If you missed the first two installments in my list of favorite things: 1 - 10 11 - 20

21. MST3K

After watching 11 seasons of Mystery Science Theater 3000, I have a hard time turning on the television and not riffing whatever's on. Should anyone launch me into space, I'll be ready.

Joel was definitely better than Mike.

Update: 24 hours a day

22. Surfing

When I was in college, my parents advised me that doing hard labor during one's summer vacation builds character and makes one appreciate the sheepskin so much more. I took that under advisement and moved to the beach, where I spent my days surfing and my evenings working as a stand-up comedian.

It's a kind of religion, really. Believers worship Poseidon on altar of swells. Surfing is to be a part of a mystery, to ride the power of the wave, and when it's over, it's okay, because you were part of it. You where there, in line and on time.

It always wagged my tail when one of my crew would call first thing in the morning and say "It's goin' off, brah!"

23. Space Shuttle

A kind of surfing, but in the stars.

One of my fondest memories of my brother - when he came through for me in a big way - happened just after my soon-to-be Ex told me she wanted a divorce.

When that kind of thing happens, a person spends a lot of time dwelling on past errors and what could have been done differently. It's completely useless mental floss, because even if one solves that Rubik's Cube, there's nothing that can be done about it.

Eventually, the thinking shifts from past regrets to future opportunities. Sometimes that transition is so gradual as to be almost imperceptible. Other times, it's a tangible, palpable moment.

For me, it was the latter. It happened when my brother told me, on the phone one night, "If you'd stayed married, you'd never have been able to play golf at St. Andrews.

Suddenly, the heavens opened and I could see all of God's secrets. It was an epiphany. I realized that there were a lot of things I could do that I'd probably never even considered had I remained attached.

So, I made my "bucket list" and within a week, I'd scratched off the first item: watch a space shuttle launch. I drove to Florida, where my brother lived, and shacked with him for a few days, and then we drove to Cocoa Beach, stood in the sand, and watched the beast rise to the heavens.

24. Iraqi Independence Day

On June 28, 2004, coalition forces surrendered sovereignty of Iraq to Iraq's interim government. At that point, Iraq once again became an independent country with its own separate identity. It was a major milestone in the country's history.

I didn't give a good toot whistle about that, because at the time, I was enjoying the best day of my life far away from there.

And I'm not tellin' what I was doing.

25. Cytosport Muscle Milk

Branched chain amino acids, the best way to build lean muscle and recover after a couple of hours at the gym. This is mother's milk. Tastes like shit, but damn I look good.

26. God

Yeah, I'm a Bible-thumper. So what? Get over it.

27. London

Bad teeth, bland food, hooligans, and driving on the wrong side of the road. I love the place. I'm going to retire there, someday.

28. Amazon.com

Anything you could possibly need - groceries, furniture, books, electronics - you can have delivered right to your door. An agorophobe's dream.

29. Golf

An utterly absurd sport. An expensive way to play marbles. It's stupid, but I love it.

30. Rosemary

A close second to #10 (Basil) in my list of favorite herbs. Rosmarinus officinalis can make any good food great. I'd eat an old tennis shoe if there's Rosemary on it.

Best chopped along with a little fresh mint and kneaded into ground lamb to make the best burger ever.