Halo to everyone and to everyone a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Lizards!

Especially to you Charles - thanks for all you do! I hope Santa brings you something nice!

A sign?

Boas Festas.

Those are ice clouds.

If you like clouds, try this site (Cloud Appreciation Society)

Merry Christmas Eve to all.

Charles and all,

Merry Christmas! Okay, so what does everyone think about the LGF Sweetheart Contest?

Great pic Charles.

The people are starting to arrive here and we are setting the table, time to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah to all.

Ice Clouds! I wish we had some here!

Even if events on Earth are getting you down, you can always turn to space for your pick up dose of wow and awesome.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah, lizards!

re: #7 NelsFree

Charles and all,

Merry Christmas! Okay, so what does everyone think about the LGF Sweetheart Contest?

I think we'd best not do that.

Think of a certain golden apple, will you?

Either Charles is taking some great photos or his lens is fogged up.

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing it, Charles.

re: #11 Dianna

I think we'd best not do that.

Think of a certain golden apple, will you?

Now that you've mentioned the golden apple, maybe we should. I'm certain in these times, we could use something trivial and absurd to make us laugh.

What a beautiful phenomenon for Christmas Eve.

re: #5 Ojoe

Those are ice clouds.

If you like clouds, try this site (Cloud Appreciation Society)

Merry Christmas Eve to all.

Yes. Great site. Make sure you hit the gallery and search for your favorite clouds. Try Lenticular and Mama.

[Link: www.noradsanta.org...]
Santa's in Ireland!

re: #6 buzzsawmonkey

Chem trails! chem trails!

Can't be, the Chemtrail Dispersal Units (CDU), in particular CDU-186 for So-Cal area of operation stood down for Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Normal operations will resume, Monday the 29th. Don't worrying the last week the dosage were extra concentrated to cover the stand down.

re: #18 notutopia

[Link: www.noradsanta.org...]
Santa's in Ireland!

Still?

Well, the Christmas cheer must be good.

If the camera were to pan down we'd see Obama below the halo.

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma.

I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me.

I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm.

Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me.

"No Santa Claus?" She snorted..."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun.

"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything.

As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days.

"Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car."

Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself.

The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.

For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.

I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church.

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.

Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he just didn't have a good coat.

I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement.

I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!

I settled on a red corduroy, one that had a hood attached to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."

The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat.

I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy.

Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.

Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk.

Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes.

That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.

I still have the Bible, with the tag tucked inside: $19.95.

Lunar Halo over Arbil, Iraqi Kurdistan.

re: #21 solomonpanting

Heavens...don't predispose his face on this gorgeous frame.

I love that little story, Geepers. Glad you shared it again.

re: #23 Geepers

A great story.

re: #18 notutopia

[Link: www.noradsanta.org...]
Santa's in Ireland!

I love how NORAD apparently takes December to be so utterly lighthearted about the whole Santa Claus business. But I wonder what would happen if some interceptor group at some far off base lost communications and saw what may well be an enemy bomber enter their airspace?

re: #20 Dianna

Still?

Well, the Christmas cheer must be good.

It's all that Irish Whiskey!

re: #28 davinvalkri

They wouldn't miss a beat....and someone there would also keep tracking Santa....

Killgore Trout (#27),

A great story.

Yes, one of my favorites.

And if I might say so, A Merry Christmas to you Killgore.

re: #32 Geepers

Merry Christmas!

re: #31 buzzsawmonkey

I still don't know what the hell the whole chem trail thing is about, but hey, if it's a conspiracy, that's good enough for me.

Something to do with the exhaust of modern turbofan planes actually concealling lethal chemicals which are designed to cull large portions of the population, I think.

Geepers,

I think you had a very special Grandma.

Wow.

Merry Christmas!

Sharmuta,

I sent you a little something, I'm guessing you didn't get it.

Merry Christmas. Goodnight G-d Bless.

re: #36 Geepers

Sharmuta,

I sent you a little something, I'm guessing you didn't get it.

It's here, I just have to go pick it up.

re: #28 davinvalkri

I love how NORAD apparently takes December to be so utterly lighthearted about the whole Santa Claus business. But I wonder what would happen if some interceptor group at some far off base lost communications and saw what may well be an enemy bomber enter their airspace?

Not to worry the real air defense stuff is up and running.

Minimal staffing, but up and running.

Fighter bases will have the +5s in the shelters and cocked.

Tracking Santa won't affect defenses.

Merry Christmas, and God bless you all!

Now back to making the eggnog (recipe is 54 years old and was apparently devised by a functioning alcoholic).

re: #23 Geepers
Geez Geepers, now for some reason my monitor's a little fuzzy! I still love that story (you've told it to me before) as much as the first time I heard it.
You are a good man and were obviously a good boy, too!
Thanks for that - thank you very much!

And Merry Christmas to you, Geepers!

re: #39 jcm

Not to worry the real air defense stuff is up and running.
Minimal staffing, but up and running.
Fighter bases will have the +5s in the shelters and cocked.
Tracking Santa won't affect defenses.

That's always good! It's hard not to laugh at the thought that a setup originally designed for Cold War crises is now tracking Santa Claus. Heh heh.

Windhorse (#35),

Thanks, I did, and she reminds me very much of the lady in the story, but that's not me, just a great little story I picked up years ago that I post here every Christmas.

And a Merry Christmas to you.

re: #31 buzzsawmonkey

I still don't know what the hell the whole chem trail thing is about, but hey, if it's a conspiracy, that's good enough for me.

LOL,

Wiki --

The Chemtrail conspiracy theory holds that some contrails are the result of chemicals or biological agents being deliberately sprayed at high altitude for a purpose undisclosed to the general public.[1] Versions of the conspiracy theory circulating on the internet and on some radio talk shows theorize that this activity is directed by government officials, and federal agencies have received thousands of complaints from people who have demanded an explanation.[1] The existence of chemtrails has been repeatedly denied by federal agencies and scientists.[2]

Bill Whittle neatly smacks it out of the part in SEEING THE UNSEEN, Part 2, about half way down.

Since I may not get the chance to "chat" with you all later on, I just wanted to stop by and wish CHARLES and all LGFer's a MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY HANUKKAH and a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!
Happy Holidays, y'all!

re: #45 Geepers

Good story, and good deed, Geepers. We did something similar for a single mother neighbor and her daughters. Knocked on the back door and ran back behind the garage to the alley.

Sharmuta (#38),

Oh good I was hoping I wouldn't have to resend it.

Merry Christmas.

re: #44 davinvalkri

That's always good! It's hard not to laugh at the thought that a setup originally designed for Cold War crises is now tracking Santa Claus. Heh heh.

It just goes to show that any serious endeavor will eventually be turned into a children's toy. This actually is a positive aspect of humanity.

Thanks for that lovely and fun story Geepers. Merry Christmas everyone.

re: #19 jcm

Can't be, the Chemtrail Dispersal Units (CDU), in particular CDU-186 for So-Cal area of operation stood down for Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Normal operations will resume, Monday the 29th. Don't worrying the last week the dosage were extra concentrated to cover the stand down.

But what I want to know is, who is putting things into our water supply that makes rainbows on the ground!

re: #47 realwest

A very Merry Christmas to you and yours, as well!

Bells on Christmas Day

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was filled with sorrow at the tragic death of his wife in a fire in 1861. The Civil War broke out the same year, and it seemed this was an additional punishment. Two years later, Longfellow was again saddened to learn that his own son had been seriously wounded in the Army of the Potomac.

Sitting down to his desk, one Christmas Day, he heard the church bells ringing. It was in this setting that Longfellow wrote these lines:

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep.
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep!
The wrong shall fail,
The right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men!"

***

Peace this season to all Lizards and their families ...a special prayer for Moshe Holtzberg and all the children who have lost their parents to war ... the light shines on ...

[Link: www.ynetnews.com...]

the pic must have been taken earlier today, 'cause it's raining like a rat bastard now......

/good Infantry weather

re: #52 Silhouette

But what I want to know is, who is putting things into our water supply that makes rainbows on the ground!

Oh, no! I saw that one on Fail Blog!

I call shenanigans! This is a blatant case of fauxtography. Anyone with eyes can see that Obama has been Photoshopped out of the lower left part of the image.

///

Merry Christmas, Charles, to you and yours, and to all Lizards, and even the trolls.

re: #41 FortunateSon

Merry Christmas, and God bless you all!

Now back to making the eggnog (recipe is 54 years old and was apparently devised by a functioning alcoholic).

give with the recipe already!

re: #52 Silhouette

But what I want to know is, who is putting things into our water supply that makes rainbows on the ground!

Hahahahahah!
*gasp*
ROFLMAO!
Hhahahahah!

Shhhhhh!

Operation Low Rainbow is the backup if the Chemtrail operation is ever discovered!

re: #47 realwest

Since I may not get the chance to "chat" with you all later on, I just wanted to stop by and wish CHARLES and all LGFer's a MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY HANUKKAH and a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!
Happy Holidays, y'all!

Merry Christmas to you and your... And of course... to the Big Lizard himself as well... Merry Christmas Charles.... ;)

To further prove my absolute love for my wife, I, the vegetarian, am actually preparing a turkey roast for her for tomorrow.

She swore vengeance upon me if I served her tofurkey again this year.

I'm the nicest bastard I know.

re: #21 solomonpanting

If the camera were to pan down we'd see Obama below the halo.

Grrr. You beat me to it! I feel so ashamed for plagiarizing.

re: #28 davinvalkri

I love how NORAD apparently takes December to be so utterly lighthearted about the whole Santa Claus business. But I wonder what would happen if some interceptor group at some far off base lost communications and saw what may well be an enemy bomber enter their airspace?

Santa would have to deliver a functioning bomber to whomever the enemy is first....

then the whole thing would devolve into an impromptu live fire exercise.

re: #62 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

To further prove my absolute love for my wife, I, the vegetarian, am actually preparing a turkey roast for her for tomorrow.

She swore vengeance upon me if I served her tofurkey again this year.

I'm the nicest bastard I know.

Or the most self preserving we know.... ;p

re: #54 JacksonTn

I'm sorry...but I can't see it. I WANT to sing "peace on earth, good will to men", but my brain is noting how hollow it sounds, even now, and how hollow it will sound later.

Hey, the LGF Christmas Tree is up!

re: #54 JacksonTn

John Gorka set that to music a few years back. On (I think) Winter Solstice III. Windham Hill label? Hauntingly beautiful.

I like John's peaceful stuff.

re: #62 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Proud to know ya, your chubbiness.

Joy to the World.

The Lord is come.

Let Earth
Receive
Her King

re: #62 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

To further prove my absolute love for my wife, I, the vegetarian, am actually preparing a turkey roast for her for tomorrow.

She swore vengeance upon me if I served her tofurkey again this year.

I'm the nicest bastard I know.

For some reason "tofurkey" sounds more like a curse word than a food.

re: #23 Geepers

I still have the Bible, with the tag tucked inside: $19.95

.

I don't cry easily, but that one did it -- what a wonderful story!

Na na na na na na Pa rum pah pum pum.

Ba ba ba ba ba ba Pa rum pah pum pum.

I'll play my drum for him, pa rum pah pum pum.

Na na na na na na pa rum pah pum pum, rum pah pum pum, rum pah pum pum.

/All I know.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO MY FELLOW LIZARDS.

NORAD's Santa Tracker has been a staple at our house for years.

But the graphics really aren't that great. Silhouette Jr. #1 just looked at it 3 minutes ago and said, I quote, "I'm not to question if Santa is real tonight. It's Christmas Eve. But tomorrow, I want to have a talk."

Eh, we knew it was the last year.

Charles -

Beautiful picture. As is said in Ha'waii - Melly Calikimaku - from the Dr., Simi, Simon and Caesar.

-S-

re: #73 Ben Hur

Dah...dah dah dah dah, pah rum pum pum pum...
dum dah dum, dum...
/not mocking, but the melody alone is worth completing.

Merry Christmas, Ben Hur.

re: #73 Ben Hur

Na na na na na na Pa rum pah pum pum.

Ba ba ba ba ba ba Pa rum pah pum pum.

I'll play my drum for him, pa rum pah pum pum.

Na na na na na na pa rum pah pum pum, rum pah pum pum, rum pah pum pum.

/All I know.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO MY FELLOW LIZARDS.

Here Ben hur....

re: #71 Honorary Yooper

For some reason "tofurkey" sounds more like a curse word than a food.

Actually, Tofurkey is pretty good. But you just about have to be a vegetarian to enjoy it. Doesn't taste much like turkey. Kind of looks like a haggis.

re: #26 Sharmuta

I love that little story, Geepers. Glad you shared it again.

That is a great story.

I'm blocked from accessing Youtube here at work, but there is a cool song by Winnipeg bluesman, Big Dave Maclean, called "Santa Come Down" that sort of speaks to this subject. (Santa comes down with the blues, because of kids who disbelieve in him.)

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

I love you, Lizards! Merry Christmas, with Love, from Sharmuta

re: #73 Ben Hur

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

My favorite.

re: #71 Honorary Yooper

For some reason "tofurkey" sounds more like a curse word than a food.

I think "turducken" sounds more curse-like, but "tofurkey" just sounds silly.

re: #81 Alberta Oil Peon

That is a great story.

I'm blocked from accessing Youtube here at work, but there is a cool song by Winnipeg bluesman, Big Dave Maclean, called "Santa Come Down" that sort of speaks to this subject. (Santa comes down with the blues, because of kids who disbelieve in him.)

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus

re: #82 Sharmuta

No finger this time. Merry Christmas Shar.

re: #63 Alberta Oil Peon

Grrr. You beat me to it! I feel so ashamed for plagiarizing.

Don't feel too ashamed. You merely join some of our finest elected officials.

Merry Christmas to you and to all Lizards and their loved ones.

re: #66 davinvalkri

Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell,
The Christmas we get, we deserve.

Somehow, that doesn't sound quite right, either.

So, I'll stick with the Peace on earth, good will to men bit, and hope (just once) that it doesn't sound hollow a week from now.

It's my favorite one.

re: #77 Dr. Shalit

Reply to self -

OOPS - Typed too fast - Caesar the Cat is in - Somehow forgot Melech, the Wonder Shepherd. My Bad.

-S-

re: #70 Silhouette

Joy to the World.

The Lord is come.

Let Earth
Receive
Her King

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder;
and his name is called
Wonderful,
Counsellor,
Mighty God,
Father of Eternity,
Prince of Peace.

re: #84 davinvalkri

I think "turducken" sounds more curse-like, but "tofurkey" just sounds silly.

Turducken's actually not bad. Had it once.

When I was small I believed in santa claus
Though I knew it was my dad
And I would hang up my stocking at christmas
Open my presents and Id be glad

But the last time I played father christmas
I stood outside a department store
A gang of kids came over and mugged me
And knocked my reindeer to the floor

They said:
Father christmas, give us some money
Dont mess around with those silly toys.
Well beat you up if you dont hand it over
We want your bread so dont make us annoyed
Give all the toys to the little rich boys

Dont give my brother a steve austin outfit
Dont give my sister a cuddly toy
We dont want a jigsaw or monopoly money
We only want the real mccoy

Father christmas, give us some money
Well beat you up if you make us annoyed
Father christmas, give us some money
Dont mess around with those silly toys

But give my daddy a job cause he needs one
Hes got lots of mouths to feed
But if youve got one, Ill have a machine gun
So I can scare all the kids down the street

Father christmas, give us some money
We got no time for your silly toys
Well beat you up if you dont hand it over
Give all the toys to the little rich boys

Have yourself a merry merry christmas
Have yourself a good time
But remember the kids who got nothin
While youre drinkin down your wine

Father christmas, give us some money
We got no time for your silly toys
Well beat you up if you dont hand it over
We want your bread, so dont make us annoyed
Give all the toys to the little rich boys

The Kinks

re: #88 Dianna

Somehow, that doesn't sound quite right, either.

So, I'll stick with the Peace on earth, good will to men bit, and hope (just once) that it doesn't sound hollow a week from now.

Where's the "be it heaven or hell/ the Christmas we get, we deserve" bit from?

re: #66 davinvalkri

I'm sorry...but I can't see it. I WANT to sing "peace on earth, good will to men", but my brain is noting how hollow it sounds, even now, and how hollow it will sound later.

Dear Davin,

Do you have any idea how pessimistic you sound?! Get a grip, man up, wipe the Goth black makeup off, and go kiss a real girl!

re: #66 davinvalkri

I'm sorry...but I can't see it. I WANT to sing "peace on earth, good will to men", but my brain is noting how hollow it sounds, even now, and how hollow it will sound later.

Sing it anyway. It is what we are seeking here. We may not live to see it, but we should always remember that we are the ones who really seek peace on earth. We know that a just peace is worth having and worth fighting for.

re: #62 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

To further prove my absolute love for my wife, I, the vegetarian, am actually preparing a turkey roast for her for tomorrow.

She swore vengeance upon me if I served her tofurkey again this year.

I'm the nicest bastard I know.

Yup, and rightfully so. :)

/someone who had to go vegan for 2 years 'cause of gout, and is once again a carnivore-by-preference!

Little Drummer Boy

re: #94 davinvalkri

Where's the "be it heaven or hell/ the Christmas we get, we deserve" bit from?

I believe Emmerson, Lake and Palmer. Keith Emmerson had a Christmas song.

I liked it in my 20's. I was much less sentimental, then.

re: #66 davinvalkri

Yes you can.

No Obama endorsement implied.

re: #95 NelsFree

Dear Davin,

Do you have any idea how pessimistic you sound?! Get a grip, man up, wipe the Goth black makeup off, and go kiss a real girl!

What goth makeup? Fine, I'll sing it!

Hark the herald angels sing:
Glory to the Newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled!
Joyous all ye nations rise!
Join the triumph of the skies!
With the angel host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!
Hark the herald angels sing!
Glory to the newborn king!"

re: #66 davinvalkri

I'm sorry...but I can't see it. I WANT to sing "peace on earth, good will to men", but my brain is noting how hollow it sounds, even now, and how hollow it will sound later.

good: i thought it was just me.....

there is something in me that rebels at the idea of calendar induced happiness.

re: #67 gclaghorn

And that Lizard headed Angel on the top is pretty neat!
It looks like ....Charles!

re: #92 Honorary Yooper

Turducken's actually not bad. Had it once.

Yoop -

Turducken is Real Meat, of 3 varieties, something Caesar or Melech would eat without exception. Either one of them would also eat TOFU - spiced and gravied to TASTE LIKE MEAT - as our Pet Food Companies do - otherwise, unless starving, they would not. Perhaps our pets know something we do not.
Discussion?

-S-

'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'
That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. (Linus)
Merry Christmas Lizards

re: #101 davinvalkri

*smooch*

Don't ya feel better?

God and sinners reconciled. No matter what is going on out there.

Oh Holy Night

Just time to say MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY HANUKKAH to all - "Christmas Story" Marathon just started and the Swedish Meatballs are just about done. Hope everyone gets their "Red Ryder BB Gun" for Christmas.

Also best wishes for a HAPPY NEW YEAR....to all and to all a good nite.

re: #101 davinvalkri

What goth makeup? Fine, I'll sing it!

Hark the herald angels sing:
Glory to the Newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled!
Joyous all ye nations rise!
Join the triumph of the skies!
With the angel host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!
Hark the herald angels sing!
Glory to the newborn king!"

there are those who would argue with you about the whole "king" thing.

re: #105 snowcrash

'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'
That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. (Linus)
Merry Christmas Lizards

I cannot read that verse without hearing that addendum in my head.

Thank you Mr. Schultz.

Oh nooooo, its the chemtrails! :)

Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Hallelujah Chorus

re: #102 redc1c4

good: i thought it was just me.....

there is something in me that rebels at the idea of calendar induced happiness.

Oh, I thought I was going to be alone in my sentiments.

It's not the "calendar induced happiness" alone that's a bit of a turn-off (though it would be nice if the radio stations could mix up their playlists a bit), but the idea that, great, it's Christmas, peace on earth and all that, but when does it actually show up in modern times? The spirit of Christmas won't stop attacks in Iraq, it won't stop Hamas and its missile strikes, it won't stop the Iranian, Syrian, North Korean pursuit of nuclear weaponry and a way to deliver it to the U.S. The last time the idea of "peace on earth" influenced events on a global scale was the Christmas Truces of World War I, and there wasn't one in 1917, and there was an out and out battle going on in the Ardennes for Christmas 1944.

re: #104 Dr. Shalit

Yoop -

Turducken is Real Meat, of 3 varieties, something Caesar or Melech would eat without exception. Either one of them would also eat TOFU - spiced and gravied to TASTE LIKE MEAT - as our Pet Food Companies do - otherwise, unless starving, they would not. Perhaps our pets know something we do not.
Discussion?

-S-

better to take the soybeans and feed them to pigs, then BBQ the pigs, rather than eat tofu.

/nasty stuff

re: #110 buzzsawmonkey

Yes, indeed they do; how to look cute enough to get treats, and all their other wants, supplied by compliant humans.

And all year around, at that, not just on a holiday!

I have this odd feeling they're smarter than we are ...

Are gifts of karma appropriate now or do we have to wait until the 25th?

The Singers Unlimited - Silent Night

re: #109 redc1c4

there are those who would argue with you about the whole "king" thing.

I think you just made davinvalkrie's point.

re: #109 redc1c4

there are those who would argue with you about the whole "king" thing.

Yeah, I figured as much.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND 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.'

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, 'CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.'

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
'MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.'

This poem was written by a Marine.

re: #109 redc1c4

there are those who would argue with you about the whole "king" thing.

The Palis can go pound sand.

re: #121 JimmyTheClaw

First time I heard that was on the radio. Very heartwarming.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir - For Unto Us A Child Is Given

Gotta get ready to sing for the candlelight service. See y'all tomorrow. Should turn my computer off, but I know I won't.

re: #58 redc1c4

Here's the recipe, as far as I can decipher the scrawl:

6 eggs, separated-beat yokes with 1 c. sugar per 6 eggs, cream until fluffy

Add slowly 2 shots dark rum (I'm using Pusser's) and 1 shot bourbon (Old Grand Dad, heh), per egg (!)

Add 1 pint Half&Half

Beat whites until very stiff

Add .5 c. powdered sugar and beat stiff againd

Add whites to yolk mixture, and beat lightly to mix.

Hide your car keys before serving.

re: #89 Ben Hur

It's my favorite one.

I have been blessed this year. So far, this Christmas season, I have heard that cursed carol only once, and that an instrumental version, which is tolerable. Quite a nice melody, actually.

To my ear, there is something hideously juvenile about the way the lyrics imitate the drum sounds.

And think about the whole premise of the carol. Here you have a couple who have just undergone a long and difficult journey, with her 9 months pregnant, and they arrive at their destination, and can't even get a room at the inn. So they wind up bunking in the stable, of all places, where the lady gives birth. And the writer of the carol wants me to believe, that after all these trying circumstances, that couple is going to be receptive to some snot-nosed kid whackin' on a drum. Let me tell you, if I were Joseph in that instance, the kid would need to have latex gloves to properly play the drum once it got installed in its new location.

Now maybe a little solo cello, or tenor sax, that I could believe.

Maybe we need a support group for folks with drumcarolphobia.

re: #127 Alberta Oil Peon

I can agree with you about the "pa rum pum pum bleh" bit, but the first time I heard it was an Animaniacs special, with Wakko being the kid and following the three kings with their fancy gifts. I think the idea is that the baby Jesus and Mary and Joseph know the kid's intention is as sincere as that of the kings, so they let him play. I dunno, all I know is I like the cartoon version of a lot of these carols (Charlie Brown Christmas, Animaniacs, etc.).

Since people always ask what camera/lens/etc. I'm using, I added a footnote to the pic about that. May start doing that more, since I use a couple of different cameras.

My big problem with The Little Drummer Boy: the verse "I am a poor boy too."

Too? Jesus wasn't poor. They weren't in a stable because they couldn't afford a hotel room, it is that the inns were full. Because of the census for taxes.

His problem wasn't poverty, it was taxes!

re: #128 davinvalkri

I can agree with you about the "pa rum pum pum bleh" bit, but the first time I heard it was an Animaniacs special, with Wakko being the kid and following the three kings with their fancy gifts. I think the idea is that the baby Jesus and Mary and Joseph know the kid's intention is as sincere as that of the kings, so they let him play. I dunno, all I know is I like the cartoon version of a lot of these carols (Charlie Brown Christmas, Animaniacs, etc.).

Oh, I'm not blind to the sentiments expressed in the carol, but I honestly do cringe when I hear the lyrics. Kind of like mainlining saccharin or something.
I really like Charlie Brown's Christmas, and the music is exquisite. I never heard of Animaniacs.

re: #23 Geepers

re: #121 JimmyTheClaw

Hi. everybody.

I just dropped in for a look around before hitting the sack.

And thanks to these two fine and gentle men, I am now officially having trouble seeing the screen.

Geepers, Jimmy- Thank you both.

And especially, Thank You, Charles, for giving us this place. It's a gift we can open every day of the year, and it's always bright and new.

And a Merry Christmas to you, and to all.

God Bless.

cheers

eon

Merry Christmas to Charles and all the Lizards

re: #133 lizardbennet

Merry Christmas to Charles and all the Lizards

Merry Christmas, lizardbennet!

re: #129 Charles

I have this dinky Nikon cool pix 4.5, obsolete now, takes great photos & yes iPhoto is a good program to enhance things. I have a fish eye lens to take photos of the whole sky, & a program to impose the yearly sun path on them, for any latitude.

Technology is grand.

Good Night All

re: #110 buzzsawmonkey

Yes, indeed they do; how to look cute enough to get treats, and all their other wants, supplied by compliant humans.

"buzz" -

YUP - you got that right - AND - they ARE our Pets, by choice, from time immemorial. Have a "PET" Dog and Cat (Simi's), that is how they are.

-S-

re: #114 davinvalkri

"There you go again"
-Ronald Reagan

Geez, Davin, you're still a bowl full of downer. Even a kiss from Silhouette did not bring you around. Well,...
(hoists a cup of cheer, and not the laundry kind)
Here's to the Joy of the Season, the Peace on Earth that many enjoy, and to the Promise of Opportunity in the greatest Country on Earth!
Merry Christmas!

...And to all, a Good Night!

Larry The Cable Guy:

The Night Before a non-denominational winter holiday

re: #137 NelsFree

"There you go again"
-Ronald Reagan

Geez, Davin, you're still a bowl full of downer. Even a kiss from Silhouette did not bring you around. Well,...
(hoists a cup of cheer, and not the laundry kind)
Here's to the Joy of the Season, the Peace on Earth that many enjoy, and to the Promise of Opportunity in the greatest Country on Earth!
Merry Christmas!

Alright Nelly, I'll drink to that. To peace on earth!

There's an interesting wiki article on "Halo"...near the end of the article, "see also", there's a list of all the different optical phenomena in the family of "Halo"...(some are extremely rare -- others "fairly common" like the "Circumzenithal arc" which some say describes a "smile in the sky" or an upsidedown rainbow...I was never aware of all these different phenomena -- although I have seen sun dogs -- I wish I had had a camera at the time, since the optical illusion of two suns was so vivid...)

re: #95 NelsFree

Dear Davin,

Do you have any idea how pessimistic you sound?! Get a grip, man up, wipe the Goth black makeup off, and go kiss a real girl!

Just out of curiosity, where did you get the idea that I wear goth black makeup?

where's Chairman Obama in this pic?

Ummm... are you sure that isn't a solar crop circle ?

Halo? Nah, it's a rainbow.

Nice rainbow.

Charles Martel @145

Actually, I believe that the image is of a "sun dog" rather than a rainbow. Instead of liquid water in the lower atmosphere refracting sunlight to make l'arc-en-ciel, ice crystals in the upper atmosphere do the job.

Because of the greater distance (higher altitude, from the observer's POV) to the refracting media, the arc is often complete around the sun rather than the partial arc we more often see in a rainbow.

Sun dogs often presage the approach of a warm front, indicating a gradually increasing cloudiness and precipitation.

Nice sundog.

nice. just got this camera for christmas. can't wait to start snapping pics!