Heating Up Independence Day

Began the morning with the 4th of July selections from the Colliers Harvest of Holidays anthology. The big pieces here are a chapter from Little Town on the Prairie that has Carrie, Laura, and their pa enjoying lemonade and a pony cart race at their growing little town and The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. There was also the first part of the Constitution and several smaller poems on independence and fireworks.

Started Ben & Me during a quick breakfast. The "me" in this case is Amos Mouse, who helped Benjamin Franklin create some of his greatest inventions, from the Franklin Stove to the Pennsylvania Gazette. Amos thinks Ben's gone too far after he has him ride in that famous electrifying kite and leaves. He begs Amos to come back during the American Revolution and help him out again. Their agreement to no more tricks becomes the basis of the Declaration of Independence. 

Thank heavens Oaklyn pushed their parade back to 9 AM today. I wouldn't have seen it if it stayed at 10. Even at 8:50, it was already steamy and in the 90's. I dropped Finley's birthday gift off at Rose's house, then got a free cotton candy water ice from Yummies Palace's cart and free red, white, and blue beads from the Oaklyn Civic Association. A little boy who was already dripping sweat handed me a 250th anniversary America flag. 

Thankfully, the parade was more-or-less on time. The cardboard boat with a Jaws theme won first place. I liked the group dressed as butterflies the best. There was only one other kid next to me, jumping out to gather the tons of candy all of the baseball teams and various groups threw. I gave some of my candy to the little kids in wagons behind me, some of it to him, and still had tons of Mamba, Tootsie Roll Fruit Chews, and Dum Dums lollipops leftover to share with Lauren when she visits. 

Oh, and I ran into Rose and Finley towards the end of the parade. No, they weren't doing anything today. Rose was sending the kids to have a barbecue with their father at his mother's house, and she just wanted to rest. I pointed them towards the Civic Association's booth with Hot dogs, mini bags of chips and Cheetos, and baby pools filled with ice, soda, and water. 

Stopped at Common Grounds Coffee House to get a cool treat. The line for drinks was long, but it moved fast. I got a Peaches and Cream Lemonade. Peach syrup with very tart lemonade topped with foam. Not bad, though that lemonade was very, very puckering!

Finished Ben & Me after I got in, then switched to classic shorts while I got dressed for work. "Patriotic Popeye" tries to keep his nephews from setting off balloons, until they end up being carried into the sky by one, and he needs spinach to intervene. "Donald's Failed Fourth" has Donald trying to set up for a picnic with Daisy in front of the fireworks, but the blanket and chairs won't cooperate.

Called Uber after the cartoons ended. It was just too hot to ride my bike. To my surprise, it only took me 7 minutes to get a ride. I figured it would be much longer on a very hot major holiday. It took me 9 minutes to get a ride home. No problems or traffic either way.

Work could have been a lot worse. It got crazy around noon and was picking up again when I left at 5, but the in between wasn't really that bad. I did spend most of the time outside pushing carts, but I had help from one of the college boys (who did most of the sweeping), and I went in for water when I got too hot. I was in and out with no trouble. 

Listened to A Musical Souvenir of America On Parade when I got home. Yes, this was the music from Disney's big Bicentennial parade at the parks in 1975 and 1976. The songs are mostly instrumental versions of traditional American tunes like "Turkey In the Straw," "O Susannah," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and "I've Been Working On the Railroad," but somehow "Animal Crackers In My Soup" slips in there towards the end...and Disney being Disney couldn't resist including "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah." 

Finished the night on YouTube after a shower. The owner of the Match Game Productions channel did something different and showed us how other game shows celebrated the 4th of July. One show actually started on the 4th, the 1988 Family Feud with Ray Combs. Press Your Luck had Whammies setting off fireworks and snatching cash in 1985. Markie Post and Richard Shannon (with hair!) played each other on Super Password in 1986 just prior to Post joining Night Court (and even obliquely mentioned it on the episode). A patriotic episode of Price Is Right from 1975, just a few months before they expanded to an hour, had a Bicentennial salute to George M. Cohen as one of the Showcases. 

Classic Concentration was the only show to decorate for the occasion, offering flags everywhere, a trip to Washington DC, a paper mache George Washington, red, white, and blue cars to choose from, and Canadian Alex Trebek in an American flag tie. Things were more normal on 4th of July episodes of the Richard Dawson Family Feud, other than a few picnic-related questions. Susan Richardson and Wesley Eure did battle on Password Plus. The first 4th of July on Body Language had Betty White simply being outplayed by lanky Ed Begley Jr. Lisa Benet had more luck against Jason Bateman during their teen month the next year, while Kennedy set off sparklers. The Bob Eubanks Card Sharks introduced a new bonus round, while Jim Perry dealt with some pretty unique contestants, including a very funny old man named Ed, in his earlier version from 1979 and 1980. 

Celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary game show style in these hilariously patriotic tributes!

Saturday Game Show Classics - 4th of July Game Show Marathon

Called Mom during the marathon to wish her a happy 4th. She was enjoying hers in pretty much the same way, watching Ken Burns documentaries on PBS with Keefe. Keefe's wife Julia took their children to visit her family, so they were relishing the peace and quiet. They hadn't done much today, but Keefe did take Mom to his favorite restaurant earlier in the week. 

Oh, and there were no fireworks this year. Not only was it too hot, but there were some pretty bad storms later in the evening. That didn't stop people from setting off their own fireworks, including a beautiful display of sparkling green and pink just a few houses down from here on East Clinton.

Here's hoping your 4th of July was just as much fun...and a lot cooler. 

Star Spangled Lady

Began the morning with the 4th of July material from Colliers Harvest of Holidays. The longest piece here is a segment of Little House On the Prairie where Pa takes Laura and Carrie into town for lemonade and to watch their friend Almanzo Wilder take part in the horse and buggy race. There's also several patriotic poems, The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, and The Star Spangled Banner. Did two short stories from the Disney Storybookland anthology, a version of "Ben & Me" and a prose retelling of Paul Revere's famous ride.

Watched the short "Patriotic Popeye" online while I had a quick breakfast. Popeye tries to hide the fireworks from his eager nephews, but they find them every time. They finally learn their lesson when they get caught on one of the rockets and their uncle has to rescue them.

Hurried out after that for Oaklyn's 4th of July Parade on West Clinton Avenue. The parade was supposed to start at 10, but they were late. They're always late. There were already tons of people running around and settling in lawn chairs when I arrived. Among them were my brother-in-law Craig, my niece Finley, and my nephew Khai. Fin turned 7 yesterday. I'm glad I remembered to bring her birthday bag. She loved everything, especially the pretty purple stuffed pegasus. 

The parade didn't start until nearly 10:30. I took Finley across the street to get free soda, water, small bags of chips, and warm soft pretzels at a tent pitched on the parking lot across from the school, and we got back with still ten minutes before it did start. Motorcyclists on cool red and blue vehicles led the way, followed by kids on decorated bikes and their parents and two local brass bands. Most of the other floats were baseball and softball teams, including one that won the local Little League and was now heading to the New Jersey state finals. Finley was just happy with all the Jolly Ranchers, Dum Dums, Starbursts, and Double Bubble gum those young ballplayers threw. Even I grabbed some candy for later. 

Craig took the kids home to rest after the parade ended, but I stuck around to hear a lady sing "The Star Spangled Banner" (quite well) and the announcement of the winners for best float. Mr. Softee pulled into the parking lot right before the parade started to give out free ice cream. I didn't mind waiting in a long line to get a freebie. I enjoyed my cup of vanilla and chocolate swirl soft-serve topped with rainbow sprinkles as I walked home. 

Settled down myself with a drink and a few more 4th of July or American history-related shorts. Bugs is a "Bunker Hill Bunny" who defends his fort from Hessian Yosemite Sam. "Donald's Failed Fourth" may turn his romantic picnic with Daisy into a disaster, unless he can get the blanket and chairs to cooperate. "Hysterical Highspots In American History" include Christopher Columbus lamenting the lack of cartoons in the New World, a fast-talking Native-American salesman, and two enterprising old maids who somehow managed to divert soldiers to their home during two very different and long-apart wars. 

Watched Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure next. I go further into this sequel to the beloved 1955 Disney movie at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Happy 4th of July! - Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure

Went back out after the cartoon ended. I enjoyed my Thanksgiving dinner at Mulligan's so much, I thought I'd try them for the 4th. Their turkey burger wasn't nearly as good as their actual turkey dinner. The fries weren't bad, but the burger was nothing really special for $14. I was surprised they weren't busy, either. Guess most people opted to barbecue in their own homes.

By this point, the morning clouds and breeze had long given way to bright sunshine and overbearing heat and humidity. I stopped at WaWa for a much-needed drink. Tried a matcha frozen lemonade. Not bad. Very tart. Cooling, anyway, which is really all I cared about walking home.

After I got in, I made the bed while watching two patriotic Scooby Doo episodes. Tubi now has the mid-70's Scooby Doo Show. This is the show I remember being re-run the most as a kid, and probably the one I remember best. Mystery Inc is in Washington DC to celebrate the Bicentennial and find themselves fleeing into the Smithsonian to avoid a heavy rainstorm. When they're attacked by what seems like the ghosts of famous traitors Benedict Arnold, William Demont, and Major John Andre, they have to figure out what "The Spirits of '76" are doing and why they're running around with wet shoes.

Laff-a-Lympics goes north to "New York" for a Central Park buggy ride. Finley would have loved Blue Falcon's chariot pulled by an alicorn, but I thought Doggie Daddy's normal carriage pulled by a very small horse who turns out to be accurately named Goliath was funnier. The race to put a wreath on top of the Statue of Liberty was even closer. Captain Caveman has his powers, but Orful Octopus of the Rottens doesn't need to cheat with suction-cup tentacles, and there's Grape Ape's sheer size. The Dread Baron somehow manages to win a unicycle race in "Turkey" despite his own outrageous cheating, and the Daltons prove that size - and pure slipperiness - does matter during a swimming relay race in the cross-tides.

Mom texted me to wish me a happy 4th of July right before I left for lunch. I called her on the patio at Mulligan's after I got out. She finally called me back as the second half Laff-a-Lympics ended. As it turns out, they weren't doing anything, either. Keefe apparently had to work on a newly-built ship today. 

By that point, I was bored stiff. I originally intended to walk into Collingswood, but it was too hot for a long stroll, and my legs were still pretty worn out from pushing carts for 7 hours yesterday. Ended up walking through a quiet, shady Newton Lake Park instead, with a stop at Dollar General for snacks and a drink to eat during the fireworks. 

Put on Yankee Doodle Cricket when I got home. Amos Mouse isn't the only rodent who claims to have shaped American history. Tucker the Mouse insists that he originally created the first American flag and wrote the Declaration of "Interdependence" as a treaty between cats and mice, Harry the Cat got Paul Revere's horse going, and Chester the Cricket wrote "Yankee Doodle." 

Rose called shortly after I got in. Did I want to come over for dinner? Sure, why not? I had no other plans. I was just going to eat out of the fridge for dinner. I ended up heading across a quiet Oaklyn to her house instead after the cartoon ended.

When I arrived, I was greeted by Rose's two frisky dogs Oreo and Cider. Oreo is a sweet pup who sure took a shine to me. He wouldn't leave my side for most of the time I was there, laying at my feet and licking my toes. Rose has a stressful job as a lawyer, and she was pretty tired, but she did put out a plate of grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cherries and a tray of meat and cheese with mini-naan rounds. Craig made tasty burgers, sausage, and zucchini and yellow squash, the latter fresh from his own garden. The lettuce for the burgers was from his garden, too. Before dinner, Finley got to show off the Jurassic Park dinosaurs she got for her birthday, including a remote-control t-rex. 

I hurried out around 8:41. Rose and her family usually watch the fireworks at their house, but I prefer Newton Lake Park. The big grassy area across from the Parkview Apartments is large enough for many people to relax on blankets and not be in each other's way and still get a good view of the show. I wasn't sure I'd have the time to go back for my blanket and the water and snacks I bought earlier, so I just plopped on the grass. 

Not ten minutes after I settled down, I heard the first boom overhead. Glittering pink and green sparkles lit up the night! The fireworks at Collingswood are always gorgeous, and this year was no exception. I especially love the ones that make shapes, the nifty rings and hearts inside each other. Someone set off some pretty big fireworks at the Parkview, too, making it seem like the show was coming from all sides. 

I hurried home the second the last fireworks started to go off. The White Horse Pike is always a mess after the fireworks. While I don't have to cross the street anymore to get home, I do have to dodge all of the people and cars looking to avoid taking the main roads and running into just as much traffic. I was very happy when I finally got home.

Finished the night after the Match Game '76 chat premieres with a vintage Disney 4th of July parade from 1988. It's a shame Disney didn't continue to air their 4th of July spectaculars like they did the Easter and Christmas shows. They're cheesy, but so much fun. Marc Summers and Tempest Bledsoe put more of an emphasis on the actual parade, with units representing different sections of the US, than most of the other broadcasts. We also get Willard Scott riding the Maelstrom (now Frozen) in the then-new Norway pavilion at Epcot, the introduction of Mickey's Birthdayland at the Magic Kingdom (now the circus-themed kiddie ride area of Fantasyland), and a chorus routine at what was then the Disney-MGM Studios (which opened about 10 months after this). Tommy Tune and Rita Moreno lead the dancers through medleys of George M. Cohen songs in front of Cinderella's Castle in the finale. 

If you missed your hometown parade or want to check out Walt Disney World almost 40 years ago, here's the full parade, for your enjoyment!

1988 Walt Disney World 4th of July Spectacular 

And here's hoping you had a wonderful 4th of July too, with all the people you love!

Rainbow Connections

Started off the morning with stories about 4th of July celebrations and America's independence from the Colliers Harvest of Holidays anthology book. The longer pieces here are a chapter from Little Town on the Prairie about Pa Ingalls taking Laura and Carrie to the new town's small Independence Day party and the full Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. We also get several shorter patriotic poems. The last chapter of the coffee-table history book Summer In America covers 4th of July and Juneteenth through the years.

Headed out after eating a very quick breakfast. Oaklyn's 4th of July Parade was at 10 AM...or it was supposed to be. I left at 9:45 and arrived at West Clinton about 8 minutes later to see families still lining up on the sidewalks in their nylon deck chairs and wagons and strollers. The Oaklyn Civic Association gave away free pretzels and small bottles of water in a tent at the municipal parking lot. I picked up a pretzel and a bottle of water and hiked up and down the street for a while.

Ran into Rose and her family about ten minutes later. I was able to give Finley her birthday presents. Her birthday was yesterday, but I didn't have the chance to give it to bring it over then. As much as she liked the stuffed dog in a hog dog roll, she really loved gray-striped Kiki the Cat in her sparkly pink bow. She and her dad Craig played with her for the next ten minutes.

The kids were starting to get a little antsy just as a Mr. Softee truck rolled into the parking lot. Turns out they were giving out free ice cream and water ice in honor of the Fourth. Finley, Rose, and me hurried across the street and into a long line. I liked the look of the chocolate soft-serve with chocolate sprinkles the mom in front of me got so much, I ended up with a cup of that.

The parade began while I was in line. Oaklyn's 4th of July Parade mainly consists of one brass band, a few local Armed Services troops, kids on decorated bikes, a motorcycle team on huge Harleys, and a lot of softball teams and civic services on flatbed trucks. One of the softball teams had by far the best theme. They were on a "Flaming Hot" orange-decorated truck and threw Flaming Hot Cheetos to the kids in the crowd. They ended up winning the float contest. Oaklyn's food pantry came in second, followed by the motorcyclists. A young man in a Philadelphia Eagles shirt did a not bad rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" after the parade ended. 

Though it was sunny and breezy at that point, it was also hot and murderously humid. I wanted to get something cold to drink at the Common Grounds Coffee House. It was packed before the parade, but it wasn't as bad later. I got in just ahead of the crowd. By the time I was waiting for my Frozen Hot Chocolate, there was a line going out the door.

Walked straight home after that. Spent the next hour and half eating lunch and watching the early talkie musical Sunny Side Up, which begins at a 4th of July block party in New York. Had just enough time to change, grab a snack, and head out.

Work was a mess when I got in. We had plenty of help, and there were still long lines. In addition to the holiday and it being the beginning of the month, Tuesday is our Senior Citizen Discount Day. Once dark clouds moved in, it cleared out in a hurry. A noisy thunder storm, complete with torrential rain and loud thunder, arrived around 5:30-6 PM. It died so quickly, I spent the last half-hour putting away cold items and had maybe three customers in the hour before that. 

I kept telling the managers that the storm wouldn't last until 9 PM, like the weather reports claimed. Storms that big never last long. Indeed, the sun was out as I rode home, even as the last of the rain continued to fall. I took the long way down Nicholson Road to dodge flooded areas on the Black Horse Pike, the rode down to the White Horse Pike to get around flooding in Oaklyn. By that point, the rain and clouds had blown away, and it was back to being sunny and humid. I even saw a beautiful, clear rainbow arching over Oaklyn as I crossed the Pike and pointed out to a family walking down the street.

Had dinner while finishing Sunny Side Up. I go further into this charming early talkie romantic comedy at my Musical Dreams Musical Reviews blog.

Happy 4th of July! - Sunny Side Up 

A friend told me the fireworks were still on, so I went out around 8:30 to find somewhere dry to sit in the park. Stopped at Dollar General on the way for a Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi. Strolled down to the park, which was busy...but no one seemed to know if the fireworks were on or not. People sat on lawn chairs and oversaw barbecues, and I could even hear amateur fireworks being set off in the distance.

Collingswood's fireworks were supposed to be set off at the high school. There were plenty of cars there, but no one on the grandstand or in the fields. I finally looked it up on the Collingswood Facebook page. Yes, it was postponed until tomorrow. Thanks for telling everyone an hour before it was supposed to happen. They should have canceled it when the deluge started, instead of waiting for the last second. There were people and cars all over the place, waiting for a show that wasn't going on. At least I did get to see some rather nice red and gold fireworks set off by families in the neighborhood on the way back.

I wasn't happy at all when I got home. Tried to cheer myself up with a few more holiday-related cartoons. The "me" in Ben & Me is Amos Mouse, who befriends Benjamin Franklin and helps him with his newspaper The Pennsylvania Gazette. He's fed up after Ben uses him for his infamous kite-flying electrical experiment, but it's their make-up agreement that eventually becomes the Declaration of Independence.

Amos isn't the only mouse who claims to have significantly shaped American history. In Yankee Doodle Cricket, Tucker the Mouse insists his ancestor helped Paul Revere with his midnight ride and created the first American flag. Harry the cat supposedly gave Tucker's agreement for all animals to live in harmony to Thomas Jefferson to re-write into the Declaration of Independence, while Chester Cricket wrote "Yankee Doodle" and recruited his animal friends to spread it to the humans.

Daisy Duck asks Donald to set up a picnic in front of the fireworks. "Donald's Failed Fourth" seems to be a disaster when the chairs and blanket won't cooperate, but Daisy appreciates his effort anyway. "Hysterical History" is Harvey Films' spoof of historical events, from the arrival of the Pilgrims to Alexander Graham Bell inventing the telephone. The short ends with a "follow the bouncing ball" sing along to "Yankee Doodle Dandy." 

The 1988 version of Family Feud with Ray Combs as host debuted on July 4th. I loved this show as a kid. It was on during a very difficult time in my life. Ray and his wacky families never failed to make me laugh with their often-crazy answers to silly survey questions. The show even kicked off strong with a great game and a really nice Fast Money win. 

And here's hoping you had a 4th of July that was equally fun...and much drier. 

Shine Sweet Freedom

Began my 4th of July with material from Colliers Harvest of Holidays. The longer piece has Pa Ingalls taking Carrie and Laura to the small Independence Day celebration at the Little Town on the Prairie. They enjoy lemonade from a barrel, are given fireworks by an enterprising local politician, and watch their friend Alonzo win the local horse & buggy race. They also had The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and several shorter patriotic poems. Threw in a chapter from my coffee-table history photo book Summer In America about how the US has celebrated the 4th of July and Juneteenth through the years. 

Had a quick breakfast, then headed off to work. I wasn't in the register for more than five minutes before they pulled me to sweep and do carts. Fine by me. It was too nice of a 4th to be inside all day, anyway. The sun was out, the sky was blue, and despite the upper 80's-lower 90's heat, it was breezy and dry. I wasn't terribly happy when they pulled me around 2 to take long lines. Thankfully, I was back out again gathering carts that kept disappearing within a half-hour when a manager came in for me. This time, I got out with no trouble whatsoever. 

Spent the next few hours watching patriotic cartoons, changing, and having dinner. "Patriotic Popeye" warns his nephews to stay safely away from firecrackers, but they keep coming up with ways to distract their uncle and get to his stash. They finally get the message when a rocket goes off and takes them with it, and their uncle needs spinach to get them down.

The Mickey Mouse Works short "Donald's Failed Fourth" has Daisy telling Donald to find them the perfect spot to watch the fireworks. He does find a terrific place...but first the blanket, then the folding chairs, won't cooperate.

Yankee Doodle Cricket is one of two Chuck Jones animated sequels to A Cricket In Times Square. After reading a book on "Oddities In American History," Tucker the Mouse insists to his friend Harry the Cat that Tucker's ancestor wrote the Declaration of Independence and created the country's first flag, Harry's got Paul Revere's horse moving, and Chester Cricket's wrote "Yankee Doodle."

Bugs is a "Bunker Hill Bunny" who won't give up his fort to Hessian soldier Yosemite Sam. They (literally) trade cannon fire and forts for a while, before Bugs finally finds an explosive way to show Sam how important American independence is. 

The Walter Lanz Studio takes us to some "Hysterical Highspots in American History" through 1940. Columbus wonders why cartoons haven't been invented, a Native American proves to be an extremely convincing salesman, and a pair of enterprising old maids spend two different (and long-apart) wars trying to lure soldiers to their home.

Finally headed out around quarter of 7. I wanted to get ice cream at Yummies Palace, but they were closed for the holiday. Nothing was open on West Clinton Avenue, not even Tonewood Brewery or the Oaklyn Manor Bar. Hiked over to a very busy WaWa instead for a black and white milkshake. 

Next stop was Dollar General, which is always opened for the holiday. Needed to restock my electrolyte drink mix. They were out of their generic watermelon mix, but I did find their lemon-lime, along with Gatorade White Cherry and Propel Strawberry-Kiwi. Also picked up snacks for the week, including nuts and coconut macaroons. Didn't know Powerade made their own electrolyte water ala Propel. Bought a bottle of that, too, for the fireworks. 

The sun wasn't even going down yet when I strolled down the White Horse Pike, over the causeway, and into Newton Lake Park. Collingswood's fireworks are actually set off at their high school football field, but I didn't really feel like hiking all the way down there and back. I spread my checked blanket out on the grassy area in front of the playground, directly across from the main building of The Parkview apartments. Finished reading Johnny Tremain while listening to the families around me play with light-up balls, blow bubbles into the rapidly-darkening sky, and sing along with the rap blasting from someone's car. One Indian family even brought along their bent, frail old grandmother in an equally frail sari the color of old paper. 

The wizened older lady no sooner sat down on her grandchildren's towel than a huge burst of pink and gold sparkles lit up the night! The fireworks at Collingswood are always gorgeous, and this year is no exception. Booming glitter in every color of the rainbow shot across the horizon over the park. I love the ones that make shapes, the red rings and off-center hearts, and the big ones that shoot into the air, then snake around in every color possible. 

Started out the second the last firework shot into the darkness. Thank heavens I don't have to cross the street to get home anymore. The traffic on the White Horse Pike was awful as I made my way down the sidewalk. It was actually pretty busy on East Haddon Avenue too as cars and people tried to avoid the mess on the main roads. 

Finished the night on YouTube after the Match Game '73 premieres with vintage Disney parades from the early 90's. Robert Gulliame and Connie Selleca host a heavily revamped Great American Celebration in 1991. I know I saw this on 4th of July evening as a 12-year-old. I definitely remember then-white-hot Tevin Campbell singing "Shine Sweet Freedom" with hundreds of dancers in the opening. We actually get some parade footage this time, too, including a huge float honoring the 200th anniversary of the Bill of Rights at Disneyland and shots of the Main Street Electrical Parade in Walt Disney World. 

Country group Kentucky Headhunters was the winner among the bands. Their rousing version of "Spirit In the Sky" was so awesome, I may have to look up their albums. My sisters were huge fans of the Mickey Mouse Club group The Party. In fact, we probably watched this in '91 to hear their "Peace, Love, and Understanding." We also get an early glimpse of Tim Allen's stand-up act, just prior to Home Improvement, along with footage of Selleca freaking out on all four Disney "mountain" roller coasters (Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Matterhorn, and what was then known as Splash Mountain). Allen was definitely funnier than Steve Banks, whose goofy portrayals of Abe Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson were more annoying than amusing.

The focus returned to the music in '92. How early 90's was Celebrate the Spirit: Disney's All-Star Fourth of July Spectacular? It opened with Billy Ray Cyrus singing that everlasting ear worm "Achy Breaky Heart" and youthful rap duo Kriss Kross getting down with their major hit "Jump." We only have one host this time, John Ritter, who surprisingly takes a backseat to the music and the two little girls who spend the special looking for Goofy in Disneyland. Goofy's too busy watching bits of his shorts to pay attention to the big parade focused on him and the debut of Goof Troop. Other musical winners here included Shanice with her charming "I Love Your Smile" and Mary Chapin Carpenter with "I Feel Lucky." 

(Incidentally, there's so much emphasis on the music and Goofy, the '92 parade is the only one to not end with a huge patriotic number in front of the American Adventure in Epcot or one of the castles.)

Both specials featured profiles of average Americans whose volunteering helped their communities via George W. Bush's "Profiles of Light" program. One group, a pair of phys ed teachers who trained boys off the street into a top acrobat group, actually performed at Epcot in '92. There were at least two families, one elderly, who took in foundlings off the street, and a five-year-old boy who collected money for the poor, including his own pennies.

If you missed your hometown parade like I did or remember watching these as a kid too, you'll probably find much to enjoy in these patriotic blasts from the past!

Disney's Great American Celebration - 1991

Celebrate the Spirit: Disney's All-Star 4th of July Spectacular - 1992

And here's hoping you had an equally fun 4th of July (and that our neighbors to the north enjoyed their Canada Day on Friday)! 

Star Spangled Woman

Kicked off a sunny 4th with material from Colliers Harvest of Holidays. The long piece is from the Laura Ingalls Wilder novel Little Town On the Prairie. Pa takes Laura and Mary into the newly-built village for their 4th of July celebration. The girls enjoy fresh lemonade from a barrel, get fireworks from an enterprising local politician, and watch an exciting horse race their friend Alonzo takes part in. Other material includes several patriotic poems or poetry about fireworks and The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. Threw in the final chapter from my book Summer In America about 4th of July celebrations across the US and how they inaugurate "America's childhood." 

Barely had time for two quick cartoon shorts while I ate breakfast. "Patriotic Popeye" tries to keep his nephews from setting off fireworks, but they keep finding ways around his rules. They finally get the hint when a huge rocket carries them off and they have to rescue him. Donald Duck wants to impress Daisy with his big night-time picnic to watch the fireworks in "Donald's Failed Fourth," but first the chairs, then the blanket won't cooperate.

Rushed straight off to work after Donald ended. It wasn't busy when I arrived, but the crowds picked up around noon as the parades ended and the picnics began. Other than a few customers who misinterpreted the big 12-pack soda sale this week, there were no real problems. Thankfully, it finally slowed down just in time for me to close down and leave without a relief. 

Dark clouds gathered, even as I raced them home. By the time I got to the pool in my bathing suit, it began to shower heavily. No matter. If I was going to be wet, I'd go all the way. It was just water, no thunder or lightning. Finley, Chloe, Riley, and I happily swam and splashed in a downpour while their parents huddled under a meager tent and tried to stay dry. 

The rain just slowed as Craig came out and announced the barbecue was ready. Jodie, Craig, and Rose prepared a pretty darn decent feast. I had a burger, Caesar salad, potato salad, fruit salad, a mini-cupcake, and spinach dip with pita chips one of the neighbors brought. There was also spicy sausage, hot dogs, and baked beans. (I never was a fan of baked beans, and sausages give me heartburn.)

After the girls and I ate, we played with Chloe's collection of those new "pop-em" things the kids love. They're basically thicker versions of the plastic wrap that people love to twist and make noise with, often made in goofy shapes and bright colors. The girls love them, and I can understand their enthusiasm. They are kind of fun, and almost therapeutic to mess around with.

When the girls got bored with those, I offered to show them around my apartment. The older girls really loved my American Girl dolls. They seemed to be especially fond of Molly, admiring her camp uniform and playing with her glasses and shoulder bag.

We eventually decided to jump back in the pool...literally, given the kids and I all showed off our goofy dives! Khai dragged himself away from his smartphone games long enough to join us. I swam with Finley from one end of the pool to the other, then floated in the inner tube while the kids played games and chased each other. 

The party broke up around 6:30 so the families could get ready for the fireworks. I went back in my place, changed into dry clothes, and worked on writing. Greg (Morris) the Diamond Card has initiated a "Mission: Impossible" to paint the Queen's white roses red, before they get into more trouble. Brett's not sure helping is a good idea, but the boys figure it couldn't hurt...

Broke at 8 to head out for the fireworks. The weather had turned absolutely gorgeous for a walk. The sun emerged, the sky was blue, and it was pleasantly cool and breezy, especially for July. Stopped at Dollar General first. I wanted Dew S.A again, but they were out. Went with a Baja Blast instead. There was only one other guy in line, and I got in and out as fast as I could.

Crossed the street when I could get between cars and strolled down to CVS. They're directly across from Newton Lake Park...and have perfect sightlines for the fireworks. A lot of folks from Oaklyn, Camden, and the near-by towns watch them there. It was a real carnival atmosphere in their small parking lot, with kids turning cartwheels and taking selfies and parents chatting on lawn chairs or the backs of trucks. 

Hung out briefly by the concrete bridge over the river to admire the pink and lavender sunset before returning to the parking lot. Joined Riley and her parents on the curb in front of the CVS building. Chloe and her parents and Jodie came around later, shortly before the fireworks began. (Rose and her family opted to watch the show from their house.) 

The fireworks are always gorgeous in Collingswood. They get real professionals to do them, and they're twice as long and elaborate as any of the other local towns besides the big Philly show. I loved the purple one with the gold ring that resembled Saturn, the pretty red hearts, and the big gold sparkly ones that faded in all kinds of crazy lines.

Jodie insisted on everyone staying together on the walk home to avoid the crowds and traffic. I tried twice to tell her I've walked home alone on the 4th with no trouble besides dodging traffic every year and I'm an adult and don't need hand-holding, but she was just too worried about the cars all over the place. Once we got away from the crowds and closer to Hillcrest, I walked faster, going past Jodie and the kids and their moms. 

Enjoyed the peace and quiet as I headed down the street. Walking back from the fireworks is almost my favorite part of the Fourth. Most people are on their way back from the show or out of town. It was so cool, most houses didn't even have the tell-tale hum of air conditioners vibrating from their windows. 

After I joined the live chat at the Match Game '91 premiere, I stayed on YouTube to finish the night with vintage parades. Having enjoyed the 1988 Walt Disney World 4th of July Spectacular last year, I did the next two years tonight. The 1989 version was hosted by Willard Scott and that year's Miss America. The actual parade only filled the first hour. The second half showcased musical numbers by the Temptations and that year's newest boy band sensation, New Kids on the Block, along with the Main Street Electrical Parade. Carol Channing and Minnie Mouse came together rather bizarrely for the big patriotic dance routine at Cinderella's Castle in the finale. The Mouseketeers reprised their Typhoon Lagoon number from the Easter parade.

The 1990 show ditched the parade and hosts all together to focus on the musical numbers. Downtown Julie Brown from MTV introduced New Kids on the Block again, this time joined at Pleasure Island by Jermaine Jackson. Gladys Knight and the Pips performed a medley of their greatest hits at the then-newest Disney hotel, the elegant Dolphin Inn. The Mouseketeers brought back a wave of memories with their music video for "Every Little Step," which I fondly remember seeing frequently both on The Disney Channel and The Mickey Mouse Club. 

Regis Philbin and Kathy Lee Gifford joined Minnie and the Disney gang for the Castle number this time, with Minnie leading sailors in "Bloody Mary" from South Pacific and "Anchors Aweigh," Kathy going country with the Country Bears, and the Disney gang reciting the first lines of The Declaration of Independence. 

And here's hoping you had an equally fun 4th of July, whether you spent it at home or out and about with your own friends and family!

New Year's Matches

Began the morning with a phone call from Rose as I read Christmas and New Year's stories by L.M Montgomery. She invited me over to her house for lunch and to do my laundry, instead of hiking to the laundromat on a cold, cloudy day. I happily accepted her offer. I hadn't met their new puppy Cider yet, and I'm tired of braving the weather.

After I finally finished, I had breakfast and Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! Charlie Brown's stuck reading War and Peace over Christmas break for a school project. He's easily distracted by Peppermint Patty's big New Year's Eve party, especially once he realizes he can invite the Little Red Haired Girl to be his date.

Began whole-wheat rolls while watching Rudolph's Shiny New Year. I go further into this Rankin-Bass tale at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews New Year's blog entry from last year. 

Happy New Year's Eve! - Rudolph's Shiny New Year

Did this year's New Year's Eve review while finishing the rolls. Once I signed into TCM on my TV (which took a few minutes), I was able to watch the Debbie Reynolds-Eddie Fisher romantic musical comedy Bundle of Joy. I also go further into this at Musical Dreams Movie Reviews.

Happy New Year's Eve! - Bundle of Joy

Rose knocked on my door as the movie was winding down. She drove me to her house; got to say hi to Craig just as he left for his job as a chef at a high-end Italian restaurant in Haddon Heights. Finley was watching her favorite show Bubble Guppies and playing with Cider, their new puppy. She's a frisky miss who is white with pale brown spots. She's teething, so she tends to want to chew on everything...especially the little legs of her older sister Kelsey the Miniature Pincher. 

After Rose showed me where her washer and dryer were in the basement, we went upstairs and had lunch. She treated all of us to hoagies from WaWa. I had a roast beef and provolone "shorti" on a whole-wheat roll. As I ate, Rose opened the blow-outs she bought for tonight and let Finley and me play with them.

I spent the next few hours watching cartoons with Finley, and then with Khai and the dogs after he was dragged from video games and she took a nap. While Cider and Kelsey chased each other, Lynx the big striped cat decided he wanted to leap from Cider's enclosure up onto the scratching post he shares with his little sister Toothless and watch all from above. 

Rose switched to Netflix, first with We Bare Bears. Finley loves it when the three goofy Cartoon Network bears are baby bears, as in "Christmas Movies." The Baby Bears are working in a video store and watching Christmas videos all night when they hear a voice. A burglar wants to steal their holiday cheer...but the bears make use of what they've seen in the movies to convince him it's better to give than receive. 

The bears make their own metal fourth "Imaginary Bears" member, but he ends up causing more trouble than he's worth. Grizz Bear works at "The Mall" as a cop, while Panda tries to see a famous singer and Ice Bear joins a figure skating competition. The bears discover "Tunnels" under Panda's bed, dug by moles who worship his adventure comics. The have to convince the moles to help them keep their home from sinking. The baby bears return to help a young woman in Japan perfect her "Ramen" and impress her father, a former ramen chef who still owns her shop.

After Finley passed out, we switched to Khai's favorite, The Garfield Show. This is more-or-less an updated CGI version of Garfield and Friends, with more characters from the comics and no "Friends." I have to admit, I like the CGI here -it's made to look like rubbery stop motion animation. 

"Little Angel" appears to be a kitten, but he's no angel. He's really a nasty older cat who makes a mess and gets Garfield thrown out. Garfield has to alert an animal catcher to his location to get rid of him. Garfield becomes a "Fraidy Cat" when a mad scientist who uses his gizmo to eliminate Jon's fear of mice uses it to make Garfield afraid of cats...including himself. 

After Rose dropped me off, I put everything away, then worked on writing. They're able to find Goodson's cabin, but it's locked. Gene ties the sheets together to swing into the cabin through the window...but Betty may have another way...

Switched to Holiday Inn while making ham and Swiss sliders with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato fries for my New Year's Eve dinner. I go further into the Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire musical that introduced the beloved song "White Christmas" at a previous Musical Dreams Movie Review from New Year's 2019. 

Happy New Year! - Holiday Inn

Finished the night making an Orange Cake with Whipped Cocoa Frosting while watching Buzzr's Match Game "Blanking In the New Year" marathon. The New Year's episodes on the 70's Match Game were legendary, with streamers and balloons falling at the end (or in 1977, the beginning) of the episode and Gene announcing the changing of the show's logo to reflect the upcoming year. In 1976, a huge paper mache bird dropped an egg with a 1977 label into Charles Nelson Reilly's waiting arms. Charles popped a huge 1974 balloon, revealing a smaller 1975 one, and he and Brett launched the new sign in 1978 by breaking champagne bottles over it.

Here's the New Year's marathon on the Match Game Productions YouTube channel from last year, so you can ring in 2021 with all of the panelist's wild, matching antics! 

Match Game New Year's Eve Marathon

As I switched to The Price Is Right and made my usual Whipped Syllabub, I heard popping out my kitchen window. Fireworks exploded over the river, blooming with sparkles of white and gold. Here's hoping that all of you had a glowing evening and enjoy a safe, healthy, and far happier 2021! 

Happy Halloween Harvest

Kicked off Halloween morning with breakfast and Raggedy Ann & Andy and the Pumpkin Who Couldn't Smile. Chuck Jones directed two holiday specials featuring the perky rag doll duo in the late 70's; this was the second one. Ann (June Foray), Andy (Daws Butler), and their dog Arthur first bring a glum, unwanted pumpkin (Les Tremayne) to a little boy in need of some Halloween fun. They then have to figure out how to convince his stern Aunt Agatha (Foray) to let the boy keep his new friend and join in the festivities.

Dashed out shortly after the cartoon ended. It was an absolutely glorious day for a Halloween farm market, sunny and breezy and just cool enough. Goes without saying they were busy with people buying apples, pears, and squash for their Halloween parties. I even saw a few kids in costume, including the most adorable Elsa and Anna. Corn and eggplant are gone, but I saw the first cranberries of the season. Couldn't resist those cranberries; also grabbed sweet potatoes, little honeycrisp apples, small heirloom tomatoes, red leaf lettuce, and more arugula. 

Took the short way down Bettlewood back into Oaklyn. Need to stop at Dollar General on my way home. I ran out of sugar earlier in the week, and I wanted more peanut butter, too. Grabbed two boxes of sandwich bags with plastic zippers to make treat bags when I realized they barely had any Halloween items left, let alone Halloween treat bags.

Finished out Bugs Bunny's Howl-oween Special when I got home and put everything away. Bugs dodges Witch Hazel and her stew pot between segments from various horror and Halloween-themed Looney Tunes shorts. Witch Hazel turns Speedy into a copy of her so she can go on vacation, but he inadvertently casts a spell on Daffy that turns him into something very strange. Sylvester is first spooked by a Tweety who has transformed into a monster, then by the scary noises in a dilapidated house. Bugs avoids a vampire who would love a little rabbit for Halloween.

Watched Scooby Doo! Music of the Vampire while putting together treat bags with my candy and the mini-bags of cookies, Goldfish crackers, vegetable chips, and pretzels Rose gave me. I go further into the only full musical in the Scooby Doo franchise to date at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Happy Halloween! - Scooby Doo: Music of the Vampire

Made up my costume as the movie ended. I decided weeks ago I'd be a black cat this year. I already have the ears, tail, and gloves. I was going to add make-up whiskers and a black nose, but I remembered I'd be wearing a mask and ended up wiping them off. I'm not a fan of the black bow choker that came with the original costume, so I put that on my stuffed black cat Luna.

Suddenly remembered as I wiped my face that I needed to feed Rose's cats. Grabbed my coat and bike and dashed over to her house on Kendall Boulevard near the school. Was surprised to see a lot of kids gathered at the school in costume. Maybe they had a school parade, or were getting ready for trick-or-treat.

It took me a few minutes to get into Rose's house. Her front door sticks even harder than mine does! Craig left a Halloween note, a small can of Fancy Feast, and a container of dry food for them. Had no problem giving them the wet food, and their water bowl didn't need to be filled. Spilled the dry food all over when I tried to load it into the bowls, though! Cleaned up the mess as quickly as I could before hurrying out. (And no, I never saw the cats. Guess all the noise outside spooked them.)

Rushed home, switched the coat for a lighter sweater, loaded the bags into a plastic bag and my metal bowl, and went outside. Everyone giving out candy had their wares displayed on card tables or in large bowls on their front stoop. I borrowed the side tables from the porch to display my candy bags. Did pretty well, too, given Hillcrest is a tiny street on the end of Oaklyn along the river. Saw two Incredible Hulks (one a toddler), a toddler police officer, a mini pop star, Iron Man giving out candy across the street, two Day of the Dead skulls, two more cats, a plethora of witches in all sizes from toddler to lady giving out candy, Woody from the Toy Story movies, Yankees and Phillies baseball players, soccer players, Death with a scythe also giving out candy, a knight riding a purple cardboard horse, a tiny toddler butterfly, Skully from Monsters Inc, and a unicorn. Two of the neighborhood girls were X-Men in elaborate coats with brass buttons and Wolverine claws. The kids next-door were Dipper Pines from Gravity Falls and a ninja. 

Sat on the brick steps with Luna and read my Reader's Digest book of Washington Irving short stories between kids. The weather was just amazing. Sunshine warmed my nose, even as I shivered at spooky tales like "Rip Van Winkle" and "Dolph Heyliger." The dressed couple down the street played horror-themed music - hearing "Ghostbusters," "Monster Mash," and the theme from The Munsters added to the warm-yet-creepy atmosphere of the day. 

By 5 PM, clouds drifted in to hide the sun. It was now too cold for sitting outside and reading. I was down to four bags anyway and was hungry for real food. Left the bags on one of the tables for any kids who wanted them, swapped my sweater for a winter coat, and headed out on foot.

First stop was Phillies Phatties. Needless to say on a holiday where most people's minds are on candy rather than dinner, they were really busy. I picked up slices of mushroom and margarita (tomato-basil-mozzarella) and a can of Wild Cherry Pepsi and took them outside. Enjoyed my treat while girls dressed as a unicorn, a gymnast, a witch, and a cheerleader chatted and had their dinners.

Strolled around the neighborhood for a while after that to admire everyone else's costumes and decorations. I love how creative everyone got with handing out candy. Some folks settled for scattering the candy on card tables with signs that said "take one." Others had big plastic cauldrons or grinning hard plastic jack o'lantern bowls. One family stuck lollipops in a pumpkin; another tied them to their railings and let the kids pull out two. Others went the same route I did and handed out treat bags filled with candy or novelties. 

Since I still wore part of my costume, I couldn't resist taking a little candy, too. This is the first time I went trick-or-treating since at least 1992, and it was infinitely more fun than tramping all over Cape May in the freezing cold sea air. Saw lots more great costumes, too. One tiny miss was dressed as a teddy bear, another as a lovely mermaid in a glittering turquoise costume. A little boy was a mini-Spider Man. Even older kids got in on the fun. On my way to Phillies Phatties, I passed a group of teens that included a ballerina, Tigger, a zombie, and an Eagles player. 

The candy spreads weren't the only nifty decorations I saw tonight. Some families, including Rose and her kids, set out hay bales and pumpkins, with wooden pumpkin patch signs on their front doors. Others had elaborately-carved jack 'o lanterns on their front steps. Still others (including Rose) went with gaudy-colored inflatables. I saw Frankenstein strapped to a table and ready to escape, a vampire rising out of a coffin, and several awesome black and orange dragons. As I headed home and the sun sunk behind the horizon, orange and purple lights hanging from porch railings and roof tops flickered on softly up and down Haddon Avenue. 

Put on Ghostbusters as soon as I got home, put away the cat costume pieces, and had apple crisp for dessert. Scientists Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Egon Spangler (Harold Ramis), and Ray Spantz (Dan Ackroyd) are fired from Columbia for their dubious theories and practices. Peter convinces them to go into business for themselves as paranormal investigators and ghost-catchers. Their first client is Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver), a classical musician living in an unusual Upper West Side apartment building who claims she saw a monster in her refrigerator. Peter's interested in her, but they may not have the money to pursue her...and her inquiries...further. Suddenly, little green ghosts and skeletal cab drivers are being spotted all over New York, and they go from being broke to getting swamped with work. They have to hire a fourth man, Winston Zeddmore (Ernie Hudson), to help them handle it all. 

It all goes back to Dana and her demonic refrigerator, which turns out to be far more important than the Ghostbusters originally suspected. When she and her nerdy neighbor Louis Tully (Rick Moranis) are possessed by the spirits of two demigods who could open the portal to another world, the quartet have to spring into action. First, though, they need to convince the Mayor of the Big Apple (David Marguiles) and the obnoxious head of the EPA (William Atherton) that they're on the level and New York really is under a spectral attack.

A favorite of mine since childhood, this still holds up remarkably well, especially the incredible special effects. Though Murray generally gets top honors as the most sarcastic and cynical Ghostbuster, the entire cast does well with the hilarious script. The sequel isn't too bad and I still think the all-female remake has an undeserved bum rap, but for most people, this and the Real Ghostbusters cartoon are probably the only version of this story they need. 

As I watched the movie, I saw someone set off fireworks on the river. They weren't as big or glittery as the ones a couple of weeks ago, but they were pretty.

Ran It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown while doing dishes and getting organized. The Peanuts' Halloween festivities aren't quite as spooky. Linus makes his yearly vigil in a sincere pumpkin patch to wait for (non) arrival of the Great Pumpkin. Against her better judgement, Sally joins him. Meanwhile, Snoopy fights the Red Baron and Charlie Brown has trouble trick-or-treating.

Finished the night with two spooky Halloween cartoon episodes on Disney Plus and a vintage special on YouTube. Even though it's set during the summer, Gravity Falls managed to sneak a Halloween episode into its first season. The citizens of Gravity Falls love Halloween so much, they have a second Halloween in June, "Summerween." Mabel Pines and her girlfriends are all going to go trick-or-treating, but Dipper wants to be with his crush Wendy and refuses to go out in costume...until he, the girls, and Soos are attacked by a monster in a yellow emoji mask that demands they go trick-or-treating for 500 pieces of candy or die!

The 2017 Ducktales takes us underground for a unique horror adventure. After seeing a movie about mole people living underground, Huey and Webby head for the subway to see if the mythical race of creatures known as the Terra-firmians are real. Huey refuses to believe in anything he can't read about in his Junior Woodchuck Guidebook, but he learns there's a lot more to life than living by the book when he has to rescue Webby, Mrs. Beakly, his brothers, and Webby's friend Lena from a runaway subway. "The Terror of the Terra-firmians," however, isn't what everyone thinks it is...and neither is Lena, who's getting instruction from one very nasty shadow. 

Dracula (Judd Hirsch) has even more trouble with witches in The Halloween That Almost Wasn't. The Witch (Mariette Hartley) is supposed to fly over the moon at midnight and kick off Halloween, but this year, she refuses to do it. She's tired of jokes about her ugliness and feels underappreciated. He and the other monsters of filmdom do everything they can to convince her otherwise...but it takes two kids to remind her of just how important she is to them and the holiday.

And here's hoping you had a Halloween that was equally fun, whether you did trick-or-treating, held a party like several families in the neighborhood, or spent a quiet night at home with horror movies. 

Fireworks In the Night

Began the morning with a quick breakfast and the cast album for the 1983 revival of On Your Toes. Having enjoyed seeing one Rodgers and Hart show from the 30's the other night, I thought I'd listen to another this morning. Junior Dolan (George de la Pena) is a music professor, but he was originally a hoofer in his family's vaudeville act. He tries to convince a Russian ballet to put on his student's jazz ballet, with a top ballerina (Natalia Makarova) in the lead role. When her lover fights with him and is knocked out, Junior ends up dancing the male lead...but there's someone in the show who would rather seem him dead than onstage. If he doesn't keep dancing, he won't live to see another opening!

Rodgers and Hart put out another sterling score here; along with title song that contrasts jazz and ballet, the other hits including the duet "There's a Small Hotel" and the lament "Glad to Be Unhappy." I also like Junior's student Frankie's big song at school, "It's Got to Be Love," and the ballet's manager Peggy explaining to Junior why "The Heart Is Quicker Than the Eye." If you're a fan of 30's music or Rodgers and Hart and can find this, it's very much recommended. 

Scurried out the door even before the record ended. Work was quiet when I arrived, but that changed quickly. By 1, we were swamped, and pretty much remained so for the rest of the afternoon. The Eagles didn't play until 8:20, but it's the first Sunday of the month, and a gorgeous day to boot. This may be the only day this week a lot of people could go shopping.

When I got home, I changed and worked on writing. The combined powers of the Princesses, Charles' voice, and Richard's arrow do their jobs. Malade's black powers is dissolving, causing her to fade away. The moment Richard's arrow pierces her heart, she evaporates in a last blast of light, throwing everyone - including the arriving villagers - back several feet. At the very least, King Allen (Ludden) has finally awaken, to the delight of his wife, and is feeling well enough to banter shakily with the others.

Broke for dinner at 6:30. Listened to Anything Goes while heating up leftovers. This is the 1962 off-Broadway cast album with Eileen Rodgers as belting Reno Sweeney, Hal Linden as gangster Billy Crocker, and Kenneth Mars as stuffy Brit Sir Evelyn. It was the first version to include songs from other Cole Porter shows; while "Friendship" and "It's DeLovely" have remained with the show ever since, this is the only time the score featured "Let's Misbehave," "Heaven Hop," "Let's Step Out," and "Take Me Back to Manhattan."

Switched to the soundtrack for Pete's Dragon after dinner in honor of Helen Reddy, who passed away on Tuesday. While the story is kind of corny, there is some good music in the tale of a boy and his dragon who flee to a New England town and befriend a lighthouse keeper and his daughter. Reddy introduces the Oscar-nominated ballad "Candle On the Water" and sings my favorite song from this score with Sean Marshall, the touching "It's Not Easy." 

Made Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies after dinner. This time, they couldn't have come out more perfect. Didn't burn a single one, and they smelled amazing coming out of the oven. I think I finally got the hang of dealing with this stove.

As I pulled out the first batch, I heard a bang that was awfully close to my apartment. Rushed into my bedroom...to see glittering golden fireworks going off in the street! I had a perfect view from my bedroom windows. A group of kids and their parents set them off, even as I watched in delight. I have no idea why they decided to set off fireworks tonight, but they looked pretty.

Finished the night watching football and quieter game shows. This week, I looked up game shows I remember watching on the USA Network in the late 80's and early 90's. The New Chain Reaction is from the early 90's and was hosted by Geoff Edwards. Two people have to guess words that link together a pair of phrases on either side of a board. The one who earns the most points wins the game and goes on to the bonus round. If they guess the entire chain of words in so many seconds, they win a big prize. It was a close race, both in the actual game (where one of the women came back and almost beat the other), and in the bonus round, where she just missed the win.

Next up was Play the Percentages. Apparently, this one went through at least two formats during its short time on the air in 1980. I opted for the very first episode, with the original format featuring couples who challenge each other to guess the percentage of how many people answered a question in a certain way. It's basically Card Sharks without the cards. It was kind of complicated, to the point where I can understand why they changed the format, but the set was nifty. Geoff Edwards was the host here as well. 

Wipeout is from 1988, and is kind of Tic Tac Dough without the tic tac toe angle, or Press Your Luck with wipeouts instead of Whammies. Peter Tomarken asks three contestants to choose names that relate to a certain subject, like "Elvis Presley Hits," from the monitors. If they guess correctly, they earn money. If they hit a "Hot Spot," they might get a vacation prize. If they guess incorrectly, they hit a "Wipeout" and lose their money. The two players with the most money move on to the Challenge round, where they challenge each other to see who can name more answers to a topic and win a prize. The person who won that went to the bonus round, where they have to guess six correct answers in a topic in 60 seconds and win a car.

As a fan of Tic Tac Dough, I really got a kick out of this one. Peter Tomarken always has fun hosting (and comes off as a lot less smarmy than Geoff Edwards), the game play was fun, and the lady who ended up winning obviously had a great time.

If you grew up at the same time as me and have the same fond memories of USA's game show schedule, you may want to check out this trio of major blasts from the past!

The New Chain Reaction (1990)

Play the Percentages (1980)

Wipeout (1988)

Oh, and I checked the Eagles score off and on. They finally figured out what they're doing. This time, they got a decisive win, beating the 49ers on their home turf 25 to 20. 

Yankee Doodle Girl

Kicked off the morning with short stories from Colliers Harvest of Holidays. Among the material are a chapter from Little Town on the Prairie that has Laura and Carrie joining their pa for an outing in town. They watch their friend Alfonso win at the local horse races and enjoy lemonade from a barrel, while Laura hears the reading of the Declaration of Independence and thinks of the meaning of liberty. Other material in Colliers included The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and several patriotic poems.

Also did a more straightforward prose story about Paul Revere in Disney's vintage Storybookland anthology, along with Ben and Me. The "me" is Amos, a mouse who moves in with Ben Franklin and helps him invent most of his famous creations, including bifocals and the Franklin stove. He parts after Ben uses him in his electricity experiment, but Ben claims he's the only one who can help him and Thomas Jefferson with the Declaration of Independence.

Watched Yankee Doodle Cricket during breakfast. Amos isn't the only mouse who claims to have shaped significant events in American history. Tucker the mouse insisted that an ancestor of his wrote the Declaration of Independence as a treaty between cats and mice and created the colony's original "Don't Tread On Me" flag, and that Chester's ancestor wrote "Yankee Doodle."

Did a quick short while getting ready to go to work. "Patriotic Popeye" is ready to celebrate the fourth, but not for his nephews to be setting off fireworks. Their uncle shows them safer ways to enjoy the holiday.

Today was my one early work day this week. It wasn't bad when I got in, but it picked up when people started getting ready for the parades around 9:30-10, to the point where I kept getting called in from the carts to do registers. I also kept getting six orders at once when I'd be trying to get back outside. Thankfully, I got more help later, giving me a chance to bag and sweep later.

Went straight home after work. Watched cartoons while relaxing and getting organized. Donald tries to get a night picnic together for him and Daisy in "Donald's Failed Fourth," but the blanket and chairs won't cooperate. "The Yankee Doodle Mouse" has Tom and Jerry take their usual cat-and-mouse antics to a fireworks factory. The Pink Panther is "Pinky Doodle," who has to tell Philadelphia that the British are coming, if the redcoat horse he's riding will let him! The Walter Lanz Studio's "Hysterical Highspots in American History" spoofs US history up to that point, from Columbus' first landing to the 1940 peacetime draft. "Yankee Doodle Bugs" claims he knows everything about American Revolutionary history to his nephew Clyde, but the little rabbit discovers the hard way that his uncle doesn't know as much as he thinks.

Started Yankee Doodle Dandy while reading Summer In America. I've had this coffee table book for so long, I forget where I found it. I think I got it from a thrift shop over a decade ago. It discusses how summer in the US went from being just another time of year to a time for play, rest, and travel, thanks to the Industrial Revolution pushing working people out of the cities and the rise of trains, and later cars. Among the many wonderful photos are several of Cape May, including one of the Hotel Cape May, which later became the Christian Admiral that was torn down in the 90's.

Headed out around 4:30 to Dad and Jodie's. Craig, Finley, and Craig's parents were in the pool when I arrived. Rose and Dana had just gotten out. I managed to squeeze into my new suit and join them briefly. Ooh, it was like bathwater! Much warmer than it was when I stuck my legs in last week. I wasn't in there for long, though. Jodie announced that dinner was ready at 5.

While Jodie's spread wasn't as big as previous 4th of Julys, there was still plenty of food. Rose and Craig donated steak, hot dogs, big juicy burgers, and bowls of watermelon chunks, super-sweet pineapple, grapes, and blueberries. Jodie made pasta salad, potato salad, broiled asparagus, and a strange bacon-celery concoction that still tasted really good. Craig found Finley's beach-themed birthday cake at the Acme. Khai added Teddy Grahams and gummy sharks and turtles to make it look more festive. There was my strawberry-lemonade icebox cake, too.

Finley opened her presents after we ate. I'm glad I bought her the sparkly purple boa. It goes well with all the play jewelry and accessories her grandparents bought her, including tiaras, necklaces, a Moana necklace (at the moment, that's her favorite movie), a pretty play dress from her grandmother in Cape May County, and a lovely ballerina jewelry box and her own little cat-shaped purse and wallet from Craig's parents. She also got two plush-and-satin blankets that looks so comfy, I'm tempted to see if they make adult sizes. Her favorite presents were the play eggs that open and have to be aligned with the right colors and number of pegs. She played with those eggs the whole rest of the time she was there.

After Finley finished, Khai insisted on setting off some fireworks. His friend Chloe came around to see what the noise was all about. Most of them were tiny little pink or purple or green flames, but there were larger ones in red, green, and gold that crackled and popped like cereal. Khai told his dad and Dana that he wanted to save at least a few for later that night, so he and Chloe switched to waving around sparklers, pretending they were casting Harry Potter spells.

The party finally broke up around 7:30. I went home, changed, and listened to the second disc of America the Beautiful before heading back out. Though it was still humid, it was also cloudy, cool, and windy by this point. Along with a towel and a bottle of water, I brought an umbrella, just in case.

The umbrella was unnecessary. We never got anything worse than a nice, cool breeze and continuing clouds. I settled down at Newton Lake Park and was just listening to the families and kids around me when the first fireworks went off. They were gorgeous, as the Collingswood fireworks always are. I especially loved the interlocking rings of red, white, and blue. That just looked cool.

Considering what a mess the White Horse Pike always is after the fireworks, I took the first opening I could and crossed over with a couple of families near CVS. Strolled down the back roads to avoid the continuing traffic. Walking home from the fireworks is actually my favorite part of the holiday. It's peaceful, with just the crickets, the hum of air conditioners, and the occasional firework going off in the background. Though one family was dragging damaged furniture to the curb for trash tomorrow, most people were probably either still getting home from the fireworks, already at home and in bed, or on vacation.

Finished the night after a much-needed shower with the rest of Yankee Doodle Dandy. I go further into this biography of ultra-patriotic songwriter George M. Cohan (who also has a birthday the day before the 4th) at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Yankee Doodle Dandy

And whether you're celebrating your birthday today or America's, I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July (and that our neighbors the north enjoyed their Canada Day on the 1st).

Star Spangled Holiday

Began a hazy, sunny 4th of July with breakfast and my Colliers Harvest of Holidays anthology. Along with Paul Revere's Ride and a few shorter poems, we have an excerpt from from Little House on the Prairie that has Pa taking Laura and Mary to town to enjoy the lemonade from a barrel and horse races. Also did the last chapter of the Kirsten summer story Kirsten Saves the Day (another tale of pioneer 4th of July festivities) and the short story version of Paul Revere and Ben and Me, about a mouse who helps Ben Franklin create some of his most famous inventions, from the anthology Walt Disney's America.

Ben's not the only mouse who claims to have made significant contributions to American history. In Yankee Doodle Cricket, Tucker the Mouse tells Harry the Cat that their ancestors helped Paul Revere spread the word about the British invasion, wrote the original version of the Declaration of Independence, and created the "Don't Tread On Me" flag. Chester the Cricket's ancestor created the folk tune "Yankee Doodle" to spread the word about the American Revolution.

Ran a couple of quick shorts as I finished breakfast and got organized. "Patriotic Popeye" tries to encourage his nephews to play it safe on the 4th and not use fireworks. They evade him at every turn, until setting off a massive rocket sends them sky-high and their uncle needs spinach to retrieve them. Donald Duck isn't doing much better in "Donald's Failed Fourth." Daisy requests that he set up a picnic dinner to watch the fireworks, but first the blanket, then the chairs, won't cooperate.

West Clinton Avenue was already packed with parade-watchers by the time I made it down there. As usual, the parade was late. Oaklyn's 4th of July Parade is NEVER on time. It was supposed to start at 10, but it was closer to quarter of 11 when the first decorated trucks were seen. (Although a group of motorcyclists in decorated vehicles did pass through about 20 minutes before that.)

While not as hot as it has been the past few days, it wasn't exactly cool, either, and it was still killer humid. The Oaklyn Manor Bar had refreshment and souvenir (mostly Phillies t-shirts) tables set up in their parking lot. I picked up a bottle of water and a small bag of popcorn. (Finished the latter well before the parade started.)

The theme this year was "Oaklyn (Elemenatary/Middle) School: Celebrating 90 years." Disappointingly, only one float actually did anything with that theme, and I believe it was the School's entry. Granted, it was pretty neat. I want to know how they made the giant "art brushes." Most of the "floats" were trucks and cars filled with the local softball teams.

I walked around the downtown district for a bit, but ultimately ended up sitting in front of Common Grounds Coffee House with a group of families who live near Dad and Jodie on Hillcrest. Two families had kids on the softball teams. Sandy and Mary were likely just there to enjoy the day, as I was. Those softball teams threw bucketfuls of chocolate and fruit Tootsie Rolls, Dum-Dum lollipops, Starlight mints, Brachs cinnamon and butterscotch discs, Dubble Bubble gum, and Jolly Ranchers. Mary and Savannah scrambled for everything that was thrown to them. Even I had a full pocket as I followed everyone down the block to the school.

After one of the local kids sang "The Star Spangled Banner" (she did all right, a little quavery on the ending), the mayor handed out prizes for the best-decorated house (one of them was a block down from me on Manor) and for the best floats. The line to get a free hot dog was half-way across the lawn by the time he finished, but at least it was mostly under shady trees and went fast. The town gave away chips, water, and soda along with the hot dogs. Grabbed a bottle of water and ate my hot dog quickly (there was no seating - most people were relaxing under those trees on the school lawn) before heading home.

The hot dog hadn't really filled me up much, and I wanted some fruit in there. I made a blueberry-banana smoothie while returning to animated shorts. Bugs is a "Bunker Hill Bunny" when he defends his fort against Hessian soldier Sam. The Walter Lanz studios gives us some "Hysterical Highspots In American History," with spoofs of everything from Columbus discovering America to Depression breadlines. Tom and Jerry spend their July 4th making a few explosions of their own in a fireworks factory in the Oscar-winning "The Yankee Doodle Mouse."

I'd forgotten to bring my rent next door before the parade. Fixed that before I even saw the message Miss Willa left on my phone. Unfortunately, she left a letter at my door indicating that she still wasn't happy. I'd left the air conditioner on while I was at work during the worst of the heat wave. I'm on the second floor. It can get as high as the 90's in this apartment when the heat is bad. I didn't want to come home to a killer hot apartment after having worked in the sun all day. I think I'll just finally get around to buying a second fan (maybe online, so I don't have to carry it home) and only use the air conditioner in extreme need, and that when I'm home.

Tried to work on writing for a little while after that. Luke is still in shock over Ben's death when Han and Leia shove him into the car driven by Jeanne and Cassian's North African buddy Bodhi. Harry leans out of the car to shoot at the Imperials...only to learn that the man following them is Roberto Fettara, one of the most notorious bounty hunters and assassins in the US. He's determined to get them off the road...

Broke around 3:30 to change into my bathing suit, grab the icebox pudding cake, and head to Dad and Jodie's. The neighbors were just leaving as I was arriving. I chatted with Mary for the first hour I was there while Jessa talked to our parents, then swam on my own for a while when her mother took her home for dinner. I was in and out of the pool all evening. Jodie finally started the grill around 5:30-6. I had two cheeseburgers, two succulent ribs, macaroni salad, potato salad, and a small bag of Fritos.

Rose and her family finally arrived shortly before Jodie started the burgers and hot dogs. They'd only been home from Maine for a few hours, and they were all tired. They were apparently visiting Craig's brother, who was now running a bakery in Maine with his girlfriend. Rose donated a sample of their wares on a fish-shaped tray. While the brownies and fruit-oatmeal bars were yummy, my favorites were the extra-soft molasses crinkles sprinkled with sugar.

They came back full of stories. Rose told me that the first day, Khai released a frog in the house and laughed himself silly watching the adults chase after it. Finley took her first steps the day before her birthday.

Khai initially just wanted to play video games on Jodie's iPad. The adults finally coaxed him into the pool by pointing out that his neighborhood buddies were finished with dinner and were out in their yards. We were eventually joined by Chloe and her mom. I talked to Chloe while Rose swam with Finley, watching her little legs kick out, and Craig tossed Khai around in the pool.

Headed home around 7:30. Ran two more cartoons while changing into dry clothes and rounding up a towel and a bottle of water for the fireworks. The Pink Panther is charged with delivering messages to the people of Philadelphia encouraging them to pick up arms in "Pinky Doodle," but the Redcoat horse he's riding does everything he can to get rid of him. "Yankee Doodle Bugs" is similar to "Hysterical Highspots," this time with Bugs telling parodies of American Revolution history to his nephew Clyde.

I was worried about the weather when I headed out at quarter after 8, especially given that we've had rain at night during the last two Independence Days. It had gotten cloudy, breezy, and cooler while I was at Dad and Jodie's. Brought an umbrella with me, just in case.

The umbrella turned out to be unnecessary. The clouds remained dark, but haven't burst yet. Newton Lake Park was already so busy when I got there, I had to make my way around a gaggle of cops on the sidewalk across from CVS who were probably trying to figure out where to put all the cars. I lay my coral-striped towel down on the lawn across from the Parkview Apartments. I had a perfect view of the fireworks in front of me and the lake behind me.

The fireworks were gorgeous, as they always are. Collingswood always does its fireworks up right. My favorites are the ones that explode in shapes. I saw red hearts, stars, ovals, and even a triangle. I also like the multi-colored ones that go up in the air, then explode into little bursts of glittery light. They look like Christmas lights.

Left even before the booming rocket-laden finale to beat the traffic. I managed to find a break in the cars near the former Taco Bell building and crossed there. Other than a dad and his son setting off small spinning fireworks on their front walk, Manor was far more peaceful. Walking home from the fireworks is one of my favorite parts of the holiday. Most people are either getting back from the fireworks, still setting off their own fireworks, asleep in front of the Boston Pops, or spending the holiday at the Shore. It's just me, the crickets, the fireflies, and the hum of air conditioners.

Finished the evening with Yankee Doodle Dandy after I got in. James Cagney won an Oscar as George M. Cohan, the Broadway sensation who changed musical comedy in the early 20th century. He wrote, directed, produced, starred in, and wrote the music for his own plays. He starts in vaudeville in his parents' act, the Four Cohans. The variety stage isn't enough for the eternally restless Cohan, who wants to conquer New York. He does finally get the hit Little Johnny Jones on the boards, with the help of producer and writer Sam Harris (Richard Whorf). He even manages to bring his family back and get skeptical comedienne Fay Templeton (Irene Manning) to star in his shows. Though he manages a hit during World War I with the stirring "Over There," his shows become increasingly old-fashioned during the very modern 1920's. He makes a brief comeback in 1938 in the Rogers and Hart show I'd Rather Be Right...ironically on the eve of an even more damaging war.

I've watched this salute to one of America's most patriotic songwriters almost every year on or around the 4th of July since I was a kid. Mom used to run the video after the fireworks on the 4th during the 80's and 90's. Granted, the movie isn't much of a biography. It doesn't mention his fight with the Actor's Equity during their union strike of 1919 that soured him on directing and producing later in life, or that his wife "Mary" (Joan Leslie) is a composite of his two real-life wives. It does feature some marvelous performances (especially from Cagney and Walter Huston and Rosemary DeCamp as Cohan's parents) and gives you a nice view of the performing styles of the 1900's through the late 30's. Little Johnny Jones seems pretty realistic for the era; apparently, the "Off the Record" number from I'd Rather Be Right was spot-on as well.

Come here for the cast and the delightful numbers, not the biography. Perfect for those looking for a patriotic, yet fun movie for the afternoon of the 4th of July or after the fireworks.

And here's hoping you also had an enjoyable Independence Day (and that our neighbors to the north enjoyed their Canada Day on the 1st).

Fireworks Surprise

The sun streaming through my window welcomed me to a hot, sunny 4th of July. Started off the day with stories from Colliers Harvest of Holidays. Laura and Mary Ingalls attend their town's big 4th of July celebration with their Pa, including the horse races, in a segment from Little House On the Prairie. The remaining material was mostly hymns and poetry, including Longfellow's Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.

Tossed in two extra short stories. The final chapter of Kirsten Saves the Day recounts the first 4th of July for Swedish pioneer Kirsten and her family in their new home in Minnesota. Ben and Me from the Disney anthology Storybookland gives us another tale of Ben Franklin, from the point of view of a church mouse who supposedly helped create some of his most famous inventions.

Ran Yankee Doodle Cricket while eating breakfast. Ben's not the only mouse who claims to have taken part in significant events in American history. Tucker the Mouse also insists that his ancestor was a major player in the creation of, among other defining moments, the creation of the Declaration of Independence, and that the ancestor of Chester the Cricket wrote the folk tune "Yankee Doodle."

Today was my first of two early work shifts this week. It did get busy around 11 when people started to come out of the parades, and later at 1 when I was leaving as they were buying last-minute items for parties and barbecues. Otherwise, it was steady almost the entire morning, and never as bad as it got yesterday. I had more help, too. A college boy took over doing carts for the second half of my shift. I bagged and gathered baskets.

When I got home, I changed, then had a quick yogurt and cherries lunch. I bought two tubs of the Acme's generic Cool Whip on sale. I was originally going to re-frost the Summer Berry Icebox Cake, but the syrupy heavy cream center had finally solidified and glued the graham crackers together...and actually, it tasted pretty good. I just topped the "cake" with tons of Cool Whip, then made a flag on the top with strawberries and blueberries.

Put on a couple of cartoons while I worked. "Patriotic Popeye" is trying to discourage two of his nephews from playing with fireworks on the 4th. They finally learn their lesson when they almost burn down his house. Tom wishes Jerry would learn the same when they carry their running feud into a bunker loaded with explosives in "The Yankee Doodle Mouse." Donald Duck tries to set up a night time picnic to watch the fireworks in "Donald's Failed Fourth," but the chairs and blanket won't cooperate.

Did a little bit of writing for an hour after I finished with the cake. The group arrives at Nabarrie Palace, the glittering rococo showplace of the kingdom. Cedric is nervous at first, until he starts to get more into his role.

Rode over to Dad and Jodie's around quarter of 4 for their 4th of July barbecue. It wasn't nearly as huge as the last couple of parties they've had, just the two of them, me, Jesse and Dana, TJ, Jessa and Joe, Craig and Khai later when they got back from visiting Rose and the new baby in the hospital, and a couple of neighbors and their families. Dana grilled cheeseburgers and hot dogs. Craig contributed teriyaki salmon. One of the neighbors brought a tasty pasta and summer vegetable salad. Jodie made more traditional mayo-based macaroni salad, a fruit tray, Caesar salad with sliced cheese, beans and weenies, and her vinegary cucumber salad. My cake was the only dessert there. I had a little of everything but the cucumber salad - Jodie uses way too much vinegar - and the beans and weenies. (I figured two hot dogs were enough.)

I spent most of the afternoon in the pool with the kids. Ahhh. That felt sooo nice. It was extra-warm for this time of year, probably in the 80's. I had a great time, chasing them around and listening to their chatter about vacations and swimming and school.

Menacing black clouds started moving in as early as 5. By quarter after 6, it was getting much darker. Not to mention, I was full to bursting. I gave my leave and headed home. I timed it right. I was changing into dry clothes when it started to rain at a pretty good clip.

Rested while watching a few more shorts. Bugs is a "Bunker Hill Bunny" when he pits his Yankee wit and cleverness against hot-tempered Hessian Sam. Walter Lanz and his artists showcase "Hysterical Highspots In American History," from the natives trading Manhattan to the settlers to the Great Depression. The Pink Panther is "Pinky Doodle," who delivers papers on the coming war to the people of Philadelphia on the back of an English horse. Needless to say, the loyalist equine tries his hardest to get him off his back...literally and figuratively. Ruby and Louise have everything they need to see the big fireworks display, but Ruby's brother is more interested in "Max's Fireflies."

Finally headed out around quarter after 8. Though it wasn't raining then, heavy clouds still menaced the area. I briefly parked under what had been the roof of the drive-through at the former PNC Bank on the White Horse Pike to check the weather on my phone. Managed to make it the two blocks to Dollar General as it began to shower again.

I was standing in the vestibule, waiting for the rain to stop, when I heard a loud noise. The cashier and stock girl dashed out, yelling that that they saw fireworks. I was surprised. It was only 8:46, and the fireworks weren't scheduled until 9:15. Yes, there were fireworks, beautiful professional ones, lighting up the sky despite the ongoing shower. While the stock girl took pictures, I headed down the White Horse Pike to figure out what was going on.

Everyone was watching when I arrived. Yes, they did seem to be the Collingswood fireworks, likely set off early due to the rain. Ironically, the rain was slowing down as I made it to Newton Lake Park. It ended in time for a noisy, glittering finale.

It took me forever to get home. At first, I thought there would be more fireworks, at the right time. When I gave up on that idea, I couldn't get across the street. The traffic was insane, bumper-to bumper all the way to Camden. A cop helped me and a couple of other people cross at the Oaklyn City Hall.

At least it was a pleasant walk home once I got into Oaklyn. With the rain gone, I was free to concentrate on a night that, despite the occasional amateur fireworks display, was lovely and peaceful. Everyone had taken their families to bed or were at the Shore or still stuck in traffic. Walking home after the fireworks is one of my favorite parts of the holiday. The fireworks are replaced by the soft yellow glow of the fireflies Max loved so much; the only noise is the humming of air conditioners and the occasional squawk from someone's TV.

Jumped in the shower as soon as I got home, then put on  "Yankee Doodle Bugs" as I got organized. This is a lot like "Hysterical Highspots," with Bugs relating the historical spoofs as his attempts to teach his little nephew Clyde about the Revolutionary War.

Finished out the night online while watching Yankee Doodle Dandy. James Cagney won an Oscar playing George M. Cohan, a turn of the century theatrical protege who grew up in the vaudeville act of his father (Walter Huston) and mother (Rosemary DeCamp). By the early 1900's, he was the biggest sensation on Broadway, writing, directing, producing, and starring in patriotic-flavored musicals and comedies peppered with hits like "Give My Regards to Broadway," "You're a Grand Old Flag," and the title song. When Cohan is told he's too old to join the Armed Services during World War I, he writes the march "Over There" and plays it at Army camps. Though Cohan and his corny shows are eventually left behind, he returns for one final triumph, ironically on the eve of an even more damaging war.

While this isn't really much of a biography (starting with Joan Leslie playing a composite of Cohan's two wives), it does beautifully document the style of performances from this era and what the shows themselves were like. This is especially apparent with the Little Johnny Jones segment, which is so well-done, I feel like you really are watching a show from 1902. (The "Off the Record" recreation was apparently spot-on as well.) If you love Cagney, Cohan, or musical biographies, this is one of the best non-Busby Berkley Warner musicals and gets a major recommendation from me.

And I hope you had an equally fun Independence Day (and that our neighbors to the north in Canada enjoyed celebrating their 150th anniversary on Saturday).

The New Year's Strikes Back

Began the last day of 2016 with very early work. Pretty much the same deal as yesterday - quiet when I came in, busy when I left. I rounded up carts when I first arrived. A second bagger took that over later, leaving me free to do indoor chores - clean the bathrooms, gather baskets, bag for people.

When I got home, I ran some Max & Ruby while eating the last of the leftover Tex-Mex Black Bean Dip for lunch. "Ruby's Gingerbread House" will be beautiful, if she and Louise can ever get it to stand. Max just wants them to consider his gummy worms. "Max's Christmas Passed" has Ruby taking down the Christmas decorations. Max finds a way to use the decorations to relieve her Christmas blues. It's "Max's New Year." Grandma and Ruby are celebrating with games, fizzy drinks, and party hats. Max just wants to eat the clock-shaped cookies Grandma baked.

Worked on my story for several hours. As the bear begins to create stories with this odd assortment of animals and birds, she finds one animal especially fascinating. A handsome falcon shares her wit and gift for storytelling, but he keeps apart from the others. Though he loves to tell stories, right now, he mostly builds nests for other birds and for his own family. One day, he saves the bear from hunters. She's not grateful at first, until the Falcon shows her kindness. The two become very close, the best of friends, but he has a mate and fledglings, and besides, he's not a bear. She knows she can't keep him.

Got up around quarter after 4 for a walk. I was originally going to go to Common Grounds or WaWa for a treat, but I had enough food at home. I just strolled down to the concrete boat landing on the end of Goff Avenue. It wasn't the nicest day by that point, very windy and mostly cloudy, but I generally enjoyed my walk.

When I got home, I figured I'd have an early dinner, since my lunch was relatively early. I finally came up with Country Boneless Pork Ribs with pineapple-apricot sauce, spinach salad with home-made honey mustard dressing, and the Red Lobster cheese biscuits that Lauren gave me back at the beginning of the month.

Ran a bunch of New Year's specials and shorts as I worked and ate. Rudolph's Shiny New Year has the famous red-nosed critter saving the Baby New Year when he runs away, due to people laughing at his very large ears. Rudolph shows the little fellow that his ears are nothing to be ashamed of.

Charlie Brown's having an even more difficult New Year's Eve in Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! He's supposed to be doing a book report on War and Peace. Peppermint Patty invites him to her New Year's party...and he invites the Little Red Haired Girl. Sally wants to be asked to the party by her Sweet Baboo Linus, Peppermint Patty is convinced Charlie Brown will ask her, and Lucy is waiting not-so-patiently for Schroder to ask her. When the party does roll around, Chuck brings the book with him...and spends his New Year's Eve snoring over it.

Did a few shorts while cleaning up from dinner. Mickey Mouse is the original party animal in the 1932 black and white short "The Whoopee Party." His shindig gets so crazy, even the furniture dances along! Bluto tries to sabotage Popeye and Olive Oyl's act in "Morning, Noon, and Nightclub." Popeye finds a way to turn the tables on him. Popeye's saying "Let's Celebrake" when he, Olive, and Bluto go out on the town for New Year's Eve. Popeye gallantly invites Olive's grandma along. Spinach gives her enough energy to keep her and Popeye dancing.

Switched to Holiday Inn while trying my new popcorn maker and munching on the tasty results. Bing Crosby plays a singer who opens an inn that's only open on holidays. Marjorie Reynolds is the girl he hires as his main act, then becomes smitten with. On New Year's Eve, his former partner (Fred Astaire), who was just abandoned by his girlfriend (Virginia Dale), shows up at the inn looking for someone new to dance with. He thinks Reynolds is perfect, and the two men find themselves in a love triangle all over again.

I actually kind of like this one better than White Christmas. For one thing, the romantic complications don't seem quite as forced. For another, it has a surprising dark side. It's fairly realistic about the grind of show business and what many performers, even now, have to give up to be able to do what they do. For the most part, the small numbers are quite charming (with the exception of a blackface routine to "Abraham" that likely won't go over well with many people today). If you're a fan of Astaire or Crosby, or want to know where the song "White Christmas" really came from, this is well worth your time.

Ended 2016 the way I began it, with Star Wars. In A New Hope, desert farmer Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) wants a life of adventure, far from his dull chores. He gets more than he bargained for when he intercepts two droids with a message from the kidnapped Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) for Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), a former Jedi Knight. The duo eventually set out to rescue her from the evil Darth Vader, with the help of roguish smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and his hairy buddy Chewbacca (Peter Mahew).

The Empire Strikes Back in a big way in the second film, destroying the new Rebel base on Hoth and sending everyone fleeing. Han and Leia take his ship the Millennium Falcon to Bespin, home of Han's buddy Lando Calarissian (Billy Dee Williams), and fall deeply in love along the way. Meanwhile, Luke goes to the swampy planet of Dagobah to learn the ways of the Jedi Knights from Yoda, ancient master of Jedi wisdom and scrambled syntax. Vader is determined to get his hands on Luke no matter what and use Han and Leia as bait to trap him. Their blossoming relationship and Luke's training are threatened when Luke falls into the trap...and Vader lets loose with a bombshell that shatters everything Luke believed about his parentage.

Yes, I still love these movies. The Empire Strikes Back is my favorite movie of all time, and has been since it started turning up on cable in the mid-80's. If you love fantasy, space opera, swashbucklers, or just good storytelling, these are still highly recommended, in whatever version you prefer.

As Han and Leia landed on Bespin and greeted Lando, sirens started going off all around me. I hurried over to my front door, and got a perfect glimpse of beautiful red and green fireworks being set off across the creek from me. It couldn't have been a better beginning.

Here's hoping that you have a safe and happy 2017, no matter which galaxy you celebrate it in.