All sorts of fascinating things and events are published daily. The

regular news inundates us with lots of exciting entertainment news.

Hopefully, I don’t drive you too crazy with my posts about local,

national and international events. I have a few friends who are

amazed and wonder how they missed ‘this or that’ on their own

news.  For this reason alone, I feel I am the troubadour of events

and hope you enjoy this wide variety presented here today.

 

This first event is ‘right up my alley’ and if life were different; less

busy, I would take time off to go to Oberlin, Ohio on December 13,

2014.  You know I am a woman who loves murder, mayhem and

fun adventures. I dabble in mystery stories, along with being a bit

nostalgic for the days when detective stories on television were so

prolific. If you will, picture me in my ‘element,’ at this pleasurable

upcoming event:

“Holiday Murder Mystery” on next Saturday. The cost is not causing

me to take up this trip and bring my noggin along to solve what may

be the most exciting, imaginary ‘case’ around.

Listen to the arrangements and accoutrements:

~Superior overnight accommodations.

~Lavish Buffet featuring Prime Rib and Chicken Piccata.

~Fun-filled Jovialities Murder Mystery.

~Cash bar available.

~Casual Holiday Attire Suggested.

All of the above for $79.00 based on double room occupancy,

plus taxes.

This is all annually held at the Oberlin Inn, 7 N. Main Street

Oberlin, Ohio 44007. Last year, I almost found a roommate to attend

this occasion. I am not against arriving on my own, really I am not .

Just taking the time during this wonderful month of December is not

going to happen.

 

On this very day, for example, I travel to a halfway point, heading the

opposite direction to Columbus to meet my girlfriend I met in 1980,

yes, this is my dear friend, Nancy. We meet at a breakfast restaurant

and chat, eat and get our holiday spirits livened up with memories and

catching up required. We exchange gifts and feel this really is always

our ‘true beginning of the holidays.’ We have laughed and spoken of the

day we may not be able to travel the 45 minutes’ drive, due to aging and

possible impairments, visual or physical. We have decided it may just

be worth it to hire a driver, con a relative or get a taxi. It is almost as

strong a desire as a loved one in the song who would go over mountains

and oceans to get to their lover. Only for us, it is friendship that is our

motivating factor. We do this every 6 months, since we have seen a few

special people pass on and don’t want to be so distant that we are not

in touch with each other after life-changing events (loss of her Mom

and Dad, my losing my own Dad… her nephew’s illness that still is a

big concern for her family.)

 

Here is something ‘new to me’ so,  hope it will bring you news on

an upcoming “British Invasion.” I hope those who are British will

give us some more special details and their opinions on the newest

addition to our “Late, Late Night” show here in the U.S. The man

who is  quite a popular guy on television in the U.K. had joined the

cast, playing the Leading Male Role in the movie, “Into the Woods.”

He is leading the upcoming movie’s cast as the “everyman baker”

character. He has more scenes than Johnny Depp. This man is named

James Corden.

He was talking recently on the CBS Sunday morning show, about his

role in a television show, “Gavin and Stacey.” It sounds hilarious!

What has he done to lead him to this career precipice?

He was part of the “History Boys” at Music Box Theatre in London.

Played Craig Owens in a few character visits on “Dr. Who”

Enjoyed making fun of himself in commercials with David Beckham.

(James is built like Seth Rogen and has a great sense of humor, too.)

He won a Tony Award for his performance in “One Man, Two Guvnors.”

He will be replacing Craig Ferguson in the late hours of television,

for which he says he will be ‘stimulated’ by this daily situation. He is

36 years old, telling interviewers that he has been interested in theater

and acting since he was young. The London show business scene will

be replaced with the New York scene. He feels excited to start this new

chapter in his life and I must tell you this:

This man is one who is excited to have his childhood dreams come true.

Interesting, since James wishes us to venture “Into the Woods,” where

we are not sure if there will be a happy ending.

I am proud to be one of the first to introduce you to James Corden.

His self-proclaimed ‘odd ball’ humor and warm personality will win you

over and you will embrace this rising star, if you have not already done so.

 

Someone who made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2014 inductees,

Cat Stevens, who from 1976 until 2003 had not performed in front of any

audiences, will be gracing stages in the United States. His own son brought

a guitar into his home in 2003 and this led Yusuf Islam to begin playing

again.  Yusuf had been living happily following the

Q’uran and trying to lead a godly life.

I was surprised that he had not played an instrument for that many years,

sometimes singing at home but feeling the pressure that comes with a new

faith that discourages open expressions of feelings and music. Why come

out of his shell and peaceful life now? He believes simply put, “It is time.”

He has an amazing voice despite all the years passing, he has a quiet

nature but he is not entirely serious and showed a sense of humor in a

recent interview. While re-telling his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

speech, accepting his induction, he said (paraphrased):

“I am probably the only one in all the years of musicians receiving

this honor to be able to say this:

I don’t drink.

I don’t smoke,

I don’t do drugs and

I only sleep with one person: my wife!”

Cat Stevens was open to tell about the unfortunate experiences he

had faced when he chose to become a Muslim. He was banned for

over ten years (since 9/11) from coming to America, with the fear of his

being a terrorist.

I imagine this and I cringe. I am ashamed. The man of Peace had been

on a “Watch List.” Cat Stevens, (Yusuf). who wrote and sang of love, being

the one who spoke of a “Peace Train” had not been able to travel to other

places.

I was surprised that my memory did not hold all 9 of his albums that

became Gold due to their popularity and sales. I always liked, “Morning

has Broken” and “Moonshadow.” Triple platinum albums were called,

“Tea for the Tillerman’ and ‘Teaser and the Firecat.” My all time

favorite sad song, which usually was played often in the 70’s was

a “break up” song, “The First Cut is the Deepest.”

 

Now, since I feel that we are out of time… definitely having taken a

chunk of your time today, I will send you a few upcoming dates

and events with wishes for you to have a fantastic week:

 

Monday, Kate and Prince William will be here in the U.S., watching

the Cleveland Cavaliers playing the Brooklyn Nets, in basketball. I shall

hope the Cavs win! (We did, yay!)

The Royal couple looked wonderful upon arrival in New York City.

I enjoyed seeing Kate with the children at an inner city preschool,

helping to make arts and crafts with them, she spoke in such a sweetly

sounding voice. I was pleased to see Prince William in his dressy

clothes at an official meeting with President Obama, with journalists

looking and listening to their conversation. They shared a few laughs,

too.

 

Wednesday, there will be an announcement for Person of the Year

award. Last year, (hard to ‘top’ this fine example) was Pope Francis.

 

Thursday celebrates Five Years since Angry Birds (App and Game)

descended upon us. There is an excellent example of time being

spent on something rather frivolous: 200 million minutes DAILY

on Angry Birds. My grandson, (the rebel who was given a “B & E”

warning ticket at age 7) likes the image and has it on a shirt, back

pack and a round stuffed Angry Bird on his bed.

 

What’s new in your corner of the world?