Our Favorite Romantic Comedies

 In honor of Valentine's Day, coming up next week, we are sharing our favorite romantic comedies:

 

Some Like It Hot (1959)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Harry Met Sally

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Runaway Bride (1999)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lovebirds (2020)

Will's Book Nook: My Favorite Husband Scribblings

My Favorite Husband starred Lucille Ball and Richard Denning as a married couple named Liz and George Cugat (later changed to Cooper). Each show featured George experiencing a problem, often caused by Liz trying to help. First on the radio, and later on television, the series eventually morphed into I Love Lucy, also starring Lucille Ball and her real-life husband, Desi Arnaz. Listening to My Favorite Husband really helped me understand Lucille Ball's comedic style. I haven't finished listening to it yet, but so far I'd give it 3.5 out of 5 scribbles.

Top Ten: Mark's Favorite Green Acres Episodes

 

1.  "The Ex-Secretary " (April 27, 1971).

2.  "Hawaiian Honeymoon " (March 16, 1971).

3.  "The Engagement Ring" (December 29, 1970).

4.  "The Case of the Hooterville Refund Fraud" (February 28, 1970).

5.  "How to Get From Hooverville to Pixley Without Moving" (December 25, 1968).

6.  "How Hooverville was Floundered" (December 11, 1968).

7.  "A Star Named Arnold is Born" Parts 1 & 2 (April 3 & 10, 1968).

8.  "Oliver vs the Phone Company" (September 27, 1967)/"Oliver Takes Over the Phone Company" (October 4, 1967) (tie).

9.  "Wings Over Hooverville" (September 14, 1966)/"The Hooverville Image" (November 16, 1966) (tie).

10.  "Oliver Buys a Farm" (September 15, 1965)

5 Amazing People in Honor of Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, our class came up with a list of Black history-makers who we admire.

 Sidney Poitier 

Poitier, who passed away at age 94 last month, was a Bahmanian-American actor and the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Actor for the 1963 film, Lilies of the Field. His many important performances include the role of Walter Lee Younger in both the stage and film versions of A Raisin in the Sun, along with starring roles in To Sir, With Love, In the Heat of the Night and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. He is most well-known for bringing dignity to dramatic characters, but he was also a skilled comedic performer. His legacy lives on as more and more black actors are gaining recognition.

Etta James

An R&B singer with a beautiful voice, she lived from 1938 to 2012. She is most well known for her stirring rendition of "At Last." She was inducted into the Rock and ROll Hall of Fame in 1993.

Christopher Paul Curtis

An American children's book author, Curtis won the Newberry Medal for Bud, Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963. His books feature historical events in Black history as seen through the eyes of children. Though written for children, his novels are also enjoyable for adults.

Barack Obama

Our first Black President, Obama was Commander in Chief for two terms, from 2009 to 2017. He was born in Hawaii and rose quickly in politics as a community organizer and later U.S. Senator in Chicago, Illinois. His presidency is known for the passage of the Affordable Healthcare Act and the recovery from The Great Recession (2007-2009). He is also known for being married to Michelle Obama, a smart and classy lady.  

Claudette Colvin

Before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus, 15 year old Claudette Colvin Did it first. While Parks became a civil rights icon, Colvin was branded a troublemaker and became an outcast. Speaking of the experience, she said, "History had me glued to the seat. Harriet Tubman's hands were pushing down on one shoulder and Sojourner Truth's hands were pushing down on the other shoulder. I was paralyzed between these two women, I couldn't move.

Will's Book Nook: The Six Shooter Scribblings

 

The Six Shooter was a radio western starring Jimmy Stewart that ran on NBC Radio from 1953-1954. Similar to CBS's Gunsmoke, I actually liked this series better, because of the humor. I describe it as a cross between The Andy Griffith Show and Bonanza. Jimmy Stewart played Britt Ponset, a drifting cowboy that reminded me of Clint Eastwood with a dry sense of humor. Other performers included Parley Baer, Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, Howard McNear, Jeanette Nolan, Dan O'Herlihy, Alan Reed, Marvin Miller and William Conrad. In one episode, Ponset is hiding during a shootout at a bank. He pops up from his hiding spot and the bank robber shoots a part in his hair. "Thanks for the free haircut, stranger," Ponset quips. The sound effects in the scene really make it come alive, which is one of the reasons I really like radio. I give it 5 out of 5 scribbles.  

Top Ten: Mark's Favorite Petticoat Junction Episodes

 

1.  "Betty Jo's Business" (April 4, 1970).

2.  "Last Train to Pixley" (March 7, 1970).

3.  "The Golden Spike Ceremony" (December 20, 1969).

4.  "A Cake from Granny" (December 21, 1968).

5.  "The Lady Doctor" (November 16, 1968).

6.  "Wings" (November 9, 1968). 

7.  "The Baffling Raffle" (September 21, 1965).

8.  "The Lost Patrol" (December 29, 1964).

9.  "The Ladybugs" (March 24, 1964).

10.  "Spur Line to Shady Rest" (September 24, 1963).

 

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).

Will's Book Nook: Richard Diamond, Private Detective Scribblings

 

Another restored old time radio show that I've recently rediscovered, is Richard Diamond, Private Detective. It starred Dick Powell, who was a well-known Hollywood star at the time and Virginia Gregg as his girlfriend. He might take awhile to get it right, but he solves the case in the end, which makes it quite funny. It was also the first radio show that featured a singing detective. He would always perform a popular number at the end of each episode. Richard Diamond has a Sam Spade sense of humor, but is also a Clouseau-style bumbling detective, so if you like those characters, you should check out Richard Diamond, too! 

Our Christmas Wishes

 

There is a lot of focus on material gifts during the Christmas season, but we came up with a list of less material Christmas wishes!

Lynette: celebrate with family and friends & world peace.

Joseph: visit family in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Santo Domingo.

Mark: to move to New York City in the future and a new place to live.

Will: to surround himself with good people, to make people happy & to donate to good causes.

Top Ten: Mark's Favorite Christmas Movies, 2021 Edition

 

1.  Home Alone (1990).
2.  It's a Wonderful Life (1946).
3.  National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989).
4.  White Christmas (1954).
5.  A Christmas Story (1983).
6.  Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000).
7.  Miracle on 34th Street (1947, 1994).
8.  The Bishop's Wife (1947)/The Preacher's Wife (1996) (tie).
9.  Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)/The Holiday (2006) (tie).
10.  Scrooged (1988)/Love Actually (2003) (tie).

Fun Holiday Decorations

An important part of any major holiday: the decorations! Different groups of people, celebrate different holidays at the end of the year, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even the Winter Solstice. Here are some decoration ideas for your festivities this year.

Christmas: Strings of lights and a tree topped with a star are typical Christmas decorations. Poinsettias, stockings and wreaths are other traditional objects you might find. Here in New Mexico, luminarias light walkways at night.

 

Hanukkah decorations feature the eight-candle menorah, the dredel, blue and white colors and the star of David. Hanukkah is not a major Jewish holiday, and decorations tend to more on the simple side.

Kwanzaa: decorations feature the colors black, red and green. Black symbolizes the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle. Black, red and green candles are lit on the Kinara, a candle holder, during the holiday. The seven symbols of Kwanzaa are the Kinara (candleholder), Mishumaa Saba (seven candles), Mkeka (the mat) Mazao (crops), Muhindi (ears of corn), Kikombe Cha Umoja (unity cup) and Zawadi (gifts). The mat is laid out at the beginning of the holiday on a table in a central location in the home. Then the candle holder is set up on the mat along with the crops, corn, and unity cup. Source: https://abc7ny.com/kwanzaa-2020-kwanza-day-1-of-when-did-first-began/1131317/

Winter Solstice: The pagans, particularly of the British isles, celebrations are quite ancient, though many of their decorations were incorporated into Christmas celebrations. They often feature lots of greenery, candles, the yule log and runes (various related northern European alphabets). 

  

Our Favorite Holiday Movies

 Will's Pick: A Christmas Story

He recently saw a stage play version featuring his high school history teacher. He likes that it's a very quotable movie with a quirky sense of humor. Will's favorite part is when Ralphie and his parents go to pick up a Christmas tree and he says "fudge," only he doesn't say "fudge" and then he gets his mouth washed out with soap.

Joseph's Pick: Home Alone 2

He remembers watching it as a kid and he likes that it's funny and has a nice message. Joseph likes how Kevin terrorizes the hotel concierge, played by Tim Curry.

 

 Mark's Pick: It's A Wonderful Life

It's a classic for good reason, with great performances by James Stewart and Donna Reed. Mark's favorite scene is when Clarence reveals himself to be an angel. 

 

Runners Up: Home Alone, Elf, Santa Claus: The Movie, and The Nightmare Before Christmas 

Will's Book Nook: Dick Barton, Special Agent Scribblings

 

 

I recently came across a very James Bond-esque, WWII era spy series, Dick Barton. It has all the characteristics of an old school radio spy show. I think it's awesome, because of how vintage it sounds. Every episode ends on a cliffhanger, and then the next episode picks up where the previous episode left off. The sound effects take you back to the late 40s, early 50s. It was the single longest running show on BBC radio at the time, and it was so popular, that people were clamoring for the release of a collection. It was very nostalgic for a lot of people. It was the first radio show of its kind to feature a female side-kick who didn't just work behind a desk, which I think is cool. I enjoy this series for its well-developed characters (especially the villians), humor and suspense.