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I just thought Barbie was a fun toy. A pretty doll with cute clothes. A vehicle for my imagination. Feminist icon? No. Future political lighting rod? No, neither of those things. I was only 6 years old. My little-girl self was only concerned with Barbie’s adventures. “Where will she go in her purple Dream Vette today?” was my first thought on Saturday mornings. I built elaborate worlds for Barbie and her friends using my books and other toys. I spent hours scooting across the carpet on my hands and knees while I rolled the car along or “walked” Barbie into whatever my story called for–a friend’s house, the pet store, a restaurant, the White House... The possibilities were limitless! Barbie even traveled to the moon courtesy of my brother’s GI Joe lunar capsule. That was fun until he threw the capsule into the deep end of our pool and I thought for sure Barbie was doomed. She handled it like a pro––never stopped smiling. Barbie equaled hours of entertainment for me. I never thought about what she represented or compared myself to her. I had a Jaime Somers Bionic Woman doll, too. I was a regular viewer of this 1970s hit TV show about a woman transformed with bionic powers. Jaime could jump over walls, uproot trees and hear whispers from great distances. The doll’s bionic hearing was “activated” when her head was turned and it clicked. I never expected to hear my classmates talking across the playground if I turned my head the same way. That was a toy after all. Now, I’m all grown up and don’t play with dolls, but I still remember the fun I had with them. It’s with this appreciation I went to see the 2023 “Barbie” movie directed by Greta Gerwig. I heard the rumblings of “politicization” before the movie even premiered. I guess that’s no surprise. Social commentary about the Barbie doll has popped up in the news for as long as I can remember. Does Barbie make little girls feel bad about themselves? Is Barbie bad for women? And, with the movie’s release, came statements of male bashing, hyper feminism and gender roles. I blocked out the pundit talk. I wanted to see Barbie’s dreamy world. Would it match what I imagined? Or, maybe even better! A few days after “Barbie” premiered, my friend and fellow movie lover, Jen, met me at a local Regal Cinema. Jen has a great sense of humor and showed up with heart-shaped, pink glasses for us to wear. As the lights dimmed and the movie started, our only expectation was fun and we had it. We laughed out loud along with everyone else in the crowded theater. There’s no way everyone there shared the same political belief system, but we all laughed at the same on-screen moments. In the story, Stereotypical Barbie (Margo Robbie) has a crisis of self. She’s feeling down and doesn’t know why. Things in her perfect, plastic, non-real life are going haywire. She’s walking flat footed for goodness sake! The answer may lie with Gloria (America Ferrera), the little girl who played with Barbie in the real world. So, Barbie and Ken (Ryan Gosling), slip the boundaries of Barbie Land and enter modern-day Los Angeles in search of Gloria. The experience is eye-opening. Gloria is now all grown up and has problems of her own. To Barbie’s dismay, things aren’t perfect for women in the real world. She left Barbie Land, a world of innocence and platonic relationships, to experience sexism for the first time, a realization punctuated by a man who smacks her bottom when passing by. Ken is exposed to stereotypical masculine images, especially those manufactured in Hollywood like a pumped up Sylvester Stallone. And then there are the horses––lots of images of strong horses running. In this moment, Ken discovers the patriarchy and eventually takes his knowledge back to Barbie Land where trouble ensues. Avoiding spoilers, let’s just say with conversation, honesty, musical numbers and soul searching everything works out. Along with Gerwig’s skilled direction and the actors’ performances, the movie is entertaining, smart and funny. Visually, the film is a cotton-candy delight. Barbie Land is an explosion of pinks and soft colors. The production and set design–everything from the dreamhouses to the fashion–truly looks like a toy land come to life. The use of flat sets and imagery in the travel scenes along with dolphins that look like paper cutouts adds to the movies' fantasy quality. Gerwig wrote "Barbie" along with her partner, Noah Baumbach, a successful filmmaker in his own right. The pair were tasked with writing a screenplay about a doll. A DOLL. Every story needs an arch and conflict so it makes sense to tap into the conversations that have swirled around Barbie for decades. What else could they write about? Barbie meets aliens. Barbie sees a podiatrist. Barbie searches for the Arch of the Covenant. I mean really, the writer’s choices make sense and the result is a clever satire. Gerwig said her goal was to make a fun, playful movie about being human even though the characters are dolls. In a Warner Brothers’ short about the movie, Gerwig said, “I feel like we’ve always used dolls as a way to kind of understand ourselves through play. And, I thought, well, wouldn’t it be wonderful if she was allowed to be like us and to be flawed and messy and not have to be perfectly perfect.” Gerwig and Baumbach’s story takes Barbie through a hero’s journey, a classic structure for telling stories in books and movies. The “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” movies, for instance, follow a hero’s journey format. It works because it's relatable. As audience members, we're pulled in and along for ride. We root for the characters and see parts of ourselves in them. Everyday, regular people don’t slay beasts or destroy the death star, but we empathize with the emotional struggle of Harry and Luke Skywalker. And, like Ken and Barbie, regular people question life choices, too. "Barbie" is a delightful, funny story that's also visually entertaining. I don’t think the movie is meant to be taken too seriously even though serious topics come up. Just look at Ken, he declares his disinterest in the patriarchy once he realizes it's not all about horses. Come on, that’s funny. Humor helps us digest difficult topics with a spoonful of sugar. Stand-up comics, for instance, are sharp, often biting observers of truth and we take in their insights a little easier because it comes with giggles and laughs. Humor gives us permission to laugh at ourselves and society while acknowledging our shortcomings and problems. Sometimes humor is the best way to start a difficult conversation. Certainly, nothing is ever solved when everyone is angry. If you go see "Barbie" armed with pundit soundbites in your head and ready to be offended, then you probably will be. I didn’t and wasn't. Ticket sales have exceeded 1 billion, so it's safe to say most people weren’t either. I never believed I could have bionic powers like Jaime Somers. I never wondered why Barbie had an impossibly small waist and lacked private parts down below. I never expected the "Barbie" movie to be a deep allegory. Having seen the movie, I still don't characterize it that way even though it touches on important issues worth addressing. It's okay for a movie to just entertain us. It's also okay for a movie to serve as a jumping off place for deeper discussions. That's the beauty of the arts. We all come from different worldviews and perspectives, so our interpretations will differ, too. The "Barbie" movie is a satirical delight. It's a well-crafted, humorous movie that clearly resonates with audiences as seen by its massive box office returns and all the surround debate and conversation. For me, the movie's take-away is to figure out the life you want to lead. And, most importantly, bravely be yourself. Life isn’t perfect, but make yours genuine and real––flat feet and all.

Breasts. Boobs. Titties. Ta-Tas. I can go on, but hopefully that gets any shyness out of the way. Breasts are everywhere. They’re beautiful, practical and sometimes annoying and kind of silly, especially when jogging. Breasts are also at risk for developing cancer. But, thankfully, we have modern medicine and tools to help catch breast cancer early and beat it. When it comes to women with dense breasts, though, things get confusing. A debate is swirling if dense-breast care should routinely include an ultrasound screening along with a mammogram. Why? Because dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissues than fatty tissue, which makes detecting cancer with a mammogram more difficult. Even with 3-D mammograms–the best type available–dense breast tissue can obscure cancer. In fact, mammograms alone miss approximately one-third of breast cancer in women with dense breasts, according to The Brem Foundation , a non-profit organization dedicated to breast cancer education and early detection. Trying to wade through the complex breast-density debate, is confusing for women. It has been for me. A good place to start is with these questions: • What are dense breasts? • How do you find out if you have dense breasts? • How does breast density affects imaging? Dense Breasts and Imaging Ultrasounds are typically used as a secondary, follow-up step when something suspicious is seen on a mammogram. For women with dense breasts, there’s a push among health advocates for ultrasounds to be a first-step screening along with mammograms. Cancer detection in dense breasts improves by over 55 % when screened with both mammography and ultrasound, according to Brem. And why is that? Consider these facts about imagining and breasts gathered from Brem, Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Breasts consist of three types of tissue: 1. Glandular tissue (lobes and ducts used in milk production) 2. Fibrous tissue (also called connective or supportive tissue) 3. Fatty tissue. All non-fatty tissue is called fibroglandular tissue. In a mammogram: 1. Fatty tissue appears clear . 2. Fibroglandular tissue and anything else present in a breast, such as calcifications and cancer, appear white . 3. In a fatty-tissue breast, a white spot of potential cancer is more noticeable. 4. In a dense breast, a white spot of cancer can blend in and be difficult to spot. In an ultrasound: 1. Everything appears white except a potential spot of cancer. 2. Cancer stands out as black or dark gray and is easier to see. With all these facts, someone might think an ultrasound alone is a good screening choice– wrong. An ultrasound is NOT a substitute for a mammogram, but rather a supplemental tool. Mammograms are the gold standard in detection and ultrasounds are not perfect. For example, ultrasounds, unlike mammograms, can miss tiny calcium deposits, which are an early sign of cancer. And, ultrasound results are less accurate on women with very large breasts. How to Know if You Have Dense Breasts Breast density can only be determined through a mammogram, not by touch and feel. The FDA updated it regulations in March 2023 to require mammography facilities to inform women of their breast density level. Some states already had similar regulations in place, but by Sept. 2024 all states must comply. Results will include a woman’s Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) density classification (there is also a BI-RADS 0-6 numbering system that's used to describe findings on a mammogram). Developed by the American College of Radiology, the four BI-RADS density categories use letters and go from least to most dense as follows: A – Almost all fatty tissue B – Scattered areas of dense fibroglandular breast tissue C – More areas of glandular and connective tissue (described as heterogeneously dense) D – Extremely dense The new mammogram reports are thoroughly explained on the American Cancer Society’s website . The reports will include: 1. A BI-RADS breast composition classification 2. Whether a woman’s breasts are either “dense” or “not dense.” 3. For those with breasts classified “dense,” the report will state: “Dense tissue makes it harder to find breast cancer on a mammogram and also raises the risk of developing breast cancer. Your breast tissue is dense. In some people with dense tissue, other imaging tests in addition to a mammogram may help find cancers. Talk to your healthcare provider about breast density, risks for breast cancer, and your individual situation.” What’s the Dense Breasts Debate All About? There is consensus in the medical community, including the American Cancer Society, about the following: • Dense breasts are common • Women with dense breasts are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer • Cancer is harder to spot in dense breast tissue • Ultrasounds along with mammograms can catch cancer earlier The debate centers on questions, such as cost effectiveness, cost versus survival benefit, and unnecessary subsequent testing. There is also a call for more research to assess these questions further. On the American Cancer Society’s website, the organization acknowledges the benefits of extra imaging, such as ultrasounds and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), especially in high-risk cases. Also, there's concern that for women with dense breasts and no signs and symptoms of cancer an ultrasound screening could “show findings that are not cancer” and “lead to more tests and unnecessary biopsies” that aren't covered by insurance. The question of dense breasts and additional screening is currently under review by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF ), an independent group of health experts that make “evidence-based recommendations” about preventive services. The USPSTF has the following included in a draft recommendation statement dated May 2023 on its website: "Nearly half of all women have dense breasts, which increases their risk for breast cancer and means that mammograms do not work as well for them. Women are generally told by their clinician that they have dense breasts after they’ve had a mammogram. These women deserve to know whether and how additional screening might help them stay healthy. Unfortunately, there is not yet enough evidence for the Task Force to recommend for or against additional screening with breast ultrasound or MRI. We are urgently calling for more research on whether and how additional screening might help women with dense breasts find cancers earlier." When I first read this statement, the words “not yet enough evidence” jumped out at me. What also jumped out, was the large “in progress” banner that stretched across a corner of the website page about the draft recommendation. This topic isn’t new. For example, the first USPTF draft recommendation I found was dated 2016. And, the language was basically the same as the current statement. So, there's still not enough evidence since 2016? The USPTF is just one group looking at the issue. What about all the other scientists, researchers and health professionals out there? When will the medical community reach a conclusion? And, meanwhile, how many women with dense breasts are missing the early-detection window? Update! As of April 30, 2024, the USPTF published its " Final Recommendation Statement " on breast cancer screening (Note the sections in bold): "Nearly half of all women have dense breasts, which increases their risk for breast cancer and means that mammograms may not work as well for them . Women are generally told that they have dense breasts after they’ve had a mammogram. These women deserve to know whether and how additional screening might help them stay healthy. Unfortunately, there is not yet enough evidence for the Task Force to recommend for or against additional screening with breast ultrasound or MRI. We are urgently calling for more research on whether and how additional screening might help women with dense breasts find cancers earlier. It is important to note that all women, including those with dense breasts, should be screened starting at age 40. While we call for more research, these women should talk to their clinicians about their options for follow-up testing so that they can get the care that’s right for them." I stand by my previous statements. How is there still not enough evidence? Extra Imaging for Dense Breasts Can Hinge on Cost A big factor in the dense-breasts care debate is the medical bill. Specifically, who pays it? Having a routine, preventative breast ultrasound is not covered by most insurance companies and it's an expensive out-of-pocket cost. To combat this, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Brain Fitzpatrick introduced the bi-partisan Find It Early Act in December 2022 and then again in May 2023. The bill would require insurance plans to cover additional screening and diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasounds and MRIs, for women with dense breasts or at a greater risk for cancer. High-profile journalist Katie Couric, who revealed she has dense breasts, is putting her star power behind the bill after her own breast cancer diagnosis. “Breast cancer is treatable, and 99 % of women who are diagnosed early survive," said Couric when the bill was introduced. "That is why everyone needs to get screened. The Find It Early Act is a critical step toward improving access to these life-saving screenings." Couric’s isn’t exaggerating. Of women diagnosed with early-stage cancer that has not spread beyond the breasts, 99 % survive it, according to data from the Office of Women's Healt h with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. What Can Women with Dense Breasts Do Now? Numerous organizations, including the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, squarely place only BI-RADS categories C and D in the dense breast column. I pulled out my mammogram reports for the past several years and found it frustrating. I was classified with a BI-RAD C one time and then a B several subsequent times. Plus, one report included a long paragraph stating I "may" have dense breasts. Huh? My point is that it’s all a little mind numbing and confusing. There are so many studies and varying opinions. And, breast density can change with age and other factors. What are women with dense breasts or "may" have dense breasts supposed to do? I’m not a medical professional, just a woman who wants to understand the best choices for my health. I’m learning just like everyone else. Here's what I do know. We all have a unique combination of factors that go along with a BI-RADS classification, so what’s right for one of us may differ greatly from another. We have to advocate for ourselves, talk to our doctors and stay informed. The breast density-care debate is certainly going to continue in the medical and political community. While they’re still debating, here’s some suggestions of what women with dense breasts can do in the meantime: • Regularly have a mammogram without fail. • Perform regular self-breast exams. • Choose a 3-D mammogram, which is better for dense breasts since it provides a fuller picture of the entire breast than a traditional 2-D mammogram. • Check with your insurance company about coverage since 3-D mammograms cost more and the difference may be out-of-pocket. • Keep your annual mammogram reports with your breast density information. • Know your family medical history and any potential risk factors for cancer. • Talk to your doctor to assess your risk and if you should seek additional imaging. • Check with your health insurance company to see if you have coverage for additional imaging based on your breast density. • Check with an imaging facility and find out the costs of an ultrasound screening. • Write your legislators in support of the Find It Early Act. • Exercise, get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. • ALWAYS advocate for yourself! For more information about dense breasts, women's health and breast cancer, including symptoms, visit these sites: Susan G. Koman DenseBreast-Info American Cancer Society Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center The Brem Foundation Office of Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services *Breast cancer ribbon image from Freepick.com

Mashed potatoes, rolls, gravy…Christmas meals are a feast of carbs. It’s all tasty, but it’s heavy. For something that’s lighter, delicious and looks beautiful on the table, wow your guests with a tomato, mozzarella and basil "wreath" garnished with a raisin-herb marinade.  With its Mediterranean flavors and Christmas colors, this dish is the perfect complement to a buffet table or holiday meal. Plus, it’s simple and quick to make with the added health benefits of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and tomatoes. I discovered this recipe on the back of a Sun-Maid raisin box at least 15 years ago. I’ve been making it from memory ever since and always to rave reviews. Enjoy!   Ingredients ¾ cup of raisins 4 tablespoons of olive oil  3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar ½ teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon dried, crushed rosemary ½ teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon salt 1 pound fresh mozzarella cut into ¼” slices or a package of pre-cut mozzarella 3 medium tomatoes cut into ¼” slices and halved  Small bunch or container of fresh basil Cracked black pepper to taste Directions 1.Combine raisins, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried herbs and salt in a microwavable bowl and stir. 2. Microwave the marinade on high for 30 seconds to warm. Stir again and place in the refrigerator to cool for at least 30 mins. Marinade can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for an even richer taste. 3. Wash and gently pat dry the basil. Then snip or pull off individual leaves.  4. On a round serving dish with a raised edge, arrange the tomatoes, cheese and basil leaves in an overlapping circular pattern keeping the center open so it forms a “wreath.” To spotlight the leaves’ green color, tuck two to three basil leaves under the tomato slices and on top of the cheese slices.  5. Spoon the marinade evenly over the wreath and season with cracked black pepper. 6. Serve your edible tomato and cheese wreath immediately and watch it disappear fast. Happy holidays!

You don’t need to spend hours or lots of cash to create a visually interesting and frightfully fun serving table for your next Halloween party. Follow these quick tips for transforming your table faster than a werewolf appears in a full moon. Stick with a Theme A table looks best if there is a consistent theme in both story and color. The idea is to avoid too many elements and only use what makes sense to tell your spooky story. Also, you'll be adding serving dishes and trays to your table, so a consistent theme keeps everything from looking overcrowded. My favorite table story is a witch's lair where she brews her concoctions. For the look, I use green and purple as my accent colors against a black base. I add a small bird cage, a fake crow (witches always have a pet), lots of skulls (victims!), a caldron, "potion handbooks" and "potion bottles." Here are some other ideas: • Screaming for the Screen – Use a movie as inspiration. For example, for "Friday the 13th," place "Jason" masks on the table along with foam "weapons," such as an axe or machete. From classic horror and sci-fi to modern slasher and suspense, the movie options are practically endless. Plenty of family-friendly options too, such as "Harry Potter" and "Hocus Pocus." • Skin and Bones – Spread fake skeleton parts and "dismembered" rubber hands, ears, fingers, etc., across your table. Pull out a length from a gauze roll and dip areas into red food coloring or color with a red Sharpie marker. Be sure to position these unrolled sections like a ribbon running across the table and curling around table items. Add "bloodied" fake knives and cutting instruments, as well. • Haunting Words Come Alive – Look to macabre literature, especially by Edgar Allen Poe. Bring to life the dark imagery of his work, such as the "Raven" and "Tell-Tale Heart." Plus, there's so much grim imagery of Poe himself. • Area 51 – Go all in on aliens and UFOs. Little green men figurines and alien-related items and decorations are so easy to find, even at the dollar store. • Creepy Critters – Place plastic or rubber bugs, millipedes, snakes and spiders in different sizes and colors across the table. • Pumpkin Parade – Showcase all kinds of fake pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns in different sizes and styles. • Haunted House – Decorate your table with items that look old or antique and stretch fake spider webs among them. Haze a mirror with soap or baby powder to make it look extra dusty and old. Elevate Decorations For an Eye-Catching Table Tables look best with decorations on different visual planes for the eye to explore. So before you place a tablecloth, create at least two levels in the center of your table. Follow these tips: 1. Raised Centerpieces – Create raised platforms by placing a shoebox, an upside down bowl or whatever you have on hand. Make sure it's sturdy enough to support your decorations. 2. Different Heights and Shapes – It's okay if the raised areas are different shapes and sizes. The differences will look more interesting overall. 3. Keep it Relaxed – Place a tablecloth over the raised platforms, but be sure to slightly pull and gather the fabric around the platforms. The fabric should gently fall around these areas. This tablecloth is the "base layer" for the final table covering. 4. Table Platform Options – In addition to, or in place of, raised platforms under a tablecloth, use your decorations to create height on top of the table cloth. My favorite choices are books and faux books. By the time September rolls in, T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods roll out Halloween-themed storage containers and nesting boxes designed to look like books. Stack them up and top with a Halloween decoration. Layer Fabrics For A Striking Visual Effect Although a classic look, Halloween parties aren't the time for covering your table with only a single white tablecloth. Instead, use fabrics with texture and monotoned patterns in layers to create the perfect Halloween vibe. Here are steps for creating the look: 1. First Layer of Color – For covering the entire table and the raised platforms, pick a tablecloth in black (my preference) or any Halloween color, such as green, purple and orange. Another fantastic option is red, which looks especially creepy under layers of black. If white is all you have, don't fret, it will work fine since it's only a base layer. 2. Layer Fabrics On Top – The key to this look is covering part of the base tablecloth with accent layers of smaller, fabrics placed at different angles. These layers shouldn't cover the entire table, just the majority of the center from side-to-side. 3. Arrange the Layers Loosely – Just like the base tablecloth, gather some of the fabric around the raised areas in the center of the table to make it look relaxed. You can also gather some fabric into a long, loose roll and then wind around the base of the raised areas under the table items. I did this with a runner that had a lacey, spider-web pattern. 4. Get Creative with Fabric Choices – I prefer the monotoned look of an all-black table. To create visual contrast, I use fabrics that vary in texture and type of material. But, a base tablecloth that's a different color from the top layers looks great, too. Fabric remnants work well for the accent layers. For instance, I used three different fabrics: a flocked, spiderweb pattern; a sheer; and part of an old costume that looks like zombie rags. If the remnant has rough edges, then all the better for creating an eerie look. Want to make your own layers? Use what you have! For example, cut an inexpensive black, cotton bed sheet or an old costume into small sections and then tatter and fray the edges. Use What You Have Before you rush out to the store, look around your home for items to help decorate your table. For my table, I used left over St. Patrick's Day bead necklaces to represent a potion flowing out of a plastic caldron for my witch's lair theme. In our attic, I discovered antique glass a relative had collected and used those as potion bottles. Maybe you have some of these items tucked away in your home: • Old-looking books. • Glass bottles in dark colors. • Antique or ornate silver and pewter decor, such as goblets, vases and mirrors. • Small, aged metal and wooden boxes (open and fill with Halloween items, such as fake spiders or eyeballs). Be Creative With Lighting Lighting is the simplest and fastest way to turn so-so table decor into something extra special. Try out some of these ideas: • Mini String Lights Create Depth – Mini, battery-powered string lights, especially the extra small "fairy lights," in orange, purple or green look great on a table. Wrap the lights up and around elevated areas and focal points, such as food trays, to create visual interest and depth. If your table covering includes a sheer layer, run the lights under it to help soften the look. • No Wax Worries – Combine a variety of battery-powered pillar candles and candle sticks with differing heights and styles. • Glow Sticks Grow Up – These handy soft lights aren't just for trick-or-treating. For an easy way to add accent color, strategically place small glow sticks under the tablecloth layers or drop into table-top Halloween decorations and containers. The effect is best when only one color is used. • Tried and True Votives – Battery-powered votives are super easy. Simply spread out on the table or place inside decorations such as plastic pumpkins and small glass containers. Votives with white lights work great, but those with orange, green or purple lights are even better. • Adjust Room Lighting – Switch out the bulbs in light fixtures and lamps for ones that are orange or purple. If you have a dimmable overhead light, turn it down. There are also specialty bulbs available that flicker. Get a Little Crafty If you have a little extra time on your hands, then try these two simple crafts that are perfect for decorating a Halloween party table. • Creepy Framed Images – Search the Internet for images that match your table theme. Print out and place these in distressed wooden or metal picture frames. Black-and-white, old-timey looking family portraits (those blank stares are freaky), are perfect as part of a haunted house theme. Images of apparitions and famous haunted houses would also work. • Haunted Mansion Wine Bottles – Serving wine? Remove all of the labels and use a white paint pen to draw a spider web pattern on the bottles. Hope these tips and suggestions help you create a memorable Halloween party table. Enjoy!

It’s hard not to love Edinburgh, Scotland. The people are friendly, it's easy to get around and the blend of old and new is fascinating. This bustling capital city is divided between Old Town with its medieval history and New Town with its evolution from the 18th century to now. Plus, there’s a long coastline and green hills and expanses. Edinburgh sits on the remains of a 350-million-year-old volcanic island. And, with glacial erosion and time, the ancient volcanic formations led to the city’s current hilly and craggy topography. The result is a striking and unique landscape. The city's skyline includes an interesting mix of architecture from medieval to the modern. Landmarks include the Parliament building, Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse Palace, the Balmoral Hotel clock tower and the Scott Monument. Plus, there's the variety of monuments, parks, homes, and shops you'd expect to find in a cityscape. Dare I mention the controversial W hotel with its modern, rounded ribbon design that some akin to a giant poo emoji? Decide for yourself! Get your camera ready and head to these spots in Edinburgh for the best views of the city and surrounding communities. Edinburgh Castle As you ride into the city, the view of Edinburgh Castle perched high above everything else is an incredible site. You immediately understand the castle’s strategic position and imagine soldiers toiling in vain to scale the hill’s steep, rocky face. The castle sits 430 feet above sea level at the summit of Castle Rock, a volcanic plug. The views from the castle grounds are amazing. You can see all the way to the coastline and appreciate the unique cityscape below. The height of Castle Rock adds to the intrigue of castle life. You can’t help but think about the protection it provided royalty, the effectiveness of cannons positioned in their embrasures and the despair of prisoners trying to see the world below through tiny slits in the prison courtyard walls. Touring the castle is a must for anyone visiting Edinburgh. In addition to the expansive views from all sides, you’ll see the crown jewels, artifacts, royal apartments, prison quarters, the grand ballroom, the National War Memorial and more. The castle opens daily at 9:30 a.m. and closes either at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. depending on the month. Last entry is always one hour before closing. The castle is closed on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26. A ticket is required to visit the castle. Walk-up tickets are available, but during busy tourist seasons, such as the summer, its best to buy them in advance. Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags Writer and Edinburgh native Robert Louis Stevenson described Arthur’s Seat as "a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design." Arthur’s Seat rises 823 feet above sea level. It's the highest point in Edinburgh and among the ancient volcanic hills of Holyrood Park. Holyrood Park is near one end of The Royal Mile, a road that stretches between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This active royal residence for King Charles III is also called Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Palace. The 640 acres of Holyrood Park are adjacent to the palace. The park features well-established paths for walking among the hills. The trek to Arthur’s seat will take about two hours, but its not too strenuous. The reward – spectacular views. If you don’t have the time or energy to hike all the way up, the other elevations in the park offer nice views, as well. The park's Salisbury Crags are about 570 feet above sea level. The steep cliffs of the crags are geologically striking and easier to get to than Arthur's Seat. Even if you don't trek up the hills, a short walk into the park will immerse you into the beautiful, rolling landscape of rocks, grasses and yellow blooms. Fun fact, no one knows for certain the origins of the name Arthur’s Seat. One popular theory centers on King Arthur and Camelot. Calton Hill Calton Hill is an ancient volcano and a fantastic spot for panoramic views. It offers some of the best views of the city and the surrounding areas. It’s a steep walk to the top, but you’ll be rewarded with clear views practically everywhere you stand. And, it's a lot faster to get to than Arthur's Seat (about 10 to 15 minutes versus two hours). Personally, I think Calton Hill offers the best views across the Firth of Forth estuary, which is between Edinburgh and the North Sea. The park-like beauty of Carlton Hill is also the perfect spot to appreciate the impressive hills of Holyrood Park, which make the neighboring Parliament and Holyrood Palace, look diminutive in comparison. The top of Calton Hill is a spacious area with gently sloping, grassy lawns perfect for picnics and relaxing. The hill is home to a collection of historic monuments and structures, including the National Monument, which was inspired by the Parthenon. The tall, tubular-shaped Nelson Monument is one of the hill's most recognizable landmarks and easily seen from the city streets below. The historic City Observatory building was once actively used for astrological purposes. Today, the section around the City Observatory building is part an artist-run initiative called the Collective . The observatory and adjacent City Dome building are used for contemporary art exhibits. In addition the observatory building, the Collective includes The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage , an upscale dinner spot praised for its farm-to-table food and, of course, the views! There's also a food kiosk located near the gallery and the Observatory House , which is available for lodging. Observer's Walk is a series of artist-created audio guides commissioned by the Collective. The guides are available online and intended for listening to while visiting Calton Hill. The Collective is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no parking at the top of Calton Hill, except for people with mobility issues. But, cars and taxis can drive up the hill to pick up and drop off riders. Fun fact, if you’re walking to Calton Hill from the Holyroodhouse Palace area, your directions will likely take you to Jacob’s Ladder, which was once a shortcut for funeral processions. Be prepared for a glute workout because Jacob’s Ladder is an extremely steep, stone staircase of 140 steps carved into volcanic rock. Royal Botanic Garden The Royal Botanic Garden is spread over 72 acres and home to one of the most extensive plant collections in the world. The garden, about a mile from Edinburgh's city center, is a tranquil and beautiful oasis. For views of the city’s skyline, wander through the lush grounds to the highest point of the Rock Garden. Through breaks in the tree line are views in different directions across the city. In all fairness, skyline views from the garden are not as impressive as other locations in this list. But, the gardens are gorgeous and worth seeing. The Rock Garden, for example, includes around 5,000 species of plants, a waterfall and stream. Other areas to explore include the Chinese Hillside, Arboretum, Scottish Plant Collection, the Rhododendron Collection and the Woodland Garden. This is truly one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever seen. I especially enjoyed the Rock Garden waterfall and the Chinese Pavilion. Sitting outside among the beautiful landscape eating a slice of cake from the onsite Terrace Cafe was also a highlight. A perfect outing! The garden is free and opens daily at 10 a.m. Closing times vary from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. depending on the month. The last entry is always 45 minutes before closing. The gardens are closed on Dec. 25, Jan. 1, and in extreme weather. The Scott Monument The Scott Monument is a gothic, tower-like structure built in honor of Scottish writer Sir Walter Raleigh. The monument is just over 200 feet tall and has three levels of open-air viewing platforms, each with 360-degree views. The monument, located in Princess Street Gardens, is in the heart of Edinburgh and one of the busiest sections of the city. It stands in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle and where Old Town and New Town meet. Fun fact, the nearby Waverley Train Station is named after one of Scott's novels. The monument is open everyday at 10 a.m. and the last tour is at 4:30 p.m. The monument closes for lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Tickets are purchased upon arrival and no reservations are available. For more information, visit the monument's website . Final Tip Edinburgh is compact and easy to navigate, especially the city's center. It's also hilly, so keep that in mind. It's an easy walk (downhill) from Edinburgh Castle to the Holyrood Park and from there to nearby Calton Hill. The Royal Botanic Gardens are a little further out so catch a black cab or Uber. We only used Uber once because the black cabs and buses are clean, comfortable and abundant. Happy exploring!

In 1952, the Scottish people were so outraged over a monogram they tarred public mailboxes and planted fake bombs in protest. That seems an extreme reaction over some silly letters, but in fact, those letters carry deep meaning and are steeped in history. The focus of their ire was the royal cipher (or cypher in British English) of the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II, which they saw as an affront because it disregarded their beloved Mary, Queen of Scots. Royal ciphers are basically special monograms for a reigning sovereign. The use of ciphers traces back to Queen Victoria. They are used to adorn buildings, gates and other items in a sovereign's honor, as well as official items during his or her reign such as stamps and coins. Royal ciphers are designed by the College of Arms for the incoming sovereign, who selects the final design among several choices. For King Charles III, the intersecting initials "C" and "R" with the roman numeral three inside the "R" form his  cipher along with an image of the crown. The “R” stands for either Rex or Regina, the Latin words for King and Queen respectively. For example, the new king's “CR” means “Charles Rex” and his mother was “ER” for Elizabeth Regina. King Charles III actually has two official royal ciphers – one for England and one for Scotland. The two are exactly the same except the Scottish version includes that country's crown. Surely this choice traces back to his mother’s cipher controversy in 1952. The problem for his mother had to do with her being named the second, so her cipher was “EIIR.” That roman numeral caused a big fuss. Scots Up In Arms The first Queen Elizabeth ruled from 1558-1603, but was only crowned Queen of England and Wales, not Scotland. Elizabeth's cousin, Mary, was named Scotland’s queen in 1542 when she was only 6 days old, according to the Royal Collection Trust . Interestingly, it was Mary's son, James, who united Scotland and England in rule. James was already King of Scotland when he was crowned King of England after Elizabeth I died in 1603. She was famously called "The Virgin Queen" and had no heirs. Mary and Elizabeth had a long and tangled relationship, especially since Mary had legitimate claims to the English throne. With this history in perspective, it makes more sense why the Scots were upset when the cipher for Queen Elizabeth II appeared on the country's post boxes (mailboxes). According to the Postal Museum , a letter by a group calling themselves “Scottish Patriots,” was sent to the chief of Scotland’s police “demanding that steps be taken against the Postmaster General for their ‘historical inaccuracy' in using the cypher EIIR" Protests escalated from damaging post box ciphers with hammers to planting bombs. Even though the bombs were designed not to detonate, the message was clear. Prime Minister Winston Churchill got involved claiming England would not back down (it’s well known he was a big royalist and a fan of the young, new queen). Post boxes were destroyed and repaired again and again. Threatening notes and actions continued for months until finally a change was made. Instead of "EIIR" a single image of the Crown of St. Andrew, which is part of the Scottish Crown Jewels, was chosen – with no accompanying initials – as the new cipher for official mailboxes and vehicles in Scotland. Hunting Ciphers When visiting London, finding ciphers and figuring out their meaning and history is a fun game while enjoying the big tourist sites. London’s Postal Museum calls this “cypher spotting.” From the huge and obvious to the small and simple, the ciphers are artful and cleverly integrated into their surrounding environment. We were in the United Kingdom just after King Charles III’s coronation. As expected, his cipher was everywhere. For instance, at the Tower of London the cipher was prominently featured on the building housing the Crown Jewels and on the uniforms of the yeoman who guard the tower grounds. With the Tower of London's rich history and museums, spotting ciphers for past royals was easy, as well. Near Parliament and across the Westminster Bridge, I noticed lampposts adorned with an intertwined “V” and "A" for royals of the past – Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert. Much has been written about their successful, loving marriage and, in my opinion, this special cipher is a clear nod to the deep love between them. While spotting royal ciphers around London, you'll also find cipher-like insignia for businesses, communities and non-royal nobility, a class of aristocrats with an inherited or granted title such as Duke or Earl. For instance, the Earl's Court Gate entrance to Holland Park in London's Royal Borough of Kensington is adorned with "HH" for Holland House. Holland Park, according to official borough information, is 54 acres spread across what was once the grounds of Cope Castle, the home to the Earl of Holland. When the Earl died his wife renamed the home Holland House. There's a much discussed monogram found throughout the City of Westminster in greater London. Stroll along those city streets and notice lampposts adorned with a fancy “W” and a pair of reverse facing "Cs" that look like the Chanel fashion house logo. The popular story is that the Duke of Westminster carried on a long affair with Coco Chanel during the 1920s. As a public declaration of his love, the Duke displayed their initials on lampposts all over the city. Adding to the intrigue is the 2011 book, “Sleeping With The Enemy: Coco Chanel’s Secret War,” by Hal Vaughan. The author dampens the flames of love with claims the French designer was a German spy during WWII with the code name “Westminster,” which the House of Chanel has denied . Did Chanel take advantage of the love-struck Duke for riches, access and information? Whatever the result, they’re forever together on practically every lamppost in sight. Or, so most people think. “ The Telegraph ” reported in 2010 that the “W” stands for the city itself and the double "Cs" means “City Council," according to Westminster officials in the story. Plus, the adorned lampposts weren't even installed until the 1950s, long after Chanel and the Duke were an item. Well, that’s no fun. The article also said the city was switching out the lampposts for plain ones. Those plans were either scrapped or the wheels of change are really slow because I spotted plenty of the monogramed lampposts. Royal Cipher Spotting Beyond London You know how once you’re made aware of something, then suddenly you start noticing it everywhere? That certainly happened to me with ciphers in and around London and even back in the U.S. during a visit to the Charleston Museum in Charleston, S.C. There, nestled among antique dishes and pots in a display case, I spotted ciphers for different King Georges. The ciphers were on items designed in the late 1600s to early 1800s for export to London. These artifacts are a reminder of the connection between the two countries and their historic cities. For a deep dive on ciphers, check out the website for The College of Arms . Another great option is The Postal Museum’s website, which has a wealth of information on ciphers, especially in stamp design.

If you love movies, then you probably love ALL the stories about them. Okay, movie fans, check out these documentaries highlighting some of the best stories about movie makers and movie culture. All of these documentaries are available on various free and subscription streaming services or YouTube. Links to trailers and/or the full documentaries are included in the descriptions. Everything is Copy–Nora Ephron: Scripted & Unscripted Directed by Jacob Bernstein and Nick Hooke, 2015 Do you ever wish you could say the perfect thing at the perfect time? Well, if Nora Ephron’s voice lived in your head, you could. The late writer and director was honest, funny, tough and had an uncanny ability to display human relationships with searing accuracy in print and on film. She’s the creative talent behind movies such as "Harry Met Sally," "Heartburn" and "You've Got Mail." Jacob Bernstein, the film's co-director and Ephron's son, brings her talents and life into sharp focus through home movies, television interviews and reflections by colleagues and friends, such as Meryl Streep. Dotted throughout the documentary are clips of Ephron's films and excerpts of her work read by actors, such as Meg Ryan and Reese Witherspoon.  The film is a fun and delightful walk through Ephron’s life that’s sure to make you smile and possibly help you go through life with a more observant eye. You’ll certainly wish you could have met Ephron and basked in all that swirled in her creative mind. Official Trailer Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film Directed by William Conlin, 2019 An interesting, and at times even moving, look at the talented team of artists led by John Chambers who helped propel movie making through their special-effects makeup for the 1968 sci-fi film "Planet of the Apes." The documentary also spotlights how "Planet of the Apes" was a game-changer in filmmaking and the industry at-large. From its incredible visual and sound effects to some of the most shocking film reveals and quotable lines in film history, "Planet of the Apes" was a HUGE success and influenced generations of filmmakers.  Even if you've never seen "Planet of the Apes," (please watch it!) there's much to enjoy and learn through this documentary. It's also the perfect time to learn more about the franchise’s deep influence and why it's endured while so many others have failed with the latest apes installment, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” set to release in May 2024. Fun fact, "Making Apes" touches on Chambers’ real-life role with the CIA to use a fake, sci-fi film ruse in 1980 to free American embassy workers in Iran. Ben Affleck chronicled the events in the 2012 Academy Award winning film, "Argo." The National Museum of American Diplomacy has a nice article about the unusual rescue. Official Trailer Full Documentary De Palma Directed by Jake Paltrow and Noah Baumbach, 2015 De Palma was part of the 1970s cinema renaissance along with George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg. He's wowed and shocked audiences with incredible stories and shot sequences in films, such as "Carrie," "Dressed to Kill" and "The Untouchables."   For the documentary, the director discusses his career from the beginning and the result is revealing, insightful and entertaining. Through the documentary, we learn about his childhood and filmmaking influences, his role in redefining filmmaking, and the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry as an artist.  De Palma fans, and even those unfamiliar with the director's work, will appreciate how the documentary dissects filmmaking through De Palma's evolution from one film to the next. It ’s refreshing to hear an accomplished artist speak frankly about his creative process and career, especially what worked, what didn’t and why. Plus, the documentary offers a peek behind Hollywood’s illusive curtain with De Palma’s amusing insider stories that make you feel privy to a different world.  Official Trailer Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound Directed by Midge Costin, 2019 Can you imagine "Jaws" without the “da, duh” as the shark chases its prey? Or, "Star Wars" without the sound of lightsabers colliding? Of course not. Sound is intrinsically linked to the movie-watching experience as it helps ignite our emotions and move the story forward.   "Making Waves" is a wonderful and entertaining look at music and sound in film. From iconic scores to special sound effects, this documentary explains it all while delighting viewers with film clips, a look at the evolution of sound in film, and commentary by acclaimed directors, sound professionals and actors.  The documentary also traces technological advances that propelled sound forward in film. Fun fact, Barbara Streisand insisted on Dolby stereo audio (a first in film history) for her 1976 movie, "A Star is Born." Her use of recording industry advances in movie making was groundbreaking and a turning point in film sound.  Official Trailer The Last Blockbuster Directed by Taylor Morde, 2020 Going to the video rental store was once a weekend ritual for all, but times changed and the stores shuttered. Blockbuster, the biggest and most recognizable video rental chain, filed for bankruptcy in 2014 and things came crashing down from there. All corporate-owned locations closed first followed by independently owned franchises, except for just one in Bend, Oregon, which is still going strong in 2024. "The Last Blockbuster" is a charming, nostalgic look at the video rental craze and the survival of a small business.  Fun fact, the Oregon Blockbuster store has great merch! After watching the documentary, we loaded up on T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring the iconic Blockbuster logo.  Official Trailer What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael Directed by Rob Garver, 2018 Influential film critic Pauline Kael was loved and hated, which she probably considered a sign of doing her job well. "What She Said" examines the career of Kael, who spent the majority of her career writing for "The New Yorker." Today, anyone with internet access can write film criticism, but in Kael’s day it was an exclusive circle of writers at newspapers and magazines. Kael broke from the traditional, academic approach to film criticism. “She turned movie review…into an expressive art form,” writer Lili Anolik explains in the documentary.  Kael never minced words. Her opinions – in reviews and interviews – were witty, eloquent, clever, sarcastic and honest to a fault. Kael never caved to the review wishes of studios or advertisers and her opinions could make or break a film. She celebrated filmmaking that broke new ground and helped launch the careers of directors Brian De Palma, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. This documentary is an interesting look at Kael’s career, the subjectivity of art and the evolution of film criticism. The story is told through Kael’s own writings, her television interviews, film clips, and commentary by actors, producers, directors and fellow critics.  Official Trailer Harold and Lillian: A Hollywood Love Story Directed by Daniel Raim, 2015 This sweet, delightful and entertaining documentary is one part love story and one part movie-making magic. Harold and Lillian Michelson were behind-the-scenes masters of their fields – research for her and storyboarding and art direction for him. They contributed to hundreds of movies, including award-winning classics and fan favorites such as, "Rocky," "The Birds," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest," and "Scarface."  Harold helped directors visualize their pictures as a skilled storyboard artist and won an academy award for his art direction and production design. For instance, the iconic shot of Dustin Hoffman through Anne Bancroft’s bent leg in "The Graduate" was Harold’s idea.  Lillian brought believability and authenticity to films through her research. Everything from accurate military uniforms and props for "Full Metal Jacket" to what a drug lab looks like for "Scarface." A tenacious researcher, she actually interviewed a retired drug lord and a DEA agent at the same time to gather needed insights about the drug trade.  The couple was so beloved in Hollywood that the Dreamworks studio team behind "Shrek 2" created the movie’s character’s King Harold and Queen Lillian in their honor. The documentary takes you on an enjoyable trip through aspects of filmmaking that are often overshadowed, as well as through the ups, downs and funny adventures of a couple raising a family. As a nice touch, cartoon drawings depicting the couple’s life are used among the one-on-one interviews, photographs, and film clips. Official Trailer A Hitchcock Documentary Double Feature: 78/52 Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, 2017 There is a reason the shower scene in the 1960 film "Psycho" still shocks audiences today–it's Alfred Hitchcock’s brilliant direction. For the iconic scene, Hitchcock used 78 camera set ups and 52 cuts, hence the documentary's title. Philippe's delves into the designing of the scene and how it influenced future movie making. Hitchcock fans will relish the insights by film critics, directors, writers and actors as they discuss the scene, the film as a whole, and Hitchcock’s style and symbolism that’s thread throughout "Psycho" and his other work.  Official Trailer Hitchcock/Truffaut Directed by Kent Jones, 2015 Kent Jones’ documentary explores the lasting impact of the 1966 book "Hitchcock/Truffaut." In 1962, French filmmaker Francois Truffaut spent weeks interviewing Alfred Hitchcock about his work and approach to film. The two directors discussed in great detail Hitchcock’s work, even going frame-by-frame. The recordings were turned into a 1966 book that helped elevate Hitchcock’s status as a director who makes movies of substance and not just entertainment. The book also served as a filmmaking bible for legions of artists to come. Director Wes Anderson, for example, says his copy is so worn from years of continued reading and referencing it’s basically now an unbound "stack of papers."  Jones’ documentary includes clips of Hitchcock’s films and audio excerpts from the original interviews. In addition to Anderson, the film includes commentary from directors Martin Scorsese, Peter Bogdanovich, David Fincher and others influenced by the book.  Official Trailer Spielberg Director Susan Lacy, 2017 Steven Spielberg’s movies are part of our cultural fabric. His films make the hair on arms stand up and tears roll down our faces in both laughter and sadness. Through it all, he keeps our eyes glued to the screen. Only with Spielberg’s magical touch, for instance, do we believe an alien can be a father figure for a little boy. Anyone who doesn’t cry witnessing that special relationship is surely made of stone.  This wonderful documentary by Susan Lacy is a trip through Spielberg’s career and a walk down movie-memory lane. Spielberg discusses his evolution as a filmmaker with each picture, his influences, and his artistic hopes and goals. Insights are provided by movie-making friends and colleagues, including Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, J.J. Abrams, Drew Barrymore and more.  If you enjoyed "The Fablemans," Spielberg’s 2022 semi-autobiographical movie about his childhood and early film influences, then you’ll especially like tying it all together with this documentary. Once you’re done, you’ll want to re-watch all your favorite Spielberg films. Official Trailer Inside Jaws: A Filmumentary Directed by Jamie Benning, 2015 It’s a miracle Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" ever made it to the big screen considering its difficult production. But it did, it was a huge success and the phrase "summer blockbuster" was coined. Even though "Jaws" was released in 1975 (and the mechanical shark looks unrealistic against today’s CGI sharks), the film is just as engaging, scary and suspenseful today as it was then.  Filmmaker and podcaster Jamie Benning successfully breaks down the making of "Jaws" with his unofficial documentary using a non-traditional format called a "filmumentary." Benning takes the entire film and skillfully adds in deleted scenes, interesting facts and audio commentary culled together from Spielberg, the actors, and others involved in the production. It’s a deep dive that "Jaws" fans and movie makers in general will enjoy sinking their teeth into (pun intended).  If you like a more traditional documentary format check out "The Shark is Still Working: The Impact and Legacy of Jaws" by Erik Hollander or "The Making of Jaws," by Laurent Bouzereau. Full Filmumentary Becoming Mike Nichols Directed by Douglas McGrath, 2016 Mike Nichols was a legendary writer, director, and comedian. Known for his naturalistic directing style that drew in audiences, Nichols' career spanned six decades and along the way he joined the exclusive club of EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award) winners. In this sit-down interview, filmed just four months before his death, Nichols discusses the early part of his career from his start in improv through his Best Picture Academy Award win for "The Graduate."  Throughout the documentary are clips of his work, including entertaining skits when he was part of the comedy duo, Nichols and May. Fun fact, when Nichols was making "The Graduate," he listened to Simon and Garfunkel’s "Sounds of Silence" album everyday before leaving for the studio. On one of those days, it hit him that the duo's music was perfect for the soundtrack. When he asked the pair for a new song to represent the character Mrs. Robinson, they simply switched the name of a song they were already working on called Mrs. Roosevelt. All of the "dee deets" in the song were space fillers because the lyrics were unfinished. Official Trailer Ok, fans, dim the lights, grab the remote, get comfortable and indulge your love of movies. Happy viewing!

When Halloween rolls around, fans of scary movies tune in to rewatch their favorites. We know them like the back of our hand, from who lives and dies to when the jump scares are coming. What we don't always know are the unique, notorious and even dubious stories surrounding these movies. Check out this mix of horror movie trivia from scary classics to new fan favorites that are as delicious as Halloween candy. Barrymore Breaks the Rules Drew Barrymore revealed some tasty insights about the movie "Scream" (1996) during an episode of her talk show in 2021. First, she was originally asked to play the lead character Sidney Prescott, but pushed instead for the role of Casey Becker. Barrymore knew Becker’s murder in the movie’s opening sequence would leave audiences stunned. The brutal killing of a believed main character, especially one played by a well-known star, broke all the “horror movie rules,” which is a major plot focus in “Scream.” Another fun fact is the connection between the 1983 Brain De Palma movie “Scarface” and the platinum wig Barrymore wore as Casey. Barrymore asked her wig maker to recreate Michelle Pfeiffer’s look as the character Elvira in "Scarface." Be a Crystal Lake Camper if You Dare The very first “Friday the 13th” movie takes place at the fictional Camp Crystal Lake. The real-life filming location is Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco (NOrth BErgen BOy SCOuts) in Hardwick, N.J. The 380+ acre camp is private property owned by the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) Northern New Jersey Council and they regularly host public events with a Crystal Lake/Friday the 13th theme. Activities range from canoeing and archery to tours of film locations and meet-n-greets with cast members. Not afraid of Jason coming out at night? The overnight events include a campfire, a “Friday the 13th” screening and sleeping in one of the cabins used in the movie. The camp was founded in 1927 and the events support its ongoing restoration and maintenance, as well as BSA camping programs. The camp maintains a website with information about its public events. An Unusual Film Debut in a Scary Classic The shower scene in “Psycho” is an amazing piece of filmmaking that’s still analyzed and discussed to this day. But, the shower wasn’t the only thing in the Bates Motel bathroom to make cinema history. In the film, the character Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh, tears a note she’s written into pieces and flushes it down the toilet. This is the first time a flushing toilet ever appeared on screen. The flushing was tied to a major plot point, a fact Hitchcock used to get the scene approved by the censors. Deadly Dancing Doll is a World Champion The hugely successful movie “M3GAN” (2022) tells the story of a robotic doll that takes her role as a little girl’s friend to murderous levels. The scene of M3GAN’s creepy dance before grabbing a paper cutter blade and chasing down a victim caught the public’s attention and was mimicked across social media. The performer was Amie Donald, a 12-year-old New Zealand actress and dancer, who wore an animatronic M3GAN mask for the role. During publicity interviews for the movie, Donald attributed her ability to portray the robot’s precise and controlled movement to her dance training. She won a bronze and silver medal for her country at the 2019 Dance World Cup, a first for the country. In addition to Donald, other versions of M3GAN used in the film included numerous puppets and sometimes just parts, such as an upper torso or legs. The M3GANs were created by Adrien Morot, an Academy-award winning special-effects make up and prosthetics artist, and make-up artist Kathy Tse. In case you’re wondering, M3GAN stands for Model 3 Generative ANdroid. No Pigs Were Harmed in the Making of this Film In Steven King’s book, “Carrie,” the main character is a telekinetic, tortured teen. At the prom, Carrie unleashes her powers after being victimized by bullying classmates who doused her with pig's blood. For Brain De Palma’s 1976 film adaptation, Sissy Spacek plays Carrie. She explained in a Yahoo Entertainment story (2018) that a warmed mixture of corn syrup and red food coloring was used for the pig’s blood. From chocolate blood, peanut butter blood and even blood so real it had to be remixed to look more artificial – filmmakers have to get pretty creative when it comes to making injury and death look believable. Check out "A Brief History of Fake Blood" by Slate (2017), for a deeper dive on how filmmakers evolved tricks and techniques to create bloody scenes in films such as "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957), "The Godfather" (1972) and more. See Sam on the Big Screen “Trick ‘R Treat” is a 2007 horror film that’s often found on watch lists when October rolls around, yet it only got a theatrical release in 2022. In fact, it initially went straight to video after a successful premiere on the film festival circuit. Why? No clear explanation. One theory, the execs at Warner Brothers were nervous after “Superman Returns” flopped, according to recent Screen Rant articles. Another possibility, the studio was unsure how to market the movie and its unique storytelling style. The film has garnered cult status and is in theaters again during October 2023. The movie, which has an 82% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, has all the right ingredients – an original story, excellent cast, great special effects make-up, jump scares, creepy sets, hair-raising suspense and a memorable looking mysterious character/villain (Sam). "Trick ‘R Treat" is also easily found on streaming platforms. And, remember to follow Halloween lore or tradition-stickler Sam might visit you! Too Much Soup For You In “The Exorcist” (1973) a young girl named Regan, played by Linda Blair, is possessed by a demon with very bad manners. Under the demon’s control, Regan’s head spins, she cusses out everyone, and spews green vomit into a priest’s face. Green pea soup is widely cited as the fake vomit, but the film’s director, William Friedkin, set the record straight in a 2008 Director’s Guild of America article saying: “Over the years, everyone refers to the vomit here as pea soup, but it was really porridge with pea soup coloring – it had a much better texture than pure pea soup.” Yuck! It’s no wonder movie theaters handed out barf bags, especially when the spewing came from Blair looking grotesque thanks to special effects makeup. The Original Scream Queen had a Beastly “Boyfriend” Fay Wray, whose character Ann Darrow was the object of King Kong’s affection in the classic 1933 movie, was dubbed a “scream queen” by entertainment writers at the time. And, its believed to be the first use of the title, making Wray the original scream queen. Although Wray let her scream rip in a series of scary pictures during the '30s, she’s best known for those captured on celluloid for “King Kong." The most famous scream is her very first one in the movie. In the scene, the character Carl Denham, the producer spearheading the ocean voyage to Skull Island to see Kong, asks Ann to pretend she sees the giant beast for the first time. After an emotional build up under Carl's direction, he shouts, "Scream, Ann! Scream for your life!" And, she let's it rip. Wray did the scene in one take. In 2016, Wray was interviewed by filmmaker and friend Rick McKay about her career. Of the famous scream, Wray didn't understand why hers was more famous than others. "I don't understand that really, exactly," she said. "But, I'll take it, if that serves to be something people appreciate." The Family That Screams Together, Stays Together Well, they didn’t technically scream in the same movie, but Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis reign supreme at the only mother-daughter scream queens. Leigh earned her crown for the shower scene in “Psycho” (1960). Curtis earned hers for screams throughout “Halloween” (1978) and subsequent roles in horror films. Curtis also starred as the character Dean Musch in “Scream Queens,” a dark-comedy television series about a university plagued with murders. In one episode, Curtis recreated her mother's iconic shower scene. Curtis shared her thoughts about the scene and the filmmaking tricks to make it during an interview at the Paley Center for Media in 2016. Be A Good Dog “Cujo” is the 1983 film adaptation of Stephen King’s book about a rabid dog terrorizing a mother and son. The role of Cujo was filled by numerous St. Bernards, a sweet and family-friendly breed. So friendly, in fact, that 7-year-old Danny Pintauro, the son character in the movie, wasn’t allowed to play with the dogs for fear they would wag their tail and be too excited around him during filming. Pintauro recounted his Cujo experience on the Behind the Velvet Rope podcast in 2022. Pintauro said Cujo’s rabid look was achieved with mustard and ketchup, which the dogs liked to lick off their face. In addition to real dogs, mechanical dogs and even men in dog suits were used for filming. Give Credit Where Credit is Due As the credits roll for John Carpenter's "Halloween" (1978), the Bowling Green Philharmonic Orchestra is listed as performing the haunting original music. In actuality, Carpenter wrote and performed it, but credited a fictitious group (the city didn't have an orchestra until 2000). This is among the many nods Carpenter gives to Bowling Green, K.Y., where he spent most of his youth. The Carpenter family moved to the small city when the filmmaker was five years old because his father, Howard, joined Western Kentucky University's (WKU) music faculty. Carpenter references Bowling Green and the surrounding area in numerous films. For instance, Michael Myers escapes from the "Smith's Grove Warren County Sanitorium." No such facility exists, but Bowling Green is in Warren County and Smiths Grove (spelled differently) is a small community near to the city. For mega fans, see what inspired Carpenter first hand with "Reel Sites, Real Scary," a self-guided tour by the The Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Tour spots includes references made in "Halloween," "Halloween II" (1981) and "The Fog" (1980). Plus, time stamps for when references are made in each film. Additionally, the tour includes trivia and places important to Carpenter's life, such as WKU. The Carpenter family lived on campus in a historic log cabin, which still stands today, and John attended WKU for two years before transferring to University of Southern California to study film. Spooky Coincidence or Something Amidst Ryan Reynolds starred as George Lutz in the 2005 remake of “The Amityville Horror.” For those unfamiliar with the long backstory, it began in 1974 when Ronald DeFoe murdered six of his family members, including his mother and father, in his Amityville, N.Y., home. The murders took place at 3:15 a.m. In an interview with the online entertainment site, MovieWeb, Reynolds said numerous crew members woke up everyday at 3:15 a.m. exactly. Maybe it was the power of suggestion from hours with the script, but it wasn’t something made up to sell tickets, according to Reynolds. Horror Gets Some Respect “The Exorcist” (1973), often cited as the scariest movie of all time, was the first horror film to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture (it won the Golden Globe in the same category). The film was a box office smash and recognized with numerous awards and nominations. Of its 10 Oscars nominations, the only win went to William Peter Blatty for his adapted screenplay based on his 1971 book of the same name. Scary Flicks Join the Big League “Silence of the Lambs” (1991), the story of a FBI detective soliciting help from an imprisoned serial killer to find another one still on the loose, is the first horror film to win a Best Picture Academy Award. As of 2023, only six horror films have earned nominations in the category. The others include “The Exorcist” (1973), “Jaws” (1975), “Sixth Sense” (1999), “Black Swan” (2010), and “Get Out” (2017). Leaving Nothing to Chance Director James Wan is the force behind a horror-genre empire. Among his films are the hugely successful–and frightening–movies in the “Conjuring,” “Saw” and “Insidious” franchises. When it comes to his sets, Wan isn’t taking any chances. He regularly has a priest come and provide a blessing. Beam Me Up to Haddonfield The mask worn by the deranged killer Michael Myers in "Halloween" (1978) is so frightening it’s hard to believe it’s actually a mask of the beloved “Star Trek” character Captain Kirk. It’s widely known, the film’s production designer, Tommy Lee Wallace, bought the mask at a store on Hollywood Boulevard. He then enlarged the eyes, removed the eyebrows and sideburns, darkened the hair and painted it white. In my opinion, it’s those black eye holes that make the mask extra creepy. Wallace demonstrates how he made the mask and shares some Halloween stories in this 2014 YouTube video with writer and producer Sean Clark. In the video, Wallace refers to the mask as The Shape. This is because in the first film, the killer is listed in the credits as The Shape, not Michael Myers. Haunted House is Open for Business “The Conjuring” (2013) is based on the real life Perron family and their experiences after moving into a farmhouse in Burrillville, R.I., in 1971. The family claims the house, where they lived for 10 years, was haunted. The family enlisted the help of paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, portrayed in the film by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. The home is now in the hands of Jacqueline Nuñez, a spiritualist and real estate developer. The property is a destination for those interested in the paranormal. According to the website, you can tour the home, take part in investigations and even camp on the grounds. Interested? Check out the website. I "Vant" To Be A Record Holder Count Dracula joined the Guinness Book of World Record holders in 1992 as the character most often portrayed in horror films. In second place is Frankenstein's monster. And, in all those appearances, Count Dracula never said the often quoted line, "I vant to suck your blood." As explained in a 2019 PBS News Hour article and numerous other sources, the phrase was never said on film. The pronunciation plays off the heavy Hungarian accent of Bela Lugosi, who famously portrayed Dracula on stage in the 1920s and then on screen in the 1930s and '40s. Feed Me My Line Again: Horror Movie Trivia Quotes The American Film Institute’s top 100 movie quotes includes a number from spooky movies. Here are the quotes and the characters who said them. #21 Silence of the Lambs (1991) “A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.” -Dr. Hannibal Lecter #35 Jaws (1975) “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” -Sheriff Martin Brody #44 The Sixth Sense (1999) “I see dead people.” -Cole Sear #49 Frankenstein (1931) “It's alive! It's alive!” -Mad Scientist Henry Frankenstein #56 Psycho (1960) “A boy’s best friend is his mother.” -Norman Bates #68 The Shining (1980) “Here’s Johnny” -Jack Torrance #69 Poltergeist (1982) “They’re here.” -Carol Anne #83 Dracula (1931) “Listen to them. Children of the night. What music they make.” -Count Dracula #84 King Kong (1933) “Oh, no, it wasn’t the airplanes. It was beauty that killed the beast.” -Carl Denham

Add the marshmallows to the cocoa, grab a fuzzy blanket and cozy up on the sofa–it's the final stretch for Christmas movie marathons! "Winter Break" programming on TNT and TBS, which began in November, continues to countdown during the last days of December. Tune in for movie favorites such as, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "Deck the Halls," and "Arthur Christmas." And, on December 24 at 8 p.m., settle in for the grand finale – the hugely popular 24-hour marathon of "A Christmas Story." For fans of half hour comedies, there's plenty for you, too. The two networks are airing marathons of holiday-themed episodes of popular shows such as "Big Bang Theory" and "Friends." Check out the full movie and television line up at Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of TNT and TBS. When these holiday movies roll around every year, it’s like reconnecting with old friends. Let’s get to know some of our favorites even better with movie trivia – the Christmas edition! A Christmas Story (1983) Directed by Bob Clark Written by Bob Clark, Jean Shepard and Leigh Brown A charming and delightful glimpse into the life of young boy named Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), at Christmas time in the 1940s. His quest for a BB-gun, a broken leg-lamp mystery, pink-footed bunny pajamas and a tongue stuck to a frozen pole are among the delightful highlights of this beloved Christmas movie. Did you know… • The house used in the movie, A Christmas Story House, is located near downtown Cleveland, Ohio, and open for tours and overnight stays year round. The Bumpus’ family house, which is next door just like in the movie, is also open for overnight visits. Across the street is A Christmas Story Museum, featuring behind the scenes photos, original props, costumes and memorabilia. • The movie is set in Indiana, but was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio, and Toronto. Higbee’s Department Store, which features prominently in "A Christmas Story," was an actual store in downtown Cleveland. The management’s willingness to allow filming is a big reason the city was chosen as a film location, according to achristmasstoryhouse.com. • "A Christmas Story" is based on Jean Shepherd’s life. The writer recounted his time growing up in Indiana in the '30s and ‘40s in a series of stories that were published in "Playboy" and collected for the 1966 book, "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash," according background by achristmastoryhouse.com. • Director Bob Clark first heard Shepherd’s stories on the radio in the 1960s while driving. He was so entranced, he drove around for an hour just so he could hear the entire story. Clark dreamed of one day bringing Shepherd’s stories to life on the big screen, but it took writing and directing the R-rated, teen movie "Porky's" to actually make it happen. "Porky's" (1981) was a huge hit and the studio wanted a sequel, but Clark wouldn’t agree unless making "A Christmas Story" was part of the deal. • Shepard narrates "A Christmas Story" and has a cameo. He plays a man waiting in line with his son to see Santa at Higbee’s Department Store. When Ralphie unknowingly jumps to the front of the very long line, Shepard’s character says, "Where do you think you’re going?" and points out, "The line begins here. It ends there." • One of the movie's iconic scenes is when Ralphie's friend, Flick (Scott Schwartz), touches a metal flagpole with his tongue as part of a dare. A hidden suction tube was used to create the illusion that Flick's tongue is frozen to the pole, according to IMBd.com. • Although, well recieved, "A Christmas Story" didn't get a big push by the studio when it was first releasted. It's popularity grew with the spread of cable television and back-to-back broadcasts for 24 hours on TNT and TBS. Now, the movie is a treasured classic and the marathons are an annual network tradition. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) Directed by Larry Roemer Written by Romeo Muller, Robert May and Johnny Marks A television classic that tells the origin story of Rudolph and how he came to lead Santa’s sleigh. Made by the entertainment company Rankin-Bass Productions, the puppet-like characters were brought to life using the stop-motion technique. Did you know… • Rick Goldschmidt, the Rankin-Bass historian, described "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as the company’s "crown jewel" in a 2020 "New York Times" article. The Rudolph production was the first in a series of popular television specials including "Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town," and "The Year Without a Santa Claus." • The two main puppets, Rudolph and Santa, each cost around $5,000 to make in 1964, according to the NYT article. The puppets were constructed of felted wool, leather, wood and a metal armature. In Nov 2020, the production's original Santa and Rudolph puppets were sold for $368,000 at the Icons & Legends of Hollywood Auction by Profiles in History in Los Angeles, according to event coverage by "USA Today." The auction price was high, but the puppets themselves are actually small: Santa is 11" tall and Rudolph is 6". The anonymous winning bidder donated the pair to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. The Santa and Rudolph puppets exchanged hands numerous times over the years and were restored prior to the Icons & Legends auction. The puppets spent a long time in the home of Barbara Adams, the one-time secretary of the company’s co-founder Aurthur Rankin, Jr. Adams’ nephew met with expert Simion Lipman on a 2005 episode of "Antiques Roadshow" to have the puppets appraised. The puppets, which were in rough shape after being in an attic since the 1960s, were appraised by Lipman for around $8,000 at the time. As a special "Antiques Roadshow" update segment, Lipman provides a nice history of the puppets along with video clips from that first roadshow appearance through the Icons and Legends auction. • The Misfit Toys gained more screen time thanks to concerned viewers, according to IMDb.com. In the original version of the show, the characters Rudolph, Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius promise to help the toys after visiting their island. But, the toys never appear again. The show’s producers received droves of letters from children upset that the toys weren’t helped. The producers decided to add a scene showing Santa and Rudolph picking up the Misfit Toys for delivery to their new homes. This version has aired ever since. Elf (2003) Directed by Jon Favreau Written by David Berenbaum Buddy (Will Farrell) is an elf who leaves his North Pole home for New York City in search of his father (James Caan). During Buddy’s quest, he gets a job at Gimbels department store, falls in love, discovers his non-elf family, eats way too much sugar and saves Christmas. Did you know… • The scenes of Buddy exploring the city and interacting with unsuspecting New Yorkers was all impromptu. Favreau said in a 2018 "Rotten Tomatoes" interview that they didn’t hire a bunch of extras, but instead gave Ferrell free reign to interact with regular people. Favreau said they sat in a van with a camera to captured his antics "independent-film style." In the same interview, Ferrell said, "Here I was running around the streets of New York in yellow tights thinking to myself, boy, I do hope this works for a number of reasons. But this could easily be my last movie." Clearly, Ferrell didn’t need to worry. He’s since been the lead actor in dozens of movies, which have grossed more than $2.5 billion worldwide, according to the entertainment data source, thenumbers.com by Nash Information Services. • Instead of CGI, a visual trick called forced perspective was used in the set designs so  Ferrell’s character looks extra tall in comparison to the regular-sized adult and child actors playing the elves. • Favreau also discussed in the Rotten Tomatoes article that he was hired to rewrite the script, which had a much different tone originally. "It was a much harder comedy," he said. "My pitch, when I was hired to write, was to make it feel like Buddy was a human that grew up in a ‘60s Christmas special." The Christmas specials Faverau refers to include those by Rankin-Bass Productions. "Elf" gives a nod to those beloved shows in the scene when Buddy leaves the North Pole for New York. The set design of the North Pole is reminiscent of the Rankin-Bass look and the animals, such as the narwhal that Buddy talks with, move using stop-motion animation just like the Rankin-Bass puppets. • Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes was originally cast to play the Gimbels store manager, but was replaced by Faizon Love, according to IMDb.com. Look closely and you’ll notice Love’s character wears a name tag that reads "Wanda." • In the 2022 movie "Spirited," which is a modern take on "A Christmas Carol," Ferrell’s character encounters a man wearing the Buddy costume from "Elf." Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Directed by George Seaton Written by George Seaton and Valentine Davies A delightful story of a mother (Maureen O’Hara) and her daughter (Natalie Wood) who don’t believe in Santa Claus. But, their faith is restored thanks to a department store Santa (Edmund Gwenn), a.k.a Kris as in Kris Kringle, who just might be the real thing. Did you know... • Davies wrote the film after being bombarded by commercialism during a Christmas Eve shopping trip, according to a AMC's Hollywood Backstories show about the film. It made Davies wonder, “What would Santa Claus think?” • Although a classic Christmas movie, it was actually released in May. Studio head Darryl Zanuck wanted to tap the large, summer movie-going audience and not wait until the holidays. So, the movie was marketed as a light-hearted love story with no mention of the Christmas, according to the AMC documentary. The movie was a hit and ran in theaters all summer and through Christmas. • For added realism, the parade scenes were shot live during the actual 1946 Macy’s Day Thanksgiving parade. Gwen was the parade Santa for not only the movie, but also in the actual parade. "Everything was done on the street and it was bitterly cold, freezing cold," said O'Hara in the AMC show. "We were all pre-coached in everything that they wanted because the parade wasn't going to stop to let us shoot anything. So, we had to do everything quickly, quickly, quickly and we did." • The management of the Macy’s and Gimbel’s department stores would not approve their inclusion in the film until they saw the final, finished cut. This was a risking move by the filmakers that could have resulted in costly reshoots and extensive editing if they had declined. • When Gwenn won the Best Supportingiii Actor Oscar for his role, he declared, "Now, I know there is a Santa Claus." • In the film, Gwenn’s character takes Alfred, a janitor and part-time Santa Claus (Alvin Greenman), under his wing. For the film's 1994 remake, Greenman played a doorman, also named Alfred. He was the only cast member to return for the film's remake. After years working as a young actor, Greenman spent the rest of his career behind the camera as a television script supervisor for popular shows like Hearts Afire. The year of the film remark, Greenman made a special on-camera appearance on Hearts Afire's Christmas episode as Santa. Greenman talks about both expereinces in an Entertainment Tonight segment. Home Alone (1990) Directed by Chris Columbus Written by John Hughes A young boy (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left at home when the entire family leaves for a vacation abroad. The boy has to navigate being on his own and contending with determined burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). Did you know… • In a 2004 interview with Conan O’Brien, Culkin said Pesci bit his finger during rehearsal, which left a scar on his finger. In the scene, Pesci and Stern hang the young boy on the back of a closet door and they say they're going to bite one of his fingers off. “I got really mad at him,” Culkin told O’Brien. “I don’t care how many Oscars you have or whatever, like don’t. Biting a nine year old–what the heck’s wrong with you?” • Elvis appearing as an extra in "Home Alone" is among the urban legends that swirl about the film. Culkin explained to Jimmy Fallon in a 2018 "Tonight Show" interview that the legend is rooted in the scene where Catherine O’Hara, who plays Culkin’s mother in the movie, is at the airline counter trying to buy a ticket. Standing behind her is a man in a beard wearing a turtleneck and a blazer. Conspiracy theory enthusiasts believe the man looks like the King of Rock ‘N Roll. Another legend is that Culkin’s character, Kevin, is so traumatized by his experiences that he is the basis for the character Jigsaw in the “Saw” horror movie. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Directed by Frank Capra Written by Frank Capra, Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett After a series of upsetting events, George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) is resentful about his lot in life. An angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) gives George the opportunity to see what life in Bedford Falls would be like if he had never been born. Did you know… • "It’s a Wonderful Life" is based on the 1943 short story "The Greatest Gift" by Phillip Van Doren. • The movie was a flop for RKO Studios and critics weren’t too wowed by it either, yet it earned several academy award nominations including Best Picture, according to a 2021 online article by the National Endowment for the Arts. • The movie gained in popularity once its copyright expired and could be broadcast frequently royalty-free on television. • "It’s A Wonderful Life" changed how snow was made for movies. At the time, productions used cornflakes painted white. Capra thought cornflakes would be too loud and require dialogue redubbing, according to TCM.com. Instead, the special effects team created a new kind of fake snow using a mixture of foamite (a fire-fighting chemical), soap and water. The solution was pumped at a high pressure through wind machines. Look closely during the scene when George and Clarence are in the river and you can tell it’s a soapy concoction. The Motion Picture Academy awarded RKO’s special effects department an Oscar for the advancement. The Grinch (2018) Directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier Written by Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Suess) with adaptation by Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow The Grinch (Benedict Cumberbach) resents the holiday love and cheer of the Whoville residents. His plans to ruin their Christmas are thwarted when he finally opens his heart. Did you know… • This animated version of the Dr. Seuss classic holds the Guinness World Record as the most successful Christmas movie at the box office worldwide. The film earned $514 million* between its release in 2018 and 2020. The previous record holder is "Home Alone" with more than $476 million* at the worldwide box office. *not adjusted for inflation • In the scene when Cindy-Lou Who (Cameron Seeley) and her friend go into a treehouse, there’s a baseball bat with the name "Theodor" carved into it. This is the filmakers' subtle tribute to the story’s original author. • This movie's version of the Grinch first made its screen debut in another animated film, "Despicable Me 3" (2017), according to IMDb.com. In the movie, the character Margo wears a t-shirt with this Grinch on the front. Both of these movies were made by Illumination Entertainment, which sometimes places "easter eggs" in one film as a call-out to another that’s premering at a later date. White Christmas (1954) Directed by Michael Curtiz Written by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank Two well-known entertainers and veterans (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) help their former Major General save his inn with a special holiday show. In the process, the men fall in love with sisters (Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen). Did you know… • For casting, the actual ages of the actors in "White Christmas" were ignored (not too surprising). Jagger, who played the retired and much older Major General, was actually six months younger than Crosby. Both men were 51 at the time. Clooney, who was 26 years old when the movie premiered, played the oldest sister, yet Ellen was 33. • The scene where Crosby and Kaye do their version of the "Sisters" performance was added to the script after the pair were clowning around on set and the director thought it was funny, according to IMDb.com. Crosby's laughs are unscripted – he couldn't keep a straight face while watching Kaye's antics. • Written by Irving Berlin,"White Christmas"is Crosby’s signature song and the best selling single of all time, according to irvingberling.com, the Irving Berlin Music Company website. Crosby debuted the song in December of 1941 on his weekly radio show, "The Kraft Music Hall." In addition to the movie "White Christmas," Crosby also performed the song in the films "Holiday Inn" (1942) and "Blue Skies" (1946). Berlin attributed the song's success to it's message of peace (it was released during World War II).

Jack Smith Park in Cary, N.C., is the perfect microcosm of what I look for in a “little adventure” outdoors – entertainment, creativity and natural beauty. The park has all the typical parts you’d expect like brightly-colored playground equipment and nicely landscaped green spaces, but what’s not typical are the art installations. The towering whirligig sculptures of Vollis Simpson, a farmer/machinist turned folk artist, comprise the park's delightful centerpiece. If you've ever played with a pinwheel, then you understand whirligigs – toys and objects that move, or rather whirl, by wind power. The park’s three whirligigs, standing at least 20 to 30 ft each, are painted in bold, contrasting primary colors. One whirligig looks as if it's covered in a bouquet of flowers, but are actually textured circular sculptures and fan blades of various sizes painted in dynamic patterns. Each one spins independently when the wind blows. My favorite of the three whirligigs features a pipe-smoking farmer working a well pump as a little bird looks on. Simpson was commissioned to create the park’s whirligigs and clearly this one is a nod to the site’s past as a working farm. The farm's history was also the inspiration for an installation along the park’s walking path. William Moore, a sculptor from nearby Pittsboro, N.C., created a flock of sheep that resemble the Suffolk breed that were once raised on the land, according to park signage. The sheep are crafted of cement and painted with the breed’s distinctive markings – a black face and legs. Moore’s sculptures are beautifully done in a modern style. The flock is separated into three pods that look natural along the edge of the park’s large grassy field doing what sheep do – grazing, looking around and scratching their side. The installation is intended to be interactive and every time I visit the park, children run down the hill to climb and sit on sculptures. Jack Smith Park is located in southeastern Cary as the area starts to turn less suburban and more rural. The park is small, well-maintained and nestled among trees that provide shade along parts of the walking path that winds around the entire park. For families, there are plenty of activities all close to each other, including a splash pad with several water features, playgrounds designed for different ages and a 10ft tall climbing structure. Plus, there’s a large covered picnic area. Down the hill is a wide field that's perfect for frisbee and soccer. The main area of the park is a short drive toward the back of the property. At the park’s entrance is a dog park with separate areas for large and small breeds. Jack Smith Park, like all other parks, is designed to connect us with nature and find enjoyment. I love that the art installations add to the park’s cheerfulness and escapism. Maybe the imaginative work of Simpson and Moore will help inspire park visitors, as well. If you like Simpson’s whirligigs, the most impressive collection is the two-acre Vollis Simpson Park in Wilson, N.C. Simpson lived on a farm in Lucama, which is just outside Wilson. The downtown park features 30 of Simpson’s large-scale whirligigs. The city also hosts the annual Whirligig Festival every November celebrating art, music and food. To learn more about Moore’s work, visit the Chatham Artists Guild or his personal site for Rock Rest Studios.

Nestled inside Winston-Salem, N.C., is the beautiful, historic area of Reynolda. It’s the perfect day-trip destination offering everything from boutique shopping and delicious fare to tranquil gardens and world-class art. Reynolda is a 170-acre, historic area that includes Reynolda Gardens, Reynolda Village and The Reynolda House Museum of American Art. The origins of this entertainment, shopping and recreation destination trace back to the R.J. Reynolds tobacco empire. Reynolda’s History Company founder, Richard Joshua Reynolds, his wife, Katharine, and their children lived in downtown Winston-Salem near their tobacco factories during the early 1900s. When wealthy families starting building estates outside of cities, a national trend called the American Country House movement, the Reynolds clan followed suit, according to Reynolda House history. The trend was in pursuit of a healthier and more tranquil lifestyle. These country homes were large with green spaces to explore and recreational options to enjoy. In 1917, after three years of construction, the Reynolds' new home, Reynolda, was complete. The home, which is lovingly preserved today, has sixty rooms including a main reception hall with a large, stone fireplace and a dual staircase leading to the wrap-around balcony above. There’s also a study, formal dining room, eight bedrooms, an indoor pool and a squash court. The total historic footprint of Reynolda is more than 34,000 square feet and it's listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Reynolda is what you’d expect in a wealthy, Southern family's home. With its shaded porches supported by large round columns, you can imagine relaxing afternoons sipping sweet tea while admiring the estate's lake and vast acreage. Originally, Reynolda was situated on 1,000+ acres, which included a working agriculture and dairy farm, a lake, expansive lawns, a formal English-style garden and woods. Reynolda House Today In 1964, Reynolda became Reynolda House, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to arts and education. The home is open for tours and features special programming and exhibits throughout the year. In addition to the home's beauty and storied history, Reynolda House features a permanent collection of over 6,000 historic objects and an impressive collection of American art. The collection spans 250 years and includes notable artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, John Singer Sargent and Andy Warhol. A special exhibit on display until Dec. 31, 2023, is "Zach & Libby: Two Rings, Seven Months, One Bullet" about the suspicious death of R.J. Reynolds’ son, which made national headlines at the time and remains unsolved. Curious? Then click the "Things to do in Winston-Salem" tag at the end of this post to find our story, "Death, Money & Mystery Down South: The Unsolved Case of Zachary "Smith" Reynolds." Admission to tour Reynolda House is $18 per person and includes the exhibition. Entertainment Destination With A Farming Past Adjacent to the Reynolda House is Reynolda Village, which was designed to look and feel like an English village. This area was once the heartbeat of the estate's working agricultural and dairy farm, but today it's a popular place to meet friends for lunch or a little shopping. All the shops and restaurants are housed in small, cottage-like buildings. The only exception is the large, former dairy barn building, which serves as a landmark for the village. Every village building is white with a green roof, just like the Reynolda House exterior. The grounds are thoughtfully maintained so everywhere you look are flower beds, freshly cut lawns, mature trees and large containers overflowing with seasonal plants. The village is beautiful during the day and extra charming at night when restaurant patios are illuminated by overhead cafe lights. From the eclectic Penny Path Cafe and Crepe Shop to the classic cuisine of the Village Tavern, there are dining options for everyone. My savory spinach and artichoke crepe at Penny Path was delicious and filling. The cafe has a cool, artsy vibe with its unique decor. There's something to discover everywhere you look including original artwork and a path in the floor made of pennies that runs up the wall and around a large picture window. The kitchen is surrounded by a curved bar and overhead is a large structural piece made of metal gears. If you're in the mood for a more traditional, yet modern, restaurant and bar, then the Village Tavern is your spot. A long-standing favorite in town, the tavern is what I like to call "casual nice" or "upscale casual." The restaurant is small and intimate with tables and bar seating. I prefer outdoor dining among the mature shade trees while enjoying a delicious bowl of shrimp and grits. Sunday brunch is especially popular, so arrive early. In the former dairy barn building, delicious baked goods are the focus of Dough-Joes’ Coffee & Doughnuts on the lower level. Dough-Joe's is popular! A steady stream of people stop in for coffee and then enjoy it while sitting at tables and benches on the front patio. On the barn's upper level is Theodore’s Bar & Market featuring traditional cafe fare. Theodore's has a warm, comfortable cafe environment, but the best part is just outside it's door – an enclosed breezeway featuring a long, rustic dining table in the heart of the dairy barn. It's so charming to sit in the breezeway among baskets hanging from the ceiling and original doors that once lead to where milk was stored. My suggestion, order a charcuterie board and enjoy it in the breezeway or at one of the outdoor picnic tables. For shop-o-holics, the village offers plenty of options. There are retailers for jewelry, home decor, linens, and clothing for the entire family. Check out the women's boutiques Monkee’s (especially for the shoes) and Gazebo. From candles to sleepwear, McCalls has a wide variety of merchandise. The selection of clothing for children and infants is especially nice. The independent bookstore, The Bookhouse, hosts writing groups, readings, trivia nights and a children’s hour. The store features a bar menu if you want a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while you browse among the books or sit and read for a spell. The store's staff also curate 'Sip 'n Read' pairings, matching up books with a specialty drink. Need a break? Then schedule a time at one of the village salons or the full-service European Touch Day Spa. Outdoor Spaces to Explore Personally, what I enjoy about Reynolda Village and Reynolda Gardens is the thoughtful design, natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The village buildings are nestled among small, rolling hills dotted with large, stately trees. In addition to patio dining at every restaurant, there are benches throughout the grounds for enjoying your coffee to-go or reading a good book. People are always out and about in the village and the green spaces of the gardens. It’s common to see people picnicking, playing frisbee, jogging and just strolling along window shopping. Walking or jogging the paved paths and soft dirt trails of Reynolda Gardens is especially popular. The trails wind alongside the wetlands, which was once Lake Katharine, through the woods and across the main lawn of the Reynolda House estate. The path around the main part of the estate is also an official N.C. Birding Trail. Sites include waterfalls, bridges, a boathouse and the outdoor pool where the Reynolds family used to swim. The entire trail is 3.9 miles long. Leashed dogs are allowed. Escape into Reynolda's Formal Gardens A visit to historic Reynolda isn't complete without seeing the greenhouse and the formal gardens. The formal gardens are divided into sections or rooms called "parterres," which is a French term for a symmetrical landscape design that uses plants, such as low hedge lines, to create distinct ornamental gardens with paths between the beds. According the formal garden's history, it's four parterres are the Pink & White Garden, West Rose Garden, East Rose Garden and the Blue & Yellow Garden. The gardens incorporate a variety of trees, perennial flowers, shrubbery, fountains, Japanese-style tea houses and pergolas. A garden highlight are the numerous sitting areas. It's so relaxing to find a spot and just listen to the sounds of the birds and water fountains. Adjacent to the gardens, is the estate’s original greenhouse. Built in 1913, the greenhouse is used to grow plants from around the world, including orchids. Throughout the year, the greenhouse is also the site of a popular plant sale. Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed in the formal gardens. Other restrictions for the formal gardens include no food or drink and no blankets or furniture placed on the grass. Picnicking is fine in green spaces outside of the formal gardens. Check Out What’s Happening Be sure to check the event calendar for Reynolda House, the village and the gardens. There’s always something interesting going on such a film screenings, expert talks, painting classes and educational programs for children. For instance, a viticulturist will discuss local wines and grapes on Nov. 14, 2023, and an evergreen decoration class is planned on Dec. 1. On the first Sunday of every month, is a family painting workshop where children and their parents learn about an artist from the Reynolda House art collection as inspiration for their own painting. When to Visit Historic Reynolda: Operating Hours •Reynolda House – Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Check the website for holiday hours. •Reynolda Village – Varies by merchant. Most retailers are open during typical business hours and the restaurants stay open well into the evening. •Reynolda Gardens and Trails – Open everyday during daylight hours. No pets in the formal gardens. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails and other green spaces. •Greenhouse – Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What’s scarier, being chased by a zombie or a family member saying, “I just invited all the neighbors over for Halloween,” and that’s tomorrow. Don’t fear, here are some quick and easy ways to feed the scary masses at your house that look anything but last minute. Main Bites Chicken Salad “Bug” Sandwiches Ingredients 2 teaspoons of dried tarragon 2 tablespoons pecan bits (if you can’t find the extra small bits, use chopped pecans) ½ cup sliced red, seedless grapes (also set aside extra grapes cut in half for eyeballs on each sandwich) ⅓ cup finely chopped celery stalks ⅓ cup light mayonnaise ⅓ cup nonfat, Greek yogurt ⅛ teaspoon black pepper Pinch of salt 1 pound of skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 2 breasts) Package of small dinner rolls Thin pretzel sticks Directions 1. Mix first 8 ingredients. 2. Boil chicken breasts. Once done, drain and separate with a fork so meat is shredded. 3. Add chicken to the ingredient mixture. Stir to coat well. 4. Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill. 5. Slice dinner rolls in half. 6. Add a dollop of chicken salad to each roll. 7. After placing sandwiches on a platter, cut some grapes in half. For each sandwich, place one grape on the end of two toothpicks and push the toothpicks into the top of the sandwich so it looks like eyes. 8. Slide three pretzel sticks into the chicken salad on each side of the sandwich so it looks like legs. Get It Done Even Faster •Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts. Don’t use the skin. •Buy pre-made chicken salad. This is usually just chicken and mayo, so add in the extras, such as the pecans and grapes. Or don’t, and save even more time! Marinated Cheese with “Eyeballs” Marinade Ingredients ½ cup olive oil ½ cup white wine vinegar 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar ½ teaspoon dried basil 1 tablespoon parsley ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder (it’s a party after all, so go light on the garlic) 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or ⅛ dried minced onions 1 tablespoon jarred pimentos Get It Done Even Faster Skip steps above, and pick one of the following: • Mix 2-3 tablespoons of Italian seasoning with ½ cup olive oil and ½ cup of either balsamic or white wine vinegar. • Use jarred bruschetta topping with a balsamic glaze (available in ready-to-use squeeze bottles). • Top with canned, chopped fire-roasted tomatoes (drained), sprinkle with dried basil and garnish with balsamic glaze. Cheese Row Ingredients 8 ounce block of cheddar cheese 8 ounce package of cream cheese (reduced fat and Neufchâtel work well, too). Keep chilled. Directions 1. Combine marinade ingredients, stir vigorously and set aside. 2. Cut cheddar cheese into slices, about ¼ inch thick. 3. Cut the cream cheese block into two halves lengthwise and then into sections similar to the cheese slices. 4. In a shallow serving dish, alternate combining slices of cheddar cheese and cream cheese. 5. The slices will stand on one edge and form a long row. 6. Spoon marinade down the top of the row and serve. If you have time, divide the marinade. and use ½ on the cheese row and let the dish sit in the fridge for a few hours. When ready to serve, top with the rest of the marinade. 7. Across the cheese row, add ground black pepper to taste. 8. Serve with sturdy crackers (I like sea salt pita crackers). 9. Guests can easily separate their desired amount of cheese sections with the crackers, knife or small tongs. Get It Done Even Faster • Use a pre-cut block of cheddar cheese. • Don’t stress about the exactness of the cheese sections fitting together. It’s easy to make the cream cheese slices fit the size needed, plus the marinade covers the top of the row so it doesn't need to look perfect. Cheese Eyeballs Ingredients • Bundle (5-7 pieces) of semi-soft cheese, such as mini Babybel brand • Jarred, sliced green olives with minced pimentos (I used Spanish manzanilla olives) • Red gel food coloring Directions 1. Remove cheese from wax. 2. For each piece of cheese, use a melon baller or knife to scoop out a small divot in the center. 3. Place an olive with a pimento center in the divot. 4. Dip a toothpick into the food coloring. Then, in a few areas, drag the toothpick out from the olive to create the look of red eye vines. 5. Surround the marinated cheese and crackers with the “eyeballs.” Get It Done Even Faster • Skip the cheese eyeballs! If you want to add some flare quickly, place a few Halloween-themed cupcake picks into the cheese. Slinky Snake Breadsticks Ingredients 1, 14 ounce container of refrigerator pizza dough 3 tablespoons of bread dipping seasoning, such as the Delallo or Dean Jacob’s brands. 3 tablespoons melted butter 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese Few slices of pepperoni (I like the nitrate-free variety by Hormel Natural) Jar of marinara Directions 1. Cut dough into 6 inch sections by cutting the dough in two both lengthwise and across. 2. Roll each section between your hands and then place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment baking paper. 3. Make sure to form the snakes like they're slithering. 4. Shape the tail to a point and push down on the head slightly so it spreads out some and is larger than the rest of the body. 5. Brush with the dough with butter and sprinkle with the seasoning and parmesan. 6. Cut small, forked tongues out of the pepperoni slices and push one into the tip of each head using a toothpick. 7. Set oven temperature according to package directions, but reduce baking time to about five minutes since the snakes are small and will bake faster. 8. Serve with warmed marinara sauce for dipping. Get It Done Even Faster • Use dough, such as the Jus-Rol brand, that’s rolled in paper in its container, so it's easier to manage. Keep the dough in the paper when cutting and only remove when forming the snakes. • Skip the tongue step. Pepperoni bakes to a dark color, so it's kind of hard to see anyway. Sweet Bites Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Squares Ingredients • Prepackaged Rice Krispie square treats (original size) • Milk chocolate melting wafers • Halloween sprinkles Directions 1. Remove Rice Krispie treats from wrappers. 2. In a microwaveable dish, melt about 1 cup of milk chocolate wafers in the microwave according to directions. 3. Once the wafers are melted, immediately dip one end of a treat into the chocolate covering about ¼ of the whole bar. 4. Place treat on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. 5. Sprinkle on Halloween candy pieces. 6. Place the treats uncovered in the fridge to solidify chocolate. Better Brownie Bites No cooking here! Lots of fun ways to turn plain mini brownies into fun Halloween finger food. Components • Mini brownie bites from grocery store bakery • Icing bags (includes tips) in white and Halloween colors (or a container of white icing) • Halloween sprinkles • Bag of candy (candy corn, candy pumpkins, or small gummy treats such as eyes, bugs, and worms) Directions Option 1: Top mini brownie with icing and Halloween sprinkles (I like using purple or green icing so the sprinkles, which are usually white, orange and black, stand out). Wilton makes decorating icing bags with a star tip for a no-fail way to apply the icing (a star and rounded tip are already attached to the bag). Option 2: Make a small icing dollop on the top of the mini brownies. Then place a piece of candy. Looks best if the icing shows around the base of the candy. (I used candy corn and candy pumpkins with green and white icing). Candy Bites with a Little Something Extra This is a super, simple way to turn plain looking candy into a finger food treat for parties. Components • Mini Reese’s cups • Bag of candy corn or Halloween blend of M&Ms • Icing squeeze pack with a round tip in white (or a container of white icing) Directions 1. Remove mini Reese’s cups from their outer foil, but leave them in the paper wrapping. 2. Place a small dab or strip of icing on top of the cups. 3. Top with candy. Use either a single M&Ms or a piece of candy corn on its side. Use brightly colored M&Ms such as green, orange and purple. Drink Up! Slushy, Bloody Punch This versatile base for a party drink is a snap to make. It’s tasty as is and with alcohol added. Keep a batch in the freezer for whenever you need something to serve quickly. Ingredients 2 small (.13 ounce) packages of cherry or strawberry Kool-Aid 1 cup of sugar 1 quart of ginger ale 1 quart of water 24 ounces of pineapple juice (sweetened or unsweetened based on personal preference) Bag of gummy worms Serves about 15 punch cups (recipe is easy to double) Directions 1. Mix all ingredients in a tall container. 2. Split mixture into two gallon-sized freezer bags. 3. Place in the freezer. (I put the bags in the bottom half of a square, plastic food storage container before placing them in the freezer. This way, the bags are more manageable and the container will catch anything if the bags happen to leak). 4. Remove bags prior to the party and PARTIALLY thaw. (I place the bags – still sitting in the plastic food storage container – under a slow stream of warm water). 5. Once the mixture feels like it's getting soft, put it into the punch bowl and break apart the slushy ice with a knife or fork. 6. The mixture should be icy and slightly chunky. 7. If you want more fizz in the punch, don’t add the ginger ale before freezing. Instead, add just before serving. 8. For additional colorful creepiness, hang gummy worms over the side of the punch bowl and let a few float in the punch. 9. For an adults-only punch, add a couple shots of vodka. Get It Done Even Faster • Use a premade fruit punch, then add the pineapple juice and ginger ale. Freeze. • To save even more time, freeze a mixture of just ginger ale and fruit punch. Bloody Blueberry Martinis Ingredients 2 cups of a blueberry juice blend (I use a blueberry, blackberry and acai blend) ¼ cup of lemon juice fresh or from concentrate 2 cups blueberry vodka ½ cup of triple sec Fresh blueberries for garnish Serves 7-8 guests Directions 1. Mix all the ingredients, except the blueberries, in a pitcher. 2. Pour into an ice-filled strainer and fill martini glasses. 3. Drop in a few blueberries or add several to a cocktail pick. (For Halloween flare, I added a plastic witch finger and blueberries to my picks). Get It Done Even Faster • Buy drink mixtures that only require adding alcohol. For example, Stonewall Kitchen has a Pomegranate Cosmo Mixer that can be used for making three different kinds of drinks, including a non-alcoholic option. • Whatever you use as the base, make sure it has a dark reddish-purplish hue so it looks like blood. I hope these easy recipes and tips help you fix Halloween party food fast. Cheers to fun night and happy haunting!