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 Now out on Video
Joanne's Movie Reviews:
"Chicken Run"
hosted by Joanne Spataro
Charlotte Observer Movie Critic
  "Chicken Run," with its refreshing wit
and action-packed fun, will delight audiences of all ages. Produced by Aardman Studios,
who specialize in "clay-mated" features, succeed with its exceptional story set
on a chicken farm in England. It is well-written and sophisticated. It’s a real treat
for the whole family. Its dryly witty script keeps the film energized the whole way
through. The movie returns to the basics; a good plot, excellent characters and a
beautifully-crafted story. Find out more.
Video Movie Review:
"A
Christmas Story" (1984)
by Joanne Spataro
Movie Critic, the Charlotte Observer
 movie review
 Based on the book by Jean Shepard
titled ‘In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash’. Coincidentally, the movie’s
narrator is the author himself, voicing an adult Ralphie Parker reflecting on a memorable
Christmas. The story stars Ralph Parker (Peter Billingsley), a 9 year old boy excited
about Christmas. It’s such an entertaining movie that can easily be watched hundreds
of times. So, if you want to get into the Christmas spirit, rent (or buy) A Christmas
Story, which is sure to keep you laughing throughout this holiday season.Find out more
about this Christmas classic.
White
Christmas (1954)
 
 
Two talented song-and-dance men team up after the war to become one of the
hottest acts in show business. A veritable treasury of Irving Berlin classics, "White
Christmas" includes "Sisters," "Blue Skies," and of course,
"White Christmas." Academy Award Nominations: Best Song ("Count Your
Blessings Instead of Sheep").
The Candy Cane
Story
by Joy Nall, Amy Floyd Gillette, Thomas G. Nall
A wonderful Christian book revealing the symbolism behind the candy cane. The creation of
the candy cane was a gift by a candy maker who wanted to share the beautiful story of
Jesus through his candy. "The Candy Cane Story" brings to life Mr. Sugarbaker,
the candy maker, and his delightful gift. May "The Candy Cane Story" spread
Christmas cheer, along with love, hope, and peace to all throughout the year.
Miracle
on 34th Street (1947)
 Heartwarming Christmas story in which a
man who moonlights as Kris Kringle at Macy's claims to be the genuine article. The adults
refuse to believe him, and begin to suspect that the bearded, portly man is not playing
with a full deck. But most important to Kris is a little girl who steadfastly refuses to
believe that Santa Claus is real. Can he convince her -- and everyone else -- that he is
telling the truth? His freedom may depend on it...
Celebrating the
Christian Year
by Martha
Zimmerman
Building family traditions around all the major Christian holidays. Provides the
history behind each event as well as a way to celebrate it in a family setting. |
We are collecting contests, grants, scholarships and all sorts of things to make your life
easier (and cheaper!!)
 Secret World of Basset Hounds
See my Basset friends
see my favorite biscotti
Crafts for
Christmas
(Holiday Crafts for Kids)
by Kathy Ross, Sharon Lane Holm
A collection of twenty special Christmas craft
projects features such holiday specialties as an Advent calendar made from an egg carton
and tree ornaments made from glitter and sugar
Great Gift & Fundraising Idea
Brownies in a Jar Gift
 Everyone
loves brownies. Brownies are the perfect gift and you'll love our Brownies in a Jar.
All you need is a one quart jar that you can pick up at your local craft store. Just
take the ingredients for the Double Fudge Brownie Mix and fill the jar. You can make
the jar festive by using a colorful ribbon to tie on the recipe instructions along with a
note from you. Using a small piece of material you can also cover the lid of the jar
add the ribbon and you have "wrapped" your gift!
Holiday Bean Soup Gift
 The best gifts are the ones which come
from the heart; the ones that warm the heart. Holiday Bean Soup is a wonderful homemade
gift that will be loved. This is perfect for your children's teachers, your
post person, your friends at work. It's also a great gift to make for any community
service project- for scouting groups and church groups that want to give during the
holiday season Bean Soup is an easy, simple and appreciated gift. It is
terrific as a way to raise funds for schools and other organizations.
175 Easy-To-Do
Christmas Crafts
by Sharon
Dunn Umnik
The Little Big
Book of Christmas
by Lena Tabori
Designed by Tim Shaner and lavishly illustrated throughout with
nineteenth-century artwork, this book will remind you of the origins of Christmas, the
roots of modern celebration, and the current significance of the holiday in each of our
lives. |
