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Yesterday I wrote about how you could take a six hour car ride to Cleveland and be at the home which was featured in A Christmas Story. As it turns out, I was only half right. While you could certainly make the trip to visit movie props, the actual house is much closer. In fact it’s just down the road in Hammond, Indiana. This all came to light when my long time friend, social provocateur and documentarian, Shane Bugbee, fired off on me for the inaccuracy and, worse yet, the slight to the memory of Jean Shepherd.

Astute readers of my Hippo blogs will remember that I’m not a huge fan of the movie. Saw it, liked it, moved on. However, for others it was a profound, life changing, moment in their lives. My guess is that these are the same people who shop at WalMart, but I could be wrong.

Whoever these people are, the movie’s important to them. They know every line, can recite the complete history of each event and each and every one lauds the works and life of Jean Shepherd (this is a much more complete link).

On September 18, 2004, Shane was finally able to get an official Jean Shepherd Day in Hammond. But only after signing a release that made him promise that the event would not “… represent satan, horror movies, goth culture, and religious debate ….”

I may not be hopelessly devoted to the film, but I’m pretty sure there aren’t any scenes of human sacrifice or inverted crosses covered in blood. I probably would have noticed stuff like that.

It seems that the people of Hammond are mad at Mr. Shepherd for ending up in New York after serving in the Army in World War II. They seem to believe that he would have been just as famous, and just as beloved, if he’d stayed put and not gotten all uppity.

How deep is their rancor? At the Hammond Visitor’s Center there is a tribute to John Dillinger but not one mention of Mr. Shepherd or his works.

That’s pretty freaking deep.

How did that board meeting go? “Which display do we put up for the kids? Notorious gangster & killer or beloved family icon? It’s a NO-BRAINER! Bust out the lady in red and have at it!”

Actually it was an orange dress, but that’s a quibble for another day.

Of course Indiana is the state where you can buy Ku Klux Klan memorabilia and where they are building a museum to honor the world’s most famous (alleged) pedophile.

Maybe, for the sake of Mr. Shepherd’s heirs, fans and friends, it’s best that things just stay the way they are. After all, in comparison, Cleveland’s not so bad.

In many respects I’m just like normal people. I have the usual number of arms, legs and organs. More importantly, at least for me, they all work reasonably well. Nevertheless, there are some things that seem to keep me from the mainstream. I’ve never laughed at a Seinfeld joke, at least not the intentional ones, and you’d have to beat me with a claw hammer to get me to watch ice dancing. The allure of certain segments of pop culture eludes me as readily as the hot babe in the bar who suddenly professes her lesbianism to avoid speaking with me.

Just FYI, according to Ellen Degeneres I am personally responsible for the distribution of over 1,000 toaster ovens.

So it is with me and A Christmas Story. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the movie when I saw it. I thought it was cute and funny. I was glad I’d seen it but it didn’t exactly resonate with me at some deeply pseudo-religious level. As it turns out, this is yet another thing that culls me from the herd.

However, if you are among the many who worship this film, you’re in luck. You can now tour the house where the film was set, meet the cast and spend nutty money on stuff your friends will make fun of.

And, yes, you can ride in the firetruck. Can’t forget that.

Chris Epting from AOL News spreads the Gospel of Ralphie to an even larger audience.

It’s become one of the most beloved holiday exclamations, a gleeful cry of warmth and tenderness that evokes so many cups of hot chocolate around a cozy, stocking-draped fireplace: “You’ll shoot yer eye out!”

In 1983, the movie “A Christmas Story” roughly elbowed its way into our Christmas consciousness. A nostalgic tale of longing, sentimentality and the harsh realities of Midwestern life in the 1940s, the comedy, based on the work of author Jean Shepherd, has become a must-watch-TV marathon classic.

Old-time radio, Ovaltine, school bullies and the want of an “Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle” are just some of the memorable touchstones of the film. But this holiday, you can do more than just watch it from your couch — you can live it.

This Friday and Saturday will mark the fifth annual “A Christmas Story” Celebration and Convention, which takes place right where the story was based, in Cleveland. The event is being run by the “Christmas Story” House and Museum — the actual home used in the film.

Opened over Thanksgiving weekend in 2006, the popular pop-culture landmark is a labor of love for Brian Jones, a devoted fan of the film who purchased the home in 2003 after it went up for auction on eBay. (At the time, he ran a business that sold re-creations of the infamous “Major Award” from the film — a scandalous, sexy, black-stockinged “leg lamp” won by Ralphie Parker’s dad.)

To date, more than 60,000 people have toured the house. Directly across the street from the house is the official “Christmas Story” House Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos.

Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee’s department store window, Randy’s snowsuit and toy zeppelin that he received Christmas morning, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom and the Parker family car.

Steve Siedlecki, the house and museum’s executive director, said he expects about 3,000 people over the holiday weekend for the convention.

“We have dozens of incredible events planned for fans of this holiday classic,” Siedlecki told AOL News. “It will be our biggest convention yet, including rides on the firetruck that came to the rescue in Flick’s famous tongue-on-the-flagpole scene, meet-and-greets with many of the stars from the film and lots of other ‘Christmas Story’ surprises.”

Specifically, convention attendees can expect appearances by seven original-cast members (Flick, Scut Farkus, Randy, Grover Dill, Miss Shields and the two evil elves), a BB gun range in the backyard of the house, a downtown tree-lighting ceremony and much more.

The convention will take place at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel and coincide with Cleveland’s Winterfest, with frequent shuttles to the museum for special tours and activities.

Also, for anyone visiting the “Christmas Story” House and Museum during the end of November and through December, a special guest will be in attendance.

“Ian Petrella, who played younger son Randy in the film, will actually be living here at the house through the holidays, so anyone who shows up for a tour will be able to chat with him and get autographs,” Siedlecki said.

The good news is that Cleveland is about a 6 hour drive from Chicago, so you can easily get there today in time to meet the stars. But, if you miss them you can still go before Christmas and feed Ian Petrella. Because, if memory serves me right, that kitchen wasn’t in the best of shape 27 years ago.

It’s the holiday season and that makes me nervous.  Although, I do love holiday twinkling lights, eggnog, jingle bells, kissing under the mistletoe (do people really do that?) and Christmas shopping.

However, I dread getting on the scale.  Okay, I don’t even own a scale, but you know what I mean.  There are fun parties galore, calorie filled Christmas martini’s and your grandmother’s famous cookies.  And for some reason because it’s “the holidays” you break every rule.

Well, you are not alone my friend.   I am hear to say; “DO IT”.   Following all the rules is boring, it’s the tastiest time of the year and don’t give in to being a Scrooge!  No “bah humbug” allowed here!  We are going to celebrate the holidays right down to that last cookie crumb.  Your friends will be wondering how does he/she do it?  I will tell you my secret!  It’s called HiFi Personal Fitness where they enhance your “flavors of fitness.”

Basically, the twin super-hero brothers (aka co-owners and masterminds of HiFi Personal Fitnes); Drew and Gregg Shipp, can change your life.  And I don’t mean by only making you laugh hysterically (laughing does burn calories), but with their colorful, fun, talented team and 30,000 square foot state of the art boutique fitness studio.  I promise you will leave smiling even if you are already feeling the burn.

Did I mention I am still “feeling the burn” from my workout almost one week ago?  They have everything to whip you into shape from personal training, group fitness classes, Zumba, Pilates, martial-arts, boxing, wrestling, golfing and more!  It’s the best private gym in the city and if you want to fully celebrate the holidays you will check them out. They are having a fun HiFi Fitness Expo Friday, December 10th, 2010.

Fitness is a way of life and they will show you the light.  Be not afraid and I will see you at the bar…I mean HiFi.

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I think I may have made a minor fashion faux pas which I feel just dreadful about.  I realize I provided all of you faithful Hippo fans with a fantastic style guide to winter in Chicago but COMPLETELY ignored hair and make-up.  BLAST!  My sincerest apologies.

This blog is to “make-up” (ha! I crack myself up) for my oversight and fully prepare you for the winter season. Not only will your outfits be fly, but so will your face.

Image courtesy of www.sephora.com – visit them for most of the items listed here!

(1)   Hair

Three words:  Moroccan Hair Oil.  No, I am not late getting on this bandwagon, but I feel very strongly about this product and wanted to re-emphasize its benefits for the winter months.

What is so great about this product is that any hair type can use it.  It helps prevent fly-aways and provides extreme hydration to your hair.  Winter is a bastard – he is out to destroy your beautiful locks by drying them up and making them all crackly and icky.  This is where Moroccan Hair Oil comes in and saves the day!

Now a word of caution, though – just because this product is great for any hair type doesn’t mean the amount applied is great for any hair type.  I myself have very thick, curly hair, so I need a lot more than someone with thinner hair.  It’s better to start very small and work your way up.  Give it a few tries and you will get it right – over applying will just make you look greasy.

Finally, work it into your hair from the bottom up – your ends have been around a lot longer than the crown of your head, so be generous down there and minimal up top.

(2)    Eyes

For the eyes, I have a couple of products/applications I am totally loving these days.  First, and great for the holidays, is the light, shimmery eye shadow in the corner of your eyes.  What what?  I know right?  I thought it was kind of weird, too.  But trust me, it’s awesome.

What I do is apply all of my makeup (including concealer) and when done I take a small brush and dab some of this eye shadow in the inner corner.  It makes your eyes pop in photos and in person.  Awesome touch to those Christmas photos!

My personal fav is “Totally Toasted Beige” by Too Faced.  An added note – I love all of their eye shadows.  They go on very smooth and add great contour to the eye.  I used to be crazy bananas for MAC, but have changed my tune ever since discovering Too Faced.

For your eyelashes, I have a cheap and expensive recommendation.  I use both together for an  awesome combo.  I am a big fan of Maybelline’s Colossal Volume Express Mascara.  It does a great job separating my eyelashes and providing a bit of “umph” that I need.  Add a few coats to make it thicker and darker.

After I apply the Maybelline mascara, I add a coat of Dior’s DiorShow Extase.  I really like the combo together because Maybelline coats and separates while Dior thickens and darkens.  I also love all DiorShow products because they are so DRAMA.  It’s like two bitchy girls talking sh*t are now on your eyelashes.  I personally cannot use JUST DiorShow, though, because it clumps my eyelashes together.  That is why this combo works well for me.

Finally, for those dark under eye circles, I have found my calling (FINALLY!).  Laura Mercier.  I believe I shall build a shrine to her.  Her Secret Concealer product actually has the ability to combat the blue-ish color caused by dark circles.  I don’t know how she does it but it rocks my socks off for sure.  I don’t use foundation but supposedly her foundation is some of the best out there as well.

(3)    Cheeks (on your face, perv)

I have been having issues with my powdered rouge lately.  It’s just looked too…powdery.  It obviously looks like powder is on my face, is all.  And while this could partially be that I have dry skin, I also think maybe I just should have paid better attention and powder ain’t my thang.

Lo and behold Tarte.  They have this amazing cheek stain that not only moisturizes but also provides the right amount of color; I find it hard to over-do it with this product which is another thing I love.

Even better is that Tarte has pulled together a handy holiday gift back of 3 limited time colors for only $25.  It can be found at Ulta and Sephora, and I bought this because I wasn’t sure which color I would like best.  Right now I am leaning towards “Flawless”, the more peachy color.  I’ve used it for a week and haven’t had any issue with breakouts either, so 2 thumbs up!  It’s made with botanical products, so that must be why.  🙂

(4)    Lips

I am having a secret love affair with Burt.  Yes, Burt’s Bees that is.  I discovered this stuff in high school and have never looked back.  I love the little tingly feeling it leaves on your lips, plus I feel it is one of the few chap sticks that actually helps heal your lips after extensive damage from the winter elements.

Looking for a bit of color?  Try Burt’s Lip Shimmer.  It has the same tingly feeling as the chap stick but adds a pop of color.  Having grown up in Chicago, I cannot advocate for fancy schmancy lipstick and lip gloss when my lips feel like a rough tundra.  So my apologies if you feel the “lips” section is a little lame.  Maybe I will surprise you come spring, but only after I confirm with Santa that you haven’t been naughty.

Happy Holidays, ladies!  You look mah-valous!

~Corie Scarpaci

Well, faithful Hippo fans, we have moved out of the blah zone and into the inevitable holiday countdown.  I just can’t believe it’s already here.  I still have my Halloween costume hanging on the back of my bathroom door and my 4^th of July tablecloth out (you thought I was kidding about that?).

In the spirit of Christmas, this post is all about the holiday festivities that are commencing this very weekend.  So grab your gloves, hat and flask of peppermint schnapps and hustle down to some of these fun activities.  Burl Ives would want you to.

(1)   Oops, I Christmassed Again

Starting this Friday, at 11:59pm, come watch a faux Britney Spears go through the pain and torture experienced by Ebenezer Scrooge many years ago.  She is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future – perhaps the Ghost of Christmas Past can explain away the head shaving incident?

Tickets are $10 and the show runs from November 19^th – December 17^th

ComedySportz Theater, 929 West Belmont, (773) 549-8080

(2)   Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade

Who doesn’t love free activities?  Bundle up and shove your way over to the Mag Mile on November 20^th to see the annual tree lighting parade.  Not only will you get to see Mickey Mouse, but an array of other talent as well.  Perhaps even Santa will stop by?  I think he still has to clear it with Mrs. Claus – she is a tad possessive.

The parade officially starts at 5:30p but you may want to head down sooner and claim your spot.  Word of advice, too – don’t try shopping on Mag Mile on this day between 4:00p and 11:00p.  I made that mistake last year and paid for it dearly.

Michigan Avenue, between Oak Street and the River

(3)   Randolph Street Holiday Market

The winter holidays cannot exist without shopping for random items you and your loved ones probably don’t need.  To keep up with the holiday spending spree, why not visit the Randolph Street Holiday Market?  You will find a variety of fun items, like vintage clothing, retro Christmas ornaments and tons of other items.

You will most likely find me perusing the 1930s Christmas décor – reminds me of my former life when I was the wife of a billionaire named Mr. Potter.  He kept complaining about some nuisance named George Bailey, something or other, but I wasn’t paying attention.  I was too busy drinking my bourbon and trying not to be seen, obviously!

Visit the market on either Saturday or Sunday, 10:00a – 5:00p.  Admission is $10, $5 for students.  Purchase through PayPal for a $2 discount.

Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd.

(4)   Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights

According to the museum website:  “The Museum’s 45-foot Grand Tree takes center stage in the Rotunda with more than 30,000 lights and 1,000 ornaments, and it is surrounded by more than 50 smaller trees—beautifully decorated by volunteers from Chicago’s ethnic communities to represent their various cultures and holiday traditions. Stroll through the trees, enjoy intermittent falling “snow” and savor the performances of various dance and choral groups on the Holiday Stage.”

Sounds like a blast to me!  After visiting this amazing exhibit, you can walk around the rest of the museum and feel good about yourself because you are attempting to learn something.  Bonus points if you and your friends quiz each other on the airplane exhibit.  General admission is $13 for adults.

Museum of Science and Industry, 57^th Street and Lake Shore Drive

(5)   It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play

Is anyone else experiencing déjà vu or is that just me?

Anyway, rub elbows with your favorite friends from the Great Depression and spread some holiday cheer.  And don’t forget, every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.  I am still trying to figure out if that includes my cell phone ring tone…

Runs from November 5 – December 26, Wednesday to Sunday.  Tickets range from $29.50 – $39.50 and can be found at their website.  Oh, and it’s in St. Charles, IL.  Just in case you weren’t paying attention!

Fox Valley Repertoire, 4051 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL

Be hip(po)!  Have fun!  Celebrate that the season is upon us and make yourself some hot cocoa!  But especially, have a safe weekend!

Now for my Holiday jingle!
(Our budget is low, so you’ll have to sing it):

Have a holly, jolly weekend

It’s the best weekend this year

I don’t care that it’s not even Thanksgiving yet

Just have a pint of beer

Have a holly, jolly weekend

And when you stumble down the street

Say hello to friends you know

And try not to puke on their feet

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Listen to Ashley Lobo on Chicago radio,
WBIG AM 1280, Thursday mornings between 9-10,
with JoAnn & Ryan!