Christmas Countdown - 2018

[Minta]

I just walked into my hotel room (left the TV on), and Christmas Vacation is on BBC America!

Love that movie... I have been wanting to watch it for a while now but something always comes up ... Maybe this weekend

 

[Minta]

Good Afternoon ... not much going on today .. keeping an eye on the weather as that dreaded "R" word is in the forecast again. If it rains this weekend it will be the 7th consecutive weekend in a row where it rained sometime during the weekend and rain is forecasted to be in the following weekend too. UGH! There is so much we want to get done outside but have not been able to because of the weather. All this rain is making the grass grow like crazy too. Is it sad that summer hasn't officially started yet and already I am logging for the fall LOL. Well I hope you guys have a great day!

 

[Yuletide Junkie]

I just walked into my hotel room (left the TV on), and Christmas Vacation is on BBC America!

As is traditional for the first Pines Day in June...

 

[xmastidings]

Looking forward to the weekend!!

Everyone, have a Great day!!!

You and me both!!!!! I'm about as motivated as a toadstool of being in here at the office today. I'm soooooo looking forward to not setting the alarm clock for anything!

 

[xmastidings]

I got a little bored yesterday-

An ode to QVC Christmas in July

QUOTE]

Very Nice indeed!

 

[xmastidings]

Happy Friday Eve, MMC!!! Then tomorrow I’m heading over to the Amish store on the Ohio border. Those cherry donuts, whoppie pies, and ham salad are calling my name. I hope everyone has a great day!!

Sounds Yummy! Happy Shopping!

 

[xmastidings]

Today is truly an ultimate coffee day for me. I've had 2 cups and I'm about to start number 3. I just can't seem to get the afterburners to fire up today!!! Maybe someone switched my caffeinated coffee out with de-caffeinated?

 

[xmastidings]

I VERY much doubt it. Back then, even star actors were mostly under a studio contract; very few had the clout to swing a participation deal. And no one had dreamed of residuals: TV was a curiosity at the World's Fair, and who could foresee home video? Once a movie's initial release was over, it wasn't much good for anything unless it was such a public favorite that it could be re-released as a "classic." The Munchkin actors, who were coming in for only one film, and some of whom were not even entertainers---the manager just rounded up as many little people who would sign with him---wouldn't be in a position to negotiate any kind of residual for something like 106 individuals. I'm sure M-G-M's position was they should be happy and proud just to work briefly at the most prestigious studio in town. It IS sad that they received nothing for TV showings and videos of "Oz," but even contract players of that era were in the position of selling photos and autographs at fan shows in later life to make the rent because they got no residuals. Mr. and I wrote the bio of one.

Thanks for the info Merry. Fascinating to read up on things like that, the reality of how things were, and in some cases still are, the history and such; love it!

 

[Holiday]

Good Afternoon ... not much going on today .. keeping an eye on the weather as that dreaded "R" word is in the forecast again. If it rains this weekend it will be the 7th consecutive weekend in a row where it rained sometime during the weekend and rain is forecasted to be in the following weekend too. UGH! There is so much we want to get done outside but have not been able to because of the weather. All this rain is making the grass grow like crazy too. Is it sad that summer hasn't officially started yet and already I am logging for the fall LOL. Well I hope you guys have a great day!

Funny b/c our grass is starting to turn a little brown already - worse in some places than others. Normally we are mowing twice a week this time of year, Monday & Thursday. Our grass doesn't look like it needs mowed at all - after mowing on Monday!! And it's not even summer yet!! Just a week or 2 ago it was so green & plush! Crazy weather!
Hope you get a rain free weekend!!! Have a good day!

 

[Holiday]

You and me both!!!!! I'm about as motivated as a toadstool of being in here at the office today. I'm soooooo looking forward to not setting the alarm clock for anything!

Meeee tooo!! I was going to make cinnamon rolls for everyone Saturday morning before the bicycle poker run, but my friend offered to bring Cinnabon instead! I took her up on that. We need to get moving early enough for the poker run, I didn't want to set my alarm even earlier to have the rolls done!! I'm making an easy breakfast casserole instead to go with the Cinnabon!

 

[Holiday]

Today is truly an ultimate coffee day for me. I've had 2 cups and I'm about to start number 3. I just can't seem to get the afterburners to fire up today!!! Maybe someone switched my caffeinated coffee out with de-caffeinated?

Hope there is some caffeine in that coffee & it kicks in soon!!! I'm starting to hit the 2:00 slump!

 

[Crown 84]

I VERY much doubt it. Back then, even star actors were mostly under a studio contract; very few had the clout to swing a participation deal. And no one had dreamed of residuals: TV was a curiosity at the World's Fair, and who could foresee home video? Once a movie's initial release was over, it wasn't much good for anything unless it was such a public favorite that it could be re-released as a "classic." The Munchkin actors, who were coming in for only one film, and some of whom were not even entertainers---the manager just rounded up as many little people who would sign with him---wouldn't be in a position to negotiate any kind of residual for something like 106 individuals. I'm sure M-G-M's position was they should be happy and proud just to work briefly at the most prestigious studio in town. It IS sad that they received nothing for TV showings and videos of "Oz," but even contract players of that era were in the position of selling photos and autographs at fan shows in later life to make the rent because they got no residuals. Mr. and I wrote the bio of one.

You sound quite knowledgeable on the topic. I only know what he told me.
He might not have used the word "residuals" but he made it clear the remaining Munchkin actors were quite upset that they weren't getting any money for the many showings of a popular movie. Frankly, I felt they made their deal at the time and that's just how the ball bounces.
(Of course, I didn't say that to him since he was nice enough to chat with me.)

 

[MerryCarey]

You sound quite knowledgeable on the topic. I only know what he told me.
He might not have used the word "residuals" but he made it clear the remaining Munchkin actors were quite upset that they weren't getting any money for the many showings of a popular movie. Frankly, I felt they made their deal at the time and that's just how the ball bounces.
(Of course, I didn't say that to him since he was nice enough to chat with me.)

Full disclosure: Mr. and I are film historians in our spare time, and Mr. especially is savvy to the way business was handled in the movie studios in the 1930s and 1940s. From interesting discussions with him, I've come to learn about the business end of the studios back then, too. To the best of my knowledge, most of the Munchkin actors were handled by one agent/manager; perhaps a handful who were career entertainers negotiated with M-G-M separately (which may be what Mr. Maren was referring to). The rest were handled by the manager. This is mainly from reading two books about the development and production of the film. (I'm at work, or I'd look up the exact titles and authors for you! One was by Jeanine Basinger, IIRC.)

I envy your being able to share a conversation with Mr. Maren. He had a long career, and must have been full of fascinating stories.

 

[Holiday]

I'm listening to a Christmas episode of The Middle!

See you all tomorrow for FRIDAY!!!! Have a great night!!!

 

[Bradmac]

I got a little bored yesterday-

An ode to QVC Christmas in July

Chad in his blue shirt, setting up a tree
Dan can decorate the farm now, extension cord free

Valerie covered in glitter and a little buzzed on wine
A mercury glass gingerbread man? Now she’s crossed a line!

Here comes creepy toy guy, he has a new drone
I wonder if he’s still filming his kids sleeping at home

An ex Penn State cheerleader selling Kringle express gift bags
It’s really quite a steal when you realize they come with the tags

Leslie from Mr Christmas is back with a new carousel
She even has a new tree with dancing lights as well

Jim Shore has Rudolph and Charlie in the box
Oh and I love the woodland Santa with the gray fox

It wouldn’t be Christmas in July without Poo pourri
Now number 2 will make your bathroom smell like a pine tree

Harry London chocolates, making me drool
There’s no way I’d share them with the teachers at school

Cheryl’s cookies and Mrs Prindables have me in a trance
There goes David taking a bite and doing his happy dance

Sunday night is reserved for more Valerie and your home with Jill
I’m beginning to wonder how I’m going to pay the credit card bill

48 hours are over and it’s time to get some sleep
If you’ve never watched it, this is the year to make the leap!

Awesome!! We're going to change your handle to "Binger, Jr."!

 

[Bradmac]

Ack! We got back from the trade show too early to stay home, so I'm at my desk.

Oh, woe is me! LOL

 

[Martine]

Good morning MMC...I have missed you all as I have not had a chance to log on due to a training at work and I have been getting home late due to dinners after work as well but today is my last day. Hope you all have a great day and I need to catch up on all the posts I missed!

Glad that things will finally settle down for you SnowflakeMom.

 

[Crown 84]

Full disclosure: Mr. and I are film historians in our spare time, and Mr. especially is savvy to the way business was handled in the movie studios in the 1930s and 1940s. From interesting discussions with him, I've come to learn about the business end of the studios back then, too. To the best of my knowledge, most of the Munchkin actors were handled by one agent/manager; perhaps a handful who were career entertainers negotiated with M-G-M separately (which may be what Mr. Maren was referring to). The rest were handled by the manager. This is mainly from reading two books about the development and production of the film. (I'm at work, or I'd look up the exact titles and authors for you! One was by Jeanine Basinger, IIRC.)

I envy your being able to share a conversation with Mr. Maren. He had a long career, and must have been full of fascinating stories.

We didn't talk long since there were others waiting. Would have liked to discuss what it was like doing the movie but all he wanted to talk about was their money situation and how unfair it was to them. Still interesting though, and an experience to remember actually talking to a cast member of one of my favorite movies of all time.

 

[Meceka]

Happy Friday Eve, MMC!!! Well the heat is back here in central Indy with a high of 91 predicted today. I have some cleaning and organizing to do today. Nothing to crazy. Then tomorrow I’m heading over to the Amish store on the Ohio border. Those cherry donuts, whoppie pies, and ham salad are calling my name. I hope everyone has a great day!!

Enjoy your trip to the Amish store!

 

[Meceka]

Funny b/c our grass is starting to turn a little brown already - worse in some places than others. Normally we are mowing twice a week this time of year, Monday & Thursday. Our grass doesn't look like it needs mowed at all - after mowing on Monday!! And it's not even summer yet!! Just a week or 2 ago it was so green & plush! Crazy weather!
Hope you get a rain free weekend!!! Have a good day!

Praying it rains in your area soon! It is getting brown here, too, and leaves are falling off the trees. Hopefully, the rain forecast for tomorrow night and Saturday will fall.