Few surprises are more exciting than putting on a winter coat for the first time of the year and finding money in the pocket. Because this almost never happens, it definitely justifies the Happy Dance. I learned the Happy Dance from the wife’s younger brother. A few months ago we were watching old home movies and noticed that every time he was happy (usually when opening a Christmas gift) he would throw his hands in the air and shake his hips back and forth. For a visual feel free to ask me in person.
Anyway, on the way home from work last week I found a hundred dollar bill in my pocket, metaphorically speaking of course. While changing through the radio stations something caught my attention. I somehow landed on the Bible Broadcasting Network and, much to my surprise, heard the real Ned Flanders. Listening to the program had me diddley doing the happy dance all the widdley way home. I’ve always recognized The Simpsons as loaded with satire, but I never once imagined I’d find the inspiration to THE Ned Flanders.
Before I direct you to the program let me give you the background. The program I found is called The Captains Club. The Captains Club is a children’s radio program hosted by Captain Chesapeake and Sparkle. The meat and potatoes of the show occurs when Ned narrates a story, which turns into people acting out the parts. It reminds me so much of Ralphie on The Christmas Story rushing home to listen to Little Orphan Annie on the radio. The music, complete with an organ for dramatic effect, is straight from the Disney movies of the 30’s.
Wednesday’s story involved Mike and his neighbor, Mr. Peterson. Mike’s parents were constantly fighting so he decided that he had had enough and was going to run away. Lucky for him, he ran into “Mr. Pete” who talked Mike into staying to work on his boat with him while he talked Mike through his issues. I’m not sure what I loved most, Ned Flanders, the superb voice acting, the dramatic organ or the fact that I kept waiting for Mike and Mr. Pete’s already awkward relationship to turn romantic, causing irreparable emotional damage to the obviously vulnerable Mike.
Tonight I’d like you to gather your children on the living room floor to listen to your favorite radio program just like any other night. The only difference in tonight being, instead of turning on the old Philco, I’d like you to go to this link to listen to a show that really knows how to reach today's generation of kids. If you’re short on time, the story usually beings at about the 15 minute mark. I’m sure you’ll be enlightened and uplifted.
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