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Counting Down the Top 25 Christmas Movies of All Time: #17 – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

As the snow falls and holiday lights twinkle, few films evoke the nostalgic magic of Christmas like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. This 1992 sequel to the beloved original finds young Kevin McCallister embarking on another wild adventure, this time in the Big Apple. At #17 on our countdown of the top 25 Christmas movies of all time, Home Alone 2 delivers laughs, heart, and a dose of Christmas spirit. The Plot The film begins with the McCallister family planning a Christmas vacation to Florida. Through a series…

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Counting Down the Top 25 Christmas Movies of All Time: #18 – Holiday Inn (1942)

Few films have defined holiday cinema like Holiday Inn, a musical masterpiece that continues to enchant audiences more than 80 years after its debut. Landing at #18 on our countdown of the top 25 Christmas movies of all time, this timeless classic offers a perfect blend of music, romance, and holiday cheer. The Plot Directed by Mark Sandrich, Holiday Inn centers on Jim Hardy (Bing Crosby), a performer who leaves show business to open a quaint inn in Connecticut that operates only on holidays. His peaceful plans are interrupted when…

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Counting Down the Top 25 Christmas Movies of All Time: #19 The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a little magic, mischief, and Christmas cheer, and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause delivers all three in abundance. This third installment in the beloved Santa Clause franchise lands at #19 on our countdown of the top 25 Christmas movies of all time, thanks to its blend of humor, heart, and holiday hijinks. The Plot In The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) has settled into his role as Santa Claus, juggling the demands of his North Pole…

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Counting Down the Top 25 Christmas Movies of All Time: #20 The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

The magic of Christmas sparkles in many forms, and few holiday specials are as memorable as The Year Without a Santa Claus. This 1974 Rankin/Bass classic captures the essence of the season with heartwarming storytelling, unforgettable songs, and iconic characters. It earns its place at #20 on our countdown of the top 25 Christmas movies of all time. The Plot The Year Without a Santa Claus tells the tale of a disheartened Santa Claus (voiced by Mickey Rooney), who decides to skip Christmas after feeling that no one believes in…

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Counting Down the Top 25 Christmas Movies of All Time: #21 Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)

The magic of Christmas wouldn’t be the same without its beloved traditions and stories, and few are as iconic as the tale of Santa Claus. Coming in at #22 on our countdown of the top 25 Christmas movies is the timeless stop-motion classic, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970). This heartwarming holiday special captures the origins of Santa Claus in a way that has delighted generations of viewers. The Plot Produced by the legendary Rankin/Bass Productions, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town is a musical Christmas special narrated by…

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Counting Down the Top 25 Christmas Movies of All Time: #22 – Four Christmases (2008)

The holidays are all about family, but what happens when that family is spread out across four households? Coming in at #22 on our countdown of the top 25 Christmas movies of all time is the hilarious and heartwarming Four Christmases (2008), a festive comedy that showcases the highs, lows, and outright chaos of the holiday season. The Plot Four Christmases follows Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon), a couple who typically avoid family gatherings during the holidays by taking extravagant vacations. But when their travel plans are derailed,…

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Counting Down the Top 25 Christmas Movies of All Time: #23 – Holiday in Handcuffs (2006)

As we continue our journey through the top 25 Christmas movies of all time, today’s pick is a quirky rom-com that brings laughs, love, and a bit of holiday mischief. Coming in at #23 is 2006’s “Holiday in Handcuffs.” This made-for-TV movie has become a holiday staple, thanks to its unique premise and charismatic leads. The Plot “Holiday in Handcuffs” follows the story of Trudie Chandler, an aspiring artist whose life is unraveling just before Christmas. After losing her job and facing rejection from her family, she snaps under the…

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Counting Down the Top 25 Christmas Movies of All Time: #24 – Fred Claus (2007)

Fred Claus isn’t your typical Christmas story. From the outset, it flips the script by focusing on Santa’s lesser-known sibling. Fred has spent his life overshadowed by his younger brother Nicholas, who became a saint (literally) and eventually transformed into the beloved Santa Claus. As the centuries pass—thanks to the Claus family’s immortality—Fred grows resentful of his brother’s constant success and saintly reputation. Fast forward to the modern day, and Fred is a cynical, fast-talking hustler living in Chicago. He’s estranged from his family and constantly short on cash. Desperate…

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Counting Down the Top 25 Christmas Movies of All Time: #25 – A Holiday Affair (1949)

As we kick off our countdown of the Top 25 Christmas movies of all time, we begin with a hidden gem that has steadily grown in popularity among holiday film aficionados: A Holiday Affair. This 1949 romantic comedy-drama, directed by Don Hartman, is a heartfelt story that blends holiday cheer, personal sacrifice, and a charming romance, all set against a Christmastime backdrop. The Story The film stars Janet Leigh as Connie Ennis, a war widow raising her young son, Timmy, played by Gordon Gebert. Connie works as a secret comparison shopper…

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Space Invaders: The Iconic Game That Revolutionized the Video Game Industry

In 1978, a game emerged that would forever change the landscape of the video game industry: Space Invaders. Created by Japanese designer Tomohiro Nishikado and developed by Taito, this iconic arcade game didn’t just entertain—it pioneered concepts that became the foundation of modern gaming. Before Space Invaders, video games were relatively simple, often focusing on sports simulations or basic Pong-style mechanics. Nishikado, inspired by popular sci-fi movies like Star Wars and The War of the Worlds, envisioned something more thrilling: a fast-paced, alien-shooting experience. However, creating the game was no small feat. Nishikado designed custom…

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Celebrating Carl Ernst Fosselius: The Creative Genius Behind Hardware Wars and More

Story by Mitchell Smith Carl Ernst Fosselius, was born in 1945 in San Francisco. Fosselius might not be a name recognized by many. He is a multifaceted individual whose contributions span innovation, art, and a deep passion for mechanical design. Known for his whimsical and creative approach to technology and storytelling, Fosselius has left a unique mark on the creative landscape. Fosselius was born into an era of rapid technological advancement and cultural transformation. From a young age, he demonstrated an aptitude for mechanics and a love of humor and…

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Happy Thanksgiving From Serpentor’s Lair!

Story by Mitchell Smith 2024 is rolling right along. I try and always be appreciative of what I have and what I can do with what I have. I always think of the people around my thanksgiving table. It’s not how many are around it, it’s always about who is around it. Over the years the faces have changed but I have always been here. I was thinking of the story of the singer Jewel. She grew up in Alaska dirt poor. They had no running water or modern comforts.…

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1980s Game Show Icon Chuck Woolery Gone at 83!

Story By Mitchell Smith We loose another great face from television. Charles “Chuck” Herbert Woolery was born on March 16, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky. Before finding his calling in television, Woolery explored several career paths. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he ventured into the music industry during the 1960s, performing as part of a duo called The Avant-Garde. The group scored a Top 40 hit with the song “Naturally Stoned,” giving Woolery a taste of success in show business. Following his stint in music, Woolery pursued acting, appearing in…

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The Day the World Discovered “Who Shot J.R.?” – November 21, 1980

Television history was made on November 21, 1980, when millions of viewers tuned in to uncover the answer to the most talked-about question of the year: “Who shot J.R.?” This iconic moment from the prime-time drama Dallas not only captivated audiences but also forever changed the landscape of television storytelling. The mystery began months earlier, during the season finale of Dallas on March 21, 1980. In the episode, the scheming and ruthless oil tycoon J.R. Ewing (played by Larry Hagman) was shot by an unknown assailant. The cliffhanger was a…

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