I thought that face looked familiar as I flipped through the Wheaton/Glen Ellyn Glancer that arrived today. Ted is noted as having the Fascinating Factor: Informing the Community Online. Very nice.

I expected to see a huge Nathan Lane-esqe face smiling at me in this edition when I read the cover. Clam-you need a PR guy.

For the most part . . .people don't like me.

I am not surprised that I did not make the list.



He also dresses like I do.

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For the most part . . .people don't like me.

I like you, so you got that going for ya'.

I don't like you, but I do like Yoss. Damn, that picture is strikingly close.

I wish Fascinating Ted would tell me what to buy my 8 year-old for Christmas. The little guy picked some of the dumbest things this year. Can't bring myself to buy them.

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Originally posted by Clamato:
I wish Fascinating Ted would tell me what to buy my 8 year-old for Christmas. The little guy picked some of the dumbest things this year. Can't bring myself to buy them.

that's tough. i remember those days. that's about when we decided to really take a closer look at excess during xmas. when kids can't really come up with stuff they want/need you know you've gone past the "season of giving" and have arrived smack dab in the season of consumption.

my suggestion, don't buy him the dumb stuff. also, adopt a few families through the county. many will allow you to deliver the presents to their home. take your kids when you do. they'll learn real quick the meaning of giving.

best change we ever made in parenting.

My kids don't have any problem coming up with lists of things they want. But then again, we don't typically buy them anything except clothes and books unless it's a holiday or birthday. So, when Christmas rolls around, they ask for video games, I-Pods, CD's, DVD's, and clothes. Of course, the son wants a dog - which I would love but my husband is completely against - he won't be getting that.

You know, Digital cameras are getting downright reasonable if you aren't looking for too many "tricks"...or maybe, some kinds of craft/hobby/art supplies. I think kids don't have enough creative outlets these days. Elmhurst has a great hobby shop (rockets, racecars, models, etc). They also have a nice magic shop in Elmhurst. Maybe your 8-year-old would like those things??? I think my son was about 8 when he got his first magazine subscription (Dig - kid's magazine about archeology) and he LOVED that!

Anything sound like a possibility for your boy?

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Originally posted by Clamato:
I wish Fascinating Ted would tell me what to buy my 8 year-old for Christmas.

I thought you always got your kids the same thing?

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My kids don't have any problem coming up with lists of things they want. But then again, we don't typically buy them anything except clothes and books unless it's a holiday or birthday. So, when Christmas rolls around, they ask for video games, I-Pods, CD's, DVD's, and clothes. Of course, the son wants a dog - which I would love but my husband is completely against - he won't be getting that.

I'm the same way. Toys and games throughout the year are pretty few and far between. They get an allowance, so they tend to get their own stuff. GameStop in particular gets a lot of their earnings.

Problem is...my little guy who is 8...and has never listened to music like his brother did at a young age, wants a Nano. In his case I don't see any reason for him to have one. Everything else he asked for was just out of left field and he will never use the stuff. One thing I did buy him was a little electric Razor go kart. He loves that kind of crap. Should work well in the parking lot...and adult supervision.

I would seriously consider getting him a magazine subscription (no, this isn't a plug for Hadley fundraising). But, I'm telling you my kid thought it was the GREATEST thing to get his own mail every month and he devoured the magazine - reading it over and over. He doesn't get "Dig" anymore but gets "SI Kids" and "Sporting News". He loves sports - can you tell?

Many publications seem to be suggesting interactive gifts that can last a long time...telescopes, microscopes, binoculars, digital cameras/cam corders...that type of thing. These traditional nerdy gifts are apparently packaged with a lot of fun activities for the youngins. Some other suggestions for the 6 -10 set seem to be punching bags, exercise/medicine balls and vintage pin ball machines or knock offs thereof. Good luck, sir...

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Originally posted by Amy:
I would seriously consider getting him a magazine subscription (no, this isn't a plug for Hadley fundraising). But, I'm telling you my kid thought it was the GREATEST thing to get his own mail every month and he devoured the magazine - reading it over and over. He doesn't get "Dig" anymore but gets "SI Kids" and "Sporting News". He loves sports - can you tell?

Perhaps GQ, he could give Dad some fashion tips. Maxim would be good, too.

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Originally posted by 4MP:
Many publications seem to be suggesting interactive gifts that can last a long time...

"Many publications seem to be suggesting"....way to buy from the heart MP!!!

I would suggest the 2008 Guinness Book of World Records and/or The Ripley's Believe it or Not! books. My guys have loved getting these for years. The books are much more attractive - lots of photos - than the fact-packed books I would read as a kid.

My son loves those too. Excellent recommendation.

Another book that turned out to be a great selection: Material World: A Global Family Portrait - very poignant at Christmastime.

How can they not love a book where items are indexed by "smelliest, "noisiest," etc.?! The youngest is still a little put out, however, that in '05 a photo labeled "Sears Tower" was, in fact, the Hancock Building.