Santa/Obama Nexus, or, When Redistributors Attack the Christmastution

Taking his message into Yuletide mode, Hedrick penned "The Liberal Clause," a tea-party-themed Christmas book for children featuring a socialist Barack Obama, "Elf Peloosi" and special appearances by Joseph Stalin (No Hitler cameo? Disappointing... Ed.) and an Afro-centric minister named "Reverend Blight."

Hedrick is traveling to New York today to film a Christmas-special segment for Comedy Central's "Daily Show with Jon Stewart," Hedrick consultant Robert Harmon told The Ticket. "And sales-wise, he's doing great," Harmon added. (Yay! Ed.)

Hedrick lost his insurgent GOP primary bid in August but has segued promptly into promoting "The Liberal Clause." (Hedrick has also been busy appearing in court, on assault charges filed by his wife -- who has since sought to rescind a no-contact order between the couple, claiming that he was trying to calm her down at a time when she was "out of control.") (Ho! Ho! Ho! Ed.)

"The Liberal Clause" depicts socialist elves (Redundant? Aren't they all socialists? Ed.) -- led by Obama -- trying to take over the North Pole (forcing elves to reduce their carbon footprint, among other power grabs) and control Hedrick's hometown of Camas, Washington.

But one little girl's dedication to the "Christmastution" (Is that a thing? Ed.) saves the town from a complete takeover.

Merry Christmas!

A reason to visit Hammond, Ind.

"A Christmas Story" 25th anniversary exhibit draws thousands of visitors

More than 16,400 people have toured the exhibit since it opened Thanksgiving weekend, said Erika Scheeringa, community and public relations manager of the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau. On a recent weekend, when the center hosted a "Mommy's Little Piggy" eating contest as part of the exhibit, more than 4,000 people came through. . .

The exhibits showcase his adventures. "Flick's Tongue and the Triple Dog Dare" is where Ralphie's best friend, Flick, gets his tongue stuck to an icy pole; "It's a Major Award," features the infamous leg lamp that Old Man Parker wins; "Santa's Mountain at Higbee's" shows where an elf pushes Ralphie down a slide with his foot; "The Bumpus Hounds" devour the Parkers' Christmas turkey dinner; and the "Parker Living Room" features Christmas night.