tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43759501592617128772024-03-27T19:54:35.366-04:00Yester Year Retro A road trip down memory lane from years gone by!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger343125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-49783912645368625722024-03-25T06:00:00.006-04:002024-03-25T10:27:28.006-04:00A Tribute To Men of a Certain Age<div style="text-align: left;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFwAmMYyz0QFYhXWLwfqxp6x-EdwAY7eSNNHx2CN5mxEfIYCg1NxoTKJIAT8ohaIObgMrgYQle2gxMQt88O5wDUjWFYX6lrNNFgp3gPAmSk4_HwilfNGKnH_u_1tcjjF1YVIyZBwYPW1BmE3mKeoH_GaubfxeP67V-KOx2iCj2v5YiUorW4iB3aGxCnvJ/s1575/1-172452164.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="1050" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFwAmMYyz0QFYhXWLwfqxp6x-EdwAY7eSNNHx2CN5mxEfIYCg1NxoTKJIAT8ohaIObgMrgYQle2gxMQt88O5wDUjWFYX6lrNNFgp3gPAmSk4_HwilfNGKnH_u_1tcjjF1YVIyZBwYPW1BmE3mKeoH_GaubfxeP67V-KOx2iCj2v5YiUorW4iB3aGxCnvJ/s320/1-172452164.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>John Lenin once wrote, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." For three men entering the second act of their lives, those lives are starting to hit home in TNT's original series Men of a Certain Age. The wry drama stars Emmy winner Ray Romano, Golden Globe winner Scott Bakula, and Emmy winner Andre Braugher. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>-Apple TV</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I must admit, I was a little conflicted when I decided I wanted to talk about "Men of a Certain Age." It's breaking my self-imposed rules of keeping the topics on my little website to pre-Y2K subjects. Occasionally, I'll slip into my college years (2002-2005), but generally, I prefer to stick to the 80s and 90s. Men of a Certain age hit the airwaves in 2009, so it's way outside my typical sphere of "retro" subjects, but hey... it's my website, right? Besides, 2009 was FIFTEEN YEARS AGO already, so I think I'm ok. Besides, it feels like anything pre-2020 was a different lifetime, so I guess we're good. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was 25 or 26 when Men of a Certain Age debuted on television. I had just been laid off from my first airline and was bumming around looking for real work and simultaneously looking for things to do that occupied my mind while the economy and the airline industry recovered from 2008's "Great Recession." I spent a lot of time watching television then. I got into a routine of waking early, going for a 3-mile run, and then spending a few hours online searching for work. By the afternoon, if I had nothing else going on, I'd typically retire to the television in my bedroom for the rest of the day. There, I discovered some great stuff. As I wrote about in my <a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2024/01/the-sopranos-turns-25-my-top-5-favorite.html">Top 5 Sopranos Episodes</a> article, this is when I first watched the entire series of The Sopranos. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't realize it then, but the show's three main protagonists were supposed to be in their late 40s or early 50s. To me, back then, they looked like they were well into their late 50s, but to be fair to them, the actors were 55 (Bakula), 52 (Romano), and 47 (Braugher). Perhaps my perception of the appearance of age and people's place in life was skewed at the time. But man, I can only think that as I approach those ages, I must look much older than I think I do!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll be turning 40 in a few months, and I have a different viewpoint on the aches and pains of age. The difficulties of "adulting" and growing up, being a good husband and parent, and providing for a family that needs you are much more accurate today than they were at 25 when I was still unmarried and temporarily unemployed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the time, I felt like I was one of a handful of people who found this little show. I knew it wouldn't last long, and I savored each episode. Admittedly, I was only initially interested because of my family's love of "Everybody Loves Raymond." The show only lasted two seasons, so I very well may have been one of only a handful of fans of this show. I've since found that it has a pretty good following (among the folks who have actually heard of it.) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I recently was flipping through our many streaming platforms (and still can't find a thing worth watching!) and saw that MAX (formerly HBO Max) has Men of a Certain Age in their lineup. Seeing the show's title image on MAX brought back many memories, and I thought now was as good of a time as any to discuss this TV series from yesteryear.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Men of a Certain Age was a relatively simple story about three friends in their late 40s having to deal with problems related to their current stage in life. That story grows more complex when you look at a broader issue of topics in their lives: marriage, children, health, divorce, gambling addiction, employment, financial worries, and the decision to chase or finally let go of childhood dreams. The show can be funny or break your heart as these guys try their best (or don't try so hard) and frequently come up short. If they say you're only as old as you feel, then Joe, Terry, and Owen are ancient. </div><div><br /></div><div>The series follows the adventures of three lifelong friends in their late forties named Joe, Owen, and Terry. </div><div><br /></div><div>Joe Tranelli (Ray Romano) is a timid, separated (and later divorced) father of two. Tranelli is forced to deal with the mental health of one of his children, who suffers frequent panic attacks, and the guilt of how his impending divorce from their mother has affected them. Joe had once dreamed of becoming a pro golfer but now owns a party supply store and is recovering from a gambling addiction. Once divorced and officially 50, Joe struggles with his addiction again. After hesitating for decades, he finally decides to pursue a professional golf career.</div><div><br /></div><div>Owen Thoreau, Jr. (Andre Braugher) is an anxiety-stricken, diabetic husband and father of three who works at a job he absolutely despises. He sells cars at a dealership owned and managed by his father, a former NBA player, Owen Thoreau, Sr. (played by Richard Gant.) During the second season, Owen's father retires, and he gains control of the dealership but Owen Sr's legacy continuously hangs over his son's head. Still, under his father's shadow, he must figure out how to steer his own course, but he continuously complains that the ride isn't as smooth as he'd like.</div><div><br /></div><div>Terry Elliot (Scott Bakula) is a struggling former actor and current apartment building manager who longs to return to the glory days of his youth. Terry never married, has no children, and frequently finds himself in trouble dating women with expensive tastes, often much younger than himself. Once Owen takes charge of the car dealership, Terry begins working as a car salesman. He may seem to be the most well-off of the trio, but it's only a carefully manicured act. He struggles with his age and mortality, attempting to work out often and eat healthy food while hiding his anxiety behind the mask of a "lazy slacker."</div><div><br /></div><div>It's mentioned a few times in the show that the idea of maturity is an illusion, that even as we grow older, we are still growing up. A mortgage payment and family suddenly become more important than an expensive sports car or childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut (or pro golfer.) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfspLzVHG4vF9WNI9XL2y2Iehm7od2U5UmoNeongKq8LVwVH-m9HHTVTCTN_pA9G8WCb0Sh73UYnG2lELS4yWlI2knpB3BK49qa7-ZP3NcbxDWD27XnlJSWbO0SS2fbJ9XHT7unW0MbVHIVWfOjDl_VcQ7h3XLopRg7QDMaeDhYhdhC1uF_9KpcpEyCHT7/s400/pilot%20diner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="400" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfspLzVHG4vF9WNI9XL2y2Iehm7od2U5UmoNeongKq8LVwVH-m9HHTVTCTN_pA9G8WCb0Sh73UYnG2lELS4yWlI2knpB3BK49qa7-ZP3NcbxDWD27XnlJSWbO0SS2fbJ9XHT7unW0MbVHIVWfOjDl_VcQ7h3XLopRg7QDMaeDhYhdhC1uF_9KpcpEyCHT7/w400-h261/pilot%20diner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Even though Joe, Owen, and Terry's lives and experiences are far different from mine (and I'd like to think I'd make vastly different choices than them,) I feel like I understand them well. We all get one ride on this merry-go-round of life, and we may as well make the best of it, even if middle age and life become a bit of a compromise from our original goals. </div><div><br /></div><div>In late 2007, Ray Romano and Mike Royce, friends and coworkers on Everybody Loves Raymond, began shopping scripts for a new series starring Romano. In March of 2008, TNT announced that it had ordered a pilot to be filmed based on a script written by the pair. In June that year, Andre Braugher and Scott Bakula were announced as having won the starring roles alongside Ray in the new, yet to be named, series. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bakula, most known for Quantum Leap, would join his first series as a regular cast member since Star Trek: Enterprise ended in mid-2005. Braugher was coming off 2006's The Thief, while Romano's Everybody Loves Raymond had wrapped in May 2005. </div><div><br /></div><div>Romano also included his friend Jon Manfrelotti in this new series. Manfrelotti, who played Gianni on "Raymond," appeared in Men of a Certain Age as "Manfro," Romano's bookie. Their scenes were often light-hearted but occasionally diverted into more serious tones regarding Joe's gambling addiction and the steps Manfro would be willing to take to collect his money. As a fan of Raymond, I loved seeing Manfrelotti in another role opposite Romano.</div><div><br /></div><div>After filming the pilot, TNT ordered 10 more episodes in January 2009.</div><div><br /></div><div>Men of a Certain Age premiered on TNT on December 7, 2009, with the TV-MA-L rating for strong course language. The second season premiered almost a year later, on December 6, 2010. The second season was aired in two 6 episode batches before the show concluded with its final episode on July 6, 2011. On July 15, 2011, TNT announced that it would not renew the series for a third season. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I watched the show, it was nice to see two actors I'd long known (Romano and Bakula) attempting something different. Today, I view it with different eyes, seeing that it's nice to see a cast that's not been "prettied up" or "aged down" just to please the TikTok crowd. These three actors "act their age" and show life isn't always going to be happy and exciting. Their decisions and actions may not always be favorable, yet viewers can quickly become invested in watching their lives. The show has heart and feels grounded in a reality that perhaps the actors themselves struggled with at one point in their lives.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many viewers immediately wrote the show off after discovering that Ray Romano, from "that lame sitcom" (100% wrong, btw), was starring in a dramatic role. Watch a handful of random episodes from this show, and you'll come away with a newfound respect for his acting ability. Since Romano was a stand-up comic who starred in a sitcom for several years, especially one named after himself with a similar backstory, it's easy to lump him in with Seinfeld, a comic who was decent enough at playing himself. However, Ray Romano won an Emmy for his acting in "Raymond," which was well deserved. He grew as a performer over the course of his sitcom, where he not only delivered jokes but was excellent at physical comedy and performed well at the occasional serious moment. </div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of Raymond, I'd like to take a minute to point out that Men of a Certain Age is definitely not a family-friendly affair like Romano's older sitcom. Let the kids go to bed before popping this one on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Season One was met with positive reviews. Looking at aggregate review sites such as Rotten Tomatoes, it still holds an 89% approval rating over nearly 20 reviews. The consensus reads: "Witty, insightful, and poignant, Men of a Certain Age is a second-act triumph for stars Scott Bakula, Andre Braugher, and Ray Romano." It held a Metacritic score of 78 out of 100, based on 24 reviews. According to Metacritic, this indicates it has "generally favorable reviews." </div><div><br /></div><div>Season Two was met with positive reviews, holding a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 15 reviews. The site summarizes the second season by saying, "Sharply written and deftly acted. It continues to be an observational sitcom of rare insight and depth." Season Two also holds a Metacritic score of 86 of 100, indicating "universal acclaim."</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite the great reviews, the show was canceled, and the final episode did a decent job of wrapping up most of the loose ends in a satisfying way, although there are several more stories to tell featuring these characters. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pg7JFL6He40" width="320" youtube-src-id="pg7JFL6He40"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>I've been blessed to know what I wanted to do from a very young age and with the desire and drive to accomplish it. I'm extremely happy. I have the family, the house, the job... I'm very fortunate. Could something always be better? Of course! But, I know I've got it quite good. At times, it seems like the total opposite of Men of a Certain Age.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know several others, even those that seemingly have it all, who still feel like when they hit middle age and don't have it "all figured out" or the "million dollar career," they've somehow failed. For people like them, perhaps Men of a Certain Age could show that life isn't over when you hit middle age and nobody has everything figured out. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Hollywood Reporter once said, "This TNT drama is arguably the least cliched and most accurate depiction of a man's midlife crises ever put on television." You and I can argue all day about how family men are depicted on television in 2024. They are often forced to play the "stupid Dad" or "dumb, lazy husband" that depicts the American father and husband as a one-dimensional, nonemotional, barely existent paycheck that the family takes for granted. I suppose there are many men who fulfill that cliche, and that's wrong, too. In Men of a Certain Age, the characters show that it's ok to not be perfect, it's ok to have emotion, and it's ok to be ok with getting older.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>I still find the show to be quite good, and it is still hailed as one of the most honest shows about middle age. The characters deal with many realistic frustrations, quirks, and humor that real-life "men of a certain age" often experience. As a man about to hit 40, I still find the show as entertaining as I did at 25. It's not mind-blowing or genre-changing in any way, but it's a solid television program that shows a realistic look at getting older and coming to peace with the aging process. </div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-5908259296541209182024-03-18T06:00:00.025-04:002024-03-19T19:38:43.575-04:00The Golden Palace - The Golden Girls' "Retirement Home"<div style="text-align: left;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsREv4j_Ak-icJcOc1G6MG8PF_QZGrqQ9kcZdjqbOPeXUwVHtuBpud4ugwld9HqG4XZW51vUQtnpqmWh0w482MTjv5-xv1uFZjrEK_w-SbE3gs2o1mGG3vHnQTiUrS3uGf4dguje08eIfJylO5leymc2VPzKDvLJk-9xb3s-zh7UtIxkVShcX0NfYyi3w/s377/Goldenpalacelogo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="377" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsREv4j_Ak-icJcOc1G6MG8PF_QZGrqQ9kcZdjqbOPeXUwVHtuBpud4ugwld9HqG4XZW51vUQtnpqmWh0w482MTjv5-xv1uFZjrEK_w-SbE3gs2o1mGG3vHnQTiUrS3uGf4dguje08eIfJylO5leymc2VPzKDvLJk-9xb3s-zh7UtIxkVShcX0NfYyi3w/s320/Goldenpalacelogo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My family was never big on The Golden Girls when I was young. We had pretty strict rules on television content in our house, and some of the Golden Girls jokes were too risque for us kids. Today, it's worlds tamer than anything your seven-year-old can find on their iPad in mere seconds. But back then, in a world where people launched a crusade against The Simpsons for "ruining society," some adult topics in "Girls" were definitely not allowed. Plus, the show was geared towards an older female audience, and with two young boys in the house, it was just not something we were interested in. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, 5-year-old me just wouldn't have wanted to watch it when there were things like Ghostbusters or the New York Rangers on TV. My father also steered me towards classics of the 50s and 60s, like I Love Lucy and The Dick Van Dyke Show, as my many articles dedicated to Nick at Nite and The Block Party Summer can attest. Check out the "Collections" tab for more.</div><div><br /></div><div>In any event, it wasn't until over a decade after the show went off the air that I began to watch the Golden Girls from my dorm room in college. Until I moved off campus, I lived in a tiny single-student room no bigger than a small walk-in closet. I spent most of my time in that room seated at my desk in front of my laptop, but just a few inches to my right was a nice (for the time) 10-inch screen TV and VCR combo unit. Remember those all-in-ones? Anyway, I spent many a day watching TV and surfing the early days of the internet from that desk. I'd tape my favorite shows on VHS when I was in class, flying, or playing hockey. </div><div><br /></div><div>One such show was The Golden Girls. I'd occasionally flip around the dial and find it on one of the "lesser" channels. I'd often stop and enjoy what I saw, every episode brand new to me. It quickly fell into what I like to call the "comfort food of TV" category. It was safe, mildly funny, reasonably predictable, and pleasant background noise. </div><div><br /></div><div>During that time, my now-wife and I were flipping through channels on that tiny TV in my room one afternoon, and she stopped on The Golden Girls. She mentioned she had always watched the show, even as a little girl in the 80s and 90s. When I told her I had only started watching the show months ago, she told me that she had always had a television in her bedroom and would stay up late on Saturdays as a little girl to watch the Golden Girls. </div><div><br /></div><div>Me? I didn't have a television in my bedroom until I came home from college on summer break and put my little 10-inch TV on my dresser. Later, I'd use up all of the space in my room with one of those giant, 50-pound box units with only a 24-inch screen that I salvaged from an aged relative who no longer needed it. </div><div><br /></div><div>In any event, in college, my wife and I would watch the Golden Girls, and I slowly learned more and more about the characters. She always loved the later seasons, hat I preferred the earlier years. After getting married, we both discovered we like to fall asleep with the TV on, so every night was spent drifting off to comfort food television. On many nights, it's The Golden Girls. </div><div><br /></div><div>For a good year or so, The Hallmark Channel had "The Girls" on as we would go to bed and again in the morning when we woke up. On my days off (mainly during the week), we'd lay in bed watching several episodes of The Girls, followed by Hart to Hart and Diagnosis Murder before she eventually had to get up and leave for work. </div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, one afternoon, I was in a hotel somewhere for work, probably around 2006 or 2007, when I stumbled across an episode of something called "The Golden Palace" on The Lifetime Channel. I watched an episode and immediately texted my wife. Did you know anything about this? She responded with something akin to "Yes, and it's terrible." I agreed based on what I saw that day, there was something deintely off about it. I spent the evening "binging" any episodes I could find on YouTube, anyway. It didn't have the same "feeling" as the original. I also didn't like the new characters. And I missed Dorothy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lifetime was apparently the only network ever to air The Palace because I never saw it come across Hallmark and Logo or TV Land. So, I watched what I could find and forgot about it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Recently, I caught a few episodes on Hulu and found it wasn't as "bad" this time around. Perhaps it was the initial shock of finding out I had missed something? Maybe I just don't like change (true). I didn't like that there were new cast members or not all of the original characters. Perhaps it's just that there is nothing but garbage on television today in a world filled with terrible news everywhere, and I long for something that reminds me of the 1990s? Probably all of the above.</div><div><br /></div><div>We spent this winter in Florida (and I'm totally ready for the retired-snowbird lifestyle), but throughout our time there, our little one did quite a bit of growing up. The "babyish" videos of music and repetitive situations have given way to more grown-up stories she can follow. We're also finding she wants less screen time these days and is playing with self-driven stories through arts and crafts or dolls and other toys. Long story short, we've won a little of our own TV time back. Even if it's just background static that we get to catch a few minutes of at a time, we've begun putting our favorites on TV during the day again. Like The Golden Girls, and it's glorious. Nothing cuter than when our 3-year-old asks, "Are we watching the Girls?" I can already tell that she's all four Girls rolled into one.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the extra time we get to spend with "The Girls," I felt like no time was better than today to take a deeper look back at that often-forgotten sequel, The Golden Palace.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Golden Palace was produced as a continuation sequel to The Golden Girls, which lasted as a single, 24-episode season. It ran on CBS from September 18, 1992, to May 7, 1993. It starred Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty, who reprised their roles as Rose Nyland, Blanche Devereaux, and Sophia Petrillo (respectively). The series continued without the main character Dorothy Zbornak, played by Bea Arthur, who had decided to leave the series at the end of season seven. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqfmPwsHotGhB2-RihKx0kXpvK3PCE5Nmb3IYT6yCRHI9Toy_kmUthukeKfkKFSCdF8sVRSLar7STQGimOV2btybxePF4x-TGt-ZN0eeSUV-bJ34wcioLnEJiGPTyGRwnP5SHQs4MYgxzRELBLXbh1VD9y6kmmoNNuXv2S6YCWZba7A9vgzkl-QVBQ1Kk/s1900/GLDNPALCE_Y1_GAL_Image002_L-1d3e75df290b44afb0205bc6767f0fe3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1900" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqfmPwsHotGhB2-RihKx0kXpvK3PCE5Nmb3IYT6yCRHI9Toy_kmUthukeKfkKFSCdF8sVRSLar7STQGimOV2btybxePF4x-TGt-ZN0eeSUV-bJ34wcioLnEJiGPTyGRwnP5SHQs4MYgxzRELBLXbh1VD9y6kmmoNNuXv2S6YCWZba7A9vgzkl-QVBQ1Kk/w316-h400/GLDNPALCE_Y1_GAL_Image002_L-1d3e75df290b44afb0205bc6767f0fe3.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Without Arthur's presence, the production team added two new characters, Roland Wilson, played by Don Cheadle, and Chuy Castillos, portrayed by Cheech Marin. A child actor, Billy L. Sullivan, was initially added to the cast but was eventually written out.</div><div><br /></div><div>The series begins approximately two months (in story) after the original series had ended. Dorothy has just married Lucas (Leslie Nielsen) and moved to Atlanta, leaving her remaining housemates to figure out their futures. The three have decided to sell the home and invest in The Golden Palace, a failing but trendy Miami hotel that was up for sale. However, after the sale, the hotel is revealed to have been stripped of its staff to appear profitable to potential buyers. Only two employees remain: Roland Wilson (Don Cheadle), the hotel manager, and Chuy Castillos (Cheech Marin), the hotel's chef. </div><div><br /></div><div>This, of course, requires the three gals to pitch in with the hotel duties as the bulk of the series focuses on their interaction with the staff and hotel guests. Celebrity guest stars and several returning characters from The Golden Girls were quite prevalent. Herb Edelman reprised his role several times as Stanley Zbornak, Harold Gould returned as Rose's love interest, Miles Webber, and Debra Engle appeared as Rebecca Devereaux. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the start of the seventh season of The Golden Girls, Bea Arthur had grown tired of her role as Dorothy Zbornak and notified producers that she had decided to not return for an eighth year. With that news, the production team got to work at the end of Season Seven, retitling and revamping the entire show as a new series. </div><div><br /></div><div>Creator Susan Harris continued to serve as Executive Producer alongside the returning Paul Junger Witt and Tony Thomas. The trio admitted to mixed feelings about the new series but felt obligated to continue for the sake of the cast and crew. Tony Thomas once said, "We had been employing a lot of people, so to just pull the plug would have meant ending something that provided a very satisfying life for a lot of people." </div><div><br /></div><div>Betty White was skeptical of the new series and claims the two others, McClanahan and Getty, had reservations but were pleasantly surprised. "To our great surprise, we had a ball. It came together much better than we thought," White said in a USA Today interview. </div><div><br /></div><div>McClanahan preferred keeping the original series and plotlines and wanted to add a new, fourth roommate to replace Bea Arthur but claims producers quickly rejected her ideas. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>The Golden Girls had aired on NBC for nearly eight years, but when it came time to negotiate for The Golden Palace, NBC Chief of Entertainment Warren Littlefield was hesitant. Given the declining ratings during Season Seven for "Girls" and the lack of Bea Arthur, he would only commit to a 13-episode half-season order for the 1992-93 season. </div><div><br /></div><div>CBS quickly entered the picture, offering an entire 24-episode season to bring the franchise to their network. Witt, Thomas, and Harris preferred to stay with NBC and attempted to get Littlefield to improve his NBC deal. He refused, again citing the declining ratings of the previous series and the network's recent slate of shows aimed at a younger audience like Seinfeld and Mad About You. Soon-to-debut classics like Freinds and Frasier were on the horizon, and Littlefield didn't think a Golden Girls spinoff would mesh well. </div><div><br /></div><div>The decision was easy to move the program to CBS, which promised to treat The Palace as its own show - separate from its past with The Golden Girls. However, this move likely prevented so many Golden Girls fans from seeing or knowing about this one-season series. This was an age before the internet was widely adopted, and if one missed one of the few brief advertisements, there was no way to look up any information related to their favorite programs. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not only did the show change networks, but viewers had spent seven seasons watching The Golden Girls on Saturday nights, only for CBS to move the show to Fridays. CBS used The Golden Palace as one of four comedies on Friday evenings in an effort to combat ABC's extremely popular "TGIF" block of family programming. The series was paired with Major Dad, Designing Women, and Bob. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILy-YWdyCP8RMFzRknow_gOWDYxxKitnDuj4CZfTw7xPdLJNXY0ooKuU22JNB9D2qSSwG3myquueelkQn7TZsIDkTNzGruezJbOfqYLqU9Y1I29hbktqZxHiyvH2jHfSqipRVHPJV0zq439Ngx1KRXjisHp2hOsYLgrnTVjBnloiXKQsbHp5No9z5d_wW/s479/65f374957dfe62f90413c3f46a883ddb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILy-YWdyCP8RMFzRknow_gOWDYxxKitnDuj4CZfTw7xPdLJNXY0ooKuU22JNB9D2qSSwG3myquueelkQn7TZsIDkTNzGruezJbOfqYLqU9Y1I29hbktqZxHiyvH2jHfSqipRVHPJV0zq439Ngx1KRXjisHp2hOsYLgrnTVjBnloiXKQsbHp5No9z5d_wW/w268-h400/65f374957dfe62f90413c3f46a883ddb.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With Bea Arthur gone, the character dynamics changed. Rose quickly became the jack-of-all-trades for the hotel. Rose's willpower and drive were so much stronger in some episodes than in the previous series that even Bea Arrthur's Dorothy, who returned for a two-part storyline, noted, "When did she become the strong one?" </div><div><br /></div></div><div>Blanche would suddenly gain excellent business acumen and become the principal operator of the hotel. Her trademark traits from Golden Girls, vanity and promiscuity, were toned down for much of The Golden Palace. She did retain her southern charm and generally happy demeanor, which helped her interact well with most of the hotel's guests. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sixty-nine-year-old Estelle Getty always portrayed an older Sophia Petrillo, but for Palace, her character was aged several years from Golden Girls. At 87, Sophia became the hotel's second chef, waitress, and dishwasher. </div><div><br /></div><div>Don Cheadle had his first starring role in a television series on The Golden Palace as Roland Wilson, the hotel manager. Cheadle performed well as the comedic "straight man" to everyone else's antics. After Betty White's death, Cheadle posted a touching story on social media about how she treated him on set. He said the Director of Photography was giving him trouble in his scenes with Betty White due to lighting issues, given their vastly different complexions. One day, Betty White came in with slightly darker hair and makeup, all on her own accord, to reduce the color contrast between herself and Cheadle, ensuring he would be adequately lit for the camera. </div><div><br /></div><div>The hotel's chef, Chuy, was initially intended to be a role for British comic Alexei Sayle, who would have portrayed the character as Eastern European instead of Mexican descent. Marin replaced Sayle before the pilot episode was shot, as the idea of having a Latino chef as a comic foil had been proposed before the original series even began. In fact, the first episode of The Golden Girls" was written with a live-in housekeeper and chef, Coco (Charles Levin,) but was eventually written out for several reasons, including the popularity of Estelle Getty's addition to the show as Sophia. Marin had been looking to branch out into television to escape his typecast as a weed-head. He also later claimed that, in order to get him to join the show, he was promised a spinoff series for his chef character in the event that The Golden Palace was a success.</div><div><br /></div><div>Billy L. Sullivan appeared as Oliver Webb in the first six episodes. Oliver was Roland's foster child and would also appear in two later episodes, numbers 11 and 14, before being written off the show when his birth mother retook custody of him. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>A story made the rounds for years that Estelle Getty would continuously need to reshoot her scenes on The Golden Girls, as she was beginning to develop dementia and couldn't remember her lines. Rue McClanahan noted after "Palace" ended that this was not the case on The Golden Palace. This led to speculation that Bea Arthur may have unintentionally intimidated Estelle Getty during The Golden Girls. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_a2QZT746aw" width="320" youtube-src-id="_a2QZT746aw"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>The theme song to The Golden Girls, "Thank You For Being a Friend," written by Andrew Gold, is just as iconic as the show itself, if not more famous. For "Girls," the song was covered by Cynthia Fee, who, thanks to Golden Girls, is probably most closely associated with the song despite its numerous versions. When The Golden Palace debuted, producers decided to keep the same theme song but update it for the 1990s. This version was covered by Chuck Negron, and the musical beats were given a bit of an early 90s R&B flare.</div><div><br /></div><div>The exterior shots of The Golden Palace were taken of The Carlyle Hotel on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. The series itself was shot at the Ren-Mar Studios in Hollywood. </div><div><br /></div><div>Initially, the ratings for the show were quite solid, and the critics loved The Golden Palace. Los Angeles Times critic Rick Du Brow stated that producers "deserve plenty of credit for infusing the premiere of the tired old series with new verve, drive, and wit in its resuscitated form." The Orlando Sentinel wrote that the premise "seemed like one of the worst ideas of the year, but the premiere episode crackles with the same energy that marked the early years of The Golden Girls. The change of scenery, plus fresh chemistry created by the addition of new characters, relieves the numbing sense of deja vu that settled over the characters (...in the final seasons of the previous series)." </div><div><br /></div><div>The show won its timeslot for the first several weeks, but viewership fell steadily as the season progressed. As the series went on, critics began to turn sour. John O'Connor of The New York Times wrote, "It's all a bit too familiar, and the format is forced into some unseemly stretching." Tom Shales at the Washington Post gave a mixed review but heaped praise on Betty White, saying, "She seems faster and fresher than ever. Arthur's absence is felt, but without Betty White, this is one show that clearly could not go on." </div><div><br /></div><div><div>The show was never anywhere near as popular as its predecessor for multiple reasons. The absence of Bea Arthur as a regular cast member is often the most cited by fans, myself included. On Friday, the Golden Palace's new timeslot was opposite the popular Steve Urkel and Family Matters on ABC. The original series, despite still being quite popular, had been slipping in the ratings for a while anyway. The show had fallen to number 30 in the Nielsens during its final season, and viewers' habits had already begun to change away from the franchise. It was no longer a "must-see" for many viewers, and when it switched networks and day-of-week timeslots, it was out of sight, out of mind. </div><div><br /></div><div>All of these factors worked against The Golden Palace, and the show ended far back at number 57 in the Nielsen ratings for the 92-93 season. CBS greenlit a second season, but the night before the upfronts, where networks announce the next season's lineup, CBS executives changed course and canceled The Golden Palace.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, they canceled the entire Friday night block of programming, except for Newhart's "Bob." After the cancellation of Golden Palace, Betty White joined the new cast of Bob, where she rejoined old friend and co-star Bob Newhart on his show about an old comic book creator (Newhart) turned greeting card writer. When White joined the show during the second season, the network had just reworked the series in an attempt to bolster the ratings. Most of the original cast had been let go, and the premise of the series had changed. Unfortunately for White (and Bob), the show only lasted 8 episodes into the second season before being pulled from the airwaves. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4cPBxlPKBC4" width="320" youtube-src-id="4cPBxlPKBC4"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Estelle Getty continued to portray Sophia Petrillo in Seasons Six and Seven of another Golden Girls spinoff, "Empty Nest." On Nest, she returned to the rebuilt Shady Pines retirement home (which she may or may not have set fire to during The Golden Girls) and would continue to "pop in" on The Weston family. </div><div><br /></div><div>Series creators never said what officially became of Rose, Blanche, Roland, or Chuy at the hotel. </div><div><br /></div><div>The syndication rights of the series are owned by Disney-ABC Television, although the series was never syndicated as a stand-alone series. Lifetime purchased the rights to air The Golden Girls during the mid-2000s, from approximately 2005 to 2008, and with that came the rights to air The Golden Palace selectively. Lifetime Network would air The Golden Palace as somewhat of an 8th season to The Golden Girls, often labeling the episodes as "Golden Girls" rather than "Golden Palace." </div><div><br /></div><div>Since Lifetime was the only network to ever air the two shows together, the existence of this series is still not widely known. According to Rue McClanahan, most Golden Girls fans were unaware of its existence until it aired on Lifetime. She says the large amounts of press that the cancellation of the original series received overshadowed the news of a new show on a new network. </div><div><br /></div><div>On January 17, 2022, on what would have been Betty White's 100th birthday, the streaming service Hulu added The Golden Palace to its platform. Many discovered The Golden Palace for the first time, creating a semi-viral buzz on social media when it was added to the platform. Many who remembered The Palace from its past days on television days uneasily rewatched the series. Many, such as myself, must have watched with less critical eyes because many former detractors truly enjoyed the show. </div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>As of writing, The Golden Girls appears on The Hallmark Channel, TV Land, and some regional syndicated networks. The Golden Girls and The Golden Palace are available for streaming on Hulu.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Even though it doesn't have much of a following, I found The Golden Palace to be witty, full of great one-liners, comic timing, and pop culture references (of the era). The dirty jokes are even dirtier than the first go-round. </div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The Golden Palace isn't just "ok.' It's quite good and worth your time. Of course, it's totally nostalgic, and not every joke suits a "modern" taste, but you can't please everyone. Some episodes are better than others, even if they border on ridiculous, like when Sophia gets hired as a DJ at a local radio station to pull a cruel prank on Rose. I may not have liked the additions of Cheadle and Marin, but the chemistry between the three women is undeniable. Yes, even without Bea Arthur. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-87864521535272600932024-03-11T06:00:00.765-04:002024-03-11T06:00:00.150-04:00The Pat Sajak Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiZd_sLj0CCHJeaU8DLyTrnzVDZm-DrcMRXvAQ1yC2d8ZNha3Ekxl8etkLw9eSKVHvnHkw_jqWxMktnDT3Gl1Ww2oZnNmJgvPPj99u5tnKS2NylVyCOB2s9Dva0GSYaG0d9Q3U9H3cw3Vbhbd10LcHAbyqp24DXvR4LmDNZk9nfi0WTzimInVWzqMPXJl/s640/COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiZd_sLj0CCHJeaU8DLyTrnzVDZm-DrcMRXvAQ1yC2d8ZNha3Ekxl8etkLw9eSKVHvnHkw_jqWxMktnDT3Gl1Ww2oZnNmJgvPPj99u5tnKS2NylVyCOB2s9Dva0GSYaG0d9Q3U9H3cw3Vbhbd10LcHAbyqp24DXvR4LmDNZk9nfi0WTzimInVWzqMPXJl/s320/COVER.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />When the news broke a few months ago that this season of "Wheel of Fortune" would be Pat Sajak's last, I immediately thought it would be a good chance to remind everyone of his short-lived late-night talk show from the early 90s. With the holidays and all, I never got around to it, but I thought this week would be a good chance to head back into Yester Year and refresh everyone's memory! <div><br /></div><div>For a time during the nineties and early aughts, I LOVED late-night talk shows. Today, I find them full of bland, safe humor with interchangeable hosts that feature mostly one-sided political commentary that's often not even remotely funny. But, back in the day, I couldn't get enough. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the 8th grade, my friend Chris and I would bicker like old married people over who was the best at late-night comedy: Leno or Letterman? (I was team Letterman.) In college, my friends and I spent hours in the middle of the night watching Leno or Letterman, followed by Conan, The Daily Show, or something similar. We'd also watch the movie "Late Night" frequently. My pals and I enjoyed stand-up comedy and looked forward to seeing if our favorites would be on. </div><div><br /></div><div>When Conan took over the Tonight Show, the guys in my crashpad in Albany, New York, stayed up late every night (even when we had to be up at 3am for work) to watch his first few weeks. Personally, I was excited to see Leno come back and soon realized my friend Chris may have been right about him all along. </div><div><br /></div><div>Around that same time, I was crashing on the sofa in my girlfriend's parent's basement. We'd stay up late watching the TV down there, and our favorite late-night show was always Craig Ferguson's. We have many memories of laughing into the night, especially when trapped indoors during a multi-day blizzard in New York. In one particular "Woman on the Street" interview, a dazed and confused woman standing on the street during the blizzard coined a phrase we repeat to each other often: "You know? I don't know." You probably had to be there, but it's still funny to us.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few decades earlier, as the 80s turned into the 90s, beloved game show host Pat Sajak created his own late-night show. I was too young to watch it live, but I've watched a few hours of what's left of it on the internet, and I didn't think it was a terrible show. Viewers at the time thought otherwise. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's go back in time together, shall we?<span> </span></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Pat Sajak was born Patrick Leanord Sajdak in Chicago on October 26, 1946. After high school, he enrolled in Columbia College of Chicago while working as a desk clerk at The Palmer House Hilton Hotel. He changed his Polish-origin name of Sajdak to the American pronunciation of "Sajak" when he entered the entertainment business. His career began broadcasting for a local radio station before joining the United States Army and being shipped to Vietnam. He became a disc jockey for the American Forces Vietnam Network, taking over the "Dawn Buster Show" that Adrian Cronauer (made famous by Robin Williams in "Good Morning, Vietnam!") had hosted for 14 months. Sajak continued Cronauer's trademark of "Good Morning, Vietnam!" </div><div><br /></div><div>In the '70s, Sajak hosted shows on various radio stations around the country, including rural Kentucky and Nashville, Tennesee. While in Nashville, the radio station's sister television station, WSMV, brought Sajak on screen, first as a voiceover artist and then anchoring the five-minute newscasts during NBC's Today Show. He then became a weekend host and substitute weatherman. In 1977, KNBC in Los Angeles needed a weather reporter and offered Sajak the job as the full-time weather reporter for the station. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 1981, Merv Griffin asked Pat if he would be interested in taking over the duties as host of Wheel of Fortune from Chuck Woolery, but Fred Silverman, President of NBC, rejected Sajak, claiming he was too "local." Merv Griffin halted all production on his game show until Sajak was hired, but shortly after, Silverman was replaced by Brandon Tartikoff. Sajak accepted the position and, from 1983 to 1989, hosted the daytime NBC and syndicated evening version of Wheel of Fortune. In 2019, during his 36th season, he became the longest-running host of any game show, surpassing "The Price is Right" host Bob Barker. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDTC8RPhnHzRPb0ue1YueluDaN2O5KnObXuiunNDnX66Q9vO-uPP2sELI1wN5Vuvipf8KN5937kOXfJztnsuqjZT3Ma-YYN61X5Pix2SR_XG0Px8AKBOSh3whDifRW7YPfOAng3SlNuzw7xdqwMUCq_6hFhEdmw8bX6PtHhas_oCLWwPVVsYSTi6I1ue2/s1014/pat-sajak-show-1-1014x570.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="1014" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDTC8RPhnHzRPb0ue1YueluDaN2O5KnObXuiunNDnX66Q9vO-uPP2sELI1wN5Vuvipf8KN5937kOXfJztnsuqjZT3Ma-YYN61X5Pix2SR_XG0Px8AKBOSh3whDifRW7YPfOAng3SlNuzw7xdqwMUCq_6hFhEdmw8bX6PtHhas_oCLWwPVVsYSTi6I1ue2/w400-h225/pat-sajak-show-1-1014x570.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div>As Wheel of Fortune's popularity skyrocketed in the late 1980s, Sajak was offered an opportunity to host his own late-night take show on CBS. </div><div><br /></div><div>Michael Brockman, then the CBS Vice President of Daytime, Children's, and Late Night Programming, wanted a late-night talk show established on his network when Johnny Carson eventually announced his retirement from NBC. Brockman had known Sajak since the late 70s when Pat was a weatherman for NBC. At that time, Brockman had approached him about hosting a game show, but Sajak turned down the offer, wanting to host his own talk show instead. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 1986, as Wheel of Fortune was popular nationwide with Sajak as host, Brockman asked Pat to lunch and reminded him of that conversation years earlier. Sajak confirmed interest in a talk show, and Brockman went to work getting approvals from his management to commit to the show. This would be CBS's first foray into late-night talk shows since The Merv Griffin Show in 1972. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 1988, Sajak was still hosting the NBC daytime and syndicated nighttime version of "Wheel of Fortune" when he and CBS announced his new talk show. After the announcement, Sajak would leave the daytime version of Wheel in January 1989, where he was replaced by Rolf Benirshke and, later, Bob Goen. Sajak continued with the nighttime syndicated version and will wrap up his term on the show in 2024. </div><div><br /></div><div>CBS spent over $4 million for a new sound stage at Television City, specifically for the new talk show.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HxFU8ByRRec" width="320" youtube-src-id="HxFU8ByRRec"></iframe></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>A "Pat Sajak Show" Commerical</b></i></div></i><div><br /></div><div>In press before the show launched, Sajak joked that he was "not looking to raise the level of television." He summarized his show, stating the plan was to "steal liberally" from past and present talk shows. The show's format was similar to Carson's "The Tonight Show," consisting of comedy monologues, celebrity guests, and musical numbers. Sajak wanted to avoid the traditional monologue at the top of the show and spend more time with his guests like Jack Paar did, but in the end, the producers convinced him to stick closer to Johnny Carson. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>A staff of over 30 was hired, and Pat Sajak was hired on a guaranteed two-year contract for reportedly $60,000 a week (roughly $125,000 per week in 2024 when adjusted for inflation.)Sajak's announcer and sidekick for the show was his close personal friend, Dan Miller, whom Sajak worked with at WSMV in Nashville. CBS hired jazz musician Tom Scott as the bandleader. Scott would go on a few years later to be the band leader of another short-lived talk show, "The Chevy Chase Show." Interestingly enough, Chevy Chase was the first guest on "The Pat Sajak Show." </div><div><br /></div><div>After all the preparation, Pat Sajak's new show debuted on January 9, 1989. The launch came at an unfortunate time, just six days after the debut of the immediately popular Arsenio Hall Show. </div><div><br /></div><div>Following Sajak's comedic monologue on the first show, he introduced Chevy Chase as the first guest on the show. Following Chevy's appearance was an interview with soap opera star Joan Van Ark and a musical performance by The Judds. Later in the show, Sajak interviewed Peter Ueberroth, the outgoing Commissioner of Major League Baseball. </div><div><br /></div><div>In one of the most memorable events in the show's history, Chevy Chase interrupted the interview by raising his hand and asking if he was allowed to use the bathroom. He then got up and left the stage to much laughter from the audience. Moments later, he interrupted the show again by returning to the stage and taking his seat. </div><div><br /></div><div>There was also an interview with sitcom star Michael Gross (Family Ties) before the show ended with a comedy act performed by stand-up comic Dennis Wolfberg. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lOwjArNl4F4" width="320" youtube-src-id="lOwjArNl4F4"></iframe></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Clips From The First Show</i></b></div></b><div><br /></div><div>That may seem like a jam-packed lineup for the first show, but from its debut in January until October of 1989, the show was 90 minutes long. It was later reduced to 60 minutes to match the other network's talk shows. Initially, "The Pat Sajak Show" would be carried on 195 stations nationwide. This would be about 95% of all CBS affiliates, a marked increase over the 70% of stations carrying CBS' late-night block of reruns, police dramas, or movies. </div><div><br /></div><div>The New York Times had positive reviews of the first episode. They did note that the show was "sometimes a trying exercise in trying to provide a little something for everyone." Still, they made the very positive critique that "if Jay Leno weren't around, he (Sajak) would be a perfect successor to Mr. Carson." </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The ratings were vital for the first two weeks, and the reviews were good. In fact, the show led all late-night programming in total viewers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Viewer curiosity eventually wore off, and the ratings began to drop by the third week. </div><div><br /></div><div>"The Arsenio Hall Show" had been a surprise hit, and by August, Sajak trailed in the ratings to Carson, Arsenio, David Letterman, and ABC's news magazine show "Nightline." </div><div><br /></div><div>Ratings even fell below that of CBS's old late-night programming block. "The Pat Sajak Show" would average half of Carson's viewers on NBC, while Arsenio Hall cornered the market on younger and more diverse viewers. Still, Sajak averaged 3 million viewers per night, a boon for any show in 2024. For example, the number one late-night show, Jimmy Fallon's "Tonight Show," averages just about 1 million per night today in 2024, although the public's television viewing habits have significantly changed. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fpbCCnmcfcY" width="320" youtube-src-id="fpbCCnmcfcY"></iframe></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>A complete 1990 episode of The Pat Sajak Show featuring Patrick Stewart</i></b></div></b><div><br /></div><div>In any event, Sajak's show was more profitable for CBS than the original late-night programming due to a lower production budget and higher ad rates, so the show continued. Despite the cancellation rumors, the show made it through its first year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Beginning in February of 1990, the show started to undergo several changes. The producers slowly rolled out changes, such as scrapping Sajak's stand-up style monologue and replacing the couch, desk, and late-night backdrop with a round table and chairs. Sajak's formal wardrobe and grand entrance at the top of the show were replaced with a more casual look and a brief seated monologue before jumping into the guest interviews. The comedic-relief sidekick, Dan Miller, was eventually let go from the program. The biggest change producers made was limiting Pat Sajak to four nights a week and introducing a rotating cast of Guest Hosts on Fridays.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3ZlpfOV-4OvWGK8Rnjm8gkcn6Jb_OyjJD1wDfT_7r42Z_0l9Y6C-Z9pVJ4RKo8QVj3r8-xVUHqZoaEknCT6QF8FhUvKWqA7XTeVRXESAWTo299ORxqi90CwKU4xzcgyKMfASZgZN8Vy0ZnnbFDIYrzXK-BID2mO_RzxpDIn9ezHY-o4E98WiusYOExrM/s666/ROUND%20TABLE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="666" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3ZlpfOV-4OvWGK8Rnjm8gkcn6Jb_OyjJD1wDfT_7r42Z_0l9Y6C-Z9pVJ4RKo8QVj3r8-xVUHqZoaEknCT6QF8FhUvKWqA7XTeVRXESAWTo299ORxqi90CwKU4xzcgyKMfASZgZN8Vy0ZnnbFDIYrzXK-BID2mO_RzxpDIn9ezHY-o4E98WiusYOExrM/s320/ROUND%20TABLE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>The "round table" format</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The inclusion of guest hosts resulted in the most infamous episode of the show on March 30, 1990. That week's Guest Host was conservative political talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who attempted to gauge the audience member's thoughts on polarizing topics such as abortion and Affirmative Action. He would end up arguing with members of the audience, and after two segments full of heated exchanges, the audience was cleared for the final segment. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>Affiliates began removing the show from their lineup for syndicated programming shortly after the Limbaugh episode, more so because of ratings than Limbaugh. Pat Sajak hosted his show for the final time on April 5, 1990, before leaving the United States on his honeymoon vacation to Europe. </div><div><br /></div>Five days later, on April 9, CBS announced the cancellation of The Pat Sajak Show due to low ratings. Once informed of the cancellation, Sajak opted not to return for a final week of shows and instead allowed the scheduled guest hosts to run the final week. On April 13, 1990, comedian Paul Rodriguez had the honor of finishing "The Pat Sajak Show's" 15-month run.</div><div><br /></div><div>CBS restored its Late Night block of movies and reruns, and in many markets, Sajak's show was replaced by Arsenio Hall. CBS would not program another late-night talk show until David Letterman moved to the network in the summer of 1993. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also in 1993, Sajak's first guest, Chevy Chase, would launch his own late-night talk show on FOX. Chase's show was even less successful than Pat Sajak's, lasting only 6 weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Many years later, Sajak (serving as the Guest Host of "Larry King Live") interviewed Limbaugh and joked that his show had been going so well "that they auditioned my replacements live on air." Limbaugh agreed and later suggested that the show's producers set him up with an audience full of political activists as a publicity stunt. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sajak would reflect in 2015 on his late-night experience during an interview with Mark Malkoff. Sajak said the show failed simply because he didn't put out a show that people wanted to watch. He has no regrets about trying the show and can always take solace in the fact that his show lasted eight months longer than Conan O'Brien's version of The Tonight Show and 13 months longer than The Chevy Chase Show. </div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDT5-9zTa6OIGjojjiraRAdb5Hz4jll_SN64SPQ5zZuPgoondq1gvP8x7zIxSYVDNORjvrmE6jvLvINAUWFa_V_Jd3r5pWpgoudSO_67O4Zxg_MJVHBLXCw6tZwnQiriLOxHyEBzFetA_PzK-0nVhJ1Y6lMAH2TNlnSNsyflUYnnVWUcv_o7NaZUzOhbS/s1073/the-pat-sajak-show-1073x720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1073" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDT5-9zTa6OIGjojjiraRAdb5Hz4jll_SN64SPQ5zZuPgoondq1gvP8x7zIxSYVDNORjvrmE6jvLvINAUWFa_V_Jd3r5pWpgoudSO_67O4Zxg_MJVHBLXCw6tZwnQiriLOxHyEBzFetA_PzK-0nVhJ1Y6lMAH2TNlnSNsyflUYnnVWUcv_o7NaZUzOhbS/w400-h269/the-pat-sajak-show-1073x720.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>A view of the first episode, featuring Chevy Chase and Joan Van Ark</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Studio 56 at CBS Television City would later host numerous other talk shows, including The Dennis Miller Show, Politically Incorrect, The Tyra Banks Show, and The Wanda Sykes Show. In September 2012, "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" moved into Studio 56, bringing a late-night talk show to that location 22 years after The Pat Sajak Show was canceled. In tribute, Ferguson installed an autographed photo of Sajak, hosting The Pat Sajak Show, on the set of "The Late Late Show." </div><div><br /></div></div><div>In September of 2021, it was announced that Pat Sajak had signed a new contract to continue hosting "Wheel of Fortune" through the 2023-24 season. In June 2023, however, Sajak announced that he would retire as host of "Wheel" at the end of his current contract, ending his legendary run as a game show host. Ryan Seacrest was announced as Sajak's successor. </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-74464288098114687862024-03-04T06:00:00.350-05:002024-03-04T06:00:00.267-05:00This Month In YesterYear History - March<div style="text-align: left;">It's time once again for your monthly look at pop culture history from <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">20 </strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(2004), </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">25 </strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(1999), and </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">30 </strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(1994) years ago! </span></div><div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Below, you'll find a little time capsule of what was significant in our lives back then. Hopefully, as you read these brief synopses of the past, you'll begin to remember the who, when, and where of your memories from those years. That's why I created this site, after all! </span></span></div><div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQkk0PQYfAFakUJrnoSYMSDwcHJ1vS3rmyR5-xMddQaMIlmqx6K2ECa-G-W-RFRAn5KZFjFhFc4YvzVqrwP7eRxo9eNBv1v2MZ9fgQ0msavuIByghHlZ3xhQp5sKaH8rxmj6s75b_EZgrHoji33Ugkg92XXsANtOHF6vlkGwa5dLJriW_tBZvR0X2-w/s720/popculturereview.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="720" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQkk0PQYfAFakUJrnoSYMSDwcHJ1vS3rmyR5-xMddQaMIlmqx6K2ECa-G-W-RFRAn5KZFjFhFc4YvzVqrwP7eRxo9eNBv1v2MZ9fgQ0msavuIByghHlZ3xhQp5sKaH8rxmj6s75b_EZgrHoji33Ugkg92XXsANtOHF6vlkGwa5dLJriW_tBZvR0X2-w/w400-h228/popculturereview.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>POINTS OF REFERENCE</u></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2004: </strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">On the 1st, Terry Nichols was convicted of being an accomplice of Timothy McVeigh in the Oklahoma City bombings. On the 2nd, the Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Peyton Manning to a (then) record-setting 7-year, $98 million deal (with a $34.5 million signing bonus). On the same day, the Pittsburgh Penguins ended their record 14-game win streak when they tied the New York Islanders 3-3. Luciano Pavarotti performs his last opera at the New York Metropolitan Opera on the 13th. Wrestlemania XX (20) airs from Madison Square Garden on March 14th. On a personal note, this is the first ever PPV I legally watched (I ordered and paid for myself), and I wasn't disappointed. Chris Benoit defeated Triple H and Shawn Michaels, and Eddie Guerrero defeated Kurt Angle to win both Championships. There was also the Golderbg vs Brock Lesnar fiasco, where the crowd derailed the match with boos after finding out both men were leaving the company after Wrestlemania. Stone Cold was the special guest referee and handed out Stone Cold Stunners to both men. On the 15th, several legendary musicians were elected to the Music Hall of Fame: Prince, Bob Seger, ZZ Top, George Harrison, and several others. On the 23rd, Usher releases his 4th studio album, "Confessions." Confessions would go on to win the 2004 Billboard Album of the Year and the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album. March 29th sees Ireland become the first country in the world to ban smoking from all places of work, including bars and restaurants. On the 31st, New York Yankees pitcher Kevin Brown became the 2nd pitcher in history to have beaten all 30 teams in the league when he defeated the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 12-1 in a game played in Tokyo, Japan. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>1999</b>: On the 8th, the United States Supreme Court upheld the murder conviction of Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber. On the 12th, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary join NATO. Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen join a handful of others as the 1999 inductees into the Music Hall of Fame on the 15th. On the 20th, Legoland California opened as the first Legoland in the United States. On the 21st, "Shakespeare in Love" wins Best Picture at the 71st Academy Awards. On the 22nd, Lonestar released "Amazed," which became Billboard's Song of the Year for 1999. The next day, Ricky Martin released "Livin' La Vida Loca," which went on to sell 8 million copies. On March 24th, "The Matrix" is released in theaters. On the 26th, Jack Kevorkian is found guilty of 2nd-degree murder for injecting terminally ill people with lethal doses. Wrestlemania 15 occurs in Philadelphia on the 28th, where Stone Cold Steve Austin beats The Rock in a No-Disqualification match for the WWF World Title. On the 29th, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbs over 10,000 for the first time ever. As of writing, it currently sits at 37,592. On the 30th, Craig Kilborn is announced as the host of "The Late, Late Show" on CBS. He stayed on as host until 2004 when Craig Ferguson took over. On the 31st, a modern version of William Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew," titled "10 Things I Hate About You," starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, was released in theaters.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1994: </strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Whitney Houston takes home (almost) all the awards at this year's 36th Grammy Awards on the 1st for "I Will Always Love You." The United States Senate also rejected an amendment requiring a balanced budget earlier that day. Heaven forbid! On the 2nd, David Koresh, the leader of the Branch Davidian apocalyptical cult, promises to surrender if his tapes are aired on television. They were, and he didn't. On the 3rd, the IRS investigates baseball legend Darryl Strawberry. On the 7th, the US Supreme Court decided that parody was covered under "fair use" laws in Campbell vs Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. Also, on the 7th, the United States Navy began assigning women to live and work on combat ships for the first time. On the 8th, Tim Allen and Roseanne Barr win the People's Choice Award for "Best on TV." On March 12th, the Church of England ordained its first 33 female priests. On the 16th, Tonya Harding pleads guilty to her role in attacking former teammate Nancy Kerrigan. On the 17th, the Cleveland Indians announced there would be "NO SMOKING" in their new stadium, just days after the U.S. Government banned smoking inside government buildings. Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor files for bankruptcy on March 19th. On March 20th, Wrestlemania X takes place at Madison Square Garden, featuring the legendary ladder match between Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels. Bret Hart wins the World title from Yokozuna. On the 21st, "Schindler's List," Tom Hanks, and Holly Hunter win big at the Oscars. That same evening, Wayne Gretzky tied Gordie Howe's all-time scoring record in the NHL with 801 goals, which he broke two days later. Actor Dudley Moore is arrested for hitting his girlfriend on the 22nd. The man who lost part of himself for Amy Fisher, Joey Buttafouco, is released after 4 months in jail on the 23rd. Jimmy Johnson quits as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys on the 29th. He spent two years away from football before coaching the Miami Dolphins from 1996 to 1999 and has been a part of the FOX Football broadcast team since. On the 31st, NBA legend Michael Jordan was assigned by baseball's Chicago White Sox to the Birmingham Barons AA minor league team. He returned to basketball at the end of the season. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">TOP MOVIES</span></u></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>2004: "The Passion of the Christ" </b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b><br /></b></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Aif1qEB_JU" width="320" youtube-src-id="4Aif1qEB_JU"></iframe></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This epic biblical drama was produced, directed, and co-written by Mel Gibson. It stars Jim Caviezel as Jesus of Nazareth, Maia Morgenstern as Mary, and Monica Belluci as Mary Magdalene. The film depicts the Passion of Jesus according to the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It also draws on other devotional writings and accounts.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film primarily covers the final 12 hours before Jesus Christ's death, known as "The Passion." Beginning with the Agony in the Garden of Olives, it continues to the betrayal of Judas, the brutal Scourging at the Pillar, the crucifixion, and the death of Jesus. It ends with a brief depiction of his resurrection. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The narrative is interspersed with moments in Jesus's life, such as The Last Supper, The Sermon on the Mount, and other moments from Jesus' early life. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film was regarded as polarizing and controversial by critics, while many moviegoers viewed the film as a religious and holy experience. The film grossed over $612 million worldwide and became the fifth highest-grossing film of 2004. It was also the highest-grossing independent film of all time. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">As of 2023, it is still the highest-grossing Rated-R film domestically, with $370.8 million. It received three nominations at the Academy Awards in 2005 for Best Makeup, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1999: "Analyze This" </strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><br /></b></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z2mEgYX2pFE" width="320" youtube-src-id="z2mEgYX2pFE"></iframe></div></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Analyze This is a mafia-centric comedy film directed by the great Harold Ramis. Ramis also co-wrote the screenplay with Kenneth Lonergan and Peter Tolan. The film stars Robert De Niro as a panic-stricken mob boss who seeks the help of a reluctant psychiatrist, played by Billy Crystal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The film drew several comparisons to the mafia show The Sopranos, which had debuted two months earlier in January, due to its plot about mobster Tony Soprano seeking pychiatric help.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Analyze This drew several comparisons by journalists to the mafia show The Sopranos, which had premiered two months earlier in January, due to its plot about mobster Tony Soprano seeing a psychiatrist after suffering panic attacks. This film is later mentioned in a Soprano's episode titled "Guy Walks into a Psychiatrist's Office." </div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>1994: "Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult" </b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cstx7RLWE2o" width="320" youtube-src-id="Cstx7RLWE2o"></iframe></div><br /><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Naked Gun 33 and 1/3: The Final Insult is the third and final installment in the Naked Gun series, all of which is based on the television series Police Squad! The "33 1/3" refers to the number of revolutions per minute at which LP (long-playing phonograph) records play. The film was originally going to be titled "Naked Gun 33 and 1/3: Just for the Record" but was changed after the studio felt that audiences wouldn't get the reference. It was also titled "The Naked Gun 3" in some video previews. </div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In it, Leslie Nielsen returns as Lieutenant Frank Drebin, along with Priscilla Presley as Jane Spencer Drebin. O.J. Simpson appears as Officer Nordberg, and George Kennedy plays Captain Ed Hocken. The film also welcomes newcomers to the series Fred Ward, Anna Nicole Smith, and Kathleen Freman as a gang of bombers set to blow up the Academy Awards. </div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This third installment is the only film in the series directed by Peter Segal instead of David Zucker. Zucker received credit for writing the screenplay, however. </div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is the only film in the series to be directed by Peter Segal rather than David Zucker, who received credit for writing the screenplay instead. In addition to playing the producer of Sawdust and Mildew, Segal also had several minor voiceover roles in the film. </div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Several scenes had been planned for the earlier films but were cut out and used in this final entry, such as the opening sequence intended for the first film. The scene in which Frank and Jane get married and then drive off with Norberg on the back of the car was actually shot for the second film. In that scene, the car being driven is the electric car featured in the second film. </div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The film grossed over $132 million worldwide but was still the lowest-earning film in the Naked Gun series. Still, 33 and 1/3 was the number one box office title during opening weekend and the highest-grossing film of March 1994.</div></div></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>TOP SONGS</u></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2004: "Yeah!" by Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b0Ow9PBxZCA" width="320" youtube-src-id="b0Ow9PBxZCA"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>1999: "Believe" by Cher</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n7wvAEDOxAs" width="320" youtube-src-id="n7wvAEDOxAs"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>1994: "The Sign" by Ace of Base</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iqu132vTl5Y" width="320" youtube-src-id="iqu132vTl5Y"></iframe></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>TOP TV NEWS</u></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b>March 2004:</b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b>1st:</b> On CBS, The Price is Right broadcasts its 6,000th episode.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b>4th: </b>Rich Fields, handpicked by Bob Barker after the death of longtime announcer Rod Roddy, debuts as the new announcer on Price is Right, a role he would hold until 2011. "Pimp My Ride" on MTV debuts today. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="color: #0e101a;">15th: </b><span style="color: #0e101a;">The Game Show Network begins rebranding as "GSN." </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b>18th: </b>The 57th episode of The Powerpuff Girls "See Me, Feel Me, Gnomey" airs only in Canada, having been banned in the United States due to controversy over religious overtones. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>21st: </b>Deadwood debuts on HBO. </div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>March 1999: </b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b>13th: </b>A special "live" edition of "All That" airs on Nickelodeon for the first time.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>15th: </b>After three years of not being picked up by domestic distribution, the action series "L.A. Heat" finally debuts on TNT.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>24th: </b>Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski signed on to the recently launched Nickelodeon Games and Sports network as a special host and correspondent.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>26th: </b>Tom Synder made his final appearance on CBS' The Late-Late Show. The following Monday, Craig Kilborn, formerly of Comedy Central's The Daily Show, begins his tenure as host. <span style="font-weight: bold; white-space: pre;"> </span></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>March 1994: </b></div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>1st: </b>The "Pay Television Content Advisory System," which describes the varying degrees of suggestive or explicit content in a series broadcast by a pay channel, was first implemented by HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and The Movie Channel. A streamlined ten-point system of content labels and abbreviated codes was implemented later in the year.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>9th: </b>The Busy World of Richard Scarry debuts on Showtime. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>11th: </b>Viacom assumes control of Paramount Pictures, including Paramount Television. Later during the year, the Paramount/Viacom enterprise announced plans to initiate a new over-the-air television network in conjunction with United Television. The new network, the United Paramount Network (better known as UPN), began at the start of 1995.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>15th: </b>Major League Soccer announces the league's first television deal with ESPN and ABC Sports without players, coaches, or teams in place. The three-year agreement commits to 10 games on ESPN, 25 on ESPN 2, and the MLS Cup on ABC. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>29th:</b> "Ellen" debuts on ABC.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>31st: </b>Madonna appears on CBS' Late Show with David Letterman and makes headlines for a profanity-laden tirade. It's one of the most censored events in American talk-show history. Madonna swore 13 times during the interview, and while infamous, it resulted in some of the highest ratings in Letterman's career. </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-59327973213168818372024-02-26T06:00:00.665-05:002024-02-26T06:00:00.344-05:00Airlines of YesterYear: Pro Air<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7Vc0iIlW_A7Dtgvn4flTcxfttD2Cms1u5ZaW3WhSO3EBWThpACJbwZyGqX3ws99mcSawv9V6R3wytN5EiVbJW7bIle9exGYFP_WvcHjSQIuQj8zybABgLJf39U1u3Wc13YuXIeDCbjIog2DKuwoj6r_AU7uUmzUcSWGWdMkFc2YZPXZ3b1UDuKM9hHUN/s308/Logo2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="308" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7Vc0iIlW_A7Dtgvn4flTcxfttD2Cms1u5ZaW3WhSO3EBWThpACJbwZyGqX3ws99mcSawv9V6R3wytN5EiVbJW7bIle9exGYFP_WvcHjSQIuQj8zybABgLJf39U1u3Wc13YuXIeDCbjIog2DKuwoj6r_AU7uUmzUcSWGWdMkFc2YZPXZ3b1UDuKM9hHUN/s1600/Logo2.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Continuing my "Airlines of YesterYear" series, I'd like to touch on another short-lived company featured in Arthur Frommer's Budget Traveler magazine during the 90s. That article really caught my interest in learning more about the "lesser-known" airlines. You can head to the Collections Tab (after reading this, of course) and read about the several other airlines I've written about. I've covered airlines from Business Express to AccessAir and, most recently, Vanguard Airlines. Today, we're going to take a look at a short-lived upstart from the 1990s... <b>Pro Air. </b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOPSvaZsDK0qOWgSVr-hxBRlw72u5s2Cis5l2p_VFondpAeAm1vVG5J7rfKcJ2rc0fbDwmzVaqrWVpDPJi86Dk_d9tfwwMAwZlqcj-_LoS4M4x_-DslEHtjAhC-l_cRMltBcjHevGoqh4wzHcATrurtEidkApV5FDh04o7wxzkV1pd0bsCxZiBfyuPeTT/s308/Logo2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="308" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOPSvaZsDK0qOWgSVr-hxBRlw72u5s2Cis5l2p_VFondpAeAm1vVG5J7rfKcJ2rc0fbDwmzVaqrWVpDPJi86Dk_d9tfwwMAwZlqcj-_LoS4M4x_-DslEHtjAhC-l_cRMltBcjHevGoqh4wzHcATrurtEidkApV5FDh04o7wxzkV1pd0bsCxZiBfyuPeTT/s1600/Logo2.jpg" width="308" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pro Air was a low-cost airline created by an attorney and entrepreneur named Kevin Stamper in July of 1997. Stamper hoped to serve the Detroit metropolitan area from the centrally located but much smaller and less busy Detroit City Airport. Interestingly, Pro Air's headquarters was located in Seattle, a city nearly two thousand miles away. It was also a city that the airline didn't even fly to daily for most of its tenure. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Stamper had once been a lawyer at Boeing and settled his family in Boeing's hometown of Seattle, Washington area. After working at Boeing, Stamper became a managing partner in the "Crane, Stamper, Boese, Dunham, and Drury Law Firm." Kevin received some publicity in the late 80s for suing Coca-Cola to bring back "Original Coke," but he was more involved in entrepreneurial enterprises than his legal wrangling. Eventually, his life's path led him to create Pro Air. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not eager to leave the Emerald City, he would establish Pro Air's main offices in Seattle's Lower Queen Anne area. Occupying part of the third floor of the Seattle Post Intelligencer building, the entire corporate and operations part of the airline was three time zones away from the airline's day-to-day base of operations in Detroit. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As a funny side note, not only was the airline's headquarters in a city they only served a handful of times a week, but their telephone reservations center was in a very remote, rural coal mining town in West Virginia. The closest destination the airline served was Baltimore, a 7-hour drive away. Supposedly, all but one of the agents had never even been on an airplane! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stamper's business plans initially called for the airline to provide sports charters to professional sports teams, leading to the name "PRO" Air. When the lucrative, full-time, professional contracts didn't materialize immediately, the focus quickly changed to low-fare, scheduled service.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pro Air charged extremely low fares and developed several Detroit area business partnerships but was consistently plagued with low passenger loads, delayed flights due to mechanical or crew staffing issues, or other self-inflicted wounds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rather than advertise for some time before launching operations, Pro Air's first public announcement came less than 24 hours before their first flight on July 4, 1997. They spent the early days of the airline flying virtually empty airplanes around the route map until the public took notice.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZvxb-N8L0T2KGVDjOHeEbRxhJAVQsXko2uhe8deyT0e_ZV6kKUJsl4DV-H4bNtgCEHkXp6uEEIlP99yfBBA1LEpHuMU7Y82y1LxFvaJ7XTgSudCSxS9D2eM1y36BTJWxJzJszp5wSieReo0pFiH3TowBzV4pWH9pzyzodIdtXewOzLZHE5jGYIYpfnTg/s1000/P9100597p1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="430" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZvxb-N8L0T2KGVDjOHeEbRxhJAVQsXko2uhe8deyT0e_ZV6kKUJsl4DV-H4bNtgCEHkXp6uEEIlP99yfBBA1LEpHuMU7Y82y1LxFvaJ7XTgSudCSxS9D2eM1y36BTJWxJzJszp5wSieReo0pFiH3TowBzV4pWH9pzyzodIdtXewOzLZHE5jGYIYpfnTg/w173-h400/P9100597p1.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Being based in Detroit, the airline competed directly with Northwest Airlines on most, if not all, routes. However, Northwest operated out of the much larger Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW.) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Starting operations with a single fare for all passengers, Pro Air eventually implemented tiered fares with advance purchase requirements close to the airline's second anniversary. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pro Air advertised "hot meal service" on every route, including the 35-minute flight between Detroit and Chicago. The airline also served premium alcohol in First Class and only charged $2 for beer and wine in Economy. A former airline employee said they scrapped meals when they reportedly determined the cost of each meal accounted for (on average) over 15% of the fare each customer paid. They continued serving meals in First Class.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pro Air introduced one of the lowest fares ever advertised by an airline flying into New York City, where a single traveler headed to La Guardia would pay only $59. Years later, this low fare was topped with Spirit Airlines' ridiculous gimmick "Penny Fares" ($0.01 per ticket) on the same route from Detroit to New York.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>A "Founder's Fare" was offered for a short term for returning customers, offering deep discounts on most routes. The airline also developed contracts with Detroit-area vehicle manufacturers General Motors and Chrysler, allowing employees of the automakers to fly with discounted fares as low as $30 each way on select flights. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>Pro Air operated a fairly significant route structure compared to its fleet size. The airline flew to several cities in Florida (Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Myers), both Newark and La Guardia in the New York City Area, as well as flights to Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Seattle.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>The Florida service resulted from a contract with a local Detroit wholesale travel agency. The tour operator purchased 2/3rd of all seats on the flight at a slight bulk rate discount and resold them at a premium. This left Pro Air a guaranteed number of sales and a much smaller number of remaining seats to sell. </div><div><br /></div></div><div>Detroit City Airport was centrally located but was hindered by its lack of sizeable runways. The longest runway is only 5,090 feet long, much less than the 8,500 feet of the <i>shortest</i> runway at DTW. The short runway length at Detroit City required a lower takeoff weight for Pro Air's Boeing 737s to take off safely. This caused the airline's longer flights, Florida and Seattle, to stop for additional fuel along the way. The Seattle flights stopped in Chicago, and the Florida destinations stopped in Atlanta. Pro Air advertised and sold tickets on the second leg of each journey as if it were a different flight. This requirement to stop for fuel upset many customers, who, if not paying close enough attention to the details on their tickets, had thought they purchased tickets on a non-stop flight.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M7x809eIscyL84T9_29GK537CDCrt9uNwD2Ij4K6QQKpHlQltWSE0PZB9_6iHkr6q0qBCGKgIg0Udbq38BttQ96wlmFhNLOrnulKSpasz1khleAnWuemuoCklSB6jjJ-v3VIcS1QvQuyZgC198FCzBxZbIWAE9o_bF5coio0bY0IrcYut53YA6aZ_bsk/s844/P9022400a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="844" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M7x809eIscyL84T9_29GK537CDCrt9uNwD2Ij4K6QQKpHlQltWSE0PZB9_6iHkr6q0qBCGKgIg0Udbq38BttQ96wlmFhNLOrnulKSpasz1khleAnWuemuoCklSB6jjJ-v3VIcS1QvQuyZgC198FCzBxZbIWAE9o_bF5coio0bY0IrcYut53YA6aZ_bsk/s320/P9022400a.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pro Air's Route Map As Of February 24, 2000, courtesy DepartedFlights.Com</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>By January 2000, Pro Air had discontinued service to Fort Myers, Milwaukee, and Tampa. The airline was facing significant financial struggles as customers stopped purchasing tickets, causing low passenger counts to get even lower. </div><div><br /></div><div>On July 2, 2000, a Pro Air jet taxied into a luggage conveyor belt in Orlando. No one was hurt in the incident, but the plane's left wing was so severely damaged that the FAA determined the event met the threshold to be legally considered an "accident" and not just an "incident." The subsequent investigation determined the pilot ignored numerous signals before colliding with the belt, and further investigations by the FAA revealed several other safety violations and record-keeping issues with the airline.</div><div><br /></div><div>On September 18, 2000, the FAA grounded Pro Air based on the results of the complete investigation. </div><div><br /></div><div>The FAA issued a statement: "Continuing maintenance, oversight, quality control, and record-keeping problems resulted in widespread failures to comply with applicable federal aviation regulations." The FAA said the airline "lacks the qualifications of the holder of an air carrier certificate." They finished the statement by saying they were using an emergency order to revoke Pro Air's operating certificate. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>When Pro Air was shut down, it issued a press release stating it would immediately appeal the FAA order. Two days later, on September 20, Pro Air filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Company President Craig Belmondo said in a statement, "We are taking Chapter 11 action at this point to preserve our existing resources, including our fleet of aircraft. We are confident that we will be resuming scheduled operations following the completion of the appeals process, and we need to be in a position to recommence scheduled operations on an expedited basis."</div><div><br /></div><div>The airline sought permission to resume operations pending the National Transportation Safety Board review of the FAA's investigation. When filing its appeal, it claimed the federal agency's order was "issued erroneously and based on incorrect and outdated information." </div><div><br /></div><div>The NTSB rejected the company's request days later on September 28. Following this denial, the airline closed its doors for good.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiDzKciUwL9zqJBIrWcfyQ9TzMTXb4e2UGXdxCdYcv-XSUyFsu6XKjuc6cn9kAs5eQ2_m4O4xPOkanItZtFmz9dsOKX3ZFOs7UAoTtnfMw_VWnaRjCAkYalB0oQyYRCztc8nh8vZwscLqakvrNe1HYINQ9iw4asGvYw6ukOB4illxSKy5hbi16vbfr0cP/s1024/ProAir737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="1024" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiDzKciUwL9zqJBIrWcfyQ9TzMTXb4e2UGXdxCdYcv-XSUyFsu6XKjuc6cn9kAs5eQ2_m4O4xPOkanItZtFmz9dsOKX3ZFOs7UAoTtnfMw_VWnaRjCAkYalB0oQyYRCztc8nh8vZwscLqakvrNe1HYINQ9iw4asGvYw6ukOB4illxSKy5hbi16vbfr0cP/w400-h169/ProAir737.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Northwest Airlines provided confirmed Pro Air customers on matching routes a standby ticket, which did not always guarantee boarding. Northwest Airlines' spokesman at the time, Jon Austin, said to ABC News, "We will take for standby travel anybody who's holding a confirmed ticket for Pro Air, that is, anybody who's paid them money." </div><div><div><br /></div><div>In the middle of building up its own operation in Detroit, Spirit Airlines announced that it would honor Pro Air tickets through September 30, or twelve days after the airline shut down. Spirit, however, would only honor the tickets between Detroit and La Guardia or between Detroit and Orlando.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>In a statement, the FAA considered Pro Air's grounding to have "extremely minimal" effect on the flying public. Ouch. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Throughout its existence, the airline only ever operated a small fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. They opened operations with two -400 variants and, at the time of closure, had expanded to four aircraft (three 737-400s and one 737-300). Pro Air's aircraft were configured to hold 8 First Class and 138 Economy Class customers. Pro Air provided slightly increased legroom in both classes compared to the major airlines of the time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before its closure, the airline had ordered several McDonnell Douglas MD-90 aircraft. The airline never took delivery of the aircraft from the factory, but it was discovered after the airline went out of business that they had been painted and were close to entering service. Three painted but unused Pro Air MD-90s (green, blue, and red tails) can be seen in the photo below parked in an aircraft graveyard awaiting their new owner. You can also see Vanguard Airlines planes on the lower right, <a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2023/11/airlines-of-yesteryear-vanguard-airlines.html">which, as I'm sure you read in this article</a>, had also begun replacing its Boeing 737s with McDonnell Douglas aircraft around the same time Pro Air went under. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzcWsUJWfhvQ8RywqbJn1xFJIh0fhdxAVSAOIpFmFutPhyphenhyphenDLOiIgyEmnrj2G5QZgVNmR0I2-2piX6whg-BndlyI20k4CnztGYrxdV3Hob3HR60sM8cGukr7rPtUqSifrp6atoWKoTbdL3svqxMSxfZS5DCjhjN7If4iyZkHnt6hr2eoXFkmIPF9_K7y0a/s504/MD90.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="504" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzcWsUJWfhvQ8RywqbJn1xFJIh0fhdxAVSAOIpFmFutPhyphenhyphenDLOiIgyEmnrj2G5QZgVNmR0I2-2piX6whg-BndlyI20k4CnztGYrxdV3Hob3HR60sM8cGukr7rPtUqSifrp6atoWKoTbdL3svqxMSxfZS5DCjhjN7If4iyZkHnt6hr2eoXFkmIPF9_K7y0a/w400-h166/MD90.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After Pro Air's demise, General Motors (GM) released information that they had been in talks to offer their three corporate-configured Saab 2000 turboprop aircraft to the airline to be retrofitted and flown as "Pro Air Express" flights. GM also noted that they would have retained control of when and where the aircraft could be flown and that Pro Air would only operate them. However, the deal wasn't finalized before the airline was forced to shut down.</div><div><br /></div><div>Much like with other airlines, it's difficult to find financial data from a privately held company from nearly 30 years ago. However, I've discovered unconfirmed reports posted on aviation message boards by folks who claim to have been Pro Air employees.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reportedly, when the airline went out of business, it had $9.9 million in expenses with $8 million in revenue. As previously mentioned, the airline had begun cutting destinations from its route network because, as these former employees report, the airplanes were routinely filled to only 20% of capacity. The same former employee claims that the load factor (number of seats filled) for most of the airline's operations was approximately 35%. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>Like many of the failed startup airlines, Pro Air failed to properly judge the impact of a legacy airline's ability to lower fares to match their own. In this case, Northwest Airlines offered a much wider network of destinations, multiple daily flights, and a significant frequent-flier and credit card program that lured potential customers away from Pro Air. Northwest also could sustain losses on routes in which they'd match or beat Pro Air's fare, making up the difference in higher ticket prices on long haul or international flying.</div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div>One can also look at Pro Air's route map as a problem. It was heavily focused on markets that tend to attract a person who travels for business rather than leisure. A leisure traveler is generally more concerned about discounted prices, while a business passenger would prefer the amenities and perks of flying an established airline. In my humble opinion, with a few months shy of 20 years of experience in the airline industry, the route map had far too many destinations for the few aircraft the airline operated. One maintenance issue could (and did) wreak havoc on their entire day's schedule. Also, limited aircraft and crew prevented daily flights to each city, which limited customers' options, causing them to look elsewhere. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just before being shut down by the FAA in February of 2000, the airline had three of its four aircraft out of service for scheduled mandatory maintenance inspections. The inspections had been mis-scheduled, and all came due at once. This canceled over 60% of Pro Air's business for several days. The airline was also allegedly hemorrhaging money and owed United, Delta, and TWA money for maintenance and ground handling service in several outstations. </div><div><br /></div><div>Several former "employees" (again, unverified message board posters) would say that before the airline's demise, management had quickly fallen back to their original desire to cater to professional sports teams and hastily accept charters. Pro Air routinely flew two Detroit teams, the NHL's Red Wings and MLB's Tigers, to their away games. Like other chartered flights the airline completed, this sports contract would create issues with the regular schedule. </div><div><br /></div><div>If one team played in a city the airline regularly served, Pro Air would cancel the scheduled outbound flight and fly the team to their opponent's home city. After dropping off the team, Pro Air would fly the regularly scheduled flight back to Detroit. When it came time to fly back, Pro Air would fly the scheduled flight and then cancel the outbound to fly the sports team home. While the revenue may have been greater from a chartered flight, last-minute cancellations tell the regular customer they aren't as important to the airline. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not exactly a way to earn repeat business. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Ilitch family, who owns the Tigers and Red Wings, would drop Pro Air and purchase their own aircraft in 1999. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, several customers speak fondly of Pro Air on frequent flyer message boards. One customer said that he "flew Pro Air quite a bit, actually, and it was well worth the price. There really wasn't much service (just drinks, as I recall) on the flights themselves, but it was still great... I remember the staff being great and friendly."</div><div><br /></div><div>As one message board member and former employee posted, "It was a fun place to work at first, but seeing the daily load reports (25% was a good day) quickly made you realize things weren't going too well." </div><div><br /></div><div>Another user of the same message board enjoyed flying on Pro Air as a customer frequently but commented, "There was one Thanksgiving (1999, I think) that my family and I were trying to fly to LGA, but the plane was so far delayed coming in from ATL that we wouldn't have gotten in until 8 hours later than scheduled... We did not wait around to find out (if they canceled) and just rented a car at DET and drove to New York instead." That's a nine-and-a-half-hour drive, by the way. Despite that, the same user said, "... I found the airline very enjoyable. I think Pro Air cleaned it (DET) up very nicely... It was much more convenient for my family."</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkGsmSMSiqXe8qNbBRZnAMfoEMNtCzjU-D6bj-HoJkV8CwK_PFAZowDcsdxxSNRs70kN7i4w_6kqj6d9X0zJPyTrmBaQNA3rZA6Obd8l0ZCNwSXvFZSVQ73t6rAzxMpbd9Wq8NXPYqeg0Rr4T_Mah5Soz93MD2KN5KdlUhp3ts6FAvOBSMLBC-yrLYudQ/s999/ProAir737-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="999" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkGsmSMSiqXe8qNbBRZnAMfoEMNtCzjU-D6bj-HoJkV8CwK_PFAZowDcsdxxSNRs70kN7i4w_6kqj6d9X0zJPyTrmBaQNA3rZA6Obd8l0ZCNwSXvFZSVQ73t6rAzxMpbd9Wq8NXPYqeg0Rr4T_Mah5Soz93MD2KN5KdlUhp3ts6FAvOBSMLBC-yrLYudQ/w400-h151/ProAir737-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>In the end, Pro Air undeniably made significant strides in making air travel more affordable. While the average American today may have no clue who Pro Air was, the positive impact of their service still resonates with many others. </div><div><br /></div><div>Beneath the surface of positive memories from the past, however, a flawed business plan that, from the outset, posed challenges that led to the airline's downfall. Despite the commendable effort to provide budget-friendly air travel, the weaknesses in Pro Air's approach to business became evident rather quickly. While Pro Air tried to make air travel more affordable, the underlying issues with their business model, such as unsustainable cost structures or inefficient operations, couldn't be ignored. </div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-46290343887602749092024-02-19T06:00:00.116-05:002024-02-19T06:00:00.141-05:00Retro Scans: Topps 1990 NHL Trading Cards<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-FimssngVo9_HKB83o0t7xw4GAmVVxB3sQsIi9VxTWQt9Y03jLQbCR5McRRLPGyjffCN6jCI0hsJuI0UDZrct1h87w1WNuNj2lnniXExUfku7Xmm1OGcBe1jC6C-fjg6SztgokkgqNHBvJ7UYfcNXrjfGdb-pn_0BHzc_cWWnRgOJ6OFQxC0ZnWmghQq/s1289/20240127_104405logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1289" data-original-width="908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-FimssngVo9_HKB83o0t7xw4GAmVVxB3sQsIi9VxTWQt9Y03jLQbCR5McRRLPGyjffCN6jCI0hsJuI0UDZrct1h87w1WNuNj2lnniXExUfku7Xmm1OGcBe1jC6C-fjg6SztgokkgqNHBvJ7UYfcNXrjfGdb-pn_0BHzc_cWWnRgOJ6OFQxC0ZnWmghQq/s320/20240127_104405logo.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last week's post about the NHL's radical departure from tradition in 1995 with brand-new 3rd jerseys included some of my own history playing hockey. After posting it, it got me thinking more and more about "the good old days." So, to continue my stroll down memory lane, I dug into my basement bin of old trading cards. I pulled out this great Topps wax pack of hockey cards from 1990. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a HUGE pack of 15 cards, including 14 "Picture Cards" and 1 "Special Scoring Leader Glossy Card." Don't forget that 34-year-old stick of chewing gum, too! I've also included the obligatory image of aged gum for your viewing enjoyment!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Several of these cards instantly brought back memories. In last week's article, I mentioned that I knew all of the players' names back then, but I can't name more than a handful from today. I learned most of the names from collecting these old trading cards. We had a ton of these Topps cards, but most of the ones my Dad, Brother, and I enjoyed ripping open were made by Pro Set. I'll have to open one of those for you down the line, but today, we're taking a peak at a vintage Topps wax pack. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I grabbed this pack from my stash of cards, I was instantly transported back to 1990 or 1991. I always loved the bright yellow and green on the cover. I'd study the NHL logo, drawing it repeatedly (along with every team logo in the league.) The player front and center may have been a generic avatar, but I'd always pretend he was a New York Ranger based on the uniform colors. Or perhaps he was a member of the Devils, given his red and black gloves. The uniform now reminds me of one of the Blades of Steel teams from Nintendo. We didn't have iPads, phones, or YouTube to keep us occupied, so I used my very active imagination and dreamed up all sorts of breakaways and penalty shots that would lead to him raising his hands in celebration like he's depicted in the image. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking at some of these names really brought me back. From Glenn Anderson to Trevor Linden or Mike Vernon to Grant Fuhr, these were legends of their time that I had long forgotten about. Memories of every single one of these guys came flooding back, but some stood out more than others.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking at the Glenn Anderson card reminded me of when my Dad, Brother, and I were listening to the news report on 660AM WFAN on the car radio in the parking lot of my Elementary School at some after-school function. We were devastated to learn that one of our favorites, Mike Gartner, had been included in a blockbuster trade with Toronto in exchange for Glenn Anderson. While my brother and I thought of him as "old man Anderson" (and he was then probably only my age now), Glenn was integral in helping the Rangers win the Stanley Cup just a few months later.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another memory was brought back to me by the Grant Fuhr card. I was sick, as I often was, and my Dad recorded the late-night West Coast game from the night before so I could watch it during the day while I was home from school. Grant Fuhr was "standing on his head" that night and helped the Oilers defeat the Rangers. As a goalie myself, I always focused on the goalies during an NHL game and would try to emulate what I saw or at least learn something. In that particular game, Fuhr put on a clinic. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking at the rest of the cards, I have a similar memory of watching the Rangers one evening with Dad as Mike Vernon and the Red Wings took the Rangers to school, as well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope you enjoy looking through these images as much as I did. As always, you can click on each photo to enlarge them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVby0Le87ae1kEEz1MoJ57ikKKl70FV77STTpqQKo21LrqUhPCG93jH-mrMOf8OaxxTe1cW2_4SiigTXRWqML_ttTeH8W-fNWcRm9L_1gFGifiJGJKCZRdkScwOmrRz7vzw4Pa5keC3ftyWEEhpCiLoUO1L02za46jGehTW61D7YfwNUjIeznatYRWFgU/s1543/20240127_104405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1543" data-original-width="1102" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVby0Le87ae1kEEz1MoJ57ikKKl70FV77STTpqQKo21LrqUhPCG93jH-mrMOf8OaxxTe1cW2_4SiigTXRWqML_ttTeH8W-fNWcRm9L_1gFGifiJGJKCZRdkScwOmrRz7vzw4Pa5keC3ftyWEEhpCiLoUO1L02za46jGehTW61D7YfwNUjIeznatYRWFgU/s320/20240127_104405.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K8375WKJihZrGFQlEwbulrTCUdX-YX6suAsZ4hAum74J9C33Pa8bqJ2swDGPrBHxoc_FhKJw9kGXp15XIC1VE3APvDmOdpWrvKnDWcZhB0Wa0J8PQTGqCBp6Wk_nHjZs8flFFg2f-GHDBiTrs68Yiqs6umPPINz-liKGSvO7MxBFbt9raGP5D7-W-zKd/s2252/20240127_104420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Fx4ATRE7OO-QCmfCuyw-dwOcKUaJiGgjrP87o9OEzllsf2MXrtuKz4MRDi9PN61fgsANE87EjtF7d69OfbbNkzv21Vbo7xZSbz4xAM9xXLRRmM9rcEs6aWc5_JVVYwCSGhJxsU5oFmFtNX_QM6FbKC-jZnhQx1__lY29tUu29vJPwNGvxGIVNeva0oCp/s3156/20240127_105037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3156" data-original-width="2252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Fx4ATRE7OO-QCmfCuyw-dwOcKUaJiGgjrP87o9OEzllsf2MXrtuKz4MRDi9PN61fgsANE87EjtF7d69OfbbNkzv21Vbo7xZSbz4xAM9xXLRRmM9rcEs6aWc5_JVVYwCSGhJxsU5oFmFtNX_QM6FbKC-jZnhQx1__lY29tUu29vJPwNGvxGIVNeva0oCp/s320/20240127_105037.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa7pu24ac4drCOCTBudiKEujfMFbO94vimDlJMgsLB8YmpbCH3Ecp-GiAlVTOyHZ5pNnvhPLfICdtjJXadYO3g7lJORvCxuNSKxvZKlYQxpCUpWEjkmMe_BRYDjnKe_YmNqDubAw1CwL6lqfbqnb2Gf1ejHqbgltS8QFxGZ1Phk6G7DK9B8RG8PClzSqH/s3214/20240127_105044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3214" data-original-width="2252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa7pu24ac4drCOCTBudiKEujfMFbO94vimDlJMgsLB8YmpbCH3Ecp-GiAlVTOyHZ5pNnvhPLfICdtjJXadYO3g7lJORvCxuNSKxvZKlYQxpCUpWEjkmMe_BRYDjnKe_YmNqDubAw1CwL6lqfbqnb2Gf1ejHqbgltS8QFxGZ1Phk6G7DK9B8RG8PClzSqH/s320/20240127_105044.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-66712893504509820802024-02-12T06:00:01.029-05:002024-02-13T17:44:42.317-05:00The NHL's Wild Third Jerseys of the 1990s<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFDJIVKi1MbFIbrHPWqrLP0Z-NS6Nv4DIVI90OwfKdxaD5r8oM2eN0Ps_k2768EGUuQ6LMWQp9y-Al-iYPjvZxEwTWvXfZsrAZgzzT0MjJud4b6jC9Mqo8XaoD7wZXR9wwldhVVuFEbDkAjOnzCSDqd4bXLSkDTaP-R7TUH0NqeeH7iA_ztbrjZPXAucA/s620/trumpets.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="620" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFDJIVKi1MbFIbrHPWqrLP0Z-NS6Nv4DIVI90OwfKdxaD5r8oM2eN0Ps_k2768EGUuQ6LMWQp9y-Al-iYPjvZxEwTWvXfZsrAZgzzT0MjJud4b6jC9Mqo8XaoD7wZXR9wwldhVVuFEbDkAjOnzCSDqd4bXLSkDTaP-R7TUH0NqeeH7iA_ztbrjZPXAucA/s320/trumpets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I was younger, I loved a number of things. Ghostbusters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dick Tracy, but most especially, ice hockey. My father had always been a hockey fan, and when I was really young in the late 80s and early 90s, he enjoyed watching the New York Rangers on the Madison Square Garden Network through our brand-new cable TV system. Almost through osmosis, my Brother and I became hockey fans. Dad still catches most games, while I'm lucky if I see more than five full games each season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though we only watched the New York Rangers in our household, I had several other favorite teams over the years. When we were old enough to show genuine interest, my parents took us to a few New Jersey Devils games. "The Meadowlands" and the Brendan Byrne Arena (later Continental Airlines Arena and now Izod Center) were much closer to our house than Madison Square Garden. Since the Devils were terrible back then, the tickets were probably much cheaper, too. I still remember my Dad explaining to us kids before the game started that we wouldn't hear any play-by-play in the arena, and I was totally confused as to why. In any event, I loved the games, and actually seeing the team in person made me a fan. I didn't do it to be contrarian to my Dad, but we cheered for the home team when we were there, and that's just who I decided I now liked. Besides, my first game was "kids jersey giveaway night" (probably not by accident on my parent's part), and I got myself a lovely red, green, and white Devils jersey that I wore quite a bit at home. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A little while later, during their two championship runs in 1991 and 92, I decided that "Super Mario," Mario Lemieux, was the best to ever lace up skates, and so I became a fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins. I had always wanted to be a goalie, so I thought the Penguin's Tom Barasso was great, too. Plus, they had an orange-like yellow as one of their team colors, and I have always liked anything orange. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Uniforms and colors will be a theme here if you haven't guessed by this article's title.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually, by middle school, I returned "home" and decided I was indeed a Ranger fan. Of course, up until recently, I had been living on Long Island for 20 years and may or may not consider The Islanders my new "home" team. But, I'll always love the Rangers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What can I say? I'm fickle. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Perhaps it was skewed by my young age or a child's point of view, but hockey in the 90s was so much more exciting than today. The players were larger than life. You still had the goons, fights, bench-clearing brawls, and coaches throwing things on the ice in a tantrum. The league wasn't as "corporate," and it still felt like this sport was the rebellious underdog, far behind football, baseball, and basketball. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hockey in 2024 doesn't hold my interest like it used to, but perhaps I'm just at a different place in life. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Back in the 90s, we lived and breathed hockey. At home, we had Blades of Steel on Nintendo and the NHL series on SEGA (NHL94 was the best!) We'd play street hockey after school, and occasionally, my Dad and Uncle would put on their rollerblades and play with us as we shot tennis balls into our homemade net made of PVC piping. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We got into trading cards for a while, too, which was starting to get big in the '90s. My Dad bought us several boxes of Topps and ProSet cards from Dave's Upper Deck comic shop, and I can remember hours spent at the dining room table ripping open each pack. We'd catalog and organize our cards into long, thin cardboard storage boxes. I can still smell the ink on that thick card stock as I shuffled through those bright, colorful trading cards in my hands.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Each year, I looked forward to the All-Star game, but more importantly, the Skills Competition. Today, it's an overblown waste of time, and I feel like when they switched from the East vs West setup to North America vs the World in 1999, the whole thing fell apart. Yes, they went back to East vs West shortly after that until the lockout of 2005, but the damage was done as the league had begun tinkering with the rules every year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Recently, they've tried different things to get people's attention, and I have to give them credit for trying. But, a fantasy draft and four teams of three that only play a period or whatever? This season had celebrity Captains? I use "celebrity" loosely. What darts will they throw at the wall for next season? Actually, I recently read that for the 2024/25 season, they will be returning to the country-against-country international game. That'll draw ratings, I'm sure... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today, it's not even worth the space on my DVR, let alone an event I mark on the calendar as I once did. Each year, my family always looked forward to seeing how hard Al Iafrate could shoot the puck or how fast Mike Gartner could skate. Now? Does anyone care? Does anyone even know? The only mention I read this season about it was that even several of the players had bad attitudes and didn't want to participate in the skills competition.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In kindergarten (about 1989 or so), my Dad signed my brother and I up for our first hockey team. It wasn't so much of a team as it was a skills and drills camp on freezing cold nights at Bear Mountain's outdoor ice rink. The following winter, we returned to the weekly drills camp, except that year, the group was divided into teams. I was on the team with the black jerseys, the Night Hawks, and I think my brother was on a yellow team, but I forget the team name. The Bears? Doesn't matter. After 45 minutes of drills, we would play an actual game against the other team. One day, the goaltender didn't show up, and I leapt at the chance to play in net. I had been practicing in the driveway for this moment my whole life! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eventually, a year or so later, my parents relented and bought me equipment to play the position I always wanted. I began playing for my school district's semi-organized youth teams in 2nd grade, and in middle school, I started playing on the official school teams. As a goalie, I had multiple opportunities to play on several teams, and in high school, there was a time when I played on five different teams at once. I have countless stories about my time playing hockey in middle and high school, and I loved every minute of it. Cue Springsteen's "Glory Days..."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The college I went to didn't have a hockey team until my junior year, and I became the starting goalie of our team during its first season. We were a motley crew that went up against several larger NCAA Division 2 or 3 teams in the New York area. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We went on a handful of road trips, leading to memorable events such as being late to one game in upstate New York while the chartered coach bus driver made an unannounced detour in Poughkeepsie to purchase "fruit salad" from a "friend" on a street corner. Or, the time 10 guys slept in one hotel room at the Slumberland Inn, located in Middle-of-Nowhere, Maryland, because our coach had only bought two rooms for the 20-man team. He and the other coach had their own rooms, of course. And who could forget spending 5 hours at a rest area in New Jersey because the bus broke down on the way home?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As the season went on, we raised a ton of money for special uniforms, additional bus trips, and other things, including a supposed tournament at Disney World. By the end of the season, most of those things never materialized, and the coach *allegedly* took the money and ran. Since it was the school's first season with a hockey team, they had turned to someone with hockey experience who didn't actually work at the school. So, with no ties to the program or school, he left with our money at the end of the year. Allegedly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll also never completely forgive him because, at one point, I had a shutout (zero allowed goals) against an excellent D-3 team. Shutouts are pretty rare and are really special for goalies. With 5 minutes left to play, he pulled me out of the game in exchange for the third-string goaltender. I blew my top, and he couldn't understand why I was so mad, suggesting what better opportunity for the third string to play than when we were far ahead. My replacement let in 4 goals in 5 minutes, and we wound up losing the game. Coach called me the next day and half ass apologized, but in my mind, the damage was done. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I never really planned on returning for my senior year because I was planning on graduating early and would only be in class until December. Still, the school had found new coaches from a well-known local high school program and promised better oversight. Despite my hesitation, the new coaches called me over the summer, introduced themselves, and convinced me to attend the pre-season practices. They said that as one of the team's original "alternate captains," they needed and wanted continuity on the team and in the net. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I agreed, but things immediately got off on the wrong foot when I found out the new coaches had moved our home rink from The Rinx in Hauppauge, which was a relatively short drive for me, to someplace in Nassau County closer to themselves that was at least a 45-minute drive in traffic. I never said anything, but it annoyed me. Not that they owed me a shorter drive, but I already didn't want to be there. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I arrived at the first practice, there were only three or four other guys from last season, and everyone else had been "recruited" by the new coaches, including three new goalies. Some of these kids had only signed up for ONE course at the college just so they could continue playing with their old coach (and my new one). During the practice, the coaches would rotate the goalies in or out of the net, and my turn was frequently "missed" in favor of the other three. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Having intended to never play again, I had taken the spring and summer off, and with only a few days' notice before practices started, I was admittedly a little out of shape and rink rusty. The other goalies were outstanding and had played with those coaches for many, many years. I'd been around the block enough to quickly see the writing on the wall. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I tossed my equipment into the trunk of my car after practice, I decided I wouldn't go back to the next session. I can remember looking up at the rink from my car and being completely ok with the decision to hang up my skates. After 12 years, that was the last time I ever wore my goalie equipment on the ice. I never did hear anything else from anyone from the school's hockey program after that first practice... and that was that. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, 20 years later, that rag-tag team I played for is one of the leading collegiate hockey programs on Long Island and the entire Northeast. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It may have been a one-and-done collegiate hockey career, but it was a lot of fun, and I have hours worth of stories. My helmet still hangs in my garage, covered in a painted Ram, the college mascot. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe it was me? Perhaps I had a bad attitude, but I don't think I did. I was one of the team captains that first year and was frequently called the team "Dad" because I made sure everyone stayed out of trouble, had rides to games and practices, and had drinks and snacks for after the game. Some of the money we raised was actually used for things like Gatorade and Power Bars, and I always made sure we were stocked. Nobody else would have, so I stepped up. I organized events and had a group of my friends from the dorms that would follow us around as the Booster Club, like in the movie "Slap Shot." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I will say, though, that my mind was in other places when I returned for my senior year. I had already begun teaching people how to fly, and I was laser-focused on graduating in December, getting a job at an airline, and moving on with my life. I was ok with hanging up the skates when I did, and while I occasionally miss playing on a team of friends, I'm quite happy with my life's hockey "career."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But back to the NHL...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Years earlier, at home, I spent several nights a week watching the Rangers next to my Dad with a bowl of popcorn. I looked forward to watching announcers Sam Rosen and John Davidson call the action for the New York Rangers with the likes of hockey legends Mark Messier, Mike Richter, Alexi Kovalev, Jeff Beukeboom, and later, my favorite player of all time, Glenn Healy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, in 1995, the NHL tried something new. I don't mean the glowing "FOX-TRAX" puck, although that was also developed in 1995. In 1995, the NHL debuted a slew of new "third jerseys," with the initial cadre being some of the most outlandish and ugly yet most memorable sweaters ever. It was, of course, a way to excite fans and (more importantly) make them part with their money to buy merch with the new third logos on them. However, I don't think at the time, in 1995, they considered just how historic and long-lasting these jerseys would be. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The neighbor kid who got everything immediately had his Mom buy several of these new jerseys, and I thought some of them were really nice when viewed in person. I thought it was so cool that these teams were given the opportunity to use bright, bold colors and change things up a little. However, now, with the help of the internet's hive mind, we've all been conditioned to hate any change immediately. But, as a young child untainted by the internet's existence, I loved it! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The jerseys were more than just alternate uniforms, though. These new designs became a way to connect with fans in a creative new direction. The NHL was so steeped in tradition back then that when they launched these new uniforms and logos, it was a major event that upset many oldtimers. For many, it was hard to believe that a sport that clung so tightly to its roots would stray from the simple light and dark home and away colors. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the mid-90s, the league launched a new initiative to expand its audience to non-traditional hockey fans. A new television agreement with FOX, the aforementioned FOX-TRAX puck, a new major sponsorship with the new Bud Ice beer (and the "Dooby Dooby Doo" Penguin), and these new alternate uniforms were signs that the NHL was looking to take a leap into the mainstream.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W3ksf3Oe8cU" width="320" youtube-src-id="W3ksf3Oe8cU"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Decades later, some of these designs have stuck around as fans quickly embraced the new image and considered it part of the standard attire. Some have become synonymous with the team, creating a new identity for fans to adopt, like the Rangers. The "Lady Liberty" design is still one of the team's highest-selling replica jersey designs, and it still uses that logo as part of today's ensemble. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The original group of third jerseys in 1995 and 1996 may have been quite the departure from tradition, but the concept of alternate jerseys has become a staple in the modern NHL. Each team has evolved with different themes, retro designs, and even unique uniforms for the outdoor "Winter Classic." The influence of these original jerseys can still be seen today, in 2024.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In 1995, the five teams that were chosen for the initial program were the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, the Boston Bruins, the Los Angeles Kings, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Vancouver Canucks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>In 1996, several more teams joined in the fun with new third designs in addition to Boston, Vancouver, and Pittsburgh, who continued to wear their 1995 alternates. The new teams would be the New York Islanders, the New York Rangers, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Chicago Blackhawks. The St. Louis Blues were also chosen in 1996 but never actually wore the design they created.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's take a look at these ten groundbreaking designs. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mighty Ducks of Anaheim: "The Wild Wing"</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywCZcvYMXGWFXdWn_eNrsfjtc5Lwxl4_kQH-LBMquzchyh6PfK51V3myiMvEAeIqbVP1PpVlKasZXT4bXgjxnJRkPh9htmN7fjN-7A_MQOfSg0_oJyTy7l1Nz4e8j8BlZnJP0F4SQm4hIKKzZDHuhdBJkXseiZ20kzGL6ENxS5YnW7oyGFO4zmN-uD6cq/s1125/wild_wing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1125" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywCZcvYMXGWFXdWn_eNrsfjtc5Lwxl4_kQH-LBMquzchyh6PfK51V3myiMvEAeIqbVP1PpVlKasZXT4bXgjxnJRkPh9htmN7fjN-7A_MQOfSg0_oJyTy7l1Nz4e8j8BlZnJP0F4SQm4hIKKzZDHuhdBJkXseiZ20kzGL6ENxS5YnW7oyGFO4zmN-uD6cq/w320-h298/wild_wing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dubbed "The Wild Wing" after the team mascot, the cartoon version of Wild Wing is seen in cartoonish grandeur front and center. The design also slightly changes the team colors, using a jade green and eggplant purple. I've often thought this one would fit right at home at <a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2020/03/rock-and-roller-hockey-on-beach-with.html">Pro Beach Hockey</a> or some other roller hockey league. It's still highly collectible, and a clean vintage one goes for a pretty penny today on eBay. Its unique design and 90s aesthetics have made it hold a special spot in the hearts of Ducks fans (and myself) everywhere. The design was brought back by the team briefly in 2018 as part of the team's 25th anniversary. That would make 2023 the Duck's 30th Anniversary. Boy, if that doesn't make you feel old, I don't know what will.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Boston Bruins: "The Pooh Bear"</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj881oTlRcfkqqd5tzl__t6zUys8OHK7NF1bSontYz7B-hv_nv1tUpLIcM5VMrXjCy4YXb371sY7BzClsb8-BGAkXZGS7eZyrD3WIw6925Qy2dGURauM7ynOqNXUWRKhHb3JcpqyqF-Hxrj44LJtBdK0c0Z__MblHWn1oROqUrD4N6ttH4QL11w-Qo7DcXe/s1315/pooh_bear.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1315" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj881oTlRcfkqqd5tzl__t6zUys8OHK7NF1bSontYz7B-hv_nv1tUpLIcM5VMrXjCy4YXb371sY7BzClsb8-BGAkXZGS7eZyrD3WIw6925Qy2dGURauM7ynOqNXUWRKhHb3JcpqyqF-Hxrj44LJtBdK0c0Z__MblHWn1oROqUrD4N6ttH4QL11w-Qo7DcXe/s320/pooh_bear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">This honey-yellow design was so popular that it stuck around Bean Town for over 10 years. It was finally retired in 2007 after the Bruins introduced a new alternate design. The larger bear head was a modern take on one of the original designs from decades prior. The striping pattern resembling claw marks created a unique look I liked. It earned its name, "Pooh Bear," for its honey-colored design and, obviously, the giant bear head on the chest. As of this writing, this design hasn't been brought back by Boston, which has introduced two alternate jerseys since its retirement. Neither really caught on with fans as much as Pooh did, though. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Los Angeles Kings: "The Burger King"</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5J8hR2aX5jz4Cg1wcH5yS5M4P-U4hHsAd4bmFNO6pRtFyltJpuU-FQZpF1FKJnbAN0T8gfGP6Gy8MJuiC5gEvpRINFhv-b_1r60YyU1Vn-q3ZTJ_h3UzruDP8xMqdiYnc4oW7XbBCvhqI4E0WRSEHtqvvQsNw2OjSvJ7hlDLacEBg6neHa5BWAv6qotg_/s1080/burger_king.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5J8hR2aX5jz4Cg1wcH5yS5M4P-U4hHsAd4bmFNO6pRtFyltJpuU-FQZpF1FKJnbAN0T8gfGP6Gy8MJuiC5gEvpRINFhv-b_1r60YyU1Vn-q3ZTJ_h3UzruDP8xMqdiYnc4oW7XbBCvhqI4E0WRSEHtqvvQsNw2OjSvJ7hlDLacEBg6neHa5BWAv6qotg_/s320/burger_king.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">When "The Great One" arrived in Los Angeles in 1988, the Kings handed Wayne Gretzky a new jersey design featuring white, black, and silver. It was a significant change from the purple and yellow the team had previously used, but with Gretzky joining the team, the Kings needed something fresh. Nearly a decade later, when 1995 rolled around, the Kings introduced their first "third jersey," the team was still wearing black and silver. The new design featured "rings" made of a unique gradient and a very different placement of the team's new "third" logo on the upper left chest. This new logo, the head of a King, featured a golden yellow crown and purple facial hair to honor the team's original colors. The King design immediately drew comparisons to the Burger King commercials that featured a creepy window-peeping King. This design wasn't popular among fans and only lasted one season. It was brought back in 2016 but only as the team's pre-game warm-up uniforms. Their minor league affiliates, The Ontario Reign and the defunct Manchester Monarchs, wore this style on multiple occasions. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pittsburgh Penguins: "The RoboPen"</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDC7-wdbvJUB1R-zT5a2F7dXJMcAbMV0l0sSQUIyhoFwScb5OkKzFfNOMz4wIpwOBSuNyGgzA5CHBwPiOVjVmDz5pi7p9P3IkqQBs8GmIMoVMNTofsBPlTyXLgEVbSSG8b3BlEaWuroLboZU4CbvfceM-AsHgEIO3rd81nBsrmYYRaZ1E5B0a7YDbUoRyu/s1080/robo_pen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDC7-wdbvJUB1R-zT5a2F7dXJMcAbMV0l0sSQUIyhoFwScb5OkKzFfNOMz4wIpwOBSuNyGgzA5CHBwPiOVjVmDz5pi7p9P3IkqQBs8GmIMoVMNTofsBPlTyXLgEVbSSG8b3BlEaWuroLboZU4CbvfceM-AsHgEIO3rd81nBsrmYYRaZ1E5B0a7YDbUoRyu/s320/robo_pen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This Penguin's design became so popular that the Penguins made it their official away sweater, replacing the diagonal "Pittsburgh" uniform in 1997. The Robo would eventually disappear when the original black and orange "skating penguin" returned in 2002. The 45-degree angled stripes on the right arm contrast with the straight stripes on the chest and left arm. I was still a Penguins fan in 1995, and I didn't care for these jerseys. I'll always associate this jersey with Ray, a guy from my high school hockey team. A few years after this design debuted (probably 2000), we were coming home from the rink late one night, and my Dad, likely half asleep, stopped at a red light and then proceeded to drive through it. There just happened to be a cop behind us, and Dad was pulled over. The following day in school, Ray said he had passed us and wanted to know if we were "arrested." He was a big Penguins fan and wore his RoboPen jersey at least once a week to school. He was also wearing it when he asked (in 100% seriousness) if my family had spent the night in jail... for running a red light. In any event, looking back now with hindsight, it wasn't such a bad design. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Vancouver Canucks: "The Salmon Sun"</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6eLrjJA-eKmvEbHpkNKJPeCTMn27q3YSjLA6bN0a2-JNbVEWNsA0ZOM3mFM_Z8Qr_lKnb1ebQmV1e-lS_uNS8R4H-L3zOptTRJsqPWBXYN4qvNNuCcGO0T9oXEhh9ENYF5vvHfYVh3rpXipABwyJN7X9FP23gQD5BFklxdJrMJnBy6eAkhya3_OGDG7M/s1080/salmon_sun.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6eLrjJA-eKmvEbHpkNKJPeCTMn27q3YSjLA6bN0a2-JNbVEWNsA0ZOM3mFM_Z8Qr_lKnb1ebQmV1e-lS_uNS8R4H-L3zOptTRJsqPWBXYN4qvNNuCcGO0T9oXEhh9ENYF5vvHfYVh3rpXipABwyJN7X9FP23gQD5BFklxdJrMJnBy6eAkhya3_OGDG7M/s320/salmon_sun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This Canucks third jersey is probably the least liked of the original five. It lasted in Vancouver for only two seasons until the team changed colors altogether in 1997 when Mark Messier left New York and joined the team. The salmon-red top and black bottom are separated by black and yellow striping in what is "unofficially-officially" called "The Salmon Sun." It's often referred to by fans and Canuck rivals as the "puke jersey" and other colorful names, though. After the first season, the team replaced their all-black socks with a red/yellow/black stripe design to try to tone down the very distinct color differences between the bright tops and dark bottoms. It must have had a decent following because CCM, Reebok, and the NHL sold replicas of this jersey until Adidas took over production of the league's uniforms in 2016. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Now, let's look at the uniforms from the 1996-1997 season!</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>St. Louis Blues: "The Trumpets"</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0Q9WUPb9Jv7Qt7PnLz_TuuxmqFPepJnFAcCqjiZdrltEeufdQP0RhpURhgmLHIjZ2Wp8KC-GzuILcHgiT4KEzL2TfEYWwwhl3QtCSaF4LHdAaBKYqWgyDoW42QoH6d47UtxpppxfWpHRHUVCctsqdJBP2sodoEsGUmHKgur6srz8dscIssL-0jAV_3WZ/s620/trumpets.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="620" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0Q9WUPb9Jv7Qt7PnLz_TuuxmqFPepJnFAcCqjiZdrltEeufdQP0RhpURhgmLHIjZ2Wp8KC-GzuILcHgiT4KEzL2TfEYWwwhl3QtCSaF4LHdAaBKYqWgyDoW42QoH6d47UtxpppxfWpHRHUVCctsqdJBP2sodoEsGUmHKgur6srz8dscIssL-0jAV_3WZ/s320/trumpets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At the start of the 1996 season, the Blues were supposed to create a third jersey that took their trumpet shoulder patch and incorporated it on their chest as the primary logo. The design you see above never saw the light of day, and if you ever see one out in the wild, it's a fugazi... but there are some pretty well-made fakes out there, so if you like it, there's no judgment here. It's a shame these jerseys never saw the light of day or a second of ice time. Urban legend says that the Blues' controversial GM and head coach at the time, Mike Keenan, took one look at the uniforms before warm-ups began and demanded his players take them off. Did he really? We'll never know for sure, but they never wore them as planned, so your guess is as good as mine.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><b>New York Islanders - "The Classic Fishstick"</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohvXI9Jiraju4BFRV8z-1hM-TKFoTSfgbWPAoEv7PrMgdQWV-yAsho0-pwv_3ZwaSsiVS4P44URtEu_6nL0aM7sKRJ1dFQ6EWTG8DrxRxvpAPzj2mgNnjf-iWljD8i8jB3VyMnYEbk3TwtB07zum5LE50LsQOSKm-bioR2yht7KqCTwdYzXZx9CKopjIe/s1361/classic_fishsticks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1361" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohvXI9Jiraju4BFRV8z-1hM-TKFoTSfgbWPAoEv7PrMgdQWV-yAsho0-pwv_3ZwaSsiVS4P44URtEu_6nL0aM7sKRJ1dFQ6EWTG8DrxRxvpAPzj2mgNnjf-iWljD8i8jB3VyMnYEbk3TwtB07zum5LE50LsQOSKm-bioR2yht7KqCTwdYzXZx9CKopjIe/s320/classic_fishsticks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Over 10 years removed from their dynasty glory days, and following fresh Cup wins in 1994 (Rangers) and 1995 (Devils) by their hometown rivals, the Islanders needed a change. They fired coach Lorne Henning and hired Mike Milbury as his replacement. Then, they introduced a new uniform design. Dubbed "The Gorton Fisherman" or the "Fishsticks," fans absolutely HATED the new design. In 1996, when the team was selected to debut a third jersey, they were still contractually obligated by league rules to continue wearing the new style with "wave-like" stripes and aqua-blue colors. However, the league acquiesced to allow them to sport their classic circle crest logo on their new colors as their alternate jersey, dubbed the "Classic Fishstick." The Islanders have had several alternate uniforms over the years, most of them pretty darn ugly. They've ranged from bright orange to black, to the slightly unoffensive to the eyes regular colors with giant NY on the chest. The team recently brought back an updated Fisherman, and fans went crazy for it, proving that nostalgia does wear rose-colored glasses. Now that the team isn't even on Long Island, the fisherman and lighthouse just don't make sense to me anymore. Yes, Belmont is *technically* on Long Island, but everyone knows it's basically Queens. May as well have stayed in Brooklyn. Should have moved to Deer Park or Ronkonkoma. Sorry, not sorry. It ain't the island.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>New York Rangers - "Lady Liberty"</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK6mENDNK3wmBxmjhqT55QrfBBNrl9YOe98NDkk1BeIfrMYT_hEW7zXAFxpIa7ygh6VEOH3Bw2TdVajpYiYMgLO3_hLpxPYT8BcjCbPOCDSbe4w9kXMyjO_DmCXV5iG-ahPM3gE4PCEDmvCQfOFjd20_rcXLnbio0wkY-imM5qy0u_KBRsv2JhuPQ40pD/s1361/lady_liberty.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1361" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK6mENDNK3wmBxmjhqT55QrfBBNrl9YOe98NDkk1BeIfrMYT_hEW7zXAFxpIa7ygh6VEOH3Bw2TdVajpYiYMgLO3_hLpxPYT8BcjCbPOCDSbe4w9kXMyjO_DmCXV5iG-ahPM3gE4PCEDmvCQfOFjd20_rcXLnbio0wkY-imM5qy0u_KBRsv2JhuPQ40pD/s320/lady_liberty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Rangers are one of the original six teams in the NHL and stuck with a specific type of design with only minor changes throughout their existence. In 1996, though, the team was selected to create one of the league's first third jerseys and had to come out with a completely new design. Admittedly, I hated this jersey at first, but it was rabidly popular, and with hindsight being 20/20, they hit it out of the park. It's a timeless, classy design that pays homage to their home in New York City and plays with the team's colors a bit. The navy blue and red make it easy on the eye as your focus is continually drawn to the Statue of Liberty on the chest. Most fans were already familiar with the design of the new logo since it came right off Mike Richter's helmet. The fans loved this design so much that the jersey (and Lady Liberty) lasted until 2007. The design is still sold today and can still be seen being worn by many of "The Garden Faithful" today. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Chicago Blackhawks "The Black Hawk"</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PwOlDGDQi0-zFpySaS_cutQ99b2kOUQV6EQ_Hyk6nTqWLJvdgj67f25w2bhzpEqDJy3bMXKB6O_jLsCrBIU-Y_24rNvpw7fTWBrhSJJWgHMD4VQOakGIynA8zzZSmrAF_KJTh4USlLtQjDd8UcCeDPFS1DZKMZqpNwBF3sm_k9ixMllWQCSmP_OmU7px/s1200/blackhawks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PwOlDGDQi0-zFpySaS_cutQ99b2kOUQV6EQ_Hyk6nTqWLJvdgj67f25w2bhzpEqDJy3bMXKB6O_jLsCrBIU-Y_24rNvpw7fTWBrhSJJWgHMD4VQOakGIynA8zzZSmrAF_KJTh4USlLtQjDd8UcCeDPFS1DZKMZqpNwBF3sm_k9ixMllWQCSmP_OmU7px/s320/blackhawks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Blackhawks didn't change their look much after 1955, and adding an alternate sweater was not much different. In this, the team created a black version of their regular jerseys and a slightly larger logo on the chest. They used a variation of this black design until 2007. That's about it. Meh.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tampa Bay Lightning - "The Storm Surge"</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-cB3eT30mIKXY4iAz-3N46ydsHVrUaXM9oqaH9KBvQFAx7JHCEH25DGwi2uK_N1uEXfHjdf7vdPxeXBBKjGhAMwFo-zr2jsxp26GVnlz5dCqRLpUsK65-2hPCeKvo3Ze1RPl5q7GkpsFlX3plJ9jtCz_4qHSY9fe9ZuRu6OGzJ3zY_xdhE_XAvDpg2P1/s1600/Storm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-cB3eT30mIKXY4iAz-3N46ydsHVrUaXM9oqaH9KBvQFAx7JHCEH25DGwi2uK_N1uEXfHjdf7vdPxeXBBKjGhAMwFo-zr2jsxp26GVnlz5dCqRLpUsK65-2hPCeKvo3Ze1RPl5q7GkpsFlX3plJ9jtCz_4qHSY9fe9ZuRu6OGzJ3zY_xdhE_XAvDpg2P1/s320/Storm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In 1991, my parents went on a vacation to Sanibel Island in Florida without us kids. They returned home with T-shirts for both of us. I wish I still had it, but it was a plain white shirt with a cartoon lightning bug that said Tampa Bay Lightning underneath. My Dad mentioned he saw it at a gas station near the airport when they returned the rental car and thought of us. In any event, the shirt was advertising the debut of the new NHL team in Florida, and even though it was most likely a knock-off, I loved the shirt and the cartoon bug on it. By 1996, the team was still building its legacy and hadn't found the championship team it would soon find after the turn of the century. They established their legacy with us nostalgia geeks with a fantastic third uniform design called "The Storm Surge." The team would introduce a mostly blue sweater featuring rain, lightning bolts, and crashing waves. It was cartoony but AWESOME! My neighbor had his Mom run right out and buy one at Modell's, and I thought it looked sharp up close. As much as I liked it, most hockey fans hated it. However, much like the Isle's Fishsticks, nostalgia makes many Bolts fans fondly remember this jersey. </div><div><br /></div><div>The original third jerseys were undoubtedly a pivotal moment in NHL history. It was part of a broader cultural trend in the 1990s, as all corporate branding departments were experimenting with bold, bright colors to create visually striking designs. It wasn't just about changing colors or selling more replica uniforms, but a shift in how teams connect with their fan base while still attempting to respect tradition. These original designs from 1995 and 96 still have a lasting impact on the fans who cheer for the teams that created them. Opinions may have varied from fan to fan, but these new designs undeniably added a certain uniqueness and helped create an unforgettable era in the NHL.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which designs did you like? Which one was your favorite? Let me know down below! </div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, I really wanted to mention the Dallas Stars "Moo-terus" uniforms, but they were about 2003 or 2004, so... maybe next time! </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-79781177012551918592024-02-05T06:00:00.004-05:002024-02-05T06:00:00.139-05:00This Month In YesterYear History- February<div style="text-align: left;">Here's your monthly look at pop culture history from <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">20 </strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(2004), </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">25 </strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(1999), and </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">30 </strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(1994) years ago! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By the way, since it's February, <a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2021/02/celebrate-mardi-gras-with-these-10-films.html">check out this old post about</a> how you can celebrate Mardi Gras with 10 great films that feature the annual celebration! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Below, you'll find a little time capsule of what was significant in our lives back then. Hopefully, as you read these brief synopses of the past, you'll begin to remember the who, when, and where of your memories from those years. That's why I created this site, after all! </span></span></div><div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQkk0PQYfAFakUJrnoSYMSDwcHJ1vS3rmyR5-xMddQaMIlmqx6K2ECa-G-W-RFRAn5KZFjFhFc4YvzVqrwP7eRxo9eNBv1v2MZ9fgQ0msavuIByghHlZ3xhQp5sKaH8rxmj6s75b_EZgrHoji33Ugkg92XXsANtOHF6vlkGwa5dLJriW_tBZvR0X2-w/s720/popculturereview.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="720" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQkk0PQYfAFakUJrnoSYMSDwcHJ1vS3rmyR5-xMddQaMIlmqx6K2ECa-G-W-RFRAn5KZFjFhFc4YvzVqrwP7eRxo9eNBv1v2MZ9fgQ0msavuIByghHlZ3xhQp5sKaH8rxmj6s75b_EZgrHoji33Ugkg92XXsANtOHF6vlkGwa5dLJriW_tBZvR0X2-w/w400-h228/popculturereview.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>POINTS OF REFERENCE</u></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2004: </strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">On February 1st, the New England Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers to win the Superbowl. It was New England's second straight win (and third overall). On that same day, the infamous "wardrobe malfunction" occurred where Janet Jackson's breast was exposed momentarily on live TV in what was the biggest case of The Streisand effect ever. The ensuing media-driven uproar led to a more sanitized "safe" product for radio and television that we live with today. </span>On the 4th, Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook from his dorm room at Harvard. I originally signed up in the fall of 2004 when a waitlist and college email address were required. My, how times change. "Clocks" by Coldplay cleaned up at the Grammy's on February 8th. On the 10th, Kanye West released his debut album, "The College Dropout." San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom began issuing same-sex marriage licenses on the 12th. On the 15th, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the Daytona 500, six years to the day that his legendary father won his only Daytona 500. The next day, the Pittsburgh Penguins set an NHL record with 12 straight losses at home. The USA lifts a travel ban on Libya after 23 years on February 26th. "Gigli" won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Picture on the 28th, while on the 29th, "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" won Best Picture at the Oscars. </div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>1999</b>: On the 7th, Crown Prince Abdullah becomes King of Jordan following the death of his father, King Hussein. On the 11th, Pluto moves further from the sun than Neptune, regaining its title as the planet furthest from the sun. On the 12th, scientists warn against the health implications of eating Genetically Modified foods. Don't worry; Bill Gates says it's good for you... On the 12th, President Clinton was acquitted by the Senate during his impeachment trial. On Valentine's Day, Jeff Gordon wins the Daytona 500. He's the first pole sitter (starting the race in first place) to win since 1987. On the 15th, Wayne Gretzky made his only NHL appearance in Nashville, where he recorded 5 assists in the New York Ranger's 7-4 win over the Predators. Following the game, he has a 1,000-point lead on Gordie Howe's all-time scoring record. O.J. Simpson sells his 1968 Heisman Trophy for $230,000 on the 16th to help pay his $33.5 million judgment in the civil case against Nicole Simpson's family. The 23rd sees Eminem release his first major album, "The Slim Shady LP." Gordon Ramsey rose to fame on February 25th when the made-for-TV documentary "Boiling Point" was released. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1994: </strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jeff Gilooly pleads guilty for his part in the assault on Nancy Kerrigan on the 1st. His plea bargain includes a racketeering charge in exchange for pointing the finger at his ex-wife, Tonya Harding. "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?" debuts on FOX on February 5th. Actor Jim Neighbors, famous for his role as Gomer Pyle, undergoes a liver transplant on the 7th. Howard Stern stops a would-be bridge jumper on the same day. Jack Nicholson destroys a car with a golf club out of anger on the 8th. Tommy Lee, of Motley Crue and Pamela Anderson fame, is arrested for possession of a firearm on the same day. On the 9th, Isreael's Shimon Peres signed peace agreements with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The 1893 painting "The Scream" is stolen in Oslo, Norway, on the 12th. Also, on the 12th, Anna Nicole Smith is hospitalized for a drug overdose. Also, on the 12th, the Winter Olympics begin in Lillehammer, Norway. On the 15th, Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tom Barrasso became the winningest American-born goaltender with his 253rd career win. Sterling Marlin wins his first NASCAR race on February 20th, which happens to also be the Daytona 500... not a bad first win. Yankee's legendary shortstop Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto is elected to the Hall of Fame on the 25th. The Brady Law, imposing a waiting period when purchasing a handgun, goes into effect in the United States on the 28th. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">TOP MOVIES</span></u></b></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Aif1qEB_JU" width="320" youtube-src-id="4Aif1qEB_JU"></iframe></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>2004: "The Passion of the Christ" - </b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This epic biblical drama was produced, directed, and co-written by Mel Gibson. It stars Jim Caviezel as Jesus of Nazareth, Maia Morgenstern as Mary, and Monica Belluci as Mary Magdalene. The film depicts the Passion of Jesus according to the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It also draws on other devotional writings and accounts.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film primarily covers the final 12 hours before Jesus Christ's death, known as "The Passion." Beginning with the Agony in the Garden of Olives, it continues to the betrayal of Judas, the brutal Scourging at the Pillar, the crucifixion, and the death of Jesus. It ends with a brief depiction of his resurrection. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The narrative is interspersed with moments in JEsus's life, such as The Last Supper, The Sermon on the Mount, and other moments from JEsus' early life. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film was regarded as polarizing and controversial by critics, while many moviegoers viewed the film as a religious and holy experience. The film grossed over $612 million worldwide and became the fifth highest-grossing film of 2004. It was also the highest-grossing independent film of all time. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></b></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">As of 2023, it is still the highest-grossing Rated-R film domestically, with $370.8 million. It received three nominations at the Academy Awards in 2005 for Best Makeup, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jEgLdRu27v0" width="320" youtube-src-id="jEgLdRu27v0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1999: "Payback" -</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <b> </b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Payback was an action thriller film written and directed by Brian Helgeland. The film stars Mel Gibson, Gregg Henry, Maria Bello, and David Paymer. It is based on the novel "The Hunter" by Donald Westlake, who used the pseudonym Richard Stark. The book was previously adapted into a 1967 film noir classic, Point Blank, starring Lee Marvin. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Although credited as director, Helgeland notoriously clashed with Mel Gibson over his ideas for the film. A script rewrite was ordered, and there was uncertainty regarding reshoots. Paul Abascal was named the new director and reshot 30% of the film. The intent of the remake was to make the Porter character more likable. The film's tagline became: "Get Ready to Root for the Bad Guy." Gibson demanded a scene showing spousal abuse be removed. After 10 days of reshoots, a new opening scene and voiceover tracks were added, along with new scenes featuring Kris Kristofferson as a new villain. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In 2006, Brian Helgeland issued his own director's cut that differs substantially from the version put out by the studio. </span><span style="color: #0e101a;">Helgeland's version ends with an ambiguous ending and features a female character who is only heard on the phone in the original version. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qjBb1CKLpzE" width="320" youtube-src-id="qjBb1CKLpzE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>1994: "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" </b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is a 1994 comedy starring Jim Carrey as Ace Ventura, an animal detective tasked with finding the abducted dolphin that serves as the mascot for the Miami Dolphins football team. The screenplay was written by Jim Carrey, Jack Bernstein, and Tom Shadyac, who also directed the film. </span><span style="color: #0e101a;">Courteney Cox, Tone Loc, Sean Young, and then-Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino also co-star.</span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Morgan Creek Productions produced The film on a budget of $15 million. Warner Bros. released the film in February of 1994, grossing $107.2 million worldwide. It received mixed reviews from critics despite its rabid popularity, especially among male teenagers. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">In addition to launching Carrey's film career, it launched an entire franchise. A sequel, "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls," followed in 1995. An animated series, "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective," ran for three seasons from 1995-2000. A standalone made-for-television sequel, "Ace Ventura Jr." was also made in 2009. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Ace Ventura was released on VHS on June 14th, 1994, and on DVD in August of 1997. It was later released on BluRay in September 2013.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Later, in 1994, Jim Carrey would also find massive success with hit films "The Mask" and "Dumb and Dumber." What a year!</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>TOP SONGS</u></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2004: "Yeah!" by Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b0Ow9PBxZCA" width="320" youtube-src-id="b0Ow9PBxZCA"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>1999: "Angel of Mine" by Monica</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3eOuK-pYhy4" width="320" youtube-src-id="3eOuK-pYhy4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>1994: "The Power of Love" by Celine Dion</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y8HOfcYWZoo" width="320" youtube-src-id="Y8HOfcYWZoo"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>TOP TV NEWS</u></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">February 2004: </strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1st - </strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Superbowl XXXVIII airs on CBS. The halftime show features the controversial "Rock Your Body" performance with Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. The incident led to one of the first "viral videos" on the internet and the rise of the term "wardrobe malfunction." In the wake of the incident, the Federal Communications Commission strengthened many of its indecency rules. Jackson was blacklisted by Viacom (CBS' parent company) and had her invitation revoked for the then-upcoming Grammy Awards ceremony. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>11th - </b>The True Hollywood Stories sketch featuring Rick James and Charlie Murphy first airs on Comedy Central's "Chapelle's Show."</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>14th - </b>Jetix was launched on Toon Disney and ABC Family as an anime-based programming block to compete with Cartoon Network's "Toonami." The majority of original content came from Saban Entertainment. Lizzie McGuire also </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>22nd - "</b>Sex and the City" broadcast its last episode on HBO, titled "An American Girl in Paris, Part Deux."</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>February 1999: </b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>1st: </b>The Prevue Channel rebrands as The TV Guide Channel. HBO launched HBO Family, its fourth channel. The Disney Channel rebrands its preschool block of morning programming as "Playhouse Disney."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2nd: </b>A joint venture between Nickelodeon and The Children's Television Workshop launches as "Noggin," airing educational programming for preschoolers and school-aged children. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>13th: </b>Kid's WB acquired the rights to Pokemon, making Kids' WB a household name.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><b>February 1994: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>1st: </b>Premium cable channel Encore launches seven new themed multiplex channels (Westerns, True Stories, Love Stories, WAM!: America's Kidz Network, Action, and Mystery.) This made Encore the first premium service to offer a full suite of thematic channels. Starz, which features more recent movies than its parent Encore, also launches on this date. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>5th: </b>"Where on Earth is Carmen San Diego?" debuts on FOX Kids. </div><div><br /></div><div>8th: Saved by the Bell: College Years comes to an end. It was followed by the series-ending made-for-television movie "Wedding in Las Vegas" that aired in October 1994.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>19th: </b>SNL guest host Martin Lawrence makes sexually explicit jokes during his monologue, resulting in NBC banning him from appearing on NBC for a year and SNL for life. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>21st: </b>Sony Pictures merged Columbia Pictures Television and TriStar Television into Columbia TriStar Television. The new company will then produce two of the Sony-owned legendary game shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>23rd: </b>CBS's coverage of the short women's figure skating program at the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer becomes one of the highest-rated prime-time programs in history, fueled by the media frenzy from the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan incident.</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-6540747424927928082024-01-29T06:00:00.273-05:002024-01-29T06:00:00.142-05:00Commercials of YesterYear: "Mr. Italy" and Perillo Tours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh484o_xvrHW1Q6iOIeca-T3wa78DPBagH9d1_96K4p61doFbReMPmDyPG7-YkCkv9wahyphenhyphenaGe-UiazwsXaaPk360m4PYzIuape1G6bSag-bjQYiiSwBE52az0ZYjdQGSLIxCk-T45m2oulTOEwGTcELtjPpJ5kgt6JkujSFZL_ke7QYnknJObT-ypOxdoTL/s948/MarioPerillo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="948" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh484o_xvrHW1Q6iOIeca-T3wa78DPBagH9d1_96K4p61doFbReMPmDyPG7-YkCkv9wahyphenhyphenaGe-UiazwsXaaPk360m4PYzIuape1G6bSag-bjQYiiSwBE52az0ZYjdQGSLIxCk-T45m2oulTOEwGTcELtjPpJ5kgt6JkujSFZL_ke7QYnknJObT-ypOxdoTL/w400-h275/MarioPerillo.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>"Hi, I'm Mario Perillo..."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W5G3OlHq9ig" width="320" youtube-src-id="W5G3OlHq9ig"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Growing up in the shadows of New York City in the early 90s, I saw the above commercial quite frequently. As a kid, I thought you wouldn't ever find a more first-class experience touring the historic, centuries-old wonders of an exotic-sounding country far away across the ocean. I believed when Mr. Perillo took you to Italy, it was as authentic and true of an Italian experience as any Italian vacation could possibly get. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My Grandparents went on several big organized tours when I was younger, as people of their age and generation liked to do. I was always disappointed that they never took a tour with Mario Perillo as their tour guide, but they really enjoyed their travels with Tauck Tours. As I understand it, Tauck Tours are pretty top-notch, but to 8-year-old me, a Perillo Tour of Italy with "Mr. Italy" Mario Perillo as your personal guide was better than any other tour you could spend your money on. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the time, I also fully believed that Mario and Steve Perillo were the tour guides themselves. Boy, would I have been disappointed!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Something also made me feel that their commercials were local, New York-centric ads for a New York-based company. I'm willing to bet that when I saw them, they were most certainly national, if not mostly national, but it turns out that most of the Perillo family lived (and most still do) just minutes from where I grew up. I didn't know that at the time, but like any kid that age, I lived in a bubble of what I knew or was familiar with and assumed that these familiar-looking people in advertisements I saw nearly every commercial break were local.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For nearly 80 years, the Perillo family has managed to keep the family business a "family business." Created by Joseph Perillo in 1945, the company is about to enter its fourth generation of family leadership. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joseph was an Italian attorney who immigrated to the United States in 1925. In 1945, he opened his business, Joseph Perillo & Sons Travel Agency and Translation Services, with only a single typewriter and $300 in the bank. Still, he was able to quickly establish his Third Avenue storefront in the "Little Italy" section of The Bronx by offering help to many of the new Italian immigrants in the area. His business was an ethnic Italian travel agency and a makeshift community center with businesses and social services for the local immigrant population. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joseph provided translations, foreign exchanges, and food parcels to post-war Italy, as well as help with immigration documents. Steamship and later airline tickets were also sold for those who sought the opportunity to go visit family "back home." Over the years, the company evolved from just a travel agency into a prominent tour operator specializing in guided tours of Italy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joseph was committed to delivering high-quality, culturally enriching, and authentic experiences. His company became well known for its detailed and organized itineraries, knowledgeable guides, and attention to customer satisfaction. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Enter: Mario Perillo. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Having never been much further than 40 miles from his home in East Tremont, Bronx, Mario joined the Army in 1944. When he returned home from the military, he didn't leap headfirst into the family business right away. Instead, Mario worked part-time at the travel agency while he earned a law degree, like his father, from New York Law School. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mario's first taste of organizing tours of Italy was during the Catholic Holy Year, 1950, when he gathered a group of 200 parishioners from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and sailed them to Naples on the SS Atlantic, with himself and Bishop Joseph Perricone as the trip's guides. One of the main attractions of the trip was that having trusted leaders and organizers provided a home-like comfort and security for the many parishioners who had never even left the Bronx. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The tour was all-inclusive, eliminating any surprise expenses while far from home. His concept of <br />"Escorted and All Inclusive" became the hallmarks of his business for the next several decades. Perillo Tours was soon the largest Italian-focused agency in New York City and the nation, and Mario's original company tagline was "Chi Viaggia Con Perillo, Viaggia Tranquility... When You Travel With Perillo, You Travel in Tranquility." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joseph retired in 1965, and Mario assumed control of the company. Mario reportedly became obsessed with all things Italian. He ate Italian foods almost exclusively, wore only Italian suits, and drove only Italian cars. Similar to Gus Portokalos in the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," Mario was quick to tell friends and associates that things went wrong "because you're not Italian." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>In the 1970s, Perillo Tours closed all of its retail operations to become a wholesaler on trips to Italy and, eventually, other popular destinations. The company hired travel agents from around the United States to become "trusted partners of Perillo Tours," cementing the company's name as "THE" company to use when visiting Italy. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>Perillo Tours grew very quickly during the early 1980s and moved its operation from the Bronx to Pearl River, New York, just a town or two over from where I grew up. By the mid-1980s, Perillo was chartering as many as SIXTY Boeing 747s per year from Pan Am to support its demand for their popular 14-day escorted tours of Italy. Perillo was consistently Pan Am's largest customer in the world during that period. </div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mario felt very strongly about the company's ability to provide extraordinary value to customers and decided to tell the world about it. An innovative marketer, he adopted modern marketing tools to deliver his message. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh484o_xvrHW1Q6iOIeca-T3wa78DPBagH9d1_96K4p61doFbReMPmDyPG7-YkCkv9wahyphenhyphenaGe-UiazwsXaaPk360m4PYzIuape1G6bSag-bjQYiiSwBE52az0ZYjdQGSLIxCk-T45m2oulTOEwGTcELtjPpJ5kgt6JkujSFZL_ke7QYnknJObT-ypOxdoTL/s948/MarioPerillo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="948" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh484o_xvrHW1Q6iOIeca-T3wa78DPBagH9d1_96K4p61doFbReMPmDyPG7-YkCkv9wahyphenhyphenaGe-UiazwsXaaPk360m4PYzIuape1G6bSag-bjQYiiSwBE52az0ZYjdQGSLIxCk-T45m2oulTOEwGTcELtjPpJ5kgt6JkujSFZL_ke7QYnknJObT-ypOxdoTL/w400-h275/MarioPerillo.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>He quickly became famous for plain-spoken radio and television commercials, which he himself wrote and produced. Having once said that you need to be willing to get in front of the world yourself, Mario preferred to be the face of his family business, not some "slick graphics or hired actor." </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fDIkRDbKNXA" width="320" youtube-src-id="fDIkRDbKNXA"></iframe></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Through these television commercials, Mario would passionately talk about the beauty of Italy, emphasizing culture, cuisine, and scenic landscapes. His delivery and genuine love for Italy contributed to the success of these advertisements, but it made "Mr. Italy" a celebrity in his own right. With these commercials, Mario took his father's little storefront travel agency and became the world's largest provider of guided tours to Italy. </div></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Mario continued to perfect his tour packages and made his first significant expansion out of Italy in 1985. He made a (at the time) historic arrangement with the Paradise Island Resort and Casino in the Bahamas for a series of all-inclusive vacations. The company still brags it was a massive success, with 10,000 customers booking trips in just the first 100 days. This rousing success in the Bahamas led to the creation of Club Perillo aboard the Costa Riviera cruise ship. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 1988, the company moved its headquarters again, leaving Pearl River for Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. </div><div><br /></div><div>As Mr. Italy, Mario's face was seen nationally by tens of millions of people throughout the United States. Mario reached such popularity that he had personal contact with many leaders of the day, including Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and even Pope John Paul II. </div><div><br /></div><div>To capitalize on his popularity, Domino's Pizza hired "Mr. Italy" to become their spokesperson for a series of television commercials for their new "Italian originals" line of pizza, sandwiches, and more. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s8JEXM3oNcw" width="320" youtube-src-id="s8JEXM3oNcw"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>In 1997, Mario stepped back from running the operation, and his son Steve became President of Perillo Tours. He had previously worked alongside his father with advertising and marketing, including those famous commercials of the 80s and 90s, but he became instrumental in helping Perillo expand to new destinations like the Caribbean, Hawaii, Spain, and the rest of Europe. In 2003, Mario retired, and Steve became CEO.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like his father, Steve recognized the power and reach of advertising, especially on the burgeoning internet. Recognizing the reach of the internet long before his competitors, Steve focused on integrating Perillo Tours on the internet in the late 90s with online booking and electronic brochures and videos. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">In an interview with Travel Weekly, Steve Perillo said that the company is doing "just fine financially" in a post-Covid world. However, the previous three years were a different story when international travel came to a near standstill during the pandemic. Closed borders brought the Perillo's Italy and Spain business to a halt, although Steve claimed the Hawaiin bookings did well. Those sales, however, couldn't make up for the losses in Europe, and the company relied upon government-issued Covid relief funds. Perillo said the company was in a position to make a profit by the end of 2022 (at the time of the article) and beyond. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">During Covid, the company was forced to say goodbye to the memorable commercials in which Steve's father, and later himself, appeared. Cutting its marketing budget to near zero, it no longer spends money on television and radio advertising. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The company claims that the loss of television advertising is something they can live with, especially after the commercials were immortalized by Adam Sandler on "Saturday Night Live." Playing the role of "Joe Romano," his "multi-generation family run" tour company describes in hilarious detail what "millions of Americans (mostly people from Long Island and New Jersey)" can expect on a tour of Italy from a guy who looks an awful lot like Steve Perillo. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TbwlC2B-BIg" width="320" youtube-src-id="TbwlC2B-BIg"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>These days, the Perillo family is making news as they try to keep the company in the family for a fourth generation. It's often said a family-run company often makes it through three generations, but the fourth is typically the end. Perillo has high hopes of bucking that trend. Devin Buonanno, who currently oversees Perillo's Hawaiian tours, is the heir apparent. Buonanno, Steve's 27-year-old nephew and grandson of "Mr. Italy" Mario, has big shoes to fill.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Personally, I've been to Italy twice now, and each time we went, it was self-guided... if you can even call it that. The first time we traveled there, we were 23 and so terribly young and naive. I had just gotten my first airline's travel benefits, and given the ability to travel to Europe for free, we picked Venice, and off we went. With hardly more than an hour's worth of planning, we grabbed our freshly printed passports and headed to the airport for a trip to a foreign country in an age before smartphones and the internet in our pockets. My wife (then girlfriend) spoke the language much better than I did, from what she had learned in high school and growing up in an Italian-American family and neighborhood on Long Island, and that helped. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today, especially as a Dad myself now, when I think back on how those two dumb kids just picked a foreign country to romp around in for a few days, I just laugh and shake my head. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But... they turned out just fine, I think. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the time, though, I would have felt much better if I had Mario "Mr. Italy" Perillo to show me around!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-21332340167353683922024-01-22T06:00:00.219-05:002024-01-22T06:00:00.129-05:00Retro Scans - 1984 Indiana Jones Temple of Doom Wax Pack by Topps<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDMOs5_kB_f6OAtLMTs3_NHAP6WMtxt29ybQCOtP9z5JqQ8SywvrXZZ_tyVKwYqyukFtRKauLT5Cbp7SWOlfFqK7brMwWU-i5be85scPOwygcXjjaKNJqDWInYqMcYczVaRvJE8yB9i_3hns3-gsYXuTp5H-eOlG5e9rC64fqeWUNRw_3Ioi_PcLpT58S/s2640/20210720_105927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="1908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDMOs5_kB_f6OAtLMTs3_NHAP6WMtxt29ybQCOtP9z5JqQ8SywvrXZZ_tyVKwYqyukFtRKauLT5Cbp7SWOlfFqK7brMwWU-i5be85scPOwygcXjjaKNJqDWInYqMcYczVaRvJE8yB9i_3hns3-gsYXuTp5H-eOlG5e9rC64fqeWUNRw_3Ioi_PcLpT58S/s320/20210720_105927.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom</i> was the 1984 follow-up to the 1981 hit action-adventure film <i>Raiders of the Lost Ark.</i> Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on a story by George Lucas, this second installment in the Indiana Jones series was actually a prequel to the first film. Harrison Ford reprises his role as the titular character, but this second film adds Kate Capshaw as the new leading lady, Willie Scott. The film also included Ke Huy Quan in his debut as Indy's sidekick, Short Round. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Temple of Doom</i> has always felt like two films to me. At first, there is the suave Indy at a ritzy Chinese nightclub. Indy and Willie then find themselves on a doomed airplane and arrive at a palace in British-controlled India with mysterious hallways and midnight assassins. Then, the second half of the movie (which very well could be its own movie) sees Indiana Jones tasked by desperate villagers to find a mystical stone and rescue their children from a cult that practices child slavery, black magic, and ritual sacrifices in honor of the goddess Kali. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lucas and Spielberg said they both weren't eager to again feature Nazis as the villain, so Lucas chose to place the movie earlier in Indiana Jones' history, effectively making it a prequel to <i>Raiders. </i>Three stories were rejected by the team of Lucas and Speilberg before arriving at the final plot. Lawrence Kasdan, the collaborator and co-writer of <i>Raiders of the Lost Ark,</i> turned down the offer to write this script, calling the plot "horrible" and "mean" with "nothing pleasant about it." So, Lucas turned to Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz, whom he'd worked with on <i>American Graffiti</i> in 1973. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Temple of Doom, </i>originally called <i>Temple of Death, </i>was released on May 23, 1984, to a financial success of $333.1 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 1984. Initial critical reviews were mixed, with criticisms of the intense violence and gore compared to the original <i>Raiders</i>.<i> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">After complaints about<i> Temple of Doom </i>and<i> Gremlins </i>(which Spielberg produced and was released two weeks after <i>Temple</i>), Spielberg suggested the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) alter its rating system. Within two months of the movie's release, the MPAA debuted a new age rating: PG-13. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score and won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A third movie in the franchise and a sequel to <i>Raiders</i>, titled <i>Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade</i>, followed in 1989. Spielberg later said that when approached to direct <i>Raiders of the Lost Ark</i>, Lucas had told him that if he agreed to do one, he'd have to do the trilogy. However, at the time, unknown to Spielberg, George Lucas didn't have three different stories in mind, and they were forced to make them up as they went. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In subsequent years, both George Lucas and Steven Spielberg have attributed the much darker tone of <i>Temple of Doom</i> to their own moods at the time following difficulties in their personal life. Also, Spielberg insisted that Temple should have been a darker film anyway, in the way that Empire Strikes <i>Back</i> was the darker second act of the <i>Star Wars</i> trilogy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In developing the story, Spielberg wanted to bring Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) back and possibly use her father, Abner Ravenwood, who was mentioned in the first film. Lucas' first idea included an opening chase scene with Indiana Jones on a motorcycle atop the Great Wall of China, followed by discovering a "Lost World" with a hidden valley still inhabited by dinosaurs. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">A second idea was to feature the Monkey King (from the 16th-century novel "Journey to the West"). However, Chinese authorities refused permission to film in the country, which required a different setting and plot. Lucas also reportedly also had an idea that included a haunted old castle in Scotland, but Spielberg felt it was too similar to other horror films, so the film was moved to a demonic temple in India. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div><div>George Lucas also reportedly wanted Indiana's sidekick in the film to be a young virginal princess, but both writers and Spielberg vetoed the idea. When Short Round was created, he was named after writer Willard Huyck's dog, much like Indiana Jones was named after Lucas's Alaskan Malamute. Willie's character was named after Spielberg's Cocker Spaniel.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>As a child, this movie terrified me. The heart-stealing scene was enough to make me sleep with the lights on for several days! In ranking the films, this would be my third favorite, with Raiders in the top spot, followed by Crusade. Dial of Destiny would be fourth, and Crystal Skull would be last. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Please enjoy these images of 40-year-old trading cards! As always, feel free to click on each image for a larger version.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDMOs5_kB_f6OAtLMTs3_NHAP6WMtxt29ybQCOtP9z5JqQ8SywvrXZZ_tyVKwYqyukFtRKauLT5Cbp7SWOlfFqK7brMwWU-i5be85scPOwygcXjjaKNJqDWInYqMcYczVaRvJE8yB9i_3hns3-gsYXuTp5H-eOlG5e9rC64fqeWUNRw_3Ioi_PcLpT58S/s2640/20210720_105927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="1908" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDMOs5_kB_f6OAtLMTs3_NHAP6WMtxt29ybQCOtP9z5JqQ8SywvrXZZ_tyVKwYqyukFtRKauLT5Cbp7SWOlfFqK7brMwWU-i5be85scPOwygcXjjaKNJqDWInYqMcYczVaRvJE8yB9i_3hns3-gsYXuTp5H-eOlG5e9rC64fqeWUNRw_3Ioi_PcLpT58S/w289-h400/20210720_105927.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIDXpFJZSVu-f8b7QDif02QqGIN9jTwvDO_Wid_WsXll6uoJZpa7YVry_omgXPSCGoofrM-HQHT4owevmyQHo2ASjjxmbksFEGwoCFMSbuFy7NuVe1uBGmDToAaMsMGx8Ch_yk_j5BRXIftTc7GySnWb_-oQQbuH7a81_gqduWkZYN2phQt_fsJkx-RfE/s2859/20210720_105933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rXEcsk7Q97Cr1rAc8ln9gZUfo85Z83hmcXmM0O0XYDVbrEAC1MvEdRuw-5tHWOUy1_MtPG_1MXG_CLT9OqExqscfOc7Gq2EQei_R8L0u6rTIbBnQBy3LHC_v6sLyCYXFWBTNcBliluJ1hlm9RtlOq5v-nOVP_2bB2OU3opLFT1sHK36F6SicT_hjYKJz/s2622/20230712_194424.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2622" data-original-width="1888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rXEcsk7Q97Cr1rAc8ln9gZUfo85Z83hmcXmM0O0XYDVbrEAC1MvEdRuw-5tHWOUy1_MtPG_1MXG_CLT9OqExqscfOc7Gq2EQei_R8L0u6rTIbBnQBy3LHC_v6sLyCYXFWBTNcBliluJ1hlm9RtlOq5v-nOVP_2bB2OU3opLFT1sHK36F6SicT_hjYKJz/s320/20230712_194424.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br /><div>When I was a kid, I loved to read. In fact, my mother has always said I learned to read at a very young age, and I'm incredibly proud to say that my own child can read several words and phrases at only three and a half. It's hard to say if she'll sit and read books for hours on her own like I did, especially with all of the distractions of the modern age. But as a kid, I could kill an afternoon reading nearly anything that interested me. </div><div><br /></div><div>My parents were eager to push me into reading and would rarely say no if there was something I wanted that involved books in any form. Goosebumps, Calvin and Hobbes, how-to-draw guides, kid's encyclopedias, and all sorts of other books cluttered my room back then. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also had several magazine subscriptions, but two were read through so much that I'd beg Mom or Dad to staple and tape them back together so I could keep reading them. Those two would be Nickelodeon Magazine and Disney Adventures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Disney Adventures Magazine was first published in October of 1990 (with the first edition being the November 12, 1990 edition), featuring a wide assortment of educational material, Disney-centric and various other entertainment news items, sports coverage, celebrity profiles, puzzles, games, and reader contributions. The "DA" magazines would also have regular features I looked forward to each month. They would include guides to television, movies, music, and books or notable little facts about unusual "Weird But True" things. </div><div><br /></div><div>Seeing the cover of each issue was always exciting for me, as I looked forward to guessing what celebrity would be on the front. The first-ever issue featured "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" actor Rick Moranis and Baloo from TaleSpin. The cover pages were always so colorful and eye-catching. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the early years, the comics included in each edition were standard Disney comics like DuckTales, Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, Darkwing Duck, Mickey Mouse, Goof Troop, Gargoyles, Bonkers, or other adaptations of Disney movies. </div><div><br /></div><div>As magazine sales fell as a whole and several different magazines went out of business, on August 21, 2007, The Walt Disney Company announced that Disney Adventures would be discontinued in November after 17 years. The final issue was released in October, and Disney converted subscriptions to Sports Illustrated for Kids, Family Fun, or Boys' Life magazine for the remainder of each individual subscription.</div><div><div><br /></div></div><div>The edition I've scanned in for today highlights the new Disney Afternoon cartoon, <i>The Mighty Ducks: The Animated Series. </i>Growing up a huge hockey fan and hockey player, I was all in on this cartoon adaptation of one of my favorite movies (of the time) and an exciting new professional hockey franchise. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, I quickly learned that this cartoon had little to do with the movie I watched over and over as a kid. It was very loosely inspired by the real-life team and film and centered on a team of hockey-playing ducks from outer space. </div><div><br /></div><div>The cartoon was still entertaining, and as a hockey fan, I began to tune in to watch the hockey scenes but got sucked into the action and story. <i>Mighty Ducks: The Animated Series lasted only</i> 6 months on air, with 26 episodes from September 1996 to January 1997. </div><div><br /></div><div>This magazine also covered several other great shows. Some of them are long forgotten, and some of them are dearly missed. There's a neat advertisement for <i>Gargoyles</i>, which made the news a month or so back when Disney created controversy by announcing a live-action remake of the classic 90s cartoon. You'll also find <i>Doug</i>, my favorite Nicktoon of all time, featured in the pages scanned below. In Disney Adventures, it's being advertised as launching on Saturday mornings on ABC. I can go on about Disney's <i>Doug</i>, but I'll save that for another article. </div><div><br /></div><div>Other shows featured in the pages below are shows that I don't remember. Some of them, for good reason, too, like <i>Bone</i> <i>Chillers</i>. <i>Bone Chillers </i>only lasted 13 episodes. Even worse, a new FOX sitcom, <i>Come Fly With Me</i>,<i> </i>was removed from the lineup after only 3 episodes. It wasn't even called <i>Come Fly With Me</i> when it aired, having undergone several changes before being titled <i>Love and Marriage.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you enjoy these pages from this 1996 magazine that I read multiple times as a kid and utterly enjoyed taking the trip back in time while reading again. I apologize about the quality of some of these scans since the magazine has seen some love over the years. The pages don't exactly sit flat on the scanner, and I wasn't interested in ripping pages out for the perfect scan.</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, you can click on an image for a bigger, more detailed version. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCNxCiL_2wd3fAo7VZmrjbgg3IeL54ujea5pHHQCB-UmuDUC5EW4PfV46kw4MiaYNW1FwAzGu0IZ-14dwEU9bPvZOuk7gLI6cjE5qc2oTORrdOdHRKvZD_I3tl6Fp4iYefwYX5_J7fP4ymIUzRX0srYVOy1_S96CTwFlZY0jgc7NyRWO5vdZYZXv2Fm_1/s2622/20230712_194424.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2622" data-original-width="1888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCNxCiL_2wd3fAo7VZmrjbgg3IeL54ujea5pHHQCB-UmuDUC5EW4PfV46kw4MiaYNW1FwAzGu0IZ-14dwEU9bPvZOuk7gLI6cjE5qc2oTORrdOdHRKvZD_I3tl6Fp4iYefwYX5_J7fP4ymIUzRX0srYVOy1_S96CTwFlZY0jgc7NyRWO5vdZYZXv2Fm_1/w288-h400/20230712_194424.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1943" data-original-width="2615" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaKoymwd7R6v7-ROX9dCSBE-dejgwxWtVYTHgfzlB37UM3dbkumF3xQn68nblQXvGOGSU6bnXG3x1zFd5R8XdQ_kC7qw2KnXrkhhyTBWeVUwbvozIofpsZ6fbu2j_IVZ0w_zx3sXoExYqo3WXrBM-G03GDDulfexqoweE4FNmceM4AW6ixYJ6gsP9-16e/w400-h297/20230712_195209.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YfWeUnheNQGy5ML23X_Ycr5xEqUF5j4FBzEY5f8HrQPsV8Q8rNtXBPNejpV6GJ9Q8oPQ8lHG9b9cznqc88l2v0ZnNS-dgJid4QrePfdUE9T7spbdhUHWwqu68qFFzjcu3v3zQwKz8ynMbXirrXCVVYWJpBL7KWrBnrRcjsI-FGVFpZNY_FDnvse-_0T3/s2532/20230712_195218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1852" data-original-width="2532" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YfWeUnheNQGy5ML23X_Ycr5xEqUF5j4FBzEY5f8HrQPsV8Q8rNtXBPNejpV6GJ9Q8oPQ8lHG9b9cznqc88l2v0ZnNS-dgJid4QrePfdUE9T7spbdhUHWwqu68qFFzjcu3v3zQwKz8ynMbXirrXCVVYWJpBL7KWrBnrRcjsI-FGVFpZNY_FDnvse-_0T3/w400-h293/20230712_195218.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwy7MiL9Tg3gcH1oszEVLNL5oj0WLAOG_JtLA0V2aTK2YtXeIofv8eLNVycq5rtMvWdpf2gEBHZZL1-nEHd4RW37CglnIWYePSnsKGiebi0k4LJYktHV6u3zFxmuJd8gxfyBatoqH6SisPfGx0ZhFwdGB2Xie2Xvqm-cSNe6qx6TpvcP3BIQh5qLZg-lnp/s2485/20230712_195241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2485" data-original-width="1687" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwy7MiL9Tg3gcH1oszEVLNL5oj0WLAOG_JtLA0V2aTK2YtXeIofv8eLNVycq5rtMvWdpf2gEBHZZL1-nEHd4RW37CglnIWYePSnsKGiebi0k4LJYktHV6u3zFxmuJd8gxfyBatoqH6SisPfGx0ZhFwdGB2Xie2Xvqm-cSNe6qx6TpvcP3BIQh5qLZg-lnp/w271-h400/20230712_195241.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-30233228323400690762024-01-08T06:00:00.266-05:002024-01-08T06:00:00.139-05:00The Sopranos Turns 25! My Top 5 Favorite Episodes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyKvqaW5T46-gu0ZZA_QlJLJ_Aqvx_L4uPvs6nilHtXRpZCIiYG0d6da4f2bpT0UZL3tvckM2xAyUR0H6N-31AD9Koi5pZs5k1dU7MxTWSzpQ6o36vu664Gq5L8dQjRWBSQ72F3aEkZZQmUD3M8zvOcL6XwEvIextYPO1Q0NuU3ptpeje2_IwbjtmtXUr/s1024/sopranos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyKvqaW5T46-gu0ZZA_QlJLJ_Aqvx_L4uPvs6nilHtXRpZCIiYG0d6da4f2bpT0UZL3tvckM2xAyUR0H6N-31AD9Koi5pZs5k1dU7MxTWSzpQ6o36vu664Gq5L8dQjRWBSQ72F3aEkZZQmUD3M8zvOcL6XwEvIextYPO1Q0NuU3ptpeje2_IwbjtmtXUr/s320/sopranos.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's nothing I can write about The Sopranos that millions haven't already written, most of which are written more eloquently or intellectually, I'm sure. The Sopranos is definitely the show I consider "the best ever created," even though it's not my absolute favorite show. The Sopranos would come in at number two or three. Still, this Wednesday, January 10th, The Sopranos will officially turn 25 years old, so I wanted to post something about this fantastic series.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I grew up in the shadow of New York City and "came of age" (as they say) when The Sopranos aired on HBO. I'm Italian-American myself and married to an Italian-American. Where we both grew up, we were surrounded by many friends and neighbors of Italian descent with stereotypical New York attitudes. My wife and I often say watching The Sopranos makes us feel at home. We recognize certain types of personalities and people that we can understand. Maybe not the organized crime part, but the short tempers, brash, in-your-face humor, big meals, and loud mouths remind us of someone, someplace, or something from back home. Especially today, so many of us long for the "simplicity" of our pre-9-11 lives. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When the two of us see the homes, cars, and clothing in a style and decor we are so familiar with, it takes us right back to that era of the late 90s and early 2000s. I've read that the things you are into in high school (music, movies, television, etc) are the ones that will likely stay with you through the long haul. I'd agree that's true, and I know several people who still dress like it's 1988. I certainly don't know who today's new musicians or actors are. We find what we like and where we fit and stick to our little niche because it's comfortable. Heck, it's why nostalgia is so big.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to be honest with you all about something, though. I didn't watch The Sopranos during its initial run on HBO. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My parents didn't have HBO, and it wasn't until I was in college that I could watch bits and pieces through my stolen (allegedly) cable setup. The first episode I had ever watched from start to finish was actually the infamous final episode in 2007 in the basement apartment I was renting at the time in West Islip, New York. I had been able to watch bits and pieces of other episodes in hotels on the road at work, but the only one I can remember from start to finish was the finale. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Regardless, I felt like I knew the show well enough. I was an avid listener to Opie and Anthony and Ron and Fez, broadcast from 102.7 WNEW in New York (and later XM Satellite Radio), and both of my favorite radio programs would recap each episode in detail. It was like office water cooler talk for thousands of people simultaneously. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ron and Fez even had a promotion sponsored by Iceland Air that was a sort of Sopranos Trivia contest in which they'd pick something obscure from the episode the night before as a trivia question to ensure you paid close attention to the episode. The odd little things one remembers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since both shows would talk about The Sopranos so much, I felt like I knew enough to understand the story. Boy, was I wrong! As much as I enjoyed their humorous recaps each week when I finally watched the show, I couldn't get enough of it. When the credits rolled at the end of the episode, I'd always yearn for more. I wanted to binge-watch the show before binge-watching was a thing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In 2009, I was unemployed for several months after getting laid off from my first airline. I decided I needed a routine to prevent myself from getting bored and depressed, so I started going out for a morning jog at 8am. Shortly after starting this routine, I discovered that when I returned from my 5-mile jaunt, I'd have just enough time to shower, grab some food, and turn on A&E for the 10am showing of The Sopranos. I don't know precisely when A&E started showing The Sopranos, but I was glad they did. Part of me wants to say I saw advertisements and started right at the beginning, but I think it's more likely I came in somewhere around the end of the first season. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The content of each episode was heavily edited for daytime cable, of course, but I got the gist. I also think it may have only run through the series once before A&E stopped showing it, but by then, I was employed again and found myself so busy that I forgot that it was even on. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When my wife and I were first married, we splurged and got the most expensive television package on DirecTV, including HBO, since we both never had anything like that before. We eventually realized we watched maybe four channels and dropped down to the basic package, but we kept HBO, where we binge-watched The Sopranos repeatedly through HBO's On Demand service. Since cutting the cord, we own the series on both DVD and digital, so we can watch them whenever we want. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To this day, Sopranos reminds us of the strong New York Italian attitude that doesn't much exist in the entertainment or public sphere anymore, other than to be ridiculed, shamed, or made a joke.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In an effort to put some sort of tribute up to the greatest television show of all time, I thought I'd post my Top 5 Sopranos episodes. They might not be the "best" or most critically acclaimed, but they are the 5 episodes I happily watch over and over again. They are primarily based on emotion or feeling, but I'll do my best to explain why I chose each episode. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By the way, am I the only one who can only ever read or hear "Christopher" in Adrianna's voice? CHRIS-TAH-FAH!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPOoKxHqZFN2g5UwiYwhpZXKUMy7n10uViqS0V6U0qDhrDz1MsqJM9Kpts74W5DBgFAWH0xG1-lRXhUoP_DNzTgH5DBJaFOG34ftkH4ejdX4SsWWGAim1jrAUqecqQIQ64bSqMFeHbRcgHGoxSrok1d9716GX10uNDhhxp91mPys8TVtu9pjmmQu5p3Rk/s2048/pinebarrens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPOoKxHqZFN2g5UwiYwhpZXKUMy7n10uViqS0V6U0qDhrDz1MsqJM9Kpts74W5DBgFAWH0xG1-lRXhUoP_DNzTgH5DBJaFOG34ftkH4ejdX4SsWWGAim1jrAUqecqQIQ64bSqMFeHbRcgHGoxSrok1d9716GX10uNDhhxp91mPys8TVtu9pjmmQu5p3Rk/w400-h266/pinebarrens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>5. "Pine Barrens" - May 6th, 2001</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This episode is at the top of most people's lists, making number 5 on mine for the same reasons as everyone else. Pauly is probably my favorite character in the series, and seeing him slowly unravel in the woods with Christopher is a masterpiece of storytelling and acting. The looming threat of an angry Tony (and even angrier murderous Russian) hovers over them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Other stories woven throughout this classic include a very sick Meadow catching Jackie Jr. cheating on her and Tony discovering that he once again fell for a woman (Gloria) who is depressed, unstable, and manipulative, just like his mother. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7CvhAGhKvcLx8WbEwenreNDHfPRCte-opeL0j5s-hQsTg7fSX1Gnd9fTi1RNv-WePNS5-asv4ZW8PJGeBOEy-npskp0ze37_9z22RzOuZ3sywDci28AGTBPgRaSgnzJY_Htg2axbbcCuWBFoXSuXTDLCygUBV8JP8ibagMdQ7g5JLZYjcl54O0Bk4eAY/s795/christopher.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="795" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7CvhAGhKvcLx8WbEwenreNDHfPRCte-opeL0j5s-hQsTg7fSX1Gnd9fTi1RNv-WePNS5-asv4ZW8PJGeBOEy-npskp0ze37_9z22RzOuZ3sywDci28AGTBPgRaSgnzJY_Htg2axbbcCuWBFoXSuXTDLCygUBV8JP8ibagMdQ7g5JLZYjcl54O0Bk4eAY/w400-h258/christopher.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><b>4. "Christopher" - September 29th, 2002</b></div><div><br /></div><div>One scene, and one scene alone, allows this episode to make my list. It's a reasonably benign scene, but after some Googling, I realized I'm not alone in loving it. At a luncheon designed to instill pride in Italian-American women, Rosalie Aprile responds to a woman who gawks at Carmella when the speaker tries to disassociate Italian culture from the mafia. She gives the chin flick, the finger, the sit-and-spin, and the turn-around hand gesture all in one. I freakin' love it! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxe1qsk3qK1BTOqAiE7sGVyL8MVd9zAn8rw2RHWoBWTJOs6_VkmckmMoDGjAhpqKWIWpeP7DIBFckY8l6GumuUtVgWz9mMbPm755dcbgpqyPAI4OvKaNRwpWtN-UMx5f24Xu1W71DAWXrpRabFC_DoZod7GXhnVf9US_x2RcbvpyQyONGuYzV_bVy1CZ0/s480/QOPatl1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxe1qsk3qK1BTOqAiE7sGVyL8MVd9zAn8rw2RHWoBWTJOs6_VkmckmMoDGjAhpqKWIWpeP7DIBFckY8l6GumuUtVgWz9mMbPm755dcbgpqyPAI4OvKaNRwpWtN-UMx5f24Xu1W71DAWXrpRabFC_DoZod7GXhnVf9US_x2RcbvpyQyONGuYzV_bVy1CZ0/s320/QOPatl1.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know when I first saw this, but it's wedged itself into my brain, and when dealing with the general public, it's a moment I'm forced to think about frequently. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, in this episode, Silvio and the boys want to fight the Native Americans at a Columbus Day Parade while Bobby's wife Karen is killed in an auto accident. Janice pushes Ralphie down the stairs, and Silvio gets mad at Tony when Tony refuses to allow any action taken at the protest because Tony believes not everyone belongs to some victimized group. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejH1VhyphenhyphennoXYE8iNWrkxXMI0Uqt3INJeuXiK4N8qKYpdVnpxL4fd2Eunr_qLxdrgHGBYpo_nr_e9bsWoIaatBAp7oXMEsSvItK417cKTSJcKeU3YV8u0x8BPAHMGvCn3SsjwXClYguYTX13W1iXFn_3s-vlOxBUgngohfuToj67HEYhr46Q8k17bUmUkPz/s1280/home%20movies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejH1VhyphenhyphennoXYE8iNWrkxXMI0Uqt3INJeuXiK4N8qKYpdVnpxL4fd2Eunr_qLxdrgHGBYpo_nr_e9bsWoIaatBAp7oXMEsSvItK417cKTSJcKeU3YV8u0x8BPAHMGvCn3SsjwXClYguYTX13W1iXFn_3s-vlOxBUgngohfuToj67HEYhr46Q8k17bUmUkPz/w400-h225/home%20movies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><b>3. "Soprano Home Movies" - April 8th, 2007</b></div><div><br /></div><div>It is one of several episodes in this series with beautiful scenery; I think I like this episode more for the setting than the content. That gorgeous lakeside cabin in the woods makes me drool, while Bobby's beautiful polished wood boat makes me want to start boat shopping. I would do an awful lot for a lakeside cabin setup like that. Unfortunately, the sense of dread with an impending gang war and the series coming to a close hangs over the episode.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's also the infamous line from Bobby that comes from his conversation with Tony while fishing and discussing how quickly and silently death comes for those in their lifestyle. "You probably don't even hear it when it happens, right?" Now, decades later, (SPOILER) series creator David Chase has confirmed that Tony dies in the final scene that so famously goes to black silence... he never heard it coming.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, Phil Leotardo retires after being released from the hospital with heart problems. A flashback to the scene two years earlier, when Tony escapes from the FBI raid at Johnny Sack's house, comes back to bite him as a child found the gun he tossed away and killed someone with it. The FBI included this new charge in the RICO case. Tony, somewhat out of anger, decides that Bobby must make his first kill, so Bobby makes a hit on someone up in Montreal.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6QJNogHS_dZEF04IDMb8dTIJOYnv4XzJF67ZRaRoVyz97e5YqRwBPeKIjWduHXh-IYqV23xzLK30XwOXlHxLRTcnj4Y50VH8kEPtunARLLZClUgWXWcEex06vefWpmpXK8NH75YEH9xCFHKeJeoOOFO0rznPtp06Z3fnfBwdflyBePsC5nNmE8sRqccR/s787/college.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="787" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6QJNogHS_dZEF04IDMb8dTIJOYnv4XzJF67ZRaRoVyz97e5YqRwBPeKIjWduHXh-IYqV23xzLK30XwOXlHxLRTcnj4Y50VH8kEPtunARLLZClUgWXWcEex06vefWpmpXK8NH75YEH9xCFHKeJeoOOFO0rznPtp06Z3fnfBwdflyBePsC5nNmE8sRqccR/w400-h240/college.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2. "College" - February 7th, 1999</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The beautiful scenery in this episode helps set the tone of a lovely, serene weekend where Tony and Meadow are just father and daughter looking at colleges in and around New England. It is directly in contrast to the end of the episode when we watch Tony murder someone for the first time. When stopped for gas, Tony thinks he sees someone who looks familiar, and it turns out the man he sees is a former "associate" turned government witness. The snitch went into hiding and hadn't been seen in over a decade. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Meadow takes the opportunity during a quiet moment in the car to ask her father if he's in the mafia. Tony, nearly choking on his cigar, lies and says that he's in waste management, and it's a sick stereotype that an Italian in waste management is in the mob. He then admits that "some" of his money comes from illegal gambling before Meadow rolls her eyes and drops it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, Carmella "accidentally" allows Father Phil to spend the night after he shows up for free food and the use of Tony's surround sound theater system. The two fall asleep on the couch after a night of heavy sexual tension. The two were about to kiss before Father Phil threw up from drinking too much wine... or maybe fear of sleeping with the mob boss' wife. Carmella also finds out that Tony's therapist is a woman after Tony had insinuated it was a man. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This episode was only the fifth of the series, but it was the first time we saw Tony as the ruthless villain. He hunted down and choked a guy with wire while he was supposed to be out at college touring with his daughter, and it was one of the first times I, and many others, realized we were all rooting for the bad guy. He was a likable, loveable man with a family that has many of the same problems we all do... except he's a cold-blooded killer and pathological liar who shouldn't be trusted. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidM2kaxj7x7AobtPzwtI_0VWhFtqzvSygx2Js0spdS2V_18BGvb5YVpALj_TXCWTKWJMrVDpl3tPk2Q4nh0KOnAzxVTN70Q0a7zr4NrLJTOiazdKnBDYVhsN3ANY2PERdTiMH386NgY2CmMroldyXtZalBLtcNExYRl1jZcxp03Jm3vLDPsO6tBWtQre5O/s2880/knight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2880" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidM2kaxj7x7AobtPzwtI_0VWhFtqzvSygx2Js0spdS2V_18BGvb5YVpALj_TXCWTKWJMrVDpl3tPk2Q4nh0KOnAzxVTN70Q0a7zr4NrLJTOiazdKnBDYVhsN3ANY2PERdTiMH386NgY2CmMroldyXtZalBLtcNExYRl1jZcxp03Jm3vLDPsO6tBWtQre5O/w400-h225/knight.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1. "The Knight in White Satin Armor" - April 2nd, 2000</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are a few episodes in every series that I seem to find myself putting on all the time, and this is one of them. It often happens by choice, but sometimes it's a subconscious action. Somehow, though, it seems my remote leads me to this one every time I randomly scroll through the list of episodes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've always found Janice's character infuriating. On the flip side, I've thought that any episode with Tony's mom, Livia, is a good one. Nancy Marchand was absolutely hysterical (and scary) with her downright brutal honesty, manipulativeness, and sarcasm. I've often found brutally mean people to be quite funny. This is why I was such a fan of Opie and Anthony and comics like Jim Norton back in the day. I often find humor in the delivery, regardless of how mean the things they say are.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Richie Aprile is much like many older men I met growing up or spent time with in the late 90s or early 00s. He could be an old neighbor, a friend, or the guy at the grocery store, but they all look, act, and talk like Richie. That soft-spoken rage that suddenly builds to an explosion is terrifying when viewed up close. The scene in which Janice murders Richie and then calls Tony for help is full of suspense. Tony suspects a setup, and I still remember being on the edge of my seat the first time I watched this episode, wondering if it truly was some form of setup. This was also the first time a main character was written off the show, which meant that nobody was truly "safe."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The following day, when Livia comes downstairs just to harass Janice and Tony, tops off the episode just perfectly. I always thought that when Tony puts Janice on a bus and not a plane back home is quite fitting, too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, in this episode, Big Pussy has turned on Tony, and, to mentally get himself past the betrayal, he begins acting as if he is an FBI agent. Carmella stalks Victor, the painter that she's fallen for. She follows him into the paint supply store and tells him that she may be free one day, but she isn't right now. Victor is relieved to see her walk out of his life. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, Tony's mistress, Irena, tries to commit suicide after Tony breaks things off. While doing laundry, Carmella smells her perfume on Tony's clothes long after he swore to his wife that he was no longer having affairs. This deepens her own sadness that she didn't go through with her feelings with Vick and had her own affair. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-33175950388962165822024-01-02T06:00:00.002-05:002024-01-02T22:24:17.364-05:00This Month In YesterYear History - January<div style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you and your loved ones have a happy and healthy 2024! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's a new year, which means that (believe it or not!) 20 years ago was 2004! 25 years ago was 1999! And 30 years ago was 1994! CRAZY! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For those new to this series, in "This Month In YesterYear History," we stop to look back at the big pop culture moments from the past </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">20 </strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(2004), </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">25 </strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(1999), and </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">30 </strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(1994) years ago! </span></div><div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQkk0PQYfAFakUJrnoSYMSDwcHJ1vS3rmyR5-xMddQaMIlmqx6K2ECa-G-W-RFRAn5KZFjFhFc4YvzVqrwP7eRxo9eNBv1v2MZ9fgQ0msavuIByghHlZ3xhQp5sKaH8rxmj6s75b_EZgrHoji33Ugkg92XXsANtOHF6vlkGwa5dLJriW_tBZvR0X2-w/s720/popculturereview.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="720" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQkk0PQYfAFakUJrnoSYMSDwcHJ1vS3rmyR5-xMddQaMIlmqx6K2ECa-G-W-RFRAn5KZFjFhFc4YvzVqrwP7eRxo9eNBv1v2MZ9fgQ0msavuIByghHlZ3xhQp5sKaH8rxmj6s75b_EZgrHoji33Ugkg92XXsANtOHF6vlkGwa5dLJriW_tBZvR0X2-w/w400-h228/popculturereview.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Below, you'll find a little time capsule of what was significant in our lives back then. Hopefully, as you read these brief synopses of the past, you'll begin to remember the who, when, and where of your memories from those years. That's why I created this site, after all! </div><div><br /></div></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>POINTS OF REFERENCE</u></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2004: </strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">On January 4, 2004, after hosting the show for over 30 years, Casey Kasem handed over the hosting duties of "America's Top 40" to Ryan Seacrest. NASA's Mars rover "Spirit" lands on Mars the same day. On January 8, Queen Elizabeth II christened the RMS Queen Mary 2, the largest passenger ship ever built. On January 11, facing elimination from an NFC Divisional Playoff game, the Philadelphia Eagles are trailing the Green Bay Packers by 3 points when down to "4th and 26" (4th down, 26 yards to go) and on the final drive of the game, Donovan McNab passes 29 yards to Freddie Mitchel to tie the game. The Eagles would win in overtime and go on to lose to New England in the Super Bowl. On January 11, Ray Romano and Jennifer Aniston won for best TV actor/actress at the Peoples Choice Awards. On January 21, the NHL's Minnesota Wild set a record for the fastest consecutive goals when they scored two goals just 2 seconds apart in the final minutes of a 4-2 win over the Blackhawks. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King won Best Picture at the 61st Golden Globes on January 25. The highest quality images of another planet are first seen when NASA's Spirit sends pictures back of the surface of Mars on the 26th. On the 27, Usher's "Yeah!" featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris debuts. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>1999</b>: On January 1, the Euro currency was introduced. On the 2nd, a brutal snowstorm that saw 19" of snowfall in Chicago and Wisconsin, with temperatures as low as negative 13* Fahrenheit, caused 68 deaths. On the 3rd, NASA's Mars Polar lander arrived on Mars. It would eventually lose contact with NASA in December 1999. On the 4th, former pro wrestler Jesse Ventura is sworn in as Governor of Minnesota. It was the HAARP system! The NBA and the players' union ended a 204-day strike on the 6th to end the lockout and begin the shortened season. President Clinton's impeachment hearing begins on the 7th. On the 10th, The Sopranos debuts. It will go on to be one of the best shows in television history. Fatboy Slim's song "Praise You" hit number one that same day. On January 11, Jon Stewart took over hosting duties of "The Daily Show" from Craig Killborn, forever ruining politics in America. This is when an entire generation of Americans were taught that you don't need to be informed, just humiliate "the other side" into submission with snide remarks and disdain. I digress. On the 13th, Michael Jordan announced his second retirement, just before the lockout-shortened season started. He would return in 2001 with the Washington Wizards. On the 24th, the 49th NHL All-Star Game occurs in Tampa, Florida. North America defeated The World 8-6, with the New York Ranger's Wayne Gretzky taking home the MVP. On the 25th, "The Blair Witch Project" debuts at the Sundance Film Festival. The animated hit "Family Guy" debuted on FOX on the 31st. That same day, Super Bowl 33 occurs in Miami, where the Denver Broncos beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-19. Denver's QB John Elway was named MVP. It was his final game, as the legendary quarterback retired after the game.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1994: </strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">On the 1st, the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, goes into effect. On the 3rd, Steve Young of the San Francisco 49ers becomes the first NFL quarterback to win 3 straight passing titles. January 6 sees Nancy Kerrigan attacked by Tonya Harding's bodyguard at the US Championships in Detroit. Lorena Bobbit's trial began on the 10th for cutting off her husband's prized possession. On the 12, Malcolm X's daughter was arrested for plotting the murder of Louis Farrakhan. The 15th sees Lawrence Taylor retire from the NFL. On the same day, Queen Elizabeth falls off her horse and breaks her left arm. On January 19, the coldest day recorded in Indiana, temperatures dropped to a negative 36 Fahrenheit. On the 20th, "Four Weddings and a Funeral" starring Hugh Grant premiers at Sundance. The next day, Lorena Bobbit was found to be temporarily insane when she removed a part of her husband. January 25 finds Michael Jackson settling out of court after being accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy. The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Buffalo Bills 30-13 at Superbowl 28 on January 30. Emmitt Smith of the Cowboys was named MVP. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">TOP MOVIES</span></u></b></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zckJCxYxn1g" width="320" youtube-src-id="zckJCxYxn1g"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>2004: "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" - </b></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This epic fantasy adventure film was directed by Peter Jackson based on a screenplay by himself, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens. The film was based on "The Return of the King," the 1955 third installment in the novel The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. </span><span style="color: #0e101a;">It was a sequel to 2002's "The Two Towers," and is the final installment in the trilogy, and was filmed concurrently with the other two parts of the trilogy in Jackson's native New Zealand. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film premiered on December 1, 2003, in New Zealand and was released on December 17 in the United States. Acclaimed by critics and audiences, it is considered a landmark in filmmaking and for the fantasy film genre praised for its visual effects, performances, action sequences, direction, screenplay, musical score, costume design, emotional depth, and scope. It grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2003, the second highest-grossing film of all time at the time of release, and the highest-grossing film ever released by New Line Cinema.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Like the previous films in the trilogy, The Return of the King is widely recognized as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made. The film received numerous accolades; at the 76th Academy Awards, it won all eleven awards for which it was nominated, including Best Picture, the first fantasy film to do so. It tied 1959's Ben-Hur and 1997's Titanic as the movie with the most Academy Award wins. It also became the second film series whose entries won Best Visual Effects after the original Star Wars trilogy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1HYpS-KF_pg" width="320" youtube-src-id="1HYpS-KF_pg"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1999: "Patch Adams" -</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <b> </b>The second Robin Williams movie this month (Mrs. Doubtfire, below), and the only non-repeat winner from December, is Patch Adams. I saw this movie twice in theaters and loved it, but I don't think I could sit through it again. This comedy-drama film stars Robin Williams as Patch Adams, <i><b>Monica Potter</b></i> (Bob!), and Philip Seymour Hoffman. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Set in the late 60s/early 70s, the film is loosely based on the true life story of Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams and his book "Gesundheit: Good Health is a Laughing Matter." The film received generally unfavorable reviews from critics, with the criticisms pointed at the sentimentality and sappiness of the film. Despite this, the film was a box office success and grossed $202.3 million against a $50–90 million budget. </span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film was released on Christmas Day, 1998, and grossed $25.2 million in its opening weekend. It was the third-highest-ever December opening, behind Titanic and Scream 2. It set the record for having the highest Christmas opening day ever, holding the record for two years until Cast Away in 2000. </span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film was shot in three locations: Treasure Island, California (near San Francisco), Asheville (North Carolina), and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A diner was temporarily placed in Point Richmond (a neighborhood in Richmond, California) and served as the University Diner. Several interior classroom scenes were filmed on the campus of UC Berkeley.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3euGQ7-brs4" width="320" youtube-src-id="3euGQ7-brs4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>1994: "Mrs. Doubtfire" - </b></span><span style="color: #0e101a;">This is easily one of my Top 15 or 20 favorite films of all time, and I'm glad we finally get to discuss it. I don't think any kid who grew up in the 90s like I did that didn't watch Mrs. Doubtfire over and over again.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Mrs. Doubtfire is a comedy-drama film directed by Chris Columbus (Home Alone). It was based on the 1987 novel Alias Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine. Robin Williams, who was also listed as a producer, starred with Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, and Robert Prosky. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The movie follows a recently divorced actor who disguises himself as an elderly female housekeeper to be able to interact with his children. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film was released Thanksgiving weekend in 1993 and won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Comedy. Robin Williams was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Actor. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film grossed $441.3 million off a $25 million budget, making it the second highest-grossing film of 1993. Although the film received mixed reviews upon release, its reception and popularity have improved considerably. It is 67th in the American Film Institute's "100 Years...100 laughs" list. It appears on Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies of All Time" list at number 40. </span></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>TOP SONGS</u></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2004: "Hey Ya!" by Outkast</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PWgvGjAhvIw" width="320" youtube-src-id="PWgvGjAhvIw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>1999: "I'm Your Angel" by Celine Dion and R. Kelly</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qnuwuk4cVbg" width="320" youtube-src-id="Qnuwuk4cVbg"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>1994: "All for Love" by Bryan Adams, </b><b> Rod Stewart, </b><b>and Sting</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ofA3URC1wyk" width="320" youtube-src-id="ofA3URC1wyk"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>TOP TV NEWS</u></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">January 2004: </strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">7th <b>- </b>"The Apprentice," starring eventual President Donald Trump, debuted on NBC. The first person eliminated was David Gould. David... You're Fired!</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">11th - "Drake and Josh" debuted on Nickelodeon.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">18th - "Whoopi's Littleburg" debuted on Nick Jr. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">22nd - "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" spun off a show called "Who Wants to Be a Super Millionaire," which covered the biggest cash prize in game show history - $10 million. Only one contestant, Robert Essign, won at least $1 million. No other contestant came close. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">28th - "Becker," starring Ted Danson, ended its run on CBS. It had aired since 1998.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">30th - "Boston Public" finished its four-year run, having been on air since 2000. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div></div><div><b>January 1999: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div>3rd- The Wide World of Sports has been canceled by ABC after 37 years. </div><div><br /></div><div>8th - World Championship Wrestling (WCW) launches Thursday Night Thunder!</div><div><br /></div><div>12th - CBS acquired the rights to the AFC half of the NFL as part of a $4 billion, eight-year contract. Fox and ABC renewed their agreements for the NFC and Monday Night Football. The Superbowl Broadcast during this month would be NBC's final NFL game for several years. </div><div><br /></div><div>15th - Many Sinclair-owned UPN stations flip to become affiliates of The WB. Nickelodeon's "The Secret Life of Alex Mack" ends, running since 1994.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>20th - Dawson's Creek debuts on The WB.</div><div><br /></div><div>26th - "Special Report with Bret Baier" begins on Fox News. It still runs today. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>January 1994: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>2nd <b>- </b>"Doug," one of the original (and my favorite) Nick-toon, comes to an end. It returned in 1996 after being purchased by Disney and appearing on ABC's Saturday morning cartoon lineup. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>16th <b>- </b>The George Carlin Show debuts on FOX. While short-lived, I remember this show well, along with Carlin's participation in the <a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2020/09/fox-halloween-bash-93-95.html">Fox Halloween Bash later that year. </a> </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>18th - The Peanuts special "You're in the Super Bowl, Charlie Brown" is broadcast on NBC. It was the last special to air during Peanuts creator Charles Schulz's lifetime. It was also the last new Peanuts Special for 8 years until A Charlie Brown Valentine aired on ABC. </div><div><br /></div><div>19th - CBS pays $375 million to win the rights to broadcast the 1998 Winter Olympics from Nagano, Japan. </div><div><br /></div><div>22nd - NBC broadcasts the NHL All-Star game for the fifth straight year. The NHL wouldn't appear on NBC for 12 more years.</div><div><br /></div><div>23rd - CBS broadcasts its final NFL telecast when the Cowboys defeat the 49ers in the NFC Championship, ending a run on CBS that lasted since 1956. CBS was outbid by Fox; however, CBS would regain the rights from NBC in 1998. </div><div><br /></div><div>24th - During a segment on NBC's "Today," Bryant Gumbel famously asks, "What is the internet, anyway?"</div><div><br /></div><div>26th - "The Critic" and "Babylon 5" debut on television on this day.</div><div><br /></div><div>31st - Bill Cosby returns to NBC 21 months after ending production of The Cosby Show for a two-hour movie, "The Cosby Mysteries." </div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-39667707601885584102023-12-29T06:00:00.485-05:002023-12-29T06:00:00.137-05:00New Year's and WPIX "The Honeymooners" and SyFy's "Twilight Zone" Marathons<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0DbaePcvQpEWvUSm8uaCkG2JVwxGgf5Hde9jW1xieOjgrwIyIsXbpRGC0kiIwpd5cTY9kFf_DJhfizs59sRBdd-w15F9sM8Vt9JOK5aX5FSX2X8Bad9MGDsbI4mwor5o4zQ9D47fjNofOCrzZvin6vqORY57q4RG0c8LdFbz7dydIlFW0TLZVddmy9Gp/s711/tvsales.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="711" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0DbaePcvQpEWvUSm8uaCkG2JVwxGgf5Hde9jW1xieOjgrwIyIsXbpRGC0kiIwpd5cTY9kFf_DJhfizs59sRBdd-w15F9sM8Vt9JOK5aX5FSX2X8Bad9MGDsbI4mwor5o4zQ9D47fjNofOCrzZvin6vqORY57q4RG0c8LdFbz7dydIlFW0TLZVddmy9Gp/s320/tvsales.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Every year on New Year's, I plan to write an article that reflects on the hopes and dreams that a brand new year can bring. Something people find meaningful in the long run... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe next year! :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not to break any fourth walls or anything, but I haven't written more than a few lines in nearly three months. Almost everything that popped up on this site over the holidays was written before Halloween.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Shortly after, my family and I packed our bags and drove south to Florida. I've been learning some new skills at the day job, and that required a six-plus week visit to my company's training center in Orlando. Training can be stressful enough, but flying home to visit my family in New England would be nearly impossible with one day off a week over the big end-of-year holidays. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With our daughter being so young, we thought this would be one of the last times we'd get to do something crazy, so we packed our car to the gills, rented an Airbnb, and spent Thanksgiving and Christmas in Orlando! As it turned out, my class schedule got so messed up that had they not been with me, I wouldn't have been able to see them for weeks at a time, including Christmas Eve and Christmas!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was exciting and occasionally stressful, but we made many, many lifelong memories. We spent every night together during what is usually an isolating training event. We also used our annual passes heavily, spending plenty of time with Aunt Minnie and Uncle Mickey during the festive holiday celebrations at the Magic Kingdom! While I was in class during those 6 or 7 weeks, there was only a handful of days that they didn't visit a Disney park! I went as often as possible, but they became even bigger Disney aficionados while they were here!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And now, in what feels like the blink of an eye, we are back home. New Year's Eve is upon us already!</div><div><br /></div><div>We like to hunker down on New Year's. It's typically a cold night in the Northeast, and we like to cuddle up and stay home. No parties or big bashes for us... besides, we're old now... and with a kid, we'd be home by 7 or 8 anyway. Honestly, I'd want to be home by 7 without having a little one, but it sure is a good excuse! </div><div><br /></div><div>When we lived on Long Island, we would order Chinese takeout and stuff ourselves silly. We're coming up on our second New Year's in New England and haven't found acceptable Chinese food yet. We used to be within walking distance of some great food, but up here, the food is more often a miss than a hit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before having our daughter, we always used the New Year's holiday to watch some good marathons on television. We liked to watch The Honeymooners marathon on WPIX (New York's Channel 11) right at the stroke of midnight and then head to bed after the first few episodes. We cannot get PIX 11 up here, so I'll have to figure something else out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of marathons, we also liked to record our favorite Twilight Zone episodes from the annual SyFy Twilight Zone marathon. </div><div><br /></div><div>Having cut the cord, it will be a little harder this year to watch these marathons, and if you'd like, go ahead and take a gander at an article I wrote in 2021 about both of them. That article covers why I think we all consider marathons important events, the nostalgia they provide us older folk, and why these two marathons, particularly, are important to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please <a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2021/12/the-honeymooners-and-twilight-zone.html">CLICK HERE</a> to read that article. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you're looking for even more to read about myself and The Twilight Zone, you can check out an article from 2020 that features my Top 10 Twilight Zone episodes by <a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/12/my-top-10-twilight-zone-episodes-nye.html">CLICKING HERE</a>. I also posted my favorite Honeymooners episodes in 2019, so <a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/12/my-top-5-new-years-honeymooners.html">CLICK HERE</a> if you'd like to check that out, too!</div><div><br /></div><div>As always, thank you for reading my site. You all make this little hobby of mine worthwhile! Have a Happy and Healthy New Year, everyone! Here's to a GREAT 2024!</div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, I've included the TV schedule for both the WPIX Honeymooners Marathon and the SyFy Twilight Zone marathon. Both schedules were ripped directly from their respective websites, so if there are any errors... blame them :) </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>SyFy's Twilight Zone Marathon</i></b></div><div><i>December 30, 2023</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div>8:00 am - The Lonely</div><div>8:30 am - Time Enough At Last</div><div>9:00 am - Perchance To Dream</div><div>9:30 am - Judgement Night</div><div>10:00 am - And When The Sky Was Opened</div><div>10:30 am - What You Need</div><div>11:00 am - The Four Of Us Are Dying</div><div>11:30 am - Third From The Sun</div><div>12:00 pm - I Shot An Arrow Into The Air</div><div>12:30 pm - The Hitch-hiker</div><div>1:00 pm - The Fever</div><div>1:30 pm - The Last Flight</div><div>2:00 pm - The Purple Testament</div><div>2:30 pm - The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street</div><div>3:00 pm - A World Of Difference</div><div>3:30 pm - Long Live Walter Jameson</div><div>4:00 pm - People Are Alike All Over</div><div>4:30 pm - The Big Tall Wish</div><div>5:00 pm - A Nice Place To Visit</div><div>5:30 pm - Nightmare As A Child</div><div>6:00 pm - A Stop At Willoughby</div><div>6:30 pm - A Passage For Trumpet</div><div>7:00 pm - Mr. Bevis</div><div>7:30 pm - The After Hours</div><div>8:00 pm - The Mighty Casey</div><div>8:30 pm - A World Of His Own</div><div>9:00 pm - King Nine Will Not Return</div><div>9:30 pm - A Man In The Bottle</div><div>10:00 pm - Nervous Man In A Four Dollar Room</div><div>10:30 pm - A Thing About Machines</div><div>11:00 pm - The Howling Man</div><div>11:30 pm - Eye Of The Beholder</div></div><div><br /></div><div><i>December 31, 2023</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>12:00 am - Nick Of Time</div><div><div>12:30 am - The Lateness Of The Hour</div><div>1:00 am - The Trouble With Templeton</div><div>1:30 am - A Most Unusual Camera</div><div>2:00 am - Night Of The Meek</div><div>2:30 am - Dust</div><div>3:00 am - Back There</div><div>3:30 am - The Whole Truth</div><div>4:00 am - The Invaders</div><div>4:30 am - A Penny For Your Thoughts</div><div>5:00 am - Twenty-two</div><div>5:30 am - Mr. Dingle, The Strong</div><div>6:00 am - Static</div><div>6:30 am - A Hundred Yards Over The Rim</div><div>7:00 am - The Rip Van Winkle Caper</div><div>7:30 am - The Silence</div><div>8:00 am - Shadow Play</div><div>8:30 am - Will The Real Martian Please Stand Up</div><div>9:00 am - The Obsolete Man</div><div>9:30 am - The Arrival</div><div>9:55 am - The Mirror</div><div>10:20 am - The Grave</div><div>10:45 am - It's A Good Life</div><div>11:10 am - Death's Head Revisited</div><div>11:35 am - The Midnight Sun</div><div>12:00 pm - Five Characters In Search Of An Exit</div><div>12:25 pm - Dead Man's Shoes</div><div>12:50 pm - The Hunt</div><div>1:15 pm - A Piano In The House</div><div>1:40 pm - The Last Rites Of Jeff Myrtlebank</div><div>2:05 pm - Little Girl Lost</div><div>2:30 pm - Person Or Persons Unknown</div><div>2:55 pm - The Gift</div><div>3:20 pm - The Little People</div><div>3:45 pm - The Dummy</div><div>4:10 pm - Cavendar Is Coming</div><div>4:35 pm - A Kind Of Stopwatch </div><div>5:00 pm - The Last Night Of A Jockey</div><div>5:25 pm - Living Doll</div><div>5:50 pm - The Old Man In The Cave</div><div>6:15 pm - Night Call</div><div>6:40 pm - Probe 7 Over And Out</div><div>7:05 pm - The 7th Is Made Up Of Phantoms</div><div>7:30 pm - A Short Drink From A Certain Fountain</div><div>7:55 pm - Ninety Years Without Slumbering</div><div>8:20 pm - Ring-a-ding Girl</div><div>8:45 pm - You Drive</div><div>9:10 pm - Black Leather Jackets</div><div>9:35 pm - From Agnes With Love</div><div>10:00 pm - Spur Of The Moment</div><div>10:25 pm - An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge</div><div>10:50 pm - What's In The Box</div><div>11:15 pm - The Masks</div><div>11:40 pm - I Am The Night - Color Me Black</div><div><br /></div><div><i>January 1, 2024</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>12:05 am - Sounds And Silences</div><div>12:30 am - The Encounter</div><div>12:55 am - Mr. Garrity And The Graves</div><div>1:20 am - Come Wander With Me</div><div>1:45 am - The Fear</div><div>2:10 am - The Bewitchin' Pool</div><div>2:35 am - Stopover In A Quiet Town </div><div>3:00 am - Two</div><div>3:25 am - The Shelter</div><div>3:50 am - The Passersby</div><div>4:15 am - A Game Of Pool</div><div>4:40 am - Queen Of The Nile</div><div>5:05 am - The Jungle</div><div>5:30 am - Nothing In The Dark</div><div>6:00 am - Of Late I Think Of Cliffordville</div><div>7:00 am - Where Is Everybody</div><div>7:30 am - One For The Angels</div><div>8:00 am - Mr. Denton On Doomsday</div><div>8:30 am - Escape Clause</div><div>9:00 am - The Brain Center At Mr. Whipple's</div><div>9:30 am - The Long Morrow</div><div>10:00 am - Steel</div><div>10:30 am - In Praise Of Pip</div><div>11:00 am - I Sing The Body Electric</div><div>11:30 am - The Changing Of The Guard </div><div>12:00 pm - Four O'clock</div><div>12:30 pm - One More Pallbearer</div><div>1:00 pm - A Quality Of Mercy</div><div>1:30 pm - Once Upon A Time</div><div>2:00 pm - The Prime Movers</div><div>2:30 pm - The Odyssey Of Flight 33</div><div>3:00 pm - The Chaser</div><div>3:30 pm - Mirror Image</div><div>4:00 pm - Elegy</div><div>4:30 pm - The Sixteen-millimeter Shrine</div><div>5:00 pm - Number Twelve Looks Just Like You</div><div>5:30 pm - Uncle Simom </div><div>6:00 pm - Still Valley</div><div>6:30 pm - Long Distance Call</div><div>7:00 pm - The Trade-ins </div><div>7:30 pm - The Self-improvement Of Salvadore Ross</div><div>8:00 pm - To Serve Man</div><div>8:30 pm - The Fugitive</div><div>9:00 pm - Hocus-pocus And Frisby</div><div>9:30 pm - Nightmare At 20,000 Feet</div><div>10:00 pm - Kick The Can</div><div>10:30 pm - Young Man's Fancy </div><div>11:00 pm - Showdown With Rance Mcgrew</div><div>11:30 pm - Execution</div><div><br /></div><div><i>January 2, 2024</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>12:00 am - Caesar And Me</div><div>12:30 am - The Jeopardy Room</div><div>1:00 am - The Parallel</div><div>2:00 am - I Dream Of Genie</div><div>3:00 am - No Time Like The Past</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>The Honeymooners on WPIX</i></b></div><div><i>December 31, 2023</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>11:00PM - Funny Money</div><div>11:30PM - A Woman's Work is Never Done</div><div><br /></div><div><i>January 1, 2024</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>12:00AM - Pal O' Mine</div><div>12:30AM - Hello, Mom</div><div>1:00AM - The Deciding Vote</div><div>1:30AM - Something Fishy</div><div>2:00AM - The Babysitter</div><div>2:30AM - Brother Ralph</div><div>3:00AM - Pardon My Glove</div><div>3:30AM - The Loudspeaker</div><div><br /></div><div>- WPIX Morning News - </div><div><br /></div><div>8:00AM - The Sleepwalker</div><div>8:30AM - Matter of Record</div><div>9:00AM - Ralph Kramden, Inc</div><div>9:30AM - A Dog's Life</div><div>10:00AM - Here Comes The Bride</div><div>10:30AM - Head of the House</div><div>11:00AM - The Worrywart</div><div>11:30AM - Trapped</div><div>12:00PM - On Stage</div><div>12:30PM - Opportunity Knocks, But</div><div>1:00PM - Unconventional Behavior</div><div>1:30PM - The Safety Award</div><div>2:00PM - The Bensonhurt Bomber</div><div>2:30PM - Dial J for Janitor</div><div>3:00PM - A Man's Pride</div><div>3:30PM - Alice and the Blonde</div><div>4:00PM - Better Living Through TV</div><div>4:30PM - The Man From Space</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-6373260638378811442023-12-25T06:00:01.794-05:002023-12-25T06:00:00.247-05:00Christmas on Full House<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Z7QKFUNXBC0U38IncS9BkasnwCuckyi2vSjdKiCY8lbrz5ZMhY91yQCCOv-EUUL2DFh2XkXg5GmTQzYyJu-INmnPKp_zhZJ6eVcD2gyJAxntvilTs_CPADSpc5guvHHis2OR3-53RrCYVg9dh9cy9jPwwR5_QWIdn3iNg1ijXTcc_3ZGVAA96q5xuZHl/s3276/Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3276" data-original-width="2619" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Z7QKFUNXBC0U38IncS9BkasnwCuckyi2vSjdKiCY8lbrz5ZMhY91yQCCOv-EUUL2DFh2XkXg5GmTQzYyJu-INmnPKp_zhZJ6eVcD2gyJAxntvilTs_CPADSpc5guvHHis2OR3-53RrCYVg9dh9cy9jPwwR5_QWIdn3iNg1ijXTcc_3ZGVAA96q5xuZHl/w320-h400/Cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Merry Christmas! With this year's look at Full House, we've made it through another holiday season of classic sitcoms here at YesterYear! As always, it's been a real treat for me to re-watch each holiday episode for this series of articles, and I hope you've followed along and watched these classic episodes with me!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I mentioned in last month's Thanksgiving on Full House article, there were only two Halloween episodes and a lone Thanksgiving one. I was a bit worried that I may have selected the wrong series to cover this year, but I think it's worked out just fine. Despite being what some criticize as the typical, somewhat predictable, family-friendly sitcom we're accustomed to on Full House, each episode was thoroughly enjoyable.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I briefly mentioned something in the Full House Halloween article, but as they say in the corporate world, I'd like to "add a little color." For most of its run on television, Full House had the power to pull in new viewers every week. It also had the power to pull in viewers for the shows that followed in the listings, too! Full House had become such a ratings juggernaut by its second and third seasons that ABC would frequently use the series to be what is known in the industry as a "lead-in" for struggling shows. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A "lead-in" show is a popular show that is placed before a new series (or an old one stagnating in the ratings) that needs fresh viewers. The hope from the television network is that the viewers of the popular show don't immediately change the channel and get sucked into the show that follows. Then, just maybe, they'll tune in again next week, assuming they liked what they saw. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's much harder to be a "lead-in" during the streaming era when so few watch traditional "scheduled" television.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When Full House debuted in the Fall of 1987, it was placed in what was considered a "death slot" on Friday evenings at 8PM. As a brand new show, it often wouldn't be considered a lead-in, but in this case, it provided what viewers it could to other sitcoms, <i>I Married Dora</i> and <i>Mr. Belvedere.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>I Married Dora</i> was a brand new show that starred Daniel Hugh Kelly and Elizabeth Pena. Kelly was a man dependent upon his housekeeper and was forced to marry her to prevent her from being deported. This show lasted 13 episodes before being canceled and was replaced in the mid-season lineup with <i>Mr</i>. <i>Belvedere</i>. <i>Belvedere</i> had been on television for two years at that point and was doing just fine on its own. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The ratings for Full House in 1987 weren't great. In fact, it barely made the Top 75 Shows on network television and faced cancellation. ABC moved the show to 8:30PM for the Spring 1988 lineup and moved <i>Perfect Strangers</i> into the 8pm slot. <i>Perfect Strangers</i> had been on Wednesday nights for a few years at this point and had already gained its own following. When it moved to TGIF on Friday nights, they brought most of those viewers with them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks in part to the new <i>Perfect Strangers</i> lead-in (and it being a great show), Full House's ratings began to climb rapidly. The show's popularity rose so quickly it moved in this second half of the season from its spot in the 70s to become a Top 20 Show. It would remain in the Top 20 until coming to an end in 1995. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Full House continued to gain momentum behind Balki and Cousin Larry until the Fall of 1989. At the start of Full House's third season, the now white-hot show was moved back to 8:00PM, where it continued to be a ratings boon for the network until 1991. Back in the 8PM Friday slot, Full House provided lead-in audiences to a debuting <i>Family Matters </i>from 1989 until the Spring Season of 1991. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By the way, for you kids who only know streaming and modern television, up until recently, television was scheduled by season. There was the Fall, the Mid-Season, and Spring Seasons. Most shows took the summer off and would produce over 30 episodes a year. We're lucky to get 8 episodes every few years these days. But I digress. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">During the Spring of 1991, Urkel and <i>Family Matters</i> were moved to anchor the 9PM hour, while the debuting <i>Dinosaurs</i> sought out a little of the Full House rub at 8:30PM. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When creating the Fall schedule in 1991, ABC made the bold decision to move Full House to Tuesday nights to join the classic series <i>Roseanne</i> and the debuting <i>Home</i> <i>Improvement</i> in a new prime-time sitcom lineup. In 1991, Full House provided the lead-in at 8:00PM to the final season of "<i>Who's the Boss?" Boss </i>had been on air since 1984. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In 1992, with <i>Who's the Boss </i>in the retirement home, the debuting <i>Hanging with Mr. Cooper</i> was placed behind Full House before ABC moved Mr. Cooper to Fridays at the start of the Fall 1993 season. In its place, ABC chose <i>Phenom </i>to air between ratings strongholds Full House and <i>Roseanne</i>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Phenom</i> starred Angela Goethals, Judith Light, and William Devane. It was about a 15-year-old (Goethals) who was on the verge of becoming a professional tennis player. The series only lasted a handful of episodes and, in 1994, was replaced by <i>Me and the Boys.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Me and the Boys </i>was canceled at the end of the year, despite launching the career of Steve Harvey.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Full House was canceled at the same time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's been rumored over the years that the WB Network wished to pick up Full House for another season, but both John Stamos and Candace Cameron were tired of the Tanner house and wanted to move on. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hopefully, that brief look back at television history was interesting. I always like looking at the old listings to see the names of shows that have come and gone. Some I remember fondly, and others I have absolutely no recollection of. I don't remember <i>Phenom</i> or <i>I Married Dora</i> at all, but I remember <i>Dinosaurs </i>VERY fondly<i>. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do you remember these shows? Let me know in the comments below! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's some final full House trivia for you all before we get to the Christmas episodes! The original Tanner family name was "The Crawfords!" I don't think it would have worked as well as the Tanner name did. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That wasn't the only name change. During Season One, Jesse's last name was Cochran, as many of you know. It was changed to Katsopolis at the start of Season Two specifically to honor John Stamos' Greek heritage.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, don those Santa hats, get your "party tie" ready, and get ready for family-friendly laughs as we watch the three Full House Christmas episodes to round out "The Holidays On Full House."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Season Two: "Our Very First Christmas Show" (S2E9) Originally Aired December 16, 1988 </b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukYgyWv77BAF_BjqVTq59LtBschqNvH86L3UEdrcEBl7mqvBXMNSeiRcsNNldLckd1OR05qUYuGy3L8AAp5YcMWiWrmereDUYqnp5i-oDFghdNSt9IlEt3tPVbnIvapKJzHMCkcVLSRepC1-7RiGhUSMGeItsSBM0xlW1ofh86VRgiioruG6Djsc2slxl/s1011/S2P01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1011" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukYgyWv77BAF_BjqVTq59LtBschqNvH86L3UEdrcEBl7mqvBXMNSeiRcsNNldLckd1OR05qUYuGy3L8AAp5YcMWiWrmereDUYqnp5i-oDFghdNSt9IlEt3tPVbnIvapKJzHMCkcVLSRepC1-7RiGhUSMGeItsSBM0xlW1ofh86VRgiioruG6Djsc2slxl/w400-h304/S2P01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our first Christmas episode opens with the Tanner family all dressed up for the annual Christmas card photo. Just as everyone smiles for the photo, the phone rings, and the girls run to answer it. Jesse, Joey, and Danny grab the girls and pull them back into view, leaving a messy but very cute family photo.</div><div><br /></div><div>We return from the iconic opening to find Danny Tanner and a giant VHS camcorder like my Grandpa used to have. As he swings the camera around quickly at the various Christmas decorations, he narrates the video for the "Wake Up, San Francisco" audience. We learn he'll be filming his holiday for the show's audience when he announces that the Tanner family is about to head to Colorado for the "First Annual Tanner Family Christmas Reunion." Just as he says this, Jesse and Joey enter from the kitchen carrying duffel bags and ski equipment, happily singing "Sleigh Ride."</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse points out the duffel bag containing the Christmas presents for the girls, and Joey mentions he has his Santa outfit ready to go. He practices his "HO-HO-HO's," but as Stephanie enters from upstairs, the guys all break into "Ho-Ho-Home On the Range..." It was a pretty funny moment that made me chuckle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stephanie worries that Santa won't find her in Colorado and doesn't want to go "on this dumb trip." Danny reminds her he's filming for his TV show and "needs more cuteness," so Stephanie kicks it up a few octaves in a sickeningly sweet voice but again says she doesn't "want to go on this dumb trip." </div><div><br /></div><div>Back from commercial, D.J. is itching to tell someone a secret and tells Michelle that she "just happened" to be wandering in the crawl space in the attic and found everyone's Christmas presents... including her own new CD player! </div><div><br /></div><div>I found it funny that she mentions that her father bought everyone Christmas presents and not that Santa will bring them. Even if D.J. is old enough, what about her baby sister Michelle and the young viewers at home? Think of the children! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasYdZMeUwZlqXCd2soxhpOEWxkFbqLlinSKyEIZIr1lzKNMyJYbHRkQnz9IhrhXLtF6olGNRe6WHh7VjVfr72WM8XYlxQZFQfWi99wT4h0Gc2_ohQj942W5xamec8xcV2a8P_1L4aIEOdomJpt7VeOx7BZWr7aJ370mE9YaQbuRC0IUE57e-eu8pRi-7s/s1011/S2P02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1011" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasYdZMeUwZlqXCd2soxhpOEWxkFbqLlinSKyEIZIr1lzKNMyJYbHRkQnz9IhrhXLtF6olGNRe6WHh7VjVfr72WM8XYlxQZFQfWi99wT4h0Gc2_ohQj942W5xamec8xcV2a8P_1L4aIEOdomJpt7VeOx7BZWr7aJ370mE9YaQbuRC0IUE57e-eu8pRi-7s/w400-h304/S2P02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We now find ourselves on the plane, and the girls are excited. Stephanie has said she's made several maps and left them at home so Santa can find her tomorrow. I guess that means it's Christmas Eve. Joey introduces Michelle to the other passengers while Jesse's parents, Irene and Nick Katsopolis (who we also saw in the <a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2023/10/halloween-on-full-house.html">Halloween episode</a>), are on the plane headed to the Tanner family reunion. It seemed odd to me for a moment that they were there until I remembered that Danny had married Jesse's sister.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Katsopolis's are pestering their son Jesse about giving them grandchildren. Danny is still filming everything, just as Rebecca Donaldson, his cohost from "Wake Up, San Francisco," walks into steerage from First Class. Jesse leaps from his seat to talk to her, even though a few episodes back, they both decided they're better off as "just friends." She says she's only on the plane to Denver so she can change to another plane to take her home to Kansas for Christmas. She disappears into First Class while Joey announces that Jesse has struck out yet again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>An older, grumpy man yells at D.J. for being in his seat. Unfortunately, D.J.'s boarding pass (and Danny's!) is also assigned to Seat "1B." The man whines to the flight attendant that he made that reservation for 1B months ago and demands to sit there. The flight attendant solves the problem by moving Stephanie and D.J. to First Class so that the angry gentleman can sit between Danny and Joey. I understand this is a sitcom, but who in their right mind purposely books the middle seat? </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWTfJPHaFHcVRpdze0-Yy8Jt8MbDkGBwQtoaozudVHECFE186TR1itcrXi_UnwKzQPCsHeCP9l6QqpxW2foBnuX6dtNIgzbluN_lcksN8_rZ7GObUe4bVPLO3Iz-1igOK8wrY1-TD6feAvXGWAGHlyI5KWGIXIAIXkmVYueZx-XKPk3vyq9KwE9oa5pCj/s1011/S2P04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1011" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWTfJPHaFHcVRpdze0-Yy8Jt8MbDkGBwQtoaozudVHECFE186TR1itcrXi_UnwKzQPCsHeCP9l6QqpxW2foBnuX6dtNIgzbluN_lcksN8_rZ7GObUe4bVPLO3Iz-1igOK8wrY1-TD6feAvXGWAGHlyI5KWGIXIAIXkmVYueZx-XKPk3vyq9KwE9oa5pCj/w400-h304/S2P04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moments before Michelle removes his wig</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>During the flight, the girls return to Coach to brag to their Dad about ice cream and lobster in First Class while Danny chokes down his "liver-flavored chicken." When Becky comes to get them so they don't miss "the pilot's birthday cake," Jesse's Dad again pushes him into chasing after her. Before Jesse can follow, he goes to hand off Michelle, who pulls off the grumpy businessman's toupee! He's really mad, and his yelling makes Michelle cry. The Tanner family breaks out into song, singing "The Girl from Ipanema" to soothe her. Interesting choice, but then again, my child would fall asleep to The Bonanza theme song...</div><div><br /></div><div>The flight attendant suddenly announces that due to snow in "the Rocky Mountain area," they are making an unscheduled landing. They never name where they wind up, and the wall inside the terminal only says, "Welcome to the Greater Rocky Mountains." In any event, it's a tiny airport baggage claim area with a few chairs, vending machines, and nothing else. Stephanie is beside herself, begging Danny to do something because Santa will never find her now. Danny is too busy being upset that he spent months planning this reunion, and now he'll miss it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse's father, Nick, pushes him to comfort a miserable-looking Becky while Stephanie desperately begs the telephone operators to connect her to Santa Claus. The angry businessman demands the Tanners stay far away from him when Danny and Joey realize that the airline has lost their luggage, especially the one with the presents. When Danny tells D.J. that the presents are missing, she lets it slip that she knows a CD Player was headed her way. Oops!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKVtrRan80NUFpyOH5TpPnNiS7InLCopC1PwXV7KoFQhTzt9o1aCvFQ1Qvg3hcXWA1TU0KtA2wcDaEBLOs69y0w5Q_aJSkiyZEgmykp5tCWs0k2wevog_0mMHNKvMSahLQcIz4iBUgazrgdii0CqanK9UbF322i3pW3w_-OD51afi1VBH5AGlcOfyU027/s1015/S2P05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1015" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKVtrRan80NUFpyOH5TpPnNiS7InLCopC1PwXV7KoFQhTzt9o1aCvFQ1Qvg3hcXWA1TU0KtA2wcDaEBLOs69y0w5Q_aJSkiyZEgmykp5tCWs0k2wevog_0mMHNKvMSahLQcIz4iBUgazrgdii0CqanK9UbF322i3pW3w_-OD51afi1VBH5AGlcOfyU027/w400-h303/S2P05.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephanie reveals Joey as Santa</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Both D.J. and Stephanie are very upset, and this is turning out to be the worst Christmas ever! Joey has an idea, however, and ducks out to the bathroom to put on his Santa Claus outfit. Everyone in the terminal is happy to see him, especially Stephanie! She sits on his lap and is overjoyed... until Michelle recognizes Joey and pulls off his fake beard. Totally heartbroken, Stephanie runs off down a dark hallway of the airport terminal. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse gets annoyed at everyone's sour mood and gives a fiery speech: "What is the matter with you people? The first Christmas was in a manger, and they did okay! So what if we're stuck in this crummy dump? Christmas isn't about presents, Santa Claus, or cows; it's about a feeling! It's about people, about us forgetting our problems and reaching out to help others. Christmas doesn't have to happen in one certain place. It's in our hearts. If you think about it, we can have Christmas anywhere... even a baggage claim!" </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse then leads the entire terminal into a round of "Sleigh Ride" to lift everyone's spirits. </div><div><br /></div><div>We cut back in much later that night, as everyone is fast asleep in the terminal. Michelle is alone, awake, and walking around the terminal by herself. She activates the conveyor belt her father was lying on, sending him outside into the snow. </div><div><br /></div><div>The moving conveyor belt wakes up Jesse, who finds toddler Michelle alone. He rises quickly, waking up everyone up very early, shouting Merry Christmas! Surprisingly, no one who slept sitting up in the terminal on Christmas Eve is that upset that Jesse wakes them at dawn. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9M3JbNIPL0yX7iencv_GpIKVyZ6sdE2ak_vdUWxYLoKR2SSy1Y8jGO00qPbPUw7JNFAV3IwVz4gwUJ9woaEPlpVloQwjM9yvgGdaWMYpdWUjsiyCPZNOlmhL43zY9A7xhZhKszOYFSfdwpUv3rSXmjpo1YFCt4E8H9tRPH9NF2UMZ1dhWcRejzOgir8V/s1010/S2P06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1010" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9M3JbNIPL0yX7iencv_GpIKVyZ6sdE2ak_vdUWxYLoKR2SSy1Y8jGO00qPbPUw7JNFAV3IwVz4gwUJ9woaEPlpVloQwjM9yvgGdaWMYpdWUjsiyCPZNOlmhL43zY9A7xhZhKszOYFSfdwpUv3rSXmjpo1YFCt4E8H9tRPH9NF2UMZ1dhWcRejzOgir8V/w400-h304/S2P06.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Nick rushes over and points out that Becky is standing under the mistletoe by the coffee machine and insists Jesse go over and kiss her. Jesse decides to give it a shot and saunters over. He says he knows she just wants to stay friends, but it is Christmas after all, and it's tradition to kiss under the mistletoe. He calls it "Christmas Law," and she says she's a "law-abiding citizen," before happily stepping forward to kiss him. The friendly peck quickly turns passionate, and after several moments, the two separate. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse stumbles backward with a trademark "HAVE MERCY!" as Becky stumbles away, saying she'd like to do that again... next Christmas. A random old lady runs over and plants one on Jesse while he's still standing under the mistletoe. </div><div><br /></div><div>As Jesse recovers, Santa Claus walks through the front door. Stephanie glumly says, "Hi Joey..." except Joey was sitting right behind her! When Santa calls Stephanie by name and then lets her tug on his beard, she recognizes that it's REALLY SANTA! He says he wants her to have the "Merriest Christmas Ever" and points at the conveyor belt just as the bag containing their gifts arrives! When they turn around, Santa is gone! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEUbdxIRwdJJ55LQN7da1NoJmEFQrQivQ3YrFgb5RGSyzNqlqMHeMbnvQlp4M6Psv_QXst_IeylTPZXyS-7NElu9LEFG9mnltMpLzinkAxfQ6krAvcS6Q9gdQWcx_jZ5HSIHK8WF_49xWx83dvfF_egvmCij1dnAmxFej2NJPNTNj3tpIzlP_dDXc3I8i/s1003/S2P07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1003" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEUbdxIRwdJJ55LQN7da1NoJmEFQrQivQ3YrFgb5RGSyzNqlqMHeMbnvQlp4M6Psv_QXst_IeylTPZXyS-7NElu9LEFG9mnltMpLzinkAxfQ6krAvcS6Q9gdQWcx_jZ5HSIHK8WF_49xWx83dvfF_egvmCij1dnAmxFej2NJPNTNj3tpIzlP_dDXc3I8i/w400-h306/S2P07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Jesse notices that the grumpy old businessman has gone missing, but he has left his laptop behind. The screen reads "Merry Christmas! Ho, Ho, Ho!" in great 1980's graphics glory. The guys all look at each other, consider it for a second, and then go "Nahhhhh" in unison. </div><div><br /></div><div>When the family runs off to rip into the gifts, Stephanie lingers behind. The screen changes to " Thanks for the maps, Stephanie!" Grinning ear to ear, she rejoins her family. They all begin to sing "Deck the Halls" until Michelle begins to cry, and the entire terminal switches to "The Girl from Ipanema" as the credits roll.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Season Six: "A Very Tanner Christmas" (S6E12) Originally Aired December 15, 1992</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Pmntg_ci1_6cgf-Tq1are8sCxGG1OdLgUxoVxj6_3aIIeAZxwQs21__q8hvqg_53e0n6X532C_94BQpit5Tf88t-d1dEbrMSgvvD77m6GzJZru4MaSTyjNRCO-Pl0oNJCbIwCDDQsawFyO5lU9Frg60eCxCxDCHUvh9BxZ6hqMQwYPHvN-PbK4uTUtBr/s1006/S6P01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1006" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Pmntg_ci1_6cgf-Tq1are8sCxGG1OdLgUxoVxj6_3aIIeAZxwQs21__q8hvqg_53e0n6X532C_94BQpit5Tf88t-d1dEbrMSgvvD77m6GzJZru4MaSTyjNRCO-Pl0oNJCbIwCDDQsawFyO5lU9Frg60eCxCxDCHUvh9BxZ6hqMQwYPHvN-PbK4uTUtBr/w400-h305/S6P01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Uncle Jesse is decorating for Christmas as he hangs the stockings in front of a very decorated fireplace. Michelle looks on, and when Jesse asks how it looks, she unfolds a giant stocking that's as big as the chair she's sitting in. Jesse asks if the Christmas stocking belongs to Big Foot, but Michelle grins and says she's been "VERY good" this year.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAL8aEuY9bHkvB8f8ueHMfjsw1VYDF40J5lvOuhl-i2bbsfk4JRCvJzoys9DvFW2ZyRWs5cAS_K3NVEVW_5Y3FrIcoHsvEPliQfqf8xWISENsgpJOs0usCmnypW9o4BFdbcM-92vdwntQnInY9ylltzfu5Lmbsni0_XhrI_NEM1ugP2wZ_XlleTGQI8xy/s1008/S6P02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1008" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaAL8aEuY9bHkvB8f8ueHMfjsw1VYDF40J5lvOuhl-i2bbsfk4JRCvJzoys9DvFW2ZyRWs5cAS_K3NVEVW_5Y3FrIcoHsvEPliQfqf8xWISENsgpJOs0usCmnypW9o4BFdbcM-92vdwntQnInY9ylltzfu5Lmbsni0_XhrI_NEM1ugP2wZ_XlleTGQI8xy/w400-h305/S6P02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After the opening, there's a shot of San Francisco I've never seen before on Full House. It's a different angle of Alamo Square Park that shows the palm trees overlooking the city. As we take in the new view of San Fran, a jazzy version of Jingle Bells plays to get us into the Christmas spirit.</div><div><br /></div><div>We move into the kitchen as Jesse is spraying the windows with "snow in a can." Becky enters and is homesick for a snow-covered, freezing-cold Christmas at home in Nebraska. Jesse says he knows this, and that's why he's spraying the windows with snow, but she scoffs at his "gunk in a can." </div><div><br /></div><div>Steve enters and has a surprise for DJ. He finally got into college! The only problem is it's in Florida at Daytona Beach University. DJ feigns happiness but is clearly upset by the news, but Steve is too excited to notice and runs off to tell his parents. Steph and Michelle run in to get DJ to help with the tree, but DJ's upset and says she'll see it later and leaves to go "shopping." </div><div><br /></div><div>In the living room, Danny instructs Joey to not get any pine needles or pine sap on his floors, to which Jesse points out that perhaps a pine tree wasn't a good choice. Aunt Becky, still homesick for Nebraska, reminisces about hiking off into the woods, chopping down a tree, and hauling it home over a blanket of freshly fallen snow while having a bunch of laughs with family over hot homemade cider. </div><div><br /></div><div>Joey tries to help by telling her they picked up the tree at the corner by the 7-11 and chugged a few Big Gulps on the way home. Jesse again tries to assuage his wife's homesickness and suggests that Jack Frost may take a wrong turn this winter and dump a ton of snow in the backyard. Becky sullenly responds, "Yeah, and maybe Santa will go surfing!" </div><div><br /></div><div>Stephanie hands the adults a multi-page shopping list, including a color-coded index and a shopping mall map. Jesse returns the list to her and says he just thought of the perfect Christmas present for the two youngest girls. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcGC3Y3icMWQeYah4nbEXNR4O7c2uGJYEpGRfCEdBmX3xoyE_b4xjp_ZCBWzctVW8e6wRqBBfXCAQjAzocepRsUCMGWGONscfQhCvzU985F7RajED4xybmhSwDPKd9TkG1JbfAwN3ihon6ByTJQyLHJL4RQMjc6pXT6AoDDFd3Mqg6LTbaIqguUlbQG8q/s1012/S6P03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1012" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcGC3Y3icMWQeYah4nbEXNR4O7c2uGJYEpGRfCEdBmX3xoyE_b4xjp_ZCBWzctVW8e6wRqBBfXCAQjAzocepRsUCMGWGONscfQhCvzU985F7RajED4xybmhSwDPKd9TkG1JbfAwN3ihon6ByTJQyLHJL4RQMjc6pXT6AoDDFd3Mqg6LTbaIqguUlbQG8q/w400-h304/S6P03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>We see the outside of the house with the "Christmas Day" written over it. Everyone inside is seated around the tree, having opened their gifts. Jesse has given Rebecca beautiful earrings, but she's confused by the pair of mittens he gave her. He says she might need them; you never know when you might have a bad nail day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Danny sets aside his gift for his girlfriend Vicky, who couldn't be there. Danny, mostly talking to himself, mentions that a news reporter's job is more important than Christmas, and the news doesn't stop for his feelings. She's in Europe covering a local election in Sweden. Whoa, major news for Wake Up, San Francisco! </div><div><br /></div><div>Michelle is upset that she's already opened up all of her presents, and Stephanie begs Jesse to give them the "perfect" Christmas present he promised. Jesse says he'd love to, but it's not here because it's too big. The girls get even more excited when their father tells them that Jesse has something special planned to show them the real meaning of Christmas! Stephanie asks if they are going to Toys R Us, and Jesse responds, "Wrong R You!" Michelle worries that this present might cause them to miss the Christmas party later that night, but Jesse assures them they'll be home in plenty of time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Joey is concerned he's losing his edge as Santa Claus and practices his "Ho-ho-hos" in different cartoon character voices. Steve appears in the middle of Joey's Jerry Lewis/Santa impersonation. In front of the entire family, DJ gives Steve his present. </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY18IX10kVD5vL-Js0EewO4lHykUJVUw-fYZNVamtowXxoU3XLe1SaW4sT5jUzCzJmXwIptBVKF4t8jMLx1y0CtuJNfCiquPPr8lnQdNWDisOMw90ivxTs6CmrP6T_tFTKkilzEHreNDjyYbduUDxd1Gm89A6XqSuiWK-X6YjJTMARUBwcCermlhE82IG/s1015/S6P04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1015" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY18IX10kVD5vL-Js0EewO4lHykUJVUw-fYZNVamtowXxoU3XLe1SaW4sT5jUzCzJmXwIptBVKF4t8jMLx1y0CtuJNfCiquPPr8lnQdNWDisOMw90ivxTs6CmrP6T_tFTKkilzEHreNDjyYbduUDxd1Gm89A6XqSuiWK-X6YjJTMARUBwcCermlhE82IG/w400-h303/S6P04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's a really expensive leather jacket that he saw at the mall but couldn't afford himself. He's shocked and said he couldn't afford to spend that much on her, but DJ says that's okay. She loves him and just wants him to be happy and doesn't expect expensive things in return. You can enter the Star Wars "It's a trap!" meme here, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>She opens her gift, and it's a sweatshirt that says Daytona Beach University on it. She throws it to the floor and runs upstairs crying, leaving Steve wondering if he should have spent the money on the matching sweatpants. Following her upstairs, DJ cuts him off and asks what he was thinking, giving that as a gift. He apologizes but says it's all he can afford since he's saving up for college. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's not about the gift, she says, but it's about the college. It's 3,000 miles away, and she's worried whats going to happen to them. He laughs it off, saying he's worked everything out in his head. He plans to call her every night and to fly home on holidays to spend time with her. Not good enough, claims DJ, and says he's selling himself short going to a party school in Daytona. He gets upset and asks if the expensive jacket was a bribe to get him to stay. </div><div><br /></div><div>She doesn't know how to answer and flips the blame on him. He storms out when she says she's glad he'll be in Florida. The young lovers' Christmas is ruined. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back from the commercial break, we're now in the midst of the Tanner Christmas party. Joey tries a Tasmanian Devil version of Santa on Danny, but Danny is preoccupied with thoughts of Vicky. </div><div><br /></div><div>Kimmy Gibbler arrives at the party and immediately brings up the breakup with Steve. DJ says she's trying to not think about it, but he keeps calling. Gibbler wants to get her friend back into circulation quickly and brings in the entire wrestling team from the high school. They immediately surround her in an uncomfortably close circle as she tells them she hasn't thought about "old what's his name" all day. She then offers them "Steve-balls. I mean, Cheese balls." </div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Danny is in the kitchen making a new batch of eggnog. I think Bob Saget is playing Danny as a little tipsy here as he stumbles and sings about Vicky, but this is a family show, so they can't say that outright. He instead is "losing his mind." </div><div><br /></div><div>The two youngest girls come home with Jesse, and Stephanie says his big surprise was taking them to a homeless shelter. Danny already knew and asked what they thought. Stephanie was surprised by how many people were there, and Michelle said it made her sad. Jesse tells the girls it's okay to feel sad because those people are in a bad way. Stephanie said it was hard at first, but then they put up decorations and got to help serve food. Jesse is proud of them, and Steph says she felt like she made a difference today and wants to return soon. </div><div><br /></div><div>Steph apologizes for being so focused on the presents and gifts she wanted when they are less fortunate people. Jesse tells her that when he was a kid, he begged for an Evil Knievel jumpsuit, and his father took him down to the Salvation Army, just like he did for them. He's happy to see the looks on their faces because that's how he felt back then. He's never forgotten that feeling and wants them to always remember. Michelle cutely thanks him for such a great Christmas present before Jesse slips out the back door, telling the family that he has one more very important Christmas present to take care of.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWUPeqd7M3HsfIk3gu_goCV0AgNtn3ePaPWSFwuU7FERxnZCll3I_cYatBUfhlzU5fH0BzCiwmnygI8j5IcQrTg4JGXqChesZ4uAdxNh1PQaol3ZxCH9UqGnmBYvH89hwEGL30vL8yuSpii3qn2aTdrBVZKpptnYQMZvZLhJlSV2oG_OwXXUHiET_9Lcb/s1008/S6P05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1008" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWUPeqd7M3HsfIk3gu_goCV0AgNtn3ePaPWSFwuU7FERxnZCll3I_cYatBUfhlzU5fH0BzCiwmnygI8j5IcQrTg4JGXqChesZ4uAdxNh1PQaol3ZxCH9UqGnmBYvH89hwEGL30vL8yuSpii3qn2aTdrBVZKpptnYQMZvZLhJlSV2oG_OwXXUHiET_9Lcb/w400-h305/S6P05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the living room, DJ is still Steve obsessed and is boring the wrestlers. In the background, Kimmie tries to kiss the boys on the team but winds up getting licked by Comet instead. Danny reminds her how upset she was that Steve couldn't even get into college and that Daytona Beach may be a great opportunity for him. She agrees but says she's still worried about the distance's toll on their relationship. Danny reminds her that he and Vicky make it work, and so can they. He knows the phone bill is going to be a monster, but with Steve not there eating all of the groceries, the bills will even out, and he's okay with that. </div><div><br /></div><div>She wonders if Steve will ever talk to her again, and Danny hands her the phone. Steve doesn't answer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Michelle comes into the kitchen and says Santa is here and that she knows it's really Joey, but don't tell anyone! They return to the living room, and Santa bends down to greet Michelle with a "Ho-ho-ho!" She looks up at him and says, "Joey, that's not your best work..."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cGjMe6cgGy8ATzaX0804nf2vbjtHlV0MVgoPHyWWdcODULIaMGP0qxZsrK4i6HP3Ch9LLLcQ7h_2Ox9ldTtxOtlACzOt44wSFU3u0g2VnstpCcZhXKtiKQNIHKN0SW2P7sx8N0Fg2-tTIYQYtBuwmvH5x_2RCc4hywTJk_Scn45Ii37GejDPpHnBXyrg/s1012/S6P06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1012" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cGjMe6cgGy8ATzaX0804nf2vbjtHlV0MVgoPHyWWdcODULIaMGP0qxZsrK4i6HP3Ch9LLLcQ7h_2Ox9ldTtxOtlACzOt44wSFU3u0g2VnstpCcZhXKtiKQNIHKN0SW2P7sx8N0Fg2-tTIYQYtBuwmvH5x_2RCc4hywTJk_Scn45Ii37GejDPpHnBXyrg/w400-h304/S6P06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just then, the doorbell rings, and Danny opens it. It's another Santa! Michelle says that the two Santas mean she was really good this year! Santa grabs Danny and plants a huge kiss right on the lips! Danny is red-faced, flustered, and upset, but Santa pulls off the beard and reveals that it's Vicky! She flew all through the night from the other side of the world just to be with him on Christmas! Danny is overjoyed to see her. </div><div><br /></div><div>DJ is talking to Santa/Joey and wishes that Joey really was Santa so he could bring Steve over so that she could apologize to him for being so selfish. Just then, in the background, another Santa walks into the room. Three Santas! This one starts doing a Daffy Duck impression, and it's clearly Joey! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGYuZkfWhorQdZjkdrLyYc16hupgP9WEZy1WdMSGvkuz_PQZSyJg3zT9baHMXgKgMHfk5hQmCA5-AMoN8BTXQOapTcQRZgz7Ei0QIOJQkmknsxyPLh-gVj8qulbY84K75Aq1XSpLLcIhvk18Yjg6tXt4sQd_li0BKFhgEL8onXPG3b98_j2kRJ5DOuNeK/s978/S6P07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="978" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGYuZkfWhorQdZjkdrLyYc16hupgP9WEZy1WdMSGvkuz_PQZSyJg3zT9baHMXgKgMHfk5hQmCA5-AMoN8BTXQOapTcQRZgz7Ei0QIOJQkmknsxyPLh-gVj8qulbY84K75Aq1XSpLLcIhvk18Yjg6tXt4sQd_li0BKFhgEL8onXPG3b98_j2kRJ5DOuNeK/w400-h314/S6P07.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Joey approaches the other Santa and calls him an imposter. DJ demands to know who she has been talking to and pulls down the beard, revealing... STEVE! It's a Christmas miracle!</div><div><br /></div><div>He apologizes for sneaking in as Santa, but it's the only way he could think of getting her to talk to him since she wouldn't answer the phone earlier. She apologizes. He apologizes. They hug and kiss. Steve then says he's decided to stay in San Francisco and go to junior college to improve his grades and get into a school much closer to home. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse comes in and announces a special delivery in the backyard for Rebecca Donaldson Katsopolis. It didn't fit in her stocking, so he delivered it to the backyard. She heads out alone, and Jesse waits with Danny inside. She screams, and then he finally heads out back, smiling wide. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIXPI-kIW11h1G1L-eZXoCIsDkcSB51Y4CB3N-7SfkxS-90mZfCMCeIdhyq_helqCCTWv0IbicEGPIdogPfPngJdnFV6F2CT5TXao89xPiBbQbopG-3H8xTHlhA3QLPbQ8pJmANnY8FpbyWY2tGZl_ym9G4_XyUbfuctYSUPddi6-EkG5O-lj7ER4uSPk/s1012/S6P08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1012" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIXPI-kIW11h1G1L-eZXoCIsDkcSB51Y4CB3N-7SfkxS-90mZfCMCeIdhyq_helqCCTWv0IbicEGPIdogPfPngJdnFV6F2CT5TXao89xPiBbQbopG-3H8xTHlhA3QLPbQ8pJmANnY8FpbyWY2tGZl_ym9G4_XyUbfuctYSUPddi6-EkG5O-lj7ER4uSPk/w400-h304/S6P08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The backyard is covered in snow! There's even a snowman! He hands her the mittens he gave her in the beginning of the episode and says, "I told you you'd need these." The family all comes outside to play in the snow as the credits roll to "Winter Wonderland."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Season Eight: "Arrest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (S8,E11) Originally Aired December 13, 1994</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>All three Tanner girls and Kimmy Gibbler are in the bedroom. Watching these shows in order, but jumping straight from Season 2 to 6 to 8, it's shocking to see how much older all four of the girls look in this final season.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-L7ERfdBxybrsnWnBDr6-yUfXAVv9UZvSTeJR8-Sagc4npupCv2GH9heTZO1Bn4c1uTaMa3aDqgeG-Mq3PsI0LLYwaRie7Tow6-zQBKG72AsPDivCzAmkqtAJibkKqdYsZOJnKFBO6WvCUj5de69nkahsoaY3k2AkU_X-IxuyKYuac3BgMUMTzoZDwm-/s1008/S8P01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1008" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-L7ERfdBxybrsnWnBDr6-yUfXAVv9UZvSTeJR8-Sagc4npupCv2GH9heTZO1Bn4c1uTaMa3aDqgeG-Mq3PsI0LLYwaRie7Tow6-zQBKG72AsPDivCzAmkqtAJibkKqdYsZOJnKFBO6WvCUj5de69nkahsoaY3k2AkU_X-IxuyKYuac3BgMUMTzoZDwm-/w400-h305/S8P01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Michelle is extremely proud of her first store-bought gift for her father. She digs into a bag to reveal a gaudy-looking board with a drink holder attached to it that she calls a "party tie." It's a tie that holds your drink so you can be hands-free. The girls are horrified, but they all try to find nice words to say about the gift that Michelle is so clearly proud of.</div><div><br /></div><div>We return from "Everywhere You Look" to a still shot of the San Francisco skyline lit up with Christmas lights. Aunt Becky comes into the kitchen and says the house smells great. She can smell roast turkey, hot apple cider, and pumpkin pie. Unfortunately, it's just Danny's new air freshener, "Can Of Christmas." She says she loves shopping on Christmas Eve and has bought some stocking stuffers. She loves this time of year when everyone is so happy, and it's a magical time with love and happiness in the air. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just then, Jesse and Joey stumble through the door, arguing. Jesse is angry that Joey dragged him to the dry cleaners on the one night a year 20 fat guys are picking up their Santa suits all at once! He asks what happened to "peace on earth and goodwill to men" after reminding Joey about the two women who got into a slap-fight over a LEGO nativity scene. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRtJgL1l-x1sXA-n0lNKivqeM2vwSMvPXTZSi4_KVgsI6SpDA05tm-IYO6017RhV8satoireW7SLr8at-pXCRnYpdxZkMxr1L43BcUtzBRRRpokEK_j6bteDtTyXUBtmjzLy0LIY-Zs5NEi7DQUia1sjBrwl-CPqfKRKiqE-OrlWy0I16ibDrPF4E5W4S/s963/S8P02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="963" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRtJgL1l-x1sXA-n0lNKivqeM2vwSMvPXTZSi4_KVgsI6SpDA05tm-IYO6017RhV8satoireW7SLr8at-pXCRnYpdxZkMxr1L43BcUtzBRRRpokEK_j6bteDtTyXUBtmjzLy0LIY-Zs5NEi7DQUia1sjBrwl-CPqfKRKiqE-OrlWy0I16ibDrPF4E5W4S/w400-h319/S8P02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michelle walks in as Becky pulls out the same "party tie" from her bag and says she got it for Joey. Danny calls it ugly and pretends to gag himself. Michelle is horrified that her father thinks the gift she thought he'd love was ugly. Jesse calls it the dumbest thing he's ever seen, and Michelle runs out of the kitchen. </div><div><br /></div><div>Frustrated, Jesse walks out of the kitchen just in time to see Michelle trying to shove a wrapped present into the fireplace. He grabs the box from her, saying that playing with fire is dangerous. She says she wants to burn it because she saved all of her money to buy her Dad something nice, and it's the dumbest thing Jesse has ever seen. Jesse says he'd never say that, and she unwraps the tie, proving he did indeed say that just minutes ago. She begs him to take her to the novelty store to exchange it for something different, but he refuses to go back out shopping on Christmas Eve. She begs and pleads, puts on the cute act, and eventually guilts him into taking her. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgVnCwbZLwGPp0wnDao314SDImpkm0RcU2Y85JT1-Wyx9nb4bejX1K2Hx-ZOd5I5bxFGTuJOrt5VGuPeGJhiyG2ccZdUK1AlsL-6tqd1pKfMsWZ0OUi8puPFFudJLF7k1HLFjYT4Hjv6jba7eHhApQnx-SpSX3oYMF8s9WAkIRk3uE4WU7U35laVAj1Xk/s1001/S8P03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1001" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgVnCwbZLwGPp0wnDao314SDImpkm0RcU2Y85JT1-Wyx9nb4bejX1K2Hx-ZOd5I5bxFGTuJOrt5VGuPeGJhiyG2ccZdUK1AlsL-6tqd1pKfMsWZ0OUi8puPFFudJLF7k1HLFjYT4Hjv6jba7eHhApQnx-SpSX3oYMF8s9WAkIRk3uE4WU7U35laVAj1Xk/w400-h308/S8P03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Upstairs, DJ and Stephanie are trying to squeeze Joey into his Santa Claus suit. He thinks he's gained too much weight, but the sleeves and legs are too short, and they deduce he's been given the wrong suit at the dry cleaners. As the girls struggle to get Joey into costume, the twins come upstairs and think that Santa is hurting DJ and Stephanie. They call him a scary monster and run away.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsi9miap-7WcbKprMQ5nJBQ3Z1wH_Tj7SlfKkl9_jWIrBCw0y6ErEZzo3bYBs5Pg7JT0TvkXoDt-aZMGVZk__1nybFwpBSzUSXYueydJ81nB8RBmJDa8pICR5qmglmxuh288MzrlPXf0JDp560gk6pynGoIIK6oPjAqoJ1VGEnP_YDS3QyalyhEuppyrU/s1006/S8P04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1006" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsi9miap-7WcbKprMQ5nJBQ3Z1wH_Tj7SlfKkl9_jWIrBCw0y6ErEZzo3bYBs5Pg7JT0TvkXoDt-aZMGVZk__1nybFwpBSzUSXYueydJ81nB8RBmJDa8pICR5qmglmxuh288MzrlPXf0JDp560gk6pynGoIIK6oPjAqoJ1VGEnP_YDS3QyalyhEuppyrU/w400-h305/S8P04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's nighttime on a snow-covered street as Jesse and Michelle peak into a store window. Suddenly, Mickey Rooney (playing Mr. Dreghorn, the novelty shop owner) runs over, attempting to lock the door. Jesse barges in and asks him to exchange the gift for Michelle. Mr. Dreghorn refuses because it's past closing time, but Jesse picks up another item that costs $5 (the same as the tie) and leaves the tie on the counter. </div><div><br /></div><div>Mickey Rooney isn't having it. He locks the door, pulls the security gate closed, and informs them that he tripped the secret alarm and the police are on the way to make sure Jesse and Michelle spend Christmas in jail. For what, I'm not exactly sure. Dreghorn calls Jesse "sideburns," in the first of many hair-based insults throughout the episode.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mr. Dreghorn calls Jesse "Brylcreem" (Jesse informs him it's, in fact, mouse and not Brylcreem) before pranking Jesse with a trick drinking glass. Michelle hands him a towel to dry off, but it's another gag gift, and now Jesse's face is covered in black shoe polish. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back at home, Danny asks the twins if they are excited that Santa Claus will come to the house tonight. The boys ask if they should lock the doors, and Danny says it doesn't matter because Santa sees you when you're sleeping and knows when you're awake. The boys run away screaming about Monster Santa. Oops.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back at Dreghorn's Novelty Shop, Jesse is upset at being stuck there. Dreghorn and Michelle again prank Jesse, this time with the old dropped dollar bill on a string gag. Jesse is upset and says he will blow his way out of the store with an exploding cigar if he has to. </div><div><br /></div><div>Calling him "Fonzie," Dreghorn says he doesn't want his hair to start a "grease fire," so Jesse should calm down. He told the cops it was a false alarm a half hour ago, and he was free to leave. Jesse blows his top when he finds out he wasted a half hour of Christmas Eve with a grumpy old man like Dreghorn. </div><div><br /></div><div>As they leave, Michelle wonders if Dreghorn locked them in the store so that he wouldn't have to be alone on Christmas Eve. Jesse laughs it off, but before leaving, Michelle asks Dreghorn what he's going to be doing tonight. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMaeaJxgODemlEntBTb4HUHDV_48FKZiMzi_lO4JQjl18L7ewMByoNrUGfTqVhczgOVxEX2eB1eRWHgYy49p682Dwk_1BZOaMeckVcaZMRO9do6x1JuUIFPk2RogqGXaOgs0YdSssxvBWw_RWUSgpYNq6RESDSu4H_Bp440gILYt9LfYunl-wxqtQ-I_S/s1010/S8P05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1010" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMaeaJxgODemlEntBTb4HUHDV_48FKZiMzi_lO4JQjl18L7ewMByoNrUGfTqVhczgOVxEX2eB1eRWHgYy49p682Dwk_1BZOaMeckVcaZMRO9do6x1JuUIFPk2RogqGXaOgs0YdSssxvBWw_RWUSgpYNq6RESDSu4H_Bp440gILYt9LfYunl-wxqtQ-I_S/w400-h304/S8P05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Dreghorn yells that he has big plans. Jesse tells him to go annoy his own family, and Dreghorn responds by asking which family? The ones that never call? Or the ones that never write? "Forget family! They forgot about me years ago when they moved up to Oregon and took my Grandkids with them," he says. </div><div><br /></div><div>He walks away sadly, and Jesse realizes that Mr. Dreghorn has been acting like a Scrooge because he doesn't have a family to spend the holiday with. Jesse asks him why didn't he go to Oregon with them to be close to his Grandkids. Dreghorn hems and haws before finally admitting that it was because they didn't ask him. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY3A-fJrY80R5PPQyt91wkZReXV9nEyXX1o9ClYgxf0wB-RnlQEJIP32li4Upb0-UeoozbekrNpb2TmyZYMPwhlOYIcb8FG05Zarh6wY8tQlyyedOPq_HxF-Bo-obviAFu3KAlJI5yjXbbiIjFN1rLz5mha00RLFhonO_bG95P2ekAf8IrIMMbs2Jt-9J/s983/S8P06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="983" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY3A-fJrY80R5PPQyt91wkZReXV9nEyXX1o9ClYgxf0wB-RnlQEJIP32li4Upb0-UeoozbekrNpb2TmyZYMPwhlOYIcb8FG05Zarh6wY8tQlyyedOPq_HxF-Bo-obviAFu3KAlJI5yjXbbiIjFN1rLz5mha00RLFhonO_bG95P2ekAf8IrIMMbs2Jt-9J/w400-h313/S8P06.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A genuine laugh from John Stamos at a likely improvised line from Mickey Rooney</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Swallow your pride, Jesse says, because family is everything. Dreghorn says he knows exactly what he's missing, and he doesn't need to be preached to by an oil slick. Michelle asks if Mr. Dreghorn can eat with the Tanner family, and Jesse quickly invites him. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dreghorn apologizes for the oil slick crack, even if he's about "a quart low." He says this as he tussles Jesse's hair. This looks like an improvised moment from Mickey Rooney, complete with a genuine smile and chuckle by John Stamos. </div><div><br /></div><div>Mr. Dreghorn finally agrees to come because Michelle is about his granddaughter's age. Jesse thanks Michelle for reminding him that he had lost his Christmas spirit, just like everyone else he's been complaining about all day. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJUarwlZnu4gQrAgx6h-csoCMc2TtGjeKImoEbzFV30EkzGkGyg5jKx8hWgp9dVnLhzgMoXOLLGKjej0pEjNi3RPyG4EGzEsLcBzRfcdPT6eZKNg6QwpE5cc8BL22CQuj1_fUGvskWEdqaH1lkkzpkWzPRKaL3Vzy3tB8kbVxRIvGS3F0nUhFH0LEk9bM/s1008/S8P08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1008" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJUarwlZnu4gQrAgx6h-csoCMc2TtGjeKImoEbzFV30EkzGkGyg5jKx8hWgp9dVnLhzgMoXOLLGKjej0pEjNi3RPyG4EGzEsLcBzRfcdPT6eZKNg6QwpE5cc8BL22CQuj1_fUGvskWEdqaH1lkkzpkWzPRKaL3Vzy3tB8kbVxRIvGS3F0nUhFH0LEk9bM/w400-h305/S8P08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jesse shows up with Michelle and Mr. Dreghorn, who has donned a Santa costume minus the beard. It appears to me to be momentary shock when Mickey Rooney walks in. I can't imagine that they didn't know a legendary actor was there for the episode, but I suppose that could be the case. Maybe in ten years, when "How Rude, Tanneritos!" finally gets to this episode and we'll find out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Danny asks where they had been this whole time, and Michelle says that she bought him a dumb present and she went to find him the best present she could afford so that he knows she really loves him. He sits her down and says he doesn't need a present to know that she loves him. She hands him a paper bag. Inside is a candy cane-shaped electric toothbrush. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb7qvIClIYkLLXt9nPgiyVz0dYyuZn0fjATRFn85u1FmAp6Cl4ITWBRubC0ICYRy8gvddCo0k9mObAepTVTP38nGL7kGkbwr4EvbgLyJMVoHFGNSOCChzR0A4CWLxlYerQUk2VZQiNV8HyPM3Jj9qZjxceV4jPf6TmmcniXOTL3DGYMorzLUpvrUVImLT/s979/S8P09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="979" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb7qvIClIYkLLXt9nPgiyVz0dYyuZn0fjATRFn85u1FmAp6Cl4ITWBRubC0ICYRy8gvddCo0k9mObAepTVTP38nGL7kGkbwr4EvbgLyJMVoHFGNSOCChzR0A4CWLxlYerQUk2VZQiNV8HyPM3Jj9qZjxceV4jPf6TmmcniXOTL3DGYMorzLUpvrUVImLT/w400-h314/S8P09.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse pulls Mr. Dreghorn aside and says he has a gift for him: the telephone. He urges him to call his family. As Danny begins playing music from his new toothbrush, Dreghorn talks to his granddaughter for the first time in a long time. The family all gathers together, with Mr. Dreghorn at the center, singing and laughing.</div><div><br /></div><div>We close with a photo "postcard" that reads, "We Wish You a Joyous Holiday Season!"</div><div><br /></div><div>MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE! </div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-9593583742735593702023-12-22T06:00:00.084-05:002023-12-22T06:00:00.137-05:00Retro RePost: 24 Hours of a Christmas Story<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbtlzyFMaY3TUOH9fFxWVu3QJMoTZUgL8crZJ4SqlvgEM-9NPEXa_yrmFUBlj2Ggv_0w_WyrLPBW0Lqpv9PIpN4E0G28eddlmayQBz1QMqnBjh48tFQkH1Bo8QzfYDylvopHlBu-4Zf2ZoscWXtUcGNacWfxL_doMNQGQeaZTR_MgEePZUOQVLywmRi-w/s700/story02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="700" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbtlzyFMaY3TUOH9fFxWVu3QJMoTZUgL8crZJ4SqlvgEM-9NPEXa_yrmFUBlj2Ggv_0w_WyrLPBW0Lqpv9PIpN4E0G28eddlmayQBz1QMqnBjh48tFQkH1Bo8QzfYDylvopHlBu-4Zf2ZoscWXtUcGNacWfxL_doMNQGQeaZTR_MgEePZUOQVLywmRi-w/w400-h286/story02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Every year on Christmas Eve, one of the MANY things I look forward to is playing a little game between myself and the television. I like to try to piece together one full viewing of "A Christmas Story" a few minutes at a time during the annual TBS/TNT 24-Hour Marathon of "A Christmas Story." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the mid to late 90s, when the movie (and marathon) really skyrocketed in popularity, I was in high school and quickly became OBSESSED with this movie every Christmas. I'm not nearly as obsessed with the film these days, but "A Christmas Story" is a classic Christmas film like no other. It will forever hold a special place in my heart and the hearts of millions. The quaint "old-timey" feelings the film evokes bring back the pure joy and excitement of a kid at Christmas. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few years ago, I wanted to ensure I covered this annual marathon in detail, so I posted the article here and over at The Retro Network. The TRN version of the article went somewhat viral for the guys over there, and not to pat myself on the back or anything, but it's appeared in everything from The Huffington Post, Vulture, and even some random ESPN articles.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Every year around Christmas time, this post seems to keep coming back around in popularity and is one of the most popular Google Searches for this site every December! So, thank you, everyone!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As we all look forward to the annual marathon, why don't you go ahead and check out this week's Retro RePost, where in 2019, we looked at the history of "<a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/12/24-hours-of-christmas-story.html">24 Hours of A Christmas Story!</a>"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By the way, this year's marathon starts at 8PM Eastern on TBS and 9PM Eastern on TNT. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Merry Christmas... and be careful! You'll shoot your eye out!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-69805253390805318642023-12-18T06:00:00.566-05:002023-12-18T06:00:00.156-05:00A Cartoon Christmas: A Garfield Christmas<div style="text-align: left;"><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTVslYSiIXMKa7aJ0g7aAIj2i9WSfRdoSCUth_OyyrleW-Yf7sWmmBN3LyM7VBPyYhwCUwlA1OaB6BICjF9W4tFapsoOQDgIV9_vc-1XvGG7C_YYv-RZeL8WJ0UnOk_AyIQPFI23pCa-NYl32x9GoM4UnBsfRAtNeE0JJ1_BTfGvS9pqLjrdnXnWZZ0p_/s307/Title%20Card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="307" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTVslYSiIXMKa7aJ0g7aAIj2i9WSfRdoSCUth_OyyrleW-Yf7sWmmBN3LyM7VBPyYhwCUwlA1OaB6BICjF9W4tFapsoOQDgIV9_vc-1XvGG7C_YYv-RZeL8WJ0UnOk_AyIQPFI23pCa-NYl32x9GoM4UnBsfRAtNeE0JJ1_BTfGvS9pqLjrdnXnWZZ0p_/w400-h310/Title%20Card.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />For 45 years, kids and adults alike have been enjoying the antics of a loveable, orange, lasagna-eating cat named Garfield. He's appeared in newspaper comic strips with his dry humor and insatiable appetite since 1978. Living with his owner, Jon Arbuckle, and fellow pet, Odie the dog, Garfield is known for being sleepy, grumpy, and, most of all, hungry. Set in Muncie, Indiana, the popular comic strip and equally popular TV show "Garfield and Friends" focused on the daily interactions of Jon, Garfield, and Odie. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>The popularity of the comic rose to the point that CBS created 12 television specials between 1982 and 1991 featuring Garfield. While several are still very popular today, one rises above the rest: A Garfield Christmas. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>A Garfield Christmas originally aired on December 21, 1987, on CBS, as part of a special Christmas event that paired the debuting Christmas special with the debut of Will Vinton's "A Claymation Christmas Celebration," which featured the white-hot (at the time) California Raisins. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was rebroadcast annually until 2000 (the last showing was December 14, 2000), when CBS and other networks began moving away from classic Christmas specials. Until its final showing in 2000, it was frequently paired with the Peanuts special "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Garfield's Christmas also aired on ABC Family in 2007 and 2008 but has not seen national television since.</div><div><br /></div><div>This special was the 7th of the 12 produced for television. Directed by Phil Roman, this special stars the great Lorenzo Music, who provides the iconic voice of Garfield. Thom Huge returns to provide Jon Arbuckle's voice, and the pair are a welcome sound to my ears every year. Gregg Berger, Julie Payne, Pat Harrington, Jr., David Lander, and Pat Carroll provide the other voices. </div><div><br /></div><div>Garfield creator Jim Davis wrote the teleplay and later cited it as quasi-autobiographical. The cartoon shows Garfield discovering the true meaning of Christmas while he spends the holiday with Jon and his family on the Arbuckle's farm. In writing the special, Davis based it on experiences of his own Christmases spent with family on their farm in Indiana. Many of the Arbuckles are modeled after Davis' own family. His real-life brother was truly known as Doc Boy, although the wacky Grandma Arbuckle was an entirely fictional character. Davis said she was added purely for the emotional subplot of cherishing time spent, past or present, with loved ones at Christmas. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program in 1988 but, oddly enough, lost out to a Claymation Christmas, in which it was paired during its debut. </div><div><br /></div><div>A Garfield Christmas Special was made available on VHS in 1991. Following the release of the first live-action Garfield movie in 2004, Garfield's Holiday Celebrations was released on DVD, which included Garfield's Halloween Adventure, A Garfield Thanksgiving, and A Garfield Christmas. After receiving millions of views on the official Garfield YouTube page, the Garfield Holiday Collection was again released on DVD in 2014. Another DVD was released in 2017, titled "Happy Holidays, Garfield!" that featured only the Thanksgiving and Christmas specials. </div><div><br /></div><div>TV Guide ranked this cartoon 10th on its 10 Best Family Holiday Specials list in 2004. </div><div><br /></div><div>Several differences existed between the original 1987 broadcast (and subsequent rebroadcasts) and the 1991 VHS release. The original version did not include the scene in which Doc Boy and Grandma play "O Christmas Tree" on the piano. The cut scene is pretty obvious: one second, Garfield is standing in front of the Christmas tree, and next, he's sitting on top of the piano. After the 1991 VHS release, this "O Christmas Tree" was inserted into the annual broadcast, but several other scenes were trimmed for time. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4MwMcMPT9A4GhiWUMBSf7Tz61lo3D3_H0qWe4XuJGciJz8qbbkSJdneRDemzA2qWZC3Y63jv3FhZDn2AbmjawXmWaNa_rvg5ekr6e5I67lK7hCZKY8fjD6Cv3VqRf6IGOZOWQ32OYQJKVbrBDoKGCMFbbrTyAX2Zxav0iAiJcoljxewtpudeCvJIDljk/s585/Dream%20House.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="585" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4MwMcMPT9A4GhiWUMBSf7Tz61lo3D3_H0qWe4XuJGciJz8qbbkSJdneRDemzA2qWZC3Y63jv3FhZDn2AbmjawXmWaNa_rvg5ekr6e5I67lK7hCZKY8fjD6Cv3VqRf6IGOZOWQ32OYQJKVbrBDoKGCMFbbrTyAX2Zxav0iAiJcoljxewtpudeCvJIDljk/w400-h297/Dream%20House.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Of the scenes trimmed for time, the first was Jon driving his car out of the driveway and through his neighborhood. Grandma giving her dinner to Garfield and Odie under the table was trimmed to remove two shots of Garfield and Odie receiving food. The brief portion of Mom Arbuckle playing the piano right after the commercial break was several seconds longer in the original version. Lastly, over five seconds of audio were cut from "You Can Never Find an Elf When You Need One" to make room for the "O Christmas Tree" song. <br /></div><div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><div>In addition to the cut scenes, the scene where Grandma reminisces about her late husband was completely reanimated with new shots in different lighting, including a brand new close-up of a framed photo of Grandma and her husband. Keen eyes may also notice that when Jon and Doc Boy go to bed after their father finishes reading "Binky, the Clown Who Saved Christmas," the reaction on Dad's face is also entirely different.</div><div><br /></div><div>This newly edited 1991 version is the one that aired in all subsequent CBS broadcasts, as well as the two airings on ABC Family. It is also the same one you'll find on the official YouTube upload, as well as the Garfield Holiday DVDs. During December 2014 and 2015, the original 1987 version was available on Hulu and is now the version available on Amazon. </div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to the edits made to the 1991 special, the comic book adaptation contains a few scenes never featured in the animated special. Many fans assume these scenes were probably in the original script but cut for time. These all-new scenes include:</div><div><br /></div><div>During Garfield's dream sequence, as he is eating the line of lasagna pans, Odie is in the background playing with a remote-controlled crane, digging a hole to bury a bone in it. After Garfield complains about visiting Jon's family, there is a new scene where Jon gets him to help wrap presents by putting Garfield's tail on the bow, resulting in the present getting stuck to Garfield. Garfield then wraps up Odie as a present for the Arbuckles. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dad gets Jon and Doc Boy to do the chores in the barn, so Jon asks Garfield and Odie to accompany them. As they lift the hay bales, the two boys get into an argument, and Doc Boy tells Dad that they should have gotten Grandma instead of Jon to help. In the television special, this scene is replaced with Jon, Odie, and Garfield walking through the snow.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W13zVj00M6lqKJ9_e1EF-jrUinuq01BmL3hBRX2UeyxmGT_WV9ICteWTdCnbCkB-DmJ5Z_3_yuzWuyKbflugTRkMRmNDcftGT8YBsM320nXT9jl40HOwsKIO8_pjAcLhL81VlNkbEWRMP1Cjs6_33Ar49br81HlJZLpOB3gcTl-31s5upDX1eUxjWmdc/s704/Book%20Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="704" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W13zVj00M6lqKJ9_e1EF-jrUinuq01BmL3hBRX2UeyxmGT_WV9ICteWTdCnbCkB-DmJ5Z_3_yuzWuyKbflugTRkMRmNDcftGT8YBsM320nXT9jl40HOwsKIO8_pjAcLhL81VlNkbEWRMP1Cjs6_33Ar49br81HlJZLpOB3gcTl-31s5upDX1eUxjWmdc/w400-h240/Book%20Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the comic book, when Mom says, "It just wouldn't be Christmas if we put the star on the tree first," Dad replies, "One more remark like that, and you'll be seeing stars, woman." Yikes... no wonder that didn't make air, even in 1987!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, in the book, the scene where Odie finishes Garfield's back-scratcher has him unable to finish it because there isn't a hole in the base to put the rod in. After it falls apart, he gets angry and kicks it away before crying. When Garfield figures out why Odie is upset, he distracts him with corn and rushes in to drill a hole in the board and insert the rod, then ties the gardening tool to it. When he leaves, Odie returns and is surprised that the gift was made up, but happily wraps it and leaves. In the animated version, the board already contains a hole, and Odie makes the gift himself.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I took this opportunity to fire up A Garfield Christmas for my annual viewing so that I could provide a brief recap below if you don't have access to a copy yourself! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v7gvVK75sKvA-HNSSHXbTynI_7kZAKv7HPJBA8c7FuOz49TiQ2rDIBi_IP9EvFNTQ7HJ1GN8oKCZGfgnoCVNFiis8FhyphenhyphenbkEFxkZ_VVeE5J4ToKFy3ZDvDufo99rWmCtJZTyGTqVnOSEkpYFG1974t8FQ3JW06_A10MobXruo0EbCvgN3rOYYzYqfJuCL/s308/Greedy%20Garfield.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="308" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v7gvVK75sKvA-HNSSHXbTynI_7kZAKv7HPJBA8c7FuOz49TiQ2rDIBi_IP9EvFNTQ7HJ1GN8oKCZGfgnoCVNFiis8FhyphenhyphenbkEFxkZ_VVeE5J4ToKFy3ZDvDufo99rWmCtJZTyGTqVnOSEkpYFG1974t8FQ3JW06_A10MobXruo0EbCvgN3rOYYzYqfJuCL/w400-h309/Greedy%20Garfield.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The cartoon opens with an overly decorated Arbuckle house, and inside, Garfield is sleeping in front of a roaring fire. Jon wakes up our favorite fat cat with a stack of lasagna trays that he lays out in a line, leading the way to the Christmas tree and a pile of presents. After devouring several helpings of lasagna, Jon brings Garfield's gift in on a forklift. It's a gift-giving machine! </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div>Our greedy orange feline begins imagining every wish he's ever had, and the machine starts spitting them out! Unfortunately for Garfield, it was just a wild dream, and he's awoken with a reminder that he'll be visiting the Arbuckle clan on the family farm.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtHkxbmlazjO3_6G3T93fKQPMGqlX0yPjWbQ5rHw_mzAM7htR_Dphel8gHYBTaR1k8GwN41A6zbuvFYYzdIHb9fHQghVjAEjOLy7fsmRtvOhSQMJ0X0eEfo1X7ztf90U0aKWawMMsnGN4FClEA_outVLx8lXoIkogdxFO0lAZOeNUqO94a_3sy4P1Q1zN/s588/Car%20Ride.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="588" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtHkxbmlazjO3_6G3T93fKQPMGqlX0yPjWbQ5rHw_mzAM7htR_Dphel8gHYBTaR1k8GwN41A6zbuvFYYzdIHb9fHQghVjAEjOLy7fsmRtvOhSQMJ0X0eEfo1X7ztf90U0aKWawMMsnGN4FClEA_outVLx8lXoIkogdxFO0lAZOeNUqO94a_3sy4P1Q1zN/w400-h294/Car%20Ride.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Garfield is quickly loaded into the car with Jon, Odie, and a bunch of presents as they set off in one of the cutest little animated cars. My wife and I have mentioned to each other how, as children, we loved this scene featuring the "city limits" sign as Garfield, Odie, and Jon drove away from the big city and out into the open country. The soft, pastel colors of the background combine perfectly with a happy little song about Christmas as the gang rolls through the countryside on its way to Christmas with the family. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fSteDE675ERF8Oe912VX7bmXgcAN3LeiXvZ6OsJoF6xrxNLBQXPPvzb2fkUEdlbUyC_dOPgr61JB83N_8CNwUUslVT3ndtSzgcuOLvmJtXQaIZNHaIDQT8I6FUDOvj8q-J9x3zZCMZdg22fgbGB-X3Q2Hzua-zH46UxGcccAPjkN1KYwbFvk6Op2SKLk/s308/JonandMom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="308" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fSteDE675ERF8Oe912VX7bmXgcAN3LeiXvZ6OsJoF6xrxNLBQXPPvzb2fkUEdlbUyC_dOPgr61JB83N_8CNwUUslVT3ndtSzgcuOLvmJtXQaIZNHaIDQT8I6FUDOvj8q-J9x3zZCMZdg22fgbGB-X3Q2Hzua-zH46UxGcccAPjkN1KYwbFvk6Op2SKLk/w400-h309/JonandMom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>When they arrive at the farm, Jon catches up with his family, including the sarcastic and passive-aggressive Grandma Arbuckle. She takes an immediate interest in Jon's heavyset cat, Garfield. She also points out that Jon is getting a little heavy himself, too.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48Va0L-jogDUGchmz5Sr-q5eZNGBWPm8A2amQh3Bxzhz1YAcWh38xeVsy-83CZ8jdSv7UzmydOkQFEco6TticWe3qTQligN9hFGQqVOVXAMpqDhd9k8QMYNGWq9CsRUVtMGDvNWghgOQj3zXb2F8oIzR7ZQg0iZrChh1OnF9tMviuJCzPSiZDTaBcfv05/s306/Meal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="306" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48Va0L-jogDUGchmz5Sr-q5eZNGBWPm8A2amQh3Bxzhz1YAcWh38xeVsy-83CZ8jdSv7UzmydOkQFEco6TticWe3qTQligN9hFGQqVOVXAMpqDhd9k8QMYNGWq9CsRUVtMGDvNWghgOQj3zXb2F8oIzR7ZQg0iZrChh1OnF9tMviuJCzPSiZDTaBcfv05/w400-h311/Meal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As Christmas Eve dinner begins, we see the family gather around a table filled with classic Christmas dishes such as dinner rolls, turkey, Grandma's extra spicey gravy, and lots and lots of pies. Although Garfield and Odie don't get a seat at the table, Grandma ensures they get something to eat by passing them scraps under the table. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtK8QWRz888tHXymZRk72W8vPXTAX0_lJ_fK5yE1Y4ZSFXxGltTYiIXgnw73_GTO4ARhK3Q1pT8Sbg0DN-bg7-e8O28hkXZfGquns3wQiOU6B3WGtoXBK1Vrwz16TdP9hJ6okvWEAfWOqsimnGEO7Fn821fJpDQL45-4Y6oum7NU6UX7jaI9yvANJiabM/s305/Star%20Struggle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="305" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtK8QWRz888tHXymZRk72W8vPXTAX0_lJ_fK5yE1Y4ZSFXxGltTYiIXgnw73_GTO4ARhK3Q1pT8Sbg0DN-bg7-e8O28hkXZfGquns3wQiOU6B3WGtoXBK1Vrwz16TdP9hJ6okvWEAfWOqsimnGEO7Fn821fJpDQL45-4Y6oum7NU6UX7jaI9yvANJiabM/w400-h312/Star%20Struggle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div>Once dinner is done and the dishes have been cleaned, Jon and his family turn to the traditional decorating of the Christmas tree. When the time comes to put the star on top of the Christmas tree, Dad complains that they should put the star on first before they put the tree up. Jon gives the job to Garfield, who scurries up the tree and places the star at the top to much celebration. Unfortunately, Garfield falls straight to the ground, insisting that whoever invented Christmas trees should be "drug out into the street and shot."</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, the family sings carols around the piano, including Grandma's jazzy version of "O Christmas Tree." Afterward, she retreats to her rocking chair near the window. As she pets a very content and sleepy Garfield, she reminisces about past Christmases and her deceased husband. It's quite heart-warming and depressing all at the same time. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpUTlqOp-UXQXbzBGaodiRPGkZmZ7Qlk38_3WZGNadzZqiJV4M-a4TaYWX-XOwKcIHHJIV6_7SAd4ID6JPTmDlQi2p4RlbTWwhkQBy0U_wQ8lN7WfDregwES0ycABlbxoMMPuVD9NofTERv92Iwl9sh9-Ad6zAzxqJiP7h_aJwyeFvFjFPPUsrJnT7cv2/s304/Sad%20Grandma.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="304" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpUTlqOp-UXQXbzBGaodiRPGkZmZ7Qlk38_3WZGNadzZqiJV4M-a4TaYWX-XOwKcIHHJIV6_7SAd4ID6JPTmDlQi2p4RlbTWwhkQBy0U_wQ8lN7WfDregwES0ycABlbxoMMPuVD9NofTERv92Iwl9sh9-Ad6zAzxqJiP7h_aJwyeFvFjFPPUsrJnT7cv2/w400-h313/Sad%20Grandma.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Later, Dad reads "Binky: The Clown Who Saved Christmas" to his boys as he's done since they were young. He tries his best to skip past Binky's signature phrase, but Jon and Doc Boy whine until Dad yells out "HEEEEEEEEY KIDS!" just as Binky would. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the adults all head to bed, Odie sneaks out to the barn. The dimwitted but loveable beagle seems to be putting together some contraption from bits and pieces he's found in the barn. Garfield sneaks out to spy on Odie and trips into a bundle of old letters from Grandpa to Grandma from many years ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jon, a true man-child, is too excited to sleep and wakes up his parents at 1:30 in the morning. Dad sends him back to bed as Jon and Doc Boy grumble that it's technically Christmas morning and they should be opening presents. The logic of a four-year-old... When Christmas morning finally arrives, Dad gives the boys three choices: Breakfast, Chores, or... Presents! The brothers scream, "PRESENTS!" and everyone tears into their packages. </div><div><br /></div><div>As everyone relaxes in their post-gift bliss, Garfield hands over the bundle of letters to Grandma. She blushes and laughs (I'm assuming at some raunchy lovey-dovey stuff Grandpa once wrote) while reading through these long-lost letters from her late husband. Odie interrupts a touching moment between Grandma and Garfield to present his gift to Garfield, but Garfield can't figure out what in the world this contraption. When he asks, Odie demonstrates that it's a back scratcher! A perfect gift for Garfield. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hFYKHuYMZgL3YJXHMoh9n9xY3mXWtvtk_8sh6qfMDwhCnL-EOh_GxUVf2eGV_ofngRzEKT_QWiwUOWOs6HB8ivU89WK1fLA2-CSMt3_QeBObxO26THBoMTfXHsig40C_gangs0jH7-us2JYa0lcj_SwTZq-hpA-UQ7B3Yo1OJyLUgb-lKf3FtXkfskhN/s309/Back%20Scratcher.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="309" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hFYKHuYMZgL3YJXHMoh9n9xY3mXWtvtk_8sh6qfMDwhCnL-EOh_GxUVf2eGV_ofngRzEKT_QWiwUOWOs6HB8ivU89WK1fLA2-CSMt3_QeBObxO26THBoMTfXHsig40C_gangs0jH7-us2JYa0lcj_SwTZq-hpA-UQ7B3Yo1OJyLUgb-lKf3FtXkfskhN/w400-h308/Back%20Scratcher.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A rare serious moment from Garfield comes when he turns to the camera and says, "Christmas: It's not the giving. It's not the getting. It's the loving." </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think in the comic strip or any special, it was ever said if the humans can hear and understand Garfield, but they seem to all "awww" at his statement, so they must have understood him somehow. An upbeat song called "It's a Good Old Fashioned Christmas" plays as the special comes to a close. </div><div><br /></div></div><div>Garfield's sarcasm, dry wit, and warm-fuzzy Christmas feelings make this a classic holiday cartoon. The artwork and cartoon style of the late 80s, with its solid lines, soft colors, and much less than 780P focus, makes me feel like a child all over again when I watch it. </div><div><br /></div><div>For many people, A Garfield Christmas is the ultimate Christmas special. It has enough originality and Christmas "feels" for families to keep it in their holiday viewing tradition year after year. Finding a physical copy has been challenging and expensive over the past several years, but it is currently streaming for free on YouTube. If there was ever a time the world needed to be reminded of what really matters at the holidays, it's now. </div><div><br /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-42461239663373530442023-12-15T06:00:00.124-05:002023-12-15T06:00:00.374-05:00Retro RePost: A Cartoon Christmas - A Flintstone Christmas<div style="text-align: left;">I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but sometimes I think I must have grown up watching too much television. I honestly don't consider it too much compared to some, as the TV became a babysitter to most of us back then, like YouTube and iPads are to today's kids. But when I think about memories from the late 80s and early 90s, many of them have something to do with the TV. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Christmas specials are no different. Granted, we all consume media differently these days, but it was a shared experience back then. We ALL watched them. It was appointment viewing. We also watched them repeatedly if we were lucky enough to record it on the VCR. If not, we looked forward to seeing them again next year. It became a tradition. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These days, we certainly don't get new Christmas specials that I would consider worth an annual rewatch. Aside from the endless Hallmark or Great American Family Christmas movies, there just seemingly isn't anything being produced *just* for the holiday. Maybe a "special episode" on Disney Junior of Mickey Mouse and Friends? Perhaps, but none of it will be watched thirty... or fifty... years from now like the stuff we grew up with.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, I realize I'm looking at today's holiday ventures from an adult point of view and not the attachment we had as kids to OUR stuff. To be fair, though, my daughter doesn't seem to care much for most of the newer stuff produced on television today when it comes to the paltry selection of holiday entertainment. She is, however, happy to sit with Mom and Dad to watch the "old stuff" and see how we celebrated Christmas back in the day. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4aUb9v08Dwigd3iyHDX0oHKJt8JXO9F4Wg_0BKZO1_IJmmFe5I9nVRL3eaoF7B-PJuwkAr60dzUsgsI8Trm80J-7WKLOf2iS77cKFix2nV90le2DU6yaxCTR6VUKLm21dx1kOtF5gvXgJJ_DIcxN7e3PHJ5FGk1-rxOIdcopq6zkKCG-3hN9tnQ-DT6L/s400/fc23.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="400" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4aUb9v08Dwigd3iyHDX0oHKJt8JXO9F4Wg_0BKZO1_IJmmFe5I9nVRL3eaoF7B-PJuwkAr60dzUsgsI8Trm80J-7WKLOf2iS77cKFix2nV90le2DU6yaxCTR6VUKLm21dx1kOtF5gvXgJJ_DIcxN7e3PHJ5FGk1-rxOIdcopq6zkKCG-3hN9tnQ-DT6L/w400-h303/fc23.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Regarding Christmas specials, some of the very best ones are animated. The colorful animation just brings out the imagination in children (and adults) and makes that childlike Christmas wonder all the more wonderful. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2021/12/a-cartoon-christmas-flintstone.html">Take, for instance, A Flintstone Christmas.</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This 1977 Christmas special was the feature of "A Cartoon Christmas" here at YesterYear in 2021. It focuses on Fred and the gang finding themselves in a familiar storyline amongst Christmas specials. Santa needs their help, and these Hanna-Barbera animated icons of animation find themselves happy to oblige. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Please click the above link and relive the 1977 classic "A Flintstone Christmas!" </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll see you Monday with this year's entry into "A Cartoon Christmas:" A Garfield Christmas!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-14548054438293445242023-12-11T06:00:00.335-05:002023-12-11T06:00:00.139-05:00Five Classic Christmas Commercials: Part 3<div style="text-align: left;">Since today is the 11th, we're almost halfway through December already. That means Christmas is nearly here! Time just moves faster and faster, doesn't it? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What better way to keep the momentum of the Christmas spirit moving than by watching some old television commercials that remind us of the days when we weren't "too busy" to enjoy the season and were still full of joy and wonder? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I get a rare bit of spare time, I like to spend some of it watching "found footage" on YouTube. Some kind folks who find or purchase batches of old VHS tapes at garage sales or auctions sort through them and digitize them for our online consumption. The cleaned-up footage provides beautiful memories of these old commercials and television moments I had long since forgotten about yet somehow remained in the dark recesses of my mind.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BSvOzcqSDqSCip4tmmKklNA-D2PQHGDWp2zPDaGGuXI0azljpZwgQ4MQkxZEC4ayqXJfCwjMQuB2gwUgCPN_SJvZLENb7FQ76ESSgyQCDiKZ91aJEFJkNCRRBzII3w1uQElifbsHCrt5zp-sWf9jqKiUnxXY4VKEsZi63CC1fn1h9ZQq1pbbPEJyqmva/s1787/holidays.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1787" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BSvOzcqSDqSCip4tmmKklNA-D2PQHGDWp2zPDaGGuXI0azljpZwgQ4MQkxZEC4ayqXJfCwjMQuB2gwUgCPN_SJvZLENb7FQ76ESSgyQCDiKZ91aJEFJkNCRRBzII3w1uQElifbsHCrt5zp-sWf9jqKiUnxXY4VKEsZi63CC1fn1h9ZQq1pbbPEJyqmva/s320/holidays.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bless those saints who dedicate their free time to this. Honestly, I've tried to burn old VHS tapes for YouTube, and it's a chore. They are still sitting on my hard drive after several months.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>These days, I skip as many commercials as I can. I'm just not a fan of them anymore. When we were kids, we were forced to watch commercials because (horror of horrors to kids today) we didn't have the technological ability to fast forward. If you did get up during the commercial break, you ran like a bat out of hell to go to the bathroom, grab a snack, and make it back before your show began again. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm just not a fan of any of the commercials today. It seems like an effort is always made to sanitize or "corporate-ize" these ads, making them safe from internet "cancellation" or legal backlash. They've lost the specialness they once had. Besides, they are primarily pharmaceutical ads anyway. </div><div><br /></div><div>You, too, probably aren't a fan of today's commercials, so I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. I guarantee you can remember (and even sing) at least 3 jingles from ads when you were a kid. I have written several articles about commercials I fondly remember, which you can head over to the "Collections" page and check out. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the nice things about commercials from years ago is that they remind me of a different time or sometimes even a specific memory. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Christmas commercials kept the festive spirit going during a Christmas special or breaks in a holiday-themed sitcom. Even the car commercials got into the act! Remember the countless car commercials played ad nauseam as a shiny new car found its way through snow-covered woods to arrive in time for Christmas morning, complete with a giant bow? </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd also like to take this time to remind people of the year we were tortured with the so-annoying-and-awful-it's-great Hyundai commercials from 2010 and 2011 that featured the band "Pomplamoose?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't remember? Check it out below!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g947151eKQo" width="320" youtube-src-id="g947151eKQo"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Now that Pomplamoose is firmly stuck in your head, please continue as we look forward to this year's FIVE CLASSIC CHRISTMAS COMMERCIALS: PART THREE! </div><div><br /></div><div><b>1. Little Mermaid McDonalds Little Mermaid at McDonald's! (1989)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9fs7lSdtXuk" width="320" youtube-src-id="9fs7lSdtXuk"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Little Mermaid is one of the first movies I remember seeing in theaters, probably only second to Turner and Hooch. It sticks out not because I remember seeing the movie but because my Uncle took my brother and I to see Disney's newest animated adventure. I remember him ushering us out the back door of this run-down theater in Suffern, New York, to a parking lot full of snow.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a scaredy-cat type kid, I would often get so upset that something would prevent me from getting home and seeing my toys again that my stomach would get upset. I could feel my Uncle's nervous energy while driving, which terrified me the entire ride home of the light dusting. I can't say for sure, but I probably needed the bucket on that ride home.</div><div><br /></div><div>The underwater animated McDonald's in this commercial looks just like the place I want to visit today. A bright red, yellow, and white McDonald's with the mansard roof is just the look McDonald's should still strive for. Not these bland, brown boxes that look like a Starbucks threw up a Chipotle on top of a Panera.</div><div><br /></div><div>The commercial also features McDonald's gift certificates! I can still smell french fry grease and salt on that thick cardstock paper. <a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/12/mcdonalds-bucks-in-my-christmas-stocking.html">Read about my love of McDonald's Gift Cards HERE</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>These ornaments were pretty unique, too. They were high-end for McDonald's and the precursor to the Rescuer's Down Under toys that would come out the following year. My wife and I still have the original Flounder and Sebastian in our Christmas ornaments collection, along with some others we've picked up along the way.</div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>2. Fotomat's Christmas Commercial (1984)</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8EhaxrsJAc0" width="320" youtube-src-id="8EhaxrsJAc0"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div>I've always wanted to cover Fotomat here on YesterYear, but I could never figure out anything long-form that would be interesting or entertaining. This commercial isn't a total "classic" by any stretch, but it does fill a desire to cover these photo huts. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't remember Fotomat or the various brand names, these were basically photo-developing kiosks slightly larger than a phone booth stuck in the middle of parking lots or on street corners where you could drive right up to the window. If you remember the scene from Back to the Future when the Libyan terrorists arrive to shoot Doc, they drive past one of these photo huts. I also vaguely remember a Pete and Pete episode on Nickelodeon about a Fotomat, but I'll have to get back to you on that. </div><div><br /></div><div>These days, the ones still standing are mostly wristwatch or cell phone repair stores or coffee-to-go shops, or whatever. But, if you see a tiny shack that seems quite random in a parking lot or street corner, there's a good chance it used to be a Fotomat. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. The CBS Holiday Specials of 1987 Featuring A Garfield Christmas (1987)</b></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8cRdZYEHwuU" width="320" youtube-src-id="8cRdZYEHwuU"></iframe></div><br /><div>I selected this particular ad this year because it just so happens that next Monday morning, I'll be posting a review of A Garfield's Christmas for this year's "A Cartoon Christmas" feature. </div><div><br /></div><div>This quick video combines two ads for two nights of Christmas specials aimed at the whole family. See, this is what I'm talking about! Why can't we do this in 2023?! </div><div><br /></div><div>The first half focuses on Friday night (which the calendar shows would have been December 18, 1987) when CBS aired likely my favorite Christmas special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas," and another classic, "Dr. Suess' How The Grinch Stole Christmas!" </div><div><br /></div><div>However, the latter half of the commercial advertises the premier of many folk's favorite Christmas special, "A Garfield Christmas!" On Monday, December 20, 1987, Garfield, Jon, Odie, and the Arbuckle family made their Christmas debut, and it's been no looking back ever since. </div><div><br /></div><div>Following Garfield was Will Vinton's "A Claymation Christmas Celebration," which was also brand new. It features the California Raisins and several other Vinton creations in a somewhat out-there but must-see at least once Christmas extravaganza.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. M&M's Holidays Chocolates (1987)</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MPIKVzKxoug" width="320" youtube-src-id="MPIKVzKxoug"></iframe></div><br /><div>Just last Christmas, my wife and I discussed holiday candies that our Moms would always have out. We both had a bit of an "Oh, yeah!" moment when I mentioned my Mom always kept a red Tupperware jar full of M&M's next to the microwave in the kitchen, but I remember them having Christmas trees on them. We both hadn't thought of that in years, but it came flooding back, and we had to turn to Google to figure out when they stopped putting designs on the Christmas M&Ms. </div><div><br /></div><div>It turns out that in 1986, M&M launched "Holidays" branded candies for Easter and Christmas. For Easter, they'd have pastel-colored candies with bunnies, chicks, and egg symbols, while for Christmas, the red and green candy shells would be etched with pine trees, bells, and candles. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 1993, M&M dropped the "Holidays" branding and replaced the Christmas and Easter designs with the standard (and boring) "M." </div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Lexus "December to Remember" Sales Event (1999)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S8DkQdeiFD8" width="320" youtube-src-id="S8DkQdeiFD8"></iframe></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Of the many car commercials we used to see around Christmas time, yes, even those blasted Pomplamoose ones, nothing sticks out in my mind like the Lexus December to Remember Sales Event. </div><div><br /></div><div>This promotion has been ongoing for decades now, and the commercials have always been pretty absurd. I don't know about your family, but there is no way I could buy a car without my wife knowing. Let alone get it to the house on Christmas Eve, wrap it in a giant bow, and shock her Christmas morning with it in the driveway. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then there were always those commercials where someone took one of the basic SUV's or sedans through a snow-covered winding road in the middle of the blizzard. I've driven in those cars; there is no way they'd handle that well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Based on this ad campaign, there's even been a slew of memes and jokes on the interwebs in the past few years.</div><div><br /></div><div>These commercials are engrained in my memory, and I don't consider it the Christmas season until I see a car commercial. Even better if it's Lexus!</div></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-89640915744818931862023-12-08T06:00:00.056-05:002023-12-08T06:00:00.133-05:00Retro RePost: Christmas on Classic Sitcoms<div style="text-align: left;">As we approach Christmas, I'd like to make this week's "Friday RePost" about three articles I had a lot of fun writing. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAU7EPb_be_MNxFcESWTb4g-hAD8MmstkQNpK7gEPGpFdkMa4V631vgXXwMw-WrvaKgwJJsDydFOmubKuLsEmLSOe_NRrevtQ713wU7Ekf0WmavrXYW6UjX92lUVtPZbSRMvWISDzL01nubpzJ6j7JUswjltYANSbkSD1CFCDV0kCtRNKPoIpmvACo6AG/s810/Season08.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="810" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAU7EPb_be_MNxFcESWTb4g-hAD8MmstkQNpK7gEPGpFdkMa4V631vgXXwMw-WrvaKgwJJsDydFOmubKuLsEmLSOe_NRrevtQ713wU7Ekf0WmavrXYW6UjX92lUVtPZbSRMvWISDzL01nubpzJ6j7JUswjltYANSbkSD1CFCDV0kCtRNKPoIpmvACo6AG/w400-h272/Season08.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Going back to watch the holiday episodes of Home Improvement (2020), Roseanne (2021), and last year's Frasier, I really have a ball rewatching these old episodes. They aren't only funny episodes and sitcom classics, but they remind me of great times gone by. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I vividly remember watching the Home Improvement episodes at home in our living room every year. My whole family looked forward to them, and I really enjoyed watching Tim Taylor make the holidays special for his family in his own outlandish way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Watching the Roseanne episodes reminded me of nights in college as I watched Roseanne reruns in syndication. I was seeing these episodes for the first time, well after the show ended, either as it played in the background hanging in my friend's dorm room or by myself as I fell asleep late at night. I really enjoyed that time period and, as I'm sure it does for you, rewatching these classics reminds me of "the good old days." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last year, I covered the Holidays on Frasier, which was another show I enjoyed watching with my parents once I got a little older. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Frasier has a similarity to this year's chosen classic sitcom, Full House, in that during their very long run on the air, both had minimal coverage of Halloween or Thanksgiving. Frasier, however, featured EIGHT Christmas episodes, while Full House covered the Christmas holiday THREE times. So, an increase in Christmas coverage that I'm excited to bring you later this month. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Until then, please go back and check out my three previous Christmas articles!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2020/12/christmas-on-home-improvement.html">CLICK HERE for Christmas on Home Improvement</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2021/12/christmas-on-roseanne.html">CLICK HERE for Christmas on Roseanne</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2022/12/christmas-on-frasier.html">CLICK HERE for Christmas on Frasier</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-36797843149817019002023-12-04T06:00:00.327-05:002023-12-04T06:00:00.138-05:00This Month In YesterYear History - December<div style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here's your monthly refresher on big pop culture moments from </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">20 </strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(2003), </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">25 </strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(1998), and </span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">30 </strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(1993) years ago! </span></div><div><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQkk0PQYfAFakUJrnoSYMSDwcHJ1vS3rmyR5-xMddQaMIlmqx6K2ECa-G-W-RFRAn5KZFjFhFc4YvzVqrwP7eRxo9eNBv1v2MZ9fgQ0msavuIByghHlZ3xhQp5sKaH8rxmj6s75b_EZgrHoji33Ugkg92XXsANtOHF6vlkGwa5dLJriW_tBZvR0X2-w/s720/popculturereview.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="720" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQkk0PQYfAFakUJrnoSYMSDwcHJ1vS3rmyR5-xMddQaMIlmqx6K2ECa-G-W-RFRAn5KZFjFhFc4YvzVqrwP7eRxo9eNBv1v2MZ9fgQ0msavuIByghHlZ3xhQp5sKaH8rxmj6s75b_EZgrHoji33Ugkg92XXsANtOHF6vlkGwa5dLJriW_tBZvR0X2-w/w400-h228/popculturereview.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Below, you'll find a little time capsule of what was significant in our lives back then. Hopefully, as you read these brief synopses of the past, you'll begin to remember the who, when, and where of your memories from those years. That's why I created this site, after all! </div><div><br /></div></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>POINTS OF REFERENCE</u></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2003: </strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Return of the King," the third installment of the Lord of the Rings series, premiers in New Zealand on the 1st. Hit reality series "The Simple Life" launched Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie into stardom on December 2. On the 10th, 50 Cent and Shania Twain won Best Artists at the 14th annual Billboard Music Awards. Paul Martin became Prime Minister of Canada on December 12. On December 14, the United States announced that Saddam Hussein had been captured during Operation Red Dawn the night before. "Return of the King" debuts in the States, making $72 million opening weekend and eventually becoming the 2nd film to gross over $1 billion. On the 22nd, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit California. Isiah Thomas becomes the President of Basketball Operations of The New York Knicks on the 22nd. On the 25th, Beagle-2, a probe released from the Mars Express Spacecraft, disappears from earth contact shortly before landing. On the 30th, United States Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself from the Plame Affair, which revolved around journalist Robert Novak's public identification of Valerie Plame as a covert CIA operative. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>1998</b>: On the 1st, Exxon made a $73.7 billion deal to purchase Mobil, creating the world's largest company, Exxon-Mobil. On December 6, Hugo Chavez was elected President of Venezuela. Operation "Desert Fox" began when the U.S. and U.K. began bombing targets in Iraq as part of the "disarmament crisis of 1998." On the 18th, "You've Got Mail," the Tom Hanks Meg Ryan film, premiers. It was awfully similar to their other film "Sleepless in Seattle." On the 19th, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Bill Clinton and forward the articles of impeachment to the Senate. I wonder if CNN filmed the ridiculousness of the "walk-over of the documents" as we saw happen live in 2020? On December 31, the European Union froze exchange rates between the Euro and individual member's legacy currency. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1993: </strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">On December 2, St. Louis Blues coach Bob Berry coaches a then record-setting 800th career NHL game in a loss to Toronto 4-2. He had previously coached in Los Angeles, Montreal, and Pittsburgh. The Space Shuttle Endeavor was successfully launched earlier on the 2nd. On the 5th, the astronauts aboard Endeavor begin repairs of the Hubble telescope. On December 7, the "Long Island Rail Road Massacre" occurred when Colin Ferguson murdered 6 and injured 20 more on the Long Island Rail Road in Nassau County, New York. On the 8th, Whitney Houston won big at the 4th annual Billboard Music Awards. On December 10, the pioneer video game "Doom" was uploaded to the internet for the first time. Iconic classic-rock New York radio station Q 104 launches on 104.3FM, replacing WNCN's classical format. On the 14th, Tom Hanks' movie "Philadelphia" premiers. On December 15, Lee Aspen resigned as Bill Clinton's Defense Secretary. On December 16, Shannon Doherty was fired from Beverly Hills: 90210. On the 18th, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas opens as the (then) world's largest casino/hotel. Ace of Base released their song "The Sign" on December 21. On December 28, the Dow Jones hit a new record high for the 5th time during December 1993. December 29 sees Courtney Love sued her medical team for releasing information about methadone treatment. The Vatican officially recognizes Israel. On New Year's Eve, Barbara Streisand performed her first concert in 20 years in front of a sold-out crowd of over 25,000 at the brand-new MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">TOP MOVIES</span></u></b></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zckJCxYxn1g" width="320" youtube-src-id="zckJCxYxn1g"></iframe></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>2003: "Lord of the Rings - Return of the King" - </b> This epic fantasy adventure film was directed by Peter Jackson based on a screenplay by himself, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens. The film was based on "The Return of the King," the 1955 third installment in the novel The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. </span><span style="color: #0e101a;">It was a sequel to 2002's "The Two Towers," and is the final installment in the trilogy, and was filmed concurrently with the other two parts of the trilogy in Jackson's native New Zealand. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film premiered on December 1, 2003, in New Zealand and was released on December 17 in the United States. Acclaimed by critics and audiences, it is considered a landmark in filmmaking and for the fantasy film genre praised for its visual effects, performances, action sequences, direction, screenplay, musical score, costume design, emotional depth, and scope. It grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2003, the second highest-grossing film of all time at the time of release, and the highest-grossing film ever released by New Line Cinema.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Like the previous films in the trilogy, The Return of the King is widely recognized as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made. The film received numerous accolades; at the 76th Academy Awards, it won all eleven awards for which it was nominated, including Best Picture, the first fantasy film to do so. It tied 1959's Ben-Hur and 1997's Titanic as the movie with the most Academy Award wins. It also became the second film series whose entries won Best Visual Effects after the original Star Wars trilogy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mE35XQFxbeo" width="320" youtube-src-id="mE35XQFxbeo"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1998: "A Bug's Life" -</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <b> </b>This computer-animated comedy film by Pixar Animation and Walt Disney Pictures was the second feature-length film for the partnership, following 1995's Toy Story. </span><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film stars the voices of Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Hayden Panettiere. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">In the film, a misfit ant named Flik looks for "tough warriors" to save his ant colony from a protection racket run by a gang of grasshoppers. Unfortunately, the "warriors" he brings back turn out to be an inept troupe of Circus Bugs. Aesop's fable The Ant and the Grasshopper initially inspired the film's plot.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Production for the film began immediately following the release of Toy Story in 1995. The ants were redesigned to be more appealing than the somewhat jarring characters featured in a parallel production by Dreamworks called Antz that was released earlier in the year. These two films caused a controversial public feud between Steve Jobs and Pixar and DreamWork's co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">A Bug's Life received positive reviews and grossed $363 million at the box office. It was the first film digitally transferred frame-by-frame and released on DVD. A 4-D "attraction" in the Tree of Life at Disney World's Animal Kingdom called "It's Tough to be a Bug" featured the "stars" of the movie since 1998 (and in Disney's California Adventure since 2001.) The "It's Tough to be a Bug!" attraction closed in California in 2018. In September 2023, it was announced that the Orlando version would be closing at some point in the future, replaced by a similar attraction based on the newer Pixar film "Zootopia." </span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3euGQ7-brs4" width="320" youtube-src-id="3euGQ7-brs4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b>1993: "Mrs. Doubtfire" - </b>This is easily one of my Top 15 or 20 favorite films of all time, and I'm glad we finally get to discuss it. I don't think any kid who grew up in the 90s like I did that didn't watch Mrs. Doubtfire over and over again.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Mrs. Doubtfire is a comedy-drama film directed by Chris Columbus (Home Alone). It was based on the 1987 novel Alias Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine. Robin Williams, who also was listed as a producer, starred with Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, and Robert Prosky. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The movie follows a recently divorced actor who disguises himself as an elderly female housekeeper to be able to interact with his children. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film was released Thanksgiving weekend in 1993 and won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Comedy. Robin Williams was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Actor. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The film grossed $441.3 million off a $25 million budget, making it the second highest-grossing film of 1993. Although the film received mixed reviews upon release, its reception and popularity have improved considerably. It is 67th in the American Film Institute's "100 Years...100 laughs" list. It appears on Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies of All Time" list at number 40. </span></div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>TOP SONGS</u></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2003: "Hey Ya!" by Outkast</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PWgvGjAhvIw" width="320" youtube-src-id="PWgvGjAhvIw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>1998: "I'm Your Angel" by Celine Dion featuring R. Kelly</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qnuwuk4cVbg" width="320" youtube-src-id="Qnuwuk4cVbg"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>1993: "Hero" by Mariah Carey</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0IA3ZvCkRkQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="0IA3ZvCkRkQ"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>TOP TV NEWS</u></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2003: </strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">December 2 - </strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Celebrity Poker Showdown (Bravo), The Simple Life (Fox), and The Tracy Morgan Show (NBC) make their debut on television.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">December 3 - </strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Extreme Makeover: Home Edition debuts on ABC. Move that bus!</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">On December 20 - </strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">During an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets, former Jets quarterback Joe Namath twice stated he wanted to kiss ESPN's Suzy Kolber and couldn't care less about the team "strugg-a-ling" as he cozied up beside her. Namath later apologized and blamed the incident on intoxication. He would later enter outpatient alcoholism treatment. Oh, Joe.</span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The terrible made-for-tv "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Part 2" debuted on the same day on NBC. </span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div></div></div><div><b>1998: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>December 1 - </b>Comedy Central Presents debuts on Comedy Central. I spent A LOT of time watching this stand-up comedy show when I was in middle and high school. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>December 20 - </b>The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo, a hit kid's mystery show on Nickelodeon, comes to a close after four seasons.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1993: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>December 3 - </b>The Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon airs its last episode. This show only lasted two seasons but had a lasting impact on many kids who loved Saturday morning cartoons.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>December 18 - </b>CBS loses the rights to broadcast NFL games to FOX, who paid a record $1.58 billion for the next four years. This was significantly more than CBS's offer of only $290 million.</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-28784649688061013752023-11-27T06:00:00.344-05:002023-11-27T06:27:19.940-05:00Airlines of YesterYear: Vanguard Airlines<div style="text-align: left;"><div>I've written about a few airlines here on YesterYear, such as Spirit Airlines, Kiwi Air, Business Express, AccessAir, and, most recently, National Airlines of Las Vegas. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a continuing series here on YesterYear where I try to honor some of the forgotten or lesser-known airlines that have flown off into the sunset. I'm also working towards covering the airlines featured in an article from Arthur Frommer's <i>Budget Travel</i> magazine that helped inspire me to choose this crazy industry for a career. The article called "Update on the Upstarts" covered "nine, feisty, in-your-face airlines." Eventually, once they are all (or mostly) covered, I plan to provide an "update" on the "Update on the Upstarts." </div><div><br /></div><div>Today, we'll look back at the brief life of a 1990s "upstart" airline based in Kansas City, Missouri, <b><i>Vanguard Airlines. </i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWe4gJD93v1ziyl77pcZAJKM9slMwZYSm355UIOE0f9ut3duvwP7w6hREVzovUp0CDfGelWfdla2DlXNm157rHtKYGVsPfAHQp2qudNjtcWUD1BF-Mrx4nIfMRy0msaXbRTLp9w7VM6ECkLXyqI3t5iB_lCQ-UxxazGqn18qkxSxJA_VBtmZoxBtojt6p/s392/737-200.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="392" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWe4gJD93v1ziyl77pcZAJKM9slMwZYSm355UIOE0f9ut3duvwP7w6hREVzovUp0CDfGelWfdla2DlXNm157rHtKYGVsPfAHQp2qudNjtcWUD1BF-Mrx4nIfMRy0msaXbRTLp9w7VM6ECkLXyqI3t5iB_lCQ-UxxazGqn18qkxSxJA_VBtmZoxBtojt6p/w400-h215/737-200.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></b></div><div>At the turn of the century, I was close to graduating high school, getting ready for college, and choosing a career. My career path was chosen from early childhood, honestly. I always wanted to fly like Superman, but airplanes became the next best thing when I realized that was impossible. As I got closer to entering the workforce, I closely followed the development of several of the "upstart" airlines that began popping up nationwide during that time. These airlines fought uphill battles from the get-go, and hardly any are still in business today. In their original form, anyway. </div><div><br /></div><div>Why was I especially interested in following Vanguard Airlines? Well, after reading about them in the Budget Travel article, my Mother took a flight on them to a speaking engagement at a convention! I was very excited for her, and I'm sure afterward, asked her a million questions in great detail about the flight. Sorry, Mom, for overlooking your big event in favor of a plane ride. </div><div><br /></div><div>Originally planned to be a Midwestern-focused low-cost/low-fare airline, Vanguard planned to undercut the costs of the major airlines and charge lower fares to gain a customer base. Fares as low as $29 each way ($52 in 2023 money) were the standard, and sale fares were often marked down to as low as $10. </div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, when Vanguard began operations and entered several markets, the major carriers had learned how to deal with such low-cost competition. They simply lowered their own fares on competing routes, being able to offset any losses from their much larger route structure where they could charge higher fares. This tactic made it nearly impossible for an up-start airline like Vanguard to succeed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Vanguard began operations in 1994, based in Kansas City, Missouri.</div><div><br /></div><div>By early 1995, Vanguard operated scheduled service between Kansas City and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Salt Lake City, Utah (via a stop in Denver, Colorado.) These flights initially operated with Boeing 737-200 jets configured in an all-coach passenger cabin. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the summer of 1995, Vanguard added flights from Kansas City to Des Moines, Iowa, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, and Wichita, Nebraska. It also began operating several point-to-point flights (flights not to/from a hub) between Minneapolis and Chicago's Midway Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth to Denver. Vanguard ceased service to Milwaukee by the fall of 1995. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaVqoQ2stHVWsvnL3glnfhDng53grSGFkB9DpzpfufpRaUf0_Fku5PwKtktXVNXq9ITCcpn0sAVOjEEtP-3DRoGT-jPy-u9eTVW4idOwnZYZovK3seec7j2L0k-xNZUMi8hvuqgbIr8049c8x4HfryFd8mOeejGDRmVjHF_7K0PS0anHfGzXVCeIdXUZ4/s1024/August95.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="441" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaVqoQ2stHVWsvnL3glnfhDng53grSGFkB9DpzpfufpRaUf0_Fku5PwKtktXVNXq9ITCcpn0sAVOjEEtP-3DRoGT-jPy-u9eTVW4idOwnZYZovK3seec7j2L0k-xNZUMi8hvuqgbIr8049c8x4HfryFd8mOeejGDRmVjHF_7K0PS0anHfGzXVCeIdXUZ4/s320/August95.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A year later, during the summer of 1996, Vanguard added routes between Kansas City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. That same summer, the airline began operating a small hub from Wichita, launching service to Chicago's Midway, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Denver, in addition to its regular service to Kansas City.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX41pwWE_yd5HP_VXLfzwtIcCf93x9QxWPMnNdfq25UAN0ewkaPMwtGZR1V2lJHPH90RRx0p3BdempPUyvQmCWe8ZiFKTXMcZOsCjJvvvcsTk-C5eljjEgR5T1TX8hGFgcLQno9w184zKRH545BtLGltkdsa41LShaBAeeYOZ8gk48I9LJzhjdl7b7MVWE/s800/1996%20Route%20Map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="800" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX41pwWE_yd5HP_VXLfzwtIcCf93x9QxWPMnNdfq25UAN0ewkaPMwtGZR1V2lJHPH90RRx0p3BdempPUyvQmCWe8ZiFKTXMcZOsCjJvvvcsTk-C5eljjEgR5T1TX8hGFgcLQno9w184zKRH545BtLGltkdsa41LShaBAeeYOZ8gk48I9LJzhjdl7b7MVWE/w400-h263/1996%20Route%20Map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>That winter, Vanguard discontinued service to Salt Lake City but added several more airports to the route map. Vanguard had begun flying to Atlanta, Georgia, Las Vegas, Nevada, and four cities in Florida: Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. </div><div><br /></div><div>By mid-1997, Vanguard celebrated its launch of daily nonstop flights between Kansas City and New York City (JFK Airport) while at the same time ending service to Des Moines, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Wichita, and all four destinations in Florida. </div><div><br /></div><div>The airline made more moves later that year, searching for any market that would generate revenue. It added flights between Kansas City and Washington D.C.'s Dulles International as well as Chicago's Midway to Pittsburgh. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7szlxfSYXmc9vUJlfw2fZG1-CW_vNcMjeqURic5cebLmxintd7l1mRZ7EoNmz547eit-9N5h1Eok86X0iFWIeLFGRAMt6bbiUlfTlDzdwGYCdtBvy_cTbjTbuwzyow_VaGZTmd_vlufk2WpoLS5hc3dnXEhj_RnL7gKXUaE4AyVLdRSMzLe374vTkktq8/s396/Vanguard737.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="396" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7szlxfSYXmc9vUJlfw2fZG1-CW_vNcMjeqURic5cebLmxintd7l1mRZ7EoNmz547eit-9N5h1Eok86X0iFWIeLFGRAMt6bbiUlfTlDzdwGYCdtBvy_cTbjTbuwzyow_VaGZTmd_vlufk2WpoLS5hc3dnXEhj_RnL7gKXUaE4AyVLdRSMzLe374vTkktq8/w400-h225/Vanguard737.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the spring of 1998, Myrtle Beach was served from Atlanta with connections to Kansas City. Months later, the airline dropped service to both New York City and San Francisco. </div><div><br /></div><div>The following summer, Vanguard opened a small hub at Chicago's Midway, providing service to Buffalo, New York, Cincinnati, Ohio, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>In 2000, after the turn of the century, the airline began a new promotion to change itself from a "discount" airline to a more financially sustainable "low-cost" carrier. This type of airline has lower costs than the legacy carriers but can compete on more than just price. Extra legroom, frequent flier programs, better customer service, and on-time operational performance were used to entice new customers. </div><div><br /></div><div>The "new and improved" Vanguard worked for a time, and the airline saw significant improvements in financial performance. That year, with renewed customer enthusiasm and a better operation, they began serving New York City again, this time via La Guardia. They also added service to New Orleans, Louisiana, and introduced nonstop service between Chicago and Denver. Cincinnati and the seasonal service to Myrtle Beach and Buffalo were dropped from the route system. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>The summer of 2001 saw the best growth and financial performance the airline had ever achieved, but the September 11, 2001 terror attacks changed the airline's trajectory. By October, the airline had cut 20% of its staff. Full-time employees were cut to 32 hours per week. The executive suite took a 25% pay cut as the airline struggled to compete in a market that saw nearly empty planes flying schedules reduced by more than a third.</div><div><br /></div><div>On September 11, 2001, the entire day quickly became chaos for any airline operation. Airplanes, crew, and passengers were stranded all over the country, many in airports that the airline didn't even fly to. The skies over America were empty for two or three days, save for a few small "emergency" flights authorized by the government. Some airline historians consider Vanguard the first airline to begin regular commercial flights once the skies were reopened, but several other airlines also claim to be the first. The truth is a little muddy 20 years later for such a trivial fact. </div><div><br /></div><div>According to Vanguard internal documents, the first occurred on the evening of September 13 from Kansas City to Chicago's Midway. Many other carriers did not start service until the 14th or 15th as they worked to get crew and passengers back on schedule. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the immediate aftermath, poor ticket sales caused the airline to scale back all routes from its Chicago operation except for Kansas City.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite this, in an attempt to drive revenue, by the end of 2001, Vanguard had added Austin, Texas, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to its schedule. They had also resumed service to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. </div><div><br /></div><div>The airline also introduced a new logo and paint scheme during this time, attempting to catch the eye of the flying customer. Very similar to the old Braniff International "Flying Colors" concept, this paint scheme was adopted to coincide with the introduction of the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series of aircraft that joined the airline. Each new aircraft was painted with a different color in the new scheme.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwU3SsfnM47d0A-DTkZ3A0G-zKtOykCw8Ghy4qDBtDHzVhhKz07PUnESuusrsEA_8emIMH8-okeRORGj3FBU5EjJEgHUN-GqcTmUvXM60dEdtB8GmoGOtSBjqGdHS7JPptYGNcvOA50B_w40X4KnNq9CZe2LH668s5HjEm-gUMFaOQ4SDxMyd0Dl3xqPK/s1200/new_paint_md80.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1200" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwU3SsfnM47d0A-DTkZ3A0G-zKtOykCw8Ghy4qDBtDHzVhhKz07PUnESuusrsEA_8emIMH8-okeRORGj3FBU5EjJEgHUN-GqcTmUvXM60dEdtB8GmoGOtSBjqGdHS7JPptYGNcvOA50B_w40X4KnNq9CZe2LH668s5HjEm-gUMFaOQ4SDxMyd0Dl3xqPK/w400-h270/new_paint_md80.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new colors concept on an MD80 aircraft. Each plane featured a different color, such as purple, depicted above, or other colors like red, green, or blue.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The airline may have had a new look, but another self-inflicted wound would ultimately cost the airline everything. A plan in the works before 9-11 saw the airline change its reservation system from Open Skies brand software to SABRE. SABRE is an airline software that is notoriously complex and not very user-friendly, and this move cost the airline millions of dollars. </div><div><br /></div><div>SABRE not only ran the ticketing reservations but also provided for flight crew and aircraft tracking, as well as several other back-end functions. Being unable to make a smooth transition hindered the airline's day-to-day operation in lost ticket sales, mixed-up reservations, flight delays, and cancellations. This cost them customer confidence and, ultimately, financially. </div><div><br /></div><div>On at least three reported meetings of executives, the CEO Scott Dickson and Marketing Director Greg Aretakis concluded that the transformation to SABRE absolutely must succeed, or at that would be the airline's demise. Daily revenue records showed a marked increase in overall sales, but difficulties in adopting SABRE overshadowed the successful sales increases. </div><div><br /></div></div><div>The money that the Federal government provided Vanguard after the 9/11 terrorist attacks offered a new lease on life. It allowed for a few months of reorganization and planning. The internet ticket "hot deals" kept the airline above water for several months, and the hopes of future additional funding from the government's "Air Transportation Stabilization Board" kept a positive outlook among Vanguard's employees. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>At the end of 2021, the airline reported a net loss of $29 million, blamed on 9-11 and the transition to SABRE. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>In December 2001, the carrier applied for $55 million of backing on a $60 million loan, then changed it to $13.5 million on a $15 million loan. That was rejected on May 28, and Vanguard then asked for $35 million of backing on a $40 million loan. It reduced the $40 million figure to $8 million by July 2002, which was also rejected. </div><div><br /></div><div>The loans were ultimately refused because "the airline did not provide a reasonable assurance that Vanguard could repay the loan." </div><div><br /></div><div>The summer of 2002 was terrible for nearly every airline but even worse for Vanguard. While waiting to hear about additional funding from the government (that would eventually be denied in July), the operational performance continued to improve to pre-9/11 summer of 2001 levels. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, the airline was still anchored with $80 million in debt. As credit card processors grew increasingly nervous about increasing bookings at Vanguard while the operation faltered, they required significant assurances they would not lose their money if the airline failed. </div><div><br /></div><div>CEO Scott Dickson wrote in his memoir that these processing companies required bonds of 125% of sales to continue processing customers' credit cards. Because of this, as each ticket was sold, the airline lost money. The financial situation was unsustainable, and the airline ceased operations on July 29, 2002. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the time of closure, Vanguard operated 70 flights to and from 18 cities with 14 aircraft. When operations ended, <a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2023/06/airlines-of-yesteryear-national.html">National</a> and Frontier Airlines quickly offered to take Vanguard passengers on their aircraft on a space-available basis. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not long after declaring bankruptcy, Rober H. Brooks, owner of Hooters restaurants and PACE Aviation (which would later become Hooters Air), attempted to purchase the airline. The bankruptcy courts rejected his offer, and Vanguard Airlines was set to be liquidated. Its headquarters in Kansas City would become the temporary offices of the Transportation Security Administration of Kansas City. The building is now home to Entercom Radio.</div><div><br /></div><div>The airline operated Boeing 737-200 and 300 variants throughout its existence, along with Boeing 727-200s leased from Falcon Air Express and TransMeridian Airlines. The airline flew four different McDonnell Douglas MD-80 variants in the final years. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>The airline had been a publically traded company for six years but was not profitable once. Shares traded as high as $287 in 1996 and on the close of business the day before it filed bankruptcy, shares traded at only 25 cents. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>At the time, several industry "experts" seemed to enjoy Vanguard's demise. Darryl Jenkins, then director of the Aviation Institute of George Washington University, claimed, "If they went out of business, nobody would miss them. It's ridiculous for them to blame their problems on the stabilization board. Their problems existed before 9/11." While that may be true, claiming nobody would miss them disregards the customers stranded without flights and the employees on the unemployment line in a downturned economy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Michael Levine, a former airline executive who teaches government regulation at Yale, had a more direct approach when he said, "If they had a credible business plan, they would have gotten the financing." He also said it was reasonable for the banks to look at the government's rejection as a sure sign they weren't credit-worthy. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>While it may have only flown for 8 years, the airline certainly left its mark on the industry. In many markets that it entered, major airlines like American or Delta would frequently take losses on flights by lowering their airfare to match Vanguard's. </div><div><br /></div><div>Vanguard will also be remembered as one of the first, if not a leading pioneer, in bringing full-size jets to smaller regional cities. During the 1990 regional jet boom, a CRJ-200 regional jet was a notable improvement over flying on a turbo-propeller-driven Beech 1900. When Vanguard entered the market, their Boeing 737 was a much-welcome improvement in customer satisfaction. This may be commonplace today, but it was noticeable to travelers over 20 years ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>Vanguard offered e-ticketing and online reservations well ahead of most other low-cost airlines. The airline's ridiculously low fares provided the customer better service than today's low-cost carriers, like Frontier or Spirit. While extra legroom was still the norm back then, and baggage fees were still unheard of, Vanguard's tickets were as cheap as riding on Greyhound. This was a welcome sight to college students, families on vacation, and small business owners. <br /><br /></div><div>Despite its faults, Vanguard Airlines will be most often remembered as simple, efficient, and friendly.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-78912192129838265922023-11-22T06:00:00.022-05:002023-12-20T18:04:58.626-05:00The 2023 Christmas Classics Television Guide<div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PT0wJ84yNlhJ6e1U_QkHJCvoOdVfCxuA-y91swWh8qDWDf4b2gRHmY6QeOR_uZUQS9Uy270KcNxho40UxTLga4MNNwBNaEwQMeI6mj9DDe4jyou3V7lFSpSrIPK9TTx0jIfvvvS-x6549Dn7tLx2YrLdUx0qUeNfScdb8dTjLDlfmLNS9Uwn2uOR3Z-B/s1000/Christmas-Wreath-Flat-3.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PT0wJ84yNlhJ6e1U_QkHJCvoOdVfCxuA-y91swWh8qDWDf4b2gRHmY6QeOR_uZUQS9Uy270KcNxho40UxTLga4MNNwBNaEwQMeI6mj9DDe4jyou3V7lFSpSrIPK9TTx0jIfvvvS-x6549Dn7tLx2YrLdUx0qUeNfScdb8dTjLDlfmLNS9Uwn2uOR3Z-B/w200-h200/Christmas-Wreath-Flat-3.png" width="200" /></a></div></b></div><div><b>Here is The YesterYear Retro Christmas Classics TV Guide for 2023! </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a list of what I consider the best television of the holiday season. I'm adding the list here as a regular post, but from now on, you'll find it on the top menu bar (or click the 3 lines if you're on mobile.) You can always just bookmark this page and keep checking back, too! </div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously, this schedule is subject to change (and I'll keep updating as we go), but as of the time of posting, below is what is officially listed as per TV Guide and the individual network websites.</div><div><br /></div><div>All times listed are <b>Eastern. </b></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Like every other year, I also <b>BOLDED</b> in <span style="color: red;"><b>RED</b></span> what I consider the "can't miss" items, such as the once-a-year airings of Wizard of Oz or It's a Wonderful Life. Some are repeated so much that the whole list would be red, so I highlighted them only on their first few showings, but of course, watch when you can! If you feel something I didn't consider should be red, please comment below! I'd love to hear about your traditional "required" viewing.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Items Of Note for 2023:</b></div><div><b> </b></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-weight: bold;">"A Charlie Brown Christmas"</span><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"> </span>will not air on network TV again this year. It is only available on Apple TV+ but will be made available free to non-subscribers ONLY on Dec 16th and 17th. <b> </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">FreeForm's "25 Days of Christmas"</span> </b>begins on December 1st! Between Halloween and Christmas, Freeform easily has some of my favorite marathons!</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">"The Wizard of Oz"</span> </b>airs on TBS on Thanksgiving (Nov 23) at 8PM. It will also air the day after, November 24, at 5:45PM. It will air on TBS in December on the 10th at 12:15PM, the 11th at 8:00PM & 10:15PM, the 16th at 8:00PM, and on Christmas Day (Dec 25) at 8:00PM & 10:15PM following the Christmas Story marathon.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">"It's a Wonderful Life"</span> </b>airs on NBC on Christmas Eve (Dec 24) at 8:00PM.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">"A Christmas Story"</span> </b>marathon is again on TBS *AND* TNT this year! It begins at 8 PM on TBS and 9 PM on TNT on Christmas Eve. Final showings air at 6 PM on Christmas Day on TBS and 7 PM on TNT.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">"Elf"</span> </b>celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a marathon on TBS on November 24th and 25th starting at 8:00PM on the 24th.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Wednesday, December 20:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><div>7:00am – Eloise at Christmastime (Freeform)</div><div>11:00am – The Santa Clause (1994) (Freeform)</div><div>1:05pm – The Santa Clause 2 (2002) (Freeform)</div><div>3:30pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006) (Freeform)</div><div>5:35pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)(Jim Carrey) (Freeform)</div><div>5:45pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)(Chevy Chase) (AMC)</div><div>8:00pm – Barry Manilow’s A Very Barry Christmas (NBC)</div><div>8:00pm – Elf (2003) (AMC)</div><div>8:15pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) (Freeform)</div><div>9:00pm – Christmas at the Opry (NBC)</div><div>9:20pm – Frosty the Snowman (1969) (Freeform)</div><div>9:55pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970) (Freeform)</div><div>10:00pm – The Polar Express (2004) (AMC)</div><div>12:00am – Home Alone 3 (Freeform)</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Thursday, December 21:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>8:00am – Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999) (Freeform)</div><div>9:30am – Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws (Freeform)</div><div>11:30am – The Search for Santa Paws (Freeform)</div><div>1:30pm – Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups (Freeform)</div><div>3:35pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970, Rankin/Bass) (Freeform)</div><div>4:40pm – Frosty the Snowman (1969, Rankin/Bass) (Freeform)</div><div>5:15pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964, Rankin/Bass) (Freeform)</div><div>6:00pm – Four Christmases (2008) (AMC)</div><div>6:20pm – Home Alone (1990) (Freeform)</div><div>8:00pm – Christmas at Graceland (NBC)</div><div>8:00pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) (AMC)</div><div>8:00pm – Miracle in Bethlehem, PA (2023)(Laura Vandervoort, Benjamin Ayres) (Hallmark Movies)</div><div>8:50pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)(Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci) (Freeform)</div><div>9:00pm – Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas (NBC)</div><div>10:15pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) (AMC)</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Friday, December 22:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div>7:00am – Prep & Landing (Freeform)</div><div>7:30am – Prep & Landing: Naughty vs Nice (Freeform)</div><div>8:00am – Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas (2004) (Freeform)</div><div>10:00am – Home Alone (1990, Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci) (Freeform)</div><div>12:30pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992, Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci) (Freeform)</div><div>4:45pm – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974) (AMC)</div><div>5:15pm – Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (1976) (AMC)</div><div>5:15pm – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)(Benedict Cumberbatch) (Freeform)</div><div>5:45pm – The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974) (AMC)</div><div>7:00pm – The Polar Express (2004, Tom Hanks) (AMC)</div><div>7:15pm – The Santa Clause (1994, Tim Allen) (Freeform)</div><div>8:00pm – The 25th Annual Home for the Holidays (CBS)</div><div>8:00pm – Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (NBC)</div><div>8:00pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) (TBS)</div><div>9:00pm – Fit for Christmas (2022)(Amanda Kloots, Paul Greene) (CBS)</div><div>9:00pm – Elf (2003) (AMC)</div><div>9:25pm – The Santa Clause 2 (2002)(Tim Allen) (Freeform)</div><div>11:00pm – The Polar Express (2004)(Tom Hanks) (AMC)</div><div>11:55pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)(Tim Allen, Martin Short) (Freeform)</div><div>1:00am – Office Christmas Party (2016)(Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston) (TBS)</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><b>Saturday, December 23:</b><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div>10:30am – Miracle on 34th Street (1994)(Elizabeth Perkins) (Freeform)</div><div>1:00pm – Arthur Christmas (2011) (TBS)</div><div>1:05pm – Disney’s A Christmas Carol (2009)(Jim Carrey) (Freeform)</div><div>2:30pm – Fred Claus (2007)(Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti) (AMC)</div><div>3:10pm – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)(Benedict Cumberbatch) (Freeform)</div><div>5:00pm – Four Christmases (2008)(Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon) (AMC)</div><div>5:10pm – Home Alone (1990)(Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci) (Freeform)</div><div>5:45pm – Office Christmas Party (2016) (TNT)</div><div>7:00pm – Elf (2003) (AMC)</div><div>7:30pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) (TBS)</div><div>7:40pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)(Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci) (Freeform)</div><div>8:00pm – A Royal Christmas Holiday (2023)(Brittany Underwood, Jonathan Stoddard) (GA Family)</div><div>8:00pm – Mom’s Christmas Boyfriend (2023) (Lifetime)</div><div>8:00pm – Deck the Halls (2006)(Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick) (TBS)</div><div>9:00pm – A Saturday Night Live Christmas Special (NBC)</div><div>9:00pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989, Chevy Chase) (AMC)</div><div>10:00pm – 8-Bit Christmas (2021)(Winslow Fegley, Neil Patrick Harris, Steve Zahn) (TNT)</div><div>10:07pm – Office Christmas Party (2016)(Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston) (TBS)</div><div>10:20pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)(Jim Carrey) (Freeform)</div><div>11:15pm – Christmas with the Kranks (2004)(Jamie Lee Curtis, Tim Allen) (AMC)</div><div>12:22am – Deck the Halls (2006)(Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick) (TBS)</div><div><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sunday, December 24:</b><br /><div><br /></div><div>8:45am – White Christmas (1954)(Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye) (AMC)</div><div>9:05am – Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas (2004) (Freeform)</div><div>10:35am – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)(Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci) (Freeform)</div><div>11:30am – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976) (AMC)</div><div>12:45pm – Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (1976) (AMC)</div><div>1:15pm – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974) (AMC)</div><div>1:15pm – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) (Freeform)</div><div>1:45pm – The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974) (AMC)</div><div>2:30pm – Office Christmas Party (2016, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston) (TNT)</div><div>2:55pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)(Jim Carrey) (Freeform)</div><div>3:00pm – The Polar Express (2004) (AMC)</div><div>4:42pm – Deck the Halls (2006) (TNT)</div><div>5:00pm – Christmas with the Kranks (2004) (AMC)</div><div>5:35pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) (Freeform)</div><div>6:40pm – Frosty the Snowman (1969) (Freeform)</div><div><b><span style="color: red;">6:45pm – 8-Bit Christmas (2021, Winslow Fegley, Neil Patrick Harris, Steve Zahn) (TNT)</span></b></div><div>7:00pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)(Chevy Chase) (AMC)</div><div>7:00pm – A Christmas Letter (2023)(Colin Mochrie, David Lipper) (UPtv)</div><div>7:15pm – The Santa Clause (1994)(Tim Allen) (Freeform)</div><div><b><span style="color: red;">8:00pm – It’s a Wonderful Life (1946, Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed) (NBC)</span></b></div><div>8:00pm – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TBS)</div><div>9:00pm – When Christmas Was Young (2022, Tyler Hilton, Karen David) (CBS)</div><div>9:00pm – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TNT)</div><div>9:15pm – Elf (2003) (AMC)</div><div>9:25pm – The Santa Clause 2 (2002)(Tim Allen) (Freeform)</div><div>10:00pm – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TBS)</div><div>11:00pm – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TNT)</div><div>11:15pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)(Chevy Chase) (AMC)</div><div>11:30pm – Christmas Eve Mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome (NBC)</div><div>11:55pm – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)(Tim Allen, Martin Short) (Freeform)</div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">12:00am – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TBS)</span></div><div>1:00am – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TNT)</div><div>1:30am – Four Christmases (2008)(Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon) (AMC)</div><div>2:00am – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TBS)</div><div>3:00am – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TNT)</div><div>4:00am – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TBS)</div><div><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Monday, December 25: <span style="color: #38761d;">Merry Christmas, everyone!</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><br /></div><div>5:00am – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TNT)</div><div>6:00am – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TBS)</div><div>7:00am – Disney’s A Christmas Carol (2009)(Jim Carrey) (Freeform)</div><div>7:00am – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TNT)</div><div>7:30am – Fred Claus (2007)(Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti) (AMC)</div><div>8:00am – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TBS)</div><div>9:00am – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TNT)</div><div>10:00am – Four Christmases (2008)(Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon) (AMC)</div><div>10:00am – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TBS)</div><div>10:30am – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970) (Freeform)</div><div>11:00am – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TNT)</div><div>11:30am – The Santa Clause (1994)(Tim Allen) (Freeform)</div><div>12:00pm – The Polar Express (2004)(Tom Hanks) (AMC)</div><div>12:00pm – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TBS)</div><div>1:00pm – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TNT)</div><div>1:30pm – The Santa Clause 2 (2002)(Tim Allen) (Freeform)</div><div>2:00pm – Christmas with the Kranks (2004)(Jamie Lee Curtis, Tim Allen) (AMC)</div><div>2:00pm – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TBS)</div><div>3:00pm – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TNT)</div><div>3:30pm – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) (Freeform)</div><div>4:00pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) (AMC)</div><div>4:00pm – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TBS)</div><div>4:30pm – Frosty the Snowman (1969) (Freeform)</div><div>5:00pm – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970) (Freeform)</div><div>5:00pm – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TNT)</div><div>6:00pm – Home Alone (1990)(Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci) (Freeform)</div><div>6:00pm – A Christmas Story (1983, Peter Billingsley) (TBS)</div><div>6:15pm – Elf (2003) (AMC)</div><div>8:00pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966, Boris Karloff) (NBC)</div><div><b><span style="color: red;">8:00pm – The Wizard of Oz (1939, Judy Garland) (TBS)</span></b></div><div>8:15pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)(Chevy Chase) (AMC)</div><div>8:30pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)(Jim Carrey) (NBC)</div><div>8:30pm – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)(Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci) (Freeform)</div><div>9:00pm – Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to All! (CBS)</div><div>9:00pm – A Christmas Story Christmas (2022, Peter Billingsley) (TNT)</div><div>10:15pm – The Wizard of Oz (1939)(Judy Garland) (TBS)</div><div>10:30pm – Elf (2003) (AMC)</div><div>11:15pm – Deck the Halls (2006) (TNT)</div><div>12:00am – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006) (Freeform)</div><div>12:30am – Fred Claus (2007) (AMC)</div><div><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tuesday, December 26:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div>4:00pm – Four Christmases (2008) (AMC)</div><div>5:45pm – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) (AMC)</div><div>8:00pm – Elf (2003) (AMC)</div><div>10:00pm – Christmas with the Kranks (2004) (AMC)</div><div><br /></div>Wednesday, December 27:<br />Thursday, December 28:<br />Friday, December 29:<br />Saturday, December 30:<br /><b>Sunday, December 31:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div>7:30pm – New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash (CBS)</div><div>10:30pm – New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash (CBS)</div></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-2226924581442184272023-11-20T06:00:00.820-05:002023-11-20T06:00:00.170-05:00Thanksgiving on Full House<div style="text-align: left;"><div>When writing "Halloween on Full House," it quickly became apparent that the classic sitcom didn't focus much on Halloween. That took me by surprise because, after all, Full House was always about celebrating the "typical average American family." One thing that definitely seems like something the "typical American family" would do is celebrate Halloween every year. </div><div><br /></div><div>After posting that article, I immediately wondered how the series handled Thanksgiving. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate family and togetherness, and most families celebrate with large dinners complete with jokes, laughter, and family fun. That's why I was again so surprised that there was only ONE episode during the eight-season run where we saw the Tanner family celebrate Thanksgiving! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilO6SRT4olUFyfnbOIfR15tBx0Vx3wUy-TflmHhqCujDv6A-U4zMu7-SLw_3ZA1s8qdgJyMWMIgXxKwQZU3zoAXsge8lD34llGNxmG06ORHXDaOb9PjbG6JGZELcD-7FdNE1FU2cahYIojugfnP0Ke_5-VdBxwL3T8Gdojb9svbsgD53EUCEzZge2NnRzJ/s801/TitlePhoto.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="801" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilO6SRT4olUFyfnbOIfR15tBx0Vx3wUy-TflmHhqCujDv6A-U4zMu7-SLw_3ZA1s8qdgJyMWMIgXxKwQZU3zoAXsge8lD34llGNxmG06ORHXDaOb9PjbG6JGZELcD-7FdNE1FU2cahYIojugfnP0Ke_5-VdBxwL3T8Gdojb9svbsgD53EUCEzZge2NnRzJ/w400-h305/TitlePhoto.png" width="400" /></a></div><div>Full House may not have gone all out for Thanksgiving every year like Roseanne or Home Improvement may have, but continuing the "Holidays on Full House" series, we'll see how they covered Thanksgiving in their very first season. </div><div><br /></div><div>Similar to what we've found with the other "Holidays On..." series (Home Improvement, Roseanne, and Frasier), the earlier seasons typically covered the holidays more frequently than they did in their later years. Holidays are a great way to develop characters and establish specific long-term story arcs. Holidays are also pretty universal stories that almost anyone can relate to, whereas, in the later seasons, the series and characters have already been developed and do not need to rely on a more "basic" holiday story. </div><div><br /></div><div>Like any good host on Turkey Day, I want to send you home with a full belly and some leftovers, so since there was only one Thanksgiving episode, as a bonus, I'm including an episode of the Netflix sequel series "Fuller House" that really hits on Thanksgiving. </div><div><br /></div><div>Although the series was set in San Francisco, the show was filmed at the Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles. Except for a few scenes in the opening sequence, the only episode to have actually been taped in San Francisco was Season Eight's "Comet's Excellent Adventure," where there are several scenes of the girls chasing Comet (the dog) through the streets of San Francisco. Only a handful of the 192 episodes are not filmed in the Los Angeles studio, including my favorite episodes when the family visits Disney World in Orlando, Florida, for the two-part sixth-season finale called "The House Meets the Mouse." </div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of the opening sequence, the show's theme song, "Everywhere You Look," was performed by Jesse Frederick, who co-wrote the song with Bennet Salvay and Full House's creator, Jeff Franklin. Over the years, several instrumental versions of the theme song were used for the closing credits. The version between seasons four and eight was also used in the opening credits during early syndication runs. Seasons One through Five used a much longer version of the theme song than in later years, which was shortened as much as possible to allow for more episode storytelling.</div><div><br /></div><div>The song was altered for syndication, with the original line "How did I get to livin' here, somebody tell me please," with "you miss your old familiar friends, waiting just around the bend." When ABC Family acquired the rights to air the series in 2003, it became the first network to air the longer version of the theme song since the original ABC run, while the Hallmark Channel ran with four different versions of the opening credits, including the full version.</div><div><br /></div><div>For Fuller House on Netflix, the theme song was rewritten in some spots and performed by pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen. </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the years, Full House ran on several different television networks. </div><div><br /></div><div>After its original debut on ABC during TGIF, Warner Bros. Television Distribution began handling the domestic and international syndication rights. During the summer of 1991, reruns began airing in a daily daytime spot on NBC. In September of the same year, for the new Fall lineups, Warner Bros began distributing Full House in off-network syndication on various local or regional stations nationwide. The series has also been seen on nationwide cable networks like TBS, Nick at Nite, ABC Family (FreeForm), Teen Nick (The N), CMT, and the Hallmark Channel. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm sure I missed one or two, as it's run in syndication for nearly THIRTY-FIVE years. It could have easily run on a smaller local station in your neck of the woods. Did I miss one? Leave a comment down below. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 2017, Hulu acquired the streaming rights to Full House, along with fellow TGIF mainstays Family Matters, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Perfect Strangers, Step by Step, Boy Meets World, as well as other ABC/Disney productions Dinosaurs and Home Improvement. </div><div><br /></div><div>In October 2021, Full House began streaming on Max (HBO Max). </div><div><br /></div><div>In early 2022, Full House began airing on the classic television network MeTV and its sister network Catchy Comedy. In late 2022, Full House began airing on the Great American Family (GAF) network. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now that we know where to catch our episodes featuring our favorite family, The Tanners, let's look at the lone Thanksgiving episode and a "bonus" Fuller House episode. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you're concerned about the lack of Halloween or Thanksgiving episodes, fret not, my friends! There are THREE Christmas episodes! But first, let's take a look at Thanksgiving.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's the Tanner family's first Thanksgiving without Pam, and Danny is extra determined to make the day special for his daughters. Danny's mother, Claire, is supposed to fly in from Tacoma, Washington, to help cook the turkey and celebrate with her granddaughters. What happens when ice and snow in Washington cancel her flight? Let's find out! </div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Season One: "The Miracle of Thanksgiving" S1E9, Originally Aired November 20, 1987</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Earlier in this article, I briefly talked about the iconic theme song, and in the Hulu version of this episode, the theme song lasted a full ONE MINUTE and SEVEN seconds. That's pretty long for an introduction, especially compared to today's sitcoms that no longer even use theme songs.</div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhGgxaRZcmE12j07PbnB9xWOPnTu8y0H1ZgUiJYZvOXyHtU1vupnBc8ACMdbXbFKQckQ4BvrLgeLZPd0fvXFEaN5J-rKZg0Jy7pP97RlPryLW5TYGq3uHEThboaDmLj2wV7uy3EOK5wjLyeVZiyRBQmZ39vjEHAg2E8aWDozcYwLw4fPsxD2L_gDWfSiF/s1004/turkeydecoration.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1004" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhGgxaRZcmE12j07PbnB9xWOPnTu8y0H1ZgUiJYZvOXyHtU1vupnBc8ACMdbXbFKQckQ4BvrLgeLZPd0fvXFEaN5J-rKZg0Jy7pP97RlPryLW5TYGq3uHEThboaDmLj2wV7uy3EOK5wjLyeVZiyRBQmZ39vjEHAg2E8aWDozcYwLw4fPsxD2L_gDWfSiF/w400-h306/turkeydecoration.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>After the intro, Danny enters Michelle's bedroom with a weird turkey decoration made out of colorful construction paper and a pine cone. After begging Michelle to impress everyone during dinner by saying "turkey," he brings her into Jesse's room to wake him up. Jesse is supposed to be only 24 years old here, and in a "where did the time go?" moment, so is John Stamos. Being 24, Jesse is still passed out and disheveled, seemingly after another night of partying. He's not happy to be woken up at 7 a.m. on a holiday morning but follows Danny downstairs for an important family meeting. As Jesse stumbles grumpily down the stairs, Joey pops up from his cot in the alcove in an over-the-top great mood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Danny informs his friends that his mother won't be able to make it for Thanksgiving because her flight was canceled because of a snowstorm in Tacoma. Gleefully, Joey says they will cook the turkey themselves using "The Miracle... of Thanksgiving!" This becomes a running gag throughout the episode, which Jesse doesn't appreciate. He's quick to tell Joey that there isn't any such thing as the Miracle of Thanksgiving. To prove his point, he begins listing acceptable miracles: Miracle of Christmas, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and Miracle Whip. </div><div><br /></div><div>Danny insists that the trio make the day perfect for the girls because it's their first Thanksgiving without their mother, who always made it a special day for them. This immediately snaps Jesse out of his sour mood, and he's completely on board with making it the best day possible. Joey again insists that "The Miracle of Thanksgiving" will save the day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX8dLjyXo4Oz3_GPdylC5ErqWk0Sn46F0dirpws-aMbLMa_h-Y7VW_sNI-eR1rQnpA3O9RLoskiWI08cnzYGOkfWRDJNmrVhVWSfqOOdmYDkG348d8jG1yrl8IWse6Q3ZPA1pnPACe7ObL_roQhCkzisF-KGQYm1RkgqYZFrl0RawMOlcPHHExVI6t2yb/s989/Cookbook.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="989" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisX8dLjyXo4Oz3_GPdylC5ErqWk0Sn46F0dirpws-aMbLMa_h-Y7VW_sNI-eR1rQnpA3O9RLoskiWI08cnzYGOkfWRDJNmrVhVWSfqOOdmYDkG348d8jG1yrl8IWse6Q3ZPA1pnPACe7ObL_roQhCkzisF-KGQYm1RkgqYZFrl0RawMOlcPHHExVI6t2yb/w400-h310/Cookbook.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We head into the kitchen, where Joey reads a Betty Crocker cookbook as Danny and Jesse lay out ingredients on the table. After being confused by the recipe, Joey suggests that the "Miracle of Thanksgiving" would be if they could get any kind of reservation at any restaurant this late on Thanksgiving morning. </div><div><br /></div><div>As hope is lost, the girls enter the kitchen, and Danny breaks the news about Grandma. The girls are incredibly disappointed, but Danny tells them not to worry because they will go to the best restaurant in town and have the most memorable Thanksgiving ever. Stephanie gets over her disappointment pretty quickly at the thought of a restaurant, but D.J. is upset and mad over the suggestion. She said her mother always provided an excellent homecooked meal on Thanksgiving, and they shouldn't be going out to eat. </div><div><br /></div><div>Understanding D.J.'s point, Danny apologizes that he can't live up to a meal of her Mom's standards but promises to make the day memorable. D.J.'s mood suddenly shifts when she remembers that her mother taught her how to make a pumpkin pie last year and decides to make that for everyone. Steph agrees to help, and then D.J. offers to make the turkey because she was planning to help Grandma cook anyway. The guys all get behind the idea and agree to pitch in to help. Joey feels the "Miracle of Thanksgiving" returning! </div><div><br /></div><div>Like most early episodes of Full House, we get a song and dance routine when everyone dances along to The Temptations song "Get Ready" as they get the table ready for mealtime. Joey presents the family with the "Miracle of Thanksgiving," and everyone celebrates. </div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone is excited to eat, but first, tradition says that they say grace, and everyone mentions one thing they are thankful for. Jesse gives thanks to D.J. for convincing them to cook the meal themselves instead of going out to eat. D.J. is grateful to not be at a restaurant and to be able to make a meal just like her Mom did. She lays it on thickly that she feels honored to carry on her Mother's tradition and even asks Danny if her Mom would have been proud.</div><div><br /></div><div>While Danny fights back tears, he notices Joey and Jesse waving emphatically behind D.J.'s back. They can't carve the turkey because it's still frozen, and most of the meal is inedible. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thinking quickly, Danny announces that he prefers extra crispy skin and throws the turkey back into the oven, cranking the heat to "Maximum." This causes D.J. to question her cooking skills and worry that she disappointed her Mother. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol9hlIIjAz1N4Okae6kLCnM-9GmqB9mDbWS8Cr8MjvNIYC-DQkNVr9nxnvMObsuH2oCjVfhOdWWR0l4XewgjNUbMwObOw0IJO9Q4_nfyCb0yhyPLewrGTQ9Yd7t66NaDHovpoHjl-9dIJQpwudGL2WzjgxO4RjuLybc9zawjIPYsWEsnUwWHzjHak63fu/s1016/SisterswithTurkey.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1016" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol9hlIIjAz1N4Okae6kLCnM-9GmqB9mDbWS8Cr8MjvNIYC-DQkNVr9nxnvMObsuH2oCjVfhOdWWR0l4XewgjNUbMwObOw0IJO9Q4_nfyCb0yhyPLewrGTQ9Yd7t66NaDHovpoHjl-9dIJQpwudGL2WzjgxO4RjuLybc9zawjIPYsWEsnUwWHzjHak63fu/w400-h297/SisterswithTurkey.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The doorbell rings, and Danny rushes everyone out of the kitchen to answer it. When the door opens, two beautiful young women named Paula and Alexandra are holding a plate of food covered in aluminum foil. The two realize they are at the wrong address, but Jesse immediately invites them in to use the phone. When they mention that they are holding a freshly cooked turkey under the foil that's starting to get cold, Danny sends his daughters upstairs to wash their hands while he plots ways to get his hands on the turkey. </div><div><br /></div><div>Claiming this to be the actual "Miracle of Thanksgiving," he begs Jesse to sweet talk the girls into staying for Thanksgiving dinner. Jesse tries the old Katsopolis charm, but they quickly respond that their husbands wouldn't like it if they stayed to eat with other men. As they head for the door, Danny quickly offers several amounts of money for the bird, finally gaining their interest at $150. Based on inflation, that would be like offering someone $415 in 2023. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_x4H-Gp02I8wfOQwCLvOSNEwmlE_laBp3_tnv829zMg3MwS3GoodLPv6yxlDGhiOj5o7b-9nYfYRiTSRPfNj59auc5-kruR47ORauASR8axC1Cmm6m89_mX5z19RvTeD6PNmR4jPFCr_XncLovrd4SrDTznC__1T8ypOGgwENwn22pe-Xa4LHriC_t7-X/s807/Joey_Stuck_Chair.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="807" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_x4H-Gp02I8wfOQwCLvOSNEwmlE_laBp3_tnv829zMg3MwS3GoodLPv6yxlDGhiOj5o7b-9nYfYRiTSRPfNj59auc5-kruR47ORauASR8axC1Cmm6m89_mX5z19RvTeD6PNmR4jPFCr_XncLovrd4SrDTznC__1T8ypOGgwENwn22pe-Xa4LHriC_t7-X/w400-h300/Joey_Stuck_Chair.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Joey has gone into the kitchen to mix some drinks for their female guests when somehow his tongue gets stuck in a bottle. Trying to use the slats in the back of a chair to remove the bottle, he's now just stuck to the back of a chair. </div><div><br /></div><div>Suddenly, the turkey starts smoking inside the oven, and Joey runs into the living room to warn everyone of the fire. Spooked at seeing a man with a bottle and chair stuck to his face, the girls rush out the door as Danny offers over $200 for the turkey. </div><div><br /></div><div>Despite quickly yanking the turkey out of the oven, it's too late. It's burned and inedible. D.J. and Stephanie see this, and Danny admits that the turkey was frozen, and to try to save it, he cooked it at the highest temperature possible. D.J. is devastated, and while trying to make her feel better, Stephanie drops the pumpkin pie on the floor, the day completely ruined.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two girls sulk and head upstairs, feeling sorry for themselves and upset with their inability to cook a turkey properly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse heads upstairs to talk to Stephanie while Danny follows after D.J. Once the kitchen empties, Michelle says "turkey" to Joey after the two are left alone in the kitchen. He again proclaims to have found the "Miracle of Thanksgiving." </div><div><br /></div><div>As the famous Full House "serious moment" violins play, D.J. tells her father that she's upset because she feels like she let her mother down. Danny explains that Pam knew Thanksgiving wasn't about turkey or the food, but Thanksgiving is about family and being thankful for what you have. He tells D.J. he's grateful to have her because she's the only one who could have pulled the family together to try and make a meal like her mother would have. </div><div><br /></div><div>He admits that he offered $200 ($550 in 2023!) for Paula and Alexandra's turkey, and D.J. laughs, saying she'd rather have known the truth and kept the $200 for herself. Danny says that D.J. reminds him so much of her mother, and the two hug.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiol6D0VEGsgbE8AsXgPPodqkTgue4SNVu0WdBSidjo40pR0WOaTeY3xKrvBVeGFTIScy-rVZr12jr4CKxOMsyCuejv1t8sjGRuK7pQODvyRy7zYM-b71CWYiDvyUr2YGtNsPt_BkrzVcZqe4b4opRGO5zrwYkqR3dsm7ruPxw0kphwZmegUv5sd6EB8OPc/s1009/Jesse_Steph_Photos.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1009" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiol6D0VEGsgbE8AsXgPPodqkTgue4SNVu0WdBSidjo40pR0WOaTeY3xKrvBVeGFTIScy-rVZr12jr4CKxOMsyCuejv1t8sjGRuK7pQODvyRy7zYM-b71CWYiDvyUr2YGtNsPt_BkrzVcZqe4b4opRGO5zrwYkqR3dsm7ruPxw0kphwZmegUv5sd6EB8OPc/w400-h305/Jesse_Steph_Photos.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Jesse has a talk with Stephanie. She's upset with herself for dropping the pie, and he reminds her that everyone makes mistakes. He shows her photos of when he was 5, and Steph's Mom, Pam was 10 to prove his point. She convinced him she was in beauty school, and he made the mistake of letting her cut his hair. Being only 10, she cut it entirely off. While they laugh at the photos, Danny and D.J. walk by, and the two girls decide to go make a new pumpkin pie. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3W_KhvJkcSuw7jivq0iBtUUGmcCMQoY2Esy4ihw2xmUGyFvsoCHy81UbCJckKgXU_29XYJWRKHPJgb_yttQqFBI922ojQ10QdqWqiXzgeSjFnrFy-uAmYrTgjEhrgOXA92Sh9mnzU1h2uXGOyvHLHU1Wgf8UDitk-OPzTRNqpoWIXPIcsDdtw9pGtKRd/s802/Danny_Jesse_Photos.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="802" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3W_KhvJkcSuw7jivq0iBtUUGmcCMQoY2Esy4ihw2xmUGyFvsoCHy81UbCJckKgXU_29XYJWRKHPJgb_yttQqFBI922ojQ10QdqWqiXzgeSjFnrFy-uAmYrTgjEhrgOXA92Sh9mnzU1h2uXGOyvHLHU1Wgf8UDitk-OPzTRNqpoWIXPIcsDdtw9pGtKRd/w400-h305/Danny_Jesse_Photos.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After the girls disappear, Jesse tells Danny that the photo albums made him realize the pain of losing his sister still hasn't gone away. Danny says he understands those feelings (what with Pam having been his wife and all) and that the pain never completely goes away, especially on holidays like Thanksgiving. He reminds Jesse that he's not alone and that their memories of her are what keep her alive. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before rejoining the family, Jesse shares another memory of Pam with Danny. He got even with Pam for cutting his hair off by dying her hair red, white, and blue using a pudding cup and finger paint. Danny reminds Jesse how glad he is that Jesse moved in to help raise the girls. The two share a hug and a laugh with misty eyes. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBk5794Lm1vD-M5c8WB92QNWgtSjBB7SyxiKVfXfpDL93qCrgS3k3LwWPD_33zZKubX0Fp5Nf_-4u20QVocR3_Qt1sANWKLLTfzayWVS9b_I1PtKz-eRrG5lbOYgVA3qK7scomNRB5p1S7rOR9EYjACBhSCNAEYtsD_AJCg90r2WMV3dUVZiOLoQ-PGAM/s808/Thanksgiving.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="808" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBk5794Lm1vD-M5c8WB92QNWgtSjBB7SyxiKVfXfpDL93qCrgS3k3LwWPD_33zZKubX0Fp5Nf_-4u20QVocR3_Qt1sANWKLLTfzayWVS9b_I1PtKz-eRrG5lbOYgVA3qK7scomNRB5p1S7rOR9EYjACBhSCNAEYtsD_AJCg90r2WMV3dUVZiOLoQ-PGAM/w400-h303/Thanksgiving.png" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Later on, at the table, Danny says grace. He says he's thankful to be a part of a great family that really loves each other. Jesse thanks God for his parents, who are in Orange County with his father's "goofy relatives." Joey quickly thanks God for his father and his father's third wife... Janice? Joey also hopes his mother has good luck on a Thanksgiving gambling junket in Atlantic City. </div><div><br /></div><div>They all say "Amen!" together and dig into what's left of the food.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>"Fuller Thanksgiving" - Fuller House S2E6 Originally Released December 9, 2016</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>During the first few episodes of Fuller House, the only thing that kept my wife and I entertained was the nostalgic blast of seeing the original cast again - Danny, D.J., Stephanie, Jesse, Joey, and Becky. As I'm sure the plan was all along, the nostalgia was phased out over time to make way for new storylines featuring D.J. and Stephanie's new families. Our interest in the show phased out about that time, too. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the 6th episode of the Second Season, a Tanner family reunion finally takes place at an event that's not a wedding or funeral... Thanksgiving! D.J. is in charge of this year's holiday and begins preparing for the arrival of the house guests. I noted that she made several jokes about it being a "<i>Full House." </i>Cute.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VvWMHCSTEGelSnR6cKimHqTYhXlMEnpkjM9Mk070ZrD0hcQ8-PK4oqsColAjW-x_JxwxCnlV-RFePB9IMQP2sn6_nTCpFDo-ja1eNvdy0zECbq4Onq9pyrIAH6uZJuxF9qYXJZzO3qs8k-sUcX_0kKz2EiwWfJTQW3-Ml2_CtByC32-isRlZqBjsGSrO/s848/Fuller01.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="848" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VvWMHCSTEGelSnR6cKimHqTYhXlMEnpkjM9Mk070ZrD0hcQ8-PK4oqsColAjW-x_JxwxCnlV-RFePB9IMQP2sn6_nTCpFDo-ja1eNvdy0zECbq4Onq9pyrIAH6uZJuxF9qYXJZzO3qs8k-sUcX_0kKz2EiwWfJTQW3-Ml2_CtByC32-isRlZqBjsGSrO/w400-h289/Fuller01.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The first to arrive at the house is their father, Danny. Danny is alone since his current wife, Teri, is with her side of the family for the holiday. You may remember Danny was briefly engaged to Vicky Larson on Full House (at Disney World). In Season One of Fuller House, we find out that he eventually marries someone named Teri at some point between the end of Full House and the start of Fuller House. Eventually, during Season Three, it was revealed that Danny and Teri divorced. </div><div><br /></div><div>Clearly, Danny is in the middle of some type of midlife crisis. Wearing a shiny jacket and bright red leather shoes, he mentions he bought a new Ferrari, which just happens to be parked outside. I'd love to know how badly he bottomed out parking a Ferrari on that steep San Francisco driveway. He even says things out of character, like "Are you (Stephanie) and Donna Jo getting jiggy with it?" in a poor attempt to be hip. </div><div><br /></div><div>Despite his mid-life crisis antics, the family is even more worried about how Danny will take the news that Stephanie is dating Kimmy Gibbler's younger brother, Jimmy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse, Becky, and the twins, Nicky and Alex, arrive next. It's briefly mentioned that the twins have graduated college and now run a "mildly successful" fish taco truck. Jesse and Becky have been fighting, and it doesn't take long for us to find out that Becky once again has baby fever and wants Jesse to agree to adopt a baby. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse says he is done raising children, having helped raise Danny's three girls and his own two boys. He keeps telling Becky he's too old, but she keeps insisting he's not. After a big argument, they decide to put their feelings aside until the weekend is over for the sake of everyone else's holiday. </div><div><br /></div><div>Purely by coincidence, Stephanie coaxes Uncle Jesse into helping put Tommy Jr. down for a nap. This was to help Becky prove to him that despite his age, he still has "the touch" with children. Instead of simply reading "The Little Engine That Could," Jesse performs the story while impersonating Elvis. Becky catches a glimpse of Jesse's performance, and rather than making her baby fever worse, she realizes that maybe Jesse was right all along. He's raised several children, and it's selfish of her to expect him to raise another one at his age. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMhnLqR9DrptlO6Fawv7N7CzBShi_hYOF213_A_wbrLpyPine-nsjF3yQJ2B1ILA3o9KJ4jq3pxruFJ8VC457gdRiGpzNX06Cr0gE5Zn93IeIc4mq68pzUfOZ_gLEuxoOhtZmwId6ii4SnPvTGD2ZT_hFuzbbC-Znbv386thtkOlKW5GoDNTJJivSzhuD/s728/Fuller02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="728" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMhnLqR9DrptlO6Fawv7N7CzBShi_hYOF213_A_wbrLpyPine-nsjF3yQJ2B1ILA3o9KJ4jq3pxruFJ8VC457gdRiGpzNX06Cr0gE5Zn93IeIc4mq68pzUfOZ_gLEuxoOhtZmwId6ii4SnPvTGD2ZT_hFuzbbC-Znbv386thtkOlKW5GoDNTJJivSzhuD/w400-h266/Fuller02.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, Joey arrives at the house with a big surprise for everyone. During the first season, it was revealed Joey lives in Las Vegas with his own nightly comedy show. He surprises everyone this year when he arrives for Thanksgiving and introduces his wife, Ginger. Ginger is a magician in the same casino in Vegas, and the couple introduces their four children named after iconic comedians: Jerry, Lewis, Phyllis, and Joan. </div><div><br /></div><div>D.J. was extra surprised to see the Gladstone family since Joey never RSVP'd for Thanksgiving... for himself OR his family of six. This causes her much more stress as she reshuffles the sleeping arrangements once again. </div><div><br /></div><div>As the day wears on, it's clear that the Gladstone children are out of control. They raid everyone's bedrooms and tie up the younger boys, shooting them with Nerf darts. Eventually, after nearly everyone in the house has had enough, Kimmy is chosen to tell them to shape up or ship out. When one quickly pays her a phony compliment, she completely caves and invites them to stay "as long as they want." </div><div><br /></div><div>D.J.'s boyfriend, Matt, and her high school boyfriend, Steve (and his current girlfriend, CJ) are invited to participate in the Thanksgiving festivities. However, Steve doesn't seem to want to believe that D.J. has chosen Matt over himself. Steve seems quite anxious about it, even though his girlfriend CJ is standing right next to him. A girlfriend whose name is awfully close to D.J., I might add. </div><div><br /></div><div>Donna Jo is starting to unravel from the stress of everything happening around her. She abandons the family photo after nobody can focus long enough to take the picture. Everyone is too busy arguing and fighting about everything. She can't even rely on her father, Danny, the former rock of the Tanner family, because he's busy riding a hoverboard and talking about skinny dipping. </div><div><br /></div><div>D.J. finally gets Danny to admit that a "near-death" experience is what spurred this personality change. After more prying, he finally admits that a bookshelf "almost" fell on him. That moment made him realize he'd wasted his life being a sweater-wearing clean freak. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIe-vMI3TFtdwxfTMqw2W1eQs6jiYq3qjyUU6fIZb0IFV-bC85u6ViYtztJW4E7-fxVxR7O4BGBy38jcAXIAzuz4FkLVMr5U60tc6-9_PoTvAPwN3KkljaVvTPKaYYvsl9DzJR1GD8Nm1e1qhLfTsdczvP2iKIJcz5ApVb7d9B4NG-kNNWRs1-MWykY0D/s953/Fuller03.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="953" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIe-vMI3TFtdwxfTMqw2W1eQs6jiYq3qjyUU6fIZb0IFV-bC85u6ViYtztJW4E7-fxVxR7O4BGBy38jcAXIAzuz4FkLVMr5U60tc6-9_PoTvAPwN3KkljaVvTPKaYYvsl9DzJR1GD8Nm1e1qhLfTsdczvP2iKIJcz5ApVb7d9B4NG-kNNWRs1-MWykY0D/w400-h256/Fuller03.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Frustrated and embarrassed, Danny asks about life, "What's it all about, anyway?" D.J. points at the house she grew up in (and now owns) and says it's "the whole house." A <i>Full </i>house of people who are what it's "all about." She tells her father that he's the one who brought them all together in the first place, and that's what is important this Thanksgiving. </div><div><br /></div><div>The spirit of family togetherness eventually gets Jesse, and he suddenly decides he wants to adopt a baby. After using the prayer to poke fun at Michelle for not coming to the Thanksgiving dinner (and a real-life dig at the Olsen twins for not returning to Fuller House), the episode ends as the camera pans around the table slowly. </div><div><br /></div><div>It shows the kind of love and laughter the Tanner family on Full... and Fuller... House have brought us for over 30 years. </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4375950159261712877.post-71945714340870688602023-11-13T06:00:00.000-05:002023-11-13T06:00:00.167-05:00Thanksgiving RePost List<div style="text-align: left;">Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that doesn't get much credit. Sure, it's a big family holiday, but when it's sandwiched between Christmas and Halloween, it just kind of gets forgotten. Especially these days when the marketing begins for Halloween in August and Christmas starts before Halloween is even over. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC85of9QXoM3Oq0Np8EH71bxbKszFNKJn_HLleXoEnUtf723UZBuZ-dT6vz87obRpirfrWFz9dabTj7KMDAMig5IVfIiXmgF-d7JsgzcU_cG6JPoZSUlOB2jA-vq3TZVslbI7vreigFboOfGYsGTyr2Kw8Ahe3SzV5Jxiqhvx0XhdiuOrjNpoNM510BtJX/s424/267480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="365" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC85of9QXoM3Oq0Np8EH71bxbKszFNKJn_HLleXoEnUtf723UZBuZ-dT6vz87obRpirfrWFz9dabTj7KMDAMig5IVfIiXmgF-d7JsgzcU_cG6JPoZSUlOB2jA-vq3TZVslbI7vreigFboOfGYsGTyr2Kw8Ahe3SzV5Jxiqhvx0XhdiuOrjNpoNM510BtJX/w172-h200/267480.jpg" width="172" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've always liked Thanksgiving. Not just the food either, because really, who likes turkey and all of the trimmings? Does anyone ever really go to a fancy restaurant... or cook for themselves at home... and say, "You know what, I'd love turkey, green bean casserole, and cranberry shaped like a can!" No, I can't imagine you do. While I do like sliced turkey on a sandwich now and then, the whole meal? Nah. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's reserved for the special occasion of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving, to me, is the proper family holiday. It's the time of year when we all should get together with our extended family and catch up and reconnect. Christmas, to me, was always more about immediate family spending quality time together. I've been trying to put my finger on why I enjoy the holiday so much, and I honestly think it's just the family togetherness. Which is odd because I frequently dislike large family get-togethers. It's a time off of school or work (if you're lucky) and spent together watching television or talking around the table. The time was spent being thankful for what God had granted me and my family. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's genuinely about spending time with loved ones and being thankful and grateful for what we have. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Over the years, I've written some fun stuff about Thanksgiving here on YesterYear. Looking back, most of the stuff I wrote about is from 2019, when this site first launched. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You may have missed it, or maybe you're just searching for something to get into the Turkey Day spirit. So, let me begin by saying I'm thankful for all of you. Thanks for checking out my website; no matter how small of a blip on the radar YesterYear might be in the grand scheme of things. It entertains me, and I hope I, in turn, entertain you. Or, at the very least, maybe you learn something from what I write about because I always do.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This year, I'm pretty busy learning a new skill at work for the next few months. I have a new Thanksgiving article coming up next Monday, but to fill some of the gaps, I'm running another "best-of." Hopefully, you don't mind.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below is a list of some of the stuff I've written about Thanksgiving over the years. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/11/how-football-on-thanksgiving-became.html">2019 - How Football on Thanksgiving Became a "Thing"</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/11/when-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade.html">2019 - When the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Doesn't Go As Planned</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/11/garfields-thanksgiving.html">2019 - Garfield's Thanksgiving</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/11/5-things-i-miss-about-thanksgiving-in.html">2019 - 5 Things I Miss About Thanksgiving in the 1990's</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/11/sbtb-college-years-thanksgiving-special.html">2019 - A Saved by the Bell: College Years Thanksgiving Episode Review</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/11/survivor-series-1989-review.html">2019 - WWF's Survivor Series 1989 Review</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/11/starrcade-1989-review.html">2019 - WCW's Starrcade 1989 Review</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/11/pro-wrestling-on-thanksgiving-starrcade.html">2019 - Pro Wrestling on Thanksgiving: Survivor Series vs Starrcade</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2019/11/john-madden-and-turducken.html">2019 - John Madden and Turducken</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2020/11/thanksgiving-on-home-improvement.html">2020 - Thanksgiving on Home Improvement</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2020/11/thanksgiving-side-dishes.html">2020 - Thanksgiving Side Dishes</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2021/11/thanksgiving-on-roseanne.html">2021 - Thanksgiving on Roseanne</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yesteryearretro.com/2022/11/thanksgiving-on-frasier.html">2022 - Thanksgiving on Frasier</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2