Glob

Like most traditions with an ancient and cherished history, the interpretation of Christmas music has reached a certain stage of esthetic "perfection". There are numerous established formulas and techniques for achieving the appropriate effects. Although Hans Carste utilizes some of these techniques--the fruits of centuries of experience--he goes one decisive step further. You will find, in the sincerity and unusually moving quality of this presentation, an inspiring yet refreshingly new musical experience. In short, the beauty of this album lies not so much in what is done to the music, but how it is done. In this collection of your favorite traditional and popular Christmas melodies, Mr. Carste and his orchestra display unprecedented depth, feeling and power . . . enhanced by and eminently suited to superb high fidelity reproduction. The velvet tones of massed strings provide the unusual richness and body. A feeling of infinite reverence and regality is achieved through the sensitive inclusion of organ and bell solos (of special note: bells on Adeste Fideles, organ on Silent Night).

I now present 12 favorite photos, one selected from each of the collections of 12 photos taken on the 12th of each month in 2008.

January 12, 2008, 3:39 PM: No Metal Detecting! Ninety-Six National Historic Site

February 12, 2008, 4:48 PM: Music to Grow Plants, presented by Dr. George Milstein


March 12, 2008, 12:50 PM: Sunoco and matching pimped out car.

April 12, 2008: Matt and his students lead the class at State Line Church, in Cleburne County, Alabama, near Tallapoosa, GA

May 12, 2008, 8:16 PM: Lander University Cambridge Hall, formerly (or "formally" as printed on my invitation) the Greenwood Woman's Club (She's kinda lonely, though)

June 12, 2008, 7:36 PM: Some early crepe myrtle

July 12, 2008, 1:37 PM: The Class After Lunch at the John C. Campbell Folk School Christian Harmony Singing, Brasstown, NC

August 12, 2008, 3:05 PM: The Old Drive-In, Greenwood, SC

September 12, 2008, 8:15 AM: Now I come to work from the other side of campus, or Cultural Center, yet another view

October 12, 2008, 9:18 AM: The Bantam Chef Restaurant, Chesnee, SC

November 12, 2008, 7:04 AM: Sunrise from my front porch

December 12, 2008, 10:21 AM: Grading exams

More Favorites from 2008 at Flickr

Cerrone needs no introduction.

Pictures of a day spent cooped up in my office grading final exams.


7:50 AM: The still-packed box

7:51 AM: Don't bother me: I have ADT!

7:56 AM: A study in oatmeal

9:12 AM: Après la pluie

9:21 AM: Delbon Johnson's Calypso Rhythms



10:21 AM: Grading exams

5:04 PM: Montague's Restaurant and Lounge

5:56 PM: Inside of Montague's Lounge

6:00 PM: Streaks of Christmas lights in Uptown Greenwood

6:15 PM: My new operating system

6:36 PM: Burger night

6:52 PM: ABC News reports the death of Bettie Page (at age 85)

6:54 PM: Doing the dishes


Now go check out other 12-of-12ers at Chad's site!