Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Justin Bieber - Never Say Never ft. Jaden Smith

"Never Say Never" is a song by Canadian recording artist Justin Bieber. The song serves as the theme song for The Karate Kid (2010), and features rap interludes from the film's star, Jaden Smith. It was originally a risque demo performed by American singer Travis Garland, it was written and produced by The Messengers, and Omarr Rambert. However, for unknown reasons, Bieber was tapped to record the song for the film. He re-wrote the song with The Messengers, Rambert, Smith, and his vocal producer Kuk Harrell, its to feature inspirational lyrics to foil the film's theme. The song is contains R&B and pop elements while merging hip-hop. The song was released for digital download on June 8, 2010.


Justin Bieber - Never Say Never ft. Jaden Smith



Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith Gallery . . . . .

Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith Black and White Pic


The Scenes of Never Say Never Song

Jaden Christopher Syre Smith (born July 8, 1998) is an American child actor, rapper, songwriter, dancer, and the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. His breakthrough role was in the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happiness, and he has also starred in the remakes of The Day the Earth Stood Still and The Karate Kid.

Justin Bieber Look Handsome in Black Coat
Jaden Smith Black Coat

christina rossetti, poet (1830-1894)


Christina Rossetti was born in London, one of four children of Italian parents. Her father was the poet Gabriele Rossetti. Her brother, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, also became a poet, as well as a painter of the Pre-Raphaelite art movement.  She was educated at home and encouraged to write by her family; in fact, her teenage poems were printed by her grandfather on his own press.

Rossetti wrote a collection of verses for children in 1872.  It was titled SING-SONG and was illustrated by Arthur Hughes.  But she is best known for her ballads and her mystic religious lyrics.
Her poetry is marked by symbolism and intense feeling.

Rossetti's best-known work, Goblin Market and Other Poems, was published in 1862. The collection established Rossetti as a significant voice in Victorian poetry.

By the 1880s, recurrent bouts of Graves' disease made Rossetti an invalid, and ended her attempts to work as a governess.  She died of cancer on December 29, 1894.

WHO HAS SEEN THE WIND?
by Christina Rossetti
Watercolor by ARIS ILLUSTRATION
Who has seen the wind?
Neither I nor you.
But when the leaves hang trembling,
The wind is passing through.

Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I.
But when the trees bow down their heads,
The wind is passing by.

IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER...
"Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss."
-Verse from Rossetti's poem A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Christina Rossetti is also the author of many Advent and Christmas poems, posthumously published in her POETIC WORKS, in 1904. Her most famous, A Christmas Carol became a favorite Christmas hymn entitled In the Bleak Midwinter after it appeared in The English Hymnal in 1906, with a setting by Gustav Holst (and later by Harold Darke).  It has been performed by choirs and soloists ever since, including the Robert Shaw Chorale, Chanticleer, Julie Andrews, Sarah Mclachlan, and most recently, James Taylor (who sings my favorite modern rendition).

Gustav Holtz version, performed by James Taylor



Harold Darke version, performed by Winchester Cathedral Choir

Monday, November 29, 2010

James, Wade led Heat over Wizards 105-94

LeBron James and Erik Spoelstra had a pregame meeting Monday afternoon to talk about Miami's offensive woes.

Early returns suggest it was a productive chat.

James scored 30 points, Dwyane Wade added 26 and the Heat beat Washington 105-94 on Monday night, keeping the Wizards winless away from home this season.

James had 20 of his points in the first half, Wade added 15 in the third quarter, and though it didn't get into a blowout until the fourth quarter — it's the fifth time already this season where the Wizards have lost by double digits — it was comfortable for Miami throughout.

The Heat topped 100 points for the first time in their past seven games, and led by as many as 22 on the way to just their second win in their past six games.

And for Spoelstra, it was a milestone, his 100th regular-season victory, coming in career game No. 182.

Andray Blatche scored 26 for Washington, which is 0-8 on the road. Gilbert Arenas added 23 for the Wizards, who lost to the Heat for the eighth time in the teams' past nine meetings.

Nick Young scored 13 and JaVale McGee finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds for Washington.

The Wizards were without No. 1 draft pick John Wall, who missed his second straight game with a bruised right knee, and went largely with a seven-man rotation for much of the night. Washington was also again without Al Thornton (ankle) and Yi Jianlian (knee).

Miami's lead was only 55-49 with 10:31 left in the third quarter, before Wade — who has been slumping — got his scoring touch back.

He did it in a hurry, too.

Wade scored 15 points in the quarter, matching a Heat season best for any quarter this season, and needed only 6:17 to get that done. Consecutive jumpers 27 seconds apart, both set up by James, got him started, and he went on the attack the rest of the quarter — getting all 11 of his remaining points either at the foul line or on driving layups.

His personal spurt ended with 3:17 left in the period, when Wade split defenders on a spin move, got fouled, made a layup from the left side and hit the free throw for a 76-63 lead.
From there, things got chippy.

Washington's Hilton Armstrong and Miami's Juwan Howard were ejected with 32.3 seconds left in the third. Armstrong flagrantly fouled Heat center Joel Anthony on a layup attempt, pushing him with both hands in what was deemed a flagrant-2 infraction. Howard's night ended after referee Bill Kennedy saw he had pushed Armstrong in the back while coming to Anthony's defense.

The Wizards' Kirk Hinrich and Miami's James Jones were called for double technicals after getting in each other's faces with 8:20 left to play, and Washington's Trevor Booker was called for a flagrant-1 about 5 minutes later.

James made 6 of his 9 shots in the first half, and then started 2 for 7 following the break before hitting a 3-pointer with 2:32 remaining for a 103-83 lead.

NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING...

Myko Bocek Studios, Etsy
...NOT EVEN A MOUSE!  Seems like mice turn up everywhere in children's literature!  Who could ever forget C.S. Lewis' "Reepicheep", E.B. White's "Stuart Little", or Leo Leonni's "Alexander"?   Here are some fun winter and Christmas tales that feature these furry little creatures...

WINTER STORY by Jill Barklem.  (ages 4-8). The author spent five years researching before she started her stories of the mice of Brambly Hedge.  This winter story is highlighted by a Snow Ball, as the mice set to work to make an "Ice Hall" for the festivites.
Winter Story (Brambly Hedge)

THE MITTEN by Alvin Tresselt, illustrated by Yaroslova. (ages 4-8). Based on a Ukrainian folktale...deep in the forest on the coldest day of winter a little boy drops his mitten. The mitten stretches and stretches -- and stretches -- to provide shelter for many woodland creatures, the first of whom is a little mouse.
The Mitten

CHRISTMAS MICE by Richard Scarry.  (ages toddler-preschool).  This Little Golden Treasures book may be hard to find, but it was a favorite of my kids.  Two little mice awaken on Christmas morning and find presents left by Santa.  Even something for them...
Christmas Mice (Little Golden Treasures)

MR. WILLOWBY'S CHRISTMAS TREE by Robert Barry (ages 4-8).  Your children will love this rhyming story about all the places Mr. Willowby's trimmed treetop is shared (unbeknown to him), with the very tip top ending up in a mouse family's hole.
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree

To read my past post about more MOUSE tales, click HERE.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

THE JOLLY POSTMAN STRIKES AGAIN!



Once upon a Christmas Eve
Just after it had snowed,
The Jolly Postman (him again!)
Came down the jolly road;
And in the bag upon his back;
an...interesting load.


One of my kids' favorite Christmastime books was THE JOLLY CHRISTMAS POSTMAN by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.  (The holiday sequel to THE JOLLY POSTMAN).  What child wouldn't want to open pocket page envelopes with letters to and from nursery ryhme and fairy tale characters - from Goldilocks, from Granny to Red Riding Hood, and even a tiny jigsaw puzzle for H. Dumpty in the hospital?

This is a great book to keep your kids busy while you work on your own family Christmas letters and cards!  Speaking of cards, I found a fun "12 Days of Christmas" website from the POST OFFICE that has some links for free e-cards. (It's also got some links to crafts, recipes, etc.)  And FAMILY FUN MAGAZINE has some really fun ideas for homemade Christmas cards that you can make with your children.

Friday, November 26, 2010

THE NUTCRACKER

Back when my daughter was in her "ballet years", once Thanksgiving was over we were in full NUTCRACKER mode, with rehearsals and shows, costumes and tights, family and friends coming to watch...it made Advent a challenge, and I was glad it was over by mid-December so we could have our daughter back!

But she loved it, and since going to see "The Nutcracker" is a Christmas tradition for many families. it was a joy to see the smiles and happiness it brought to so many children in our community.

The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the story "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" written by E.T.A. Hoffman. Although what is seen on the stage today is different in detail from the original story, the basic plot remains the same; the story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads.
When Marius Petipa had the idea to choreograph the story into a ballet, it was actually based on a revision by Alexander Dumas, a well known French author. His version reflects more of what we have come to love as the Nutcracker Ballet. (from NutcrackerBallet.net)

End of the "Battle Scene" between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Beautiful "Snow" scene

The Nutcracker Prince and Clara



The NutcrackerSusan Jeffers has one of the best children's books on the market about this ballet (she intentionally based in on the ballet, not the original story).  She said it took her three years to finish.  I think you'll agree with me that the illustrations are absolutely enchanting.  Click here to read my past post about this author.


THE NUTCRACKER by Susan Jeffers

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Obama on Heat: 'It takes some time'

ORLANDO, Fla. – Miami's slower-than-expected start is a talking point around the NBA. Around the White House, too.

And the nation's First Fan says the Heat will need time to reach their best.

President Barack Obama — who wasn't thrilled that LeBron James and Dwyane Wade turned down the Chicago Bulls this summer — told ABC's Barbara Walters that when it comes to the Heat, it would be prudent for fans to be patient.

"It takes some time for the team to come together," Obama said. "There's no 'I' in team. So no matter how good a player is, no matter how good a group of players are, if they haven't played together before they are not going to be as good as a team that has played together a long time."

The Heat dropped to 8-7 with a 104-95 loss in Orlando on Wednesday

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOOD...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!



















A BOY'S THANKSGIVING, by Lydia Maria Child (1844)

Over the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather's house we go;
the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather's house away!
We would not stop for doll or top,
for 'tis Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood-
oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose,
as over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood
and straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go extremely slow-
it is so hard to wait!

Over the river, and through the wood-
when Grandmother sees us come,
She will say, "o, dear, the children are here,
bring a pie for every one."

Over the river, and through the wood-
now Grandmothers cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

This song originally appeared as a poem written by Lydia Maria Child. The poem appeared in Flowers for Children, Vol. 2 in 1844.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

HOW DID THANKSGIVING BECOME A NATIONAL HOLIDAY? (THE WRITER OF A POPLULAR CHILDREN'S VERSE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT!)

We all know about the harvest feast in 1621, between Plymouth colonists and Wampanog Indians, which is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. But do you know when and how Thanksgiving came to be an annual National Holiday?

Mary Had a Little LambFor more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. In 1827, noted magazine editor and prolific writer Sarah Josepha Hale (author, among countless other things, of the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb”) launched a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. For 36 years, she published numerous editorials and sent scores of letters to governors, senators, presidents and other politicians.


Abraham Lincoln finally heeded her request in 1863, at the height of the Civil War, in a proclamation entreating all Americans to ask God to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation.”

I think you'll enjoy reading Sarah Josepha Hale's, "Editor's Table," from Godey's Lady's Book, 1858:

OUR NATIONAL THANKSGIVING

"All the blessings of the fields,
All the stores the garden yields,
All the plenty summer pours,
Autumn's rich, o'erflowing stores,
Peace, prosperity and health,
Private bliss and public wealth,
Knowledge with its gladdening streams,
Pure religion's holier beams --
Lord, for these our souls shall raise
Grateful vows and solemn praise."

We are most happy to agree with the large majority of the governors of the different States -- as shown in their unanimity of action for several past years, and which, we hope, will this year be adopted by all -- that the LAST THURSDAY IN NOVEMBER shall be the DAY Of NATIONAL THANKSGIVING for the American people. Let this day, from this time forth, as long as our Banner of Stars floats on the breeze, be the grand THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY of our nation, when the noise and tumult of wordliness may be exchanged for the laugh of happy children, the glad greetings of family reunion, and the humble gratitude of the Christian heart. This truly American Festival falls, this year on the twenty fifth day of this month.


Let us consecrate the day to benevolence of action, by sending good gifts to the poor, and doing those deeds of charity that will, for one day, make every American home the place of plenty and of rejoicing. These seasons of refreshing are of inestimable advantage to the popular heart; and if rightly managed, will greatly aid and strengthen public harmony of feeling. Let the people of all the States and Territories sit down together to the "feast of fat things," and drink, in the sweet draught of joy and gratitude to the Divine giver of all our blessings, the pledge of renewed love to the Union, and to each other; and of peace and good-will to all men. Then the last Thursday in November will soon become the day of AMERICAN THANKSGIVING throughout the world.

(FDR later changed the date of Thanksgving permanently to the fourth Thursday in November - to read why, click here.)

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Spurs Back on Top of NBA with Blazing Start

Tony Parker's private life has been splashed across tabloids after splitting from his TV star wife. Tim Duncan is playing the fewest minutes of his career and coach Gregg Popovich's big summer addition can't find his way off the bench yet.

Yet here are the San Antonio Spurs, back atop the NBA.

"The Lakers are the back-to-back champions. The Celtics are the Eastern Conference champions. We got to respect them," Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said. "We're just looking at them, trying to learn and be as good as them."

Through the first month, no one has been good as the Spurs.

Their NBA-best record of 12-1 is the best start in franchise history, surpassing even how they began their four championship seasons. Their 11-game winning streak is their longest in nearly three years, and they can stretch it to a dozen Wednesday at Minnesota.

They've won while Parker and Ginobili -- arguably the best backcourt in the West so far -- have turned Duncan into the team's fourth-leading scorer. They've won without needing Tiago Splitter, their heralded new 7-footer who has barely cracked the rotation.

After winning 50 games last season and needing a late surge just to secure the No. 7 playoff seed -- the lowest of the Duncan era -- the Spurs didn't make any big summer adjustments. Duncan merely got older, swingman Richard Jefferson worked harder and the front office finally signed Splitter, their 2007 first-round pick from Brazil who had played several years in Spain.

Parker didn't play overseas to recover from a slew of injuries. Ginobili rested, too. Signing both to extensions are the biggest moves the Spurs have made in the last eight months.

So far, that seems to be all they needed.

"They've always been real good. But one of the three main guys have been hurt a lot the last three years, and that's not the case anymore," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said before Orlando lost to San Antonio on Monday night. "We're seeing them at their best."

Ginobili is averaging a career-high 20.4 points per game, a resurgence for the 33-year-old who was so bothered by ankle problems the last two years that the Spurs waited until the end of last season to extend a new deal. He and Parker have taken over while Duncan's numbers have plummeted to 13.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, putting him on pace to not average a double-double for the first time.

He's done so with a career-low 29.1 minutes per game.

"Timmy's taking a little bit of the back seat so we can save him for the playoffs," Parker said.
Parker is on a pace for perhaps his best season in his 10 years in the NBA, averaging 19.5 points and a career-best 7.8 assists. He's had no drop-off since his split from "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria, who filed for divorce in Los Angeles last week after three years of marriage.

Parker, 28, hasn't spoken about the breakup aside from a few, clipped statements to a horde of reporters outside the Spurs' locker room a week ago.

Jefferson, who broke off an engagement with his fiancee before joining the Spurs last season, said people are often too quick to chalk up personal issues as potential distractions.
The job, Jefferson said, is sometimes the only refuge.

"I've gone through personal issues myself. Sometimes basketball, those couple of hours you're on the court, that's the only time you're focused on that," Jefferson said. "I'm not surprised by how well [Tony's] playing. If anything, this is when you become more focused on your game."

After beating the Magic, Ginobili wouldn't declare the Spurs the best in the league.

"It's too early to tell. What we know we're winning games that last year we would have lost," Ginobili said. "But it's too early. Thirteen games so far. We've got a long way to go."

ARE WE THERE, YET?

Having family in various places, we always seem travel during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  When our kids were little and we made the 2 and 1/2 hour drive on holidays, I tried to have good books in the car for the trip or to look at with Grandma and Grandpa after we arrived.  The kids would get so excited, it was nice to have something to help calm them down for a little quiet time in the middle of all the hustle and bustle!  Here are some fun holiday versions of books that I featured in a past post that will keep your kids busy "looking" and "spying":


I SPY CHRISTMAS, by Jean Marzollo, Walter Wick (4-8)
I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles

I SPY LITTLE CHRISTMAS, Jean Marzollow, Walter Wick (baby-preschool)
I Spy Little Christmas

CAN YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?  THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, Walter Wick (4-8)
Can You See What I See? The Night Before Christmas

LOOK A-LIKES CHRISTMAS by Joan Steiner (4-8)
Look-Alikes Christmas: The More You Look, the More You See!

 

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