The Holiday Spectacle

I heard an NPR news report today that the Guinness World Record for the largest number of Christmas lights is now held by an Australian family, with 500,000 lights.  Apparently, they beat out an American family who topped out at 350,000. 

I’m glad the Americans lost the title, though, I’m sure, they will come back to try to top the Australians.  I dread the thought of how many lights it will take to set the record next year.

Has anybody thought about the huge waste of energy this is? Isn't it bad enough that we pollute the air to make electicity for necessary consumption? I’d like to pluck these half-wits out of their mindless cocoons and shake them silly. 

Sure, I know that this energy abuse is just a miniscule fraction of the overall consumption and waste, but, the symbolism of this spectacle is so disturbing. It drives me crazy that these people are rewarded for their excesses and that a multinational corporation promotes this useless macho competition.

And while I’m raving, I am wondering what any of this has to do with Christmas.  Or is that a stupid question?   

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I wrote this for the Week 105 Trifecta Writing Challenge where we are to write a 33-333 composition using the word “pluck” in this context:  “to move, remove, or separate forcibly or abruptly.”

Your comments are appreciated.    

My Companion

“Ok, what did you accomplish by saying that?...Did you really need to offer your opinion?...Jeez, that was a dumb-ass thing to do….So, what’s the big deal?...Just let it go!…Yeah, you showed his ass...but, maybe a little over the top, don’t you think?...Chill out man…you’re gonna’ get there eventually...Does everything have to be so serious?...Really, do you need to talk politics?...Just talk about the weather, for God’s sake…oh yeah, that’s a tough subject these days too... ”

If you hadn’t already guessed, I am introducing you to my inner companion. He goes wherever I go and talks to me all the time. He is a harsh critic and very judgmental. He’s especially annoying when he contradicts himself and rambles.

I think that most people have an inner companion, so I guess I can’t really complain. It’s just that this guy never shuts up.
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I wrote this for the Week 104 Trifecta Writing Challenge where we are to write a 33-333 word composition using the word, “companion” in the context of one that is closely connected with something similar or one who is employed to live with and serve another.

Your comments are appreciated.