Merry Christmas!

Out of the orient, crystal skies

A blazing star did shine,

Showing the place where poorly lies

A blessed Babe divine.

This shining star three kings did guide

Even from the farthest East,

To Bethlehem where it betide

This blessed Babe did rest.

[He was] Born of a maid of royal blood

Who Mary didst called by name,

A sacred rose which once did bud

By grace of heavenly flame.

And for the joy of His great birth

A thousand angels sing:

"Glory and peace unto the earth

Where born is this heavenly King!"

Lyrics: English Traditional, circa 1613

Listen to a sample of the most excellent Richard Zgovada composition/arrangement here (see #18), or check out a fairly decent live recording of it here:

Out of the Orient Crystal Skies

Extra verses I found that aren't in the popular Zgovada version but are floating around out there:

Laid in a silly manger poor,

Betwixt an ox and ass,

Whom these three kings did all adore

As God's high pleasure was.

The shepherds dwelling thee about,

Where they this news did know,

Came singing all even in a rout,

"Falantidingdido, falantidingdido, falantidingdido!"

[Side note: Google Translate can't tell me what "Falantidingdido" means, either, so I'm going to assume it's a made up word, à la Dr. Seuss (for the Middle Ages).]

Merry Christmas!

The Big Bang

Internet,

I got a haircut yesterday. I decided it was time for a change...possibly a big one. Well, I didn't go really big, just bang:

I got bangs! And also cut off about six inches. It feels strange so far, but I like it.

And then yesterday evening, I realized something. I have not had bangs in probably twenty years (possibly longer), and with this particular cut, I can kind of look like I did all of those years ago. It's a very strange feeling:

Now to see if I can handle them day after day after day. I will probably wear them as they were cut (picture 1 above) because I might revert to feeling nine years old if I wear them straight down...

xoxo,

Minny LinnEy

SNL: An all new duets record

Internet,

I haven't watched Saturday Night Live in years. First of all, I usually have better things to do (like sleep or read or take out the garbage or, well, pretty much anything else). But on Saturday night, I was just home from playing a Christmas concert and was eating dinner at the time it came on, and I watched a bit of it. Mainly because of this sketch, which I have to admit I find completely hilarious:

Isn't this what we really think of all of those artists (or should I say "artists"?), anyway? Yes, yes it is.

I will admit to being a mite disappointed when it seemed like MB was a bit chemically inconvenienced from the ol' egg nog when he actually sang the regular guest band segments. But even though he appeared to have been drinking, he still has a nice voice and managed tolerably well.

xoxo,

Minny LinnEy

"Don't tell ME we don't have any money."

Oh, my goodness. Internet, there is a lot of stuff one can find to purchase on you. The following is a list of some of the most excellent examples I've found JUST TODAY(!):

Pre-Decorated Pull-Up Christmas Trees. I love this so much, I almost want to wear it as a dress. (Be sure to watch the video of how it works. Link courtesy of co-worker SW.)

The OCD Chef Cutting Board. Because I, you know, julienne carrots and such so often.

Camo Golf Balls. I really think they should make multiple versions of camo: traditional camouflage, sandtrap, and Blades o'Grass.

Predator vs. Prey Mittens. The only thing missing is the blood and gore.

Medieval Weapons Push Pins. No, seriously: I actually kinda like these.

(And the day's not even over yet! I can probably find some more useless trash if I really cared to.)

Merry Christmas [Shopping], Internet!

xoxo,

Minny LinnEy