After hearing about how women talk to much about mops and dryer balls on his family website, Jerry Hinkle decided to create a secret blog dedicated to manly things like hunting, hot babes, fishing, hot babes, drinking beer, hot babes, racing cars, and hot babes. It was called "Pheasant Lodge". "Was" being the operative word. It is gone because none of the manly men invited to the lodge logged on to it. Perhaps he was too good at keeping the secret.

Jerry has not given up on the idea of celebrating manhood. Perhaps a more public blog would be in order, providing that it is so manly no woman wants to read it. Maybe he could even give his uncle, Ken Hansen, a column to write advice for the manly man, since he's actually been to Manly, Iowa and all. That would definitely keep the women away.

One of our most valuable Readers, Judy Haiwick, has a website that has been viewed by hundreds of thousands all over the world. Yet our Publisher, Jerry Hinkle, just visited the site for the first time today. If you would like to check out her Home Page, you can do so at http://www.sundayschoollessons.com. The Haiwicks are few and proud, like the Marines and South Dakota Democrats.

Well here it is, Christmas Eve Eve. In spite of everything the ACLU has done, it's coming. Christmas is coming. Can Jesus be far behind? Better get ready! Actually I'm glad that the whole Christmas thing will be over soon. The Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday debate is starting to grate. On one hand we have Hemmingsen telling us that holiday is short for "holy day". Then I have Uncle Jake (who hasn't been to church since Easter) all mad because the Happy Holiday people say it so they don't offend others (which offends him). Then there's Ben Stein, who says that even though he's Jewish, he enjoys hearing "Merry Christmas", and blames it all on the worshipers of Nick and Jessica (two people he doesn't know, and doesn't want to know).

Christmas is supposed to be a happy time, like the Folgers commercial. Peter comes home, after apparently hitch-hiking on Christmas Day. We don't know, and are never told, why he was gone. His family was sure surprised to see him. Was there trouble? Maybe so, but it's forgotten. Peter was home, that's all that matters. Some folks don't like the message of that commercial because they say it isn't realistic. Nothing about Christmas is realistic. Indeed it has a super natural quality. Virgins giving birth, angels singing, stars shining over small towns night and day for two years, and of course a fat guy going all over creation in a sled pulled by flying reindeer.

This will be the last time I wish you a Merry Christmas, this year anyway. I might even send you all another Christmas e-card on April 17, unless you tell me not to. Until then remember to keep the light of Truth, Freedom, Justice, Wisdom, Love, and all other good things shining. All three of the major December holidays have light as part of their ceremony, so should the people that celebrate those holidays.