Who remembers Phil Hill, Formula 1 motor racing World Champion in 1961? Phil is one of the great characters of motor sport and is still taking an active part in historic events. His latest idea is a winner, I think.

The plan is to build a residential development in Georgia with a race track attached for the sole use of the residents. This will work in similar fashion to the existing developments centered on golf courses. Most residents of such schemes are retired, of course, and the availability of sporting facilities for their exclusive use is a strong attraction.

At first sight, one might think Phil’s idea a little optimistic; there aren’t all that many retired racing drivers around, after all. But think of how many people must have longed to have a go in their younger days but never had the time or the cash. I am prepared to bet that there will be plenty of takers for the chance to re-kindle old dreams on the race track.

And I love the way this blows apart all those stereotypes of retirement. Just because we have reached the age of retirement doesn’t mean we’re ready to give up on life and settle into the shadows. I can imagine how much fun races on such a track would be, fun for the oldies for a change!

If the idea succeeds and this kind of development spreads, there might even be races between the residential schemes across the country, perhaps even a championship for retirees. That would be our chance to show the youngsters how it’s done!

So I wish Phil every success in his venture. A brilliant idea that deserves to win, just as he did all those years ago.

From 1950 to 1954, American television viewers were treated weekly to the immense talents of Sid Caesar in Your Show of Shows. Featured players included Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner and Howard Morris.

The show was a live sketch comedy powered by brilliant writers such as Mel Brooks, Neil Simon, Carl Reiner and Larry Gelbart. Mel Brooks of course went on to write and star in many of his own comedic offerings, Neil Simon became a playwright who brought us The Odd Couple and Barefoot in the Park, Carl Reiner’s experience on the show inspired the wonderful sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show and Larry Gelbart of course, brought us the immensely popular series M*A*S*H*.

But it was the chemistry and camaraderie of this troupe of players that made Your Show of Shows so popular and so funny.

Unfortunately, most of the kinescopes were discarded by NBC and so few copies of the show survive. However, I have found video of a few sketches on YouTube that you can view by clicking the links.

The Clock Watch this hilarious sketch as Sid, Imogene Coca, Howard Morris and Carl Reiner act out the parts of clockwork figures that start to go haywire.

The Three Haircuts Sid, Howie and Carl in a send-up of 50s rock n’roll. Watch the antics as each of the three takes center stage to dance during the second song. It’s So Rare and Flippin’!

Progress Hornsby Carl Reiner interviews Progress Hornsby (Sid Caesar), a modern jazz musician who is very “cool”.
Carl: Progress, how do you get your barber to cut your hair that way?
Sid: I insult him.

It was on this date in 1932 that Radio City Music Hall had its grand opening. Originally it was meant to be a venue for a return to high class live entertainment but for many years showcased movies. With 5,933 seats it became the largest indoor theater in the world.

Just as famous as Radio City Music Hall are the precision steppers called The Rockettes. The Rockettes began an annual Christmas Spectacular in 1933 and it continues to this day.

The Rockettes and their famous kicks have been a mainstay of the Music Hall and a symbol of New York City and America to the world for over 75 years.

The requirements to be a Rockette are almost the same now as they were in 1932. A Rockette must be between 5′6 and 5′10 1/2 and be proficient in tap and jazz dance styles. Most importantly, she has to shine with that inner glow and smile, smile, smile.

Interestingly, I didn’t see any age or weight requirements or restrictions on the Radio City Music Hall Website. So, if you are interested in auditioning go to the Radio City website and click on Rockettes. Even if you don’t want to join the show, you still have time to see it as shows run through December 30th. Check the calendar by clicking The Christmas Spectacular.

On this day in 1951, two songs at the top of the charts are now traditional seasonal favorites.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, by Gene Autry was heard on radios all over America. The song was based on a story written by Robert L. May in 1939 for Montgomery Ward stores, as a Christmas book for their store Santas to hand out to kids. He nearly wasn’t named Rudolph; May initially christened him Rollo but store executives nixed that name and asked for another, and so, Rudolph was born and is now part of American Christmas tradition.

Bing Crosby scored what may be his most enduring hit with White Christmas. Originally introduced in the 1942 film Holiday Inn, it became the title of the 1954 holiday film White Christmas, featuring Bing, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney. White Christmas is a holiday tradition as well, and can usually be viewed on a local television channel in most areas at this time of year.

Click the link below to see the original film clip of Bing crooning White Christmas for the first time.

Bing Crosby - White Christmas - Holiday Inn