Silent Monks Singing Hallelujah -FUNNY!!
December 13th, 2011Even if you have seen this before, you will probably still marvel, and enjoy it as much as you did the first time.
THE Christmas Story, 2010
December 22nd, 2010
Courtesy of my friend, Evelyn Zecchini, enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sghwe4TYY18
The Real Story Behind Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
December 19th, 2010Thank you to my friend Deb Yaciw, in Oneonta NY for sharing this story.
A man named Robert L. May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night. His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap, quietly sobbing. Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.
Little Barbara couldn’t understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad’s eyes and asked, “Why isn’t Mommy just like everybody else’s Mommy?”
Bob’s jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob’s life. Life always had to be different for Bob.
Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to 
compete in sports. He was often called names he’d rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in.
compete in sports. He was often called names he’d rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in.Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn’s bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums.
Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.
Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn’t even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn’t buy a gift, he was determined a make one – a storybook!
Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal’s story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again, Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling.
Who was the character? What was the story all about?
The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.
Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day.
But the story doesn’t end there.
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print and distribute “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” it to children visiting Santa in their stores.
By 1946, Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph.
That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book. In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned al
l rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller.
l rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller.Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn’t end there either.
Bob’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. The song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , but was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of “White Christmas.”
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn’t so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.
Wishing you and your family the light, and goodness of the season. MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
My Favorite Christmas Movie
December 17th, 2010Jonesing for a romantic movie? But it’s a week before Christmas, you need to get some spirit, relax and have some giggles too, but only have a little time?
Love Actually is the Christmas movie that gets me in all those groves. Well, it’s more of a lovee story…OK, more like 8 love stories. And yes, at Christmas.
Set in England at the start of the holiday season, we come to know some very different people with amazingly intersecting lives, all in search of meaning, and love.
Before your gag reflex kicks in, or the menfolk suddently remember it’s time to get those outdoor lights up-let me tell you, not all the stories are happily ever after. Some are light-hearted and sweet, others bittersweet; and Liam Neeson’s character has become particularly poignant.
Some characters meet in quite unorthodox ways (hence the “R” rating), so wouldn’t make it part of Family Fun night
.
Since it came out in 2003, probably have seen it close to a dozen times. Have been a fan of Colin Firth since his days as Mr. Darcy (no one plays the sensitive, still-waters-run-deep persona better), but I still cheer Hugh Grant, opposite an obnoxious Billy Bob Thornton.
I still feel Emma Thompson’s pain, and grin with Kris Marshall’s Wisconson-bound, unlucky-in-love Colin Frissel. I ache with Laura Linney, and angst along with Mark, in his unwanted love triangle with Kiera Knightly.
Funny, endearing and contemporary; the opening and closing scenes are unabashedly sentimental and uplifting. See it this week if you can, and let me know what you think.
Christmas Cake
December 16th, 2010Courtesy of my friend Sue Stokes Pippinger, of Denver CO.
Ingredients:
* 2 cups flour
* 1 stick butter
* 1 cup of water
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 cup of sugar
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 cup of brown sugar
* Lemon juice
* 4 large eggs
* Nuts
* 1 bottle tequila
* 2 cups of dried fruit
Sample the tequila to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the tequila again. To be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Repeat.
Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.
At this point it’s best to make sure the tequila is still OK. Try another cup… Just in case.
Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 eggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.
Pick the frigging fruit up off floor. Mix on the turner. If the fried dru it gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the tequila to check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of sal
t. Or something. Check the tequila. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.
Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or some fink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don’t forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through the window. Finish the tequila and wipe counter with the cat.
Bingle Jells!!
A Happy-Merry-Shiny-Bright-December For Us All
December 7th, 2010
December brings an onslaught of things to do: people to see, places to go, holidays to observe and calories to consume. How to pace yourself, and enjoy is always a challenge, but in today’s ever-widening multi-cultural world, how to be embrace it all as a gracious host, or be a welcome guest in all these different situations?
Good etiquette is about making others feel comfortable. Long before ‘politically correct’ was Emily Post, an esteemed expert on proper behavior. She wrote: “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feeling of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use.”
SO-if you are hosting an event: Offer a range of foods, include things like raw veggies, fruit ka
bobs or hummus on the buffet table. Similarly, keep a lot of non-alcoholic drinks on hand. Sparkling cider, flavored seltzer and juices, with pretty glasses and creative garnishes make every beverage festive.
For décor: Bowls of pine cones, fresh cut evergreens and spiced cider simmering on the stove create great ambiance. Start some paperwhite bulbs now: all you need are some shallow bowls, pebbles, and bulbs (8 for $5.99 at Home Depot)-you’ll have a beautiful and fragrant centerpiece in no time.
Good lighting encourages mingling. Have lots of it, but consider swapping regular bulbs for pink ones (softer, everyone looks better) or lowering the wattage. Or-group pillar candles of different heights together, tie with a simple bow, place on mirrored mats throughout the space.
Unless it’s an intimate group of good friends, gift exchanges are best kept for another time.
Guests-first and foremost, RSVP in a timely manner. If ‘bring a guest/date’ is not specified, clear it with the host before inviting anyone else.
If you-or your guest has specific dietary issues, let the host know in advance, and offer to bring something that would fit everyone’s plans.
For all sorts of reasons, do not bring anything that must be eaten or drank immediately, unless requested, or cleared by the host. If you must bring something, a nice bottle of wine, tastefully wrapped is pretty much always a good bet.
Keeping the focus on what is universal and shared: making new friends, reconnecting with old, along with best wishes for all in the coming New Year will ensure a good time will be had by all.
Scrooge, or Tree-Hugger? Options for a “Green” Christmas
December 5th, 2010
Today’s local news broadcast covered the numerous area Christmas tree lightings, including the stories of where many of these trees came from. Local donor families were interviewed, and the countdowns to the actual lightings were shown.
One of the stories involved a gentleman who owns a tree firm, but was also described as a tree-hunter. He looks for and helps procure mature, photogenic trees for high visibility locations in the area. He estimated one tree to be approximately 65 years old, planted as a 5 year old sapling on the property of new homes built in the 50′s.
OUCH.
Is it that at 52, 65 does not seem so old to me now? Perhaps the metaphor of a live and vibrant entity taken down, only to be shortly disposed of is just too strong of a visual.
YES>of course, some trees just need to come down. YES>I understand the economic implications of all the tree-growing/harvesting industry, and YES evey year more and more municipalities pick up and recycle the spent trees. And oh yes, I am a Decorator, so I get all the sensory and traditional elements.
But did you know that the average live, intact tree supplies enough oxygen for 18 people?
Can an enviornmentally sensitive adult come to terms with their lights and glitter mesmerized-inner child?
Yes!! While plastic/otherwise 
artificial trees have some good points, but here are a few other other greener alternatives:
Consider investing in, and decorating a typically indoor tree-like a ficus or hibiscus. Unconventional, but effective especially if you are of limited space/funds. Plus it’s a year-round boost to your indoor air quality, and you
r decor.
Loved this idea, too.
If you have the property-and an existing tree-consider decorating it with lights and treats for your ‘other neighbors’-strung cranberries and popcorn, and hanging suet baskets for the birds and squirrels. No semi-mandatory January 1st clean up, and if you have small children, it’s safer than glass ornaments and can be refreshed and still awe-inspiring, throughout winter.
Last, going to a local nursery and buying a live tree with root ball intact and wrapped in burlap, then re-planting come spring is always a good idea; there are many how-to guides out there, my favorite is almost 30 years old. And if you don’t have the property, consider making it a donation to your local parks dept or garden club.
This is the busiest week for Christmas tree procurement, please make it a green one if you can.
“You Can Get Anything You Want—
November 13th, 2010…at Alice’s Res-tau-rant“ Come on, admit it, you know the words..probably have that damn tune stuck in your head now, too…
As long as I have been an adult, I crave listening to this Arlo Guthrie classic every fall. Folk music is generally not my favorite genre, but it’s different when Arlo sings. The urge starts early November, and goes thru Thanksgiving weekend. Never before Halloween, or after Thanksgiving weekend. And this year, he will be riding in the Macy’s parade!
A number of years back, Doug and I started going to his annual Carnegie Hall concerts, always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The rest of the cast varies, but usually several generations of friends and family, talented musicians all.
He can weave a story and a song together like no one else. Like a child who is enthralled and comforted by the ritual, long after they know the story by heart, I never get tired of listening.
The play list varies, but he almost always ends with “This Land is My Land”, and encores with“‘Goodnight Irene”-my middle name, I reme
mber it being sung to me when I was growing up.
ANYWAY-some years back, on the 30th anniversary of ‘the event’ he sang another version,” the massacre revisited”. New ending, it’s clever and really funny.
The only YouTube versions come with bad video and in 3 parts- kind of disruptive, but worth it, give it a shot. There is also a site where you really can get anything you want…
Meantime, sit back and enjoy the original http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_7C0QGkiVo.
“With feeling”, a big thank you to Arlo and the whole Guthrie family , and a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!
Great Scot!! Happy 4th!
July 4th, 2010
Born here in Westchester, but an 100% Irish ‘Egan’, I married a 50% Scottish ‘Graham’, so you’d think certain things would be part of my world
-things like bagpipes, plaid (umm, I mean TARTAN), a fondness for sturdy carbohydrates, or a somewhat respectable sense of the heritage in the Celtic region.
Well, not really, but every few years I get a little closer, thanks to the Round Hill Highland Games. Having originated in Greenwich, and now held in every July in Norwalk, this was the 8
7th annual gathering, one of the oldest Scottish festivals in the US, http://www.roundhill.org
Hundreds of proud Scots of all ages demonstrated both strength and grace as they wrestled with unwieldy musical instruments (those would be the drums and bagpipes), and competitively marched, danced, and 
lifted heavy, simple objects-like afore-mentioned sturdy carbohydrates-all while wearing great quantities of heavily pleated, mostly-plaid wool.
Here’s Doug in front of the regulation size kabers, called ‘toothpicks’ by manly men, they are 15 feet long, and weigh 105 lbs. The obje
ct, shown above is to lift it, steady it, move forward as much as you can, pull it up enough to toss it so it flips over .
Other competitions include the hammer toss, sheaf toss, and weight toss. Pretty much as it sounds, weights are tossed for either height or distance. 
Above at right is a heavyweight competitor who is lifting 56 lbs, tossing it over his head, over a bar that gets higher in each round. REALLY. Hard to see, but follow this guy’s upraised hand and you will see the circular handle of the weight, slightly out of frame on top is bar, set at 14′.
Of course those staffing the fish and chips stands and beer 
tent showed substantial endurance, too.
At right, Kensico Dam Plaza, Saturday July 3rd. Happy 4th everyone!
