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You are here: Home / Music / Palate Cleanser/Early Evening Open Thread

Palate Cleanser/Early Evening Open Thread

by Tom Levenson|  April 14, 20166:35 pm| 72 Comments

This post is in: Music, Open Threads

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Here’s some tunes I reached for this afternoon, all to get the texture of Kasich’s narishkeit in Brooklyn out of my brain.

First up: Itzhak Perlman’s got some swing:

 

Next, for a bit of joyous culture mixing, check out the Barcelona Gypsy Klezmer Orchestra, here doing a killer take on Djelem Djelem:

And last, because where would we be without people with too much time on their hands constructing glorious improbabilities, enjoy this (h/t @joi_the_artist):

And with that: open thread!

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Previous Post: « A Little Help
Next Post: Thursday Evening Open Thread: Sanders-Clinton Debate Tonight »

Reader Interactions

72Comments

  1. 1.

    Anoniminous

    April 14, 2016 at 6:46 pm

    Postmodern Jukebox’s take on Talk Dirty to Me.

  2. 2.

    Mnemosyne

    April 14, 2016 at 6:50 pm

    Only music to some people’s ears, but here’s James Cagney demonstrating his fluent Yiddish in one of his early films. Cagney picked it up growing up on the Lower East Side and found it came in quite handy during contract negotiations when studio heads either didn’t know or forgot he knew Yiddish and could understand their secret side conferences during contract negotiations.

  3. 3.

    Keith P.

    April 14, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    I’m watching Joe Dirt 2. Not bad at all, really. It’s got some really funny scenes (The Sopranos nod, the fart-fest), but it’s otherwise it’s kind of a Forrest Gump parody.

  4. 4.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 14, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    I’m gonna play some Metal Gear V to unwind before the debate.

  5. 5.

    chopper

    April 14, 2016 at 7:07 pm

    @Keith P.:

    I’m watching Joe Dirt 2

    Jesus, why?

  6. 6.

    lamh36

    April 14, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    SCIENCE RULZ!!

    The Obama White House held it’s last WH Science Fair. Since 2010 POTUS and FLOTUS have invited young scientist in to show their stuff.

    I’d love to think whoever is in the WH next would continue the science fair, but I actually doubt it.

    Here are highlights from past Sciene Fairs.

    The “supergirls” from last year came back for this year’s science fair.

    @nerdist
    NBD, just @barackobama and the amazing kids whose work is on display at #WHScienceFair! ⚗?

  7. 7.

    SiubhanDuinne

    April 14, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    Since it’s a music thread, some here may be interested to know that James Levine is stepping down as Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera. He’ll be MD Emeritus, will conduct occasionally, and will continue to be involved in things like young artist development.

    It’s not unexpected news, given his myriad physical ailments, but still the end of an incredible tenure of 40+ years. I hope his health will allow him to stay active in his new role for years to come. He’s a treasure.

  8. 8.

    Origuy

    April 14, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    One more palate cleanser: Improvised camera test for the 1979 Muppet Movie with Jim Henson and Frank Oz

  9. 9.

    debbie

    April 14, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    @Mnemosyne:

    You’ve mentioned a passing fancy with Hamilton, and I thought of you while listening to this hour of NPR’s On Point, “Why We’re Obsessed with Hamilton.”

  10. 10.

    berliner2

    April 14, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    You know the difference between Germans and Jews? Germans love Klezmer.

  11. 11.

    Mike J

    April 14, 2016 at 7:15 pm

    Gov of TN vetoed bill naming the Bible the official state book.

    “If we believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, then we shouldn’t be recognizing it only as a book of historical and economic significance. If we are recognizing the Bible as a sacred text, then we are violating the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee by designating it as the official state book.”

    Hard to believe he’s a Republican (in this one instance.)

  12. 12.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 14, 2016 at 7:17 pm

    Oh, and I put up a new chapter for One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, No Fish.

    @Mike J: Nice!

  13. 13.

    raven

    April 14, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    @Mnemosyne: My grandfather grew up in a Jewish neighborhood in Chicago. He spoke some Yiddish, told jokes and had nicknames for us. I thought it was Norwegian until I was in Vietnam and described some of these thing to my Jewish friend and he set me straight.

  14. 14.

    Gin & Tonic

    April 14, 2016 at 7:19 pm

    I’m hoping someone can explain to me what “WOO WOO WOO WOO WOOPOOT WOO WOO” means. I thought I knew English pretty well, but maybe not.

  15. 15.

    p.a.

    April 14, 2016 at 7:19 pm

    goy-mer (well 1/2 at goy least)

  16. 16.

    lamh36

    April 14, 2016 at 7:20 pm

    I’ve decided to pretty much step back from this primary season and start looking back at the PBO years instead. Besides, this entire primary season is NOTHING but drama on both sides, just moreso for GOP.

    Anyway,

    You can see more awesome pictures and links about the final WH Science Fair here:
    White House Science Fair

    POTUS highlights some of the kids from 2016 WH Science Fair

    POTUS checks out the Science Fair posters from the 2016 WH Science Fair

  17. 17.

    lamh36

    April 14, 2016 at 7:23 pm

    Good Gawd No!!!

    AMC Entertainment CEO Open to Allowing Texting in Some Theaters http://variety.com/2016/film/news/amc-texting-theaters-phones-1201752978/

  18. 18.

    MomSense

    April 14, 2016 at 7:24 pm

    @Major Major Major Major:

    Hey I’m sorry that you had a tough time after your interview. Hope you are feeling better today.

  19. 19.

    Mnemosyne

    April 14, 2016 at 7:25 pm

    @debbie:

    There’s a reason critic Wesley Morris said, “To know someone who has the cast album is to know someone in need of a restraining order.” And he was including himself in that category.

    I honestly can’t keep up on all of the “Hamilton” stuff. It’s showing up everywhere. I even got a yarn company email ad that referenced it (“Stress Less, Smile More”).

  20. 20.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    April 14, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    Here Comes the Sun.

    (Shot with a full spectrum Samsung NX300.)

  21. 21.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 14, 2016 at 7:27 pm

    @MomSense: Thanks, much appreciated.

  22. 22.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    April 14, 2016 at 7:27 pm

    @Mnemosyne: There’s gota be a twelve step for this.

  23. 23.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 14, 2016 at 7:29 pm

    @BillinGlendaleCA: @Mnemosyne: You could always try drinking.

  24. 24.

    Gelfling545

    April 14, 2016 at 7:29 pm

    @Mike J: i suspect he is (prudently, in my opinion) saving the millions the state would have to spend defending this in court. It was just begging for a court challenge.

  25. 25.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    April 14, 2016 at 7:30 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: I did, didn’t work.

    (Five and a half years +0.)

  26. 26.

    jl

    April 14, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    I am savoring the story of Inky the Octopus, long suppressed by Big Aquarium. By Big Human standards, he was in ingrate, I suppose. Or, maybe we would say a ‘survivor’.

    Inky The Octopus Breaks Out Of Aquarium, Makes Way To The Pacific
    TPM blog

    Inky’s story begins on Pania Reef… He was pulled up by a fisherman in a lobster pot and wasn’t in good shape. He’d been attacked, probably by a snapper or some other fish, and a couple of his tentacles were half their normal length.

    After a year recuperating at the National Aquarium, said manager Rob Yarrall, Inky was once again in good health. And he’d been delighting the staff with his intelligence.

    “He used to come up and you could hand-feed him,” Yarrall said. “He’d grab hold of you with the suckers on his tentacles, or squirt water at you. And he worked out how to screw the top off a jar.”

    http://talkingpointsmemo.com/world-news/inky-octopus-breaks-out-new-zealand-aquarium

  27. 27.

    AkaDad

    April 14, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    I’ve been mulling over what I’d rather do than watch another debate. I finally settled on waxing my testicles.

  28. 28.

    WaterGirl

    April 14, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    @debbie:

    You’ve mentioned a passing fancy with Hamilton…

    Wow, that is an understatement!!!

  29. 29.

    Mnemosyne

    April 14, 2016 at 7:33 pm

    @BillinGlendaleCA:

    I’m slowly weaning myself off. I don’t listen to the soundtrack *every* day anymore.

    I can quit any time I want to!

  30. 30.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 14, 2016 at 7:33 pm

    @BillinGlendaleCA: I know :P day 49 for me

  31. 31.

    jl

    April 14, 2016 at 7:33 pm

    @WaterGirl: For Hamilton fanatics, memorizing every line is minimum qualification for ‘passing fancy’. That is a given.

  32. 32.

    Mnemosyne

    April 14, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    @jl:

    I love octopuses. Or, as one of my fellow pedants here insisted, octopodes.

    (But never octopi. That’s just continuing a mistake.)

  33. 33.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    April 14, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: Good for ya, it gets easier?.

  34. 34.

    redshirt

    April 14, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    @lamh36: I’m going to miss BHO so much for so many reasons, but prime among them is he’s a huge nerd and not ashamed of it.

    He got an advance screening of the new season of Game of Thrones the other day, since he’s the most powerful person in the world, and maybe the coolest.

  35. 35.

    Ultraviolet Thunder

    April 14, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    @Mike J:

    Gov of TN vetoed bill naming the Bible the official state book.

    I’m sure he’s looking forward to spending more time with his family after the next gubernatorial election.

  36. 36.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 14, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    @Mnemosyne:

    Or, as one of my fellow pedants here insisted, octopodes.

    Quite possibly me…

  37. 37.

    Mnemosyne

    April 14, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    @WaterGirl:

    To be fair, I come by it honestly: I still have the cast album of A Chorus Line memorized because my dad played it so relentlessly. It was the Hamilton of its day.

  38. 38.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    April 14, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    Looking at Cole’s twitter feed, I see this, which I don’t understand

    John Cole ‏@ Johngcole 44m44 minutes ago
    .@ KatyTurNBC WOO WOO WOO WOO WOOPOOT WOO WOO

    I can’t tell if she pissed him off or looks especially good today

    also, more importantly, this, which made happy

    Bruce Bartlett ‏@ BruceBartlett 2h2 hours ago
    Time magazine’s new cover story about the national debt is idiotic and bad for America

    everyone from Reaganite Bartlett to Slate is mocking Time for that Pete Petersen-ish fear-mongering. I’m sure Weinberg and/or Saletan are working on a contrarian pose right not, but I’ll enjoy the moment.

  39. 39.

    Mnemosyne

    April 14, 2016 at 7:39 pm

    @Major Major Major Major:

    I couldn’t remember if it was you or Steeplejack. It could even have been each of you at separate times.

    I still prefer “octopuses,” though.

  40. 40.

    debbie

    April 14, 2016 at 7:39 pm

    @jl:

    A woman on the program said her kids (preteen more or less) had memorized every song and reenacted them often.

  41. 41.

    Ultraviolet Thunder

    April 14, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    @redshirt:
    I’ve been voting in presidential elections for 35 years but Obama was the first Dem that I felt was Our Guy. My generation, because we’re roughly the same age. Not a single other thing in common of course, but more relatable than an older white governor of a southern state, for instance.
    I’m genuinely going to miss all of the Obamas.

  42. 42.

    debbie

    April 14, 2016 at 7:44 pm

    @WaterGirl:

    Considering I miss most threads, I dare not assume she’s a fanatic!

  43. 43.

    AkaDad

    April 14, 2016 at 7:44 pm

    @redshirt:

    That’s a flagrant abuse of power worthy of impeachment.

  44. 44.

    redshirt

    April 14, 2016 at 7:48 pm

    @AkaDad: Only if he uses spoilers.

  45. 45.

    Mnemosyne

    April 14, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    @redshirt:

    That would be one way to get Congress back in line.

  46. 46.

    SiubhanDuinne

    April 14, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    @Mnemosyne:

    Similarly, I know every note of every Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, and most of the dialogue.

  47. 47.

    Gin & Tonic

    April 14, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: So I’m not the only one who doesn’t understand. Nobody’s jumping in with the answer, either.

  48. 48.

    Mike J

    April 14, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    @efgoldman:

    I think he looked at some of his neighboring states, and asked himself why the taxpayers should pay for a lawsuit that’s a sure loser.

    Most Republicans are happy to spend millions on a losing lawsuit as long as they get to say ,”fuck you” to liberals. After they lose they can moan about how oppressed they are and how those evil liberals just cost the state millions of dollars.

  49. 49.

    Roger Moore

    April 14, 2016 at 8:03 pm

    @Major Major Major Major:

    You could always try drinking.

    Time to take a shot!

  50. 50.

    redshirt

    April 14, 2016 at 8:03 pm

    @Mike J: Also, racking up deficits so they can later use those deficits to handcuff Democrats.

  51. 51.

    Mike J

    April 14, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    @Mnemosyne:

    Or, as one of my fellow pedants here insisted

    There is a Finnish word, pilkunnussija that means, “comma fucker.” There are many who aspire to pedantry, and are only lowly pilkunnussijat.

  52. 52.

    MomSense

    April 14, 2016 at 8:13 pm

    Oh dear dog I turned on the tv and saw Ted Cruz.

    Not on my teevee.
    Not as a VP.
    I do not like him in White House.
    I do not like that creepy louse.

  53. 53.

    MomSense

    April 14, 2016 at 8:14 pm

    @Major Major Major Major:

    You are one of my favorite people even though I’ve never met you. Rooting for you!

  54. 54.

    MomSense

    April 14, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    @Mnemosyne:

    A Chorus Line was my first Broadway obsession.

  55. 55.

    WaterGirl

    April 14, 2016 at 8:21 pm

    @MomSense: Perfect!

  56. 56.

    Mnemosyne

    April 14, 2016 at 8:23 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    I can’t remember, did we pull you onto the Hamilton bandwagon yet? Because there’s a G&S reference in “Right-Hand Man.”

  57. 57.

    Gin & Tonic

    April 14, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    @Mike J: You’re making that up, aren’t you?

  58. 58.

    Mnemosyne

    April 14, 2016 at 8:25 pm

    @MomSense:

    Me, too. Sadly, I have zero acting or singing ability, so I never got very far in theater, though I was the stage manager for a play in 8th grade.

  59. 59.

    SiubhanDuinne

    April 14, 2016 at 8:26 pm

    @Mike J:

    If ever there were a reason to study Finnish….

  60. 60.

    LAO

    April 14, 2016 at 8:27 pm

    Since there’s no hockey thread, I just have ask. How as a mets and rangers fan, did I not know that Howie Rose calls Islanders games?

    The tread may now return to Hamilton worship.

  61. 61.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 14, 2016 at 8:29 pm

    @MomSense: aw thanks!

  62. 62.

    SiubhanDuinne

    April 14, 2016 at 8:30 pm

    @Mnemosyne:

    The modern Major-General? Made me laugh when I first caught it.

    Yes, on the wave of your enthusiasm I went out and bought the cast album and have been listening to it in the car. I also joined (although so far do not much participate in) a Facebook group called “Hamiltalk,” where you’d feel right at home :-)

  63. 63.

    MomSense

    April 14, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    @Mnemosyne:

    Stage managers are the business. I also loved Evita but I was so disappointed when I saw the show because I hated the staging sooo much. I had to just close my eyes so I could enjoy Patinkin and Lupone.

    My sister and I had a skit we did with great success. We would perform the advertisement that ran on the local NYC stations for the show. It was a big hit.

  64. 64.

    SiubhanDuinne

    April 14, 2016 at 8:33 pm

    And for something completely different (although in keeping with snappy verse), BASEBALL!!

    Forgive me please — I need to whine.
    Atlanta Braves are Oh and Nine.

    “It breaks your heart,” a wise man said.
    I won’t yet give them up for dead;

    But still, I do not know the reason
    For such a dismal start to season.

    Must we continue with such sorrow?
    We play Miami on the morrow.

    (And just in case it’s “if,” not “when,”
    I hope they won’t go Oh for Ten.)

  65. 65.

    redshirt

    April 14, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Somewhere Bobby Cox weeps.

  66. 66.

    Miss Bianca

    April 14, 2016 at 9:16 pm

    @lamh36: I listened to some of Obama’s speech at Science Fair…he is so awesome. I do hope if HRC gets into the WH she will continue it…

  67. 67.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    April 14, 2016 at 9:30 pm

    @lamh36:

    Aw, hell no!

  68. 68.

    taras

    April 14, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    When do the gypsies get to claim their culture has been appropriated?

  69. 69.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    April 14, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    @Mike J:

    You should have used one after pilkunnussija.

  70. 70.

    lahke

    April 14, 2016 at 11:43 pm

    The Perlman is making the cats go crazy.

  71. 71.

    Keith P.

    April 15, 2016 at 12:21 am

    @chopper: Because I’m not you. You’ll find that as you get older, it is quite common for the rest of the world to not share your beliefs and/or desires.

  72. 72.

    pluky

    April 15, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    @Mnemosyne: When Connie Chung married Maury Povich, one of the first things she did was learn Yiddish so that she’d know what the rest of the family thought they were saying over her head.

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