Once again, despite my protests, a few valiant individuals have insisted on my providing some ideas for potential "Ray-Gifts." So I'm typing up this list of groovy things I'd love to have. Please understand that I realize some of these items are expensive, so please don't think I'm seriously suggesting that someone rush out and grab them. I'm simply adding them as a sort of mental place-holder for myself. Also note, that while I will link to Amazon.com for many of these items, Amazon is seldom a good place to buy from. They are overpriced, and have wildly varying stock. But they do have a huge archive of product data, making it a convenient place to obtain images, etc..
Lastly, this page is in addition to my Amazon Wish List, which mostly consists of books. I'd also be thrilled with any items from it, although as I said, Amazon is not necessarily the place to buy from. Also, donations to my PS2 enthusiast site are always welcome. Just click on the "Make a Donation" button on the left.
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Item: John Dies At The End Paperback by David Wong
This fabulous book was written one chapter at a time over several over several years as a special Halloween feature for David Wong’s site, www.pointlesswasteoftime.com. It’s easily one of the most interesting books I’ve ever read, and I followed it religiously over the course of it’s inception. It’s ability to strike the balance between humor, randomness, and the horror of the supernatural struck a chord with me, and I’m delighted it’s finally made it to print. As a note, the full text is still available to be read for free on the website, but I’d strongly urge anyone looking for a fun read to pick up the printed copy for maximum enjoyment. (Purchase Link)
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Item: M3 DS Simply Nintendo DS Backup Device
My current backup device, while still working, is a remarkable pain in the ass. The trial and error nature of figuring out which patches make a particular rom work are far too time consuming. On the other hand, the M3 DS Simply I purchased for the missus is working beautifully. I needs. (Purchase Link)
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Item: Snapstream HDTV Bundle
Have been wanting a new HDTV capture card for ages…. (Purchase Link)
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Item: Ipod Touch
Those devious bastards at Apple have finally managed to hook me. After years of mocking there form over function philosophy and closed standards, they finally made a device so sexy the temptation to put it directly down my pants is near impossible to resist.
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Item: Acoustic Guitar
While my wife would likely balk at this, saying something along the lines of “You’ll never play it, ya lazy bastard”, I object. While I have no intention of mastering the guitar, I would love to have one so that I might learn to strum a few of my favorite tunes for fun. A former roommate had a guitar, and using tablatures I found online I was able to learn to pick my way through a few Matthew Sweet songs and found it to be terribly calming and therapeutic. Note that I don’t’ know shit about guitars or tuning them. Also, I’m not picky, so a used one from some filthy pawn-shop is fine. ^_^
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Item: Games, Games, Games
Would love to have any of the following titles:
-Guitar Hero Encore: Rock the 80s (PS2) (Note: I already have guitars for it.)
-Crysis (PC)
-Any of the SingStar Series of games (and a mic or 2) (PS2)
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Item: BOOZE!!!
You can’t go wrong with this universal bringer of joy. Any of the following brands are relatively inexpensive favorites of yours truly.
-Maker’s Mark Whisky
-Sapporo Beer
-Iceberg Vodka
-Sailor Jerry Rum
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Item: Gift Certificates
While I know many people find GCs too impersonal, I’m here to tell you that there’s no shame in them. I for one can never get enough capital when it comes to 80stess.com and Frys Electronics.
-80Tees Gift Certificates
-Fry’s Gift Certificates Available at Fry's Stores