Pandemic: Year 2

 

We in the US have just reached a depressing milestone: the 2nd anniversary of  the Covid-19 pandemic in our country. The virus first appeared in China in December of 2019 and quickly spread around the world, with the first confirmed cases showing up in mid January. It reached us here in New Mexico in March and we quickly joined the lockdown. At first it just seemed like it might last a few weeks, but now we are entering the third year of masks and social distancing. Last year around this time the vaccine was introduced and people started to feel hopeful that the pandemic might come to an end. But here we are in the 4th wave with the Omicron variant. In some ways it is very discouraging, because this variant is more contagious and causes breakthrough infections. On the other hand, for the vaccinated at least, it's not as bad as it would have been and most breakthrough infections have cold-like symptoms that are often fairly mild. Still, many unvaccinated people are dying every day and hospitals are under tremendous strain. The worst part is that hospitals can't take care of other sick people, because ICUs are filled with people refusing the vaccine. Still, we are feeling somewhat positive that soon the virus will become endemic, like cold and flu season. But for now we are grateful to see our friends on Zoom and keep each other as safe as possible. 

Crystal's Bow Blog: Red & White

Rockin' the red & white

 

Will's Book Nook: Theater Five Scribblings

 

Originally named for its 5 o'clock time slot, Theater Five was an anthology series on ABC Radio from 1964-1965 that featured 20 minute plays that were often science fiction or "ripped from the headlines" ala Law & Order. George O. Petrie and Jackson Beck were regular cast members, and guest stars included, James Earl Jones and Alan Alda. One episode I enjoyed was about Martians who invaded earth, but they didn't let the earthlings know that they were there. They disguised their invasion as a parade. Their goal was to blend in, studying human behavior, biding their time until they could take over. The story takes a critical look at human behavior and how we don't accept outsiders. I haven't listened to the entire collection yet, but so far, I would give Theater Five 4 out of 5 scribbles.   

Top Ten: Mark's List of Little Known Facts About Betty White (1922-2021)

 

1. She died in Los Angeles, California on December 31, 2021 (she would have turned 100 years old on 1/17/22).

2.  She played Elka Ostrovsky on Hot in Cleveland from 2010-2015.

3.  She hosted Saturday Night Live on May 8, 2010. 

4.  She played Rose Nylund on the Golden Girls from 1985-1992.

5.  She appeared in 37 game shows including Match Game, The $25,000 Pyramid, Liar's Club, You Don't Say!, To Tell the Truth, Hollywood Squares, Just Men! (for which she hosted and won a Daytime Emmy Award), and Password, Password Plus, Super Password and Million Dollar Password.

6.  She played Joyce Whitman on The Betty White Show from 1977-1978 (which is named after a daytime talk show in 1954 and a comedy variety show in 1958).

7.  She played Sue Ann Nivens on the Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1973-1977.

8.  She married Allen Ludden on June 14, 1963, until his death on June 9, 1981.

9.  She starred in Hollywood on Television from 1949-1953, played Elizabeth on Life with Elizabeth from 1953-1955 and played Vickie Angel on Date with the Angels from 1957-1958.

10. She was born in Oak Park, Illinois on January 17, 1922.

Will's Book Nook: The Whistler Scribblings

The Whistler, a mystery anthology series, was one of the longest running radio shows on the west coast and aired on CBS from 1942-1955. A mysterious character named The Whistler (played by various actors) was the host and narrator. The story usually involved a crime or other mystery to be solved, with The Whistler knowing what the characters were going to do before they did and acting as their conscience. Many famous Hollywood actors, like Cary Grant and Boris Karloff, got their start on the series. The Whistler was known for his catch phrase, "I am The Whistler and I know many things, for I walk by night."

Crystal's Bow Blog: Sparkly Tie-Dye

 

Crystal is looking fantastic in her sparkly tie-dye bow!

Arts Connections First Fundraiser!

Arts Connections is a new nonprofit and we are excited for our very first fundraising event. We will be hanging out in the parking lot of Glory Christian Fellowship at 2417 Wyoming Blvd NE in Albuquerque from 3 to 5pm tomorrow, January 19. The Drive-Thru event is a safe and socially distanced outdoor event where we will be handing out supplies for our Virtual Gardening class and our new crafting workshops (sign up here). We will also have hot cocoa and treats, as well as a raffle drawing at 4:45pm, but you don't have to be present to win. Enter to win here. Prizes include free passes to Electric Playhouse, a gift certificate to Flying Star Cafe, coffee from Pinon Coffeehouse and more! We will be accepting donations for our program at the event, but you can also donate online. We hope to see you tomorrow!

Top Ten: Mark's Favorite Sanford & Son Episodes

 

1.  "School Daze" (March 25,1977).

2.  "Fred Sings the Blues" (March 18, 1977).

3.  "Funny, You Don't Look It" (March 11,1977).

4.  "Sanford and Gong" (December 17,1976).

5.  "The Hawaiian Connection" Parts 1,2,&3 (September 24 & October 1,1976).

6.  "Greatest Show  in Watts" (January 16,1976).

7.  "Steinberg and Son" (October 10,1975).

8.  "Aunt Esther & Uncle Woodrow Pfft...." (March 8,1974).

9.  "The Big Party" (January 5,1973).

10.  "Crossed Swords" (January 14, 1972).