Heard on the Street

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JUST ONE MORE SHOPPING DAY!|ret||ret||tab|

Can't find that special person the perfect gift? Well, SBJ has a suggestion and with apologies to columnist Dave Barry, we are not making this up! SBJ's intrepid reporter and soon-to-be section editor, Maria Hoover checked this out and it's legit. The gift is one cubic inch of Florida beach-front property for only $49.95! The no-maintenance gift, offered by Florida Micro Beach Property, in-cludes legally recordable deeded property with a view of Florida sunsets over the picturesque Gulf of Mexico. The gift package includes a recordable deed, all necessary notarized documents, a picture of the property, a lot locator map, a bottle of sand, a star fish, a sand dollar and a real live miniature Florida palm tree. By the way, property taxes are paid for life!|ret||ret||tab|

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TIS THE SEASON FOR MO-TOWN?|ret||ret||tab|

With Christmas music playing most of the time in December on radio station KGBX, and other stations picking up the holiday theme, "Heards" rates the musical offerings we've encountered this season. By far the favorite of this writer is "Santa Baby," no matter who sings it Madonna or Betty Boop especially the part about giving her "a duplex and checks." The oddest arrangement was by Wilson Pickett with "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," followed by a second oddity an unintelligible offering from Led Zeppelin. Then there's the famous rendition of "Jingle Bells" by barking dogs. Is there a cat version, perhaps by that Meow-Mix singer? We still haven't heard "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer," but we have hopes. |ret||ret||tab|

Of course, we love Karen Carpenter's smooth "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and Nat "King" Cole's even smoother "The Christmas Song," but we wish we could hear more of the old Binger and "White Christmas." Are you reading this, Woody P. Snow?|ret||ret||tab|

FIRST NIGHT SPRINGFIELD 2002|ret||ret||tab|

If you want to try a different way to ring in the new year, then attend First Night Spring-field 2002, the community's New Year celebration starting at 2 p.m. New Year's Eve and ending with a fireworks display at midnight on Park Central Square. Afternoon performances at Southwest Missouri State University's Craig Hall will include the Springfield Ballet, singer Ashley Morgan, the Kit-n-Kaboodle jugglers, the RLP Marionettes, Yo-Yo the Clown, Dr. Goodfoot's variety show, a ribbon dance by Hing Wah Hatch and children's stories by Jim Millikin. Hands-on activities in the Craig Hall lobby include felt puppet making, jewelry making, face painting, an activity with Hing Wah Hatch and balloon twisting. Then beginning at 7 p.m. in the downtown area, there will be 45 different performances for the price of one First Night sticker, $5 before Dec. 29 and $7 after. Performances will encompass theater, music, storytelling, bands, dancing, comedians and more. Tickets are available at all the Dillons' Supermarkets, and Dave's, Smillie's and Turner's IGAs. Tickets may be purchased Dec. 31 at Craig Hall during the day and at all the evening venues. First Night is sponsored by the Springfield Regional Arts Council, the Missouri Arts Council and managed by the Urban Districts Alliance. |ret||ret||tab|

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY|ret||ret||tab|

Springfield Business Journal's offices will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 so our staff can enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Our office will reopen promptly at 8 a.m. Dec. 26. Merry Christmas!|ret||ret||tab|

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SLICE OF NICE|ret||ret||tab|

The U.S. Postal Services re-minds parents that letters to Santa Claus can be given directly to their postal carrier. But if your munchkins wish, there is a very special Santa Letter Mail-box at the main post office, 500 W. Chestnut Expwy. Since 1775, thanks to founding father Benjamin Franklin (who looked at bit like the jolly old elf), Santa has relied almost exclusively on the postal service to bring him letters from children across America. Santa has told officials at the postal service to pass these tips on to parents so they can help the children get letters to the dear old saint as quickly as possible: Give them help addressing and putting stamps on their letters. Mis-spellings can lead to delays. Al-so, include a complete return address, otherwise the elves and Santa have to pore over letters with a magnifying glass and telephone books for all 50 states and the territories. Santa loves treats left for him when he de-livers presents, but please don't send them in your letters! [[In-content Ad]]