The Awkward Encounter

Some people just can’t handle social situations. MORE VIDEOS www.youtube.com TWITTER www.twitter.com FACEBOOK www.facebook.com ITUNES itunes.apple.com Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or simply “Santa”, is a historical, legendary and mythological figure who, in many Western cultures, is said to bring gifts to the homes of the good children during the late evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve, December 24 or on his Feast Day, December 6 (Saint Nicholas Day). The legend may have part of its basis in hagiographical tales concerning the historical figure of gift giver Saint Nicholas. A nearly identical story is attributed by Greek and Byzantine folklore to Basil of Caesarea. Basil’s feast day on January 1 is considered the time of exchanging gifts in Greece. While Saint Nicholas was originally portrayed wearing bishop’s robes, today Santa Claus is generally depicted as a plump, jolly, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots (images of him rarely have a beard with no moustache). This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the significant influence of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast. This image has been maintained and reinforced through song, radio, television, and films. In the United Kingdom and Europe, he is often depicted in a manner identical to the American Santa …
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Date: December 25, 2009 Staples Center, Los Angeles,CA First of all, all video credits to JD2K for this one. Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher scarcely remember how to celebrate Christmas without a high-profile game smack in the middle of their holiday season. That’s life with the Los Angeles Lakers – and that goes for the Lakers’ families, too. “With the amount of gifts my kids receive, they could care less if I’m there or not,” Fisher said with a laugh Thursday after the Lakers’ light afternoon practice for their showdown with LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal and the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Santa Claus will do his job,” the veteran point guard added. “I’ve found that it’s weird to think about not working on Christmas. A lot of guys realize it’s special to be on that stage, while people are home with their eggnog relaxing.” Bryant is similarly excited about facing James on Friday in a meeting of the top two vote-getters in the NBA All-Star balloting. O’Neal’s latest return to Los Angeles also will draw attention, although Bryant eliminated a long-thriving subplot in their meetings by winning his first title without Shaq last summer. “It’s a tradition, and it’s really special to be a part of it,” said Bryant, whose daughters get some of their presents on Christmas Eve and the rest early the following morning. While it’s no imposition to play on Christmas, it’s still an opportunity – although the Lakers acknowledge this matchup isn’t quite as energizing as last year’s visit …
Video Rating: 3 / 5

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