Yes, there really is a Santa Claus...

Growing up there were many toys I imagined and hoped would be created (and then delivered some Christmas morning). None of these were were produced or, if they were lived up to my imagination. In the back of comic books there were ads for mythical toys that in reality never really measured up to the glamourous slick ads I spent hours staring at.. dreaming..
Now one of these toys has been produced by the beloved Nerf brand.
Behold, the Nerf Vulcan EBF-25.
Dreams turned reality.
Thank you Nerf.
Also, add in one Mindstorms kit, Dremel, paint...
...and...

N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25 (Ages 6 years & up/Approximate Retail Price:
$39.99/Available: Fall 2008)
The top-of-the-line blaster for mission
supremacy, the NERF N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25 blaster is a 25-dart belt-fed fully
automatic blaster that will intimidate any opponent. This impressive blaster
comes complete with a fold-up tripod to steady your aim, 25 sonic micro darts
that whistle through the air when launched and a 25-dart belt. The NERF N-STRIKE
VULCAN EBF-25 blaster features the Tactical Rail System allowing players to
customize their blaster for each mission - for example, players can use the
green 'night vision' Tactical Light accessory (sold separately) for nighttime
missions. Six "D" batteries are required but not included.

There's a good reason I wear my hat.

When I was a freshman in college and going to be an archaelogist, one of my professors answered a question that has been asked time and time again to men and women in his profession; "why do archaelogists, palentologists and others who dig in the dirt looking for answers wear hats... is it to be like Indiana Jones?" My professor, who did happen to sport an all weather, crushable had that did look remarkably similar to the famous fadora worn by the famous Dr. Jones, responded with a simple answer; "No". He said he wore the hat because when you are out digging in the dirt the sun gets hot and it can rain. He said he didn't care much for a sunburned head nor a sopping wet brow. Hats he said, were invented for good reasons and people sometimes wore them for vary practicle ones. When working outside I often wear a hat for these very reasons. Felt or wool hats offer nice warmth for the 'ol noggin and age well (for the most part). I have, for over 20 years (off and on), worn various hats, primarily fedoras with the occasional good old baseball cap for good measure, covering my hair from time to time. Aside from all the practical reasons I wear hats, there is one simple additional reason I tend to wear a brown fedora.
It's not like I drive an expensive car (think Bond) or wear Superman Underoos.. not that there's anything wrong with any of those things... but I admit that as a symbol of adventure, exploration and.. well a bit of style than we seem to have lost to the past... a ,wool, brown fedora ala Dr. Jones seem to... well fit just right.

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/indianajones.html;_ylt=AsY7qv8MSH6wl3g1GC6bw55fVXcA