Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Just spent an hour watching and listening to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra do the Ghosts of Christmas Eve. Lee Wininger clued us in on these musicians who put on stunning light and sound shows. From Wikipedia:

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (often abbreviated as TSO) is a rock orchestra founded by Paul O'Neill, Robert Kinkel, and Jon Oliva in 1996. The band's musical style is often described in different terms, incorporating progressive rock, symphonic metal, and heavy metal, with influences from classical music. Trans-Siberian Orchestra is well known for its renditions of traditional Christmas songs.

Nice way to spend an hour on a cool Saturday morning.

Friday Wrap: Democratic Sweep in 2008, Johnny Cash

-Here's a kinda tongue in cheek review from cedubose at dkos of a National Review article (GOP in Deep Do Do) that suggests that 2008 is going to be a Democratic sweep and with an idea on how to minimize such a terrible thing from happening. Lots of good things to make you smile and occasionally laugh out loud.

-PBS is having a fund raiser, showing Johnny Cash and his guests from back in the '60's. Foot stomping good times...

Frank Sinatra and That Old Black Magic, etc.

Diane came up with the name of the tune that was playing in my head all day. That Old Black Magic and it was sung by Frank Sinatra, not Peggy Lee as I was thinking later on today (but maybe she sang it as well - just checked and yes she did along with many others - partial list here). The lyrics:

That old black magic has me in its spell, that old black magic that you weave so well.
Those icy fingers up and down my spine
That same old witchcraft when your eyes meet mine.
The same old tingle that I feel inside, and then that elevator starts its ride
And down and down I go, round and round I go, like a leaf that's caught in the tide.
I should stay away, but what can I do?
I hear your name and I'm aflame
Aflame with such a burning desire that only your kiss can put out the fire.
For you're the lover I have waited for, the mate that fate had me created for.
And every time your lips meet mine, darling, down and down I go, round and round I go
In a spin, loving the spin I'm in, under that old black magic called love.

Other neat stuff of the day:

College Football:
-Irish stomped by Air Force. Duke and ND square off next week to see who gets its 2nd win of the year. Any bets?
-Hoosiers lose to Northwestern.
-Purdue loses to Michigan State.
-Illinois upsets #1 Ohio State! Hey Hey!

-Veterans Day tomorrow - hug a veteran or get him out to the golf course.
-And the Vietnam Memorial just turned 25 - the memorial you won't want to miss if you go to Washington. (I wonder if it packs as much wallop for those of later generations as it does for us that lived through and experienced that war? Expect not...)