Thanks!

Although it was not my intention when I posted my 'Christmas List' a few days ago, one of my generous readers (and not even a relative) was kind enough to send me a gift--the binoculars arrived this morning! It took me a few minutes to get them dialed in, as like Captain Ron, one of my eyes doesn't work as well as the other. But now that I've got them set up, I've already been out spying on my neighbors. Thanks Nick. (If you're still selling the woodcarvings and have info online, I'll gladly post a link here on my site for you--and to everyone else--you gotta check out Nick's woodcarvings. Amazing stuff. Trust me)

I'd really like to take the binoculars up to the Voodoo Lounge at the Rio, or maybe to the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris to have a look around the Strip. I'm sure I'd see something interesting in this town. Or I could do like my buddy Dane does, and use them to peek into other hotel rooms...

As far as gifts go, I did, however, post a link to my Amazon wishlist on my profile page for anyone in the family who has issues with shipping alcohol, tobbaco, or firearms across state lines during the holiday season. Since Amazon doesn't sell Partagas Black Labels, Captain Morgan or Mt Gay rum, or surplus eastern bloc ammunition and/or rifles, books and stuff will work in a pinch.

On a serious note, I really do want to express my gratitude for all the little extras that have come my way, just because of my modest skills at the keyboard. I've gotten numerous free dinners and drinks here in Vegas, cigars, a shirt or two, casino chips, gift certificates, etc--the list goes on and on. But as much as that stuff is appreciated, I think the coolest thing is all of the people I've been able to meet over the years. Everybody has been really great, and some have turned into close friends. You can't beat that.

God Bless Us, Everyone! And have a Merry Christmas.

Mikey

Edited to add: Ok, if any of you comedians out there make good on your emailed threats to send me Paul McCartney cds, just remember to include a hammer in the package, too. Thanks!