Sunday - December 03, 2006
Christmas Special
Brian Fairington - Cagle Cartoons
Good Grief: It’s Christmas
-- by Tom Purcell
It has been 41 years since the “A Charlie Brown Christmas” special first aired. It was broadcast again the last Tuesday in November, and the show holds more power over me now than it did when I was a kid.
I think I know why.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Americans, bolstered by stability and prosperity, married young and had large families. In my neighborhood, we had six kids, the Kreigers five, the Gillens four, the Greenaways four and so on.
The design was simple then for many folks: Many men and women believed that when they married, they became one under God. They believed their role was to sacrifice for their children, so their children could have better lives than they.
Their mission was to teach their kids good values and to provide them with an excellent education. That’s why so many moved into our neighborhood. It was located a few blocks from St. Germaine’s Catholic Church and School.
It was a traditional time, to be sure. Most of the dads went off to work while most of the moms kept an eye on both kids and neighborhood. And although life for adults certainly had its limitations and challenges, there was no better time to be a kid. Especially during Christmas.
At Catholic school, we kicked off Christmas preparations one month before the big day. We put up decorations, sold items to raise money for the needy and practiced for Christmas concerts (we sang real Christmas songs, too, such as “Silent Night” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing").
We were just as busy at home. My mother was a master at building suspense. She played Mitch Miller’s Christmas albums on the stereo most nights after dinner and whistled to the tunes as we hung decorations and talked over what to get for one another. She celebrated the mystery of giving and taught us that being kind and helping others were the best things we could give.
Silly as it may sound today, the TV Christmas specials were a real event in our home. We all packed into the family room and plugged in the tree. We turned off all the lamps so that the Christmas lights would shine bright. Then we’d wait with great anticipation for the specials.
Every year I laughed out loud when the Grinch’s dog, massive antlers strapped to his tiny head, jumped up on the back of the sleigh, causing the Grinch to grimace. In “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the Abominable Snowman terrified me, but I was always relieved when he turned out a lovable fuzz ball.
But the granddaddy of them all was the “A Charlie Brown Christmas” special, a show that captured half the viewing audience when it first ran on Dec. 9, 1965. As it goes, Charlie Brown is depressed because everyone around him fails to see the true meaning of Christmas. Lucy complains that she doesn’t want stupid toys or a bicycle or clothes for Christmas, but real estate.
To resolve his depression, Charlie Brown throws himself into work as the director of the Christmas play. But that soon falls apart, too. Distraught, he follows a light in the east and finds his way to a Christmas tree lot. The only tree he can find is a small sickly one.
When he brings it back, the others mock him. But then Linus comes to the rescue. Linus tells Charlie Brown he knows the real meaning of Christmas. He tells the story of Christ’s birth.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, goodwill toward men,” he says, quoting from the Bible.
Suddenly, the other characters are transformed. They become compassionate and concerned. They decorate the tree and transform it into a thing of beauty. They wish Charlie Brown a Merry Christmas and sing a Christmas carol.
This show holds tremendous power over me still because it brings back powerful childhood memories—memories of security and love and the anticipation of Christmas morning.
But I love it for another reason. Despite Christmas being based on the birth of Christ, a historical figure – despite that the show’s innocence, simplicity and honesty still make it a ratings winner – it would never be made today.
Good grief.
Tom Purcell’s weekly political humor column runs in newspapers and Web sites across America. Send comments to Tom at TomPurcell@aol.com.
Posted by The Skipper on 12/03/2006 at 04:08 AM
Filed Under: • Editorials • Religion •
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A Christmas Card
It’s December. It’s also 2:00am. The world outside is covered in snow. What’s the Skipper up to? He’s nodding off and dreaming of stockings filled with ... beautiful women, of course.
Posted by The Skipper on 12/03/2006 at 03:25 AM
Filed Under: • Personal •
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Sunday Funnies
Posted by The Skipper on 12/03/2006 at 03:07 AM
Filed Under: • Humor •
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A Christmas Legend
Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live
As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.
I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.
Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.
He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”
With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.
-- Snopes.com, “Urban Legends: The Soldiers Night Before Christmas”
Posted by The Skipper on 12/03/2006 at 02:35 AM
Filed Under: • Military •
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Saturday - December 02, 2006
Christmas Gift Idea #23
Bacon Air Freshener Set of Three - only $4.95 This fresh-smelling Bacon Air Freshener is the perfect way to brighten any Muslim’s day. Buy several for all of your friends at CAIR. Send a box full to President Ahmawhackjob in Iran. The smell of sizzling bacon will brighten the day of any suicide bomber in Gaza. Order yours now for the radical Imam on your list. Be sure to take along several on our next airline flight and wave it proudly if you hear anyone yell “Allahu Akhbar” - just tell the air marshals that you are Buffy The Radical-Muslim Killer! ORDER YOURS TODAY! |
Posted by The Skipper on 12/02/2006 at 06:04 PM
Filed Under: • Fun-Stuff • RoPMA •
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Through The Looking Glass
Posted by The Skipper on 12/02/2006 at 02:16 PM
Filed Under: • Fun-Stuff •
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Looney Tunes
Gary Varvel - The Indianapolis Star-News
Posted by The Skipper on 12/02/2006 at 08:37 AM
Filed Under: • Iraq •
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Psycho
You’re mad ... all of you. Totally insane. Around the bend. Fruit loops, even! Or so says a new study out of Southern Connecticut State University. Yes, I’m talking to you - you certifiably insane Bush-lover. All of you need to have your heads examined. Maybe then you’ll wise up and vote for Kerry ... in which case you’ll not only be barking mad but certifiably stoopid ....
Are George W. Bush Lovers Certifiable?
(NEW HAVEN ADVOCATE)
A collective “I told you so” will ripple through the world of Bush-bashers once news of Christopher Lohse’s study gets out. Lohse, a social work master’s student at Southern Connecticut State University, says he has proven what many progressives have probably suspected for years: a direct link between mental illness and support for President Bush.
Lohse says his study is no joke. The thesis draws on a survey of 69 psychiatric outpatients in three Connecticut locations during the 2004 presidential election. Lohse’s study, backed by SCSU Psychology professor Jaak Rakfeldt and statistician Misty Ginacola, found a correlation between the severity of a person’s psychosis and their preferences for president: The more psychotic the voter, the more likely they were to vote for Bush.
But before you go thinking all your conservative friends are psychotic, listen to Lohse’s explanation. “Our study shows that psychotic patients prefer an authoritative leader,” Lohse says. “If your world is very mixed up, there’s something very comforting about someone telling you, ‘This is how it’s going to be.’”
The study was an advocacy project of sorts, designed to register mentally ill voters and encourage them to go to the polls, Lohse explains. The Bush trend was revealed later on.
The study used Modified General Assessment Functioning, or MGAF, a 100-point scale that measures the functioning of disabled patients. A second scale, developed by Rakfeldt, was also used. Knowledge of current issues, government and politics were assessed on a 12-item scale devised by the study authors.
“Bush supporters had significantly less knowledge about current issues, government and politics than those who supported Kerry,” the study says.
Posted by The Skipper on 12/02/2006 at 07:02 AM
Filed Under: • Insanity •
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Weekend Eye Candy
This week, we pay homage to the ladies across the pond. I’m sure our British readers will appreciate this. All I ask is that if any of you blokes have this little lady’s phone number please pass it along to me ASAP.
This Saturday’s eye candy is Playboy’s UK CyberGirl Of The Month, Sam King. She stands 5’4”, with blonde hair and blue eyes, 34C-23-33. She is a professional model and has appeared in ITV’s drama “Footballer’s Wives”. All I can say is PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM ...
(Warning: NSFW)
Posted by The Skipper on 12/02/2006 at 06:39 AM
Filed Under: • Eye-Candy •
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Most Ridiculous Item Of The Week
For ages we have been told that the reason why the government wants to ban marijuana use is because “it leads to harder drugs.” Now whether or not that is true is a moot point - although I seriously doubt it.
Now however, we have something else to worry about. It seems that bingo leads to marijuana use which leads to .... never mind. So, when are we going to make bingo illegal?
Grandma Found With 214 Pounds of Pot Convicted of Drug-Running in Arizona; Cops Blame Bingo Addiction
SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (FOX NEWS) - Friday, December 01, 2006
A grandmother found with a trunkful of marijuana was convicted of drug running in what prosecutors said was an attempt to earn cash for a bingo habit.
State troopers found 10 bundles of pot totaling 214 pounds hidden in Leticia Villareal Garcia’s car trunk last year when they stopped her outside Bisbee, in far southeastern Arizona.
Villareal, 61, told jurors before they convicted her Thursday that her only regular income was a $275 monthly welfare check, but she frequently played bingo and occasionally won thousands of dollars.
Prosecutor Doyle Johnstun said the game was Villareal’s undoing.
“People who play bingo almost every night of the week end up losing in the long run,” Johnstun told jurors. “The underlying issue is that she’s got a bingo problem, which explains why an otherwise nice person might get sucked into something like this.”
Jurors rejected Villareal’s argument that she’d been tricked into carrying the drugs. Villareal faces three to 12 years in state prison when she is sentenced Dec. 18.
Posted by The Skipper on 12/02/2006 at 06:15 AM
Filed Under: • Crime •
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Barking Moonbat Of The Week
This week’s loser was an easy choice for me. If Jim Webb’s behavior is any indication of how Democrats plan to “cooperate” with President Bush in the next two years, then we’re in for a miserable but entertaining period. That’s to be expected of the Democrats though. They’ve already started backtracking on most of their campaign promises and this rude exhibition only serves to highlight their hypocrisy.
As for Jim Webb, I hope he does attempt to “slug” the President. At the very least, that would land him in federal prison and Virginians could elect a better Senator. Then again, Dubya might just beat the living crap out of him. I don’t know too many Texas ranchers who wouldn’t fight back. Besides, in Webb’s last boxing match he got whupped by Oliver North.
A Guest at the White House
THE SCRAPBOOK is not often called upon to tutor 60-year-old men in basic manners. But we feel compelled to offer a few friendly words of advice to the newly elected senator from Virginia, James Webb.
It seems that the senator-elect, attending a reception last week for new members of Congress at the White House, found himself in the presence of its occupant. Extending his hand toward Webb, who had had many harsh things to say about the president during his campaign, George W. Bush inquired: “How’s your boy?”
A reasonable and compassionate inquiry, in THE SCRAPBOOK’s view. Webb’s son is a Marine corporal serving in Iraq; Webb wore the boy’s combat boots throughout his campaign, which he removed and held aloft in triumph when he won election; and Bush is commander in chief of the armed forces.
Webb: “I’d like to get them [sic] out of Iraq.”
Bush: “That’s not what I asked you. How’s your boy?”
Webb: “That’s between me and my boy.”
Webb’s staffers let it be known around Washington that the senator-elect was so angered by Bush’s inquiry that he was tempted to “slug” the president, and Webb later told the Washington Post, “I’m not particularly interested in having a picture of me and George W. Bush on my wall.” He further explained: “Leaders do some symbolic things to try to convey who they are and what the message is.”
In recounting this episode, columnist George F. Will moved swiftly to the heart of the matter, pronouncing Webb a “boor” and adding, by way of admonition, that “in a republic, people decline to be led by leaders who are insufferably full of themselves.”
As always, however, THE SCRAPBOOK prefers to be prescriptive. And our counsel to Senator-elect Webb would be that, if the prospect of shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with the president of the United States in the White House is too painful to bear--if, that is, it conveys the wrong message about who you are--it would be altogether fitting and proper to decline the president’s hospitality and stay home. Surely somewhere in Webb’s training as an officer and gentleman at the United States Naval Academy, he was taught that important lesson?
Oh, and speaking of Annapolis: We would further advise the senator-elect to avoid discussion of “slugging” George W. Bush when Webb’s best-known experience in the ring involved losing a boxing championship to his Naval Academy classmate (and fellow Marine) Oliver North.
-- The Weekly Standard, “Scrapbook” - December 11, 2006
Posted by The Skipper on 12/02/2006 at 05:30 AM
Filed Under: • Democrats-Liberals-Moonbat Leftists • Outrageous •
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Saturday Silliness
Posted by The Skipper on 12/02/2006 at 01:40 AM
Filed Under: • Humor •
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Freedom Of Speech
Freedom of speech under the First Amendment? Sure, as long as you agree with the Liberals and Leftists on college campuses. If you have an opposing opinion you can forget about it. They will shout you down, activate fire alarms, slash tires and call you names. Somebody needs an ass-whuppin’ and I’m sure you can guess who. These ignorant, rude assholes definitely need a little “counseling” ....
Tancredo Protesters Turn Violent
(DENVER POST) - 12/01/2006 12:45:23 PM MST
Violence erupted at a Michigan law school Thursday when protestors tried to block a speech by Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo. Police were called after protestors pulled a fire alarm prior to the speech on immigration policies. There were at least three violent incidents with protestors targeting student backers of the event, Tancredo, R-Littleton, said today.
“One was spit on, one was kicked, and one was punched,” Tancredo said in an e-mail. “Tires were also slashed.” Michigan State University College Republicans and Young Americans for Freedom sponsored the event.
Tancredo went to Michigan State University College of Law as part of a visit to the state to talk about immigration. He leads the group that opposes legal status for illegal immigrants.
College newspaper The State News reported that protesters carried signs reading “Ignorant Racist” outside the room where the speech was held. They were not allowed in with the signs, the paper said. It also reported that about 40 people attended the speech.
Tancredo said in the email that protestors organized on the Internet social networking site Facebook. “They declared ahead of time on facebook that they would not allow me to speak,” Tancredo said in the e-mail.
Tancredo also is meeting with the Republican state party chair, members of the state legislature, and is speaking at a fundraiser for a Republican women’s group, Tancredo spokesman Carlos Espinosa said.
Posted by The Skipper on 12/02/2006 at 01:09 AM
Filed Under: • Democrats-Liberals-Moonbat Leftists •
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Friday - December 01, 2006
Through The Looking Glass
“Bora-Bora, Tahiti”
(click image for larger 1600x1068 in popup window)
Posted by The Skipper on 12/01/2006 at 04:20 PM
Filed Under: • Art-Photography •
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Not that very many people ever read this far down, but this blog was the creation of Allan Kelly and his friend Vilmar. Vilmar moved on to his own blog some time ago, and Allan ran this place alone until his sudden and unexpected death partway through 2006. We all miss him. A lot. Even though he is gone this site will always still be more than a little bit his. We who are left to carry on the BMEWS tradition owe him a great debt of gratitude, and we hope to be able to pay that back by following his last advice to us all:
It's been a long strange trip without you Skipper, but thanks for pointing us in the right direction and giving us a swift kick in the behind to get us going. Keep lookin' down on us, will ya? Thanks.
- Keep a firm grasp of Right and Wrong
- Stay involved with government on every level and don't let those bastards get away with a thing
- Use every legal means to defend yourself in the event of real internal trouble, and, most importantly:
- Keep talking to each other, whether here or elsewhere
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Oh, and here's some kind of visitor flag counter thingy. Hey, all the cool blogs have one, so I should too. The Visitors Online thingy up at the top doesn't count anything, but it looks neat. It had better, since I paid actual money for it.