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Just for fun. Illustration Friday! :)

From the Currier & Ives vault, and slightly re-colored by your faithful correspondent, a card to wish you and yours a Happy New Year.

For a time we had a "Currier & Ives winter" look hereabouts. No horse-drawn sleighs, of course. But the landscape had an old-fashioned look to it; actual white stuff, everywhere, not yet turned dingy brown by snow-blowers and plows. {Eight Currier & Ives prints}

Here are images of a couple Ramahannakwanzmas presents the pResident gave himself this year…

Here's one of the reasons I hate Hollywood so much, a fan who payed to see Cameron's movie gets repeatedly cussed at for asking for an autograph.

During the 19th century, improvements in various printing technologies, including lithography, chromolithography, and the rotary press, ushered in an era of popular art. Currier & Ives (and others) produced inexpensive prints; L. Prang & Co. (and more) sold Christmas cards; periodicals such as Harper's New Monthly Magazine included drawings by Thomas Nast and others. Because they were mass-produced by the standards of the time, many of these works have survived to the present day, giving us a kind of window on the past -- images of Christmastime in the 1800s.

“Jersey girl” Jacquelyn Jablonski is the young, beautiful muse showcasing the Ralph Lauren collection in Muse #20, photographed by Jason Nocito. And voilà, we are presented with the standard Lauren feel, look and classic lines, all hearkening us back to the stylish memes of early 20th century elegance in fashion.

Recently, Michael Buble’ was seen chilling out on the Fox News Channel for an interview with none other than- your favorite and mine- Glenn Beck. That’s right. They talked about virtually everything- except politics. Now, I have no idea what Buble’s political ideology is and I don’t care. I’ve always assumed his politics were probably similar to that of the Hollywood lefties, but hey- you never know. See, the fact that I don’t know that is a GOOD thing..because if he were to suddenly announce his loyalty to King Obama, I would find it awfully hard to support or listen...

Any FReepers here that are good with photoshopping digital images? I have an idea for something, but I don't want to say it out "in the open". Please send me FReep mail. Thanks!

(Warning: Contains spoilers for those who still believe in Santa Claus) Bob Dylan’s album Christmas In The Heart struck me both strongly and delightfully upon the very first listen, and it continues to strike me that way after many further spins. However, rather than try to make a grand case here as to why others ought to like the album (I know that some people love it and some people feel quite otherwise) I’m just going to explore why it seems to work better for me personally than most Christmas albums. I do suspect that how I have inwardly responded...

Merry Christmas, Pics, yes, it was still snowing. Should have used 800 speed, instead of 400 speed.  Below, the Rappahanock: George Washington's Mom's House: Below, the former Princes Anne Hotel,...Churchill stayed here: Below, they have come to spy!  Merry Christmas!   

Obama the hypocritical eco-loon ... Obama the Neo-"Com" ... Obama beech-slapped by Sarkozy during a U.S. diplomacy lesson ... and other awesome PhotoChop work by Jamie.

Landscapes can be a tough subject for any photographer. Black and white landscape photos can be particularly tricky to make interesting. This collection, however, manages to bridge that gap and create some astonishing images. If you would like to try your hand, then check out our list of tutorials at the end of the collection.

The Editors of The Fashion Time Magazine search for a glamorous Hollywood starlet was met with a startling success … Blake Lively was an example of a head-to-toe perfection at the New York premiere of “Sherlock Holmes”.

Some beautiful illustrations by the graphic designer based in the Drome. Stephane Massa Bidal aka retro, devised a work based on the “remix” of archival footage with current topics. Many examples in the sequel.

It comes with widespread depression, causes habitual lying, and radiates weakness when spent in other countries.

The Editors of the Fashion Time Magazine on a mission to locate the most glamorous, stylish, fab looking celebrities, chose Fergie and Naomi, as our couture heroines of the day… You can never go wrong wearing goddess like Marchesa gowns.

The married couple Allen and Patty Eckman are known for their fine and detailed sculptures made of acid free cast paper. Their art shows mostly sculptures of Indians, but it also includes nature, women, children and animals. The couple have created the sculptures since 1988 and are the only masters of their medium having Eckman Method of Cast Paper Sculpture as their own trademark.

Snarky PhotoChop scenes: George Soros threatens Obama; Illinoismo is announced; Obama curses Glenn Beck

The Editors of The Fashion Time Magazine on a constant search for celebrities boldly expressing an award-winning elan and couture gravitated towards… Nicole Richie, who attended House of Harlow 1960 Holiday Collection Launch in LA.

Given today's Rasmussen presidential tracking poll, it looks like this bumble doesn't bounce but rather smothers himself in his own snow job.

Take a gander at a seriously disturbing chart of just who owns the national debt, and how much ... for this year alone.

After seeing the nausea inspiring dress Michelle Obama wore to the Nobel reception for her Zero, I am forced to admit something disturbing. As the great Christopher Walkin would say, I got a fever and the only prescription is more boob belt!

Don’t get us wrong, we love Judith Leiber’s funny clutches, but the Hello Kitty clutches made by the designer are selling for $4,000, and that sounds pretty insane. There’s lots more of Hello Kitty-themed accessories in this collaboration, and we don’t like them either.

THR Film Review-Bottom Line: A titanic entertainment — movie magic is back! A dozen years later, James Cameron has proven his point: He is king of the world. As commander-in-chief of an army of visual-effects technicians, creature designers, motion-capture mavens, stunt performers, dancers, actors and music and sound magicians, he brings science-fiction movies into the 21st century with the jaw-dropping wonder that is “Avatar.” And he did it almost from scratch. There is no underlining novel or myth to generate his story. He certainly draws deeply on Westerns, going back to “The Vanishing American” and, in particular, “Dances With Wolves.”...

The Editors of The Fashion Time Magazine searching out for the most stylishly attired star of the day found… When Sarah Jessica Parker steps over the red carpet, you can be sure, she’ll inject a dose of Carrie Bradshaw’s sexiness.

Seeking out the most Glamorous Celeb of the day, the editors of the Fashion Time Magazine were enthralled by… Fantastic Four star Kerry Washington, a lady who has an impeccable taste for fashion and for outstanding dresses that outshine the competition.

Picture in a picture photos that will inspire those creative juices for your weekend shoot. You may just have to break down and get a Polaroid. Window to the Soul by Stephen Poff

Democrats are all for "freedom," as long as it comes from them. Read the fine print in the image at the link.

Definition: The irony that the most transparent administration in history does all of its governing behind closed, partisan doors. An image of what it looks like is at the below link.

Green Condoms - Google English Translation (Le Monde) The stamp “green” is booming. And condoms are no exception. In recent years, the brand “green” have multiplied. In France, in natural food stores or some pharmacies are the Namnam strawberry or Birds’n Bees green Dr. Theiss. This Swedish brand says use only natural latex and its treatment products (for strength, finesse …) or washing. In England, the spearhead of the animal because there are no condoms certified treatment product of animal origin, such as Condomi or Glyde. APHRODISIAC PRICED FLOOR Across the Channel again, latex condoms have made a place on...

An excellent PhotoChop review of yet another bad week for Zero.

<p>It seems that Hilary Swank is going to be on top of our ‘Best Dressed Of The Year’ list. The Oscar winning actress makes each of her red carpet appearances, dramatic and unforgettable, as if it is part of her DNA.</p>

What do cats do when their owners are away? There was one way to find out — "cat cams." Fifty house cats were given collar cameras that took a photo every 15 minutes. The results put a digital dent in some human theories about catnapping. Based on the photos, about 22 percent of the cats' time was spent looking out of windows, 12 percent was used to interact with other family pets and 8 percent was spent climbing on chairs or kitty condos. Just 6 percent of their hours were spent sleeping.

Who was the most glamorous celeb of the day, the best dressed star? The Editors of the Fashion Time Magazine reveal that it was… Kate Hudson, who attended the world premiere of Nine held at the Odeon Leicester Square in London last night and outshined her co-stars Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz.

Another fantastic vid about Obama by Grumpy Old Twat (non-sweary like, too!). And he's not even American ...

What Christmas albums do you like?

This one-hour program will celebrate Ms. Boyle's extraordinary journey, from her devout upbringing in a rural Scottish village where she learned to sing in churches and choral societies, to instant international fame after her inspiring performance on "Britain's Got Talent," Simon Cowell's British reality TV competition series.

This is one of the most moving videos I've seen regarding our goverment and its' creation

NOTICE: This article is G-rated; it has nothing to do with female anatomy; it concerns ceramic jugs. The utilitarian form called the "jug" -- basically, a fat bottle with a handle -- was dressed up in colorful glazes early in the North Carolina art pottery era, transforming an everyday object into a work of art.

War photos of U.S. soldiers in Iraq are circulating on the web unlike those you may have seen before. The undated pictures give "Proof of abuse by our troops." Unlike the pictures from Abu-Ghraib with grabbed the attention of the media, these are largely unpublicized due to their sensitive nature. The photos which show our soldiers actively engaged with Iraqi citizens are especially intriguing because they appear to clarify the nature of the relationships between our men and women in uniform and the Middle Eastern people who actually live in the areas occupied by our troops. These are photos you...

Are Zero and Mobama PhotoChopped in this image, just plain dumb, or reciting some new leftist creed like: “I pledge undying love to the United Nations of Globalism and to kill all Republicans wherever they stand, one dominion, over everyone, taking liberty and justice from all"? Click the link and let me know (and pay close attention to the wedding rings and Bambi's lapel pin)...

TMZ is reporting that Tiger Woods' facial injuries weren't related to his recent auto accident: they were inflicted by his wife who laid a smackdown on him. Tiger's "friend"

Tired of shtick masquerading as talent? The team over at Barely Political spoofs Lady Gaga. Through Lady Gaga the entertainment industry is delivering a powerless caricature. Whatever happened to the voice of the strong woman in rock n' roll? While Lady Gaga is trying so hard like an adolescent teenager to shock her parents, nobody is going to remember her so-called music. Lady Gaga ain't no talent; she's a manufactured product. But in this era of inauthenticity who cares, right? The only thing that really matters these days is that everybody gets paid.

Barack Hussein Obama’s safe-school czar, Kevin Jennings, is sexual left-of-left, per expected. He is now mentoring our Republic’s school systems to the tune of homosexual spread. When an instructor at Concord, Mass. Academy, Jennings set up America’s first ‘gay-straight alliance.’

What Al Gore is thankful for this Thanksgiving. (Includes an incredible image of the Whoremeister selling carbon nonesense.)

When I bought my property a few years ago, this oil drum from Standard Oil was at the back of the property. I'll like to find out if it is authentic, and if so, how much it might be worth. I don't know that anyone would want it, but it is an interesting item. The built-in trailer upon which it sits still works. If you can direct me to anyone who might know more about this oil drum, please let me know. Thanks, Tex

Tuesday, 24 November 2009 5:02PM Worst Police Sketch Ever It is being compared to the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz" and amazingly has worked to catch a killer by Bolivian police. Police were able to use the image (above) to help track down two people involved in the murder of a taxi driver from the city of Santa Cruz, who was stabbed 11 times and set on fire in March. The image now appears to have taken on a life of its own - The Daily Mail reports that the photo is now being used by media sites to...

Another selection of editorial cartoons from cartoonists who "get it"

Adam Lambert is telecasting that he is an out-o-the-closet kind of person. And he proves it on stage by kissing an onstage male entertainer—impromptu, so who can judge him for doing what his drives tell him what to do?