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12/01/2008: Spumoni Claus.

It’s December! And it’s Cyber Monday! I may be in the minority, but I love the concept of Cyber Monday. If you aren’t aware, “Cyber Monday” is intended to be the web-version of Black Friday, featuring the year’s biggest online sales and assorted brouhahas.

There are some who claim that Cyber Monday is a myth — a baseless term created by retailers to turn a non-event into a cash cow. Bah. The same could be said for Black Friday. Despite its reputation, Black Friday isn’t the busiest shopping day of the year. It isn’t even the second biggest. And while Black Friday sales can be noteworthy, it’s mostly the aura of the thing that makes it so newsworthy. If a bunch of online retailers want to extend that aura to another day of the year, what’s the big deal? Surely we the people have more important things to worry about. Killer birds with razor talons, for example.

It isn’t easy to choose the “right day” to blow several hundred dollars on Christmas presents for eighty-four children who will each get at least ten other gifts that they’ll like better than whatever I give them anyway. I’ll take all the help I can get.

Click here for a vast collection of Cyber Monday promotions.

Spumoni, once merely a misspelling of one of Dick Tracy’s lesser-known adversaries’ surnames, is now also an ice cream flavor from Edy’s. More correctly, it’s spumoni ice cream based on spumoni ice cream. True Italian spumoni is a little more rustic, so I guess this is more of a Neapolitan ice cream (also based on spumoni) with extra pizzazz.

As the previous paragraph proves, I seriously enjoy the word “spumoni.” Say it aloud. Type it a few times. You’ll see what I mean. Makes me want to run out and buy some kind of toy breed just so I can name it “Spumoni” and have an excuse to say “spumoni” all day everyday.

What is spumoni? In this incarnation, it’s compartments of chocolate, pistachio and strawberry ice cream, fortified with nuts and little bits of cherries. The color combination is very on-brand for Christmas, and between that and my love for that special word, I can only repay Edy’s with a blood sacrifice.

If SPUMONI isn’t your thing, Edy’s sells holiday-themed ice cream in many other flavors. I reviewed their peppermint and egg nog flavors last year, if those are more your style. If they aren’t, there is no satisfying people like you.

Oh, and the Advent Calendar has begun. That too. :)

Survey: What’s the #1 thing on your wishlist this year? Note that “world peace” is so played.


Posted by Matt. E-mail me!

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Discussion Thread: 197 comments

It was so wonderful to wake up and read me some advent! I’m officially back to checking X-E before Facebook!

The number one Christmas gift for me would be 3rd season of The Muppet Show or Fraggle Rock.

The number one Christmas gift for the grown-up responsible me would be a crib for #3 due in March.

Ghosted by IHAQ @ 12/02/2008 12:22 AM EST


Click my name to see my #1 wish list item. Just looking at it makes me want to touch myself inappropriately.

Second place goes to a bike rack and third to a bed from Ikea.

Ghosted by Cheetara @ 12/02/2008 12:35 AM EST


Wolfman Ahhh ok. I am a woman but I can kind of sympathize with men in that situation. I have three male cousins that have a child with an ex gf.

Ghosted by Goob @ 12/02/2008 12:36 AM EST


Goob: How did that go for them? Makes no sense why chicks think that’s an ok thing to do. Just have to make the best of it I guess.

Ghosted by WolfMan @ 12/02/2008 12:44 AM EST


Mystie-Congrats on the engagement! I am very happy for you!

Ghosted by kb @ 12/02/2008 12:51 AM EST


WolfMan, if you don’t want to make children, don’t have sex. Your girlfriend feels it more than you, because its her child growing within her, and the hormones are running rampant changing her body to accomodate it. So naturally there’s going to be ‘illogical’ decisions like not wanting to kill it, and then wanting to keep it regardless of whether its really a good thing or not. Man up and take responsibility like a father should if she doesn’t want an abortion.

Ghosted by Moony @ 12/02/2008 12:59 AM EST


DREW DO: Those new MOTU figures are boss as shit. Glad to see Mattel still wants to try with their classic property.

Ghosted by Beckner @ 12/02/2008 1:04 AM EST


Can I change mine to what Cheetara wants? I also want a Kindle. I am blowing through about 2 to 3 books a week and I think that will do nicely.

Ghosted by Bill @ 12/02/2008 1:05 AM EST


Moony You’re telling me… if there is no sex, there is no baby? Wha… where were you two months ago? Hormones or not, a stupid decision is a stupid decision. And by “man up” do you mean moving to another street and changing my number so I don’t have to deal with it? Cuz… that’s been my plan so far.

Ghosted by WolfMan @ 12/02/2008 1:34 AM EST


By ‘man up’ I mean if she decides to keep it, that you stick around and be a father.

Ghosted by Moony @ 12/02/2008 1:47 AM EST


Ohhhhhh, I guess that’s an option too. (The former was actually her family’s advice for her) :)

Ghosted by WolfMan @ 12/02/2008 1:52 AM EST


Well, if her family’s that way, maybe *she* ought to move and change her number instead. ;) ;) ;)

Ghosted by Moony @ 12/02/2008 2:05 AM EST


As promised, I am here. Hearty lols all around, even if I feel like I missed backstory by not participating in Box 23 :o

I want a PS3. And so the world comes round FULL CIRCLE.

Ghosted by Neg @ 12/02/2008 2:15 AM EST


MYSTIE!!! Hooray engagement! Did ya get the ring yet?

When you actually get the wii in your posession I guess at Christmas, you NEED NEED NEED Animal Crossing City Folk!

And Wii fit!

Ghosted by mandy_Reeves @ 12/02/2008 2:19 AM EST


mandy_Reeves: I can’t WAIT to AC.City Folk! You’ll be the first one I add.

Ghosted by ULTRAMAN @ 12/02/2008 2:22 AM EST


#1 on the gift list this year was a Wii — until the husband’s car died, so instead we got a new battery and a new alternator. :(

#1 on my personal wishlist is a piano, like an electric one or something. I miss playing music, and I’m afraid one day I won’t remember how.

Christmassy stuff is great — good job and thanks Matt.

Am stocking up on confectioners’ sugar, chocolate chips, and other assorted cookie and candy-making ingredients around here, and will start the first round of holiday baking soon. I always get really excited before I start it, then by the end I’m sick of washing bowls and cookie sheets and pans and such, but I like having scores and scores of sweets to enjoy and give away.

Ghosted by Reni @ 12/02/2008 2:43 AM EST


Yeah, and take them with her. Ohhh meeeeee

Ghosted by WolfMan @ 12/02/2008 2:53 AM EST


Oh how I laaaaaaugh when young guys get slapped with consequences…especially the kinds of consequences that last at least 18 – 20 years! :D :D :D

Ghosted by Moony @ 12/02/2008 5:35 AM EST


Except for those which involve jailtime.

Ghosted by Moony @ 12/02/2008 5:38 AM EST


Spumoni! I remember getting Safeway’s Lucerne brand Spumoni ice cream when I was little. It was terrible. It was entirely green, and had a sort of black liquorice flavour, with little nuts or candied things mixed throughout.
In my mind now I imagine them to be those weird macaroni bits you see cross-sectioned in that luncheon meat.

Ghosted by CMJ @ 12/02/2008 6:00 AM EST


I like toying with people’s sense of self worth. Tee Hee

Ghosted by WolfMan @ 12/02/2008 6:35 AM EST


Annette-you mentioned the tree,but I didn’t know these particular characters were allready out. I’m out of the robot loop,I guess. Alot of the stores around here are still stuck with overstock of the Cheetor/Blackarachnia packs.
Terror Claws-Voltron is awesome as hell,whether you’re young or old.

Ghosted by Kid Nicky @ 12/02/2008 6:59 AM EST


#1 Wish Item: That special-edition Starscream that came out a few years ago that looks just like original Starscream, but the stuff that was white on him is grey, and it’s huge. Anyone know what I’m talking about…?

Failing that (as I can’t see it happening): books. Lots of books.

Ghosted by James FW @ 12/02/2008 7:30 AM EST


Here’s a quote from Goob: Rev. This isn’t just a contribution to my daily attempt of ass kissery in your direction. Really it isn’t. But I loathe it too when people use an accent when saying certain words. It is like my skin is coming in contact with a cheese grater.

Goob, I’m replying to this so my wife can see that I am not the only one! There is this reporter on the big news station in the DC area. I presume she is Hispanic. A very good reporter, I like her sound. I mean, he diction is perfect; big city, major market radio. No “accent”. But when she does a news story, at the very end of the story, when she says her name, it’s like she turns the special effects knob to “Ricky Riccardo”. Rolling the R’s and all that. You don’t want to deny someone their heritage. But my wife can’t understand why it drives me nuts. I can’t explain it, but it does!

Ghosted by Alexander @ 12/02/2008 7:44 AM EST


Masterpiece Screamy, James.

The Hasbro version. Takara version was gunmetal-ish in color.

Ghosted by Neg @ 12/02/2008 7:53 AM EST


Alexander,

The newscaster probably has the same problem I do. While I loathe having to fake an authentic Italian accent at dinner time, my grandparents would never let me live it down if I asked them to pass the ri-COTT-a, or the Ma-ri-NA-ra or whatever.

Giada, on the other hand, is a toothy showoff.

Since we were all wet over nutella in here recently, I will tell you the one thing Giada made that really made an impression on me. Brownies, I think from a box, with a thick coating of nutella and crushed hazelnuts sprinkled on top. Not exactly chef like cooking, but it looked really good. AND she was able to fit an entire brownie in her mouth without getting any on her face or teeth!

Ghosted by Rev. Back it On Up 13 @ 12/02/2008 10:17 AM EST


I’m a Rachel Ray fan mah self. Her food is at least do able to the average wannabe chef. My mom and grandma make “stoup” all the time…its what Rachel calls a stew /soup type of dish. I heard tell that she is a bitch on wheels in person though. She was at the local Borders last year and the staff said she was ungodly rude and mean.

I think it’s maybe bc she was on her period or pissed at her foot fetish husband…that had to be it. She doesn’t seem to have a mean bone in her body!

So with that, I sign off saying Evoo and Yumm-o! I’m gonna go make sammies.

Ghosted by mandy_Reeves @ 12/02/2008 10:42 AM EST


Inb4Norb mentions Alton Brown~

Ghosted by Neg @ 12/02/2008 11:07 AM EST


I think that Giada has a square head. I didn’t think those existed until I saw her.

Ghosted by Invader Norbert @ 12/02/2008 11:35 AM EST


Hey, not to be a whiner, but when is todays AC? I’m loving it so far, can’t wait for the next chapter – maybe we’ll see the return of Legotron!

Ghosted by Terror Claws @ 12/02/2008 11:47 AM EST


Coming in a bit…few hours. :) Got tied up last night.

Ghosted by Matt @ 12/02/2008 11:49 AM EST


I’ve reached that sad state of adulthood where my love of getting random crap on the holidays has been eclipsed by my stress over where to put stuff. I never thought I’d see this day. This may be the first year I really don’t have anything high on my list. If we’re being unrealistic, I’d love a new house.

To join in the Photoshop conversation, I agree that your average person does not need PS. PS is made to be a professional application, and the price you’re paying is for lots of high-end tools and settings that most people will never need or know what to do with. It’s like buying a Hummer to go to the end of the driveway and pick up your mail. If you’re just looking for a way to spruce up family photos, I highly recommend Photofiltre (www.photofiltre.com). It probably does everything you need and, best of all, it’s freeware for personal use. GIMP is another freeware image program, but I honestly find Photofiltre more user friendly. If you really need Photoshop for some reason (I frequently need to work with .psd files with my job), Photoshop Elements is around $100 and is a good basic alternative to the full-blown version.

Ghosted by Lori @ 12/02/2008 11:58 AM EST


To chime in, if you have the training, Photoshop is amazing. I got my undergrad in Graphic Design and the limitations of crappier programs are frustrating to say the least.

Also, to continue my Voltron kick, I just found this:
http://www.x-entertainment.com/messages/428.html

An oldie but a goodie, and man I still love that Voltron.

Ghosted by Terror Claws @ 12/02/2008 12:06 PM EST


Rev., let’s snap Giada in half (or Giardia as she is affectionately known in my house). Ewwwww. Plus, one time she had her mom on her show and was all “My mom’s a crappy cook, watch as I try unsuccessfully to teach her how to cook something super easy! Hahaha, she doesn’t understand!”

On the other hand, Alton Brown is my hero. Hooray for nerdiness and food! I met him at a book signing once and was a nervous little school girl.

Ghosted by velouria_78 @ 12/02/2008 12:41 PM EST


I have an unfair bias against Alton for my made-up theory that his rise to prominence is why so many of the Food Network’s old guard have been shuffled down and/or out. Besides, Marc Summers is still the champ.

Ghosted by Matt @ 12/02/2008 12:43 PM EST


Kind of an odd year for me – I already got what was #1 on my wish list. A friend had a beautiful Fender Telecaster guitar that I fell in love with, and he decided to sell it to me. The timing presented a problem, since it’s Christmas-present-buying time of year, and I didn’t have a lot of extra cash. However, my wife was cool about it and agreed that if I bought the guitar, it would be her present to me this year. The downside is that I guess I won’t have much to open on Christmas. Guess I’ll have to just play my new guitar instead!

Ghosted by tanta07 @ 12/02/2008 12:45 PM EST


Come on, Matt. Rachael Ray’s rise to prominence is why the Food Network largely went to hell. I don’t even hate her, but the intense marketing around her brand spelled doom for everyone else.

My #1 gift wish this year is a big flatscreen computer monitor. I’m still using my 10-year-old, 17-inch CRT, and it’s time for a change. #2 on my list is gift certificates to Lowe’s where I will be purchasing a new front door and storm door, plus a sliding screen door for the patio. That’s how you know you’re old: when you want doors for Christmas.

Ghosted by Annie @ 12/02/2008 12:51 PM EST


Doors?! I don’t feel so bad about wanting even softer new sheets now.

Ghosted by Morfnblorsh @ 12/02/2008 12:58 PM EST


love Christmas around these parts!!!
whats number one on my wish list….
probably the new nintendo DSi. Only out in japan right now though =(

Ghosted by fireballislandsurvivor @ 12/02/2008 1:10 PM EST


So far I’ve only seen Black and White, though.

WHERE’S MY PINK DSi PEOPLE?!?!

Ghosted by Neg @ 12/02/2008 1:18 PM EST


Stupid Marc Summers! He conned me into buying potato chocolates.

At least he didn’t con me into digging a flag out of a big, boogery nose.

Stupid Marc Summers.

Ghosted by Rev. Back it On Up 13 @ 12/02/2008 1:27 PM EST


I honestly have to admire Marc Summers for the fact he hosted Double Dare and suffers from OCD. I saw him on a TV program once and he is obsessed with cleanliness, order, and neatness. Definitely not something that Double Dare was known for.

Ghosted by Jack @ 12/02/2008 1:38 PM EST


I disagree as well that Alton Brown is why Food Network went to hell. If anything, he’s the only shining beacon of hope left besides Marc Summers. And I’m pretty sure that the dumb “How’d That Get on My Plate?” was a half-assed attempt to rehash “Unwrapped” by adding in an unecessary middleman.

These people, however: Giada, Sandra Lee, The Neelys, Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray, Guy Fieri, Paula Deen. We can only hope that some of Sandra’s “konkoktions” poison the lot of them.

Jeez…remember when Emeril was the Chef everyone loved to hate? He seems like such a saint compared to these guys.

Ghosted by Invader Norbert @ 12/02/2008 1:39 PM EST


Apparently the time is right to click on December 23rd on the Advent Calendar, but what does this odd directory of seemingly unrelated images mean to my second favorite holiday? Feels very Cloverfieldish…

Ghosted by Todd4LOM @ 12/02/2008 1:44 PM EST


Alright, did I totally miss something between last year’s calendar? Giant crabs, Kuse in a waking coma, Mista Snowman still alive?

Reveal these mysteries to me!

Ghosted by Matthew @ 12/02/2008 2:18 PM EST


I think that these are the events that happened in the interim between the two calendars. Time continues for our Advent-urers as it does for us.

Ghosted by Terror Claws @ 12/02/2008 2:31 PM EST


I think I did a bad thing. December 1st came and I dove into my Xmas food cache, and I started listening to my Xmas music as well. Am I starting too fast too soon? I don’t want to get burned out two weeks in.

Ghosted by Morfnblorsh @ 12/02/2008 2:56 PM EST


No, you are doing fine. Your home should be fully festooned by now. The supermarket had the Christmas music cranked last night, and the girl behind the fish counter already looked dazed by it.

Do like I do. Find something you enjoy and smash your face into it repeatedly for at least a month. That’s the Rev. Back It On Up 13 way!

Ghosted by Rev. Back it On Up 13 @ 12/02/2008 3:02 PM EST


Add me to the list of X-Ers with a thing for Olivia Munn and to the list of X-Ers who are fans of Alton Brown. I also enjoy Guy Fieri and the crew from Ace of Cakes. Some of the gals in Duff’s bakery aren’t too bad on the eyes.

Ghosted by Teddy Ray @ 12/02/2008 3:05 PM EST


My face hurts. Why did I have to enjoy cacti so much?

Ghosted by Morfnblorsh @ 12/02/2008 3:11 PM EST


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