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December 23, 2005
Floor Show at Johnny Rockets
And other events seasonal and otherwise.
Lunch today--we were out shopping for a couple of last-minute things. A new Johnny Rockets had opened in this center. We like the retro feel and the food is DEFINITELY the comfort-food variety. We decided to stop in.
Well, there it is--like juke-box controllers in each of the booths, waiters in aprons and little soldier-like hats. One of the few places you can get a cherry coke that is a real cherry coke, etc. You all know the attraction or detraction (depending on how you view it).
But absolutely unique to this one--or a new corporate initiative--every now and again, either in cue with certain songs or at regularly intervals, the wait-staff, the managers, and everyone who is not cooking or handling customers breaks into a dance routine. While I was there it happened twice--once to Aretha Franklin's "R-E-S-P-E-C-T," and once to Donna Summers's "The Last Dance." And you know, I have to admit, it raised a real smile on my face. There was such an obvious enjoyment in the staff and in the patrons. And of course Sam was bouncing along to the music and asked to join the entire wait-staff.
On another event--last Sunday hauled our bodies down to what passes for a downtown here in our sunny city to see the Rockettes. The last time I recall doing this I was about Sam's age and I saw them at Radio City Music Hall along with the premier of "Bedknobs and Broomsticks." That was quite a trek from where we lived at the time.
And, I'm pleased to say, that even the touring show was quite wonderful--everything you may have heard rumored about the act and more. Slow motion falling soldiers and regimented "step-step-kick-step-kick-step" to quote Roger DeBris. A very nice, pardon the pun, kickoff to the upcoming season.
And to all of my visitors, I hope and pray for something that will raise a smile on your faces today and remind you of the event we are about to celebrate. May the excitement in the air enter your hearts and transform the way you look at the world.
Merry Christmas--a bit early, but who knows when I will return?
Posted by Steven Riddle at December 23, 2005 2:33 PM
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Comments
Merry Christmas, Steven! Thank you for all of your support and for all the good guidance coming from your blog in the past year, and best wishes for a joyful Christmas and for many blessings in the coming year!
Posted by: Teresa Polk at December 23, 2005 3:44 PM
Merry Christmas to you and your family! It is a long season - enjoy each day of Christmas!
Posted by: Katherine at December 23, 2005 5:15 PM
Merry Christmas! :-)
Posted by: Julie D. at December 23, 2005 7:59 PM
Roger DeBris! *hee hee hee*
I love that movie so much! I just watched it again last week (in preparation for seeing the new one, which looks mahhhvellous!).
I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas, Steven. May it be full of joyful moments.
Posted by: Talmida at December 23, 2005 11:48 PM
Steven,
Ok on Johnny Rocket! We have one in Syracuse NY, and they do the dance routine there also. On a subsequent visit, I queried our waitress about what cued the dance. She said it was a certain tune, similar or the same as you mentioned. Next time we visited, I slipped in a nickel, and sure enough, out they came and did their dance. As you observed, both the staff and the patrons had a lot of fun and enjoyment. I'm glad you go to see that! Yeah, those were simpler times....
- Joachim
Posted by: Joachim at December 24, 2005 8:59 PM
Merry Christmas!
I've seen the Johhny Rockets dance routine to R-E-S-P-E-C-T in Atlanta as well. I don't recall seeing it in Washington, DC, but I might have; I just don't recall. I think they danced to a different tune, but it was a short, lackluster dance.
What do you want? It's Union Station.
Posted by: jack perry at December 26, 2005 12:19 PM