In the Moonlight

Lyrics – Bud Green
Music – Charlie Pierce
Publisher – Al. Piantadosi & Co. Inc., New York, 1920

While strolling by the Nile,
There I caught the smile,
Of a Cairo maid.
In the moonlight, she,
Did a dance for me,
‘Neath an old palm tree,
While the tom toms played.
But I had to say goodbye,
Tho’ our hearts will sigh and yearn,
I know I will soon return.

Oh, Mystic Nile,
I’m longing all the while,
To be near, and hear,
Her love song.
‘Neath the palms,
I’ll hold her in my arms,
So sentimental,
Sweet Oriental,
Maid of the Mystic Nile.

There in the moonlight’s glare,
As she kneels in pray’r,
‘Neath the stars above,
I can hear her sigh,
To the gods on high,
“Won’t you please bring back,
Someone that I love?”
But she waits impatiently,
And she’s calling me to stay,
So I’m coming back someday.

Oh, Mystic Nile,
I’m longing all the while,
To be near, and hear,
Her love song.
‘Neath the palms,
I’ll hold her in my arms,
So sentimental,
Sweet Oriental,
Maid of the Mystic Nile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cleopeeptra

My name is Dr. Sphinx and I made this diorama for fun.  Also, to submit it to the 2013 Chicago Tribune Peeps Diorama Competition, because I missed it last year.  Funny story – there is NO 2013 competition!  Oh, the humanity. Apparently, between my lack of perception, and some Google cached information, I goofed.  Well I didn’t spend two late, late nights of cutting, measuring, and gluing not to toot my horn – so, *drumroll* I present to you: Cleopeeptra, the Temptress of the Nile!   

Looks like the only competition I won this year was the Dork Award.

Sphinx Tips

Know-it-all Sphinxy strikes again.  These two details are from a 1922 novelty publication of mostly useless factoids, sure to impress your audience at the next social gathering.  The top detail, featuring a winged sun disc, graces the heading of each page, while the portrait of yours truly (not very accurate, if I may say so) appears on the cover.  Note the words “Trade Mark” next to the Sphinx’s base…I bet that little snippet trying to copyright the pyramids, what’s his name - Zahi Hawass - would be outraged by that. *blows raspberry*

Wherefore Art Thou, Caesar?

Another selection from the golden era of pin-up – c. 1930 by Hy Hintermeister.  Cleopatra gazes off across the Nile, (apparently on a very hot summer’s night), perhaps dreaming and scheming about her next conquest. Notice the artistic license taken with the placement of the Sphinx versus the pyramids in the background, garlands of flowers, and contemporary hairstyle.

The Place I Want to Go

Lyrics – Arthur Freed
Music – Harold Weeks
Publisher – Sherman,Clay & Co., San Francisco

In that fair land of Egypt there is a town you know,
They call it old Cairo, that’s the place I want to go;
It’s the land of proud Cleo, who lived in luxury,
There’s a Cleo there for me, and her mark I’d gladly be.

Cairo, your streets are gaily laden, splendor entrancing.
Cairo, you have the sun-burned maiden famed for her dancing.
I know all the charms of dear old Cairo,
If you’d know just ask the Sphinx
What he thinks as he winks at old Cairo.

In that land of all ages where happy hours are spun,
There’s nearly all the fun that you’ll find beneath the sun;
In its quaint old cafes life is one eternal spree,
It’s a cocktail made of glee and that’s good enough for me.

Cairo, your streets are gaily laden, splendor entrancing.
Cairo, you have the sun-burned maiden famed for her dancing.
I know all the charms of dear old Cairo,
If you’d know just ask the Sphinx
What he thinks as he winks at old Cairo.