Learn something new every day...

Watching VH1 countdown of the top 100 Rock Bands. Around # 69, probably appropriate, comes ZZ Top, with their smash hit "Tush"...why the hell didn't I know what that song was called...I would have figured "Ain't asking for much"...but no, I'm wrong. Only person I know that would have had it right is JW, maybe Martha! Wow, I think I'm losing it, and this was their break through song. Imagine what I'll learn in 2009!

ZZ Top - Tush

Happy Birthday, Mario!

I bet you thought I'd forget...or wished I would...no way!

Have a very Happy Birthday.
You do a good job of ducking from my camera.

It's gonna be chilly New Year!

Click here for complete WHDH Channel 7 forecast.

News for the Year you were Born

submitted by Lenny

From 1900 to 2008, click on the year you were born and see the news for that year.

If an ad comes up, just click on skip ad in top right corner.

Click here to go to site.

Meaning of New Year & Superstitions

"Auld Lang Syne" is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year. At least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, it was first published in 1796 after Burns' death. Early variations of the song were sung prior to 1700 and inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition. An old Scotch tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days." Here are the lyrics:

Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
For auld Lang syne, my dear, for auld Lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld Lang syne.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld Lang syne?
And here's a hand, my trusty friend and gie's a hand o' thine
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet for auld Lang syne

The celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible crescent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring). The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. After all, it is the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and of blossoming. The Romans continued to observe the new year in late March, but their calendar was continually tampered with by various emperors so that the calendar soon became out of synchronization with the sun. In order to set the calendar right, the Roman senate, in 153 BC, declared January 1 to be the beginning of the new year. But tampering continued until Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established what has come to be known as the Julian Calendar. It again established January 1 as the new year. But in order to synchronize the calendar with the sun, Caesar had to let the previous year drag on for 445 days. The first of January was dedicated by the Romans to their God of Gates and Doors, Janus. A very old Italian God, Janus has a distinctive artistic appearance in that he is commonly depicted with two faces ... one regarding what is behind and the other looking toward what lies ahead. Thus, Janus is representative of contemplation on the happenings of an old year while looking forward to the new.

New Year Superstitions People across the globe trust in certain superstitions related to New Year's Day. Underlying idea behind most of these superstitions is that events occurring on New Year's Day sets the pattern for the rest of the year. According to customs prevalent in their society, people perform auspicious acts to invite Lady Luck and ward off evil. Given here are some of the most astonishing and popular New Year Superstitions:

Wear New Clothes
People believe that one should wear new clothes on a New Year's Day. This would mean receiving more new garments during the year. Red clothing is preferred for New Year's Day since red is considered a happy colour and is sure to attract for the wearer a brighter future.

Avoid Crying
It is said that one should avoid breaking things or crying and wailing on the first day of the year, if you don't want to continue the pattern for the entire year.

Be Polite
People say that one should behave nicely on New Year and must refrain from using foul language. Ghost stories and conversations on death should also be avoided.

Lucky New Year Babies
Babies born on 1st January is said to be the luckiest of all throughout their lives.

Don't Let Money Leave the House
In several countries, people do not let money, jewelry, precious items or other invaluable things leave home on New Year Day. Hence it is said that one should not pay loans and bills or lend things to anybody. People go to the extent of not taking out garbage or even not dusting their carpets on this day to ensure that nothing goes out of home during the year. If you have to deliver presents on New Year morning, it is advised to leave them in the car since New Year Eve on December 31st. In case you must take something out from the home, let someone come with the present inside the home first.

Letting the Old Year Out
At midnight, all the doors of a house must be opened to let the old year escape unimpeded.

Stack Up Cupboards and Wallets
It is believed that cupboards stocked up with food and wallets and purses full of money bring prosperity in New Year. Similarly, empty pockets or empty cupboards on New Years Eve portend a year of poverty.

Do not Wash Dishes
In several societies washing dishes and doing laundry on New Year's day is said to lead to a death in the family during the year. Many people do not even wash hair on New Year day.

Do Token Amount of Work
It is said that one must do token amount of work on the New Year's Day. This is said to ensure advancement in career. But starting out a serious work project is unlucky on New Year Day.

Make Noise
People believe that Evil One and his attendants and servants hate din and loud noise. So, scare them away by being as loud in New Year celebrations as possible. Church bells are rung at midnight for the same reason.

Don't Keep Debts
Pay your bills and loans before New Year Eve, so you don't have any debt left for New Year.

Eat Black-Eyes Peas
In Southern part of the United States it is said that eating of black-eyed peas on New Year's Day will attract both general good luck and money in particular to the one doing the dining.

Kiss at Midnight
It is believed that kissing at midnight ensures that affections and ties will continue throughout the New Year. On similar lines, it is said, to not do this would be to set the stage for a year of coldness.

First Footing
One must never leave the home before someone comes in first. First footer in the house should be ushered in with a warm welcome and should not have flat feet, cross-eyes or eyebrows stretching out to meet in the middle. It would be even better if he came bearing certain small gifts.

The Direction of Wind
The direction of wind during sunrise on New Year morning prophesies about the coming year. Wind from south foretells fine weather and prosperous times ahead while wind from north foretells bad weather. Wind blowing from east foretells natural calamities and wind from west foretells plenty of milk and fish for all but death of a person of great national importance. No wind means joy and prosperity throughout the year.

Dance in the Open Air
To dance in the open air, especially round a tree, on New Year's Day ensures luck in love and prosperity and freedom from ill health during the coming twelve months.

Find Future Groom
On New Year's Day if, on rising, a girl should look out of her bedroom window and see a man passing by, she may reckon to be married before the year is finished.

Drain the Bottle
You could ensure yourself good fortune by draining the last dregs from a bottle of drink on New Years!

Born New Year's Eve: Donna Summer

Donna Summer (born LaDonna Adrian Gaines December 31, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter and a genre-spanning musician who gained prominence during the disco era of music. Summer was trained as a gospel singer prior to her introduction in the music industry, as were many then-contemporary music artists. However, Summer's notable songwriting capabilities, in addition to her collaborations with producer-songwriters Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, were able to set her apart from rivals in the industry.

Though she is most notable for her disco hits, Summer's repertoire has expanded to include contemporary R&B, rock, mainstream pop, and even gospel. Summer is one of the most successful female recording artists of the 1970s and 1980s, and holds the record for having three consecutive double albums hit #1 on the Billboard charts. She also became the first female artist to have four number-one singles in a twelve-month period. According to her own official MySpace page, it is estimated that Summer has sold over 130 million records worldwide.

Born in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, she was one of seven children raised by devout Christian parents. She sang in church, and in her teens joined a funk group called The Crow, so named because Donna was the only black member of the group. At eighteen, Gaines left home and school to audition for a role in the cast of the Broadway musical, Hair. Unsuccessful in getting the part in the Broadway show (Melba Moore got the role), she was offered the European Tour when the show moved to Germany, where Summer also performed in the German versions of several musicals including Godspell and Show Boat. She settled in Munich and also performed with the Viennese Folk Opera and the pop band Munich Machine.

In 1971, Gaines released a single in Europe entitled "Sally Go 'Round The Roses", her first solo recording. The single was unsuccessful, however, and she had to wait until 1974 to launch a solo career. Gaines married Austrian actor Helmuth Sommer ("Summer" is an Anglicization of his last name) in 1972 and gave birth to daughter Mimi the following year. Summer did various musical jobs in studios and theaters for several years, including the pop group FamilyTree from 1974-75.

After her divorce from Sommer, she married her second husband, Italian-American musican, Bruce Sudano, in 1980. They have two daughters named Brooklyn and Amanda. Sudano was a member of the 70s groups Alive N Kickin' and The Brooklyn Dreams.

While singing back-up for groups such as Three Dog Night, she met producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte. With these producers, Summer signed a contract in the Netherlands and issued her first album, Lady of the Night, which included the European hit, "The Hostage". The single made #1 in France and Belgium, and #2 in the Netherlands. Its follow-up, the title track of the album, also gained some degree of European success.

In the summer of 1975, Summer approached Moroder and Bellotte with an idea for a song. She had come up with the lyric "Love to love you, baby" as the possible title for the song. Moroder was interested in developing the new disco sound that was becoming increasingly popular, and used Summer's lyric to develop the song into a disco track. He had the idea that she should moan and groan orgasmically, but Summer was reticent. Eventually she agreed to record the song as a demo. She has stated that she was not completely sure of some of the lyrics, and parts of the song were improvised during the recording. Donna later stated on a VH-1 "Behind The Music" program that she pictured herself as Marilyn Monroe acting out the part of someone in sexual ecstasy. Moroder was so astounded with Summer's orgasmic vocals that he insisted she release the single herself. The song, titled "Love to Love You", was released to modest success in Europe. When it reached America and the hands of Casablanca president Neil Bogart, however, he was so ecstatic over the demo that he asked Moroder to produce a twenty-minute version of the song. Summer, Moroder and producer Pete Bellotte cut a seventeen-minute version, renamed it "Love To Love You Baby", and Casablanca signed Summer and issued it as a single in November 1975. Casablanca distributed Summer's work in the US while other labels distributed it in different nations during this period.

Summer is the recipient of five Grammy Awards. [5]

Summer placed a top forty hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in every year from 1976 ("Love To Love You Baby") to 1984 ("There Goes My Baby").

Summer is the first female artist to have four #1 singles in a 12-month period, and the first female artist to have five Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten hits in a calendar year.

Summer became the only artist to score three consecutive number-one double albums, and to have three number-one pop singles in the same year.

Summer is the first artist to have two singles in the top three slots of the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time, and accomplished this feat twice.

Summer was twice honored by the Dance Music Hall of Fame; once with her induction as a recording artist and again with the induction for her influential single "I Feel Love".

Summer's music career has landed her as the eighth most successful female recording artist in history according to Billboard.

Summer's career span of Billboard #1 Disco/Club Play hits spans from 1975's "Love to Love You Baby" through 2008's "Stamp Your Feet".

Last Dance (Thank God It's Friday)

Your Most Auspicious Way to Usher in the New Year

ARIES: Whether you go out or stay in, make sure that fire is a part of your New Year's Eve ritual. Burn a candle and say a prayer, or sit with your loved ones around the fireplace and talk about all you want to accomplish in the new year. The flames positively invigorate your intentions. TAURUS: Let nothing restrict your flow of creativity and money as you head into the new year. This is no time to be thrifty or feel badly about spending money on quality entertainment and good times with friends. Furthermore, by tipping well you're expanding the channel for abundance to flow back to you. GEMINI: Your need to connect with people is powerful and your head can only rest once you're satisfied that you've contacted each person in your social network in some manner. You'll be especially lucky when you reach out to those you haven't seen in a long while. CANCER: Go on a cleaning binge and reorganize that hidden messy place in your house -- for instance, under the kitchen sink or in the catchall drawer. Orderly surroundings make for mental stillness, clarity and readiness. LEO: Give your family, friend and neighbors as much time as possible. Even short visits will put you in a lucky mood. You are regenerated by their smiles, rejuvenated by their hugs, reanimated by their laughter. You go into the new year as a real people person. VIRGO: Chances are you can't give up being a perfectionist or being hard on yourself -- and you really wouldn't want to. The result of your high standards and impossible drive is so fabulous! But there is one habit you could lose. Write it on a piece of paper and burn it over a candle. LIBRA: If you can manage to get some exclusive time with your No. 1 supporter, that will be magical. As long as you are together, what you do really doesn't matter. You could even just watch television. You are so receptive now to the kind of healing that occurs with a close connection to your most significant other. SCORPIO: Express your kookier side. You'll be around the people who can really appreciate your humor and you almost can't go too far with things. And when you're not being funny, there is poetry in your heart that needs to be unleashed. SAGITTARIUS: You love to be with your next of kin, but you also need a fair amount of new acquaintances around you as the ball drops. The more diverse your crowd, the better your spirits. Creating a common experience with very uncommon people helps you feel connected with all of humanity. CAPRICORN: You are in your glory these days and there is a long list of people who would like to be around you when the old calendar goes in the trash. Frankly, some of them fear that you'll grow distant in the new year. Your fortunes increase when you provide the reassurance they need. AQUARIUS: The prospect of starting a new project or relationship has you feeling positively effervescent. Follow your spirit's call and boogie your way into the new year. You don't even need a club! Life is a party even if you happen to be home alone. PISCES: The spiritual energy you feel going into the new year is so strong that it would be a shame not to share it. Gather with those with similar beliefs and offer up a prayer for the new year. Don't be afraid to make a few personal requests of the divine while you're at it.

Uncle Jay Explains the News for the Year

submitted by Murphy

Resolve to Keep Those New Year's Resolutions

Keeping a New Year's resolution may depend on following three simple steps, says Dr. Bernard Davidson, a family psychologist at the Medical College of Georgia Health System.

Here are the steps:

Be committed. You must think through what you want to change and commit yourself to the long-term process it usually takes to achieve change. You then need to come up with a realistic plan to help you reach your goals, Davidson said in a statement. For example, if you want to shed some pounds, create a weight-loss schedule and an achievable diet and exercise plan. If your family and friends are supportive, tell them about your goals. They can provide encouragement and reinforce your commitment to change. If necessary, seek professional help to assist you.

Be prepared for setbacks. Don't think of them as complete failures, don't dwell on them, and don't let them make you give up your goals. After a setback, try to get back on track to reach your objective. Plan ahead on how you'll deal with setbacks. For example, if you do have a cigarette when you're trying to quit, your plan may include calling a supportive friend to talk about it. Or you may want to review all the reasons you listed for wanting to stop smoking and why reaching that goal will make you happy.

Track your progress. Motivate yourself by celebrating your successes and by getting positive feedback from supportive family and friends. A good approach is to evaluate yourself every week or two weeks. However, don't over-monitor yourself by doing a self-assessment every day. That's just likely to end in frustration. Don't compare yourself to others. Accomplish your goal in a way that's best suited to you.

Most Popular Resolutions

Lose Weight
Manage Debt
Save Money
Get a Better Job
Get Fit
Eat Right
Get a Better Education
Drink Less Alcohol
Quit Smoking Now
Reduce Stress Overall
Reduce Stress at Work
Take a Trip
Volunteer to Help Others

For more help visit American Psychiatric Association site for tips on attaining your resolutions.

Globe Article "20 Best Places to Kiss in Boston"

I was reading the Boston Globe and saw an article titled "20 Best Places to Kiss in Boston". Some were a little obvious, like welcoming someone home @ Logan airport. One was very romantic when I was in high school, which is probably the only time I've been to the Planetarium at the Museum of Science. Others were near, by or inside a hotel...what kind of a kiss were they suggesting there? The majority of them were inappropriate places, unless you were at a restaurant being proposed to or telling your spouse you got a promotion, were having a baby, etc. Where is the romance at the Franklin Park Zoo?

I would much rather be on a beach watching the sun rise or set, or under a full moon on a starry night. I guess I just don't see the romantic side of Boston any more, maybe my age is showing! I don't know, I thought anywhere you were with the one you loved and kissed was enough, who actually notices the where?

Best Places to Kiss

The nook in the Hancock Tower
By the mini Eiffel Tower @ Petit Robert Bistro
Tiffany’s @ the Copley Mall
While ice-skating @ the Charles Hotel
Franklin Park Zoo
Brattle Theater in Harvard Square
The Fireplace Restaurant in Brookline
Jamaica Pond
A passionate ‘welcome home’ kiss @ Logan APO
Private box at the Wang Theater
Suspension bridge @ the Public Gardens
Planetarium @ the Museum of Science
Top of the Hub
Under the arch at the Boston Harbor Hotel
Watch the sunset on the Harbor at the Institute of Contemporary Art's digital media center
The Atrium of the Liberty Hotel (site of old Charles Street Jail)
While strolling thru Beacon Hill
Hall of Ideas at the Christian Science Center
Arch at the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
The rooftop garden at the Marriott Hotel in Kendall Square

Michael Nesmith & Davy Jones both celebrating birthdays!

Hey, Hey, they're the Monkees!

Robert Michael Nesmith (b. December 30, 1942) in Harris County, Texas, is an American musician, songwriter, actor, producer, novelist, businessman, and philanthropist, perhaps best known for his time in the musical group The Monkees and on the TV series of the same name. Michael Nesmith is also notable as a hit songwriter, including "Different Drum" sung by Linda Ronstadt with the Stone Poneys, as well as, executive producer of the cult film, Repo Man . Nesmith also holds the honor of winning the first Grammy Award (1981) given for Video of the Year for his hour-long Elephant Parts. Nesmith was an only child, and his parents, Warren Audrey Nesmith and Bette Nesmith Graham, separated when he was very young. With his father gone, Nesmith's mother worked as a secretary. Their fortunes changed when Bette invented typewriter correction fluid, later known commercially as Liquid Paper. After leaving the Air Force, Nesmith obtained a G.E.D. and then moved in with an uncle, Chick Adair. Nesmith enrolled in San Antonio College, where he met John Kuehne (later to be known as John London) and began a musical collaboration. He also met 16-year-old Phyllis Ann Barbour, whom he later married. During this time John Kuehne decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue a musical career, and Nesmith decided to follow him. Nesmith and Phyllis moved back and forth from Texas. Nesmith landed a role in the Monkees pilot, which was filmed in October 1965. In October 1967, the episode "Monkees in Texas" was filmed, in which a brief cameo appearance was given to Nurit Wilde, a socialite and former mistress of John Phillips (of the Mamas and the Papas), and close friend of Peter Tork. In late 1967, Phyllis was pregnant with the Nesmiths' second child when she suffered a head injury in a car accident. Because they were practicing Christian Scientists, they decided to just rest instead of seeking medical treatment. Their second son, Jonathan, was born in February 1968. Nesmith was divorced and remarried to Kathryn Bild from 1976 to 1988. In 2000, he married Victoria Kennedy. He has four children: Christian, Jonathan, Jason, and Jessica.

Davy Jones (born David Thomas Jones December 30, 1945) is a Grammy winning English pop singer-songwriter and Emmy-nominated actor, he is best known as a member of The Monkees. Jones was born in Manchester, England, but is in the process of becoming a United States citizen.[citation needed] He lost his mother to emphysema by the time he was 14. His father had hopes for him as a jockey, and just after his mother died, his father sent him to live with Basil Foster to train. Basil was approached by a friend who worked in the theatre on the West End of London. Jones then became more interested in being in show business. As a teenager he appeared on British TV soap operas, including Coronation Street. He appeared to great acclaim in the musical Oliver! as the Artful Dodger, playing the role both in London and on Broadway and was nominated for a Tony Award. On February 9, 1964, he appeared with the Broadway cast of Oliver! on the Ed Sullivan show, the same episode on which The Beatles made their first appearance. Jones says of that night, "I watched the Beatles from the side of the stage, I saw the girls going crazy, and I said to myself, this is it, I want a piece of that." He's been married twice, Linda Haines (31 October 1968 - 1975) (divorced); Anita Pollinger (24 January 1981 - 1996) (divorced). And has 4 daughters, Talia Elizabeth (October 2, 1968), Sarah Lee (July 3, 1971), Jessica Lillian (September 4, 1981) and Annabel Charlotte (June 26, 1988).

Daydream Believer

WWE Raw Live in Manchester

My grandson must be going out of his mind with this year's Christmas present. I don't think one of his favorites isn't at the Verizon Wireless Center. John Cena, Rey Mysterio and Kofi...among others. I wonder who will win the 10 man tag team?


Well, John Cena's tag team won...and JBL won the elimination bout to fight Cena for the WWE Title.

Update: Grandkids loved it, but heard it's much noiser because of all the fireworks they shoot off when they introduce a wrestler...my grandson hates loud noises. Seems all he did on the way home was talk about the Boogeyman...I don't even remember who he is. Late night, but everyone enjoyed themselves.

Boston First Nighters will revel at these events

Hub residents feeling the economic squeeze can rest assured that celebrating the New Year in Beantown won’t break the bank.

“We do recognize that this is a tough economic time for families, but First Night has always been a good value and that remains so,” said Joyce Linehan, spokeswoman for First Night. “All outdoor events are free. Buttons are only $18 for indoor activities and children under 4 are free.”

Boston Herald - Full Story

Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull (born 29 December 1946) is an English singer, songwriter, actress and diarist whose career spans five decades. Her early work in pop and rock music in the 1960s was overshadowed by her struggle with drug abuse in the 1970s. After a long commercial absence, she returned late in 1979 with the landmark album, Broken English. Faithfull's subsequent work, very frequently the subject of great critical acclaim, has at times been overshadowed by her personal history.

Over the course of her long recording career, Faithfull has continually reinvented her musical persona, experimenting in different musical genres and collaborating with such varied artists as Angelo Badalamenti, Beck, David Bowie, Nick Cave, The Chieftains, Jarvis Cocker, Billy Corgan, Marcella Detroit, Emmylou Harris, PJ Harvey, Antony Hegarty, Rupert Hine, Joe Jackson, Alex James, Lenny Kaye, Daniel Lanois, Sean Lennon, Metallica, John Prine, Barry Reynolds, Keith Richards, Sly and Robbie, Teddy Thompson, Tom Waits, Rufus Wainwright, Roger Waters, Steve Winwood and Patrick Wolf.

Faithfull began her singing career in 1964, landing her first gigs as a folk music performer in coffeehouses. Faithfull emerged as a fashionable, vivacious teenager and soon began taking part in London's exploding social scene. In early 1964 she attended a Rolling Stones' launch party with John Dunbar and there a chance meeting with Andrew Loog Oldham, who discovered Faithfull. Her first major release, "As Tears Go By", was penned by Oldham, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and became a chart success. She then released a series of successful singles, including "This Little Bird, Summer Nights" and "Come and Stay With Me". Faithfull married artist John Dunbar on 6 May 1965 at Cambridge with Peter Asher as the best man. The couple lived in a flat at 29 Lennox Gardens in Belgravia just off Knightsbridge, London SW1. On 10 November 1965 she gave birth to their son, Nicholas. She then: "...left her husband to live with Mick Jagger...' and told the 'New Musical Express' that: 'My first move was to get a Rolling Stone as a boyfriend. I slept with three and decided the lead singer was the best bet".

As Tears Go By

Is vodka better for you than other alcoholic beverages?

No, although it is less likely to give you headaches and hangovers.

Alcoholic beverages are divided into three categories: beers, wines, and spirits. Beer and wine are made by fermentation of plant material that contains sugar or starch, while spirits (vodka, gin, scotch, etc.) are made by fermentation followed by distillation, that is, boiling, followed by condensation. Beer is typically 4 percent to 6 percent alcohol by volume; wine, 9 percent to 16 percent; and spirits, at least 20 percent. (Spirits that are 20 percent alcohol are said to be 40 "proof.")

The reason for headaches and hangovers are toxic chemicals formed during fermentation called congeners, says Samir Zakhari, director of the Division of Metabolism and Health Effects at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Because vodka has fewer congeners than most other alcoholic drinks, it is less likely to cause hangovers.

That said, the alcohol in vodka is metabolized the same way as alcohol in any other drink.

When a person drinks alcohol, the alcohol gets processed in the liver by two enzymes.

The first, alcohol dehydrogenase, breaks alcohol down to acetaldehyde, a nasty substance that in most people is rapidly broken down by a second enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase.

The result is acetic acid, or vinegar.

Some ethnic groups, including some Asians, have common genetic mutations that make the second enzyme ineffective, leaving the drinker to suffer the unpleasant effects of acetaldehyde such as nausea and rapid heartbeat.

Even though vodka has fewer congeners than other forms of alcohol, warns Dr. Emanuel Rubin, a professor of pathology at Thomas Jefferson University, that doesn't mean you can drink all you want and never get hung over. Nor does it mean that vodka drinkers avoid becoming alcoholics.

"The major effect by far is the amount of alcohol you drink," not what kind, he says.

Boston Globe

Pats win, but not enough to stay in the Playoffs

Despite the 13-0 win over the Bills, the Patriots needed the Jets or Jaguars to win in order to make the playoffs.

Miami beat the Jets 24-17;
Baltimore beat Jacksonville 27-7.

Daniel Powter - You Had a Bad Day

Time's Man of the Year Awards

Since 1927, TIME Magazine has chosen a man, woman, or idea that "for better or worse, has most influenced events in the preceding year." Though TIME's list is not an academic or objective study of the past, the list gives a contemporary viewpoint of what was important during each year. There are many interesting facts about the list:

Charles Lindbergh (1927) was the first, and the youngest, person to receive the distinction. He was 25 years old.

Mrs. Wallis Warfield Simpson, the woman whom English King Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry, was the first woman to receive the honor - 1936.

Though a number of people have received the honor twice, U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is the only person to have been named three times: 1932, 1934, and 1941.

Adolf Hitler, the murderous leader of Nazi Germany, received the honor in 1938.

A whole generation was named in 1966 - "Twenty-five and Under."

In 1982, the computer became the first object ever to receive the distinction.

There are several years where large groups of people were nominated: the American Fighting-Man (1950), the Hungarian Freedom Fighter (1956), U.S. Scientists (1960), Twenty-Five and Under (1966), the Middle Americans (1968), and American Women (1975).

The Man of the Year Winners

1927 Charles Augustus Lindbergh
1928 Walter P. Chrysler
1929 Owen D. Young
1930 Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
1931 Pierre Laval
1932 Franklin Delano Roosevelt
1933 Hugh Samuel Johnson
1934 Franklin Delano Roosevelt
1935 Haile Selassie
1936 Mrs. Wallis Warfield Simpson
1937 Generalissimo & Mme Chiang Kai-Shek
1938 Adolf Hitler
1939 Joseph Stalin
1940 Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill
1941 Franklin Delano Roosevelt
1942 Joseph Stalin
1943 George Catlett Marshall
1944 Dwight David Eisenhower
1945 Harry Truman
1946 James F. Byrnes
1947 George Catlett Marshall
1948 Harry Truman
1949 Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill
1950 American Fighting-Man
1951 Mohammed Mossadegh
1952 Elizabeth II
1953 Konrad Adenauer
1954 John Foster Dulles
1955 Harlow Herbert Curtice
1956 Hungarian Freedom Fighter
1957 Nikita Krushchev
1958 Charles De Gaulle
1959 Dwight David Eisenhower
1960 U.S. Scientists
1961 John Fitzgerald Kennedy
1962 Pope John XXIII
1963 Martin Luther King Jr.
1964 Lyndon B. Johnson
1965 General William Childs Westmoreland
1966 Twenty-Five and Under
1967 Lyndon B. Johnson
1968 Astronauts Anders, Borman and Lovell
1969 The Middle Americans
1970 Willy Brandt
1971 Richard Milhous Nixon
1972 Nixon and Kissinger
1973 John J. Sirica
1974 King Faisal
1975 American Women
1976 Jimmy Carter
1977 Anwar Sadat
1978 Teng Hsiao-P'ing
1979 Ayatullah Khomeini
1980 Ronald Reagan
1981 Lech Walesa
1982 The Computer
1983 Ronald Reagan & Yuri Andropov
1984 Peter Ueberroth
1985 Deng Xiaoping
1986 Corazon Aquino
1987 Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev
1988 Endangered Earth
1989 Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev
1990 The Two George Bushes
1991 Ted Turner
1992 Bill Clinton
1993 The Peacemakers
1994 Pope John Paul II
1995 Newt Gingrich
1996 Dr. David Ho
1997 Andy Grove
1998 Bill Clinton and Kenneth Starr
1999 Jeff Bezos
2000 George W. Bush
2001 Rudolph Giuliani
2002 The Whistleblowers
2003 The American Soldier
2004 George W. Bush
2005 Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, & Bono
2006 You
2007 Vladimir Putin
2008 Barack Obama

Walpole coach surrenders to police in Arizona

Accused of raping student
The former coach of the Walpole High football team that won a state football championship this month turned himself in to police in Tucson last night after he was charged with raping a student at the school.

Daniel Villa, an Arizona native, turned himself in just before 9 p.m., one day after a warrant for his arrest was issued in Wrentham District Court.

Villa, who played six years for the New England Patriots, faces three counts of rape of a child over 14, and three counts of enticing a minor, police said.

Police believe the only victim was a female Walpole High student-athlete. The crimes occurred in the past several months, said Walpole Police Chief Richard Stillman. He would not elaborate on the details of the case.

However, a source close to the investigation said Villa came to police attention after learning of text messages between Villa and the alleged victim that contained "inappropriate stuff."

Boston Globe - Full Story

Extended T Service for New Year's

The MBTA has announced its service schedule for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The MBTA is providing extra transit services throughout the First Night Festivities and will be offering FREE service after 8 p.m. Extra MBTA Police will patrol the system to assist with crowd control and safety.

Encouraging First Night revelers to take the T, MBTA General Manager Dan Grabauskas said, “As in past years, we are prepared to provide customers safe and reliable transportation to and from First Night. With winter weather upon us, and the obstacles that come with driving, taking the T is the best choice.”

The following is the MBTA’s operating schedule:

Wednesday, Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve
Blue, Orange, Green and Red Line trains will operate on a Saturday schedule with the following additions:

Service will increase during the afternoon leading to rush-hour service levels from approximately 7 p.m. through the conclusion of the event.

Evening trains will provide rush-hour levels of service and will run until approximately 2 a.m.

Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule with the following additions:

· Extra service on route #57 (Watertown to Kenmore) from 6 p.m. until the completion of the fireworks.

· Extra service on route #39 (Forest Hills to Back Bay) from 6 p.m. until the completion of the fireworks.

· Extra service operating out of Government Center to Riverside upon completion of the fireworks.

· Extra service in the Cambridge area operating out of Harvard, Central and Lechmere stations as needed.

· Extra service operating out of Sullivan, Wellington, and Haymarket Stations as needed.

· Extra service operating from Wonderland Station to Revere.

· Extra service in the Quincy area until the completion of Quincy’s First Night Festivities.

Commuter Rail service on New Year’s Eve will operate on a weekday schedule with additional train service provided to accommodate customers participating in Boston’s First Night Celebration. (See below for extra service)

OUTBOUND FROM NORTH STATION

Fitchburg Line: 12:10 a.m. Departure to South Acton

1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Departure to Fitchburg

Haverhill Line: 12:10 a.m. Departure to Reading

1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Departure to Haverhill

Lowell Line: 12:10 a.m., 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Departure to Lowell

Newburyport Line: 12:10 a.m. Departure to Beverly

12:45 a.m. Departure to Newburyport

Rockport Line: 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Departure to Rockport

(2 a.m. Departure connects with Newburyport at Beverly)

OUTBOUND FROM SOUTH STATION

Providence Line: 12:45 a.m. and 1:45 a.m. Departure to Providence

Franklin Line: 12:45 a.m. and 1:45 a.m. Departure to Forge Park

Greenbush Line: 1:05 a.m. Departure to Greenbush

Middleboro/Lakeville Line: 1:10 a.m. Departure to Middleboro

Needham Line: 1 a.m. Departure to Needham

Plymouth/Kingston Line: 1 a.m. Departure to Kingston

Worcester/Framingham Line: 1 a.m. Departure to Worcester

Commuter Boat and Ferry

Inner Harbor Ferry will operate a normal weekday schedule

Hingham Commuter Boat service: The 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. departures from Rowes Wharf to Hingham will be substituted with departures at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The last trip from Hingham will be at 6:10 p.m. The last boat departing Rowes Wharf will be at 7 p.m.

Quincy and Hull Commuter Boat service to Logan Airport and Long Wharf will operate a normal weekday schedule.

THE RIDE

THE RIDE will operate extended hours until 2:30 a.m.


Parking
As a way to manage traffic volume, customers are urged to pay upon entering the parking garages.


Thursday, Jan. 1 — New Year’s Day

Blue, Orange, Green and Red Line trains will operate on a Sunday schedule.

Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule.

Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule. Please Note: Fairmount Line, Needham Line and Stoughton Line will not operate.

Inner Harbor Ferry and Commuter Boat services will not operate.

THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TDD 617-222-5146) or log onto the MBTA’s Web site, www.mbta.com.

Died this date: Dennis Wilson, the Beach Boys

Dennis Carl Wilson (December 4, 1944 – December 28, 1983) was an American rock and roll musician best known as a founding member and the drummer of The Beach Boys. He was a member of the group from its formation until his death in 1983, though he was often supplemented in the studio by session drummers, and on stage by a backup drummer.

Compared to his bandmates, which included his brothers Brian and Carl, and his cousin Mike Love, Dennis sang infrequently, often not singing backup vocals at live performances, though he commonly did so in the studio. He was commonly seen as the sex symbol of the band. His prominence in the group increased as their careers went on, more commonly singing lead, and writing towards and into the 1970s.

In 1968, Dennis Wilson was driving through Malibu when he noticed two female hitchhikers. He picked them up and dropped them off at their destination[1]. Later on, Dennis noticed the same two girls hitchhiking again. This time, he took them to his home at 14400 Sunset Boulevard, near Will Rogers Park. Dennis then went to a recording session; when he returned at around three o'clock in the morning, he was met in his driveway by a stranger, Charles Manson. When he walked into his home, there were about a dozen people occupying the premises, most of them female. Dennis became fascinated by Manson and his followers, and the "Manson Family" lived with Dennis for a period of time afterwards, at Dennis's expense.

Initially impressed by Manson's songwriting talent, Dennis introduced him to a few friends in the music business, including Terry Melcher, whose home on Cielo Drive would later be the rented by director Roman Polanski and his wife, actress Sharon Tate; Tate and several others would later be murdered at the home by Manson Family members. Recording sessions for Manson were held at Brian Wilson's home studio; those recordings, if extant, have never been released. The Beach Boys released a Manson song, originally titled "Cease To Exist", but reworked as "Never Learn Not To Love", as a single B-side. The song, credited only to Dennis, was said to have been purchased from Manson.

As Dennis became increasingly aware of Manson's volatile nature and growing tendency to violence, he finally made a break from the friendship by simply moving out of the house, and leaving Manson there. When Manson subsequently sought further contact (and money), he left a bullet with Dennis' housekeeper to be delivered with a cryptic message, which was perceived by Dennis as a threat.

In August of 1969 the infamous Tate/LaBianca murders occurred. The trauma of his prior association with the killers affected Dennis for his remaining 14 years.[citation needed] He rarely discussed his involvement with the Manson Family and he usually became upset when the subject was broached. In one interview, however, he brought it up: "I guess it's time to talk about it. You see, when I knew Manson it was no big thing. We were friends; we lived together. That was long before the murders. And we'd talk every night, just like you and me. We'd really talk about important things." The interviewer asked, "Do you know why Manson organized those murders?" and Dennis responded, "I know why Charles Manson did what he did. Someday, I'll tell the world. I'll write a book and explain why he did it. Over the years, people have always wanted to know what happened, what my relationship with Charlie was. We were just friends." Dennis added: "I didn't testify at the trial. I couldn't. I was so scared. You know, the writers really raked me over the coals for not testifying." Dennis was particularly worried about the safety of his son, Scott.

Succeeding years saw Dennis Wilson's alcohol abuse problem worsen On December 28, 1983, shortly after his 39th birthday, Wilson drowned at Marina Del Rey, Los Angeles. On the day of his death in 1983, Wilson was quoted as saying "I'm lonesome. I'm lonesome all the time."[cite this quote] He left behind a young wife, Shawn Love, the alleged illegitimate daughter of his cousin Mike Love, and their young son, Gage Dennis Wilson (born January 1983). He had been previously married four times: to Carole Freedman (with whom he had a daughter, Jennifer (born December 21, 1966) and whose son, Scott, he adopted); to Barbara Charren (with whom he had two sons, Michael (born February 19, 1971) and Carl (born December 31, 1972); and (twice) to Karen Lamm, the ex-wife of Robert Lamm. Dennis also had two sons, Chris and Ryan born out of wedlock. On January 4, 1984 he was buried at sea off the California coast.

Fred Vail, a close friend of Wilson, said that his premature death was most likely inevitable: “I knew that Denny wasn’t the type of guy who would live to be an old man. It just wasn’t in the general scheme of things. He was just constantly challenging the boundaries.”. Dennis Wilson's ultimate demise bore remarkable similarity to that of fellow drummer (and Beach Boys aficionado) Keith Moon.

Born this date: Alex Chilton, the Box Tops

Alex Chilton (born William Alexander Chilton, on December 28, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee) is an American songwriter, guitarist, singer and producer best known for his work with the pop-music bands the Box Tops and Big Star. Chilton's early commercial sales success in the 1960s as a teen vocalist for the Box Tops was not repeated in later years with Big Star and in his indie music solo career on small labels, but he did draw a loyal following in the indie and alternative music fields.

Chilton said in the September 1994 issue of Guitar Player that he considers himself a "musical performer, not a songwriter" and that some of his songs sound only "half-baked" to him. Nonetheless, his compositions have been performed by a number of artists, including This Mortal Coil, The Bangles, Wilco, Graham Coxon, Garbage, Son Volt, Counting Crows, Elliott Smith, Jeff Buckley, Cheap Trick, Superdrag, Evan Dando, Cat Power, Yo La Tengo, Placebo, Xiu Xiu, and His Name Is Alive. The Replacements wrote the song "Alex Chilton" in his honor on their 1987 Pleased to Meet Me album.

The Box Tops - Cry like a Baby


As lead singer for the Box Tops, Chilton enjoyed at the age of 16 a number-one international hit, "The Letter." The Box Tops went on to have several other major chart hits, including "Cry Like a Baby" (1968) and "Soul Deep" (1969). The group's songs were written by Penn, Moman, Spooner Oldham and other top area songwriters, with Chilton occasionally contributing a song. By late 1969, only Chilton and guitarist Gary Talley remained from the original group, and newer additions replaced the members who had departed. The group decided to disband and pursue independent careers in February 1970.

The Box Tops - The Letter

Born today: Andre Tippett

Andre Bernard Tippett (born December 27, 1959), is a former American football linebacker who played for the New England Patriots of the NFL. Currently he is the Patriots' Executive Director of Community Affairs. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Tippett was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2nd round of the 1982 NFL Draft.

Tippett is a member of the NFL’s 1980s all-decade team and was selected to five Pro Bowls in his career, earning the nod in five straight seasons from 1984–88.

From 1984–85, Tippett recorded the highest two-season sack total by a linebacker in NFL history, totaling 35.0 sacks during the two seasons. His 18.5 sacks in 1984 are the third most by any linebacker in a single season, while his 16.5 sacks in 1985 are tied for the sixth most by any linebacker in NFL history.

Tippett holds the Patriots’ franchise record with 100.0 career sacks. He also owns the top three single-season sack performances in Patriots history (18.5 in 1984, 16.5 in 1985 and 12.5 in 1987). He ranked seventh on the all-time sacks list, and third among linebackers, at the time of his retirement following the 1993 season. Over his career, Tippett recorded 100 sacks in 151 games, an average of 0.662 sacks per game. The mark currently ranks fourth in NFL history among linebackers.

After not recording a sack as a rookie in 1982, Tippett finished either first or second on the team in sacks in each of his final 10 seasons. He led the team in sacks six times and finished second on the team four times. Tippett recorded 30 multiple-sack games in his career and sacked a total of 41 different quarterbacks. Tippett recovered 18 opponents’ fumbles during his career, tying him for first on the Patriots’ all-time list (Steve Nelson). He also forced 17 fumbles in his career.

Tippett was named the AFC’s Linebacker of the Year by the NFL Players Association for three straight seasons from 1985–87. He was voted to the Associated Press All-NFL First-team on two occasions (1985 and 1987) and Second-team on two other occasions (1986 and 1988). He was also named to the NFL Films All-Pro team in 1984.

He was voted the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA) co-Defensive Player of the Year (with Raider Howie Long) in 1985. Additionally, he was voted the 1985 UPI AFL-AFC Defensive Player of the Year.

Tippett twice earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week awards. The first in the Patriots 20-13 win over the New York Jets as he stopped the Jets 3 times within the 10 yard line on 10-20-85. Next, he was the AFC Defensive Player of the Week in the Patriots 21-7 win over the Houston Oilers on 10-18-87. In this victory over Houston at the Astrodome, Andre had 3 sacks, defended on a pass play and blocked a field goal attempt that was returned for a touchdown by Raymond Clayborn.

Tippett spent his entire 12-year career with the Patriots and was a member of three playoff teams, including the 1985 AFC Champions.

Tom and Gisele tying the knot?

We're hearing that after two years of dating, Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen are finally engaged.

Gossip site TMZ ratcheted up the buzz yesterday, reporting the injured Patriots QB proposed to his supermodel girlfriend on a private flight from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey to Boston on Christmas Eve. Her parents were reportedly along for the ride, along with four dozen white roses and some bubbly. The site reports Brady was nervous before he popped the question, but - of course - Gisele said yes.

WEEKEND LOVE FORECAST:

ARIES: You're only interested in those who can keep up with your fast pace. TAURUS: You enjoy those who push you to take on greater challenges than you would if left to your own devices. GEMINI: The romantic prize goes to the one who displays the most patience. CANCER: Don't let external forces keep you from pulling off a romantic move. LEO: Your commonsense approach is sexy to someone who is equally pragmatic. VIRGO: You are able to help someone you adore out of a minor mess. LIBRA: After the events of tonight, you'll realize anew what and whom you really want in your life. SCORPIO: The people you meet are incredibly lovely, attractive and able to spark your imagination. SAGITTARIUS: Someone with a soft touch will reestablish your faith in humanity. CAPRICORN: Economic factors do not have to get in the way of romance and, in fact, you show love more imaginatively when your resources are limited. AQUARIUS: Reacting to the unpredictable moods of your loved ones will heighten your emotions and keep you intellectually on point. PISCES: Developments in another corner of the world affect a key relationship.

COUPLE OF THE WEEKEND: Aries and Capricorn are both affected by the march of Mars through Capricorn. Aries is always guided by the warrior planet, and Capricorn feels his force acutely all next month. Under other circumstances these two might have a slow and friendly courtship, but right now these two signs will passionately converge, figuring out straight away what it takes to get under the other person's skin.

Happy Birthday, Carolyn!

Hope you have many more and I hope you're enjoying your day!




Birthday Baby: You are a go-getter who loves a challenge. You are caring but are also eager to win. You react with precision and prefer to direct rather than taking direction.

Happy Birthday: Don't expect things to run smoothly or turn out as planned. Be ready for the unknown and you will maneuver your way through. Taking on too much can be just as bad as taking on too little. Balance will be needed, along with a solid plan that will leave no doubt about what you must do. Your numbers are 5, 13, 17, 25, 28, 37, 44

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (DECEMBER 26). Your head is filled with big ideas for this year and you display an unflappable resolve as you do the work necessary to make your vision come to life. January brings a powerful new alliance. What you do in February increases your resources. Invest in your creativity in March. Travel in May. Wedding bells ring in July. Aries and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 19, 14, 13 and 39.

OK, so I did too much fa la la la laing...

I'm among the living now, had a great holiday, as I hope you all did. Will catch up as soon as I read my email.

OK, aside from the obvious, born this date: Annie Lennox

Annie Lennox (born 25 December 1954) is a Scottish musician, vocalist and Academy Award-winning songwriter. She is both a solo artist and the lead singer of the musical duo Eurythmics, hailed as "The Greatest White Soul Singer Alive" by members of the rock industry on the VH1 show 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll in 1999. Rolling Stone magazine also named her as one of their 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Both as a solo artist and with Eurythmics, Lennox has sold over 80 million records.

She was born Ann-Lynne Griselda Lennox on Christmas Day, 1954, in Aberdeen, Scotland. Her father worked at the shipyard, and her mother was a cook until she became a housewife. Lennox was an only child and the family lived in a small two-roomed apartment in a block of flats with communal laundry facilities. Her father and his family were musical and enjoyed singing. Her father also learned to play the bagpipes, which Lennox enjoyed listening to. Despite her family's financial status, Lennox had piano lessons at school from the age of seven years. She was interested in singing and, with plenty of time by herself, passed some of the time by singing along to the popular music of the time, including music by The Beatles. Both Lennox's parents died of cancer. Her first marriage from 1984 to 1985 was to Radha Raman. From 1988 to 2000, she was married to Israeli film and record producer Uri Fruchtmann. They have two daughters, Lola and Taliir.

Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

Ho Ho Ho!

Holiday Wishes

Never a Christmas morning;
never the old year ends,
But someone thinks of someone;
old days, old times, old friends.

Wishing You & Yours a very Merry Christmas!
Love, from all of us.

Merry Christmas, Darling - The Carpenters

BBuck, WTF...

It's your birthday!



Happy Birthday: Take a long hard look at your situation -- be prepared to jump ship if necessary or take on whatever appears to be your best bet financially. Rely on your personality and good track record to get you what you want. A personal decision regarding your health, well-being and lifestyle will ensure you stay in good shape for things to come. Your numbers are 9, 13, 19, 27, 31, 35, 43

Birthday Baby: You can take on a challenge and win. You are quick to react and often choose the most unlikely path. You are a strong contender and an incredibly hard worker.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (DECEMBER 24). You master rebellious energies and use them to conquer fear and reign supreme over your life. January features a phase of people giving you deep appreciation and attention. The popularity is fun for a while, but by March socializing is secondary to closing deals. May is a financial upswing. Scorpio and Aquarius find you irresistible. Your lucky numbers are: 47, 1, 30, 11 and 9.

The Meaning of Christmas

As the holiday weekend grows near....

submitted by Patti

a gentle reminder


six Budweisers


two glasses of wine


two bottles of wine, shared

too many Margaritas


three Kamikazes


seven Captain & Cokes



one large Purple Haze

three Martini's (or Cosmo's)



one bottle of Tequila













Please remember to drink responsibly!

Tragic news from up north...

Rudolph won't be guiding Santa's sleigh this Christmas Eve.

Festivus, for the rest of us!

Today marks the start of the fictional Seinfeld holiday, Festivus. Part of the holiday festivities is the "Airing of Grievances" where people discuss how much someone has disappointed them over the past year, and "Feats of Strength" where someone attempts to pin the head of the household to the ground. If the head of household is successfully pinned to the ground, the holiday ends. The Festivus Pole, a plain aluminum pole, is displayed unadorned and the dinner is usually where the "Airing of Grievances" takes place.

In lieu of holiday gifts, donations to "The Human Fund" are gratefully accepted.

Born this date: Ron Bushy, Iron Butterfly

Ron Bushy (born December 23, 1945) is a co-founder and drummer of the rock band Iron Butterfly.

He was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in a military family, living in approximately 34 states during his youth. He first learned to play the drums when he was in the sixth grade.

He is a writer and is highly respected for his lengthy drum solo in "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida," with his primal drum patterns, that set the standard for generations of rock drummers. Ron is also highly skilled in the graphic arts and has created most of the logos and artwork as seen on the Iron Butterfly merchandise and advertising.

A commonly repeated story says that the song title was originally "In The Garden Of Eden", but in the course of rehearsing and recording singer Doug Ingle slurred the words into the nonsense phrase of the title while under the influence of alcohol (wine). The truth (according to the liner notes on 'the best of' CD compilation) is that drummer Ron Bushy was listening to the track through headphones, and he just couldn't hear correctly; he simply distorted what Doug Ingle answered when Ron asked him for the title of the song.

Short Radio Version

It's a Wonderful Life

If you know me at all, you know the only thing I like about the Christmas season is to watch the movie "It's a Wonderful Life", starring Jimmy Stewart & Donna Reed and directed by Frank Capra. If I'm scanning the TV and it's on, I'll watch it until the end no matter where it's started.

If you haven't seen it, I have to ask, what rock have you been hiding under? No, to be serious, it's the story of a man named George Bailey who seems to never have been able to live out his dreams because he has to take care of business for other people in his life. He thinks of taking his life because he believes he is worth more dead than alive and that will solve his present problem of money that has gone missing due to his Uncle Billy's mistake. An angel, Clarence Oddbody, is sent to earth to help George Bailey so he can earn his wings. George believes that things would be better if he were never born. Clarence gives him the opportunity to see how life would be if George were never born.

The lesson Clarence eventually teaches George is that it's

"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

It's a holiday movie that everyone should see at least once. Rent it, it's long. And you'll also learn that "every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings".

Feast of seven fishes

Italian chefs gather to celebrate a Christmas culinary tradition

It's a scene out of the film "Big Night," as knives chop, wrists flip, and dishes take shape on a 22-burner stove and adjacent grill. The friends, all chefs, are preparing a Feast of Seven Fishes on a recent day at Caturano's North End restaurant, Prezza. The narrow work space is whisk-to-tongs as each chef prepares a course for a meal they will later share.

For these Italian chefs the Feast of Seven Fishes is the highlight of their culinary calendar, and they're happy to be sharing recipes, workspace, and later, lunch. The feast is a Christmas Eve tradition that has spread from southern Italy to Italian homes throughout the United States. Though theories abound on its origins, the feast probably derives from the centuries-old Catholic tradition of eating only fish on Fridays and certain holy days. Why seven courses? Perhaps for the seven sacraments, the seven days of the week, the seven virtues, the seven hills of Rome - take your pick.

What really matters, to those who celebrate the feast, is the gathering of family and friends over a delicious dinner. "It's my favorite holiday," says Christine Pallotta, who along with her sister owns Nebo. "We grew up in the North End, where everyone did the Feast of Seven Fishes." Though the sisters are chefs, their 74-year-old mother refuses any help with the feast, preparing it all herself. "She's insulted if we go in her kitchen," says Christine Pallotta.

Today at Prezza, it's Dante de Magistris who stops the show. His course is the wood-grilled eel, and the guest of honor is preparing to meet his maker. De Magistris has done this a million times; he's completely unfazed as he asks for a cleaver. Besides, he has sedated the eel with white wine.

Some around him, however, brace themselves. Whack! People jump. A few shriek. There are four more loud whacks, and the 2-foot eel is now divided into six pieces. Chef humor takes over.

Susi notes that the eel is "waving goodbye," and indeed, a couple of minutes after execution, its tail is still waving in the air.


Boston Globe - Full Story

Robin & Maurice Gibb, born this date

Maurice Ernest Gibb CBE (December 22, 1949 – January 12, 2003) was a musician and singer-songwriter. He was born in Douglas, Isle of Man, the twin brother of Robin Gibb, and younger brother to Barry. He is best known as a member of the singing/songwriting trio the Bee Gees, formed with his brothers Robin and Barry. The trio got their start in Australia, and found major success when they returned to England. The Bee Gees became one of the most successful pop groups of all time.

Born Maurice Ernest Gibb to Barbara (née Pass) and Hugh Gibb, he grew up in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, England. Maurice (pronounced "Morris"), was the fraternal twin brother of Robin Gibb, and was the younger of the twins by thirty-five minutes. The fourth-born of five children, he had one older sister, Lesley (b. 1945), and three brothers, Barry (b. 1946), twin Robin (b. 1949), and Andrew (b. 1958). In late 1958, he and his family, including baby brother Andy, moved to Brisbane, Australia, settling in one of the city's poorest suburbs, Cribb Island, which was subsequently demolished to make way for the Brisbane Airport.

Gibb was married to the Scottish pop star Lulu from 1969 to 1973; they had no children, and the pressure of their respective commitments led to their divorce. Together with his second wife Yvonne, Gibb had two children: Adam and Samantha.

Gibb loved the sport of paintball, and had a team which he called the Royal Rat Rangers, a reference to his being named a Commander of the British Empire, and to his time at the Little River AA group, where the members referred to each other as "river rats." He promoted the sport at every opportunity, and opened a paintball equipment shop, "Commander Mo's Paintball Shop," in North Miami Beach, Florida.

Maurice Gibb died at a Miami Beach, Florida, hospital on January 12, 2003 of complications resulting from a twisted intestine (volvulus). Following his death, his surviving brothers Barry and Robin announced that they would no longer perform as the Bee Gees.

In 1968 Robin married Molly Hullis, a secretary in Robert Stigwood's organisation. The couple had survived the Hither Green rail crash, which killed 49 people on the 5th November 1967. They have two children, Spencer and Melissa, but they eventually divorced in 1980 after years of living separate lives, with Robin almost permanently in the USA and Molly remaining in the UK. He remarried in 1985. Robin's second wife, Dwina Murphy, is an artist, and they have a son, Robin John. Gibb is currently living on the outskirts of Peel, Isle of Man and still continues to own property in Thame. He is a vegan.

SNL-Christmas Treats

Hannukah begins at sundown today

Inside the Mayor's office

You won't find any holiday decorations inside Mayor Thomas Ambrosino's office in Revere's City Hall.

Mayor Ambrosino keeps a cross, a nameplate, and a long, long "To Do List" in his office. Looks like he's checked it at least twice.

Mayor Ambrosino commemorates champion sports teams on one wall of his office.





Boston Globe - Full Story

New England Patriots sing...

"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"



Final score, Pats 47, Cardinals 7.

Born this Date: Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland (born 21 December 1966) is an Emmy- and Golden Globe award-winning British-born Canadian actor, well known for his lead role of Jack Bauer on the television series 24.

Sutherland was born in London, England, the son of Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas, both of whom are successful Canadian actors. He has Scottish ancestry from both parents and is the grandson of Canadian politician Tommy Douglas. Sutherland and his twin sister, Rachel, were born in London (in Saint Mary's Hospital, Paddington) while his parents were working there. As a result, through the jus soli and the jus sanguinis, he is both a Canadian citizen and a British citizen.

His family moved to Corona, California, shortly afterwards, but his parents eventually divorced in 1972. In 1975, Sutherland moved with his mother to Toronto, Canada, where he attended elementary school at Crescent Town Elementary School in East York, Toronto, and high school at St. Andrew's College, Martingrove Collegiate Institute, Harbord Collegiate Institute and Malvern Collegiate Institute. He also spent a semester at Regina Mundi College in London, Ontario, Canada, and attended Crescent Town Elementary School and St. Clair Junior High School in East York, Ontario.

He has one daughter, Sarah Jude, born February 18, 1988, from his first marriage to Camelia Kath, to whom he was married from September 12, 1987—1990. Through his marriage to Camelia, he became step-father to Michelle Kath, the daughter of Chicago guitarist/singer Terry Kath.

Julia Roberts met Sutherland in 1990, when he was her co-star in Flatliners. In August 1990, Roberts and Sutherland announced their engagement, with an elaborate studio-planned wedding scheduled for June 14, 1991. Roberts broke the engagement three days before the wedding when she discovered Sutherland had been meeting with a stripper named Amanda Rice. His friend Jason Patric ran off with Roberts to Ireland.

On June 29, 1996, he married Kelly Winn. The couple separated in 1999. He filed for divorce in 2004. The divorce was finalized on May 16, 2008. He had two stepsons from this marriage.