Friday, December 31, 2004

Yet, Another New Year

We are a society that begs for new beginnings. We celebrate birthdays as markers in ways to start changes in our lives but the New Year's celebration is one that we can mark on the calender and share together. There are even resolutions we can make as we enter the new year. Where else can you say you are going to start a diet, do more for your community, cease smoking or sin less? Yet, there is the stigma to resolutions that... no one ever keeps to them so success is isn't always expected. The ultimate scapegoat, we all need to have something to blame failure on so it's commonly known that if you plan to start something you need to announce it on New Year's Eve.

As for me, it's been a very good year. And my New Year's resolution is to do very little because that way I can always surpass it. Call me an overachiever. I better send this out as there are just seconds to go before the end of the year. I'd like to thank all the subscribers to the 80's Nuts Newsletter at http://www.80smusiccentral.com and the listeners to the 80's Nuts Update at http://www.80sairwaves.com. May your new year be as bright as the stars that I report about.

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

A Year And A Half At The House Of Oddities

I have to say that there are a lot of interesting things about making big changes in your life and I've noticed at least two weird things since I moved into this new house.

The first thing that I've noticed since moving in is that I constantly wake up with a dry throat but am constantly phlegmy. The dry throat, I attributed to having a ceiling fan but... I haven't had the fan on during days that I had a raw throat. My main guess though is that it is an allergic reaction to two humongous olive trees in my back yard. So, yes... the trees are going to have to go at some point because they are messy and messing up my respiration.

The second house oddity is that almost every 6 months when the weather changes, I get a kiss on the mouth from the cold sore/fever blister fairy. Reasons for getting them stem from diet, stress, sun exposure, lack of sleep or (as previously mentioned) weather change. Yet, I've gone 3 sets of 6 months without having that problem. No major changes in diet, sleep, weather or sun exposure has occurred and we all know that there is increased stress when getting a house. So, I'm at a loss. My luck is that the olive trees are causing this too.

Of course, you know that I'm knocking on wood before I post this but this is something that I've been mulling over in my head for awhile. That and if I should do a list of Top 10 women that I wouldn't kick out of my bed during their prime (meaning that they are dead or old.) Anyhow, I'm off to sleep and hope everyone is doing ok.

Sunday, December 26, 2004

Post-Christmas Post

Had a great Christmas day. Started with wrapping the last of the gifts that I was too tired to wrap the day before. Then headed to breakfast and gift opening with my family at my mother's condo. My niece and nephew were absolutely bushed when they got there but you could tell that they weren't used to being awake all day by the time they left. I'm just so thankful for having the family that I do and that there is an unusual bond between us whenever we are in the same room. I dropped off my grandmother and a few gifts at my aunt Shawna's house after dinner (pork chops in mushroom gravy, ham, rice, scalloped potatoes, rolls and candied yams) and got to see a very tired cousin Sydney as she opened up the last of her gifts. I then went to my friends Tracy and Jason's to drop off something for their daughter Sonja. She's pretty amazing and reacts well when playing around and with other people. She's definitely a light in their lives and you can see it in both their faces. I headed home to unload the car (it was a pretty immense haul) and after putting most of the stuff away passed out for the night.

I didn't get to post yesterday (as you can see it was a bit busy) but I would like to make sure you all know that I was wishing you the best and that you hopefully didn't suffer any eggnog hangovers. (Never tried it spiked but did find out that I'm one of the very few in my family that will drink the stuff.) Hope all your post-holiday shopping proves fruitful and take care!

Friday, December 24, 2004

Christmas Wish List #1 - The 10 Days Of Christmas



Ok...as things were looking, if I waited until tomorrow to post this, Santa wouldn't know who #1 on the list was and I would have posted it late. If I am so lucky, I will find Thora Birch under my little Christmas tree hopefully wearing very little but then again it is cold out and wouldn't want her getting sick. Several years ago I saw this movie called American Beauty at a pawn shop and heard a lot of good things about it. Months later a sharp-minded very good friend of mine asked me if I ever saw the movie. I told him it was gathering dust on my shelf and I think I saw him pull back his arm readying to slap sense into me. Granted, everything I heard about the movie boasted about Mena Suvari who does little to nothing for me (would I kick her out of bed?...depends on what's under the tree tomorrow morning.) My friend made me aware that Miss Birch is "Party material" which is the shortest way to say that she is my physically ideal female. After finally seeing the movie, then watching some of her other films and even watching her appearing on talk shows... I agreed. The eyes are searching, the mouth pouts and somewhere in there is brooding alure that can only be compared to the previously mentioned Christina Ricci. I'm not even mentioning her outstanding physical stature.

Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed my 10 Days Of Christmas and are right now thinking (this guy is obsessed...err... I mean) what beautiful wonders there are in this small little world of ours and (gotta rent American Beauty... err...) how incredibly different one person's tastes can be. By no means was this list meant to degrade women, push religion (yes, I said "oh, God!" a few times there myself) nor increase sales of a particular movie. It was purely for entertainment and I wish all of you enjoyment during your yuletide celebrations. Back to less meaningful banter shortly...Posted by Hello

Christmas Wish List #2 - The 10 Days Of Christmas



So close! If there was ever a girl next door that had that librarian look, it'd be Lisa Loeb. Her smile can light up a concert hall. I was lucky enough to see her once during the VH1 Fairway To Heaven golf tournament several years ago. That's when I also first saw Dweezil Zappa hanging around her as if she was the sun and he was the only plant lucky enough to get photosynthesis. I do agree that she is sunny, irrepressible and that those glasses just do something. I've heard it called a Loeb fetish by some people. But she has never pretended to be anything but who she is. She is a terrific musician and an absolute beauty (ok, the Hello Kitty thing is a little obsessive but we all have our quirks.) Who knows, one day I might actually go see her perform. Anything can happen.Posted by Hello

Thursday, December 23, 2004

Christmas Wish List #3 - The 10 Days Of Christmas



It's hard coming up with just 10 and it is amazing which ones pop up late and make you doubt your list. One of those would be Brooke Burke. Perfect curves, exotic appearance, abundant beauty that should have burned a spot in my memory. Upon further research (looking at tons of photos,) I have noticed a scarily striking resemblance to Susanna Hoffs from the Bangles when she's looking from the corner of her eye. I can understand her not being under my tree but this is supposed to be a "wish" list and not a reality check.Posted by Hello

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

Christmas Wish List #4 - The 10 Days Of Christmas



We're making our way to the top and it hasn't been easy! It's easy to second guess a lot of these because it's all subjective. But no matter how much overthinking there has been, Alyssa Milano was always meant to be here. Yes, we've all seen her grow up on TV and several revealing movies but she actually has several other things going for her other than her beauty and sex appeal. Not known to me until recently is that Milano is a die-hard music lover and even recorded several albums that were released in Japan from 1989 until 1994. My only negative here is her 7 tatoos but from looking at tons of photos... I can't find a single one. May I be lucky to find out where they are on Christmas Day.Posted by Hello

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Christmas Wish List #5 - The 10 Days Of Christmas



You had to expect to see a B-movie siren in here! I did hold off on the porn stars. I would have normally had her rated higher because Shannon Whirry has an absolutely amazing body. I just wish I could find better pictures of her. A redhead with alabaster skin... definitely high on my list. Some of her best roles have often seen her top come off but she does have enough acting talent to go from pure and innocent to ruthless vixen without a pause. I definitely wouldn't be upset with this present under the tree. Posted by Hello

Monday, December 20, 2004

Christmas Wish List #6 - The 10 Days Of Christmas



Couldn't rank her too high yet. The youngest of the bunch, Lindsay Lohan, has everything going for her. Natural long red hair, green eyes and a great body to boot. The only thing that may hurt her is that Tawny Kitaen-thing (so beautiful that she goes nutty... hence the reason Kitaen didn't make the list.) Let's just hope for the best here.Posted by Hello

Sunday, December 19, 2004

Christmas Wish List #7 - The 10 Days Of Christmas



I can honestly say that she is still moving up this list. Jennifer Love Hewitt is an absolute beauty. Although mostly known for her successful acting career, she has been releasing albums since 1992 (the Japanese rank her up there with their own J-Pop idols.) Hewitt also spends time doing charity work. There is a wholesomeness here that you don't see often with celebrities. Hard to imagine a woman this gorgeous putting as much time into charity work as she does. I can't even say something smutty here. Posted by Hello

Saturday, December 18, 2004

Christmas Wish List #8 - The 10 Days Of Christmas



Ahhh... she could have rated higher but it's not like there isn't time to move up. Christina Ricci has sadly been typecast in roles that have over time made her a goth postergirl but beneath the haunted look in her eyes is a strong actress that can do anything. I've gained a lot of my respect for her craft due to her work in non-mainstream films like Buffalo 66 where she shattered a lot of images people had of her. I have yet to see Prozac Nation but just taking the role shows she isn't afraid to take a risk. Stunning, captivating and beautiful. Posted by Hello

Friday, December 17, 2004

Christmas Wish List #9 - The 10 Days Of Christmas



Charisma Carpenter is one of the most naturally beautiful women in North America. She is a chameleon when it comes to style (made it difficult to find a good photo) and is always willing to push new boundaries. The fact that she was on two of my favorite shows and comes from Las Vegas definitely gives her a big edge. The only thing holding her back is her skin art which is still pretty minimal. She needs to get a new series.Posted by Hello

Thursday, December 16, 2004

Christmas Wish List #10 - The 10 Days Of Christmas



So I figured that I'd do something entirely chauvinistic and exploit women... no. Actually, this is the start of my 10 days of listing what I'd love to see under my tree this upcoming holiday. When I dream, I dream in technocolor. Starting off the list is Katherine Heigl who typically wouldn't be my type (the blonde hair thing) but those piercing eyes are quite amazing as is the rest of her. Someone please get her in a few more movies! Posted by Hello

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

Things I Say I Need To Do

1. Update/redesign the website for possible store area addition
2. Learn about RSS so I can webcast the radio show
3. Redesign this blog and maybe add something meaningful
4. Put up the other half of the Christmas lights
5. Start making a list and begin Christmas shopping
6. Clean up the house
7. Water my poor dying tomato and jalepeno plants
8. Start calling friends I've neglected before Christmas
9. Figure out why I'm holding onto all these episodes of Venture Brothers on my Tivo.
10. Take some Thera-flu and go to sleep

Since these aren't in any particular order I'm going to start with #10

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Equilibrium Obsessive

Do you remember when you were younger how you'd come across a checkerboard tile floor and decide only to step on the black squares? Little games like that in life definitely created some break in boredom. Just like trying to walk in even steps but to not step on the breaks in the pavement. I've noticed that maybe I haven't entirely grown up. I notice that tend to do the same playing with those little licorice bites that I like. I'll try to chew the same amount of the same flavored licorice on each side of my mouth. Kinda weird. Only noticed it recently but then again, I remember a few years ago they had that licorice that was made up of 9 individual strings. I would either eat one whole one on each side of my mouth, cut one in half for each side or 4 strings per side with the last one cut in half. I think it's a disorder of some type. Someone needs to research it. I don't do that with raisins, peanuts or anything else I can think of. Although I do have a thing about eating the least liked jellybeans from a bowl (usually that's the greens or the black ones) to try to even out the consistency.

Thursday, December 09, 2004

The New Frontier

Ok, well... I'm going to be testing a few things so I thought I'd warn you ahead of time. There is a new revolution for people with I-Pod's called pod casting. Essentially, people are downloading broadcasts for later use whether it is a sports, music or news program. The 80's Nuts Update is going to test this medium and to do so will be sending them out via this blog (it has something to do with the RSS available.) So I'm giving a slight warning ahead of time just to let you know. Cross your fingers!

Fixing What Works

I get a lot of people asking me to help them with their computers. I've even been asked where I learned everything. I started using computers in the mid-80's and was an early BBS user (think AOL before AOL.) But I got most of my information from a man and a channel or two.

Leo Laporte changed the way I see my computer. His shows (Call For Help and The Screensavers) gave courage to the person who is afraid to open their computer and take a look. Call For Help went through the rudimentary information (daily it mentioned that there are no stupid computer questions) while The Screensavers covered the advanced side with news and information about modifying your system. The shows were carried by ZDTV before the network became TechTV and recently was bought by Comcast to merge with their struggling G4 channel. Although a name change didn't hurt either show, by the time of the latest merger things changed immensely. They cut Laporte to only Call For Help. Then after pleas from fans of the show he came back in pre-taped info segments on Screensavers as Call For Help was axed. He is no longer there now. And the information for novices and advanced computers alike has been replaced with show topics including collectible toys, actor interviews, SeaScooters and movie trailers. What does this mean? Well... if you need to get your channel out to more people, you buy an existing one with a good market share and replace their programming with your own.

Fixing a squeaky hinge or dripping faucet is one thing but fixing something that works or replacing a good product with your own half-hearted generic is offensive. I can only hope that there is a day when someone says, "Hey, let's create a television show that will help people use their computers for more than email!" Not only will I tune in but I'll send people there to watch.

Saturday, December 04, 2004

Eye Spy

I've noticed that I tend to kill boredom by creating word games. I noticed this recently when I was out driving to dinner with some people and somone in the car mentioned words starting with the letter T. After going through all we could think of, we graduated to another chosen letter and another until pretty much we were there.

This happened again today with a bunch of people at work. Some friends from work who have decided to name their band Vision (but will have to adjust the spelling so they don't have legal problems) were telling another friend that they couldn't include him in the band. The other person said... "sure... fine.... I'll name my band Lasik. And we'll just take what you do and do it correctly." This got a few laughs but in the back of my head I was thinking of cover songs for a Lasik album. Which started a run on songs like "I Can See Clearly Now," "Private Eyes," "Snowblind," "Blind Vision," "I Saw Red," "Eyes Of A Stranger," etc. I spent the next oh... 5 hours pulling titles out of my rear that most had heard of and some that got some doubtful looks. Of course, it wasn't until I was on my way home that I noticed that I didn't even think of "Eye Of The Tiger," "Eyes Without A Face," "I See Red" and Geri Halliwell's "Look At Me."

Fascinating, no. But I do think that if you are bored and don't have a book nearby that the strangest place you can visit is inside your own head. I just feel like I dusted off a lot of cobwebs.

Thursday, December 02, 2004

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Tivo


Ok, so I figured that I ought to say something about my latest addiction. I have to say that I don't miss any of my shows and always wind up with a few goodies when I get home (kinda like Christmas somedays seeing something you didn't expect recorded and waiting for you based on your preferences.) I think I've had my Tivo for about 2 years now and I can only say that it's the best thing I ever did. I don't really even know when some of my favorite shows come on anymore. I can't wait for the new Tivo-To-Go option they are working on where you can move shows around and even share them amongst friends in your Tivo network. Even though, I don't think they'll understand why I tape Harvey Birdman Attorney At Law or the Venture Brothers.Posted by Hello