Merry Christmas 2019

Elf on the Shelf: The NSA's Spy in Plain Sight

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season.

Remember, Citizen, if you fail to enjoy yourself, They will know!

© The Weirding, 2019

The First Christmas Card - J.C. Horsley, 1843

First Christmas Card - J.C. Horsley, 1843

© The Weirding, 2017

Happy Holidays 2017

Happy Holidays

The holiday season goes by many names depending largely on one's faith and knowledge of history, but it is a celebration of the Winter Solstice during which charity and kindness toward one's fellow man is central.

Instead of delving into the controversial history of the Christmas season, we decided to share some heartwarming stories we hope will lift your spirits this holiday.

Enjoy!

Alan Bresloff: Jewish faith spurs his volunteerism — as Santa Claus

Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas—but they are cousins.

Saturnalia: Celebration, Sacrifice, and its Influence on Christmas

Mince Pie and a Chat for the Lonely

Festivus Web - Official Site

Experts believe they have found tomb of Santa in Turkey

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

© The Weirding, 2017

Protestant Puritans Outlawed Christmas

The Examination and Tryal of Father Christmas, 1686

Parliament, ruled by the Protestants, outlawed Christmas throughout England in 1644, specifically citing the Christmas tree as a pagan symbol, and the associated drinking as sinful.  It was demonized as being godless and Catholic.  The concept spread Across the Pond, and was embraced in New England.

Puritans in Boston and the Plymouth colony outlawed the celebration of Christmas in 1659, and the law stayed on the books for over 20 years (until 1681).  A five-shilling fine was to be levied against anyone "found observing, by abstinence from labor, feasting or any other way, any such days as Christmas."  Town criers in some areas were said to walk the streets on Christmas Eve shouting, "No Christmas! No Christmas!"

The laws against Christmas in England were lifted in 1660, but it did not become an official holiday until 1856.  Schools continued holding class on December 25^th until 1870.

© The Weirding, 2016

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

© The Weirding, 2015

Merry Christmas 2013!

I know the PC police have decreed we are to say "Happy Holidays" but I don't do that because it's Christmas -- always has been.  Actually, I -- and many others -- used to always say "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays" as a matter of course; it acknowledges New Year's and Thanksgiving, as much as anything else.  However, also like many others, the PC brigade has so angered me over this non-issue that I no longer say "Happy Holidays" out of sheer fucking spite.  Rebellion!

But that's all negative and I'm in a great mood!  Well, good mood.  Fair; my mood is classifiably Fair.

Seriously though, I had a good X-mas and I hope all of you did as well.

© C Harris Lynn, 2013

Christmas Menu

So I missed Thanksgiving.  I'm a bit conflicted on that holiday, anyway.  I mean, yes, white folk conquered the natives and that's an historical fact -- one that, contrary to what certain people would have you believe, white men did not invent... at least not any time recently; OTOH, it was completely unnecessary and continued well into the 20^th-Century, long after the genocide was complete.  Generally speaking, I celebrate it because it is what it is: A holiday centered on friends an family (which we desperately need), but it's more about eating these days than anything, so I don't mind if miss it.

Chrimmas, on quite the other, other hand, is a fun holiday.  Separate it from the cult of child molestation and there's a fat, jolly, and generous man with some flying deer and shit.  Toys, pretty lights, drunk folk, elves... it's a lot like some porn shoots, come to think of it.  But, just like Thanksgiving, Christmas is a lot about eating (a lot), too!  To a large extent, the menus from the two, disparate, holidays have become blurred -- the most common difference being turkey for Thanksgiving, ham for Christmas -- but some Christmas menus are downright "bizarre" by modern sensibilities.

I have to admit, I've always wanted to do an Italian Christmas menu.  Aside from the fact that I know little about traditional Italian Christmas celebrations, much less Italian cooking, the other problem is finding the ingredients.  Still, part of the allure is in learning these things, so I'm thinking that next year, I'll do a spaghetti and sausage dish, with plenty of cheeses and chickens and peppers and things.  And wine.  Lots of wine.  Still, this year, I went with the regular, old, traditional, American Christmas dinner.

I should note that my preferred Christmas includes of alcohol; an all-night Chrimmas Eve of boozing, decorating, and cooking; and a Champagne brunch (well, a "sparkling wine" brunch, at least). However, I've only been able to have such a festive occasion once since I was 21; life below the poverty line has precluded repeating it.  It almost happened this year, but schedules and finances once again conspired against it (though not my schedule, for once), so I'm having a very traditional Christmas with the 'rents.  And this is what we're having:

• Turkey (or Chicken) and Dressing with Giblet Gravy and Cranberry Sauce
  Mom is making the meat.  I make dressing using Southern cornbread as the base (made with spoiled milk).  Mom also makes the giblet gravy and I cut half the can of cranberry sauce and heat the other half.
• Sweet Corn, Mashed Potatoes, Black-Eyed Peas, Mac n Cheese, Dinner Rolls
  The corn comes straight from the can, but I add generous dollops of real butter.  Yes, "dollops."  You know how to make creamed potatoes.  The black-eyed peas are dried (from a bag) and I don't soak them; I rinse them and put them in the Crock-Pot with about five pork neckbones and black pepper.  Mac n Cheese is generic from a box, with Romano and Philly cream cheese added to it.  Sometimes, I grate sharp cheddar cheese over the top and bake it, but not this year.
• Green Bean Casserole, Deviled Eggs
  Mom makes these.  I don't even know the recipes (though I have several).
• Chocolate Chip Cookies, Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
  Cookies are from a bag - just add oil and water.  Spice cake from a box.  Cream Cheese Frosting = 1 pkg. cream cheese (8 oz.), 1 stick of butter, and 2 C. confectioner's sugar.  I have to warn you that while I have made this frosting before, this is my own recipe I have not tried (but am using), because I was not pleased with how the frosting turned-out previously; use at your own risk!
• Peanut Butter Cup Pie
  Mix 1 C. milk, 1 pkg. instant chocolate pudding, ¹/₂ jar of peanut butter, and ¹/₂ tub of whipped topping at medium speed until smooth.  Pour into 9" graham cracker pie crust (chocolate graham cracker pie crust is even better, and Oreo crust is nice, too).  Chill for about 2 hours, then top with the rest of the Cool Whip.  Garnish with chocolate syrup, if you like.
• Sweet Potato Pie
  There are thousands of variations, but this is a good recipe.  I add a pinch of allspice and use ¹/₂ C. white sugar and ¹/₂ C. brown.

That's pretty much it, but that's enough!  It's a whole, whole lot, but we'll be eating leftovers for weeks afterward.  Christmas is a fun holiday, though its true meaning often gets lost in a barrage of Christian nonsense and PC politics.  I hope everyone enjoys the holiday season and would love to hear your menus and recipes!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The Return of Snowzilla

Snowzilla returned this year, even though authorities in Alaska issued a cease-and-desist order to prevent his appearance.  The gigantic snowman appeared just before dawn on one Billy Powers' front lawn, Tuesday.  Powers denies having anything to do with it; he insists Snowzilla simply surfaced once again.

Powers, the father of seven, and his kids began building the snowman three years ago.  With each passing year, Snowzilla grew by feet, as the Powers children collected snow from neighboring yards.

In 2005, Snowzilla rose to 16' and had a corncob nose and two eyes made out of beer bottles (beer goggles).  This year, Snowzilla is an estimated 25' tall with a black scarf.  While the giant snowman delights some, he incites others, and city officials deemed him a public nuisance and safety hazard.  Mostly, they objected to the traffic he drew.

The mayor's office defended their decision, stating, "This property owner has repeatedly ignored city attempts to find ways to accommodate his desire to build a giant snowman without affecting the quiet, residential quality of the neighborhood.  This is a neighborhood of small homes on small lots connected by small streets.  It can't support the volume of traffic and revelers that are interested in Snowzilla."

Further, they claim Powers "appears to run a junk and salvage operation from his home and has violated land-use codes for 13 years."  They claim he owes the city some $10,000 in fines.  While they refused to take further action until after Christmas, Powers says it's the city that's been obstinate, not him.  He says he has never been confrontational and the city's demands have gone on and on and gotten 'goofier' as they went.

The OddBlog sides with Mr. Powers and finds the city of Anchorage corrupt; their intention is to cash-in on Snowzilla and, failing to do so, are attempting to blackmail Mr. Powers through the courts.  This is another case of the American judicial system being abused by those controlling it and should be stopped.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008

Merry Christmas!

I know I should do a whole post on the history of Christmas, how Christianity came to be involved, maybe even the birth of Jesus... but that defeats the purposes of taking some time off.

So let me just wish you all a Merry Christmas -- no matter your religious affiliations or beliefs, etc., I hope you enjoy your holidays!

© C Harris Lynn, 2008

White Christmas Robin

Believed to be the only albino robin in all of Britain, visitors are flocking (ha!) to get a glimpse of Snowflake, the robin.  Albino robins are nearly unique in the wild, as their coloration makes them easy prey for predators, such as the sparrowhawk.  But Snowflake has been ubiquitous amongst the cherry trees of Hampstead Heath this holiday season and has become a bit of a celebrity.

If you are in the area, be on the lookout for the fellow, "You'd have to be a very lucky person to ever see another live white robin in the wild.  This is a unique and magical experience."

Robins have a special connection to Christmas and began appearing on Christmas cards in the 19^th-Century, according to research conducted by author, David Lack.  Check out the pictures and learn more in this article from the Sunday Express.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008

Santa Lives

For three years running now, the Galilee United Methodist Church in Sterling, VA, has been visited by Santa.  This year was the biggest yet, with the Rev. Wayne Snead finding hundreds of presents on the church's grounds when he arrived Sunday morning.

No one knows who has been leaving the Christmas gifts for the last three years.

Merry Christmas!

© C Harris Lynn, 2008

Man Shoots Boss at Office Christmas Party

Eric Allen Kirkpatrick, recently laid-off, returned to his former place of employment and opened fire during a Christmas party, killing his former boss. While reports suggest Kirkpatrick fired several shots into a crowd of at least 20 people, no one else was injured.

Kirkpatrick was laid-off on December 11^th. Many Americans are losing their jobs, as prices continue to rise and employment continues to decline. While politicians insist America is not in a financial recession, statistics dispute their statements. While Kirkpatrick was charged with first-degree (premeditated) murder, his situation suggests an altered state of mind, so I expect the defense to go with an insanity plea.

Police surrounded the building, locked down the neighborhood, and ushered others to safety. They negotiated with the shooter for two hours before taking him into custody.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008

Santa Claws

A New Jersey woman brought in her pet bobcat for pictures with Santa... but the bobcat apparently did not enjoy the sitting.

Jonathan Bebbington, the in-store Santa, tried to calm the pet, who continued biting and scratching him.  The woman said she'd had the animal shipped-in from Wyoming for $1500 and kept it on a leash in her yard.  She did not leave her name or residence.  Authorities are looking for her.  Bebbington is undergoing rabies injections.

Bebbington noted he has sat with many exotic pets over the years, but even he was concerned when he saw the bobcat.  While not full-grown, bobcats can be deadly -- quickly.  They are incredibly rare in the wild and not much is known about them.  

I gave my eyewitness account of an encounter with one several years past on the old OddBlog and will rewrite it one day for you.  Needless to say, it is the only one I ever saw and no one else I know has ever seen one in the wild.  This is not your typical bob-tailed cat, which is usually from domesticated stock, and rarely larger than your ordinary housecat; bobcats can grow to weigh as much as 50-80 pounds!

Jonathan Bebbington has been the in-store Santa Clause for Petsmart for years.  Customers can bring their pets in for a picture on his lap at $9.95 a pop.  Part of the proceeds go to various animal charities.  The promotion is called "Santa Paws."

Bobcats do not make good pets.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008

Merry Christmas!

Hey guys, Merry Christmas!

I meant to get this post out on Christmas Eve or at least yesterday, but -- as I mentioned over to The Rundown yesterday -- I got caught-up playing The Sims and watching movies with my family and so forth and never got around to it.   In fact, what little posting I did over there is all I have done this week, so far.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a great Chrimmas holiday and is looking forward to a wonderful New Year weekend.   How cool is it that it worked out the way it did this year?  Hopefully, everyone will get a long, four-day weekend, but I realize I am one of the lucky few.  What can I say?  Suffer, consumers.  Besides, I'm sure some of you will take that long, four-day weekend regardless.

I finally got my new monitor and am still awaiting other arrivals.  Obviously, the deliveries have gotten backed-up thanks to the holidays, so I didn't complain.  I am still tweaking it, but I have never had such a large monitor and my eyeballs are still adjusting to it.  Plus, it's like concave, or convex -- whichever goes inward.  I have never had one like that before, either.

So we'll get back around to the ol' bloggy-blogging off and on between now and the New Year, but with that being both a holiday and the first of the month when I have all my appointments and bill-paying hassles, it may be another week or so before things get back to normal... and then another week or so after that until we get back on a real schedule.

So enjoy all this downtime, as I am trying to do, and have yourselves a very Merry... er, Happy New Year!

Santa Gets Sacked

Christmas is a truly unique holiday, in that it encompasses so many religious beliefs, pagan rituals, and modern mythology.  Most of the traditions associated with the holiday are based on pagan rituals (yuletide logs, the Christmas tree, wreaths, and more), while Christians associate it with the birth of Christ and the generosity of St. Nicholas, and American lore invented the entire notion of Santa Claus.  So it is bizarre to see Christmas under attack by the self-proclaimed politically-correct.

In Australia, 70-year-old John Oakes was fired from his job as Father Christmas for singing carols and saying "Ho, ho, ho."  The staffing service which employed the septuagenarian said he was sacked because of his attitude, and not for saying "Ho, ho, ho."  But others have reported that they were told not to use the time-honored laugh because it might offend bitches; they were told to say, "Ha, ha, ha" instead.

Oakes said, "They're trying to kill the spirit of Christmas."