"Oooh, what could it be?" "Remember, now you're responsible for feeding it and cleaning up after it." (Photo by BAD RABBIT INC.) We've all done it, so don't pretend you haven't. You get a gift from some well-meaning someone -- that someone, though, really doesn't understand you or know what you like, and you end up, frankly, with a useless piece of crap. You smile gamely, put on that slightly over-enthusiastic voice, and thank the giver profusely -- but at the same time you're silently cursing them. With that in mind, National Regifting Day was created to allow folks to (somewhat) guiltlessly inflict those gifts -- er, we mean, "give them graciously" -- to someone who can better use them. This regifting isn't always altruistic and done with the givee's best interests in mind. Sometimes the giver has a case of schadenfreude and just wants to inflict his or her victim with the same misery they themselves experienced. With that in mind, we've once again gone to our Yahoo! colleagues to ask them what were the best -- and worst -- gifts they've ever received. Over the next few days, we'll review those gifts. Some sound really cool, while others... well, let's just say we know what oddly shaped packages we'll be avoiding at the next department holiday party. Jessica: The worst gift I ever received was a box of five free CDs from a subscription club -- and the opportunity to pay monthly if I decided I liked them. Adrianna: The worst gift I ever received was from my grandma when I was in high school. I was delighted to receive a bottle of Tommy Girl cologne for Hanukkah, since it was what I was wishing for the most. But, after showing it to my friends, they pointed out that it was actually a knockoff drugstore brand version. I was so embarrassed and once I tested it out on myself, I noticed that they were right. It didn't smell like Tommy Girl, it smelled like cheap cologne! Astrid: Best gift: (besides my kids and family...) a raclette grill that I got when I turned 18. It was totally unexpected, but I used it until I moved to America last year. I gave it away to my sister (who still uses it), because your power system over here is different. Worst gift: A pair of sneakers from my husband, which I never liked. I had to wear them for years, so as to not hurt his feelings. I was so happy when they wore out! Maria: My worst gift ever was an umbrella shaped like a pencil from my sister-in-law -- she wasn't trying to be funny, either! My best gift: a pair of gold earrings from my husband -- the first gift he ever gave me -- I honestly didn't know he had it in him. (Maybe he got a little help?) Happy Holidays!!! And happy holidays to all of you. We’ll be back tomorrow with more great -- and lousy -- gifts. In the meantime, what were some of your own least and most favorite presents? Suggested Sites... National Regifting Day - guide to regifting and office parties. How to Throw a Re-Gifting Christmas Party - it's better to give than receive. Regiftable.com - regifting stories and tips. Regifting the Right Way - tips to avoid getting caught. 12 Rules for Regifting without Fear - at least change the card ...

Directory categories: Music Membership Clubs, Fragrances, Fondue Recipes, Sneakers, Earrings

Archived under: Celebrations, Cheese, Christmas, Fragrances, Hanukkah, Holidays, Shoes, Shopping, Sneakers

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"Are we not one-hit wonders?" (Anybody see another hit song?) (Photo by Alterna2) What is it about "One Hit Wonders" that make them just so darn catchy? Most musicians rarely make it to the big time at all, and those that do are usually able to make careers out of it (or at least long enough to reach that elusive #2 hit). But One Hit Wonders are different. They're like the most ephemeral of stars: they shine brightly for a single moment of time, then burn out into oblivion. But if they're lucky, their songs remain for eternity. Inspired by "One Hit Wonder Day" (last week, on September 25th), we asked our fellow Yahoos to share their favorite One Hit Wonder* of all time. (You can find Part One here and Part Two here.) On a side note, many of the below mentioned artists and bands are still recording and performing 10, 20, and in some cases, almost 30 years later -- so props to them for overcoming (or in some cases, embracing) their status as "One Hit Wonders." Mike M.: Wow, there are a LOT of great one hit wonders, but the first one that comes to mind is "Centerfold" by J. Geils Band -- "Na, na, na-na-na-naaa, na, na, na, na-na-na-na-naaaa!" Adam: Easy. "Falco 3" by Falco (it had "Rock Me Amadeus" on it). Wow. I just felt a shiver of embarrassment. Ick. Corinne: The first song I ever loved and still love now is "Too Shy" by Kajagoogoo. Adrienne: Peter Godwin's "Images of Heaven" was truly transportive for me in the early 1980s. Brian: Favorite one hit wonder: "Whip It" by Devo. I was always angry my parents never bought me a Devo-hat! JoAnne: "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and I'm not at all ashamed of it. One of the best '80s songs, and one I will bounce around to every time I hear it. Followed very closely by "867-5309 (Jenny)" from Tommy Tutone. Helene L.: My favorite one hit wonder is "My Sharona" by The Knack. I like the guitar riff, the entertaining beat, and the profound philosophy of the lyrics. What bothers me now is the name of the band, "The Knack," because in my native region, a knack is a type of sausage. The parody by "Weird Al" Yankovic, called "My Bologna" is almost as addictive. Dave S.: I was crazy for "Freeze Frame" by The J. Geils Band. It's decades younger than my favorite music of the 1920s, but there was something about that organ riff and their shouting "freeze frame!" that I loved. Sue me. Sarah L.: "I Melt With You" by Modern English. It still gets so much radio airplay (not to mention covers ad nauseum) that few people realize they can't name another song recorded by the same band. Adrianna: There's "The Macarena," does that count? (Editor's Note: Not only does it count, VH1 named "The Macarena" its #1 One Hit Wonder of all time!) (*Please note that "One Hit Wonder" status is as much defined by perception as by actual radio charting status.) Suggested Sites... One Hit Wonder Central - learn about all sorts of One Hit Wonders from the 1950s to the present. Are You a One Hit Wonder? - find out if you are secretly a one hit wonder with this quiz. VH1: The Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the '80s - surely you love one of these.

Directory categories: Music, Rock and Pop, Music Charts, Musical Artists, CDs, Records, and Tapes

Archived under: 1970s, 1980s, Celebrations, Dance, Entertainment, Events, Flops, Heavy Metal and Hard Rock, History, In Character, Music, Music History, Musicians, Rock and Roll, Songs

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Those cats are fast as lightning! (Photo by mK B.) What is it about "One Hit Wonders" that make them just so darn catchy? Most musicians rarely make it to the big time at all, and those that do are usually able to make careers out of it (or at least long enough to reach that elusive #2 hit). But One Hit Wonders are different. They're like the most ephemeral of stars: they shine brightly for a single moment of time, then burn out into oblivion. But if they're lucky, their songs remain for eternity. Inspired by "One Hit Wonder Day" (last week, on September 25th), we asked our fellow Yahoos to share their favorite One Hit Wonder* of all time. (You can find Part One here.) On a side note, many of the below mentioned artists and bands are still recording and performing 10, 20, and in some cases, almost 30 years later -- so props to them for overcoming (or in some cases, embracing) their status as "One Hit Wonders." Mitzi: I’ve always liked "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers. Not sure if they qualify as one hit wonders, but I don’t think any of their other songs ever hit the U.S. charts. Cathleen: My favorite one hit wonder record (and sure to stay that way) was Color Me Badd's "C.M.B." Some may call "I Wanna Sex You Up" their only actual "hit," but "I Adore Mi Amor" and "All 4 Love" made it to the Top 10 in my heart. I'm pretty sure they pioneered the use of numerals instead of words in song titles, an innovative and important achievement in the history of pop music. Think of where texting would be today without these four musical geniuses. Cliff: Hanson's "MMMBop." Huw: I can't say I have a favorite one hit wonder, but I'm very entertained by "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" -- a delightfully ESL track by the Spanish duo Baccara. Chris B.: I hope that both "Kung Fu Fighting" and "If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don’t Want To Be Right" make your compilation. (Editor's note: They have now!) Jessica J.: My top one hit wonder: "Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Deep Blue Something. Dave T.: Although not my favorite one hit wonder per se, the one that has etched itself permanently into the album of my memory is Joe Dolce's "Shaddap You Face." It was a novelty record which consisted of an American-born Australian offering such times less lyrics as "Whassamatta you? (Hey!) Gotta no respect? Whaddaya think you do? Why you looka so sad? It's-a not so bad. It's-a nice-a place. Ah, shaddap you face!" All this in a seriously dodgy Italian accent to boot. This is largely memorable because it kept a genuine 80s classic (Ultravox's "Vienna") off of the #1 spot in the U.K. and forever tarnishing Midge Ure's reputation. We'll have our final round of humiliating confessions tomorrow! (*Please note that "One Hit Wonder" status is as much defined by perception as by actual radio charting status.) Suggested Sites... One Hit Wonder Central - learn about all sorts of One Hit Wonders from the 1950s to the present. Are You a One Hit Wonder? - find out if you're secretly a One Hit Wonder with this quiz. VH1: The Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the '80s - surely you love one of these.

Directory categories: Music, Rock and Pop, Music Charts, Musical Artists, CDs, Redcords, and Tapes

Archived under: 1970s, 1980s, Celebrations, Dance, Entertainment, Events, Flops, Heavy Metal and Hard Rock, History, In Character, Music, Music History, Musicians, Rock and Roll, Songs

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Do the Hustle! (This is not Andrea.) (Photo by Janine Dupree) What is it about "One Hit Wonders" that make them just so darn catchy? Most musicians rarely make it to the big time at all, and those that do are usually able to make careers out of it (or at least long enough to reach that elusive #2 hit). But One Hit Wonders are different. They're like the most ephemeral of stars: they shine brightly for a single moment of time, then burn out into oblivion. But if they're lucky, their songs remain for eternity. Inspired by "One Hit Wonder Day" (September 25th), we asked our fellow Yahoos to share their favorite One Hit Wonder* of all time. On a side note, many of the below mentioned artists and bands are still recording and performing 10, 20, and in some cases, almost 30 years later -– so props to them for overcoming (or in some cases, embracing) their status as "One Hit Wonders." Andrea S.: The best one-hit wonder of all -– and I say this proudly and with oodles of swing to my hips -– is "The Hustle." When I was a little girl, my parents took disco dancing lessons, and there’s a famous (to our family, anyway) photo of my groove-challenged engineer father attempting to count out the Hustle steps while my three-year-old brother scoots around in his a pair of green feet pajamas. "Do the Hustle!" Laura: My favorite one-hit wonder was Mr. Big's 1989 sentimental instrumental, "To Be With You." As an awkward, swoony, prepubescent 12-year-old, this song seemed to perfectly encapsulate all my cheesy romantic fantasies. Unrequited love! Passion! Heartache! Good times all around. Helene K.: So here is my little French contribution ... can't miss our French one hit wonder (or should I say "le hit?"): "Born to be Alive" by Patrick Hernandez. It's still a number one for any party, wedding, or other events involving dancing, at least in France. Cheesy, easy and yet, it works! Terri: My choices are both from the '80s: "99 Luftballons" by Nena and "Human" by The Human League. More embarrassing revelations on Monday! (*Please note that "One Hit Wonder" status is as much defined by perception as by actual radio charting status.) Suggested Sites... One Hit Wonder Central - learn about all sorts of One Hit Wonders from the 1950s to the present. Are You a One Hit Wonder? - find out if you're secretly a One Hit Wonder with this quiz. VH1: The Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the '80s - surely you love one of these.

Directory categories: Music, Rock and Pop, Music Charts, Musical Artists, CDs, Records, and Tapes

Archived under: 1970s, 1980s, Celebrations, Dance, Entertainment, Events, Flops, Heavy Metal and Hard Rock, History, In Character, Music, Music History, Musicians, Rock and Roll, Songs

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Punctuation fail -- unless they're talking about smoking food and photographing drinks (Photo by Chris Chan) Who gives a **** about an "Oxford Comma?" And what exactly is an "Oxford comma," anyway? For those of you who knew that it's the final comma in a list of items before the conjunction, it probably comes as no surprise that Thursday is National Punctuation Day. Yes, it's an entire day devoted to celebrating the correct placement of apostrophes, semicolons, and quotation marks. In fact, those are only three of the fourteen different standard punctuation marks in the English language! (Bonus points to those who could list all fourteen before clicking on that link.) However, if you're the kind of person who couldn't care less that "its" is possessive, but "it's" is not, perhaps you should reconsider the importance of those tiny symbols the next time you ask "Whats missing?" First, it's the hyphens that the careless let go, then it's the ellipses, and before you know it, nobody can end a sentence without it running into the next one. In fact, careless punctuation can literally cost you, as a Canadian company discovered in 2006. A single misplaced comma cost them $2 million dollars when their contract was erroneously terminated. Of course, just as bad as being punctually illiterate is being a busybody know-it-all (cue Ross from "Friends"). Perhaps you've been lucky enough to avoid Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style" while learning your way around a school essay. The duo adeptly demonstrated how to use a possessive apostrophe correctly, while simultaneously confusing students every time they pondered whether it was "mantel" or "mantle" that referred to that thing above the fireplace (it's "mantel," in case you were wondering ...). If you're still convinced that all punctuation is stuffy and boring, there's Victor Borge, the man who made semi-colons entertaining. Borge, a Danish comedian and musician well known for his comedy bit, "Phonetic Punctuation" (seen here with Dean Martin), could make punctuation pop. Or, if that sort of humor is too refined for you, there's the "blog" of "unnecessary" quotation marks, The Truth About Grammar, and National Punctuation Day's gallery of gaffes. Oh, and if you happen to have stumbled across any grammatical anomalies during the course of reading this article, give yourself a cookie ... and keep it to yourself. Suggested Sites... National Punctuation Day - the official site. Purdue Online Writing Lab - resource from Purdue University for grammar, writing style, citations, and more. The Truth About Grammar - blog devoted to "Fighting the war on Error." Engrish - lost in the translation. Warning: mildly offensive. Grammar Girl - quick and dirty tips for better writing.

Directory categories: Punctuation, Grammar Usage and Style, English Style Guides, Writing, Spelling

Archived under: Celebrations, Communication, Education, Events, Grammar, Languages, Reference, School, Teaching

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