40 People, Places & Things That Turned 40 in 2019

Scribbles celebrated its 40th anniversary last year with lots of special features and those cool Scribbles keychains. But Scribbles wasn't the only thing that turned 40 in 2019. Here is an encore of 40 more...

1. Sony Walkman. They were the Smartphone of '79 - early 80's and if you didn't own an authentic Walkman, well that just wasn't cool.

2. The Dukes of Hazzard. Them good ol' boys Bo & Luke, their sister Daisy and Uncle Jesse spun their wheels and dusted up a storm in their car the 'General Lee', when they hit the airwaves on CBS in January 1979.

3. Happy Meal. Hard to believe McDonald's "kiddie meal" has been around for four decades. Today, the Happy Meal offers some healthier options, but a hamburger and fries is still the main attraction.

4. Kate Hudson. The bubbly actress is the famous daughter of Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson of The Hudson Brothers. She won a Golden Globe in 2000 for her role in Almost Famous. Hudson co-founded the fitness brand Fabletics, operated by JustFab in 2016, Hudson - whose birthday is April 19 - released her first book, Pretty Happy: Healthy Ways to Love Your Body, and in 2017, she released her second book, Pretty Fun: Creating and Celebrating a Lifetime of Tradition.

5. The Muppet Movie. Wow...Kermit and his felt companions look pretty darn good for 40. With its inspiring message and rainbow connection, The Muppet Movie withstands the passage of time and is as incredible today as it was when Kermie, Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo & pals bicycled their way into theatres in 1979.

6. Benson. Originally, Benson was the butler on the soap opera parody Soap. In 1979, ABC gave the character (played by Robert Guillaume) his own series which took on a more traditional sitcom format.


7. P!nk. The rockin'  pop diva shows no signs of slowing down as she celebrates her 40th birthday on September 8, making her 7 days younger than Scribbles.

8. Mandarin Restaurant. The popular all-you-can-eat Chinese food chain opened its first restaurant in Brampton, 40 years ago. Today there's 29 locations across Ontario.

9. Jennifer Love Hewitt. Jennifer first gained popularity with her role on the FOX series Party of Five in 1995. She has gone on to star in I Know What You Did Last Summer (and its sequel), Criminal Minds, Ghost Whisperer and most recently 9-1-1.  Love Hewitt's 40th birthday was February 21.

10. The Facts of Life. This NBC hit was a spinoff from the series Diff'rent Strokes. It starred Charlotte Rae, who reprised her role of housekeeper Mrs. Garrett. Featuring a cast of young up-and-coming actors, The Facts of Life was one of the longest running sitcom series of the 80's.

11. Dustbuster. These handy, dandy portable vacuums have been sucking for four decades.

12. Chris Pratt. Pratt's first TV series was NBC's Parks & Recreation, which garnered him a Critic's Choice Award nomination for his role of Andy Dwyer. He went on to star in big screen hits Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World and The Lego Movie. Pratt celebrated his 40th birthday on June 21st.

13. Hart to Hart. Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers played Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, a wealthy couple who lead a glamorous jetset lifestyle and solved mysteries.

14. Flo Rida. Born September 17, Tramar Lacel Dillard gained popularity under the name Flo Rida with his 2007 rap hit Low.

15. Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Attempting to cash in on the popularity of Star Trek & Star Wars, this NBC series received lackluster ratings when it first aired. Although it had only 2 seasons, the series went on to become a syndicated cult favourite.

16. Ringpop. Is it a ring? Is it a candy? Well actually it's both and we've been slipping them on our fingers and licking them for 40 years.

17. Sunkist. This is a popular US carbonated orange beverage whose kick comes not from the vitamins in oranges but from the caffeine it contains.

18. Kevin Hart. Hart was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 7, 1979. He is a popular stand up comic who has starred in films that include The Secret Life of Pets, Little Fockers, Scary Movie 3, Get Hard and About Last Night.

19. Knot's Landing. Set in a California cul-de-sac, Knot's Landing was a spinoff of the blockbuster prime time soap Dallas.

20. This Old House. Setting the tone for a multitude of similar themed series, This Old House followed participants as they repaired and renovated their homes.

21. Hubba Bubba. Created by the Wrigley Company, Hubba Bubba's original promotion was the fact it is less sticky than other gums making it is easier to peel off your skin after a bubble bursts.

22. Ne-Yo. R&B singer, songwriter and producer, Ne-Yo's most recent appearances have been as a judge on NBC's World of Dance. He was born October 18, 1979.

23. Archie Bunker's Place.  All in the Family ended because producer Norman Lear wanted it to end while it was still popular. CBS and Carroll O'Connor (Bunker) however wanted more and convinced Lear to do a spinoff called Archie Bunker's Place. With Archie becoming a co-owner of a bar, the show lasted 4 seasons.

24. Jason Momoa. Muscular, long-haired & bearded star Jason Momoa was born on August 1, 1979. He is best known for his roles on Conan the Barbarian, Aquaman and the phenomenal HBO series Game of Thrones.

25. Honey Nut Cheerios. Popular cereal Cheerios first hit store shelves in the US in 1941. In 1979 General Mills debuted Honey Nut Cheerios, a new flavour of the breakfast staple.

26. The Littlest Hobo. Canadian series The Littlest Hobo featured an owner-less German Shepard who wandered from town to town helping people in need. The tail wagging hit was actually a remake of the 1963 series and lasted for 6 seasons. It now airs in syndication around the world.

In addition to the above people, places, TV series and consumer products, a lot of very popular songs also celebrate their 40th birthday in 2019. Can you believe we've been listening to these iconic tunes for four decades?

27. Ring My Bell - Anita Ward
28. My Sharona - The Knack
29. Knock on Wood - Amii Stewart
30. Don't Bring Me Down - ELO (Electric Light Orchestra)
31. Hot Stuff - Donna Summer
32. The Logical Song -Supertramp
33. We Are Family - Sister Sledge
34. Message in a Bottle - The Police
35. Escape (The Pina Coloda Song) - Rupert Holmes
36. I Was Made For Lovin' You - Kiss
37. Cars - Gary Numan
38. I'll Never Fall In Love Again - Dionne Warwick (why did I think it was released earlier than 1979? Hmmmm.)
39. I Don't Like Mondays -The Boomtown Rats

And number 40... last but not least, as you may have heard. It's also Scribbles 40th anniversary. September 1st is the actual day we turn 40 but we're celebrated on Scribbles throughout 2019.

Hope you enjoyed our Special 40 Feature.

Holiday Editorial

Season’s Greetings Everyone,   

I could start by saying how quickly the past year has gone by, but that’s a bit predictable. I could say how exciting and joyous the holidays are, but although that’s true for many, it’s not everyone’s reality.

What I will revel in is something we all share....This very website. It’s been an exciting year here at Scribbles, as we celebrated our 40^th anniversary. Never did I imagine I’d still be Scribbling 40 years later, when I created the first Sunny Digest in Sept. 1979...and likely I wouldn’t be, had you not embraced my efforts.

Scribbles has uniquely linked us together for 4 decades. We have gotten to know each other, watch ourselves grow, care for each other and celebrate our accomplishments.

On my side of the equation, Scribbles has been a true lifesaver. It provides me with an outlet to share my creative talents and get out of my head for a while. That can often be a very good thing and the results are a win/win for all of us.

This time around, in addition to our colourful Holiday features, you'll also find a review of the Elvira Kurt's recent appearance at the Performing Arts Centre, stories featuring more of your cool pets, a new Scribbles Video and the return of the popular quiz What Is It? 

Thanks for continuing to share Scribbles with me. To infinity and beyond as we launch into the 2020’s.

Kenny

With transcripts from Klyde

Merry Pastamas ... A Dinner for Anyone in Need

UPDATE: THIS EVENT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS WITH LIVE MUSICIANS & A MOUTHWATERING MEAL 

Our Scribbles friend Falynn Shaw is sharing the Christmas spirit as she plans a free Merry Pastamas dinner to be held at Third Space Cafe in downtown Niagara Falls.

"It's for anyone in need, not just the homeless — any community that doesn't have somewhere to go, or they don't fit in, they can come out and join us," Falynn told Raymond Spiteri from The Niagara Falls Review. 

"Some of them, it was just because they didn't fit in, some of it was mental health, others were gay, I mean the list goes on."

"I just hate the idea that some people have nowhere to go. I just want everyone to know that they're welcomed — all ages."

The dinner include vegan, non-vegan and gluton-free options. It will held on Wed. Dec. 25 from 2-5 pm at Third Space Cafe, 4345 Queen St., Niagara Falls - a safe space for everyone to enjoy.

Donations can be dropped off at the cafe. THIS IS A LGBTQ FRIENDLY EVENT

To read the full Niagara Fall Review Interview with Falynn CLICK HERE

Liam's a Masterchef Junior

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take

– Wayne Gretzky

The Muppets Family Christmas is a Gift of Love & Laughter

Fozzie Bear's mother is all set to vacation in sunny Malibu, when her comic son and his Muppet pals show up at her rural farmhouse for a surprise Christmas celebration.It's a full house of colourful characters, but someone's missing. Kermit's beloved Miss Piggy has not arrived to join the others and must make her way through a massive snowstorm.

With classic Christmas carols, humour and love, this is a Christmas special that's sure to warm your heart.

Rural Splendor

You just can’t beat the person who never gives up 

– Babe Ruth

Elvira Kurt Brings Us to Tears

Since its opening in 2015, my friend Shelley and I have attended many shows at the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines. Most of the shows have been singers or groups, however our most recent outing was spent not singing along with the performer, but laughing out loud. Minute Canadian stand-up comedian Elvira Kurt brought her quick wit to the PAC on Dec. 5th and had us tearing up with laughter.

This was not Elvira’s first visit to our fine city. She has now appeared several times at the PAC both on her own and as part of a series called Girls Night Out, which features a group of funny ladies.

Although no opening act had been announced, Kurt did bring out a local comedian and Carolyn Taylor from the CBC series Baroness Von Sketch Show, who each did a brief stint before Elvira returned to the stage. She spoke often of the unique bond between her and those who come out to see her at the PAC. We’re not sure if it was something she professes when appearing in other venues, but it came across as genuine.

What impressed me most about the show was Kurt’s spontaneity. Four people with front row seats arrived a bit late for the show and immediately became the subjects of her jokes. It was the same with the people in the balcony and an audience member who was a retired ice skating instructor. Each of them became part of her act and I can’t remember the last time I laughed that much.

Shelley and I kicked off the night with dinner at The Works, a downtown bistro whose specialty is gourmet hamburgers.There’s actually an entire page of unique creations including one that combines Reese’s Peanut Butter cups with a burger. We didn’t try it this time around, but it is on my bucket list for future visits.

Both The Works and Elvira Kurt’s show get 5 stars from Scribbles.

Storm Chaser

When you feel overwelmed, repeat this to yourself until you remember that it's true;

You'll get it all done, you always do.

Ho Ho Ho, Ha Ha Ha's

Joe Friday

Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears 

– Les Brown

New Video Take Us to Garden Gallery's Wintery Wonderland

My sister & I returned to Stevensville Garden Gallery recently, and it was the perfect place to get lots of creative Christmas ideas. Take a walk through Stevensville Garden Gallery's Winter Wonderland in this new Scribbles clip.

Hedgehog's Christmas Surprise...

What a heartwarming ad, suitable for the whole family.

   

Say something nice to a stranger.

Remembering Last Year's Holidays

While we're busy making new future memories this holiday season, here's another look at how we enjoyed last year's festivities.
 

Watch for an ALL NEW Holiday Recap Scribbles Video coming in early Jan.

Awesome DYI Coffee Table

We featured this DYI a few years ago, but it's worth repeating. This is a project that doesn't seem overly difficult and it sure looks great when completed.  

A Holly Jolly Good Time

Visit Hospice Renfrew Website HERE           Donate to Hospice Renfrew HERE           Listen to 98.7 Valley Heritage Radio HERE

Success is getting what you want, Happiness is wanting what you get

~ Ingrid Bergman

Karloff's 'Storm' Withstands Time & Still Thrills

Boris Karloff's Thriller was an NBC TV series that aired from 1960-1962. Comparable to Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Thriller offered up weekly doses of suspenceful, twisted tales.

I am a huge fan of the show and since you can find the entire series on You Tube, I binge on them regularly. There's several episodes that are a must-see like The Hungry Glass, The Grim Reaper, Choose a Victim and Parasite Mansion.

One of my absolute favourites is The Storm (featured below). This is a scary delight, best when watched at night and when there's a thunderstorm.

Grab your favourite snack, get comfy and enjoy....

 

Classic Kitty

This amusing post first appeared in January 2017

Is 'The Simpsons' Coming to an End?

Is The Simpsons finally coming to an end? According to composer Danny Elfman, next season will be its last. Elfman wrote the infamous Simpsons theme song and he told the UK entertainment site JOE "I don't know for a fact, but I've heard that it will be in its last year."

The Simpsons is TV's longest running primetime series, currently in its 31st season, with over 700 episodes in its library. In 1987 the popular yellow characters first appeared in short segments on The Tracey Ulman Show before getting their own series that premiered Dec. 17, 1989.

It's no secret that I'm a major fan of the series, who has collected Simpsons stuff for 3 decades. The early seasons are my favourite but I haven't enjoyed the last few seasons much.

The Simpsons was renewed for season 32 and the buzz is, that will be the last. Stay tuned. Here's an encore look at my collection of Simpsons stuff...plus collectibles from other animated series.