Solstice Wish List 2024

2024 will potentially be a really bad year (if there even is a 2024, for me). Well, unless i DO win a lottery jackpot. 

i decided to do this real early and just add stuff as it gets released. i don't know what will release in 2024. These are possibilities not absolutes (and many aren't realistic possibilities). The dollar numbers are purchase "trigger" prices (not to say i would buy all of these at those prices).

Bing/MSFT rewards nerfs (not worth using anymore) will likely result in $200+ less to spend than in previous years. Also, AMZN increase in free shipping amount from $25 to $35 will likely result in less orders.

Xmas 2023: My Xmas Inside Xmas Decorations

Well, another Xmas has come and gone. Yes, to me it is Xmas. You'll see some signs of Rankin/Bass. i don't like editing/cropping.

Merry Xmas 2023 from Payless, Merry Xmas

Dang you ad execs of the 80s or 90s. A simple holiday slogan, hard to forget. It's been out of business since 1996.

Anyway, happy Xmas *

* Happiness not guaranteed. Void in countries/cities that have at least one vowel in their name. Happiness may not actually exist. Happiness might be known by the state of California to cause cancer.

Xmas: for me was usually a two month build up, to essentially be over in less than 30 minutes.

i guess technically it isn't over yet, because as you know: even a statistical improbability needs a hand.

In my 20s, i would love to have unwrapped my present and spent the rest of the day putting logs in the fire. In my 30s, i wish i would have had kids to live semi-vicariously through, seeing the wonder and possibility through their eyes. Denied on both counts.

Only 365-ish days until next Xmas (next year has a leap day), assuming it happens.

2024: Movies to Get From the Library

Yes, libraries carry movies DVD/Blu-Ray (my library not the latter). So, knowing almost nothing about the movies coming out, what am i looking to reserve from the library (assuming they get it). There used to be about a 6-month delay from theater to home release.

That is assuming there is a 2024 and i make it out alive (or whatever semblance of it i can)

Some of these potential 2024 movies might slip, be cancelled, or streaming only. Some more might be added to the release list (used IMDB release date list). i only have Hulu right now ($.99 a month until November) and do not plan on getting any other streaming services. i don't know much about any of these movies.

Movies to possibly watch (no, i'm not going to do so in the theater, parenthesis are suspected theatrical release month):

Happy Solstice

 Happy Solstice to those who celebrate. Also, happy Saturnalia.

The way i celebrate is is a little more self-indulgent. My version of Solstice is basically, Xmas for myself (well without Santa, Rudolph, elves, ets). It started several years ago, i bought DVDs/Blu-Rays and video games at Black Friday. i decided that i would wrap these "presents" and open them on Solstice. i guess i expected Xmas to be lame those years or something.

Since then, due to stimulus checks and the like, this has expanded to 1 or 2 puzzles, vintage-ish toys (like Masters of the Universe Origins), LEGO/MEGA, and an ounce of silver (rarely).  Also, the time frame has been extended, some of the Solstice present i will open this year were bought December 2022 (day after Xmas is the start of a new Solstice period).

Barring a lottery win or an unexpected windfall, it will be significantly scaled back in the future (not like there are many modern movies worth watching). My TV on DVD/Blu-Ray collection prospects are limited (unless i replace DVDs with Blu-Rays).

80s Compilations: Living In Oblivion Volume 5

i love the 80s, but sometimes all of the songs i remember (and some good ones i don't) are hard to find. Enter the compilation album. Unlike many references i have seen online, i'm one of the few people who actually bought them new for over $9. i think i found these mostly at Camelot Music in the mall (mid 1990s). 

The last release in the Living in Oblivion series from EMI Records. There was a rumored Volume 6 that never was released. This series is a little tilted toward UK groups.

80s Compilations: Living in Oblivion Volume 4

The 80s were a decade of unparalleled awesomeness. i couldn't buy all the songs i listened to on the radio. So, compilations became interesting to me. One of the 80s compilations that i still have the series is Living In Oblivion. Like many compilations it is hit or miss. 

My Xmas List 2023: CC Elves in the Mail Room (even the Canadian ones)

 Dear Santa,

This year for Christmas, i would like (i assure you this isn't completely a copy/paste from last year): 

• $50 Million after taxes (willing to buy Mega Millions and Powerball ticket, if you could give me merrier outcomes).
• My own home (doesn't even need to be on 34th street). Would purchase a house on my own if given the first gift on my list. Not sure what/who "home" really is or how to obtain it (assume it is more than a physical structure).
• Woman/women: to love (and unconditionally love me). Non-feminist, non-combative, non-crazy.
• Retro toys: if 1980s and early 1990s could be considered retro.
• Health, happiness and the intangibles: though i'm not sure they all really exist.

i have not been totally evil this year. Thank you for your time, Santa Claus. i believe in you. 

Sincerely, 

Me

Random Musings: Grinch, Barbie movie, etc.

 So, what kinds of odd things have been going through my warped mind lately?