A Brief Introduction to Rockabilly Music

Rockabilly is all about the music and it has its own unique culture. This article will explore Rockabilly music, from its beginnings at Sun Records to today. Subsequent articles will explore other aspects of the Rockabilly culture including pinups, burlesque, vintage clothing, and classic cars.

I first learned about Rockabilly when I started looking for swing dance opportunities. At Viva las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender, I discovered 1950s pinup Bettie Page. I fell in love with her and her sexy spirit and wrote my novel Bettie Page: Aphrodite Rising.

Origin of Rockabilly Music

Sun Records is considered the birthplace of the Rockabilly sound. It was founded in 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee, by Sam Phillips. He picked the name Sun Records, for its optimism: a new day and a new beginning. …

President Biden’s Inaugural Address on January 20, 2021, set a new tone for American’s future and gave us a reason to hope.

As an English teacher, I was listening to President Biden’s speech for references and allusions to other works of literature and was not disappointed. This article dives into the history of a few of his phrases to help the listener appreciate his speech at a deeper level. I recommend that teachers share the speech with their students as a great example of speech writing and the use of allusions and references to American Literature.

A Dream Deferred

“A cry of racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.” …

Rob stood at the bar trying not to feel insecure. This wasn’t his scene. He was good looking enough–brown hair, stubble beard, fit body–but he didn’t have that ephemeral “it” that made women want him. He’d had girlfriends but, the chemistry had never been strong enough to make things last. He was at this trendy bar with his buddy Mitch, who had shamed him into coming.

“Come on Dude, you can’t honestly want to sit home another night? You’re turning into an old man in your thirties.”

“All right, but we know how this will end. The girls will swarm around you, and I’ll be your lame side kick. Then you’ll go off with a prize on the back of your bike and I’ll Uber home alone.” …

More Than Just a Kissing Plant

In the U.S., we don’t think much about magical mistletoe. We hear about it in songs and want to stand under it with an attractive partner. But, this parasitic plant has a rich mythological history in Europe, as well as a fascinating natural history in science.

Mistletoe Hunting

Mistletoe is challenging to find in Southern California. From my research, I knew it liked oak trees. So we drove to Garner Valley, which lies on Highway 74, connecting Palm Desert to Idyllwild. We got past the pines and discovered oaks on some backroads. …

Is there a science nerd or tree hugger on your Xmas list?

Whether they are a scientist, teacher, or just have a love of learning, here are 10 titles that are perfect for the science lover on your list.

Wildhood: The Astounding Connections Between Human and Animal Adolescents by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, MD, and Kathryn Bowers

It is easy to think of your teen as uniquely frustrating, but it turns out that all adolescents, both animals and humans, go through similar phases on their journey from childhood to adulthood. As a middle school teacher, and parent of two kids just out of their wildhood, I found this book intriguing. Behaviors that troubled me, like risk-taking and an over dependence on peer opinion, suddenly became a normal biological part of adolescence. Ecologists, teachers and parents alike will benefit from reading this engaging book filled with fascinating biological examples. …

Buy a Pinup Photo Shoot for your Favorite Gal

A photo shoot with a professional photographer is the perfect pinup Xmas present. Initially you might think this is only a gift for a man to give his lover, but a pinup photo shoot is empowering. Women can buy it for their sisters, friends, or themselves. Two hours to feel beautiful and be the center of attention, with the result of pictures to cherish.

I bought a photo shoot for myself in October because I needed some professional images for my book Bettie Page: Aphrodite Rising. Since Bettie Page was the queen of the 1950s pinups, I knew that was the style I wanted for the shoot. I had a fantastic time and the photos exceeded my expectations. …

Classic Roadside Attraction Near Palm Springs

Located just 13 miles west of Palm Springs, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are a “must see” on your next road trip. Off the Interstate-10, are two giant dinosaurs. Mr. Rex has been freshly painted as Santa Claus for the first time ever! Dinny the dinosaur, who used to be brown, is now green too.

If there is one thing the COVID19 crisis has taught us is that hobbies are important. Without a job, hours filled with internet surfing and T.V. become unbearable. Many of us watched our fathers slide downhill after retiring.

Claude Bell faced the retirement crisis head on. He created the incredible dinosaur roadside attractions located off Interstate 10. Bell began construction of these novelty architecture masterpieces in 1964. Originally called Claude Bell’s Dinosaurs, they are now called the Cabazon Dinosaurs. …

The Red Christmas Flower from Mexico

Every year, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I buy poinsettias and begin decorating for Christmas. It turns out that I am not alone. Over 76 million poinsettia are sold during the six week holiday season in the U.S. This makes it the top selling potted flowering plant.

Commercial Poinsettias Have San Diego Origins

Commercial cultivation of the poinsettia started in San Diego, California in the 1920s. Paul Ecke started with a native plant from Mexico. That original plant eventually became 180 new varieties. Ecke discovered a grafting technique that caused the seedlings to branch. Originally they sold the flowers at roadside stands. …