Ah, December. It's finally here. Most of us are rejoicing because, as we are reminded by countless television commercials, it's the hap, happiest time of the year. Others find it hard to celebrate since this is finally the fated month of the demise of civilization. If you are one of those people, I just want to mention that you are in such esteemed company as Tom Cruise, Shirley MacLaine, and Li'l Wayne. God bless you. Now stop reading because this column is not for you. I'm talking to the hap, happy people today. Yours is a story for another day.
So you're probably wondering what to get all the little ones on your Christmas list. Most of the little ones, if they are 6 months or older, probably want some kind of electronic gizmo that costs several hundred dollars. Rather than indulge them and attribute to their future societal dysfunction, why not present them with a classic gift; perhaps one that is in (cue trumpet intro), The National Toy Hall of Fame.
The National Toy Hall of Fame, established in 1998, "recognizes the contributions of toys and games that have sustained their popularity for many years." Criterion for induction includes icon-status, longevity, and innovation. It currently resides in the Strong National Museum of Play ("The Strong") in Rochester, N.Y.
As of this year, 51 toys have made it into (there go those trumpets again) The National Toy Hall of Fame. Among them are some that you would expect: a kite, a ball, a baby doll, playing cards, and a Frisbee, to name just a few. There are also some much beloved favorites such as Barbie, Lincoln Logs, Monopoly, and inducted this year, Star Wars figures.
Then there are the, shall we say, unusual items in the Hall of Fame. Among them are a blanket, a cardboard box, and a stick. Yes, I said a stick.
According to (trumpets again) The National Toy Hall of Fame, "Children find sticks an endless source of make-believe fun. Sticks can turn into swords, magic wands, majorette batons, fishing poles, and light sabers. When children pretend with sticks, they cultivate their creativity and develop their imaginations."
Well, okay; I guess all of that is true. However, if a stick is going to make the cut, what about, gee, I don't know, everything else in the world? Isn't that the case with every single object when you are a kid? Isn't that the beauty of childhood? Everything is anything when you're a child.
But here's the plan. Every child on your list should get a stick. Think how thrilled they will be. It can be anything! It's the ultimate gift. According to (the trumpets are really getting old) The National Toy Hall of Fame, "Sticks are not only possibly the oldest toys, they're possibly the best!"
How can you go wrong with that? I say you can't. In fact, the stick has me so intrigued, I'm calling it sticks all around this year. Heck, what makes an adult feel as good as a toy that reminds them of their youth. I can just imagine the joy on my daughters' faces when they check their stockings this year.
You know what? Just because I'm feeling so hap, happy this year, I'm going to go ahead and send sticks to Tom, Shirley, and Li'l for Christmas this year. You know, on the off chance that we actually have one.
- Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer and the author of the book "What's the Point" available at booklocker.com. Contact her at btodd@tds.net.
I hate dog movies. In dog movies, the good, loyal, lovable dog always dies at the end and I end up sitting there in the dark with big tears streaming down my cheeks.
I’ve not kept it a secret that I find people who dress their dogs in clothes to be, to put it nicely, somewhat more than just eccentric. And many friendly, helpful readers out there have not kept it a secret that they really wish I would not express my views about dogs dressed as humans.
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
It sounds like the plot from a dystopian libertarian novel. The word “patriot” and the phrase “educating on the Constitution and Bill of Rights” triggered heightened scrutiny from the most intrusive agency in the federal government.
The action at the bird feeder has been spectacular lately: Cardinals, finches, songbirds in impressive variety crowding around all day long in search of sustenance. It is truly gratifying …
Everyone presumes that Sen. Chuck Schumer, the media-hungry Democrat from New York, wants to be the next Senate majority leader. His performance in the negotiations over the Gang of Eight immigration plan should bolster his case for an eventual promotion.
An NPR broadcast examines the question of how communities can better prepare for tornadoes like the one that struck Moore, Okla. on Monday. The broadcast features commentary from Michael Fitzgerald, who reported a five-part disaster series for the CNHI News Service.
When J.J. Abrams took over the "Star Trek" franchise in 2009, he boldly went where the series hadn't gone before — romantically — pairing Uhura with Spock. Many fans disliked the change. Some loved it. Others didn't care, because they just wanted to see Kirk and Spock make out.
An NPR broadcast examines the question of how communities can better prepare for tornadoes like the one that struck Moore, Okla. on Monday. The broadcast features commentary from Michael Fitzgerald, who reported a five-part disaster series for the CNHI News Service.
Commentary
Discussion
Stick it to 'em this Christmas
By Rebecca Todd CNHI
Ah, December. It's finally here. Most of us are rejoicing because, as we are reminded by countless television commercials, it's the hap, happiest time of the year. Others find it hard to celebrate since this is finally the fated month of the demise of civilization. If you are one of those people, I just want to mention that you are in such esteemed company as Tom Cruise, Shirley MacLaine, and Li'l Wayne. God bless you. Now stop reading because this column is not for you. I'm talking to the hap, happy people today. Yours is a story for another day.
So you're probably wondering what to get all the little ones on your Christmas list. Most of the little ones, if they are 6 months or older, probably want some kind of electronic gizmo that costs several hundred dollars. Rather than indulge them and attribute to their future societal dysfunction, why not present them with a classic gift; perhaps one that is in (cue trumpet intro), The National Toy Hall of Fame.
The National Toy Hall of Fame, established in 1998, "recognizes the contributions of toys and games that have sustained their popularity for many years." Criterion for induction includes icon-status, longevity, and innovation. It currently resides in the Strong National Museum of Play ("The Strong") in Rochester, N.Y.
As of this year, 51 toys have made it into (there go those trumpets again) The National Toy Hall of Fame. Among them are some that you would expect: a kite, a ball, a baby doll, playing cards, and a Frisbee, to name just a few. There are also some much beloved favorites such as Barbie, Lincoln Logs, Monopoly, and inducted this year, Star Wars figures.
Then there are the, shall we say, unusual items in the Hall of Fame. Among them are a blanket, a cardboard box, and a stick. Yes, I said a stick.
According to (trumpets again) The National Toy Hall of Fame, "Children find sticks an endless source of make-believe fun. Sticks can turn into swords, magic wands, majorette batons, fishing poles, and light sabers. When children pretend with sticks, they cultivate their creativity and develop their imaginations."
Well, okay; I guess all of that is true. However, if a stick is going to make the cut, what about, gee, I don't know, everything else in the world? Isn't that the case with every single object when you are a kid? Isn't that the beauty of childhood? Everything is anything when you're a child.
But here's the plan. Every child on your list should get a stick. Think how thrilled they will be. It can be anything! It's the ultimate gift. According to (the trumpets are really getting old) The National Toy Hall of Fame, "Sticks are not only possibly the oldest toys, they're possibly the best!"
How can you go wrong with that? I say you can't. In fact, the stick has me so intrigued, I'm calling it sticks all around this year. Heck, what makes an adult feel as good as a toy that reminds them of their youth. I can just imagine the joy on my daughters' faces when they check their stockings this year.
You know what? Just because I'm feeling so hap, happy this year, I'm going to go ahead and send sticks to Tom, Shirley, and Li'l for Christmas this year. You know, on the off chance that we actually have one.
- Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer and the author of the book "What's the Point" available at booklocker.com. Contact her at btodd@tds.net.
I hate dog movies. In dog movies, the good, loyal, lovable dog always dies at the end and I end up sitting there in the dark with big tears streaming down my cheeks.
May 21, 2013
Mr. President, the buck stops with you.
President Truman set that standard, with these very words posted on a sign on his Oval Office desk.
But now, with over a thousand days left in this second Obama administration, we find a Nixonian stench emerging from the “W. House.”
May 21, 2013
Rarely has the White House briefing room so resembled the main ballroom at a meeting of the Conservative Political Action Conference.
May 21, 2013
I’ve not kept it a secret that I find people who dress their dogs in clothes to be, to put it nicely, somewhat more than just eccentric. And many friendly, helpful readers out there have not kept it a secret that they really wish I would not express my views about dogs dressed as humans.
May 17, 2013
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
May 17, 2013
The federal government recently announced new regulations for buying fast food.
May 17, 2013
It sounds like the plot from a dystopian libertarian novel. The word “patriot” and the phrase “educating on the Constitution and Bill of Rights” triggered heightened scrutiny from the most intrusive agency in the federal government.
May 17, 2013
The action at the bird feeder has been spectacular lately: Cardinals, finches, songbirds in impressive variety crowding around all day long in search of sustenance. It is truly gratifying …
For my neighbor.
That’s what it’s like at his feeder.
May 14, 2013
On April 27, Dr. Jeff Butts demonstrated a rare form of servant leadership as he participated in the Go Love Indy westside service project.
May 13, 2013
Everyone presumes that Sen. Chuck Schumer, the media-hungry Democrat from New York, wants to be the next Senate majority leader. His performance in the negotiations over the Gang of Eight immigration plan should bolster his case for an eventual promotion.
May 13, 2013
Follow me on Twitter
Will you be attending this year's Indy 500?
Tires
Telecommunications
Beauty Salons
Government
An NPR broadcast examines the question of how communities can better prepare for tornadoes like the one that struck Moore, Okla. on Monday. The broadcast features commentary from Michael Fitzgerald, who reported a five-part disaster series for the CNHI News Service.
May 22, 2013 1 Photo
Complete Report:
Part I: Are We Prepared? | Part II: Disaster Dollars
Part III: Lessons Learned | Part IV: Warning Signs
Part V: The Big One
When J.J. Abrams took over the "Star Trek" franchise in 2009, he boldly went where the series hadn't gone before — romantically — pairing Uhura with Spock. Many fans disliked the change. Some loved it. Others didn't care, because they just wanted to see Kirk and Spock make out.
May 22, 2013 1 Photo
An NPR broadcast examines the question of how communities can better prepare for tornadoes like the one that struck Moore, Okla. on Monday. The broadcast features commentary from Michael Fitzgerald, who reported a five-part disaster series for the CNHI News Service.
May 22, 2013 1 Photo
Complete Report:
Part I: Are We Prepared? | Part II: Disaster Dollars
Part III: Lessons Learned | Part IV: Warning Signs
Part V: The Big One
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