You're a classic, Charlie Brown

And behold, in slunk a little round-faced kid toting a scraggly Christmas tree. And a dog danced and a little girl said all she wanted from Santa was real estate. Then a bunch of kids sang and a star appeared and, forever more, millions tuned in and hummed along.

The late Charles M. Schulz was pleased with what he created in 1965 when "A Charlie Brown Christmas" first aired on TV. His collaborators weren't so sure.

Executive producer Lee Mendelson and animator Bill Melendez were worried.

"We thought we had ruined Charlie Brown. We thought the show was too slow. People were used to 'Tom and Jerry,' fast-action cartoons," Mendelson said. "But Sparky (Schulz) liked it. And one of the crew told us 'You're nuts to worry. This will run for 50 years.' "

So far, so good. Tonight's airing on ABC marks the 40th anniversary of the animated "Peanuts" special. It has become as much a holiday classic as "It's a Wonderful Life" or "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Some say it's even bigger.

<snip>


http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051206/NEWS/512060306/1033/NEWS01

I read that over coffee this morning! I'm thinking about going to the program on the 17th at the Schultz museum with Mendelson and several other folks who were involved in making this gem.

I love the dance scene in this show, so hip! Anyway, I've gotta get over there to the ice rink soon!

:)

This TV special is something I look forward to every year.

of being a classic.

:-(

I own a special collectors DVD set. Halloween, Thanksgivig and Christmas.

Were there others? Charlie Brown's spelling bee.

They need to have something with WWII cat in it.

CB

Hey, I'm just piggybacking on your thread to plug a good man that just might be able to turn a very red California seat blue....and take Doolittle to the woodshed in the process.

Good Grief! Charlie Brown Takes on Doolittle in CA-04

by wu ming

Fri Oct 14, 2005 at 10:47:55 AM PDT

No, not that Charlie Brown, but Iraq war vet and Democratic hopeful Lt. Col. Charles Brown, who is taking the fight to the California Foothills. Sacramento for Democracy has the scoop:



Is this the beginning of the end for Boss Doolittle? Will you be able to say that you were there when it began?


Charlie Brown will take on Republican John Doolittle in one of the most
conservative districts in Northern California. Lt. Colonel Brown is
the Paul Hacket of California -- both are veterans who are against the
war in Iraq. Paul nearly knocked out a Republican challenger in one of
the most Republican districts in Ohio. The 4th district of California
does not have as much Republican registration as does Hacket's
district, but it does have 48.14% Republicans as of February 2005 and a
large number of Decline to State, independent voters.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/10/14/124755/40

......





I'm Charles D. Brown, Lt. Colonel, USAF Retired and I'm running for Congress to represent the people of California's 4th congressional district.
 
Like a growing number of Americans, I think our country is going in the wrong direction. I am challenging incumbent John Doolittle because he has put the interests of big business, lobbyists and special interests ahead of middle-class families for too long. I'm ready to bring new direction and leadership to Washington.
 
We need ethical representation in Congress to resolve the issues that are important to all our families. I'll work hard to create common sense solutions to issues that matter most to us, like protecting our Social Security benefits, keeping American jobs at home, making good healthcare accessible to everyone, supporting strong, safe schools for our children and ensuring clean water and air for us and future
generations.
 
Working together, we can stop out-of-control deficit spending and bring the war in Iraq to a quick and secure resolution. I'm confident we will build a stronger America by focusing on values that unite us.
 
I'm asking for your support of my candidacy for Congress. Join me in fighting for a brighter, more secure future for all Americans.
 
Thank you,
 
Charlie Brown

http://www.brown4congress.org/