Somehow the tradition continues! While the funniest fireworks seem to have been in previous (2008) Yay! Fireworks installments (2007), this year's trip to Blackjack still yielded some amazing surprises. Enjoy.

OH MY GOD THAT GUMSHOE IS A DEMON FOR SOME REASON

But only just.

I truly enjoyed this Konami game on my Super Nintendo

Nothing says "Hollywood Trip" like Barbara Streisand's head floating next to a faceless man and Krusty the Chaplin

I enjoyed Dancer in the Dark but this new work left me a little underwhelmed. (LARS VON TRIER JOKE)

Or the eyes of everyone else around you, since it's, you know, a firework.

DO NOT

Then stay the hell away from my surge suppressor, god dammit

Sweet Corel Draw Clip Art Starter Sampler: Vol. 1

Warning: emits showers of musty locker-room smells and features strained-laughter report

Make that happen, and I might actually go to the zoo.

I'm going to be honest, I don't think I want my tax dollars funding this "elite team" anymore.

Much more impressive than the Passive-Aggressive Oregonian

I get this one for free after I eat fettucini alfredo. (I apologize.)

OK. Be honest. What did you think this was? (True answer: "Amazing Planet")

Special Bonus Feature

I've told you before about The Gauntlet: the long, treacherous stretch of Vancouver, Washington road that leads to two competing fireworks stands: Blackjack and TNT. Armed to the teeth with minimally-paid teenagers, and with an ever-escalating arms race of inflatable bouncy castles and discounted diet soda, The Gauntlet will not stop — nay, will not take so much as a single restful breath — until you make The True Choice on where to spend your fireworks money.

For 2009, I present to you: The Gauntlet HD.

Let me be clear: I have no intention of this becoming a baby pictures blog. That said, I thought it worth noting to you, the cabel.name-interested, that, one week ago, we welcomed the arrival of Joby Finn Sasser, our brand new baby boy.


Already awash in the gaming world (which means he'll be a football broker, right?), here he's about to be wrapped up by Keita Takahashi's Noby Noby Boy. (And our cat.) This plush Boy was a totally amazing gift from Keita — if you can believe this, it was made by his sister! Joby also really loves Girl .

So, yeah, baby time! Red hair!? Really long fingers! Doing awesome, fitting right into our lives. (Also: Nicole is amazing.) New life! Let's go!

Next time, I swear: Japan Mystery Cafe