Archive for December 2013

The Evolution Of Kurt Elling

The Evolution Of Kurt Elling
Since 1995 Kurt Elling has been the gold standard in male jazz vocalists, with one Grammy win and 10 nominations (literally every CD he has put out has been nominated for best jazz vocalist), he sets the tone for guys singing jazz. But he not just another cat singing standards, he’s innovative, takes chances, scats... Read more »
By Charles W. Johnson,
December 30, 2013 at 10:31 pm • 

How To Be A Great Santa Claus

How To Be A Great Santa Claus
Some years ago I took on the role of the big guy in the red suit for a large family function (including several dozen kids), that was also my introduction to my in laws. Despite never have been in any kind of costume or mascot I looked forward to it and enjoyed every minute of... Read more »
By Charles W. Johnson,
December 17, 2013 at 10:38 pm • 

Southside Christmas Memories: Oh Christmas Tree

Southside Christmas Memories: Oh Christmas Tree
So its 1986 and now I’m used to Christmas being a little wacky and very comical, five years prior Santa came to the mall (Evergreen Plaza), in a box and the year before I ate so much chocolate and I ended up in the emergency room. This year we had a new addition to the... Read more »
By Charles W. Johnson,
December 12, 2013 at 5:01 pm • 
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Southside Christmas Memories Santa Comes To Evergreen Plaza 1981

Southside Christmas Memories Santa Comes To Evergreen Plaza 1981
So I believe the year is 1981 and when you are five years old what’s the best thing about Christmas? Santa Claus right? And if you grew up on the south side where did Santa go first? Yup Evergreen Plaza, so I had heard great stories of Christmas past when Santa came in a helicopter... Read more »
By Charles W. Johnson,
December 10, 2013 at 5:09 am • 

Christmas Memories "The Four Hundred Dollar Candy Bar"

Christmas Memories "The Four Hundred Dollar Candy Bar"
It was a cold December night, Monday December 9, 1985 to be exact (you don’t forget nights like this), I was 9 years old and in fourth grade C.C.D. (religious education for public school kids), at Seven Holy Founders in Calumet Park. I loved C.C.D. class, had great friends, a cool teacher, the class was... Read more »
By Charles W. Johnson,
December 8, 2013 at 10:09 pm • 

Nelson Mandela Life & Leadership Through Peace

Nelson Mandela Life & Leadership Through Peace
I remember first hearing about Nelson Mandela in 1990 when he was freed after 27 years of imprisonment. I was in 8th grade and just learning about South Africa and their notorious laws on apartheid. It seemed a world away but his story interested me since here in the United States we didn’t have any... Read more »
By Charles W. Johnson,
December 5, 2013 at 7:28 pm • 
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    Charles W. Johnson

    I'm a lifelong writer (since I was 8 years old), and have been doing this blog in some form or fashion since 2004. I'm a DePaul University alum, class of 1999 and prior to that Brother Rice class of 1994. . And I appreciate you taking to the time to read what I have to say, feel free to email charles.w.johnson@hotmail.com

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