It's that time of year.

Yeah. My birthday. The 21st of July. 33, this time around. So what do I want?

Well, there are some things that always make the list.

World peace would be nice. I keep asking for it, and everybody keeps getting me other stuff. Maybe if you all team up, you can get it for me?

I haven't been known to refuse cash. Especially not lately. Predictable cash flow is high on my list of wants right now. Even if it's from a job.

Other than that, it's mostly about "the vision thing." Optics, you know?

I'd like a Canon EOS-1D Mark II digital SLR body. But oh, those are $4500 or so. The EOS-10D, similar to my 35mm Elan SLR, is only about $1500. But... yeah, I'd settle for a Digital Rebel (EOS-300D) that's only around $800.

Did I mention I'm listing the expensive things first?

Next most expensive is the Canon EF 75-300mm IS zoom lens. That's the image-stabilized one. The IS lens on one of my digital cameras spoiled me. This is probably around $400, give or take some.

Then there's "a telescope." I'm a little unclear on this, really, since I might be traveling for work and wouldn't be able to take it with me. Orion's $199 XT 4.5 dobsonian-mount newtonian is a good one that everyone in my family could easily use, but if it were just for me, I'd want something with a manual equatorial mount that could be upgraded to motor drive down the road. So... maybe just send money and let me worry about which one to get. :)

Then there's the Oberwerk 9x60 binoculars, which are about $100-$120.

Oh, and one other thing... George W. Bush, I know you probably don't remember me, since we haven't seen each other since November of 2000 and things were pretty hectic back then, but if you're reading this, I was thinking it'd be really cool if you could take a break from the whole D.C. scene for a while and come out here. I know you really like vacations, and you haven't really gotten any quality time out here during the last few years. Bring the family and Mr. Cheney along - he can relax, and I'll take you and the Secret Service guys hiking, snorkeling and stuff. Leave John McCain and Colin Powell in charge - they'll take good care of the country while you're away. No need to hurry back... several months should be about long enough...