10. Culture Club Reunion (VH1)

Was a bit of a fan of these guys back in the eighties (do any of you even know who Boy George was/is?).  Anyway, I was glad to see them back just because BG looked so gosh darned healthy for a guy who’s struggled with every scandal imaginable.  Ya gotta love an underdog. 

9. Superman Annual #1

I think I read this for the first time when I was about eight.  DC Comics released a facsimile edition this summer, and it really took me back.  Why?  That story where Clark Kent is in college and falls in love with a mermaid in a wheelchair with a blanket over her lap is as seriously spooky as I remember it, for one thing.

[Runner-up: Captain America: The Classic Years - Joe Simon and Jack Kirby]

8. Old Black-and-White Movies

True story: Julie and I are at Blockbuster, and I say, “I want something old and black-and-white.”  To which she replies, of course, “Like you?”  But seriously, folks, they say you won’t watch ‘em, but you will in this class this year, whether you want to or not.  Why?  Because they are sublime.  Examples: Go West (Buster Keaton), The Lady Eve (Preston Sturges).

7. Room Service

Julie and I went to Denver on vacation this year.  We got to stay in one of the nicest hotels in town one night, have dinner in their restaurant, all courtesy of her brother-in-law who bought the package in a charity auction.  Because it was all free, the next morning we got room service, Denver omelets, naturally.  It was really cool.  Why, you ask?  Because I’ll never, ever get a chance to do it again.

6. Rivera Live (CNBC)

Focus this summer: Clinton’s troubles, mostly, with a bit of Jon Benet thrown in.  Why cool?  Because I’m a moral weakling.

[Runners-up:  The Late Show with David Letterman (CBS), WCW Monday Nitro (TNT)]

5. Original Hardy Boys books

The versions published during the 1920’s and 30’s, now being reprinted in facsimile editions, after having been brought “up to date” since (read: robbed of all charm) (Do you sense a trend?  I like it old and authentic.)  They’re surprisingly subversive, especially when they make fun of cops.  And I love to make fun of cops.

4. Mystery Starburst

Plutonium?  Toupee glue?  Lint?  Why?  Why not?

3. Hardboiled America - Geoffrey O’Brien

I can’t remember when I’ve liked a book so much, and it’s completely impossible to explain why on this page.  Suffice it to say I couldn’t put it down and would read it again cover to cover in a second.

[Runners-up: Romantic Comedy - James Harvey, Introducing Semiotics - Paul Cobley and Litza Janz, The Friendly Village - Mabel O’Donnell and Alice Carey]

2. Julie and Bailey

My lovely wife and my trusty dog.  I am double blessed.

1. Walter

No, triple.  My son.  Have you walked a one-year-old around the block lately?