#8 - Democracy

Today is the Presidential primaries in Indiana, so what better time to remind myself that yes, I like democracy. I'm not entirely sold on the idea that it ought to be enforced around the globe, but I like the fact that tomorrow I can go to the polls and have my opinion heard on which silly person gets to be leader of the free world for the next four years.

#7 - Coffeetable Books

Every time I go to Borders, I see some amazing book full of train-car graffiti or Alex Ross paintings, and I want to share it with my friends. I know, I'll put it on my coffee table so my friends can see it when they come over! But then I remember I don't have a coffee table. And my friends almost never come to apartment.

#6 - CNET's Buzz Out Loud Podcast

I don't listen to very many podcasts, but I catch this one almost every weekday. This is bar none the best way to get your daily fix of technology news. The hosts are congenial and engaging, the news is concise and relevant, and the editorial commentary is enlightening.

#5 - Crazy Dance Pop

Glowsticks, neon shoelaces, arcade games, and slushies. This are the stuff of my youth. I will always love them. And I will always love music that includes synth machines, keytars, and more beats per minute than Roy Jones Jr. on speed.

This genre was at its height in the 90's. While all the enraged punks were lining up behind their self-destructing grunge idols, I was at the roller rink chilling to Debbie Gibson and Duran Duran. Okay, so I was only ten years old at the time. Still, I didn't dig Nirvana then and I didn't change my mind in college when my drug-addled roomie played it non-stop. Think "Kung Fu Fighting" was dumb song? You'll get no argument from me, but try listening to Cobaine's "Rape Me." At least you can have fun with Carl Douglas.

Here's to happy music!

#4 - 24 Hour Restaurants

I stay up late a lot. It's nice to have some place to go for conversation and a bite to eat. Steak'N'Shake, Waffle House, IHOP, the 24-hour Starbuck, Peppy Grill--I salute you.

# 3 - Driving a Stick Shift

There are so many advantages to a manual transmission: fuel economy, better awareness of your vehicle, bragging rights. Most of all, it's just plain fun to pretend you are actually Mario Andretti on a European circuit rather than a college kid in a beat-up Toyota. Just beware of traffic cops. Beware!

#2 - Sock Monkeys

It's a sock. It's a monkey. It's a monkey made of out of socks!

Okay, so anyone who knows me very well knows that I have a fascination with monkeys. It's probably because of the sock monkey that I grew up with.

The best thing about sock monkeys is that if you're stranded with one in the Arctic, you can sacrifice its life for a pair of cozy socks that might save your toes from frostbite!