Welcome to the inaugural Tony Bennett Thursdays post.  Beginning this week, every Thursday I will serve up intriguing, interesting, or slightly weird news stories about creepy old guys.  Who better to inaugurate the occasion than Mr. Tony Bennett himself, the inspiration for this new, weekly post?

Last night marked the 75th annual tree lighting ceremony in Rockefeller Center. Among the performances was lethargic lip syncing by Ashley Tisdale, in what could be mistaken as a Brittney homage, and creepy carol courtesy of Tony Bennett. 

Mr. Bennett has performed at this annual event more times than Al Roker has hosted, which could explain the weird behavior but senility might do a better job.  After finishing his performance he gestured toward the sky and said, “Look, there’s Santa.”  Was this a case of mistaken identity – some bird or helicopter he spied?  Or was this a case of creepy Tony Bennett being a creepy Tony Bennett?  Nothing came from the sky, but one expected it would the way he pointed and called for Santa from the stage with such dedicated enthusiasm.

To top the evening off, was the lighting of this year’s “green” Christmas tree.  Sawed down, according to Al Roker, by hand and LED lights powered, according to Al Roker, by solar panels atop a neighboring building.  As Roker introduced those who would have the honor of lighting the tree, there stood Tony Bennett.  Was Mr. Bennett invited to be there, front and center in front of the podium?  One would think not, as he was not introduced.  Then the tree started lighting a minute too soon.  The effect on television, of honorary lighters pushing the button to bring the lights to life, was lost.  Blame Tony Bennett?  He was standing in front of the podium after all, and I believe I saw him reaching for that button…