EMT 12/24/17 Christmas Eve Edition

My daughter is almost 4. It is a singular experience to try to explain to her why the Grinch had a change of heart upon hearing the Hoos in Hooville sing even with no presents or ornaments or trees or roast beast.

It is difficult to explain my relationship with God properly, other than to say I decided at a young age to make my way without a direct relationship with Him.

Let me also interject here: I don't mean any of this to be a theological debate; it is merely my own observations based on my own myopic existence.

I have never been angry at God, outside of what in my ignorance I took to be a betrayal that started our estrangement. Angry at myself many times thereafter, certainly: At the root of almost all anger, one must despise one's own choices that led to one's discontent, irrespective of how much one utilizes projection and displacement to alleviate one's sense of guilt.

And now my daughter goes to a Christian preschool because, my life notwithstanding, there is not another institution secular or otherwise that I would entrust her to.

So despite my spiritual distance, I do my utmost to tell her the true meaning of Christmas to the best of my ability, and why it can change even the greenest and meanest of avaricious hearts into one of forgiveness and caring and charity.

All things, good or bad, happen, period. I don't care to say they happen for a definable reason -- it seems to me such reasons are subjective at best if human constructs, and inscrutable altogether if inhuman.

What is important to me is not that we learn some absolute metaphysical truth as a consequence of some experiences, but that we are given the gift to experience an incredible spectrum of things and to then choose our own paths to reconciling those things with our conception of existence.

God, or whatever you use as an analogue short of those that demand absolute obedience, gave us the gift of free will to do precisely that.

I am reminded of that every day with my little girl, quite often to the detriment of my own blood pressure.

But there it is, and there it will always be. How we use our free will to reconcile those experiences with reality and incorporate them into our values and behavior defines the quality of our existence.

No citizens of any country in the history of mankind has enjoyed the latitude to enjoy that gift more than we in the U.S.

Enjoy the bounty that is our lives. Seize the gift and embrace both the freedom and the responsibility that gift bestows equally.

Merry Christmas, my friends.

Posted by: krakatoa at 06:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Good Morning Morons; today is Sunday, December 24, 2017, Christmas eve and my 36th wedding Anv. On this day in 1973 District of Columbia Home Rule Act was passed by the Democrat controlled congress, allowing residents of Washington, D.C. to elect their own local government. The most liberal Republican President in history was happy to sign it into law. It was a huge mistake.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 05:57 AM (mpXpK)

2 Homeland Security secretary says chain migration is allowing terrorists into the US and cites two recent examples. This ridiculous BS law does need to be repealed.

http://tinyurl.com/yao292yn

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 05:57 AM (mpXpK)

3 Fox's resident stupid says the public doesn't like Trumps immigration policies and cites two examples of Republican losses that have nothing to do with immigration or illegals. Everything I have seen for the past 10 years says the public hates the illegal AND legal migration. In fact, it is the main reason Trump was elected.

http://tinyurl.com/y9eev2q7

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 05:57 AM (mpXpK)

4 And speaking of chain migration RINO Bush judge blocks Trump's ban on blocking migration from many terrorist sponsoring countries. But only those who qualify for the BS chain migration.

http://tinyurl.com/ybt7djuq

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 05:58 AM (mpXpK)

5 Marine Corps Commandant give troops in Norway a war warning.

http://tinyurl.com/yc4mapn7

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 05:58 AM (mpXpK)

6
Trump lays into the corrupt FBI official McCabe.

http://tinyurl.com/yd8cbqyx

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 05:58 AM (mpXpK)

7 Merry Christmas Eve ever

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 05:58 AM (aC6Sd)

8 Moonbeam pardons two criminal illegals on the verge of deportation to spite Trump.

http://tinyurl.com/yad7ybaj

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 05:58 AM (mpXpK)

9 Asshole neighbor complains and asshole HOA orders a PA family to take down Christmas decorations that had the word 'Jesus' in it. HOA are definitely a two edged sword.

http://tinyurl.com/y9ngpkuc

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 05:59 AM (mpXpK)

10 And speaking of shitty HOA a FL veteran has been ordered to get rid of his support dog by the HOA.

http://tinyurl.com/y9rnfgkp

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 05:59 AM (mpXpK)

11 This has got to be the stupidest reason there is to oppose the tax bill. Since the standard deduction is doubled not as many people will itemize and be able to take the charity deduction. I haven't been able to itemize for decades. This is just more crap from WaPo.

http://tinyurl.com/y7fpfawv

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 05:59 AM (mpXpK)

12 Hispanic pressure group in congress attacks Chucky for undermining DACA amnesty. Winning; blue on blue.

http://tinyurl.com/y9h7kmcg

And that's it for today.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 05:59 AM (mpXpK)

13 7 cont
yone

And happy anniversary Vic

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 06:00 AM (aC6Sd)

14 So despite my spiritual distance, I do my utmost to tell her the true
meaning of Christmas to the best of my ability, and why it can change
even the greenest and meanest of avaricious hearts into one of
forgiveness and caring and charity.[i/]

Get a copy of Charlie Brown Christmas. Great explanation there.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 06:01 AM (mpXpK)

15 I am reminded of that every day with my little girl, quite often to the detriment of my own blood pressure.

when she is 13 she will "know" more than you and tell you so. And when she is 16 you will be pulling out your hair.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 06:03 AM (mpXpK)

16 There is a owl outside hooting, and its so close can hear inside

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 06:03 AM (aC6Sd)

17 13
And happy anniversary Vic

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 06:00 AM (aC6Sd)

Thanks

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 06:05 AM (mpXpK)

18 Nicely written. I too am not particularly religious. Just wasn't raised that way. I am also NOT hostile to religion unlike those government worshippers. My wife and kids are Catholic and will be to church twice today; I will join them at 4 for the Christmas mass. Wish the Catholics luck with me once again.

Posted by: Guest of the Scotts at December 24, 2017 06:06 AM (jkztu)

19 Opened up door to listen, there are two calling to each other, 1 straight outback and 1 on side

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 06:06 AM (aC6Sd)

20 Warm here this morning @60F and raining off and on all night. wish it would snow.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 06:08 AM (mpXpK)

21 HOA's - a two-edged sword with both edges pointed at the homeowner.

G'mornin' Horde, and Merry Christmas !

Beautifully said, krakatoa.

As an aside, I think I've heard "Merry Christmas" said more often this year than in many years past; and "Happy Holidays" only once, and that in a commercial setting.
One more Effect of Trump ? I think so.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez, they are gaslighting us 24/365 at December 24, 2017 06:10 AM (XvTYo)

22 11 This has got to be the stupidest reason there is to oppose the tax bill. Since the standard deduction is doubled not as many people will itemize and be able to take the charity deduction. I haven't been able to itemize for decades. This is just more crap from WaPo.
____________________

That's because WaPo is infested with and run by leftists who think the only reason to give to charity is because you can deduct it from your taxes. They can't imagine people who give for any other reason. And since the leftists won't bother to give unless they can use the deduction, they assume others are as craven and selfish as they are.

Posted by: TrivialPursuer at December 24, 2017 06:11 AM (fqUgw)

23 @ 22 - sounds about right to me; also explains a lot of other things.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez, they are gaslighting us 24/365 at December 24, 2017 06:14 AM (XvTYo)

24 I am reminded of CS Lewis when I read, "..choose our own paths to reconciling those things with our conception of existence", (which is as neat and competent a credo for secular man as I've read in a while). Lewis, in That Hideous Strength: "I suppose there are two views about everything, " said Mark. "Eh? Two views? There are a dozen views about everything until you know the answer. Then there's never more than one. "

Posted by: lizabth at December 24, 2017 06:16 AM (p0fBx)

25 Good Morning everyone, Merry Christmas, Congratulation and thank you Vic.

Posted by: Gmac - 'All politics in this country now is dress-rehearsal for civil war' at December 24, 2017 06:18 AM (qZdIZ)

26 Morning everyone. Thanks for your news posts, Vic.

31 here and a bit of snow on the ground. Turkey is in the smoker and the house is filled with the scent of simmering turkey giblet stock.

Last night, it was filled with the aroma of freshly baked rolls, courtesy Delilah and TDG.

8 lbs of taters are peeled and sitting in water until Mrs IMG gets up. Two Christmases for us. Today, first with Grandson the Elder and his Dad (kids are divorced). Delilah's cinnamon rolls for that.

Midday, feast with Mrs IMG's clan. We are bringing smoked turkey, double-smoked ham, gravy, and smashed taters.

Tomorrow, drive an hour to son and his wife's new place. They're cooking. Surprise menu (hoping for some venison). Bringing the over and under, a case of clays, and a couple hundred rounds of ammo. Should be a fun day!

Wishing all of you and yours a happy and blessed Christmastide!

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 24, 2017 06:18 AM (di1hb)

27 Our local radio station here has been pushing a group that wants donations of food for 'needy' hungry people. There is no reason for anybody to be hungry when there are multiple government welfare programs for food. There are only two reasons that I can think of, (1) Too lazy to go down and apply for an EBT card and (2) selling the issue for 50 cents on the dollar so can by drugs and/or alcohol.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 06:19 AM (mpXpK)

28 Christmas Eve Gift
Do not know what it means! My Granny said it.

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 06:21 AM (BtQd4)

29 This has got to be the stupidest reason there is to oppose the tax bill.
Since the standard deduction is doubled not as many people will itemize
and be able to take the charity deduction

---

Honestly, this one makes the most sense.

The charity deduction has been doubled. EVERYONE gets to take it, and take it at double the current rate.

What they're admitting (again) is, like Barry and Biden prior to their presidential runs, (D)s won't donate sh*t to charities because they're decent people with a drive to help others. They will only do it if it benefits them in some way.

Will it change the way normal people donate to their church, community, etc.? Nope. But what it will change for me is not having to keep up with all of my receipts for tax time, and feeling bad because I won't put a $20 in the Salvation Army bucket because I won't get a receipt.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Fav Xmas Song - Ambassadors of Harmony - Do You Hear What I Hear? at December 24, 2017 06:21 AM (ks6bw)

30 20 Warm here this morning @60F and raining off and on all night. wish it would snow.
Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 06:08 AM (mpXpK)

Fri it drizzled here. Fri night, it rained solid. Small lake in the gravel drive when I woke up at 7. By 10, 2 inches on the rook and grass.

It's staying cold, so we have a white-ish Christmas.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 24, 2017 06:21 AM (di1hb)

31 Merry Christmas, Iron Mike. The double smoked ham sounds interesting. May have to look that one up and try it.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Fav Xmas Song - Ambassadors of Harmony - Do You Hear What I Hear? at December 24, 2017 06:23 AM (ks6bw)

32 I wonder if that Marine General was talking about imminent war on his own or if that was prompted by Mattis or Kelly (and the President)?

Posted by: F.N.G. at December 24, 2017 06:27 AM (kiSdp)

33 krakatoa,
Thank you for sharing those lovely thoughts. What a nice way to start out my day.

Posted by: Tuna at December 24, 2017 06:27 AM (jm1YL)

34 32
I wonder if that Marine General was talking about imminent war on his
own or if that was prompted by Mattis or Kelly (and the President)?

Posted by: F.N.G. at December 24, 2017 06:27 AM (kiSdp)

Mattis has been saying the same thing.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 06:28 AM (mpXpK)

35 Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 06:03 AM (aC6Sd)
What type of owl, Skip?

Posted by: F.N.G. at December 24, 2017 06:28 AM (kiSdp)

36 Thanks, Vic! Happy Anniversary, as well.

Merry Christmas, all!

Posted by: fu52 at December 24, 2017 06:29 AM (tezsv)

37 [i}31 Merry Christmas, Iron Mike. The double smoked ham sounds interesting. May have to look that one up and try it.
Posted by: Moron Robbie - Fav Xmas Song - Ambassadors of Harmony - Do You Hear What I Hear? at December 24, 2017 06:23 AM (ks6bw)

It's wonderful. I first tried it on my own in the 80's when I used a Weber charcoal water smoker. Had single fellows in my squad over for that and they went nuts. Now, there's tons of recipes on the interwebz.

Really easy. I rub it down with cheap stone ground mustard. Work it in between slices (I use a spiral sliced one). Then add a rub. Spicy can be good. For the kids, I slice the crust off a hunk so they don't complain of too hot.

Make the glaze (or heat up the packet in a pot, if it comes as a liquid) and add more honey and dark brown sugar.

Couple hours in the smoker. It's like crack.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 24, 2017 06:30 AM (di1hb)

38 I have to go look it up, owls have very distinct calls

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 06:32 AM (aC6Sd)

39 Krakatoa....

Free will without the boundaries of a coherent philosophy (read: religion) gets us into trouble very, very quickly.

Imagine your four-year-old without the simple instructions she receives about good and bad, nice and mean. And then fast-forward to adulthood.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 24, 2017 06:32 AM (wYseH)

40 They are Great Horned Owls, its call is like
Hoo ho ho ho, hoot

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 06:34 AM (aC6Sd)

41 Why do we not have the real conversation about welfare and the poor? We have lumped able body men and women into the system and have destroyed the system. A single person with no children between jobs gets unemployment. But Progressives in their desire to make Big Govt everyones daddies has expanded Medicaid and EBT to cover healthy, able to work, single, childless men and women. So now we have people worried about charitable giving as a derivative of tax rates. Tax rates are not the problem, who deserves charity and support is the problem. And why do Progressive donate any money? Seems to me they do not believe in their system of Big Govt uber all.

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 06:35 AM (BtQd4)

42 Would love to see them, I hear them fairly often more in summer when windows are open.

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 06:35 AM (aC6Sd)

43 Nice piece, krakotoa. Thanks for sharing that, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.

Posted by: FireHorse at December 24, 2017 06:35 AM (zkGZ8)

44 39 Krakatoa....

Free will without the boundaries of a coherent philosophy (read: religion) gets us into trouble very, very quickly.

Imagine your four-year-old without the simple instructions she receives about good and bad, nice and mean. And then fast-forward to adulthood.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 24, 2017 06:32 AM (wYseH)

Concur. Free will is the root cause of a lotta anger at God.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 24, 2017 06:35 AM (di1hb)

45 (And I'm sorry for misspelling your name. It's going to be one of those days. I can already tell.)

Posted by: FireHorse at December 24, 2017 06:36 AM (zkGZ8)

46 40 They are Great Horned Owls, its call is like
Hoo ho ho ho, hoot
Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 06:34 AM (aC6Sd)
Was working on a site near a bayou about midnight years ago. I heard this whooshing sound but saw nothing. Then I looked down the road, just at the edge of the light, and saw an owl. Must have been about 2 feet tall. He sat there in the edge of the light watching for edibles and never seemed bothered by us working.

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 06:39 AM (BtQd4)

47 41 Why do we not have the real conversation about welfare and the poor? ...
Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 06:35 AM (BtQd4)

Same reason as for race relations. Because politics, of course.

There is a mechanism for reliable votes and power.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 24, 2017 06:40 AM (di1hb)

48 3 Fox's resident stupid says the public doesn't like Trumps immigration policies...

Fox ought to be able to put together an intergalactic kegger from their ranks, based on the stupid part alone. And that includes top management.

Posted by: GnuBreed at December 24, 2017 06:41 AM (0ogQG)

49 46 40
...I heard this whooshing sound but saw nothing...
Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 06:39 AM (BtQd4)

My first encounter with an owl started like that. Whoosh! And some movement in my peripheral vision. Owl was landing on a branch several feet over my head as I sat at the base of a tree. Quite startling and I then understood about small animals getting snatched by them.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 24, 2017 06:43 AM (di1hb)

50 Merry Christmas to you.

Posted by: steve walsh at December 24, 2017 06:44 AM (Y4Kqh)

51 Krakatoa, That is a nice summation of what we face every day: do your best to be your best. Wish I could offer some sage advice for your little one but, alas, I cannot. Perhaps it is a matter of living what you hope they will absorb.

Vic, Happy anniversary and thanks for the news links each day.

Posted by: JTB at December 24, 2017 06:45 AM (V+03K)

52 48 Fox ought to be able to put together an
intergalactic kegger from their ranks, based on the stupid part alone.
And that includes top management.

Posted by: GnuBreed at December 24, 2017 06:41 AM (0ogQG)

I never could understand why they keep that resident idiot on.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 06:45 AM (mpXpK)

53 Re: Owls

I used to work 3rd shift at a plant surrounded by woods on one side and a golf course on the other. We'd often hear MAAAaaaahhhrrrr!!! fading off into the distance as owls would carry cats away.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Fav Xmas Song - Ambassadors of Harmony - Do You Hear What I Hear? at December 24, 2017 06:46 AM (ks6bw)

54 Merry Christmas to you and your family, Krak.

Posted by: JT at December 24, 2017 06:52 AM (gfTU3)

55 The weather forecast for next week and into the New Year calls for very cold weather to move in and stick around. Coldest forecast I have seen in a long time. This is in the NE....

Posted by: Colin at December 24, 2017 06:53 AM (jQVL+)

56 Vic - Happy Anniversary to you and Mrs. Vic, Merry Christmas to you and the missus, and thanks for the daily links. Keep 'em comin'.

Posted by: JT at December 24, 2017 06:54 AM (gfTU3)

57 Your very deep for being one of the most destructive volcano's in world history! Merry Christmas, Krakatoa. Try not to destroy South Asia any time soon.

Posted by: Puddleglum at December 24, 2017 06:56 AM (bV+IS)

58 If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world. Mr. Lewis

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11.1

I think most of us know (maybe feel is better word) like we do not belong here. That we deserve better. We want to be a better, husband, father, friend, son, or servant. But a ill spoken word, a thoughtless deed, an extra drink, and we are the person we did not want to be when the day started. So we get up the next day, a little sad, a little ashamed, and more fallen. We start all over trying to mend fences and fix problems that we created. No closer to our wife, or friend, or goal, just trudging down the road life. And we wonder why life is so hard.

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 06:56 AM (BtQd4)

59 Morning everyone. Woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep.

Posted by: Weasel at December 24, 2017 06:57 AM (Sfs6o)

60 Had 2 sudoku puzzles disappear, stupid touch screen

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 07:00 AM (aC6Sd)

61 >>>>This has got to be the stupidest reason there is to oppose the tax bill.
Since the standard deduction is doubled not as many people will itemize
and be able to take the charity deduction. I haven't been able to
itemize for decades. This is just more crap from WaPo.
.
.
.Vic there is some grain of truth in that. Our VFW routinely gets cash/check donations at the end of the year to use for our homeless Vet account. Some say they want to pad their charitable giving before tax time. We give them donation letters and everyone is happy.

Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at December 24, 2017 07:03 AM (+Dllb)

62 Good morning!

Let's smile and be happy and strike fear in the heart of killjoy leftists everywhere.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 24, 2017 07:03 AM (hyuyC)

63 Good morning Weasel and everyone and merry christmas. Time for the dog's first outing of the day.

I'm curious about what will be in the comments for the book and food threads today. Given both the personal thoughts and preparations for the season, they could be more interesting than usual.

Posted by: JTB at December 24, 2017 07:04 AM (V+03K)

64 Woke up extra early, couldn't get back to sleep. Waiting on eldest daughter and her hubby to get to the house after driving cross country to be here, and doing the whole worried dad thing.

*sigh*

I hate waiting.

Posted by: Mordineus at December 24, 2017 07:05 AM (cYvz+)

65
Since the standard deduction is doubled not as many people will itemize and be able to take the charity deduction.

If getting the tax deduction is the primary reason for which folks donate to charities, then one might say that their actions aren't charitable.

Just an observation - not looking for a purity war here.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at December 24, 2017 07:09 AM (pNxlR)

66 PJ media has artical how a Texas Republican Bill Flores is ok with 'Dreamers' being able to join all the American citizens and their rights.
Legal Insurrection's poll on this topic is still going, its how you think it will go as opposed to how you want it to go.
Pray for best expect the worst was my vote

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 07:09 AM (aC6Sd)

67 61 .Vic there is some grain of truth in that. Our VFW
routinely gets cash/check donations at the end of the year to use for
our homeless Vet account. Some say they want to pad their charitable
giving before tax time. We give them donation letters and everyone is
happy.

Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at December 24, 2017 07:03 AM (+Dllb)

But that is no reason to oppose the tax bill.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 07:10 AM (mpXpK)

68 Feed the starving children seems to be one of the front page stories in the local Gannett newspaper this am. With all the benefits mentioned above, how can we have starving children roaming the streets in rags....parent or parents are on drugs., I'd bet. mean while no peace in Chicago. 2 dead and 11 wounded....

Posted by: Colin at December 24, 2017 07:10 AM (jQVL+)

69 SMOD
https://nypost.com/2017/12/22/creepy-skull-shaped-asteroid-to-haunt-earth-again/

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 07:11 AM (BtQd4)

70 "What is important to me is not that we learn some absolute metaphysical truth as a consequence of some experiences, but that we are given the gift to experience an incredible spectrum of things and to then choose our own paths to reconciling those things with our conception of existence."

That's some mighty fine writing right there.

Posted by: Pep at December 24, 2017 07:13 AM (LAe3v)

71 >>>>Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at December 24, 2017 07:03 AM (+Dllb)

But that is no reason to oppose the tax bill.
.
.
.No it isn't but remember these people are grasping at any straw real or not to make Trump and the new Tax law look bad. They will lie in those efforts.

They have invested so heavily into it being a bad law they are going to face some backlash and the Mid Terms are not going to be the *blue wave* they think it is.

Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at December 24, 2017 07:14 AM (+Dllb)

72 Morning All.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 24, 2017 07:17 AM (OweXC)

73 The Dreamer BS is just bullshit. Take any subject other than illegal immigration and see if the logic works.
We cannot separate families because the father is a tax cheat.
We cannot separate families because the father is a drug dealer.
It is a ploy to create a new class of entitled, Big Govt dependant, Progressive voters. And the lawlessness that comes along is a benefit for the teachers, police, and social workers as the solution is always more teachers, police, and social workers.

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 07:19 AM (BtQd4)

74 God bless ya, Krakatoa! Merry Christmas, y'all!

Posted by: Sam Adams at December 24, 2017 07:19 AM (VDbGO)

75 63 Good morning Weasel and everyone and merry christmas. Time for the dog's first outing of the day.

I'm curious about what will be in the comments for the book and food threads today. Given both the personal thoughts and preparations for the season, they could be more interesting than usual.
Posted by: JTB at December 24, 2017 07:04 AM (V+03K)

First taste test of a recipe for TDG coming up here in a couple of hours!

I've been up a couple of hours now. Have meat and gravy stock started. Big feast with Mrs IMG's clan today.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 24, 2017 07:20 AM (di1hb)

76 hey have invested so heavily into it being a bad law they are going to face some backlash and the Mid Terms are not going to be the *blue wave* they think it is.
Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at December 24, 2017 07:14 AM (+Dllb)

Despite the babble, people will make up their own minds when they see more money in their paycheck.

Congratulations Vic and Merry Christmas Horde.

Posted by: golfman at December 24, 2017 07:21 AM (F5qSC)

77 I'm finding that music is reinforcing my enjoyment of Christmas more each year. It brings the season into me on an emotional level that is as close to a child's innocense as I will ever get: poignant, pleasant, beautifully performed, and evocative. The Wexford Carol, The Coventry Carol, Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack, There's Still My Joy, O Holy Night, and others.

Perhaps because I only hear them once a year (which is foolish on my part) they retain a special quality. It would probably be better to enjoy them and their beauty more often and keep them in my soul.

Posted by: JTB at December 24, 2017 07:22 AM (V+03K)

78 B Hussein watched Fox?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=35&v=HcLERK4xZ14

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 07:23 AM (BtQd4)

79 Is it time for Airing of the Grievances?

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 07:25 AM (BtQd4)

80 Holy Mary, has my pixy-banning been lifted? It's a Christmas miracle! HAAAAAALLELUJAH!

https://tinyurl.com/2udwaz2

Posted by: Sam Adams at December 24, 2017 07:28 AM (VDbGO)

81 36 years? Congrats Vic.

Cheaper to keep her.

Posted by: Clark Westfield at December 24, 2017 07:29 AM (DMLcz)

82 Trying 5 minute oatmeal, few dried apricots cut up, cinnamon and nutmeg in milk

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 07:33 AM (aC6Sd)

83 g'mornin', 'rons

Posted by: AltonJackson at December 24, 2017 07:33 AM (KCxzN)

84 Merry Christmas, krak. I am agnostic. I revere Christians, and my children go to a Christian school, because they teach values I hold dear.

Posted by: flounder, rebel, vulgarian, deplorable, winner at December 24, 2017 07:34 AM (eWZcN)

85 Very nicely said, krakatoa. You wrapped this EMT up real purty.

Posted by: Just another flyover Deplorable at December 24, 2017 07:34 AM (uU9xW)

86 HOA are definitely a two edged sword.

With a twist.

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at December 24, 2017 07:41 AM (oVJmc)

87 >>>>Trying 5 minute oatmeal, few dried apricots cut up, cinnamon and nutmeg in milk
.
.
.We had our usual Sunday morning Bacon, eggs and hash browns. With an extra plate for the dogs.

Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at December 24, 2017 07:42 AM (+Dllb)

88 FREE WILLY............................Hollywood arrives panting.

Posted by: saf at December 24, 2017 07:44 AM (cS/ge)

89 Congratulations on your anniversary Vic! She must be an amazing woman.

Merry Christmas everybody! I hope you all get to spend it with someone you love.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at December 24, 2017 07:44 AM (tnRJU)

90 Excellent post.
Merry Christmas Krakatoa.

Posted by: rusty shacklefjord at December 24, 2017 07:45 AM (pHVJG)

91 Good morning all and merry Christmas to everyone.

To my Morons and 'ettes.

To my family and friends.

To my President and others who strive mightily every day to save my country.

And most especially, to those who can't bring themselves to say *Merry Christmas*.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 24, 2017 07:47 AM (tr2D7)

92 Krak-
As it should be! One of the best things a parent can do for their children, in spite of themselves, is to give them all the experiences we can so they can make the choices with their own biases, not ours. One of the best reads of my day thus far. Merry Christmas!

Posted by: DefendUSA at December 24, 2017 07:48 AM (5ej0U)

93 Is it time for Airing of the Grievances?
Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 07:25 AM (BtQd4)

Ummmmmm.....No. You have the Erecting of the Pole, THEN the Airing of Grievances, then the Feats of Strength.

More coffee.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 24, 2017 07:49 AM (EoRCO)

94 B Hussein watched Fox?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=35&v=HcLERK4xZ14
Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 07:23 AM (BtQd4)

Of all the lies the MFM allowed Cock Curious to get away with, with absolutely no pushback, this was the most outrageous because it pictured him as a completely out of touch executive who was clueless about the operations of the things he was ultimately responsible for. But AFAIK nobody ever pointed that out so he kept on spouting that nonsense.

Posted by: Captain Hate at December 24, 2017 07:49 AM (y7DUB)

95 Well crafted, meaningful, touching. Thank you.

Posted by: Capnbill76 at December 24, 2017 07:50 AM (MaQxL)

96 .We had our usual Sunday morning Bacon, eggs and hash browns. With an extra plate for the dogs.
Posted by: The Great White Scotsman
---
Oh Man! Why are you eating your dogs?

Posted by: Tonypete at December 24, 2017 07:51 AM (tr2D7)

97 On this day in 1968. the spacecraft Apollo 8 entered orbit around the Moon, as part of humanity's first manned spaceflight to another celestial body.

And a very Merry Christmas to the Horde...

Posted by: The Oort Cloud - Source of all SMODs at December 24, 2017 07:52 AM (PNxM1)

98 Ahh Krakatoa ~ you reminded me of what I left off of my movies/TV shows for Xmas ~ The Grinch!

So Will repost my post/list here, with the Grinch. And don't worry Krakatoa if your relationship with God is not easy to have ~ Aslan is not a tame lion, after all.

****
Die Hard IS a Christmas movie! Every year it comes into my home on December 25th and gives me the wonderful present of the publicity whore MSM reporter getting punched square in the face by a girl and all the terrorist/criminals get shot, blowed up and killed. What could be more Christmasy then hat?

Charlie Brown Christmas is the preeminent TV Christmas special of all time, and not just because of the adorable Peanuts characters, the ridiculously good Vince Guaraldi soundtrack (which the Redux clan absolutely must listen to every year for it to even be Christmas!), or even the compelling and brilliantly simple animation, but because of its message: Christmas is not a crass celebration of consumption, it is a celebration of the ultimate gift to mankind; Jesus. Linus' reciting of the Gospel (Luke Chapter 2 verses 8 through 14) is still, for me, one of the seminal moments of my life as a child, when I suddenly "got it" and I , since that day, always think of Christmas they way it should be thought of. Yes its a celebration, a celebration of the Love that God has for us. So much Love that he became human and entered our world as a man to be among us and died to erase our "inherited sin" and then returned as the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Not a vengeful God, but a loving, forgiving and truly living God. This TV special could never get produced today thanks to the disgusting lefty SJW. But I thank God that this special pre~dates their ascendancy and that they have not, due to its special place in America's heart, been able to censor or ban it from the airwaves.

Anyway ~ On the other end of things I have always loved Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and actually knew Arthur Rankin (of Rankin/Bass Productions) one of the entertainment world's truly talented and visionary men and a very warm human being. (I miss you Arthur ~ hope you are looking down on us and smiling).

Oh and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated original ~ not that Jim Carrey dreck!)

Scrooge versions, OM? My favorite are, in descending order:

Christmas Carol (Alistair Sims version ~ black and white only please)
Christmas Carol (Patrick Stewart version)
Christmas Carol (George C. Scott ~ 'nuff said) Scrooge ( Albert Finney singing?! Whodathunkit?)
Scrooged (Bill Murray is excellent and my boy David Johanson ~ who grew up the next neighborhood over from me in Staten Island ~ is great as the Ghost of Christmas Past)

Favorite "non Dickens" Xmas movies?

It's a Wonderful Life
Auntie Mame (Don't ask me why ~ just always associate this with Xmas and there is a pivotal scene that takes place at Xmas)
Miracle on 34th Street (original)
A Christmas Story (Darren McGavin ~ excellent)
The Hudsucker Proxy (same as Auntie Mame)
The Santa Clause
Elf
and, of course:
Die Hard

I am probably leaving a few out ~ But those are the ones I love to watch around this time of year.

Merry Christmas Horde! And a happy and prosperous New Year.

Love to all! Prayers to all on the prayer list!

Pax Ex

Posted by: Publius Redux at December 24, 2017 07:53 AM (0YSzp)

99 Vic

My heartfelt congratulation to you and your wife on your 36th wedding Anniversary.

So, you picked a wedding date you could not forget?

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 24, 2017 07:54 AM (hyuyC)

100 Hey, tonypete, g'mornin' !

Excellent PB cookie recipe in the cookbook !

Posted by: sock_rat_eez, they are gaslighting us 24/365 at December 24, 2017 07:57 AM (XvTYo)

101 Apparently the Miss America scandal is caught up in the silliness with what appears to be a non-scandal.

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at December 24, 2017 07:57 AM (oVJmc)

102 err, Miss America PAGEANT.

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at December 24, 2017 07:58 AM (oVJmc)

103
@ krak
In the words of Nick Yemana; Very well put.

Posted by: Mr Mxyzptlk at December 24, 2017 07:58 AM (GWVcB)

104 You want snow?

Shut your whore mouth!

Posted by: JAS at December 24, 2017 07:59 AM (7JbXq)

105 Hey, tonypete, g'mornin' !

Excellent PB cookie recipe in the cookbook !
Posted by: sock_rat_eez
----
Good morning your fine self. So glad you enjoyed the cookie recipe.

Fast, easy and tasty aren't they?

Posted by: Tonypete at December 24, 2017 08:00 AM (tr2D7)

106 Good Morning Morons; today is Sunday, December 24, 2017, Christmas eve and my 36th wedding Anv.

Congrats, Vic. Wednesday is our 31st anniversary. Glad to know there was someone else who took advantage of the church already being decorated with Christmas flowers.

Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 24, 2017 08:00 AM (ihzOe)

107 Happy 36th Anniversary, Vic!

Posted by: Taqyia2Me at December 24, 2017 08:01 AM (Ftuf+)

108 You have the Erecting of the Pole
Hopefully about 930 or so

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 08:03 AM (BtQd4)

109 Happy anniversary Vic, thank you for the news, and Merry Christmas Eve to everyone.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at December 24, 2017 08:03 AM (l9m7l)

110 Merry Christmas, Krak! and Merry Christmas to ALL the 'Ettes and the 'Rons, especially to the cobs who feed us content each day and to Ace for running this show and giving all us Morons a place to play.

Happy 36th Anniversary to Vic and Mrs Vic!

Krak is spot on about our abundance here in the US - yesterday in the supermarket I got a little emotional. I was picking up our fish order for tonight and looked around at a store full of happy people buying lots of food. The shelves were laden with choice after choice of food. I leaned over to my daughter and said to her, " Look how fortunate we are to live here in the USA! We have everything. Look at that pile of Christmas hams over there - we even wrap our food in gold foil! We are blessed!"

God bless all the Morons and God bless America.

Posted by: RondinellaMamma at December 24, 2017 08:03 AM (3t31F)

111 Merry Christmas. I like to take a moment each Christmas Eve to imagine what the world would be like had Jesus not walked this earth some 2000 years ago. An itinerant rabbi who spent only three years preaching, he brought to humanity the idea that we are all loved by our father, we are all imperfect, but we should not be discouraged by our imperfection because we are redeemable. Our ideas of what is right, what is wrong, what is moral and what is just are so imbued by his message, we in the West take it for granted. May kindness and joy grace you this Christmas Eve.

Posted by: IanDeal at December 24, 2017 08:05 AM (qcIL3)

112 I am one of those teachers in a Christian preK school. Thank you for entrusting your child to one. And thank you for these early threads on the weekends.

Merry Christmas to you and all of the horde.

Posted by: jazzuscounty at December 24, 2017 08:05 AM (useBd)

113 Free will means we have the freedom to choose to accept or reject God's grace. It does not mean we get to decide whether He grants it or not.

One finds God not through one's own efforts at seeking Him, but through being open when God does reveal Himself. This makes all the difference. May each of you be prepared to receive Him in His own time.

Merry Christmas indeed. For unto us a child is born.

Posted by: Muldoon at December 24, 2017 08:07 AM (wPiJc)

114 Woke up to snow on the ground this morning!!! YAY!!

Posted by: Jewells45can handle your jewels at December 24, 2017 08:07 AM (CNHr1)

115 Happy Anniversary Mr. and Mrs Vic.

RondinellaMamma:

Spot on about the cornucopia ~ that is what we have here. Lucky are we to live in a free land of such plenty.

God bless !

Posted by: Publius Redux at December 24, 2017 08:08 AM (0YSzp)

116 Nice post, krakatoa. Merry Christmas!

Posted by: rickl at December 24, 2017 08:08 AM (sdi6R)

117 Good Christmas Eve morning, horde! These are the readings for this last Sunday in Advent.

Isaiah 7:14
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child, and will give birth to a son, and will call His name Immanuel."

Luke 2:8-12
"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born
this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

Isaiah 9:2
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. They that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the light shined."

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulders. And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Handel incorporates the text of Isaiah 9:6 into his musical masterpiece, "The Messiah". Here is "For Unto Us A Child Is Born" - performed by the King's College of Cambridge Boys Choir, conducted by Stephen Cleobury. Merry Christmas!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFBIJgkj_-g

Posted by: grammie winger - you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. at December 24, 2017 08:08 AM (lwiT4)

118 Merry Christmas all! At times I so truly hate this holiday, its obligations, stress and how secular it got. After after telling my boss if she doesn't have anything else for me to do may I get the hell out of dodge. I'll be driving five hours today to see my daughter and then another five hours tomorrow just to get back in time for the Christmas overnight shift. (10 hours of driving to see my daughter less than 24). But as I read this post and able to sit down and think of how blessed I am.

Anyway, y'all gave a great couple of blessed days and try not to argue about politics, religion, sports and above all, how stupid was the Mary Poppins scene iin TLJ.

Merry Christmas.

Posted by: auscolpyr at December 24, 2017 08:09 AM (pzA2L)

119 I should have picked a better date to remember my anniversary by

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 08:10 AM (aC6Sd)

120 Grammie, 1st, merry Christmas. B, there is a 100 song chorale/orchestral Christmas album on Amazon for 99 cents. Wanted to be sure you saw it. Seems like something you'd enjoy. Downloaded mine yesterday and it's quite nice.

amazon.com/dp/B0778T96FF

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Oh Holga Night at December 24, 2017 08:11 AM (ks6bw)

121 Handel incorporates the text of Isaiah 9:6 into his musical masterpiece, "The Messiah". Here is "For Unto Us A Child Is Born" - performed by the King's College of Cambridge Boys Choir, conducted by Stephen Cleobury. Merry Christmas!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFBIJgkj_-g

Posted by: grammie winger

Brings a tear to my eye. Dad loved The Messiah and would play it many times during Christmas. He sang in a chorus at the local college each year. He and I would sing bass in a sing along version for many years.
Great memories.

Posted by: Bruce at December 24, 2017 08:12 AM (8ikIW)

122 118
At times I so truly hate this holiday, its obligations, stress and how secular it got.
Posted by: auscolpyr at December 24, 2017 08:09 AM (pzA2L)

This is actually an advantage to being alone on Christmas. I don't feel any stress or obligations. Merry Christmas, auscolpyr!

Posted by: rickl at December 24, 2017 08:15 AM (sdi6R)

123 Yes, all three !

The first two made the recipe stand out among all others; I was planning on making a few hundred. I and all the recipients agree on the third !

Posted by: sock_rat_eez, they are gaslighting us 24/365 at December 24, 2017 08:15 AM (XvTYo)

124 And Grammie (and anyone else who might enjoy large groups of singers), if you've got Prime, this is my new favorite:

https://www.amazon.com/Do-You-Hear-What/dp/B00BI49BX4

There's a version on youtube but it's not as powerful. The studio version builds from one singer up to the entire choir belting out the king's verse. It's amazing.

The youtube one is fine and worth watching, but it doesn't have quite the same effect.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Oh Holga Night at December 24, 2017 08:16 AM (ks6bw)

125 To Vic's post at #6, Fox is talking about President Trump going after McCabe and the FBI. Oh and Molly Line

Posted by: TheQuietMan at December 24, 2017 08:16 AM (vYmmK)

126 If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can
satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another
world. Mr. Lewis
======================

Amen. How does one feel homesick for a place one has never been? It's an odd, yet comforting, state of being.

Posted by: grammie winger - you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. at December 24, 2017 08:16 AM (lwiT4)

127
What Do You Want To See Tonight? - a limerick

An itinerant lad known as Billy
Said I hope that I'm not being silly
I wholly rejoice
For my Multiplex choice
I'm so thankful they gave us 'Free Willy'

Posted by: Muldoon at December 24, 2017 08:17 AM (wPiJc)

128 Whoops. New device. Forgot to change socks back to my new clean pair.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Fav Xmas Song - Ambassadors of Harmony - Do You Hear What I Hear? at December 24, 2017 08:17 AM (ks6bw)

129 amazon.com/dp/B0778T96FF

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Oh Holga Night at December 24, 2017 08:11 AM (ks6bw)
============================

Thank you Moron Robbie! And Merry Christmas Eve to you and those near and dear.

Posted by: grammie winger - you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. at December 24, 2017 08:18 AM (lwiT4)

130 Looks like the focus has shifted to McCabe, who is oiling the hinges on his escape hatch.

Trump should fire him just before he qualifies for his pension.

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at December 24, 2017 08:19 AM (oVJmc)

131 120 Posted by: Moron Robbie - Oh Holga Night at December 24, 2017 08:11 AM (ks6bw)

100 Christmas songs for .99. Yous can't beat that. I am downloading it now.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 08:19 AM (mpXpK)

132 Trump should fire him just before he qualifies for his pension.
Posted by: Mr. Peebles at December 24, 2017 08:19 AM (oVJmc)

Some judge in Hawaii would just give him a job.

Posted by: golfman at December 24, 2017 08:20 AM (F5qSC)

133 Willy is only a slight step up from sharks, they tend not to eat humans

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 08:20 AM (aC6Sd)

134 Looks like SpaceX blew up the internet.

https://preview.tinyurl.com/y7tn4sxc

Posted by: rickl at December 24, 2017 08:20 AM (sdi6R)

135 auscoplyr, you are a great Dad and that is a huge gift for a child. Have a safe journey. A Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year, and The Balvenie is on me next time.

Posted by: Ben Had at December 24, 2017 08:21 AM (OweXC)

136 >>>82 Trying 5 minute oatmeal, few dried apricots cut up, cinnamon and nutmeg in milk
Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 07:33 AM (aC6Sd)

Maybe a dash of cumin for the holidays.

Posted by: m at December 24, 2017 08:22 AM (3ZclI)

137 Comments #58 and #111

Beautiful thoughts

Posted by: jazzuscounty at December 24, 2017 08:24 AM (useBd)

138 136 No, tried that last week. Was spiced up a little with the nutmeg though.

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 08:24 AM (aC6Sd)

139 Wishing my friends in the gray boxes on my tablet the Merriest of Christmas'. Thanks to all for the hope you give me that there is still right-minded thinking amongst the wilds.

And Happy Anniversary, Vic!

Posted by: RedDish on the table...err tablet at December 24, 2017 08:25 AM (Qk+aA)

140 100 Christmas songs for .99. Yous can't beat that. I am downloading it now.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 24, 2017 08:19 AM (mpXpK)

---

I'm sure it's sexist, but I like that there is a decent amount of boys' choirs, too.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Fav Xmas Song - Ambassadors of Harmony - Do You Hear What I Hear? at December 24, 2017 08:25 AM (ks6bw)

141 Layed out the whole episode on the food thread last week, not 1 mention I was a idot or bad cook so assumed lots of people like cumin in their oatmeal

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 08:26 AM (aC6Sd)

142 Happy Anniversary, Vic!

Posted by: FireHorse at December 24, 2017 08:29 AM (zkGZ8)

143 krakatoa, you said "All things, good or bad, happen, period. I don't care to say they happen for a definable reason ".
I have come to believe that much of what happens is meaningless, as the nihilistic post-moderns say.
What Christians can do, though, is taking the meaningless, the bewildering, the random events that happen to us or that we cause to happen to ourselves and others; taking all that mess and offering it up to God with the prayer, "Please give this meaning." In His grace and mercy, He infuses purpose and point.

Posted by: ameryx at December 24, 2017 08:29 AM (uqgg5)

144 Happy Anniversary Vic and Happy Christmas Eve to everyone!

Posted by: Laughing in Texas at December 24, 2017 08:30 AM (xQfPr)

145 Kind of reminds me of B Hussein

https://tinyurl.com/yacaoumr

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 08:32 AM (BtQd4)

146 Quick and easy Christmas-y drinks for the Horde:

Poinsettia - Champagne and cranberry juice. Toss in a few cranberries for festive-y-ness.

Scarlet O'Hara - Southern Comfort and cranberry juice. Garnish with a slice of lime and you've got the whole Christmas color thing going on.

And of course, the homemade Irish Cream. Probably too late for you to make this because you'd have to go out to the store on Christmas Eve {{shudder}} for the ingredients.

Posted by: IrishEi at December 24, 2017 08:34 AM (HiDrR)

147 American Spectator Sally Yates is the fraud of the year.

"The rule of law depends not only what is written down, but also on important traditions and norms,"

No wonder one can't understand the laws, they aren't written down.

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 08:34 AM (aC6Sd)

148 assumed lots of people like cumin in their oatmeal
===

Skip, I had one morning, in a rust, pre-caffine, when the cinnamon and the cayenne got switched on the oatmeal.

Memorable, and inedible.

Posted by: pogomip at December 24, 2017 08:35 AM (dw0K4)

149 I keep on forgetting to say it:

Happy Anniversary, Vic & Mrs. Vic !

Posted by: sock_rat_eez, they are gaslighting us 24/365 at December 24, 2017 08:36 AM (XvTYo)

150 Good school choice for your daughter Krak. Mrs f'd taught preschool at a Christian school and ended up homeschooling our 2 boys all the way thru HS. If you want to have some control over what they are learning it's the way to go.
Government schools are right out. Don't let them get ahold of your kid.

Posted by: freaked at December 24, 2017 08:39 AM (UdKB7)

151 "...Sally Yates is the fraud of the year.

"The rule of law depends not only what is written down, but also on important traditions and norms," "

Wow, talk about getting it all totally backwards ... but then that's kinda leftism-in-a-nutshell, innit ?
As is that this is 180 degrees from what they were saying years ago.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez, they are gaslighting us 24/365 at December 24, 2017 08:40 AM (XvTYo)

152 'assumed lots of people like cumin in their oatmeal '

It's Christmas so I'm gonna leave the Weinstein sock off and let that one go by. Merry Christmas everyone!

Posted by: freaked at December 24, 2017 08:41 AM (UdKB7)

153 Happy anniversary Vic, and thank you again for VNN.

Krak, I believe that your distance from God, and your doubts, are also part of God's plan for you. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Merry Christmas to all the horde!

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 24, 2017 08:41 AM (EZebt)

154
Skip, I had one morning, in a rust, pre-caffine, when the cinnamon and the cayenne got switched on the oatmeal.

Memorable, and inedible.

Posted by: pogomip at December 24, 2017 08:35 AM (dw0K4)

I have three spices that I always have to ponder for a second; paprika, Old Bay, and cinnamon. They all look the same.

But... Paprika does not work sprinkled on pumpkin pie. Looks like cinnamon though. Cinnamon on a deviled egg looks like paprika. Old Bay mixed into deviled eggs, works though.

Maybe I'm just easily confused.

Posted by: Acme Explosives at December 24, 2017 08:41 AM (ajiE5)

155 Oh yea it's Christmas Eve I mean.

Posted by: freaked at December 24, 2017 08:42 AM (UdKB7)

156 My mom used to put peaches in my oatmeal. Chopped up canned peaches. I haven't thought about that in a long time. I don't really like oatmeal anymore though. Maybe that's why.

Posted by: freaked at December 24, 2017 08:44 AM (UdKB7)

157 God can not betray you

Posted by: Bildung at December 24, 2017 08:45 AM (yz6YB)

158 Last I heard, "Christmas Tree on Main Street" had gone to 4000+ plays on a Facebook account in a week.
That account belongs to a young lady from a town with a population of about 1200.
I guess it's been shared onward once or twice.

Posted by: teej at December 24, 2017 08:45 AM (BN/jk)

159 Comcast prodded me to upgrade my modem the other day. They said that my old one was "DOCSYS 1.0" and would no longer work after February 6. The new one is "DOCSYS 3.0", whatever the hell that means.

So far I haven't noticed any difference.

Posted by: rickl at December 24, 2017 08:46 AM (sdi6R)

160 I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who has posted their thoughts on the meaning of Christmas, life in general, etc. this morning.
Good reading, good to think about.
And good to spend a bit of Christmas with such an excellent Horde of Morons & 'Ettes !

Posted by: sock_rat_eez, they are gaslighting us 24/365 at December 24, 2017 08:47 AM (XvTYo)

161 teej

Good morning!

The dusting of snow makes everything fresh and beautiful, as long as the power is on.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 24, 2017 08:47 AM (hyuyC)

162 Peaches are another good ingredient in oatmeal

Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 08:50 AM (aC6Sd)

163 Buggering Huma > Humbug. That's about as seasonal as I can get.

Posted by: Hillary at December 24, 2017 08:50 AM (0BFUD)

164 Weasel, I made your Broccoli Ramen Slaw last night and it was awesome!

I made one change to your recipe. I stir-fried and served it hot.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 24, 2017 08:50 AM (EZebt)

165 Can someone explain to. Trump unitary executive theory?

This is beyond frustrating.

McCabe who is a goddamned traitor and criminal is 90 days from running off into the sunset.

These fucking traitors need to burn...

...also...

can someone who has some authority on this here blog unban me or let me know what it is I have done to be banned?

Posted by: Kreplach at December 24, 2017 08:51 AM (5+7g0)

166 Lot's of odd little things about the Harrisburg terror attack the other day.

DHS says he has several rifles and a shotgun, but no mention of handguns..
Local news reports state that he engaged police using handguns, and no mention of rifles or shotgun.

Dead terrorist returns to Egypt for possibly several years, and suddenly re-appears in the US several months ago, and then goes on this shooting spree.

Motive will probably be another mystery for the ages.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at December 24, 2017 08:52 AM (EyPfd)

167
I discovered a really cool site, Christmastvhistory.com. Did you know there was a Gilligan's Island Christmas special?

https://tinyurl.com/ycmvl5xc

Posted by: freaked at December 24, 2017 08:53 AM (UdKB7)

168 >>>>"...Sally Yates is the fraud of the year.

"The rule of law depends not only what is written down, but also on important traditions and norms," "

Wow, talk about getting it all totally backwards ... but then that's kinda leftism-in-a-nutshell, innit ?

As is that this is 180 degrees from what they were saying years ago.
.
.
.What happened to all of the "the law is the law" talk when obamacare was passed? Lefty's were spouting that talking point for months after obama signed it.

Posted by: The Great White Scotsman at December 24, 2017 08:54 AM (+Dllb)

169 Free will means we have the freedom to choose to accept or reject God's grace. It does not mean we get to decide whether He grants it or not.
One finds God not through one's own efforts at seeking Him, but through being open when God does reveal Himself. This makes all the difference. May each of you be prepared to receive Him in His own time.
Merry Christmas indeed. For unto us a child is born.
Posted by: Muldoon at December 24, 2017 08:07 AM
~~~~~

You have a wonderful way with words, Muldoon, both lighthearted and serious. Merry Christmas!

(Sadly, my copy of Muldoon's Library of Limericks has not arrived yet. Amazon promised it Friday.)

Posted by: IrishEi at December 24, 2017 08:54 AM (HiDrR)

170 I love Christmas music and listen to it whenever I get the urge. I have two Christmas cds in my car, and sometimes nothing but Joy to the World at top volume will do. In fact, time to get my shower and clothes going (not at the same time) for the first of two joyful services today.

(When I'm feeling petty, I like to be subversive by singing the original words, "Let *men* their songs employ", instead of "let all". Oooohh! So sexist!!!)

Posted by: Mrs. Peel at December 24, 2017 08:56 AM (JPRju)

171 "The dusting of snow makes everything fresh and beautiful, as long as the power is on."

It's funny, because it's true !

Posted by: sock_rat_eez, they are gaslighting us 24/365 at December 24, 2017 08:56 AM (XvTYo)

172 Kreplach, if you didn't get a warning from a cob it's probably just a Pixy ban. Sometimes Pixy doesn't like a (I can't think of the term now. Something about numbers and dots.)

It happened to me once.

Posted by: rickl at December 24, 2017 08:56 AM (sdi6R)

173 "The rule of law depends not only what is written down, but also on important traditions and norms,"

So she has a sudden reverence for 'norms', does she?

Remember when the norm was that marriage was restricted to a man and a woman?

Lot's of other 'norms' out there that I don't think she really wants to respect.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at December 24, 2017 08:57 AM (EyPfd)

174 Lethal Weapon 2nd best Christmas movie after Christmas Vacation.
ChrisVa has about 100 great lines.
Refill your eggnog, get you something to eat, drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead.

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 24, 2017 08:58 AM (BtQd4)

175 Good morning, Horde! God bless us, every one.

Posted by: Count de Monet at December 24, 2017 08:58 AM (QLvwG)

176 It's a NOOD...

Full of books.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at December 24, 2017 09:00 AM (EyPfd)

177 >>>141 Layed out the whole episode on the food thread last week, not 1 mention I was a idot or bad cook so assumed lots of people like cumin in their oatmeal
Posted by: Skip at December 24, 2017 08:26 AM (aC6Sd)

I got it; I just didn't comment.

Posted by: m at December 24, 2017 09:04 AM (3ZclI)

178 Hi ya NaCly.
There was a time I would have enjoyed this small bit of snow.
Larger bits too.
Maybe that time will come again,,, but I ain't bettin' the house, such as it is, on it.

Hope you have a great Christmas.

Posted by: teej at December 24, 2017 09:05 AM (BN/jk)

179 Merry Christmas Krakatoa! Thanks for all you posts this year. I hope that 2018 brings you many blessings and peace of heart. God bless you and your family.

Posted by: Redinabluestate at December 24, 2017 10:25 AM (ZQKf6)

180 I think one needs to be of a certain age and have traveled through several of the usual human life cycles in order to appreciate the power of the Christmas story from a spiritual perspective in the context of the Old Testament narrative. It helps. Or maybe I'm just getting weepy in my old age. Merry Christmas.

Posted by: Yankee Doodler at December 24, 2017 10:30 AM (wDfaV)

181 From a pastoral perspective it'salways good to see people at church whether they only come on Christmas and/or Easter. It's better-from a pastoral and Christian perspective- that they become regular parts of the community community, and know that God loves them and from that knowledge desire to love and serve others. (and yes you can love and serve others without being part of a church. I think love and service goes a long longer when it is not just based on "feelings" but is based on the Gospel and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

If you feel like your family pressures you to go to church at Christmas when you would prefer not to, you have two choices-don't go-or perhaps decide that the person asking you loves you and wants you with them at church because it is meaningful for them. and they would like their family to be together. In a way you are extending love to them if you just going without griping about it-scrificing your own desires and wishes for them. It doesn't make you a hypocrite because you go if you're an Agnostic or an Atheist. It means that you want to make them happy in a service that takes about an hour and half once a year and you get the hear the carols that you may have grown up with, hear scripture that has been around for thousands of year and light a candle against the darkness.

Merry Christmas and may God bless us-each and every one!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 24, 2017 11:40 AM (8+Ozj)

182 Blessings for you and your family Krak as well as the many EMT regulars, merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Posted by: Uncle Si at December 24, 2017 12:15 PM (ZltbC)

183 In a way you are extending love to them if you just going without
griping about it-scrificing your own desires and wishes for them. It
doesn't make you a hypocrite because you go if you're an Agnostic or an
Atheist. It means that you want to make them happy in a service that
takes about an hour and half once a year and you get the hear the carols
that you may have grown up with, hear scripture that has been around
for thousands of year and light a candle against the darkness.

=====

Thank you, Fenelon. Truly pastoral and loving. In Dulce Jubilo.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 24, 2017 12:24 PM (MIKMs)

184 Merry Christmas, Krakatoa!

And if you need to listen to something silly, there's always the classic Tenchi Muyo Christmas album! Lots of Japanglish, but also some nice arrangements and singing!

For example: "Jingle Bells":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao_08ZsZiec

Posted by: Suburbanbanshee at December 24, 2017 12:56 PM (sF8WE)

185 Nicely written. Thank you. I once did not follow the Lord, by His grace I am saved. Merry Christmas. js

Posted by: jesse at December 24, 2017 03:44 PM (2X0wR)

186 Overthinking it dude. Just sit and watch Charlie Brown Christmas with her. Introduces her to Jazz!!

Posted by: Akweth at December 24, 2017 03:56 PM (aICI/)

187 Well written Krak. Would like to see more articles in the future of you wrestling with your beliefs. Especially in the reflection of experiences you have with your daughter. Merry Christmas!

Posted by: Clintonstain at December 24, 2017 04:17 PM (hqLZw)

188 Right on!

Posted by: Basket O' Deplorables at December 24, 2017 06:47 PM (pHtot)

189 Really enjoyed reading this.

Posted by: Travis Anderson at December 24, 2017 07:56 PM (K1pBl)

190 Aaaaaaah! It's carbon! Santa committed a hatecrime in my stocking.

Posted by: Al Gore at December 25, 2017 06:25 AM (0BFUD)

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