Spirit of Christmas #BOTB showdown
Good morning, kittens and dawgs! To kick off this most wonderful time of the year, I found a freebie I wanted to share with you (click image below). This is a festive DIY project. I used a sheet of beige card-stock, printed in color, and wha-lah I had a set of beautiful Christmas tags to use on gifts for the family!
Now I have you thinking about the holidays I ask you to join me in round one of December Battle of the Bands and thanks to Jeffrey’s last showdown I was inspired to do something different.
Instead of doing one cover song with two different bands, I’m featuring two Christmas flash mob videos for you to vote on. This is one time where I want you to not only listen, but watch the video to see which captures the Spirit of Christmas best.
This video is long, but flash mob #1 is at the opening segment that takes place at Cache Valley Mall.
The next scene is very different from the first and in what you typically find on YouTube; the mood set by flash mob #2 moved my heart.
Who gets your vote? Did you like flash mob #1 or #2 best? Tell me in comments which flash mob video gets your vote and why. There is no wrong way to vote, except a no vote and that’s a big bah-hum-bug! 😀
Grab a cup of hot chocolate, don’t forget the marshmallows, while you continue the fun with more epic battles with a few of my amazing friends:
?Far Away Series (Brain Child of this little meme) ?Stephen from STMcC Presents ‘Battle of the Bands’(Blog Hop Coordinator of sorts) ❆Tossing It Out ❆Your Daily Dose ❆Book Lover ❆Mike’s Ramblings ❆The Sound of One Hand Typing ❆dcrelief ~ Battle of the Bands ❆Alex J. Cavanaugh ❆Shady Dell Music & Memories ❆The Doglady’s Den ❆Cherdo on the Flipside ❆Angels Barks ❆JingleJangleJungle ❆Janie Junebug Righting & Editing ❆J.A. Scott ❆NovelBrews ❆Holli’s Hoots and Hollers ❆Quiet Laughter
Don’t forget, the polls close midnight December 6th and I’ll share the results of this competition with my pick on the 7th. Mark your calendar and stop by to see if your pick gets named! Thanks for joining in on the fun. I’ll be join the Monday’s Music Moves Me crew today and I am looking forward to dancing with you. This is Curious as a Cathy signing off with It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Check out Daily Blog Hops (at the top) for more music memes.
33 Comments
mike spain
The first one get my vote it looked like it was more of surprise to the people. The second one was moving. I like your twist!
Cathy Kennedy
Thanks Mike! I have your vote recorded for FM#1!
Stephen T. McCarthy
CATHY ~
I vote for #1 because it was totally spontaneous, whereas #2 was obviously pre-planned.
[BTW, I am the average American and I represent the Common Man in the U.S.A. So, if anything I say seems stupid-as-hell, well… there you have it.]
Darkness Of Night wrote the following:
“I second that emotion. It’s a great idea for BOTB participants to stagger the publishing dates of battles and allow early voting. Publishing battles on different dates reduces the listener fatigue that comes when everybody posts the same day, giving us more time to appreciate each member’s contributions.”
I agree because, you know, 6 days and 6 nights of voting eligibility is just SO LIMITING. I mean, look at me… Tomorrow will be my first day off from work since Thanksgiving Day. I have worked 8 days in a row, most of them 10 or 12.5 hour days (84 hours in 8 straight days).
And yet, somehow, I still have more than 48 hours in which to get all my BOTB votes in before the deadline.
Yes, by all means we should ALWAYS take Shady’s advice because he’s such a genius. (Someday he could even realize that he was never actually “banned” from BOTB. But then he’d have to alter the name of his “Battle Of The Banned” series, so… I’m sure that “realization” will never occur.)
CATHY, my friend, beware of the DARKNESS which seeks to destroy the places where it really isn’t welcome.
~ D-FensDogG
‘Loyal American Underground’
Cathy Kennedy
Stephen, gotcha down for FM#1. I don’t know what the beef is between you and Mr. Shady, but I’m staying out of it. lol I would like to say this, communication via written form can can mistranslated very easily. I spent many years on the inky trail as a penpaller and know how easy it is to misread someone’s intent. What ever is going on here, then maybe one day it’ll resolve itself or perhaps y’all can come together collectively to fix the problem. I appreciate your concerns and duly noted. You’re a good friend! However, Mr. Shady has been only a gentleman and good friend thus far. You know, I have problems with making my rounds in Blogosphere and I’m a SAHW. I can’t image how tight your schedule or others who blog and work outside the home. Personally, I don’t think I could balance both very well and like to stagger my visits so to make experience more enjoyable. Now to hop over to your place. Have a Merry Christmas, my friend!
Stephen T. McCarthy
CATHY ~
I have several beefs with him. And, no, not one of them has a thing to do with “mistranslations”, misunderstandings, or poor communication due to limitations in conveying ideas via the written word. Everything is well understood.
But it was NOT my intent to drag you into it. There’s no cause for that. And I don’t even think about the guy until he pops up with something like this and begins to irritate me again.
All I really meant to say was that there’s no reason for anyone to alter the BOTB posting dates (unless it works better for the BOTBer, personally, once in awhile). The posting dates and closing dates have worked well for over 2 years now. I see no reason to fix what isn’t broken.
And when I see someone who is not a participant suggesting otherwise, I immediately get suspicious that he’s slyly trying to undermine the continuity of a fun blogfest where he’s a disgruntled outsider.
In short, let’s not routinely mess with the posting schedule which has worked just fine for 56 Battles now. That’s all. And thanks. As you were, my friend.
~ D-FensDogG
Cathy Kennedy
Stephen, I feel like I touched a very sensitive nerve with you & that wasn’t my intent. I hate when two mutual people I consider friends are at odds with one another. I pray that you’ll find peace instead of dismay one day. Every person in my blogging circle are precious to me & I count you all as immense blessings. For your future happiness try to let these bad feelings go. Life is too short.
Cherdo
You’ve outdone yourself today, Cathy! What a great idea for contenders. Flash mobs are awesome.
Of the two, as difficult as it may be, I have to say that I gotta go with #2.
Happy holidays, girlfriend!
Cathy Kennedy
Cherdo, Gotcha on record for #2. You have a hap-hap-happy Christmas, too!
Jeffrey Scott
It’s cool to know I inspired someone to do something a little different. I love a good flash mob. Both videos were very good, the USAF particularly played well. But in the spirit of the flash mob, I think the first one truly captured the moment so I’m giving my vote that way.
Thanks for another fun BOTB.
Cathy Kennedy
Jeffrey, I have you down for #1. I’m sure you’ve inspired more people and just don’t know it. I try to give others credit when I can because I know how good it makes me feel when someone gives me credit. Have a tunetastic week!
Robin
I think I must not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, because I’m a bit confused about the first video. Are we voting on the entire video as a whole or just the first two and a half minutes? My first thought was the first two and a half minutes, but now I’m doubting myself and so I continued to watch it. Turns out I actually like the second flash mob better than the first. Handel’s Messiah is an awe-inspiring piece of music. I also liked the third segment better than the first. It was a nice mix of traditional carols and was well done. I love the faces of the passersby:) SO, if this is the first video in its entirety I’d choose it because I love Handel’s Messiah and O Holy Night… and I think the “feeling” in the malls is wonderful. I would love to be there when this sort of thing begins. How amazing!
Now, the second video was incredible, but then these folks are pros and this is what they do. It was wonderful and majestic better executed than all of the others. It was a planned event versus an actual “flash mob.” And I loved it.
So, if the contest is between Cache Valley (only) and the Air Force I choose the Air Force.
If the contest is between video number one (all three flash mobs, particularly #2 and #3) I choose it (because of 2 and 3) over the Air Force performance.
Did that make sense???
Cathy Kennedy
Robin, sorry for the confusion. Yes, contender #1 is Cache Valley Mall only. I’m glad you liked watch Flash Mob vid 1, though. It’s pretty amazing, but for some reason the mall FM presentation just grabbed me. Perhaps it was the mood I was in that day. Oh well, I have you down the Air Force FM for your vote and yes I totally understood your preferences. lol
Robin
I feel better now. I did read it correctly!
Debbie D.
Hi, Cathy; What a lovely start to the season! 🙂 The first flash mob was more casual, but still enjoyable. There’s something about a military band though, that just appeals to me more! (I’m an army brat.) I also preferred their choice of material, so # 2 for me.
Cathy Kennedy
Debbie, I didn’t know you were an army brat. I understand where your loyalties lay here, girl. I gotcha down for #2.
Birgit
I love the flash mobs because it shows love and hope and peace. I watched the whole thing of #1 and the Messiah by Handel is just amazing. They all are. I still go with Mob #2 because I love the way it started with one of my favourite carols. Great way to start off Christmas which I love!
Cathy Kennedy
Birgit, so glad you liked the way I kicked off the Christmas season. Flash mobs are so magical! I have your vote recorded for #1.
dcrelief
Hi Cathy! Number 1 really touched me, more so than the second one. Loved it all. I hope you’ll have a great Christmas!
Dixie
Far Away Eyes
This was a fantastic idea and a whole lot of fun. I’m really enjoying the change up some if you guys are doing with BOTB. It’s not so drastic as to change the whole concept, but different enough to keep it interesting.
Both if these videos were great and it’s a difficult choice, but I think I’ll go with the first. I like the idea of ordinary people in their street clothes coming together for these spectacar performances.
Cathy Kennedy
Fae, I’m with you. I like flash mob performance by ordinary folks. I would SO love to see something like this first hand. That would be AMAZING! I gotcha down for #1. Now to hop over to see whatcha got for me!
Stacy Uncorked
I’m definitely voting for Flash Mob #2 – absolutely awesome! 🙂
i’ll Drink You Away and come Running For You because There’s Nothin’ Like You even a Million Years Ago
Cathy Kennedy
Stacy, you’re a peach to play along! Thanks for voting. I have you down for #2. I’ll dance over to your place soon!
greyzoned/angelsbark
Wow, Flash Mob #2 blew me away! The Air Force band is fantastic! Give my vote to them.
The first one was fun of course but FM#2 really moved me. Superior performance!
Really fun battle Cathy.
Michele at Angels Bark
Cathy Kennedy
Michele, Great to see you this morning. I’m glad you enjoyed the battle. I have you down for FM#2. Now to hop over to your place!
XmasDolly
Totally awesome my friend… the holidays have finally arrived. Woo Hoo!!! My time of year.. I just finished my village, but I still need a few things. Which I love looking for… hehehehehe HAPPY HAPPY…
Cathy Kennedy
Marie, I haven’t put my village up yet. Maybe before the week is up I can get mine in place. Thanks for stopping by!
Janie Junebug
Both bring tears to my eyes, but I felt especially moved by the military participation in the second. I vote for #2.
Love,
Janie
P.S. I’ve changed the name of my blog and will appreciate it if you change it in the list of participants. Please replace WOMEN: WE SHALL OVERCOME with Janie Junebug Righting & Editing.
Cathy Kennedy
Janie, thanks for letting me know you changed your blog title. I will make the correction on this post and for future battles. Thanks for casting your vote. I have you down for #2. I’ll be over ASAP!
Patrick Weseman
Got the Andy going on, love it.
Thomas Anderson
Hi, dear Cathy! What Mr. Arlee Bird wrote – I second that emotion. It’s a great idea for BOTB participants to stagger the publishing dates of battles and allow early voting. Publishing battles on different dates reduces the listener fatigue that comes when everybody posts the same day, giving us more time to appreciate each member’s contributions. I am also happy to see more participants thinking outside the box and feeling free to deviate from the established BOTB format thereby proving that variety is the spice of life.
I love flash mobs and have watched quite a few on YouTube. I enjoyed both of these, never having seen them before. My vote goes to entry #2, the Air Force band and chorus, because they did theirs live while the first flash mob appeared to be a lip sync performance. The USAF band evoked more holiday spirit in me, as did the chorus. It’s a classic, Cathy.
In case you haven’t seen it, I invite you to watch the flash mob performance that was recorded a few years ago in my hometown, York, PA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6VRFsSidIc
Have a wonderful week, dear friend Cathy!
Cathy Kennedy
Tom, SO glad you enjoyed the flash mob vids. I certainly hear where you’re coming from regarding an overload of music to vote on, but I try to not do it all on one shot anyhow and that’s why I’m often running late. lol Thanks for providing the YouTube link to the flash mob from your hometown. It was amazing. You got me to thinking, I wonder if there are any from my area? Now, I will have to do a little digging. I appreciate you playing alone, dear friend. I hope you enjoy the Spirit of Christmas!
Arlee Bird
I was kinda glad seeing you get an early start so I could watch both of these carefully. #2 was dazzling and technically superior to the Cache Valley Mob, but I think the #1 was more fun for me.
I vote for #1 Cache Valley Mob.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Cathy Kennedy
Lee, yeah I decided to get a jump start after being away last week. I don’t want to be too pushed where the internet is concerned this month. I just wanna have fun. Thanks for voting. I have your vote logged. I’ll hop over to your place soon. Here’s hoping the Spirit of Christmas fills you throughout the coming days!