Got alot more stuff from the in-law side of the family. Actually had a good time at the mother-in-law's this weekend.. Maybe having Shanna's sister and her hubby there to suffer with us helped. lol

Anyway, got a bunch of useless stuff from the mother-in-law (got the 4th Crock Pot in 4 years from her.. I swear to God, she buys shit throughout the year because 'it's such a great deal', then gives it away after she realizes it's useless shit), a few nice zip up hoodies, one of which is a Gopher hoodie, $95 gift card to Best Buy (adding up to the PS3 fund!), candy (lotttts!!), cash, and a belt (was much needed.. My hunny got it for me). Together, we got some nice Peanuts dishwear, and a bunch of personalized ornaments (we don't have any). Shanna got a Snuggie and a throw blanket (she's a freeze baby), and we found out that the sister-in-law is 8 weeks pregnant. 😃

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Oh yeah.. I forgot..

Shanna's cousin (he's 25) got a PS3 for an early Christmas gift earlier this month. So we got him Madden 10.

Today, we went over to his house (he lives 3 blocks from the mother-in-law) and I played a couple of games against him. He was the Packers, of course. And naturally, I played as the Vikes. Both games were played at Lamblow (er.. Lambeau). The first one, I got an early lead, only to have him come back and get the ball to my 3 yard line. After a great 3rd down stop by the Vikings, and being up only 31-29.. All he needed to do was kick a FG.. But instead (since he has been driving on me the final quarter) he got greedy and went for the TD. He missed, and I lucked out.

The second game was head to head the whole game. Less than a minute left of the game, the score is 28-22, Vikings leading, and he's driving again.. In the final 20 seconds, he has first and goal. And 3 timeouts. A couple of plays later, Aaron Rodgers throws a pass to Driver coming across the middle, but Leber steps up and picks him off. Leber is tackled at the Vikings 2 yard line. I can't kneel because it would give up 2 points (safety).. So I run the ball up the gut with AP. Adrian breaks 4 tackles and scampers 98 yards for a TD. SEALED. THE. DEAL.

The best part.. I've NEVER played Madden on any of the new consoles.. NEVER. (well, we played the demo Friday, but only 1 minute quarters and 2 teams to choose from.. Not very fun) and Shanna's cousin has played that demo many many times, and has played the game on his friend's PS3. So I was a nub and he was the 'vet'.

PWN'T!

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And the winner is Element. :thumbright:

Although I'm a whammy bar nut, if I had to pick one guitar that doesn't have a whammy bar, it would be the Gibson SG. The only changes I'd make are I'd put different pickups in there. I know, sacrilege, but I have very particular tastes.

I've had this argument before many times, but I'd take an SG over a Les Paul any day of the week. They both have blazingly fast necks. The advantage SG has over the Les Paul is on the high frets, it's easy to reach the lower strings. Makes a huge difference as I do a lot of licks and runs up there.

As for Christmas, I got nothing. My extended family already agreed that only the Grandkids get presents. My son though, we bought him Warhammer 40k as that's what he wanted. He's stoked.

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Yes the sg is amazing zombie! I've have not stopped playing since christmas. The shape is just perfect, and the light weight it has is awesome. I had an imitation les paul that was about 150 dollars before, and the extra money for the sg was definitely worth it. Your right, the shape lets you get up there with the high notes which makes it much easier.

Element - And it's also American made. That's important for me for labor reasons, but also because of materials.

I'm not talking out of my ass here. I know guitars. I've played on guitars where it's obvious they've skimped on materials and/or workmanship. Gibson doesn't skimp on either. It will cost you a few hundred more, but worth it if you're playing complex stuff.

Completely agreed with you on the shape and the weight matters after you've been playing for 3 hours straight. I always play standing up because if you don't, when you actually perform live, you may have to hold the strap up higher to hit all your notes cleanly and it looks silly. That's where the light weight really matters.

I'm seriously thinking of getting one as my next one. I'm glad you're enjoying yours. 😃

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A Vikings loss.

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+1 :thumbleft:

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It pains my heart to a depth I could not possibly explain on this forum, but Maryanne and I were forced to put our most beloved dog Max down. I cannot begin to tell you what a hole this has left in our hearts.

He was such a good boy, all the way through to the end. I thought some of you would want to know.

I am sorry to hear that. I know you loved that dog with an abiding passion. I wept last year when my little dog died of a brain tumor. Every few days the boys ask if we can get a new dog, but our lease won't let us have a pet, so we just get to miss her. Do you hope to get another or was he your one and only?

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Maryanne came to me (in bed, depressed) and asked me if we can get another dog. I said "no". Not at this time.


I spent the day (while she was at work) looking at pics of all the shelter dogs. My big problem is if I actually GO to the shelter, I pick the dog most at risk of being disposed of, regardless of "criteria" and consequences. This is why I have to look alone without Maryanne knowing I'm even looking.
That's how Bryce and I wound up with Ben. Bryce didn't want Ben, but Ben was done, so I had to take him home. We had him for about 8 years. He had about an hour or two when I picked him up.