Happiness is making fun of politicians

 

Coffee, which makes the politician wise,

And see through all things with his half-shut eyes,

Sent up in vapours to the baron's brain

New stratagems, the radiant lock to gain.

-- Alexander Pope

Happiness is a gas burner trivet, to keep your little moka pot from tipping over on the stove

A simple but thoughtful gift and a daily reminder of the giver because a day without coffee this way is just, well, unthinkable!

Happiness is a do it yourself brick rocket stove build with the KGB Survivalist

Here.

Perfect for the old man in winter who can collect twigs but can no longer chop wood.

The best gift of all was always Tommy coming home for Christmas

Happiness is Tucker's Toofers, 2 hamburgers for 29 cents in Fondulac, Wisconsin

Originally it was 2 for 25 cents, but by the time I knew the joint in the early 1970s the "special" had gone up, like the price of the regular hamburger, to 2 for 29 cents. Food inflation was horrible in those days, as my mother often reminded me, and no one was immune.

And they're still in business:

In 1963, Rudy, Steve, and Barbara opened Tucker's Toofers at the corner of South Main Street and Pioneer Road.  The slogan then was "they're toofer 25," meaning two hamburgers for a quarter. The name Tuckers was chosen because it was the nickname of daughter Barbara, who, as a child, had a hard time staying tucked in and always kicked her blankets off. 

I've never had a bucket list, but I'm putting this place on it, for old times' sake.  

Happiness is the misty morning

When first the sun too pow'rful beams displays,

It draws up vapours which obscure its rays:

But ev'n those clouds at last adorn its way,

Reflect new glories, and augment the day.

-- Alexander Pope

Happiness is agreeing about Yes and No

In all affections she concurreth still;

If now, with man and wife to will and nill

The self-same things, a note of concord be,

I know no couple better can agree.

-- Ben Jonson (1572-1637)

Happiness is the soundtrack suite from Donovan's Reef by Cyril J. Mockridge, featuring the ever popular Pearly Shells

Here.

Except it wasn't quite yet the "Pearly Shells" we all know in its English adaptation of the original, much older Hawaiian song Pupu A O `Ewa (Shells of `Ewa). Pearly Shells as we know it is by Webley Edwards and Leon Pober. The first recording of that appears to have been by the Hawaii Calls Orchestra and Chorus in 1966, associated with Edwards' radio show of the same name, Hawaii Calls, which was releasing recordings as early as 1956 on the Capitol Records label. I don't see any evidence of the song, however, on their early releases between 1956 and 1962. Perhaps Mockridge's music score for the popular 1963 film Donovan's Reef gave Edwards the idea to ride the wave. By 1980 the song was a "best of" for the orchestra. Of all the performances I've linked to here, I like the sound and energy of Mockridge's version the best.

Happiness is Benny Bell singing The Shaving Cream Song

Here!

Shaving Cream

I have a sad story to tell you
It may hurt your feelings a bit
Last night when I walked into my bathroom
I stepped in a big pile of

{Refrain}
Shaving cream, be nice and clean
Shave everyday and you'll always look keen

I think I'll break off with my girlfriend
Her antics are queer I'll admit
Each time I say, "Darling, I love you"
She tells me that I'm full of

{Refrain}

Our baby fell out of the window
You'd think that her head would be split
But good luck was with her that morning
She fell in a barrel of

{Refrain}

An old lady died in a bathtub
She died from a terrible fit
In order to fulfill her wishes
She was buried in six feet of

{Refrain}

When I was in France with the army
One day I looked into my kit
I thought I would find me a sandwich
But the darn thing was loaded with

{Refrain}

And now, folks, my story is ended
I think it is time I should quit
If any of you feel offended
Stick your head in a barrel of

{Refrain}

Happiness is John Wayne and Elizabeth Allen in John Ford's 1963 "Christmas" film "Donovan's Reef"

Nominated for an Oscar in 1955, Cyril J. Mockridge composed the heartwarming score for the film.