Nearly three years ago, I introduced to you Long John, a twenty-first century version comic book. This western by D. Bethel, a professor at Cal State Sacramento, follows the trevails of Long John, a gunfighter in the late 1800's whose clothes are mysteriously stolen and who has to face life out west barefoot and in his long-handled union suit underwear. Or, in Bethel's own words: “Long John is a western webcomic about a famous gunslinger who wakes up one morning with no friends, no clothes, no weapons, and no explanation. 'Losing everything....changes everything.'”

Bethel has just finished Volume Five of Long John 

which can be found on his web-site or purchased along with the first Four Versions at

http://www.longjohncomic.com

Photos and illustrations used with permission of the author. Enjoy! 

 Christmas Colors Part Two

Dolly Parton's 2016 Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love from NBC continues: 

Spoiler Alert: if you haven't seen this wonderful Christmas story...read no further.

If you have seen the film, you know the family survived that terrible snow storm and that daddy returned home with pay in his pockets. Daddy wakes up the kids early on Christmas morning, mama's ring has been purchased, and she is called to join the family in the kitchen to receive her Christmas gift.

And thus, a very, very Merry Christmas and a very happy family.

Thanks again to NBC and Dolly Parton, my favorite... Chris

 Christmas Colors 

NBC's Dolly Parton's 2016 Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love has become a modern day Christmas Classic. This sequel to Coat of Many Colors, explored events of the iconic country music star's growing up in Sevier County, Tennessee. Dolly lived with her mama, daddy and eventally eleven brothers and sisters. Like many rural southern families in the 1940s and 50s, they were "dirt" poor.

Daddy planned to seek additional work and the children chose to sacrifice Christmas presents in order to buy mama the wedding ring daddy could never afford. When daddy, played by Ricky Schroder, decided to take work in a distant town, mama awakened Dolly (Alyvia Alyn) and the other kids early one cold morning. The girls pulled on coats over their nightclothes and the boys coats over their long underwear. They all stepped outside to see him off...

Dolly, her mama (Jennifer Nettles) and siblings are sadly left to fend for themselves.

Late one night after daddy had left, Dolly woke up her brother, Dylan, to help scheme as to how they might contribute. They'd figure some way to help daddy get a ring for mama when he returned: 

Later, one deep winter night while they slept, a horrific snow storm blew through the Smokey Mountains, sealing the family inside their modest home. Snow drifts had covered their humble abode. 

Mama woke the children up to give them the bad news. The girls in their home made night gowns and the boys in their unon suits sleepily crawled out of their beds. Dolly's older brothers tried to open the door and windows but to know avail; they feared they were really trapped! Would they all freeze? Would they run out of food? How ever would they get out of this one? 

If you caught this made-for-TV drama on NBC a couple of nights ago, you already know whether they dug out of this predicament. If you missed it, be sure to watch for my Part Two of Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love or, you could view this hit with your family, streaming now on Peacock. 

 Cabin Fever, Part Three 

After Dave leaves, the inebriated Prescott has second thoughts. Feeling he was pushed too far, he turns and not taking time to get dressed, goes for his sidearm, strapping it on over his union suit: 

Hurrying outside, one of the ranch hands warns Dave that he better be ware, the drunk Prescott is out to get him! 

And then, suddenly Prescott appears and calls Dave out: 

When Prescott draws first, Dave reaches for his gun. He's quicker and it's Prescott who takes a bullet! 

Down, but not out. Prescott gets to his feet....

Prescott tries again with another shot at Dave, who sends a second bullet his way. This time, ending the confrontation. Permanently!

Find NBC's original Westerner on YouTube for "Line Camp" and other episodes on this good but short-lived program.