Mike Cassesso and MaiLien Le

The Shutdown is still here. It occasionally makes for some ruffled feathers. It also holds the allure of what could be in Stephen's Secret Mystery Box for the Republicans if they agree to end the impasse. Or they could get what's behind the "curtain."

As I've hinted at before, there will be ripple effects from the Shutdown, and now brides and grooms are finding out that their carefully planned ceremony for their special wedding day is in jeopardy. That includes the wedding of Mike Cassesso and MaiLien Le which was scheduled for this coming Saturday at the Jefferson Memorial. This was a disaster in the making. But, did you know that Stephen Colbert is an Ordained Minister of the American Marriage Ministries? It's true. He showed his license which I am inclined to believe is legitimate.

So, why would Stephen talk about this part-time job of his? To save the day, that's why. You might not believe this, but Stephen Colbert married the happy couple, Mike Cassesso and MaiLien Le on his TV show. It was:

The 2013 Government Shutdown Wedding of the Century!

 Mandy Patinkin showed up to give a non-denominational Jewish blessing for the bride and groom. He also put in a plug for the new season of Homeland starting this fall on Showtime. Audra McDonald sang for the first dance. Stephen conducted himself and the wedding perfectly. It was a match made in the studio.

Stephen's guest last night, and I don't know if he was invited to the wedding or not, was David Finkel. The latest book by David Finkel is "Thank You For Your Service." It is about the trauma that our soldiers have gone through and continue to go through even after they are home. He encouraged Stephen and any of us to start a serious conversation with these Veterans. It's the least we can do.

Mandy Patinkin

Last night's (repeat) show was the one with Mandy Patinkin as guest. Also joining in for a song at the end was Stephen and shelf warmer Michael Stipe. They did a beautiful job singing Good King Wenceslas. You can read my post from that night here.

For another musical treat, you can travel to our 50th state, you know, the one where President Obama was born, and listen to Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters sing Mele Kalikimaka which is also known as the Hawaiian Christmas Song.

Feast of Stephen

Stephen mentioned again how Christmasy his studio is complete with a historically accurate nativity. It does have Stephen's latest book, "America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't," lying in the manger which I have my doubts about, historically and Biblically speaking, but I'll take Stephen at his word.

Speaking of Number One books - "America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't," has now reached Number One status over at Amazon, so great job Nation for buying the book. You will treasure it as I do.

As far as I can tell, Governor Nikki Haley still has not named Stephen Colbert, or someone less qualified than him, to replace Jim DeMint as Senator from South Carolina. Senator John McCain would be somewhat of a mentor to Stephen if (and when) Stephen goes to Washington. Senator McCain has said he would teach Senator Colbert how to shut up, which is funny because he can't make anyone shut up. Is it coincidence that there is a picture of Sarah Palin onscreen while Stephen is saying that? Also willing to help Stephen was Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico. He had great pointers for Stephen, including appropriate attire to wear and information about the Steam Room.

Mandy Patinkin who is the Chief Saul Berenson on Homeland, was Stephen's guest last night. It was another great interview and I'm not sure if it was funny or terrifying or confrontational or all three. One of the first matters to be discussed, of course, was beards and beard growing. It takes about 8-10 weeks for Mandy Patinkin to grow his beard and get it up to speed. Stephen had a suggestion for better beard growth. Mandy Patinkin took the time during the interview to write that down while Stephen waited, patiently it seemed, for him to finish and resume the interview. They then delved into just about everything - terrorism, patriotism, propaganda, personal responsibility, and things that are not magic tricks. I think they also solved the Mideast problems.

If you were paying attention to your TV schedules or the lineup from Colbert Nation, you were aware that Michael Stipe was also scheduled to be a guest. I was so excited. Finally, he would get to come off that shelf at The Colbert Report. WHAT??!!??!! He had to sit there, even while the three of them sang. Well, I guess if Michael Stipe is happy doing that, then who am I to question that decision?

So, anyway, Christmas Music. Michael Stipe, Mandy Patinkin and Stephen Colbert sang Good King Wenceslas with Joan playing the piano. It was wonderful as is to be expected. Three very different men with three very different vocal stylings and voices. If you want, you can go get that over at iTunes for a very affordable price. Just go to Colbert Nation for the link.

If you are not familiar with the song, here is how it starts and then how it ends. There's a whole bunch of stuff in the middle. You can find the lyrics on the Internets if you want or just buy the song at iTunes or else watch it online at Colbert Nation.

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen,

.......... stuff in the middle .......

Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.

So, it's truly a great Christmas song and has a message we can all embrace.