The site for ranting and reporting by John Masters
I would classify things in this category that were related to arts, literature, cinema, performance. Things that make us and the world better.
Here is a live performance by George Winston of his song Thanksgiving. Another of the beautiful pieces from his December Album. These are always a joy to pull out and listen to during this time of year. I can see the bright red, gold and brown of leaves raining down, and blowing along beside a road. I can hear this and smell a fire burning in a fireplace somewhere as I walk outside in the brisk air. The photos in the video are outstanding.
Read moreCirca 1979. This spontaneous dialogue between Johnny and Doc is perhaps one of the funniest television moments ever. This clip was recorded from the 18th Anniversary Show, which turned out to be the only time this exchange was featured in it’s entirety.
Read moreIn this unlikely and at times wrenching love story, World War II has just ended and a processing error wrongfully lands 51 German POWs in a Soviet prison camp run by women. The guards’ task of outing the SS officers hiding among the prisoners pits the men and women against each other. As the truth of the situation comes to light, hostility remains between some while love blossoms between others. It’s a movie worth watching, but it didn’t live up to it’s potential.
Read moreI didn’t make it home to North Carolina this year for Thanksgiving, so I am feeling a little down as I think about not “gathering together” with the family. However, this is still a beautiful hymn, and I can just imagine how it would sound on a crisp Thanksgiving morning ringing out from the carillon. This 16th century Dutch melody is played by David Christensen on the carillon at the University of California, Riverside.
Read moreI’m not home in North Carolina this year, and I really wish I was. I wasn’t feeling at all well Monday night/Tuesday morning, so I didn’t make the drive. So I’m a little homesick, but very thankful for many great blessings.
Read moreIn a desperate attempt to save his rapidly failing used car dealership, Ben Selleck hires a crack team of “car mercenaries” to ramp up sales during the Fourth of July weekend. Led by the fast-talking, foul-mouthed, self-assured Don “The Goods” Ready, the group has three days to sell over 200 cars. There were a few laugh out loud moments, and lots of mild humor throughout. The characters played their parts well. It’s worth renting.
Read moreCome, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home; all is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin. God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied; come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.
Read moreCarl Kasell is retiring from NPR as the Morning Edition news anchor after holding the job for 30 years since the inception of the program. I have never had the pleasure of meeting Carl Kasell, and I don’t think I’d ever seen a picture of him until his retirement was announced this week, but I knew that voice as well as that of my best friends.
Read moreJim Mccan with the Dubliners performing Lord of the dance. This will get your feet tapping.
Read moreReporter Bob Wilton is in search of his next big story when he encounters Lyn Cassady, a shadowy figure who claims to be part of an experimental U.S. military unit. According to Cassady, the New Earth Army is changing the way wars are fought. A legion of “Warrior Monks” with unparalleled psychic powers can read the enemy’s thoughts, pass through solid walls, and even kill a goat simply by staring at it. Not a terrible movie, but I was expecting more.
Read moreRecently I complained about the overall demeanor and conduct of a Naturalization Ceremony I attended. I commented about the fact that with all the beautiful American Anthems available, they had chosen to play, “Proud to Be An American.” I know some people like it, but it’s a bit too country and smarmy for my tastes.
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