High winds wreaked havoc at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade late last month, forcing an ‘air sculpture’ version of Breakthrough Films and Television’s environmental crusader Dudley the Dragon (and other balloons) into a losing argument with some trees. The hot-air Canadian star missed out on his lead spot but made cnn. Fortunately the real Dudley was on hand and hitched a ride on a float, faring better than some u.s. cultural icons such as Snoopy (who was minus a nose), Pink Panther (who was short an ear), and Sonic the Hedgehog (also deflated).

Speaking of holidays, Playback does not publish again until Jan. 1, 1996. Season’s greetings and a happy new year to all our readers.