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DEAR SANTA,
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS…..OR MAYBE SOMEDAY……
By Bill Dante
All of us have those items that we dream about. Maybe they are on your wish list for the holidays. Some may never happen and those might just be a dream or what I like to call the “Lots of Luck, Buddy,” list.
I think you should have THREE items that fit one of those lists. Either the wish list for the holidays or something to reward yourself or work toward a reality list! If you already have one of these 3 items then replace it with something else.
These items are some of the hottest items for 2021, even Santa wants one of these. So, he told me.
I have a Samsung TV with Bluetooth surround sound that I’m very happy with. Yet, every time I walk into BestBuy or Costco, with their TV’s placed where you almost fall over them, I get hooked!
Let’s talk about 8K. Should you buy one? The answer is no. Why? Because there is currently no content.
Remember when HD came out and we subscribed, yet there was no content. The same thing happened with 4K. Today, though, most televisions are 4K, and there is a lot of content. 8K should happen in two to three years. Take it off your list for now. Another reason is they are twice the price of whatever 4K TV you can afford today.
The number one item on my list is:
- A 77-inch LG OLED TV
This is considered one of the best OLEDs compared to LED models. It has the ability to show true or perfect black on the screen. OLED pixels completely turn off to achieve deep black. Plus, they do not require a backlight, so the screen can be even thinner than many LED models. The refresh rate is high, making for clearer high-speed images for movies and video games.
The TV has built- in WIFI for streaming, from Netflix to music with Pandora. Also, make sure you chose one with Bluetooth capability for wireless rear speakers and headphones.
If a 77 inch TV is above your budget there is also a 55 inch and a 65 inch in the exact model. This is the TV that is always up front in the big box stores I go into every month.
- A Breville Espresso Machine is my second choice.
You have to really like coffee, including cappuccinos, lattes and all the rest to want and understand these machines.
They are, for the most part, the Cadillac of espresso machines. They start at about $250 and go up into the thousands. But some are manual and then there are the Breville Oracles that are completely automatic. They make the absolutely, most perfect cappuccino, that any barista in a coffee house could even dream of making for you.
The Bambino model is the less expensive, but puts out serious espresso for a great value. A few machines even have a double heating system that is ready in three seconds to make your espresso and heat your milk to a pure foam. Finally, there are the top of the line machines that have the grinder built on top. It grinds perfectly, then firmly packs the coffee, making it ready to be extracted with a smooth creama everytime.
Look at the 2020 winter issue. It has a cowboy on a horse in the snow. Read my article titled “How to Make a Really, Really Great Cup of Coffee!” You’ll enjoy the article and it will make your machine easier to use and master.
- A third choice is a replica 1847 Samuel Walker Colt revolver.
This was one of the first revolvers that was created by Samuel Walker, Texas Ranger, and
Mr. Samuel Colt. The musket had been used fighting the British in the 1700’s and up until 1844 was the weapon of choice. That was the only choice back then. Even in the Alamo, a short eleven years before, in 1836, things might have been different if the defenders and Texans had the Walker Colt revolver. The first confrontation that the Texas Rangers, 16 of them, had with a large war party of Comanches was near the Guadalupe River close to Sisterdale Texas. (Read on line, The Battle on Walker Creek)
Shortly after, Texas Ranger Walker went to New Jersey and ordered 1000 more and that was one of the guns that made the west.
I said replica, because not that long ago one of the remaining original 50 Walker Colts in the world, went for over one million dollars at an auction in 2019.
So, that’s my three items for my wish list. What’s yours?
I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Texan Magazine Top Pick Stocking Stuffers and A Few Gift Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank
Ember Temperature Control Ceramic Mug ($72)
Keeps your drink at your desired temperature for however long you decide to nurse it.
Smart Power Strip, WiFi Surge Protector ($26)
Control all the plugs in your home, even when you’re not there. You can sync lights, devices, and more to a timer or manually turn them on or off from your smartphone.
Cuisinart ICE-45 Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker ($73)
Even has a place for sprinkles!
PhoneSoap XL UV Sanitizer ($80)
UV lights get your phone 99.9% germ-free
