My word! Ganz certainly has kept us busy the last couple of days with many more pet releases! And now, we here at NeopetsValley can proudly present to you our latest finding – the Love Lions Pet Special Item and Pet Special Food! This lovable cat will be coming to stores for Valentine’s day 2010, late-January to early-February. We’d love to hear from you if you adopt or purchase this pet! It comes with Lovely Stained Glass Window and eats Heartfelt Tuna Melt!

Beatle George has an 8-year-old son. They were over for Monday Night Football tonight.

My son discovered with an outburst that the child has never seen Jaws.

How does this happen? I’ve insisted George bring the boy to me Wednesday so I can fix him.

To my mind, 4 is the right age for Jaws watchin’.

This decision came by happenstance. Uncle Jer and I were upstairs in the Boulder house, flipping through the channels on a Saturday afternoon, when we saw that the movie was about to start.

We looked at each other with excitement. “Pop some corn!”

Then my son wandered in.

Badda bing badda boom. Four was the right age.

We initiated him carefully. We told him what to expect. “Hear the music? That means you’ll see some red spots in the water. Here’s a scary part.”

Then I couldn’t wait for The Baby to turn 4. I stood by the set with the unpopped corn counting down the days from her third birthday.

We had left Uncle Jer behind in Colorado, but acquired the flick on VHS. My son and I popped corn and brought her into the club.

Now it’s Bennett’s turn. 

My kids know the routine by now. We’ll pop the corn, give the warnings, and as one, we’ll shout, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat!”

I’m thinkin’ since the kid’s 8, we’ll have to watch it twice.

You slipped on the ice and I grabbed your arm, found myself falling with you. You were tiny, always you-sized, and though your heel should have acted like an ice pick, gravity always pulls us back down. The Reflecting Pool at the Christian Science Center had become a perilous tundra; it was probably about 7 degrees out—with the wind chill, somewhere negative, just like Boston Januaries often are. Still I braved the cold, like I always would for you, and we fell.

“I’m lost!” you yelled inside the bar. I could barely hear you from the couch at my apartment where I’d been waiting for you for the last 4 hours.

“Well, it sounds like you’re in a bar…” I said into that Bluetooth headset that my mother bought me for Christmas and you hated so much.

“But I don’t know where the bar is!” Yep. You were wasted. We had a date that night—we were supposed to have a date that night, anyway. We’d watch Heroes and eat Chinese, curl up, find warmth in one another, and finally spend a night together, a night just like the one we’d both dreamed of but neither could admit. You would come over after your Holiday party at work—you were only going to go for a few hours—but with all that free Champagne you were quickly whisked away. But you called, because you always call, and I swooped in to find you wandering the Back Bay streets in those pointy-toed leopard print heels that matched the silky slip you hid for me beneath your dress.

“No! I’m sorryyy I ruined our date!” you cried as I helped you get your balance again.

“No, you didn’t. It’s fine, we—”

“Yes! I did! We were supposed to—”

“I know.”

“—have a date tonight and we were gonna watch Heroes and—”

“I know.”

“—and eat Foodwall and-and then I got drunk!”

“It’s fine. Really!”

“I don’t want to be drunk anymore!” you cried and I pulled you close to me, kissed your lips with a passion I’d held in check for far too long; I didn’t know what to expect once I gave myself over to it, but a kiss like that was one that I had never had before, never have again. I wrapped my Angel coat around you as we held that moment close, and when our lips finally parted whispered, “Someone’s got to keep you warm” and discovered just how deep those auburn eyes could go. They smiled first, your eyes, and the stretch of the skin around them lifted your mouth upward into a crooked crescent moon.

“Listen,” you slurred—you start every sentence slurring, “Listen…” when you’re drunk. Something like tears welled up behind my teeth, a tidal wave of overwhelming elation, and I took my eyes off of yours for just a moment when the streetlight refracted off the ice below and made glimmer the Celtic Trinity that I bought you for Christmas (you know how I am with shiny things).

My pupils returned to settle in yours like a matching key, turning to unlock the thought you started eight heartbeats ago:

“I love you.”

Circa 1979: Signal to Noise -- Photo © Sydney Festival

There are quite a few free events to catch at Sydney Festival this January—think great little bands in the Famous Spiegeltent with Late at the Garden, Festival First Night starring the gospel legend Al Green, or something a little different like Symphony in The Domain—but my favourite is Circa 1979: Signal to Noise.

Circa 1979: Signal to Noise is a celebration of one of the most creative periods in Australia’s music history that spanned from 1979 to 1985. A period which saw avant garde, post-punk, new wave and early electronic styles of music become a thriving underground scene.

Presented by Sydney Festival and  Modular, this event consists of two parts. Signal to Noise Sessions is a day of free talks exploring early experimentation in music, film and video and the cultural influences surrounding this period, and is happening at the Seymour Centre on Saturday 16 January. Then there is Signal to Noise at the Sound Lounge, an exhibition of fanzines, photography and album artwork collected in an attempt to revive and recreate the Sydney underground music scene of 1979–1985. The exhibition will run over a couple of weeks in January at the Seymour Centre’s Sound Lounge. Coupled with unreleased music and a previously unseen video archive, this exhibition is the first of its kind. A must see for any music appreciator.

Hello to all our visitors! What’s up? AmberFireFeather here with great news: January’s Signature German Shepherd’s Pet Special Food and Pet Special Item have been discovered! It’s absolutely great, you know, that we have such a hard working community to bring this news… so thanks! The Signature German Shepherd will come with Puppy Patrol Command Station and eats Signature Schnitzel. This pet will be available in stores in January and will come not only with a PSI but also but a wish token for Amanda Panda’s Wish Machine, and also an exclusive eStore-quality Signature item! This is what Ganz had to say: Signature German Shepherds are tops when it comes to being loyal, strong and brave dogs. They will do anything to help a friend and anything to save the day! German Shepherds love to exercise, so make sure you’ve got lots of room for this big dog. Available in January!

John Sheppard - Media Vita, Stile Antico, HMU807509

The January edition of our Classical Music sales notes is now available online,

Please Click Here to download in PDF Format

Or Click Here to view online at issuu.com (Flash Player needed)

Ben Sidran - Dyland Different BON091101

The January edition of our Jazz & World Music sales notes is now available online,

Please Click Here to download in PDF format,

Or Click Here to view online at issuu.com

The following dates are still available for Norwex shows that have guaranteed shipping for Christmas. Click here to view Customer and Hostess Specials for December.

• December 2
• December 3
• December 7
• December 8
• December 9
• December 10
• December 14
• December 15

Then I am looking forward to taking a break and enjoying the holidays with my family

January is going to be fantastic with the annual tradition of offering the incredible Norwex Mop System to all our hosts. Every January host who confirms their show date with me by December 15 will also receive a bonus free product credit of $25 as my gift to you for helping me kick start my business in 2010.

Dido and Aeneas

The January edition of our Classical DVDs sales notes is now available online,

Please Click Here to download in PDF format,

Or Click Here to view online at issuu.com

Hey, have you heard? Ganz has announced the Triceratops’ Pet Special Item and Pet Special Food! This prehistoric pal gets Triassic Television and eats Fiddlehead Feast. Here’s what Ganz had to say:

The Triceratops is unlike any other dinosaur you’ll ever meet! Aside from its cool patterned frill and three horns, this dino also has a personality so unique and interesting – it’s the perfect prehistoric addition to any family. Available this January!

This weekend I have so many events to go to. I am looking forward to them, but you know how they’re going to eat away at my writing time? That’s my only problem. If this was December, I wouldn’t mind. But right now, with the nano clock ticking away, I’m in a state of worry and fear of not finishing. I know in my mind that I must and that I can, I probably will, it’s just getting there that is akin to climbing a mountain. No matter how much you plan, or how well you started out, eventually the avalanches threaten your climb, the treacherous weather, wind, snow, etc. That’s whats happening this weekend.

On a happy note, I already bought some holiday presents, couldn’t resist! The mall was packed with people who looked generally very happy and hopefully willing to part with some of their cash. I can honestly say that I can’t wait for the first snowfall. I want to go outside and make snow angels and go sledding. Last night I parked my car in a lot and I looked up at the sky. Luckily it was clear and I could see many, many stars. It was breathtaking. Another fun weather-related thing. On Friday as I left work, it was quite cloudy, but I saw the sun trying to peek through the clouds. You know when it’s kind of dark and gloomy and you see those few rays of sunshine streaming through? Well, that’s exactly what it was. The picture I took with my phone will come tomorrow.

I’m going knitting crazy. I went to Michael’s (an arts and crafts store) and bought three more rolls of yarn. I also bought a pack of US size 10 needles. They are shiny purple, very pretty, yet very thick. They’re extra long so I can make things like sweaters or throws or blankets. My knitting bag is actually full to the top. I wonder if I need to buy a new one or stop buying supplies! I hope to make some good headway on my knitting inventory in December and in the holiday break.

Something exciting! I just signed up for guitar lessons for January. I have yet to buy a guitar, but I have a few choices I’ve been toying with. In order for it to be my 2010 goal, I decided to sign up for the class now. It will be a roller coaster ride. I’m so excited about the day when I can play a song that I love, yet I’m so nervous and wracked with fear about the process of learning how to play, having callouses, and having cramps in my  hand. I mean, what if I hate it? What if in the beginners’ class, I’m the only real beginner? I don’t know how to read musical notes, although I did learn the harmonium when I was younger, played trombone in elementary school and can sing. It will be such an incredible experience that I just have to do it. A friend of mine has suggested buying a guitar with nylon strings, as they are said to hurt less. I think the price may be a bit higher, so I am still considering all options. 2010 will be a musical year! Everyone cover their ears!

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.  ~Victor Hugo

You’ll always feel secure with this brave dog at your side… the Signature German Shepherd will be arriving this January!

Wow, it has only been few hours since we brought to you news of the new Ginger Cat (January 2010) and now we can already report to you the PSI and PSF – Baker’s Oven and Gingerbread Paw Prints! Those look like some mighty fine items, too!

What’s orange and cute, and has whiskers and loves to love? The new Webkinz Ginger Cat, that’s who! Those cool cats will be joining the Triceratops and Portuguese Water Dog in the January 2010 collection.

Reminder that our Wow contest has just two comments left for the draw to begin! Comment for your chanse to win some aswome prizes!

NeopetsValley is so happy to report that just one day after its official plush-image release we can bring you the official Ganz pictures of the new Portuguese Water Dog’s PSI and PSF! This cool canine comes with Heated Hound Hot Tub and eats Barkalhau. This great pet will be here in January 2010.

And, we’re back! Only one week late this time!

Week 2 of SNL was definitely a success. It was supposed to rain all day and night Friday, so we tried to prepare. All day Friday, however, it didn’t rain so we thought we’d lucked out. We got to 30 Rock at about 4 p.m. (2 hours earlier than the week before) in anticipation of a big crowd lined up to see January Jones and Black Eyed Peas. So, imagine our surprise when we got there and saw only one person sitting out waiting! We were so stoked! Figuring the threat of rain had deterred some less-dedicated fans, we couldn’t believe our luck. And it wasn’t even raining! Not until after we’d gotten all our stuff set up, anyway. Then, as if the rain had been waiting just for us, a light sprinkle began that continued pretty consistently All. Night. Long. For a while, we were the only people in line. Around 5 we were joined by a visiting Texan who is a comedienne and had been waiting her whole life to see the show. People didn’t really start showing up until around midnight, then there was another wave, like usual, around 6:30 a.m.

The first week, I had come unprepared for the bitter cold that forced some people out of line. This week, having had the experience of sleeping on the sidewalk and anticipating the rain, I was much better prepared, or so I thought. I had a blanket to sit/lay on, plus another to cover up with if I decided to try to sleep; the cheap novelty pillow I’d bought out of necessity the previous week and one off my bed; and a poncho and an umbrella. All of this I crammed (along with several books to read, snacks and drinks, a notebook, pens, playing cards, and a coloring book and crayons) into a duffel bag, which I had planned on sleeping on. I would have liked to be able to sleep. It’s kind of hard when the blanket you want to lay on, your pillow, and your body are all soaked through with rain. At several points during the night, I walked to the nearby McDonald’s and used the hand dryer in the bathroom to dry some of my clothes and my shoes. It was terrible.

So what does one do sitting outside in the rain for 13 hours, you might ask. That is an excellent question. Whenever we get to the end of the time and they start handing out tickets, we can never quite figure out how, exactly, it is that we sat out for all that time and didn’t get bored once. One thing we did was, whenever someone walked by and asked what we were waiting for, we would tell them that we were in line for “Star Search” auditions the next evening. A lot of people bought it, too! At some point in the night, the Texan woke me and alerted me to the presence of the most brilliant man of the 2nd half of the 20th century. . .as I stood and turned around towards the doors of 30 Rock, I saw LORNE MICHAELS walking from the building to his car. It was my proudest moment. He was clearly in a hurry–probably trying to get home and get some sleep before the show–but something he did (or didn’t do, I guess) struck me as odd. He didn’t even spare a glance for the dozens of people who were waiting overnight in the rain and the cold to see his work. But whatever. He’s Lorne Michaels.

So. . .Saturday morning, we got 2nd and 3rd choice for our show. I decided to play it safe and be number 1 for the dress rehearsal instead of being number 2 for the live show. I couldn’t bear to be disappointed again by not getting in! And, wouldn’t you know it, I got in! When I got in the elevator to go up the studio, and then again walking in and sitting down, I won’t lie to you–I cried. It was overwhelming to think of the starpower and the talent that had performed in the very room where I was sitting.

The show that night was pretty cool. January Jones was good, but not fabulous. BlacK Eyed Peas were awesome. Most of the sketches were pretty funny. It was cool to see the original show in person, then to go home and watch the live show on TV! I didn’t realize until I watching the live show on TV that Darrell Hammond had done a cameo on Weekend Update.

But alas, I must depart. Until next time!

The third season of Chuck will return Sunday, January 10 with a 2 hour premiere!! Then episodes will continue on Mondays at 8/7c.

Admittedly, this will cause trouble for those of us who watch Monday Night Football, House AND Lie To Me, all on Monday nights–and the TiVo can only take so much. While I understand the need to compete, it would have been nice for Chuck to be on a different night, even the Thursday comedy block with The Office, 30 Rock and Community. Perhaps they’ll change the time-slot before January, but regardless, I’ll take Chuck early any day.

Thanks to Chucktv.net for the announcement!

What do you think about Chuck’s early return?

Also, catch up on the last two seasons of Chuck on Hulu and the official NBC website.

more about “Chuck – Chuck Returns! – Video – NBC.com“, posted with vodpod

Have you heard? Ganz has announced it’s newest addition to the Webkinz family. Can you guess what it is? We’ll give you a clue: it’s cute, it’s a dog, and it loves to swim! If you guessed Portuguese Water Dog, then your right! Those cool canines will be arriving at your local Webkinz retailer in late-December to early-January! And don’t forget that the Webkinz Portuguese Water Dog will be a large-size only and in plush form! Get one when they come!

Orange County Diesel is offering incredible deals ALL YEAR LONG!! We ALWAYS have the lowest price and we are constantly offering deals that you WON’T find anywhere else. Make sure to follow us here at WordPress, Myspace, and Twitter to stay updated.

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January 2010 (after the college bowl games) marks the start of National Refute Dick B. Month, a time of festivities, but also a time of learning, as participants will take a hard look at the author’s claims about Christian and Biblical “roots” of AA and the 12 Steps.

Remember to be respectful. Bring your Bible and your discernment, as we examine AA co-founder Dr. Bob Smith’s membership in the Freemasons; his spiritualism; and his promotion of new thought spirituality.

We will also take a look at the meditative practices of the Oxford Group, and more. Bring a friend! 

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NRDB MONTH Activities: Essays on AA co-founder Bill Wilson and “cosmic consciousness” are encouraged.