The World, The Flesh, and the Devil (1959)

Last night Kyle and I went to Lawless Distilling for some drinks (I had the Sargasso Sea, the pink gin shot, and the Cuban gin and tonic highball.  I tried to get Pooteewheet a 375 ml of pink gin, but they were out.  He offered me a cinnamon gin as an alternative. If you know Pooteewheet, that means what was intended as a present becomes a punishment.  So not a viable alternative).  It was really busy.  A very different experience than when I was there almost all by myself while E was doing Cardboard Camp planning and fun days over at the Ivy building.

This is Kyle with his super fancy coconut drink.  He said it was pretty good despite having to drink out of what looked like a penis coming out of a boob.  My Sargasso was delicious.  I'd definitely drink that again.  And the leftover crushed ice on top of square cubes made a perfect glass for a chaser of cold water.


Afterwards we went to The World, The Flesh, and the Devil (1959) at the Trylon.  It starred Mel Ferrer, Harry Belefonte, and Inger Stevens.  And them alone.  That was the total cast.  The plot...some sort of radioactive incident/cloud disintegrates everyone on the planet.  Except: Harry Belefonte who was trapped in a mine in PA.  Inger, who was in an immersion tank and came out a day later than her friends.  And Ferrer, who was alone at sea in just the right location.  The thought experiment, it's more an idea than a plot, is that in a world devoid of people, do racial politics reassert themselves?  Spoiler: they do.  And...can they be overcome?  Spoiler: they can.  Everyone can live together in a happy Morman-polygamist dream at the end. 

Here's the original New York Times review.  Pretty cool you can find this on line: https://www.nytimes.com/1959/05/21/archives/screen-radioactive-city-the-world-the-flesh-and-the-devil-opens.html?fbclid=IwAR1PatrMM012IR01BYR6UC6RS2fbw_Ft5KI4AtUBqPoS8hoIC0xgijRTKVk

The film's title is based on Ephesians 2:2: (NIV): "You once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience — among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh”.  I'm still trying to sync that to the movie.  The flesh....yes.  The world...sure.  The devil?  I think they're referring to racial politics and prejudices as the devil in this case. 

I looked up some of the details about the movie. Per Wikipedia, Inger Stevens, the lead actress: "After her death, Ike Jones, the first African-American to graduate from UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television, claimed[16] that he had been secretly married to Stevens since 1961. Some doubted this due to the lack of a marriage license, the maintaining of separate homes and the filing of tax documents as single people.[17] However, at the time Stevens' estate was being settled, the actress's brother, Carl O. Stensland, confirmed in court that his sister had hidden her marriage to Jones "out of fear for her career".[18] Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner A. Edward Nichols ruled in Ike Jones's favor[19] and made him administrator of her estate.[20][21] A photo exists of the two attending a banquet together in 1968.[5] Her website also states that the marriage to Jones took place in Tijuana, Mexico."

She had an interesting life from a narrowly-missed-that perspective (NYT obit): "Bad luck always plagued her, Miss Stevens said. She col lapsed, along with 11 others filming “Cry Terror” in the Hudson Tubes, suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Her jaw was dislocated while film ing a “Zane Grey Theater” TV show. In 1959, after a depress ing New Year's Eve party, she attempted suicide. And in 1961, she was the last passenger to leave a jet that crashed on landing at Libson and exploded half‐minute after her exit."  In the end, it wasn't that narrowly missed as she died of what seemed to be a barbiturate suicide.  She seems like she had such a wild life (burlesque, married to Ike), but couldn't synthesize something positive out of her accomplishments.

I wanted to capture what my friend's mother, Pat, said about the movie so I don't lose it: "One of the first "adult themed" movies I was allowed to see( at age 17).  I was amazed and awed. I couldn't believe it, having lived in small towns my whole life, and loving science fiction, that the books I had read were all so bland- I guess the library was good at censoring for teens. It is hard for people today to understand how protected and watched some of us were, especially girls. When raised by parents like mine , I remember getted grounded for two weeks for saying the word "pregnant" instead of "expecting" or "in a family way".  I thought the movie was amazing in its feeling of desolation and I was actually stunned at the interaction of the 3 people, and at the positive ending. Two years later I was having screaming fightswith my parents about not being able to go south with the freedom riders,and about sex before marriage (college will do that to a kid!)"

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin

Last night Kyle, Eryn, and I went to see The 36th Chamber of Shaolin at the Trylon as part of their Shaw Brothers series.  I asked them to do a Shaw Brother series back when they were looking for showing input, but I think this is entirely attributable to one of the staff who's a fan. 

Eryn and I went to Northbound Smokehouse and Brewpub for dinner first.  She'd never been there and her opinion is the wing skin is a little more jerky-like.  Which I prefer.  But she does not.  So Buster's is still her optimal hang out in that area.  I told her next time we should try the Howe.

The movie was great.  I hadn't watched this particular one, although I've seen a lot of Shaw Brothers via Netflix.  It had a bit of a Game of Death feel to it with "levels" and Game of Death predates it by 6 years (1972 versus 1978), so maybe there's some pollination.  However, unlike Game of Death, the main character San Te isn't fighting enemies as he advances, he's learning specific Shaolin fighting skills and toughing up parts of his body.  Every time he makes use of his tougher noggin skills in actual combat the film focuses in on it, sometimes even in bit of slow mo, so you realize he's using something he learned.  Kyle called it the longest training montage ever in a movie, and that's a good summary.  80% training montage followed by 15% showing students the benefits of his training montage, followed by 5% using his training to defeat some bad people (although leaving the killing up to his students, one who wants to hack a guy with a sword 1000 times, but sort of wears out after a dozen).

Things I Didn't Buy at Goodwill - For Kyle

While Eryn was eating her Jimmy John sandwich, I popped into Goodwill to look around as it was right there.  While looking through the albums, I found the first two below in different stacks.  I set them out front to take a picture for Kyle and then, while digging through another stack, I found a third album.  Who knows how many I would have found if I'd kept looking.  Apparently one, Sunshine Day. I think Ricky Tanner really likes his dog.

Given this little blurb, "Ricky Tanner (born 1963) was a member and soloist of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ricky as a treble had a rare bell-like crystal clear voice. His last CD recording (as a 21 year old tenor) was made in 1984, just after returning from an LDS mission trip," his career seems to have coincided with Donny Osmond's career who had his teen idol years in 71-78.  They may have even sang together when the Osmonds sang with TMTC.  I bet he needed a pretty sister instead of a dog if he wanted to really hit it big.  The Donny and Marie article at Wikipedia is worth looking at for the list of guest stars and for the fact that it was originally created by Marty and Sid Krofft.  And yes, I did point you at the Boy Choir and Solist Directory which includes novels about choir boys.  Feels like a weird fetish site after you browse for a while.


A bigger version of the image is at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nodtonothing/13297170903/sizes/l/in/photostream/ 

Kyle pointed me at a Rod McKuen album from his own Goodwill adventures.  This is the one to own - it seems special, almost like preparation for his very first television appearance.  My sister might appreciate that he was an uncredited voice in the original The Little Mermaid.


I was so tempted to get this for Ming.  But I don't think he would have appreciated having it as much as I would have appreciated giving it to him.  It was almost worth it on the off chance I found myself with five minutes of unfettered access to his garage wall and a handful of screws.


And one thing Kyle and I learned from Rewind This (Rotten Tomatoes, Offiicial Site) at the Trylon is that in any batch of VCR tapes, you can always find at least one double tape copy of Titanic.  Or two...


Or three...


Or four...

Bananas

During Eryn's birthday party I managed to refilm the banana scene from Hausu.  I feel a little shoddy for not actually getting the everywhere in bananas, bananas, everywhere.  But in the end, it'll save me from a potential lawsuit.

Safety First - at Kyle's Request

In my safety first post, Kyle commented that I should decorate the other side of the board that protects me from falling down the stairs to the basement since my accident.  Eryn brought me a Sharpie (tm) so I could oblige him.  I present my artistic results - keeping in mind I only had a black marker to work with.  At first I considered a Tardis based around the hole, but I like this better.  Every night Kyle eats the...cat...as she heads downstairs.  Sorry the wood grain makes it look like you have a big booger.

Kyle's Birthday Sake Cup - 19c Ho-O Bird

We got Kyle another sake cup for his birthday.  He's up to three, so that's officially a collection.  For his records, in case he's ever looking them up.

I didn't know what a Ho-O bird was, so I looked it up.  "According to legend (mostly from China), the Hō-ō appears very rarely, and only to mark the beginning of a new era -- the birth of a virtuous ruler, for example. In other traditions, the Hō-ō appears only in peaceful and prosperous times (nesting, it is said, in paulownia trees), and hides itself when there is trouble. As the herald of a new age, the Hō-ō decends from heaven to earth to do good deeds, and then it returns to its celestial abode to await a new era. It is both a symbol of peace (when the bird appears) and a symbol of disharmony (when the bird disappears). In China, early artifacts show the Phoenix (female) as intimately associated with the Dragon (male) -- the two are portrayed either as mortal enemies or as blissful lovers. When shown together, the two symbolize both conflict and wedded bliss, and are a common design motif even today in many parts of Asia (see below).

鳳 = Fèng, Male Phoenix    凰 = Huáng, Female Phoenix"

The size of Cup: 3 7/16" Dia x 2 3/4" High. Nice Blue and White Japanese Imari Porcelain Soba Choko Cup. The cup is nicely shaped with good porcelain material and nice detail painting of two Ho-O Bird in front and back. There is also nice motif design of Yoraku design inside rim area. Inside bottom has Sho-Chiku-Bai design. Blue under glazing painting is well contrasted. The condition of Cup is excellent, no chip, no crack and no hairline. One Hittsuki (glaze stick) on the side of foot rim as last photo show, minor. Well balanced cup. Dating from early Meiji, late 19c.

Pictures!

Kyle's Christmas Sake Cup - 1750

We got Kyle another sake cup for Christmas this year, so now he officially has a collection.  The way I figure it, if he ever wants to go on some sort of midlife bender, a collection of historic sake cups won't lose their value and should be able to fund a nice vacation. Or perhaps he can impress a mail-order Japanese bride with them. And they look pretty on a shelf until then.  I suspect they're cool for drinking sake from as well, although perhaps he feels nervous drinking out of something older than the United States.  I would.

In case his nephew isn't suitably impressed, he should point out that this is a mystical cup that appeases Gojira and keeps the world safe.  Then again, maybe not.  Depending on how much J. wants to see Godzilla in person.

I wanted to put the details out here, so Kyle can find them if he ever needs them.

Blue and White Ko Imari Soba Choko Cup Mid 18c (see below - estimated 1750).


"The size of Soba Choko: 3" Dia x 2 3/8" High. Japanese Blue and White(Sometsuke) Porcelain Soba Choko Cup from 18 century. The Soba Choko cup is made from finely made porcelain body with straight line. It has Ichimatsu pattern and mesh design pattern. It is simply yet attractive design. The condition of Cup is very good, there is no crack and no hairline, except noting there are some foot rim with some Kamadashi Ato(original kiln flaw spots when removed from kiln) and old nicks. You can see from photos. Otherwise excellent condition. The age of Soba Choko from mid 18 century around 1750 (Horeki Period, Middle Edo) which we guarantee the age."

Kyle's Next Birthday

Dude...you so need plushie Meeples. They come in so many colors. You could....could... well, you could... um.... well... ORGY!!!! Or maybe that's a little too pedobear for you? Come to think of it, a rainbow of colored men is sort of gay. And I mean that without the quotes. You might as well be painting the letters on the back of your S-A-T-U-R-N. Regardless, be prepared for a few throw pillows come next August. It'll still be less emasculating than what I get Mean Mr. Mustard.

What's In the Box?

It's so close to Kyle's birthday that when I saw this graphic novel at the comic book store, I almost bought it for him. It seems rife with innuendosity. But then two things struck me. 1.) If I'm going to spend $19.99 (and it seems cheaper on Amazon) on a Jennifer Love Hewitt work, I'd get him the book that explains how to vajazzle like Jennifer. I think he could figure out the rudiments of penazzling by inference. 2.) Jennifer Love Hewitt's box is completely in the way of one of her finer assets. Two of her finer assets, depending on how you approach it.

A good, strange, gift should combine some practicality with the novelty. This has novelty, but by putting the box in the way, it destroys some of the practicality. For example, when Kyle gave me the Olivia Munn magazine. Novel. Yet full of good pictures of Olivia and all sorts of good reading, both about Olivia, by Olivia, and marginally related to Olivia in that some articles were just from magazines she likes. Practical. Or the Banana Bunkers or Menorah Game I gave Mean Mister Mustard. Humorous. Yet practical.

So Kyle. No Jennifer Love Hewitt's box for your birthday. I'll look for something better.

Ironman! (five days late)

I know...I took seven days off the blog. And then I posted five posts. And then I still didn't post this post and waited even longer. It's been nine days since Ironman, and I'm in danger of running into my next big ride in the form of the MS60 this weekend. Why didn't I just spread them out over five of those days? Because I needed a rest. Or because I had 12-16 hour work days. Take your pick. If you can't catch up, you belong on facebook ;)

But I have a good bicycling story unrelated to Ironman. On Sunday I was supposed to go bicycling with Ali from work (pictured at the bottom of this post). We were going to start at the park on Highway 13, just north of 494, and bike into Minneapolis and around the lakes and along the greenway. I got there before Ali and unloaded my bike and set it to the side against a trash can while I busied myself with my bag and pump. As a plane flew overhead, I looked up to see why it sounded so strange. And then it was gone, and I still heard the noise. It was my tube. The act of just sitting there had popped it. Fortunately, I was there early, so I popped it off, replaced it with the spare and started pumping. At about 20 psi, the new tube popped. I didn't even know that was possible. So when Ali pulled up I was contemplating whether to attempt a 20 minute patch job, or to just call it a day. I chose the second option, stating that something bad always seemed inevitable when I had multiple flats, despite not being a very superstitious person in general. Ali was worried because he hadn't been into Minneapolis from that direction before, so I told him to head down the trail to St. Paul along the river past the confluence, which was a straight shot.

The next day he caught up with me at work and told me that further down the hill he'd come to a do not enter sign and that another cyclist had told him not to worry about it and push on. He did, only to find that cyclist getting a ticket for a violation. He pleaded with the cop, telling him it was his first time on the trail and that his friend had sent him on alone, and that the other cyclist had told him it was ok. The cop let him go without a ticket, but when Ali turned around to head up the hill the cop told him no way and pointed at the huge, steep hill that circumnavigated the restricted area (there was a fear of falling debris during bridge construction). So Ali had to get directions from the cop and make a long, circuitous route back to the car.

I know if I had been along, I would have been the cyclist saying, "eh...that's probably nothing" and scored my first bicycling ticket. Fate was kind in the form of two flat tubes.

When I got home, I renewed my commitment not to have a non-functional bike again, and took my road bike into the shop for new, heavier rims (yes, a rim job), purchased two tubes for every bike, cleaned both bikes, and purchased a new spoke for the mountain bike I rode during Ironman. I hadn't even noticed it had popped one. Hopefully I'll be riding a road bike soon and enjoying some easier riding.

So the Sunday before last, Ming, Kyle and I went on Ironman in Lakeville. Ali went as well. But we didn't bike with him. We just saw him after the ride. It was very similar to last year, except it was just a bit warmer, so we weren't in danger of hypothermia. And it rained the first 10 miles, not the last 20. I still had water in my shoes, but I was much more cheerful, and fully willing to sit around Wu's for some Chinese food afterwards without worrying about changing my clothes.

Saddles covered with the latest in protective rain gear.

Ming. Doing his blow job exercises.

Kyle, running away from Ming.

Click on this one for the big panorama of Ming at the first rest stop.

Bikes at the first rest stop. My shoes hadn't soaked through by this point.

I've got layers upon layers. I was suprisingly dry, except for my feet, at the end of the ride.

Ali and Ming celebrating the end of the ride. Ali's quite the biker. He went from no mileage to over 100 a week. That's some serious pedaling. I'm a bit jealous, even though I get to hit the trails tomorrow.

End of the road at Lakeville High School. Only thirty miles, but the chill gets to your legs, so it's some work. Again, click for a bigger version of the panorama.

Nutbuster: The Ballet!

I haven't been willing to post about this for several days, because I just don't know what to say about it. In the City Pages, there was an advertisement for Nutbuster! The Ballet at the Bryant Lake Bowl. This seemed to be one of those things that would amuse me. After all, the idea that Drosselmeyer is some sort of drunk ruminating on the holidays and having a Nutcrackeresque fantasy - it's all in his mind, not Clara's - is an idea that I feel could be ripe for interesting commentary. Eryn disagreed. She was a bit disgusted with me for thinking that might be fun, although she wanted to know all the details after I went.

But there was no interesting commentary. Rather, after talking Kyle into going with me, we watched a late 40's to early 50's guy dance around the stage for over 30 minutes. Sometimes with a little girl's doll. Sometimes with a bottle of vodka (Kyle and I discussed the similarities to his infamous vodka + knife + phonebook + cement floor incident when we lived at Riverside Plaza. If you look at the picture in that link, we were on the top floor, close to middle, of the building facing you in the photo). Sometimes with a nutcracker. Sometimes with a blow up doll (although he stabbed her at one point and she deflated - I don't remember that scene in The Nutcracker). The only talking was over the pa system at the beginning of the Nutbuster during which John Munger (playing Drosselmeyer) discussed his inspiration for Nutbuster, which evolved out of a lonely Christmas where he wrapped himself three presents, hung out with his cat, and then went to see Dune at the local theater. Given that Dune was released in 1984, I'm going to up my guess of his age to mid-50's.

To capture the feeling of this one man play, I'd have to go with, you know when you see something that's so sad, it becomes funny? And then it becomes sad again? And then you have a moment of disbelief that you're still sitting there watching it, so it becomes sad for you, then sad for them again, and then the whole thing is funny because it's all so sad. But not really in a good way. That feeling. Sort of A Clockwork Orange with your eyes toothpicked open feeling, but more melancholy before the uncontrollable laughter sets in.

On a positive note, the beer and my dinner, three cheese tortellini with shrimp and lots of vegetables, were very good. I had enough Surly Furious to smooth over the strangeness of almost anything, and a good Anchor Porter thrown in the midst of some post-ballet drinking with Kyle made it all worthwhile.

Busy Week - Scooter Sleds

New Year's was less than a week ago? In the last week we in the Scooter clan celebrated New Year's at our place with friends. Ate out with my family. Sent Eryn up north to my nephew's birthday party and then followed to pick her up, hanging at Kyle's for the afternoon and evening, with a bit of sledding and gaming. Went geocaching. And various parts of my family either went to visit Dan'l and Cookie Queen's new son at the hospital, or played poker (and won) at Tall Brad's. Come to think of it, I had guitar lessons, read a book and had a boardgaming day as well. The poor camera is actually taking a stab at vacation-level photo containment. Here's a montage of the activities...I hope you're looking forward to the excited picture of me on a sled, because what you'll be missing is the video of me sledding on my crotch.

Grandpa John and new baby Adele (my niece) at Christo's in Minneapolis. We were assured she's not normally this quiet. Whoever wasn't eating their gyros was in charge of baby holding.


Right outside Christo's. One Fucking Speed! I know I mentioned this before, but I can't find it quickly enough to link to it. Pooteewheet made me a cool triptych out of a close up of the same bike, or sticker, as photographed at the Uptown Art Fair a few year's ago. Eryn loves to say it because it's on the wall in the computer room.


Eryn and I playing Zombies at Ring Mountain. We got some strange looks as people walked past to see what we were doing. I think it had to do with mixing the base Zombies game with 3.5 and 6 expansions Kyle gave me for Christmas and a great big "Bag O' Babes" with glowing zombie chicks holding dismembered heads. Eryn liked to collect several zombies and make them kiss, although she had a lot more girl zombies than boy zombies. Didn't seem to matter.


New Year's Eve. We lost Kyle and his extended family to disease and a pulled dog muscle, so it was a bit sparse. At one point, Ming gave up playing poker to play with the Dora Doll house.


And contrary to this picture, Logan did not have too much New Year's Eve non-alcoholic punch. He's going to be the life of the party someday.


Here we are playing my invented poker game "The Malaysian Dismembers the American Tourist to Win the Lottery". It's pretty easy, basically Texas Hold 'Em style poker but the five cards are flipped individually, representing the four limbs and head. We've pulled similar games out of our butts before, including "Doing Your Nails" and "The Bear and the Two Maidens". They probably have real names, but we can't be bothered.


Eryn and her new "cousin" Colin. Congratulations to Cookie Queen, Dan'l and Conner!


Eryn sledding at Elm Creek Park reserve. Pooteewheet thought I was a perv while we were sledding because she asked, "Why do they go down on their knees?" I replied, "Why wouldn't you go down on your knees?" Earning me an eye roll and a "stop it". But then a kid nearby yelled, "Hey, Justin, do you want to help me go down on the big one?" Situational humor at its best.


Eryn further down the hill, safely away from the combatting sleds of the teenage girls.


Video of a ride. I realize it looks like I threw Eryn at the bumps and, in my defense, I did. But she had fun.


Kyle sledding. He cheated and stuck out an arm to slow himself down. Worried about his nards or something. Loser.


Scott sledding. I look so happy. I probably didn't look happy ten seconds later when I refused to stick out an arm and slow myself down and realized I should have been worrying about my nards or something.


Pooteewheet took this funny picture of the Elm Creek Park Reserve beach.


Kyle, Matthew and Zoe hanging out before dinner.

Christmas Shoes

This one is for you Kyle, because I know how much you love the song "Christmas Shoes". You almost cried when you were talking about it at my house. Which is amazing, because I don't think you even knew that it was from a movie staring Rob Lowe, and had been turned into a play and novel. At first, I thought you were talking about Kate Bush's The Red Shoes, which seemed a little emasculating, but I can understand your need to dance.


But no...you said it was a Christmas song that had your emotions all tied in a knot. So it had to be the one related to the television shoe, by Newsong, or maybe this one by 3 of Hearts. I'm not sure if you have a preference, or if it's just the words that move you, and male or female, the singers don't make a difference.


What is it about these words that moves you so? Are you remembering a time your daddy sent you out to buy Christmas presents without adult supervision? I happen to know your mother is fine - so I'm pretty sure he didn't send you after shoes. If he had, you'd have had to call me up to drive - you didn't get your license until at least 9 months after I did (being younger and all).

It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes

His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say

Chorus:
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes

So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

Bridge:
I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about

Repeat Chorus

Personally, I think there's more value-add when you couple it with a bunch of Disney characters by doing a mash up of Kingdom Hearts and Christmas Shoes. This is pretty much one aspect of what's meant when they talk about Web 2.0, taking disparate services and creating new packages and frameworks and allowing some commentary, and realizing you've created something more horrible than either of the original products.


Then again, maybe you're partial to this version. Not as many views as some others - but maybe that gives it an intimacy you can really feel. Listen to it in the dark, with just the lights of the Christmas tree and the Mac screen illuminating your soul.


Personally, I prefer the ukulele version, in part because I represent 2% of her views, and the song moves her to crying:


Patton Oswald's doesn't sing, but he has his own take on the song. He may appreciate it as much as you do:


As an alternative, I suggest one of my favorite Christmas songs, by The Royal Guardsmen - Snoopy vs. the Red Baron:

Kyle Can't Be Touched By Roma Downey

I tried to send a recommendation to Kyle on Netflix today for Touched By An Angel, Season 2. But Netflix wouldn't let me send it! It just kept repeating that I had to select a friend, refusing to accept that Kyle was a friend, or at least one that would watch Touched By An Angel, Season 2, despite his nude collection of Della Reese action photos, his bootlegged copy of Borrowed Hearts, and his Hummel angels cloud-themed collectible wall shelf, each angel with a little cut out face of Roma Downey taped carefully in place.

Fortunately, even though I can't recommend Touched by an Angel to Kyle, I can make sure his Christmas is complete with a music troika of Roma Downey's album, Healing Angel, Touched By An Angel The Christmas Album, and Della Reese's My Soul Feels Better Right Now (live! - easily my favorite cover of the three). It's the least I can do to repay him for the Madonna True Blue album he bought me in high school.