I know that for some (usually the majority of the male population), New Year's Day is all about the football games. At our house I remember meals being timed around them and the sound on the television being turned down, but only long enough for the prayer (which silently included a good word for a favorite team I'm sure).
I like football. But my alma mater was never in bowl contention, so for me, the big day has always been about the flowers -- as in roses -- as in the Rose Bowl Parade. I'm especially happy this year since the theme is "Celebrate Family" and the grand marshal is none other than Mickey Mouse.
• www.tournamentofroses.com. This is the official Tournament of Roses site with information about both the parade and the game. Explore the entire site to discover the history behind the most-watched parade in the world. Meet the new Rose Queen and don't skip the photo archive. It's fascinating to see how much everything has changed in the parade's century-plus history. I scanned through the past grand marshals, a list which grew from the original Hunt Club members to include the famous from business, entertainment, sports, politics and the military.
• www.hgtv.com. For viewing, you have a choice of just about any channel, but those who truly love the parade might want to check out HGTV. The broadcast (11 a.m.) is commercial free and includes coverage and details the others just don't have time for. But before the first band strikes up, you'll want to visit the HGTV site, where you'll find not only a complete listing of all parade entries (floats, bands and equestrian units), but also all kinds of additional information and goodies like pictures of last year's floats, live web cams so you can watch a float being completed and even a guide to roses. The guide features dozens of articles on growing them, decorating with them and even including them in your next party menu.
• www.disney.com. Just a quick mention: In addition to Mickey heading this year's parade, both Walt and his brother Roy led the way in the past. To take a look at some Disney facts you might not know (including its commitment to charity), click on "Inside Disney." Then just have fun at the rest of the site, which includes the special New Year's Day lineup for the Disney Channel in case you can squeeze in a show or two between games and parades.
• www.rose.org. You might not be entering a float in the parade, but that doesn't mean you can't produce an award-winner of your own in the garden this summer. The All-American Rose Selections site features only roses that have been proven to produce in a variety of climates and by growers from beginner to expert. Read about this year's selections as well as former winners at this well-maintained site.
• www.ars.org. If roses are more of a passion than a passing fancy, you might want to consider joining the American Rose Society. Annual memberships start at $32 ($29 for seniors 65 and older) and, as a bonus, new members receive a $5 discount and a free miniature rose bush. (Three-year and lifetime memberships are also available.) Even if you choose not to join, visit the "All About Roses" section for dozens of articles from experts.
• www.rosarian.com. Any gardener will want to add a rose bush or two after even a brief visit to The Rosarian site. Included are all the written tools you'll need to add the drama of roses to your favorite spot or plot.
• www.rosefile.com. Just as the name applies, this is a great database of information dedicated to the recognition, admiration and production of roses. In addition to the site's own photo gallery, the "Photo Finder" includes links to nearly 3,000 pictures currently posted on other sites.
Jan Perry is a Kentucky-based freelance writer for The Post. She welcomes your questions, comments and suggestions. Write to her at SiteSeer2K@aol.com.
