Random Notes
Some people think summer is over and fall has officially begun when Labor Day comes around or when school starts or the leaves start changing. I think it’s when the supermarket has Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread in stock again.
Speaking of pumpkin spice, don’t forget your dog likes it too, so pick up some pumpkin spice-scented dog shampoo.
Remember when the great thing about cell phones was how small and portable they were, like the old flip phones (which I still use)? Some of the new phones, like the iPhone Duo that Apple announced Wednesday, are so big I don’t see how they’ll fit in your pocket.
An update to a story I had last week about James Bond: Gary Oldman says that a new 007 has been picked; they just haven’t named him yet. (I’m assuming it’s not Gary Oldman.)
My latest pet peeve: people turning 40 who think they’re “old.” Hey kids, wait until you hit my age and you can’t get out of a reclining chair without groaning/creaking.
How common is your birthday? I knew September would have the top days (you can probably guess why).
Director Paul Schrader says that his next movie will “all AI.” Remind me not to watch any more Paul Schrader movies.
Familects
Does your family have their own secret language, the words and phrases and inside jokes that only you know about and understand? You’re not alone. They’re called familects.
I’m trying to think of my family had any. I honestly don’t remember anything in particular. My siblings and I had nicknames, but that’s a different thing. There are regional examples that I remember, those special Massachusetts-centric words and phrases that I still use today. But most of the familects I have are with my friends.
Is It Possible to Get Depressed by a 30-Second Commercial?
Judging from the new series of Xfinity commercials, I’d say yes.
Have you seen them? I don’t know how many there are — I’ve seen three or four — but they all depict some future where America is some ravaged, zombie-filled apocalypse. Yes, zombies have been hip for a while now, but I don’t get any enjoyment from watching a commercial for a cable TV company, something that should be informational and light, that includes the reanimated dead chasing a man trying to get on a train, a woman sacrificing a neighbor she doesn’t like to the zombies (and snickering about it), and zombies pulling a woman down off of a pole and eating her. These ads are more disturbing than some horror movies.
But it’s good to see that even when the world is destroyed, we’ll still have Xfinity around for our entertainment options.
Headline of the Week
“A $38 Sandwich Is Taking Over the U.S. Open – Why Fans Say It’s Worth the Price and the Wait”
RIP Andrew Williams, Richard O’Sullivan, Victor Miller, Brian Dyson, Robin Morgan, Noël Godin, Latimore, and Jon Small
Andrew Williams was a pro wrestler known as “The Butcher” and was also a guitarist for the band Every Time I Die. He died last weekend at the age of 48.
Richard O’Sullivan was a child actor in many films and TV shows before landing the lead role in the British comedy series Man About the House, the inspiration for the American show Three’s Company. He died last week at the age of 82.
Victor Miller not only wrote the first Friday the 13th film (and created the Jason character), he was also a major writer for soap operas, including All My Children, Guiding Light, One Life to Live, and Another World. He died last month at the age of 86.
Brian Dyson was the Coca-Cola executive who persuaded the company to switch to New Coke. He died last month at the age of 90.
Robin Morgan was a leading feminist and editor of Ms. magazine (co-founded by Gloria Steinem, who died last week). She died Saturday at the age of 85.
Noël Godin was famous for throwing pies into the faces of wealthy people. He died last month at the age of 80.
Latimore – real name Benjamin Lattimore – had a hit in 1974 with “Let’s Straighten It Out.” He died last month at the age of 86.
Jon Small was in two bands with Billy Joel in the 1960s and ’70s, The Hassles and Attila, but later fell out when Joel had an affair with Small’s wife. Joel later married her when she and Small divorced (“Just the Way You Are” was inspired by her). Small went on to direct music videos, including Joel’s “Tell Her About It” and “Grand Piano.” He died last week at the age of 79.
This Week in History
Cal Ripken Jr. Breaks Consecutive Game Record (September 6, 1995)
It was the 2,131st consecutive game for the Baltimore Orioles star, breaking Lou Gehrig’s record. He went on to play in 2,632 games in a row before deciding to end it in 1998.
Star Trek Premieres (September 8, 1966)
Jeanne Wolf has an interview with William Shatner in the current issue, the New York Times profiles some die-hard fans, and Le Creuset has a new line of Star Trek-themed kitchen gear.
This Week in Saturday Evening Post History: “Flowers for Teacher” by Stevan Dohanos (September 7, 1946)
Yes, I know that a lot of kids already went back to school in August, but when I was a kid, it was always September.
Here Are Some Great Pumpkin Recipes, Charlie Brown
Sarah Gim has a recipe for the perfect Pumpkin Pie, while Ellie Krieger has one for Pumpkin Bread with Cranberries. You can also make this Pumpkin Stew, courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Smitten Kitchen has a recipe for Pumpkin Swirl Brownies, the New York Times has this Pumpkin Icebox Cake, Food Network has Pumpkin Lasagna Rolls, and this recipe for Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken comes from Once Upon a Pumpkin.
Next Week’s Holidays and Events
U.S. Open Finals (September 12-13)
The women’s final will air on ESPN Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. ABC will have the men’s final at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The Emmy Awards (September 14)
It’s the 78th ceremony, and NBC will have the show starting at 8 p.m. ET. Here are the nominees.
International Play-Doh Day (September 16)
Did you know it started out as a way to clean wallpaper?
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