Rant #1,113: Happy New Year

Well, it has finally come down to this.

In less than 24 hours, we will be in calendar year 2014.

Personally, I don't think that 2013 was any year to write home about.

It had its ups and downs, but it wasn't nearly as bad as 2012 was--one of the worst years in my memory--so, at least we can say that we hit bottom in 2012, and 2013 was sort of an improvement.

I look forward to the new year as I always do, a time to get a fresh start.

No, I do not make any resolutions, because, as you know, they are made to be broken.

I just look forward to the ball dropping in Times Square, which I watch from the cozy confines of my warm house.

There is absolutely no way I would ever attend that thing.

I remember that when I was a kid, I also watched the ball drop, but things were a bit different.

My parents used to go out with their friends, so it was up to me, the big brother of the house, to watch my sister.

That was the one night out of the year that I could basically stay up to whatever time I wanted, eat what I wanted, watch what I wanted, and then doze off to sleep--but not before the inevitable phone call from my mother, asking, "How are things at home?"

I loved it. I watched Johnny Carson, watched the ball drop, stayed up into the wee hours, and felt like a real adult.

Today, things are so different. As an adult, I haven't been out on New Year's Eve for years--why bother? Everything is so expensive, and I would rather be home.

Does anybody even go out anymore for this celebration? I know that people do, but it doesn't appear to be as joyous as it used to be.

But at least I get a day off tomorrow, so I will next see you on Thursday.

Have a great New Year, and thanks for coming around here every day to see what I have to say.

I really appreciate it.

Rant 1,112: There IS Something To Watch On Television

I constantly lament throughout the year that there is nothing to watch on television.

I hate the new crap ... err ... crop of shows that come out each year, because they are pure trash, with a few exceptions.

I mean, does anyone admit at this point that they actually watch "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

Anyway, now that we are coming to the end of another year, various niche TV networks are putting their best foot forward, namely showing marathons of great past programs as we move from New Year's Eve into January 1.

Whether we are talking about "The Twilight Zone," "The Three Stooges" (not really a TV show, per se, but what other pre-TV series other than the "The Little Rascals" seemed to be almost made for TV?), or :"The Honeymooners," this is really TV at its best.

And all in black and white!

Was there a more sharp-edged series than "The Twilight Zone?" It spoke about things you couldn't talk about on TV at the time with a sci-fi perspective, and the writing and acting was top-notch.

Yes, the Stooges are pie in the face type humor, but heck, what is wrong with that? These shorts are, in some cases, 80 years old, and they are still funny. Will "The Big Bang Theory" still be funny in 2093?

And then we have Ralph, Alice, Ed and Trixie, probably TV's all-time best comedy troupe. They take minimalism to an extreme, but Jackie Gleason knew exactly what he was doing with this show, which appeals to the masses probably better than any other show in TV history. Everyone can sympathize and empathize with the Kramdens' and Nortons' plight, and we laugh along with them because, well, we are them, so to speak.

There are other marathons, and some feature more recent TV shows, but I think the three that I mentioned really encapsulate the good side of TV, giving us all something to watch on one of the calendar year's most overrated, over-saturated days.

Sure, it is fun to see the ball drop, I guess, but it's even more fun to see Ralph Kramden yell out to Alice, "You're the greatest," and then give her a big smooch, isn't it?

I pretty much go back and forth with the marathons, staying with one set for a few episodes and then moving on to the next set.

But of the mighty three, well, I can't pick my most favorite. They all have something that just gets to me.

So, have fun as we all prepare for the New Year.

I will have fun thinking about those shows, and how they at least get the New Year off on the right foot each and every year.

What happens for the next 364 days is anyone's guess, but at least it is perfect at the beginning.

Rant 1,111: Number One

Yes, today is the 1,111 Rant that I have made in this column.

It has taken us a couple of years to get to this point, and I am proud that I have been able to keep this thing going that long.

Most blogs of this type fade away after a couple of posts.

This one is not fading away, it is getting stronger.

I could go on and on and on about the significance of this number, but I won't do that.

I am going to backpedal a bit, to yesterday, December 26, which is significant in itself, as the first day of Kwanzaa, Boxing Day in England, and my sister's birthday.

But something else which kind of flew under the radar happened yesterday, 50 years ago to the day.

It is an occurrence that ultimately changed all of our lives, some more than others.

Yesterday was the 50th anniversary of the release of what ultimately became the Beatles' first hit single in the U.S., "I Want To Hold Your Hand," which was backed with another song that became a hit on its own, "I Saw Her Standing There."

And that is the picture sleeve of this historic 45 that I proudly have in my collection, whose "A" side hit No. 1 later in 1964.

Released on December 26, 1963, it was not the first Beatles single to be released here. There were several, but the interest simply was not there for them to be hits. And today, go try finding them ... you will have a tough time, and if you find them, you will pay a pretty penny for them.

But this release, on Capitol Records, hit the mark, but it was not a smash immediately.

Incredible as it may seem, it took the single until January 18, 1964--more than three weeks--to even make the Hot 100 here.

In England, the frenzy had started about a year before, and by this time in 1963, the Beatles had had several hits on the British chart, and the frenzy over there was in high pitch.

At that point, in the U.S., the hype was just beginning. Clips of John, Paul, George and Ringo had found their way onto some U.S. TV shows--Jack Paar, for one--and Capitol knew it had something, but really didn't know what to do with it.

The record also was starting to get airplay on U.S. radio stations--starting with Murray the K's show in New York City--but the record wasn't flying out of the stores yet.

But it was way too early in the U.S. President Kennedy's assassination was too fresh in our minds, and we seemingly needed some more time to mourn his passing.

This single would have to wait.

Of course, all of that changed when the Beatles appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in early February 1964.

As I remember it, at six years old, even I could see that the world changed that night.

Convention was thrown out the window. The look and feel of society changed that evening, and would really never be the same way again.

And Beatles records started to fly out of the stores, and all you heard on the radio was Beatles, Beatles and more Beatles.

Beatlemania had begun, and the world had never seen anything like it, before or since.

In 1964 alone, the Beatles had 30 songs make the Hot 100. We literally went Beatles crazy.

They were really the biggest thing on the scene since Elvis Presley hit the big time, and to me, the Beatles were bigger.

And the rest is history.

In this age of the Internet and digital downloads, it is hard to fathom kids running to their local record stores to pick up the latest Beatles records, but that is just what happened.

The world was literally turned on its edge, and the hype and fun that this generated has lasted officially a half century as of yesterday.

Lennon and Harrison have left us, McCartney and Starr carry on the music, and many of us look back at that time as ancient history.

But I don't.

The world changed with the coming of the Beatles,and whether it changed for the better, or worse, is open to debate.

For me, it was really, really something, and I hope it was for you, too.

Yeah, yeah, yeah!

Rant #1,110: TV Christmas

So what did this Jewish boy and his family do on Christmas Day?

Pretty much nothing.

I did participate in the Christmas spirit, though, through the power of television.

I watched several Christmas episodes of classic TV shows, two movies, and some sports to liven up what, for us, is a pretty blah day.

I began the day watching the classic "March of the Wooden Soldiers," an 80-year-old film that still makes me laugh. And I saw it non-colorized, too, which made it even better.

Later, I watched a few Christmas episodes of "Ozzie and Harriet." After watching them, I still don't get the allure of that show, nor why it was on for so long on both radio and TV.

I guess the Ricky Nelson factor hadn't hit just yet in the episodes that I watched.

I watched "The Monkees" holiday episode, a classic Christmas show guest starring Butch Patrick--who was just off the "Eddie" character on "The Munsters" when this show was shot--playing a spoiled brat who learned the true meaning of Christmas from the boys.

And the show has maybe my favorite Christmas song in it, the beautiful, haunting "Riu Chiu."

Later, I watched back-to-back "Lassie" episodes, and all I have to say if you have to pick this household versus the dog, I will take the dog anytime.

And to think, most of these holiday episodes were probably shot during the summer of their particular year.

In between all of this holiday goodness, I managed to see a movie we got from the Redbox nearby, "The Lone Ranger."

All I can say is that the last 20 minutes of the movie were good. Avoid the first two hours.

I also managed to watch two train-wreck NBA games, with the Knicks and Nets showing why it's great that pitchers and catchers report in February.

As for food, we had traditional "non-traditional" food, but they were pretty much Christmas presents to myself: hot dogs for lunch and hamburgers for dinner. Those are my two favorite foods, and since we are probably going to have Chinese for New Year's, we decided to go this route with the eating this time around.

So it wasn't much of a holiday for my family, just a simple day off from the drudgery of work. Our son still has several more days of inactivity to go, so he can sleep all he wants.

For myself and my wife, it is back to work today.

Can't wait!

(And a very happy birthday to my sister today. I won't tell you her age, but she is younger than me, and thus, I am her big brother always. Have a great day!)

Rant #1,109: "Have a Good Holiday" or "Merry Christmas"

I am back, basking in the glow of both a good eye exam and having my name and picture in the newspaper this weekend in the story about my old neighborhood's Reunion this past October.

Anyway, this is also my last column before Christmas--I won't be back here until Thursday--so I say to all those that follow that holiday, "Have a good holiday," or should I say "Merry Christmas."

This is something that comes up every year right before the holiday. What is actually proper?

Some people say that "Have a good holiday" is proper, because it is all inclusive, not forgetting that there are other holidays during this time of year, and not just Christmas.

Others say "Merry Christmas," because, well, that is what it is.

Honestly, personally, I don't really think I am making any type of political statement when I say one or the other, but some people believe that you are making a political statement by your choice of greetings.

Do you send out Christmas cards or Season's Greetings cards to your Jewish friends? I am not talking about business associates, I am talking about your personal friends, and even relatives, during this time of year.

Now, that is making some type of statement, political or otherwise, that I do not understand and do not accept.

But when you say "Have a good holiday" or "Merry Christmas," are you making a statement of any kind?

This weekend, I watched one of the local news shows, and they put this question to the public.

One person said they use one greeting or the other, and one guy said that if one says "Merry Christmas" to him, he will say it back, and if another person says "Have a good holiday," he will return that back.

Me, I am not looking to make any political statement at all.

I simply say, "Have a good holiday," and leave it at that.

In this politically correct world, everybody seems to nitpick at the slightest nuance where they believe a political statement is being made.

Call the PC police on me, because I simply say, "Have a good holiday," and that is that.

What is the big deal? It is not like I am a Scrooge and don't acknowledge the holiday at all.

I think it is much worse when friends and relatives send my family Christmas cards--now that is making a statement.

Simply saying "Have a good holiday" is a nice greeting. I am more comfortable with it, if you will, but I don't go out of my way and say it just to say it.

I certainly wouldn't say to Santa, "Have a good holiday," and if the situation is obvious, I will say "Merry Christmas."

But as much as many Jews want to blend into this world seamlessly, if they acknowledge their own religion--which, admittedly, many don't--Christmas isn't much more than a day off from work.

But as far as the greeting, I am not trying to make a political statement, but PC police, you can arrest me if you want, but "Have a good holiday" it is.

And you have a good holiday, too.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Rant #1,108: Your Choice

Well, I didn't get back too many observations on what I should run today, but at least I got back something.

How about this story, from November 8, 2010? It is not the best story I have written, but the one person who answered my query asked me to look back at a news story from the past.

Here is one that I think you enjoyed way back when, and you can enjoy again: Rant #370 from more than three years ago.

"Wow, it's funny how washed up former stars always seem to get into the headlines one way or another.

I have read that Pamela Anderson, who is competing in the Israeli version of "Dancing With the Stars," is also in the country for another reason: to speak with Orthodox Jews and ask them to forgo their traditional fur hats.

For Orthodox Jews both in Israel and the United States and for that matter, around the world, the fur hat is part of their traditional clothing, which includes black coats. For them to give up their black, fur hats would be tantamount to people like Pamela giving up the spotlight.

But Anderson, an honorary director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), won't have any of that. She claims that with so many choices--including fake fur--why should the Orthodox choose the real thing?

And she is on a mission to keep Orthodox Jews, err, abreast of the situation.

She intends to talk to religious leaders while she is in Israel about this topic, and will continue to try to educate people about the uses of fur when she participates in other "Dancing With the Stars" competitions that she participates in around the world.

I guess what Anderson is trying to do is a noble gesture, but honestly, she is speaking to people who are so set in their ways that I wouldn't be surprised if it falls on deaf ears.

They have kept up their traditions for centuries--do you really think the former Playboy model will be able to sway them to her side?

Many Orthodox Jews--and more to the point, many ultra-Orthodox Jews--live lifestyles that harken back to a different century. They are never slaves of fashion, and they are not going to give up something traditional like this--a garment that they have been wearing for centuries--just because Anderson is asking them to.

It's funny that Anderson--who made a name for herself initially by keeping very few clothes on--wants to educate Orthodox Jews about clothing.

But honestly, if we were face to face, I would tell her that she is barking up the wrong tree here.

Save your breast, err, breath, and preach your cause somewhere else, like the next country's "Dancing With the Stars" that you bounce into.

Shalom."

See you Monday with a new, fresh story.

P.S.: And by the way, the online version of the story that will run in Newsday tomorrow about the heralded "Rochdale Village Reunion" is now online with the accompanying video. If you want to read the story, go to this address:

http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/retirement/ex-residents-of-rochdale-village-reminisce-1.6642821

Rant #1,107: Make Your Choice

I have now been writing this daily--five days a week--blog for a few years now, and I have to say that it has been a fun ride.

Tomorrow, I have to go to my eye specialist for another checkup. That means I have to take the day off from work, and I have to rest my eyes as much as I can.

Therefore, there will be no new column tomorrow.

But that does not necessarily mean that there won't be anything posted here for you to read ...

One of our regular readers gave me a suggestion a few weeks back, and I am going to have to take him up on what he said.

He suggested that when I have to take a day off, I should run a "best of" column, something from the past that tickled people's fancies way back when it was originally published.

I thought that that would be a fine idea, not to be used every time there is a stoppage in putting up a new column, but just to be used every once in a while.

For instance, there will be "best of" column tomorrow, but on Christmas Day, since much of the world has off, there won't be one.

What would you like to see?

How about the columns where I spoke about my favorite TV shows, and why today's TV offerings are so bad?

How about what were then hot news stories, like Michael Jackson's death, performers speaking out of their rear ends, my favorite music from my record collection, sports topics, deaths, birthdays or anything else?

I will let you, the faithful readers that I have, make the choice. Just simply present me with a topic that I have covered here, and I will do my best to find the Rant and I will post it again.

I might update it, change it a little bit, or print it lock, stock and barrel, and I will let you know how it will be presented. However, I want you to choose.

I will take any and all suggestions, but if you cannot come up with anything, I will put up something of my own choice, which I really do not want to do.

So I open it up to you--my faithful readers--to choose whatever you like.

Please, take a few moments and let me know.

Tomorrow is going to be a slightly tough day for me, so I just want it to be easy here.

Please help me out.