Polar Perplexity

     I would like to join those voices who have grown louder about massive government coverups.  It is as if at some point, leaders who cannot agree on borders or human rights or the environment got together and agreed to hide all evidence they have on a phenomenon they have decided (or have been told,Continue reading “Polar Perplexity”

Next Season’s Greetings

     Look, nobody said you have to start singing “Little Drummer Boy”.      I understand, okay?  A lot of you have jokes about “pumpkin spice already?” you’re planning to toss at people.  Been there.  Do it myself.  But this is not part of the popular hatred for impending holidays (and/or winter) but an expression ofContinue reading “Next Season’s Greetings”

The Gobble-Uns Who Getcha

     Every culture on the Earth, it seems, has a demonic creature designed to punish, terrify, or simply eat disobedient children.  Sometimes demons, sometimes cranky witches, children are informed, will carry them away or sometimes just give them a solid thrashing.  And no holiday draws them out, at least in Europe, like Christmas.  Pere FouettardContinue reading “The Gobble-Uns Who Getcha”

Santa Blogs XXXVIII

Dear Santa Blogs:      For years I have enjoyed your advice on how used books and/or used postcards can make excellent gifts at this festive time of year.  I have a slightly different problem.  I am finally getting around to thinking about possibly arranging to get ready to do my Christas cards.  Have you anyContinue reading “Santa Blogs XXXVIII”

Tricky Treats (Wrong Holiday)

     This is not, as mentioned hereintofore, a food blog.  But special times call for special measures, and it is time to speak of holiday food.      Every family has its particular recipes at this time of year, whether they be for sausage gravy, lefse, fruitcake, or alcoholic enhancer to pour into the punch and/orContinue reading “Tricky Treats (Wrong Holiday)”

Entirely Disinterested Gift Guide

     Gather round, kiddledybooks!  It is that time you wait breathlessly for: the appearance of Uncle Blogsy’s Annual Holiday Shopping Guide!  We will once again…..What’s that?  You don’t recall Uncle Blogsy’s Annual Holiday Shopping Guide from last year?  Listen, mistletoe meatball, these annual traditions have to get their start somewhere.  You didn’t realize you’d beenContinue reading “Entirely Disinterested Gift Guide”

Screen Scrooges: Sufferings of the Late Mr. Marley

     “It is required of every man,” the Ghost returned, “that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow-men, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death.  It is doomed to wander through the world-ah, woe is me!-and witnessContinue reading “Screen Scrooges: Sufferings of the Late Mr. Marley”

Screen Scrooges: Jacob Marley

     After several turns, he sat down again.  As he threw his head back in the chair, his glance happened to rest upon a bell, a disused bell, that hung in this room, and communicated for some purpose now forgotten with a chamber in the highest story of the building.  It was with great astonishment,Continue reading “Screen Scrooges: Jacob Marley”