
I subscribe to the Jacquie Lawson e-cards service. I remember when her animated e-cards first appeared several years ago - pieces of fruit flying around on the computer screen, somehow morphing into such things as a Thanksgiving turkey or a wreath or a cake. People were amazed, and the cards were forwarded many times over, with the original sender's signature, of course. A few days ago, I received notice of a new Jacquie Lawson New Year's card. The background music for the cards is the Blue Danube Waltz, and information accompanying the card explains the tradition of the Vienna, Austria New Year Concert, started during the Second World War to give the local audience hope for the future. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performs dance music from Austrian composers, primarily Strauss. Quoting from Ms Lawson's background information, "Tickets for the concerts are highly prized, with some Austrian families reserving seats from generation to generation." (Reminds me of the Green Bay Packers fans.) The Blue Danube Waltz is always included as an encore, followed by the Radetzky March. I found them on the Internet, of course, and thought they would be a fine way to wish you Happy New Year. So turn up the volume and follow the links.
Happy New Year!