We captured some footage of the individual known only as “The Adultitis Guy” sharing some thoughts about Christmas. We used some of the video in recent episodes of the Escape Adulthood Show. Here is a compilation of some extra video and outtakes. Watch this to learn more about his views on the value of gifts and the cons of putting up Christmas lights.
iPod Version (59 MB) | Subscribe with iTunes
The first time Brian Jones saw the holiday classic A Christmas Story, he immediately became a fan. A super fan. After a low period in his life, Brian’s parents decided to try and cheer him up my making him his very own “major award” — a homemade replica of the iconic leg lamp that Ralphie’s father receives in the mail. A new career path emerged, and Brian launched RedRiderLegLamps.com.
The business took off, and a few years into the venture, he had the opportunity to buy and renovate the actual house used in the movie. The A Christmas Story House has become a Cleveland, Ohio tourist destination for fans of all ages.
In our interview with Brian, he recounts the wild story of buying the house on eBay, discusses some of the neatest aspects of the house, reveals some little-known tidbits about the movie’s production, and shares his favorite scene and character from the movie.
If you’re a fan of the movie, or are looking for a nostalgic look back at Christmas Past, you will love this interview, which is interjected with classic soundbytes. We promise you won’t shoot your eye out!
Run Time: 15 minutes, 31 seconds | Subscribe with iTunes
Most people dream about having a career that allows them to follow their passion. But what if your passion seems to be a little out of the ordinary?
Well, Burnie Franke’s passion is rocks. And he’s made a pretty good life for himself following that passion. Burnie’s Rock Shop has been a Madison staple since 1963. Kim first learned of it from her kindergartners, who told tall tales of making trips to the popular destination. From shiny rocks to smooth rocks, fossilized rocks to fancy rocks, Burnie’s Rock Shop sells rocks and minerals, gems and jewelry.
We visited Burnie to explore his collection and learn more about his love for rocks. This webisode will eventually be part of a feature length project about the childlike side of Madison that we’ll be releasing in the Summer of 2009. Enjoy!
iPod Version (67.4 MB) | Subscribe with iTunes
Traditions are a wonderful marriage between the routine and the uncommon, serving as special moments that are comfortingly predictable. With our schedules being so full, it’s often tempting to overlook traditions and let them slip away because of the time it takes to make them happen. But who says a tradition is only meaningful if it takes a lot of time? Here are ten holiday traditions that will actually leave you with renewed energy and sometimes even extra time at the end of your day, which is sure a blessing in December. They are memorable and meaningful, but simple just the same.
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Lucy Ruth Kotecki was born at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2008. She clocked in at 8 pounds, 13 ounces and measured about 20 inches long. Mom did great and they’re both doing well. Here is an exclusive first look at our new little bundle of joy!
Here’s Lucy, just a few hours old, chilling out.
Lucy finds her thumb.
Lucy’s first boyfriend.
Lucy makes it home. She’s wearing a Monsters onesie, created just for her by her old man.
Lucy showing off her Happy Birthday hat.
1. Watch a funny Christmas movie. (We recommend Elf, Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story.)
2. Get cookies from the best bakery (or friend) in town.
3. Hire a neighbor kid looking for a few bucks to take care of your shoveling.
4. Organize a gift exchange, instead of buying for everyone.
5. Better yet, make it a white elephant gift exchange.
6. Keep up on your sleep and exercise. Quick naps and short walks can do wonders!
7. Change your voicemail to reflect the joy of the season.
8. Don your dog in a red sweater, or your cat in reindeer ears.
9. Read the classic holiday stories before bed (whether you have kids or not.)
10. Attend a Christmas pageant.
11. Make sure you have a collection of holiday music in your car.
12. Hang Christmas lights around a window in your bedroom. (Like this.)
13. Get all online shopping done by a predetermined date.
14. Order carry-outs for Christmas Eve.
15. Delegate your least favorite chores.
16. Send holiday e-cards instead of using snail mail.
17. Go for a ride to see the lights.
18. If you live in a place where it gets dark early, take a vitamin D supplement.
19. Purchase a new favorite Christmas album.
20. Jump on a sled and ride it down a hill.
21. Send a letter to Santa. (And help make wishes come true.)
22. Block out the busy crowds — wear your iPod while Christmas shopping.
23. Schedule gift exchanges with friends for January, not December.
24. Drink 8 glasses of water each day (it’s pretty much the cure for everything).
25. Go to the movies and see the holiday blockbuster.
26. Lay under the Christmas tree with only the tree lights on. (Like this.)
27. Keep hot chocolate and marshmallows handy at all times.
28. Wear a Santa hat while Christmas shopping.
29. Build a snowman with your coworkers.
30. Watch the Charlie Brown Christmas special.
31. Hang mistletoe in your home.
32. Go Christmas shopping with a friend. Make a fun day out of it.
33. Get your picture taken with Santa. He’s happy to see kids of ALL ages.
34. Keep a gift giving budget.
35. Catch a snowflake on your tongue.
36. Go Christmas caroling. (That’s how Jason and I met!)
37. Get into a snowball fight, preferably with an unsuspecting friend.
38. Treat yourself. Set aside 30 minutes a day just for you.
39. Change your email sig to reflect the fun of the holidays.
40. Go ice skating.
41. Make a birthday cake for Jesus.
42. Arrange for Santa to visit your house on Christmas Eve.
43. Instead of wrapping presents, use gift bags.
44. Buy or make a Christmas countdown calendar/chain.
45. Put holiday-themed wallpaper on your desktop.
46. Don’t overdo it — it’s actually ok to say no to some of the holiday parties.
47. Hang Christmas lights around your desk or in your cube.
48. Set up a wrapping station in your home to make things more efficient.
49. Decorate the tree with some of your favorite people.
50. Light a good smelling holiday candle.
51. Cut your junk mail into snowflakes.
52. Exuberantly pop the bubble wrap that comes in your online orders.
53. Leave a plate of cookies for Santa (and a carrot for the reindeer.)
54. Change the ringer on your cell phone to a Christmas song.
55. Share stories about the best Christmas ever.
56. Hang a picture of the Grinch on your fridge to remind you to smile.
57. Wear red and green to work.
58. Treat yourself to a holiday massage or manicure.
59. Share a plate of yummy cookies with an elderly neighbor.
60. Buy a pre-lit tree.
61. Make a donation to your favorite charity. (Here’s some of ours.)
