Christm--er-- Non-denominational Holiday Wish List

It's been two weeks since my last post, and since I can't think of anything interesting to write about, I thought I'd share my wish list with you guys. Now, obviously I won't get all of these things (most of the items on the list are very pricey), but it would be nice to get even one:

(the following items are in no particular order)

Gibson Les Paul

These are some of the best guitars available, period. Since the '50s, Les Pauls have been around, rocking socks off and blowing minds. I would be fortunate to be the owner of even one of the lowest end Les Pauls; they are just that awesome. And hey, who wouldn't want to shred on the same kind of axe as legends like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix (yes, he mostly used Fender's, I know), Jimmy Page, Joe Walsh, and Les Paul himself (just to name a few)? The only problem is the price: these babies can run you from $500 to several thousand dollars.

mmm...humbucker.

iMac

Whine, whine, whine all you want. These computers are really handy. They come with just about everything you'll ever want in a computer right out of the box (except games, I know) and are just so darn easy to use. The main reason I want one is for its video editing capabilities. Using Microsoft Movie Maker (the crappy free software that comes with Windows) can definitely be frustrating at times; you try adding sound effects, music and voice overs with only one available audio channel. They're also fast, virus free, and as good as, if not better than PCs at most of your regular computer related activities. Oh, and I forgot too mention how damn fine they look.

You can almost hear Schnelly bitching across the interwebs.

Hard Drive Camcorder

Now here's another expensive item on the list. You can get any old video camera nowadays for upwards of $200, but the problem with these is that it's nearly IMPOSSIBLE to transfer that footage to a computer, due to the fact that it's recorded on an old fashioned analogue cassette. The simplest solution to this problem is a camcorder that records to a built in hard drive, meaning all you have to do to transfer that footage to your PC is plug in that handy dandy universal usb cable of yours. Obviously, this hard drive comes at a price. Even the most rudimentary HDD camcorders will run you $500. Can't you just feel that wallet getting lighter?


Snowboard

I have a snowboard. The problem is that it's massive, and has a a weight comparable to that of an obese walrus. It's also too long, which helps you go fast, but also makes tight cornering difficult. I got it last year, used, for less than a hundred bucks, and thought it was a pretty good deal (which it was), but I would still appreciate a board more suited to my own height and weight, rather than that of the afore mentioned walrus.

Unfortunately, you probably won't find a good, new snowboard for less than two or three hundred bones.

That's totally me.

Rock Band

This game is teh bomb. I think I've mentioned it before in this blog, but I just have to do it again. Rock Band is a 1-4 player cooperative game that allows you to form your very own "rock band" and play through all kinds of intense rock hits from the past 4 or 5 decades. It's really meant to be played with your friends though. One guy shreds on the the guitar, another lays down the beat on the drums, another plays bass, and finally, every band must have a good singer (yeah...right).

How does this work, you ask? Well, the game comes with three accessories; a model fender stratocaster, a "real" drum kit, and a genuine microphone. Because of all these fancy peripherals, the boxed set costs upwards of $160, depending on what country you live in and what store you go to. You can always buy the game on its own, but where's the fun in that?

That guy? Also me.

Other Games

Mass Effect, The Orange Box, Call of Duty 4, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (I know, I still don't have it), Assassin's Creed, Mario, Mario, Mario, and more Mario games, Zack and Wiki (buy it), tons of Virtual Console games, and AGHGHGHHGHHHH so many more!

The snake is representative of the video game industry.

iPod Touch

I know I've mentioned this before, so I'll get to the point. This little gizmo is cool with a capital "K". I don't know what else to say. Except that that rhymes. And I'm out of time. So buh-bye.

-Funkin' out

Oh yeah, Connor and Colby wanted me to mention that they've just started their own YouTube account. Their first video is about a grouchy granny, but I wouldn't want to spoil any major plot points, so you can watch it yourself.

The Fab Five

I've changed the name. "Fab Five" is more original, don'tcha think? And it's got the whole Beatles reference going on. That's just cool, there's no getting around it.

Right.

Anyway.

The Fab Five - December 2007

#5: Heroes - the season finale

This episode was awesome! For those of you who don't watch Heroes, shame on you. I know the season hasn't been exactly consistent, but hell, this finale sure made up for it. It's hard to believe the second season is already over. Damn this writer's strike! I wish they would get it together so all my favourite shows can go back into production. Okay, I'm getting off topic.

This episode had everything you could possibly hope for: excellent writing and storyline, brilliant acting, mysterious deaths, fatal explosions, time travel, apocalypse inducing viruses, attempted mind control, assholes being buried alive, floating cans of spinach, and the rebirth of a seriously bad-ass villain. In short, the episode did not disappoint.

dead sexy

#4: Coca-Cola (and other soft drinks)

I don't know what's up with me, but I suddenly have this incredible desire to drink Coke all the time. It tastes too good. I think they may have started spiking this shit with nicotine or something because, dear God, it's so GOOD. I can't find the cherry vanilla flavour anymore though; I hope it hasn't been discontinued. I nearly cried when they stopped making regular Vanilla Coke. That stuff was the bomb. My other new soda infatuation is with cream soda. Not that Fanta crap (it tastes like soapy bubble gum, ugh!), the Crush kind. It's pink, but damn if it ain't tasty.

#3: The Deep Dark Woods

This is an awesome folk band from my homeland of Saskatchewan. The lead singer and guitarist, Ryan Boldt, is a family friend of mine, and back when I was growing up on the prairies, he was almost like a big brother to me.

The Deep Dark Woods have been around for a few years now, and they have two CDs out, even if they aren't very well known. Their music is old school, but still relevant, and their lyrics are deep and really smart. You really should definitely check out some of their tunes, (my personal favourite is "Redwood Forest") which can be found here: http://www.myspace.com/deepdarkwoods or buy their CD "Hang Me Oh Hang Me". I did ;)

Ryan's on the far left

#2: Guitar Hero

In my last video we made fun of a Guitar Hero fanatic, but I wouldn't say he's entirely fictional. I really do love the game (maybe not as much as "Funkmaster14") and it's actually pretty cool. Despite what some real guitarists would have you think, there actually is quite a bit of challenge to the game (you try playing on expert difficulty), and playing the game has virtually no connection to playing an actual guitar, making the these "real" guitarists' arguments moot. Most simply, this is just a really fun music/rhythm game which just about anyone can pick up and play and have a blast with. And it has a killer soundtrack.

#1: The Christmas season

Everyone one loves the holidays. No work, good food, quality family time; it's all good (well, maybe you can strike that last one). Everyone's so happy at Christmas time. I don't know what it is, but it's weird. And I like it. Even House likes Christmas.

Oh, and how could I forget the presents. Yes, we know everyone's favourite part of Christmas is the presents. Don't even try to pretend it's not. Sure, it's baby Jesus' birthday and we're all supposed to love each other, but all you really want is that fancy new 1080p 60 inch plasma display in the window at Best Buy. Or at least I do...

Until next time --

-Funkin' out.