Talkin' 'bout my generation

The Missus called my office about two weeks before the wedding.

"I'm looking at the bridal registry online," she said. "I'm not sure what to get."

"It's not a big deal," I said. "We don't know them that well. Just get them a set of towels."

"There aren't any towels," said the Missus.

"Well, just get a place setting. Or the blender."

"No," she said. "You don't understand. There isn't anything like that."

"Just pick something that's around $50 and be done with it," I said.

"But the stuff that's on here, it's . . . it's different."

"Different how? What kind of stuff?"

"'Shrek The Third' for PlayStation2."

"Come again?"

"Also the 'Guitar Hero 2' wireless controller for Xbox 360."

"Get out."

"I am not making this up," she said. "'My Name Is Earl: The Complete First Season' on DVD."

"On a bridal registry?"

I'm from a different generation already, I guess. Sure we joked about registering at Audio King or loading up the registry with indulgences like velvet smoking jackets or practicalities like motor oil. But in the end we went to Dayton's and picked out the dishes and appliances and towels and sheets we knew we'd need to set up home.

Puzzled in Colorado writes Dear Abby today:

My husband and I received a wedding invitation from my nephew's son, whom we have never gotten to know very well. Included in the invitation was a deposit slip to a bank savings account "in lieu of gifts"! We later learned that everyone on the guest list received a deposit slip, even the grandmother.

So what do I know?

"Look, what are we going to get them?" I asked.

"I honestly don't know," said the Missus. "I can't see giving any of this stuff."

"You're right," I said. "We're going to have to go off the registry. Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it."

"Thanks," she said. "Use your best judgment."

I did. I got them "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo" on DVD. I hope they like classics.

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How about some classic, old-school hoops tomorrow? And by old-school I mean slow and lumbering, with lots of set shots.

Please let me know if you will or will not be playing at St. John's tomorrow. We tip off at 8:00 a.m., as usual. Bring a friend!