WGN Presents 'Yule Log' Set To Classic Radio Shows

From Multichannel News:

"WGN America will air Yule Log: The Golden Age Of Christmas, nine hours of holiday memories from the Golden Age of Radio, starting Dec. 24, officials said Wednesday.

The network, part of Tribune Broadcasting, will usher in Christmas by offering holiday programming from 9 p.m. Dec. 24 through 6 a.m. Dec. 25 using authentic presentations of classic radio programs set to the visual of the Yule Log hearth.

With new Yule Log footage (shot in HD) using the fireplace in Col. McCormick's (former Tribune president and editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune) office at Tribune Tower in Chicago, WGN America claims it will offer an alternative to the traditional Yule Log. While the flames burn, viewers will be hear timeless shows from the Golden Age of Radio..."

Read Complete Article

Afternoon Update

A Christmas Yuleblog shares a Power Pak Christmas:

Here are three Christmas albums released on the Power Pak label (a subsidiary of Gusto Records) from the mid-1970s. Lee Hartsfeld at Music You (Possibly) Won't Hear Anyplace Else shared out several tracks last year and I did the same for the 2007 Yuleblog Sampler.

Vic Jordan - Christmas Banjo
Don Charles & Jim Baker - Nashville Harmonica At Christmas
Jim Baker - A Steel Guitar Christmas

Startling facts about these albums:
1.) All three albums have the EXACT same lineup of songs from beginning to end!
2.) All three albums have the EXACT musical backgrounds but feature the instrument listed on the cover
3.) All three albums have nearly the EXACT same back cover!

bongobells shares A Garritan Community Christmas (Volumes 1-5)

Have Yourself A Rockin' Little Christmas @ She'll Grow Back

Little River Band — Mary's Christmas @ Pop Dose

Take a ride on Santa's Rod @ Big Rock Candy Mountain

Christmas Music Quiz @ Glorious Noise

How to Host A Cookie Swap Party @ Holidash

Full Metal Christmas @ Me and You and a Blog Named Boo

Santa Corleone @ Para Abnormal

What's Your Favorite Animated Holiday Special... and Why? @ the Classic Horror Films Board

Beautiful Christmas Wallpapers Collection

Tuesday Night Update

A Christmas Yuleblog shares NORAD Tracks Santa - Christmas 1968

Ernie (Not Bert) offers a marvelous companion share to A Christmas Yuleblog's earlier Marion Anderson LP. Head over to Ernie's for Marion Anderson Sings Christmas Carols With Franz Rupp At The Piano

The non-Bert'ster also has the bells and birds of Arthur Lynds Bigelow, Bell Master-Princeton University-"Christmas Carillon"

Guilt Free Pleasures offers Holiday Hash Part 3

The Audio Muffin's Top 5 Indie Music Christmas Albums for 2008

A few of "My Favorite Things" (SensesWorkingOvertime)

Vice Gives You The Gift Of Good Music - Free compilation @ Amazon

Eddie Argos - Countdown to Christmas @ Pigeons and Planes

The Long Winters, "Sometimes You Have to Work on Christmas (Sometimes)" @ RFT

Cantique de Noel: Minuit, chretiens! The Cylinder Archive release for December 2008:

The popular French Christmas carol, sung by Albert Quesnel on Edison Blue Amberol #2285 from January 1914.

"Christmas in Japan" by The Kyoto Connection

A Zang Christmas - Free Download

5 Holiday Tips for Tipping Service Providers @ Holidash

Christmas Recipes portal @ NYT

Holiday Advice from Lemony Snicket @ Omnivoracious

December Wallpaper, Holiday Music & Paper Shoes

white christmas cup cake (by pixel_boy)

My favorite source for desktop wallpaper (among other things) - Smashing Magazine - has released their December wallpaper selections. Check out the wonderful, seasonal wallpapers that come in a wide variety of sizes, and often with a choice of a December calendar as part of the image.

Cheerful Earful shares Merry Christmas from Al Morgan

Listen to The Deal Is's Christmas Mixtape

It's (almost) Christmas...@ Hits in the Car

The Pillar Cast Christmas Podcast

It's that time of year where all podcasts are Christian music podcasts. Original music from Darrell Smith and some old favorite tunes from Ball in the House, Admiral Twin, DegreeZero, Smallfish, and Jaime Thietten. Have yourself a happy and very merry Christmas!

Electric Fantastic Christmas 2008 (Free Download!)

Kites With Lights - I Wish Every Other Day Was Christmas
Hyperbubble - Christmas With The Bee Gees (Robin Reindeer Mix)
Schmoof - Turn On Christmas
Libra & Atari Cowboy - Little Drummer Boy
Exx - Around The Universe
Diskodiktator - Green Christmas
Electraset - Christmas Wish
Quelles Paroles - In The Ghetto
Selfcentered Spacecadet - Three Kings
The Garland Cult - Blue Heart For Christmas
Electraset - We Wish You A Medley Xmas

Make Paper Shoes for St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6) @ Foreign Language Fun

Christmas link round-up

Geilenkirchen, St. Nikolaus Market, 04 (by Hobby-Photograph)

Christmas Forever shares A Singer Christmas for the Family by The Mastertone Orchestra featuring the Don Janse Chorale and Favorite Christmas Songs from Singer by The Singer Orchestra

Joe Rock links to a tremendous selection of celebrity Christmas ID's at the daily wav

Christmas Music @ Download.com

Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh @ Nick.com

Christmas @ BBC Food

Snowflake and Yarn Wreath @ Cathie Fillian plus homemade Mini Cocoa Gifts

Santa's Beard Advent Calendar craft @ Kaboose

Resparkle Your Old Ornaments @ CraftStytlish

Holiday Gifts That Won't Break The Bank @ The Consumerist

Families.com collects some YouTube Christmas clips to help get you in the holiday spirit

Printable Letters from Santa @ Santaprintables.com

Christmas Music links, Ogden Nash, Chia Christmas Trees and more...

Kneehuggers (by paperheartpress)

AM, Then FM offers Three under the tree from the rare Verve vinyl Christmas Gospelodium

Guilt Free Pleasures' Holiday Hash Part 1 & Part 2

Ernie (Not Bert) shares Christmas With Ogden Nash

Big Rock Candy Mountain's Drinking Up Christmas on Santa Claus Shufflin' Stagecoach with the Xmas Present Blues again

bongobells spotlights seasonal chuckleheads Bah and the Humbugs

Christmas (as opposed to Bohemian) Rhapsody @ MeFi Music

Anglopunk at Condemned to Rock and Roll hates Christmas, so here's his Christmas Mix

Former Squeeze'r Chris Difford is teaming with the presenters of the BBC's The One Show to release a charity Christmas single - "Let's Not Fight This Christmas" - check out the project's Facebook Page

Glenn Packiam shares his new song "Gloria (Mary's Song)"

X-entertainment lights up The Chia Christmas Tree!

Christmas Music, Creepy ads, Wayside Waifs Charity CD + more

Jingle Bell Tree (by Kadance)

Two more albums newly shared at A Christmas Yuleblog: The wonderful Vincent Lopez & His Orchestra's "Christmas Music" & the steam whistle stylings (!) of "Marlin L. Ryan - York, PA Traditional Christmas Carols"

Ernie (Not Bert) has posted a pair of re-shares:
Saint Patrick's Cathedral Choir Sings Christmas Carols and Saint Patrick's Cathedral Choir Sings Christmas Songs-Volume 2

bongobells offers Away in a Manger x 19!

Can You See the Sunset... has part 2 of Can You See Santa From The Southside?

Sofia Talvik's annual free Christmas single "A Carol for the Lonely" (via stubbysfears)

Presents of Christmas Past! (Pac Man Edition) @ Geek Orthodox

Creepy Christmas Ads @ Holidash

Classic Disney Holiday Stories with Mickey, Minnie, Donald and more.




Wayside Waifs - a charity compilation CD, and labor of love, from the Twelve Months of Christmas's Tone King, is finally available for purchase!

Here's the Tone King discussing it at Twelve Months of Christmas and here's a direct link to the compilation's very own web site.

Congratulations to the Tone King on putting together this amazing album and helping out our less fortunate four-legged friends!

Christmas Music links plus the ultimate holiday TV viewing guide!

elf (by aragogweb)

CaptainOT over at a Christmas Yuleblog shares the terrific The Three Suns - The Sounds of Christmas EP

Three under the Tree Day One and Day Two at AM, Then FM

It's time for our daily dose of Ernie (not Bert)'s holiday cheer with the seasonal organ compilation A Kimball Christmas, the regional school choir/glee club collection Christmas In Cleveland and a new share for 2008 The Cardinal's Cathedral Choristers, Conductor: Very Reverend Monsignor Charles N. Meter-Carols Of The Nations

Can You See the Sunset offers Can You See Santa From The Southside? (Punk Christmas Songs)

Jul Igen shares Dances Around the Christmas Tree

Leaky Sparrow shares some Adrienne Pierce (and John Denver!)

Mike Went West shares it's choice for The Greatest Christmas Song Ever - Frightened Rabbit - It's Christmas So We'll Stop

The Killers with Elton John Launch Christmas Song Charity Collaboration @ Holidash

Diane Werts has released her massive compendium of the season's holiday TV programming:

From Diane's Blog:

The TV listings come in three separately linked categories --

* Christmas episodes, which means mostly scripted sitcoms and dramas with characters celebrating (or suffering from) the holiday.

* Christmas movies, which includes theatrical films old and new, plus made-for-TV movies, a genre proliferating of late. (Thank you, Lifetime and Hallmark.)

* Christmas specials, which collects just about everything else -- animated specials old and new, Christmas concerts/ballets, seasonal music videos and clip shows, reality/documentary programs, lifestyle shows (food, decor, etc.), tree-lightings, kids shows/cartoons, and other random inclusions.

Find out more about the lists here ...

and access the continually updated lists here:

• CHRISTMAS EPISODES!
• CHRISTMAS SPECIALS!
• CHRISTMAS MOVIES!

Thanksgiving Night quickie

Happy Thanksgiving from Dartman's World of Wonder

Tune into Azathoth's Thanksgiving SomethingCast

Lots of stuff at Ernie (not Bert) including re-shares of The Going Thing, The Joy Strings, and the Thanksgiving single Thanksgiving Parade. Got all that already? well Ernie has you covered with a couple of super rare film-strip soundtracks - Squanto And The First Thanksgiving and How We Got Our Christmas Customs plus the way out groovy sounds of The Candy Store's "Turned On Christmas"

Twelve Months of Christmas debut's the Tone King's new podcast "The Phantom Blogger" full of rare Christmas treats.

Check out bongobells 2008 Christmas Sampler

New Christmas Music from Mannheim Steamroller and Faith Hill

Here are a couple of quick first impressions of the new holiday releases from Mannheim Steamroller and Faith Hill...

Christmasville
Mannheim Steamroller

Commissioned by Universal Theme Parks the main selling point of this new disc from Chip Davis, and his Mannheim Steamroller empire, is the presence of vocals on most of the tracks. As with all Mannheim Steamroller efforts Christmasville is a pleasant, if brief at 31 minutes, holiday listening experience but I'm not sure the generic vocal performances are an improvement on the usual formula. Perhaps if I'd seen the show the music's been written for it would click with me more.



Joy to the World
Faith Hill

Country superstar Faith Hill's seasonal gift is a little bit country but only a little bit, it's also a little bit jazzy, a little bit soulful and a surprisingly well rounded effort that will probably find it's way into my holiday listening a lot more than I would have at first expected.

Holiday Links for a chilly Monday morning

Tis the Season to be Jolly (by Lester Shih)

Nikki's Sweet Potatoes @ 101 Cookbooks

The Great Thanksgiving Side Dishstravaganza (CityMama)

Thanksgiving Food 911: 3 Important Tips to Save Your Sanity @ Hugging the Coast

The Kitchn:

• Thanksgiving Tofu Loaf
• Quince and Apple Tart
• Getting Ready for Thanksgiving
• How To Cut Up a Turkey Before Roasting?

Roasted Acorn Squash and Bacon Penne @ Iron Steph

Brandied Cranberries @ Simple Recipes

Serious Eats: Paula Deen Is Trying to Kill Us: The Thanksgiving Special plus In Season: Cranberries

Super Punch has more terrific Thanksgiving links

Snowball Fight! (by boopsie.daisy)

Celebrate Christmas with Snoddas @ Jul Igen

Cool-Mo-Dee shares some Christmas music links

Be Jolly, By Golly has 9 Ways to Green Your Christmas

Nightmare Before Christmas toy spotlight @ Super Punch

Netflix Watch Instantly (req. acct.)

This Christmas

Gathering to celebrate Christmas together for the first time in four years, the Whitfield clan uses the opportunity to finally share their true feelings about one another. Small arguments over holiday traditions such as trimming the tree erupt into major conflicts that test the family's bonds. Delroy Lindo, Laz Alonso, Mekhi Phifer, Idris Elba and Regina King star in this ensemble film that fuses family drama, comedy and holiday cheer.

On First Listen: New Christmas Albums by Los Lonely Boys, David Arkenstone & Mary-Chapin Carpenter

Here are my first impressions of three new holiday releases...

Los Lonely Boys - Christmas Spirit

Anchored by the suburb track "I've Longed For Christmas" this rootsy 10 track stocking stuffer from Los Lonely Boys is destined for heavy rotation in my holiday music mix this year. At this, admittedly early moment, "I've Longed For Christmas" may be my favorite new rock Christmas song of the year.

Press Repeat:
I've Longed For Christmas, She'll Be My Everything For Christmas, Carol of the Bells, Away in a Manger



David Arkenstone - Christmas Lounge

Generic melding of new age noodling and "lounge" beats. I expected more from Akenstone for some reason, but this left absolutely no impression on me - of course your mileage may vary.



Mary-Chapin Carpenter - Come Darkness Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas

Beautifully crafted, mostly acoustic, offering from Mary-Chapin Carpenter offers a subdued and gracious collection of songs that could easily have been subtitled "devotions, reflections and lullabies". Heartfelt and highly recommended.

Today's Holiday Links

Jazze Merry Christmas 2 U (by jazzejunqueinc)

Download Amazon's Holiday MP3 Sampler

X-Entertainment: Garfield's Thanksgiving: A Ravoo.

Top Turkeys @ Chow plus Is Canned Cranberry Sauce Evil?

Gearing up for Thanksgiving with CityMama

Cooking Light: Lighten Up: Holiday Classics

NYT Diner's Journal's Thanksgiving Q and A

The Kitchn asks "Do You Serve Appetizers for Thanksgiving Dinner?" plus Fresh Cranberry Relish

Thyme-Roasted Sweet Potatoes @ Serious Eats

An intimate Thanksgiving, chef-style. @ LoHud.com

Cathie Fillian's Dollar Saving Holiday Ideas

How to Crochet Autumn Leaves to Decorate Your Table @ Craftstylsh

Thanksgiving Recipes: Cranberry Desserts @ Families.com plus Fun Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained on Thanksgiving

Reader's Digest: Gifts to Please the Man in Your Life plus Don't Let the Economy Grinch Steal Your Holiday Cheer

The Snowballs - "Song About Christmas" at the Free Christmas Music Blog

Listen to the first rehearsal for Radio Theatre Group's production of Back for Christmas

Christmas quickie

Ilexkranz mit Schleife - Holly wreath with bow (by Tortentante)

Christmas trax from Gentleman Auction House, Chris Daniels & The Kings, Deep 6 Holiday, Deni Bonet and Ed Harcourt at The Late Greats

The Jul stylings of Thore Skogman re-posted at Jul Igen

Tip Junkie offers 5 Tips for Simplifying Your Holidays

Holiday links quickie

How to Peel and Cut a Butternut Squash @ Simply Recipes plus Butternut Squash with Browned Butter and Thyme

How to Make a Garland with Punch (CraftStylish)

Tussie Mussie "upside-down elf hats" craft at Christy's Closet

Jaunty Snowman Ornapendant @ The Impatient Crafter

Handmade Christmas Card a Day @ Scrapscene

Gourmet's Favorite Cookies - The best of 60 years of recipes from Gourmet Magazine (via Cooking Monster)

Star Wars Holiday stuff and more...

Tips and recipes from your favorite Food Network stars @ Hulu

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Star Wars Holiday Special at starwarsholidayspecial.com.

Plus, don't forget last years hilarious Rifftrax commentary still available, for a nominal fee, at rifftrax.com.

And, with the Force still in mind, check out Star Wars Galactic Heroes Stocking Stuffers at X-Entertainment.

DVD Savant reviews A Shari Lewis Christmas

Santa Claus has appeared as a character in more than 600 films and TV shows. according to the IMDB.

5 Holiday Copyright Hazards for Bloggers @ The Blog Herald

Christmas quickie

Hamley's Christmas Lights (by jenniejenjen06)

Irving Berlin'sWhite Christmas comes to Broadway

Internet Archive:

You Asked For It
Incomplete but fascinating 1950's TV broadcast of "You Asked for It" with a Christmas theme. As noted, it's missing a few minutes, but it's still watchable.

Martha Stewart's Christmas Workshop begins Nov. 17 - sign up now!

How Riggers Raise the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: Live on Scene (Popular Mechanics)

Create A Cookie @ Better Homes and Gardens Plus 22 Showstopping Christmas Cookies

Holiday Links Quickie

angels on horses (by jerry_springberg)

Maple Sweet Potatoes & Thanksgiving Roasted Veggies @ Cathie Filian

More Easy Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crafts @ Families.com plus Recipes for Your Thanksgiving Snack Table

Christmas with Yngve Stoor - king of Swedish Hawaii-music @ Jul Igen

Sample the new Christmas release from The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain

Denim Decoration, A Blue Christmas, in a Good Way @ Craftside

How to Make a Button Advent Calendar @ Craftstylish

Today's Stocking Stuffers

Have a Wonderful Weekend ! (by Ming chai)

DVD Talk Reviews:

Fred Claus
Barbie in A Christmas Carol
Alvin and The Chipmunks: Holiday Gift Set

Netflix Watch Instantly (req. acct.)

Holiday Inn
Bing Crosby croons to the tune of the Oscar-winning "White Christmas" in Irving Berlin's love triangle romantic comedy. Tired of the bright lights of showbiz, Jim Hardy (Crosby) retires to the countryside to become a farmer. He converts the farm into the Holiday Inn, open only on holidays, then competes against his pal (Fred Astaire) for a singer-dancer's (Marjorie Reynolds) affection.

Why you'll Spend More Money During Last Minute Christmas Shopping (Christmas Dreams Online)

Organized Christmas: Set Up a Wrap and Mail Center!

Sirius / XM Holiday Lineup

The new merged Sirius/XM Satellite Radio lineup begins today and while I was updating my Sirius favorites on my Dish Network DVR I noticed that Cinemagic (formally an XM station) was playing Holly, a Christmas station. My program guide still says Cinemagic but the song details pop-up correctly lists the Holly info - I imagine the program guide will update eventually.

So I surfed over to the Sirius website and found this...

HOLLY
Ch. 81: Contemporary holiday hits mixed with selected traditional favorites. Listen for Bruce Springsteen, Amy Grant, The Carpenters, Mannheim Steamroller and more. Holly will air beginning on November 12 at 12 midnight ET through New Year's Eve, December 31.

Holiday Pops
HOLIDAY POPS
Ch. 79: Beloved carols sung by the greatest classical musicians of all-time, including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Luciano Pavarotti, Boston Pops and Leontyne Price among others. Holiday Pops will air November 27 through Christmas Day, December 25.

Radio Hanukkah
RADIO HANUKKAH
Ch. 3: A celebration showcasing Hanukkah music and Jewish culture. Radio Hanukkah will air beginning the first night of Hanukkah on December 21 starting at 12 midnight ET to December 29.

Bing Crosby Christmas Radio
BING CROSBY CHRISTMAS RADIO
Ch. 113: A non-stop broadcast of more than twenty years of vintage Bing Crosby holiday radio specials, featuring a wide variety of Crosby's beloved music — including his most popular recording ever, "White Christmas" — and special guests like Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Bob Hope among others. Bing Crosby Christmas Radio will air beginning December 15 at 12 midnight ET to Christmas Day, December 25.

Dish subscribers, like me, should get Holly and Pops but I don't know about the other two.