Holiday Lights- POEM

 

The sparkle, 

the twinkle,

the bright shining lights,

illuminating darkness

The glow,

of December lights,

show the holidays,

in a festive way,

a way,

we all enjoy

illuminating a tree,

with presents underneath,

as snow falls outside,

the lights sparkle, 

as it brings a twinkle,

to eyes,

young and old

Christmas lights, 

some people pick white,

while others,

choose colors,

colors,

that vibrate,

in the darkness

some go overboard,

while choosing,

and decorating,

their homes,

some,

go bare minimum,

while others,

illuminate the sky

using up electricity,

not every color,

has to be red and green,

some can be,

only what,

they want

House covered,

in Christmas lights galore,

making their electric bill,

raise up high,

as they decorate,

to enjoy,

Christmas

Stores,

museums,

outdoor activities,

anything with trees,

anything that can,

light up,

the sky

Let the season ring,

with bright lights,

illuminating,

the skies above,

as darkness,

cannot,

destroy it,

Christmas,

will be,

enlightening

Elaine's worst and best boyfriends

 

    I've talked about Jerry's different girlfriends on the show Seinfeld and thought he isn't the only one that has relationship problems. Almost every character in Seinfeld has a date or two. This time...I'm going to talk about Elaine's boyfriends.

   Jerry Seinfeld- Elaine was based on an off-again/on-again relationship Jerry had. He decided, after breaking up, for him and Elaine to remain friends. They've had a few flings and even tried to hook up again by using rules. It didn't work, and they just remained friends. Like I've told before, Jerry had issues with other girls, and this time.... let's look at other men Elaine slept with.

    Phil Totola- A guy that Seinfeld knew, and Elaine started dating. However, he took it out. What do I mean by that? Well, the only date she had with him was with him releasing the snake trouser. Elaine wasn't satisfied and decided to end the relationship there. In Jerry's words, "you showed her who you were."

 Dick- Another one of Elaine's boyfriends who thinks Jerry is nothing but a loser. He also is a recovering alcoholic or was until Jerry forgot to hold Elaine's drink filled with cranberry juice and vodka. He ends up falling off the wagon and heckling Jerry at one of his stand ups. I don't think Elaine stayed with him after that. They gave him a cashmere sweater, only...it had a red dot on it.

 Ned Isakoff- One word, communist. That's what Elaine's boyfriend was, and the relationship didn't last. Not because he was a communist, but because he was blacklisted at his favorite Chinese restaurant, and it didn't make him happy. Also, he would give Krammer a book after explaining to him that anyone working as Santa in a department store was a sap. Krammer got fired afterwards.

 Joel Rifkin- This show, back in the 90's, had some risqué things happening. One of them is having one of Elaine's boyfriends have the same name as serial killer, Joel Rifkin. After finding out about it, and how embarrassed he was to have that name, he and Elaine decided to pick different names. (One being OJ, before his life was changed forever) It didn't work out for either of them.

  Todd Gack- A boyfriend Elaine meets who Jerry believes the only reason he got the Star Wars trivia question wrong is to get a date with Elaine. Elianie doesn't believe it until she meets his parents. Todd Gack is also responsible for giving horrible Cuban Cigars to Jerry and his friends. He eventually gets the money back for it in pennies. He even ends ups dating Jerry's girlfriend by the end of the episode.

  Alan- Known as the bad breaker-upper, Elaine goes on one date with Alan after he couldn't meet her before after dealing with other ex-girlfriends trying to kill him. He calls her 'big head' thinking Elaine's feelings would get hurt. It didn't bother her at first, but then it started getting to her. Eventually, they meet up and apologize. However, it doesn't last as he says something about Elaine's nose and gets a fork in the forehead.

   Simon- A British boyfriend that Elaine meets and brings back from her trip to Europe. It starts getting sour as Simon is considered a boyfriend Elaine starts to hate. He 'borrows' money from Elaine and Jerry, says that it is proper to say 'Pardon' instead of 'what', and decides to take Banya's suit after Jerry doesn't want it. Banya eventually gets it back after fighting with Simon for the suit. I don't think Elaine started to see him after that.

   Darryl- Another boyfriend Elaine had problems with. Why? Jerry thinks Darryl is black. Elaine starts wondering if it's true. She tries to get hints from him by purchasing a gift for Darryl. Eventually she gave up and Darryl revealed that Elaine might be Hispanic. Eventually, they figured out they're two regular white people. 

  Jack- Already dating at the time, Elaine meets another guy named Jack. She thought his face was gorgeous, but Jerry believes there was something off about him. Eventually, the dark truth is revealed about Jack's job. He plays a character in a tv commercial called, The Wiz where nobody beats him. When he tells Elaine that he's going back at the pitchman, she dumps him. The actor that portrays Jack has been doing voice acting since.

Keith Hernandez- No joke here. Eliane dated Keith Hernandez when was still with the Mets. Jerry starts to take a liking to him, and they go out for a while. Keith and Elaine start to date for a while, and he talks about the game that won them the world series back in the 90's. However, it wasn't going to last for either as Elaine broke up with Keith for smoking (which he no longer does) and Jerry thinks it's too much to move furniture. Jerry and Keith have been seen in public settings after Keith retired from the Mets.

 Tony- A pretty goy compared to Eliane, and George has a man-crush on him. All Elaine sees is perfect face as Tony likes to do daredevil things like rock climbing or jumping off a second story of a movie theater. However, when Kramer joins Tony and George on the rock climbing, his face is mangled, and Elaine is baffled. He tells George to 'step off' which in his lingo means never see again. I think Elaine did that too.

 Fred- a religious person that decides to end it with Elaine over a photo that shows her nipple. The reason why is because Elaine wanted to take a Christmas card picture after seeing Jerry's Girlfriend taking one. She realizes the mistake she made, but when Fred sees it, he believes it is best to end it as Eliane shouts out that she has seen the nipple on his soul.

Tim Whatley- One of Bryan Cranson's early roles was playing a dentist named Tim Whatley who goes out on a few dates with Elaine, makes Jewish Jokes and even have penthouse magazines in his waiting room. Whatley has a relationship with Elaine a few times after getting a Superbowl ticket and ends up falling for her. He didn't last long, but he was a very memorable character. Bryan Craston is doing an amazing job with his career so far, even if he's nearing retirement.

    David Puddy- One of Elaine's on again/ off again boyfriends that usually seen in almost every episode in the later seasons of Seinfeld. Starting around season 6, he was considered a car mechanic, maybe one of the most honest ones. He and Elaine start going out. He does 'the move' and eventually is seen in other episodes, either having his face painted or having strong faith in the lord. He eventually leaves Elaine in the last episode as he decides not to wait for Elaine.

Like Jerry, Elianie had a lot of boyfriends. Some I couldn't even mention. He even had a close talker portrayed by Judge Reinhold, one that ends up having a stroke, one that was a "bizarro Jerry", one that Elaine claims to be a doctor when he isn't, one that is or isn't spongeworty. There were a lot. Almost fifty, and these are the few that were the most memorable.

Happy birthday, Danny DeVito

 

    Today, Danny DeVito is celebrating his 79th birthday. His career has been going on since the 70's and it seems he has been acting since being in the TV show Taxi back in the 70's. What was his life like? What was his love life like? Well, celebrating a fantastic actor on his birthday.

 Danny, born Daniel Michael DeVito Jr., started acting off-Broadway where he did small bits and roles even a small part in One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest to starting out on TV as Louie which lasted five season and starred actors like Judd Hirch, Christopher Lloyd and the late Andy Kaufman. I didn't know much of the premise of the show since this came out and ended before I was born. He started acting in a few movies after Taxi ended.

     One of them is Batman Returns where he portrayed the Penguin. HIs costume looked somewhat revolting but compared to the new Batman movie where Colin Firth had to be in a fat suit...I prefer Danny. His character was disgusting from the beginning to the end. I vaguely remember the movie, but it seemed the Penguin wanted to be mayor and control Gotham city. Michelle Pheiffer portrayed Cat woman and was considered.... I guess a villain. I'm not sure. 

  Danny DeVito was born with a disease called Fairbanks which stunt his growth when he was little. His bones stopped growing as he was getting older, so he would always be about 4 ft 10 for the rest of his life. He married Rhea Pearlman and had an on-again/off-again relationship. He had three children the oldest being Lucy who is following in her father's footsteps in acting. Small roles though.

   In 1996, Danny DeVito starred and directed in a movie based on a children's book called "Matilda" starring Mara Wilson. The reason he decided to do this is because it was one of the books he would read to his children when they were little. He and Rhea even took care of Mara after her mother died and her father was busy with funeral arrangements.

   Almost 25 years after the movie came out, they had a reunion with most of the actors coming back. Danny, Rhea, Mara and many more. I saw some of it and it seemed pretty cool. Danny DeVito still acted like they were enjoying every moment of it. Even the actress that played Miss Trunchbull was there and they reenacted the scene where a young fat boy (played by an actor who lost a lot of weight) was given a small chocolate cupcake. 

      What is Danny DeVito doing now? Well, he's still acting. He has been portraying Frank in a tv show called "It's always sunny in Philadelphia" about a few people in Philly that own a bar and have interesting adventures, or something like that. I've only seen a few episodes and it's still going strong with 16 seasons already made.

   Recently, he was in a remake of Jumaji's sequel "The next Level" where he portrays the lead character's grandfather who ends up becoming a character in a Jumanji game. He soon acts like The Rock, then Awukafina who are characters in the game. It was a hit and miss movie and was ok. After that, I haven't seen him in much, and I think he's leaning towards retiring soon after It's always sunny in Philly ends.

   Danny isn't the only actor who has a birthday today. Rachael McAdams, Martin Scorsasie, Nostalgia Critic himself Douglas Walker and many more have a birthday on November 17th. Danny DeVito is still remembered for many of his achievements in his acting as well as telling people to stay home in 2020 during Covid. Have a wonderful birthday, Danny DeVito. Next year....the big 8-0

Advertising Mascots

      Mascots don't have to be just from food, it can be anything. From Pep Boys to Michelan Man, even the Kool aid guy. Where did they come from? Why are they so popular? Does having a mascot make the product of what they are selling more appealing, or just annoying? Well...here are a few.

 

 CHARMIN BEARS- Charmin is a brand of toilet paper that had more than one mascot. The first was of a baby which was always on the Charmin toilet paper rolls. They soon, around the 80's had another character named Mr. Whipple. It was of a human being who would go to stores asking women to stop "squeezing the Charmin."

      He gets caught though most of the time. The actor that portrayed him, Dick Wilson, was close to retiring by the early 2000's. They needed a new Mascot and that's when those bears started to come. They were simple ads at first created by a company in Britan. Now, not only are the bears in third dimension, but their ads are so.... screwed up. It comes from the old saying, "does a bear s**t in the woods?"

  PEP BOYS- Pep Boys is known for automotives and fixing parts. They're also known for three men, Manny, Moe and Jack. Who are they? Well, they had a famous slogan which was, "Go to the boys for Pep." Never using this company, and not being able to drive, these mascots are useless to me. But they have a catchy jingle and even three men with big heads that were based on real men.

   Manny, Moe and Jack were based on the founders of Pep Boys. All men gone, but it seems Pep Boys, although not well known as it used to be, is still around helping fix car parts when needed.

   CRACKER JACKS/Jill- If you like molasses/caramel coated popcorn from the early 1910's then you would remember Cracker Jacks. Getting its name from someone shouting out, "This is a Cracker Jack" which meant this is a winner.

   They soon had a mascot of a boy carrying Cracker Jacks round. He had a small dog with him named Bingo delivering boxes of Cracker Jacks to all the boys and girls desperate for a snack that was sweet and salty. The mascot was inspired by a young boy who passed away at the age of eight. 

    Now, they have a new branding called 'Cracker Jill' which depicted the sweet/salty snack with female sailors. Boy times have changed.

 MICHELIN MAN- Another mascot from a car company that makes interesting tires. This mascot was created by tires from an old warehouse.

   For some people, this Mascot looks creepy and might give their kids nightmares. Others just look at it what it's supposed to represent for their company. I feel it's just about a company that makes good tires. If Good Year tires have a show with wings, why can't this hideous thing exist? God only knows

  JOLLY GREEN GIANT- created by the General Mills company to promote their frozen vegetables, this company created a green giant to get kids to eat vegetables. What did this giant look like when they first brought him on.... a nightmare.

    Test screenings of the first Jolly Green Giant were of a huge caveman carrying peas in his hand. Kids were frightened of this thing, and the company eventually listened. Later revisions made the caveman better in appearance. Turning him green and arching his back up. Today, he's still there, but not in many ads as he used to be, but his voice still is heard in those ads. "Ho, ho, ho!"

 MR. PEANUT- If you like Peanuts, then you have heard of the famous Mr. Peanut. Coming from the Peanuts company, the idea of this mascot came from a young boy who drew a peanut with arms, legs and a manacle. He was designed in different formats throughout the years. Voiced by different men, including Robert Downey Jr.

    He was killed off in a Super Bowl ad, and brought back to life as baby Peanut, then Peanut Jr. He might be back to his old self, but I'm not sure. Now, Mr. Peanut is here to stay thanks to people's obsession with peanuts.

  COUNTING SHEEP- Ever tried counting sheep when you were just tired but couldn't fall asleep? Serta thought the same thing. As their sales were starting to get low with mattresses, they made some mascots called the Counting sheep.

    Voiced by male actors, they were trying to get people to go to sleep, even threatening at times. Discovering the person has not bought a Serta Mattress. Those Sheep were created by the same people that have given us Wallace and Gromit. 

   Today, the sheep are still around but they don't talk much anymore.

 BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES- I don't drink beer, and our family's not fans of Budweiser beer. Yet almost every Super Bowl, like Doritos and other companies, these Clydesdales come out to play and pull carriages of Budweiser Beer.

   They started adding these Clydesdales to their product like the Polar Bears do with Coca Cola. Believing an animal as interesting as that would be able to get people's thirsts quenching. Back in the 1930's Budweiser Clydesdales were used to pull carriages that contained Budweiser brand beer to give to people that were thirsty for a cold one.

     Mascots can entice people from food, to mattress, to cars to.... anything actually. Even if they were created to get the person's attention to buy their product, it seems to work. We still have the Kool Aid guy, that salt girl, Flo....

    I've studied marketing in high school and learned whatever product people want to produce, using a mascot would help increase their productivity, or just have a cuddly character to boost sales. Sometimes, some companies don't do that, and it works. 

   For me...I rely on the product, not the mascot, but it doesn't hurt to see a smiling face of a character when you go into a restaurant or open the product itself. 

Goodbye, Matthew Perry

 

     I was going to talk about Michael Gambon's death, but there is another that is more shocking and sudden. 

    Plus, I don't know much about Michael Gambon's life. 

    Matthew Langford Perry was born on August 19th, 1969, and sadly, the day after my father's birthday, he left Earth.

  First off, I thought it was one of those fake celebrity deaths somebody posted like they did with Montell Williams. Sadly, it wasn't. He was found unresponsive at his home as he drowned in his hot tub. He had been through a lot in his life, and it seemed the demons he tried to chase off, came back to him and killed him.

    If you never heard of the show friends, get help. If you have, then you knew he played the sarcastic fun-loving Chandler Bing. However, behind the scenes, Matthew was different. He was addicted to drugs and pain killers since he was a teenager. His father, John Bennett Perry, was a former model as an actor himself.

    While he was still on Friends, he also was in movie roles. Mostly comedic dramas or action films with Bruce Willis (who sadly is not doing well). I don't remember many of those movies except the Whole nine yards. Even before Friends, he would have guest roles in other tv shows.

  I wasn't a huge fan of friends like I was Seinfeld. However, there were a few episodes that were good. Chandler even hooked up with and married Monica, Ross's sister on the show. He was funny clever and at sometimes...showed his sensitive side. However, behind the scenes was a different story.

   Matthew was addicted to alcohol and eventually went to rehab when he realized, even finding out from Jennifer Aniston, that he needed help. He went to meetings to get help. He even had some of his friends that he worked with, get the help they needed as well.

   Recently, just last year, he had an autobiography out that explained about his past as well as his demons that he thought he slayed. Explaining how it all started to how he got the help he needed. He thought it would help people overcome their demons whether it was drinking, smoking, pill taking...anything. Even gambling. I don't have an addiction. If I did, I would have figured it out. I'm a chocoholic anyway. I try not to overdo it, and I'd rather be hooked on chocolate than drugs.

      Matthew Perry was found dead in his home and the outpour of people, whether celebrity or fan, tributes were pouring out like water in a waterfall. My heart broke because, next to Jennifer Aniston, I thought Matthew Perry was the best in the male lead of Friends. David Schwimer would be second and I'm not a fan of Matt LeBlanc. 

    He even hosted SNL one year. Mostly everyone from Jennifer to Courtney hosted SNL. I don't think David or Matt had. I'm not sure at the moment.

  Recently, Zac Efron Tweeted that it would be an honor to portray young Matthew in a documentary that they were going to make about him. Zac Efron did work with Matthew Perry in a movie called Seventeen again. I don't think I've ever seen it.

 Doctors have done autopsies to determine what killed Matthew. They thought it was the overuse of drugs, but there were none in his system. I think it might have been his heart just stopped. Overuse of drugs, even when you're clean can do damage to your heart. The funeral, which was sort of televised, showed all of the Friends actors in attendance.

 Watching Friends will never be the same again knowing Chandler is gone and there are only five left. They had a recent reunion where they talked about their lives as well as the characters they portrayed and what they were doing now. I could tell, from the reunion, Matthew Perry changed drastically. Matt LeBlanc did too but not as bad as Matthew Perry. It could have been what was going on in his life, but we never knew that would see all the friend's whole.

   We will miss you, Matthew/Chandler. Like the theme song in the show said, "I'll be there for you, and you'll be there for me too." Well, we'll be there for you while you look down on us. We miss you, Matthew Perry. Friends will never be the same without you.