AULD LANG SYNE

So long, 2012. Let's not say we'll keep in touch, shall we?

HANNAH MONTANA

Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER in a million years did I think I would post anything that had to do with country singer Miley Cyrus. However, when I heard her recent cover of the Dolly Parton classic Jolene, I knew I couldn't not let all my little bastards know how damn good this version is.

Damn good.

SHIT MY BARBER DAN SAYS

Dan: Did I tell you I'm taking a big trip?

Me: No.

Dan: I didn't tell you I was taking a big trip?

Me: No.

Dan: I didn't tell you I'm going to Lebanon?

Me: No.

Dan: I'm going to Lebanon.

MADISON AVENUE

caring dads always lube?

um, wow.

LATHER, RINSE, REPEAT

I wrote about my love of the film Whip It back on July 7, and think it's my favorite post of the past year. Here's the link if you want to take a look - or second look.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

From the staff of The Steaming Poop blog.

GUN CRAZY

In about another couple of weeks or so, we will begin to move on as a country and forget about the gun control issue. Too bad, because I've got a couple of ideas that I think could work, and here they are:

Assault Gun Ban - Yes, this will not stop what's out there already, but an outright ban would stop future purchases. Just end it right here and now. After that's been done, you then ban the manufacture and sale of large round magazines, which would address the issue of what's already out there. Seriously, there is just no reason for  anyone outside of the military or law enforcement to have access to a magazine of 30 bullets, no reason at all.

Taxes - Now that you've passed the bans, you then tax the shit out of all bullet and gun purchases. I say a 75% tax is a nice place to start. Use that money to fund Gun Education classes, which should be required of all gun owners. We require Driver Education classes before you get a drivers license, why not do the same for gun ownership? Maybe even fund our schools with the leftover cash?

DIG IF YOU WILL THE PICTURE

I took a lot of pictures over the last 12 months, and these are just a few of my favorites.

SHOE WHORE

Swoon

DIG IF YOU WILL THE PICTURE

A spectacular sunrise on the day before the end of the world.

FOODIE CALL

Cookie and Irving's late-night nosh at Luna Park on Valencia and !8th.

ALICIA KEYS

As a celebrity, she annoys me to no end. However, as an artist, she absolutely knocks me out.

Alicia Keys, you nailed it again with your latest, A Brand New Me.

WITHIN AND WITHOUT

I've posted this song before, and I'm doing it again because it's such a damn good one.

CLAUS I SAID SO

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

A Christmas Story

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

I blog this same list every year not just because these are my favorite holiday movies, but because these are the best holiday movies EVER!

If they're not on your Netflix queue, they should be.

MY OZ

Oh New York, you sexy bitch.

DIG IF YOU WILL THE PICTURE

Although I managed to miss the rainbow this morning, I still managed to capture a few dramatic shots from the roof of my humble abode.

THE HIT PARADE

Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

Beach House - Bloom

Common - The Dreamer / The Believer

Best Coast - The Only Place

Milo Greene

These are the artists who's music caught my undivided attention this past year.

THE GOLDEN GIRLS

So I caught a drag interpretation of the venerable television hit The Golden Girls this past weekend at the Victoria Theatre on 16th Street. Unfortunately, they managed to choose two weak episodes to perform. I also question the need to take those two 30-minute episodes and stretch them into one-hour sketches.

That said, this post-performance lapdance given by Blanche Devereaux to two lucky audience members, who happened to be celebrating their birthdays that evening, was pretty hilarious.

THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST

So I found myself on an accidental field trip yesterday afternoon.

It's days like this that have me thinking the Bay Area is a pretty nice place to live.

MY OZ

Oh New York, you sexy bitch.

GREASED FRIGHTNING

I know this is supposed to be a fundraiser for charity, but wow, this video is really bad. It also seems to go along way to prove John Travolta's heterosexual status, because no self-respecting gay man would EVER wear that Astro Turf-looking hairpiece.

Seriously, you've got a lot of money, John. Either buy some better hair or just do the bald-thing.

GEE, OFFICER KRUPKE

Dear Officer Krupke:

I was NOT going 82 miles per hour. Your so-called "estimate" is flawed, and I look forward to resolving this matter in court.

Krup you.

WINTER OF CONTENT

I'm so looking forward to the upcoming Winter hiking season, and with the harsh weather we've been having lately, it promises to be an exciting one.

THE BIRDS

Happy birthday to fellow former choir nerd, Kim T.

MY OZ

Dear Diary:

Subway (noun):

The underground place of transformation from weary cynic to believer; where you meet a 7-year-old boy to your right who asks you for a helpful hint on his puzzle as he gently kicks your leg as the train rocks along, while on your left, a lady helps shush your baby back to sleep.

The place where you rush after having stood impatiently in line in the punishing cold for an egg white and cheese on a roll — the line that sentenced you to a late arrival at work; where the memory of all that vanishes, and you quietly give your breakfast away without a second thought.

Where a complete stranger with a perhaps not so very clean hat just might nod off on your shoulder, someone who is already done with their day’s work before yours even begins, and you decide you don’t even really mind at all; the place from where you emerge, blinking in the daylight on the busy street above, renewing your vow to take better care of your neighbors.

Whoever said New York was too cold and rushed and rude for their liking has never been to my New York.

-- Metropolitan Diary, New York Times

I love this so much.

GIFT REGISTRY

Things I'd like for Christmas.