2006 is over, make way for 2007. Why is it that the years seem to fly by. I'm not getting older as fast as it seems am I? Before I go for a box of hair color at the store today let's take a look at the past year. One of the things that I look forward to every year is to see who passed away during the past 12 months. Yeah, I know it's kind of creepy but I must not be the only one who does it. ESPN shows the sports people that have passed and all three networks show famous people. It seems to be the one thing that makes the past year seem longer. As we enjoy our New Years Eve celebrations tonight remember for a moment the ones that we have lost. Whether in your own family or the ones that are known to everyone, take a second and remember. Then live life to it's fullest because it's the only one you will get.
2007 will start with the funeral of former President Gerald Ford. Other notables include.

Politics:

Former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, Sept. 13 Former Texas Gov. Anne Richards, the witty and flamboyant Democrat who went from homemaker to national political celebrity, died on Sept. 13 at her home after a battle with cancer surrounded by her family. She was 73.

Former U.N. Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick, Dec. 8 Former United Nations Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick, a one-time Democrat who switched to the Republican Party and became a heroine of conservatives, died on Dec. 8. She was 80.

Patricia Kennedy Lawford, a sister of President John F. Kennedy whose wedding to actor Peter Lawford in the 1950s was one of the first marriages of politics and Hollywood and provided her brother with many of his closest entertainment industry ties, died on Sept. 17. She was 82.

Entertainment:

Actress Shelley Winters, Jan. 14 Shelley Winters, a blond bombshell of the 1940s who evolved into a character actress best remembered for her roles as victims, shrews and matrons, died of heart failure on Jan. 14. She was 85

Actor Chris Penn, Jan. 24 Actor Chris Penn, 40, was found dead on Jan. 24 in his Santa Monica, Calif., condominium. Authorities are investigating the cause of his death but said they do not suspect foul play. Penn, the younger brother of actor Sean Penn, specialized in working-class, regular-guy characters, and had roles in a long list of movies and television shows during a career of more than two decades.

Actor/political activist Al Lewis, Feb. 3 Al Lewis, a longtime political activist best known for his television role as Grandpa Munster on "The Munsters" sitcom, died on Feb. 3 after years of failing health. He was 95.

Actor Franklin Cover, Feb 5 Franklin Cover, who became a familiar face as George and Louise Jefferson's neighbor in the long-running TV sitcom "The Jeffersons," died on Feb. 5. He was 77

Actor Dennis Weaver, Feb. 24 Actor Dennis Weaver, the slow-witted deputy Chester Goode in the TV classic western "Gunsmoke" and the New Mexico deputy solving New York crime in "McCloud," died on Feb. 24. He was 81

Actor Darren McGavin, Feb. 25 Darren McGavin, the husky, tough-talking actor who starred in the TV series "Mike Hammer," played a grouchy dad in the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" and had other strong roles in such films as "The Man with the Golden Arm" and "The Natural," died on Feb. 25. He was 83.

Actress Maureen Stapleton, March 13 Actress Maureen Stapleton, the Oscar-winning character actress whose subtle vulnerability and down-to-earth toughness earned her dramatic and comedic roles on stage, screen, and television, died on March 13. She was 80.

Actor Don Knotts, Feb. 24 Don Knotts, the saucer-eyed, scarecrow-thin comic actor best known for his roles as the high-strung, small-town deputy Barney Fife on the 1960s CBS series "The Andy Griffith Show" and the leisure-suit-clad landlord Ralph Furley on ABC's '70s sitcom "Three's Company," died on Feb. 24. He was 81.

Actor Paul Gleason, May 27 Actor Paul Gleason, who played the go-to bad guy in "Trading Places" and the angry high school principal in "The Breakfast Club," died of mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer linked to asbestos, on May 27. He was 67.

TV mogul Aaron Spelling, June 23 Aaron Spelling, a one-time movie bit player who created a massive number of hit series, from the vintage "Charlie's Angels" and "Dynasty" to "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Melrose Place," died on June 23. He was 83

Actress June Allyson, July 8 June Allyson, the sunny, cracked-voiced "perfect wife" of James Stewart, Van Johnson and other movie heroes, died on July 8. She was 88

Actor Barnard Hughes, July 11 Barnard Hughes, who won a Tony for his portrayal of the curmudgeonly title character in Hugh Leonard's "Da," died on July 11 after a brief illness. He was 90.

Comedian-actor Red Buttons, July 13 Red Buttons, the carrot-topped burlesque comedian who became a top star in early television and then in a dramatic role won the 1957 Oscar as supporting actor in "Sayonara," died on July 13. He was 87

Actor Jack Warden, July 19 Jack Warden, an Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor who played gruff cops, coaches and soldiers in a career that spanned five decades, died on July 19. He was 85

Actor Mako, July 21 Mako, the Japanese-American acting pioneer who opened the doors for Asian Americans to Hollywood, died of esophageal cancer at his home in southern California on July 21. He was 72.

Television talk show host Mike Douglas . Douglas, who drew on his affable personality and singing talent during 21 years as a talk show host, died in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Aug. 11, on his 81st birthday.

Actor Bruno Kirby, Aug. 14 Bruno Kirby, a veteran character actor known for playing the best friend in two of Billy Crystal's biggest comedies, "When Harry Met Sally" and "City Slickers," died from complications related to leukemia on Aug. 14. He was 57

Actor Glenn Ford, Aug. 30 Actor Glenn Ford, who played strong, thoughtful protagonists in films such as "The Blackboard Jungle,""Gilda" and "The Big Heat," died on Aug. 30. He was 90.

Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, Sept. 4 "The Crocodile Hunter", Steve Irwin, 44, who made a career out of getting dangerously close to deadly beasts, was stabbed through the heart on Sept. 4, by a stingray during filming of a new TV program on Australia's Great Barrier Reef

Actor Pat Corley, Sept. 11 Actor Pat Corley, who served sage advice along with drinks as Phil the barkeep on "Murphy Brown," died on Sept. 11. He was 76.

Actor Edward Albert, son of the late screen veteran Eddie Albert who first gained fame co-starring with Goldie Hawn in the 1970s film, "Butterflies Are Free," and later became an outspoken environmental activist, died on Sept. 22. He was 55.

Actress Jane Wyatt, Oct. 20 Jane Wyatt, the actress who for six years on "Father Knows Best" was one of TV's favorite moms, died on Oct. 20. She was 96.

Actor Jack Palance, Nov. 10 Jack Palance, the craggy-faced menace in "Shane," "Sudden Fear" and other films who turned to comedy at 70 with his Oscar-winning self-parody in "City Slickers," died on Nov. 10. Palance died of natural causes at his home in Montecito, Calif., surrounded by family,. Palance was 85

Director Robert Altman, Nov. 20 Robert Altman, the caustic and irreverent satirist behind "M-A-S-H," "Nashville" and "The Player" who made a career out of bucking Hollywood, died on Nov. 20. He was 81.

Actor Peter Boyle, Dec. 12 Peter Boyle, the actor known for playing everything from a tap-dancing monster in "Young Frankenstein" to the curmudgeonly father in the long-running TV sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," died on Dec. 12. He was 71.

Actor Mike Evans, Dec. 14 Mike Evans, best known as Lionel Jefferson in the TV sitcoms "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons," died of throat cancer on Dec. 14 at his mother's home in Twentynine Palms, Calif. He was 57.

Music:

'Godfather of Soul' James Brown, Dec. 25 James Brown, the undeniable "Godfather of Soul," died of heart failure on Christmas morning. He was 73.

Pink Floyd co-founder Syd Barrett, July 11 Syd Barrett, the troubled genius who co-founded Pink Floyd but spent his last years in reclusive anonymity, has died, it was announced on July 11. He was 60

Keyboardist Billy Preston, June 6 Billy Preston, the exuberant keyboardist who landed dream gigs with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and enjoyed his own series of hit singles, including "Outta Space" and "Nothing From Nothing," died on June 6. He was 59

Soul pioneer Wilson Pickett, Jan. 19 Wilson Pickett, the soul pioneer best known for the fiery hits "Mustang Sally" and "In The Midnight Hour," died of a heart attack on Jan. 19. He was 64.

Singer Lou Rawls, Jan. 6 Lou Rawls, the velvet-voiced singer who started as a church choir boy and went on to sell more than 40 million albums and win three Grammys in a career that spanned nearly five decades and a range of genres, died on Jan. 6. He was 72.

Famous Widows:

Nellie Connally, Sept. 1 Nellie Connally, widow of former Texas Gov. John Connally and the last remaining survivor who was riding in President Kennedy's limousine when he was assassinated, died on Sept. 1. She was 87.

Coretta Scott King, Jan. 31 Coretta Scott King, who turned a life shattered by her husband's assassination into one devoted to enshrining his legacy of human rights and equality, has died. She was 78

Sports:

Sportscaster Curt Gowdy, Feb. 20 From broadcast booths at the World Series, Super Bowl and Olympics to the lakes where he fished, Curt Gowdy was part of the experience for generations of sports fans. He was their amiable storyteller for 16 All-Star baseball games, numerous Rose Bowls and several NCAA basketball Final Fours, delivering drama and excitement in ear-pleasing tones. On Feb. 20, Gowdy died of leukemia at his winter home in Palm Beach. He was 86.

Baseball Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett, March 6 Kirby Puckett, a Hall of Fame outfielder who won two World Series in a 12-year baseball career with the Minnesota Twins, died on March 6, a day after suffering a stroke at his Arizona home. He was 45.

Pitcher Steve Howe, April 28 Steve Howe, the relief ace whose promising career was derailed by drug and alcohol abuse, died on April 28 when his pickup truck rolled over in Coachella, Calif. He was 48.

Former heavyweight boxing champ Floyd Patterson, May 11 Floyd Patterson, who avenged an embarrassing loss to Ingemar Johansson by beating him a year later to become the first boxer to regain the heavyweight title, died May 11. He was 71.

Former NFL fullback Craig Heyward, May 27 Former NFL fullback Craig "Ironhead" Heyward died on May 27 after a 7 1/2-year fight with a recurring brain tumor. He was 39

Golf great Byron Nelson, Sept. 26 Byron Nelson, whose record of winning 11 consecutive professional events in 1945 remains one of golf's most unassailable records, died on Sept. 26. He was 94.

Negro Leagues star Buck O'Neil, Oct. 6 Buck O'Neil, the goodwill ambassador for the Negro Leagues who fell one vote shy of the Hall of Fame, died on Oct. 6. He was 94.

New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle, Oct. 11 New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle was killed when his small plane crashed into a 50-story Manhattan condominium tower on Oct. 11. He was 34.

Former major league pitcher Joe Niekro, Oct. 27 Former major league pitcher Joe Niekro, Houston's career victory leader with two 20-game wins, died from a brain aneurysm on Oct. 27. He was 61

Former heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick, Oct. 28 Former heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick, who lost his heavyweight title to Mike Tyson and was the last boxer to fight Muhammad Ali, was found dead on Oct. 28 in a church courtyard in Kingston, Jamaica. He was 52.

Former Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach, Oct. 28 Red Auerbach, who coached the Boston Celtics to nine NBA championships in the 1950s and 1960s, died of a heart attack on Oct. 28. He was 89.

All-Star pitcher Johnny Sain, Nov. 7 Johnny Sain, a three-time All-Star who teamed with Warren Spahn to make up one of baseball's most fabled pitching tandems, died on Nov. 7. He was 89.

Ex-Michigan coach Bo Schembechler, Nov. 17 Bo Schembechler, who became one of college football's great coaches in two decades at Michigan, died on Nov. 17 after taping a TV show on the eve of the Wolverines' No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown with perennial rival Ohio State. He was 77.

Other Notables:

Journalist Ed Bradley, Nov. 9 CBS newsman Ed Bradley died of leukemia at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital on Nov. 9. He was 65.

Animator Joe Barbera, Dec. 18 Joe Barbera, half of the Hanna-Barbera animation team that produced such beloved cartoon characters as Tom and Jerry, Yogi Bear and the Flintstones, died of natural causes on Dec. 18. His wife Sheila was at his side. He was 95.

Last Titanic survivor Lillian Gertrud Asplund, May 6 Lillian Gertrud Asplund, 99, the last survivor of the Titanic who remembered its sinking

For a complete list check http://www.mcall.com/ for all 143 notables with photos of each.
Have a safe and Happy New Year

It's Christmas Eve. I don't have a lot of time to write today. I off to work soon, you know with time zones and such. So be good to each other and put the kiddies to bed early. leave a couple of cookies out for Santa.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good-night

Yeah, that's what the mall is going to be like today. Today and part of tomorrow are you last chance to buy that special gift for the one you love. Really, you've done that already. Your true love was an easy gift pick up. Today and tomorrow your out looking for something for old aunt Trudy. Th e aunt that has everything and doesn't want anymore, so just what do you get her? I don't know why you make this harder then it is, do like all the rest of Trudy's nieces and nephews, a box of candy. Works all the time, but Noooooo, your going to be the one who finds the best gift for aunt Trudy. You're going to be the one who she will remember when she rewrites her will. You're going to be the perfect niece or nephew. After a few hours of fighting the crowds you hang your head and walk to the end of the aisle in CVS to pick up a box of Russel Stovers and DAMMM there all gone. You see everyone else quit looking days ago but you had to be special now march back out into that mall. walk, no, trot to the fancy chocolate shop wait in line with all the other special nieces and nephews and shell out big money on the only thing left in the store, Godiva's. It cost ten times what Hershey's charges and dear old aunt Trudy can't tell the difference anyway. So here's to all you last minute shoppers, Have a great day.

Chicks dig Santa

Santa's best helper.......

Santa's favorite bartenders

When Santa needs to get the sleigh repaired

Best smile when she see's Santa

Santa's Favorite girl............

Santa was out with elf's Murphy and Carney last night. Welcome to the weekend. Not a lot of work will be done today, except at the north pole where all the last minute checks and duties are being performed.

So that I have more time in the morning pretend that the date is December 21, 2006. As it gets closer to the big day Santa would like to thank the little people that make this such a wonderful day.

Hermey the misfit elf

Marcus the elf from "Bad Santa"

Buddy

Jovie ..........Like I was going to leave her off the blog. Come on you know me better than that. Remember, just four shopping days left, counting today.

No more playing, it's time to work work work. Little boys and girls giving Santa their last minute wishes.

It's getting closer

Santa has time to play

For all your last minute shopping Walmart is open 24 hours a day.

Only one week left till Christmas so I thought I would count down the days with some Holiday photos.

It's that busy time of year so let's get right to it. Last Thursday night the Commodore John Barry Division #1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians held their installation of officers for the upcoming year. Congratulations to these fine men who will lead the division in 2007. Having the honor of serving the division in the past I can tell you that it is a thankless job, so the rest of the membership remember to help. When you receive a call from one of your officers try saying yes every once in a while.

The officers are.

Dave Cummings President

Paul O'Donnell Vice President

Rob Przedwiecki Recording Secretary

Chris Bergman Financial Secretary

Emmet Kelleher Treasurer

Jeff Carney Marshall

Chris Templin Sentinel

The Honorable Richard Sheldon Chair. Standing Committee

A round of applause for these fine men.

Annual pagan bonfire celebrating the winter solstice will be held on Sunday December 17 at the home of our chieftain. Dave promises no rams heads on post this year.

I heard a rumor the other night and I don't know how true it is, but The Quinn's are planning on bringing in a couple of new Quinns each month until they have the votes to move the division to Johnstown. Like I said I don't know how true this is but when it happens remember you heard it here first.

A book party for Ed and Zoe Murphy's book Vietnam our father daughter journey will be held at the Parting Glass on Wednesday December 29,2006 from 5-7pm in the dart room All are invited to attend. Please enter through the parking lot door. The McKells will be playing in the concert hall starting at 7pm if you want to stay.

Next!!!

Home Made Theater's production of Alice in Wonderland opened Friday night. This adaptation of Lewis Carrol's classic tale takes place in the 1970's complete with disco balls and costumes, at one point the entire cast dances the Hustle. The show runs next weekend, Friday night, two shows on Saturday and a Sunday afternoon show. If you grew up in the 70's it's a great flashback for you. Keep an eye out for the Knight played by Michael Curran.

Sarah Ely as Alice and Mike as the Knight

Let's Find Steve a Wife

Here's the game everyone loves to play. At this point almost every player has been sent home with a consolation prize but for your enjoyment I will give everyone the chance to vote in the comments section on who they would choose to be Steve's Wife.

1) Galina This Beauty is from Ukraine. Fell in love with Steve on the first e-mail. The third e-mail was returned by the translation company. Galina's contract had run out and they asked if I would like to pay the $180 a month for unlimited e-mails to her.

2) Olga Moscow is the home of this lovely young thing. Fell in Love with Steve early on. her only wish was to be with him. Loved him, loved him, loved him,could not live without him. Could not come up with airfare either. wanted $700 to cover expenses.

3) Natalia This poor country dentist had plans to come and work in this country. Fell in love right away with Steve. Went to Moscow to pay for her trip. The big city was very scary for this poor young thing. On her way to the agency to pay for the trip She was robbed on the subway of all her money, $1200. She still had $500 back at her room, to buy gifts for Steve so she only need $700 more.

4) Victoria a lovely girl who would never ask Steve for money. Plans on arriving in Boston on December 12. having a bit of a set back. the friend that she was going to borrow the money from had a car wreck and the friends husband says the money has to be spent on repairs. What should poor Victoria do?

5) Susan Wallace London is the home of this beauty. After 45 minutes of instant messaging knew in her heart that Steve was the one for her. No money for visa and airfare. trying to find a way. Hey her uncle is a US Marine in Iraq. He can't send money to London but can send it to the US. If I send her the money he will reimburse me.

6) Gloria/Naomi her name keeps changing on each e-mail. Gloria is playing a game all her own. She's from Ohio, a native American ( you can tell by the pale skin color). She met a man on line and went to meet him in Nigeria, that's in Africa ( in case I'm real stupid) He checked her into a hotel, left and never returned. The next day she was informed of a tragic accident and the man did not survive. She cried and cried and cried and, well you get the point. When she went to leave the hotel a few days later she was told she had to pay the bill. not having any money or family to turn to she is asking Steve's help because he is a warm and loving man. At the end of her long and tragic e-mail the last line said that she could send photos if Steve wanted them. After sending a dozen photos and a dozen more e-mails pleading for Steve's help Steve sent an e-mail scolding her for praying on peoples good nature yadda yadda yadda. Mike added to the end of the e-mail, "send more photos"

7) Irina new to the game. Hasn't asked for anything as of Saturday's e-mail.

8) Natasha yes she's a bit older than the rest but she still looks good. For some reason will not answer my e-mails. I just want to hear her whisper in my ear "Moose and squirrel"

Well that's it for now boys let's hear your votes.

Here are the photos I promised yesterday.


Dick doing his best Steve Curran imitation



Santa and his elf





It's only funny till someone gets arrested.


Anyone playing the "Let's Find Steve a Wife" game, here's an update.

Galina....out, wanted me to pay for translator $180 a month

Olga.....out, wanted $700 to pay for trip here, she LOVED me and could not live without me
Natilia.....out, wanted money the first e-mail

Still in play

Victoria.....planning on coming, can't wait to meet, I am her true love. ( 99% sure it's a scam but
that last 1% feels like a practical joke gone very very wrong)

Susan....Fresh new player from London, got very pissed when I asked if she was a guy at a computer
scamming me out of money.
tune in to see how this game turns out

Downtown Saratoga Springs was festive last night. The annual Victorian Street Walk brought out a reported 20,000 people. Mike and I were just two of the locals enjoying our city. The Hibernians were everywhere. I saw Don McCune in front of the bank. I saw Kevin Hughes on the sidewalk, Kevin didn't see me, he was too busy entertaining a crowd of people around him. speaking of entertaining. John Cromie was playing at Celtic Treasures. Vice-President elect Paul O'Donnell was holding court in what could only be called Hibernian Haven. Forget the K of C for our meetings let's just go to Celtic Treasures. Among the members I saw there, Fred Bergman, Happy Chanukah Fred, Dick Nelson and the always lovely Eileen, Denny Brunelle and his lovely wife Jean. Count Mike and myself that made 7 members. That's more than a dinner dance. ( beat you to it Rob). So here are some photos and then I'll finish with a couple of short items.

A saxophone playing Santa. How can you beat that

I'm having a little trouble posting the other pictures. I will get them up as soon as I can.

In the mean time check out Sean's new site. www.curranstat.com bigger and better than ever.