We could not see Rainier from the west, alas, as a heavy mist had settled in the area that day, close to a whiteout, finally bringing an end to the heat wave.
And Mazda held a 20th birthday party for its Miata sports car, with a lineup of Miata concept cars from the past; alas, the current model is not changing.
From the spoof (alas) video of Brighton's Christmas lights that has gone viral – think rude words and naughty scenes picked out in festive bulbs, which can be seen here: goo.gl/WoJaQ – to the droll neighbours who've piggybacked on next-door's decorations with a brief, if witty, light show of their own, one rule for 2012 displays is go funny, or go home and stay there, at least until 12th Night.
Everyone knows that a fallen gladiator was doomed by a "thumbs-down" gesture from the spectators; alas, about the only certain thing that can be said is that we have no idea what that gesture was.
In Steve Martin's Los Angeles, the lighted signs at street corners say "Uh like walk," no one notices an earthquake while ordering their decaf cappuccinos, the hottest restaurant in town (L'Idiot) requires a personal interview for a reservations, and grave diggers improvise the "alas, poor Yorick" scene from "Hamlet".
And from that, alas, came the viral phrase "create education better".
There was applause and accolades from the passengers but, alas, the crying renewed when the singing stopped.
Cassoulet Toulousain really spoke to us from the menu, but, alas, it was unavailable on the day we craved it.
Sally Ryan, 77, New London's municipal historian, who grew up two blocks from the inn, said, alas, there was no tragic bride.
