Based on a 1999 estimated population count of North America and Europe, on Christmas Eve of that year Santa Claus had to visit 42,466,666 homes in a 12-hour period -- that's 983 homes per second.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Strange Christmas facts...
Based on a 1999 estimated population count of North America and Europe, on Christmas Eve of that year Santa Claus had to visit 42,466,666 homes in a 12-hour period -- that's 983 homes per second.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Great Quotes...
"There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity."
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead."
~ Johnny Carson
"I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me."
~ Fred Allen
"It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them."
~ Mark Twain
"Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year."
~Anonymous
"Success didn't spoil me, I've always been insufferable."
~ Fran Lebowitz
"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional."
~ M. Kathleen Casey
"If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?"
~ Anonymous
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
From Bud's World
Director of Purchasing: Lois Bidder Instrument repairman: Anita Hammer Attorney: Gil T. Azell
A look back at Christmas in the ‘Good old days’ - A Christmas ad in Dunkirk
Dunkirk Evening Observer (Wednesday, December 23, 1925)
“Nickel Plite Grocery Wm Prop Successor to Henderson Grocery We Deliver 801 Phone 2019 Fancy Mixed Nuts Fine Large Filberts In Almonds English Walnuts Fancy Fruits and Mild and Snappy Swiss Cheese American Gieese Pimento N Xew Bulk Mince Meat Sweet Cider Rite Soap Chips Fancy Naval Oranges Kellogg's Corn Flake pkg Fancy Apples Spys Baldwins and Greenings pk If IT I SERVICE QUALITY Low PRICES 323 MAin STREET CHRISTMAS GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR MOTHER SISTER DAUGHTER FRIEND FUR-TRIMMED COATS...” (Does this Christmas ad make sense to you?)
From the Choir Loft
Everyone is invited (adults and children) to join us on Tuesday, 12/16/08 @ 6:45 pm @ St. Columban’s On The Lake (2545 Lake Road – Route 5) in Sheridan. “Singers” as well as non-singers are welcome. You will be blessed as you bless the residents of St. Columban’s. I am promised that “Buddy” the golden retriever will be there!
'The Chipmunk Song’
Ross Bagdasarian was a novelty song writer making a living writing quirky songs. He had one major triumph – he had written the bizzaro hit, ‘Come Onna my House’ for Rosemary Clooney in 1951. He loved the dials, buttons, little gauges and lights in the recording studio and liked to experiment with them. By deliberately recording at the slowest speed possible on his reel-to-reel tape recorder, he found he could sing normally, and then sound like a freak on helium if he sped the recording to normal speed during playback. He created 3 characters who sang harmony, sped the tape up, and Viola! The Chipmunks were born! The ‘Chipmunk Song,’ released for the Christmas season in 1958, sold 5 million copies that year, and the song received 2 Grammy Awards in 1958.
#1 Songs on this date in history
December 7
1969 – Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’ (Steam)
1942 – ‘White Christmas’ (Bing Crosby)
1919 – ‘Oh! What a Pal Was Mary’ (Henry Burr)
History of Christmas Toys Timeline: ‘Play-Doh’
Question from last week:
In 1956, Joe McVicker becomes a millionaire before his 27th birthday when he realizes his wallpaper cleaner will make an excellent toy. What toy is it?
Answer: Non-toxic and less messy than regular modeling clay, Play-Doh is an immediate hit as a toy for kids. To date, over 700 million pounds of Play-Doh have been sold.
Next week: While searching for a suspension device to ease rough sailing on battleships during World War II, Richard James discovers that his torsion spring might make an interesting child’s toy. This toy is still manufactured in Hollidaysburg, Pa. on the same 8 machines that James began with over 70 years ago. What toy is it? (Answer next week!)
Bud: (716) 934-7734, email: tubamanbud@gmail.com
For former Bud’s World articles, chorus or New Horizons updates:
www.frombudsworld.blogspot.com
A look back at Christmas in the ‘Good old days’ - A Christmas ad in Dunkirk
Dunkirk Evening Observer (Wednesday, December 23, 1925)
“Nickel Plite Grocery Wm Prop Successor to Henderson Grocery We Deliver 801 Phone 2019 Fancy Mixed Nuts Fine Large Filberts In Almonds English Walnuts Fancy Fruits and Mild and Snappy Swiss Cheese American Gieese Pimento N Xew Bulk Mince Meat Sweet Cider Rite Soap Chips Fancy Naval Oranges Kellogg's Corn Flake pkg Fancy Apples Spys Baldwins and Greenings pk If IT I SERVICE QUALITY Low PRICES 323 MAin STREET CHRISTMAS GIFT SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR MOTHER SISTER DAUGHTER FRIEND FUR-TRIMMED COATS...” (Does this Christmas ad make sense to you?)
From the Choir Loft
Everyone is invited (adults and children) to join us on Tuesday, 12/16/08 @ 6:45 pm @ St. Columban’s On The Lake (2545 Lake Road – Route 5) in Sheridan. “Singers” as well as non-singers are welcome. You will be blessed as you bless the residents of St. Columban’s. I am promised that “Buddy” the golden retriever will be there!
'The Chipmunk Song’
Ross Bagdasarian was a novelty song writer making a living writing quirky songs. He had one major triumph – he had written the bizzaro hit, ‘Come Onna my House’ for Rosemary Clooney in 1951. He loved the dials, buttons, little gauges and lights in the recording studio and liked to experiment with them. By deliberately recording at the slowest speed possible on his reel-to-reel tape recorder, he found he could sing normally, and then sound like a freak on helium if he sped the recording to normal speed during playback. He created 3 characters who sang harmony, sped the tape up, and Viola! The Chipmunks were born! The ‘Chipmunk Song,’ released for the Christmas season in 1958, sold 5 million copies that year, and the song received 2 Grammy Awards in 1958.
#1 Songs on this date in history
December 7
1969 – Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’ (Steam)
1942 – ‘White Christmas’ (Bing Crosby)
1919 – ‘Oh! What a Pal Was Mary’ (Henry Burr)
History of Christmas Toys Timeline: ‘Play-Doh’
Question from last week:
In 1956, Joe McVicker becomes a millionaire before his 27th birthday when he realizes his wallpaper cleaner will make an excellent toy. What toy is it?
Answer: Non-toxic and less messy than regular modeling clay, Play-Doh is an immediate hit as a toy for kids. To date, over 700 million pounds of Play-Doh have been sold.
Next week: While searching for a suspension device to ease rough sailing on battleships during World War II, Richard James discovers that his torsion spring might make an interesting child’s toy. This toy is still manufactured in Hollidaysburg, Pa. on the same 8 machines that James began with over 70 years ago. What toy is it? (Answer next week!)
Bud: (716) 934-7734, email: tubamanbud@gmail.com
For former Bud’s World articles, chorus or New Horizons updates:
www.frombudsworld.blogspot.com
THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS
By Scott Murray
Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the church
Every creature was stirring, they were sitting on Birch
The programs were ready, everything was prepared
In hopes that the people soon would be there
The decorations were piled all over the place
From trees and garland, to pine cones and lace
The pastor all dressed up, the youth guy in jeans
Had started discussing what Christmas means
The gifts and the baskets, the ribbons and bows
And all of the children all covered in snow
Too often the problem we face every year
Is no one remembers any more than good cheer
For Christmas is not just a time to be getting
There’s something that schools are indeed forgetting
The birth of a saviour, in a manger with hay
Is really the reason to celebrate this day
While Santa and reindeer may seem to be right,
Who wants to celebrate a fat man in tights?
So in your efforts, remember this season
That Jesus my friends, is truly the reason
He did not come just for the winter
But also to die on two giant splinters
There not to stay, he just went to call
And bring back with him Salvation for all
The meeting was over and to their delight
The people were gathered, for Christmas that night
Copyright 2003 Scott Murray. Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes.
Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the church
Every creature was stirring, they were sitting on Birch
The programs were ready, everything was prepared
In hopes that the people soon would be there
The decorations were piled all over the place
From trees and garland, to pine cones and lace
The pastor all dressed up, the youth guy in jeans
Had started discussing what Christmas means
The gifts and the baskets, the ribbons and bows
And all of the children all covered in snow
Too often the problem we face every year
Is no one remembers any more than good cheer
For Christmas is not just a time to be getting
There’s something that schools are indeed forgetting
The birth of a saviour, in a manger with hay
Is really the reason to celebrate this day
While Santa and reindeer may seem to be right,
Who wants to celebrate a fat man in tights?
So in your efforts, remember this season
That Jesus my friends, is truly the reason
He did not come just for the winter
But also to die on two giant splinters
There not to stay, he just went to call
And bring back with him Salvation for all
The meeting was over and to their delight
The people were gathered, for Christmas that night
Copyright 2003 Scott Murray. Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
It's what she asked for
Morris ran into Jacob while shopping at the mall the other day in front of one of the jewelry stores. Noticing a conspicuously small gift wrapped box in his hand, Morris asked if was a gift for Jacob's wife Becky.
Jacob told Morris, "With Christmas coming up, I asked Becky what she wanted and she said, 'Oh, I don't know just give me something with lots of diamonds in it.'"
"So what did you get her?" Morris asked.
Jacob smiled and replied, "I bought her a deck of cards."
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Politically correct holidays
In our “politically correct” society, some find it difficult to express “Season’s Greetings” using the appropriate, non-offensive salutations.
So, as a public service…may I offer the following “politically correct” Season’s Greetings for your Christmas cards...
Season's Greetings
Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion as well as those who choose not to practice a religion at all; plus, a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of the other cultures whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regards to the race, creed, color, religious, or sexual preferences of the wishes.
(Disclaimer: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for him/her or others and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Chorus meeting cancelled (12/2/08)
We have decided to cancel tonight's (12/2/08) Community Chorus meeting in Sheridan.
Currently, I can't see across the street and I can't see our outdoor Christmas decorations. (I was so proud when I set them up last week!)
The current weather report predicts up to 8 - 10" of snow for today.
We will go Christmas caroling on Tuesday, December 16 at 6:45 pm at St. Columban's (2546 Lake Road - Route 5 in Sheridan). Please come and invite friends. You will be more blessed than the residents.
I will bring enough dog treats for Buddy the Golden Retriever.
12/2/08 Community Chorus Meeting
We will have the Community Chorus planning meeting tonight (12/2/08) at The St. John Bosco Auditorium (2777 Main Road - Route 20) in Sheridan @ 6:00 pm. If possible, bring "finger food" to share.
We will discuss chorus plans for the upcoming year.
Shelf life of a fruitcake
"Research has determined that the shelf life of fruitcake is longer than the shelf."
Monday, December 1, 2008
Computer vs.the Automobile
"If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once
a year, killing everyone inside."~ Robert X. Cringely
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Bud's World
Director of Purchasing: Lois Bidder Instrument repairman: Anita Hammer Attorney: Gil T. Azell
A look back at Christmas in the ‘Good old days’ (Fredonia)
By Douglas Shepard Barker Historical Newsletter (Winter 1996)
The old days, for Fredonia, began in 1802/1803 with the arrival of Thomas McClintock and, for the oldest among us, run perhaps to 1900. To find out how Christmas was celebrated and recorded “in the beginning,” we turned to back issues of our local newspapers, the Chautauqua Gazette, beginning in 1817, and the Fredonia Censor in 1821. In the Censor of December 11, 1833, there was a small advertisement by the publisher and bookstore owner H.C. Frisbee, headed:
"Christmas & New Year Gifts":
Comprising the following interesting works, for sale at the subscriber's bookstore, viz.
The Pearl, or Affection's Gift, for 1834, with 8 elegant Engravings.
Youth's Keepsake, a present for both sexes.
The Little Girl's Own Book. / The Young Lady's Own Book.
The Young Man's Own Book. / The Young Lady's Sunday Book.
Humorist's Own Book. / Singer's Own Book.
And a great many others, pretty and cheap.
Call and see.
From the Choir Loft
Our next Sheridan Community Chorus planning session will be this Tuesday, December 1 @ St. John Bosco Auditorium @ 6:00. It was suggested that we have light “finger foods.” I looked up “finger foods” in the dictionary and found the following definition: [noun] … “food intended to be picked up with the fingers and eaten.” Now, if you eat like I do, that could mean any food group this side of hot gravy. But I think it means things like pizza, wings, cheese sticks, celery (?), etc. How that for a definition? We will be updating everyone on our future plans. We want to go Christmas caroling on Tuesday, December 16 @ 6:45 at St. Columban’s on the Lake. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me.
New Horizons Band:
Wednesday (12/3/08): “Friday” lesson schedule
Friday (12/5/08): Ensemble rehearsals only (No band)
History of Christmas Carols
'The Christmas Song’ (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
“The Christmas Song” is a classic Christmas song, written in 1944 by vocalist Mel Tormé and Bob Wells. According to Tormé, the song was written during a blistering hot summer. In an effort to “stay cool by thinking cool,” the most-performed (according to BMI) Christmas song was born..
“I saw a spiral pad on his piano with four lines written in pencil,” Tormé recalled. “They started, ‘Chestnuts roasting ... Jack Frost nipping ... Yuletide carols ... Folks dressed up like Eskimos.’” Bob (Wells, co-writer) didn’t think he was writing a song lyric. He said he thought if he could immerse himself into a winter frame of mind, he could cool off. Forty minutes later that song was written.
#1 Song on this date in history
November 30
1941 – ‘White Christmas’ (Bing Crosby)
1938 – ‘Begin the Beguine’ (Artie Shaw)
1931 – ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’ (Guy Lombardo)
1917 – ‘Over There’ (Nora Bayes)
1904 – ‘Sweet Adeline’ (Haydn Quartet)
History of Christmas Toys Timeline:
When a group of Minnesota teachers realized their attempt to make and sell garden tools is failing, they decide to use their extra materials to make toys. Their company has sold over thirty million of their toys and used up 120,000 gallons of paint on their signature yellow toy trucks. They name their toy trucks “Tonka Trucks” after nearby Lake Minnetonka.
NEXT WEEK: In 1956, Joe McVicker becomes a millionaire before his twenty-seventh birthday when he realizes his wallpaper cleaner will make an excellent toy. What toy is it?
Bud: (716) 934-7734, email: tubamanbud@gmail.com
For chorus or band schedule updates:
www.frombudsworld.blogspot.com
A look back at Christmas in the ‘Good old days’ (Fredonia)
By Douglas Shepard Barker Historical Newsletter (Winter 1996)
The old days, for Fredonia, began in 1802/1803 with the arrival of Thomas McClintock and, for the oldest among us, run perhaps to 1900. To find out how Christmas was celebrated and recorded “in the beginning,” we turned to back issues of our local newspapers, the Chautauqua Gazette, beginning in 1817, and the Fredonia Censor in 1821. In the Censor of December 11, 1833, there was a small advertisement by the publisher and bookstore owner H.C. Frisbee, headed:
"Christmas & New Year Gifts":
Comprising the following interesting works, for sale at the subscriber's bookstore, viz.
The Pearl, or Affection's Gift, for 1834, with 8 elegant Engravings.
Youth's Keepsake, a present for both sexes.
The Little Girl's Own Book. / The Young Lady's Own Book.
The Young Man's Own Book. / The Young Lady's Sunday Book.
Humorist's Own Book. / Singer's Own Book.
And a great many others, pretty and cheap.
Call and see.
From the Choir Loft
Our next Sheridan Community Chorus planning session will be this Tuesday, December 1 @ St. John Bosco Auditorium @ 6:00. It was suggested that we have light “finger foods.” I looked up “finger foods” in the dictionary and found the following definition: [noun] … “food intended to be picked up with the fingers and eaten.” Now, if you eat like I do, that could mean any food group this side of hot gravy. But I think it means things like pizza, wings, cheese sticks, celery (?), etc. How that for a definition? We will be updating everyone on our future plans. We want to go Christmas caroling on Tuesday, December 16 @ 6:45 at St. Columban’s on the Lake. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me.
New Horizons Band:
Wednesday (12/3/08): “Friday” lesson schedule
Friday (12/5/08): Ensemble rehearsals only (No band)
History of Christmas Carols
'The Christmas Song’ (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
“The Christmas Song” is a classic Christmas song, written in 1944 by vocalist Mel Tormé and Bob Wells. According to Tormé, the song was written during a blistering hot summer. In an effort to “stay cool by thinking cool,” the most-performed (according to BMI) Christmas song was born..
“I saw a spiral pad on his piano with four lines written in pencil,” Tormé recalled. “They started, ‘Chestnuts roasting ... Jack Frost nipping ... Yuletide carols ... Folks dressed up like Eskimos.’” Bob (Wells, co-writer) didn’t think he was writing a song lyric. He said he thought if he could immerse himself into a winter frame of mind, he could cool off. Forty minutes later that song was written.
#1 Song on this date in history
November 30
1941 – ‘White Christmas’ (Bing Crosby)
1938 – ‘Begin the Beguine’ (Artie Shaw)
1931 – ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’ (Guy Lombardo)
1917 – ‘Over There’ (Nora Bayes)
1904 – ‘Sweet Adeline’ (Haydn Quartet)
History of Christmas Toys Timeline:
When a group of Minnesota teachers realized their attempt to make and sell garden tools is failing, they decide to use their extra materials to make toys. Their company has sold over thirty million of their toys and used up 120,000 gallons of paint on their signature yellow toy trucks. They name their toy trucks “Tonka Trucks” after nearby Lake Minnetonka.
NEXT WEEK: In 1956, Joe McVicker becomes a millionaire before his twenty-seventh birthday when he realizes his wallpaper cleaner will make an excellent toy. What toy is it?
Bud: (716) 934-7734, email: tubamanbud@gmail.com
For chorus or band schedule updates:
www.frombudsworld.blogspot.com
Christmas lights in Dunkirk...
As a "public service," just wanted to mention the wonderful Christmas light display in Dunkirk, NY in case you haven't heard about it. It's at 131 Willowbrook Avenue in Dunkirk at Tim Peterson's home.
He has 12,000 LED lights and 5,5000 feet of extension cords. (Makes mine seem pretty punny!) Lots of animation and presented to music, which you can hear over your car's radio.
They have their own web page with more information and pictures. You can even see the light presentation over the web.
The web address is www.chadwickbaychristmas.com
First time in church...
Mrs. Harrison took her three-year-old daughter, Jenny, to church for the first time.
After arriving, the church lights were lowered, and then the choir came down the aisle, carrying lighted candles.There was silence in the entire sanctuary until Jenny's voice was suddenly heard, loudly singing: "Happy birthday to you! Happy
birthday to you..."
Sheridan Community Chorus
Our next meeting will be this Tuesday, 12/2/08 @ 6:00 pm at The Saint John Bosco Auditorium (Route 20). We will be planning for our upcoming 2009 season.
We're asking you to bring "finger foods."
We are planning to go Christmas caroling on Tuesday, December 16 @ 6:45 pm at St. Columban's (Route 5 in Sheridan). If you know anyone who is “home-bound,” please let us know. Why not go caroling with us? It’s a blast!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving 8,000 calorie poem
May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
and your pies take the prize,
and may your Thanksgiving dinner
stay off your thighs!
~ Unknown
“An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.”
~ Irv Kupcinet
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Be Thankful...
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.
"Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile."
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