Haines His Way

Alas, for some, it was the last ride they ever took.

Good Afternoon!

Well, since my last set of postings, I've walked the dog yet again... And I have to say, there are quite a number of neighbor dogs in this housing development.  Alas, one of the neighbor dogs was running around without a leash while the owner was trying to unload some packages from her car, and since Iki tends to go into "territory" mode... Well, thankfully, the owner was able to get her big ole Chocolate Lab in the house before Iki's yelps and barks got too annoying or noticed.

And then when I made the final turn back onto my parents' street, we met up with a whole slew of "minis" - two toy poodles (one black, one white), a mini-dachshund, and a mini-schnauzer(?).  Needless to say, all those mini-barks ended up causing all of the leash-holders to start laughing.  Merry Christmas!

That said, why people care so much about the box-office (a phenomenon of the Internet) is anyone's guess.  Love the film, hate the film, but the box-office will be the box-office.  Studios are on a musicals kick right now - why is anyone's guess, but one presumes they read the chat boards and think those people have sufficient numbers to turn these things into blockbusters, which, of course, is folly.  They're also all trying to match the success of Chicago, but they forget that the studio did not shove Chicago down anyone's throat - they marketed it quietly and cleverly the first two months and let it find its audience without sending plants to every website to post how brilliant it was.  Only after it was finding an audience did Harvey and Bob start their insane campaign to win it Best Picture, a compaign that was so over the top that the Academy changed its rules for what studios can and can't do to promote a film to its members.

I'm curious BK, and I don't think you've ever discussed this before, but was there any sort of Academy campaign for FNM?

In other news...

I believe I'm going to walk over to the Mall for my annual Christmas Eve Shopping Observation.  I started doing this a few years ago up in DC at the Pentagon City Mall.  Yes, I'm a relatively last-minute shopper myself, but it's always nice to know that there are others out there who truly cut it close to the wire.  

*And I've also come across some amazing deals during my annual CESO.  I don't always take advantage of them, but they do give me an idea of the first set of stores I hit after Christmas.

I also just want and need to walk - like I'm used to doing in NYC on a daily basis.  Alas, the sidewalks here are practically non-existent, but I should be fine on the shoulders and medians.  I also want to check out Virginia Center Commons Mall.  It's still a relatively new mall, and I remember going there when it first opened.  Basically, it was not-so-good.  However, mall business, in general, here in Richmond has taken quite the upturn over the past couple of years, and, apparently, this mall survived it's initial dip in business and has become a sort of "destination shopping" place.  We shall see.

I'm having quite a festive day.  At noon I took myself to see ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS since the film's a bit mature for my beloved Charlotte, and I laughed a lot at a fable even DR MBarnum could follow about family, boy groups, show biz exploitation and Christmas.  It was fun.  After that, I took my last package to the post office and sent it to California.  I think it's time for a bit more work on Victor Herbert and his musical shows now, so I will return later.

Wasn't there a ride called "Mr. Todd's Wild Ride?"  

Oh... And didn't it go out of business due to lack of revenue?  Something about too many of the customers not paying upon exiting?

*And I still can't believe the matinee pricing here in Richmond is only $6.50!?!?!?  I don't even think matinee pricing exists anymore at any of the major theatres in NYC.

OH!

DR Sandra - Love the artwork!  Have you come up with any Christmas-themed doodles?

Christmas day here in OZ.

Have a wonderful evening everyone and may your day to follow be full of love.

Christmas day here in OZ.

Have a wonderful evening everyone and may your day to follow be full of love.

And to you, sir



der Brucer

Don't have time to catch up on posts right now, but I thought I'd let you all know I made it to my parents.  I'll see DR Samantha tonight and hope to play the Birthday video for her sometime over the next couple days.  

MERRY MERRY Ho Ho Ho to all......

Jesus may save, but Christians spend


der Brucer

The Ultimate in Holiday kitsch:

Happy Holiday to All Our DR's