Comments on: Neatorama and mental_floss: Show off your smarts! http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/ The Neat Side of the Web Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:17:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Elizabeth H http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-335368 Elizabeth H Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:00:44 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-335368 When Frank Capra wrote the screenplay for "It's a Wonderful Life", his office faced Gower Street, which inspired the name of the pharmacist, Mr. Gower. When Frank Capra wrote the screenplay for “It’s a Wonderful Life”, his office faced Gower Street, which inspired the name of the pharmacist, Mr. Gower.

]]> By: majiclyDlishus http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-335136 majiclyDlishus Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:32:23 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-335136 Santa Claus's origins are from neolithic hunter-gatherer societies in Scandinavia. His red and white outfit is actually what was worn by shaman from this part of the world for thousands of years- but that's not all. Ever wonder what those flying reindeer are about? Well, reindeer actually eat a form of lichen, which after passing through their systems turns their urine into a psychedelic liquid that, when imbibed, gives the partaker a weightless sensation- like flying. This liquid was used by the shaman for divination, and throughout the history of Scandinavian artifacts, we find a Santa look-alike with flying reindeer! Merry Christmas! Santa Claus’s origins are from neolithic hunter-gatherer societies in Scandinavia. His red and white outfit is actually what was worn by shaman from this part of the world for thousands of years- but that’s not all. Ever wonder what those flying reindeer are about? Well, reindeer actually eat a form of lichen, which after passing through their systems turns their urine into a psychedelic liquid that, when imbibed, gives the partaker a weightless sensation- like flying. This liquid was used by the shaman for divination, and throughout the history of Scandinavian artifacts, we find a Santa look-alike with flying reindeer! Merry Christmas!

]]> By: tomtheman5 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-334719 tomtheman5 Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:09:23 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-334719 If Santa's toy factory was located at the North Magnetic Pole, he'd probably spend more time packing up and moving than making toys. The North Pole is currently moving 41 kilometers a year - over a football field a day! If Santa’s toy factory was located at the North Magnetic Pole, he’d probably spend more time packing up and moving than making toys. The North Pole is currently moving 41 kilometers a year – over a football field a day!

]]> By: Megan http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-334195 Megan Fri, 07 Dec 2007 07:33:34 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-334195 The reason that Santa Claus comes down a chimney is because of a story wherein a destitute and desparate father somewhere in Greek-speaking Turkey (circa 300 CE) was going to sell his three young daughters into prostitution. A local priest named Nicholas found out about this, and for three nights in a row, secretly tossed bags of gold into the man's chimney (chimneys weren't so high up in those days; they opened directly above the woodstove). Thus, Saint Nicholas has not only evolved into our gift-giving Santa Claus, but is additionally the patron saint of prostitutes. Or so goes the story. The reason that Santa Claus comes down a chimney is because of a story wherein a destitute and desparate father somewhere in Greek-speaking Turkey (circa 300 CE) was going to sell his three young daughters into prostitution. A local priest named Nicholas found out about this, and for three nights in a row, secretly tossed bags of gold into the man’s chimney (chimneys weren’t so high up in those days; they opened directly above the woodstove). Thus, Saint Nicholas has not only evolved into our gift-giving Santa Claus, but is additionally the patron saint of prostitutes. Or so goes the story.

]]> By: Aaron http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-334153 Aaron Fri, 07 Dec 2007 06:37:25 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-334153 In 1966, decades after his career-defining role as Frankenstein, Boris Karloff voiced the Grinch in the animated version of "How the Grinch stole Christmas". In 1966, decades after his career-defining role as Frankenstein, Boris Karloff voiced the Grinch in the animated version of “How the Grinch stole Christmas”.

]]> By: Leslie http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-334146 Leslie Fri, 07 Dec 2007 06:28:39 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-334146 There's actually a lovely holliday film I'm sure many are unaware of called "War Monkeys" it's about millitary-trained Rhesus monkeys who start attacking and killing people durring Christmas. ;) There’s actually a lovely holliday film I’m sure many are unaware of called “War Monkeys” it’s about millitary-trained Rhesus monkeys who start attacking and killing people durring Christmas. ;)

]]> By: Vako http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-334117 Vako Fri, 07 Dec 2007 05:54:14 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-334117 The famous "Sea Monkeys" toy was invented by Harold von Braunhut, a fervent Neo-Nazi. The famous “Sea Monkeys” toy was invented by Harold von Braunhut, a fervent Neo-Nazi.

]]> By: Cass http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-334061 Cass Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:39:02 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-334061 "O Christmas Tree (O tannenbaum)" shares the same melody as the state Song for Maryland ("Maryland, my Maryland"). The State song was written in 1861 during the Civil war as a poem. "Florida, my Florida" and "Michigan, my Michigan" soon followed. “O Christmas Tree (O tannenbaum)” shares the same melody as the state Song for Maryland (“Maryland, my Maryland”). The State song was written in 1861 during the Civil war as a poem. “Florida, my Florida” and “Michigan, my Michigan” soon followed.

]]> By: Cass http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-334051 Cass Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:30:15 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-334051 The great Christmas song "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" was recorded in 1953. It was recorded as a fund-raiser to bring the Oklahoma City zoo a hippo. Once the song was released nationally, it shot to the top of the charts, and the zoo got a baby hippo named Matilda. The great Christmas song “I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” was recorded in 1953. It was recorded as a fund-raiser to bring the Oklahoma City zoo a hippo. Once the song was released nationally, it shot to the top of the charts, and the zoo got a baby hippo named Matilda.

]]> By: Cass http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-334045 Cass Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:22:51 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-334045 The song "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron" is a fictional story with a very factual background. In 1914, "The Christmas Truce" did infact take place between the Germans and the British, initiated by the soldiers themselves. In the song, Snoopy has to go fight the Red Baron on Christmas eve. However, the Red Baron initiated a truce and shared a holiday toast. The song even has the initiator correct as it was generally the German soldiers who called over to the British and initiated the truce. In the song, it is the Red Baron (a German WWI hero) who extends the hand of Christmas friendship to Snoopy. The song “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron” is a fictional story with a very factual background. In 1914, “The Christmas Truce” did infact take place between the Germans and the British, initiated by the soldiers themselves. In the song, Snoopy has to go fight the Red Baron on Christmas eve. However, the Red Baron initiated a truce and shared a holiday toast. The song even has the initiator correct as it was generally the German soldiers who called over to the British and initiated the truce. In the song, it is the Red Baron (a German WWI hero) who extends the hand of Christmas friendship to Snoopy.

]]> By: Orion http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-334043 Orion Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:21:09 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-334043 In the satirical comedy Hebrew Hammer, most scenes depicting reindeer were animatronic, however, in a few cases, live animals were used. As in most films that depict animals, the producers attempted to follow the film with an assurance that "No animals were harmed in the making of this film." The film was sued, however, during post-production to have the disclaimer removed, because one reindeer was injured in between shots, when it wandered into a ladder holding a cameraman, who fell and dropped the camera on the reindeer, breaking its clavicle, and destroying the 5,600 dollar camera. The cameraman was not injured. In the satirical comedy Hebrew Hammer, most scenes depicting reindeer were animatronic, however, in a few cases, live animals were used. As in most films that depict animals, the producers attempted to follow the film with an assurance that “No animals were harmed in the making of this film.” The film was sued, however, during post-production to have the disclaimer removed, because one reindeer was injured in between shots, when it wandered into a ladder holding a cameraman, who fell and dropped the camera on the reindeer, breaking its clavicle, and destroying the 5,600 dollar camera. The cameraman was not injured.

]]> By: Erica http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-333933 Erica Fri, 07 Dec 2007 02:21:11 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333933 Everyone knows that the best-known Christmas carol is "Jingle Bells." But, did you know that the author, James Lord Pierpont, originally wrote it for a Thanksgiving play? People liked it so much, he put it in a Christmas play, too, and it's since been a Christmas carol. Everyone knows that the best-known Christmas carol is “Jingle Bells.” But, did you know that the author, James Lord Pierpont, originally wrote it for a Thanksgiving play? People liked it so much, he put it in a Christmas play, too, and it’s since been a Christmas carol.

]]> By: nick http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-333749 nick Thu, 06 Dec 2007 23:23:27 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333749 i think either #42 0r #58 should win. just my vote. i think either #42 0r #58 should win. just my vote.

]]> By: Terry T. http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-333604 Terry T. Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:58:32 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333604 "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacaction" was the final screen appearance of Mae Questel (Aunt Bethany), who's film career began in 1930 as the voice of Betty Boop. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacaction” was the final screen appearance of Mae Questel (Aunt Bethany), who’s film career began in 1930 as the voice of Betty Boop.

]]> By: Julie http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-333577 Julie Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:48:09 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333577 In National Lampoons Christmas Vacation The Griswold's neighbor's house is the same house Murtaugh and his family lived in all the Lethal Weapon movies. The houses on this street are on the Warner Brothers Studios back lot In National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
The Griswold’s neighbor’s house is the same house Murtaugh and his family lived in all the Lethal Weapon movies. The houses on this street are on the Warner Brothers Studios back lot

]]> By: PancakeMan http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-333572 PancakeMan Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:46:17 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333572 The screenplay for the 2003 movie Elf, with Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, was originally written in the early 90s, and the role of Buddy was intended for Jim Carrey. The screenplay for the 2003 movie Elf, with Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, was originally written in the early 90s, and the role of Buddy was intended for Jim Carrey.

]]> By: Kevin http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-333542 Kevin Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:32:35 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333542 Matt Dillon cites playing a police officer in the music video for the Pogues "fairy tale of New York" as his favorite moment in his long career. Link provided, last paragraph. http://living.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=2228162005 thanks wiki, Fairy Tale of New York is my favorite christmas song and i knew there had to be some interesting facts surrounding it! Matt Dillon cites playing a police officer in the music video for the Pogues “fairy tale of New York” as his favorite moment in his long career. Link provided, last paragraph.

http://living.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=2228162005

thanks wiki, Fairy Tale of New York is my favorite christmas song and i knew there had to be some interesting facts surrounding it!

]]> By: Carla http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-333541 Carla Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:31:45 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333541 In the original broadcast of 'Rudolph', Santa didn't return to the Island of Misfit Toys, to fulfil his promise to King Moonracer. Viewers complained so vehemently, that a new scene was produced with Santa and Rudolph returning to the Island for future broadcasts. In the original broadcast of ‘Rudolph’, Santa didn’t return to the Island of Misfit Toys, to fulfil his promise to King Moonracer. Viewers complained so vehemently, that a new scene was produced with Santa and Rudolph returning to the Island for future broadcasts.

]]> By: Steve http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-333535 Steve Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:26:28 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333535 If you lived in banpo 1-dong, Seocho-ku, Seoul, South Korean in 2000, you could have found a copy of Bing Crosby's White Christmas within 4 hrs by taking 3 taxis and 2 separate trips on the subway (not including return trips). You would also have been able to take a slight detour to the black market in I'taewon (marked by a red door, I swear) and found boxed mashed potatoes and stuffing to fully complete your holiday festivities. If you lived in banpo 1-dong, Seocho-ku, Seoul, South Korean in 2000, you could have found a copy of Bing Crosby’s White Christmas within 4 hrs by taking 3 taxis and 2 separate trips on the subway (not including return trips). You would also have been able to take a slight detour to the black market in I’taewon (marked by a red door, I swear) and found boxed mashed potatoes and stuffing to fully complete your holiday festivities.

]]> By: JaneM http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-333531 JaneM Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:17:01 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333531 Alastair Sim was 1 of only 2 people (Sir Seymour Hicks) who played Ebenezer Scrooge in more than one separate production of Scrooge/A Christmas Carol Alastair Sim was 1 of only 2 people (Sir Seymour Hicks) who played Ebenezer Scrooge in more than one separate production of Scrooge/A Christmas Carol

]]> By: Carla http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-2/#comment-333525 Carla Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:10:10 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333525 Paul Soles, who provided the voice of Hermie the Elf in the 1964 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer' Christmas special, also provided the voice for Spider-man in the 60s animated series. Paul Soles, who provided the voice of Hermie the Elf in the 1964 ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ Christmas special, also provided the voice for Spider-man in the 60s animated series.

]]> By: Tanya http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333518 Tanya Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:01:08 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333518 Another interesting fact linked to "It's a Wonderful Life": It was such a failure at the box office that the producers of "Miracle on 34th Street" pushed the release date of the movie, which was originally slated for the 1947 holiday season back to May of 1948...so there was a Christmas movie in the middle of the year in 1948. Another interesting fact linked to “It’s a Wonderful Life”: It was such a failure at the box office that the producers of “Miracle on 34th Street” pushed the release date of the movie, which was originally slated for the 1947 holiday season back to May of 1948…so there was a Christmas movie in the middle of the year in 1948.

]]> By: Tanya http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333516 Tanya Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:57:33 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333516 The snowflakes in "It's a Wonderful Life" were really corn flakes that had been painted white. The snowflakes in “It’s a Wonderful Life” were really corn flakes that had been painted white.

]]> By: Jeff http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333504 Jeff Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:38:27 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333504 When "It's a Wonderful Life" debuted in 1946, it was a box office flop. The entire midwest of the United States was slammed with a snowstorm the weekend it opened. This caused the studio, Liberty Films to go bankrupt. Now it is the most aired Christmas show ever. When “It’s a Wonderful Life” debuted in 1946, it was a box office flop. The entire midwest of the United States was slammed with a snowstorm the weekend it opened. This caused the studio, Liberty Films to go bankrupt.

Now it is the most aired Christmas show ever.

]]> By: KickItKitsune http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333500 KickItKitsune Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:36:19 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333500 Just in case you hadn't heard it... Regis Philbin and Donald Trump made a recording of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Oh yes. The Donald. The Philbin. And here it is. http://www.hostropolis.com/april/mp3/xmas/Rudolph_Trump.mp3 Just in case you hadn’t heard it…

Regis Philbin and Donald Trump made a recording of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Oh yes. The Donald. The Philbin.

And here it is.

http://www.hostropolis.com/april/mp3/xmas/Rudolph_Trump.mp3

]]> By: KickItKitsune http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333494 KickItKitsune Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:29:27 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333494 http://blog.wfmu.org/freeform/2006/11/let_it_snow_ind.html Just in case you didn't get enough Billy Idol the other 364 days of the year. Billy Idol, the Christmas album: Happy Holidays. http://blog.wfmu.org/freeform/2006/11/let_it_snow_ind.html

Just in case you didn’t get enough Billy Idol the other 364 days of the year.

Billy Idol, the Christmas album: Happy Holidays.

]]> By: Mano3 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333450 Mano3 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:27:30 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333450 In "It's A Wonderful Life", Jimmy Stewart is really crying when he's at Martini's Bar. Frank Capra did not really like the actual pan of the shot, but he knew he couldn't get Stewart to recapture the moment, so the shot stayed in the film. You'll notice that the scene is a bit grainy when compared to the rest of the movie. In “It’s A Wonderful Life”, Jimmy Stewart is really crying when he’s at Martini’s Bar. Frank Capra did not really like the actual pan of the shot, but he knew he couldn’t get Stewart to recapture the moment, so the shot stayed in the film. You’ll notice that the scene is a bit grainy when compared to the rest of the movie.

]]> By: Sass http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333392 Sass Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:46:43 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333392 "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is a holiday standard, which graces practically every Christmas concert or album. I hear it in the grocery store or the mall at least a dozen times leading up to the big day. A very interesting fact about this song - the original lyrics are incredibly depressing. It's from the musical film classic Meet Me in St. Louis, and the song comes at a point when Judy Garland's character is sad that her family is moving, leaving everything she knows and loves behind. The song originally reflected this fact, and was not a happy, nostalgic song, but more a lament. Her life is changing and she's incredibly depressed about it. The classic lyrics ORIGINALLY went, "Have yourself a merry little Christmas/It may be your last...Faithful friends who were dear to us/Will be near to us no more." They changed this line, and a few others, at the request of Judy Garland herself, who felt it was too dark for a holiday song (which the character is singing to her very small younger sister, played by Margaret O'Brian). (Wiki article - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Have_Yourself_a_Merry_Little_Christmas) “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” is a holiday standard, which graces practically every Christmas concert or album. I hear it in the grocery store or the mall at least a dozen times leading up to the big day.

A very interesting fact about this song – the original lyrics are incredibly depressing. It’s from the musical film classic Meet Me in St. Louis, and the song comes at a point when Judy Garland’s character is sad that her family is moving, leaving everything she knows and loves behind. The song originally reflected this fact, and was not a happy, nostalgic song, but more a lament. Her life is changing and she’s incredibly depressed about it. The classic lyrics ORIGINALLY went, “Have yourself a merry little Christmas/It may be your last…Faithful friends who were dear to us/Will be near to us no more.”

They changed this line, and a few others, at the request of Judy Garland herself, who felt it was too dark for a holiday song (which the character is singing to her very small younger sister, played by Margaret O’Brian).

(Wiki article – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Have_Yourself_a_Merry_Little_Christmas)

]]> By: Evan http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333382 Evan Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:38:46 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333382 Though it's commonly believed that Thomas Edison's "A Christmas Carol" was the first adaptation of Dickens classic in 1908, the British Film institute had produced their version seven years earlier in 1901 entitled "Scrooge; or Marley's Ghost". Though it’s commonly believed that Thomas Edison’s “A Christmas Carol” was the first adaptation of Dickens classic in 1908, the British Film institute had produced their version seven years earlier in 1901 entitled “Scrooge; or Marley’s Ghost”.

]]> By: KickItKitsune http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333381 KickItKitsune Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:38:23 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333381 Here's a double whammy-- movies and music: At midnight on Christmas Eve 1914 (in the middle of WWI,) firing from the German trenches suddenly stopped. A German brass band began playing Christmas carols, most notably, "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night). They then began to sing English carols, in an attempt to create a truce with the allies. Early, Christmas morning, the German soldiers came out of their trenches, approaching the allied lines, calling "Merry Christmas". At first the allied soldiers thought it was a trick, but they soon climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the German soldiers. The truce lasted a few days, and the men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings, sang carols and songs. They even played a game of Soccer. (Apparently, the Germans won, 3-2.) This has been turned into a movie recently, "Joyeux Noël"-- which was nominated for Best Foreign Language film-- and it's beautiful. A lovely testement to the power of love and humanity over war. Especially at Christmas! Here’s a double whammy– movies and music:

At midnight on Christmas Eve 1914 (in the middle of WWI,) firing from the German trenches suddenly stopped. A German brass band began playing Christmas carols, most notably, “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night). They then began to sing English carols, in an attempt to create a truce with the allies.

Early, Christmas morning, the German soldiers came out of their trenches, approaching the allied lines, calling “Merry Christmas”. At first the allied soldiers thought it was a trick, but they soon climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the German soldiers.

The truce lasted a few days, and the men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings, sang carols and songs. They even played a game of Soccer. (Apparently, the Germans won, 3-2.)

This has been turned into a movie recently, “Joyeux Noël”– which was nominated for Best Foreign Language film– and it’s beautiful. A lovely testement to the power of love and humanity over war. Especially at Christmas!

]]> By: LuAllen http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333379 LuAllen Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:37:52 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333379 Charles Dickens' initial choice for Scrooge's statement "Bah Humbug" was "Bah Christmas." Charles Dickens’ initial choice for Scrooge’s statement “Bah Humbug” was “Bah Christmas.”

]]> By: KickItKitsune http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333371 KickItKitsune Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:32:30 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333371 Christmas Carols were banned by Oliver Cromwell, in England between 1649 and 1660. Cromwell thought that Christmas should be a very solemn day so he banned carols and parties. The only celebration was by a sermon and a prayer service. Funny how England also came up with Dickens' A Christmas Carol, huh? Coincidence? I think not. Christmas Carols were banned by Oliver Cromwell, in England between 1649 and 1660. Cromwell thought that Christmas should be a very solemn day so he banned carols and parties. The only celebration was by a sermon and a prayer service.

Funny how England also came up with Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, huh? Coincidence? I think not.

]]> By: KickItKitsune http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333364 KickItKitsune Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:29:06 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333364 Two actors from the 60's movie Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Billie Mae Richards ("Rudolph") and Paul Soles ("Hermey"), are now neighbors in an Ontario retirement community. Canada is offically the home of the North pole AND Rudolph. Two actors from the 60′s movie Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Billie Mae Richards (“Rudolph”) and Paul Soles (“Hermey”), are now neighbors in an Ontario retirement community.

Canada is offically the home of the North pole AND Rudolph.

]]> By: KickItKitsune http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333355 KickItKitsune Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:26:23 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333355 The lyrics to the song "Fahoo Forays" apparently imitate classical Latin. (I only knew this because my roomate is a classics major, and she started trying to translate the lyrics in the middle of the movie. While drunk.) The lyrics to the song “Fahoo Forays” apparently imitate classical Latin.

(I only knew this because my roomate is a classics major, and she started trying to translate the lyrics in the middle of the movie. While drunk.)

]]> By: KickItKitsune http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333342 KickItKitsune Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:23:33 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333342 Patrick Stewart, (famous for his Captain Picard character on ST: TNG, and portraying Ebeneezer Scrooge as well) voiced the introduction to Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas-- it can be heard on the DVD. Make it so, number one. Patrick Stewart, (famous for his Captain Picard character on ST: TNG, and portraying Ebeneezer Scrooge as well) voiced the introduction to Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas– it can be heard on the DVD.

Make it so, number one.

]]> By: Jeffry http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333259 Jeffry Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:55:04 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333259 Jimmy Stewart appeared in more than one Christmas movie. In 1980 he starred as Willy Krueger in "Mr. Krueger's Christmas." The movie is a 20 minute made-for-TV special sponsored by the Mormon church. Jimmy Stewart appeared in more than one Christmas movie. In 1980 he starred as Willy Krueger in “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas.” The movie is a 20 minute made-for-TV special sponsored by the Mormon church.

]]> By: Reuben http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333255 Reuben Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:54:21 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333255 On Her Majesty's Secret Service is the only James Bond movie set during Christmas. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is the only James Bond movie set during Christmas.

]]> By: anon http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333218 anon Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:34:11 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333218 For the last two years, the city of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, has been trying to find a suitable location for "SantaClaus is coming to town", a statue commissioned from the American artist Paul McCarthy, at a cost of 280,000 euros, of a Santa Claus holding a small Christmas tree in one hand. Problem: the statue resembles a gnome holding a sex toy. http://kabouterbuttplug.nl/ http://www.ad.nl/rotterdam/article24378.ece http://rotterdamdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2006/06/boymans-van-beuningen-santa-claus-last.html Artist McCarthy, no stranger to controversy, has not been resting on his laurels--his followup statue, "Santa Claus with a Buttplug," was openly displayed in Antwerp in 2007, and this year he is marketing a line of chocolates molded after the statue. http://www.theworldsbestever.com/2007/11/paul_mccarthy_chocolates.php For the last two years, the city of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, has been trying to find a suitable location for “SantaClaus is coming to town”, a statue commissioned from the American artist Paul McCarthy, at a cost of 280,000 euros, of a Santa Claus holding a small Christmas tree in one hand. Problem: the statue resembles a gnome holding a sex toy.

http://kabouterbuttplug.nl/
http://www.ad.nl/rotterdam/article24378.ece
http://rotterdamdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2006/06/boymans-van-beuningen- santa-claus-last.html

Artist McCarthy, no stranger to controversy, has not been resting on his laurels–his followup statue, “Santa Claus with a Buttplug,” was openly displayed in Antwerp in 2007, and this year he is marketing a line of chocolates molded after the statue.

http://www.theworldsbestever.com/2007/11/paul_mccarthy_chocolates.php

]]> By: Thomas http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333217 Thomas Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:33:16 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333217 If you play that Alvin and the Chipmunks record (the 78) at 33 1/3 rpm, all the chipmunks sound like regular people, and the guy with them that yells at Alvin sounds like their infernal master. If you play that Alvin and the Chipmunks record (the 78) at 33 1/3 rpm, all the chipmunks sound like regular people, and the guy with them that yells at Alvin sounds like their infernal master.

]]> By: Wilford http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333209 Wilford Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:11:43 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333209 The very first Christmas movie was "The Night Before Christmas" released in 1906. It was a silent adaptation of the poem of the same name by Clement C. Moore . The very first Christmas movie was “The Night Before Christmas” released in 1906. It was a silent adaptation of the poem of the same name by Clement C. Moore .

]]> By: Wilford http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333205 Wilford Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:02:57 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333205 In the 1988 movie, Scrooged, starring Bill Murray, the ghost of Christmas Past is played by none other than David Johansen, ex-singer of the New York Dolls, who had only a year before put out his first album under the pseudonym Buster Poindexter. In the 1988 movie, Scrooged, starring Bill Murray, the ghost of Christmas Past is played by none other than David Johansen, ex-singer of the New York Dolls, who had only a year before put out his first album under the pseudonym Buster Poindexter.

]]> By: dpep http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333174 dpep Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:35:57 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333174 According to the Guinness Book of World Records, "White Christmas" has sold more than 100 million copies around the world. The song was written by Irving Berlin and recorded by Bing Crosby for the 1942 musical Holiday Inn. The song appeared again in the 1954 film White Christmas, which starred Crosby. According to the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), there are more than 500 versions of "White Christmas" in dozens of languages, making it the most recorded holiday song. Released annually since 1942, the song's last chart appearance was in 1998, when it reached number 29 in the United Kingdom. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, “White Christmas” has sold more than 100 million copies around the world. The song was written by Irving Berlin and recorded by Bing Crosby for the 1942 musical Holiday Inn.

The song appeared again in the 1954 film White Christmas, which starred Crosby. According to the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), there are more than 500 versions of “White Christmas” in dozens of languages, making it the most recorded holiday song.

Released annually since 1942, the song’s last chart appearance was in 1998, when it reached number 29 in the United Kingdom.

]]> By: dpep http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333173 dpep Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:31:58 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333173 In "It's A Wonderful Life" where Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell) is leaving George's house drunk, he walks off camera and sounds as if he stumbles over a pile of garbage cans. In reality a young crew member had dropped some equipment at the moment Mitchell walked off camera. Both Mitchell and Stewart continued the scene with Mitchell improvising the line "I'm alright! I'm all right." If you look closely at Stewart's reaction you will see him laugh but he stays in character. The crewman believed he was about to be fired but Capra liked the moment so much he kept it in the film and gave the crewman a $10 bonus. In “It’s A Wonderful Life” where Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell) is leaving George’s house drunk, he walks off camera and sounds as if he stumbles over a pile of garbage cans. In reality a young crew member had dropped some equipment at the moment Mitchell walked off camera. Both Mitchell and Stewart continued the scene with Mitchell improvising the line “I’m alright! I’m all right.” If you look closely at Stewart’s reaction you will see him laugh but he stays in character. The crewman believed he was about to be fired but Capra liked the moment so much he kept it in the film and gave the crewman a $10 bonus.

]]> By: dpep http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333168 dpep Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:25:56 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333168 If you received all of the gifts in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas", you would receive 364 presents. If you received all of the gifts in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, you would receive 364 presents.

]]> By: Meghan http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333165 Meghan Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:22:55 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333165 "Jingle Bells" was first written for Thanksgiving and then became one of the most popular Christmas songs. “Jingle Bells” was first written for Thanksgiving and then became one of the most popular Christmas songs.

]]> By: Pudifoot http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333159 Pudifoot Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:15:15 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333159 If you play "It's a Wonderful Life" backwards, you hear demonic messages. If you play “It’s a Wonderful Life” backwards, you hear demonic messages.

]]> By: Michael http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333157 Michael Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:12:16 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333157 Copyright on the film "It's a Wonderful Life" lapsed in 1974 due to clerical errors, effectivly allowing the film's images to enter the Public Domain. Unfortunately the film as a complete work cannot be distributed freely, since it is a derivitive work of a published story ("The Greatest Gift") which did have it's copyright propperly renewed. Copyright on the film “It’s a Wonderful Life” lapsed in 1974 due to clerical errors, effectivly allowing the film’s images to enter the Public Domain. Unfortunately the film as a complete work cannot be distributed freely, since it is a derivitive work of a published story (“The Greatest Gift”) which did have it’s copyright propperly renewed.

]]> By: Kate Hansen http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333154 Kate Hansen Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:08:41 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333154 So, I've been reading your site for a long time now. It really helps alleviate the boredom at work!! I really like the shirt and hope that I can win it!!! Well, on with the facts: When the movie "A Christmas Story" was being cast, Jack Nicholson was given the script and was very much interested in the role of Mr. Parker, "The Old Man", according to director, Bob Clark. However, Clark didn't learn of this until later and the studio didn't want to pay Nicholson's fee anyway, which would have doubled the budget. Regardless, Clark says that Darren McGavin was still the better choice and was born to play the role. Can you just imagine what the Christmas Story would be like if Jack Nicholson had been cast instead?? I wonder if it would be as popular!!! So, I’ve been reading your site for a long time now. It really helps alleviate the boredom at work!! I really like the shirt and hope that I can win it!!! Well, on with the facts:

When the movie “A Christmas Story” was being cast, Jack Nicholson was given the script and was very much interested in the role of Mr. Parker, “The Old Man”, according to director, Bob Clark. However, Clark didn’t learn of this until later and the studio didn’t want to pay Nicholson’s fee anyway, which would have doubled the budget. Regardless, Clark says that Darren McGavin was still the better choice and was born to play the role.

Can you just imagine what the Christmas Story would be like if Jack Nicholson had been cast instead?? I wonder if it would be as popular!!!

]]> By: el Gordo http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333152 el Gordo Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:06:26 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333152 "Donner" and "Blitzen" were originally named "Dunder" and "Blixem". “Donner” and “Blitzen” were originally named “Dunder” and “Blixem”.

]]> By: jennyrobinson2 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/comment-page-1/#comment-333151 jennyrobinson2 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:05:24 +0000 http://www.neatorama.com/2007/12/06/neatorama-and-mental_floss-show-off-your-smarts/#comment-333151 In the movie "Bad Santa," Sarah Silverman appears in a deleted scene portraying a Santa Trainer. In the movie “Bad Santa,” Sarah Silverman appears in a deleted scene portraying a Santa Trainer.

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