I can't smile without you. Really.

I have a confession to make.

As I was sitting up at midnight writing the Christmas cards I swore (swore!) were going to be in the mail Dec. 1 and berating my very existence, I had HDNet on in the background. Which was playing a Barry Manilow concert.

I not only left it on. I enjoyed it. Right on down to the last notes of "American Bandstand" and "I Can't Smile Without You."

If I had even a shred of coolness left over from my youth (which would be a stretch to say I had any to begin with), it is now certainly gone. And I'm OK with that.

VH Wonderful

I'm sitting here, trying to pound out an article that I've needed to have done for two days, which should be a snap, but like all of the ones that should be a snap, oddly, they're not.

Adding to my distraction/procrastination/glee is the fact that I have VH1 Classic on in the background. After an excellent viewing of "Ghostbusters" (and no, I ain't afraid of no ghosts, in case you were wondering), what should happen to come on?

Pop Up Video, 80's Movie Songs editions.

Oh, great googley moogley. I'm never getting this story done.

"Ghostbusters"? I had no idea how many 80's superstars proclaimed their lack of spectral fear. Followed by Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone," Madonna's "Into the Groove" (yes, that was from "Desperately Seeking Susan"), Pyschedelic Furs' "Pretty in Pink," and that leg-warmer, steel welder, strobe lit, running in place classic "Maniac."

It's almost embarrassing how happy this is making me right now. Almost.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go make a mix tape, feather my hair, and set my Trapper Keeper by the door before I go to bed. And to all, a good night.