Been awhile! Let's see if this still works.

Jordan has his wish list for his secret Santa with 9 days to spare, beating his personal best by 3 full days!

He's like a pair of these fine Vans in black, size 11...

And if there's a better version of Silver Bells than this old rollicking punk version by the Yobs, well I haven't heard it...

Ashley comes in with plenty of time to spare!

She'd also like a spaceship, Firefly Class. Perfectly reasonable, and you can probably find one cheap at the used lot on the space station at the edge of the galaxy...

However, if her secret Santa is unable (unwilling?) to travel to the outer quadrants of the galaxy where lawlessness reigns, she'd be quite happy with a sturdy, washable loveseat slipcover, such as this one from Bed, Bath and Beyond...(that's too much like infinity and beyond; she really does want that spaceship).

And here's a fantastic version of the John Lennon classic, Happy Xmas, as performed by Os Mutantes.

Eric arrives with his wish list for his secret Santa...He's had a bit of a struggle but he's figured it out.

He'd like a golf rain pullover very much like this one (so that's the one) in either black tan or orange. So get the orange, obviously. Why mess around. (Size large, by the way.)

He'd also like some black leather gloves, size large...

And he also needs to replenish his golf ball supply...his preferred brand is the Titlist ProV1...or whatever he finds in the woods.

Amy Poehler and Billy Eichner hit the streets of New York looking for carolers for sing-alongs. Priceless! 

It's Alexa's turn with her secret Santa wish list...

She'd like some Essie nail polish (topless & barefoot). Conveniently available online!

She'd also like a pair of Canvas Authentic Vans in pool green and white, size 8. Magically available online!

Aaand...she'd like an Instant Heat Ceramic Spiral Styler. Available online of course!

Rufus Wainwright stops by with a nice little original, "Spotlight On Christmas"...

Tom comes to the party with his list! And in a sudden and radical departure, he doesn't a half dozen bottles of red wine...

He's going to be reading this Christmas season...he'd like the new Jeff Shaara book, A Chain of Thunder. He'd also like the new Tom Clancy story, Command Authority.

And he'd also like this handy little Home Depot gadget that converts a 5 gallon bucket to a wet shop vac...pretty cool!

If there's anything left over, well it turns out he would like a decent cabernet...

And here's Wade Johnson and Danielle Ate the Sandwich with a sweet rendition of Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas...

Alright let's keep it rolling...Gerry is in next.

He'd like a clothes steamer, perhaps his secret Santa can round it out with a small surprise of some sort...

And let's keep it on the Pomplamoose channel cause they're just too much fun...here's an amazing original called Always in the Season...

And we continue...Ryan is up next, and he's sticking with the zombie theme because can you really be prepared enough for when the zombie apocalypse strikes? No, you can't...

He'd like the The Walking Dead Volume 19 TP: March to War comic book, as well as the The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor Paperback.

He'd also like a nice pair of water proof/resistant winter gloves.

And finally, he'd like a Walking Dead T-shirt - but it's going to have to be a very cool T-shirt or else it won't be worn. Embrace your inner zombie and choose wisely!

Let's cheer things up with the endearing Pomplamoose and their lovely version of O Come All Ye Faithful...

 

Page has her wish list for her secret Santa!

She would like this Alex and Ani silver starfish charm bracelet...

She also has a need for the Access for Dummies book...because nothing says "Christmas" like Access for Dummies.

She also has a need for black knit knee socks.

And the Dropkick Murphys drop by for the holiday with their rollicking Christmas song The Season's Upon Us!

OK, I'll go next...

I want a spaceship and a unicorn, but I'd settle for a jetpack and a pony. But if my secret Santa can't do that I won't cause a fuss if I can have the book Amsterdam by Russell Shorto.

Also, given the rate at which I lose golf balls I need to replenish my supply...I like the Nike golf balls.

Also, given the rate at which I drink bourbon I need to replenish that supply too... Buffalo Trace  offers good value for good flavor.

And if I'm going to be out there golfing and drinking bourbon, I should probably have a cigar to round out my Christmas...I'm particularly fond of the AVO Robusto...

And here's alt-rockers Shonen Knife with a funky and highly catchy Space Christmas...

Kerri's wish list for her secret Santa is In!

She really really REALLY wants the book S. by Doug Dorst...looks interesting.

She could also use some new cooking spoons, wood and plastic, and also a big spatula.

And also the LL Bean Hearthside slipper...bright berry in a size 9.

She rounds out her list with a request for Blu-ray or DVD movies:
Star Trek: Into Darkness
The Hobbit extended edition
Les Miserable

Here's the Flaming Lips with the wonderful, jagged Christmas at the Zoo...saw the Flaming Lips several years ago. Shockingly good.

Let's keep this rolling, shall we? Ellen's up next with her wish list...

She'd like the finely crafted L.L. Bean Hearthside side slippers in a size 7. You can surprise her by choosing either tan or dark brown as the color. I know! Such dilemmas!

You can round out her wishes with some flavored vinegars from O'Live a Little. They can be found at Evergreen Walk, and of course online.

Another repeat I'm sure, but this never gets old...old punker Captain Sensible goes all pop crooner and gives us this gem: One Christmas Catalog...

Edit: She needs the size 6 slipper, not 7!

Let's get the holiday season in full swing with a direct and straightforward request from Kim for her secret Santa!

She would like a steamer for clothes...it seems this one would offer considerable utility and versatility, yes?

And I'm sure this is a repeat - because hey, there's only so many of these unique Christmas songs by indie artists around - but here's the endlessly wonderful Thanks for Christmas by one of my favorite 70's and 80's bands ever, XTC.

All right, let's see if I can remember how this thing works...I wasn't even sure I could remember my log in credentials.

Let's get this warmed up with the latest Carnival of Space!

You Gotta Get Up! It's Christmas Morning...

Jordan appears with his secret Santa wish, with plenty of time to spare...I mean 6 days, come on! He's way ahead of schedule...

He'd like the Tudors complete series on DVD box set....which can also be found here.

Added: Mea Culpa! Forgot Jordan's Christmas song! Don't worry Jordan, I saved the best for last...here's the endlessly endearing Wonderful Christmastime from Sir Paul...

Ashley checks in with time to spare for her secret Santa!

She knows exactly what she wants: a nice silver tone dress watch. Nothing fancy given the amount of wear it will get...

She suggests this one...and also this one ... and hey this one too!

And check out Rhett and Link with their fine version of Silver Bells...

Tom checks in with his secret Santa wish list...

He would like this new single serve coffee maker...

And he'd like it if you could round that out with a nice bottle of cabernet...check the listing here for reveiws and ideas.

And check out this rolicking version of You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch by Electric Six...

It's long past time for me to post my secret Santa wish list...I've been very conflicted!

I do need a left hand golf glove, large, to assist in my emerging dominating golf game...

I also need a cover for my golf driver, which is of course one of those oversized monsters but doesn't seem to actually help my game one bit...

And fully embracing the sport of my dotage, I could always use a dozen decent quality (but not professional grade) golf balls...goodness knows enough go missing!

My secret Santa can top it all off with a good quality cigar so I can complete the geezer look with a little style. The AVO brand, in particular the Lonsdale and Double Corona, are my favorite...

And here's the lovely Tina Sugandh with a spacey version of White Christmas that I've always enjoyed very much...

Alexa gets into the spirit of things and submits her secret Santa wishes...
She would really really like this Limitless Creations Illuminated Computer Speaker System.

She would also like these boots... (size 8).
Maybe do one and a gift card toward the other? She's apparently open to deal making! (the boots are on sale.)

And here's the always endearing "It's Christmas Time" from Sweet Afton...

Oma is in with her secret Santa wishes!

She’d like a set (2) of lamps for the bedroom night stands…you could probably find some nice options here...

She’s also looking for a small rice cooker…this one caught my eye.

She’d like a couple of small stainless steel pans…maybe here?

She’d also like new floor mats for her car (2008 Hyundai Elantra)…maybe try here?

Her last wish is somewhat unique…she wanted a handyman for some odds & ends around the house. It’s pretty routine stuff (kitchen faucet repair, utility room door knob replacement, etc)…seems like her secret Santa could rally some troops to spend a couple of hours taking care of these items.

And here is a weird and wonderful rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by the Mountain Goats...watch it all the way through, it's fantastic!

Gerry is in with his wish for this year, and he's sticking with his outdoor theme from years past as he would like a pair of waterproof boots in size 11...

This seems like a good place to start...

And this would also be worth checking out...

And here's a pretty funky version of Little Drummer Boy by Sumo Cyco

Eric is in with his secret Santa wish list and it's recreation focused, so have fun!

A Bristle Dart Board and Cabinet

STEEL TIP darts, 20 (or more) grams in weight

A Pool Cue, 20oz

A Corner Cue Rack

And a Dozen Calloway HEX Black Tour Balls

Here's a blast from the past: The Bangles with their Christmas special live recording of Hazy Shade of Winter...

Kim has her secret Santa wish and knows exactly what she wants...

The LL Bean Wicked Good Slippers, brown, size 7...

And here's longtime indie crooner faves Belle & Sebastian with Are You Coming Over For Christmas?

Ellen sends her wish list...a wide choice as always.

She'd like a couple of vinegar selections from O'live A Little gourmet store at Evergreen Walk, a fruity balsamic, either blueberry or raspberry...

From Land's End, she'd like a down vest - Petite Medium - 407703-A1X, in white, as well as a flannel night shirt - Petite Medium - 423941-A17, in Blue Depths Dot.

She's a big fan of Stonewall Kitchen sauces, in case her Secret Santa wants to go in that direction...

She'd like a nice, strong frother for her latte's...

A wall (not desk) calendar from Despair.com, and please note that it's for her office so nothing too offensive!

And here's the great duo She & Him with a delightful version of Sleigh Ride.

Ryan comes in with his wish list...

Staying with his previously established zombie theme, he'd like The Walking Dead Season 1 as well as Season 2.

He'd likely also enjoy The Walking Dead Graphic novels.

Entirely unrelated to zombies, he could use a couple of pairs of khakis, 36 x 36, from Old Navy, or Docker's from Bob's...

And here's a delightful Zombie Christmas Song.

Red weighs in on the Red Sox recent "3 for $39 million" binge...

Kerri is in next and she has a varied wish list for her Secret Santa so as to heighten the element of surprise...

A K-cup coffee pod holder...

The Hunger Games (DVD or Blu Ray)

Benefit the POREfessional primer

A new tea kettle

A new casserole dish

Boscia T-Zone treatment or hydration gel

Hey, she told you it was a varied wish list...

And check out this smokey bluesy version of I'll Be Home for Christmas by Sister Hazel...

Continuing our family tradtion of using this blog to post our Secret Santa wish list for 2012!

Page is in first and she's feeling a combination of artsy and industrious, asking her Secret Santa for some specialty paints from Sea Rose Cottage.
Specifically, she'd like these Annie Sloan chalk paint samples:
4 ounce Barcelona Orange
4 ounce Emperor's Silk
4 ounce Coco
4 ounce Versailles
Soft Wax - Clear

And let's kick off the Christmas song season with this charming version of The Christmas Song by Mindy Glenhill...

This never gets old:

"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly"

Happy Thanksgiving, food stamp nation...

A true unmitigated, unequivocal, American tragedy...

I told you so...The Fiscal Cliff: A Primer. Warning! Not for the squeamish.

Ah, but who cares, amirite? We live in a country where 51% of the people don't think that 20 trillion dollars worth of debt is any big deal. Forward! Taxpayer funded contraception and such!

Rubes...

Food stamp Nation! But don't fret, I've been told prosperity is just around the corner...

Après moi le Déluge!

This. Always this. Always only this.

And here, chew on this while I go into "I-told-you-so" mode for the next 4 years...
Meanwhile, in the real world where people actually work and pay taxes...

Best Olympic commentary ever? Best Olympic commentary ever.

It was awfully hot here this week, very tempting to go out to dinner. But nah, "maybe we should eat in"...

The Cool Hunter takes us to a few more places we really would like to visit...

It's the dirty tackle of the day! Mommy blasts her son in the face with a point blank kick.

Couple of things I love about this clip: we are treated to several slow motion replays and the kid never goes down.

Meanwhile, in Poland...

You know what happens outside a night club at 2 AM? Nothing good.

Well, actually sometimes it can be pretty good...

Tar. Feathers.

SOPA is mostly dead (but "mostly dead" means "partly alive")...Hitler shares his thoughts, and of course he's not happy. Oddly, this is as good an explanation of SOPA as I've seen...

Bad science, and pretty bad headline writing too.

"Unconsciously"? I'm pretty sure they mean "subconsciously", cause I think guys want to be conscious around "hotties". And that's what make the science dubious - from everything I've ever observed, everyone consciously wants to date a hottie...

Buzzfeed posts a creative gallery: Album Covers Minus the Dead Guys.

The Ramones picture just makes me sad; Tommy looks so forlorn standing there all by himself...

Several years ago, after the Firefly series was cancelled, I received the complete Firefly series as a Christmas gift (along with the sequel movie Serenity). I started watching the episodes in their original order with the Not My Fault daughter, back to back to back. And when we got the the last one we just went back to the beginning and started again...

What would explain the ability of a low-budget sci-fi show to not only reach across generations, but leave young and old equally transfixed? I'm convinced my daughter learned more about liberty and loyalty, commitment and fairness, from those 14 episodes than she did in 12 years of public schooling.

Anyway, when I saw this article about watching Firefly with your kid, well it struck a chord with me. So we watched a few episodes last night, just for old times sake...

Not Christmas related, but it's pretty awesome nevertheless: 32 best Firefly quotes...

I know I've posted this a couple of previous Christmases, but it just doesn't get old...Sweetafton, It's Christmastime.

Can a mildly creepy song still come off as heartfelt and endearing? It certainly can, as this haunting version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas shows.

I like how the singer has a young John Lennon thing going on...

You gotta get up! It's Christmas Morning!

A delightful role-reversal with the Not My Fault daughter this morning; for all these years she's been waking me up early...today I got to return the favor!

Headline of the week? Yes. Yes it is...it's the headline of the week. And the first sentence makes it even better.

Before the weekend kicks in and I get busy with some Christmas posts, let's first pay homage to the most spectacular and epic fails of 2011...

Tip #3: Do yoga.

Good advise. I've done yoga about 20 times in the last 4 months, and even though I can't say what or why exactly, I can say unequivocally that I feel better and that it's improved my life...

Only six? Granted, they're pretty big categories ("science", "websites"), so maybe six is the right number...

Great question over at Splitsider: What is the single best sitcom episode of all time?

I'm not enough of a television viewer to have a strong opinion on this. There are many, many great offerings in the comments, and there are many shows I'm not familiar with. And in several instances where I am familiar with the show, I'm not familiar with the episode.

Actually, I could probably do a top ten list with just Seinfeld and Simpsons episodes. Well, make that a top nine; my 10th would be the WKRP Turkey Drop episode...

Headline of the week? It's in the finals, easily...note the subtle use of the scare quote.

And here's some practical news you can use...

Tom is in with his Christmas wish list...and keeping with his new winemaking hobby, would like various supplies and items:
There are two area wine making shops where his secret Santa can browse for items...
Beer and Winemakers Warehouse in Hartfordand the Brew & Wine hobby shop in East Hartford.

(He suggests the Hartford shop is a little more organized so that may be best.)

Some needed items are:

Corks
Shrink Wrap Caps
1 Piece Air Lock
Potassium Metabisulfate

Also, he'd enjoy the book "The Wine Maker's Answer Book".

To round out the wish list, bottles of nice Red Wine to offer inspiration are always appreciated! And as I've previously mentioned, they are a potential fine investment!

And the brilliant pop duo Belle & Sebastian perform a beautifully restyled version of "O Little Town of Bethleham".

Gerry makes his arrival, and he would like a safety helmet for those ever increasing occassions when he has a need to use his chainsaw...gotta be careful out in the wildnerness!

I'm sure his secret Santa can be creative with an additional item to compliment Gerry's outdoor activities...

And here's Julian Casablancas with the stylish and kickin' I Wish It Was Christmas Today...(he's the guy from the Strokes).

We haven't seen this in a while: over at the Next Big Future it's the Carnival of Space...

Preparing for the imminent collapse of the Euro, and with it the Eurozone...

And by the way, what happened?

Just finished watching the Arsenal v Everton match...there's really only one reason to watch Arsenal these days: Robin van Persie. And jumping Buddha on a pogo stick did he deliver today...

Video here...Not sure if it's the goal of the year, but it's the best goal I've seen this year...

Eric appears with his list, offering his secret Santa a wide range of options. He'd be content with any combination of the following:

Leather Gloves (Men’s large)

Golf (large) Umbrella

Ski (specific) Socks

Calloway Tour i(z) golf balls

Bottle of Cabernet...always a wise investment.

And here's the Ramones! With their classic Christmas song! Merry Christmas! (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight!)...Johnny Joey DeeDee Marky! Good times!

Kim provides her list!

She'd like a pair of black flat boots...specifically Bare Traps Jaline, in black, size 7. Right here, as a matter of fact...can also be found here with free shipping. Bonus!

She also very much enjoys shower gel from Bath and Body works.

She'd also like a WHITE down vest (not ivory!). They are evidently hard to find, but you might start here Also here? Good luck!

UPDATE: never mind the aforementioned white vest...Eric found one

And here's the talented Meaghan Smith with her charming rendition of Silver Bells...

Kerri is up next with a nice list for her secret Santa...

She's like a pair of LL Bean Hearthside slippers in Chocolate, size 9...these, to be clear, in chocolate.

She'd also like Josie Maran Argan Oil from Sephora.

She also has a need for a stadium chair for UConn games...here's a handy list.

Additionally, she has a need for a cover for her Nook Simple Touch...

And finally she would enjoy dry, full-bodied red wine...a sound investment!

The Saw Doctors make an appearance with Merry Christmas Tuam...

UPDATE: Kerri no longer needs stadium seat...

Ryan checks in with his Christmas wishes...

Recognizing the need for an ever greater need on self reliance, he is asking his secret Santa for a hand crank radio. And really, who among us couldn't use one of those?

Additionally - and again, who among couldn't use one of these - he'd like the Zombie Combat Manual. Indispensable! Why do I think we'll all be hiding at Ryan's house when this finally happens...

And why not! It's a Very Zombie Christmas!

The lists are coming in early this year! We like it.

Ashley is up next, and she'd wishing for some of the fine products from The Body Shop: (note the discount code!)

Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser;
Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream;
Shea Body Butter;
Camomile Eye Makeup Remover.

And here's terrific new indie band The Late Greats with their catchy version of Sleigh Ride...

Next in with her Christmas wish list is Ellen...

She needs a stainless colander with open handles so it can be hung from a rack. And for the Cape house she also needs a nice collapsible one.
She's also looking to add to her cookbook collection, in particular from cuisineathomestore.com...she would like:

Slow Cooker menus Vol 1 and Vol 2,
Quick & Easy Italian,
Cuisine Light Vol 2.

And here's a clip from The Nightmare Before Christmas featuring the lovely Cure song, A Thousand Hours...

Megan McArdle hopes she's wrong. I hope she's wrong too, but I don't think she is...

Additional commentary from Megan here.

Dear Santa, I've changed my mind...I do believe I want one of these...

Got to see the Cure quite unexpectedly and spontaneously Sunday night in NYC. A stunning and breathtaking show…

I received an urgent text from friend Guach on Thanksgiving Day: “The Cure @ Beacon Theater. They are playing first 3 albums in entirety with original lineups!!!” Dan & I are original Cure fanboys, so I frankly thought his text deserved a few more exclamation points…

Recently nominated for 2012 induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the band looked and sounded great, and it was a genuine treat to be able to hear all the original Cure songs as they were initially produced.

Robert Smith was always the smiley face of the Goth rock scene…for as dark as some of the music sometimes seems, you always get the sense that’s he’s winking and smiling through it all.

Opening song: 10:15 Saturday Night. A gem.

Closing song? How about this: Boys Don’t Cry, my favorite Cure song ever.

In between? The entirety of Three Imaginary Boys, Seventeen Seconds, and Faith, followed by a full hour of encores (which included all the songs from Japanese Whispers B sides collection)… maybe 45-50 songs total.

An amazing experience all around...

Enjoy some Cure music right here.

Page and the Not My Fault guy have a somewhat unique idea for our secret Santas, and we hope we can pull this off. If possible, we’d like our Santas to combine our gifts and get us the P90X 2, so we can be even more insufferably ripped and buff than we already are. (Hey, the company's not called “Beach Body” for nothing!)

Anyway, this is somewhat time sensitive; you get free shipping for the next 48 hours, so we hope this can be coordinated. A new yoga ball would round out the package nicely…

And here’s one of my favorite bands from back when with their outstanding original, Thanks for Christmas...

First year participant Alexa knows exactly what she needs and wants, and reflecting her new found appreciation for the practical is asking for this 12” x 18” architectural light box to aid her in her studio studies. She also has a regular need for architectural supplies, and prefers the products and pricing from the Blick store...

And for your listening pleasure, here’s geek rock band Weezer with The Christmas Song...

We begin another year of Christmas wish lists posted here for easy access for all.

Let’s start with Oma, as she was well prepared with a nice range of items for her secret Santa to pick from. She’s in need of slippers (why do I think she’d like these?), and I'm sure you could find something here she'd enjoy...she'd also like some Clinique face cream (color #06, sand) and soft black mascara. Finally, she also has a need for a wind up alarm clock that will keep running if power and batteries are unavailable...

To kick off our official Christmas song season, you can enjoy this charming rendition of Last Christmas as performed by Florence & the Machine.

Happiness is a warm gun...

For context, here's the original.

Thanksgiving, best holiday of the year: a massive feast on a Thursday, so when it's finished you still have a long weekend. That's all win right there...

As for the sentiment of giving thanks and gratitude in general, it seems it's actually quite healthy both mentally and physically. The science is settled!

We can also be thankful for one of the greatest comedy scenes in television history..."As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly..."