~ ACCUSTOMED, CEREMONIOUS ~
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| Learning Curve . . . including Biblical allusions!
|
"I literally have a better understanding of
who killed Kennedy, than I do, what is offside."
The Mirror
I like what The Wall Street Journal (2021) has to say about Ted Lasso, because it's exactly what I've been saying recently about the informative genre of cultural list sing - along songs: "Watching 'Ted Lasso' is like taking a master class in cultural literacy. References to history, politics, music, film and sports are peppered throughout the dialogue." The series is also rich in literary allusion, including a moving segment on the novel Johnny Tremain.
-- not that it's about Ted Lasso, but . . .
a treasure trove of intertextual puns!
Just the right podcast:
Reluctantly Charmed by Ted Lasso,
an interview with Nadia Bolz-Weber
Even when a podcast is perfect,
I still prefer a written text.
If I find one, I will add it here.
For now, you'll just have to listen.
Also -- not that it's about Ted Lasso, but . . .
Happiness Hacks
is a very readable list from Pastor Nadia
that feels like a cultural awareness raiser.
***********************
Another Fun List
If you haven't totally lost your sense of humor (if so, understandable)
in these troubled times, this one is bound to make you laugh!
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| James Taylor & Stephen Colbert:
I've Seen Fire & I've Seen Rain |
As Taylor explains to Colbert in 2015, so much had happened in the world since he wrote Fire and Rain in 1970, initially a song of loneliness and loss, not a cultural list. With whimsical absurdity, Taylor parodies his original and pokes fun at popular culture in the newly modified lyrics. Despite the silliness, go ahead and google the ones you don't know; you'll learn something!
(JAMES)
Oh, I've seen fire and I've seen rain,
I've seen the rise and fall of the Beanie Babies trend,
I've seen man buns, Myspace, and the Baja men,
But I never thought I'd see a new Star Wars again.
(STEPHEN)
Once I looked down and saw some sneakers
That had wheels built in the heel.
I've seen grandmas read "50 Shades Of Grey"
I've seen rainbow suspenders, and Taco Bell fourth meal,
And Gluten-free Brown Sugar Special K.
(JAMES)
Oh I've seen snakes upon a plane,
I've seen shampoo with conditioner built right in.
I've seen Al Roker's body go from fat to thin,
And I kinda hoped to see Left Shark again.
(STEPHEN)
Saw a strange pizza pie and it caught my eye, it was folded into a pouch.
Lord knows what you call those, I should've asked the pizza guy.
Well there's Bud Light Lime, and there's cybercrime, and flavor-crystal gum.
Quidditch teams and skinny jeans cutting blood off from my thighs.
(JAMES)
Oh I've seen toast that's multigrain,
I've seen almost every episode of "Friends."
I've seen adult diapers, I think they're called Depends.
But I never saw that show with the Olson twins.
(STEPHEN)
It's called "Full House."
How many more verses are there James?
(JAMES)
About 75.
(STEPHEN)
We've gotta go to commercial.
(JAMES)
Oh, I've seen Seinfeld and Elaine . . .
In conclusion, my son Ben asked ChatGPT for thoughts on the kind of cultural literacy songs that we have been discussing the past few weeks. I was pretty impressed with this AI summary:
"Songs and poems that feature long lists of cultural references and iconic items are a popuar and engaging way to capture the essence of different eras, events, and societal changes. These works use lists and references to create a rich tapestry of meaning, reflecting the complexities and vibrancies of their respective times and contexts."Could I have said it any better?
Everything You've Been Waiting For
Cultural List - eracy,
Part 1: Make Your Own List
Cultural List - eracy,
Part 2: From Prime Time to Internet
Next Fortnightly Post
Sunday, July 28th
Between now and then, read
THE QUOTIDIAN KIT
my shorter, almost daily blog posts
www.dailykitticarriker.blogspot.com
~ Everything You've Been Waiting For
Looking for a good book? Try
KITTI'S LIST
my running list of recent reading
www.kittislist.blogsppot.com
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