One of my biggest pet peeves is stores putting out Christmas decor way too early.
While recently shopping for some Halloween decor for the new house I noticed one of my favorite stores already had Christmas items on display.
Please someone correct me if I am wrong, but doesn’t Halloween and Thanksgiving come before Christmas? Santa Claus makes his first visit to the malls before the turkey is even carved. By promoting Christmas before other holidays, especially Thanksgiving, sends a message that those holidays are less important.
What is wrong with having some fall displays for shoppers until closer to Thanksgiving? I still cannot find the exact fall garland I want for my living room, but Christmas garland is pretty plentiful.
Now I know some are going to call me a hypocrite because technically I have already started Christmas shopping. I start Christmas shopping early because I like to find the best deals (i.e. I am notoriously cheap). Also sometimes it takes me that long to decide what to get some people since I am adamantly against gift cards. But I do not wrap a gifts or put out a snowman figurine until the weekend after Thanksgiving.
It is also sort of depressing. Once you start truly thinking about Christmas you remember that the snow is about to fly.
If people stop buying Christmas decor early in the year stores will stop pushing other displays aside. Plus the best time to buy Christmas decor is after Christmas anyway, when it is at least half off. I buy all the wrapping paper, tissue paper and ribbons after Christmas (like I said, I am notoriously cheap).
So let’s try to keep the holidays in order. In dessert terms they go “lots of candy,” “lots of pie,” and “lots of cookies.”
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
Christmas in …..
October 1st, 2009 by michelleganassiA first for everything
September 21st, 2009 by michelleganassiWhen I was growing up I had several dreams. One was reached last year when I traveled to Italy with my family.
By my age most people have been to the ocean, whether it was a family vacation or a spring break adventure.
But not me.
That changed Thursday when I found out a surprise trip to Wildwood, N.J. was planned for my birthday.
The ocean was absolutely beautiful. One of the first things I did was kick off my flip-flops and run through the sand and ocean. I even attempted my best effort at a Baywatch run across the beach.
Every morning I got up early to try and find as many seashells as possible. Now I know you are supposed to sit on the beach and relax, but anyone who has met me knows sitting and relaxing is not in my DNA. I played in the sand and walked in the water and tried to relax while taking in the atmosphere. I was probably acting more like a kid than an adult, but I have been told that is one of my more adorable qualities.
Now some may argue that the off-season weather was not suitable for a bathing suit. But I am from Somerset County — all we have is off-season weather.
I trekked the boardwalk dozens of times, ate some great seafood and even took a monster truck ride on the sand.
For most people my age going to the beach is an annual tradition, something they do with family or friends. For me it was a dream come true. The beauty and serenity of the ocean was not wasted on me. It was my dream come true.
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
On a side note, while strolling on the boardwalk many places had shirts that said “ConVICK” “Hide your hound Vick is in town” and “Hide your Beagle Vick’s an Eagle.” These made me laugh since I have such strong views about felon Michael Vick playing in the NFL. In case you missed my two Daily American Debates against one Rick Kazmer here are some links.
Daily Debate: Should Michael Vick be allowed to play football again?
No - http://dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/06/08/opinion/columns/column516.txt
Yes - http://dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/06/08/opinion/columns/column515.txt
Daily Debate: Is Philly the wrong city for Vick?
No - http://dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/08/17/opinion/columns/column414.txt
Yes - http://dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/08/17/opinion/columns/column415.txt
Party it up, Scranton style
September 15th, 2009 by michelleganassiMindless reality television and talent shows step aside, the fall television line-up is back.
On the top of my list is the return of Michael Scott and the rest of Dunder Mifflin crew. I am anxiously awaiting the news Jim and Pam and expecting a little bundle of joy. I am sure Dwight will be giving lots of advice to the expecting couple as Michael asks questions that would get most fired.
There is something shows like The Office and 30 Rock do so well — help you escape through comedy.
It seems a lot of television shows today are unscripted and get reactions from people making fools of themselves or are scripted and need surgeries, shootouts or sex scandals to make an impact.
I was a huge Friends fan. Still to this day I choke up a bit when I think about Rachel getting off the plane and returning to Ross.
After Friends left the air, I was worried nothing would replace it since so many networks are putting ridiculous people on-air hungry for 15 minutes.
But, for the first time ever, I was so wrong.
The Office format is pretty simple — a show mocking reality television taking place in a small town called Scranton. You have the boss who doesn’t realize he is out-of-touch and a crew of characters ranging from the cat-obsessed accountant Angela to the prank-loving Jim Halpert to Dwight, the guy that drives you insane. Most people who work in an office have a few of the characters in the cubicles next to them.
Their story lines are funny, without being too over-the-top.
Here is my favorite quote of all time. To set up the scene, Pam’s ex came to the office to beat up Jim Halpert. Dwight whipped out a can of pepper-spray to save the day.
“No, don’t call me a hero. Do you know who the real heroes are? The guys, who wake up every morning, and go into their normal jobs, and get a distress call from the commissioner, and take off their glasses and change into capes and fly around fighting crime. Those are the real heroes.” — Dwight Shrute.
Maybe other networks should leave the reality shows alone and bring back the writers to put together good comedy sitcoms. It is the one thing we are truly lacking on television. There are plenty of medical dramas, cop shows and talent competitions, but we all need to laugh — it is the best medicine.
In other news Thursday is my birthday. I am turning 27 and was feeling a little old until this exchange at a rabbit club function this weekend.
A woman was asking me questions and the last was “How old were you when this happened?”
“16″ I replied.
To which she said.
“I thought you were a teenager, you are like a real person.”
I’ll be mistaken for a 18-year-old any day.
(I welcome any comments, suggestions or criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
Bleeding black and gold
September 9th, 2009 by michelleganassiAfter patiently waiting the football season is back. I enjoy a good game of football with my beloved Steelers on the field.
I really get into the games. I have been know to yell at the television, throw objects when the ref rules against the Steelers and even injure a few innocent bystanders (sorry Seth).
So I decided to make my picks for the year. Please let me know what you think.
Sept. 10, Tennessee - win. There will be a lot of excitement starting the season and the Titans did deface the Terrible Towel
Sept. 20, at Chicago – win. It will be a close game, but the Steelers will win.
Sept. 27, at Cincinnati – win. It’s a given.
Oct. 4 San Diego – lose. It will be a close game.
Oct. 11, at Detroit – win. They are just a horrible team.
Oct. 18, Cleveland – win. With one of Ben’s hands tied behind his back,
Oct. 25, Minnesota – win. Brett Farve was washed up three years ago. He just needs to retire.
Nov. 9, at Denver – win. Denver isn’t as strong as a team like in the past.
Nov. 15, Cincinnati – win.
Nov. 22, at Kansas City – win.
Nov. 29, at Baltimore – win. I was at the Ravens Monday night football game last year (since I have the world’s best fiance Seth). It will be a close, stressful game. Some will get injured on the field, and maybe even at home. But at the end of the day we have their number. Even if the game is won on Jeff Reed’s toe.
Dec. 6, Oakland – win. Oakland still has a team?
Dec. 10, at Cleveland – win. I feel bad the Browns are forced to be embarrassed twice a year by the Steelers.
Dec. 20, Green Bay – lose. By this time in the season the Steelers will have a lot of hype before games. About that time the Steelers typically lose a game they are favored to win.
Dec. 27, Baltimore – win. This will be a great game, but the black and gold will prevail.
Jan. 3, at Miami – win. This game may cause some tension in the Forry/Ganassi household. Seth grew up a Miami fan (don’t hold it against him). But the Steelers will win and have a lot of momentum going into the playoffs.
I welcome any comments, criticism or suggestions at michelleg@dailyamerican.com
The one, the only Pennsylvania
September 2nd, 2009 by michelleganassiWednesday’s announcement that Connecticut reached a budget agreement leaves Pennsylvania as the only state without a budget in place.
Here are some other things separating Pennsylvania from the rest of the country:
• Punxsutawney Phil only calls Pennsylvania his home.
• We have the best chocolate amusement in the chocolate capital of the world — Hershey.
• There is a old law that states “A person is not eligible to become Governor if he/she has participated in a duel.”
• We are the only state with a world class football team — the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Ok I am a bit biased.)
• The first American flag was made in Philly.
• We are the home to Heinz ketchup.
• The hit television show “The Office” is about a company kicking it in Scranton.
• The first day of deer season is considered a holiday.
• It is contrary to Pennsylvania law to discharge a gun, cannon, revolver or other explosive weapon at a wedding.
• We are the birthplace of the greatest toy ever — the slinky, which is also our state toy.
• And just added to my little list: The only state without a budget agreement.
Rock on!
Is everything better covered in chocolate?
August 28th, 2009 by michelleganassiAs some may know I have some pretty strong ties to the Westmoreland County Fair.
While I was there I kept hearing about the newest fair food — chocolate-covered bacon.
As a foodie, I was intrigued. At first I thought it sounded disgusting. Then, I thought about the salty/sweet combination and my mouth started to water. I am always up for trying something new and different. I do like both chocolate and bacon independently so maybe the two can mix.
So I decided I must try this new creation. I got a group of the most adventurous people I know, rabbit breeders, and made my way up the midway to the chocolate covered everything booth.
With a smile on my face and a dollar in my hand I asked for a piece.
That’s when the woman replied, “it will be 30 minutes.”
I was heart-broken since I was hoping to get back to Somerset. So I left, without trying chocolate-covered bacon.
Thursday I returned to the fair with a single goal — try the chocolate-covered bacon. This time I only had the fiancé by my side.
I got a piece and it was pretty good. It had a unique chewy texture after biting through the chocolate coating. It also had an interesting taste.
Seth also had a piece — and he didn’t like it. He cited the texture as the main reason he is anti-chocolate bacon.
But Seth’s opinions aside I encourage everyone to try this tasty treat. Trust me — I am Italian.
I welcome any comments, criticism or suggestions at michelleg@dailyamerican.com
Keeping your personal life, personal
August 25th, 2009 by michelleganassiWhile reading my Facebook news feed, I noticed a long-time friend took to her page Tuesday morning to blast her husband. From my interpretation, she was upset about her husband getting on her case about shopping. And those details are more than I wanted to know.
I admit that I drank the Facebook Kool-Aid. I log-on, try to put funny updates on my page and check in to see what my friends are doing. It is a great way for me to keep up with my college friends and annoy my fiancé with my fake pet.
I think it’s fine to give a quick update about your day, life or just a funny quip. But please, keep fights off-line.
She later took down her post after he logged-on and “yelled” back, while others sent messages of support and questions. Everyone gets into fights, but it should really stay behind closed doors.
Taking to Facebook, or any social networking site to fight with a loved one is equal to standing in the middle of a busy town with a megaphone.
I am sure in the heat of the moment it felt like a good release to hit “share” with the personal information (she showed him), but think of the repercussions. This particular friend has 423 “friends.” While I am sure some, like me, were close, others may not be in the sharing circle.
Plus that just feeds the rumor mill.
There have been times I have been very upset, but what I have adopted is instead of posting a angry rant that may come back to haunt me, I post a quote from “The Office.”
My friends laugh and I save myself from a future embarrassment.
So before you “share” stuff that is too personal, think twice.
I welcome any comments, criticism or suggestions at michelleg@dailyamerican.com
A star, really
August 19th, 2009 by michelleganassiWhen I think of “stars” many names in many different entertainment forms come to mind.
Former congressmen, Tom DeLay, isn’t one of them.
But the casting director for Dancing with the Stars doesn’t agree.
Here’s a little history for those who don’t follow politics.
DeLay was a member of the a U.S. Rep from Jan. 1985 to June 2006, moving through the ranks until he became the House majority leader in 2002. In 2005, a Texas grand jury indicted DeLay on criminal charges that he had conspired to violate campaign finance laws. He won the Republican primary in 2006, to later withdraw from the general election and resign his seat. A Texas prosecutor is still proceeding with those charges.
I tried to imagine how these conversations went.
“Who can we get to really spice things up this season?”
“Wait what about that former conservative congressman that resigned during a campaign finance scandal.”
Or maybe it was DeLay’s people.
“Listen Tom, we need to figure out a way to get you back on the map. Your political career is probably over. Some people read your book. But … wait … you should be a contestant on the next ‘Dancing with the Stars.”
Maybe he just woke up one day and said “I’m going to Dancing with the Stars.”
Whatever the case may be I do not consider DeLay, or any other political figures a star. Politicians are supposed to be servants of the people, not celebrities.
I wonder how long he will last in the competition.
During an appearance on Good Morning America, DeLay said “I love dancing. Ya gotta love dancing if you’re from Texas.
“This is going to be so fun and so crazy. Conservatives can have fun too.”
Can’t wait.
I welcome any comments, criticism or suggestions at michelleg@dailyamerican.com
Missing the “ringing” in my ears.
August 13th, 2009 by michelleganassiI admit, I enjoy having songs as ringtones. If my friends call I hear an 80s classic. If the fiancee calls, I hear a love song. I try to keep my phone on silent while at work to try and avoid annoying co-workers (well at least I don’t annoy them with my ringtones.)
However I do NOT “enjoy the music while your party is reached.” Ringback tones are a great way for people to blast music into their friend’s ear as they wait for a call to be answered. The really, really “cool” people, can even get a two or three song rotation. This ensures that every time you call them you look twice at your phone to make sure you dialed the right number.
Some people change the ringback tone to meet their mood. They break up with a boyfriend, Daughtry - Over You, try to be country Charlie Daniels - In America, want to party, 50 Cent - In Da Club.
The list is endless.
It’s not just teenagers, even adults are subjecting callers to their favorite songs. Most providers charge a fee for a favorite song or rotation of songs.
I am sure some will say I am as guilty as the ringback troops since I use custom ringtones, but I truly see it as two different entities.
So please just because you like to hear a song doesn’t mean all your friends agree.
I welcome any comments, criticism or suggestions at michelleg@dailyamerican.com
Bitter and still broke
August 11th, 2009 by michelleganassiI often watch commercials and wonder “Why didn’t I think of that?”
Most times I can rest assured since I am not an inventor or a scientist, I am a reporter.
But a recent commercial has changed this. When I first saw the ad for the “Knowledge Generation Bureau” or KGB, I was shocked someone would pay $.99 for a text message answer to a question.
We all have been there — something is on the tip of our tongues, but we just don’t know the answer. I typically use the “phone-a-friend” option in life.
As more commercials ran I remembered this is America, people would pay for this type of service. I could have ran my research and texting operation from home, hired all my underpaid friends to help with research, probably paid off my student loan a lot earlier and live the good life.
So I decided, strictly for the purpose of this blog, to text a questions to the infamous 542542. After pondering the question I decided on: What is the name of the crime reporter for the Daily American newspaper in Somerset, Pa. I figured there were three names that could be possible answers —Judy Ellich, our courthouse reporter, Vicki Rock, our state police reporter or breaking news reporter extraordinaire Michelle Ganassi.
It took seven minutes to receive this response: “It appears a variety of reporters handle those stories. One is Judy D.J. Ellich. Phone: 814-444-5900.”
So the “special agents” may be worth $.99 to those in desperate need of information and do not have access to Google. I am sure the creator is rolling in the dough right now.
I visited kgb.com, where they have a list of questions in rotation being texted to “special agents.” While some were serious, others weren’t.
Here is a short list of a few questions:
How do you make a grilled cheese sandwich?
Does Kissing burn calories?
Is 0 a prime number?
How many bones are inside a horses hoof?
What are some sings of being pregnant?
What is the best pickup line to use on women?
Can a moose out run a human?
What time is the curfew in Brunswick, Ohio?
Tell me a Chuck Norris joke.
What is the meaning of life?
What are the names of the ninja turtles?
When is Labor Day weekend?
Is there a point to eyebrows?
Where is Hong Kong?
What Disney princess wears Pink?
How tall is Khloe Kardashian?
So I guess my list may not be defined as “short” but my feelings haven’t changed — KGB is a gold mine idea and I am jealous it wasn’t mine.
Maybe next time.
I welcome any comments, criticism or suggestions at michelleg@dailyamerican.com