Jim Chadoulas of Athens, Greece was the lucky first place winner in Megadeth's 2012 Christmas Card contest. First place prize was a call from Dave Mustaine on Christmas Day, two meet 'n greet passes and an autographed "Countdown To Extinction" 20th Anniversary box set. Check out what Dave had to say about that special Christmas Day call and the reasons he picked the winning card over the other entries.
The reason that I picked this card over the others:
TEXT: Some were funny, some were serious, and some were just simple text or bad clich. I preferred both the Classic and the funny, but there is only so much room for a funny Christmas Card; although I have picked funny ones in the past. This year I leaned more toward the traditional Christmas cards, since there is so much ridiculous disputing whether a Christmas Tree should be called a Christmas Tree or a Holiday Tree the idiot who came up with that is the Mayor in Rhode Island I believe.
STYLE: some were obviously cut and pasted, some were hand drawn, and some were done in applications. It is unfair for the contest entrants that have no resources to expensive programs like AI, Photo Shop, etc., and it is equally unfair for a normal Droogie with the desire to enter this contest to go up against someone who is a graphic artist. Having said that, one of the top ten was obviously a rendition of Charlie Brown and was an illustration, but I ended up going with the entry that had the horses and the outdoor winter scene.
THE CALL: The winner and I talked for about 5 or more minutes and we discussed several things, like music, art, politics, and future designs for Megadeth. Our winner lives in Greece and it is no secret that the corruption of the officials in Greece (its just as bad here in the US) has led to terrible financial death for the beautiful people of Greece. We talked about the taxes are destroying the hopes and dreams of people all around the world, and how the world bankers are behind it all, and that they are using puppets to run our world governments and doing their bidding. We also discussed when we were going back to Greece, doing future artwork for Megadeth (which I didnt rule out, but we are very happy with John Lorenzi and we are planning on using a picture for the new cover anyway).
HANGING UP: I asked our winner if there was anything else that he wanted to ask me and we talked for a few more minutes, we wished each other a Merry Christmas, and then we hung up. I enjoyed this years Christmas Card contest, and I really enjoyed talking to our winner. I cant wait for next years contest to see what you creative Droogs will come up with next!
A storm is coming,
Dave Mustaine
