Winners: CarolD & Barbara
In a week when Saudi Arabia allowed women to vote for the first time, the women of MainStreet showed how far they have come. A game with 20 players and not a single guy could make it to the winner’s podium. Well done, ladies.
Tonight’s Christmas theme informed us that Montgomery Ward (who dat?) was the department store that created “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” Almond Joy, sitting at the bar wearing his flashing red nose, was all over that one.
Good Question!: In what year was “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens published?
Choices: a. 1843 b. 1881 c. 1921 d. 1945
Answer: 1843
It’s been around a long time, even before the Hallmark special. Did you know that it’s official name is: “A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost-Story of Christmas.”
The novella met with instant success and critical acclaim. The book was written at a time when the British were examining and exploring Christmas traditions from the past as well as new customs such as Christmas cards and Christmas trees. Carol singing took a new lease on life during this time. Dickens’ sources for the tale appear to be many and varied, but are, principally, the humiliating experiences of his childhood, his sympathy for the poor, and various Christmas stories and fairy tales.
A Christmas Carol remains popular—having never been out of print—and has been adapted many times to film, stage, opera, and other media.
It’s fun to think about who is your fave Ebenezer Scrooge. My two faves are George C. Scott and Scrooge McDuck.
Don’t miss this 5 minute clip from the definitive animated version (no ducks):
When you have the time this is the full version (1:41:05) of Scott’s great 1984 film: