This week on "Sunday Morning" (December 16)
COVER STORY: What's in store for Sears? | Watch Video
At its peak, Sears, Roebuck was the biggest retailer in the world. And then, the company that dominated the department store business for much of the 20th century officially filed for bankruptcy, buckling under its massive debt load and staggering losses. David Pogue looks at the company and its failure to evolve in a changing economy.
For more info:
- sears.com
- "The Big Store: Inside the Crisis and Revolution at Sears" by Donald R. Katz, available on Audible
- Sears' Wishbook (via wishbookweb.com)
COMMERCE: Pop-ups are popping up all over | Watch Video
More and more retail stores, restaurants, museums and other "experiences" are popping up all over, as "pop-up" operations. Luke Burbank reports.
For more info:
ALMANAC: The first vending machine | Watch Video
On December 16, 1884, William Henry Fruen patented his "Automatic Liquid-Drawing Device," leading the way to coin-operated devices dispensing a myriad of products. Jane Pauley reports.
For more info:
- National Automatic Merchandising Association
- Strangest vending machines around the world (Conde Nast Traveler)
- Vending Times
- vendingconnection.com
MUSIC: How marimbas sing | Watch Video
A mallet instrument that traces its roots to Africa, marimba in the Central African language of Bantu means "wood that sings." Problem is, that wood is running out; Honduran Rosewood, responsible for the unique sound of the marimba, is grown only in a few parts of Central America, and in 2008 the tree was added to the Endangered Species List. Serena Altschul gets some percussion lessons, and talks with experts intent on making sure this ever-evolving instrument continues to sing.
For more info:
TOYS: Building a better Lego | Watch Video
Lego, the tiny plastic bricks that engage young minds and fingers, have clicked with generations of kids. So, why is the popular toy undergoing a remake? Roxana Saberi visits the Lego factory in Billund, Denmark, to find out.
For more info:
HARTMAN: Secret Santa's homeless elf (Video)
During this holiday season in Phoenix, a homeless man, Moses Elder, took on the role of a Secret Santa helper, giving away money to some unsuspecting and grateful passers-by. The anonymous, wealthy businessman who goes around the country every year handing out Benjamins to random people has now recruited his most unlikely elf. Secret Santa also gave Moses some money to keep for himself, but he says that reward pales to the joy he's received from helping others. Steve Hartman reports.
PASSAGE: Nancy Wilson (Video)
"Sunday Morning" remembers the Grammy Award-winning song stylist Nancy Wilson, who died this past week at the age of 81.
MUSIC: Michael Bublé is back with "Love," and takes nothing for granted | Watch Video
The chart-topping singer took a two-year break from performing after learning in 2016 that his then-three-year-old son, Noah, had been diagnosed with liver cancer. Bublé opens up to Tracy Smith about how there was "no choice" for him and his wife to put their careers on hold.
To watch Michael Bublé perform "When I Fall in Love," from his new album "Love," click on the video player below.
For more info:
- "Love" by Michael Bublé (Reprise Records), available on CD (Amazon, Barnes & Noble), Vinyl (Barnes & Noble), Digital Download (Amazon, iTunes) and Streaming (Spotify)
- michaelbuble.com
COMMENTARY: Do we have to do Christmas in December? | Watch Video
Comedian Jim Gaffigan says the stress of the holidays in the bleakest of months makes moving Christmas to a sunnier time a smart idea.
For more info:
- jimgaffigan.com
- Follow @JimGaffigan on Twitter
MOVIES: Emily Blunt on "Mary Poppins Returns" | Watch Video
In the sequel we've waited half a century to see, Mary Poppins has returned to the screen. The children she cared for in the 1964 original have grown, but their nanny is mostly unchanged, except she is played now by Emily Blunt. Anthony Mason talks with Blunt about bringing P.L. Travers' beloved, eccentric character back to life in a magical musical.
To watch the trailer for "Mary Poppins Returns," click on the video player below.
For more info:
- "Mary Poppins Returns" (Official site)
'TIS THE SEASON: "Yes, Virginia": The story behind the letter about Santa Claus | Watch Video
"Sunday Morning" looks back at the original New York Sun Letter to the Editor of a child's query: "Is there a Santa Claus?"
For more info:
- "Yes, Virginia" (New York Sun editorial)
- Streetscapes: 115 West 95th Street, where Virginia prompted that immortal editorial (N.Y. Times, 12/19/93)
NATURE: Boise National Forest | Watch Extended Video
"Sunday Morning" takes us today to the Boise National Forest in Idaho. Videographer: Jamie McDonald.
For more info:
- Boise National Forest, Boise, Idaho (National Forest Service)
WEB EXCLUSIVES:
MUSIC: Isaac Mizrahi's "Peter and the Wolf" | Watch Video
The fashion designer's childhood fascination with Prokofiev's beloved symphonic fairy tale has led to him designing, directing and narrating an annual performance at New York's Guggenheim Museum. Nancy Giles reports.
For more info:
CALENDAR: Week of December 17 | Watch Video
"Sunday Morning" takes a look at some notable events of the week ahead. Jane Pauley reports.
NATURE UP CLOSE: Spitfire, the little wolf that could
This Thanksgiving, one of the most beloved wolves in Yellowstone National Park was legally shot and killed outside the park's boundary.
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