The Shoji Tabuchi Christmas Rap

From the description: "Rap may have been born in the Bronx but it was perfected in Branson."

A few notes. I believe the backing melody is "Humpin' Around." That's Christmasey.

Secondly, the shaking dance at 1:25 seems to be a reference to Dane Parker, a break dancer who appeared in the "Beat It" music video. See Andy Richter Spends a Day with Dane Parker.

An Incomplete History of the Concert Film

Another great one from Polyphonic if you're into the topic.

My review of "Woodstock". 

My review of "The Last Waltz".

I should have made a review of "Stop Making Sense" by now.

Christmas Music From Another Room

You might find this useful: "Christmas Music From Another Room - Relaxing Christmas Ambience with Muffled Christmas Music." I suggest putting it on in the background as you wrap gifts or cook or generally go about your day. I'm loving it.

The Charismatic Voice - Don't Let Me Down

 

"Don't Let Me Down" has the peculiar property that I feel I could listen to it on loop forever and not get tired of it.

Guy Visits Chi-Chi's

As previously reported, Chi-Chi's is back from the dead. Now "Sets, Streets & Eats" on youtube has visited the relaunch and filmed it. 

To get straight to the point, skip to 9 minutes.

Christmas Cola

A while back, I mentioned that I found Vanilla coke to be increasingly more difficult to obtain. Now Coca-Cola has released a new limited edition "Holiday Creamy Vanilla" flavor. Is this taking a "discontinued" item and making it a special event - a McRib situation? Well first off, Vanilla Coke still hasn't officially been discontinued though I continue to not see it around. Secondly, an online review claims this isn't Vanilla Coke re-packaged, it's distinctly different. I am both skeptical and keeping an open mind - I don't detect anything significantly different such that it warrants a new flavor but I acknowledge I could be in the wrong.

What I want to know is: what is Holiday Creamy Vanilla? This is not a thing. Do you remember spending time with friends and family in the Christmas Days of yesteryear, sitting around enjoying some Holiday Vanilla? What are we talking about? My mind goes immediately to Egg Nog but I don't think that's what they intend.

What is the real official soda of Christmastime? Who is the real hero?

While admittedly there is no such thing as a Christmas soda, I have one suggestion: Fentiman's Curiosity Cola. It tastes like Coke mostly - classic cola taste - but it adds a heightened cinnamon flavor that's just right. If you're looking for a soda for Christmas (quite a niche), that's my pick for the Official Soda of Christmas 2025.

You can get it on Amazon (not a sponsor).