Day 20 – A video hodgepodge …
We’re starting off today with a video submission by Mike that beautifully portrays the power of music. Yes, it’s from a fictional movie but most of us will be able to relate to that scene in one way or another.
This is the YouTube link:
(HD) The Shawshank Redemption (Mozart Opera Scene)
Afterwards the both of us do what we do almost every other day – off screen usually. We show each other funny short videos we have saved and laugh at them more then we probably should. It’s so easy to get sucked into the YouTube “Shorts” rabbit hole, and today we’re taking you with us! đ
We just made a playlist with them all so we don’t have to list them here individually:
Things that make us laugh and are even funnier when you watch them at 2am
Also, let us remind you that the Livestream is only 3 days away! Here are the details again:
December 23rd 2022
London â 10 pm (GMT)
Los Angeles â 2 pm
New York â 5 pm
Berlin â 11 pm
Moscow â 1 am
Sydney â 9 am
You can use this time converter if you live in a different time zone.
We’ll remind you again this coming week but you can already save the livestream link HERE.
Stay groovy,
Mona & Lisa
I love watching you 2 interact. So sweet. And I’m like Lisa, some stories I see on the news sometimes brings tears to my eyes as well. Usually stories about someone or some group of people helping a kid or sick person will make me tear up. Seeing Lisa tear up nearly made ME tear up!
That was interesting, I’ve never seen Shankman Redemption , I think itvwas because it wasn’t my kind of thing, and I’m probe to anxiety/panic attacks brought on by heavy duty emotional movies where subject matter disturbs me, triggers the attacks, as does the Holocaust stuff to begin with, but enjoyed Mona & Lisa’s reactions and again, an interesting submission for Day 20 …..Tgankyou submitter and Team MLT for Day 20 !!!!
Shawshank Redemption is a must see.
Mona and Lisa as I mentioned in the past, I found you back in 2017 a dark time in my life with a lot of going on in my family and your music has lifted me out of the darkness into joy. Your music has got me thru some very difficult times in my life, your love and joy of life is up lifting and your down to earth attitude towards life speaks volumes. Music is a huge part of my life, each day I listen you your CD’S or this advent special and thru out the day I listen to music what ever I am doing, it is so nice to hear beautiful music, harmoneys blending etc…what comes to mind is Sounds of Silence that you both just recently did and for a time I loved the version from other artists but your version comes from the heart and so fluid with cresendo’s is beautiful.
MARQUEE STUDIOS (Part of the Marquee Club, London, UK)
This is the recording studio where The Beatles recorded their 1965 Christmas Album sent out to official fan club members.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx84goCpstY
Horses for Courses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5lg_-P4aoA
Those shorts were really cute! As for the Shawshank Redemption, one of the best movies I have ever seen!
Before I get into making a comment on todays video I want to say THANK YOU for the beautiful Christmas card I received todayâŠI took a picture of it front and back and gave it a titleâŠA Class Act from Liverpool, England âŠand sent it off to friends and relativesâŠ..and Iâve received positive responses in returnâŠ.thanks againâŠRick Twomey Dallas / Ft Worth Texas
Great movie -so, great choice today! Mona, you will love it!
I also have been on the “YouTube animal algorithm” lately. Several that I have seen involve humans playing music for animals, including; dogs, cats, elephants, parrots, deer, and others with very interesting reactions.
I enjoy learning what researchers have discovered about the way the brain is “wired” and music. There is a wonderful book written by Dr. Oliver Sacks at Columbia University titled “Musicophilia -tales of music and the brain”. They used to think the brain processes music in similar ways we process speech, but not so. There is also separate research connecting the rhythms and pitch frequencies we associate with music to their response in insects and other invertebrates. Nature is amazing and it appears that music is a powerful force, at least on our planet. But, I certainly don’t need to tell any MLT Club members that, do I?!
Stephen, one of the most memorable YouTube videos I ever found was of a Dixieland combo playing alongside a cow pasture. All the cows walked up to the fence for a closer look and were just mesmerized by the music. Oh, to get inside their heads and know what they were thinking…
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Yes David, I don’t know whether we are smart enough to know how smart they are -but that would be “moo”velous!
Hello Ladies,
I’ve seen Shawshank many times. If you don’t know, 2 weeks in the hole, means 2 weeks in Solitary Confinement. Supposedly each day in the hole equals 1 week off your life.
I loved the shorts. I’ve seen several. There is one where the Parakeet cuss out its owner.
Good videos today as always.
Have a great week
Rick Ross
Very funny today’s video.
I love to see them smile
I never saw The Shawshank Redemption, basically because I judged a book by its cover. I looked at the title and thought, “The what what? Okay, clearly this movie doesn’t want me to see it.” But based on the recommendations here, I may have to give it a whirl.
It is truly a great movie. I don’t think you will regret watching it.
Mona, I think you’ll like Shawshank. It has a theme similar to Count of Monte Cristo in that a man is falsely, escapes and exacts revenge. It is very cleverly done.
I get a bigger kick out of your reactions to the videos. Lisa it’s OK to cry. May be 13 year old Lisa will give big Lisa a hug, and say “it’ll be alright.” lol. Peace be.
I loved this! My mom – who has dementia – also remembers lyrics especially the Beatles lyrics. I loved the dog video – had seen that one before.
Weâre so sorry, Patrick. We know how devastating dementia can be, especially for the personâs loved ones. Lots of love to you and your mum!
The Shawshank Redemption was a very good movie. I am not a big movie fan, but that movie was a good one. It is quite a long movie. The animal videos are always cute. Love spending time with you both!
Plus, I have to say I really liked Monas’ choice of mugs today…LOL
From the MonaLisa Twins on-location filming site for I Don’t Know Birds That Well, St. Catherine’s Chapel, Abbotsbury, U.K.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/abbotsbury-st-catherines-chapel/history/
50Âș39’45.10″N 2Âș36’22.08″W
SW Coast Path
Abbotsbury, Weymouth
DT3 4JH
United Kingdom
Haha, itâs amazing that you found that! đ Great to see the place again, what a cute little spot. We came across it completely by accident.
I was thinking back to that day I found you on YouTube, and decided to figure out where that mystical place was because it was kind of special to me to remember back then.
It took a little while to find it. It’s sort of like a dream nowadays because so much time has passed by since then.
To myself, I said if I can find that place I’ll go ahead become a weekly or monthly MLT subscriber.
Merry Christmas,
Mike
Thanks for this Michael: I’ve been around the block a few times trying to find out where this stone chapel is, and all I had to do was dig a little deeper into the MLT Archive. In the comments section of The Making Of I Don’t Know birds That Well, Angelo clearly identifies the location as St. Catherine’s Chapel. As an avid antique/vintage postcard collector, I was keen to find out if there any postcards of this structure. And indeed, there are! A source that I go to, similar to E Bay, shows three separate views, circa. 1920. Now I must decide if I’m going to pursue them. And of course, one thing leads to another….. If anyone wants to go on a bit of a local tour to the chapel, they can Google Dave’s Walks In Dorset Abbotsbury and Chesil Beach YouTube. It’s worth the trip.
I want to say thank you for the beautiful Chrismas card, I love it.
You are welcome â„ Thank YOU for being a member!
I have never seen The Shawshank Redemption so I should watch it sometime. And Iâm always up for funny videos on YouTube! Thanks for another nice time spent with you.
Hey, I finally got caught up with the advent calendar. My first year and I’m enjoying these daily videos. Love Shawshank Redemption and the animal clips are always funny. Thanks for all you are doing and Merry Christmas.
Glad to have you here – welcome to your first Advent Calendar here in the Club â„
I’ve spent too many hours down the YouTube rabbit hole to count. Most of these I haven’t seen except the baby owls going into the tunnel. The dementia mother reminded me of your song The Wide Wide Land about your grandmother. Love it.
What an amazing ride today was from that awe inspiring and moving scene from Shawshank Redemption to those absolutely hilarious funny videos! I can certainly relate to those epiphany moments with music when you feel that absolute beauty like when I sang “Blowin In The Wind” in grade school as a child, or the first time I heard your voices Mona and Lisa in San Francisco. Those moments stay with you forever. In that one dog scene, I thought I saw my old friend Max. Those animals like that snow white owl eyes and that elephant trying to drum etc.. are so adorable. That scene with the mother and son was so touching! Thanks, thoroughly enjoyed today’s Advent video and spending time with you both this morning! Great submission Mike!
Thanks for hanging out with us here everyday! Sorry for not getting back to your last email yet, we will write soon â„ Today was a long one, weâre glad you liked it!
Hi Lisa, no worries, I know it’s crazy hectic these days for you and Mona. Hope you are both feeling the excitement and joy of the season and enjoying yourselves. Thanks so much for everything you do. Just got back from walking around in 1.5 feet of snow, it’s crazy never seen so much snow around here. Your “Winter Wonderland” rings especially brilliant this year! âšđâ€
Thank you!! Very interesting. Music can calm, energize, and sometimes make us think. One curse, though, of being a musician is that we tend to analyze the music and listen to what each instrument is doing and if there is a recurring theme happening. It was easier before when we could listen to a musical piece in whole. Mike.
So true! I was a music student in my university days and once I was trained to listen and analyze, it became difficult to hear music any other way. I still find that I can’t have music on as background sound to other activities because my brain is tuned to pay attention to the music exclusively.
Yes, I know what you mean! Especially when Iâm in songwriting-mode I tend to analyse everything I hear. But most of the time Iâm able to shut that part off, itâs two very different types of enjoying/listening to music for me!
Awesome session! Love Shawshank Redemption, and that clip with Morgan Freeman narrating is priceless.
Music is very therapeutic and deep. While working out on the heavy bag has its purpose in many ways (sometimes it just feels good to burn off pent up energy), music has so many ways to release and enhance moods. Major keys are happy, minor keys are sad, diminished is so angry etc. I get warm and fuzzy playing/singing songs like Take It Easy, choked up over Hallelujah, sometimes totally revved up over Mustang Sally (a song we all love to hate playing for various reasons) or a melancholy number like Wicked Game is very introspective for me…
A vehicle moves your physical body, music moves your soul.
Cheers
D
Music generally has a calming effect on me, and I listen to some music daily to wind down before going to bed. A great example music’s calming effect was the video segments where you sing to Neve.
The fact that you picked the same videos would be strange except for all the other twin things we’ve watched you do over these past years.
Some animals just don’t like vets! We lived on the edge of the desert for a while and had a mouse problem. Our cat was cute, but she was basically like a stuffed animal, very docile. One day I watched her back away from a half grown mouse that was heading for our porch. That prompted me to get another cat, which turned out to be a beautiful Russian blue cat. It stayed outside most of the time and basically became half feral. Our mouse problem went away. She was a joy to watch, very athletic and tough, but we could not get her into a cage to take to the vet. I put gloves on and tried to wrap her in a towel to put her in the cage, but she would just fight her way out – a 200 pound man lost out to a 10 pound cat. I finally had to just put her in the car and drive to the vet’s office, where they came out to the car to give her the shots she needed. When we finally had to put her down at age 20, a vet came to the house and took care of it while she sat in my lap. I still get teary when I think of it.
What a sweet story! And a reminder how difficult it is to get an uncooperative cat to do what you want. 20 is an amazing age for a cat, Iâm sure she lived a good life!
She did indeed have a good life, or in her case, all 9 of them.
Great collection of shorts this morning! Mona, the one you showed with the woman with Dementia hit home for me. My mom also suffered with Dementia, but music always seemed to bring her around. In her final days, I surrounded her with music as she was in and out of consciousness. She didn’t know who I was anymore. She thought that I was one of her doctors. When I played her favorite song, “Edelweiss” for her, she perked up, looked me in the eyes and said “Thank you, Brian. I love you!” (I still get teary eyed writing about it). Music is a blessing, as are you and Lisa.
Hi Brian,
That is such a touching story. I have had relatives who have suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia. It is so sad and one of the cruelest things that can happen to someone & their families & friends.
It is so amazing and wonderful that your mom said that to you. It is something that I will always remember. Thanks for sharing. Take care.
Bobby
P.S. I have always liked that song Edelweiss and now whenever I hear it, I will think of you and your mother.
Thanks Bobby! That song will always have a special place in my heart. Have a wonderful holiday!
Beautiful story,one of my favorite songs too.
Thanks, Vincent! Happy holidays!
Happy Holidays to you too Brian
I agree Robert and Vincent – it is a touching story.
I don’t know if anyone has mentioned it yet, but Wide, Wide Land is one of my favorite songs of the Twins. The words in that song say so much.
Hi Dennis,
I agree. My step-Grandmother was German, and also suffered with Dementia in the end, so it’s poignant for me as well. I remember meeting her for the first time when she lived in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and she was so happy to show me the little village where she grew up (KrĂŒn, on the Austrian border). I was 30 at the time and visited her many times after that until she passed a few years ago. I’ll always remember her stories of my grandfather (who passed away when I was quite young). Mona and Lisa’s Oma in the video reminds me so much of her. She loved to stroll the streets and introduce me to her friends. It was a special time for me.
What a beautiful memory for you to cherish! And how lovely for your mom to have that moment of recognition and connection before passing on.
Thanks, Jeannette. I know how truly fortunate I was to have that brief moment with her before she left us. It’s a memory that will always be with me.
Itâs amazing what music can do, reading that made me cry! And Edelweiss of all songs!
Thank you for sharing that.
We received your very kind and thoughtful gifts in the mail today and LOVE them! I am wearing the cosy blanket right now as Iâm typing and have no intention of ever taking it off again. Thank you so very much from both of us!!
Yes, the “Sound of Music” was mom and dad’s favorite movie and we played “Edelweiss” at both of their funerals. I still get teary eyed whenever I hear it.
I’m so glad you love your hoodie/blanket/robe thingys! They look really comfy. I’m tempted to buy one for myself as it’s supposed to go from 13°C on Friday morning to -9°C Friday night! At least I’ll have your smiling faces to keep me warm and entertained! Much love to you both!
The Sound of Music was just on tv this past Sunday . I watch it every year.
Hi Brian, thanks for sharing that. In the years my mom suffered dementia, towards the end she didn’t recognize anyone and was lost inside herself. I remember on very rare occasions when she looked at me, she would suddenly smile in a way I hadn’t seen in a long time, and tried to make a sound. It felt like for a brief moment she recognized me and we connected. I wished I could freeze those moments forever just to be with her again. This video reminded me of that. Sorry for your loss. In the end it’s your love for her that keeps you. đ
Thanks, Jung. I’m sorry for your loss as well. Dementia is a cruel disease. My mom always knew who I was until about 6 months before her passing. That first day, when she no longer knew me, was a gut punch! On those rare occasions, your mom knew who you were, she just couldn’t express it. I’m convinced it’s always in there. Be well!
Thank you, MLT, for another fun Advent Calendar episode!
Good Morning,
Thank you Mona & Lisa for the interesting and entertaining videos.
As far as putting pets into carriers – it can be so difficult – as my cat got older he would scratch me when I attempted to put him into his carrier. I once read that it might be good to put your pet into a carrier and just take them for a ride, every once in a while – so they won’t always associate the carrier with a trip to the vet.
I love that Shawshank film and I have probably seen it, or parts of it more than 20 times lol. If I really enjoy a movie, I can watch it over & over again.
It’s based on the Stephen King novella, Rita Hayworth & the Shawshank Redemption. Morgan Freeman, who is now 85, adds so much to the film with his beautiful deep voice.
That scene with Tim Robbins listening to the music is so heartfelt that it can bring a person to tears (right Lisa lol). As you know, music can be so soothing, as it was to the incarcerated man. It put him into another world, where he shut out everything else and he didn’t even care or think of the consequences of his actions.
Have a fantastic day. See you later,
Bobby S.
Iâll remember that – Thatâs a good trick that would have come in handy with past cats! Iâm not too sure it would work on Trudy the pigeon though. đ
Mona, another thought – I don’t know if you ever tried this with pets?
Put some treats or dry food toward the back of the carrier and sometimes the pet will go in to eat. And then close the door real fast lol. Take care, Bobby
I was laughing so hard! Your shorts were so funny. Loved the little owls and the cockatoo(?) that didn’t want to go to the vet! He had so many arguments đ
The Shawshank Redemption is a fantastic movie. It was the movie I chose when I was in Film school for my cinematography class. It had to be a movie that had was out in the theatres, so I saw it many times taking notes in the dark theater. Loved it every time.
Thank you for the laughs! I find it interesting that the two found the same clips separately to show to each other today!
PS: about the glasses, I’m one who likes to see the reflections, I see how you set up the lights! đ
Shawsank is a really great film and so so is Stephen KingÂŽs novella the film is based on. I loved LisaÂŽs emotional reaction to the clip. I recommend that film to Mona too.
That’s a great film, regularly voted one of the best by critics. Love how Lisa is whispering in case the guard hears her! Poor Lisa would never make it through really sad movies! And you are right about the power of music and why people have their ‘own’ songs especially in relationships.
The owls were so cute and what a pack of dogs! Also love that crazy staring cat. Funny to also see Gordon Brown, my local MP at the time, in the Labour video as I’ve met him a few times out in the town. Labour were famous at the time for using Britpop music as a backdrop to winning the 1997 election with use of the D:Ream song Things Can Only Get Better:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6QhAZckY8w
The song is great though!
I know of the Shawshank Rebellion. Sometimes remember itÊ»s based on a Stephen King novel. I never knew what itÊ»s about; just that itÊ»s powerful. I don’t see movies much, and I currently don’t have tv. I bet there’s a way to watch online, but I’m not very tech savvy and have a love-hate relationship with tech.
Music is very powerful. Don’t be so embarrassed, Lisa, for crying. Tears are just leaking emotions. I’ve experienced the power of music both as a performer and in the audience. I’ve learned how to use my feelings back into my performance in a positive feed back. But I’m a basket case when the performance is over and Have too many hormones running around.
Too late for a submission, but check out traditional Hawaiian music: slack key guitar (ki hoÊ»alu), ukulele, hula kahiko. Performers to look for: Bruddah Iz (Israel KamakwiwoÊ»ole), Keola Beamer, Willie K, Jeff Peterson, Amy HÄnaialiÊ»i Gilliom, KealiÊ»i Reichel, and so many others. Not necessarily for you to perform, but to experience. Way too early, but the Thursday, Saturday, Sunday after Easter is Merrie Monarch. Hula competition. Timing is a bit off for you in the UK: 6pm to about 11pm or midnight HST (UTC-10).
Long post about nothing.
blessings & be well. stay groovy
Leif mentioned that it was based on a Stephen King novel too. I didnât know!
We too, arenât big movie watchers and our friends always make fun of us for not having seen many of the âbigâ movies. So I remember, sitting down to watch Shawshank Redemption for almost 2 Âœ hours was quite the commitment for me haha.
But I do remember enjoying it a lot!
Thanks for the recommendations, Iâll check them out!
Shawshank is one of those movies that once you’ve seen, you can jump in anywhere and enjoy the rest of the ride.
Mona, Are you wearing that itchy sweater again? Both of you are going to love Shawshank Redemption!! It’s one of my all time favorites!! Love the animal videos.
Yes, and that was its final appearance. It has already gone in the donation pile! đ
The shawshank redemption is a film I watch once a year because it has a bit of everything but most of all hope. It’s made after a book written by Stephen King which maybe is a surprise to many but he actually writes lot of “normal” books like Misery, 22.11.63 and The Green mile just to name a couple. In Shawshank we also see the importance for people to have a hobby to take the the mind on a travel from all evil. Friendship how strange it may be, and of course the pin up pictures. Everybody has to let their mind relax otherwise htey will go down with stress – and I’ve seen a few in my function as stress spotter when I was a trustee at my school for 6 years. And last but not least thank you for bringing the funny clips that makes you laugh which also is important – have a good day.
Good Morning Leif,
With all due respect, I wouldn’t call Misery or the Green Mile exactly “normal” haha, but I know what you mean. Compared to King’s other novels, I guess they are tamer. They aren’t “horror” novels. Although, in some scenes in Misery I found Kathy Bates to be terrifying.
Take care and have a good day.
Bobby S.
I didnât know the book was based on a Stephen King novel, thatâs interesting. Iâve only read a book of the âscaryâ sort by him but heâs written so many novels, it makes sense that some of them are different genres. Itâs been a while since I watched âShawshank Redemption” but I do remember the many emotions and aspects it covers that you so beautifully described.
Since Mona has never seen it, maybe weâll watch it together on one of the days between Christmas and New Yearâs. â„