"A Charlie Brown Christmas": Commercialization, and the Meaning of Christmas

I have yearly list of things I do whether it be listening to various Christmas albums and songs. watching various movies, TV specials and episodes, and drink my yearly carton of egg nog, and other stuff.  In fact, here is my yearly checklist.  It's become a tradition for me.

Movies and Television:

-"Home Alone"

-"Home Alone 2: Lost in New York"

-"Die Hard"

-"A Charlie Brown Christmas"

-"A Muppet Family Christmas"

-Hershey's Kiss "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" commercial
-"The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" - Original animated not live action movie
-"Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean"

Music:

-Boney M's "Christmas Album"

-"Once Upon a Christmas" - Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers

-"Christmas Time Is Here" by Daniela Andrade - The video especially
- Kenny G's "Miracles: The Christmas Album"

Food and Drink:

-Yearly carton of egg nog

"Linus is right, I won't let all this commercialism ruin my Christmas."
-Charlie Brown

Words to live by.

I always watch the 1965 Christmas classic A Charlie Brown Christmas.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" has some good messages we could learn from.  There are topics of not feeling Christmas, sadness on the part of Charlie Brown, commercialization, and the meaning of Christmas in which Charlie Brown doesn't understand.

The quote about not letting commercialism ruin his Christmas is one we should learn from.  Growing up, getting presents was, of course, something I looked forward to.  What kid didn't?  Getting CDs ("Best of Van Halen Vol. 1 for instance), video games (Super Nintendo, Game Boy, etc.), toys, etc..  I loved Christmas.  It was my favourite holiday.  Maybe the presents had something to do with it.

I knew what the meaning of Christmas was in many respects from the story of Jesus' birth to spending time with family and friends and all that stuff.  As I grew up and no longer got presents, I still loved Christmas.  Getting the odd gift or not getting gifts at all is not a big deal.  But for some, exchanging presents is a big deal.  That's all fine and well.

For decades and decades, Christmas has become more and more commercialized.  Stores start putting out Christmas decorations and the goodies you eat during that time such as chocolates and cookies, etc. way too early.  Before Halloween.  At work, even a kid said it was too early.

The ads and commercials bombard us with getting the latest technology (phones, computers, video games), gadgets, and all sorts of other stuff.  Go here or go there for your all your holiday needs.  Get various deals.  That's all fine and well.  I would have Christmas deals on if I had a business.  Just makes good business sense.

If someone was to get me something, get me something practical that I need.  I at one point was getting a yearly pair of socks from my Grandma Sheldon.  Thanks, Grandma.  Better than nothing as they say.

Now, in A Charlie Brown Christmas, commercialization is mentioned many times.  Charlie Brown was wise to not let commercialization ruin his Christmas.  He focused on the little tree he thought was perfect even though that's not what Lucy wanted for the Christmas play.  He stuck to his guns and loved that little tree.

He left to go and decorate the tree and not focus on the commercialization of Christmas.  We could all learn that from him.  Although, at the beginning, Lucy mentioned getting all sorts of presents of things she wanted.  Sally wanted money from Santa. As kids, that's what we wanted.

Now, I have a little tree that I call my Charlie Brown tree.  Of course it's nothing fancy, but I don't care just like Charlie Brown didn't care.  He was disheartened that a single ornament made it fall over.  I get how one might feel that way.  After he left, Lucy, Sally, Pig-Pen, Schroeder, and the others decorated his tree.  Lucy saying afterwards:

"Charlie Brown is a blockhead, but he did get a nice tree."

Here is the clip that ends this classic including his reaction to his tree being decorated by everyone.

It's good they learned the meaning of Christmas.  We should get a reminder instead of that in case we forget.  You should not focus on commercialization of the season and focus on what truly matters.  Family, friends, good food, good times, making memories, etc. are what matters.  As said I said, getting presents is all well and fine, but that's not what truly matters.

Oh and we shouldn't forget to thank Linus for telling Charlie Brown about one of the meanings of Christmas when he didn't know.  It lifts Charlie's spirits and makes him feel slightly better.



Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown.  Merry Christmas one and all.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2012 Series

Nickelodeon is putting out a new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series.  When I first heard about this, I didn't know what to expect.  I grew up with the original series that started in 1987.  I loved it and had a lot of the action figures.  When they brought back the series in the early 2000s, I wasn't into it.  It didn't feel the same as the series did when I was a kid.

Watch the trailer for the new series and leave your thoughts on what you think about it.




When I saw a trailer on TV, I didn't like it because of the animation and the voices.  It just isn't the same like the original.  Maybe I'm spoiled because the original series was way better.  Maybe I might be proven wrong and it is pretty decent.  But we'll see.

In this day in age a lot of things don't measure up like back in the day.  This new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series might fall victim to that.  With the trailers, I am projecting that same stereotype.  It's not that I'm going out of my way to do that.  It's just that I'm getting this feeling that this series won't be the same.  But maybe I'll be proven wrong because sometimes that happens.  Maybe I should keep an open mind. Sometimes that can be hard.

What are your thoughts and feelings on this series before it airs?

Random Fact #9

On season 3 episode 48 of "Corner Gas" entitled "Telescope Trouble," you see Officer Quinton Davis played by Lorne Cardinal playing a guitar upside down while singing "Kumbaya."  You can view the episode below where it happens.

YouTube link

"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" - My Childhood Cartoon, A Connection To The Bible/Christianity, & More

Yesterday I texted my friend Mark and asked him what I should blog about.  He said "X-Men, I am."  I replied, "I don't know what to say..."  Mark answered, "Just talk about a childhood cartoon."  With that I instantly thought of the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."

The "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" was a favourite of mine growing up. I used to know the theme song, had a bunch of action figures and accessories, have "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game," seen all three live action movies, seen the CGI animated film, and I even bought the comic where the Ninja Turtles and April O'Neil meet for the first time.

The original cartoon itself was a staple during my childhood.  I remember it would be on after school.  That was one of the highlights of the day.  I would watch it as all kids would do rooting on the Ninja Turtles to stop Shredder's "evil" plan. No matter how hard or how long it took, they succeeded.

The Ninja Turtles who are good always battle Shredder who is evil.  This reminds of Pslam 34:13-15.

¹³ keep your tongue from evil
   and your lips from telling lies.
¹⁴ Turn from evil and do good;
   seek peace and pursue it.  ¹⁵ The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
   and his ears are attentive to their cry;

Romans 12:21

 ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Or Romans 16:18-20.

¹⁸ For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. ¹⁹ Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.  ²⁰ The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
   The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Basically you can see the Ninja Turtles as good and Shredder as evil.  With the Ninja Turtles defeating Shredder and stopping him from his evil plans.  It's like God stopping Satan from doing his evil plans.  Just like God, the Ninja Turtles try and protect the world by doing good.  They try to not be overcome by evil and help the people they "serve" not to be overcome by evil by not letting Shredder deceive them.

People want to believe in something and some of them are quick to believe in the first thing they are told/heard.  Evil wants you to do that, but you should resist the temptation to believe the first thing you are told because you may end up following evil (Shredder/Satan) and instead follow the good (Ninja Turtles/God/Jesus).  Like God, the Ninja Turtles try to show people the right path to walk down.  Sure we may stumble, we may fall, but we must not give in to the temptations of Satan and Shredder.  Doing so is part of their plan.

I liked Michelangelo for the longest time.  But I than realized that Raphael got no love because he was touted as uncool.  The others have something like Leonardo is the leader, Donatello can build and fix things, Michelangelo is looked upon as cool.  What is Raphael?  He can been the role model for people who are not considered cool.  He can kick ass like the rest of them.  So I don't get why he is looked upon as uncool.  What did he do to deserve having this thrust upon him?

The "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series that came out in 2003 and whatnot, I can't get into them.  They are not the same as the original.  If you like the newer series, that's all well and fine, but I think they don't hold a candle to the original.  There is a new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series set to air on Nickelodeon.  Three notable names will be voices of the Ninja Turtles.  Jason Biggs from "Saving Silverman," "American Pie" series, "Loser," etc; Sean Astin from "Rudy," "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, etc.; and Rob Paulsen who has done many voice over roles with him being the original Leonardo.  I hope it will be a throw back to the original.

Here is something that I fear may hurt the plot of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."  Michael Bay, who seriously ruined "Transformers," is wanting to turn the Ninja Turtles into aliens.  He is a cunt and will be lynch mobbed if he goes through with it.  If you were a fan of the original series, you'll find this so enraging if he goes through with it.  Even Kevin Munroe who directed the 2007 film "TMNT" went to Kevin Eastman, the creator of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" if he could do that CGI animated film.  If I was Eastman, I'd tell of Michael Bay to not screw with his work because Bay would be taking MUTANT out of "Teenage MUTANT Ninja Turtles."  After all, it's not "Teenage Alien Ninja Turtles."

Lloyd Robertson Stepping Down

Lloyd Robertson wrote a great letter earlier this week and it's a great read.

Letter from Lloyd Robertson

Robertson is an icon of Canadian television and news.  It will be odd not watching or hearing him with his classic sign off.  I've grown up with him and he is what most Canadians for the last 40 plus years have known as their trusted leader in bringing us the CTV National News.

This iconic Canadian will be missed.  He is still going to be active in other facets at CTV just not on air.  Everybody has their time and know when to move on.  Some just take a lot longer to do it.  September 1 will be his last newscast.  I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavours and thank you for your dedication in the news field.  I may not do him justice, but here goes.

That's the kind of day it's been on this August 30, 2011.  From myself here at the Musing's of Mr. C.C., thank you for reading and good night.

3D Movies And TV - Is It A Ripoff?

This post got is something I started thinking about after seeing a comments on a video on YouTube about theaters being not taking the 3D lens off the projecters in the certain theater chains in the United States.

3D movies have become all the rage in the last number of years.  It's basically a gimmick to get you thinking that it's something different from a 2D movie, which it is in a sense, and to get you to pay more.  Certain theater chains do get you to pay more for 3D movies.  Now, this 3D is not true 3D.  I know for a fact because I've seen true 3D.  Back in 1987 when my family took a trip to California and did the whole Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Sea World, and Universal Studios trip.  We went and saw "Thriller" in 3D and it was something different.  Things popped out at you and you thought you could actually reach out and touch it.  That's what 3D should be.  But unfortunately it's not.

When watching these 3D movies, nothing pops out at you.  Is it worth your money?  Not really.  It's another gimmick to make money as previously mentioned.  But the movie can be absolute shit sometimes in 2D, but people will think it's amazing just for the fact that it's in 3D.  I've a number of films in 3D and some of them were good not because they were 3D, but because of the story itself.  The 3D experience has become overdone and overrated that the uniqueness of it has been lost.  True 3D movies are only done in certain major cities with one being Los Angeles.  If you have the chance to go see a true 3D movie, you will find yourself feeling ripped off at how horrible the mass produced 3D movies are.

Now 3D TV is going to be a fad.  You buy this TV and have 3D glasses.  The glasses themselves cost $800.  You might be thinking that's a bit steep and yes it is.  You can watch the TV in 2D but you have to shut off the 3D option if there one.  Than what's the point in buying a 3D?  You are essentially spending, actually blowing and wasting thousands of dollars for a 3D TV that you don't intend to use for the purpose it was intended for.  Plus how many TV shows and video games are being filmed and created in 3D?  If there is not much aside from movies being created in 3D.  Can you tell me what TV shows are being filmed in 3D?  You can't.  Even some 4D and some 5D stuff is being created.  Once 4D and 5D becomes the big thing than 3D will become obsolete for the most part.

I am not trying to change your opinion.  This is just one man's opinion.  I find that this mass produced 3D is overrated.  If they produced movies in true 3D than it would not be so overrated.  I find that the way it's produced is a ripoff and a waste of money.  I would rather not have to pay the extra money to see something in 3D if possible.  I would rather not waste money on a 3D TV if there is no 3D content being produced on TV.  Finally, what's next, the Internet going 3D?  I wouldn't be surprised if it does.

"Big Bang Theory" And Christmas Gifts

I watched a Christmas episode of "The Big Bang Theory" on Christmas Eve when I came home from church and a nice cocktail party.  This episode made me think of some things.

For instance, you should try to know about someones practices and beliefs because then you would know if it's appropriate to give them a gift of some kind.  Especially if you consider this person a friend.  The character Sheldon doesn't believe in giving gifts.  I understand that the character Penny was doing a nice gestur, but she didn't know not to give Sheldon anything.  Would it have been better if she knews this?  In real life yes, but for the sake of the show and to make the episode better then no.  You shouldn't assume they celebrate Christmas or give gifts for that matter.  A lot of people celebrate Haunaka or Kwanza and it might not be in their customs to give gifts.  Penny, after finding this out, then says she won't give it to him.  But Sheldon replies by saying that he already seen the gift, so thus it must be given for which it was intended.

Now a question I bring to you is, with Sheldon and Penny being friends, wouldn't you think that they would know certain things about each because of said friendship?  Sure they might not be best friends, but you would at least think that they would know some stuff about them and not just the obvious stuff.  Another question I bring to you is, is it Sheldon's fault that he never told her to not worry about getting him a gift no matter what the cost because of his belief in not giving gifts?  The same can be said for Sheldon as he doesn't understand Penny and he gets a bunch of gifts.  Something to think about.

A second thing from the episode that got me thinking was that Penny didn't go out her way to get Sheldon a gift that cost any money.  Penny is a waitress and Leornard Nimoy who is famous for playing Spock in the original "Strek Trek" series dined at the restaurant she works at.  So Penny took the napkin Nimoy used to wipe his face with and got him to sign it and put "live long and prosper" on it as well.  Penny knew full well that Sheldon is Trekkie and would love this gift. Penny gives Sheldon the napkin wrapped up.  Sheldon is not aware about what is so special about the napkin.  Sheldon thinks it's just a napkin.  But Penny tells Sheldon to turn it over and sees that was used and sign by Leonard Nimoy.  This to him is a great gift as he almost cries.

Is the best gift of all getting something that cost nothing give?  Or is it better to give a gift that cost money?  Penny did know that Sheldon is a Trekkie and thus gave it to him because of knowing this.  Or was the reaction she got from him and what followed made giving it too him that much more special?

Finally, as you see in the minisode I linked to at the end of this post, Sheldon brought out all those gifts because earlier in the episode Sheldon feels obligated to buy a gift after Penny says she got him a gift.  Sheldon can't decide what to get to Penny and what size to get her of a gift.  So basically he bought multiple sizes of related items.

Does it necessarily matter that Sheldon needed get Penny a gift in return?  He felt obligated because of the fact Penny get him one. But on Penny's part, it was the thought that counted as we obviously.  Now does it matter the cost or the size of the gift?  You don't need to spend a whole lot or anything to feel as if you have given some which equaled the value of the one you are receiving.  Sheldon planned to have multiple presents ready for Penny so he could give her a present equal in value to the one she gave him.  Was this really necessary? My mom and stepdad didn't want anything for Christmas and they gave out some gifts.  Just because you give does not mean someone else has to return the favour and give you a gift back.  As I said, it's the thought that counts.  That's what Penny was going for and it showed by Sheldon's intitial reaction.

"Big Bang Theory" - Sheldon's Greatest Christmas - Minisode

Making References Nobody Gets

I was just thinking about this and do you make references to something nobody gets? Or I should say most people don't get? I have this problem and unless I am talking to fellow professional wrestling fans, they don't get my references to it. Even then some of the wrestling fans may not get what I am referring too. It all depends on how long you have been a wrestling fan. But anyways, for me, wrestling is the one thing I make reference too that nobody gets. There are times when I say something and sometimes I have follow up by saying that it's fine that you don't get what I am referring too. It's not like I am expecting them to get it or anything, but it does make it easier sometimes if they do.

Seinfeld is another good example. I have a message on Windows Live that some of you may have seen. My friend didn't get it, so I had to explain it too her that it is a reference from Seinfeld. Or Simpson's too. There is a lot of things you can reference in The Simpson's. If you haven't seen any Seinfeld, Simpson's, or any professional wrestling, then of course you wouldn't get any references people make.

I am not saying it's just those three items, but I am just giving those as an example for myself. Other people reference other things obviously, but those are just three of the more main things that I reference that nobody gets.

Goodbye Law and Order, Global Reality

Law & Order is a show that ran for twenty seasons and was spun off numerous times with numerous characters. Now I was never a big fan of show. Although Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent had a few good episodes. But I do respect that it was able to have longevity while becoming a legendary institution. Law & Order spawned many spin off shows like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: Trial By Jury, Law & Order: UK, among others. Now last week it was announced that Law & Order going off the air and that show has the distinction of being the longest running cop drama. It is seemingly being replaced by Law & Order: Los Angeles. I wonder if it will be received like the other spin offs and have the same level of success. I guess time will tell.

Isn't there already a reality show channel? Well if not, there is now in Canada. The channel is called Global Reality. Global is the equivalent of Fox in Canada just like CTV is the equivalent of CBS, NBC, and CBS and just like CBC is the equivalent of PBS. Majority of reality shows blow and there a lot already, but would this mean that they would produce original reality shows ? Or will show re-runs only? Or will produce original shows and show re-runs? Either way we don't need anymore reality shows except Hells Kitchen, America's Got Talent, Britian's Got Talent, and X Factor. All the rest can go away.

19 And Counting...

The other day I was standing in line at Safeway and I seen the cover on USA Today or People or one of them magazines. The cover had reality show stars Michelle and Rob Duggar. Now for those of you that don't know, the Duggar Family is basis for the reality show "19 and Counting." They keep having kids and think nothing is wrong with that. Their 19th child was 15 weeks or three months premature. The baby named Josie was one pound and has some health problems.

Now Rob and Michelle want to keep having children. Is there anything wrong with this? Some might say no and some might say yes. Here is the thing about this, with their 19 child being premature and barely making it after being three months premature there are some concerns with continuing to have children. I understand that people want to have children, but is there a point in which you should stop?

“The risks of additional pregnancies start to go up dramatically after four,’ warns Dr. Jeffrey Richardson, a Ventura, Calif., obstetrician who had practiced for more than 30 years.”

“Postpartum hemorrhage, dysfunctional labor, preterm labor and early miscarriage are all risks.”

These risks are significantly increased after four children according to a post on the MOMania section of AJC.com.

According the post, the Duggars decided to have as many children as God would allow after Michelle had a miscarriage from being on the pill. But there are other contraceptives besides the pill. One miscarriage seems like a poor reason to not use contraceptives. How about using condoms? I bet that never crossed their mind or it certainly seems that way.

I am not usually one to rain on someones parade, but the fact is that you need to know when to draw the line. It seems like the Duggars don't need seem to know when enough is enough. Its sad that they will continue to have more children with such known health risks. Their three month premature daughter Josie with health issues should be a reality check for them. But it doesn't seem that way. 19 is not enough and probably not even the Duggars when enough will be enough. Kudos to them for taking care of all of these children and providing for them, but there has to be a time when they say they are done with having children. But I wouldn't be surprised if they have another five even ten more children if this is their outlook on having children.

Corner Gas Has Closed Down

Corner Gas, the now iconic sitcom is done forever. I have been stewing over the final episode since watching it Saturday on the Comedy Network. I didn't envision it ending the way it did. I envisioned it ending the way Hank's day dream went a season or two ago. Basically Hank's day dream ended with Lacey leaving Dog River and going back to Toronto. I thought it might have ended that way, but with Brent telling Lacey that he was in love with her. That was not the case with the ending. Watching it, I thought it would have ended with Brent going on a national comedy tour (Brent was doing stand up comedy every Wednesday as the story went), Wanda taking over Corner Gas, and the other characters doing their usual stuff. Instead Brent doing stand up comedy was something on a list of things he wanted to do. The next thing on his list to wrestle a bear, but ending doing the thing after that and went fly fishing in the Yukon. Lacey opened a Ruby in Wollerton, but was shut down by local health inspectors. Wanda finished her degree in theoretical physics and went on to make more than minimum wage at Corner Gas. Hank remains unemployed. Emma and Oscar are still married even though Emma ignored doctors advice to divorce Oscar. Karen and Davis fell in love and get married, but to other people.

Overall, the show was awesome. You didn't have to be from Saskatchewan to appreciate the humor of it. I thought that the show could have lasted a few more seasons as could Seinfeld. At least they gave it a good send off with show interviewing the cast and some of the production crew than airing the final episode. They didn't just end it without any warning like some shows do. In some cases it is good to end a show before it comes overkill. I know for a fact that Corner Gas wouldn't have become overkill. Like Seinfeld, Corner Gas is one of those shows that I can watch without getting sick of it.

In the history of pop culture in Canada, Corner Gas has found a place quite nicely. Whether you are from Burnaby, British Columbia or Moncton, New Brunswick or anywhere in between, Corner Gas has undoubtedly become a part of our Canadian indentity and culture. When talking about Corner Gas with another person, you automatically know what episode they are talking about. Or you should for the most part. Corner Gas will live on for years even though it is no longer on the air with new episodes.

Now that Corner Gas is no longer on the air, what is CTV going to do to replace it? Corner Gas is irreplaceble, but something has to be done. After all, Corner Gas did bring in no less than a million viewers every Monday. It will be a hit in the ratings for CTV and the Comedy Network to an exstent. I just can't fathom Corner Gas not have anymore episodes. Corner Gas has become one of my new favorite shows of all-time alongside The Simpsons, Seinfeld, Melrose Place (yes I like Melrose Place, so what?), among others.

Than you Corner Gas, you had an incredible run. You will surely be missed. Corner Gas is one of a kind and as I said has etched out a place in the history of Canadian pop culture. Corner Gas maybe gone, but will not be forgotten. Thanks again!

This Is The End My Beautiful Friend The End

Corner Gas is coming up to an end. It is sad for all Corner Gas fans. There are only three episodes left. This is their sixth season. I wish they would reconsider and go on for another four seasons because I believe they could. They are compared to Seinfeld due to their wit and humor. Each episode is a separate episode also. Here is to what was a great run. Corner Gas never had less than a million viewers. I will miss Corner Gas. Corner Gas has spawned a phenomena all across Canada. Thank you Corner Gas, you will be missed.

Pee Wee's Playhouse Back On TV!

On Boxing Day at around 10:30 I was browsing through some channels on my mom and step-dad's Sasktel Max and on this channel called Razer, they had a marathon of Pee Wee's Playhouse. That's right Pee Wee's Playhouse is in syndication. So I decided to watch it. There was something that came over me. I was drawn into watching it for whatever odd reason. With WTF going through my mind I kept on watching it. Than WTF left my brain and turned into: "Why did I watch this as a kid?"

I watched Pee Wee's Playhouse as kid and liked it. But now I see the show as creepy and weird. Who is their right mind would put Pee Wee's Playhouse back on TV? But Razer is a crappy TV station anyways. Here is clip of Pee Wee's Playhouse to scar you for life!

Isaac Hayes Quits South Park

Source: News.Yahoo.com

By ERIN CARLSON, Associated Press Writer Mon Mar 13, 6:13 PM

NEW YORK - Isaac Hayes has quit "South Park," where he voices Chef, saying he can no longer stomach its take on religon.

Hayes, who has played the ladies' man/school cook in the animated Comedy Central satire since 1997, said in a statement Monday that he feels a line has been crossed.

"There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins," the 63-year-old soul singer and outspoken Scientologist said.

"Religious beliefs are sacred to people, and at all times should be respected and honored," he continued. "As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years, I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices."

"South Park" co-creator Matt Stone responded sharply in an interview with The Associated Press Monday, saying, "This is 100 percent having to do with his faith of Scientology... He has no problem — and he's cashed plenty of checks — with our show making fun of Christians."

Last Novemeber, "South Park" targeted the Church of Scientology and its celebrity followers, including actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta, in a top-rated episode called "Trapped in the Closet." In the episode, Stan, one of the show's four mischievous fourth graders, is hailed as a reluctant savior by Scientology leaders, while a cartoon Cruise locks himself in a closet and won't come out.

Stone told The AP he and co-creator Trey Parker "never heard a peep out of Isaac in any way until we did Scientology. He wants a different standard for religions other than his own, and to me, that is where intolerance and bigotry begin."

My Thoughts:

Well, I personally feel that Hayes is a hypocrite. I mean he has been apart of the show when they made fun of Christians, Jews, gays, lesbians, Mormons, etc.. But what really gets me is that Hayes didn't walk out when South Park used fellow Scientology followers Tom Cruise and John Travolta. It's real stupid that Hayes is now walking when it is comes to his religion of choice. Hayes, you are indeed most not be a true follower of Scientology or else you wouldn't have stuck around for that other Scientology episode.