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Children prefer simple objects over toys because they’re “not limited” to being a single thing For kids, versatility might be the way to go — as far as toys are concerned, anyway. Zime Science May 2, 2019 by Alexandru Micu EXCERPT: I have it on reasonable authority that kids are very likely to ignore a particular toy and make a starry-eyed beeline for the box it came in. I haven’t got any of my own, so I can’t attest to the accuracy of that, but I do have a cat — so I can relate to how confusing such an experience might be. But fret not, parents around the world, for science comes to the rescue. A new study from the University of Alabama reports that children, particularly those at preschool age, are probably attracted to generic objects because they make for more versatile toys. “The inclusion of generic objects like sticks and boxes may allow children to extend their play because the generic objects can be used as multiple things,” said lead author Dr. Sherwood Burns-Nader, UA assistant professor of human development and family studies. “Pretend play such as object substitution has so many benefits, such as increased socialization and problem solving.” A cardboard box can become virtually anything in the mind of a child, the researchers say. In contrast, a spaceship or unicorn toy — despite being much more visually appealing — is doomed to remain a spaceship or unicorn for as long as you play with it. And therein lies the reason why children, especially younger ones, would generally prefer to play with the box. Children often substitute one object for another during play. A stick can become a sword, a rifle, or a pen. But such substitutions aren’t made lightly — the object has to have a passable resemblance to the one it’s being substituted for. As such, an object’s features such as shape or markings can disqualify it completely for a certain play-task. ... SOURCE: https://www.zmescience.com/science/children-toy-simple-objects-2353545/

Oh. My. God. Is there no one in Hollywood who has any imagination left? This just inhales sharply.

I am not as young as I used to be - but I am pretty sure some of you gents have a few years on me..... When I grew up as a kid in SouthEast TX we only had a 12" square black and white TV - I only remember watching Lone Ranger (which was revered and unquestioned true history to a boy in TX), Lassie, and 3 Stooges . . . . our house backed up to a swamp, and we always had critters - my Mom was less than happy to come home and find snakes sunning in the driveway lots of adventures out in the yard - gave the imagination a lot of exercise Of course - lots of critters to play with any time it rained our yard was a pond - and exploded with little frogs - we called them rain frogs I would catch them in a little box and sneak them inside to play with - then Mom would usually find them all dried out on the carpet the morning - aparrently I was the primary suspect when this happened . . . . and of course we also had skinks - but you had to be quick or their tails would pop off . . .

Why in this world do we have to have more Doom and Gloom. Why does it have to be negative. We need more and more positive influences on our children nowadays. I'm old school and I'm proud of it. Put me in front of a movie with a good, wholesome, loving, caring, Happy Ending Story, I'll watch it over and over and over again.

I predict that it will become an instant flop.

Can't forget Mr. Beans Christmas . . . a T-Rex is not supposed to be that funny, and I am pretty sure that is @Santa Bruce Geron conductin the street musicians. . . . .

Each month, our Featured Member section profiles a ClausNet member. Members are chosen totally at random by me and the staff. Once selected as Featured Member of the Month, we interview the candidate and post the interview here. This is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow ClausNet members! We are happy to announce our ClausNet Featured Member for May 2019 is Santa Bill of Bel Air! Santa Bill of Bel Air Featured ClausNet Member – May 2019 Profile: Santa Bill of Bel Air Real Name: Bill Location: Bel Air, Maryland USA ClausNet member since: November 8, 2008 Community Reputation (as of today): 190 – Excellent! Facebook: KofCSanta Our Featured Member of the Month for May is from Bel Air. No not that Bel Air! Bel Air, Maryland! Santa Bill of Bel Air joined ClausNet back in 2008 and has been putting on the red suit for 18 years now. We caught up with Santa Bill a few days ago, and here is what he had to say... ClausNet: How long have you been portraying Santa Claus and how did you get started? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "About 18 years. It started with a house visit to a friend of my wife's. I was a traditional Santa for 16 years and started as real bearded a few years ago, after my obligation to the Coast Guard was over." ClausNet: What or who are your influences on your portrayal of Santa Claus? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Many movie Santas, most especially Tim Allen in the Santa Clause for the look and Edmund Gwenn in Miracle on 34th Street for the temperament. I also like to keep alive the spirit and generosity of St. Nicholas as well." ClausNet: What do you enjoy most about being Santa Claus? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Having the privilege and opportunity to be a part of Christmas traditions for so many families. It was always a magical time in my childhood. Being part of that for others is something that I value beyond words." ClausNet: What is your most memorable visit? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "I have made several visits to terminally ill children. As much as it pulls on the heart strings, I feel honored to be asked by a child's family to be one of their last Christmas memories." ClausNet: Do you have a favorite gig? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Polar Express and being the ‘house’ Santa at the B&O Railroad Museum the past two years. My Dad worked for the B&O, so it's great to be there to honor him and be a part of a long-standing holiday tradition in Baltimore." ClausNet: What is your dream gig? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Disney or perhaps somewhere in Europe." ClausNet: What keeps you busy when you are not being Santa? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "I work as college counselor and teach German on the side." ClausNet: What are your hobbies / interests? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "History (especially Civil War), Living History, Hiking, Ice Hockey." ClausNet: What is your favorite color? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Besides red? I am fond of green." ClausNet: What is your favorite food? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "My wife was a fabulous cook, so I was spoiled with some of the best homemade Italian dishes. I also love a good steak and Mexican." ClausNet: Coke or Pepsi? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Pepsi, but I like Coke too." ClausNet: What is your favorite cookie? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Chocolate Chip." ClausNet: What is your favorite movie? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Gettysburg." ClausNet: Do you have a favorite Christmas movie? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "A Christmas Carol (with George C. Scott or Alistair Simm)." ClausNet: What is your favorite Christmas song? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole, it reminds me so much of Christmas during my childhood." ClausNet: What was the last book that you read? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "The Border Reivers by Alistairr Moffat." ClausNet: What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Park Ranger." ClausNet: What profession would you not like to attempt? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Accountant. It would be a disaster." ClausNet: What were some of your favorite toys as a child? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Star Wars toys and Tonka Trucks." ClausNet: What is your most memorable experience of Santa while growing up? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Meeting Santa at the American Legion Post where my grandfather was a member. it was always the first Saturday in July." ClausNet: What is the hardest question you have gotten as Santa Claus and what was your response? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "I've had several children ask me to make sure that their deployed military parent or sibling make it home. I usually give them a hug, tell them how proud I am of them for being so brave while their loved one is away and assure them that I will pray for their wish." ClausNet: What is the strangest request you've gotten as Santa Claus? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Brocolli." ClausNet: How did you find ClausNet? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "I stumbled across the site on the Internet and am very glad that I did!" ClausNet: And what do you like most about ClausNet? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "The chance to meet and learn from Santas with so many diverse experiences and backgrounds. it is a true Christmas family in which I am proud and honored to be a member." ClausNet: Is there a Santa or Mrs. Claus over the years that you admire or has inspired you? Can you tell us a little bit about him/her? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "I have been inspired by many. A few who come to mind are Santa Guy McNair, Santa Tony Mills, Santa Brian Marchetti and Santa Thom Ruby. Both have taken the time to mentor me, answer questions and give great advice." ClausNet: What advice can you give to a first time Santa or Mrs. Claus? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Learn, learn and learn! Observe Santas in many environments when you can. As you gain more experience, you can use these lessons and develop your own style. Never forget that it is about the kids and the families." ClausNet: Anything else you would like to add? Santa Bill of Bel Air: "Having lost my wife in March, I am dedicating this season to her. She always loved to hear about the funny things kids would say and how they would look with wide-eyed wonder. She was a teacher and had a huge heart for kids too. I will always be Chrissy's Claus." Thank you Bill! Everyone, please join me in congratulating Santa Bill of Bel Air, our ClausNet Featured Member of the Month for May 2019!

Santa Claus Flew a Piper Cub By Black River Santa On Christmas Eve 1944, the beleaguered American defenders holding the little Belgian town of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, were low on everything except courage. An airdrop the day before had brought in some supplies but the few, exhausted medics, who tended to wounded GIs in dank cellars throughout the town, had no penicillin and damn little of anything else. When the Germans surrounded the town on December 19, they captured nearly all of the medical personnel and supplies. According to one trooper named Ernie Cummings, who was there with the 101st Airborne, the handful of medics had no choice but to amputate the growing number of gangrenous and frostbitten limbs. Back at headquarters, they were frantically trying to get medical supplies through to Bastogne but the foul weather ruined any hopes for another airdrop. Instead, they turned in desperation to some of the smallest members of the massive American air armada – the single-prop, unarmed Piper Cub L-4s, known affectionately as “grasshoppers.” The Piper Cub was designed in the 1930s and was a popular civilian sport plane. During the war, it was used for reconnaissance flights and made an ideal spotter plane for artillery and armor, but the slow-moving, low-flying, grasshoppers were also vulnerable to all types of ground fire. At the 28th Division HQ, volunteers were requested from the ranks of the Piper Cub pilots that spotted for the division artillery. The men were told that they would fly in at night and face heavy enemy fire. They were also warned that there was no airstrip near Bastogne to land on, and no lights to guide them in. Every one of the plucky grasshopper pilots stepped forward to volunteer. One, who insisted the loudest and most adamantly, was a young lieutenant from Far Hills, New Jersey named Kenneth B. Schley, Jr. As the tiny planes were loaded with vital penicillin, the weather worsened and an icy fog began to envelop the airfield. Back at HQ, the brass was beginning to have second thoughts, and shortly aftr the planes took off, they aborted the mission. Kenneth Schley had anticipated the recall, so as a precaution, he turned off his radio so that there would be no turning back. Alone, he bounced along through the frigid, starless night relying on his compass to guide him to Bastogne. Along the way he dodged bursts of flak, machine gun tracers, small arms fire, and anything else the enemy could throw at him. After 30 minutes under intense fire, Schley finally reached Bastogne. As warned, he couldn’t see any lights or signs of a landing strip. He buzzed the town several times, swooping down to rooftop level and gunning his engines hoping to be heard but there was still no sign. Determined to get the supplies through at any cost, he decided to crash land. Just then, a double row of flashlights flickered on below, outlining a makeshift landing strip. For the astonished troopers of the 101st Airborne, it was as if old St. Nick had dropped in himself. For the wounded lying in the cellars of the surrounded and besieged town, there couldn’t have been a better Christmas present. Schley spent the night in one of crowded cellars. He was so impressed with the tenacity of the men of the 101st, he tried to enlist the next morning. When he was told that it was appreciated but not possible, he decided to get back to work. Against the advice of his new comrades and superior officers, Schley hopped back into his Piper Cub on Christmas morning and flew back over enemy lines to his unit. For his “gallantry and complete disregard for personal safety” that foggy Christmas Eve, Kenneth B. Schley, Jr. was awarded the Silver Star. Lt. Kenneth B. Schley, Jr. (left). A Piper Cub L-4 Grasshopper (right)

Last week, I closed a musical in my theatre (The Fierce and Fabulous Women of Broadway) and I just got word from the producer that they want to stage a Christmas Cabaret in December. It will be a mix of old and new Christmas Classics, choreography, scenery, and lights and a limited 2 week engagement. Looking forward to planning the details.

Does anyone remember...

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was born on this day in 1840, in Votkinsk, in the Russian Empire. Though he never played Santa Claus, the score he wrote for the two-act ballet, “The Nutcracker,” adapted from E.T.A. Hoffman’s story, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," is part of our collective Christmas soundtrack, and attending a stage performance is an annual family tradition for many during the holiday season. I know this has to be a @Drosselmeyer favorite!

American film and television actor, John Howard Payne (1912-1989), was born on May 23, 1912 in Roanoke, Virginia. Payne is known mainly for his later work in film noir crime stories, musical films, and for his leading role in the NBC Western television series The Restless Gun, but Christmas movie lovers everywhere remember him fondly for his role as attorney Fred Gailey, the man that proved there is a Santa Claus, in the classic holiday favorite Miracle on 34th Street (1947) starring Natalie Wood, Maureen O'Hara and Edmund Gwenn as Santa Claus.

RCA, big Mahogany cabinet small B&W screen. You had to wait until the tubes warmed up and there were 4 channels which went off the air a midnight with the national anthem playing and a test pattern on the screen.

Accidentally shaved off my then brown beard when I was dating my wife 32 years ago. She saw my chinless face and demanded I grow it back. I have had a goatee or beard since then. I will say my wife is okay with a short beard but is not a big fan of my long Santa beard (though she does like the income that it helps bring at Christmas...and she loves it when kids "recognize" me as Santa too.) I initially grew my beard to hide the aforementioned undefined chin face and resulting double chin that came from my "jolliness." It created a longer face for me and seemed to fit my personality. Dominance over other men was not part of the plan. Now shaping and creating a unique look, even now, is probably more for attention's sake, not dominance.

You have no idea.

Seems we are in the age of "rowdy, unorthodox" Santas.

nothing about this appeals to me . . .

I actually had one of the originals in the 1960's. Hate to admit this, but every night I turned him towards the wall, just in case he came to life and.....

Great research in this posting.

The May 2019 issue of the ClausNet Gazette is now online! view online

Albert Finney (1936-2019) was born May 9, 1936, in Charlestown, Salford, England. Legendary star of film, television and stage, Finney was nominated for five Academy Awards for films that include Tom Jones (1963), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), The Dresser (1983), and Under the Volcano (1984), and as Best Supporting Actor for Erin Brockovich (2000). But for those who love him like the “Dickens” he will always be remembered as Scrooge in the 1971 musical movie adaptation of A Christmas Carol, for which he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy in 1971. “Thank You Very Much” Albert!

OH YES !!! Still have several of them in a box - there was a whole old west series of characters !! I was a kid in the 70s - but Lone Ranger was one of the few things we got on our little black and white TV set back then - along with the Stooges and Little Rascals..... I didn't know they were re-runs - as a kid in TX watching the Lone Ranger that was about as real as history could be !!!

Alright, this one’s for you @Drosselmeyer Does anyone remember the Lone Ranger toys introduced by Gabriel in 1973? The series included action figures with clothing and accessories, horses, and different themed play sets. It was a big hit that Christmas and popular well into the 70’s.

It's okay, you're among friends.

Do I confess I have it on DVD ? . . .

One of my favorite's is

Where does one begin with this announcement? I hope it's more successful than his work in Jekyll and Hyde on Broadway.

The search is on for Capital Christmas tree in Carson National Forest KRQE By Francesca Washington May 01, 2019 EXCERPT: The forest service has a mission for all New Mexicans: find the perfect Christmas tree for the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. It's a place where they're rocking around the Christmas tree all year long—the Christmas Shop in Old Town, where there's plenty of trees to choose from. However, an artificial tree just won't due for the big task New Mexico is undertaking. "For northern New Mexico to be featured in the national spotlight is quite the honor," says Denise Ottaviano, Public Affairs Officer, Carson National Forest. This year's capital Christmas Tree is coming from New Mexico, specifically the Carson National Forest—one of the state's most stunning forests. "We're very excited to provide the tree, we're asking for the public to help us find the tree," says Francisco Cortez, Wildlife Programs Manager, Carson National Forest. They want people to actually go out and scout it, take pictures and report back, and there are some very specific requirements. From uniform branching to rich color, the tree picked to go to the capital should be visually pleasing from all sides. "We're not really looking for the Charlie Brown Christmas tree this year," Cortez says. The tree must be a Fir or a Spruce, stand between 65-85 feet tall, and have the perfect shape. "I think it's kind of challenging to find when we go out and pick...our cedar would have one side that wasn't perfect because it would go against the wall," says Loleta Hammontree. The tree isn't the only thing from New Mexico headed to the capital: 10,000 ornaments made locally will cover the capital tree and other trees throughout Washington. Forest Service officials say it would be ideal if the tree was close to a road for easy access. SOURCE: https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/the-search-is-on-for-capital-christmas-tree-in-carson-national-forest/1971195292

Congratulations my friend - we must get together soon !

American actor, Edward Ernest "Judge" Reinhold, Jr. was born May 21, 1957, in Wilmington, Delaware @Drosselmeyer. Reinhold has appeared in in over 75 motion picture and television roles including Ruthless People, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Stripes, Gremlins, Beverly Hills Cop, and his Emmy-winning performance as “the close talker” on Seinfeld, but Christmas movie lovers everywhere remember him as Dr. Neil Miller - the doubting stepfather/psychiatrist in an ugly sweater, who finally gets his "weenie whistle" in The Santa Clause (1, 2 & 3).

I'm all for folks portraying their idea of Santa, but come on... at least try to stay in the same realm as the character!

since we are talking about "the olden times" thought I might share this . . . I don't recall having all the latest and greatest toys - we didn't even get an Atari when they came out - but I sure had a lot of fun with a fishing pole and my dog down in the park . . .

I think you we can put this study in the same bin as the "Beards are dirtier than a dog study".

I was just a kid then, but I recall many of them were designed to look like console radios, and some even were advertised with people sitting next to them listening to them like they were radios, instead of watching them. Very puzzling. Ours was a Zenith, almost square, made of plastic with rounded corners, B&W of course, and the most interesting series was a series of war propaganda shorts called "Industry on Parade." They were a bit hard pressed for programming in the early years...

Memories...............

No 24-hour news - just morning, 6 pm and 10 pm.

Zenith... B&W (of course) in a console. It lasted 28 years!!!

In the end, it's all the same... Have a great day!

This is too much fun..We're all about the same age!

Does anyone remember the Aurora ‘Glows in the Dark’ Monster Model Kits? This retake on the classic Aurora monster models of the 1960's was a popular item on hobby store shelves from 1969-1975. Reissued in a new square box, it came an extra sprue of phosphorescent parts that glowed in the dark. I must have made them all. Monsters from the series included Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Mummy, the Phantom of the Opera, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, King Kong, Godzilla, Dr. Jekyll as Mr. Hyde, the Bride of Frankenstein and the Witch.

a friend was cleaning out to move and gave me a DVD of the Spongebob Christmas specials . . . maybe not truly "old school" but a great ridiculous silly video . . .

We don't say it enough. But I really do appreciate all of the contributions and efforts put forth to make this not only an exceptional learning tool, but also a fun and entertaining place to spark your imagination and unwind with a little good old fashioned fun!

Many thanks !!!

One of my staff was ordering breakfast today - and asked if I wanted anything - somewhere from the dustbins of my brain I said I would like a Faloopnik - you know, the traditional Lutonian Christmas breakfast of eggs wrapped in cabbage leaves - which of course takes me back to the old SCTV Christmas specials..... "and then we put the hat on the tree - we don't know why we do that...."

Agree, something about this one is extra special to me

well I haven't licked my private parts or anyone else's, I'll take. the beard.

Congrats Bill! Wishing you the greatest season ever Well done and I enjoyed reading your answers! Thanks for sharing with us! Peace & Love Schwindy

A wonderful reading of your answers and to me it shows your love for what you do. My heart goes out to you and I look forward to seeing posts with photos of your season Mr. "Chrissy" Claus. I am honored to know you. Big internet hug to you Sir!