Christmas colors may be red and green, but sometimes even
the most celebratory of folks can feel the blues during the holidays.
Nope, today’s pick is not Elvis Presley’s “I’ll Have a Blue
Christmas.” It’s not a remake of that overplayed holiday season song, either. OK, that may be a classic, but here's something I like even better. (Those who know me best would not be a whit surprised, either.)
Take a listen, as ole Slowman sings the Christmas blues in a way that only Clapton can.
Comedian and actor Martin Short is adept at humor, but he
demonstrated some serious courtesy in a May 30th TV interview.
Presumably aiming at complimenting the 62-year-old
Short for his loving marriage, the “Today” show’s Kathie Lee Gifford made this
comment:
“[Martin Short] and [his wife] Nancy [Dolman] have got one
of the greatest marriages of anybody in show business. How many years now for
you guys?” Gifford asked.
Short answered, “We – uh – married 36 years.”
“But you’re still, like, in love,” Gifford gushed.
“Madly in love,” Short replied with a shrug, without missing
a beat. “Cute. I’m cute,” he said.
Hello? Awkward!
Canadian actress Nancy Dolman, Martin Short’s wife, died nearly
two
years ago after a battle with ovarian cancer.
Learning that, Gifford apologized on-air and on Twitter.
Here’s Gifford’s recent “Today”
show interview with Short:
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How would you have
answered such an awkward question?
Many people come up with snippy comebacks for inappropriate or
ignorant questions. What do we do, when someone steps over the line, perhaps
without meaning to do so?
Short’s response was simple, direct, and actually adorable.
Without attacking Gifford, or trying to teach her a moral lesson about doing
advance research on her celebrity television guests, he responded with poise,
grace, and perhaps even a little sweet humor.
The popular comic showed both courtesy and class, grace and
quiet grief, paying tribute to his beloved late wife without dishonoring his erring
television host.
Gifford is not alone
in the awkward moment department, of course.
A couple of years ago, Elizabeth Hasselbeck made a similar
mistake, interviewing actor Stanley Tucci. Hasselbeck asked Tucci if his
wife had seen his latest film, although she had been dead for about six months.
In painful irony, Tucci’s movie was titled “The Lovely Bones.”
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What’s the worst faux
pas you’ve ever encountered?
Has anyone ever inadvertently stepped over the line with an
awkward slip-up that embarrassed or offended you? Did someone hurt your
feelings without meaning to do so?
How did you react? How do you wish you had responded?
Martin Short’s wife, Nancy Dolman, was surely fortunate
during her three-decade marriage to a comic with such character.
What’s the secret to a successful long-term romance and likable longevity? Ask Iowans Marlow and Frances Cowan, and they’ll likely say fun is the ticket.
Maybe you’ve seen this one.
The elderly couple, married more than 60 years and hailing from Ankeny, Iowa, became an internet sensation in 2009 without even owning a computer.
Visiting the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, in September 2008 for several days of testing, the Cowans discovered a grand piano in a bright atrium of the massive medical complex. On the piano was a sign, inviting folks to play.
The couple began tickling the ivories, tapping out a lively and comically choreographed impromptu duet of 1910’s “Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet.” And folks went wild.
Take a look and a listen:
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A Mayo patient named Sharon grabbed a video camera and caught the Cowans’ performance. When Sharon’s daughter Jodi uploaded the recording to YouTube, it went viral. More than 7.7 million have viewed it so far. The couple has been featured on “Good Morning, America” and Japanese TV.
The Mayo Clinic even had them back for an encore performance last year.
“We’re praising the Lord,” Marlow said in a videotaped interview. “That’s the reason we’re doing this.”
Based on the polish of their public performances, we can only assume Marlow and Frances Cowan have tried this at home – many, many times. And, when it comes to long-lasting love and laughter, surely practice makes perfect.
“My three brothers and I are so very proud of them,” wrote the Cowans’ daughter DeDe Cowan Shour. “God has done great things through them to bring a smile or a laugh to millions of people all over the world. This was an answer to their prayer that God would find some way to use them to bring joy to others in their old age.”
Maybe we need to ask ourselves: Are we having fun yet?
For Valentine's Day, what wonderful homemade gifts can you make for a fabulous female? Ladies of all ages appreciate thoughtful gestures of love, particularly on Valentine's Day. Here are five unforgettable handcrafted Valentine's Day gift ideas for gals.
On February 14th, we decorate with hearts and offer sweet messages to those we love. How can you decorate for Valentine's Day without spending lots of time and money? Try these five easy and economical Valentine's Day decoration crafts.
What wonderful homemade gifts might you make for a man for Valentine's Day? Guys of all ages appreciate thoughtful gestures of love, particularly on Valentine's Day. Here are five fabulous handcrafted Valentine's Day gift ideas for guys.
Pretty paper hearts and cute Cupids are everywhere - in stores, classrooms and even offices. Why not download a free Valentine's Day screensaver or wallpaper for your computer? Try these 10 super sites for free Valentine's Day graphics - or make your own.
Valentine's Day is a popular occasion for sending sweet greetings to those we love. Did you know that you can download free printable Valentine's Day cards on your own computer? Here are ten super sites for free printable Valentine's Day cards.
Children adore Valentine's Day surprises. Try these do-it-yourself Valentine's Day ideas for a child you love, and watch for the delighted response. What child - of any age - doesn't want to feel special, especially on Valentine's Day?
Valentine's Day is not always hearts and happiness, fun and flowers, poetry and playfulness. Valentine's Day may be an annual reminder of love gone bad, romance lost or heartbreak. Peek at this hypothetical, parenthetical and perhaps pathetical limerick.
Poem for my beloved, on Valentine's Day and forever: "Though princes may harm me, In self-centered pride, My Loved One will arm me Around every side...."
Valentine's Day cards are the hallmark of the heartfelt holiday on February 14th. Who doesn't love sentimental and even humorous Valentine's Day cards? Try these creative card making tips to put your own mark on your Valentine greetings this year.
Children love Valentine's Day. What a super opportunity for sharing sweet Scriptures with beloved boys and girls. Why not include an apt Bible verse or two in a Valentine's Day card for a special child on February 14th?
Who doesn't love a dozen long-stemmed roses for Valentine's Day? Nothing says, "I love you," like a bunch of red beauties, at least according to floral tradition. Here's how to arrange and care for your long-stemmed beauties.
Sometimes, you just have to fake it, especially on Valentine's Day. If you're fortunate enough to enjoy the evening out, the success of the event may hinge largely on your cordiality. Host or guest, you must try to be amiable and sociable. Here's how, even if it's awful!
Do you love Valentine's Day or hate it? Most people have a love-hate relationship with this hearty holiday. Valentine's Day may mean romance ... or just plain meanness. To some, Valentine's Day is indeed vile.
Two Valentines sit on my shelves, penned not by gremlins, nor by elves. Still, Cupid's arrow struck my heart with smiles from these two, miles apart. I wonder: Can you guess the rhyme? Who are these two of which I chime?
For Valentine's Day, what wonderful homemade gifts can you make for a fabulous female? Ladies of all ages appreciate thoughtful gestures of love, particularly on Valentine's Day. Here are five unforgettable handcrafted Valentine's Day gift ideas for gals.
What wonderful homemade gifts might you make for a man for Valentine's Day? Guys of all ages appreciate thoughtful gestures of love, particularly on Valentine's Day. Here are five fabulous handcrafted Valentine's Day gift ideas for guys.
Valentine's Day is a popular occasion for sending sweet greetings to those we love. Did you know that you can download free printable Valentine's Day cards on your own computer? Here are ten super sites for free printable Valentine's Day cards.
On February 14th, we decorate with hearts and offer sweet messages to those we love. How can you decorate for Valentine's Day without spending lots of time and money? Try these five easy and economical Valentine's Day decoration crafts.
Pretty paper hearts and cute Cupids are everywhere - in stores, classrooms and even offices. Why not download a free Valentine's Day screensaver or wallpaper for your computer? Try these 10 super sites for free Valentine's Day graphics - or make your own.
Valentine's Day cards are the hallmark of the heartfelt holiday on February 14th. Who doesn't love sentimental and even humorous Valentine's Day cards? Try these creative card making tips to put your own mark on your Valentine greetings this year.
Children adore Valentine's Day surprises. Try these do-it-yourself Valentine's Day ideas for a child you love, and watch for the delighted response. What child - of any age - doesn't want to feel special, especially on Valentine's Day?
(File this one under: “What have you dung for me lately?”)
When you care enough to send the very best, on your loved one's birthday, what do you send?
Do you order flowers? How about candy?
Do you visit the greeting card store for a lovely and sentimental birthday card? Do you pick out a whimsical or comical birthday card instead? Or do you make your own sweet homemade birthday card for the one you love?
Dick Kleis, a farmer from Zwingle, Iowa, created his own birthday greeting for his wife, Carole. And it took him more than 120,000 pounds of cow manure to do it.
Using his own manure spreader, Kleis spent three hours writing out a loving birthday message on the back 40 of the farm he and Carole share. The steaming cow dung stood out sharply against the snowy field.
Perhaps Kleis didn’t mean to be all mushy, but his message certainly carried an aroma of its own.
We can only wonder whether Carole Kleis thought her husband’s greeting was excellent – or merely excrement.
Here’s the video, if you want to see Dick Kleis’ cr*ppy birthday greeting for his wife:
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When is your birthday?
Who shares your birthday? Visit HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY for celebrity and notable birthdays ... and fun birthday ideas.
Valentine’s Day is just over a week away. Are you ready? Why not explore these practical ideas for a heartwarming holiday on February 14th?
Chocolate: The Food of Love –
A Valentine's Day Treat for Folks of All Ages
Can Valentine's Day be complete without a chocolate treat? From kisses to long-stemmed roses, chocolate is the stuff of Valentine's Day surprises. Where did our long-standing Valentine's Day love affair with chocolate begin?
Do-It-Yourself Valentine's Day Surprises for Kids
Children adore Valentine's Day surprises. Try these do-it-yourself Valentine's Day ideas for a child you love, and watch for the delighted response. What child - of any age - doesn't want to feel special, especially on Valentine's Day?
How to Care for Your Valentine’s Day Roses
Roses are favorites, on Valentine’s Day and other occasions. Of course, pink, white, yellow or other roses customarily carry different shades of meanings. Whatever the color and message, roses are the perennial pick for Valentine's Day.
Simple Homemade Valentine's Day Cards
Valentine's Day cards are the hallmark of the heartfelt holiday on February 14th. Who doesn't love sentimental and even humorous Valentine's Day cards? Try these creative card making tips to put your own mark on your Valentine greetings this year.
Top 10 Heartless Valentine's Day Gift Blunders by Men
Dear Valentine, what will you do
To buy a gift? Go get a clue!
Valentine's Day may cause well-meaning men to stumble, as they rumble through card shops, gift stores and other outlets for the perfect Valentine's Day gift. Here's a word for the wise (or at least, for the guys): Check out these top ten heartless Valentine's Day Gift Blunders by Men before you go. Don't fall into any of these traps.
Valentine's Day: Caring for Long-Stemmed Roses
Who doesn't love a dozen long-stemmed roses for Valentine's Day? Nothing says, "I love you," like a bunch of red beauties, at least according to floral tradition. Here's how to arrange and care for your long-stemmed beauties.
Valentine’s Day Dilemmas
Valentine's Day evokes dramatic emotions in many people. We have a love-hate relationship with this holiday. Why is this so?
Valentine's Day Dorm Decor: Six Simple Solutions
Valentine's Day fun invades college and university campuses each February. How can you decorate your dorm room to make it festive and sweet for this heartfelt February 14th holiday?
Valentine's Day - How to Fake It in a Restaurant
Sometimes, you just have to fake it, especially on Valentine's Day. If you're fortunate enough to enjoy the evening out, the success of the event may hinge largely on your cordiality. Host or guest, you must try to be amiable and sociable. Here's how, even if it's awful.
Valentine's Day Values from A to Z
How can you find an economical Valentine's Day gift that will be cherished, not cheap? Here's a host of Valentine's Day gifts, all priced under $25.Surely you can find something to please your sweetheart in this list, even if you are operating on a budget. And who isn't?
Simple Homemade Valentine's Day Cards
Top 10 Heartless Valentine's Day Gift Blunders by Men
Valentine's Day Values from A to Z