I have heard of two possible heirs to the seat about to be vacated by New York Senator Hilary Clinton, one that sounds at least plausible, the other laughable at best. Fran Drescher that nasally toned actress who graced television screens a few years back as a domestic goddess has announced that she has her eye on the prize. One would hope that her political saavy is better than the one she exhibited as The Nanny
Be ready to have another second in 2008. It seems that the Earth’s rotation is continually slowing and to make up for it, a leap second is being added on December 31 at 6:59:59 p.m EST. This is not the first time the phenomenon has occurred. Leap seconds have been inserted on numerous occasions since 1972 and the most recent one was on New Year’s Eve 2005. To read a more in depth explanation click here.
I have no idea how many people will be glued to their clocks and watches (the invention of atomic clocks was mentioned in the article) at one second til 7 on 12-31. However, it could have happened in the middle of the night when people are sleeping. Of course, it will be the middle of the night somewhere at that time. However, by the time some think to remember about the leap, it willl be over. Unlike this post… does it seem like I am reaching for a topic?
Tonight, the family and I went to the Junior high and high school chorus Christmas concert. The band concert was last Monday night… was not informed of that until 6 o’clock that night. My 13 year-old niece is in the 7th grade and is in the chorus. I was pretty impressed with the younger group. Some of those pieces were tough. Not only did they have pieces in which there was at least two part harmonies going on, there was one song entitled “Dueling Christmas Trees” that had two entirely different melodies going on AT THE SAME TIME. One section sang of the virtues of having a real, pine tree while the other half sang of the artificial variety. Quite a difficult task for a young group to undertake, but it was a fun time.
The high school choir was also quite good. I heard some fine voices in the group; particularly in the male section. There were only four male voices in the 17 member group (there were not any in the first group). 🙁 One voice in particular came from a young man whom I shared the stage with in Love Rides the Rails, a melodrama which our community theatre presented 2 summers ago. He played the hero’s sidekick while I played the villain’s right hand man.
I had only two questions about the concert. Why in the world would you have a group sing 8 songs?! I attended a past concert in which it seemed that every member of the choir came forth and sang an entire song by him/herself. Now that goes a bit toooo far… and I love to sing and hear others sing. PLUS… where were the decorations?! OH, MY… Emily must surely be rolling in her grave. But aside from those two details, it was an enjoyable concert…. EXCEPT for two young ladies (not mentioning who they belonged to or what their names are) who became rather loud and unruly as the concert went along. As the chorus sang their last song, I told them both that they better listen to those words closely or they would get “Nuttin’ For Christmas,” too. 😉
Tonight while watching the first snow of the season continue to fall, I checked the tv listings and discovered two movies that piqued my interest: Santa Claus The Movie and the 1973 made-for-television version of Miracle on 34th Street. Since I have seen Santa Claus (the rather disappointing movie made by Alexander Salkind, producer of the Christopher Reeve Superman films), I decided to check out one of at least 2 remakes of the 1947 classic. It is a virtual who’s who of 1970s television stars. Sabastian Cabot (Mr. French from Family Affair), Tom Bosley (Mr. C from Happy Days), David Hartman (whom I remember as the co-host of Good Morning America back in the day… can’t say much for his acting ability), Jim Backus (Thurston Howell III and Mr. Magoo, himself), Roddy McDowell, and David Doyle (Bosley from the Charlie’s Angels tv series) were just a few of the actors that made the whole thing seem like a bad Love Boat/Fantasy Island episode. I think the best thing about watching remakes is the fun in which one can have discussing the merits of the different versions. I must correct myself; there are actually a total of 4 remakes. Three television versions (1955, 1959, and 1973) as well as the 1994 theatrical version.
One tidbit I learned from imdb.com, Mr. Cabot had to shave the trademark beard from his role on Family Affair and wear an “official” Kris Kringle beard. Another tidbit… upon the release of the 1994 version, 20th Century Fox offered a complete refund for anyone who did not enjoy the film. Over 1500 tickets were refunded. Not sure how many were legitimate refunds or if they just had a bunch of Scrooges. One thing is clear… one should not mess with an original.
Now if I could just locate a copy of that FINE classically bad classic Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. I’ve seen bits of this what I am sure is a totally misunderstood gem but have never seen it in its entirety.
AHHHH… the Christmas season is definitely in full swing. Today was our first measurable snow since late last winter. I awoke on a day off to the sound of the snow plow outside my window. Before my parents left for the day, they requested that I clear the sidewalk if and when it stopped. Well… after I got back from church at 6PM, the snow had stopped. Sorry, too dark although I did search the house high and low for a shovel (honestly, I did; I fully intended upon braving the frigid temps and wind to clear the walk).
On my day off, I decided to break out my copy of Charles Dicken’s immortal classic A Christmas Carol. My copy not only includes the story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his spirited visitors but also contains other tales: “The Story of the Goblins who Stole a Sexton” (the story from The Pickwick Papers
The following is the complete list included in my edition:
I also spent some time outside with two nieces who were joyfully squeaking about the white- covered landscape.
I usually enjoy watching Barbara Walters and her announcing of the 10 Most Fascinating People of the Year. I usually am surprised to find out who the most fascinating person of the year is; however, aside from a few this year was far from surprising and even less fascinating. I’m sorry, but Rush Limbaugh just does not make me stop and listen to his political views on the radio… and his pick for Republican Presidential candidate in 2012? None other than another political figure who made the list, Sarah Palin. Which led to another person on the list, former Saturday Night Live
Not all of the figures in tonight’s special were from the political arena. Four of them were on primarily to promote their new movies coming soon to a theatre near you. Will Smith was promoting Seven Pounds. Tom Cruise (who seems to be on most of Bawa Wawa’s specials) promoted Valkyrie. And don’t forget the current “it girl” amongst the tween set: Miley Cyrus and coming soon… Hannah Montana The Movie (I guess the movie this fall was a concert film). Frank Langella (whom I most recall portraying Perry White in Superman Returns 
In previous years, I have often noticed that Ms. Walters usually lists people whom she has interviewed earlier in the year and recently for that matter. Within the last month, she has interviewed both this year’s top person and the world’s first “man” to give birth. As for the top person, it does NOT take much of a genius to figure that out. During the last fifteen minutes, I was just saying “Come on already.” Although, I thought the most fascinating person on the show was Olympic gold medal record-breaker Michael Phelps.
At least The Office did not disappoint.
Bypass theater ticket lines. Buy movie tickets in advance at Fandango.com. Read reviews and find showtimes for any movie in the U.S.
Tonight, I was invited to attend a dress rehearsal for the theatre’s poduction of Don’t Hug Me. I won’t go into much detail plot wise for those readers who anticipate attending one of the performances with in the next two weekends. As with any rehearsal there were some minor guffaws; however, for the most part (quite happily) the show is ready to have an audience of more than 4 (with a 5th who missed the first act). There is an instant chemistry portrayed on stage between all the characters. The husband and wife owners of the Bunyan tavern; the engaged couple; and the fly-by-night karaoke (THERE’S THAT WORD AGAIN) salesman. Hilarity ensues with each goofy tune performed by all of the characters. I’m not sure if Minnesotan’s actually use phrases such as “for pukin in the ice box” or not but each of them just made me roar. A true feeling of frigidness was also conveyed by each actor. You could actually sense that it is the coldest day of the year in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota. So for a few hours of pure fun an hilarious antics, be sure to check out Don’t Hug Me. Yah, For Sure, You Betcha.
There is NOTHING in the world like a GREAT song. One of the best was a hit single from the final album of the duo Simon and Garfunkel
When you’re weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
I’m on your side. when times get rough
And friends just cant be found,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
When you’re down and out,
When you’re on the street,
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you.
I’ll take your part.
When darkness comes
And pains is all around,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Sail on silver girl,
Sail on by.
Your time has come to shine.
All your dreams are on their way.
See how they shine.
If you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.
Last night, I spent a few hours at one of my favorite places to play some games. I must say that The Office DVD Trivia Challenge is a BLAST. I may have come in a distant third with 5 Schrute Bucks, but it was fun nonetheless. I will have to start rewatching episodes Tuesday nights on TBS to hone my knowledge of Michael Scott and associates. However, I will not bother to say who won the rest of the games.
We also discussed the choice for the upcoming summer musical production. C asked me if I was going to audition. I immediately answered “No.” Honestly, I cannot believe it came out as deadpanned serious as it did because the reaction I got was… “YOU JERK.” I broke out in laughter. Of course I am going to audition but he better be, too. To which taylhis responded about his low self-esteem and the fact that he will complain that his audition was terrible. On this note, I must agree.
My friend, you have inspired me soooooo much in the past few years… I’m not sure I have mentioned all the ways and I will not elaborate here. I just do not understand how one that has inspired not only myself, but I am sure other members of this blog site can be so goofy. I have seen first hand this TOTALLY UNFOUNDED quality in you more than once and it drives me CRAAAAAAAAZZZZZZYY!!!!! Man, you are so unbelievably talented and ‘I know nothing any of us can say will change your mentality. However, I do expect you to be right along with me in May when we BOTH go to audition. Amen.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (CNNMoney.com) — Wal-Mart – expected to benefit this holiday season from its deep discounting in a tough economy – had its Black Friday marred when an employee was trampled to death as thousands of people rushed through the doors at the opening of the store in Valley Stream, N.Y.
Police said the man, identified as 34-year-old Jdimytai Damour, was a temporary employee who lived in New York City’s borough of Queens.
In addition, police officials said a pregnant woman was taken to a local hospital, but was expected to be released Friday.
Video footage showed as many as a dozen people knocked to the floor in the stampede of people trying to get into the Wal-Mart store, according to Nassau County Police detective Lt. Michael Fleming. The employee was “stepped on by hundreds of people” as other workers attempted to fight their way through the crowd, Fleming said.
“We expected a large crowd this morning and added additional internal security, additional third party security, additional store associates and we worked closely with the Nassau County Police,” said Hank Mullany, Wal-Mart’s vice president for the Northeast, in a statement. “Despite all of our precautions, this unfortunate event occurred.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those impacted,” he added, saying the company is cooperating with authorities in their investigation. (Full story)
Around the nation, shoppers descended upon Wal-Mart (WMT, Fortune 500) en masse in hopes of scoring Black Friday discounts. From New Jersey to Dallas, there were reports of hundreds of shoppers lining up before stores opened, looking for $2 DVDs and flat-panel TVs priced just under $400.
At the Fairfax, Va., location, the scene was social. Hundreds queued up before doors opened at 5 a.m., with some having arrived the night before in order to be among the first to shop.
“We skipped Thanksgiving dinner,” said 30-year-old Arash Habiezadeh.
Wal-Mart, which operates more than 4,100 U.S. stores and 3,100 international locations, is expected to be a big winner this holiday season as its discounts resonate with budget-conscious shoppers. The company has been aggressively courting customers by lowering its prices and introducing holiday-gift sections in stores.
“Even with the economy, you’ve got to go with the deals,” said Robert Balboni of Centreville, Va., while loading his shopping cart with a 42-inch flat panel TV, a portable DVD player and a Philips 2GB MP3 player.
Wal-Mart has already shown signs of benefiting from the economic slowdown. Same-store sales, or sales at retail stores open at least a year, gained 2.4% in October, beating the company’s own forecast.
Overall, the U.S. retail sector is expected to endure one of its worst holiday seasons in years. Sales are projected to climb just 2.2%, according to the National Retail Federation, making it the weakest sales gain in six years.
Unfortunately, the holiday temp working at a Wal-Mart store near New York City drew the short straw and found out first hand what a stampede feels like. He obviously stood in the wrong place as the thousands of shoppers stormed the store at 5AM on Friday morning. I worked at a Wal-Mart store for 6 years and only once had the pleasure of witnessing the mad rush enter the store in search of items at ridiculously low prices. What got me was the fact that once the employee was down, the herd did not stop but kept on going. When the store decided to shut down for rest of the day to investigate, shoppers were indifferent. Some had been standing in line since Thursday morning. All this for a $9.00 Incredible Hulk DVD?
While I worked at a Wal-Mart, I had a very good friend who actually volunteered to unlock the door to release the hounds. Most brave on her part. Now, the last I knew, she is the Manager of the Automotive Department.
I learned of the tragedy on Friday when I ran into another person whom I worked with. She had just heard it on the news. There was also a pregnant woman who was knocked down and taken to be examined; however, she and the baby were uninjured. Perhaps taylhis was right in not venturing out into the battlefield?