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11/28/2006: The History of X-E's Advent Calendar.

Well, it's almost time for the fifth annual X-Entertainment Advent Calendar.  I've at times tried to write a summary of the entire story, but it never quite pans out — if it seems confusing to me, surely it'd be too confusing for those who haven't been reading for the PAST FIVE YEARS.

Let me give it a shot: Every year, the Playmobil toy company releases an "Advent Calendar" playset.  It contains many things, but it especially contains many living, breathing action figures named Mare Winningham, who bear no strong relation to the real Mare Winningham, but look just like her.

Mares are born evil, but they don't have to stay that way.  After a wild and destructive romp in 2003, teenagers Knacks and Kuse, taken with the legend of Mare, dug up her gruesome remains and used voodoo tricks to resurrect her.  Literally born again, this chief Mare (who in reality is just one of many, many Mares — all clones, see) softened and became good friends with her teenage saviors.  In 2004, the trio enjoyed sushi and the many fruits of that year's Advent Calendar, ultimately saving Santa Claus, and by extension, Christmas itself.

Sadly, Mare sacrificed her own life for that good deed — but don't fret!  With a little Christmas magic, the thought-to-be-unrelated Mare that sprung off the 2005 Advent Calendar remembered her roots and fought for the forces of good once more.  Now a brunette, Mare and the typically downtrodden Kuse (who was born without facial features and was ultimately given a new face, albeit an ugly, gray, scarred face, from Santa Claus) forged a romantic relationship, and Christmas was saved once more.

And that's just the tip.  There are evil Mares.  There are LEGO Advent Calendars.  There's an unscrupulous fellow named "Waiterbot," who is essentially a talking brain who can commandeer the body of anyone who gets too close to his hollow head.  There are new Santa Clauses, year after year, some good, some evil.  There's even a bit player with eight heads all stacked one right on top of the other.

When we last saw our friends, things were good.  Mare and Kuse were enjoying their honeymoon period.  Knacks got to ride in Santa's sleigh.  Waiterbot and his bride, Waiterbetty, joined forces with the heroes for no readily apparent reason.  But, things change quick in Advent Calendarland, and until it's time, there's just no telling what trials, what horrors and what mayhem our friends might face.

It all starts December 1st.  Know your history by reading the previous installments…

X-E Advent Calendars Of The Past!
2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005

Posted by Matt. E-mail me!


Discussion Thread: 148 comments

Wow…sounds almost like what Mel Gibson's Apocalytpo looks like! I can't wait to see axe-wielding jungle savages just in time to get me in the Christmas mood! :)

Posted by venison @ 11/28/2006 1:17 AM EST


I'm ashamed to say that I'd never taken the time to learn of Mare Winningham's origins until last week when I read all four previous calendars in one day.  Whew.  What a ride.

Posted by Hey I'm Jeff @ 11/28/2006 1:22 AM EST


Um, yeah. I think I forgot to read last year's. I'll do that straight-away.

Posted by K- @ 11/28/2006 1:28 AM EST


and so it begins…again!!!!

Posted by King Chachi @ 11/28/2006 1:32 AM EST


My first year for the "Advent Calendar." I'm ready. I haven't read thru the archives, yet, but I love Christmas count-downs. Whatever the hell they are, if they count down to Christmas, I'm game!

As a kid, I made these construction paper chain things to count down to Christmas. You'd pull a link of the chain off every day until Christmas. We usually started Mid-November and counted from there. It didn't matter if you miscounted at the beginning because you'd check your calender to the number of links you had left, you'd always have too many at some point, you'd just rip off links until you balanced the chain to day ratio.

I LOOOOOOVE CHRISTMAS!

I started Christmas about 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving….oops!

Posted by kyjlm @ 11/28/2006 1:39 AM EST


Sorry for the double post….

AND….

We used to have an "Advent Calendar" in my house growing up. It was fabric and you moved a Santa from "day" to "day." No "presents." Just another way to count the days until Christmas.

Posted by kyjlm @ 11/28/2006 1:42 AM EST


Oh God, I can't wait to see what Mare Winningham cooks up this time.  I wonder if Mista Snowman will make an appearance?

Wow, I just realized that I've been following XE for 5 years now (if this is indeed the fifth Calendar)….

Posted by Cameron T. @ 11/28/2006 1:51 AM EST


I've been spending my nights at work catching up on the old calendars!  These are your tax dollars at work, people!  Okay, maybe not YOUR tax dollars but the people in my city anyway. :D

On a side note, who's going to be watching The Great American Christmas with me on the 28th?!

Posted by broomstickjockey @ 11/28/2006 2:05 AM EST


Wow, really five years. I've only been here since 03 but five is a mile stone. Great diligence Matt. It's nice to see people who excel at what they are good at and share it with others. Especially those of us who are 28 and still have warm thoughts of finding an Imperial Shuttle under the tree someday.

Posted by Bill @ 11/28/2006 2:14 AM EST


YES! This really is just the thing I need after a day at my sucky job! Playmobile makes it all worthwhile! You rock, Matt!

Posted by Larry @ 11/28/2006 2:18 AM EST


You're a braver man than I, opening the unfinished 2002 calender can o' worms… Une salade de lapin…

Posted by Katherine @ 11/28/2006 2:23 AM EST


(I can't believe I just spelled calendar wrong…)

Posted by Katherine @ 11/28/2006 2:24 AM EST


Ahh, the X-E advent calender.  The one thing that comes close to making Christmas bump Halloween off the #1 spot on my favorite holidays list.

Also, don't let Matt lie to you.  Waiterbot isn't a talking brain.  He's a Krang.

Posted by Jeff @ 11/28/2006 3:11 AM EST


Hello everyone,

It's nice to see that the X-E home page is in full swing for the Christmas season.  I kinda like how Matt left the Creature from the Black Lagoon in place, albeit with a Santa hat.

Posted by Hoverbored @ 11/28/2006 3:17 AM EST


OooooooOOoooOOO, Pretty front page!

Posted by Jester @ 11/28/2006 3:50 AM EST


I now have a plan. I will re-read the old calendars in preparation for the new one. Also I will listen to my audio version of Lisey's Story so that I will have Mare's real actual voice permanently stuck in my head.

Posted by X @ 11/28/2006 3:52 AM EST


Drrrble pst. With no "o". I was readin' the first advent calendar and am sad because I can't see the last three days of the calendar. And I don't remember how it ends.

Posted by X @ 11/28/2006 5:00 AM EST


Oh, it's going to be a Mare-y Christmas after all!

Someone inform me who Mare is named after; I've never heard of an actual Mare Winningham.

Posted by Mars @ 11/28/2006 5:07 AM EST


I'm pretty sure that it didn't end.

Posted by Jeff @ 11/28/2006 5:07 AM EST


http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001858/

Sorry for the double post.  Mars, I didn't see your post until after I had posted.

Posted by Jeff @ 11/28/2006 5:09 AM EST


I sincerely hope that Knacks and Kuse find the remains of the very first advent calendar so we can finally fuckin' see what the last 3 days were.

Jeez, that poor Santa. He must look like HELL after all this time stuck in a box.

Posted by Evin @ 11/28/2006 6:32 AM EST


I look forward to this every year. I can't wait.

Posted by Geoffinsanity @ 11/28/2006 8:50 AM EST


Yes! The advent calendar is on its way! When I was in Korea teaching English, Matt's advent calendar was the only thing that actually made it feel like Xmas time over there….Thanks, Matt! :)   Can't wait to get going on this year's installment.  And I cannot believe I have been reading your calendar for 4 years now.  Wow.

Posted by Muppet Baby @ 11/28/2006 9:27 AM EST


Yay! I've also read the advent for the last 4 years, and I read about the 2002 debacle. Wow.

broomstickjockey, I'll be watching "Charlie Brown Christmas" tonight! (first year in a while that I'll be seeing it on tv! Silly me, I thought it was gonna be on yesterday…)

Posted by Invader Norbert @ 11/28/2006 10:29 AM EST


Sadly, this will be only my third year with the Advent Calendar, but I've read them all and I, too, can't wait until Friday, sweet Friday…

P.S.  The Photog book is coming along very well.  I will now put out my near-threadly request for any files related to that debacle.  bboyelwood@aol.com

Posted by Rhino @ 11/28/2006 10:53 AM EST


ah this will be my 4th advent calander being read as it happens…is it bad that i get almost more excited about this than anything else during the holidays?

Posted by thejyav @ 11/28/2006 10:56 AM EST


AWwwwwwwww yeeeaaahhhhh!!

Advent Calendar is on the way. Is it sad to say I pee'd myself a little when I read the blog entry today?

Can't believe it's been so many yars. I guess I've been coming to this site for 7 years. Actualy, I discovered the site when I started the job I'm still at now, and I've been here almost 8 years. Wow, I can't believe it's been that long.

Suffice it to say, X-E is now a Christmas tradition for me.

Fucking awesome!!

Posted by Darth Galvatron @ 11/28/2006 11:28 AM EST


the new christmas layout looks awesome!

Posted by drbong @ 11/28/2006 11:29 AM EST


ha i seem to remember the christmas countdown ring thing using cut up pieces of red and green construction paper, probably at school?

damn my childhood is foggy

Posted by drbong @ 11/28/2006 11:31 AM EST


I survived my job for weeks at a time by busying myself about the task of catching up on Adventcalendar land! I got so excited about the whole thing that I ran out and bought one, and now I'm pretty much BURSTING with anticipation. I can't wait to release my very own Mare on my wee little apartment, and see what havoc she wreaks.

Posted by BrilliantPrincess @ 11/28/2006 11:53 AM EST


What an awesome birthday gift you're giving me Matt,the start of another holiday season with Mare Winningham (yes my birthday is Dec. 1st). I just realized I didn't witness 2003 (Mare year 1) and just skimmed through it now. My favorite: the bunny salad. Looking forward to see where Mare's adventures take us this year…

Posted by Melissa Y. @ 11/28/2006 1:24 PM EST


Man I can't find Christmas Crunch anywhere!! Where are you guys finding it? I'm in KC, MO. I've checked every store I can think of almost every day. Anyone? I need that DVD coupon!!

Posted by Terror Claws Cole @ 11/28/2006 1:37 PM EST


Yes!  Along with 24 hrs of a Christmas Story and radio stations playing Christmas music round the clock starting before Thanksgiving (and I found out today Sirius added 2 Christmas only channels!!), the Advent Calendar is my favorite part of the Christmas Season.  It really gets me in the mood and adds to the anticipation of Christmas coming.  You know, now that I'm 28 and know everything I'm getting I need something to keep up the suspense.

Posted by Y2JB78 @ 11/28/2006 1:40 PM EST


I found my Christmas Crunch at Wal-Mart, but they do run out quite often.

Posted by Mystie @ 11/28/2006 1:42 PM EST


I think I know what the Chia Plot was all about!
Singing Chia alarm clocks.  Have you seen the ad?

Posted by kingklash @ 11/28/2006 2:04 PM EST


Y2JB78 wrote - I found out today Sirius added 2 Christmas only channels!!

Isn't that great?  XM has four channels, including a novelties only channel that plays all kinds of parodies and bizarre versions of traditional carols and just weird stuff.  They play stuff off of the Star Wars Christmas album at least once a day.

Posted by LemurCat @ 11/28/2006 2:47 PM EST


Done and done. I'm ready for the festivities to begin. Love Triangle, Love Triangle, Love Triangle!!!

Posted by K- @ 11/28/2006 2:52 PM EST


Eeeee I'm so excited! The advent calendar has become one of my favorite Christmas traditions.

And I also remember those red-and-green paper chain things. I think adults had us make them so we'd shut the hell up asking how much longer until Christmas.

Posted by jazzy @ 11/28/2006 3:19 PM EST


I love your advent calendar entries Matt.  My advent claendars as a kid sucked like a Hoover. They were always crappy CANDY related ones from our local dollar store.  For some reason though, I would still rush downstairs to open another fake window and get another piece of crap candy every morning.  I am doing one with ACTUAL presents this year for my daughter.  I spent a total of 30 bucks on 24 gifts.  They may be small, but at least it is not crappy candy.

Posted by Old E @ 11/28/2006 4:20 PM EST


Sighting alert!

I was at the South Shore Mall an hour ago, and saw Biz Markie! Sadly, I wasn't able to get a pic of him, but I did run into him a few times.

Posted by Invader Norbert @ 11/28/2006 4:36 PM EST


YAY!!  This has been my most favorite XE feature.  Thanks, Matt, for keeping it going.  I still haven't been able to sit and do the parade thing from Thanksgiving.  I need to get on that and re-read the past calenders.  Does anyone alse feel as thought part of the work in their work day includes gettin caught up on XE?  Not that it's work, but just a need-to-do item.  I never did know that Knacks and Kuse were teenagers.  I really do think this site had several books worth of publishable material.  publishable?  good word.  My mother just sent an advent calender, the kind with the really crappy chocolate.  But, it's the thought and my son loves candy in all forms.
invader I'm with you on the peanuts tonight.

Posted by kb @ 11/28/2006 4:43 PM EST


You, you got what I need
but you say he's just a friend
And you say he's just a friend, oh baby
You, you got what I need
but you say he's just a friend…

Good times

Posted by K- @ 11/28/2006 4:45 PM EST


Gotta agree with a previous poster - checking out the X-E Advent Calendar has become a Christmas tradition, like listening to the "A Charlie Brown Christmas" soundtrack and selling trees. Five years in and it just keeps getting better.

Posted by Lackadaisical @ 11/28/2006 5:17 PM EST


biz markie!

Posted by drbong @ 11/28/2006 5:24 PM EST


Umm…thanks, kb, but a slight twist of fate came up…I was just called into work at 6, and I'm gonna miss it! Again!

Posted by Invader Norbert @ 11/28/2006 5:34 PM EST


I remember the video for "you got what I need"  being on Beavis and Butthead.  I loved it when they would rip music videos to shreds.  I was SOOOOOOO mad when I box the FIRST and SECOND boxed sets only to find out there were no music videos.  Now they have versions with the videos, but why would I buy more boxed sets just to get those.  Serious bummer people.

Posted by Old E @ 11/28/2006 5:54 PM EST


box = bought

Posted by Old E @ 11/28/2006 5:54 PM EST


I thought it was ridiculous that those boxed sets didn't have the music videos, Old E. I mean, do we really just want to see Beavis and Butthead being themselves and wonder what's with the tiny, tiny pants? Luckily I'd only Netflix'd them…

Posted by Katherine @ 11/28/2006 6:31 PM EST


Katherine,

Yes consider yourself lucky, cause without the buffer of the music video rants, the cartoons get old really quickly.  It sucks to have bought what was billed as "the definitive Beavis and Butthead Collestion" only to have no videos, and then a couple years later here comes another set with the videos all nicely labeled and organized onto one little DVD. 

On a side note, I HAVE TO buy the Superman box set they are advertising with ALL of the Superman movies together with the new one.  It would be very cool not only to see the movie for the first time, but to also see it as it was intended to fit into the storyline by watching it in succession.  I hope Superman Returns was good.  I can't take much more superhero dissapointment after X3.

Posted by Old E @ 11/28/2006 6:42 PM EST


It may seem weird, but it feels like the Christmas season just isn't off to a proper start until X-E kicks in the yearly festivities and whatnot.

Keep on truckin', Matt.

Charlie Brown Christmas being on tonight certainly helps, too.

Posted by ChibISoma @ 11/28/2006 7:59 PM EST


Old E.
I got the Ultimate Superman set early last week.
The Superman 2 Donner cut, and all the documentaries make it well worth the money.

Posted by AoDfan @ 11/28/2006 9:01 PM EST


How appropriate is this? I'm listening to "The Ultimate Christmas Album Volume Five" and "Christmastime Is Here" from "Charlie Brown Christmas" just came on, plus I watched my DVD copy of "Charlie Brown Christmas" while eating dinner (hot turkey and cheese) tonight. The Christmas decorations will be going up later this week, after I get everything in the apartment scrubbed within an inch of its life. Despite the warm temperatures in Southern New Jersey (hit 63 today), I'm feeling very seasonal. Bring on the Mares!

Posted by starwenn @ 11/28/2006 9:16 PM EST


While watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" tonight, I felt like something was missing. Then I found it on YouTube and everything became right with the world. Click on my name for some '80s goodness.

Posted by Lackadaisical @ 11/28/2006 10:12 PM EST


Squee! Advent calendar!

Posted by Mara @ 11/28/2006 11:10 PM EST


Evin, way up there at the top of the page…
That would be an AWESOME idea for the new Advent Calendar. X-E's Advent Calendar 2006: The Search For X-E's Advent Calendar 2002!

Posted by DocDragon @ 11/29/2006 12:01 AM EST


I'm just checking in to see what's up. I'm in the middle of watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas". It's the scene where Schoeder is trying to pick the music he should perform in the Christmas play, when Lucy tells him Beethoven wasn't so great.

Posted by Thomas @ 11/29/2006 12:25 AM EST


I'm very disappointed in myself as I am JUST NOW finding out there were Halloween themed Amazin' Fruit. Now they should make Christmas ones so I don't cry.  ;.;

Posted by Mystie @ 11/29/2006 12:31 AM EST


Great American  christmas looks great…cant wait to see it

my mom is getting my shih tzu puppy a  christmas dress….i promise pics when it happens

I have to take her to this pet store on saturday or sunday to get her pic with santa…

Posted by mandy_Reeves @ 11/29/2006 12:32 AM EST


Of all the things I read on here that are hard to explain to my wife, I think this is the hardest ever.

Posted by Dane E. Coffey @ 11/29/2006 12:50 AM EST


Oh so THAT's Mare Winningham!  The picture in the first Advent calendar is so washed out I couldn't tell who it was (and I guess I was too lazy to look her up).  Yeah, that lady has always creeped me out (but not as much as Kevin Bacon).  She's the one who's always getting the shit beat out of her on a crappy Lifetime movie.

My favorite Advent Calendar moment (even though I'm new) is the 2004 finale.  Oh, jeezus.  I laughed so hard I cried.

Mandy_Reeves, I wanna see pictures of your dog in a Christmas dress!!  I'm a sucker for that kind of cuteness.

And who's bright idea was it to play "A Charlie Brown Christmas" in NOVEMBER??  Does anyone remember when they used to play Christmas specials near… let's see… Christmas?!

Posted by broomstickjockey @ 11/29/2006 1:03 AM EST


It is near Christmas. What with global warming and all, Christmas will gradually extend to cover 70% of the calendar year.

"Happy birthday, Jesus! Hope you like crap."

Posted by Welsh Rabbit @ 11/29/2006 1:06 AM EST


Hah.. I've been going to X-E for a good 7 years now and yet, this is the first time I've posted!

Amazing.. began reading XE in 6th grade.  That's insane.

Posted by Aza @ 11/29/2006 1:46 AM EST


Well, welcome to the blog Aza!
I've been reading the Advent from the start, and it gets better every year…Today I organized the office Secret Santa pool, watched Charlie Brown Christmas, and reviewed Advents past. The season has officially begun!

Posted by squee4242 @ 11/29/2006 3:31 AM EST


I'm also one of the "old-timers," I guess. My first X-E article was the review of the Captain N meets Link episode, from summer 2001. I can remember the long drought year when Matt only updated the site once a month if you were lucky. Yes, it was like that once.

Look what I found in the comments for the "CBS Special Presentation" video:
Here's a bit of trivia: This "Special" theme song was written by Mort Stevens, who also composed the "Hawaii 5-O" theme; and was actually ripped from music played in a Hawaii 5-O episode

WHICH EPISODE???

Posted by Mars @ 11/29/2006 4:03 AM EST


Yay advent calendar!  i forgot to mention that last night.  Mare Winningham was in this one movie called God Bless The Child…about this lad who had to give up her daughter for adoption to have a better life because her character was homeless

Posted by mandy_Reeves @ 11/29/2006 8:27 AM EST


Oh hell yes, I'm so ready. I too have been following the advent calendar since it's incarnation. Wowwww, I've been reading X-E a lonnnnnnng time. :)

Posted by Denise @ 11/29/2006 9:11 AM EST


Put up the lights in our apartment today, but still no tree- honestly, I want to wait until Dec. 1st- Xmas tree and advent calendar day!

I was at the bookstore yesterday, looking at audio books (I have a lot of driving to do everyday, and so I have started listening to books on tape).  Stephen King's new book, 'Lisey's Story' inrigued me- I flipped it over to read the back and THE BOOK IS READ BY MARE WINNINGHAM!  I laughed out loud in the store.

Posted by Muppet Baby @ 11/29/2006 10:15 AM EST


Theory on why they played Charlie Brown Christmas in November: Because Thanksgiving came early enough in the month, they could slip CB Christmas in afterwards and still make November sweeps.

Posted by Lori @ 11/29/2006 12:45 PM EST


2 more days ’till another epic drama sweeps the X-E Universe.

I think Matt should do a Crisis on Infinite Advent Calendars in 2010. Imagine multiple Knacks and Kuses, and Waiterbots. That would further explain all the Mares and Santa's. Clones, but not from OUR reality.

I'm getting my tree on Saturday. Can't wait. Been listening to the Christmas Jukebox since 2 weeks ago.

That's a lie. I've been listening to it on and off since June…

I really like Christmas…

Posted by Darth Galvatron @ 11/29/2006 12:48 PM EST


I'm reading the old calendars today because, really, I don't have anything better to do. And I'm.. I'm…

Wait! You're telling me that the original Mare Winningham was actually a boy figurine!?

I've been living a lie for five years. FIVE YEARS!

Posted by Katherine @ 11/29/2006 2:14 PM EST


katherine:
As Have I, And Its Tearing Me Up Inside :P

Posted by JoshC @ 11/29/2006 2:23 PM EST


I wonder if this year we'll have the forgotten Lego Santa return in a vengeful manner…

Posted by Ragnarok @ 11/29/2006 3:02 PM EST


She put out an album!! Check it!

http://www.marewinningham.com/home.html

Of course the site was last updated in 98.

Posted by K- @ 11/29/2006 3:56 PM EST


Christmas lies are the sweetest lies.

Posted by kingklash @ 11/29/2006 4:15 PM EST


http://www.rickmoranis.com/  I hope it is better than this one.

Posted by Old E @ 11/29/2006 4:23 PM EST


News update on Christmas Crunch: Talked to a local grocery manager. Turns out, Quaker Oats wanted stores to order it in JUNE, so they wouldn't make too much. Now I'm stuck begging at Wal-Mart, hoping against hope that they have some. GAHHH! I need that $5 coupon for Xmas DVDs! Well, and the cereal. It's not Christmas without it.

Posted by Terror Claws Cole @ 11/29/2006 4:25 PM EST


YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot wait. I am breathlessly awaiting. I did buy the Lego Calendar for my kids. I will have to decide when to time my reading of XE, before or AFTER the RL Opening.
We also got the Willy Wonka Gingerbread house. Construction in progress.

Posted by RedKat @ 11/29/2006 5:59 PM EST


RedKat  I had the LEGO caledndar last year.  I tried to read X-E after opening my calendar.  I liked the surprise every day and knowing didn't ruin the X-E experience because, really, it's not so much what you get as much as what Knacks and Kuse do with them.

Posted by Rhino @ 11/29/2006 7:25 PM EST


yay, my favorite time of the year. I hope to really get into it this year.. last year I was such a bah humbug and never got the "spirit" I usually do.

Posted by AtomicPup @ 11/29/2006 7:41 PM EST


RHINO- Good Point.You are right. There is no way we could put them through what Matt does.
We'll talk about the Bumble later:)

Posted by RedKSt @ 11/29/2006 8:26 PM EST


BRING BACK MEGAMARE!

Posted by Anonymous @ 11/29/2006 10:10 PM EST


BRING BACK MEGAMARE!  SHE WAS THE BEST CHARACTER!

Posted by BRANDON @ 11/29/2006 10:10 PM EST


"Christmas lies are the sweetest lies."

Ooh, Kingklash, I love that. It should be in a Christmas card… but what would be on the front?

Posted by Welsh Rabbit @ 11/29/2006 10:39 PM EST


YES!!! It has returned!! The advent calender graphic is up…so pumped. I've got my Santa house playset and Waiterbot and Waiterbetty figures ready to re-enact wacky adventures at home. Whee!

Posted by Terror Claws Cole @ 11/29/2006 11:55 PM EST


Just got back from a drinkin' fun-night. I love small lego's from the avent calander that can cram a vacuum. EAT IT, HOW'S LUNCH?

Rick Moranis made an F'n country album  . There is no God. Or maybe there is  Old E and he has a better sense of humor than me.

Posted by Bill @ 11/30/2006 12:02 AM EST


Whoo! I am absolutely stoked for this. Thank-you Matt for giving me something to look forward to. You know, other than Christmas.

For some reason I can't remember if I read them all, but I'm sure I did. And 2002 was never finished,:(, but looking back it didn't really matter.

I saw the Playmobil Advent Calendar a couple weeks ago and chuckled.

And I've always been wondering, who the hell is Mare Winningham? I'll go look at K-'s site.

Posted by Tutsuro @ 11/30/2006 1:09 AM EST


It would be nice if we got to see the return of Bird and Petey Pooch from the 2003 calendar. We probably won't, but it would still be nice.

Posted by Mikel @ 11/30/2006 1:14 AM EST


For what it's worth, I THINK Rick's album is humorous. The two songs you can listen to are anyway, with one being a reversal of I've Been Everywhere, made famous by Johnny Cash.

At least, I keep telling myself that it's a humorous album, to keep the insanity at bay :D

Posted by K- @ 11/30/2006 1:21 AM EST


Hey folks!

Formal post forthcoming, but our friend Brian has once again rocked the house with an all-new Advent Calendar design on the blog's main page.  Tomorrow night: The first article.  Also note that we're going to update the jukebox for 2006 this weekend, and basically, it all comes together then.  (Get ready to) Enjoy!

Posted by Matt @ 11/30/2006 1:33 AM EST


::licks her finger and presses it on Matt::

Sizzle.

Posted by Mystie @ 11/30/2006 1:37 AM EST


Ooh! Ooh! Pretty design! Pretty pretty!

Posted by Katherine @ 11/30/2006 1:40 AM EST


Listen to Mare here, cause we all know you want to :P

Posted by K- @ 11/30/2006 1:41 AM EST


Hey!!!!,CHRISTMAS ALMOST COMING

Posted by FLIPPYFAN @ 11/30/2006 1:48 AM EST


I told my family today there was no way I could make it to Christmas at my parents' house…but then I saw the setup for the Advent calendar, and I feel much better!  Thanks, Matt!  Woo hoo! :)

Posted by Moony @ 11/30/2006 1:54 AM EST


Finally starting to feel seasonal as we have a cold front passing through Waco tonight.  5 hours ago it was 78 degrees…now it's 45.  Serioulsy, the high Wednesday was 80.  The high tomorrow is 44.  It's freakin' awesome!

Posted by Cameron T. @ 11/30/2006 2:05 AM EST


Yay! The advent calendar!  I'm getting ready to put out my own Playmobil advent calendar.  We got snow on Wednesday morning, not much though.  It was all melted by mid-morning. :-( Hopefully, Rio Rancho gets a white Christmas this year.  It's been a while.

Posted by Donata05 @ 11/30/2006 2:14 AM EST


OMG I literally SQUEALED when I saw the new calendar layout! I can't wait for the calendar now!

Tonight we decorated our tree… for the second time. We finally decided the kitten just wasn't ever going to stop climbing the tree, so we took down all our expensive glass ornaments and put up new plastic ones. It actually looks better now than it did before.

Posted by jazzy @ 11/30/2006 2:46 AM EST


I love the new updated christmas stuff on X-E and I cant wait till the countdown starts i love this time of year on X-E i cant believe its been 4 years ive been reading this site (since dec of 2002)my how time flys

Posted by JaM @ 11/30/2006 3:19 AM EST


I am so happy the new advent calendar is almost here. Last year was my first Christmas reading the advent calendar, and I was sooooooooo jealous of your Lego calendar, Matt, since I'd never seen one before.

The day before yesterday, I got home from a bleh day of work and school, and there was a mystery package on my porch. Inside, was the Lego advent calendar from my mother!! I am so psyched to have my own Lego presents to play with while I read along.

Thank you for this new and completely fantastic holiday tradition.

Posted by KateTheGreat @ 11/30/2006 8:59 AM EST


awesome.  Thank you Brian, very nice.  That was good to see this morning.

Posted by kb @ 11/30/2006 9:12 AM EST


the advent calendar layout looks awesome. I can't wait.

Posted by Geoffinsanity @ 11/30/2006 9:38 AM EST


I'm pretty new to the site, so maybe this has been answered, but… why are their names Knacks and Kuse?

Posted by Liz @ 11/30/2006 9:40 AM EST


Liz, that's one of the fabled "X-E Mysteries." Like, Why was Mare originally a boy? Why would someone contantly eat decades old Spaghetti-Os shaped like pokemon? How and When will Chia Plot end? Why is his name kingklash? Why am I posting here now and not going to class??

Posted by Invader Norbert @ 11/30/2006 10:31 AM EST


It's almost here, it's almost here. This is like the Super Bowl of X-E times a million.

Posted by Fox @ 11/30/2006 10:53 AM EST


But I can answer all of those questions, Invader Norbert!

Matt looked at the first advent calendar completely differently from the others. He was younger. More cynical. Less refined. The world of Mares wasn't clear yet.

Everything tastes better if it's shaped like a Pokemon.

The Chia Plot will not end.

(I lied, I don't know about kingklash. I do know that if you try to look him up in wikipedia in firefox it takes you to the "coke blak attack" blog post…!)

And finally, that is what the internet is for… Keeping people out of class. As proof, I'm about to send an e-mail to one of my professors to ask if renting the movie we were watching in class will be enough to keep up with the classwork I've missed in the past two days.

Posted by Katherine @ 11/30/2006 11:00 AM EST


Well, I'm along for the ride once again this year. I love the new layout, great work (Brian? Matt?). Anyhow, the gang has been through so much over the years, I can't wait to see what happens next. I think my favorite part that made me laugh out loud was when Waiterbot attached himself to Mare's head. Awesome.

And yeah… definitely a Krang.

Posted by Matt(#2?) @ 11/30/2006 11:25 AM EST


Correction: Jim's head. "I NEED A BODY!" will live in infamy.

Posted by Matt(#2?) @ 11/30/2006 11:29 AM EST


Alright, time to own up. I'm not the biggest fan of the Advent Calender. But I have made the effort to catch up, as I said. And I'm just curious about where the "Mare was originally a boy" came from.

Was it in the blog? Cause I read 2002-2004 as they happened and I don't remember it. And 2002 lists Mare's original appearance as "A Little Girly."

So where did that revelation take place. I mean I now know that the Kuse/Mare stuff actually started in 2004 with a PCU-ish comment about what guys'll do for ya if you're nice to them, but I can't for the life of me find the stuff about Mare originally being a boy.

It doesn't relate to her faux-stint as JC (not John Cusack! :P ) does it? Cause I thought that stuff didn't take (cf. Dec 1, 2005).

Posted by K- @ 11/30/2006 12:04 PM EST


Third year with the calendar for me.  I've actually been wondering if we were going to get one this year.  My favorite main character is Knacks, but I had a soft spot for Waiterbetty.

Posted by James @ 11/30/2006 12:07 PM EST


K-, the original Mare was listed as "A Little Girly!" but the haircut reveals that she was actually a boy. The girls have a flip wig kinda look.

Posted by Katherine @ 11/30/2006 12:09 PM EST


AH! Thanks, Kat!!!

I always liked girls with short hair anyway. Although, flippy is still quite nice. Selphie, baby Selphie!!!!!

Posted by K- @ 11/30/2006 12:12 PM EST


Holy Sweet Jesus and Baby Jesus.

I can't wait. And we're getting an the new Jukebox this weekend. I think there's more excitement for this years Chrstmas on X-E than in years past.

I'm so totally pumped. I think I'm more pumped than if I saw a ninja flip out and cut people's heads off….seriously….

Posted by Darth Galvatron @ 11/30/2006 12:39 PM EST


Thanks, Invader Norbert.  I really enjoyed reading the Advent Calendar archive, but I have to admit that I spent an inordinate amount of time silently wondering what their names meant.

Actually, I often do the same wondering with some of the posters' names as well :)

Also, has anyone else heard the news?  It seems that the Nintendo Wii can be hazardous to your hi-def TV!  http://www.wiihaveaproblem.com/

Posted by Liz @ 11/30/2006 12:48 PM EST


Because "Huey Lewis" was already taken.

Actually, it was the first thing to pop into my head when setting up my Excite page.  It just sorta rolls of the table, don't it?

We gots snow here in western Oklahoma, and it's all fluffy and puffy.  It kinda looks like the snowfall from Donkey Kong Country's Gorrilla Glacier levels.

Posted by kingklash @ 11/30/2006 1:28 PM EST


Liz: I think ANY object is gonna be hazardous to a TV if it gets hurled at it. People just need to be more careful with the controllers.

I seem to remember last year someone (no idea who) posed the theory that Knacks and Kuse is a play on "no excuse". Perhaps not a revolutionary theory, but the only one I've seen so far.

Posted by jazzy @ 11/30/2006 1:35 PM EST


RE: Wii problems:  Appropriate Penny Arcade comic:

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/11/29

Posted by Cameron T. @ 11/30/2006 2:16 PM EST


kingklash: You're in western Oklahoma? I'm stuck in friggin' Owasso and we're getting more sleet than snow. It kept me up mosta last night, in fact. And it's not letting up. That noise is driving me batty. >_>;

Posted by ChibiSoma @ 11/30/2006 3:03 PM EST


OK Advent here we come.  I am pumped up for this.  Maybe we can have a X-mas art contest since the Halloween one was overlooked?  I never got a chance to participate in the older one, and think it is a great idea.  Also, Matt, I am getting you something for X-Mas cause this site rocks and I feel dirty getting to read all this stuff for free.  If you have an amazon wishlist or something please let me know, I belieave you have me email address from a prior discussion, but if not please use the one listed under my name.

Posted by Old E @ 11/30/2006 3:21 PM EST


Wow, I suck without spellcheck.

Posted by Old E @ 11/30/2006 3:22 PM EST


I suppose that I was just amused at the thought of people accidentally breaking their TVs with the Wii.  My good ol' 8 bit Nintendo took many (intentional) controller hits, thanks to that jerk-faced machine gun guy at the end of Double Dragon.

Surprisingly, it still works for the occasional round of Zelda or Duck Tales.

Posted by Liz @ 11/30/2006 3:29 PM EST


I liked Mare better as a blonde.  It matched her starry shirt better.

Posted by Tooky @ 11/30/2006 3:31 PM EST


It's all drifts of potato flakes and dandruff right now in Anadarko.  We'll probably close the store early and I'll go home to burrow under a pile of blankets and snooze with the TV on.  Maybe put the ol' Yule Log dvd on.  Snap, crackle, and snore.  Hooray electric blankets!

Posted by kingklash @ 11/30/2006 3:39 PM EST


ONE MORE SLEEP…ONE MORE SLEEP…ONE MORE SLEEP!

Posted by Greg @ 11/30/2006 4:39 PM EST


K, Kingklash, and Old E- Here is a "better that Rick Moranis" album. Hanna Banana is my favorite but that's just me. I think Matt should put her on his Jukebox. Click my name for beautiful music!

Posted by Bill @ 11/30/2006 4:49 PM EST


Jazzy-

The "no excuse" theorist was me. :) I've been a big fan of those two - I even bought my own Playmobil Advent Calendar, two Utrom aliens and the Christmas House so I can make Knacks and Kuse's wild adventures. But lego SW figs are EXPENSIVE on ebay. :( Anyone got a spare Knacks and Kuse? Pay ya for em.

Posted by Terror Claws Cole @ 11/30/2006 5:46 PM EST


Ready ready ready ready ready. Ready for Advent!  I can't take it!

Posted by Jessica Marie @ 11/30/2006 6:11 PM EST


The new design is killer. I took a screen shot of it. I mean, Charlie Brown, X-E, Chevy Chase. It's art.

Wait, kingklash..is this the same kingklash as "Kingklash-kickin' the tires, lightin'the fires"? I can't remember what that was, but I love saying it.

Posted by Tutsuro @ 11/30/2006 6:21 PM EST


Following a google search, I realizes its the other way around, "kickin' the fires and lightin' the tires". Makes less sense, but its still…bitchin….to say.

Posted by Tutsuro @ 11/30/2006 6:30 PM EST


So… if Matt is half as anxious as Greg/Jessica Marie/me the first Advent will be posted late tonight, right? Right?!

Posted by Katherine @ 11/30/2006 6:44 PM EST


Yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes.
Yesyes.

Posted by Jessica Marie @ 11/30/2006 6:47 PM EST


good job on the background. it looks great

Posted by pdac @ 11/30/2006 7:38 PM EST


This whole Wii thing is just a devious plot by Nintendo to sell people their new Wiisurance!

Posted by Mystie @ 11/30/2006 7:50 PM EST


http://norma.fam-lee.net/index.php?name=UpDownload&req=g...

Here we go. I think the last link was buggy. Anywho…here is a musical genius. I am in no way making fun of her, I am having fun with her:D. Please enjoy and merry Christmas. Can't wait for Knacks and Kuse!

Posted by Bill @ 11/30/2006 7:52 PM EST


Matt,

I hope you caught the Christmas themed Peanut specials on Tuesday. Also, what happened to the christmas lights background? I liked the look…

Posted by Cotter @ 11/30/2006 8:02 PM EST


Terror Claws Cole:

Ebay???

try www.bricklink.com

Posted by Cameron T. @ 11/30/2006 8:21 PM EST


Cotter: I thought the green background was pushing it a bit into "too much" territory, but that's up for debate!

Posted by Matt @ 11/30/2006 8:44 PM EST


TOO MUCH CHRISTMAS!?!

Matt, Matt, Matt…  There ain't no such thing, man.

Posted by Rhino @ 11/30/2006 9:17 PM EST


Ok I so knew that was coming. :)

Posted by Matt @ 11/30/2006 9:21 PM EST


Is Lars going to arrest me for downloading this, Bill? :P

Whoa, whoa, whoa, 19 minutes? Guh-huh? Who is she the Allman Brothers? No, it's 5 minutes of song and 14 minutes of dead air. Who uploaded this mp3? More of her quirky charm? :P

Posted by K- @ 11/30/2006 9:27 PM EST


Terror Claws - I guess the Cap'n didn't make enough of his cereal this year, because my Wal-Mart has been out of Christmas Crunch for a week or two. But Hostess has a $3 off rebate for the Rudolph DVD if that helps at all.

Posted by Mystie @ 11/30/2006 9:33 PM EST


Wow- the site looks great! I am SO PUMPED for the calendar this year! "Tomorrow is Christmas- it's practically here!" Well, ok tomorrow is Dec. 1st.  Still, an exciting day!

I haven't found any Christmas Crunch cereal either- only holiday Froot Loops and Holiday Rice Krispies. Blech.

Posted by Muppet Baby @ 11/30/2006 10:17 PM EST


I’m so jazzed; I have advent calendars this year so I can play along, hooray!

Posted by Darth Poop @ 11/30/2006 10:19 PM EST


Just saw a whole display of Christmas Crunch at my local Kmart.  It looked liked they shipped their whole supply to the one location that almost no one would purchase it from.

Posted by Carri @ 11/30/2006 11:11 PM EST


Oh man can't wait.

Posted by Sami @ 11/30/2006 11:31 PM EST


Mystie-
Thanks!

I'll use that as a backup in case I can't find the crunch. Thanks for the bricklink also, Cam. Well, I'll check the K-Mart when I can…we've had a 10 inch snow storm all day! PLUS: it makes it SOOO much more Christmassy. NEGATIVE: Can't get out to class or to buy Christmas Crunch. I need a minimum of two boxes to make it to the 25th.

Thanks for the help gang!

Posted by Terror Claws Cole @ 12/01/2006 12:13 AM EST


I had planned to go out and buy my own advent calendar (just because the pieces are so damned cute!) but I'm snowed in!  YAY!  SNOW! 

kingklash and ChibiSoma: How deep is your snow?!  It's only up to my ankles.  I heard it's knee-deep in Lawton?

My favorite thing about the new calendar layout… LEG LAMP!

Posted by Special K (aka broomstickjockey) @ 12/01/2006 12:48 AM EST


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