Some of you may be old enough to remember the “King” and I’m not talking about upper-crust royalty…I’m talking about the King of Rock & Roll, better known as Elvis Presley. Looking at old Christmas cards the other day, it hit me that it’s been more than 30 years since he spent his last Christmas in Graceland…to be exact, the year was 1976. As usual, a big Christmas tree was present in the lounge. Elvis was at his gift giving best contributing to charity, donating to the local police, and that year he even gave away a few cars to friends and strangers. Elvis loved giving and since he could not give to every fan, in 1976 like every other year, he sent out personalized Christmas cards to all members of the Elvis Fan Club around the globe, and I happen to have a picture of this card.

The King certainly did love the holiday season.

I think I kept this clipping because it was the last year of Elvis in Graceland. He loved that place and from the moment he purchased it in 1957, Elvis turned his family home into a Christmas wonderland. He would put out his decorations early and keep them past most people. They would not come down until after January 8th…and off course you all know January 8th is the King’s birthday.

His Christmas cards became important memories for his fan club; they would look forward to seeing each year’s card with smiling Elvis wishing his friends happy holidays. The Christmas cards often came signed by the King himself alongside Santa and family members…even Lisa Marie. Graceland was a beautiful place, but particularly warm around Christmas. Elvis loved this time of year and he showed this by decorating his house, giving to selflessly to those around him, and sharing his Christmas cards with all of his fans.

The question is not whether Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees will be sending out Christmas cards this year (he probably will), but rather, if he chooses a photo Christmas card, which female will be pictured with him?

Granted, he’s a good looking-guy, arguably one of the greatest players of all time who currently is under contract to more-than-likely finish his career with the most storied franchise in the history of professional sports, the New York Yankees, and with that contract (and the one before), has made him one of the richest athletes in the world. I guess his situation in life allows him to date whomever he wants without having to worry about “settling down?”

This isn't actually A-Rod's Christmas Card, but it certainly could be!

But still, the thing is, he was married for almost six years to Cynthia Scurtis, a gorgeous woman who probably has a better-functioning brain than he does, having graduated from college with a psychology degree. She bore A-Rod two beautiful children, the last of whom was born when the couple’s divorce was almost a sure thing. So here’s a guy who “had everything” and he still played around? I don’t get it!

In 2004, having been married to Cynthia for about two years, Alex reportedly had several liaisons with a Boston-area stripper. During subsequent years, he was alleged to have had a relationship with another stripper as well as affairs with a woman who ran a call-girl agency and the prostitutes she employed (see Eliot Spitzer). Why does he need to do this?

In 2008, it was rumored that Alex was cavorting with still well-put-together Madonna, having all of a sudden showed a keen interest in the Kabbalah religion (of which the Material Girl is a member). Reports at the time said that A-Rod was possibly attending instructive meetings in Kabbalah in the building in which Madonna lives. Had A-Rod and Madonna stayed together, perhaps Christmas cards wouldn’t have been appropriate, but maybe instead Hanukkah cards would’ve made their way in the mail to family, friends, and fans.

Last year’s babe was no rumor – cute actress Kate Hudson, daughter of Goldie Hawn, and star of quite a few movies, was seen at Yankee Stadium during the playoffs, rooting on her pinstriped beau. (At least by then Alex was no longer married.)

His latest flame (as of this writing), tall and leggy actress Cameron Diaz was seen with Alex at a birthday party for Yankee starter C.C. Sabbathia. Whether Cameron and Alex are indeed an item, only they themselves know.

But the point is…when those holiday cards go out, whose pretty face (in addition to Alex’s) will be on the card with his? Cameron’s? Or someone else’s? I guess we shall see.

Comedy Central believes in recycling...being funny, not so much

Okay, I get it. The holiday card was made in 1993 and Comedy Central is “committed to recycling”…but I just don’t get it. Oh, maybe they didn’t design their holiday cards – they’re just recycling a card they received? In that case, I get it. But they could have come up with a better design. I mean this card looks like it came from the 1950s or even earlier. Maybe that’s the intention? See…I’m not getting it.

Three large clanging bells on a pine cone studded tree branch…it’s a safe, boring holiday card. A scroll at the bottom left wishes “Peace & Joy” – oh really! When was the last time you used a scroll on anything? And I’m surprised that the inside says “Happy Holidays!” instead of “Merry Christmas” considering back then we weren’t so worried about offending anyone. By signing their holiday cards with post it notes they can continue to recycle this card over and over again. But can you imagine all the germs on this card? Having been recycled for the last 17 years this card probably contains more DNA than an ATM machine.

A Post It Note! Those always make me laugh.

It’s no wonder that 6 months after sending this holiday card, Comedy Central posted a job description for a new Creative Director, someone who could:

-    Review/provide feedback to creative team – with ability to up the “funny” quotient
-    Excellent ability to provide creative direction and feedback

I guess just because your network name is Comedy Central, it doesn’t mean anybody has to actually be funny!