You thought I was bitter about not having 2 days off...

Think again...

(I am bitter, however, that this thing won't format into the nice grid I had made. So, excuse the untidy layout).

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Thanksgiving...sitting around the table giving thanks and praise. Boxing Day...sitting around the table beating the shit out of each other (gloves optional). *
Advantage: Boxing Day

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Thanksgiving...celebrated since 1619. Boxing Day...celebrated since feudal times.
Advantage: Boxing Day

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Thanksgiving...also celebrated by: Canada. Boxing Day...also celebrated by: Austria, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, Poland and Sweden. Oh, and Canada gets this one too. **

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Thanksgiving...football.^ Boxing Day...football.

Advantage: Boxing Day.

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Thanksgiving...Macy's Day Parade. Boxing Day...fox hunting.
Advantage: Even

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Thanksgiving: buying gifts (you know celebrate Black Friday). Boxing Day: exchanging gifts.

Advantage: Boxing Day

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Thanksgiving: Samuel Motha-f-in Jackson. Boxing Day: Yeah, you can't top that.

Advantage: Thanksgiving.

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Thanksgiving: Turkey and Sweet Potatoes. Boxing Day: Carling, Stella, Fosters, and, yes, Budweiser.

Advantage: Boxing Day.

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Thanksgiving...in 5 days time: Tuesday, at work. Boxing Day... in 5 days time: New Years Eve.

Advantage: Boxing Day.

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Looks like Boxing Day takes it in a landslide.

Nonetheless, Happy Thanksgiving!!

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* Some activities that took place on this day seem peculiarly Welsh, including that of "holly-beating" or "holming." In this, it was customary for young men and boys to slash the unprotected arms of female domestic servants with holly branches until they bled. In some areas it was the legs that were beaten. In others, it was the custom for the last person to get out of bed in the morning to be beaten with sprigs of holly and made to carry out all the commands of his family.

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** Note: Boxing Day 2005 was the single largest economic transaction day ever in the history of Canadian commerce (according to Visa) -- US$1672.64 . Also, in some parts of Canada, the celebrations only take place after killing of the traditional bear.

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^ The Detriot Lions, enough said.

Christmas

I apologize in advance for the self-call, but it has to be done. I am making a glorious return to America, and:

Stl amigos, I will be home from the 22nd-27th -- let me know if/when you'll be around. Liza, yes, I will help you waddle up the stairs :)

I will then be heading to the great lands of CT/NYC from the 28th-31st. I plan on stopping by work on the 28th and then heading into the city. Give me a holla if you'll be in town.

Oh, and to all my good customers here in the UK, as previously mentioned, Christmas has been moved back to January 15th; so, yes, you're product will arrive in time for Christmas!

Now, on to today's history lesson -- Kensington Palace.
Kensington Palace in London is a working Royal residence. Of great historical importance, it was the favourite residence of successive sovereigns until 1760. It was also the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria. Today Kensington Palace accommodates the offices and private apartments of a number of members of the Royal Family.


In 1689 William III bought the Jacobean mansion originally known as Nottingham House from his Secretary of State, the Earl of Nottingham, and commissioned Christopher Wren to extend and improve the house. This included the construction of Royal Apartments for the King and Queen, a council chamber, the Chapel Royal and the Great Stairs.

The King's Gallery.

I meet Sir William himself.

Queen Victoria was born and brought up in the Palace and news of her accession in 1837 was brought to her there by the Lord Chamberlain and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Queen Mary (grandmother of the present Queen) was born at Kensington in 1867.

In 1981 apartments 8 and 9 were combined to create the London residence of the newly married Prince and Princess of Wales, Charles and Diana, and it remained the official residence of Diana, Princess of Wales after her marriage and until the day of her death.

Go on Dave!!

Introducing......

TEAM DAVE

l.-r. Dave, Dave, Dave, Dave, and Dave.

As expected, ‘Team Dave’ proved victorious in last night’s, um, well, the trophy only had three sides engraved, but I’m sure it’s been going on much longer than that – we’ll call it seventh annual MBI-UK Bowling Tournament.

Once again the old adage proved true – slow and steady wins the race. With the Giant Killers – led by Lord David “Wannabe Dave” Randall – jumping out to a huge lead in the preliminaries, Team Dave stayed consistent and saved their best for last.

The team stayed lose in between rounds with a little Dance Dance Revolution.

And some…uh, yeah.


Congrats to all on a well-played tournament. The real winner of the night was cod goujons.


Later Dave!

And who said nothing good ever came out of America...

David Hasselhoff is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as "The Most Watched TV Star in the World," thanks to starring roles in both "Knight Rider" and "Baywatch."
Today, "Baywatch" is viewed in 140 countries by over one billion viewers each week. Along the way Hasselhoff appeared in several feature films...and most recently was seen in the family favorite The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.

His remarkable musical career took off in the late 1980s when he recorded the album, Looking for Freedom, at the end of the Cold War. The song became an anthem for the German people and remained at the top of their charts for eight weeks. The album went triple platinum in Europe, and Hasselhoff was named "Most Popular and Best Selling Artist of the Year" in Germany.
His most recent album, “David Hasselhoff Sings America,” is a selection of his favorite American pop standards. His concerts play to standing-room-only audiences throughout the world and he has released six other albums in Europe which have all gone platinum and gold.
For some more information, please vist any of the below:

http://www.davidhasselhoff.com/

http://www.knight-foundation.com/

http://www.davidhasselhoffonline.com/

Note: katiehodel.blogspot.com in no way endorses hoffmania or any of his projects. Thank you.

This post was paid for by the Scuba Diving Association of Hawaii.

VH1's Best Week Ever

(Also known in Detroit as: The Worst Week Ever)

First, the 83-win Redbirds – led by their 5’ 7” MVP – take down the mighty Tigers.

Then, the stl takes 1st place in the recent study naming the most dangerous cities in America. I’m from the lou and I’m proud. http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/30/city.crime.ap/index.html

Then, Ford announces more record losses for the last quarter; meahwhile, Budweiser announces, well, we’re still the king of beer.

Eminem – cancel your battle Nelly this weekend! Luck is not on your side.

This guy, on the other hand, doesn't need any luck: