On Christmas Viewing

Last night, wrapping presents, I watched that classic film — Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. For those unfamiliar with the film, it’s the story of Kimar, leader of the Martians, and his plan to kidnap Santa Claus and bring him to Mars in order to make the Martian children happy, but along the way twoContinue reading “On Christmas Viewing”

On a Beatles Christmas

Today I went in search of my Christmas music collection. It took a little digging, a little rearranging, and I probably needed a torch and a pith helmet, but ultimately the prize was mine. I had my Christmas music. 🙂 The Beatles themselves recorded a Christmas song–“Christmas Time Is Here Again,” released originally on oneContinue reading “On a Beatles Christmas”

On Charlie Brown Nerdiness

I stopped at the post office this evening to mail a last few Christmas cards and buy some everyday stamps. (For those playing at home, I bought a sheet of the DC Heroes stamps–you have no idea what the Supergirl stamp did for the not-girlfriend’s self-esteem.) And on the counter they had a display ofContinue reading “On Charlie Brown Nerdiness”

On a Christmas Song I Despise

So I’m writing a letter. And I’m listening to the Barenaked Ladies’ Barenaked for the Holidays. And I’m up to the eighth track, a cover of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”–the charity Christmas song done back in the 80s to raise money for starving children in sub-Sarahan Africa. I hate this song. I despise thisContinue reading “On a Christmas Song I Despise”

On a Fun Christmas Song

I heard the most amazing Christmas song on the radio this morning on the way to work–“Winter Wonderland” done to the tune and in the style of Led Zeppelin’s “Misty Mountain Hop.” It’s by a duo called Fleming and John. Sure, it’s completely novelty, but it’s a fun, insane novelty that’s available for a download.Continue reading “On a Fun Christmas Song”

On Wishlists

We’re past Thanksgiving and people are asking, “Allyn, what do you want for Christmas?” Last year my answer was, “the things I want–world peace, an end to hunger, President’s Bush impeachment, Vice President Cheney’s indictment for war crimes–no one can give me. These are unrealistic wishes.” These are still unrealistic wishes. The reality is, I’mContinue reading “On Wishlists”