Personal Wish List
When I was a kid my Grandma had a wish box. I think it was originally an old cigar box and later grew into a shoe box or whatever else she had. Throughout the year, as you found something that you thought you needed it was your job to tell your mom, and her job in turn to either write it on a piece of paper or cut out the add from the Sears Wish Book, as it were, and get it into Grandma's wish box with your name on it. The purpose, of course, was so that when your birthday or Christmas came around and everyone started asking, "What would you like for Christmas?" you could just say, "Oh, it's in the box." Or sometimes relatives would just ask, "have you got anything in the box with your name on it?" Of course the only problem with the box was keeping it updated. Especially when one is young, changing fads and tastes often made the box submissions obsolete. However, the idea itself was still sound. So much so, in fact, that as soon as I could make a website, way back when I found Homestead.com in 2000, I put up a list of all the things that I wanted and, at times, even links to the best place to find them. This idea was really a mutation of Grandma's Wish Box and Bridal/baby registry that I had become accustomed to at Target or other stores. As my friends got married and had babies through the years and registered for presents it occurred to me that we could do this for birthday's and Christmas as well. Think about it. Anyone could walk into a store and say they are getting married or having a baby. Heck you could do it every year and register for gifts and then when someone asked you what you wanted, you could simply say that you are registered at B cubed or Target.
I was so impressed at my genius idea that I even encouraged my students to make similar websites with their lists for Christmas. We finished them by Thanksgiving and created business cards that had the Wish List website listed on them. Then when all of my students' relatives asked them what they wanted for Christmas (which always seems to happen at Thanksgiving) they just whipped out their business card and kindly suggested that they check out their new website. I have been doing this with my classes for the past 20 years and every January after winter break my students would all return with tales of the best Christmas ever and how they had never before received such an accurately purchased load of presents. My Grandma died several years ago (2003) but it is in her memory that I dedicate the idea of the wish list. Several websites enable you to create your own wish list for others to view if they go to that site, but I think that my grandma came up with the idea first. Actually, it was probably her grandma, but I never met her so we'll just give credit to Pamela J. Gates instead.
Over the past few years it has been fun to share wish lists with each other as a means of getting to know people through their interests. I rarely give out my wish list because at my age I hardly get asked what I need. It has become a very useful tool in helping to spend gift cards that I receive. I often receive gift cards, want to spend them on something right away so that I can thank the giver and let them know what I got, but then find myself in the store forgetting what it was I was going to get. If this has ever happened to you then a digital wish list might just be the answer. With today's smart phones it is really easy to pull up your list on your phone while you are in the store trying to remember what movies you wanted to purchase or what you want from Amazon.
I was so impressed at my genius idea that I even encouraged my students to make similar websites with their lists for Christmas. We finished them by Thanksgiving and created business cards that had the Wish List website listed on them. Then when all of my students' relatives asked them what they wanted for Christmas (which always seems to happen at Thanksgiving) they just whipped out their business card and kindly suggested that they check out their new website. I have been doing this with my classes for the past 20 years and every January after winter break my students would all return with tales of the best Christmas ever and how they had never before received such an accurately purchased load of presents. My Grandma died several years ago (2003) but it is in her memory that I dedicate the idea of the wish list. Several websites enable you to create your own wish list for others to view if they go to that site, but I think that my grandma came up with the idea first. Actually, it was probably her grandma, but I never met her so we'll just give credit to Pamela J. Gates instead.
Over the past few years it has been fun to share wish lists with each other as a means of getting to know people through their interests. I rarely give out my wish list because at my age I hardly get asked what I need. It has become a very useful tool in helping to spend gift cards that I receive. I often receive gift cards, want to spend them on something right away so that I can thank the giver and let them know what I got, but then find myself in the store forgetting what it was I was going to get. If this has ever happened to you then a digital wish list might just be the answer. With today's smart phones it is really easy to pull up your list on your phone while you are in the store trying to remember what movies you wanted to purchase or what you want from Amazon.
Mr. York's Example Wish List (Updates - 11/28/21):
I have a lot of items and collections on this list that are designed to give readers a glimpse into me and maybe a little bit of who I am through my interests and likes. Sometimes it just reminds me of what I'm working towards or things I was interested in at one time. I try and make sure it is updated and I put the date I updated it last. In the past I've found cool things at the following websites that I order off of from time to time. Sometimes you can find these items cheaper on Amazon (often just due to free shipping if you are a Prime Member) and sometimes it is best to just go to the source.
Metallica.com
BruceLee.com
Theory11.com
PeakDesign.com
I still collect cool items that have Celtic Knots, Norse Mythology, & Ying-Yang symbols or designs on them. I like balance as a theme in general.
SPECIFIC ITEMS
Theory 11 Cards - I'm not any good at cardistry or magic...I don't even play cards, but I think it's cool that people collect card decks and spend so much time talking about them/playing with them. I started collecting playing cards of places I visit but also find them cool gifts to get. I plan on putting my collection up online at some point. I currently do not have the Theory 11 Star Wars Silver Edition, LOTR, Avengers or Mandalorian cards. They just came out with cards for the Harry Potter Houses and they look amazing. I do have the NPH and regular Star Wars cards.
I have trusted Peak Design Equipment for the past several years and been very happy with it. I currently have the slide system for my camera, wrist strap, and a couple bags, and I have the Field Pouch. This is one of the Range Pouches that I think would help. I constantly have extra lenses that I am storing or carrying for a job. They come in three sizes. Not sure I need the biggest one for any of my lenses. The Small and Medium are probably all I need.
Their stuff is expensive but made so well. Ash or sage work great for me. Black gear is always tough and I feel like I've spent too much time looking for something in a black bag in my trunk (which is of course also Black. If I could get a trunk on a modern car in light grey that would be awesome but no one is making those).
Their stuff is expensive but made so well. Ash or sage work great for me. Black gear is always tough and I feel like I've spent too much time looking for something in a black bag in my trunk (which is of course also Black. If I could get a trunk on a modern car in light grey that would be awesome but no one is making those).
I wear ties to work every Tuesday and sometimes other days if I have meetings or I am working at HQ. I have plenty and don't need any more. Every time I wear a tie I wear a tie bar. I just found out that the tie bar I use is wearing out and it would be cool to have an extra one. This website was recommended to me by a co-worker. I've never used it but there are several on here that look cool including the sword of power (Masters of the Universe) and Thor's Hammer.
https://herosarmory.com/collections/tie-clips
https://herosarmory.com/collections/tie-clips
I don't really need books for sure but I love the LOTR & Hobbit movies and these Art & Design Chronicles are super cool. They are not available online really anymore for a decent price so they are something I look for in used book shops at this point. Or you might find them for a decent price on websites like this one. There are many Chronicle Books but I think the Art & Design are the ones I would enjoy the best. Here's another one at a decent price.
There are many Chronicle Books but I think the Art & Design are the ones I would enjoy the best. Here's another one at a decent price.
Photography Equipment I own/Endorse
Canon
Body: Canon R (Purchased Used, November 2022), Canon R6 (Refurbished and purchased from Canon, July 2023),
Canon 5DMark III - Sold to friend who loves it, Canon 80D , Canon SL1 (Given to Dad) Lenses
Canon RF, 16 2.8
Canon RF, 24-105 F4 IS USM I Canon RF, 24-105 F4-7 Canon RF, 50 1.8 Canon EF, 70-200 F2.8 IS USM II Canon EF, 17-40 F4 Canon EF, 24-105 F4 IS USM II Canon EF-S, 18-55 white Canon EF-S, 18-135mm with Power Zoom Adapter PZE1 Canon EF-S, 10-18mm - Given to Nephew Canon EF-S, 55-250mm Canon EF-S, 75-300mm Canon EF 50mm 1.8 Canon EF-S, 24mm 2.8 Rokinon EF-S, 8mm Fisheye Sigma EF-S, 17-55mm 2.8 Tokina EF-S, 11-16 2.8 |
NikonBody: Loved my D5600 years ago but it was stolen and I had a D7200 for a bit but since I have all Canon at work I figured that I should sell all my Nikon Gear. I miss the lenses a bit because they are just great but I don't miss the bodies that I found were tougher to use and made little sense. You have to just try different bodies and see what works for you.
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Go Pro+ with head mount
Go Pro Hero Black 7
Go Pro Hero Black 8
Other Photography Equipment
Godox Stobes for home Studio
LED Lights for Video
LED Lights for Video
Photography Equipment I'm Currently Considering
LED Lights for home studio and backdrops -
32 or 64 GB SD Card
Available at various locations or at Amazon.com
Available at various locations or at Amazon.com
DJ Gear
I recently got into doing DJ work again and I need some hardware to go with my software. Still working on this. I've considered just purchasing something simple like the Numark Party Mix II. The key is making sure the software comes with it. Buying it used you have to purchase the software separately and the controls won't work right.
Drum Equipment
I currently still own three drum sets technically...and a number of drums.
I have a Sound Percussion small scale kit that I think I'm just going to keep because I like the sizes. I keep looking to upgrade hardware and symbols. I should probably have some decent DW pedals and K cymbals or nice Paiste. I have a Pearl Rhythm Traveler that I should probably sell and I have a kids kit in my garage that probably needs a lot of work along with a slew of hand drums and percussion toys such as a wood block, cowbell, shakers, etc. But what I really thought I wanted for a long time was a Pearl Midtown in Black Cherry Glitter. However, they got me one at work and I busted up my arm trying to play last year so now I don't know what to think. To be continued. |
Gift Certs
I have been doing a lot of home improvements this year and I still have more to do inside so I am going to Home Depot a lot with no designs of stopping anytime soon.
I am planning to paint my interior doors that I replaced. I also want to paint my bedrooms, get some concrete work done out back, get new carpet and flooring for one of them at least, put some shelving in my closets, etc. Just to name a few of the projects that I have been planning to do since I moved in and have not been able to get to.
Ryobi 18V system
The Ryobi 18V system has been working well for me for home improvements. I bought a lot of items for the projects I did this summer. I think I currently have all the batteries and tools I need but if in the future I find that I need more they will be listed here.
I could use the adjustable work light they sell.
I could use the adjustable work light they sell.
Miscellaneous
Gift Certificates
Gift Certificates are always a good bet and perfectly acceptable gifts in my book. It seems I am always buying stuff from Vons, Home Depot, Target, Costco.
Places I like to eat: Outback, Chili's, El Torito Grill, Red Robbin and Lazy Dog are all near my house or near places I go.
Bamboo Streetboard - I already have a long board, so now I need a street board too. The best I have found so far is at www.bamboosk8.com
Magazines
I have been enjoying drum magazines always. Particularly "Rhythm" from London. It always comes with a CD on the front. Available at Borders (Hey remember Borders?) mostly and few Barnes and Nobles carry it.
CD's
I rarely buy CD's but this one I would like to own.
CD's - Soundtrack to the Movie Rockstar
Instead here is a list of the live shows that I have been to in the last few years just to give you an idea of who I like. Recently I started buying some old hair band records on vinyl just because it's fun and I always look out for Vinyl of Led Zeppelin if it is a good price.
- AC/DC (LA Sports Arena, 1991)
- Alice Cooper (Gibson, Irvine Meadows, Honda Center Christmas 2015)
- Aerosmith (Forum Birthday 2015)
- All American Regects (Dodger Stadium)
- American Wake (Orange Street Fair 4X, Silky Sullivans 2X, Irish Fair - HB, Roscoes and Joes Fullerton)
- Billy Joel & Elton John (Honda Center 2010)
- Bon Jovi (Honda Center (Twice), Paramount Studios)
- Boston (Forum, Greek Theater Summer 2016)
- Brooks & Dunn (Glen Helen, 2008)
- Chad Smith (NAMM Show)
- Cheap Trick (Disneyland Hotel Christmas Party 1998, Forum opening for Boston) - Not a fan
- Chris Williams (Steamers, Hip Kitty)
- Cinderella (Pacific Amphitheater with Sabastian Bach 2011ish)
- Damage Inc. (Metallica Tribute - Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet 6X, Slidebar 3X, House of Blues Anaheim 2X, OC Fair Hanger Summer 2015, 2016, 2017 )
- Danny Elfman (an evening of Tim Burton's Music at Honda Center)
- Danzig (Grove of Anaheim) - Terrible show, doesn't sing anymore.
- Darius Rucker (Five Points, August 2018)
- Dave Matthews (Five Points, No opener 7:45 - 10:45, 9.11.21)
- Def Leopard (Glen Helen) - Free concert, awful.
- Delta Rose (Clubhouse 66, House of Blues-Anaheim)
- Dia (Female Dio Band - House of Blues Anaheim)
- Dropkick Murphies (Five Points; Sept 2018)
- Fitz and the Tantrums (Greek {opening for Flogging Molly}, Lobster Fest 2010, Roxy, Hollywood Bowl, Gibson, Mystic Theater - Ventura, New Year's Eve in Long Beach, Del Mar Racetrack 2016 for my birthday, Greek Theater October 2016 {Headliner})
- Flogging Molly (Home Depot Center {Opening for Green Day}, Greek, Fox Theater Pomona 2X, Five Points Sept, 2018)
- Funk'd Martini (Grazies, Galli's, Tilted Kilt - Chino)
- George Thorogood (Greek birthday 2012?)
- Guns and Roses (Rose Bowl 1992, Hard Rock Hotel 2015, Banc of California Stadium 2021)
- Hot for Teacher (Van Halen Tribute - NAMM Show)
- Huey Lewis and the News (Pacific Amphitheater, 2007ish)
- Idina Menzel (April 2017; Greek)
- Iron Maidens (Female Iron Maiden Band - Slidebar, HOB Anaheim)
- Jan and Dean (Tomorrowland Stage before they turned it into Captain Eo)
- Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience (Greek Theater 2014 and 2017)
- Joan Jett (Del Mar Fair)
- Journey (Glen Helen - with Arnel Pineto)
- Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Greek, July 31st)
- KIIS (Honda Center)
- LA-Guns (LA Sports Arena 1991)
- Lady Antebellum (Five Points; 2018)
- Led Zepagain (Del Mar Fair, Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet)
- Lynard Skynyrd (Gibson, free show - Great)
- Marilyn Manson (Five Points; August 2018)
- Metallica (Great Western Forum 1992, Rose Bowl 1992, Citizens Business Bank Arena 2008, Honda Center 2009, Rose Bowl 2017)
- Micheal Martin Murphey's Cowboy Christmas Show (House of Blues - Sunset)
- Motley Crew (Irvine Meadows, Honda Center 2015)
- Neil Diamond (Honda Center 1995)
- Oingo Boingo (Irvine Meadows 1991)
- Pat Benatar (Pacific Amphitheater, Glen Helen)
- Pepper (Irvine Meadows)
- Pink (April 2019) Honda Center
- Plus Size Models (Great Local Glendora Band - Casa Moreno, Cask and Cleaver - San Dimas)
- Radiodrama (Another great local cover-band - Cask and Cleaver, Galli's, Grazies)
- Rammstein (Honda Center)
- Real Big Fish (Anaheim House of Blues 2017)
- Righteous Brothers (Videopolis Stage - Fantasy Land)
- Rob Zombie (Gibson), (Five Points, August 2018)
- Rumble Kings (Hip Kitty, Downtown Disney, TLT Stage)
- Save Ferris (House of Blues, Anaheim 2017)
- Scorpions (Staples), (Five Points Irvine 2018)
- Skid Row (Glen Helen, Pacific Amphitheater)
- Slash (Forum)
- Steve Smith and Vital Information (NAMM Show)
- Sting and Paul Simon (Honda Center)
- Suburban Legends (NAMM, TLT, House of Blues, Anaheim DTD Stage)
- The Offspring (Irvine Meadows, Pacific Amphitheater)
- The Who (Honda Center)
- Tomasina (Great vocalist and cover band - Tomorrow Land Terrace Stage, Downtown Disney)
- Tom Petty (Honda Center 2015)
- Trans Siberian Orchestra (Citizens Business Bank Arena)
- Van Halen (Glen Helen, 1996)
- Warner Drive (Hard Rock Hotel, House of Blues, Anaheim)
- Weird Al (Pacific Amphitheater, Six Flags Valencia, Hollywood Bowl 2016)
- ZZ Top (Glen Helen)
Local Bands I Follow
- American Wake
- Damage Inc.
- Delta Rose (Disbanded in 2016)
- LedZeppagain
- Plus Size Models
- RadioDrama (no longer around)
- Tomasina
- Warner Drive
- Suburban Legends
- Rumble Kings
- Hermosa Bleach (Disbanded in 2013)
TOP TEN(ish): I tried to put together my top ten and this is what I came up with (not necessarily in this order but probably pretty close
- Led Zeppelin
- Metallica
- Danzig
- Flogging Molly
- Doors
- AC/DC
- Jimi Hendrix
- Rob Zombie
- G&R
- The Offspring
- RUN DMC
- Nirvana
- Van Halen
- Scorpions
- Skid Row
- Journey
- Motley Crue
- Green Day
- Boston
- The Pretty Reckless
Events - I often find myself at the Honda Center, Citizens Business Bank Arena or Staples for events other than concerts. Here are a few events that I have been able to go to either because I was able to get good seats or a friend had free tickets from their company. Even if I am not into a particular sport I am always happy to go to a live event and take pics.
- Angels at Anaheim Stadium (2016 - 2 Games, 2015, 2014)
- Dodgers at Chavez Ravine (2017)
- Dodgers at Petco Park
- Giants at AT&T Park
- Lakers and Clippers at Staples
- Sparks at Staples
- Ducks at Honda Center 2014, 2017 January, Playoffs in April, Game 5, Fall of 2017 in October, October 10th against Arizona - Lost, 2018-19 season I went to three games thanks to a friend that purchased season tickets.
- Tour of Gymnastics Champions (Honda Center and Citizen's Business Bank Arena)
- PGA at Riviera Country Club
- Supercross at Qualcomm
- MonsterJam at Anaheim Stadium
- Big West Conference Playoffs at Honda Center on the 15th anniversary of graduating from college with my dad. 2011.
- Stars on Ice at Honda Center, Mother's Day 2012?
- Disney on Ice at Honda Center
- Frozen on Ice at Honda Center
- Danny Elfman - Music from the films or Time Burton at Honda Center
- Seinfeld at Caesars Palace Colosseum
- PBR at Honda Center 2017, and 2018 Feb 4
- KA - MGM Vegas (July 2018, November 2017)
- Anastasia (November 2019 - Sergestrom Center)
- Once (Pantages theater 2016)
- Annie (Pantages)
- Lips Together Teeth Apart with Nathan Lane (Mark Taper Forum 1995)
- Peter Pan with Sandy Duncan (Pantages)
- A Christmas Carol (Mark Taper Forum 1982)
- Avenue Q (OC Performing Arts)
- Book of Mormon (OC Performing Arts)
- Chicago (Vegas 1999)
- O (Vegas 1999)
- Mystere (Vegas 1999)
- Penn and Teller (Rio Vegas)
- Blue Man Group (Venetian, Monte Carlo, Rio)
- Peter Pan (3D Circle Vision Tent outside Sergestrom Performing Arts
- Gypsy (Palm Springs UCR Branch)
- Spamalot (Ahmanson LA)
- Carrot Top (UCR)
- Star Trek Experience (Hilton Vegas)
- Van Gogh (July, 2021 Anaheim Convention Center)