| Friday, October 24, 2008 |
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| Sonny Terry and His Harmonica |
SpotlightSounds of the harmonica bring on visions of lonely music around the campfire and smoky blues clubs. Harmonicas come in many varieties; though we still most commonly hear the instrument in blues and folk music, the harmonica is being heard more and more in classical, jazz, pop and hip-hop. Sonny Terry, born on this date in 1911, became one of America's greatest harmonica players. Blinded in his teens, he concentrated on his music and began performing with guitarists. His partnership with blues guitarist Brownie McGhee lasted nearly 50 years.
Quote"In them days I just as soon died — except for my harmonica. It was like a friend who didn't give a damn if I could see or not."
Question of the DayHow does a harmonica work?
There are many types of harmonicas. I will describe to you how a diatonic harmonica works: A harmonica has a chambered body with each chamber containing 2 small metal reeds. The reeds are flipped in alignment from each other. As you blow into one of the chambers, air passes over the first reed and causes it to vibrate; this vibration causes the sound you hear.
Word of the dayflambé
[flahm-BAY] French for "flamed" or "flaming," this dramatic method of food presentation consists of sprinkling certain foods with liquor, which, after warming, is ignited just before serving.
What's for dinner? And how do I make it? This week we'll sample some cooking terminology.
Today's History
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| Niagara Falls |
- Annie Edson Taylor: seeking fame and fortune, the former schoolteacher became the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel; she used a pickle barrel (1901)
- United Nations: international organization now comprising 192 member states was formally established (1945)
- Toronto Blue Jays: became the first non-US team to win the World Series, downing the Atlanta Braves in 6 (1992)
Today's Birthdays
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| Kweisi Mfume |
- Anton van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723): scientist and microscopist
- Bob Kane (1915-1998): cartoonist creator of Batman
- Bill Wyman (72): bassist of the Rolling Stones
- Kevin Kline (61): award-winning actor; other actors born on this date include F. Murray Abraham (69) and B.D. Wong (48)
- Kweisi Mfume (60): former president of the NAACP
- Monica (28): R&B singer
- Wayne Rooney (23): Man United's famous young forward; NFL hall-of-famer Y.A. Tittle (82) shares this birthday
