December 31, 2008 - New Year's Eve

The Science Fiction Channel Annual Twilight Zone

Marathon is a New Year's tradition in this household.

We have grandchildren over to watch the ball drop.
We eat too many appetizers, including stuff from Knish Nosh.

Last year we had about fifteen people sleeping over. I can

only hope this year is less.

I bought this after riding on Orlando Disney's

Tower of Terror ride.

It is an invaluable resource for viewing

any classic TZ episode. You can watch many of the

episodes on the internet at CBS.COM.

My Top Ten:

WALKING DISTANCE

Season one, written by Rod Serling.
A theme of wistfulness for
simpler times.

A STOP AT WILLOUGHBY

Season one, written by Rod Serling.
Wistfulness with a bite.


NICK OF TIME

Season two, written by Richard Matheson.

More Psychological than scary.


EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Season one, written by Rod Serling.

I remember crying after seeing this as a young
boy. I was that scared.

LIVING DOLL

Season Five, written by Charles Beaumont.

Talky Tina voiced by June Foray.

She also voiced Rocket J. Squirrel.

TIME ENOUGH AT LAST

Season one, written by Rod Serling.

Based on a Short Story by Lynn Venable.

KICK THE CAN

Season three, written by George Clayton Johnson.

Ernest Truex in top form.

TO SERVE MAN

Season Three, written by RodSerling.

Based on a short story by Damon Knight.

The Kanamit is played by Richard Kiel(Jaws).

THE HOWLING MAN

Season Two, written by Charles Beaumont.

John Carradine is great in this one.

A NICE PLACE TO VISIT

Season One, written by Charles Beaumont.

Sebastian Cabot as Mr. Pip. Watch for his laugh.

December 26, 2008

Christmas had BBQ, Beer and Books, with
a nod to crosswords. I hope the gifts I gave are as
appreciated as the ones I received.



I received this scratch-off as a gift. I thought
I had a $10 winner. When the clerk checked the
pay-off, it turned out to be $30. Seems this Crossword fan
missed two words.



I also received a lot of beer. Many different
varieties. This will be the first tasting. Here is a description
from the Cooperstown, NY Brewery :"Ommegang, our first brew, was inspired by the centuries-old brewing practices of the Belgian Trappist monks. This burgundian brew gives off a variety of aromas, including plum and cinnamon, and packs in flavors such as caramel, toffee, and licorice. At 8.5% abv, it is known to cause spontaneous meditation."




Also on the gift list was a $50 Gift Certificate
to Hill Country Barbecue at 30 W 26th Street.
Will be going real soon. The $50 won't last long.



Last but not least, the latest book.

"That Chloe's hot," says Bruno, "but not too bright,
and she's always drunk ... and a slut ... and a bitch too."
She can't be both: a slut sleeps with anyone
but a bitch will sleep with anyone but you.

December 24, 2008

Carl Larsson - Christmas Eve.



A Christmas Carol is hard to find on TV.
But Time-Warner has the Reginald Owen version
on Free TV on Demand.



Channel 4 has it on tonight and it has become
a Christmas staple. Saturday Night Live has a hilarious
Lost Ending.





This site is great. It takes a while to complete but it is worth it:
ElfYourself.

December 20, 2008

50 D in today's NYT crossword is Rigel.
A part of the Orion constellation.
I always use the Belt to find other stars.
Rigel is used in several Fictional settings.



Finally tried Bud's new American Ale.
I liked it, a little bitter, tastes a bit like Sam Adams.
I still prefer Bass, but if a party has this, I will drink it.



No Greenmarket today. About 5 inches of
snow last night. My car is great in the snow
but trying to stay off the roads, lots of Holiday
traffic.



I got this for my son and he finished
it in record time. I'm just about done and it is a good read.
Never heard of Kayfabe before reading HITMAN.
Ties into the new movie The Wrestler. All this talk of
Bumps and Babyfaces and Heels.

December 16, 2008

William Cullen Bryant in holiday spirits.




C-3PO (See-Threepio)- only $6,000.



Snowflakes were huge.



The Pond looked like fun.



These guys rocked.



Grand Central.



Carousel.



Pretty tree.



Lots of shops.



Not as big as Rockefeller Center, but
a wonderful addition.

Finished up at the best BBQ place in town.
Good beer , great brisket.

December 14, 2008

Reviewed in today's NYT
Book Review.
A definite addition to the gift list.

Speaking of Roman Poets, here is a nice
link to Catullus' Odi et Amo.
Also, a link to all of his Poems.
#85:
I hate and I love. Why do I do it, perchance you might ask?
I don't know, but I feel it happening to me and I'm burning up.

December 13, 2008

Joe Ades. Peelers make great gifts.



George in the shade.



Holiday Market in full swing.



Lots of unusual stuff.



For the person who has everything.



Gag gifts.

December 12, 2008

Huge full moon tonight.
Just 221,560 miles away according to
this article.

December 6, 2008

"Five for Twenty, great for gifts."



Everything looks beautiful.



Lots of great decorations.



Pretty crowded.




The Holiday Market was less crowded.



A view from above.



Another view.