Nothing But the Tooth

Began the day with a very small and quick breakfast and Doc McStuffins. "Doc McStuffins Goes to Washington" when she's called to do a tour of the White House with then-first lady Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama herself asks Doc to fix a child's toy, but when the toy wanders off, her stuffed animals have to find them while Doc distracts the First Lady. "Winded Winnie" is a toy tiger cub who is supposed to blow up balloons for Doc's brother Donnie's birthday, but after one try, she can't do it. Doc reveals that, while humans with asthma like her brother need doctor's visits to clear the gunk out of their lungs, toys just need to be dusted.

Hurried out when the cartoon ended. I was late getting out to my 11:30 dental appointment. Thankfully, I was only 5 minutes late. It was just a cleaning anyway. It didn't take very long. The technician scraped and cleaned my teeth, then she polished them. I made my next appointment for early January and was on my way in a little over a half-hour.

Celebrated the successful completion of what will very likely be my last health appointment of 2025 with lunch at the Westmont Bagel Shop. They were really busy when I arrived. I'd never seen it so busy in there! Every booth in the front was full, so I settled in the back. Tried their cheese steak omelette, cheese steak beef meat with cheese, peppers, and sauteed onions. Oh yum! A wonderful melding of flavors. It was so filling, I did eat my French toast (cinnamon sugar-dusted) bagel, but couldn't finish the home fries.

Hurried straight home after that. Watched I Go Pogo while getting organized for work. I go further into this obscure stop-motion adaption of Walt Kelly's beloved satirical comic strip from 1980 at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Election Day Special - I Go Pogo

Headed off to the Thomas Sharp School a little bit early. Good thing, too. We needed all the help we could get today. The kids were in the library due to the music class running overtime, and they were really antsy. Half of them couldn't or wouldn't sit down. The teacher tried to read a book about hibernation to them, but it was a bit dry, and rather long. None of them really paid attention to it. (One of the kids probably grabbed it randomly off the shelf and asked her to read it without realizing what it was about.)

It was a relief when we all trooped outside. For one thing, the weather was stunning. Cool but not freezing, windy, sunny and bright blue, even as the sun went down. I chatted with the girls, convinced three older boys to race their Hot Wheels on the sidewalk leading to the side door rather than on the slides, and danced with some of the littlest ones. When we did go back inside, I worked on drawings of my ideas for The WENN Nutcracker Suite, specifically Betty's now-moving toys lining up for battle and spoiled Princess Pirlipat attempting to turn Betty into her own living doll.

Finished Pogo when I got home, then went right into Match Game '76. The week with Dick Martin and Fannie Flagg finished out by the end of the night. The last episodes brought in big George Kennedy, lovely Donna Mills, and the truly unique Patti Deustch. Needless to say, Gene was thrilled to give Donna her "new kid on the block" kiss...and Donna seemed pretty happy, too!

Put on You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown when I got out of the shower. The votes are in at Charlie Brown's school. There's no way he'd win, so Linus gets the nomination for student body president. Aside from a botched radio interview show, the campaign actually seems to go pretty well...until Linus gives a speech on his favorite topic, the Great Pumpkin.

Finished the night with two election-themed vintage sitcom episodes. Richie Cunningham learns more about "The Not-Making of the President" than he likely ever wanted in Happy Days to when he falls for a girl campaigning for Adelai Stevenson in 1956. His father, an Eisenhower devotee, is furious that his son could even consider voting Democrat and having his own opinions...until he realizes that the speaker for the Republican side at the Arnold's youth rally is Fonzie.

"The Election" doesn't go so well for the cops on Barney Miller either. They spend their Election Day dealing with a shoplifter who stole underwear from a local department store, a lady who threw a toilet out her window because her husband wouldn't let her vote (Brett Sommers), and a local cop running for public office. The lady has no idea who to vote for, and the cop doesn't prove to be so popular. 

You're Not Elected In New Jersey, Charlie Brown

Began the morning with breakfast and Doc McStuffins. "Doc McStuffins Goes to Washington" when she's one of several kids who are invited on a tour of the White House by then-first lady Michelle Obama. She tries to help a stuffed otter who has gotten damaged, but chases after her instead when she goes looking for her owner. "Winded Winnie" is a toy tiger that's supposed to blow up balloons, but is having a hard time creating wind. Doc discovers she has dust in her tubes after having been in the attic for a long time and teaches her about how asthma works in humans and why it's important to clear out one's lungs.

Headed out after the cartoon ended. First of all, I'm going to say that I intend to keep my voting and my politics private. I don't really think personal politics are something that should be discussed in a public arena. I'd rather listen to people on both sides of the political divide. 

Second, I headed to Collingswood for a stroll, some Christmas shopping, and to enjoy a beautiful day. Stopped at Collingswood Music first. I only had a few minutes to check them out during the Book Festival last month. They and Innergroove are also among the very few stores in Collingswood that are open on Tuesdays. (Collingswood Music only closes on Mondays.) They still have a lot of really good Bond soundtracks, and I dug up an interesting jazz collection, too. I came up with: 

The soundtrack from You Only Live Twice

The Rascals - Time Peace: The Rascals' Greatest Hits

Riverside: The Soul of Jazz - 1961

Headed a few blocks down to Groove Ground Coffee House. I was hoping they'd have pastries or sandwiches, like Starbucks and Common Ground. All they had was an egg sandwich on a bagel, so I took that on a spinach bagel with bacon and a frozen hot chocolate. The frozen hot chocolate was sweet, and the sandwich was filling, at least. They were the quietest I'd ever seen them, even for 1:30 in the afternoon. Two college students and an older couple who seemed to be regulars came in as I ate. I also fished the soundtrack from The Fabulous Baker Boys out of their record racks. 

Made my way across the street next to pick up a drink at WaWa. Ended up with a Mountain Dew Baja Blast Zero. Stopped at the little bath shop a few doors down to look at Christmas gifts. Ended up getting a little something for Lauren and Amanda. 

Made my way down to the Collingswood Library next to look at their books for sale. I found another recent American Girl cookbook, this one revolving around Christmas baking. Trouble was, I forgot I gave my last paper dollar to Groove Ground as a tip. I had to dig out change instead. 

After that, I figured I'd better go home, before I did something else wrong. Opted to take the long way across Newton Lake Park, past the mimosa trees and the field and where the playground used to be. It was too nice to not linger a little bit. The sun was still shining, and it was a little too warm, in the mid-70's, but windy enough to keep me cool.

Went straight upstairs after I got in and put on Hallelujah, I'm a Bum. I go further into this unique political semi-opera from 1933 with Al Jolson as the leader of a group of homeless people in New York who falls for a mysterious young woman at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog. 

Election Day Special - Hallelujah, I'm a Bum

Switched to political-themed sitcom episodes while finishing the dusting and wiping down the windows and electronics. Mike runs for "Monkee Mayor" in The Monkees when the current mayor condemns the homes of their neighbors to build a parking lot. The corrupt construction owner Mr. Zecknbush thinks he can buy Mike out, but Mike ends up being the one who really wins when he admits the truth.

Richie learns how politics works when he falls for a girl who is campaigning for Democrat Adelai Stevenson in "The Not-Making of the President" from the second season of Happy Days. Staunch Republican and Eisenhower fan Howard Cunningham is shocked at his son changing sides. He's ready to mock  his attempt at a political rally speech...until he realizes Fonzie is giving the speech for the opposing side.

"The Election" is nothing but a headache for the cops on Barney Miller. They're all trying to get to the polls, but keep getting called back by half the loonies in New York doing the same thing. A shoplifter asks to be released so he can vote, and a housewife (Brett Somers) threw a toilet out the window because her husband wouldn't let her vote Republican.

It's "Carlson for President" on WKRP In Cincinnati when Arthur runs for city council. He looks like a lock, until he accidentally blurts damaging information about one of his competitors on the air during a debate. He's so upset about it, he tries to throw the election.

The Peanuts have their own problems on the campaign trail in You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown. Lucy's polls show that Chuck has no chance of becoming school president, so they nominate Linus instead. He's ahead in the polls, until he starts in on his favorite subject, the Great Pumpkin. Even later, he learns that making campaign promises you have no intention of or ability to keep may get you that big title, but they won't make you terribly popular once you're there.

Finished the night after a shower with more of the CDs I've picked up recently. Flora the Red Menace was Liza Minnelli's first big role, along with one of the earliest scores by John Kander and Fred Ebb. All their embryonic talents are on display in the story of an art student in the early 30's who joins the Communist Party after she falls for a guy who's also involved. This is really strange, but Minnelli stands out in two good songs, the lovely "A Quiet Girl" and the big finale "Sing Happy."

I've come to appreciate the genius of jazz pioneer Miles Davis over the past few months, listening to his music late at night on YouTube.  The Best of the Capitol/Blue Notes Years collects some of his most popular early work for the labels. Some of the better numbers here include "Dear Old Stockholm," "Tempus Fugit," "It Never Entered My Mind," and "Somethin' Else." 

Vote for Comedy

Began the morning with breakfast and Doc McStuffins. "Doc McStuffins Goes to Washington" with her toy friends after she receives an invitation from then-first lady Michelle Obama (herself). When a little girl's toy otter gets torn, Doc and her pals say they can fix it. The otter is repaired, but then she wanders off to find her owner. Doc has to stop her, before someone realizes she's moving. "Winded Winnie" is a toy tiger used to blow up balloons. Donnie is disappointed when she stops working right before his birthday party. Doc takes her to the clinic to find out why she stopped working.

Headed out to run errands after the cartoon ended. Despite the gloomy, cloudy, warm day, I wanted to hit Westmont Plaza before the high schoolers swarmed them. Sprouts doesn't have a designated seasonal aisle, but it does have displays selling Christmas items around the store. I found a box of mini-granola bars with holiday sprinkles, along with my favorite vanilla coconut milk and boxes of almond-butter filled breakfast cookies on sale, along with the longer blueberry breakfast sandwich cookies. Dug around a display of environmentally-friendly Christmas gifts and came up with two cute items for Lauren and Amanda. 

I was mainly in Target for nuts. Thankfully, they had those delicious cinnamon sugar cashews again. The Christmas aisles are now fully stocked. I found gifts for Lauren and Amanda here, too. The darling little gingerbread girl Squishmallow I dug up was supposed to be a dog toy, but she was far too sweet to be chewed up by some doggy! 

Dodged traffic on Cuthbert and the White Horse Pike on my way to Family Dollar. Always pads were on a good sale here, and I'm almost out. Bought a card for my sister Anny's birthday the day before Veteran's Day, too. (And forgot the other thing I was there for, more underwear.)

Went straight home after that. Had lunch while watching Happy Days. In "The Not-Making of the President" from season 2, Richie campaigns for Adelai Stevenson when he falls for a girl who is a big Democratic supporter. Mr. Cunningham is a huge fan of Eisenhower and is shocked that his son would change sides...until he sees that Fonzie is making the Republican speech at Arnold's youth rally.

Politics and radio make for "Strange Bedfellows" during an episode of Remember WENN. Actor Jeff Singer throws his hat into the political ring, only for his wife Hilary Booth to follow in another party. They spend the night of the big debate station manager Scott Sherwood set up bickering, until a folksy former baseball player who is also running reminds them that politics is a full-time job that requires more than lunches and a smile. 

Switched to Louisiana Purchase while I dusted and vacuumed the rooms and wiped down the window. I go further into this political satire featuring Bob Hope and Victor Moore with Irving Berlin music at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Election Day Special - Louisiana Purchase 

Looked around Indeed for jobs for a while, then did some writing. Carleton, Stephen's fussy valet, pulls Cora away. She'd much rather be spending her time in the library or exploring the castle. She finds something unusual on her walks around the castle halls...artwork of a man who looks the way she expected Stephen to look, serious, studious, and gentle. She swears she's seen his eyes somewhere before, and it wasn't on Stephen...

Broke at 6:30 for dinner. Watched Match Game '76 as I ate. Christmas week introduced George, a very sweet contestant with a mild look and a wide smile. Orson Bean and Mary Wickes watched as he won his first game...and just kept on winning...

Match Game '79 brought in puppets Kukla and Ollie, the first non-human panelists to appear on the show. Eva Gabor thought they were adorable, and Brett spent the week flirting with Ollie the dragon. 

Moved to You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown on DVD after the show ended. The votes are in at the Peanuts' school. There's no way Charlie Brown will be elected student body president. Linus might have a shot at it...until he starts in on his favorite subject, the Great Pumpkin.

Finished the night with several election-themed sitcom episodes. It's "Carlson for President" when he campaigns for City Council on WKRP In Cincinnati. He's so upset after he accidentally blurts out damaging information about one of his opponents, he tries to throw the election.

"The Election" has everyone in the station on edge in Barney Miller. The cops aren't the only ones trying to get to the polls, either. A shoplifter asks to be released so he can vote, and a woman (Brett Somers) throws a toilet out the window because her husband won't let her go out and vote Republican.

It's "Black Tuesday" on Benson when Governor Gatling's campaign to run as an independent seems to have run its course. Benson and the others think they'll have to say good-bye or work for a smarmy former football player with his own odd ideas of politics. There's one county that's having its votes recounted, though...

The Return of Autumn

Started off my morning with breakfast and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. "The Neighborhood Votes" on whether they should add a swing set or a slide to the playground. Daniel is upset when his choice doesn't win, but is reminded to find something good about the other choice. He loves it when "The Class Votes" on whether to have a turtle or a rabbit as the school pet. Once again, he's disappointed when he and Miss Elania are voted down, but they end up finding good things about the other choice. 

Switched to Match Game '75 while getting organized and cleaning up from breakfast. Shy singer Julie London and Lou Grant himself Ed Asner joined in for this week. There's a couple of jokes near the end about an especially uninhibited contestant with some very creative answers. 

Went for a walk after that to run a few errands on the White Horse Pike. My sister Anny's birthday is the day before Veteran's Day; my brother Keefe's is next Friday. Stopped at Dollar General and picked up cards for them, along with more electrolyte drink mix. Since it's around the corner, I sent out the cards at the Oaklyn post office. 

(I also saw this year's Mountain Dew winter holiday flavor at Dollar General, Fruit Quake. Um, not only does it not seem to have a Zero version, but I'm not sure I'm ready for a fruitcake flavored soda. I think I'll pass on this one.)

I didn't want to go home right away after I finished at the post office. The weather was gorgeous. Chilly breezes sent dry leaves skittering down the Pike, but the air around me felt warm, thanks to sunshine and a brilliant blue sky. Strolled down to WaWa for a soft pretzel and to try one of their new winter holiday drinks, a Gingerbread Smoothie. Not bad. Tasted more like pumpkin spice than their Pumpkin Spice Smoothie did.

Got in around 2 PM. Spent the next few hours doing laundry, eating lunch, and watching the 1975 film Nashville. I go further into director Robert Altman's epic ensemble musical about country and gospel stars preparing for a political rally at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog. 

Election Day Special - Nashville (1975)

Went into writing next. Re-wrote the opening sequences when I realized the episodes that inspired this featured Bill Daily in the fifth seat, not McLean Stevenson. Bill comes in yammering about Christmas and the show and their wild audiences before Brett quiets him down, leading to teasing and banter from the others. 

Broke for dinner at quarter of 7. Watched Match Game '74 while I ate. Gunilla Hudson of Petticoat Junction appears for her only week, getting to see Richard Deacon take off his jacket to illustrate a question and hear Nipsey Russell banter with Brett in place of Charles Nelson Reillly (who was in New York). They have a much easier time with "__ Nun" in the Audience Match.

Let it continue into Match Game '77 while I had dessert. Gary Burghoff once again does a hilarious imitation of his former teacher and mentor Charles Nelson Reilly, this time complete with big glasses. Eva Gabor is more surprised about the comments on her considerable assets (and Brett claiming her ruffled blouse makes her look like Heidi). (And it's too bad the last episodes of this week are currently lost. The existing shows are pretty cute.) 

Took a shower, then put on You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown. The votes are in at Charlie Brown's school. He's not popular enough to run for student body president, but Linus is. Linus does well in the polls and seems to be a lock, until he does a speech at a school assembly about the Great Pumpkin...

Finished the night online with two election-themed sitcom episodes set during the mid-20th century. Richie Cunningham learns about "The Not-Making of the President" in season two of Happy Days when he falls for a girl who is backing 1956 presidential candidate Adeli Stevenson. This upsets his father Howard, a staunch Republican and Eisenhower supporter. He's even less happy when he realizes Fonzie is making the Republican speech at Arnold's election rally! 

Switched to free streaming company Flex for "Strange Bedfellows" from season 2 of the 40's-set radio comedy Remember WENN. Bickering acting couple Hilary Booth and Jeff Singer run against each other in the local elections. Station manager Scott Sherwood happily plays up their feud, leading to a political debate that ends with them squabbling. It's a far more laid-back third incumbent who ends up stealing their thunder...and teaching them that politics is a full-time job that requires a lot more than lunches and speeches.

Rainy Day Blues

Awoke to a ringing phone. It was my sister Rose, who wanted to see if I've had any luck with apartment-hunting. I had to explain about not making enough money, and then made the mistake of bringing up my desire to maybe put in an application to Target after the holidays and I've found a place. No, Rose said, why don't you do it right now, instead of putting it off? 

Um, I put it off because I'm trying to find an apartment. Suddenly switching jobs won't look good to potential landlords, and I have enough on my plate as it is. She kept insisting that I make a list of all the places I wanted to work and start applying. I never even got the chance to explain that the realtors said not to switch jobs now. (And I have no desire to work at Amazon either. Not after Craig got the virus while working there last winter.)

And on top of that, she said that I don't have any skills for anything besides retail work. Of course I do! I'm a writer! What does my blog look like? Trouble is, I've been doing that damn retail job for 20 years. I really want out of retail, but I just get so nervous about putting in those proposals for writing jobs! I'm much better at making up stories than writing nice things about myself. She's still convinced there's something wrong with me...and I'm still convinced all I need is to improve my confidence levels. 

Right now, I feel like I'm being torn in six different directions. Jodie says one thing, Rose says another, and the realtors say something else. All I want is to run away to a cabin far, far from people, retail, apartments, or anything else, and just stay there for the rest of my life. 

I felt pretty worthless when I got off with her. Put on You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown after I finished my usual writing and reading to make myself feel better as I ate breakfast. The polls are in at Charlie Brown's school. There's no chance of him becoming student body president, but Linus might be able to pull it off...until he starts rambling about his favorite fall topic, The Great Pumpkin.

Settled down in my room after the cartoon ended. I first wrote that letter. I hope it came out right. I'll look up a template and type it tomorrow. After that, I made a list of the ten places businesses I'd most like to work for. I'd really rather work for Barnes & Noble or FYE than Target...but their starting salaries are even lower than the Acme's. I need to make more money, not less. I did apply to Target when I went online...but I won't apply anywhere else until I figure out where I'm going. 

Snuck a little writing in. Brett sweeps the card guards away with her fingers. After all, they're nothing but a pack of playing cards. The Cheshire Catwoman appears among them down below and takes them all on herself as well.

Broke for lunch at 1. Watched Happy Days while making a banana-pineapple smoothie. Richie Cunningham learns about the workings of the political system when he campaigns for Adali Stevenson in "The Not-Making of the President" because a pretty girl at school is also heavily campaigning for him. Mr. Cunningham is a big Eisenhower supporter and is incensed that his son should switch sides, but after seeing Richie give a convincing speech at a rally, he admits that it's ok for parents and children to have different opinions. (Especially after Fonzie gave the pro-Republican speech!) 

Headed off to work as the episode ended. Had a harder time finding rides today than I have the past week, probably because it was rainy, windy, and cold the entire afternoon. Took 13 minutes for the Uber to arrive this morning and 17 for the evening driver. At least there was no traffic either way.

We were once again busy all afternoon, even with slightly more help and the bad weather. In addition to this being the beginning of the month and Election Day, it's our Senior Discount Day. They kept switching me back and forth between express and another register, too, and I just kept on making mistakes. I couldn't wait to get out of there. 

Went straight into Match Game '77 and leftovers for dinner when I got in. Brett explained to Gene that Jane spoke perfectly normal during a Tarzan question. (The answers to those questions kind of disturbed me.) Later on, we get some interesting answers to a question about whom would Richard an obscene phone call. 

Put up the Thanksgiving decorations (or most of them) while Match Game PM ran. Bob Barker was happy to ogle Charlene Tilton next to him. He was less thrilled with having to help a contestant with a $20,000 Heat-to-Head question on "The Brooklyn __."

Finished the night online with Of Thee I Sing on YouTube. I go further into this 1972 TV adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning political satire with Gershwin brothers music at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog. 

Election Day Special - Of Thee I Sing

Something to Dance About

Woke late this morning to a gorgeous, sunny, still-windy day. I was reading The Phantom of the Opera in bed when the cell phone jangled. Rose told me she and Finley were coming over to get their house key back. I quickly put the book aside and changed out of my pajamas.

I just finished putting up my hair when they knocked on my door. Rose handed me a cute "trick or treat" bag with a gift to thank me for taking care of their kitties. They gave me an adorable Hershey's Kiss-shaped oven mitt! I loved it. Apparently, Hershey Lodge had an indoor mini-water park and far more activities for families (including an arcade room where Khai spent most of his time) than Hershey Park, which she claimed barely gave away any candy on their "Dark In the Park" trail. Her kids have a hard time getting on rides together too because of their differences in size. Khai can no longer fit in many of the kiddie rides Finley loves, and Finley won't ride alone. 

Finley was happier playing with the Cabbies and my rag dolls Anne and Rainbow Brite in my bedroom. She really loved curling up in my bed with all my blankets and stuffed animals, too! She even pulled off her shoes and socks. Rose really had to talk her into going home for a nap.

Finally had breakfast while watching a quick Three Stooges short. Shemp, Moe, and Larry are "Three Dark Horses" when they're chosen by a pair of politicians to vote for their nominee. When they learn that the guy is corrupt (and the other nominee is offering more money), they change their votes.

Put on Happy Days while cleaning up from breakfast. Richie decides he doesn't like Ike in the second-season episode "The Not-Making of the President." Inspired by a girl he has a crush on, he's campaigning for democratic nominee Adelai Stevenson instead. Mr. Cunningham is a big Republican and a fan of Eisenhower and is shocked, but he eventually discovers that not everyone in the family has to share his opinion.

Cleaned the bathroom while Match Game '77 was on. A slow but sassy older contestant traded jokes with Gene and the panel and seemed to enjoy herself, even though she lost, on the first episode, while Richard reveals he's been adopted by a girls' high school. The second (which was apparently rare until it turned up on Buzzr last year) had the panel arguing over whether Brett's "I've got a headache" answer was an appropriate match with "Not now."

Since I'm still washing towels and blankets along with regular clothes, I decided I'd do the laundry twice this week. Threw the towels and any clothes I wore over the weekend, including my work clothes, into the wash shortly after Match Game ended. Cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed, took out the trash, and had lunch while watching Call Me Madam. I go further into one of the few times Ethel Merman got to recreate one of her signature roles on film at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Election Day Special - Call Me Madam

Did the dishes, took down the Halloween decorations, and put up what I have for Thanksgiving (including all those stuffed dolls and turkeys Jodie gave me a while back) while Tattletales was on. Cheeky Gary Burghoff and his sweet wife Janet were the big winners today, over older couples Amanda Blake and her gruff then-husband Frank Gilbert and the long-married Gene and Helen Rayburn. Later talk show host Jenny Jones was the big winner on Press Your Luck, picking up two vacations and no Whammies. 

After I got all of the laundry back to my side of the house, I did a little writing. Richard and Gene are dueling with the crew of the Hollywood Squares to steal the treasure they stole from a wealthy ship. Captain Peter Marshall would get the drop on them, but they're missing their third officer, Second Mate Brett Somers...

Broke for dinner at 6:30. Opted for a simple all-American meal of baked chicken and roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes while watching Match Game '74. Gene and Richard fend off plenty of jokes when a question asks what Gene did to Richard that made the audience cheer (and Richard yell at the end!). Bill Daily is even more nervous than usual when he has to answer a 20,000 dollar question at the end of Match Game PM. 

Started chocolate chip cookies while Sale of the Century was on. Their "End of the Summer Bash" finished on a high note with a close race between a Philly honor student, an award-winning artist, and a debate team president. Though the kids were all pretty close through most of the game, the artist picked up the Instant Cash and an Instant Bargain trip, barely forged ahead in the Speed Round, and easily won the Bonus Round. She didn't have nearly as much luck winning the grand prize jeep, which finally went to the basketball player from earlier in the week.

Threw on Remember WENN while pulling the cookies out of the oven. Hilary Booth and Jeff Singer make "Strange Bedfellows" when they run against each other for city council. WENN manager Scott Sherwood is hoping to promote their appearance in a big debate, but a humble former baseball player may steal their thunder. 

Finished the night after a shower online with more politics-themed sitcom episodes. The fifth and sixth seasons of Benson are currently running on The Roku Channel. Benson's "Campaign" for Lieutenant-Governor isn't going well. The public isn't familiar with him, he has no money, and he angrily turns away funds from a supporter (Dick Sargent) who expects favors in return. The owner of several major radio and TV stations is more supportive of his views and finally gets his name out there, enough to really make a dent in "The Election."

In the third season of The Bob Newhart Show, Emily (Suzanne Pleshette) is tired of the head of the school board ignoring the teachers' demands and never showing up for meetings. She and another teacher convince Bob to run for his position. Trouble is, no amount of jingles like "Think Smartly-Vote for Hartley" Carol (Marcia Wallace) invents or his dentist (Peter Bonerz) trying to polish his image can make him really come off as a forceful candidate. Even so, it looks like he may be a lock...until the head of the school board finally returns. 

Matching With My Sister

Kicked off a cloudy Election Day with Schoolhouse Rock shorts on government and how it works. "The Preamble" discusses the Constitution and why it was created. "Three Ring Government" compares the three branches of the government to the three rings of a typical circus. "I'm Just a Bill" is probably the most famous of the government-themed shorts. A boy and a "bill" - that is, a piece of paper representing a law - describe how long the process from writing a bill to becoming a law often takes. "Tyrannosaurus Debt" is a pointed commentary on the US Debt and how it keeps growing. "I'm Going to Send Your Vote to College" is a more recent short that uses college fight song to talk about the electoral collage and how it works.

Jessa finally picked me up around quarter of noon. We were going to eat at The Pop Shop...but Jessa drove around and around Haddon Avenue and just couldn't find a place to park. She tried parking on Haddon and couldn't figure out their electronic parking meters. Collingswood is a popular lunch spot for local and city workers. We just opted to go elsewhere.

The first thing I thought of that was nearby was the Crystal Lake Diner just under the library in Westmont. Fortunately, they were quiet when we arrived. Jessa had a massive Reuben and shared her plate of fries. I had a waffle that was almost as big, covered in gluey, surprisingly tangy apples. We both enjoyed what tasted like home-made iced tea.

After we got back to my place, we enjoyed two episodes on my Match Game set together. Puppets Kukla & Ollie, of Kukla, Fran, & Ollie fame, turned up in a 1979 PM episode. Brett spent the episode flirting outrageously with them, to the mild amusement of her usual sparring partner Charles.

Gene's former boss Steve Allen and comedienne Kaye Ballard joined Richard, Brett, Fannie, and Charles in a 1974 daytime show that had them walking out when a woman answered "boobs" to a question. Later, Richard shows the panel his chest after Gene accidentally asks Fannie to show hers...er, answers.

As soon as Jessa headed out, I did, too. The sun had started to come out even as she was leaving. It left Newton Lake Park dappled in warm light, sparkling on the lake as I went by. Needless to say on a day that had suddenly gotten much nicer, it was busy as heck there, with everyone from Canadian geese to people out for a stroll on the path.

It was suddenly too nice for libraries. There was absolutely nothing going on at the Haddon Township Library, and not much to do. The DVDs shelves were all full. I shelved the few that I could fit in and took a couple out. They just got Uglydolls from earlier in the year in, and I started off my holiday season with The Nutcracker and the Four Realms from last November. Also grabbed The American President.

Made a quick stop at Target on the way home. I was out of eggs, and I wanted to pick up milk for a recipe I was going to try later. Turns out I went to the right place. Eggs are 99 cents at Target. Milk isn't as cheap, but I still got it.

Went straight into writing when I got home. Joyce reveals the fairies' beautiful spring-like lands. Turns out they're not the only humans there. The fairies are the ones who have given Queen Betty and her children refuge, though they've had no more luck in finding King Allen than Gene or Brett. They have no love for Malade, who has captured their kind, taken their magic, and turned them into imps.

Broke for dinner around quarter after 6. Had a quick leftover dinner while watching a Three Stooges election-themed short. They're "Three Dark Horses" when two campaign managers recruit them to vote for their candidate. After the guys realize that the politician is corrupt, they change their votes.

Richie Cunningham gets a lesson in politics when he falls in love with a girl campaigning for presidential candidate Adalai Stevenson in "The Not Making of the President.". Mr. Cunningham, a staunch Eisenhower supporter, is shocked. He's even more shocked when the spokesman for Ike at Arnold's turns out to be none other than Fonzie!

Radio actors Hilary Booth and Jeff Singer throw their hats into the political ring in "Strange Bedfellows." They think they can juggle their current career and a job on the Pittsburgh city council, but a humble former baseball player reminds them of how difficult and meaningful of a job politics is. Meanwhile, manager Scott Sherwood has the staff hold an informal poll on the race for mayor and gets some surprising answers.

The votes are in at the Peanuts' school. "You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown," but Linus may have a shot at becoming school president...at least until he starts going on about his favorite topic, the Great Pumpkin.

Popeye and Bluto are competing against each other in "Popeye for President." Olive is the last hold-out, but she can't vote until she finishes her chores. The two see who can help her get them done first, then get her to the polls.

"The Candid Candidate" is Betty Boop's Grampy, who is inundated with requests for help after he becomes mayor. He uses his many inventions to help the people in town solve their problems.

Made bread pudding from Kit's Cooking Studio while the cartoons were on. Jodie's been giving me all the bread from her football lunches, and I had no idea what to do with it. It was milk, sugar, cinnamon, three eggs, and vanilla poured over buttered bread and baked. I think I left it too long and used too much milk. It was too soft, and it overflowed in the pan. It still tasted pretty good, though.

Finished the night with Let Freedom Ring. I go into this patriotic western vehicle for Nelson Eddy at my Musical Dreams Movie Reviews blog.

Let Freedom Ring

You're Not Elected In New Jersey, Charlie Brown

It was pouring when I rolled out of bed this morning. I cheered up a gloomy day with Schoolhouse Rock shorts themed around the government and how it works. "Three Ring Government" compares how the government is organized to a typical circus. "I'm Just a Bill" introduces one of the series' most beloved characters, who explains how a bill becomes law and how long that process often takes. "The Preamble" discusses the Constitution. "Tyrannosaurus Debt" is a pointed commentary on the US debt and how it keeps growing. "I'm Gonna Send Your Vote to College" is one of the most recent songs in the series. This spoof of college fight songs shows how the Electoral College works and how a president is elected.

Did a few more shorts as I cleaned up from my cornmeal mush breakfast. Olive is the last person who hasn't voted in "Popeye for President." She can't get to the polls until her chores are done. Popeye and Bluto race to see who can finish her chores for her faster.

We see what happens after a candidate takes office in the Betty Boop/Grampy short "The Candid Candidate." The townspeople come to Grampy with a long list of grievances. The old man uses his many inventions to help solve his problems.

Worked on writing for the rest of a rainy morning. Rose finally makes it to Leia's house, only to find that she's missing. There's a strange creature in her bed...one with a big nose, big eyes, and big teeth. The wolf tries to spring out and gobble up Rose, but unlike the original story, she knows how to defend herself. She hits him over the nose with a wrench before he chases her downstairs.

Broke a little bit early to call Dad and Jodie. The rain wasn't stopping. I was going to need a ride to work. Got Jodie; they'd be fine driving me. (And it's a good thing I didn't call them for a ride yesterday. Dad has doctor's appointments on Monday.)

Worked on a Crock Pot lentil stew with carrots, celery, and onions while watching Tiny Toon Adventures. The Toons did two episode that spoofed elections and politicians; I went with 'Citizen Max" from the first season. In this parody of Citizen Kane, Max goes up against Buster for school president. He ultimately frames him for cheating and gets him expelled. Plucky and Babs help Buster to get even. Meanwhile, Hamton just wants to find out what Monty meant when he said "Acme."

Did two more shorts as I got ready to leave. Monty and Buster were hardly the first Looney Tunes to go toe-to-paw in the political arena. "Ballot Box Bunny" has Bugs competing against Yosemite Sam to become mayor of their small town. They both try every trick in the book they can think of to win, but the race has a surprising conclusion.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit loses "Confidence" when his hens get sick. He goes to Washington DC to get help from none other than FDR himself, and finds out more about the programs he set up to help Americans find work.

Jodie picked me up around 12:40. She apparently had to go to the bank anyway. While we were off-and-on steady for most of the afternoon, we weren't nearly as busy as we were yesterday. I did get stuck in the registers for a while; my break was late when I had to wait for a relief. Otherwise, I was mostly either outside doing carts, or inside doing returns.

The rain had stopped by the time I left for work and was off-and-on all afternoon, though not usually as heavy as in the morning. It had just picked up again when Dad came around. It slowed down by the time I was home eating lentil stew and finally seems to be gone at press time.

Finished out "Confidence," then moved on to The Monkees. Frustrated and angry when their elderly neighbors are forced out of their homes, Mike Nesmith goes to City Hall to complain. When the mayor more-or-less ignores him, he tosses his green wool hat in the political ring to become a "Monkee Mayor." The corrupt businessman who is backing the mayor wants to turn the whole city into parking lots...and he's determined to get Mike under his thumb, too.

We move from Southern California to Milwaukee for the second season Happy Days episode "The Not-Making of the President." Mr. Cunningham is shocked when Richie opts to vote for Democratic nominee Adalai Stevenson after he gets a crush on a cute girl who is heavily Democrat. Mr. Cunningham is a Republican who swears by Eisenhower. Richie is nervous when he has to give a speech at a political rally, but as he discovers, no matter which party he belongs to, his dad will always support him.

Headed to Pittsburgh for the Remember WENN episode "Strange Bedfellows" after a shower. Husband-and-wife radio actors Hilary Booth and Jeff Singer have entered the race for City Council on opposing sides. Manager Scott Sherwood sets up a debate on the air for the two, but a third party member may end up stealing their thunder.

Switched to the Disney live-action musical The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band as I went online. I go into more detail on this one at my Musical Dreams Reviews blog.

The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band

I realized I forgot to do Scooby Doo and the Witch's Ghost last week. I normally do this one right after Halloween, but I didn't get the chance. This time, Scooby and the gang are off to New England at the request of famous horror novelist Ben Ravenscroft (Tim Curry). He claims his ancestor Sarah was a Wiccan - a healer - and not a terrible witch, but the townspeople have been seeing her ghost in their new Pilgrim community. Is the ghost the real thing, or is Ben right? And what do the goth rock group the Hex Girls have to do with it all?

Ended Election night with You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown. The votes are in. Charlie Brown has no chance of being nominated for school president. Linus proves to be a more viable candidate, at least until he starts talking about the Great Pumpkin during a debate.

Rainy Day Votes

I awoke to a grey, cloudy, damp Election Day. Warmed things up a bit with breakfast and a couple of Schoolhouse Rock shorts that teach kids about the US government and how it works. "Tyrannosaurus Debt" is a pointed commentary on the national debt and how it keeps growing. "Three Ring Government" compares the three branches of government to a typical circus. "I'm Just a Bill" reveals how a bill becomes law (and how long that process often takes). "The Preamble" discusses the Constitution. "Sufferin' 'Til Sufferage" recalls how women got the vote after over a century of protests. The more recent "I'm Gonna Send Your Vote to College" uses a college fight song parody to explain the Electoral Collage.

Worked on writing for the rest of the morning. A few months after Leia nurses the Master back to health, Rey and Finn are in the garden, pruning roses. Rey tries to ask him more about the curse, but he's forbidden to talk about it. She gets angry with him when he continues to evade her questions, but all is forgiven after he shows obvious concern when she pricks her finger.

A month later, Kaydel and Snap avoid summer rain inside, dancing to her harpsichord playing. She loves that she can have fun with him, but she has a few things she wants to ask him, too...

Stopped for lunch shortly before 1. Did an election-themed episode of Tiny Toon Adventures while I ate. "Citizen Max" is a spoof of the classic drama Citizen Kane, right down to Hampton searching for what Montana Max meant when he said "Acme." Monty wanted desperately to beat Buster in the school presidential race, resorting to getting him kicked out of school. Buster and Babs enlist Plucky to help them get even.

Filled in a little extra time with three animated shorts. "Popeye for President" has Popeye and Bluto neck and neck in the election. Olive has to cast the deciding vote, but she needs help with her chores. She's ready to vote for Popeye after he gets the job done faster, but Bluto's not about to give up on such an attractive voter.

Betty Boop's Grampy shows what happens after an elected official takes office in "The Candid Candidate." He's the new mayor of a small town that immediately comes to him with matters serious and trivial. Grampy uses his inventions to help solve their problems.

Monty and Buster aren't the first Looney Tunes to go toe-to-paw in the political arena. Bugs is a "Ballot Box Bunny" when he and Yosemite Sam run for mayor. They both try every trick they can think of to win...but the race has a very surprising conclusion!

It started raining fifteen minutes before I left for work. That wasn't enough time to get a ride. I just rode to work. Maybe it's just as well. While we did get steady during rush hour, it was otherwise dead again. Most people were either avoiding the rain or at the polls. I wish there was more communication between managers. The night manager told me to do carts and the bathroom when the carts were full and the bathrooms didn't need to be cleaned. I did gather baskets, do the inside trash, and put away a few returns. Otherwise, I was outside with the carts getting wet.

I didn't have much of a choice. The shower had continued pretty much since I left for work. I just got more wet going  home. Dried off with leftovers for dinner while watching You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown. The votes are in at Charlie Brown's school. He doesn't have a chance of winning school president. Linus, however, looks like a lock...until he makes a speech about The Great Pumpkin.

Ran a second-season episode of Happy Days while cleaning up from dinner. "The Not-Making of the President" has Richie campaigning for 1954 Democratic nominee Adeli Stevenson to impress a politics-obsessed girl, despite Mr. Cunningham being all about Eisenhower. Mr. Cunningham thinks his son should want what he wants, but he changes his tune when he catches Richie making a pro-Democratic speech at a rally at Arnold's.

Did a Three Stooges short while getting ready to hit the shower. They're "Three Dark Horses" when a couple of guys hire them to vote for their candidate. Even the Stooges aren't that dumb. After they find out that the guy is corrupt, they change their votes.

Moved on to Remember WENN after my shower. Hilary and Jeff are "Strange Bedfellows" when they run against each other for the City Council. Scott sets them up in a debate to let Pittsburgh decide, but a last-minute entry may end up stealing their thunder.

Put on The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band as I went online. The title family are farmers who double as a brass band in the Midwest during 1888. Persuaded by oldest daughter Alice's (Leslie Ann Warren) new beau Joe Carder (John Davidson), the family moves to North Dakota. There's problems from the outset - Joe and most of the Dakota Territories are Republican, as is Calvin (Buddy Ebson), the head of the family. Outspoken Grandpa (Walter Brennan) is a dedicated Democrat. He gets Alice into trouble, with the town and with Joe, when he teaches his political opinions in the local school. Matters come to a head just in time for the infamous contested election between Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison. When a fight breaks out after the results come in, the family reminds everyone that there's a time for fighting and harsh words...and a time to work together, no matter which side of the political divide you're on.

This is one of the strangest live-action movies Disney ever did. A contested election is an odd subject for a musical, and yes, the music does get lost in all the political wrangling. There's some fun to be had here, though, including great ensemble numbers for the Family Band and townspeople and a charming ballad for Alice and Joe. Worth a look if you like big 60's musicals, the Sherman Brothers' other work, or the cast.

Ended the night with another sitcom episode. "Monkee Mayor" takes us out to California during the early second season of The Monkees (before the show started to get really weird). Mike Nesmith throws his green wool hat in the ring when a local developer throws their elderly neighbors out of their homes. He and the other four are ready to stand up and defend their homes...but Mike discovers just how politics are when the developer threatens him and the other guys.

Changes are Just Around the Corner

Began a gorgeous, sunny day with breakfast and Just Around the Corner. Penny Hale (Shirley Temple) returns to the luxury hotel where she lives with her architect father (Charles Farrell), only to find he's lost their penthouse and now lives in the basement. Penny does her best to deal with the changes. She befriends the hotel's chauffeur (Bert Lahr), head door man (Bill "Bojangles" Robinson), and maid who walks the residents' dogs (Joan Davis). She also makes friends with the rich boy who now lives in the penthouse (Bennie Bartlett) after she saves him from being beaten by bullies. When her new guy buddy refers to his rich businessman uncle as "Uncle Sam," she thinks he's the icon and decides that, thanks to the late 30's slump, he needs help. Not to mention, her dad may have to leave the states for a job if he can't find one soon. She puts on a benefit...but this isn't MGM, and neither "Uncle Sam" nor the hotel manager (Arthur Treacher) are all that amused at first.

To my surprise, I ended up really enjoying this one. It's fairly strange fluff, but it's cute fluff, with decent music and a terrific cast. The plot is a unique, very 30's variation on Temple's usual "orphan/motherless child convinces crusty old person to help out" plot. (She even gets to dance with Robinson again in the rain-based finale.)  In fact, it comes off as something of a cross between Babes In Arms and a kid-oriented Busby Berkley movie.

I will add that you probably need some passing knowledge of the history of the Depression and the late 30's (specifically the stock market slump) to really understand the plot. Other than that, this is a fun little musical that's one of Temple's better movies.

Ran some quick Three Stooges as I got my laundry together. They're "Three Dark Horses" who are hired to vote for a corrupt politician aiming to become president. Even the Stooges aren't that dumb. Once they figure out what the guy really is, they change their votes.

Headed out to the laundromat around 11...and got quite a shock when I arrived. All washing machines are now $2.50, regardless of whether they're old or new. Good thing I brought an extra quarter and didn't have a big load to do anyway. (At press time, the price on the dryers remains the same.) I worked on story notes, looked at a copy of Country Living from last April, and ignored the election hoopla on TV.

When I got in, I put everything away, then had leftover soup with broccoli for lunch. Ran a couple of Schoolhouse Rock shorts on the US government as I ate. "I'm Going to Send Your Vote to College" sends up college fight songs while discussing the Electoral College. "Three Ring Government" compares the three branches of the US government to a typical circus. "Sufferin' 'Til Suffrage" is a driving number about how women finally got the vote after years of campaigns. "I'm Just a Bill" introduces one of the series' most beloved characters, who tells a little boy about how a bill becomes a law (and how long that process often takes). "Tyrannosaurus Debt" is a pointed take on how big the US debt has gotten.

Next on the list was running a couple of errands. I deposited the check Dad and Jodie gave me on Sunday in the PNC Bank in Collingswood. Hit the Haddon Township Library after dodging traffic on Cuthbert. Not a lot going on there. I organized the children's DVDs and looked for items on hold. One of the librarians offered me a bike she got from another librarian who couldn't use it anymore. It was sweet of her, and the bike was very nice, but I don't like bikes with handle brakes. Stopped at Dollar Tree on the way home for a birthday card for my sister Anny (whose birthday is the day before Veteran's Day), treat bags for Christmas cookies (I couldn't find the cookie boxes I've been using), and tissues.

When I got home, I worked on writing. Re-wrote and simplified last night's part. Luke now tells Leia he has the magical flower in Obi-Wan's old garden. Leia finds it there among the desert blooms. She, Luke, and Chewie take it to Bast Castle. While Luke distracts Vader, Leia goes upstairs to free Han. She finds Palpatine trying to force the heartbroken brown sparrow to sing. He intends to steal his energy, so he can become more powerful. He feeds on the energy of innocent lovers.

Got off in time for leftovers and the last of the Brussels sprouts for dinner. Made Apple-Honey Muffins while watching The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band. The title characters find themselves involved with the infamous contested Grover Cleveland/Benjamin Harrison election of 1888 when they move to the (still) Republican stronghold of North Dakota. Older sister Alice (Leslie Ann Warren) is in love with the printer of a Republican newspaper (John Davidson). Outspoken die-hard Democrat Grandpa (Walter Brennan) becomes at odds with the lovers and his Republican son (Buddy Ebsen) when he interferes with both Alice's romance and her new teaching job. Matters come to a head at the town's big Election Day party, where everyone finally learns a lesson - states and bands work best when everyone comes together, regardless of which side of the political divide they're on.

This is pretty strange for a big late 60's musical, and while it's no masterpiece, I like it better than Disney's previous big-live action tuner The Happiest Millionaire. The Sherman Brothers provided a great score, including the rousing dance numbers "Ten Feet Off the Ground" and "West 'O the Wide Missouri" and the charming ballad "'Bout Time." If you're a fan of the cast or big musicals, or are looking for an unusual musical for the family, you can do far worse than this one.

Finished out the night with a couple of election-themed sitcom episodes. Hilary Booth and Jeff Singer are "Strange Bedfellows" during the second season of Remember WENN when they both run for the same seat on the Pittsburgh City Council. Meanwhile, the remaining staff of WENN conducts their own political poll.

The Cunningham family is at odds in "The Not-Making of the President" from the second season of Happy Days. Richie wants to get the attention of a girl who is campaigning for 1956 Democratic Nominee Adelai Stevenson. He ends up voting Democrat, much to the annoyance of his very pro-Ike father, causing some arguments between the two.

Ended with an early second season episode of The Monkees. "Monkee Mayor" has group leader Mike Nesmith running for mayor of their small California town in order to save their neighbors from losing their homes to a new parking lot. It's one thing to lead a band, and something else entirely to lead a town. Mike discovers just how hard the political game is when the corrupt businessman who essentially owns the current mayor threatens him and the other Monkees.

Vote For Anyone

Started a sunny, unusually warm Election Day morning with breakfast and cartoons. Tiny Toon Adventures spoofed the classic Orson Welles movie Citizen Kane in its first season with "Citizen Max." Buster and Montana Max compete for Acme Looniversity's student body president. Monty plays dirty to get Buster expelled. Plucky and Babs help him get even. Meanwhile, reporter Hampton explores Monty's past and tried to figure out why he yelled "Acme."

Richie Cunningham votes with his libido in the second season Happy Days episode "The Not-Making of the President." He campaigns for 1954 Democratic candidate Adelai Stevenson to impress a pretty girl who is obsessed with politics. His father is incensed. He's a staunch Republican and is voting for Eisenhower. To make things worse, Richie has to make a speech promoting Stevenson at a young voter's rally at Arnold's.

I made Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Muffins while the show was on. Used Alton Brown's Old School Muffins recipe. It requires yogurt - I'm out of buttermilk and low on milk. Only had one egg, so I just used that. Yum! It came out amazing, soft and sweet and chewy.

Did a few cartoons while I cleaned up from baking. "Popeye For President" have Popeye and Bluto campaigning to get in the White House. Olive is the last person who needs to get to the polls, but she can't vote until she finishes her chores. Popeye helps her out, but Bluto may get her there first.

The vote is in. Betty Boop's Grampy is "The Candid Candidate," and he's now the town mayor. The people of the town have myriad problems for him to solve. He uses his many inventions to try to help them out.

Worked on my fanfic for an hour or so. The Buttery Inn is going up in flames! "The Leader," the head of the Rebel Society, transforms into a demon the moment he's near the light from the fire, but to Betty's shock. He delays the Shadow Realm knights and turns Holstrom over to Victor (in Sir Johnathan Arnold mode) to bring to Pruitt while the others escape. Maple leads them to the stable via a secret passage in her workshop. They just manage to get the horses out and hitch Mackie's horse to his cart when the explosions from the Flying Fortress get closer...

Had leftovers for lunch while watching "Monkee Mayor" from the early second season of The Monkees. When a corrupt businessman throws their elderly neighbors out of their home, Mike Nesmith campaigns for mayor to get the current mayor out of office. Though he wants to help, he discovers just how hard it can be to play the political game when the businessman figures out what they're doing and tries to control them.

Finished out with one more animated short before I went to work. Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam are the candidates in "Ballot Box Bunny." They try every dirty trick they can think of to push themselves ahead in the polls. The race has a surprising conclusion, though...

Work was quiet when I came in and quiet when I left. It was busy only during rush hour...but a lot of the customers we had during rush hour were a pain and a half. Maybe their candidates lost. There were a lot of people who were grouchy or rude or just wouldn't help bag. Some of the managers were a bit rude, too. I was so happy when a college kid came in so I could get out on time.

Just a Bill and Other Government Tales

It was a beautiful, sunny, surprisingly warm day when I woke up this morning. I finished out Let's Go Navy, then switched to Election Day programming. Buster Bunny goes up against Montana Max in Acme Looniversity's election in the Tiny Toons Adventures first season episode "Citizen Max." Monty's dirty dealings get Buster kicked out of school, until Buster and Babs get even.

Buster and Monty are far from the first Looney Tunes to go toe-to-paw in the political arena. Bugs competes with Yosemite Sam for mayor of their small town in "Ballot Box Bunny." They try every trick known to man or rabbit to come out victorious, but the race has a surprising conclusion.

Bugs isn't the only classic cartoon character to try his luck at politics. Popeye and Bluto join the race in "Popeye For President." Olive is the last person to vote, but she can't do so until she's finished her farm chores. Popeye helps her out, but Bluto may get her to the polls first.

Grampy wins by a landslide in the Betty Boop short "The Candid Candidate." The Great Depression multitudes keep demanding more and more changes from Grampy and his secretary Betty. Grampy finally uses his unique collection of inventions to solve their problems.

The Three Stooges are hired by the campaign manager of a crooked politician to get his candidate the presidential nomination in "Three Dark Horses." Even the Stooges aren't that dumb. After they discover that the guy is corrupt, they switch their votes.

I finally headed out around quarter after 12 for a walk. I was originally going to volunteer at the Oaklyn Library today, but they were closed for Election Day. I didn't know they would be. The Haddon Township Library was open until 5. No matter. I headed to WaWa to buy lunch instead. WaWa has a few holiday specials on this month. I ordered an Egg Nog Cream Smoothie and a 4-inch version of "The Gobbler," a hoagie with cranberry sauce, turkey, mayo, and stuffing.

Went for a walk around Oaklyn after I left WaWa. It was really a nice day for it. I don't think we're going to have too many more nice days like this. The trees here have finally started to turn brilliant shades of gold, yellow-green, orange, rust, and scarlet. The late roses are sweet and delicate in their pink-and-yellow softness. Most Halloween decorations were still up; they probably will be for the next week or so.

I ran into Richard pulling his lunch out of his car on my way in. Richard was enjoying the lovely weather, too. He liked it so much, he decided to put off a job he was in the midst of that no one was in any hurry to finish and go fishing instead. I told him about the mouse. He said he hadn't seen any mice downstairs, but they were probably scared off by the repairs. He'll take a look soon. He also said they'll be replacing windows upstairs and downstairs. Good. There's a cracked window in my bedroom that's been like that since I moved in. I'm afraid it may get worse.

When I got home, I had my Gobbler and continued with the election-themed shows. Night Court did a few episodes that revolved around lawyer Dan Fielding's periodic attempts to get into politics. "Once In Love With Harry" was the first of these. While Harry fends off the affections of a prostitute with a crush on him, Dan runs against a man who died two weeks before. He just can't seem to pass him in the polls, despite being alive.

Mike Nesmith throws his green wool hat into California's political ring in "Monkee Mayor," an early second season episode of The Monkees. Micky Dolenz suggests he become mayor to give a voice to their elderly neighbors, who are being forced out of their homes by an evil businessman who controls the mayor. Mike has good intentions, but he discovers just how hard it can be to play the political game when the businessman threatens him and the others.

I baked Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Muffins while moving onto "The Not Making of the President" from the second season of Happy Days. Mr. Cunningham is upset that Richie is campaigning for 1956 Democratic nominee Adeli Stevenson instead of the Republican Dwight Eisenhower. Richie really only cares that a girl he's interested in is campaigning heavily for Stevenson. He does eventually get into the race, much to his father's consternation.

Richie and his dad aren't the only relatives with differing political viewpoints. Married couple Hilary Booth and Jeff Singer run against each other for city council in "Strange Bedfellows" from the second season of Remember WENN. The stakes really heat up when they're joined by a folksy local baseball legend for a debate and spend it sniping at one another. Meanwhile, WENN's other staff conduct their own poll, while station manager Scott Sherwood doesn't really seem to be taking the elections seriously.

Switched to something entirely different as I made the bed and dusted the apartment. Schoolhouse Rock had several shorts that dealt specifically with government and voting. "I'm Just a Bill," on how a bill becomes a law (and how long that process can take), is probably the most famous. "Three Ring Government" amusingly compares the US government to how a typical circus is run. "The Preamble" discusses the Constitution. "Sufferin' 'Till Suffrage" details how women were finally given the vote after years of protests. The more recent "I'm Gonna Send Your Vote to College" spoofs college fight songs as it explains about the Electoral College and what it does. "Tyrannosaurus Debt" from Money Rock goes into the national debt and how it keeps growing.

(And Richard had better do something about the mice soon. One of them chewed a hole in a small stuffed frog Mom made when I was a child and filled with beans. They ate the beans and made a mess around where I had him. I'm so mad! I can't even replace that frog. I doubt Mom still has the pattern.)

Moved to The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band as I put up the Thanksgiving decorations and made spiced chicken cutlets with mushrooms, leftover broccoli, and slices of Apricot Honey Bread for dinner. The family of the title were a real band who moved to the Dakota Territory in time for the infamous contested election of 1888 between William Harrison and Grover Cleveland. Grandpa (Walter Brennan) swears by the Democrats, but Dad (Buddy Ebson) and his oldest daughter Alice's (Leslie Ann Warren) beau (John Davidson) are dedicated Republicans. Grandpa's very anti-Republican views get him into trouble with the locals when he starts teaching his views to kids in school. Matters come to a head during the Election Day party, when everyone finally learns a lesson that, no matter what side of the political divide you're on, there are just some things it's best to work together on...like becoming a state and making music.

This is one of the strangest traditional musicals I've ever seen. You don't often see a musical where the politics really overwhelm the music at times, and it shares the problem of many late 60s musicals of being overlong. Too bad, because the score of this one has really grown on me over the years. I especially like the cute duet for Davidson and Warren "'Bout Time" and the two big dance routines, "West 'O the Wide Missouri" and "Ten Feet Off the Ground." (Look for a young Goldie Hawn as a featured chorus girl in the former.)

The votes are in at the Peanuts' school. You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown, but Linus may have a shot at winning. Lucy is determined to make her brother a winner, but his speech about the Great Pumpkin may blow his chances. Meanwhile, Snoopy introduces his "Joe Cool" persona to TV audiences as he tries to sneak into school with the kids.

Finished out the night with Perfect Strangers as I did the dishes. The boys "See How They Run" during the sixth season when Balki runs for president of his college student council. Larry swears he won't go overboard as his campaign manager...and then does, of course.

After a shower, I finished the night with the Muppet Babies' "Kermit Goes to Washington" on YouTube. The kids learn about laws and government when Nanny suggests they vote for someone to be president of the nursery. Piggy is disappointed she doesn't beat Kermit, but proceeds to have a fine time as First Pig anyway.

Muppet Babies: Kermit Goes to Washington

Citizen Goofs

Started off a sunny Election Day with The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band. This unusual live-action Disney musical concerns the real-life Family Band, who move to the Dakota Territory in 1888 on the eve of the hotly contested election between Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison. Oldest daughter Alice's (Leslie Ann Warren) new beau (John Davidson) and her father (Buddy Ebson) are Republicans, as is the majority of South Dakota. Grandpa (Walter Brennan), however, is a staunch Democrat and doesn't approve of his granddaughter running around with a Republican. Can the Family Band pull together in time for the big Cleveland/Harrison Election Night party?

A contested election makes for a strange background for a musical, and alas, the music does tend to get lost amid the political wrangling. Ebson and Brennan do especially well as the two heads of the family on opposing sides of the political divide. The Sherman Brothers score isn't considered one of their best, but it's grown on me over the years, especially the rousing "Ten Feet Off the Ground" for the Family Band. Look for a young Goldie Hawn as one of the more energetic dancers during the "West O' the Wide Missouri" dance sequence.

Switched to animation as I did things around the apartment. Linus gets the nomination for school president when Chuck is declared a no-go in You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown. He seems to be a lock, but an impassioned speech about the Great Pumpkin may blow his chances. Buster Bunny and Montana Max are also running for school president in the first season Tiny Toon Adventures episode "Citizen Max." When Monty gets Buster expelled, Buster, Babs, and Plucky think of a way to get even with him. And they're hardly the first Looney Tunes to go toe-to-paw politically. Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam compete for mayor of a small southern town, using every underhanded tactic they possibly can, in the classic short "Ballot Box Bunny."

Work was a pain again today. We were out of regular-sized turkeys for most of the day, up until my last hour. Anyone who didn't want breasts was out of luck. Once again, it was very busy all afternoon, probably thanks to people being let go early to hit the polls. Unlike Sunday, most people did seem to be in a better mood. It did slow down enough by 7 that I was able to leave with no problems and a relief who was needed elsewhere.

When I got in, I ran some Three Stooges while heating up the last of the Ham n' Cheese Soup for dinner. The Shemp short "Three Dark Horses" has the trio chosen to vote for the corrupt candidate backed by a pair of businessmen. The Stooges get wise to their plan and back the opposing party instead.

Strange Magic On Election Day

Actually, I spent most of the day in front of my computer. I was trying to look up the Union's mental health benefits and a list of local therapists whom the Union covers. I couldn't find it anywhere. The local Union Health Fund had one page from 2006 with mostly broken links. It looked like it hadn't been touched since then.

I ended up calling the Union twice. First thing this morning, I called about my health benefits. Had they gotten the disability payment papers in, so I could keep getting my benefits? Yes, they had. I just had to print out the next payment off the site and send it to them.

The second time was later in the afternoon, after I'd gotten fed up with searching all over the Web for the Union's Health Fund Site. According to the woman I got a hold of, there is no site. There hasn't been one since the 2006 site was abandoned. Their IS department hasn't gotten to it (which is totally absurd in this day and age). They did give me a listing of local therapists I can talk to...and the closest is on Newton Avenue, just a few blocks from Dad's house and the Oaklyn Library.

Shortly before I broke for lunch, I decided to try something. I had an iTunes gift card I'd never used. I intended to give it to my sister last year, but I wasn't sure if she had an iTunes account and got her something else instead. My very first downloaded music was the 2007 original Broadway cast album from the stage version of Xanadu. I had to hear if it was as much of a crazy hoot as everyone says it is. I have the feeling you're missing a lot between numbers, but some of them are pretty cute. Three additional songs were written in for Kira and her muse sisters. Two, "Strange Magic" and "Evil Woman," came from the Electric Light Orchestra back catalog. The remaining number, "Have You Ever Been Mellow?," was an early Olivia Newton-John hit.

I watched election-themed specials and TV show episodes throughout the day. Linus runs for class president in You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown, but may blow his chances after making a speech about the Great Pumpkin. Hampton Pig searches for the reason Montana Max was expelled from school after a fixed election in the Tiny Toon Adventures episode "Citizen Max." The Three Stooges are hired by the campaign managers of a crooked politician to vote for him, but they have their own ideas in the short "Three Dark Horses." Mike Nesmith has his own problems with an equally crooked city official when he throws his wool hat into California's political ring in the second season Monkees episode "Monkee Mayor."

Went downstairs to pick up the mail twice. The mail was really late today. The first time, I picked up yesterday's mail. Today's didn't arrive until past 2...and with it came the card containing the checks from Mom. I gave one to Andrew right away for the rent. The other will go in the bank tomorrow. I don't have a choice about borrowing money. I appreciate their help, but I still feel horribly guilty. I'm not an independent person if I'm mooching off of others.

Ran The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band during a dinner of leftover chicken, roasted broccoli, and sauteed sweet potatoes and apples. The title orchestra was a real-life family performing group who lived in the Midwest during the 1880s. Their oldest daughter Alice (Leslie Ann Warren) and her new beau (John Davidson) persuade the family to move to the Dakota Territory, just in time for the hotly contested election of 1888. It doesn't help that Davidson and Papa Bower (Buddy Ebson), along with most of South Dakota, are Republican, while Grandpa Bower (Walter Brennan) is a Democrat in every fiber of his being. Grandpa's constant stirring up trouble finally comes between the lovers and causes rifts in the family. Can relationships be patched up, even as the Dakotas separate?

No doubt about it, this is one of Disney's odder musicals. A contested election makes a unique background to a family-friendly extravaganza, and while this doesn't feature one of the Sherman Brothers' better scores, it does have a couple of rousing numbers, notiably "Ten Feet Off the Ground" for the family and the ensemble dance routine "West O' the Wide Missouri." A young Goldie Hawn faces off with Warren in the latter.

Citizen Redmer

I ended up spending most of the morning finishing off Avatar. I didn't realize how long it is! I did enjoy it. It takes a long time to get where it's going, but it really picks up in the second half. That final battle is beautifully done and very intense! It's still not anything I'm going to buy, but it was definitely worth the rental. Those of you who are more into technology or science fiction may find this far more compelling than I did.

Finally made a few calls around quarter of noon. I still couldn't get a hold of Jodie, but I did talk to the Foot and Ankle Center. I had no idea my ortheopedics take six to eight weeks to arrive! They do want to see me for another appointment, though. I'll be going in next Tuesday afternoon.

Headed to the Haddon Township Library next. It was the warmest it's been since the beginning of last month! It had to be at least in the 70s, sunny and breezy under a glistening sky. This was reflected in Newton River Park being far busier than usual for this time of year. I saw picnickers, dog walkers, joggers, and various couples out for strolls. The playground was filled with kids and parents, with little girls playing house in the huge stone barbecue shelter and the little boys trying to climb it.

The Haddon Township Library was busy, too. There were pre-teen girls having a study group in the kids' section, and almost every computer was full. I shelved a few DVDs, but I mostly worked on the large stack of children's books. The majority of them were books about Halloween or fall, which makes sense, since we're now really past that holiday.

I wanted to take out Citizen Kane, but it wasn't in. I settled on two cartoon DVDs, the last of the 2003 Strawberry Shortcake sets, Growing Up Dreams, and animated Disney Three Musketeers with Mickey, Donald, and Goofy in the title roles. (This is the only version I know of with Clarabelle Cow as Lady DeWinter.)

It was past 2:30 when I finally got out of there. Decided to try something different for lunch and opted for Wendy's. The have a menu option where you can choose a salad, then pick something small on the side, like a burger or a wrap. I went with something a tad healthier - a baked potato with ketchup and a little whipped butter spread. I don't like sour cream anyway, fattening or not. It's a little too sour for me! Added an Apple Pecan Salad and an unsweetened lemon iced tea and enjoyed a late lunch as I admired the view from the long windows in front of Wendy's.

Instead of going to the Westmont Plaza, I went in the opposite direction, past the Haddon Township High School to the Westmont Acme. I was dismayed to discover that Dollar Depot, the wonderful little dollar store between the Acme and the CVS, is shutting down. I love that place. I've bought quite a few wonderful retro-style holiday decorations and cardboard hangings there. They have an amazing cheap spice selection, too. That's also where I found three Rankin-Bass specials, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street, and the Going My Way/Holiday Inn DVDs a few years ago.

I made equally good scores this afternoon. I found the cutest little Christmas folk-art-ish bear with red and green streamers. I'll hang him outside on the porch. Picked up some Christmas Coca-Cola-ad-themed gift tags and holly-ringed mailing labels. My last item from the spice/food shelves was apple cider vinegar, which I ran out of over the weekend.

As I browsed amid the Christmas decorations, I encountered a shelf filed with small stacks of videos. Most of them were fairly recent copies of old movies. I ended up with five to dub to DVD - Support Your Local Sheriff, Charade, Captain Blood, Anchors Aweigh, and ironically, Citizen Kane, the one I looked for in vain earlier in the afternoon. Everything in the already-cheap store was 40% off, bringing my order to a little over 8 dollars.

Rode back to Oaklyn the way I came, via Newton River Park. It was only slightly less busy at 4PM than at 1. There were still lots of joggers, dog walkers, and kids in the playground. I wanted to head over to Dad's to see if he and Jodie were at home.

They were indeed there when I pulled my bike into the driveway. In fact, Jodie was just going on the porch to enjoy a cigarette. Turns out they'd been in Eastern Pennsylvania, helping Jessa's grandmother with a broken hip, for over a week. Jodie reinforced Mom's suggestion about medical billing. I'll send for Camden County College's catalog and application, but I'm still not sure. It costs money, it sounds complicated, and I don't really want to be a doctor or a nurse. It's also, however, a well-paying job I can do at home that's at least a little closer to what I'm interested in than being a cashier.

When I finally got home, I made a quick dinner of leftovers and Brussels sprouts and ran political-themed cartoons and Citizen Kane. Tiny Toon Adventures's "Citizen Max" is a spoof of "Kane," right down to Hampton Pig as the reporter chasing an expelled Montana Max's last words before he was booted out of school and going to the other toons to find out how it happened. In You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown, Chuck was the gang's original choice for school president, but when Lucy decides he's just not popular enough, Linus is nominated in his place. Charles Schultz gets some wicked jabs in at politics and long-winded politicians as Linus tries to win support while campaigning for his favorite cause - advocating the Great Pumpkin.

Went right into Citizen Kane after the cartoons ended. As with another oft-referred-to classic, North By Northwest, I came into this one at a bit of a disadvantage. This is one of those movies that have been spoofed and stolen from so frequently, it's kind of hard to just take it at face value.

For all that, I did enjoy it and can see why so many directors have been inspired by it. Welles, just 24 when this came out in 1941, uses unusual photography, camera angles, dark lighting, and a biting screenplay to tell the story of the rise and fall of Charles Foster Kane, a media magnate who started out as a driving newspaper owner determined to show the side of the "little people." After 50 years, two wives, and the loss of his empire, he finally learns a lesson in how power can corrupt good intentions...and that no amount of money can buy true happiness.

Oddly enough, it reminds me of a much earlier Social Network with more interesting characters. I especially liked Joseph Cotton as Kane's best friend and the long-time drama critic on his paper. For all the controversy involving real-life media magnate William Randolph Hearst thinking it too closely resembled his own biography, it richly deserved its Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. (I might have to look up the HBO movie on the making of Citizen Kane with Liv Schriber as Welles now, too.)

Please Mr. President, Take Pity On the Working Woman

...'Cause she's had a long day. It began around 7:30, when I was snuggled under my covers. I was rudely awaken by the sound of my phone next to my bed. Yes, it was the Acme. Could I come in at 10:30 and work eight hours? There were call-outs. I wasn't crazy about it, especially after last night was such a pain, but yes, I did agree to go in. I need the hours.

The early wake-up did give me enough time before I left to watch Election Day-themed cartoons and TV episodes. I ran You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown, the Tiny Toons episode "Citizen Max", and The Monkees episode "Monkee Mayor" while I had breakfast.

Ran cartoons while I washed the windows, including the Looney Tunes politics-themed short Ballot Box Bunny. This prototypical Bugs Bunny/Yosemite Sam match-up pits the two in a battle of wills (and exploding pianos) for the mayor race of a small Southern town. Nobody can sling muck like these two...but who eventually becomes the "mare"-or is a bit of a surprise...

After that, I pretty much spent the rest of the day at work. It was tiring. I haven't worked an eight-hour day since spring. They take a lot out of you. Thank goodness it was on-and-off busy. There were a few annoying people, but nothing on the lines of yesterday. I was in and out with no problems.

Had leftovers and watched more election-themed TV show episodes at home, this time of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Remember WENN.

No, I never got to the polls myself. Just plain ran out of time. Maybe next year.

You're Not Elected In New Jersey, Charlie Brown

I was very grateful to awaken to a sunny, cool Election Day. It was the perfect fall day, and a great day to dust the apartment. I started right after breakfast at quarter of 11, and after several distractions, finished around 1:30. Also finished up the new Maisie Dobbs book, Among the Mad, which I really enjoyed. I love Maisie. She's such a full-bodied and real character.

Ran several Election Day-themed cartoons and TV show episodes as I cleaned, including You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown and a hilarious Tiny Toon Adventures episode centering around spoiled rich kid Montana Max, "Citizen Max." (Guess which famous Orson Welles movie THAT'S spoofing.) After the episodes finished, I switched to music. Put on my book and record for the Election-themed One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band and a two-disc Reader's Digest selection of patriotic music like "American Patrol" and "God Bless America" compiled for the big 100th anniversary of The Statue of Liberty in 1986. I listen to that for most patriotic holidays, like the 4th of July.

Went for a walk after I finished the last of the tuna casserole for lunch. It wasn't a very long walk, just down to Kendall Boulevard and around to West Clinton Avenue, but it was very nice. Today was windy and sunny, and it felt like fall, with leaves tumbling around me like golden rain. Many kids were out riding bikes or playing. (A lot of kids have off this week for the New Jersey Teacher's Convention.)

When I got home, I did the dishes, changed into my work clothes, threw together dinner, and headed out to the Acme. Work was busy tonight, though not nearly as bad as over the weekend. There were lots of huge orders, some of them numbering into the $500s. A lot of people who otherwise won't be doing much shopping this month must be getting ready for the holidays.

Vote For Anyone

I spent the majority of today at work...and it's just as well that I did. We were NUTS today! Everyone must have come straight to the Acme from the polls. I worked all day and never really got a chance to get to the polls myself, I'm afraid. We had tons of people, tons of big orders, and tons of OBNOXIOUS people. One woman and her daughter ended up putting back half their order, even though they probably had enough money to cover it! Another bought two orders, the second consisting of Stouffer's meals she had to switch around. She only bought the second one to use these five-dollar coupons that come out of the coupon machine...and those coupons are good until Thanksgiving Day! (Not to mention an order consisting of frozen meals is NOT that expensive.)

I ran a couple of election-themed TV show episodes before and after work. Mike Nesmith throws his green wool hat into California's political ring in the early second season Monkees episode "Monkee Mayor" in order to save the homes of several elderly neighbors. Balki runs for student council in the sixth season Perfect Strangers episode "See How They Run," but campaign manager Larry goes overboard, as usual. Hilary Booth and Jeff Singer run against each other for Pittsburgh City Council in the mid-second season Remember WENN episode "Strange Bedfellows" and learn that politics is a full-time job. Mary Richards finds out what happens after an official is elected...and that the public's choice isn't always the right one...when a particularly incompetent city official appears on her talk show in "His Two Right Arms," the second season finale of The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

School elections and politics are spoofed nicely in You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown, one of the better later Peanuts specials. Though Charlie Brown is initially nominated for Student President, as suggested in the title, he simply (and not surprisingly) isn't popular enough. Linus steps in as Lucy tries everything from radio programs (how did Snoopy get away with running that show when he wasn't even allowed on school grounds?) to threats to make sure her brother wins. The election looks like a lock, until Linus starts making speeches about his favorite subject, The Great Pumpkin.

And, at press time, Obama is winning the Presidential Race, according to Yahoo!'s home page.