tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-206216152024-03-18T12:44:58.004-04:00JB's Warehouse & Curio EmporiumNEW LOOK, SAME CONTENTJamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14965176322903182363noreply@blogger.comBlogger995125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-5592857968903043152024-03-18T12:44:00.000-04:002024-03-18T12:44:01.134-04:00link of the day: the toronto giants<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-lxELVgKYUMwOG-INUAB47uEGYSUUqJITOf_mV3kWJqlPBXtWAj9NmZEgpD0YogpU_kiRUGxcsCq9lpEasCUntS5Y23PD0Zz0Gra2aa83Ga9NiEhqi6PLShYndroadd-9UMFvwDwnQq_lpTxIZD_8yVrYCnu7XqikXhyphenhyphen1mSvUflj1uMYwYu8mw/s800/sfe%201976-01-10%20why%20are%20these%20men%20smiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="800" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-lxELVgKYUMwOG-INUAB47uEGYSUUqJITOf_mV3kWJqlPBXtWAj9NmZEgpD0YogpU_kiRUGxcsCq9lpEasCUntS5Y23PD0Zz0Gra2aa83Ga9NiEhqi6PLShYndroadd-9UMFvwDwnQq_lpTxIZD_8yVrYCnu7XqikXhyphenhyphen1mSvUflj1uMYwYu8mw/w640-h389/sfe%201976-01-10%20why%20are%20these%20men%20smiling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>San Francisco Examiner, January 10, 1976.</i></div><p></p><p>Why are these men smiling? Because, for a brief moment, they <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/how-toronto-almost-became-home-to-the-san-francisco-giants" target="_blank">had settled a deal to buy the San Francisco Giants and were going to move the team to Toronto</a>. But, as we know, that didn't quite pan out. It's the back door secret origin of the Blue Jays, with guest appearances by Harold Ballard and Danny Kaye!</p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-56986756972198200622024-03-15T09:29:00.001-04:002024-03-15T09:29:06.343-04:00link of the day: opposing the bloor-danforth subway<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9wsowqC4hbjOnfIORRIF9rLYBP5RclUGCkQNtqLE3PfqGcrknpRQP7k9iSre_BMUysQd58EzsjrAriZscW8lnnuZFkXxOpNPLP5sslGXtftnlcx1JqAzvFRld5VB_WleShQVZjnTEYCGScc09Xv5gYN4HidAAO4HW3QMmknS6qF4X7DSTD1xhA/s640/20130511_cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9wsowqC4hbjOnfIORRIF9rLYBP5RclUGCkQNtqLE3PfqGcrknpRQP7k9iSre_BMUysQd58EzsjrAriZscW8lnnuZFkXxOpNPLP5sslGXtftnlcx1JqAzvFRld5VB_WleShQVZjnTEYCGScc09Xv5gYN4HidAAO4HW3QMmknS6qF4X7DSTD1xhA/s16000/20130511_cartoon.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Telegram, August 21, 1958.</i></div><p></p><p>This month's <i>Spacing</i> repost takes a look at<a href="https://spacing.ca/toronto/2024/03/15/opposing-the-bloor-danforth-subway/" target="_blank"> the debates surrounding approval of the Bloor-Danforth subway line</a> (today's Line 2), which faced opposition from suburban politicians convinced it would be too much of a tax burden for their constituents, a burden that they would never use. You'll also discover some politicians who may have had consultations with Lyle Lanley (had to drop a classic <i>Simpsons</i> reference in there...). </p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-4789094593754761822024-03-08T14:44:00.003-05:002024-03-08T18:03:24.058-05:00link of the day: how toronto's kit coleman blazed a trail for female war correspondents<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgqE1H8KmLqmAzTtTngEoDuKWRkJT4FtFYQ7tjo5NX5ZTaBJW5rkQYO8MmQO9xxgEfY_8zcNyJj2Lv4V-8Z9XnyPUwsV5MnTiE9FynaKcQXcxaJ7KAXq3myAg6CcZk1gb-rUBNCPUywspl-5O5lF91NOCSDkQShKYtn05yDgaRJdUVj6bjUmTRg/s759/20131123coleman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgqE1H8KmLqmAzTtTngEoDuKWRkJT4FtFYQ7tjo5NX5ZTaBJW5rkQYO8MmQO9xxgEfY_8zcNyJj2Lv4V-8Z9XnyPUwsV5MnTiE9FynaKcQXcxaJ7KAXq3myAg6CcZk1gb-rUBNCPUywspl-5O5lF91NOCSDkQShKYtn05yDgaRJdUVj6bjUmTRg/w540-h640/20131123coleman.jpg" width="540" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Publicity photo of Kit Coleman, c. 1894. Library and Archives Canada.</i></div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">This time around, for International Women's Day, I look at Kit Coleman, Canada's first officially-accredited war correspondent, and <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/going-of-my-own-free-will-how-torontos-kit-coleman-blazed-a-trail-for-female-war-correspondents" target="_blank">her coverage of the Spanish-American War in Cuba for the <i>Mail and Empire</i> in 1898</a>. </p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-21548438570879722112024-03-04T14:21:00.001-05:002024-03-04T14:21:13.260-05:00link of the day: why canadians rebelled against mulroney's gst<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_cJ_5tajKCQmFIZ_xcll-XPWDQqzPP1gPBiqDRKauwG0n82cFjxgDZnddnKDR9IMsaxXjFgmVYV_cGhUUC0OwQwgSkO2B7THLIOmzJ7rsSX0pjEA-GoVJtY631EJ4VCf8_q1h-wZ7SV6OlA60dOdob-zWt2Yuq0R4LeLyE16-lbIjZz3KWhkzA/s591/kw%20record%201991-01-02%20gas%20station%20sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_cJ_5tajKCQmFIZ_xcll-XPWDQqzPP1gPBiqDRKauwG0n82cFjxgDZnddnKDR9IMsaxXjFgmVYV_cGhUUC0OwQwgSkO2B7THLIOmzJ7rsSX0pjEA-GoVJtY631EJ4VCf8_q1h-wZ7SV6OlA60dOdob-zWt2Yuq0R4LeLyE16-lbIjZz3KWhkzA/s16000/kw%20record%201991-01-02%20gas%20station%20sign.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Kitchener-Waterloo Record, January 2, 1991.</i></div><p></p><p>To mark the passing of Brian Mulroney, <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/mean-spirited-right-wing-ideology-why-canadians-rebelled-against-mulroneys-gst" target="_blank">my latest piece for TVO looks at one of his administration's legacies, the Goods and Services Tax (GST)</a>. With only just over two weeks between its final passage and public implementation, there was plenty of scrambling - let's just say it was a golden age to be a technician specializing in either cash registers or taxi meters. And there's an amusing headline about a revision to the tax that will make every inner 12-year-old smile. </p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-11746465877308800492024-02-22T12:25:00.004-05:002024-02-22T12:25:47.034-05:00link of the day: how this 1989 ROM exhibit on africa became a cautionary tale for museums<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHiUs9uOc8oMuc9VvnbWaKRGzXVN4ElpmGeRCHU4wRrB_aEBd94l7UY1h_PIBC7NRaPRVcFbg-JCsvuTKQ4SARnmQZ4D_Tk5LAWzfbmGnpFSvhj_D_gFQ_4mdVzSk-sh7jaLaHNXw7NNFjH4wC2emIt3QQ3tKkOE87ODCjBI3GsEt_6fbJlhyphenhyphen8A/s957/catalogue%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="724" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHiUs9uOc8oMuc9VvnbWaKRGzXVN4ElpmGeRCHU4wRrB_aEBd94l7UY1h_PIBC7NRaPRVcFbg-JCsvuTKQ4SARnmQZ4D_Tk5LAWzfbmGnpFSvhj_D_gFQ_4mdVzSk-sh7jaLaHNXw7NNFjH4wC2emIt3QQ3tKkOE87ODCjBI3GsEt_6fbJlhyphenhyphen8A/w485-h640/catalogue%20cover.jpg" width="485" /></a></div>Winding down my Black History Month coverage for TVO for this year with the tale of <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/how-this-1989-rom-exhibit-on-africa-became-a-cautionary-tale-for-museums" target="_blank">one of the most controversial exhibits the Royal Ontario Museum ever mounted</a>...and how it became a textbook example of how not to mount such an exhibit.<br /><p></p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-56474889763553733422024-02-21T10:30:00.005-05:002024-02-21T10:30:49.823-05:00link of the day: how we can make toronto more pleasant, 1971-style<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHzTnOU92zyEqgPmLbO7eN0OAwj8sVIG6M6DMe-11wE8rLy-8Lkhqk4rg7EwaVvY3Jx4uBSX1BmGgf0MC_u-qig8RLpgMaTyI3cRiFcA-xU0IIKNs-VcCSVAZp_afQdJ9y898-Z-sPp_nH7iiGocirENkEQ5sX4CgEgGaIn1CENfcgBUY1L3enA/s640/20140927universityavenue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHzTnOU92zyEqgPmLbO7eN0OAwj8sVIG6M6DMe-11wE8rLy-8Lkhqk4rg7EwaVvY3Jx4uBSX1BmGgf0MC_u-qig8RLpgMaTyI3cRiFcA-xU0IIKNs-VcCSVAZp_afQdJ9y898-Z-sPp_nH7iiGocirENkEQ5sX4CgEgGaIn1CENfcgBUY1L3enA/s16000/20140927universityavenue.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Toronto Star, January 2, 1971.</i></div><p></p><p>For <i>Spacing</i>, I revisit a piece focusing on a January 1971 <i>Toronto Star</i> feature where local politicians and dignitaries were <a href="https://spacing.ca/toronto/2024/02/21/how-we-can-make-toronto-more-pleasant-1971-style/" target="_blank">asked for their visions on how to make Toronto a more pleasant place to live</a>. </p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-32186173146222150412024-02-07T20:51:00.005-05:002024-02-07T20:51:40.406-05:00link of the day: no interracial dancing on dance party<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBoZqnOL-HGzRcvD1sqI1uLW0aLt1vH5-K1RwKFAxn7IVal6MbAWnp7kH6xjTE7O_MUJ1C5mDpnFqUKQZzIogOmbsnQ-cBEx1-2YkhK3EFgaHPioy84txOEOqlB1xHD18wv7hYMC73xJqWUYV_joAb5TAnZ1YLeysrdYXQkknr2a9aELmc1uYPg/s640/20160213starheadline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="640" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBoZqnOL-HGzRcvD1sqI1uLW0aLt1vH5-K1RwKFAxn7IVal6MbAWnp7kH6xjTE7O_MUJ1C5mDpnFqUKQZzIogOmbsnQ-cBEx1-2YkhK3EFgaHPioy84txOEOqlB1xHD18wv7hYMC73xJqWUYV_joAb5TAnZ1YLeysrdYXQkknr2a9aELmc1uYPg/w640-h346/20160213starheadline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Toronto Star, May 25, 1959.</i></div><p></p><p>Kicking off my Black History Month coverage with a look at what happened when an interracial group of teens from Toronto travelled to Buffalo to appear on a TV dance show and <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/in-1959-toronto-high-schoolers-danced-in-buffalo-and-sparked-an-international-incident" target="_blank">ran into prejudice provoked by a few angry viewers</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sXG8C34KLjEGKVJf2dGEUbx9rSmp5BquCYwSlLIb6PvU8TxjFRmnWEr5R7MLQ_rK9cxnUYdtAOQuxqzJzz5usZrzp4mk55L-vg76EBgv6P0OnGFz_IfF3f-Q7G3Sg0litEu9kv25eZ_1A89rTktht9X_AgXXhjtV54ToRnuaMtTn0JV4JZS1Fg/s844/buffalo%20news%201959-05-25%20wire%20story%20on%20the%20incident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sXG8C34KLjEGKVJf2dGEUbx9rSmp5BquCYwSlLIb6PvU8TxjFRmnWEr5R7MLQ_rK9cxnUYdtAOQuxqzJzz5usZrzp4mk55L-vg76EBgv6P0OnGFz_IfF3f-Q7G3Sg0litEu9kv25eZ_1A89rTktht9X_AgXXhjtV54ToRnuaMtTn0JV4JZS1Fg/s16000/buffalo%20news%201959-05-25%20wire%20story%20on%20the%20incident.jpg" /></a></div><b>EXTRA!</b> How bad was the coverage of the incident in Buffalo's two major dailies? The <i>Buffalo Evening News</i> ran a <i><b>wire report</b></i> buried on page 17!Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-84755076153390531952024-02-02T16:10:00.002-05:002024-02-02T16:10:38.303-05:00link of the day: the ace bailey benefit all-star game<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMP33Ibyj9coEZ0J36WFHQerQLR7NNyQve6LLSBqOScjgHJVQQ2oQZj0EXXDaP8NMwNMmR00JW8MnrEXpKAecsK7Hb0Ubos-fiMEx9f-POVmFe5T3FvptZrDm_Rceedd6Cm2l50g9kex3am2ZQaEZ8nZOZDy1hK4F-DLr3KTFTRknS2QlAl1XfGw/s1030/oc%201934-02-16%20picture%20of%20shore%20and%20bailey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMP33Ibyj9coEZ0J36WFHQerQLR7NNyQve6LLSBqOScjgHJVQQ2oQZj0EXXDaP8NMwNMmR00JW8MnrEXpKAecsK7Hb0Ubos-fiMEx9f-POVmFe5T3FvptZrDm_Rceedd6Cm2l50g9kex3am2ZQaEZ8nZOZDy1hK4F-DLr3KTFTRknS2QlAl1XfGw/w398-h640/oc%201934-02-16%20picture%20of%20shore%20and%20bailey.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Ottawa Citizen, February 16, 1934.</i></p>To mark this weekend's NHL All-Star Game, for TVO I <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/how-a-brutal-injury-led-to-the-birth-of-the-nhl-all-star-game" target="_blank">journey back 90 years</a> to the first gathering of the league's top players, which was held as a benefit for injured Toronto Maple Leafs star Ace Bailey. <p></p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-45737207290857217322024-01-30T12:46:00.003-05:002024-01-30T12:46:51.134-05:00link of the day: after the goldrush<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPWp2gugZhxJJfdrXpj2tvvKmoHfHSD50jeD5Md3rE7d-VwTylXocC51URHa13AF5CNMQxqeTMDIxxx2aOl-XtOw_8gGdnqE5gdOHM9TM9WX3yR3QTmsLyeLiu1OBz0ewS-NiASCksRx4kav1c-pDGATTBoUxlwej2n2L_teHRUzr-wWbeaytUA/s1024/hastings-county-archives-hc02987-21713355591-6c59dc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1024" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPWp2gugZhxJJfdrXpj2tvvKmoHfHSD50jeD5Md3rE7d-VwTylXocC51URHa13AF5CNMQxqeTMDIxxx2aOl-XtOw_8gGdnqE5gdOHM9TM9WX3yR3QTmsLyeLiu1OBz0ewS-NiASCksRx4kav1c-pDGATTBoUxlwej2n2L_teHRUzr-wWbeaytUA/w640-h410/hastings-county-archives-hc02987-21713355591-6c59dc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Eldorado’s John Street in the early 1900s, with a shingle mill, box factory, and railway tracks. Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County.</i></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For TVO, <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/after-the-gold-rush-the-rise-and-fall-of-ontarios-own-eldorado" target="_blank">I look at Ontario's first gold rush during the 1860s</a>, which was centered around our version of Eldorado, just north of Madoc. </div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-70573768497636699452023-12-30T16:23:00.003-05:002023-12-30T16:23:40.148-05:00link of the day: toronto star 2023 new year's eve quizMy last published piece for 2023 is a return to the pages of the <i>Toronto Star</i>, where I contributed <a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/taylor-swift-and-the-maple-leafs-star-in-our-year-end-toronto-quiz/article_88d31388-9b90-11ee-a67c-7fa3386226d5.html" target="_blank">a year-end quiz spotlighting some of the events and faces of the year gone by</a>. If you prefer doing it in print, look for this weekend's <i>Sunday Star</i>. Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-77779860943157370672023-12-28T16:08:00.001-05:002023-12-28T16:08:20.973-05:00Link of the Day: From egg-nog parties to Prohibition: How Ontarians have (and haven't) changed holiday drinking habits<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjpfnAnNh-3BSELfphsSAAdbMlWGB4_ify70lfyOCFRxZOiMSaNJxsglN449RTwbDKnhSXrv0uVcMe-zA9tyYuXxQoqVqm04gWoI_4emHO40YtSWy1MAUbp6LC9n8v86JYY92ZUN3k42GqAdksuP6l2ZQgWU23XSISrG-3oU50Jt5PNr3e_V8UA/s873/sw%201915-12-18%20cosgraves%20xmas%20beer%20ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjpfnAnNh-3BSELfphsSAAdbMlWGB4_ify70lfyOCFRxZOiMSaNJxsglN449RTwbDKnhSXrv0uVcMe-zA9tyYuXxQoqVqm04gWoI_4emHO40YtSWy1MAUbp6LC9n8v86JYY92ZUN3k42GqAdksuP6l2ZQgWU23XSISrG-3oU50Jt5PNr3e_V8UA/w294-h400/sw%201915-12-18%20cosgraves%20xmas%20beer%20ad.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>Toronto Star Weekly, December 18, 1915.<p></p><p>For my last TVO article of 2023, I share <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/from-egg-nog-parties-to-prohibition-how-ontarians-have-and-havent-changed-holiday-drinking-habits" target="_blank">some stories revolving around holiday season drinks</a> (boozy and non-boozy) in Ontario over the years. Tales include an interview with the Victorian equivalent of a hipster bartender discussing absinthe consumption in 1890s Kingston and a look at temperance advocates who thought 1917 was the best Christmas ever!</p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-42420056151872823082023-12-21T11:27:00.003-05:002023-12-21T11:27:54.904-05:00Link of the Day: What Happened to Consumers Distributing?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDNw_umH4SLDEBD2xcoFQQSb4UwIEYj8QS_Ull-Bc_VV6VtVbviYauJJJkcGmu9lsz-HCjH2wfwwa1MBUtkF9tm9hdc_H9hfunj2brAjlBMsIXjMzt7eWKp2UWYMr99ymZKUxgSHhhvlz5SpqP7XtFA8U7xmdOPGncO35CHcykXwXRwEgToPj3g/s525/1984%20annual%20report%20store%20interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDNw_umH4SLDEBD2xcoFQQSb4UwIEYj8QS_Ull-Bc_VV6VtVbviYauJJJkcGmu9lsz-HCjH2wfwwa1MBUtkF9tm9hdc_H9hfunj2brAjlBMsIXjMzt7eWKp2UWYMr99ymZKUxgSHhhvlz5SpqP7XtFA8U7xmdOPGncO35CHcykXwXRwEgToPj3g/s16000/1984%20annual%20report%20store%20interior.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Consumers Distributing 1984 Annual Report.</i></div><p></p><p>For TVO, I look at the rise and fall of a retailer that was once a key part of the holiday shopping experience in Ontario: <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/what-happened-to-consumers-distributing" target="_blank">Consumers Distributing</a>. This story took more dark turns than I expected.</p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-10756006335661133942023-12-15T14:16:00.000-05:002023-12-15T14:16:05.300-05:00Link of the Day: When Ontario (almost) legalized booze sales in corner stores<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBDBCAsgLwy2i58bp_Q69dmfv0-sfH3O92mk7nnMYrr3Ux1XU_gziqVGNPInbCxRQxG84hmmzz6sRMBklaN6Ce_t5DGgeQwBCYBfHr4VoHaV3-ELChHWsja7OkD24-UYhcHAe6Zi_L9q_VhDgcxuOHvo91XaIadgDVbLySVzgvvYJ7TNJfQGDAg/s1078/f0620_it0636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1078" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBDBCAsgLwy2i58bp_Q69dmfv0-sfH3O92mk7nnMYrr3Ux1XU_gziqVGNPInbCxRQxG84hmmzz6sRMBklaN6Ce_t5DGgeQwBCYBfHr4VoHaV3-ELChHWsja7OkD24-UYhcHAe6Zi_L9q_VhDgcxuOHvo91XaIadgDVbLySVzgvvYJ7TNJfQGDAg/w400-h268/f0620_it0636.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>My latest piece for TVO looks at <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/when-ontario-almost-legalized-booze-sales-in-corner-stores" target="_blank">how Ontario nearly allowed sale of beer, cider, wine, and wine coolers in corner stores in the mid-1980s</a>...and why it didn't happen. It's a story to keep in mind over the next few years as we approach the possibility of booze in convenience stores in 2026. <p></p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-90796185925291908642023-12-13T10:48:00.003-05:002023-12-13T10:48:55.079-05:00Link of the Day: The Tradition of Christmas Window Displays<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41PcSWwBKGsdiOkMT_DRSLXJqrfPFyQeLQtinU7wIXHDsgA3sNFQ1LnAWtnVpUr2pXtKkSXcUitHo0hhDAwPzzMl6yzBb0sTRkmYsv64MkcD1t7QF2oK5vYpJK-vIMziq7bsZw6T5uZFgtjSzi8cF-y4pIXVV_ORZSKKN9IUcab492EBenBtJcQ/s640/20151223naylordisplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41PcSWwBKGsdiOkMT_DRSLXJqrfPFyQeLQtinU7wIXHDsgA3sNFQ1LnAWtnVpUr2pXtKkSXcUitHo0hhDAwPzzMl6yzBb0sTRkmYsv64MkcD1t7QF2oK5vYpJK-vIMziq7bsZw6T5uZFgtjSzi8cF-y4pIXVV_ORZSKKN9IUcab492EBenBtJcQ/s16000/20151223naylordisplay.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Over on <i>Spacing</i>, I take a look at <a href="https://spacing.ca/toronto/2023/12/13/the-tradition-of-christmas-window-displays/" target="_blank">Christmas window displays over the years in Toronto</a>. You many also want to read <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/walking-in-a-window-wonderland-a-brief-history-of-torontos-department-store-christmas-displays" target="_blank">this TVO piece focusing on department store displays</a> as a follow-up.</p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-12597660911808278092023-12-08T16:25:00.004-05:002023-12-08T16:29:31.551-05:00Link of the Day: 1992 Ontario Liberal Leadership Race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDqSssRP4XkGP_-Eu6yt5W61qPW5ajtD0uM52RqZDMfYEwfPLUFq2qgvGSuZs1CyFDtYXPGbFzEhYSLfAeRVKdUhRbDoLRIJvQikWY8zs9fNYsYYBjGj8omAncIMyJGFbNWByXk0ImrkCCXCMxeGLT2hFbjBpM1l-9PccEVT_y4M6WOJn1a_IrQ/s1000/star%201992-02-10%20mcleod%20and%20elston.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1000" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDqSssRP4XkGP_-Eu6yt5W61qPW5ajtD0uM52RqZDMfYEwfPLUFq2qgvGSuZs1CyFDtYXPGbFzEhYSLfAeRVKdUhRbDoLRIJvQikWY8zs9fNYsYYBjGj8omAncIMyJGFbNWByXk0ImrkCCXCMxeGLT2hFbjBpM1l-9PccEVT_y4M6WOJn1a_IrQ/w400-h348/star%201992-02-10%20mcleod%20and%20elston.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>NEW! <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/it-has-taken-a-long-time-how-lyn-mcleod-became-the-first-female-leader-of-a-major-ontario-party" target="_blank">For TVO, I look at the 1992 Ontario Liberal leadership race,</a> which, despite the press declaring it a dull contest throughout, had a very close finish. Also: do you know where your Dalton McGuinty rookie card is? </p><p>(For those of who wondering what's going on, I'm testing posting links to my journalistic pieces here to get around the shenanigans surrounding Meta and Canadian news outlets. These will last until I decide to leave Meta platforms again.)</p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-66874487762297223782022-06-17T02:55:00.004-04:002022-06-17T12:54:13.977-04:00why i'd make a lousy politician<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyARrxaAh46WTFfQTJR4Z6b2jb6mkdNOACaKQKQLj5s0jsCxcnIJw8QK6u6IE8emgBlVtIfB_TNXpUGiISVXdkeFSs1uj5IbKqhzSlS3_qjTfK_NUpo6ZwEKR0Hdrz7SQZ-e9_iFZqys55OTEvlVzL2HH3apB1Vyu3kzznFBfZFJpJdu7GfE/s640/165037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyARrxaAh46WTFfQTJR4Z6b2jb6mkdNOACaKQKQLj5s0jsCxcnIJw8QK6u6IE8emgBlVtIfB_TNXpUGiISVXdkeFSs1uj5IbKqhzSlS3_qjTfK_NUpo6ZwEKR0Hdrz7SQZ-e9_iFZqys55OTEvlVzL2HH3apB1Vyu3kzznFBfZFJpJdu7GfE/s16000/165037.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>"Better news: Social Services Minister Frank Drea shuts out the hoopla in the Legislature over the alleged budget leak by reading the Racing Form." Photo by Jeff Goode, May 1983. Toronto Star Photographic Archive, Toronto Public Library, TSPA_0044604F.</i></p><p>As anyone who reads my work may have noticed, I often write about political history, especially when it's relevant to current events. This section of history is filled with the elements that inspire storytellers: heroes, villains, tortured protagonists, inspiring ideas, depressing reality, sudden twists in fortune, backroom intrigue, and all other kinds of drama. </p><p>What I try to avoid, especially when drawing parallels to the present, is armchair quarterbacking. I don’t want to come off as someone who has the answers to everything but never actually attempts to fix what is being criticized. The person who growls a lot with plenty of bark but no bite. Which sometimes makes me wonder if, to back up my convictions, I should consider running for public office. This would provide an opportunity to experience how elected office works and serve the public in ways that have meaning, produce accomplishments, and discover ways to make current governing systems work better. </p><p>Especially during the recent Ontario provincial election campaign, I wondered how much worse could I be than the less-than-awe-inspiring political leadership around us? </p><p>Then my senses kick in. </p><p>It’s one thing to say you want to act instead of sitting back and criticizing those holding office, no matter how they perform. It’s another to realize that you’re probably not the person to do so.</p><p>Louisa and I talked about this other night as I endured a periodic bout of existential angst about what I’m doing with my life. Both of us are from a generation of kids who performed well in school and <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/i-grew-up-gifted-but-my-life-didnt-turn-out-the-way-i-expected" target="_blank">were labelled “gifted.”</a> In my case, being praised for being smart all of my life induced crippling cases of perfectionism and imposter syndrome. I feel like I should be using the intelligence everyone else claimed I have to accomplish something great, something that changes minds for the better, something that solves the world’s problems, instead of just ambling along day-to-day trying to make ends meet or spacing out at my work desk. I feel should be more ambitious or do more to improve society than I am, even if such visions are not realistic. </p><p>Usually, this imposter syndrome manifests itself as over-researching an article to ensure nobody attacks me for being on the wrong track. You know what? You’ll never do anything perfectly. Trying to strive for perfection will drive you bananas and cripple projects you’re working on. Hell, I’ve contemplated this piece for over a month, but resisted writing it out of fear of sounding glib, naïve, or trite. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjii85tOnwvit8hRjy31qYyhfjCwNJkZePGZUG8U1XMULye_Dpkkas97c9XcQ3z0I72VGqo8ixSyTbS8es4w7Wzc7tK5r64ngPgCT5iACZDbt8TLZlq27bxQio_fA9iwSLHHcPO83ucH8ygbAxnWZxYFJdB9K3Cka8qZ82M0po5KgfwRCPlBuk/s640/140888.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjii85tOnwvit8hRjy31qYyhfjCwNJkZePGZUG8U1XMULye_Dpkkas97c9XcQ3z0I72VGqo8ixSyTbS8es4w7Wzc7tK5r64ngPgCT5iACZDbt8TLZlq27bxQio_fA9iwSLHHcPO83ucH8ygbAxnWZxYFJdB9K3Cka8qZ82M0po5KgfwRCPlBuk/s16000/140888.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Metropolitan Toronto council chamber, January 1966. Photo by Frank Teskey. Toronto Star Photographic Archive, Toronto Public Library, TSPA_0111305F.</i></p><p>So where were we…</p><p>Oh yeah, the notion of running for public office. The idealistic perfectionist in me says that if I held public office, I’d work towards building a better community and try to improve the political system. The cynical realist says that I’ve read enough political history to know that’s (often) not how things work, and that you’re really, really not cut out to hold public office for many reasons. </p><p>A major drawback is my short fuse. It’s built into my genetics that I don’t suffer fools gladly, especially ignorant ones, nor do I handle frustrating situations well within the moment. I usually require a few minutes to collect my thoughts and composure when all hell breaks loose. My default setting is to avoid arguments, but it’s possible I could get into some doozies with people whose views I have little time or respect for (ranging from conspiracy theorists to those who know the cost of everything and the value of nothing). Heated arguments may reflect poorly in the eyes of others.</p><p>I’m also not a quick thinker, requiring time to contemplate an answer out of fear I’ll sound like an uninformed idiot. It’s taken years to realize that it’s OK to say “I don’t know” when asked a question that I can’t respond to that second. Being shy and awkward in certain settings doesn’t help. Thinking in the moment without freezing up is a skill I’m working on. </p><p>I suspect I’d stink if I ran for a position which required adherence to party discipline. I loathe the canned speech that makes up much political communication these days, where it seems people who were known for their intelligence or for making a difference in other field suddenly sound like they've been lobotomized. It would feel awkward mouthing this language, especially if it involved cringeworthy “on message” dogmatic drivel. I wouldn’t want people to have a bingo card ready to mark off the canned phrases prepared by a speechwriter. Don’t count on me to deepen societal divisions for the sake of earning points with the base - there's enough of that out there and it's not doing us any good. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYpX9FyPaT9zQDC21tl_XcUKIYSNsvwGOoqAvLImnic4gw4dvlEtfSOaQ6BNnRY5LLPmlhQBS1w0B0bGMbazAFmtxys2h92sgDPeFNX-ON22l-jnPEEd2NCgrOmvBO-8p1zjrcGjlcyuLhnpd1LjLmHCrM07KEu1XYtZooTCi2eUMZYqzk3U/s766/106666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYpX9FyPaT9zQDC21tl_XcUKIYSNsvwGOoqAvLImnic4gw4dvlEtfSOaQ6BNnRY5LLPmlhQBS1w0B0bGMbazAFmtxys2h92sgDPeFNX-ON22l-jnPEEd2NCgrOmvBO-8p1zjrcGjlcyuLhnpd1LjLmHCrM07KEu1XYtZooTCi2eUMZYqzk3U/s16000/106666.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the Ontario Legislature, June 1985 (this appears to have accompanied a story about a doctors' strike). Photo by Andrew Stawicki. T<span style="text-align: center;">oronto Star Photographic Archive, Toronto Public Library, </span>TSPA_0016072F.</i></p><p>There’s also the pressure of being under a microscope all the time. The complaints we make and demands we place on elected officials are intense and discourage people who might serve the public with dedication and thoughtfulness. In places like Toronto, cutting the number of municipal councillors has led to heavier workloads <a href="https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2022/06/14/why-are-so-many-leaving-city-council-for-some-its-a-tough-job-that-doug-ford-made-worse.html" target="_blank">resulting in burnout</a>. There’s always been the practice of digging up any slightly stained laundry in one’s background. Currently, public representatives face a worsening environment where you don’t know who might show up on your doorstep or harass your family. </p><p>It's getting rougher out there. I admire those - with the right intentions - who manage to persevere in the political realm. </p><p>The odds of seeing my name on a ballot are low. But there are plenty of other ways of trying to make even a minor difference in the world. I hope that my writing informs readers and occasionally makes them think about the issues discussed. Maybe I’ll finally figure out a community organization that would be a good fit without using the unpredictability of my freelance work schedule as an excuse not to be involved. Maybe it’s as simple as offering verbal support to those fighting the good fights. </p><p>***</p><p>This post is attempt #8,568 to revive this website. Lately I've felt the need to start writing again outside of my professional work, which has kept me busy since the last spurt of activity on here at Christmas. Whether it's contemplative pieces like this, or the silly sorts of posts I threw on here years ago, I want to play around with other kinds of writing and see what emerges. Maybe it's time to write in full about walks around the city instead of posting a series of Tweets. There's no guarantee content here will appear with any regularity (friends have cautioned in past revival attempts not to place too much pressure on myself - there's that perfectionist streak again!), so we'll see what happens. </p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-87953186840863372432021-12-31T16:07:00.005-05:002021-12-31T16:57:55.749-05:00goodbye 1921, hello 1922 (or is it goodbye 2021, hello 2022?)<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyPO8I9PXgCOtJT_pdD49MWPOOmau5p9Zv0N3nDXfpftB_UJnrPPtqqX6QMjUQTLkEOa40iT2Ce32fTqujWwODq0E5-yQ9ned6dkX8vaw-7vPt2AYpU1a0l6OdjMqKXTKRqywAJ3DQpXqX-2ipqzf-VUoL2Hj3w76BPj2CPACUsKSGpD4eLwE=s515" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyPO8I9PXgCOtJT_pdD49MWPOOmau5p9Zv0N3nDXfpftB_UJnrPPtqqX6QMjUQTLkEOa40iT2Ce32fTqujWwODq0E5-yQ9ned6dkX8vaw-7vPt2AYpU1a0l6OdjMqKXTKRqywAJ3DQpXqX-2ipqzf-VUoL2Hj3w76BPj2CPACUsKSGpD4eLwE=s16000" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Buffalo Times, December 31, 1921.</i></div><p></p><p><i>Warning: this post will mix historical material with working out some thoughts about the present. </i></p><p>After the roller coaster of 2021, this cartoon feels equally at home now as it did a century ago. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0FJzVekjZoKZdbYwXG5f_eBdrqnjG5Wme8AbdaKIN2nK1zzm6FTSqgaMzCYO0ltmQnm_q2yFrD-6bWRQvW_Puvf9I2SHJ0gBTwX7NuOaKnYPf54OqI9Mf9xMum9RxHY50ucqT8MLAxb1NQ6yG9E3M93uKyz5rVjUYO-VPWcg2WIlZojuMKsg=s849" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0FJzVekjZoKZdbYwXG5f_eBdrqnjG5Wme8AbdaKIN2nK1zzm6FTSqgaMzCYO0ltmQnm_q2yFrD-6bWRQvW_Puvf9I2SHJ0gBTwX7NuOaKnYPf54OqI9Mf9xMum9RxHY50ucqT8MLAxb1NQ6yG9E3M93uKyz5rVjUYO-VPWcg2WIlZojuMKsg=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Brantford Expositor, December 31, 1921. </i></p><p>After digging through some of the New Year's sentiments and sketches from that era, it's stunning how many only require minor adjustments to reflect present-day concerns and feelings - in many cases, you can replace the continuing repercussions of the First World War with COVID-related issues. </p><p>Regarding this front page cartoon, we're still dealing with housing insecurity, while you could swap labour disputes for the changes brought on (hopefully for the better in the long run) by the pandemic within the current labour force, and business depression into the insecurities surrounding operations under ever-changing conditions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje9Nl2-f1FEY0r290F3nVxZ6Jp4FjyEayKmsMLGwy0ouT9Ltpn1Wv2TmGnwqnniv2dAUHqY1ueTyBUtXXrtDMmmpKzWmFiJp4RcW8WEBENXx5466OcPQtJMjj82dVL0A3wL0HYeH9rX4yd63lV5tvLXjlhm6dhSFK_FJeLgiom6CoBQqG7eME=s761" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje9Nl2-f1FEY0r290F3nVxZ6Jp4FjyEayKmsMLGwy0ouT9Ltpn1Wv2TmGnwqnniv2dAUHqY1ueTyBUtXXrtDMmmpKzWmFiJp4RcW8WEBENXx5466OcPQtJMjj82dVL0A3wL0HYeH9rX4yd63lV5tvLXjlhm6dhSFK_FJeLgiom6CoBQqG7eME=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Buffalo Times, January 1, 1922.</i></p><p>In short, don't lose your head when predicting how the new year will turn out. </p><p>One of my objectives for 2022 is to try and maintain a sense of hope and cautious optimism, working past the overwhelming gloom that is taking a toll on our collective mental health. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1hcoPNN47qgqtmzu6sJMCGEgfpY4Mv5uSsLjBmj-EbAxjPfBhzB4b0I3lBRMu05m7WpY34gWZpKi23hgvflsMtD9Y7Bw-_cOnM5aKLKcppLQbPr1VN7PBwK39_CTGLJdF4WIFGiss0mSaGTOSRaV9YvW9rfnw2B0lHcyQANiTGWtigJVsVgM=s583" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1hcoPNN47qgqtmzu6sJMCGEgfpY4Mv5uSsLjBmj-EbAxjPfBhzB4b0I3lBRMu05m7WpY34gWZpKi23hgvflsMtD9Y7Bw-_cOnM5aKLKcppLQbPr1VN7PBwK39_CTGLJdF4WIFGiss0mSaGTOSRaV9YvW9rfnw2B0lHcyQANiTGWtigJVsVgM=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Globe, January 2, 1922.</i></p><p>Some methods are working, such as increasing my use of the mute function on Twitter on those days where I don't need to hear doomsayers on repeat. I'm not hiding my head in the sand, but it's probably better to limit your intake during rough times. If the right opportunity presents itself, I'd like to make some sort of difference, however minor it is, to society rather than sit back, criticize, and do nothing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPmqzP35vOWON7dqtwOIhIeOPDRuCP_S_7cojLu7T0sudnonG9OSxzkYxzZtQ2QSs7QMnbduvPKxWU6xjlK173eOPXxz5lQr2CYPaEUQegS2ba2F1b9bGtUmS9PD1QGDIj8e1udJJ61Zbst_bdS0f0CBZyxtv-o1ZCW81kIIcIYLtuZXcOcvI=s560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPmqzP35vOWON7dqtwOIhIeOPDRuCP_S_7cojLu7T0sudnonG9OSxzkYxzZtQ2QSs7QMnbduvPKxWU6xjlK173eOPXxz5lQr2CYPaEUQegS2ba2F1b9bGtUmS9PD1QGDIj8e1udJJ61Zbst_bdS0f0CBZyxtv-o1ZCW81kIIcIYLtuZXcOcvI=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>New York Evening World, December 31, 1921.</i></p><p>Pandemic permitting, I want to live more in the outside world in 2022, and less bound to the virtual one. This doesn't mean abandoning blogs and social media, more being more careful and thoughtful in my time spent on online stuff instead of slowly becoming one with my office chair or phone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXnPazaQfFvwztB9WSZ4AUeK70f2JQcXaxZQThGqP0Le6mfSPAO8Vo9GiC27ygZxCbuoNclfioPEzjrSkFBTzXoCR1tc-U62FGd9E_EjEs_UScMCOS1HISEyQtpRyuZ2bgPg92E2oa-no0vyvuRaONXK8c8KAlQWw-oXIouNeLY_PNO-ObQ_A=s1037" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXnPazaQfFvwztB9WSZ4AUeK70f2JQcXaxZQThGqP0Le6mfSPAO8Vo9GiC27ygZxCbuoNclfioPEzjrSkFBTzXoCR1tc-U62FGd9E_EjEs_UScMCOS1HISEyQtpRyuZ2bgPg92E2oa-no0vyvuRaONXK8c8KAlQWw-oXIouNeLY_PNO-ObQ_A=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>New York Evening World, December 31, 1921. </i></p><p>This line really struck a nerve:</p><p></p><blockquote>Most of these hopes have been deferred by the cross-purposes of Governments and the devil of human selfishness and distrust.</blockquote><p></p><p>So relevant when it comes to both COVID and the divisiveness of our current political culture. I fear that I've grown more misanthropic as the pandemic has progressed, with that nagging feeling that no matter how well I and the majority of people try to adhere to protocols and protect each other, there are days it feels like those filled with selfishness and unreasonable distrust are being catered to out of fear of alienating a political base. Like we're being punished for doing right.</p><p>There are days where all I can say is "I hate the rest of humanity."</p><p>It's not a feeling I enjoy. My wife constantly reminds me I'm not the only person feeling this way, and that we all have our moments of hopelessness as a coping mechanism. </p><p>I want fewer of these moments in 2022. Maybe I start a handwritten journal to sort out my feelings instead of trapping them in my head, unleashing them on family, or grousing on social media. Maybe I try to counteract negatives with more constructive thoughts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAi3dn2ui0kykjcWLL4knOFQfgSs4aP788Meif_5_10gQA0b1-82Q70Md9ajEsjyBp_CfcHLw31K8Pe_-3GHQ6Ks1y0rP5xjmIj39i0zMKyBt0xVDpoYSMqiPTRuzKMfFBYuqmHTVz_IddbWIPBLwt9oyLpM4UH49qDx3Sx1PnFqaY-Uwgt8Y=s667" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAi3dn2ui0kykjcWLL4knOFQfgSs4aP788Meif_5_10gQA0b1-82Q70Md9ajEsjyBp_CfcHLw31K8Pe_-3GHQ6Ks1y0rP5xjmIj39i0zMKyBt0xVDpoYSMqiPTRuzKMfFBYuqmHTVz_IddbWIPBLwt9oyLpM4UH49qDx3Sx1PnFqaY-Uwgt8Y=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Or maybe I craft more goofy photo essays with the porcupines. </p><p>(For those of you not familiar with Qwilly and Qwillamina, they are two little friends I take on adventures, as a way to keep in touch with my sense of wonder with the world and not lose the joy found in everyday things.)</p><p>Anything to try avoid turning into a grumpy, miserable wretch 24/7. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCQWOSeToBY6zXS7il5b8j_v9dESoHkUPc6vVCaB4nN68rOBOIVxRiNrhbZ6UvpLz2UAbIxKJEHIBaj5krpEJYRRv_ms3q8Hjg7Glh9I4xCxyylbWUzmK1c-DgV9KENAusr2Zq8dAqnOWU0VlRqQLag2shmS7akdDgvEFEw0Z1Su1TAOxLwtk=s560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCQWOSeToBY6zXS7il5b8j_v9dESoHkUPc6vVCaB4nN68rOBOIVxRiNrhbZ6UvpLz2UAbIxKJEHIBaj5krpEJYRRv_ms3q8Hjg7Glh9I4xCxyylbWUzmK1c-DgV9KENAusr2Zq8dAqnOWU0VlRqQLag2shmS7akdDgvEFEw0Z1Su1TAOxLwtk=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>New York Telegram, December 31, 1921.</i></p><p>New Year's might not be a carnival in Toronto this year, but someday it will be again. </p><p>I've got a few ideas in mind to make this a happy year, including, thanks to the encouragement of a friend and colleague, finally taking time to work on a book proposal, based on ideas swimming in nmy head for years that could turn into a true labour of love if everything works out. Professionally, I haven't felt this good in years, with new clients and projects on the horizon over the winter (and I'm always interested in more!).</p><p>Perhaps, in the midst of everything that's happening, I can emerge with my professional confidence renewed and less prone to perpetual freelance anxiety?</p><p>Stay tuned to find out...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZVhV8JyF_of1Yq7016Vby87cKBsjkgXpNJkn7UYZoGLq0IOmpTUUHu-yv6xpUqn-vXjQ_JJ_MU1_1sY3nqo8quzvziq1rdyYx2r6p5JWfSiylsmOQdgxbj8tx2FTx2ncXR8AJNaBlC5ViCBizl_4Ax83eJ7h1h6RfNYcJob7hMZcK14COtDA=s1175" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZVhV8JyF_of1Yq7016Vby87cKBsjkgXpNJkn7UYZoGLq0IOmpTUUHu-yv6xpUqn-vXjQ_JJ_MU1_1sY3nqo8quzvziq1rdyYx2r6p5JWfSiylsmOQdgxbj8tx2FTx2ncXR8AJNaBlC5ViCBizl_4Ax83eJ7h1h6RfNYcJob7hMZcK14COtDA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Evening Standard, December 31, 1921.</i></p><p>Across the Atlantic, some of the planned celebrations in London, with a callout to Hogmanay. A reminder of the sense of celebration and festivity we will enjoy again in the future, or hold smaller, quieter, intimate, perhaps even more important versions of in our homes this year.</p><p>Good tidings to all, and best wishes to everyone in 2022.</p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-66157821428728569032021-12-24T14:15:00.003-05:002021-12-24T14:16:08.503-05:00i'll be home for christmas, the album<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpNgED8JVDSs77DGbmcmTHoQi7EoysIr3ZJ04MDzWLzBGcDNqgzMsAuz4IYhPHrJ-eHCAVzZF5Apyu-V3y1qKOnTpYj-Rgxwlwg4s8fE3jQVybRdDytqiFjeZfZBMUWZMYJ3btbpz2wM3lf-2webLm9vStGr_-r37OMzoCLNiMlAmNCr5ZOrs=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpNgED8JVDSs77DGbmcmTHoQi7EoysIr3ZJ04MDzWLzBGcDNqgzMsAuz4IYhPHrJ-eHCAVzZF5Apyu-V3y1qKOnTpYj-Rgxwlwg4s8fE3jQVybRdDytqiFjeZfZBMUWZMYJ3btbpz2wM3lf-2webLm9vStGr_-r37OMzoCLNiMlAmNCr5ZOrs=s16000" /></a></div><br /><i style="background-color: white; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Feeling nostalgic this holiday season, I'm diving into Christmas records that my family owned when I was a kid. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>And now, the other Christmas record I put on repeat as a kid, <i>I'll Be Home For Christmas</i>, which was produced by one of the largest purveyors of "junk" records.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://ladybirdpickwick.wixsite.com/website/historyofpickwick" target="_blank">Pickwick</a> was a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budget_album" target="_blank">budget label</a> which hit its peak during the 1960s and 1970s. They released anything from covers of current hits by anonymous studio ensembles to re-releases of albums from major labels that dropped a track or two. Quality was not always Pickwick's highest priority. My guess is that this record was purchased at a discount department store in a sale bin. </div><div><br /></div><div>In this case, just as <i><a href="http://jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2021/12/christmas-pleasures-side-two.html" target="_blank">Christmas Pleasures</a></i> used Columbia's catalogue, this 1976 album digs into Capitol's vaults. Since, being a Pickwick product, this album only has ten tracks, let's plow through all of them...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>SIDE ONE</b></div><p><b>Dean Martin - Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer</b></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M47xvJE6GAg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>This track amused me as a kid, having already sensed Martin's persona as an easygoing boozer. This rendition is Rat Pack loungeyness to the nth degree, including its casual reference to our hero as "Rudy." Enjoy a classic cocktail lounge <a href="http://jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2021/12/drink-your-way-through-holidays-with.html" target="_blank">drink</a> while listening to this one.</div><div><br /></div><b>
Nat King Cole - Caroling, Caroling</b><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kFSPGIHjak8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><p>After a fun opening, time to settle into the elegance and joy of Nat King Cole. Listening to this has always made me visualize a town or city alive with the spirit of the season. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Peggy Lee - The Christmas Song</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w0e4CYfwE-E" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p>A nice, straightforward version of Mel Torme's holiday salute to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiT1lZ6pkK4" target="_blank">chestnuts roasting on an open fire</a> (and here's <a href="https://www.newsfromme.com/2021/12/20/my-xmas-story-4-2/">my favourite story about Torme and the song</a>). </p><p><b>Tennessee Ernie Ford - The Twelve Days of Christmas</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/balrtHwyNEQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p>This is the better version of this tune I promised earlier this week, with an energy forcefulness the Dinah Shore version lacked. </p><p><b>Al Martino - Silver Bells</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BbzSppBe9h8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p>Led in by the first (bearable) verse of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," like Nat King Cole's contribution to the album, this evokes a feeling of Christmas in the city. A good way to wind down side one.</p><p><b>SIDE TWO </b></p><p><b>Lou Rawls - The Little Drummer Boy</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j1KXkdAT8FE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p>While driving Louisa to work this morning, CBC Radio's <i>The Current</i> featured a discussion of Christmas songs. The host admitted this was her favourite version of "The Little Drummer Boy," and I don't blame her. In most versions that echo the chorale versions recorded in the 1950s, the "pa-rum-pum-pum-pum" can feel lethargic. Not in this case. It's energetic, it's soulful, and it gets side two off to a good start.</p><p><b>Sandler and Young - Hark the Herald Angels Sing</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uw2BKdQsTS8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p>If side two started off well, it derails with this track, which is possibly the worst on this record. As a kid, I wondered what the heck this was doing here. Maybe I found the beginning, meant to evoke chanting monks, off-putting. Maybe the blending of two songs through the rest of the track was too distracting. Also, who the hell were Sandler and Young? I'd heard of, or figured out, who everyone else on the record was. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I9vkkAStbzk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><p>Speed ahead a few years to discovering <i>SCTV </i>reruns. The show mercilessly parodied Sandler and Young, with Eugene Levy and Martin Short depicting them as a corny, clueless act with giant chiclet teeth. Hilarious stuff, which provided evidence my younger self had the right inclination about the duo.</p><p>But I still hadn't actually seen Sandler and Young in action...</p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4N9GUiLHvG8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><p>Oh my.</p><p>So it turns out Eugene Levy's imitation of Ralph Young was dead on. Including the chiclet teeth. </p><p><i>SCTV</i> was brilliant. </p><p><b>Guy Lombardo - Jingle Bells</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SHymg62cPd0" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p>Speaking of things Canadian, London, Ontario's most famous bandleader lifts the album back up with a fun rendition of "Jingle Bells." Perhaps the compiler felt "Auld Lang Syne" was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL60HdslvOk" target="_blank">too associated with New Year's</a> to include. </p><p><b>Beach Boys - I'll Be Home For Christmas</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BhhFNL2IjYo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p style="text-align: left;">The title track showcases the Beach Boys' harmonies. This rendition, from 1964's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibhVUV8ZzDY&list=PLpBKS47q7J6cDMA2p2aAV-VP5m7yQxz4H" target="_blank"><i>The Beach Boys' Christmas Album</i>,</a> was arranged by Dick Reynolds, who was known for his work with one of Brian Wilson's vocal idols, the Four Freshmen. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The group picture used on the front of the album looks like an outtake from the session for the cover of their final album during their original run on Capitol, 1969's <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-vMTAzfNOA&list=PLMxkpnetcodNgjuUE2AP7We4cL-IyyT8-&index=1" target="_blank">20/20</a></i>. Also, who makes a picture of the Beach Boys - and nearly everyone else on the cover - smaller than Sandler and Young?</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Nancy Wilson - The Christmas Waltz</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VP0kVFb2s_k" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p>A gentle, mellow way to end the album, easing you into the next round of holiday activities. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpt4U7JRO8CcC9aX5jD1SgqSW8L-Aof4co_GnzqENvRj-XWT2O85qtRx6CvBtxffU2S5sHll0Xt9-BRn0Mq3lZDzoVTpRxEaAtvWndsJBGLdAEwky8Z47HFez0TgSvoYYFBpQmV0V7TPLUXUm_KGZ4SSTo_AKh92YWaVQzBtNOBn6kMJdO1IA=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpt4U7JRO8CcC9aX5jD1SgqSW8L-Aof4co_GnzqENvRj-XWT2O85qtRx6CvBtxffU2S5sHll0Xt9-BRn0Mq3lZDzoVTpRxEaAtvWndsJBGLdAEwky8Z47HFez0TgSvoYYFBpQmV0V7TPLUXUm_KGZ4SSTo_AKh92YWaVQzBtNOBn6kMJdO1IA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Overall, a stronger album than <i>Christmas Pleasures</i>. If I were remixing it, I'd go back to the Capitol catalogue from the 1950s and 1960s and figure out, barring rights issues, who who replace Sandler and Young. There's Frank Sinatra, who recorded <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CutsgNeJ7Gs" target="_blank">A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra</a></i> for Capitol in 1957. There's Ella Fitzgerald's beautiful <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu2FrJyA99M&list=PLM_dCCG1l6tJ6FrUWI0SDSC5NgGmPKbKf" target="_blank">1967 album of religious-themed Christmas standards</a>. You could raid Glen Campbell's 1968 collection <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PsK6cxqssk&list=PLm015WZNNRFAPEjcFsMbO_Teaox5yq6KD&index=1" target="_blank">That Christmas Feeling</a>. </i>I suspect Buck Owens' Christmas backlist had <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv-lu8mkHXs" target="_blank">too many novelty songs</a> and possibly <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYrRuv0HgVg">a little too much country</a> in it to fit this album. </p></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-7716581055388334932021-12-23T01:21:00.001-05:002021-12-23T10:19:38.514-05:00drink your way through the holidays with the new yorker, 1976<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi90mVsMGIA1ton-y9tVH_ispxZQZCI37uNckk5cgAy187pU2B4AlqM0MeFnT_E_nkU6kKts8jhe8sKZCngJeb_rOHvzQHuNa2ZPpewVnIQHs1FGdRhDHzNFJ-pIu26HP46avz9KJsPfhq9Zd62QFVktRnN_YEgm9YqsOFHlKwvc-ygKpkR_xg=s852" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi90mVsMGIA1ton-y9tVH_ispxZQZCI37uNckk5cgAy187pU2B4AlqM0MeFnT_E_nkU6kKts8jhe8sKZCngJeb_rOHvzQHuNa2ZPpewVnIQHs1FGdRhDHzNFJ-pIu26HP46avz9KJsPfhq9Zd62QFVktRnN_YEgm9YqsOFHlKwvc-ygKpkR_xg=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Leaf through any mid-20th century general interest magazine and you'll fine tons of booze ads. For example, many 1950s American publications provide an education in just how many varieties of bourbon were available, targeted to every class and taste preference. </p><p>This edition of the <i>New Yorker</i> is chock full of booze ads, many of them with a holiday theme. </p><p>Ready to wander through a 1970s ad executive's cabinet as you open the Christmas cards slipped through your mail slot? Let's go!</p><p>(DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible if you decide to sample each of these fine liquids while browsing this collection of ads. This post only contains ads related to the holidays or nearly related to the holidays. Trust me, there were plenty of non-Christmas booze ads in this issue.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia3Fer_cP_womfzeWKlKbuWj0quvm2kCQuflJ-lOn31223gfYcY9bd9xSaH5sitwTn69UrhTqFuY1i571QfqFIv3HTVwg6crjB60kB3GCxZKd238lSNqe2YKszZx3R5mZ1Ul-KwkQakCoVkGyaZtUqcyfPDSDIVP6aXd69tsG9RvX-EZI-nCM=s809" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="587" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia3Fer_cP_womfzeWKlKbuWj0quvm2kCQuflJ-lOn31223gfYcY9bd9xSaH5sitwTn69UrhTqFuY1i571QfqFIv3HTVwg6crjB60kB3GCxZKd238lSNqe2YKszZx3R5mZ1Ul-KwkQakCoVkGyaZtUqcyfPDSDIVP6aXd69tsG9RvX-EZI-nCM=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>O Tanqueray Gin tree!<br />O Tanqueray Gin tree!<br />How lovely are thy bottles!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHSPRa8S3YbqLcJ3ann4wTdGqvrZ2YmO3ZPLSM5nYP5eBj2ISF1WL5GwkoSNvf6e0Sy95UQepqvSdKlYloaUbLxM08q-bjcR4eAUcXj2C9oJZuPCIeHCv-lZnfNV3YoaCgtp_giFtj4mKzCPXW3s9KqvGS0kEkMv7PiBZZa3z-AsKO5Z1dt2k=s862" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHSPRa8S3YbqLcJ3ann4wTdGqvrZ2YmO3ZPLSM5nYP5eBj2ISF1WL5GwkoSNvf6e0Sy95UQepqvSdKlYloaUbLxM08q-bjcR4eAUcXj2C9oJZuPCIeHCv-lZnfNV3YoaCgtp_giFtj4mKzCPXW3s9KqvGS0kEkMv7PiBZZa3z-AsKO5Z1dt2k=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Then as now, you might choose to give a nice bottle of scotch in a fancy gift box. Some brands, like J&B, went for historical illustrations (which I imagine were popular during the American bicentennial)...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3heFOIjH2JLlBUdFOchiD-yVzLNnrv3W66dJ_LkjqgPt4lpZvdMBrZiVc7WCv1TtzMUUc5DBSMc1r1fyMzXU_uaIPiaVyK2DWOFJlcFDjDkj1fcDBnKX9oNYPEepNLO3_GM1HdTDHzLimm2FGvyz8nvYyA1kG1dixOxNmHlfsL57qMevddeQ=s815" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3heFOIjH2JLlBUdFOchiD-yVzLNnrv3W66dJ_LkjqgPt4lpZvdMBrZiVc7WCv1TtzMUUc5DBSMc1r1fyMzXU_uaIPiaVyK2DWOFJlcFDjDkj1fcDBnKX9oNYPEepNLO3_GM1HdTDHzLimm2FGvyz8nvYyA1kG1dixOxNmHlfsL57qMevddeQ=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>...some went for nostalgia (and stories about adults hogging gifts from the kids)...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOui4RN08BSURKbDR23q4aIkvRYrtY9jd4iCllS-NdBQnGTRC7odEIDexuutZ_QDlPRWimEzSuocv_lg6nFuiZhtuYHlk6lVXht8i4fuq08HX23ZaXC7DJ1OBG7fWNlVQA9MMnkfPDSwx2YX9CYKKh7MjN_IInWDPg0QTtuFxK44nU89EClYs=s825" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOui4RN08BSURKbDR23q4aIkvRYrtY9jd4iCllS-NdBQnGTRC7odEIDexuutZ_QDlPRWimEzSuocv_lg6nFuiZhtuYHlk6lVXht8i4fuq08HX23ZaXC7DJ1OBG7fWNlVQA9MMnkfPDSwx2YX9CYKKh7MjN_IInWDPg0QTtuFxK44nU89EClYs=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>...while other brands went for simpler packaging. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb4w954MZPvSRQE2eYTzQPoUF1fZTqJ8UJTsyyhB1ihF2oJ8Kfj3IlS_TjRXCeBjFu0K-6FhNec3u1MrUIJ502hFm3MTJcMOykFpwPhAhYIc9DVBzAB9K56CYcVA34AxDCOFwETmrJixN4r5L1J6fJJo-X_a21TX7jAZ1NCEP3XGapLJj99Mk=s770" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="597" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb4w954MZPvSRQE2eYTzQPoUF1fZTqJ8UJTsyyhB1ihF2oJ8Kfj3IlS_TjRXCeBjFu0K-6FhNec3u1MrUIJ502hFm3MTJcMOykFpwPhAhYIc9DVBzAB9K56CYcVA34AxDCOFwETmrJixN4r5L1J6fJJo-X_a21TX7jAZ1NCEP3XGapLJj99Mk=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Speaking of the American bicentennial, this cognac tied itself to Revolutionary War-era history and <a href="https://www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/" target="_blank">a New York City historical landmark</a>. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd1rJ0XpmSEos-CxzRbDUOmFPoUpsB17aExcsz4Jsm3aRqRCchTaJKaCvdIMR-wSKMKR6iHJ3_KWppxfOTn1U_z94CvytWyqCrt4v3AglLv5qLVtNcZQbsobze9O2K6olMC3kW__qfY8kJwUgnXxuiXmyM777qx-BNwMMhKFH8q1v5BGNLKAY=s881" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd1rJ0XpmSEos-CxzRbDUOmFPoUpsB17aExcsz4Jsm3aRqRCchTaJKaCvdIMR-wSKMKR6iHJ3_KWppxfOTn1U_z94CvytWyqCrt4v3AglLv5qLVtNcZQbsobze9O2K6olMC3kW__qfY8kJwUgnXxuiXmyM777qx-BNwMMhKFH8q1v5BGNLKAY=s16000" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Today on <i>Johnnie Walker Romance Theatre</i>: can two lovers, spending their first Christmas together, find common ground on gifts to give their respective families? And how will they handle her mother, who doesn't like the smoky finish of scotch?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoLGITPYzckXH4eNQb-Ag1bOcrZBbmOQj5bw4L8HUdBJ9mKiWAIL2wpSHyyd-HozJbqzDAKmxzGnnfqJw_5qhctlRU_ILEBgjzy8QjFGJsmXNBQGjnpUPUg7WLrBrzdkvTcqL8uGFkXSc5x0eoulMvSvxuw4ZeugniHGxJhDUkn3qXWIpLI2U=s897" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoLGITPYzckXH4eNQb-Ag1bOcrZBbmOQj5bw4L8HUdBJ9mKiWAIL2wpSHyyd-HozJbqzDAKmxzGnnfqJw_5qhctlRU_ILEBgjzy8QjFGJsmXNBQGjnpUPUg7WLrBrzdkvTcqL8uGFkXSc5x0eoulMvSvxuw4ZeugniHGxJhDUkn3qXWIpLI2U=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Never fear, there is a solution!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFERot9CaAe1qowBfQ830wYlsunzW4d7fgLP7Lkf0BdgYdOVuXKbv8DbtJWIjiG0h9fs3-4clOheN3RwcWx9h8o5TcTpcQK2v4htb-xPQffLxxv181EuGVbURv61f4CRgZhq7m5ZziLf6VS0CybhVbTW0C8rf7YNTGkLqIlavD1z7l5N8W6e4=s819" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFERot9CaAe1qowBfQ830wYlsunzW4d7fgLP7Lkf0BdgYdOVuXKbv8DbtJWIjiG0h9fs3-4clOheN3RwcWx9h8o5TcTpcQK2v4htb-xPQffLxxv181EuGVbURv61f4CRgZhq7m5ZziLf6VS0CybhVbTW0C8rf7YNTGkLqIlavD1z7l5N8W6e4=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Is Harveys Bristol Cream still considered <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u_9cFZ3mto" target="_blank">a romantic drink</a>, or a beverage <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dCMCeQpOe0" target="_blank">saved for enjoying with close friends</a>? Between 1970s ads that were frequently parodied to my exclusive use of sherry/apera as a cooking ingredient, it's a style of alcohol that I've never considered pulling a bottle out for a special occasion.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzgv1zfB2S1_9zNrC9znLIldVN2iJ0NCA-S6JvLlSO81yga_l1ol0tFTMsfCMa0WVVjIYCwDeiD-5-KUZqFIYShhehrphaulC-NTCuaY1r70Iq85K97wGkXlYokB0xGpfCP0rPYY2x80bItQhLdgPZduykaHe95GYMoICP24kISJvXdrkjusY=s814" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="593" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzgv1zfB2S1_9zNrC9znLIldVN2iJ0NCA-S6JvLlSO81yga_l1ol0tFTMsfCMa0WVVjIYCwDeiD-5-KUZqFIYShhehrphaulC-NTCuaY1r70Iq85K97wGkXlYokB0xGpfCP0rPYY2x80bItQhLdgPZduykaHe95GYMoICP24kISJvXdrkjusY=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Growing up, I thought Crown Royal bags were produced as a special accessory for holding Scrabble tiles. We still use one whenever we haul out the board at my Mom's. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0KjNeqsN_p3hSA79v_MxIaIqJmUio9zw0pGVp0InQIQA18KL1JJfcoUezUo_vDJDqDzYos63G0XGN0m4FYOXCo9hpgzH58wUuwwIam-Jj78qPAgO4oowZ5H5JNLGIlWOCf_Tb4Fxj6hX_9U551DE1FLCZLPnrIcMOHaPWCIGCn6O7oP6aFJ0=s885" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0KjNeqsN_p3hSA79v_MxIaIqJmUio9zw0pGVp0InQIQA18KL1JJfcoUezUo_vDJDqDzYos63G0XGN0m4FYOXCo9hpgzH58wUuwwIam-Jj78qPAgO4oowZ5H5JNLGIlWOCf_Tb4Fxj6hX_9U551DE1FLCZLPnrIcMOHaPWCIGCn6O7oP6aFJ0=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Speaking of home, some of Windsor's most famous booze gets the holiday gift box treatment. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNoBo9kaXK0jy-PUbbutwKdmP3XjhLRJLkN5H58JOcIazXP7wLwH8ht0h-NyoWKccf2Bm14yNtfuk-tSXYsyRsBk_hA1wxrsGoGR3KefN5lvScWNpcrYoBF3QZsuEB8vjwx8G7s_hNULbz6iFk7bAVyOD4YOp-GBSymSMrGQ8us7GoLiU4E9A=s818" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNoBo9kaXK0jy-PUbbutwKdmP3XjhLRJLkN5H58JOcIazXP7wLwH8ht0h-NyoWKccf2Bm14yNtfuk-tSXYsyRsBk_hA1wxrsGoGR3KefN5lvScWNpcrYoBF3QZsuEB8vjwx8G7s_hNULbz6iFk7bAVyOD4YOp-GBSymSMrGQ8us7GoLiU4E9A=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Not exactly a Christmas ad, but it is wintry! While sipping this cherry-chocolate sensation during a holiday celebration, you can dream of spending a day on the slopes in Switzerland. </p><p>At this point my life, any skiing location would feel exotic, partly due to the pandemic, partly because I haven't skied since, depending on when my Grade 8 trip to <a href="https://skialpinevalley.com/" target="_blank">Alpine Valley</a> in suburban Detroit was, either the end of the Reagan administration or the beginning of George H.W. Bush's presidency.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjPOwZynpqUYOiD2qfJfRePCeneQhPzaZ1DKRSI0xIOZHg7qp6e3fchuoJlDxVulwJkqCrx3hY2Ky3XXeCDECmMJJDWIbO8kIbGZkbvgppIUjXCAL9zT5R-hC9pxWb68joAmGa0He8fU52Aa1_0qF-XdoB7oIkr9F9eRCX4mbxVeuznUteUTU=s893" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjPOwZynpqUYOiD2qfJfRePCeneQhPzaZ1DKRSI0xIOZHg7qp6e3fchuoJlDxVulwJkqCrx3hY2Ky3XXeCDECmMJJDWIbO8kIbGZkbvgppIUjXCAL9zT5R-hC9pxWb68joAmGa0He8fU52Aa1_0qF-XdoB7oIkr9F9eRCX4mbxVeuznUteUTU=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Now that the liquor cabinet has been restocked, time to grab some mixers to go with them. </p><p>Not sure about the <a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/pink-squirrel-cocktail-recipe-759770" target="_blank">Pink Squirrel</a>, which resembles Pepto Bismol. Seems fitting that the tackiest looking drink is being downed by an insurance agent who shared the same tailor as <i>WKRP in Cincinnati</i> sales manager Herb Tarlek. </p><p>Barbara Hart's comparison to NBC may have been more of an insult than the ad writer intended. The Peacock Network performed poorly in the ratings during this era - during the 1976/77 season, only two non-movie/non-special series rabked among Nielsen's top 30 rated shows (<i>Little House on the Prairie</i> was #15, <i>Sanford and Son</i> #27). Like Barbara's choice of drink, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976%E2%80%9377_United_States_network_television_schedule" target="_blank">NBC's lineup</a> had too little zap, and would have even less as the decade wore on. </p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51766400776/in/dateposted-public/" title="new yorker 1976-12-13 bacardi xmas ad 1200"><img alt="new yorker 1976-12-13 bacardi xmas ad 1200" height="415" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51766400776_86ae10d755_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Click on image for larger version.</i></p><p>Bacardi's drink spread doesn't feel too outdated, though you might choose juices other than Hawaiian Punch for the main fruity concoction.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p>Articles in this issue of the <i>New Yorker</i> include John Updike's short story <i><a href="https://www.vqronline.org/essay/john-updike-literary-spider" target="_blank">Domestic Life in America</a></i>; a long "Reporter at Large" piece on microwaves by Paul Brodeur (part 1 of 2); a long unsigned piece on Christmas gifts for children; a short Calvin Trillin piece on racial discrimination at Whimsey's discotheque in Boston; and Pauline Kael's review of the Woody Guthrie biopic <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bound_for_Glory_(1976_film)" target="_blank">Bound For Glory</a></i>.</p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-69082741496611012892021-12-21T14:11:00.004-05:002021-12-21T14:11:39.997-05:00christmas pleasures, side two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgajkqAHwh7mv1i6W3ZtzEOmpNCahpvZUYt4XlXgIrI1fwUz57U_aodqEam2CTvSQtNHLjAHyL5YRPrmmusJyAIx6274AGLGMah-c8Eqk3MNFL7mrHolQB4mCxx7CIsw3Kfi6pkjDm4546F0xTRORJCe1mZ5fa7TUIJDRaRS9Ezxfy9eTQjYQQ=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgajkqAHwh7mv1i6W3ZtzEOmpNCahpvZUYt4XlXgIrI1fwUz57U_aodqEam2CTvSQtNHLjAHyL5YRPrmmusJyAIx6274AGLGMah-c8Eqk3MNFL7mrHolQB4mCxx7CIsw3Kfi6pkjDm4546F0xTRORJCe1mZ5fa7TUIJDRaRS9Ezxfy9eTQjYQQ=s16000" /></a></div><p> <br /><i>Feeling nostalgic this holiday season, I'm diving into Christmas records that my family owned when I was a kid, starting with a late 1970s dive into Columbia Records' vaults, Christmas Pleasures. <a href="http://jbwarehouse.blogspot.com/2021/12/christmas-pleasures-side-one.html" target="_blank">Click here for side one</a>. </i></p><b>
Mitch Miller and the Gang - Winter Wonderland</b><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5nmbGtZ--5w" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Ah, Mitch Miller. On the one hand, the man had an ear for hits, turning Columbia Records into a pop powerhouse during the 1950s. He helped shape the role of a record producer, transforming it from a passive to active role in the studio. On the other hand, he had a fondness for schlock, and resisted signing rock acts, leaving Columbia behind in that genre until the mid-1960s.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then there was <i>Sing Along With Mitch</i>. Growing out of a series of albums that started in the late 1950s, Miller welded large vocal ensembles with old-fashioned tunes that listeners could sing along with. They sold well with older audiences, leading to an NBC television series which ran from 1961 to 1964. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>How square <i>Sing Along With Mitch</i> came to be perceived was discussed in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/03/arts/music/03miller.html" target="_blank">his <i>New York Times</i> obituary</a> in 2010:</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>Even at the singalongs’ height, many Americans considered them hopelessly corny. That sense only intensified as a younger generation came of age in the 1960s and musical tastes changed. There were news reports that shopping malls had begun piping Mitch Miller music on their sound systems as a way to discourage teenagers from congregating. Years later, in 1993, when David Koresh and members of his Branch Davidian cult were holed up in their compound in Waco, Tex., F.B.I. agents tried to flush them out by blasting “Sing Along With Mitch” Christmas carols.</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>Ouch.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nm8G8LhW7Sw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>There are a few episodes of <i>Sing Along With Mitch</i> floating around YouTube, including this 1961 Christmas edition. Sadly, "Winter Wonderland" is not among the featured tunes. Like "Sleigh Ride," it gets the side off to a good start, and, as corny a recording as it is, always warms my heart a little when I hear it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Mormon Tabernacle Choir - The First Noel</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N0uXpiq0Iko" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I began preparing these posts, I prodded my sister's memory for her thoughts about <i>Christmas Pleasures</i>. She remembered this rendition of "The First Noel" as the organ-heavy track. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't have much to say about it. The choir still exists though, "to more closely align with its sponsoring organization, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" (translation: stop using the term "Mormon!"), it changed its name to <a href="https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/about/choir.html" target="_blank">The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square</a> in 2018. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Peter Nero - O Holy Night</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qdl5egcMtlE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A spritely, energetic version of the mid-19th century carol. Not much else to say, other than my other association with "O Holy Night" is Paul Shaffer's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pzVtiJ31oQ" target="_blank">long-running imitation of a mid-1970s Cher rendition</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Andy Williams - Do You Hear What I Hear?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kU3mwbMbVs8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Andy Williams and holiday songs are generally a good pairing and this track, from 1965's <i>Merry Christmas</i>, is no exception. One of my favourite renditions of this tune. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In a November 13, 1965 review, <i>Billboard</i> praised <i>Merry Christmas</i>:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>The individual Williams' warmth and style bring freshness to a group of holiday chestnuts that makes for a programming and sales giant. "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" is given a fine, easy go ballad reading, while the new "Christmas Holiday" is a bright jazz waltz winner.</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> John Davidson - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ns_vATKKJSs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's not as heartwarming as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KCb3IG60pU" target="_blank">the version that closes <i>A Charlie Brown Christmas</i></a>, but this 1969 rendition by future <i>That's Incredible!/Hollywood Squares</i> host John Davidson isn't bad. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Dinah Shore - The Twelve Days of Christmas</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7rOsp2rAlDM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not the strongest version of this song - there's a better one coming in a future post from another holiday album I grew up with. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Patti Page - Christmas Bells</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8IHhGM7dCHM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I reviewed the track listening, my mind drew a blank on this song. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I listened to it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the worst track on the album, combining a mediocre song with an annoying kids chorus. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I played it for Louisa and she rolled her eyes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">No wonder my memory blocked this one out. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Robert Goulet - Home for the Holidays</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kl6cc3PTOSM" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">The record recovers with this track, and its cheesy, lounge-y goodness. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">During a quick trip back to my home town at the beginning of December, I made an Instagram story out of pictures I took of the <a href="https://visitamherstburg.ca/events/river-lights-winter-festival-2/" target="_blank">annual River Lights display</a> along the waterfront. Among the appropriate musical options to add to the story was this song. It felt so right. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Goulet's other holiday contributions include a rendition of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZADLxuhWnE" target="_blank">a schoolyard Christmas classic</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Jim Nabors - Christmas Eve in My Home Town</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_LHIxlgoVG8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A slower, more sentimental view of going home for the holidays. As a kid I considered this track a snoozer, but it holds up better now as a inoffensive middle-of-the-road tune. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Jerry Vale - Silent Night, Holy Night</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5MbpLC8laXw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like side one, perhaps the album should have ended on the previous track. Like Vikki Carr's "What Child Is This," Vale's rendition of "Silent Night" is just...there. A more forceful rendition would have made this a stronger capper.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Given the easygoing vibe the compiler was going for, I can see, if rights issues weren't involved, how some of Columbia's major artists who recorded holiday material were not included here. I probably would have swapped out one of the Carr, Page, or Vale tracks for Johnny Cash, who had two Christmas albums (1963's <i>The Christmas Spirit</i> and 1972's <i>The Johnny Cash Family Christmas</i>) in the label's catalogue. Simon and Garfunkel's 1966 track "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1X_a9o4ezw" target="_blank">7 O'Clock News/Silent Night</a>" would have been too steeped in contemporary events or too grim to include. An excerpt of <i>The Nutcracker</i> could have appeared, whether in an orchestral version or via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3DOSvjmT0A" target="_blank">Duke Ellington's interpretation</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Coming soon: what Christmas tunes from the Capitol Records vaults does a budget label decide to compile into an album?</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-296846715877025332021-12-20T19:51:00.003-05:002021-12-20T19:51:28.100-05:00christmas 1921: seasonal scenes from buffalo newspapers<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51758788829/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo times 1921-12-18 xmas dream 640"><img alt="buffalo times 1921-12-18 xmas dream 640" height="789" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51758788829_0395ab4951_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> <i>Buffalo Times, December 18, 1921.</i></p><p>To compensate for not being able to visit Buffalo anytime soon (thanks Omicron!), I'm settling for flipping through the pages of the city's newspapers during the holiday season a century ago. </p><p>OK, that's not the entire truth.</p><p>Awhile back, I spent a few days down a rabbit hole leafing through the Sunday editions of the great selection of early 20th century Buffalo papers found on Newspapers.com. There was a plan to begin a regular series of posts on Sunday papers of the era, focusing on a century ago, but the time wasn't there. File this idea under "projects for 2022."</p><p>Still, material like this awkward shot of Santa hovering over a sleeping girl didn't deserve to be left in the can this holiday season.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51759006795/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo times 1921-12-18 xmas cover 640"><img alt="buffalo times 1921-12-18 xmas cover 640" height="893" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51759006795_38fe0ef3a2_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Illustration by Dan Smith, Buffalo Times, December 18, 1921. </i></p><p>A children's kingdom of toys and fairy tales, with characters ranging from classic comic strip character Krazy Kat to dolls that are inappropriate to own a century on. Let's zero in on the text...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy6VSCYY88XpMkQQNqRM6DMwdgPYDEl7y17Lz23gy2ZmV4rf3mN3sIVAK9Gl49c-l3yKwI3MrSsUP8i9m87sIZIFG5Ely8xorZDYSs_f3ai-nqWznAweW7EH43qtUAW7yJJk-Oitg8siMgTDHAaPg2xMiYYafn-UKN5dfBSW2AmSmkeaq-iac=s491" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiy6VSCYY88XpMkQQNqRM6DMwdgPYDEl7y17Lz23gy2ZmV4rf3mN3sIVAK9Gl49c-l3yKwI3MrSsUP8i9m87sIZIFG5Ely8xorZDYSs_f3ai-nqWznAweW7EH43qtUAW7yJJk-Oitg8siMgTDHAaPg2xMiYYafn-UKN5dfBSW2AmSmkeaq-iac=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Artist <a href="https://www.illustrationhistory.org/artists/dan-smith" target="_blank">Dan Smith</a> (1865-1934) enjoyed a long career as an illustrator, including a long stint with the <i>New York World</i>.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51759004380/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo times 1921-12-25 xmas cover 640"><img alt="buffalo times 1921-12-25 xmas cover 640" height="905" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51759004380_e08f5027ab_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51759004380/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo times 1921-12-25 xmas cover 640"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></a><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Illustration by Dan Smith, Buffalo Times, December 25, 1921.</i></p><p>Another Smith illustration appeared in the Christmas Day edition of the <i>Buffalo Times</i>, which foreshadows <a href="https://www.lambiek.net/artists/s/smith_dan.htm" target="_blank">his biblical comics of the 1930s</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_4vjSTYG6w-s5uRnMRBRdKmWKZV_-F2XeEVvsX57nuNm0Zb9632UZvLQTYpbmhISr6XNYqqrqYyBuj4vWnvCOAg-duTKqK_rTgsYdgROIX2G8n69QXqDJjJH3tLSJ0_g7o9rTQFVkn0XxgkmssBxTnOpwWc6FOGTSRGq1AS9viVgspV2-v1I=s500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_4vjSTYG6w-s5uRnMRBRdKmWKZV_-F2XeEVvsX57nuNm0Zb9632UZvLQTYpbmhISr6XNYqqrqYyBuj4vWnvCOAg-duTKqK_rTgsYdgROIX2G8n69QXqDJjJH3tLSJ0_g7o9rTQFVkn0XxgkmssBxTnOpwWc6FOGTSRGq1AS9viVgspV2-v1I=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>The accompanying text mixes the story of the Three Wise Men with the lingering effects of the First World War (only three years in the past) and the emerging role the United States would need to play globally. The writer must have been disappointed in the streak of American isolationism which emerged during the 1920s. </p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51759011345/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo courier 1921-12-18 fanny farmer xmas ad"><img alt="buffalo courier 1921-12-18 fanny farmer xmas ad" height="766" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51759011345_80e41c29b7_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Buffalo Courier, December 18, 1921</i>.</p><p>I'm guessing that this ad was originally published in colour or on high quality photo supplement paper. Something about the design of Fanny Farmer's boxes looks familiar...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQCUPYht-DVLUUnnjyovoSVPtLfjbVeMiNOmcTye92znyT9KJvESD0mMmSsElwGhVr-XEUih68q-YjtxeiKQtYYOWQvRPOdHE4RTXRsFeARL-CWqkG8MqBdgk_ExMkej_wJYCnnrZ3mNEgtnHTJXwFY8nPggBCvP3kzn3-YdQnwDb6h0rGyz4=s918" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQCUPYht-DVLUUnnjyovoSVPtLfjbVeMiNOmcTye92znyT9KJvESD0mMmSsElwGhVr-XEUih68q-YjtxeiKQtYYOWQvRPOdHE4RTXRsFeARL-CWqkG8MqBdgk_ExMkej_wJYCnnrZ3mNEgtnHTJXwFY8nPggBCvP3kzn3-YdQnwDb6h0rGyz4=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Toronto Star, November 23, 1921. </i></p><p>It's no coincidence. </p><p>A few years after <a href="https://torontoist.com/2013/04/historicist-a-box-of-laura-secord/" target="_blank">launching Laura Secord</a>, Frank O'Connor opened his <a href="https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2014/04/18/whatever-happened-fanny-farmer-candy/7882367/" target="_blank">first Fanny Farmer chocolate shop</a> in Rochester, NY in 1919. Instead of choosing another war hero, O'Connor was inspired to name his new chain after American culinary expert <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fannie_Farmer" target="_blank">Fannie Farmer</a>. The chain survived the rest of the 20th century, but eventually disappeared into the Fannie May chocolate company. </p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51758792624/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo express 1921-12-25 xmas shopping in buffalo"><img alt="buffalo express 1921-12-25 xmas shopping in buffalo" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51758792624_fc0bdb26cc_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Buffalo Express, December 25, 1921. Click on image for larger version. </i></p><p>A photo essay on holiday shoppers. The Sunday papers regularly featured these vignettes of everyday life in the city. </p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51758788874/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo times 1921-12-18 is there a santa claus sketches 1"><img alt="buffalo times 1921-12-18 is there a santa claus sketches 1" height="701" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51758788874_92188b1a29_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51758788864/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo times 1921-12-18 is there a santa claus sketches 2"><img alt="buffalo times 1921-12-18 is there a santa claus sketches 2" height="859" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51758788864_363d398861_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Buffalo Times, December 18, 1921. </i></p><p>Humorous character sketches such as these were also a staple of Sunday papers, usually by syndicated cartoonists. The jokes are generally groan-inducing. </p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51758141681/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo express 1921-12-25 xmas sketches 1200px"><img alt="buffalo express 1921-12-25 xmas sketches 1200px" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51758141681_06815533c3_c.jpg" width="545" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Illustration by Harry James Westerman, Buffalo Express, December 25, 1921. Click on image for larger version.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Among the most widely seen artists in this vein was <a href="http://strippersguide.blogspot.com/2012/10/ink-slinger-profiles-harry-j-westerman.html" target="_blank">Harry James Westerman</a> (1876-1945), whose work was carried by the McClure Syndicate. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51758380788/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo times 1921-12-18 poppenberg's piano ad"><img alt="buffalo times 1921-12-18 poppenberg's piano ad" height="519" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51758380788_8ee2fd1419_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Buffalo Times, December 18, 1921. Click on image for larger version.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happiness is a piano on Christmas morning. Did the owners of Poppenberg's forget just how long ago their firm was established?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51758138766/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo times 1921-12-18 laundryette xmas ad"><img alt="buffalo times 1921-12-18 laundryette xmas ad" height="964" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51758138766_230ff95a90_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Buffalo Times, December 18, 1921.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If a piano wasn't on the gift list, you could always put a first downpayment on a washing machine. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51759004535/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo times 1921-12-18 bricka & enos xmas ad 1200px"><img alt="buffalo times 1921-12-18 bricka & enos xmas ad 1200px" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51759004535_79be85f3d6_c.jpg" width="594" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Buffalo Times, December 18, 1921. Click on image for larger version.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51757310167/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="buffalo courier 1921-12-18 the christmas store of all buffalo ad"><img alt="buffalo courier 1921-12-18 the christmas store of all buffalo ad" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51757310167_8501dda621_c.jpg" width="615" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Buffalo Courier, December 18, 1921. Click on image for larger version.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A pair of attractive ad banners. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51758788809/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="buffalo times 1921-12-24 military toys scrapped 1000px"><img alt="buffalo times 1921-12-24 military toys scrapped 1000px" height="362" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51758788809_115d71f8d4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Buffalo Times, December 24, 1921. Click on image for larger version. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today's final two tidbits don't come from Sunday editions. This story shows a waning interest in war toys, which again may have been part of the hangover from the First World War. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51757305647/in/dateposted-public/" style="text-align: left;" title="buffalo enquirer 1921-12-24 creepy santa photo"><img alt="buffalo enquirer 1921-12-24 creepy santa photo" height="564" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51757305647_34f791d6d9_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Buffalo Enquirer, December 24, 1921.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll end with an image that either depicts a child dreaming of Santa, or Santa lurking above an unsuspecting child. Either way, this was a typical image during this era and now feels kinda creepy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pleasant dreams!</div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-68685645840268906572021-12-19T16:40:00.005-05:002021-12-19T16:52:18.726-05:00christmas pleasures, side one<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLf82k0IvBnl8vx2s-J9nTO6UnryLsOSwoxoheeHObjOuUkGHP4sHqxKlQ94K64s1jBdtszDNidWTnBTpV_6_vJnNeZ_tUV5qIsoWI6hIebybsjTJW0aHJeuOPFBx1vJtFwl-0Erz2WdmKIQ7AcGmqspyDaTGsRK3mYbOvvyDYyHRY6echA0Q=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLf82k0IvBnl8vx2s-J9nTO6UnryLsOSwoxoheeHObjOuUkGHP4sHqxKlQ94K64s1jBdtszDNidWTnBTpV_6_vJnNeZ_tUV5qIsoWI6hIebybsjTJW0aHJeuOPFBx1vJtFwl-0Erz2WdmKIQ7AcGmqspyDaTGsRK3mYbOvvyDYyHRY6echA0Q=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p></p><blockquote>"It remains not only acceptable, but in fact popular, to dump on Christmas music. It is the boring, predictable music-nerd equivalent of foodies who go out of their way every November to point out that “turkey sucks, actually” (which is, for the record, a lie). Holiday music is, by definition, the only genre that’s cordoned off into a little sliver of the calendar, and, even then, people argue that the sliver isn’t sliver-y enough." - Rebecca Alter, "<a href="https://www.vulture.com/2020/12/christmas-music-is-the-best-genre-of-music.html" target="_blank">Christmas Music is the Best Genre of Music</a>," Vulture, 2020.</blockquote><p></p><p>How I feel about holiday music depends on the day, the song, and the interpretation. Sometimes I'll hear a truly wretched Christmas song and wish some Scrooge had blown up the master tape. Other times, a good song can lift my mood and make me appreciate the season.</p><p>Or, like many people, Christmas music will invoke <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/christmas-music-that-makes-you-happy" target="_blank">childhood nostalgia</a>. In my case, that means the handful of records my family pulled out when we decorated the Christmas tree. One of my favourites was <i>Christmas Pleasures</i>, a late 1970s album compiled from the vaults of Columbia Records, which contains a mix of seasonal classics and holiday schmaltz.</p><p>Does it still provide pleasure to the ears? Will I still like the tracks I enjoyed as a kid, and snooze through the ones that made me lift the needle? Let's find out, starting with side one. Luckily, YouTube was able to provide all of the tracks or reasonably close approximations.</p><p><b>Johnny Mathis - Sleigh Ride</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YJ_i2WnQ6S8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>One of the all-time holiday classics, even if Christmas is never mentioned in the lyrics. The opening notes scream a lovely, sunny winter day. This rendition originally appeared on Mathis's 1958 album <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merry_Christmas_(Johnny_Mathis_album)" target="_blank">Merry Christmas</a></i>. Two other people involved in this recording will reappear on <i>Christmas Pleasures</i>: arranger Percy Faith and producer Mitch Miller.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KpivZfK-Srs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: left;">YouTube also had this live rendition from a 1967 appearance on <i>The Ed Sullivan Show</i>.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Julie Andrews</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TWps8vw8oCo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><div>Time to bring the energy down after the jauntiness of "Sleigh Ride." Pretty, but a track I can take or leave. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Percy Faith - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j4ekWNTHacc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div>Born in Toronto, <a href="http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/personalities/faith-percy" target="_blank">Percy Faith</a> was a pioneer of easy listening music. This rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," probably from the 1950s or 1960s, would have fit nicely on a beautiful music station or as background music in a department store or shopping centre. Faith's biggest hit for Columbia was 1960's "<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV0SuwqOTY4" target="_blank">Theme From a Summer Place</a></i>."</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Ray Conniff Singers - Silver Bells</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4vbUiinF86Y" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div>Like Percy Faith, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Conniff" target="_blank">Ray Conniff</a> was a staple of the easy listening/beautiful music genre, as evidenced by this 1959 track. Get out the candles and a bottle of wine. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Charlie Rich - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Ta-n6CrNtQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm guessing this track was recorded during Charlie Rich's commercial peak in the mid-1970s, in the wake of hits like "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyoPaVxMyWY" target="_blank">Behind Closed Doors</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK3WsE0khZo" target="_blank">The Most Beautiful Girl</a>." Mixed feelings on this one, knowing that Rich, who dabbled in many genres throughout his career, was capable of much better.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mahalia Jackson - Go Tell It On the Mountain</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OMJ2UriVc40" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div>An early 1960s recording of the 19th century African-American spiritual. Powerful stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Andre Kostelanetz and his Orchestra - We Wish You a Merry Christmas</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/72pEdp4Hc-E" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div>Back into the easy listening realm with <a href="https://www.masterworksbroadway.com/artist/andre-kostelanetz/" target="_blank">Andre Kostelanetz</a>, whose career mixed recordings of classical music and elevator music, as well as commissioning pieces from modern American composers for the ensembles he conducted. </div><div><br /></div><div>"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" has always ranked low on my list of holiday tunes. The first verse is fine as a simple expression of season's greetings, and if a version stops there to head into another song (such as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbzSppBe9h8" target="_blank">Al Martino's pairing with "Silver Bells"</a>) it doesn't bug me. </div><div><br /></div><div>But then the carolers get greedy, demanding figgy pudding and threatening to stick around until they get some. By verse three, it's tempting to slam the door on these obnoxious dessert freeloaders. </div><div><br /></div><div>Humbug! </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Tony Bennett - My Favorite Things</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8hMCKiVTXAc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the strongest tracks on the album, a swinging version of <a href="https://www.billboard.com/culture/lifestyle/my-favorite-things-christmas-sound-of-music-8078515/" target="_blank"><i>The Sound of Music</i> staple</a> recorded for 1968's <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowfall:_The_Tony_Bennett_Christmas_Album" target="_blank">Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album</a> </i>which was arranged and conducted by Toronto-born <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Farnon" target="_blank">Robert Farnon</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Solid stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormondy - Hallelujah Chorus</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OsVlTf0tGwU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div>HALLELUJAH! </div><div><br /></div><div>HALLELUJAH!</div><div><br /></div><div>HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!</div><div><br /></div><div>(Couldn't resist)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ending side one with this track as a powerful wrap-up might not have a bad idea. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Ormandy" target="_blank">Ormondy</a> and the Phildelphia Orchestra recorded for Columbia for a quarter century, from the mid-1940s to late 1960s.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Vikki Carr - What Child Is This?</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-z83on7XSzU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's possible I did stop the record after "Hallelujah Chorus," as I barely remember listening to this track. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikki_Carr" target="_blank">Carr's</a> rendition of the carol whose tune is based on "Greensleeves" didn't do anything for me then, and it doesn't do anything for me now. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's...there. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It might be the 3:35 a.m. spacefiller on a 24-hour Christmas station. It's not awful, it's not wonderful, it's...there. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Later this week: side two. </div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-26321250805793074252021-12-06T16:03:00.000-05:002021-12-06T16:03:05.811-05:00macphail, meighen, and more: the 1921 canadian federal election<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnLKkXxbgzzv1mGzQJCGHjHNJJ802wBV71kLsDoZDspG5ENx0_lSzcZ1L9gtIbscmLzeLztaJMyfu34YbfG7bFbii6eiESdLR0GD5GAv2LIgh-Q0CuK5D0BWVUC2wsgvF9sIKX4k0vCKHdw7fGTaCAmmNacMdkdJz_0wJ7xeNu1E008kAJi_k=s714" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnLKkXxbgzzv1mGzQJCGHjHNJJ802wBV71kLsDoZDspG5ENx0_lSzcZ1L9gtIbscmLzeLztaJMyfu34YbfG7bFbii6eiESdLR0GD5GAv2LIgh-Q0CuK5D0BWVUC2wsgvF9sIKX4k0vCKHdw7fGTaCAmmNacMdkdJz_0wJ7xeNu1E008kAJi_k=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Agnes Macphail, September 12, 1926. City of Toronto Archives, Globe and Mail fonds, Fonds 1266, Item 8807.</i></div><div><br /></div>Today marks the 100th anniversary of one of the most important federal elections in Canadian history. When voters cast their ballots on December 6, 1921, they elected the country's first female MP (Agnes Macphail), ended a decade of Conservative rule (under Robert Borden and Arthur Meighen), ushered in the William Lyon Mackenzie King era, and, via the Progressive Party, smashed the two-party system which had served the country since Confederation.<div><br /></div><div>I wrote about this campaign and its impact <a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/canadas-first-female-mp-and-the-federal-election-that-changed-ontario" target="_blank">for TVO a few years ago</a>, but never got around to writing a "bonus features" post like I usually do when I've gathered plenty of interesting material. The centennial of the election feels like the right time to haul research discoveries out of their slumber on my computer.</div><div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51729442561/in/dateposted-public/" title="star 1921-10-07 macphail profile"><img alt="star 1921-10-07 macphail profile" height="1105" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51729442561_f5effc64cd_o.jpg" width="399" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Toronto Star, October 7, 1921.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>A cringey-from-modern-perspective profile of Macphail.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuLw5S4HUGG1bYsjQlIP60sUa0PFvBWnVCMcqlgeGTd2kf7Exed9doLfMTygccfSqDvcVEUH07euJQ0ZDm6hert4yyVN6uzYMQvpAF35PgXEGxxp6NWHYxdyO3q11sXDFA-NlIoiLJ_g1_ynJv1-fosaJosnsI3A5S8HlBXxaJCG3Uz0rctcc=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuLw5S4HUGG1bYsjQlIP60sUa0PFvBWnVCMcqlgeGTd2kf7Exed9doLfMTygccfSqDvcVEUH07euJQ0ZDm6hert4yyVN6uzYMQvpAF35PgXEGxxp6NWHYxdyO3q11sXDFA-NlIoiLJ_g1_ynJv1-fosaJosnsI3A5S8HlBXxaJCG3Uz0rctcc=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Flesherton Advance, December 1, 1921. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The <i>Durham Review</i> provided extensive coverage of a late November Grey Southeast all-candidates meeting in Durham, where a crowd of up to 1,500 people favoured Macphail. Incumbent Conservative MP <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_James_Ball" target="_blank">Robert James Ball</a>, who had sat in Parliament since 1911, believed that political restlessness was due to people being too well off and tried to use the Bible to back up this claim. He depicted Meighen as a "able, young, courageous" leader, while Mackenzie King was too wobbly on economic policy. When he attacked Progressive leader Thomas Crerar for policy that would reverse the march of progress, someone in the audience yelled "no fear of it." Liberal candidate Walter Hastie claimed he didn't need half-an-hour to talk, only to exceed his time limit by rambling on about railway policy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then it was Macphail's turn.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_tyYiwaHM1G7oicKMUtsF5mPCbnYS5g3__6JJAvdAgf8N4fd5nsR7yU1I2XpItoOv9XjNhM5z2FNwRJHGp7Pv244NgaTGuvIdfm1uy1pjzWxwJSbQ4S_G53l-nacwy1p0-A8ut6UnhudtbxiRumyPqvT8kUEOcQiKWTp0yFybg6i3XbCnslM=s878" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_tyYiwaHM1G7oicKMUtsF5mPCbnYS5g3__6JJAvdAgf8N4fd5nsR7yU1I2XpItoOv9XjNhM5z2FNwRJHGp7Pv244NgaTGuvIdfm1uy1pjzWxwJSbQ4S_G53l-nacwy1p0-A8ut6UnhudtbxiRumyPqvT8kUEOcQiKWTp0yFybg6i3XbCnslM=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Durham Review, November 24, 1921.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The <i>Flesherton Advance</i> would get carried away with its commentary on the Grey Southeast results:</div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>It was an Aggienizing defeat for the two old line candidates in South Grey.</div><div><br /></div><div>The lady wears skirts, but they do not appear to be much of an impediement when she takes a notion to run.</div><div><br /></div><div>There will be four parties in the next House -- Liberal, Conservative, Progressive, and a Female Party.</div></blockquote><div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51729710398/in/dateposted-public/" title="tely 1921-12-03 meighen i stand ad"><img alt="tely 1921-12-03 meighen i stand ad" height="897" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51729710398_b4400e6d9e_o.jpg" width="609" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Evening Telegram, December 3, 1921.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Meighen campaign, perhaps sensing its unpopularity, went on a advertising blitz, with tons of newspaper ads and, in friendly publications, plenty of advertorials outlining why the Conservatives should be returned to power. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51729903734/in/dateposted-public/" title="Vintage Ad: Why?"><img alt="Vintage Ad: Why?" height="968" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51729903734_3887600171_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Hamilton Herald, November 26, 1921.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51728984406/in/dateposted-public/" title="Vintage Ad: The Fate of the Dominion"><img alt="Vintage Ad: The Fate of the Dominion" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51728984406_f59eb49493_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Hamilton Herald, November 29, 1921.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51729868115/in/dateposted-public/" title="Vintage Ad: Arthur Meighen appeals to the Women of Canada"><img alt="Vintage Ad: Arthur Meighen appeals to the Women of Canada" height="1016" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51729868115_ce3889d57e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Flesherton Advance, December 1, 1921.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Samples of the Conservatives' attempts to reach out to female voters. The <i>London Free Press</i> reported that on election morning two women in Brantford got into a hair-pulling fight over their political opinions at the corner of Alfred and Colborne Streets. "The battle was waging furiously when two men stepped out of a nearby drug store and separated the parties concerned, starting a disarmament conference a la Washington, all their own. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51730159870/in/dateposted-public/" title="Vintage Ad: Conservative Appeal to Tobacco Growers"><img alt="Vintage Ad: Conservative Appeal to Tobacco Growers" height="660" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51730159870_6947fa127a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Leamington Post, December 1, 1921.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No group was too small for a Conservative appeal. This pitch to tobacco farmers in Essex County failed, as Conservative candidate Eugene Scratch finished dead last in Essex South.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVy8zRcKln_rN6xHjsefqyMR0m27gwuwTI0k-iuBcC_iMnJGGvWDJUM85Dd7BHW67APLwTD1hw-F4zUdZnXy1oVjXBvUUdo91i4-ZNJwLMxVx60JX-qhOjdqnJN4XLiOQiG2deF1cbkah8fCBBhAxwSoS9yOUVrPpml9mXARVHb4Q_EqHmbAI=s789" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVy8zRcKln_rN6xHjsefqyMR0m27gwuwTI0k-iuBcC_iMnJGGvWDJUM85Dd7BHW67APLwTD1hw-F4zUdZnXy1oVjXBvUUdo91i4-ZNJwLMxVx60JX-qhOjdqnJN4XLiOQiG2deF1cbkah8fCBBhAxwSoS9yOUVrPpml9mXARVHb4Q_EqHmbAI=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Ottawa Journal, December 5, 1921.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the end of the campaign, the ads were short and direct. The plea failed, as Canadians decided they really didn't need Meighen, consigning his party to third place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51728569507/in/dateposted-public/" title="Anti-Mackenzie King cartoon in Khaki Call"><img alt="Anti-Mackenzie King cartoon in Khaki Call" height="881" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51728569507_ce22713243_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Stratford Daily Herald, December 3, 1921.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Among the unsuccessful attempts to knock down Mackenzie King was criticizing his behaviour during the First World War. Conservative outlets and friendly veterans organizations attacked King for his support of Wilfrid Laurier's anti-conscription stance and sticking by the Liberals instead of joining the Unionists. They attacked him for sitting out the war by working for the Rockefeller Foundation on what became his book <i>Industry and Humanity</i>. The veterans publication <i>Khaki Call</i> complained, in all capital letters, that "although a comparatively young man and in good health, he gave no service any kind to the country, which he now aspires to be head of during the days of reconstruction." The Liberals were criticized for advertising in the German-language press across the country, which was presented as a slap against those who fought against Germany. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUpA07mUnr0mgoISyYaEJA3LIJF7wPX67pfOhxxQcb142vy0cv_Lb2n_jaMP3SLeFiq1izurSDCwzbXl8XWNSjL5kmKawaNUec-2ZjOX6lzgoTbKoe0wXqcXY3SLDpqY9dvEKI3ovkvoHq4Dwf9Lv6DtoLhadM6mAEAHrgUJ6k2tnor6QQ_Lg=s671" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUpA07mUnr0mgoISyYaEJA3LIJF7wPX67pfOhxxQcb142vy0cv_Lb2n_jaMP3SLeFiq1izurSDCwzbXl8XWNSjL5kmKawaNUec-2ZjOX6lzgoTbKoe0wXqcXY3SLDpqY9dvEKI3ovkvoHq4Dwf9Lv6DtoLhadM6mAEAHrgUJ6k2tnor6QQ_Lg=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Evening Telegram, December 5, 1921. The figure in the middle is Toronto Star publisher Joseph Atkinson.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Conservative papers repeatedly told their readers that as good soldiers they had to do their duty and vote for the people who had sent them over to Europe in the first place, not Mackenzie King, whom the Toronto <i>Evening Telegram</i> portrayed as "the arch-enemy of the soldiers' cause." These messages that might have alienated those suffering from PTSD or remembered the divisions the Conscription Crisis created. As the <i>Canadian Forum</i> observed, "it was as citizens that our men went to war, and it seems they wish to vote as citizens."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51728433882/in/dateposted-public/" title="Vintage Ad: Boost, Don't Knock C.F.T. Woodley"><img alt="Vintage Ad: Boost, Don't Knock C.F.T. Woodley" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51728433882_7a0f70595a_z.jpg" width="525" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Hamilton Herald, December 5, 1921. Click on image for larger version.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">C.F.T. Woodley, running with the support of labour organizations, the Progressives, and the United Farmers of Ontario, finished a close second to Conservative incumbent Gordon Wilson in Wentworth, losing by 129 votes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://archive.macleans.ca/article/1921/11/15/canadas-next-premier" target="_blank">Profiling the party leaders</a>, <i>Maclean's</i> writer "Scrutator" had these thoughts on Mackenzie King:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><blockquote>His intellect is bold, rather than subtle, masculine rather than meticulous. His eyes range over great horizons and see the landscape in the large. His weapon is not the rapier, but the hammer of Thor. He is elemental and not 'precious.' If Mr. King had not been a politician he would have made a great revivalist. His qualities as a statesman have yet to be proved; his friends do not seriously doubt them. But his qualities as a preacher are indisputable. He is, before all else, the gospeller of political righteousness. His appeal is always to the national conscience. In all of his orations there is the unmistakable smack of the pulpit. </blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Progressive leader Thomas Crerar:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><blockquote>A plain, unvarnished man, large of frame and soft of voice, hesitating in opinion, honest and unimaginative, loyal in friendship, fond of fun and devilment, but with a deep religious strain -- such is Mr. T.A. Crerar, who guides the Agrarian storm. It is these homely qualities that make Mr. Crerar so pleasant a figure to dwell upon. In politics, as in other spheres, character is of more consequence than intellect. And it is, unhappily, more rare. </blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiskFZWQNvCKyR-s7tGEosJQmB0jI4YKiQnkx1-NiKvq4p2Wkw0DVnqXJDlJ3mJzLITPZPk4xfWHzx3L0cHIHM2hXabSsVhFt_QOChHcYtN9IVA7C2UMy5Q-Puwcp6TnqII9Lh11-CpflNN41AYrWCx4BZ_MeZQbvt7C4mQtSeOmAiEavcyT3c=s567" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiskFZWQNvCKyR-s7tGEosJQmB0jI4YKiQnkx1-NiKvq4p2Wkw0DVnqXJDlJ3mJzLITPZPk4xfWHzx3L0cHIHM2hXabSsVhFt_QOChHcYtN9IVA7C2UMy5Q-Puwcp6TnqII9Lh11-CpflNN41AYrWCx4BZ_MeZQbvt7C4mQtSeOmAiEavcyT3c=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ottawa Journal, December 3, 1921.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>In Ottawa, voters could receive results over a pleasant dinner at the Chateau Laurier. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWaxZ55qbk1PLsI-E7Ygm0MQ3kMx-_LSu6C3fy0dR7AYG7eY5b1vq1hOlXhX48C3ZckHkY4wI4y31QYhBXtcZAvEtmUndu8M-iNmTK703_yBUl5lAT3Hpib7olHVoIoAVX4DaiSXV0295LmqIgAkWqi6g_kWMOgzwj3RlBbcv897dPj1Ca_XM=s484" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWaxZ55qbk1PLsI-E7Ygm0MQ3kMx-_LSu6C3fy0dR7AYG7eY5b1vq1hOlXhX48C3ZckHkY4wI4y31QYhBXtcZAvEtmUndu8M-iNmTK703_yBUl5lAT3Hpib7olHVoIoAVX4DaiSXV0295LmqIgAkWqi6g_kWMOgzwj3RlBbcv897dPj1Ca_XM=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Globe, December 7, 1921.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>A brief, fawning bio of King published by the <i>Globe</i> the day after his victory. Their editorial saw plenty to be optimistic about in the final results:</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>This is no ordinary party victory. It is a popular uprising against autocracy. It is all the more significant because the popular forces were divided, so that the full force of public opinion against the Government is not indicated by the composition of the new House, and can only be measured by the popular vote. The combined Liberal, Progressive, and Independent vote is enormously in excess of that cast for the Government candidates. It is a magnificent display of the free working of democratic institutions; it creates inspiring opportunities for public service, and our hope is that the service will be worthy of the inspiration and the opportunity.</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>The <i>Globe</i>'s adoration would fade, as King <a href="https://torontoist.com/2015/09/historicist-king-vs-meighen-for-the-fate-of-canada/" target="_blank">failed to implement demands</a> from the paper's prudish owner, William Gladstone Jaffray, including passing bills banning the publication of horseracing results. </div><div><br /></div><div>The <i>Canadian Forum</i> felt hope for the future. "The man who can restore and foster a spirit of unity between city and country, between Ontario and Quebec on the one hand and Ontario and the West on the other hand, is a man of destiny.”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7r9fAMy1nUw6zUruUAEaKJNxgVH9JVU2tKzFb9_FuyioD4iyv3npAP8HJUyuMV5l2nVN7A8aJZHxJ7vgrwLnI-GIzZ36kaNu3RSWfv6FXKL8BIMDqMVxpB_jTJebFpJvHH--qOQkuEz3eubcCaXPEtbvgbCTaPnYpUTOsDj63uFUfr5rBto8=s580" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7r9fAMy1nUw6zUruUAEaKJNxgVH9JVU2tKzFb9_FuyioD4iyv3npAP8HJUyuMV5l2nVN7A8aJZHxJ7vgrwLnI-GIzZ36kaNu3RSWfv6FXKL8BIMDqMVxpB_jTJebFpJvHH--qOQkuEz3eubcCaXPEtbvgbCTaPnYpUTOsDj63uFUfr5rBto8=s16000" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Globe, December 10, 1921.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Some editorials from the Conservative side:</div><div><br /></div><div>The <i>Hamilton Herald</i> partly blamed the defeat on the lingering stench of conscription at the end of the First World War, specifically Quebec voters in general and farmers throughout the rest of the country who were still pissed off over their sons being drafted after being assured they wouldn't be. "Added to this were the widespread discontent and restlessness caused by industrial depression, business stagnation and unemployment, and the class movement of the organized farmers. The best government in the world could not have survive the conditions under which Mr. Meighen appealed to the country.</div><div><br /></div><div>The <i>Ottawa Journal</i> believed Canadians would quickly regret their vote, feeling the public had handed control of the country to Quebec, which the Liberals won in a landslide. "However, it is now the duty of all Canadians to accept loyally the verdict registered in the ballot boxes, and to be willing and ready to give fair play to whatever may come politically in accordance with the constitution -- to endeavour, no matter what the party predilictions of any of us may be, to give a fair field to the new order of things called for by virtue of the vote of a majority of the people."</div><div><br /></div><div>The <i>Stratford Daily Herald </i>couldn't comprehend the results. "Canada needs Meighen and Canada will yet hear more of him. It is unbelievable that he should have no place in the counsels of his country. His campaigning revealed him to the people as a constructive statesman, a man richly endowed with these qualities of which our public life stands in sore need."</div><div><br /></div><div>The <i>Evening Telegram</i> summed up their vitriolic feelings about the results by declaring that King's win was "Canada's disgrace and not the Conservative party's responsibility." Who was to blame? "The foreign vote and the French Canadian have taken charge of Canada," editor "Black Jack" Robinson wrote. "Anglo-Saxon Ontario had to learn a lesson. That lesson has been well taught."<br /><br />Ouch.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>Further listening: the Champlain Society's <a href="https://champlainsociety.utpjournals.press/podcast/wty/the-1921-election-100-years-later?=" target="_blank"><i>Witness to Yesterday</i> podcast on the 1921 election</a>.</div><div><br /></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-23082455516435630082021-12-04T23:46:00.003-05:002021-12-04T23:46:46.708-05:00introducing apparel arts, 1931<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXZAgDNaP3cWHyipYPdMZm4lLIwQTjEO0QkQHTHUF2wLFZW5pEZnT8o21q3LMFHBg4YmheRBcx4CGzvpv84fWQMvBnZOgdSSq4r1WntlRi15XkGdECj-sc2JnJEOrGKPzygtAndae7uIrHaxBr9-FqJ2dN61EBi2asqBEqnm-GAphNi3_jmKQ=s837" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXZAgDNaP3cWHyipYPdMZm4lLIwQTjEO0QkQHTHUF2wLFZW5pEZnT8o21q3LMFHBg4YmheRBcx4CGzvpv84fWQMvBnZOgdSSq4r1WntlRi15XkGdECj-sc2JnJEOrGKPzygtAndae7uIrHaxBr9-FqJ2dN61EBi2asqBEqnm-GAphNi3_jmKQ=s16000" /></a></div><br />Was the holiday season of 1931 a good moment to launch a pricey magazine for the men's fashion trade? The backers of <i>Apparel Arts</i> felt so. <p></p><p>"We prefer not to brag about the expensive character of <i>Apparel Arts</i>," editor <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1976/07/10/archives/arnold-gingrich-72-dead-was-a-founder-of-esquire.html" target="_blank">Arnold Gingrich</a> noted in the magazine's debut editorial. "You all know, by now, what a photograph costs. You can guess, when it comes to drawings, paintings and sculpture. The Depression still being officially on, we're rather ashamed to admit payment to the piper. To dwell on this aspect of <i>Apparel Arts</i>, quite apart from considerations of modesty, would be, it seems to us, to elucidate the obvious."</p><p><i>Apparel Arts</i> was distributed to clothing salesmen, and included swatches attached to pages that could be shown to clients. "Our only hope," Gingrich declared," is that each issue may contain some one page, at least, that you may find it impossible to ignore, or to forget." The magazine's mission would be "to fight for the maintenance, or for the restoration, should it come to that, of quality standards in both the manufacture and the retailing of men's and boys' apparel."</p><p>For the debut cover, Gingrich chose a symbolic design. "Its central figure is Civilization, representing the span between primitive man in his nakedness and modern man in his civilized dress. The decorative relief represents the animal and vegetable sources from which man has wrested the materials of his apparel." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ4bPJxqX3TEdPEzk04UmM5ynWdov_Qrgi9GQf7vYZSICcR97A-vucw9ST8vMVMSOkAEhEg2is0pW4p81A4bZhC13-yg9jcgw4_B0AjAxW-2ZzZoo49AZjd5mi86snLlX9FM4Ft19qoKYGMq21sGz6xY_Deah48dzH_zNtB5jnAH9LkX95wDI=s755" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZ4bPJxqX3TEdPEzk04UmM5ynWdov_Qrgi9GQf7vYZSICcR97A-vucw9ST8vMVMSOkAEhEg2is0pW4p81A4bZhC13-yg9jcgw4_B0AjAxW-2ZzZoo49AZjd5mi86snLlX9FM4Ft19qoKYGMq21sGz6xY_Deah48dzH_zNtB5jnAH9LkX95wDI=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Illustration accompanying a feature on Brooks Brothers, depicting its original New York City location.</i></p><p>Features included manufacturer and retailer profiles, colour theories, window displays at Marshall Field, and a history of the Arrow Collar Man.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibEbgVSe7Lt2JuAVFPibyTFDyBfUVgSxyZTDaQviUSFD74lWXWPM6dfr6jwltz6Z_Q6gUuFFbRHIZJY58DIlSZ_n3-rE_7j7uwBKqX6vyD1u8PwBkj-pxOconu-IJw1RCsHgaj0F8NLS_AVXPq_zNhLZIJgXHrPsA2VZsjAgZMjmWViTmyvuA=s1002" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="826" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibEbgVSe7Lt2JuAVFPibyTFDyBfUVgSxyZTDaQviUSFD74lWXWPM6dfr6jwltz6Z_Q6gUuFFbRHIZJY58DIlSZ_n3-rE_7j7uwBKqX6vyD1u8PwBkj-pxOconu-IJw1RCsHgaj0F8NLS_AVXPq_zNhLZIJgXHrPsA2VZsjAgZMjmWViTmyvuA=w528-h640" width="528" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3hM0a7D4VBXtzSDUS4rFoRtgbWqDopgM2ij2h8z3oF1A15GJNrEkdQghjn1F8C59CkSgNRHO2eUthUs7O_1Ji-Tu8fG94eliYLMgXS2bE7lh4W1wbSCsed4GVIzQT39fbV8JjlgwzcYA4b8OSMKNJEYU_qZl1R7VURUSw3URhvznO08ZYIYU=s1007" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="843" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3hM0a7D4VBXtzSDUS4rFoRtgbWqDopgM2ij2h8z3oF1A15GJNrEkdQghjn1F8C59CkSgNRHO2eUthUs7O_1Ji-Tu8fG94eliYLMgXS2bE7lh4W1wbSCsed4GVIzQT39fbV8JjlgwzcYA4b8OSMKNJEYU_qZl1R7VURUSw3URhvznO08ZYIYU=w536-h640" width="536" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Click on images for larger versions.</i></p><p>Also included: an encyclopedic chart covering animal sources for leather gloves. Readers were encouraged to cut up the magazine to suit their educational and sales needs (and order extra copies if they also wanted to keep complete issues). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoKh6XiPryFCfXosBzOKOlL1bScdtj-pnwOfebOzUIcwuCL29ieB7ZCxuR2Mjl30r629LIPZ1wWTvM8RN440pctYwJl6AEN5InO3CtmRezd249teVX1GZbSWyaOCOqLdNooumXj5Gjs0tRLmfTy8xCta9PLYLcoVPi5orKYpX5Od1P9beP1to=s846" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoKh6XiPryFCfXosBzOKOlL1bScdtj-pnwOfebOzUIcwuCL29ieB7ZCxuR2Mjl30r629LIPZ1wWTvM8RN440pctYwJl6AEN5InO3CtmRezd249teVX1GZbSWyaOCOqLdNooumXj5Gjs0tRLmfTy8xCta9PLYLcoVPi5orKYpX5Od1P9beP1to=w484-h640" width="484" /></a></div><br /><p>The editorial noted that "advertising in <i>Apparel Arts</i> has been selected rather than collected. Every advertiser stands, in his product, for what we stand for: the maintenance of a quality standard. There is not, to the best of our knowledge and belief (and we know that these are days of rapid ups and downs) a single sub-standard maker among them."</p><p>The result was plenty of stylish period ads, which look great even on black and white microfilm. Though it's one letter off from my name, I might be partial to this upstate New York clothier. This was also an era when almost anything connected to business could have a "romance" to it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZl_Euhfgh4lVtOffjH50Nppo5RiGmrktdA_uaKGDtfwJcheQWJUHVJTQryY7494pu9MXlVm_ekWw5rh6c7AlYz6DvFVqjtusYvWcu3YHMgHWkXG2qSW6QUF9caLNUpws_XsYtYWcW5SIrKd2jFn5jNZPap2JH7BhCyz1e-ryAQnP_8ZAwemk=s781" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZl_Euhfgh4lVtOffjH50Nppo5RiGmrktdA_uaKGDtfwJcheQWJUHVJTQryY7494pu9MXlVm_ekWw5rh6c7AlYz6DvFVqjtusYvWcu3YHMgHWkXG2qSW6QUF9caLNUpws_XsYtYWcW5SIrKd2jFn5jNZPap2JH7BhCyz1e-ryAQnP_8ZAwemk=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Arrow shirts for professional use...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcpRPJP2zWRCtVvBMXramhOXxGVQZwUqQJemKKjwv-dQKI6RETTPzgJ1ImKGh_BtZYCpP8VPHx-wo__LYhQg5NnoKtF3xDk4Jy9HZu3OYtzc8N3bpVwWbg7UYIa7tG76uXDNJwjgx2aRszzPEJ_f56_rQVGGqivhJhDHB1Hwn8u1crInmdRqI=s781" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcpRPJP2zWRCtVvBMXramhOXxGVQZwUqQJemKKjwv-dQKI6RETTPzgJ1ImKGh_BtZYCpP8VPHx-wo__LYhQg5NnoKtF3xDk4Jy9HZu3OYtzc8N3bpVwWbg7UYIa7tG76uXDNJwjgx2aRszzPEJ_f56_rQVGGqivhJhDHB1Hwn8u1crInmdRqI=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>...and a night on the town. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBvk8zfI3GZe4M5tS73nNRrxNJ9QcWWjnApTlkoh5CWLP4eDrBqeLuoAlXni-ZiHiqd4g7-yf4uwLbiflIeNr_35dbuvLQhclB7rAdMEAIcMv6m-rtJBISl0525_xRIVIzDyOET9TGm96YmxU2BYx0mrNG874n_K5acIe9lbqXDxtPjIIbxf0=s831" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBvk8zfI3GZe4M5tS73nNRrxNJ9QcWWjnApTlkoh5CWLP4eDrBqeLuoAlXni-ZiHiqd4g7-yf4uwLbiflIeNr_35dbuvLQhclB7rAdMEAIcMv6m-rtJBISl0525_xRIVIzDyOET9TGm96YmxU2BYx0mrNG874n_K5acIe9lbqXDxtPjIIbxf0=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>A fashionable item saluting the recently-built Empire State Building. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwbPqAUUA_GLCmiORkhpdA7uSW6TjM-IdAaKo2EqdMgvaIXPzCEg2s8yTGbHzM_nI7Kh-9buBKor5YT0259c5vtRZ8si9PinEtesK-NwWUsNAniBU66WI7HC9DXoUQch1nTUUk7eVug-tOyGBnNkKy-ixeLmdwQdVnGK9FCt_RRqYgYHpNJkE=s845" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwbPqAUUA_GLCmiORkhpdA7uSW6TjM-IdAaKo2EqdMgvaIXPzCEg2s8yTGbHzM_nI7Kh-9buBKor5YT0259c5vtRZ8si9PinEtesK-NwWUsNAniBU66WI7HC9DXoUQch1nTUUk7eVug-tOyGBnNkKy-ixeLmdwQdVnGK9FCt_RRqYgYHpNJkE=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Another recently-built <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_St._Moritz" target="_blank">New York landmark</a> took out an ad, spotlighting the rising skyline of early 1930s Manhattan. The <a href="https://blog.bonbrand.com/the-st-moritz-the-life-and-death-of-a-legendary-hotel/" target="_blank">building</a> was later converted into a Ritz-Carlton hotel/condo. </p><p>In 1933 <i>Apparel Arts</i>' publishers launched another men's fashion magazine edited by Gingrich, <i>Esquire</i>, which drew a broader audience by adding short stories from leading writers and other male-centric content. Apparel Arts switched to quarterly publication in 1957, adopting the subtitle <i>Gentleman's Quarterly</i>. Over the next year, <i>GQ</i> gained greater prominence on the cover until the old name was dumped for good with the Spring 1958 issue. </p><p>You can read <a href="https://archive.org/details/sim_gq-gentlemens-quarterly_christmas-1931_1_1/" target="_blank">the entire first issue of <i>Apparel Arts</i></a> at the Internet Archive.</p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20621615.post-3779151679277903452021-12-03T22:51:00.006-05:002021-12-03T22:51:51.123-05:00book plates made by a buffalo man, 1911<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1Ak-Axzcp47IcgXH_HXthOteHrZXGj5cDOGN3OaLzQOkeoeb6ALdM4KQ1whLDhOe7vc2B99_fQ08wppGnCGHP_6ar915Yt0TPG2OUcdhhFv3kTffXexrroxYpVjEpYAq1Cjs5uc-QGRmjms_L6AwpA2ltd3tct6Y8KmONxApczhhUggavZnE=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1Ak-Axzcp47IcgXH_HXthOteHrZXGj5cDOGN3OaLzQOkeoeb6ALdM4KQ1whLDhOe7vc2B99_fQ08wppGnCGHP_6ar915Yt0TPG2OUcdhhFv3kTffXexrroxYpVjEpYAq1Cjs5uc-QGRmjms_L6AwpA2ltd3tct6Y8KmONxApczhhUggavZnE=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><blockquote>Book plates are little devices created especially for you; embodying your individual tastes or coat of arms. One pasted inside the front of your book not only ornaments the volume, but to the borrower with a defective memory, is a constant reminder of your ownership. - artist C. Valentine Kirby, 1911. </blockquote><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii8eys4vxpx-elwCRgSN2Dy0uiq5tr4YJEkt8cNRaeXQWjuv367mCBi5PwKMB4_vsjPDoJtEHqpC7NpSMNixzjAPW7Avyz3qPLcHrF1AGq03rLrFdiJrQRyQNtH7rOYP0OLTP5Tn_OLvoT3TW8tXlMx5VzIR4mp0T8jsX7Q_Ne3YjMIXWBZd8=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEii8eys4vxpx-elwCRgSN2Dy0uiq5tr4YJEkt8cNRaeXQWjuv367mCBi5PwKMB4_vsjPDoJtEHqpC7NpSMNixzjAPW7Avyz3qPLcHrF1AGq03rLrFdiJrQRyQNtH7rOYP0OLTP5Tn_OLvoT3TW8tXlMx5VzIR4mp0T8jsX7Q_Ne3YjMIXWBZd8=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Sometimes, when browsing used books, you'll find a decoratively illustrated imprint or sticker indicating whose library the title once belonged too. It tells you a little about its former owner, who either cared enough to individually mark their books with illustrations that reflected their personal style, such as a sense of humour or a flair for the romantic, a tribute to family history, or betray an inflated ego.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh07KIcF_iA8mBgRW-JkpKthzHitbKEBU4OLYLi12y6SrjAl8T2YECRHpowRGRMXvbplXq5NibNoqOhEg8KA97qRoyEoP0NlQB25ADLkf-TsUSV2hBfaGhO0gsXxW-4d4e-MjARO1LXa8jEq6J-8DC9CkPJEnkzjyOy6CGqkSHMh6ytvb4GNR8=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh07KIcF_iA8mBgRW-JkpKthzHitbKEBU4OLYLi12y6SrjAl8T2YECRHpowRGRMXvbplXq5NibNoqOhEg8KA97qRoyEoP0NlQB25ADLkf-TsUSV2hBfaGhO0gsXxW-4d4e-MjARO1LXa8jEq6J-8DC9CkPJEnkzjyOy6CGqkSHMh6ytvb4GNR8=s16000" /></a></div><br /><p>Inspired by an exhibit in Salem, Massachusetts, The <i>Buffalo Sunday News</i> placed a spotlight on book plates in its October 29, 1911 edition, focusing on the work and thoughts of artist <a href="https://michenerartmuseum.oncell.com/en/dr-c-valentine-kirby-155170.html" target="_blank">Clarence Valentine Kirby</a> (1875-1947). In the years following this piece, Kirby served as Director of Arts Education for Pittsburgh's public school system, then over a quarter-of-a-century as Supervisor of Art for the Department of Public Instruction in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He believed that forms of culture as diverse as retail merchandising displays and magazines contributed to the ability to appreciate good art. </p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/51722044592/in/dateposted-public/" title="buffalo sunday news 1911-10-29 book plates made by a buffalo man large"><img alt="buffalo sunday news 1911-10-29 book plates made by a buffalo man large" height="552" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51722044592_624b4864de_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Click on image for full-size article. All images from October 29, 1911 <i>Buffalo Sunday News</i>. </p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02673177669859920520noreply@blogger.com0