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From the Vault – Murphy’s Law – Santa’s sidekicks
In 2011, Joel Murphy wrote about Krampus and Zwarte Piet, two of Santa Claus’ international sidekicks who help keep wicked children in line. He followed that up last year with three more of Santa’s sidekicks – Le Père Fouettard, Belsnickel and Knecht Ruprecht – who do everything from scaring children straight by threatening them with sticks to beating naughty, non-praying kids with bags of ashes. So if you are looking for a creative way to permanently scar your children this holiday season, make sure to give this column a read.
Bacon and Legs – A very Hobo Hanukkah
It’s safe to say that in our predominantly-Christian country, Hanukkah is often overshadowed by Christmas, if not lost in the shuffle completely. This year, Hanukkah and Thanksgiving overlapped, giving it one more holiday to compete with. So, in an effort to give Hanukkah a little more mainstream attention, this week Fontina Turner dedicates her column to the Jewish holiday. She shares a number of videos for you to enjoy (so you have something besides Adam Sandler’s song) and she shares a delicious recipe for Coconut Latkes with Cranberry Applesauce and Spiced Mascarpone.
Positive Cynicism – Check your privilege, Rudolph
Chances are that most of you have watched the classic Rankin-Bass Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer without giving the special very much thought. But if you actually take a moment to think about what’s going on in the special, it raises some disturbing questions. This week, Aaron R. Davis poses that question, attempting to get to the bottom of the reindeer cullings, disturbing gender politics and the demented genius who created the “misfit” toys. You’ll never look at the special the same way again.
Boob Tube Breakdown – A familiar face on last night’s Comic Book Men
Who was that tall, handsome devil in the stylish cap who appeared on last night’s Comic Book Men? None other than our editor-in-chief Joel Murphy. As he discussed on a recent Hobo Radio podcast, Murphy was there in line as Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes popped out to make a cameo on the show at the Baltimore Comic-con. You can hear Murphy discussing the filming of the episode here: http://www.hobotrashcan.com/2013/09/12/hobo-radio-270-joel-murphy-reality-tv-star/
And you can read his Baltimore Comic-con coverage here: http://www.hobotrashcan.com/2013/09/10/hanging-around-baltimore-comic-con-2013/