What happens when you have airtight New Years Eve plans, coordinated with Danny Ocean-esque perfection right down to the minute Ryan Seacrest says "2007...out!" tonight?

For those of you just tuning in this afternoon, that's the question on more than a few people's minds.

I was a bad blogger last week. I'll admit it.
I could have taken the easy route and said I was off for the Holidays, but I owe you more than that. With everything we've been through you deserve better.

It's getting near that time when we've all got a some free time on our hands, right? What with all the shopping, the seasons greetings, the family, the sledding, the panic attacks. Right?

Need a break, or at the least a last minute gift? Videoport Jones is here with answers.

OK, maybe there is nothing "it's not officially winter yet" about this week's weekend blog. No outdoor jaunts or nature walks, no bike rides, boat rides or, well, anything outdoors.

Still, take comfort (small comfort) in the fact that it's not "officially" winter until next Saturday. Until then politely (or not–so–politely) remind anyone who complains about winter that they can't do it until next week.

This also goes for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Next week of course all bets are off.

It's the time of year where people are fond of putting out "best of" lists. Books, movies, and always music. Getting to the end of another year breeds a kind of lazy short–term nostalgia.
It's always good to reflect, especially when you consider that albums or movies that popped up in March may not be as easily remembered as those that happened in November.

Still, lists can also generate arguments, particularly if someone was left off or not ranked "where they should be."

(Don't worry, this week's podcast is not an 8 minute rant from me on lists...it includes music, I swear.)

Thanks to the NXT network of spies (one could be sitting next to you right now and you would not even know it ... until it was too late) there's some interesting news on the local video gaming front.

I have a feeling it is going to be another one of those high comment days. Last week we made a passing reference to J.J. Abram's "Lost," and lo and behold the Losties came out of the woodwork.

Well, wouldn't you know it, the third season has just been released on DVD.

I'll let Mr. Videoport Jones take it from here.

Wouldn't you know it, we've made it to the end of yet another week and here we find ourselves thinking of what to do this weekend. Hmmm.

I'd say this multiple choice all end up with the same conclusion...

a.) Catch some dynamite live shows
b.) Throw a repeal day party
c.) Shop at your own risk

...having a relaxing drink.

Growing up we all had art class and between our teacher and parents there was always someone to appreciate our creations.

Sure you like to think your time is precious, especially at work, but come on ... don't fight your inner procrastinator.

Succumb to The Scanner, it will waste your time in ways you won't feel so bad about.

As a reporter for a major metropolitan newspaper, I get lots of things sent to me over e–mail. Questions about accuracy, requests for help on school projects, anonymous insults, bacon recipes, concert notices, news releases from politicians, offers from Nigerian princes...I could go on.

In the interest of transparency (and unintentional comedy), I thought I'd start sharing some of the dispatches that come across the NXT desk.

You know what goes great with several feet of snow and an ongoing screen writers strike?

DVDs. New ones. And lots of 'em.

Lucky for you Videoport Jones has some time, and knows a lot about movies.

If only I was talking about today's on-going snowfall. Sadly I think it took me longer to clean off and warm up my car then it did to drive in to Press Herald Plaza.

No, friends. This morning I am struggling to come to grips with the news that my Missouri Tigers got jobbed by the Bowl Championship Series, and will not be playing in a BCS bowl game. Instead, two teams they beat will be playing in BCS games.

But I digress. This is not a sports blog, and I've griped to enough (for now). If I didn't cause a scene on Saturday night then I won't now.