The big day is here!

Happy Beethoven's Birthday everyone!

("Fur Elise", from A Charlie Brown Christmas, as played by Schroeder. Or the Vince Guaraldi Trio, if we have to be technical.)

The past few weeks' worth of related posts were meant in part as a bit of a jab towards the "War On Christmas" folks. I celebrate Christmas and say "Merry Christmas", but I respect that there are many other traditions in December. I'm grateful for all good wishes, no matter how they're expressed, and I hope I'll remember to respond in kind.

More importantly, it's been a tribute to Charles Schulz. Peanuts, at its peak, is my all-time favorite newspaper comic, and influenced me in many ways. Though I have to say that Schroeder may not have the right idea in this strip. Of course, that could just be because of who made the suggestion:

I, personally, think it's a fine idea! I would like to offer all the readers of this blog, regulars, casual viewers, and first-timers alike, a kiss right "squack" on the nose from yours truly to celebrate Beethoven's Birthday!

However, there is a catch:

(Should you feel that said kiss right "squack" on the nose should have been delivered directly from yours truly instead of through a representative, feel free to comment or contact the management directly. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. :D )

Bonus: Here's a somewhat trippy series from the movie A Boy Named Charlie Brown, featuring Schroeder (or, if we have to be technical, Ingolf Dahl) playing the second movement of Sonata Pathetique.

Blogtiful Sunday

First, a reminder: If you haven't read the new Monkey Queen Christmas short story, "Best Christmas Ever!" you can do so by clicking here! http://monkeyqueenbooks.blogspot.com/2014/11/christmas-ever-new-monkey-queen-short.html If you like it, feel free to leave comment, share on your favorite social media, and spread the word!

So last night, a somewhat nearby game store that had held a Kickstarter drive to finance an expansion held a celebratory free concert (thank you, EndGame Oakland!). They had given out the first tickets to their backers, but when those had been snapped up, they invited the general public to attend, and I jumped on it...

And that's how I finally got to see the Doubleclicks.

That's Aubrey Webber on the cello on the left, Angela Webber on the ukelele on the right, and Max the cat keyboard in the center. Max, alas, was only on one song, the Doctor Who theme as arranged for cello and cat keyboard, but did splendidly as usual. The show was awesome, with lots of old favorites and new, and they even performed "Happy Holidays Too", the song that made me a fan. Jokes were told, audiences were bantered with, CDs were sold (and bought), and a great time was had by all! Can't wait for their next appearance; by then, let's hope the EndGame cafe is open! And if you want to find out more about them, head on over to http://www.thedoubleclicks.com/

Oh, and we also have our last reminder, before the big day, of the real reason for the season...

Goldurn legal disclaimers...

Holiday Reminders: Electric Boogaloo

It's getting closer - the real reason for the season:

(And Snoopy's so excited, he's walking on air...)

Holiday Reminders Unleashed!

Yes, we have three, count them, three reasons for the season for the price of one today!

And at the risk of sounding cheesy: Ebooks make great Beethoven's Birthday gifts! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAKJUG2 and http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGC39JQ

Holiday Reminders Strike Back

Yes, we took a few days off. Blame the egg nog. In any case, it's time for another reminder of the reason for the season:

I would like to point out that Snoopy has the right idea...

Son of Holiday Reminders

Yes, it may be Publication Day, but some things might be considered more important than that. After all, the media may be choosing to focus on the Black Friday frenzy, with their message of "Buy! Buy!" But we here at Monkey Queen Books remember the reason for the season:

Another Holiday Reminder

As Wil Wheaton pointed out on his Tumblr, when someone wishes you the greetings of the season, be it "Merry Christmas", "Happy Hanukkah", "Happy Holidays" or whatever, it's always polite to respond "And the same to you", or some variation. Honor the thought and sentiment and respond in kind.

And don't forget to do the same for this important holiday:

A Holiday Reminder

We're taking a (very quick) break from promoting the upcoming release of the next Monkey Queen book to remind all of you that, with the holiday season coming up, we need to wake up! Ignore the messages we're getting from the media! Put that all aside and remember what the true reason for the season is: