Day: October 4, 2008

Categories
Animals History Music Television

Saturday Night Retro

The year was 1973, and you were there (unless of course you weren’t born yet). I was a 6-year-old kid living with my Mom and Dad in the Washington D.C. suburb of Bowie Maryland on Peach Walker Drive. In September I began attending Catholic school 5 days a week as a first-grader at Saint Matthias The Apostle in Lanham Maryland near my grandparents’ house.

I had two dogs at the time – Brandy – a German Shepherd – and Girlie – a miniature sheepdog. Brandy barked a lot and dug holes out in the backyard. I didn’t really like him very much. In fact I was scared of him. We wouldn’t have him for very long. Girlie lasted a few years longer. She was lovable and squeezeable with an adorable personality. She had a tiny bony tail.

On Saturday nights America stayed home and watched this amazing lineup of TV shows on CBS – “All in the Family” (8 PM), “M*A*S*H” (8:30 PM), “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (9 PM), “The Bob Newhart Show” (9:30 PM), and “The Carol Burnett Show” (10 PM). It may just be the greatest primetime lineup on a single night – on a single network – in television history.

A few hours before that three-hour block of Emmy-award-winning laughs on Saturday nights this hot music and dance show was breaking new ground on the tube, and I was paying attention to it – even as a 6-year-old. It was seen locally at the time on WTTG Channel 5 out of Washington D.C. It lasted for an incredible 35 years in first-run syndication nationwide, but this was clearly its hey day.

Ladies and Gentlemen – I present to you for your ‘Saturday Night Retro’ review – some LOVE, PEACE, and SOUL !  GET DOWN & BOOGIE !

Did anyone spot their young parents (or even grandparents) in that vintage clip ?

Categories
Food Humor Shopping

Saturday Morning Shenanigans

I had the whole wide store to myself for a good half hour of browsing fun. That was at Kohl’s this morning at the MAMMOTH new Homestead Pavilion shopping complex. I actually spent nearly an hour in that beautiful store, and I was very impressed with what they had to offer. Think of it as an upscale Target (which in turn is an upscale Wal Mart). If you’re looking for clothes, kitchen appliances, and bedroom and bathroom accessories then go and check out Kohl’s.

After Kohl’s I went to Starbucks where I picked-up a delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte and a delightful slice of Pumpkin Loaf (bread).

Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin Spice Latte

I always experience the weirdest scenarios at Starbucks. When I pulled in to the parking lot I was actually concerned whether or not they were even open for business. There was nobody there. When I walked in to the joint I was the only one there (aside from a few baristas). I was actually able to review the menu board for more than 10 seconds to see what I really wanted. Unfortunately it wasn’t much more than 10 seconds, for just as soon as I was trying to figure out what I wanted to order – a couple walked in – then another couple – then an entire family – then even more people. Before I knew it I was literally holding up the line for at least a dozen sleepy people !  I pretty much defaulted on the whole ‘pumpkin’ idea. The pumpkin loaf was actually not my idea, but the barista’s idea for me. Luckily for her it turned out to be moist and delicious.

And so those – my friends – are my ‘Saturday Morning Shenanigans’ for this go-’round. I’ll leave you with this interesting news item from Tokyo Japan. Check it out:

UNCERTAINTY AT JAPANESE BANKS

Following the problems in the sub-prime lending market in America and the run on Northern Rock in the U.K. uncertainty has now hit Japan. In the last 7 days Origami Bank has folded, Sumo Bank has gone belly up, and Bonsai Bank announced plans to cut some of its branches.

Yesterday it was announced that Karaoke Bank is up for sale and will likely go for a song, while today shares in Kamikaze Bank were suspended after they nose-dived.

While Samurai Bank is soldiering on following sharp cutbacks, Ninja Bank is reported to have taken a hit, but they remain in the black.

Furthermore 500 staff members at Karate Bank got the chop, and analysts report that there is something fishy going on at Sushi Bank where it is feared that staff may get a raw deal.