Random Memorial for Monday 12/21/09

Gone but not forgotten: old-school Christmas trees(s) in Daley Plaza.

I finally got to the annual Christkindlmarkt in downtown Chicago this past weekend when family visited, and I saw firsthand how the economy downgraded our Christmas tree display. In the past, Chicago's massive 90 foot tall holiday tree was comprised of more than 130 smaller Balsam Fir trees bound together to make one giant display -- but this year, we saved money by using one donated tree -- 55ft in height -- and we all had to deal with an "it's all relative" moment where even this beauty reminded us of Charlie Brown's.

Pics should be up on FB later this week ... but giant tree made of smaller trees, you will be missed.

http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/mose/tree_lighting_ceremony.html

Random Scandal Sheet for Sunday 12/20/09

What Chicago is talking about this week:

No scandals -- it's just the holiday season -- Hanukkah is winding down, Christmas is around the corner, Kwanzaa starts next week, Boxing Day is inspiring others to shop above the border, El Aid isn't in December like the past few years, Festivus poles are erected, Winter Solstice hits tomorrow (have I missed anyone in my attempt to be all inclusive?) and no matter how (or what) you celebrate, my wish for you is that you are surrounded by family and friends (virtual or otherwise) this December!

http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/december.htm

Random Soapbox for Saturday 12/19/09

I don't mean to go off on a rant here, but ...

... what's with the trend of more and more shoppers taking a "block the whole aisle" approach this holiday season? They leave the cart and stand on the opposite side as if taking the panoramic view of the shelves is necessary to make their selection. Then, their eyes glaze over and they seem to be oblivious to the fact that I want through. Shopping is not my forte in the first place, but I know exactly what I want and I know exactly where it is ... so stay out of my way! Don't stop spending (the economic recovery needs you) -- just do me a favor and keep things moving if you see me in the store!

http://askville.amazon.com/oblivious-shoppers-block-supermarket-aisles-past-stare-cans/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=1680454

Random Flashback for Friday 12/18/09

Christmas at my sister Sherry's apartment meant adding to my Batman collection twenty years ago. [... and with ever present interest in that franchise, see how things come full circle when you have an everlasting marketing concept and eternal comic icon!] May your gifts this holiday season delight you as much as this did me in 1989! Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Random Thought for Thursday 12/17/09

So if you follow my posts, you might have figured out that I watch a little television on the side -- now including Britain's Missing Top Model on BBCAmerica. This reality competition show searches for the next disabled model amongst competitors who are deaf, missing limbs, paraplegic, etc. and is not as garish as it may sound. For an interesting gut check in how you view disabilities and as a unique study of prejudice, both overt and disguised, check out episodes where the disabled contestants turn on the deaf girls because their disability isn't obvious to an observer so it's felt that they can't represent, or where judges struggle to deliver constructive criticism while being sensitive to the girls' conditions and limitations. Ultimately, the show is just an opportunity to hold the mirror to yourself to see how you respond -- quite clever to disguise it as a reality show if you ask me.

http://press.bbcamerica.com/?program_id=117

Random Wordplay for Wednesday 12/16/09

Play Yard.

Used in a sentence: "So apparently when I wasn't looking, playpens became Play Yards in what I can only presume is some misguided political correctness hanky-panky." Don't those who lead the PC charge know that prisoners in the "pen" usually get to spend at least one hour a day out in the "yard"?

Didn't we just change one baby penitentiary metaphor for another, although now with a word that at least implies an expanse of area (even though I doubt the contraptions actually got any bigger)?

http://www.slate.com/id/2224431

Random Tune for Tuesday 12/15/09

Okay ... humor me just one more time with more 09 Dead Celebrity randomness. I promise that this completes my people-we've-lost-this-year trilogy. And I promise to go all "holiday-ey" on next week's tune. For today, though, enjoy this gem of Bea Arthur's (in poor quality, I admit) and don't tell George Lucas I posted it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzXKySxPFCI