Hotter Than a Pepper Sprout

I've never been much of a history buff. I usually only read historical fiction when I am forced to for work, and have little appreciation for period movies. Most of my knowledge of history comes from episodes of "Doctor Who" that involve time travel to the past. But this may all change thanks to the television show "Drunk History." I know all the cool kids have been watching Drunk History for a while, before it even became a Comedy Central series. I'm late to the party, having just binged-watched the first season while we were on vacation in Florida. I'm late, but very enthusiastic. "Drunk History" speaks to me on many levels, but particularly as someone who likes to drink and act. If you're not familiar with "Drunk History," it features comedians who study and learn a historical story of their choice, and then retell it when they are drunk. Their storytelling is filmed, and then actors re-enact their story, mouthing their d...

I don't remember getting excited about Santa as a kid, so I think I stopped believing in him when I was relatively young. My mom used to tell the story of how she once overheard me say to my sister "I don't believe in Santa anymore, but we need to pretend to because Mommy still does." I do remember discussing the merits of Santa vs. the Easter Bunny with a friend in elementary school. In this grade school philosophical discussion, I opined that Santa seemed much more believable because he was actually human and he was a better assistant for Jesus. So maybe I did believe in Santa longer than I think, but he just didn't make a lasting impression. (Or at least a positive impression. In at least two Christmas specials from my childhood — "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Twas the Night Before Christmas" — Santa was a total jerk). Read Chad's full column I will admit that I am a little mystified by, and yes, jealous of, chil...