Anthony Malloy

I somehow managed to fluke a tax return this year so rather than run out and spend it on Lego (not that’s not a tempting option) I invested it back in to my business – I purchased a new Samsung SyncMaster 171N 17″ LCD Monitor.

And it’s great. I’ve reclaimed more desk space to clutter, my nose is no longer pressed against the screen and it looks really cool. Rae will inhereit my old 17″ CRT monitor and her old 15″ will, um, I have no idea what I’ll do with that. Anyone in the market for a 15″ Compaq monitor?

On another note I also picked up a shaving gizmo to tidy up the mess my beard had become. I do love toys.

UPDATE

How cool! I just found out that my monitor swivels and I can use it in portrait mode.

We have an issue.

Part of my haul for Christmas was a magnificent DVD Box set of Dr Who – The Three Doctors complete with a Corgi die cast model of the third doctor’s car, Bessie.

Only thing is it’s (dead…) wrapped in plastic. I don’t want to open it but Rae insists I do, she’s now carrying a pair of scissors around with her, just waiting for my guard to drop.

Hang on, what’s that sound?

RAE! RAE! Step away from the box!

I survived the following : 72 hours without email (barely), a 33.3k dial up connection, too much food (again), too much drink (again), hot Shepparton summer days (had forgotten how hot they can be, as I always do), laying under a tree for an entire afternoon, sitting around reading and chatting to family, hearing more stories from dad (I find I can’t get enough of them as I grow older) and a nasty cold.

Now I’m home. The cats are in, there’s Pepsi in the fridge, my gal is here next to me and our own bed awaits. All is well.

Early morning.
Excited child.
Loads of presents.
Too much food.
Too much to drink.
Getting sun burnt testing out Phee’s toys.
High Society on DVD.
Snooze in the afternoon.
Some family today, some tomorrow.

Merry Christmas one and all. I’m going to sleep now, see you in a few days.

Christmas Eve and I just got my first present.

Rae, the wonder woman, has found me a copy of the Star Wars Christmas Special, complete with ads from the 1970’s. I am in heaven. I had such vague memories of this crime against science fiction and it’s terrifying how spot on most of them are.

I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

It’s here, I’m happy. My passport to 17 Tiger games for 2004 arrived today, as did Rob’s. Now all we have to do is wait. March can’t arrive quickly enough.

And, if you’re a supporter and not a member – go sign up.

The dance of the demonic candy canes, now terrorising small children in a drive way near us.

What does it say about you when the owners of your favourite coffee haunt are going to the trouble of giving you a set of keys so you can still go and make a proper coffee even though the caf? is shut and they are half a state away on holiday?

I kid you not.

Idiot Neighbour Child #2 likes to tune up the sub woofer in his car. Every week. Normally it’s just thumping music, hard to tell exactly what because the volume is so loud any substance is distorted to doof doof doof by the time it’s shaking our walls.

Well, today we found out what this bass slammin’ head banging day-glo safety vest wearing Neanderthal impersonator has as his music of choice.

John Farnham.

We’re a little confused.

You’ve probably read me rave about Tom and John, the commentators on CKNW who call each Canucks game. They’re a major reason I became addicted to this sport.

Today they lost it. Tom makes a small slip of the tongue, holds it together for 30 seconds as he finishes his first key to the game and then they can’t help themselves.

Listen to the extract – Windows Media 9, 780kb.

You can find more in the Shorty and Tom Gallery.