Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Transcription
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! A Christmas movie quiz for the holiday season What would the holidays be without snowflakes falling outside, a mug of hot cocoa in hand and a favorite Christmas movie on television? Television is full of feel-good movies come the holiday season. Choose from among classic flicks you have watched year after year or new movies vying for spots as soonto-be favorites. Watching Christmas movies is a holiday tradition for many families. So much so that lines from popular movies are easily remembered and recognized. Those who can recite movies verbatim might enjoy testing their mettle with the following Christmas quiz loaded with memorable quotes from some holiday classics. Movie Quotes Quiz 1. "It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags." 2. "Uh, since the United States Government declares this man to be Santa Claus, this court will not dispute it. Case dismissed." 3. "If TV has taught me anything, it's that miracles always happen to poor kids at Christmas. It happened to Tiny Tim, it hap- pened to Charlie Brown, it happened to The Smurfs, and it's gonna happen to us!" 4. "I want an official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200 shot range model air rifle." 5. "Bless this highly nutritious microwavable macaroni and cheese dinner and the people who sold it on sale. Amen." 6. "Iris, in the movies, we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you're behaving like the best friend." 7. "Who gave you permission to tell Charlie there was no Santa Claus? I think if we're going to destroy our son's delusions, I should be a part of it." 8. "I want to wash my hands, my face, my hair with snow." 9. "We're not just doing this for us. We're doing it for the kids. For every kid who ever sat on Santa's lap. For every little girl who left cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas night. For every little boy who opens a package Christmas morning and finds clothes in- stead of toys. It breaks my heart." 10. "We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket. It's run by a big Eastern syndicate you know." 11. "I fear you more than any spectre I have seen. But as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear your company, and do it with a thankful heart. Will you not speak to me?" 12. "Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see." 13. "Light the lamp, not the rat, light the lamp, not the rat! Put me out, put me out, put me out!" 14. "Tell me something, Billy. How come a cute little guy like this can turn into a thousand ugly monsters?" 15. "Wanna see some magic? OK, let's watch you disappear!" 16. "That's not 'my' Christmas! 'My' Christ- We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Pine Street ~ Pineville, Kentucky ~ 606~337~3411 mas is filled with laughter, and joy... and this: my Sandy Claws outfit. I want you to make it." 17. "That's neither pig nor pork, it's beef." 18. "I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel." Movie Quiz Answers 1. "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" 2. "Miracle on 34th Street" 3. "The Simpson's Christmas" 4. "A Christmas Story" 5. "Home Alone" 6. "The Holiday" 7. "The Santa Clause" 8. "White Christmas" 9. "Jingle All the Way" 10. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" 11. "A Christmas Carol" 12. "The Polar Express" 13. "The Muppets Christmas Carol" 14. "Gremlins" 15. "Bad Santa" 16. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" 17. "Babes in Toyland" 18. "Elf" Outdoor Truths with Gary Miller Timing is everything. Have you ever just felt like you were out of sync with what was going on in the woods or on the water? Sometimes it seems that on the days that you can go fishing, the weather is terrible or the fish are uncooperative. And on the days that you can’t go, or just decide not to go; those are the days that limits are caught in the first hour. It’s the same with hunting. It seems sometimes, on the days that I go deer hunting, that the deer are not stirring, but let me stay home one morning and they’re everywhere. Timing is everything and most of the time we are usually “one day late and a dollar short.” I can only remember a few moments in my life that I actually hit it on the right day; like the day I caught more fish than I could count in a twenty minute span or the few times when the bucks were coming by so frequent that you were afraid to reach in your backpack for a cracker. These were the days that it all came together; that you were there at the right place and at the right time. That’s the goal during each hunting season; it’s to be in the woods during the best days and even during the best time of each day. That’s why we look at moon phases and other weather patterns; in order to give ourselves the best opportunity for success. Sometimes the days or the times seem odd. From a novice’s perspective it may look as if we have picked the most inopportune time to do what we do. But we know that we are there because we believe just the opposite. At Christmas we celebrate another special moment in time; a time that seemed strange to many who were there. It was strange for the Savior of the world to be born in a manger, at an insignificant place, and to seemingly insignificant people. But it all happened in the perfect will and timing of God. The scriptures put it this way; “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman.” It was a day that God lined up the birth of His Son with the need of His people. The timing was perfect. It was so perfect that we are still talking about that event today. It was so perfect that lives are still changed by that event today. And it was so perfect that it will never happen again. And that’s why we celebrate Christmas. Gary Miller www.outdoortruths.org Sending out Christmas greetings is a tradition that is still common today. Have you ever wondered just how many cards are sent across the country? According to Hallmark Corporate, 1.5 billion Christmas cards, including boxed and individual cards, are purchased and then sent every year in the U.S. This makes Christmas the No. 1 holiday for sending greetings, followed by Valentine's Day (144 million) and Mother's Day (133 million). In this season of giving, we’d like to extend our best wishes for a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year. For all the support you’ve given us we are sincerely grateful. Mikel’s Pharmacy 1928 Cumberland Avenue Middlesboro, KY (606) 248-1052 Danny Luttrell Bob Dixon Joe Stamper Lisa Frith Pam Keys Pam Marsee Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Many Christmas traditions are older than some might think! Many Christmas traditions are older than some celebrants might think. The tradition of lighting up a Christmas tree, for example, dates back to the days before Christmas lights. Before electric-powered twinkle lights were invented and even before electricity was discovered, people used actual candles to adorn the Christmas tree. As one can imagine, having an open flame next to a dried-out tree was risky, so it was customary to keep a bucket of water next to the tree in the case of fire. As if fire wasn't enough, the tinsel used to decorate trees was made from strips of silver and even lead -- something that is now known to be a health hazard to adults and children alike. Although we've come a long way since candles and lead, even now trees that are overly dry and decorated with lights that have frayed wires can just as easily lead to fires. Plus, plastic tinsel can be a choking hazard for children and pets. One Christmas staple that has lost its status as a safety hazard is the poinsettia plant. It has long been thought that poinsettias are poisonous to people and animals. While there is some toxicity to the plant, it would require the ingestion of hundreds of leaves to get a toxic dose of a plant's poison. The first Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center was erected in 1931, two years before the opening of Rockefeller Plaza, where the tree now draws thousands of tourists each year. The tradition began when construction workers hard at work on building Rockefeller Center decorated a roughly 20-foot tall balsam fir tree on Christmas Eve in 1931. Strings of cranberries and tin cans were among the items used to decorate the tree. The burning of a yule log has been a Christmas tradition in many European countries for centuries. It is believed to have originated at pagan winter solstice festivals or yule festivals among Germanic people. Eventually it turned into a Christmas tradition -- one where a piece of wood is burned in the hearth, oftentimes overnight until Christmas arrives. While there was no tree in 1932, the first official tree was unveiled in 1933 in Rockefeller Plaza, and the lighting ceremony was broadcast over NBC Radio. The 1933 tree, at 50 feet tall, dwarfed the 1931 tree. However, the 1933 tree paled in comparison to the 10-ton Norway Spruce erected in 1999, which measured 100-feet tall and remains the tallest tree ever erected at Rockefeller Center. The tradition of the Rockefeller Center tree continues to evolve to this day, but the evergreen it is no longer lit with incandescent light bulbs. LED bulbs that consume a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs are the bulbs of choice now. In addition, in 2007 Rockefeller Center partnered with Habitat for Humanity, who used the tree after it was taken down to furnish lumber for home construction. Even now, people who have fireplaces in their homes often participate in the yule log tradition. But for the many others who don't have a fireplace, an enterprising television executive devised a solution back in 1966. Fred M. Thrower, President and CEO of WPIX, Inc., a local television station in New York, was inspired by a commercial showing Santa Claus in front of a roaring fire. He came up with the concept of airing a continuous loop of a yule log burning so that viewers without fireplaces could enjoy the magic of the yule log with seasonal music playing in accompaniment to the mesmerizing flames. The original piece of film was a loop of only 17 seconds of film and individuals could tell it was artificial by its jerky appearance. Eventually the yule log was refilmed. Annual airing of the yule log took place Peoples Choice PHARMACY 30th Street & Cumberland Avenue Middlesboro, Kentucky Your Fast, Friendly & Affordable Pharmacy 606 246 2001 At this special time of the year we give thanks for the many blessings we share, including the privilege of serving great people like you! Schneider Insurance Services See us for all your insurance needs! Best wishes to all our friends and neighbors during this magical holiday season! up until the 1990s. But fans of the holiday staple protested and, after 11 years of being off the air, the yule log returned in 2001, a few months after the September 11th attacks. Television executives cited that people wanted "comfort food television" and restored the yule log. The yule log is now broadcast through many WPIX affiliates, and many other stations have done their own yule log broadcasts of different ornate fireplaces throughout North America. Some yule log performances can even be purchased on DVD as a portable yule log while traveling. Here’s a video of the yule log. Download full version on website to view this animation! Safety should be a holiday tradition too! Celebrants and shoppers annually spend billions of dollars during the holiday season. With so much money exchanging hands, it is imperative for shoppers and revelers to use caution to avoid incidents that can put a damper on such a festive time of year. Though many people who look forward to the holiday season for all the right reasons, there are some who see this time of year as a prime opportunity to prey on the generosity or distraction Christmas brings. Thieves know that the holidays can be hectic, and they use this to their advantage, knowing full well people tend to store high-priced items in their homes during this time of the year. Heeding certain safety tips during the holidays can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Stagger shopping times Being a creature of habit may not be advantageous come the holidays. Oftentimes, potential burglars monitor neighborhoods to see when residents come and go. It can take mere minutes for a thief to get into a home and then abscond with valuables. Creating a situation where there is always someone home or at least the appearance that someone is home might dissuade a thief from targeting your home. When you venture out to shop, do so at different times so you're not establishing a recognizable pattern that gives a thief a sense of security and a perfect window of time to break in. Triple-check your home Security experts warn that most burglaries occur during daytime hours when homes are empty. The main point of entry is on the ground floor via a rear or a side door. Access through a garage door is another common way thieves gain access to a home. Before leaving the house, make sure that all doors and windows are locked and that the garage door cannot be opened. Many times thieves are able to simply enter a home through an unlocked window. The key is to make it as difficult as possible for a burglar to get inside your home. Running out of the home for parties, shopping and other social events could derail safety precautions. If need be, leave a checklist by the front door to remind you to safeguard the home before exiting. Park in well-lit areas Cars are prime targets for burglaries. Many times shoppers visit the car frequently May you and your loved ones enjoy all the blessings of this holy season! 106 Cherry Street - Pineville, Kentucky (606) 337~2045 during shopping excursions and store gifts in the trunk, only to return for more shopping. Thieves recognize there may be a bounty of merchandise inside. First and foremost, all items in the car should be stored out of sight to deter interest in your vehicle. Secondly, make sure that the car is locked and that the security system (if there is one) is engaged, as merchandise in a car is not often covered by standard auto insurance policies. In addition, park as close as you can to the store entrance or beneath a bright light. Poor visibility encourages thieves. Watch your wallet or purse Cash is a very attractive prospect for thieves because it is largely untraceable and easily spent. While shoppers who want to curb high credit card bills might favor cash, it is important not to carry too much around. Spread out purchases over a few days so that you do not have to carry large quantities of cash. When using an ATM at the mall or at the bank, always be aware of your surroundings, including fellow customers. It may be worth paying multiple service fees to withdraw small amounts of cash rather than withdraw- ing a large amount of money that thieves can target. Remove extraneous credit cards when shopping. Should your wallet be stolen or go missing, this will eliminate the number of accounts that thieves can use and also cuts down on the number of accounts that need to be closed out. You should never carry your social security card in your wallet because this increases your risk of being victimized by identity theft. Request to sign for packages Many shipping carriers have eliminated the need for package recipients to sign for merchandise. Recipients can now choose to have boxes and bags left outside the front door. To decrease the risk of theft, always choose to sign for packages, regardless of how safe your neighborhood may be. Christmas traditions vary from family to family & country to country! Families across the globe cherish their Christmas traditions. Customs may be unique to every family, but many countries boast their own unique traditions as well. * Australia: Many Australians celebrate Christmas by coming together at night to sing carols outside. That's not as chilly as it might sound, as Christmas in Australia actually falls during summer vacation. In fact, many of the country's most popular Christmas traditions occur outside. * England: Contrary to Australia, England's weather around Christmastime is much colder. Many of England's traditions resemble those popular in North America, including wrapping gifts, hanging stockings over the fireplace and gathering around the Christmas tree. Kids in#England write a letter with their wishes to Father Christmas, but unlike mailing those letters like many North American children do, English children toss their letters into a fire so their Christmas wishes can go up the chimney. * France: Christmas celebrations in France begin several weeks before December 25, but Christmas Eve is most special to many natives of France. On Christmas Eve, church bells ring as people sing noels, or carols. The following day, a feast is enjoyed upon returning home from church. * Germany: In Germany, the weather is cold during the Christmas season, and in the weeks leading up to Christmas families bake sweet bread, cakes with candied fruits and spicy cookies. Advent wreaths are popular in Germany and are purchased four Sundays before Christmas begins. The wreaths have places for four candles, and families light a candle on the wreath each Sunday. * Mexico: Families in Mexico celebrate Christmas by decorating their homes with lilies or evergreens. Because the weather is warm, many families also cut designs into brown paper bags before inserting a candle and then setting the designs, called farolitos, along the sidewalk, on windowsills, on rooftops, and along outdoor walls. Many communities in the southwestern United States have adopted this tradition, which they often refer to as luminaria. * Sweden: Christmas celebrations in Sweden begin on December 13, the day the country celebrates St. Lucia's Day. Celebrations for St. Lucia, the patron saint of light, are intricate and involve the whole family. A couple of days before Christmas is when many families select their Christmas tree. During this wonderful time we’d like to offer our best wishes for a happy holiday season and a joyous new year! A few of the toys that have caused a “feeding frenzy” at Christmas 'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the store; Parents seek the hottest toy, while sales clerks shout, "No more!" Few holiday seasons have come and gone without a must-have toy causing pandemonium among shoppers. In the months leading up to Christmas, one toy always seems to grab kids' attention and become a must-have item. These could be quirky digital-voiced animals or video game consoles. Naturally, children put these gifts on their letters to Santa or wish lists. But as the days wind down to Christmas, manufacturers often cannot meet the demand for the season's most popular item. It's then left to parents to find the toys and gadgets by whatever means necessary. Certain toys throughout history have caused a frenzy that results in desperate parents scouring wiped-out toy stores or making black-market deals to land themselves a hot toy. Here is a list of them, courtesy of MSNBC. * Shirley Temple Doll (1934): Shirley Temple was the inspiration behind the first recorded toy to cause a shopping frenzy. The demand for the doll elevated after the actress' breakout film, "Bright Eyes," was released three days before Christmas. * G.I. Joe (1964): Hasbro came up with the male action figure after watching Barbie dolls become such a popular toy for tots. The action figures were an instant hit, garnering over $16 million in 1964 alone. * "Star Wars" Action Figures (1977): #No one expected George Lucas' franchise to become such a smash hit. The merchandising company associated with the project didn't have time to make associated toys beyond a few board games and coloring books once "Star Wars" fever took hold. Therefore, "Early Bird Certificate" vouchers were sold and the action figures were shipped out a few months later. These action figures can still thrill, with eBay auctions bringing in $1,200 and up for figures that once retailed for just a few dollars. * Cabbage Patch Kids (1983): What little girl in the mid-1980s didn't want a chubby-faced Cabbage Patch Kid to adopt as her very own? The demand for this fad doll became so heated that adults fought over them and price gouging ensued. * Teddy Ruxpin (1985): If kids weren't seeking a Cabbage Patch doll, they may have been hoping to find a Teddy Ruxpin doll under their tree. Teddy Ruxpin was an animatronic bear who interacted with the child and told stories. It was based on the animated figures kids would see at theme parks or at their local play areas. Shortages around the holidays played into frenzied behavior. The doll was expensive for its day, coming in at around $68. guage and slowly learned English over time. The animated pet/friend became the musthave toy of the year, but production numbers were scant in comparison to demand. * Nintendo Wii (2006): Video game aficionados were wowed by the motion-sensing game controllers of this new system. This helped push the Wii to the top spot for video game consoles for that year and created a demand that led to limits on units purchased, diminished inventory, and even vouchers or wrist bands being offered by stores to get your hands on the Wii. * Tickle Me Elmo (1996): "Sesame Street" fans fell right into the hype offered by Tyco Toys and Children's Television Workshop. Stampedes occurred in toy stores, people were injured and reports of extreme price gouging ensued, all in an effort for people to get their hands on the giggling, red furball. * Furby (1998): This creature reminiscent of the popular 1980s film "Gremlins" came out of the box speaking its own lan- It may be cold outside, but our hearts are warmed as we recall the many kind people and customers that have visited us this year. We’re grateful for your support and we wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The holidays can offer sources of stress and danger to some pets! While people are ho-ho-ho-ing and hustling and bustling, pets may not be as enamored with the holiday season as their human counterparts. That's because, amid the blur of activities that fill the season, there are potential sources of stress and dangers to pets. What can be so dangerous about holiday festivities and decorations? A lot, according to veterinarians and pet advocacy experts. The ASPCA, among other groups, warns of the toxic items and unhealthy treats that abound this time of year. Approximately 1,300 people are treated each year in emergency rooms for injuries related to holiday lights. Another 6,200 are treated for injuries related to holiday decorations and Christmas trees. These injuries are occurring to people who know better. Just think about the pets that do not understand the dangers around them. Pet parents have to be responsible for their animals' safety, too. Know What's Toxic Everything from snow globes to tinsel can wreak havoc on pets' delicate intestinal systems. Many holiday plants, like holly and poinsettia, contain oils that can be fatal to pets if consumed. Snow globes often contain antifreeze, which is well known as toxic to pets. Snow sprays and snow flock contain chemicals that can be irritants if inhaled or consumed. Tinsel and pine needles can cause choking and intestinal obstruction if consumed by smaller animals, like cats and rodents. Decorating Dangers Decorative glassware, trinkets and other breakables can prove hazardous to animals. Inquisitive dogs and cats may break glass ornaments and be cut by shards of glass. It's easy for lit candles to be knocked over and even Christmas trees to be pulled down by boisterous pets. Water kept in Christmas tree stands and other decor may harbor harmful microorganisms or chemicals that become dangerous if lapped up. Cords and lights may look like chew toys to rodents, dogs and cats, who can become electrocuted or strangled while investigating. Goodie Gluttony Many pets have stolen a piece of people food from here or there or have been offered some table scraps. There are some items that May your heart and home be blessed with the true spirit of this special time of year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! can be dangerous during the holidays and year round. Beware of feeding pets fatty meats, gravies, poultry skin, poultry bones, chocolate, and alcohol. These items can cause illnesses from vomiting and diarrhea to highly serious pancreatitis and other toxic reactions. Remove trash from the house regularly while entertaining to ensure pets don't get inside of garbage cans and trash bags to steal scraps. When eating, keep pets out of the dining area and maintain a close eye on scavengers who might leap for dishes at the edges of tables. Gifts, like food baskets and boxes of chocolates, should be kept out of reach of pets. Buy pet-safe treats this time of year to reward animals so they will not be inclined to steal snacks. Holiday Stress Having a houseful of people can be stressful on pets who are not used to the company. Talk with a veterinarian to see if a mild sedative or anti-anxiety medication might be helpful. Otherwise, keep pets contained in a quiet room away from guests if they are prone to skittishness. Try to keep feeding and watering schedules consistent so the pets will have the comfort of their rou- tines. Be sure to spend time with the animals so they are not feeling neglected while you're running here and there. The holidays can be a wonderful time of year to share with your pets, but safety should never be too far out of mind when preparing for the season. It’s never too late to start some new holiday traditions of your own! Much of what makes the holiday season so special is the traditions that people hold dear. While families have traditions that stretch back decades, there is plenty of opportunity to embrace new means of celebration to breathe new life into Christmas, Chanukkah or the season's other holidays. by purchasing a present for an underprivileged kid. Some post offices sponsor "Letters from Santa" events where participants can respond to one of the thousands of letters mailed to The North Pole. Or work with a local charity that organizes events to bring gifts to children in hospitals or in foster care. Chances are you're already hanging stockings or going caroling this year. You can add some of these and modify as they fit for your family. 4. Holiday story countdown. Every night in December watch a movie or read a story that tells an uplifting holiday tale. Use this as a method of counting down until Christmas. On the night prior, reading "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" should suffice. 1. Feed the wildlife. During the cold days of winter, birds and small animals that don't hibernate may find it difficult to forage for food. By trimming an outdoor pine tree in edible snacks you'll have a beautiful tree and one that benefits the wildlife as well. String peanuts and other nuts for the squirrels. Make little ornaments out of suet and string for the birds. Berries and corn can be enjoyed by all. Be sure to choose a tree that is far enough away from the home, so you don't have too many scavengers hunting and pecking around the house. 2. Create a photo Advent calendar. Make your own Advent calendar that has small doors that open up to photos of different family members. Or use a collection of children's pictures that showcase how they've changed as they've grown older. 3. "Adopt" a child for holiday gifts. Each year you can bring a smile to a child in need 5. Remember someone who has passed on. The holiday season is one made beautiful by lit candles and twinkling lights. Remember a loved one or a friend who has passed away by lighting a remembrance candle in his or her honor. It's a way this person can still be part of the festivities. 6. Have a holiday sing-a-long. Sure it may be tradition to go around the neighborhood singing carols, but it's just as fun indoors. Have a singing party where guests are given lyrics to popular tunes they can sing around the piano or karaoke machine. 7. Bring some joy to a public servant. Police officers, firefighters, military personnel ... many of these workers do not get off for the holidays. There are a certain number of public servants who must remain on call in the event of an emergency. Treat these Holiday traditions are a large part of the fun of the season. This year it may be time to begin some new ones to add even more enjoyment. people to something enjoyable when they all, a home that was once filled with merry may be missing their own festivities. Cook trinkets may now go back to the bare essenor cater a meal for a fire house, deliver cook- tials. Create a tradition where everyone in ies to the police station or put together care the family receives one more gift -- a personpackages for people living on a military alized ornament that can be packed away for base. use next year -- that's given in January before the decorations are packed away. It's another 8. Banish the holiday blues. When the opportunity to open a present, and it symbolholidays are set to go for another year, many izes looking forward to the joy of next year. people find they become a little down. After A Collection of Christmas Carols Inactive in this version 1. Deck the Halls 2. O Holy Night 3. Jingle Bells 4. O Christmas Tree 5. Silent Night 6. Little Town of Bethlehem 7. Away in a Manger 8. Upon a Midnight Clear Wishing you a joyous Christmas and the happiest of New Years!