Christmas Links #26


Troupes take to the streets for 195-year-old play:
"Troupes of performers are set to stage a 195-year-old traditional folk play in streets across the island."

"While shopping in Yorkshire one December, the photographer came across a group of very merry Santas."

"In most cases, deluxe albums are intended as a chart-focused second wind for their parent albums, and usually have just a handful of extra tracks — remixes, leftovers, maybe a hot new single to give an extra boost — while the artist is saving the more-promising new material for their next proper album."

"Helen Czerski and Tom Heap celebrate the urban trees of Britain."

"Today at the BBC Proms: music, monsters and a few familiar faces from the BBC’s universally popular sci-fi series ‘Doctor Who’."

"Take a break from Mariah Carey and the holiday tunes and get into the Christmas spirit with streaming audio of four vintage radio shows featuring Orson Welles."

"Over the last five years, director Jeff Fowler and his team navigated fan backlash, a pandemic and a strike en route to unexpected success."

"It's a hot night before Christmas and an eerie figure is perched on a hilltop, gazing over Gija country."


"Cathedral Films produced dozens of Christian education filmstrips in the 1960s using live actors and on-location photography (though the "location" is likely northern California). Unique to their Story of Jesus series, of which the Christmas story The Nativity is part, is the inclusion of two soundtracks for each filmstrip. Each soundtrack record was marked "this side for teaching" on one side and "this side for general use" on the other."
on Saturday, December 21, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #25


"These photos show how much life in the city has changed."

"Strawberry growers in West Sussex have developed new technology which has increased production in time for Christmas."

"This year I am adapting my own rituals – and with them, hopefully, the landscape of my brain - as the ultimate gift to myself."

"Our festive viewing habits reflect Yuletide’s carnivalesque nature, a time when eccentric choices are celebrated."

"The Full English is a much-celebrated British breakfast tradition in pubs and restaurants, but how did these particular foods make it onto the English plate?"

"Sophie Law has been speaking to Great Western Railway about the changes to the timetable between Christmas and New Year."

"The true (scientific) story of Christmas (lights)."

"Courage’s Marina Khouzam and Ethan Gans discuss Colonel Sanders’ historic connection to holiday records, and what it took to turn the brand’s famous bucket lids into working vinyl records, writes LBB’s Jordan Won Neufeldt."
on Friday, December 20, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #24


"Just before Christmas, let's hope this doesn't screw up the deliveries of the North Pole's most famous resident.."

"But corporation says Santa will still read those mailed by Dec. 23."

"A new town centre Christmas market has been heavily criticised by residents."

"A term’s worth of techno clubs and afterparties at university in Glasgow didn’t do much for my education or my choice of Christmas gifts."

The Collection Season 7 on Blu-Ray:
"The first Jon Pertwee season will be the next to be released on Blu-ray as part of the Doctor Who Collection series."

"The pair also talk to The Hollywood Reporter about casting Nicola Coughlan and pitch a Whovian farce."

"For years, Starbucks was the dominant coffee chain in China. Now rivals offering local flavors and cheaper prices are crushing the company’s bottom line in its second-largest market."

"And why so many of them are shot in Vancouver."

"Singer and model team up for visual revolving around 1973 Christmas single."

"Christmas songs are a beloved part of the holiday season, but some lyrics can leave us scratching our heads. Who exactly is “Parson Brown,” and what in the world is “figgy pudding”?"

"The ancient Old City comes alive with lights, music and joy, Syrians talk about their their hopes now al-Assad is gone."

"From the holiday armadillo to Phoebe's classic Christmas jingle, here are the best festive offerings from Friends."
on Thursday, December 19, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #23


Keely Hodgkinson voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year:
"Luke Littler secured second place, while Joe Root took third in the race for the prestigious award."

"From shops to events, people and more."

"As kids for generations have done, Landon Tennant looks longingly at a streamlined Lionel Santa Fe engine as it chugs around a tiny display with houses, mountains and bridges at TrainLand, a hobby shop on Long Island, New York."

"Knitted nativity figures including Mary, Joseph, a donkey and the angel Gabriel have been offering commuters "signs of the Christmas story" throughout December."

"Studio says ‘many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline’."

"How has Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, become a global hub for the Christmas economy?"

"There are actually a lot of Christmas songs I like, if you can even believe. But there's way more that I find cloying and cutesy. "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer?" Run me over instead."

"A bold and controversial statue of a Christmas icon, blending adult undertones with playful humour, stands year-round in a traffic circle."

"From launching with an inexplicable Christmas show to wowing the public – and then being widely derided, the meta-cartoon changed TV for ever. Now, some say it’s back to its best."

"With a legacy that includes six UK No. 1 singles and millions of global sales, Sugababes’ vinyl-icon place in pop history is unshakable. Rolling Stone AU/NZ caught up with them ahead of their return to Australia."
on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #22


In the Bleak Midwinter - the world's favourite Christmas carol:
"Ashutosh Khandekar heads back to a particularly bleak midwinter in the early 20th century, as he traces the chilly history of one of today’s most beloved carols."

Why Switzerland is busy fixing up its vast network of nuclear bunkers:
"Most homes have Cold War-era bunkers, but they’ve been turned into wine cellars and storage units."

"From soft, buttery cheddar to crumbly caerphilly, here’s our pick of cheeses that will benefit you, the animal and the environment."

"I'm gonna hold your hand when I tell you this: some of these movies aren't as good as you think they are."

"Hungry for in-person interaction, Gen Z and millennial players are joining old-fashioned chess, mahjong and backgammon groups."

"62% of mums say they find Christmas at least fairly stressful, compared to 44% of dads and 45% of women who do not have children."

"Here is the charming original CBS promo for "A Charlie Brown Christmas" from 1965."

"Charles Dickens' timeless classic about a bitter old man who has a Christmas epiphany. Read by Sean Baker. Produced by Anne Bunting."

"Many will remember the city as it looks here."

"Our festive traditions are constantly evolving - Christmas trees remain popular but mince pies and carols appear to be falling out of favour. Historian Dr. Kate Williams explains why that is and what makes a modern Christmas."
on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #21


School nativity play gets the hump:
"Live animals have starred alongside children at a Wokingham school's nativity play."

"Farmers say good growing conditions will result in a bumper crop, with the average sprout 30mm in diameter."

"Behind the scenes with the teams designing the London store’s festive windows."

"Don Quixote may sally forth again, but this time in a manner that does justice to filmmaker Orson Welles’ vision."

"From Tracy Emin at The Connaught to John Galliano at Claridge's, we take a look at the creative collaborations that have been brightening up luxury hotel lobbies over the years."

"Italy's most atmospheric city proved the ideal choice for a solo, festive break, with plenty of surprises."

"What was your favourite British TV show this year? From Doctor Who to Wolf Hall, Slow Horses to Baby Reindeer and more."

"On Christmas Day in 1921, a Swedish immigrant quietly wheeled his hot dog stand to a street corner in Boston’s North End and distributed 500 free hot dogs to hungry children."

"Dave Gorman spends each December dressed as Father Christmas."

"As someone who doesn't really have a sweet tooth, the festive season seems to be my one downfall, so I was all too willing to give this simple yet tasty recipe a go."
on Monday, December 16, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #20

 
"Rev Dr Paul Chamberlain apologises for talk at Hampshire school after angry parents say he ‘ruined Christmas’."

"If you're unfamiliar with the Jezebel lore, I hate this holiday and have previously tried to figure out why. But this year, I'm going to do as Sheryl Sandberg said and lean in, baby."

"The singer visited Mercy Hospital in Kansas City days after the end of her Eras tour."

"Dachshunds sporting Santa suits, elf costumes and Christmas tree hats took to the streets of London in the annual Hyde Park Sausage Dog Walk."

"Westhoughton was filled with the joyful sound of bell ringing yesterday morning, Saturday, following a visit from Father Christmas, to raise money for a great cause."

"More than 100 scuba divers dressed in Santa Claus outfits are set to take part in a charity dive."

"Every year around this time, as people settle into watching their favorite holiday films, there is one big question that always seems to come up without fail: Just what kind of jobs did Kevin McCallister’s parents in “Home Alone” have to be able to afford that sprawling house and take a family of 15 to Paris for the holidays?"

Holiday Trek: The Motion Pictures (Captain Please Come Home):
"The Holiday Adventure is Just Beginning."

"The Dutch city of Deventer transformed Saturday into a pocket of 19th-century England, with 950 people in costumes bringing characters from Charles Dickens’ books to life."

"Get up close and personal with Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang. We created this ultimate Snoopy Museum Tokyo guide to help you prepare for your visit. Here’s your chance to learn about the museum’s exhibitions, how to buy admission tickets, and things to do when you get there!"
on Sunday, December 15, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #19

   

Japan chooses ‘gold’ as kanji of the year in nod to Olympics glory – and slush fund politics:
"The character, chosen by public vote, has won in previous Olympic years but also reflects public anger at a damaging financial scandal inside the ruling Liberal Democratic party."

"Just in case you happen to be buying any books for loved ones and so forth…"

"Dudu Hadebe (28) from Pelham said that in all her 28 Christmas gatherings with her family, most ended in tears with the last being "nothing short of a disaster"."

"The sea snail-shaped piece was commissioned by the local government to celebrate the nature reserve it's on."

"Jennifer Love Hewitt talks about returning for 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' reboot."

"A COUNCIL under fire after telling residents to decorate its Christmas trees themselves has hit back at a former member who raised complaints."

"The ancient custom of ale conning is thought to have been taking place since the 1300s."

"Esther Walker loves Christmas. She plans every tiny detail, months in advance. This year she has just under a week. What will she learn?"

"Turkeys, geese, chickens and ducks from East Anglian farms will go under the hammer at traditional Christmas poultry auctions next week."


"And astronomers may have solved the mystery at the heart of it."
on Saturday, December 14, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #18


Schoolchildren take over county's quietest station:
"Schoolchildren brought festive fun to Essex's quietest railway station, making it possibly the site's busiest day in its 176-year history."

"A group of volunteer seamstresses in Caracas, Venezuela, is repairing toys to bring Christmas cheer to poor and vulnerable children."

"Learning how Bess of Hardwick might have celebrated Christmas at Hardwick Hall."

"Leslye Headland’s 2018 play makes for a tense and timely pre-holiday watch with a starry cast, including Shailene Woodley and Zachary Quinto, giving it their all."

"Tax-free list includes Christmas trees but not decorations, printed books but not e-books."

"Nigel Slater shares the flavours that for him make Christmas a truly delicious season. As we tick off the days and open our Advent calendars, Nigel shows us how to cook for both entertaining and self-indulgence, filling the kitchen with tastes and smells to evoke the spirit of the season and serving up food designed to bring comfort and joy."

"Many properties struggle with condensation and mould throughout the winter months. If left untreated, mould can cause long-term damage to the property, as well as potentially having an impact on the health of those living there."

"Hathaway talks returning as Mia Thermopolis in “The Princess Diaries" and Andy Sachs in "The Devil Wears Prada," serving as the face of Bulgari, and becoming a "Versace woman.""


"Lisa Hamilton Daly takes us behind the scenes of the wholesome annual production and how Hallmark+ will grow the seasonal extravaganza."
on Friday, December 13, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #17


"Shuffling across icy ground on a cold December afternoon, lots of tourist groups poured into Santa Claus Village, a winter-themed amusement park perched on the edge of the Arctic Circle."

Lin-Manuel Miranda Reveals Why He Didn’t Return for ‘Moana 2’
"The songwriter received an Oscar nomination for "How Far I'll Go" from 'Moana.'"

"Artificial intelligence is already very impressive, with many AI images and videos so flawless that it can be difficult to tell what’s fake and what’s real. But as it continues to develop, will this become an impossible task.  Challenge yourself with this Christmas edition of AI or real!"

"Inflatable Santa Claus punctured and wires on Christmas lights cut in spate of Scrooge-like incidents."

"New festive stories center the many ways people celebrate the season, and each other."

"You may have noticed a few Christmas trees going up, maybe some twinkly lights? That’s right, It’s officially the holiday season. What does this mean? Festive cheer and mulled wine, for sure, and gift-giving. Don’t let this year’s gift-giving be stressful. To help, we’ve listed a few ideas to get you started, all feminist-friendly. "

"Long before the rise of online shopping, this footage captures Christmas during the golden age of department stores."

"What makes a terrible Christmas gift, from experience."

"One of the earliest accounts of a Christmas celebration in the young Republic of Texas was recorded in the diary of a young German traveler and businessman named Gustav Dresel in 1839."

"Christmas is a very special celebration for Ticos (Costa Ricans, as most of the readers of the Tico Times already know, are affectionately known as Ticos). Traditional food, gatherings with friends and family, presents, and decorations make this a fantastic season in the country."
on Thursday, December 12, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #16


 A rare interview with Juliette Binoche - the new President of the European Film Academy:
"Euronews Culture sits down with award-winning actress Juliette Binoche, in her first year as President of the European Film Academy, to talk about cinema and the importance of choosing your filmgoing experience."

"Latin dancing, Indian butter and American soldiers are some of the clues for this year's cryptic Christmas challenge set by the national spy agency."

"Charlotte Pugmire, her husband Mark and their two daughters have been living in a caravan near Cowes since July. It is temporary accommodation provided by the Isle of Wight council for the homeless."

"From stinky tofu to Oreo-calamari, there’s a method to their specialty-pie madness."


"The following guest post from media historian Taylor Cole Miller is part of our Vanishing Culture series, highlighting the power and importance of preservation in our digital age."

"Nearly 5bn lb of gift returns end up in landfills every year and yet there is a certain taboo around compiling a gift list."

"The Christmas ad season has been in full swing for a while now, and at this point we’re used to getting our heartstrings tugged at. Campaigns around this time of year are hard wired to evoke festive nostalgia, remind us of better times, and bring some magic into our day."

"The Oscar-winning director, who completes a trilogy of Christmas shorts with Disney+ film, jokes how he knows when something is a Christmas film: "It’s when Bruce Willis tries to save his wife.""
on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #15


"All over the world, Christmas celebrations reflect local culture and traditions. The festivities can be startlingly different from country to country, focusing on different aspects of the nativity story."

"A group of knitting enthusiasts has transformed a shop window into a fun Christmas scene using knitted nude local characters."

"Bryn Terfel, Lucy Worsley, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Eleanor Oldroyd, Angel Blue, Charlotte Ritchie, Courtney Pine and more share their festive favourites."

"The beds are on sale now, but are unlikely to arrive before Christmas for those who order."

"The TARDIS returns to iPlayer and BBC One on Christmas Day - but can the Doctor save Christmas everywhere, all at once?"

"Add some quality, booze-free sparkle to your festive drinks list."

"St. Nicholas may have inspired Santa Claus, but the two figures were remarkably different."

"FoodCycle host a meal to bring people together every Tuesday at the Teams Life Centre."

"Art Kane’s “Harlem 1958” gathered giants of the music. Sonny Rollins, 94, looks back at the historic picture."

"On 3 December 1984, Wham! released a Christmas single that over the years would lose none of its power despite becoming a sonic monolith of the festive season. Ian Wade reflects on how the song has haunted his life, and the strange melancholy of a Christmas pop death."
on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #14


"British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff working on the frozen continent are preparing to celebrate the festive season in style. Nearly 300 researchers, engineers, crew and support staff, located across five research stations and on board the RRS Sir David Attenborough, are guaranteed a white Christmas complete with snow, ice and penguins."

"Buckle up for a cosmic joyride with Doctor Who Bear! With Doctor Who paw pads and two special hearts stitched on its chest, this cuddly teddy bear is all set to travel through time and space. Add a Doctor Who costume and sonic screwdriver to your Doctor Who teddy bear and start exploring the universe together."

"Kay Harker's adventures begin in the train on the way home for Christmas. There's snow on the wind and wild dogs roaming the countryside. Something mysterious is about to happen."

"Daryl Worthington rounds up his 18 favourite tapes from 2024, and his favourite cassette label of the year. From heavy metal choirs to radical turntables, revolutionary bagpipes and hooligan trombones."

"Cheap and cheerful ideas from creators to make your home feel extra festive."

"A doctor has shared five Christmas foods that can aid weight loss by naturally boosting GLP-1 levels, the hormone targeted by appetite-suppressing drugs like Wegovy."

"Test your knowledge of the festive season, economics, politics and sport."

"Crystal clear sounds and stunning looks too."

"She promises us the ‘ho-ho-ho-iest’ hour of all … and she delivers! The gloriously droll star brings the festive special bang up to date."

"The search has begun for a newborn baby to take the lead role in a village's 2025 nativity play.  The Reverend Peter Francis, Rector of Woodchester, Rodborough, and Brimscombe, issued a plea for a newborn baby to star as baby Jesus in Brimscombe's Roaming Nativity last week."
on Monday, December 09, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #13


"From UberEats to dog food and even a queen bed — no package is off limits for parcel thieves, some brazen enough to walk into an apartment lobby with CCTV without looking sideways." 

Where can I listen to Big Finish for free? 
"There are plenty of opportunities to listen to our audio dramas free of charge – here’s how."

"Many of us struggle with social anxiety at the best of times, and it’s something that can feel heightened at this time of year."

"It was all about big hair, gaudy decorations, and the thrill of unwrapping a He-Man action figure or Cabbage Patch Kid under the glow of a tinsel-covered tree."

"There are waiting lists to work in a soup kitchen on Christmas - that says it all."

"Farnworth actor and comedian Diane Morgan will be back on screen this month with a much-anticipated Christmas special."

"If I had to pick a favorite month of the year, December would take the cake."

"Roll your eyes all you like at restaurants’ Christmas prices, but remember there are people giving up their day to cook for you."

"Hayley Burgess said the community loves helping with her business because of what it stands for."

"A rail operator has created a low-alcohol beer as part of a campaign to improve passenger safety over Christmas."

on Sunday, December 08, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #12


 Michigan high school choir belts out holiday tunes from a towering Christmas tree:
"The Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree, which features a 180-student high school choir and stands 15 rows tall, belted out 19 holiday tunes at a Muskegon theater this week and was set to perform two more shows on Saturday. The 67-foot-tall (20-meter-tall) tree is adorned with 25,000 LED lights and loads of greenery."

"The gravestone of Ebenezer Scrooge has been reinstated, after it was smashed into piece by vandals in November."

"Keira Knightley admitted in a new interview with the Los Angeles Times that she told “Love Actually” director Richard Curtis while filming the infamous cue card scene with Andrew Lincoln that it was all “quite creepy.” Knightley was 17 years old when she was filming the Christmas romance."

"For artist Louise Coutinho, it was a "big surprise" to win a competition to invent a Christmas-themed chocolate bar."

"Hint: You can't win if you don't play."

"Our roundup of the easiest Christmas songs to play on the ukulele."

"The urban myth surrounding the tiny house in Birkenhead has been solved."

"From turkey to mince pies, these are the top-rated buys for 2024, as judged by the Good Housekeeping Institute."

"From wholesome family wonder to something a lot darker next, with Disney’s One Magic Christmas from 1985. This one starts out well enough then goes absolute batshit crazy, turning proper dark about halfway through."

"#RetroTimes It's all about rekindling cherished memories—whether they revolve around people, special places, or even just the classic programmes. The magazine and video are both below, I hope you enjoy them!"
on Saturday, December 07, 2024 0 comments

Christmas Links #11


"A man has been eating one of his late mother's mince pies every Christmas for more than two decades."

"Scientists have various theories about resurgence of once scarce plant popular at Christmas in Victorian era."

"Quail, chicken, duck? All good, and then a mysterious line is drawn." [via]

"Exclusive: Steven Soderbergh has made some of the most iconic films of the past 35 years, and now the prolific director is returning to his indie roots with experimental horror Presence. We sit down with Hollywood’s most versatile auteur."

"From decorations across the city centre to lost shops and people."

"Albert Heijn, the Netherlands' biggest supermarket chain, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Last Christmas, the globally beloved holiday anthem by Wham!. In its 2024 Christmas campaign, the brand reimagines scenes from the iconic music video."

"Dec. 6. My family Christmas card has been an annual burden since 2005, when The Mother of Dragons and I got married and sent out our first holiday card because she wanted to start sending holiday cards."

"From the Rockefeller Center in New York City to the Cathedral Square in Vilnius, Lithuania, check out the Christmas trees and festive decorations in public squares, department stores and more that look their most magical at night."

"Proving that the rock doesn't have to stop for Christmas, Radio X Classic Rock picks a stack of seasonal creations from your favourite artists: everyone from Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys to Billy Idol and Twisted Sister."

"Goldie the Gritter made a festive entrance at an Alloa primary school sporting a giant Christmas jumper."
on Friday, December 06, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #10



"Russell Hall said he hopes the idea brings about "a few more smiles over the seasonal period"."

"As Lapland basks in mild winter temperatures, the lack of snow leaves travel plans in tatters."

"This exhibition tells the story of what happened next, exploring the work of our conservation team to make the First Folio accessible again. Visit to see a rare and important cultural artefact and experience a book as you’ve never seen one before."

"The stage has a short memory, print a long one: 400 years since its first publication, Shakespeare’s First Folio is the reason we remember him."

"The history of carol singing may go back as far as the medieval era, and has appeared in literature for many years, but it was during Victorian times it became really popular."

"From cookies to crafts, Germany is home to a host of charming seasonal traditions."

"The build-up to Christmas has long been associated with tiny chocolates behind cardboard doors."

"Whatever you're up to over the festive period our team of experts have you covered with tips and tricks. Whether it's how to save on Christmas trips away, find the best deals on your festive food or even how to avoid travel chaos at home and abroad, they are here to help."

"The holiday season kicked off on Capitol Hill this week with the official Christmas tree lighting ceremony and the unveiling of a gingerbread replica of the U.S. Capitol — complete with sugar flowers representing all 50 states."
on Thursday, December 05, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #9


"For nearly 50 years a tiny village has become home to a massive Christmas extravaganza that sees about 110,000 people descend on the otherwise quiet part of Norfolk. But what does it take to put on a multi-million pound variety show in the countryside?"

"This year's Doctor Who festive special, Joy to the World, will be broadcast on BBC1 on Christmas Day at 5:10pm. Written by Steven Moffat, the episode features Ncuti Gatwa in his second Christmas outting, and also introduces Joy, played by Nicola Coughlan."

"Harbour Master James Radcliffe talks to BBC Radio Solent's Steve Harris about what's different about their 2024 Christmas tree."

"The setlist included renditions of iconic songs such as Merry Christmas Everyone and Does This Train Stop on Merseyside?"

"The company’s nostalgia-filled commercials are a holiday tradition, but this year’s ads are facing backlash for dipping into the uncanny valley."

"They capture how things used to be in the city centre."

"The theatre chain says it will save $60 million in interest expense as it anticipates continued box office growth after “Moana 2,” “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” broke records."

"Let's face it: the best Christmas movies aren't complete without a good villain."

"As deep-cuts in the Archive go, these staff-recommended resources are ones you won’t want to miss!"

"Between 2009 and 2012, iPhones had a built-in "Send to YouTube" button in the Photos app. Many of these uploads kept their default IMG_XXXX filenames, creating a time capsule of raw, unedited moments from random lives.  Inspired by Ben Wallace, I made a bot that crawled YouTube and found 5 million of these videos! Watch them below, ordered randomly."
on Wednesday, December 04, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #8


Here’s which Christmas song you are based on your Bournemouth University degree:
"Do not panic, no Michael Buble is featured within this article."

"A Christmas spectacular described as “just terrible” by “really upset” families has been compared to a disappointing Willy Wonka-inspired event that became a viral sensation."

"People are being urged to post early to guarantee getting cards to their destination in time for Christmas - here's the final dates to send your cards home and abroad."

"Three-quarters of young people who usually celebrate Christmas won’t be drinking alcohol this year. Their parents, however, won’t be joining them in sobriety."

"“I know you’re a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it’s Christmas,” said British chef Tommy Banks, after thieves stole a van full of pies."

"After losing his seat in parliament in the last general election, the controversial politician is diving into reality TV, but will his opinions be challenged?"

"Whether it's presents, food or decorations, it all adds up! David Smith reports."

"To be or not to be … a railfan."


"The Twelve Days of Christmas was published by The Society for Visual Education (SVE) and is catalog number A 860-24. This filmstrip was very faded and reddened; color correction is approximate. While the filmstrip itself shows a copyright date of 1963, the accompanying soundtrack cassette shows a copyright of 1972, so it is unclear when this version was published."
on Tuesday, December 03, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #7


"One victim of spiking said she felt like she had 'been hit by a bus'"


"​Count down to Christmas with favourites selected by Sean Baker, Gillian Anderson, John Waters, Mike Leigh, Gurinder Chadha, Will Sharpe and more."
[Editor's warning: contains Love Actually.]

"Christmas Day was big news for William the Conqueror - and Washington."

"As is traditional on the blog the first festive post after the Christmas introduction is the next volume in the Big Comic Book series from Fleetway, collecting together more classic strips from their flagship title Buster, as well as Whizzer and Chips and Whoopee, the latter of which had already ceased publication by the time this series began. This hardback 256-page whopper pretty much keeps to the same formula as before, which is no bad thing."

"Selected by the Wallpaper* style team, a gleaming array of Christmas baubles for fashion fans featuring fantastical designs from Bottega Veneta, Loewe, Prada and more."

From Mumsnet: "That's near £50 in the next 2 weeks, I could honestly cry."

"All the festive drama from Albert Square in one place."

"I used to work as a receptionist and I'd watch these companies come in, charging more than a thousand quid to decorate a 15ft Christmas tree... I thought I could do a better job."

"Lemony turmeric, gingery cheesecake, boozy almond: This year’s Cookie Week has something for everyone." [$]
on Monday, December 02, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #6

 
Dogs in Christmas jumpers parade in London:
"More than a hundred dogs dressed in Christmas jumpers have joined a festive parade in central London in support of rescue charities."

"Read on to discover our pick of the best classical Christmas TV and Radio this December on BBC radio and television, iPlayer and BBC Sounds..."

"From Christmas traditions to day to day life."

"Classic condiments combine for a delicious vegan main that will more than hold its own on the Christmas table."

"Sugababes have lots of lost media."

"Peter Macann looks at the bleeping musical cards of the future in this clip from the classic BBC show."


"I know I’m not the only one who feels like this."

"Unlike nearly all coastal stations where crew are summoned from home by pagers, Chiswick is crewed 24/7."

"Once a rarity, It Happened One Christmas, the 1977 television remake of It’s a Wonderful Life with Orson Welles as the conniving “Old Man” Potter, is seemingly everywhere this holiday season."
on Sunday, December 01, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #5

 
"December is here and the spirit of Christmas is spreading across Somerset, from the famous market in Bath down to Weston-super-Mare."

"Kelly Scott joined the Wildcats of Kilkenny, Finn Forster, and the Globe Community Choir for Middlesbrough's Christmas lights switch on."

"Play School goes "through the square window" to the village of Bonsall, where a stagecoach gives the local school children a ride to the Christmas fair. Carol Leader and Ted Moult join children from Bonsall School and Churchtown School."

"Liverpool Cathedral is dazzling once again as its immersive light installation returns for Christmas 2024."

"A hearty helping of vintage comedies, stuffed with laughs and spiced with Christmas cheer."

"Christmas as we know it would not exist without them."

"All-star version of Do They Know It’s Christmas?, spliced together from previous versions, falls short of the No 1 success of those earlier hits."

"The Academy Award winner shows off her versatility with a wistful new holiday song."
on Saturday, November 30, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #4

 
'I love Christmas but I've got no one to put my tree up':
"Christine from Lightwood mentioned to Stuart George that she'd love a Christmas tree this year but doesn't have anyone to help her put it up. Stuart couldn't have that, so went to help."

"At a time of environmental loss and climate chaos, should we be cutting down living trees just for the Christmas period? We delve deeper..."

"When you visit the uBlock Origin page on the Chrome Web Store in Google Chrome, you see a notification near the top that states that the extension is no longer available."

"Escape rooms, murder mystery experiences and crazy golf are replacing traditional boozy lunches."

"In medieval times, Christmas celebrations carried on for multiple raucous days and nights."

"In the past on Black Friday™ I used to live blog it for the Guardian, initially as a pseudo-affiliate marketing link ploy, and in later years with a view to promoting small sustainable businesses in the UK that got in touch to promote things, which felt more on-brand."

"Gingerbread is associated with a number of things - Christmas, being an excellent construction tool when erecting giant displays of biscuits when you're a contestant on Great British Bake Off, and the slightly peculiar choice of a couple who wanted to have a son and so baked one for themselves."

"Activities were held for families to help kick off Christmas celebrations in the village."

"This motion has been signed by 10 Members. It has not yet had any amendments submitted."

"With the Christmas period fast approaching, it’s time for us to start thinking about how we can create a fun and festive atmosphere in our homes."
on Friday, November 29, 2024 0 comments Labels:

Christmas Links #3

 
"A Christmas lights show is due to go ahead despite the theft of £80,000 worth of copper cabling.  Months of planning had gone into the Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas event in Romsey, organisers said."

"Avril Douglas says she has been 'stabbed in the back' for her part in the display."

"Bernard Falk reports on Christmas in Northern Ireland, as the bombs and killings continue."

"On New Year’s Eve in 1972, a group of Ukrainians set out to carol — a seemingly innocent holiday tradition. But for the KGB, the Soviet Union’s security services, this was no ordinary celebration. As the carolers moved from house to house, their movements were tracked."

"This week: it’s English local government reform a-go-go! Also: a map of London’s first, long-forgotten Overground Network; and two charts summing up all US presidential history."

"Christmas in Middle-Earth is the infectious musical brainchild of actor/musicians Brendan Dalton. A one-time Blue Man, Dalton used his free time during the height of pandemic life to compose an album's worth of Tolkien-inspired Christmas jams."

"On the festive Life Day, Rey and BB-8 embark on an epic adventure across Star Wars history."

"Sophie Ellis-Bextor has a stocking full of essential festive tunes - nothing but the favourites that you know and love."

"Lib Dem leader teams up with choir of young carers to record a version of their self-penned song, Love is Enough."

on Thursday, November 28, 2024 0 comments

Christmas Links #2


"Residents in one Lincolnshire market town are embracing their "wonky" Christmas tree and all its flaws." 

"As is tradition, we find ourselves once again in the heart of holiday movie season. This year's installments include everything from a snowman who "comes to life," shirtless Chad Michael Murray, Jack Black as Satan, and two Donna Kelce cameos."

"Lohan and Ian Harding play a former perfect couple, with new partners, who must keep their romantic past a secret. But why did they ever break up?"

"One man's foolhardy quest to watch a Christmas movie every day for a whole damn year."

"Gift cards can be divisive. But if you choose well, your friends and family will be able to buy or experience something otherwise out of reach."

"Sally Lindsay shares stories behind some of our favourite Christmas songs."

"For the festive season, Printemps Haussmann invites you on a magical adventure aboard the Printemps Express, bound for Christmas! From November 7 to December 31, 2024, let yourself be transported on a magical journey through the window carriages, brought to life by passengers in recycled fabrics."

"Santa Sleigh Mk.I and II are eight or nine engines transport aircraft, powered by magic reindeer engines.  The Mk.II version allows extended all weather operations."

"THE first seasonal event in Alcester was a glowing success as the town’s Christmas lights were switched on last Sunday."

"This Christmas, Wealden Funerals is putting a smile on the faces of isolated elderly folks in our care homes."
on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 0 comments Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)