This segment originally aired on the CSICON network December 20, 2015 as part of episode 035 of The History Files. We were testing out a new segment that would later become the separate show ‘Gordon’s Gun Closet.’ We re-posted this episode last December minus the segment on the Mauser Broomhandle. This year the “gun closet” segment is back, along with an “intermission” spot for an anthology from Raconteur Press.
From the original show notes: “This week we take a look at the origins of Christmas. Was Jesus really born on December 25th, or was that just a convenient calendar slot in a year increasingly full of saint’s feast days?
Before that… “In honor of the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, we’re (also) here to talk about the BlasTech DL-44 Heavy Blaster (a.k.a. “broomhandle” Mauser pistol), because Han shot first but Greedo was totally about to ice him so it was justified.
“Also included: History Headlines and a festive pile of gaily-wrapped Christmas movies and books... at no extra charge!”
Links:
Oliver Cromwell becomes lord protector of England (1653)
Boston Tea Party (Dec. 16, 1773)
Bill of Rights take effect (Dec. 15, 1791) (billofrightsinstitute.org)
Louisiana Territory purchase (Dec. 20, 1803)
A Christmas Carol published (Dec. 19, 1843)
A Christmas Carol (1951), full movie (youtube.com)
The Wright Brothers first flight! (Dec. 17, 1903)
Project Blue Book ends (Dec. 17, 1969)
Nazi gold train: ‘No evidence’ of discovery in Poland (bbc.com)
A Christmas Story (1983) (imdb.com)
White Christmas (1954) (imdb.com)
THE LITTLE PRINCESS: Shirley Temple, Walter Lang (amazon.com)
Santa Claus (1959) full movie (youtube.com)
Santa Claus (riffed by Mystery Science Theater 3000)
Mauser C96 (imfdb.org)
