[Image]Wow, has it really been over a month since our last update? So sorry, dear readers, but we had guests staying with us over the holidays, visited Arizona for ten days (don't worry: an update is forthcoming) and I even got my first job as a professional archivist—consequently, leisure time's been at a minimum. 

Valery was also laid off after twelve years, so 2012 has subsequently opened up new opportunities for us, and we're excited about what the rest of the year holds in store. We guarantee that there will be more related announcements to come!

Anyway, without further ado, let's hunker down and unveil the treats that came our way this past Christmas.

[Image]This time, our buddy Mike—he with the penchant for game-ending gift-giving skills—bestowed upon us this fantastic chess set produced by Austin Enterprises in 1962. We'd only seen this modernist aluminum set in books prior to receiving this beauty. Thanks again, Mike!

[Image]Here's the set hanging in its natural state—complete with its blue plexiglass screen—where it's likely to rest undisturbed for the remainder of its stopover with us. We apologize for the unsightly clutter featured below.

[Image] You'd think that we would've been satisfied with already owning a vintage Nesso by Artemide; however, we'd wanted two white beside lamps for a while, and a great online deal sold us on the idea of giving each other a new pair for Christmas. Here we find Otis admiring one while keeping my side warm.
[Image]In addition, we also agreed to get each other a few small things, and a big ol' thank you is owed to Damo for lugging this Terradome around San Francisco and mailing it to me in time for the holidays! It should be noted that Valery's love of terrariums is second only to her planter obsession.
[Image]Valery returned the favor by giving me this excellent Pagans and Real Kids flier from 1978—for a show that took place a day before my third birthday! Our buddy Ryan was also kind enough to send Valery the original paste-up artwork for a different Real Kids flier—this'un's promoting a shared bill with Nikki and the Corvettes (in 1979). Lastly, our friends John and Cindi gave us this Hate Ball t-shirt commemorating Peter Bagge, Dan Clowes and their trek along the comic book store circuit in 1993. Thank you!
[Image]Valery successfully tracked down the Mad Cannibal, a wind up horror hopper from the same line that brought us the incredible Shudder Pig (featured elsewhere), and gave it to me as an early gift. I'd been anxiously waiting for one—complete with box—after I passed on a pricey specimen a few years back. Despite the odds, Damo tried to steal last year's show by delivering the Screaming Urge's Homework 45 (complete with original, over-sized sleeve) a month before it was legitimately reissued by those nice guys over at Sing Sing. Speaking of nice guys, Mike also sent along John Dexter's 1968 paperback, A Man For All Wantons, featuring one of my favorite psycho-sexual covers by Tom Cannizarro. No passion was too primitive, indeed! 
[Image]Mike spoiled us even further by tossing in these Psycho-esque salt and pepper shakers produced by Norcrest, and these vintage mod lucite containers.
[Image]Last but not least, our pal Kevin added to our ever-increasing bird-feeder collection with this Umbra production—and it should be hanging outside by the time I type this. These wooden gonks were also contributed by Mike, and are similar to the two imps that occupied space on our wedding's sign-in table. Thanks again, guys!
Hope everyone had as peaceful and plentiful a holiday season as we did!