Friday, Debtember 18, 2015
Apples from Alderaan
One thing I've noticed this holiday season is that I've heard the Star Wars theme more often than Christmas carols. I swear, it's as if every other commercial is some form of tie-in to the new Star Wars movie. Bunny pointed out this article about the various Star Wars branded products for sale and man, Star Wars makeup?
Seriously?
There's even a picture of a plastic bag of apples with a graphic of Darth Vader. Darth Vader! Come on! Slap a picture of Pricess Leia on that bag of apples! Everybody knows that apples come from (or rather, used to come from) Alderaan!
Sheesh!
But really, enough with the Star Wars branding and music! I'm beginning to miss the traditional oversaturation of Christmas carols this year!
The Velvet Frog
I waved the leader of the chorale over and directed his attention to Mr. Tormé, seated about twenty yards from me.
"That's Mel Tormé down there. Do you know who he is?"
The singer was about 25 so it didn't horrify me that he said, "No."
I asked, "Do you know 'The Christmas Song?'"
Again, a "No."
I said, "That's the one that starts, 'Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…'"
"Oh, yes," the caroler chirped. "Is that what it's called? 'The Christmas Song?'"
"That's the name," I explained. "And that man wrote it." The singer thanked me, returned to his group for a brief huddle…and then they strolled down towards Mel Tormé. I ditched the rest of my sandwich and followed, a few steps behind. As they reached their quarry, they began singing, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…" directly to him.
My Xmas Story - News From MENews From ME
Bunny sent me this cute little story about Mel Tormé. It's worth a read, if only for the classic understatement from the chorale leader (you'll know it when you read it).
