Beauty and The Beads

If you ever thought the presidents State of the Union address was kind of like a made-for-tv movie youre not far off. Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution requires the Commander and Chief from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union. But of course the Constitution says nothing about television or even speaking for that matter. That part can be credited to contemporary times.

For a good chunk of our nations history, the State of the Union was simply a letter delivered from the Executive Office to Congress. This happened as recently  as 1981 with Jimmy Carter.

Though the concept of giving it as a speech is nothing new. George Washington and John Adams both personally meet with Congress. Though, the tradition wasnt again picked up until Woodrow Wilson gave it as a speech in 1913.

Senior Vice President at the Council on Foreign Relations Dr. James M. Lindsay wrote a special column for CNN containing all sort of State of the Union fun facts.

In Honor of the NHL Winter Classic I will be attending next week, I give you Outdoor Hockey Rink Fun! Enjoy!

~ALH

New Years Eve First Night community arts and culture festivals will take place this year in Hartford, Westport and Danbury. Shown above are Hartfords midnight fireworks from last year.
Photo: Contributed Photo
/ CT

RESORTS World Genting is ready to kick off its Coolest Countdown Celebration on Saturday to usher 2012 in with a bang! Celebrate with your friends and loved ones there’s an array of exciting activities–that includes shows, fireworks and more.

Organised by Resorts World Genting together with Astro, 42 local artistes from Astro Star Quest 2011 and Classic Golden Melody bring in the New Year in style. The not-to-be missed shows are the Astro All Stars Party Music Countdown Show and the Classic Golden Melody New Year Countdown Show which are scheduled to start from 10pm onwards on Saturday.

For the young and the young-at-heart, the Astro All Stars Party Music Countdown Show at the Times Square Stage, First World Plaza will showcase young energetic local artistes who will entertain with songs and dances.
Geraldine Gan and Tha Kien Ying, the Top Two winners of Astro Star Quest 2011, and Battle Ground finalists Chique de Luxe and Fix, will also perform.

Fans of Astro’s Classic Golden Melody should head for the Arena Of Stars for the Countdown Show to catch performances of previous and current winners such as How Kim Foong (2011 champion), Law Siew Yin (2011 first runner-up), Wong Kwee Chin (2011 second runner-up), Tam Sien Yeong (2010 champion), Wong Choong Weng (2010 second runner-up) and others, together with Siow Hui Mei and Cleo Tay as event hosts. For ticket details call 03-2718 1118 or visit www.rwgenting.com.

In addition to entertaining performances to usher in 2012, Genting Outdoor Theme Park will offer exciting programmes for a fun night out.

Stage activities will be held at Merdeka Square from 7pm, followed by New Year’s fireworks. Entry to the outdoor theme park will be free from 10pm on Saturday.

A lack of finances might very well require that you take it easy this year, but a night spent at home with loved ones can be just as meaningful and memorable as the most extravagant night out at the club du jour. In fact, you might find that youll have more fun amid the relative peace and quiet.

Following are some tips on how to throw a memorable party while still being thrifty:

Food

Since New Years Eve parties generally start after dinner, providing food is a cinch. Finger foods and appetizers are traditional New Years Eve fare and these can be purchased cheaply in the frozen food aisle of any supermarket. If you have the time, you might choose to make some special dips or quiches from scratch. For some recipe ideas, visit recipe4living.com. Enlist the help of your friends to bring their own favorites to add more variety to the menu. Buy decorative toothpicks and color coordinated plastic cutlery to add to the festive feel.

Drinks

Alcohol is a staple at any New Years Eve party, but be sure to provide some sparkling non-alcoholic cider for your guests, too. As for champagne, it is not necessary to splurge on a top shelf brand. Your guests will be happy as long as the bottle has that audible POP! and subsequent spray when you open it.

Regarding liquor and beer, dont be afraid to ask your guests to bring their own. Times are tough. Your friends will appreciate your opening your home to them and they will be understanding of the fact that you might not be able to provide every party necessity.

Activities

To fill the hours until midnight, you might consider organizing some fun activities to break the ice and get the conversations going. Board games and card games are usually fail-safe, but be sure to choose games that are stimulating. Party favorites include, but are certainly not limited to, Cranium, Scene It?, Pictionary, and penny-ante Poker. If you dont have any games on hand, others such as Celebrity and Would You Rather? require nothing but pens and paper.

Midnight

Theres something to be said for making a racket when the clock strikes midnight. Buy noisemakers or bang on pots and pans. Pop open that champagne, and when it comes time to kiss your significant other, be sympathetic to your single friends and be sure to give them bear hugs and show them how much they are valued.

For Those With a Wild Streak

If youre not satisfied unless there is at least a little off-the-wall behavior, consider throwing a theme party. Have your guests dress as pirates or in the cheesiest 80s outfits they can put together. Wearing a costume is a great way to feel liberated, and though your guests might feel silly at first, once everyone has arrived in ridiculous attire, the fun will soon begin.

FAMILIES are in for a fun-filled night when they flock to Ulladulla on New Year’s Eve.

The action kicks off at 5pm with the first ever twilight markets to be held in the Ulladulla Civic Centre grounds as part of the Harbourside Festival.

Stall holders will showcase a verity of wares and produce, including art and craft, cuisine from around the world and vintage clothing.

From 6pm the carnival rides and side shows, including Oz Ball water fun, will thrill the youngsters and the young at heart.

Families are being encouraged to pack a picnic rug and find a spot on the harbour foreshore to enjoy the live music on the harbour stage before the fireworks spectacular at 9pm.

The fireworks show is being put on by Ulladulla’s Sunset Fireworks and paper lanterns on the foreshore will add to the atmosphere.

Live entertainment will commence on the harbour stage at 5pm with the Baker sisters, Abbey and Lucy, followed by Sarah Date, Steve Innes and Jimmy and the Fishheads.

The live music will pause for the fireworks at 9pm and will continue afterwards with the band Nobody through to approximately 9.15pm.

Festival coordinator Cindy Williams is hoping for good weather to bring locals and visitors out to celebrate.

“It is expected to be clear,” she said.

“It will be a great night out with lots on, so we hope everyone will come out and be part of the largest free community event in the Shoalhaven.

“The beautiful natural amphitheatre that is the harbour foreshore provides an unequalled opportunity to showcase local talent throughout the festival.”

While loads of entertainment is planned, Cindy also welcomes performers and buskers to wander the streets to add to the atmosphere.

She is hoping people will make a gold coin donation per person during the event to help cover costs.

“We’re doing it on a shoestring budget,” she said.

“We believe that the contributions of all can create a significant event, with value and entertainment for all generations.

“This festival is an alcohol free event celebrating old, new and yet to be.

“Make sure you take the time to unwind, relax, enjoy the season, soak in the atmosphere.”

The rides will operate nightly from December 29 until January 2 in the Civic Centre grounds.

The Princes Highway will be closed between Church and Green Streets from 5pm until 10pm on New Year’s Eve.

Spending your New Years Eve in Springfield isnt the most exciting way to welcome 2012. So, to help, I conjured up a list of activities happening for the New Year that might spark your attention.

Even though Springfield can be a pretty boring place to spend your New Years Eve there are always ways to spice up life.

1. Improvisational comedy. Although this event isnt on New Years Eve, you can still celebrate by attending the Teen Improv Alumni show at 7 pm Thursday at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. Tickets cost $5 and the show is one the entire family can attend, if you want to invite your little brother or parents.

2. Bret Michaels Get Your Rock On New Years Eve Extravaganza: For those who have rock in their heart and a love for music from the 1980s, what better way to spend your New Years Eve than rocking out with Bret Michaels?

The evening starts at 8 pm at the Prairie Capital Convention Center and the concert/party lasts until 1 am of the New Year. Ticket prices range from $51 to $201 so work those extra shifts or use that Christmas money to buy tickets for the party of the year.

3. If you want to avoid the traffic associated with this busy holiday, throw your own party at home. Invite your closest friends, turn to the New Years Eve countdown, order a pizza and reminisce about all the fun you had in 2011 and plan the festivities youll have in 2012.

4. Is watching the ball drop not your favorite New Years Eve pastime? Rent Just Dance, dust off that karaoke machine, find a disco ball and throw a dance party. Not only will you spend a night full of laughter with your friends, but who wouldnt want to welcome the New Year with an awesome dance party?

5. For those who arent into New Years Eve festivities, heres a simple solution. Sleep. Sleep your night away and wake up refreshed for the New Year.

Kaitlin Lounsberry is a senior at Williamsville High School

Maybe it was just for one night.

Maybe the Charlotte Bobcats real future is still two or three years away and their season opener was just part of a pleasant Christmas afterglow.

But it sure was fun in Time Warner Cable Arena on Monday night, as the Charlotte Bobcats opened the season with a 96-95 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks are probably a playoff-bound team. They appear to have more weapons than the Bobcats. Yet the Bobcats outplayed and outhustled them before a rollicking opening-night crowd that included a holy trinity of sports celebrities – Bobcats owner Michael Jordan, New York Yankees great Derek Jeter and Carolina Panther quarterback Cam Newton (who was wearing an old-school Charlotte Hornets hat).

Down by as many as 14, the Bobcats used an array of highlight-worthy plays and some stellar defense to speed back into the game in the third quarter.

My favorite was Bobcats rookie point guard Kemba Walkers between-the-legs stop-and-go layup because of the hope it represented.

It was good theater, too, watching former Bobcat Stephen Jackson implode (he fouled out with six personals, one technical and six points in 17 minutes). Corey Maggette had a monster dunk that got Newton on his feet and high-fiving.

Everyone got even more fully engaged when the Bucks Drew Gooden was tossed from the game for a flagrant foul on Gerald Hendersons breakaway – theres nothing like a good villain to unite a crowd and a team.

But still, the Bobcats needed to win the game. And they did that with unlikely stars like Byron Mullens, the seven-foot backup Bobcats center who was deadly several times from 18 feet. And some of the usual suspects like Henderson and Boris Diaw, who was in near triple-double territory. And then there was Augustin, who scored five points in the last minute when the Bobcats absolutely had to have them.

Walker (13 points) was very good, too, even though his shooting touch wasnt always there. His hands are so quick that he grabbed seven rebounds – including a critical one with 9.9 seconds left that led to two free throws – and got a finger on several Bucks passes that ended up as turnovers. Paul Silas trusted the rookie enough to play him in the final minute alongside Augustin (19 points). It was a very short but quick backcourt, and this time it worked out beautifully.

There are some problems, of course. Listed at 6-1 but undoubtedly shorter, Walker got posted up by former Bobcat Shaun Livingston and scored upon several times in the first half. Still, Walker is far more NBA-ready than fellow rookie Bismack Biyombo, who played six minutes and didnt do much of anything.

While the Bobcats got into the 90s Monday, they are going to struggle to score sometimes when Maggette isnt having a good night. In this shortened 66-game season, they may end up winning only 20-25 games.

But those were problems for another day. The Bobcats had a wonderful opening night, winning a game in stirring fashion in the final minute.

They welcome the Miami Heat to the arena Wednesday, and theyll enter that one undefeated.

There may not be too many great moments in the Bobcats 2011-12 season, but Monday night was one of them.

By Dan Parker

Steve Williams has defended his racial slur against his former employer Tiger Woods saying it was all just a bit of fun that was taken out of context.

And Williams story is being backed up by his new boss Adam Scott and his friends here in New Zealand who say Williams is no racist.

Tiger Woods was doing his best to avoid speaking with reporters as he arrived in Perth to host an elite coaching clinic organised by millionaire James Packer today.

But he was happy to talk golf.

Feel free to ask any questions any time just dont do it on my down swing, he told gathered reporters.

Woods would not be drawn on his former caddies racial slur at a function in Shanghai.

Describing his over the top celebration when his new boss Adam Scott won a tournament soon after Williams had split with Woods, the Kiwi said:

It was my aim to shove it right up that black asshole.

Williams has since apologised on his website and today claimed he was just joking around at a caddies dinner which was never supposed to be reported on.

Its kind of like a locker-room environment, you know everyone was just having a good time my comments were by no means the worst comments that passed. There was a lot of profanity and a lot of other kind of remarks, but just because mine were about my former employer they get blown out of proportion.

Williams is currently carrying Scotts bag in the final round of the Champions Tournament in Shanghai.

And the Australian squashed speculation that Williams could be sacked.

You know I value Steves contribution to my game and have him on the bag and you know while hes caddying I hope he can caddy for me, he said.

When Williams isnt caddying hes a keen stock car racer at the Huntly speedway.

Speedway president Red Wootton is a close personal friend of Williams and says his mate is no racist.

Sometimes things are taken out of the context that they are meant and Steves definitely not that sort of person, he said.

It will be hard on him because hes hard on himself and it will be especially hard on his family as well.

Williams will have a chance to apologise in person to Woods when the pair come face-to-face in Sydney on Thursday for the first round of the Australian Open.

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CLEMSON

FROM THE GATORADE baths to the selection of music during pre-practice stretching exercises to an attention-grabbing, passionate head coach, a common theme appears to run through the Clemson football program.

This team is having Fun. Yes, with a capital F.