bah humbug!

[GomJabbar]

From: The New York Times (subscription free, but required).

This Season's War Cry: Commercialize Christmas, or Else

[dsvochak]

From the article:

It does not, however, appear to be catching on with the public. That may be because most Americans do not recognize this commercialized, mean-spirited Christmas as their own. Of course, it's not even clear the campaign's leaders really believe in it. Just a few days ago, Fox News's online store was promoting its "Holiday Collection" for shoppers. Among the items offered to put under a "holiday tree" was "The O'Reilly Factor Holiday Ornament." After bloggers pointed this out, Fox changed the "holidays" to "Christmases."

There was a day last week that Bill O'Reilly swept the "worse, worser, worst" person in the world designation on Keith Olbermann's Countdown. The "worst" award went for "The O'Reilly Factor Holiday Ornament.".

In other news, there is a radio station in Detroit that, at 12:01 a.m. 11/01/05, began playing Christmas music 24 hours a day. (I wonder whether they at least took a break on Thanksgiving to play "Alice's Restaurant")

[GomJabbar]

Ha!

Of Keith Obermann's Countdown last week, I would like to see some 8x10 glossies with the circles and the arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one.

[dsvochak]

Today's "You can't make this stuff up" story. From the Detroit Free Press ( http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti ... /1007/NEWS )

Michigan has long been a melting pot of cultures, so celebrating the holidays with a diverse group of friends can get tricky. That's where Festivus, the "holiday for the rest of us," comes in.

It looks like Festivus for the rest of us is on the rise.

[GomJabbar]

Further quotes from the above article:

According to the "Seinfeld" episode, Festivus is celebrated on Dec. 23 and is marked by a tinsel-free aluminum pole, feats of strength -- like wrestling -- and the airing of grievances, during which followers tell loved ones how they have disappointed them during the year.
-------------------------------------------
Coe said he bought the aluminum pole -- a centerpiece of Festivus celebrations -- a few years ago at Home Depot for $5. However, merchants are now selling them online for almost $40. "I wish we had thought of that at the time," Blake Coe said, laughing.
-------------------------------------------
"With all of the things that now make the Christmas season about political correctness, over-commercialization and greed, it is refreshing that Festivus separates itself from that," said Coe, who has been celebrating the fictional holiday for five years.

I personally don't celebrate any of these holidays. It sure relieves me of a lot of expense and time (shopping). I view everything that is happening here with a shake of my head.

I had a hoot when you brought up Alice's Restaurant!