie though. And Three Kings Day is here.  So enjoy!!  

(Thanks to Michael Gaylin via Youtube.)


Since my Christmas tree is still up, let me add this: Daryl Hall and John Oates doing their version of "Jingle Bell Rock."  Its from 1983, so authentically '80s! And the video sure looks it. Love that '80s quirkiness!!  Enjoy!!

(Thanks to hallandoatesVEVO.)

Annie Lennox, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

OK. You may be thinking . . . "Another Christmas post?? Isn't Christmas over?" . . . Well, not quite yet.   As of the time of this post, New Years Day hasn't come yet. Also, I'm of Latin American background, and in Latin cultures, the Christmas holidays continue until Epiphany, also called Three Kings Day, on January 6.  And, Hannukah and Kwanzaa are still going on.   So, I figure a holiday post is still fair game.

Besides, I just couldn't resist posting this wonderful and amazing version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Annie Lennox, from 2010.  So etherial and magical, and so evocative of the season.  Check out the strangely beautiful video too. Enjoy!

Memories, Peace, and Happy Holidays

 

Here's two video clips which I've shown on this blog before. In fact I was considering whether I should re-post it yet again. But I opted to bring them out again, like worn but beloved Christmas ornaments, because of at least two reasons.  First, they both bring back strong memories from my Christmases past. Second, because they both represent that spirit of love, peace, and compassion we need today.

 Above is the classic commercial which Coke ran during the late '70s of young people creating a Christmas tree, and singing "I'd Love To Teach The World To Sing."  I remember this 1977 commercial so vividly from my childhood. It has a very special place in my memories, and represents an innocent ideal of what Christmas is supposed to be about. I feel like just jumping in and joining this wonderful bunch of young people and sing along with them.

And here is another 1977 item: the duet between Bing Crosby and David Bowie of "Little Drummer Boy/ Peace on Earth." I think this video is particularly poignant this year, as we lost David Bowie. The lyrics speak for themselves.

                   To all my readers, of every faith and belief:

                                 Merry Christmas!!
                                 Happy Hanukkah!!
                                 Happy Holidays!!

'80s Christmas Songroll

Its become almost a tradition at this blog to have a holiday season post (or posts!) with some retro '80s era Christmas songs. Some of the songs have been posted yearly, not unlike the yearly ritual of trotting out the same old beloved ornaments. Here's '80s Christmas songroll for 2016.

First up is a new one for this blog: the Pointer Sisters' version of the old classic "Santa Clause Is Coming to Town."

Here's another first appearance for this blog, Annie Lennox (and Eurythmics') doing a lovely rendition of "Winter Wonderland."  Is the holiday spirit being felt?

This one's a classic: U2's very '80s version of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)."

John (Cougar) Mellencamp's rockin version of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."

All of the above were from 1987's wonderful charity album, A Very Special Christmas, which benefited the Special Olympics.

Here's a few '80s Christmas classics coming back to take their place under this year's tree:

Wham's very, very '80s holiday song, "This Christmas," from 1985.

And, rounding it all off, Billy Squire's 1981 "Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You." 

Halloween with Kiss and Freddy

Found this Halloween treat on Youtube (thanks to architek777).  This goes all the way back to 1976.  Its Kiss, original members back in the original full makeup mode, appearing on Paul Lynde's Halloween Special.  Joining them is Margaret Hamilton, reprising her original Wizard of Oz role as the Wicked Witch of the West, and the character of Witchiepoo from the '70s show H.R. Puffnstuff.

For another trick or treat, following is a re-post of a post of mine from 2012. 

Freddy Krueger (Re-post of October 25, 2012 post.)

Halloween is approaching, and thoughts turn to things scary and spooky. . . and horror.

Those of us who grew up in the 1980s and were into horror movies remember Freddy Krueger. The ghoulish star of the horror flick Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), Freddy followed in the wake of slasher era flicks like Friday the 13th (1980) and Halloween (1978).  During the late ‘70s and the ‘80s, these three movies produced numerous sequels which thrived among horror loving young people.

I first became acquainted with Freddy at an informal video-watching party among several members of my high school drama club, of which I was a member. We clustered together around a couch, munching on popcorn, and watching the first Nightmare on Elm Street.  I always thought that, behind the blood and gore aspects of the Freddy movies, there was actually some psychological insight into all those dark thoughts and fears that young people live with. 

Freddy represented the dark and scary stuff that lurked in all of our nightmares.  Things that bother us. Things we run away from.  The kind of stuff that we all are relieved to know doesn’t follow us into our waking lives. . . but in all of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, they did.   

Happy New Year!!

An '80s New Years memory: Dick Clark rings in 1982 during his long-running New Years Rockin Eve program.

Happy New Year to all my readers, and may 2016 be blessed for us all.


And here's the countdown to 1989.

As you can see, the New York ball drop featured a "big apple" for a number of years in the '80s, before reverting back to the classic ball in the late '80s.

Holiday Hope: Merry Christmas to All

It's around this time of year that we remember the ideals so many of us believe in, and the hopes for peace and a better world that are at thr root of the holiday. Here's a clip that I post almost every year: a 1977 Coke commercial I remember fondly from growing up.  All types of people, each a candle in the darkness, forming a Christmas tree. 

And here's a memorable duet from two unlikely singers: Bing Crosby and David Bowie.   Peace on Earth. A beautiful hope.  

Merry Christmas everyone.

Paul McCartney "Wonderful Christmas Time"

Nice holiday song from Paul McCartney and Wings

Bob Dylan "Must Be Santa"

Here's the great Bob Dylan with his wackadoo version of this Christmas song. 

This came out just a few years ago.

Very fun, just like the season should be.

Repost: A Christmas Story

This is a re-post of a post originally appearing on December 17, 2011.  This is one that I've re-posted a few times around the holiday season, kind of like bringing out an old Christmas decoration that youve enjoyed many times before.

One of my recently acquired Christmas obsessions is the fun and enjoyable 1983 movie A Christmas Story. Based upon writer Jean Shepherd's semi-fictionalized account of a young boy, Ralphie, experiencing the Christmas holidays in 1940s Indiana with his parents, his younger brother, and his neighborhood friends. I love movies that convey a time period with great detail, and A Christmas Story clearly fits into this category. 

This movie contains one of the funniest scenes ever, where one of the young protagonist's friends gets his tongue stuck to metal pole in the cold of winter. The main story line, however, also full of funny moments, concerns Ralphie's ongoing quest to obtain a BB gun for Christmas, despite the objections ("you'll shoot your eye out, kid") of various adult figures, including his mother, his teacher, and a store Santa Claus.   

But I think the main reason I find this movie so enjoyable is that its a rather realistic, yet fun, holiday movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. It involves a rather average family doing their best to enjoy the holidays amidst
dealing with everyday life. Ultimately, this movie is about having a Merry Christmas with what you have, and with those you have around you.