Music   
Why music in the Sneaky Kitchen?  See "On the Radio" for reasons, stories and a time capsule game to play.  Anyway, don't you play music while you're cooking sometimes?   And what about the kids?  I already know the answer to that one!  Most restaurants have music playing, and soft music undoubtedly relieves the day's tensions and aids digestion. 

• Says Ginny Weidemann:  "These kids are cool.  Be sure and watch!"  Another bedroom practice of Earl Scruggs's Flint Hill Special.
   

• Remember the toddler conductor in your last newsletter?  Here's another talented tot found by Ginny Wiedemann.  See the Howard Drum Show.

   

• "This will make your day." assures Ginny.  She's right.  3-year-old Jonathan actually conducts Beethoven - and has a ball doing it!"
   

• Friend Ginny Wiedemann sends this great video.  If you've never heard of Terry Fator, you'll remember him after you see this.
   

• If facts and recipes aren't enough, Key Lime Pie is celebrated in song, by Kenny Chesney.   There's some great scenes from Key West, too.
   

• Are you of a "certain age"?  You'll appreciate this Modern Day Yuppie Blues by Tom Rush - Remember?
  
   

• This video, Mozart - Guitarra a cuatro manos, or guitar for four hands, is nothing short of amazing.
   

• This video brought to my attention by Fuller Brush Director John Vandervelde who writes:  "Christmas music is one of the highlights of the season. And everyone has a favorite. This might be my new favorite!"  Take a break from the holiday stresses and relax on the Siberian train; listen to the children's voices and read the true meaning of Christmas.  Christmas Canon.
   

• Found in Computer Tips great newsletter.  Share a song with a friend or just listen to a favorite at TinySongs.com.  Great for whenever you have an "earworm" and just can't remember how the whole song goes or who sang it, too.  (Note:  when you click to play the song, you'll be asked if you wish to allow access to your clipboard.  This is NOT recommended and not a requirement - tell it 'no'!) 

• Fats Domino was a major influence in popular music in the '50s and beyond.  Here's a short biography, a link to his music, and a video of his greatest hit, Blueberry Hill.
   
• ChefAl sends us a video you just have to watch.  Unbelievable: Hunter Hayes and Jambalaya. 
   
• Want to hear some music from bygone years?  Select your favorites from the top 100 in each of many categories at Play Cofi Jukebox.
   
• Tickle your funny bone yet today?   But maybe you have to be a musician...
   
• Pain, regret, sadness....   sometimes they are inevitable.   Son Mark brings to my attention what he terms "one of is one of the saddest things I have seen.  It is also very beautiful. Mark Romanec does very good videos."  See "Hurt", by Johnny Cash.  Different genre, but it reminds me of my obsession with Mahler's works when my oldest daughter Elizabeth lay dying.
   
• Hispanic?  Or just enjoy the music?  Tune in to Miami-based internet radio stations at batanga.com, started by Columbian-born Luis Brandwyn and American Troy McConnell.  In a competitive world, this venture has been a resounding success.  From Latin Jazz, Pop, and Rock, to rhythms like Tango, Reggae, Meringue, and Salsa, to traditional venues, for example, Cubanisimo, Columbian Son, Spanish Flamenco, Mexican, and Tejano.  Try and enjoy; it's free.
   
• One of the most prolific writers, performers and songbirds of this century is Janis Ian, who burst upon the music scene in 1966 with an instant hit.  But this is no has-been.  Only halfway through her musical life, she presents reality in song, musical poetry that crawls around in your brain and pierces your heart.
  
  
• I received a message from a viewer suggesting I check out http://www.hawaiiradiotv.com/ with everything on radio, TV and even newspapers in Hawaii, including live radio.  Take a look; very interesting even from a Miami standpoint. 
  
  
• Part of my compulsive creativity stems from insomnia.  After a near-dawn cup of ginger tea and listening to Aaron Neville's "A Change is Gonna Come", I went back to bed and composed this poem, Freedom.  Here's more about Aaron Neville and his talented family.
  
  
• Feedback:  See comments on Chris de Burgh by reader Mike Bird.  Thanks for confirming my opinion.
  
  
• I think Mick Jagger is sexy, the rest of the family thinks he looks like an ugly frog.  Has he still got influence?  Apparently.  See The Frog.
  
  
• Day_o Mr. Taliban.mp3 (copy to your computer & enjoy).  I have no idea who recorded it, but it was sent to me by - who else - ChefAl of Great World Chefs.
  
  
• Joan Baez
  
  
• Chris DeBurgh