Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Thank you for your support in 2009.

All the best,
Linzi
www.ThisIsCT.net

Classic Christmas Tunes

By Bill Strong

For years I have been known as the one in the family who sings Christmas songs when I am tired. Doesn't matter the season, I just do it. Some of you may have been subjected to this and in the spirit of the season, let me say that I am sorry.


Anyway, since I have this wide experience with Christmas and Christmas music, who better is there to offer these three Christmas CD reviews for your listening pleasure?

Again, you're welcome.

 
First off, let's talk about Tony Bennett's "A Swingin' Christmas", which came out last year.

Let me preface this by stating the Tony Bennett is, to me, the smoothest man on the face of the Earth. If he says that sleigh bells are ringing, trust me, I am listening.

That's why you simply cannot go wrong with "A Swingin' Christmas". The man recorded eleven versions of traditional holiday favorites with Count Basie's Band. Count Basie's Band. I didn't even know they were still around. It's a Christmas miracle!

Favorite cuts on this CD are: "I'll Be Home for Christmas", "Winter Wonderland", and "O Christmas Tree". This CD became an instant classic in my family (with incredibly diverse musical tastes) and if you're looking for something more traditional, Tony Bennett's "A Swingin' Christmas" is for you.

Now I know what you're thinking: you're hanging your stockings with care but you need something with a little more rock 'n roll, preferably with the guy who played guitar in the Stray Cats. I hear you. I feel you. And I highly recommend Brian Setzer's "Boogie Woogie Christmas".

My wife and I went to see Brian Setzer and his orchestra's Christmas concert last year and while the set list wasn't as Christmas-y as we'd have hoped--he played covers and Stray Cats songs--the man can seriously play rockabilly guitar. It was just tremendous. On this CD, Setzer's version of Elvis' "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" and "Jingle Bells" are sure to make you get up and dance--especially if you've been spending some quality time with the egg nog. Ho ho ho indeed.

But with Brian Setzer, his version of "The Nutcracker Suite" is what gets you into the tent and makes you feel like you just shouldn't leave. The original "Suite" is an exercise in being super-quiet (triangles!) but with the power of his orchestra behind him, Brian finds a way to make it rock.

Last and in no way the least, you know that nobody goes wrong with "A Charlie Brown Christmas".

I'm pushing 40 and I still watch the show every year. Why? Because it still makes you feel good about life--no small feat in these hyper-cynical times. If somebody doesn't have fond memories of "A Charlie Brown Christmas", then you really need to stay away from them because they are The Grinch--and not the creepy live-action Jim Carrey kind!

Where do you start with CD? I still get chills the first time I hear the children sing "Christmas Time Is Here". "Für Elise" is a great song too and that segues into "The Christmas Song". That's the "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" tune that was made famous by Nat King Cole. In fact, Vince Guaraldi's verson on this CD is probably the only rival verson worth as much as Nat King Cole's rendition.

Plus, let's face it, The Vince Guaraldi Trio makes listening to "Greensleeves" worth the effort...and that isn't exactly anything I would be prone to do under normal conditions.

If visions of Snoopy playing hockey on Woodstock's birdbath aren't enough to make you feel all warm inside like a big cup of hot cocoa, then I am sorry, but you leave me no choice. I give you People's Exhibit A: "Linus and Lucy"--which I do believe that the Smithsonian has deemed to be The Greatest Song of All-Time. (Don't check the facts because I didn't. Accept it as fact. It just is.)

Think about it: is it possible to be mad/upset/sad/angry when you hear the familiar first bars of Schroeder's piano kick in? If you had a terrible day at work and co-workers (who are not me) are driving you crazy or the kids are running around I DARE YOU to put on "Linus and Lucy" and you just try to remain upset. I'm tellin' you, you're gonna find that you just can't do it. Simply cannot be done. I will not argue on this. You'll be thanking me later for this new coping mechanism.

"Linus and Lucy" is like a great sweater. You don't want to wear it all the time--you just need to pull that sweater/song out when it matters and you need to feel good. Well, the holiday is when it matters. Play this song and get it in gear!

I know we said "three" but I'd be remiss if I didn't add an honorable mention.

Do you like surf guitar? Do you like a band of dudes wearing Mexican wrestling masks? My answer to both is: who doesn't?!?

That's why on the ninth day, Los Straitjackets were born! Go out and getcha a copy of "'Tis The Season for Los Straitjackets" and let the dueling guitars of Eddie Angel and Danny Amis fill you full of instrumental Christmas cheer. "'Tis The Season" kicks off with a rousing "Here Comes Santa Claus" that sounds great at the beach or in the dead of winter. Top songs on this CD are: "A Marshmallow World", "Jingle Bell Rock", and "Frosty the Snowman". "'Tis The Season" also features some Stritjacket originals that are sure to become Christmas favorites for you and the other hep cats you know.

So there you go, the holiday season has a flavor for everyone: Smooth, Rock 'n' Roll and Classic. How do you take yours? Feel free to leave some of your Christmas favorites in the comment section and let us know what you think of our selections.

Christmas Trees Around The World

B and I will be putting up our Christmas tree this weekend. For some inspiration he sent me this link to Christmas Trees around the world at MSN.com, check it out.

Linzi

PS--This cactus is my favorite tree.

The National Christmas Tree Goes Green

(ARA) - Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how lovely are your … computer chips? That’s right, this year the National Christmas Tree will have lamps fitted with tiny computer chips that release multi-colored light -- called LEDs (light emitting diodes) -- the latest in energy efficient lighting. The effect will create a tree that’s brilliantly different than the traditional incandescent lights … and more than a hundred times more energy efficient.

As planning began for the 2007 tree, officials from the White House and the National Park Service asked GE to look into the possibility of adding LEDs in this year’s design. “LEDs are becoming the first choice for so many people who want long lasting, beautiful and energy efficient lighting in their homes. It’s only natural that we should have it for our holiday tree, too,” says Kathy Presciano, lighting designer for the National Tree, who works for GE Consumer & Industrial. “This year, we’ve produced a GE 26-light string that we believe will fit the bill. It should save the government over 120 watts of energy for every string of lights.”

An Experiment in Savings

Traditionally, the National Christmas Tree holds 500 strings of incandescent lights, not counting the topper. This year, in keeping with GE’s commitment to eco-friendly initiatives, the company decided a more earth-friendly design was needed, replacing those bulbs with multicolored LEDs. In addition to the tremendous energy savings, LEDs have nearly 20 times the life of a traditional, incandescent lamp, meaning these lights can be used year after year.

“We’ll have to make adjustments as we go to get the right number of strings on the tree, and the right level of brightness. But once we do, we will establish a new tradition of energy conservation for the National Tree, and a template we can use for years to come,” Presciano says.

Innovation Behind the Scenes

Planning for this year’s tree began almost as soon as last year’s tree was taken down -- a typical timeline regardless of the lighting technology. Presciano began conceptualizing this tree and putting together preliminary drawings as early as January.

That much lead-time is necessary because, once approved, the tree’s ornaments need to be fabricated. This year’s tree will feature approximately 125 red bows that are 26 inches high and nearly 20 inches wide. Fabrication of the ornaments is donated by SABIC Innovative Plastics, located in Pittsfield, Mass. SABIC used Lexan polycarbonate sheet for the ornaments because it is resistant to sun and impact, and works well in outdoor lighted sign applications. The red shiny garland, all 1,000 feet of it -- will feature red LED lights, too.

While this year’s topper will be the same 42-inch, three-dimensional star design used last year, it will be refabricated for the 2007 season using GE’s Tetra Power White LEDs. Sold primarily to industrial sign makers, this LED is 15 times brighter than the standard LED. When completed, this topper is intended to be an “heirloom” topper, which can be used year after year.

Looking to the Future

“LEDs are becoming more and more popular because they last much longer and are extremely energy efficient,” Presciano says. For instance, one 26-lamp string of traditional lights lasts 1,000 hours and burns at 125 watts. The same size string in LED lasts 20,000 hours and burns at 2.3 watts. One set of LED lights costs only ten cents of electricity to run all season, she adds.

Presciano is excited about the road ahead. “This is a time of bold new frontiers in eco-friendly lighting. We’re proud to bring those innovations to light on the National Tree.” For more information on how you can use eco-friendly lighting technology in your home, visit www.gelighting.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Go Green with Your Holiday Gift Giving

Even in the grip of holiday shopping fever, Americans are concerned about the environment. “Green gifts” – products that appeal to consumers’ environmental consciousness – are everywhere this holiday season, and have made their way into retail locations across the country.

“According to a 2006 poll by Global Market Institute, 90 percent of Americans are concerned about the future of the environment,” says Jenny Belknap, Vice President of Global Marketing for Origins, a company that has always embraced the connection between Mother Nature and human nature. “Consumers are not setting that concern aside for the holiday shopping season. Rather, we’re seeing increasing demand for environmentally friendly gift products.”

In fact, in 2005, natural and organic products made up more than 10 percent of all retail sales of personal care products in the United States, according to the Natural Marketing Institute. The organization anticipates that figure will more than double by 2009. Increased celebrity attention and broad public interest are contributing to the trend.

So what’s hot in green gifts this year? Here are some eco-friendly gift ideas to appeal to everyone on your list, whether their interest in the environment is passionate or passing:

* If the green-lovers on your list are losing sleep over their responsibility for eco-friendly living, you can help them rest easy with organic bed linens. Retail giants like Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond have bowed to the organic movement and now offer organic cotton sheets and even sets made from bamboo. They are available in deep-pocket versions to fit today’s thicker mattresses. For more information on organic bed linens and other eco-friendly gifts, visit www.treehugger.com.

* Looking to incorporate an organic beauty regimen in your eco-lifestyle? Available worldwide at Origins retail stores, department stores and online, Origins offers a variety of natural and organic products for women and men. These include gift sets and products from the new Origins Organics collection, a complete line of organic skin, body and hair products certified according to USDA National Organic Program standards. They also offer free recyclable gift wrapping to minimize stress during the busy holiday season. For more information, check out www.origins.com.

* Hoping to introduce someone to the joys of environmentally responsible living? Check out www.gogreengift.com, where you will find a kit for the eco-neophyte on your list. The Eco-Starter Kit includes such basic eco-friendly items as a low-flow shower head, compact fluorescent light bulbs, a GoGreen EcoGuide, and organic fruit leather, coffee and tea. Or, pick up a copy of “The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time,” available at bookstores everywhere.

* Candles are a timeless, classic gift year-round and are even more appropriate during the holidays, when twinkling lights and robust aromas underscore the spirit of the season. If you’re concerned about giving the candle-lover in your life a candle with artificial scents and a questionable origin, try an Akeewakee Personal Candle, available at Origins retail stores.

First made in 2003 in New Orleans’ French Quarter, the candles are crafted from natural soy and beeswax with a wick of all-natural plant fibers designed to reduce soot and carbon.

* Finally, if you’re looking to go grand with your eco-friendly gift, consider giving the tree-hugger on your list an eco-friendly vacation. Tourism companies now offer tour packages to areas of environmental interest. Some travelers opt to soak in the natural beauty of the locale, while others become actively involved in local projects designed to help the environment.

Or send your loved one to a location closer to home for a stay in an eco-friendly hotel. Many hotel chains and independent facilities have instituted a range of environmentally responsible practices, from using eco-friendly laundry products to banning smoking throughout the property. For more information visit www.travel.discovery.com/ideas/outdoors/outdoors.html.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Expert Tips for Getting Holiday Cards Out on Time and in Style

It’s almost that time of year again when millions of people eagerly look forward to getting something other than junk mail and bills in their stack of mail each night. Every year, almost 2 billion holiday cards inundate the postal system to bring warm holiday wishes to friends and family near and far.

The tradition of sending and receiving holiday cards is an important part of the season for many since it is often the only time of the year when college friends and distant cousins catch up on a year’s worth of life changes. With so many people to shop for and parties to attend, everyone is looking for ways to maximize their time at the holidays. To help out, here are 10 tips from American Greetings Christmas expert Heather Bentley for making the tradition of sending holiday cards an easy task that’s still full of personality.

1. Plan ahead to ensure timely delivery. Bentley suggests allowing enough time for your holiday cards to arrive anywhere between December 10 and December 24. The post office recommends allowing between three and seven days for cards and packages to arrive around the holidays due to the heavy volume, with additional time required for international mail. Make sure you have appropriate postage on hand ahead of time, too. That will allow you to send them as soon as they are done, and you won’t have to plan another trip to the post office as the holidays get closer

2. Shop early for the best selection. Stores will be decked out early for Christmas this year, and American Greetings holiday cards will be available by mid October in places like drug stores, grocery stores and super centers. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers plan to spend over $30 on greeting cards and postage.

3. Take note of blended families and households that do not observe Christmas. Make sure you have cards that say, “Happy Holidays” and other general wishes, and consider using “and family” to include everyone in the home, even if they have different last names. It’s easiest to make note of these special circumstances as you’re updating your address book, which should be done in late November.

4. Tailor card choices to recipients. While close family and friends might appreciate a photo of the kids sitting on Santa’s lap or funny cards that express your sense of humor, more formal “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” messages are more appropriate for business associates. Individual cards, with their more personal sentiments, are the best choice for parents, spouses, siblings, extended family and close friends, while boxed holiday greetings work well for others on your list.

5. Divide up filling out cards and addressing envelopes into a few short chunks of time. According to a recent survey for the Greeting Card Association, more than half of card purchasers will send up to 25 cards, but nearly 15 percent will send more than 50 cards. Writing out 10 cards a night for a few nights makes the job much more manageable.

6. Enlist the family to help out. With your spouse printing computer labels, you writing personal messages inside the cards and the kids applying stamps and decorative envelope seals, sending out holiday cards becomes a shared family tradition. Treat everyone to hot cocoa and cookies when all of the cards are completed.

7. Make notes on personal items to reference: Bentley suggests taking 30 minutes before you start to jot down a recent vacation, anniversary, a favorite hobby or the family pet to reference for each household so the recipient knows you thought of them. This is easier than trying to think of something personal to mention for every card as you go.

8. Take advantage of downtime to complete cards: Keep 3 to 5 cards in your purse or work bag to fill out while waiting to pick up the kids from practice or while on the train to work. If you typically eat lunch at your desk, use this time to also complete a few holiday cards each day. They can also be completed during TV time and doctor’s office waits.

9. Always reciprocate cards you receive: Keep a few extra boxes of cards on hand to respond to cards you receive from folks not on your original list. Put them out on the kitchen counter or desk with labels, stamps, a pen and your address book handy so you can respond quickly and add the new recipients to next year’s list.

10. Remember, there’s always New Year’s. If you just can’t fit in time to send Christmas or Hanukkah cards before the holidays pass, there are plenty of beautiful New Year’s cards that extend the deadline another week, noted Bentley.

Look for American Greetings holiday cards at drug stores, grocery stores and super centers nationwide, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. Visit www.americangreetings.com/retailers for a store near you.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Connecticut Holiday Lights Displays

Both Hartford and New Haven get into the holiday spirit this week with the traditional light displays opening. Tonight Holiday Light Fantasia opens in New Haven, Hartford's Holiday Light Fantasia kicks off on Thanksgiving, and Hartford lights up Constitution Plaza on the 23rd.

HARTFORD HOLIDAY LIGHT FANTASIA
Holiday Light FANTASIA 2007 - 08
Thursday November 22nd, 2007 through Tuesday January 1st, 2008

Hours: Sunday through Thursday 5:30 to 9:00pm
Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays 5:30 to 10:00pm

Prices: Monday through Thursday: $12 per Car or Van
Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: $15 per Car or Van
$45 for Mini-Buses & $95 for Full-Size Buses, Any Day
2 for Tuesdays are Back... Pay Once and Drive through Twice!
Discount coupons are available at: Price Choppers & Participating Dunkin' Donuts

Directions:

From Points South of Hartford via I-91 North
Exit 27 Airport Road. Turn left at stop light onto Brainard Road and left at the light onto Airport Road. Follow Airport Road to Maple Avenue, Turn left onto Maple Ave. and follow signs to FANTASIA.

From Points North of Hartford via I-91 South
Exit 27 Airport Road. Turn right at end of exit onto Airport Road and continue to Maple Avenue. Turn left onto Maple Avenue and follow signs to FANTASIA.

From Points West of Hartford via l-84 East
Follow l-84 East to I-91 South, then take Exit 27 Airport Road. Turn right at end of exit onto Airport Road and continue to Maple Avenue. Turn left onto Maple Avenue and follow signs to FANTASIA.

Alternate Route from I-91 N/S
Exit 28 onto Route 5/15. Take first exit light off 5/15 onto Jordan Lane and continue to Maple Avenue. Turn right onto Maple Avenue and follow signs to FANTASIA.

From Points East of Hartford via l-84 West
Follow l-84 West to exit 57 Route 15 South (left-hand exit) off Route 15 South take exit 87 Brainard Rd/Airport Rd. end of exit make left onto Brainard at 1st light make left onto Airport Road and continue to Maple Avenue. Turn left onto Maple Avenue and follow signs to FANTASIA.

From Newington via Route 15/Berlin Tpke
Berlin Turnpike North becomes Maple Avenue. Stay straight on Maple Avenue and watch for signs to FANTASIA.

From Colchester/Norwich via Route 2 West
Take Exit 5D (Route 3) off 2 West. Take I-91 North (Right Exit). Take Exit 27, Airport Road off I-91. Turn left at stop light onto Brainard Road and left at the light onto Airport Road. Follow Airport Road to Maple Avenue, Turn left onto Maple Ave. and follow signs to FANTASIA.

http://www.holidaylightfantasia.com/

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NEW HAVEN FANTASY OF LIGHTS
Drive through an enchanted land of spectacular, sparkling holiday light displays during this magical time of year. Around every bend, Fantasy of Lights will delight children and adults of all ages.

November 17 through December 31 2007
(open all holidays)

Hours: Sunday - Thursday 5 to 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 5 to 10 p.m.
Prices: Car or family van $10
15-passenger van or mini-bus $25
Bus $50

Lighthouse Point Park, Lighthouse Road, New Haven, CT

Directions:

From Hartford or anywhere on I-91 in CT:
Take I-91 South to I-95 North (in New Haven). Take I-95 North to Exit 50, Woodward Avenue. At the third light, turn right onto Townsend Avenue. Approximately 2.2 miles down Townsend Avenue at a traffic light intersection with Lighthouse Road, turn right onto Lighthouse Road (there's a firehouse on your right). The event is at the end of Lighthouse Road.

From the Fairfield County area:
Take I-95 North to Exit 50, Woodward Avenue. At the third light, turn right onto Townsend Avenue. Approximately 2.2 miles down Townsend Avenue at a traffic light intersection with Lighthouse Road, turn right onto Lighthouse Road (there's a firehouse on your right). The event is at the end of Lighthouse Road.

From the New London area:
Take I-95 South to Exit 51, Frontage Road. Take the second left, coming to a traffic light. Continue straight on Townsend Avenue for approximately 2.2 miles to a traffic light intersection with Lighthouse Road. Turn right onto Lighthouse Road (there's a firehouse on your right). The event is at the end of Lighthouse Road.

http://newhavengoodwill.easterseals.com

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HARTFORD FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AT CONSTITUTION PLAZA

44th annual Hartford Festival of Light
Daily (from November 23 through January 6, 2008).
250,000 lights will stay illuminated throughout the season until Three Kings Day on Jan. 6, 2008. Hosted by the Greater Hartford Arts Council.
Constitution Plaza
1 Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT 06106-1945
http://www.connectthedots.org/happening/fol.html