Beltmann

That's pretty much all I ever use, too.

It totally sucks. I'm not buying this or any other album twice in one year. (In this case, though, I somehow had a nice credit at Amazon for audio downloads and used them on the bonus tracks.)

This might prove to be instructive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkUdGkIwMFQ

Me too. That might be my favorite song of the year (any version).

One of the very first VHS tapes I ever rented was the collection of Police Squad! episodes. Like a lot of people here, that show and Airplane! were important facts of my childhood. Few movies make me helplessly laugh out loud, but Leslie Nielsen's delivery still gets me rolling... R.I.P.

This is an Internet message board. This is no place for keeping things in perspective.

Another really great new company is Oscilloscope. Great list of films, and the DVDs get top-notch treatment and unique extras. Plus, it's headed up by Adam Yauch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4IWmNBKN3o

Hell of a list.

I found Bronson fascinating, but unsettling, too. For those who haven't seen it, the movie recounts the story of a real-life petty thief who borrowed his name from the American action star and, through notorious violence, turned a minor sentence into a lifetime of solitary confinement in the British prison system. At the start, Charlie declares that he always wanted to be famous, but the director, Nicolas Refn, seems skeptical of that motive--his movie implies that “Britain’s most violent inmate” is driven by a deeper need, even if that need is ultimately unknowable. Throwing up his hands, R

Over the last year or so, I have also cut back considerably. Netflix really changed the game. I joined Netflix in 2000, and ironically, that access to so many otherwise obscure titles only increased my desire to collect more movies, by inspiring an even greater passion (obsession?) than before. But now Netflix streaming points towards the future, doesn't it?

My rules prevent me from spending a lot per movie, but do not prevent me from buying a lot of movies: Even after weeding out 18 months ago, there are still nearly 3,000 movies on the shelves (more if you include ones transferred from VHS or TV, and short films). I am thoroughly embarrassed by this and store them in the basement where no one has to look at them. But they are there, perfectly housed, perfectly alphabetized. And it is invaluable. I constantly pull things from it, for my own use or to lend or to show my kids or to use clips in class (I teach). It brings me great joy and convenien

I'm sticking with my usual post-Thanksgiving change. What's Christmas without familiar traditions?

Just learned about Michael Jackson: The Experience, set for release next week. My daughter would probably love this, but I'm not sure I want my six-year-old mastering MJ moves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bF4PlviGWs

If hate were people, I'd be China! Metacritic used to be one of my favorite web destinations. Now, I use it only sparingly.

Yep. This is the last straw for me, I think. Most of the albums I buy are from labels like those. I signed up in July 2006. At one point my plan was 75 tracks a month, at 21 cents each. That was brilliant and I loved it, often taking chances on unfamiliar bands. The recent changes, though, have chipped away at that plan, and now that same plan offers about 20 tracks at 89 cents each (with worse content, too). The subscription model doesn't really work with those numbers; I'm better off just looking for better deals elsewhere outside of any subscription. My plan is annual, and doesn't

I own a copy of SALO, even though I think it's crap. Like I said, you can find anything at the right price eventually!

I haven't watched any episodes yet, but I have the first few saved on the DVR. I'm very interested; just have to find some time. (I also recorded all of Dead Set, which looks promising, too.)

It's a great deal for great movies, but still too much for me--after all, it's still $20 for one film. As many of you probably imagine, I buy a lot of the DVDs and must ask my wallet for forgiveness. I always abide by two rules: 1. Only buy used. 2. Only buy for $8 or less. With patience and diligence, I can pretty much find everything under those conditions, even Criterions.

Both my daughter and wife have expressed interest in Dance Dance Revolution for the Wii. My daughter loves to dance. My wife wants a game that will give her an entertaining workout. I know nothing about any of these games, so I'm looking for advice about which to purchase. I know DDR needs a dance pad. The metal and foam ones seem too expensive, so I'll probably have to go with the basic pad. Will my six-year-old daughter be able to use it? Are they durable? Should I stick with the Konami brand, or some other manufacturer? Which DDR game is the best? I know Just Dance doesn't need

I don't think I would survive that. Although I enjoy gift-giving, I have always dreaded holiday shopping; recent years have been much more fun, thanks to Jeff Bezos.

I know this sounds weird, but for me, it's the smell of fake plastic trees that makes it seem like Christmas. We always had artificial trees when I was growing up, so for me the fakiness is all part of the overall (very welcome) tackiness of the holiday.

We take down the Halloween decorations on Nov. 1, but leave the fall decorations up through Thanksgiving day. One of our family traditions is to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at an uncle's home, and then we come home to put up the Christmas tree while The Grinch or Christmas Vacation plays in the background. All Christmas decorations are put away Jan. 1 or 2, before school starts again.

I miss Leroy plenty.