I went to a birthday party for one of my bosses yesterday. The big 5-0. And as expected whenever he hosts a gathering at his house, he hardly sat down. He was fixing burgers and dogs and making sure that everyone's beer was full. And roasting four turkeys in some sort of contraption. The day was one of our first nice weekends of the season, with temps near 90, and a bit of a breeze. But that has nothing to do with this post...
When I walked into the backyard, I was immediately smacked in the face with the smell of lilacs. About a half dozen bushes in full bloom! With the keg sitting in their shadow. And with the gentle breeze, that scent was refreshed all afternoon. I left at a very respectable hour in the early evening, though I could have just as easily consumed too much and pass out under the bushes. Instead, I got home and did a quick search for a lilac picture for my background. And got excited because the lilacs on my side of town haven't bloomed yet... :-)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday Fill-Ins: #126
And...here we go!
1. It's cold and tasty and goes well with chips & salsa--it must be beer!
2. I really dislike raw tomatoes.
3. My favorite health and beauty product is no longer made, therefore I'm not healthy nor beautiful.
4. I ended up running a bunch of errands, when all I really wanted was a nice long ride.
5. Well, first of all, they took the bus, and then realized that the bananas were all ripe.
6. Members of The American Mime Theatre in NYC; those were the cast of characters in a recent dream and it was the quietest night of sleep I've had in weeks!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing some laundry, tomorrow my plans include a birthday party with free beer, turkey and burgers and Sunday, I want to finish up the music transcription I'm working on!
Be sure to check out the other FFIers!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Stinky HNT
Before I jump into HNT, I thought I'd share a picture of Mom and the kids on Mother's Day. It's readily apparent that I was just a test sample. The good looks were taken care of with my sisters... S1, Me, S3, S2 and Mom. Dad was still chair-bound with a vacuum hose sticking out of him. I don't know what's up with the dolphins, so don't ask... Enjoy!Apparently one of the things that happened last week while I was away is that Spring actually took hold here. Temps have been in the upper 70s/low 80s, there's been an appropriate amount of appropriate moisture (no more late snow storms!), the homeless guys are more prevalent at the post office and other public venues, and best of all, just about every tree and bush has budded! According to my co-workers, it all happened in one day. In the morning, sticks. On the way home, leaves!
So here I am, enjoying one of the bushes outside my apartment. I might be smiling here, but it stinks really bad. I have no idea what it is, though I'm thinking the deer peed in it...
Oberon:"My gentle Puck, come hither.Shakespeare--A Midsummer Night's Dream ~excerpt~
Thou rememberest since
Once I sat upon a promontory,
And heard a mermaid on a dolphin's back
Uttering such dulcet and harmonious breath
That the rude sea grew civil at her song,
And certain stars shot madly from their spheres,
To hear the sea-maid's music?"
I don't really know what that says, or if it fits, but anytime I can quote Shakespeare...
This week's mermaid will be revealed Thursday afternoon. Be sure to come back to see who it is!
The Mystery Guest this week is long-time HNTer Chickie! Check out her amazing HNT this week, then spend some time in her archives. She may be the only one of us out here with a freeze-dried chihuahua!
Lots of submissions for "...the Other HNT" this week, partially due to leftovers from last week that didn't get in on time before I left. Be sure to stop by and check them out! As usual, NSFW!
Some of you have asked about the OsShirt. In particular, where is it, and when will we see it again? I'm happy to report that OsShirt v3.0 has made an appearance and will start showing up again this summer! Look for it at a blog near you!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
TMI Tuesday #188 - Rambling Edition
1. Before the industrial revolution, most people never traveled more than 30 miles from their home. How far from your birth place do you now live? - This is sort of embarrassing...three blocks.
2. What is the farthest distance from home you have you have ever had sex or an orgasm? What is there farthest distance you have traveled from your home to have a sexual encounter? - About 1900 miles. Don't know that I've ever traveled specifically for sex, though. If it happened, great!
3. How many states (or Canadian provences or your country's geopolitical division) and counties have you had sex and/or an orgasms in? - Six?
4. Have you ever had sex in a vehicle? While the vehicle was moving? - Yes. No.
5. Do you have any travel related fantasy? If so, share, please. - Afraid not...
Bonus: On holidays that honor our military do you tend to remember those currently serving or veterans of military service? - Sad to say, no. I've posted about this before. Any relatives that ever served in the military were cousins or uncles three or four times removed or something like that. Dad was in the Navy, but in between any conflicts, so he's not considered a combat veteran. Honestly, I'm not sure what he did during his service. Memorial Day and Veteran's Day observances have never been ingrained in my family's culture while growing up, and it's been sort of ignored in my life. Not to say that I don't appreciate all that those in the military have done for me and my way of life. I just haven't really done anything special. I'll go sit in the corner now and feel bad, thank you....
Check out the other TMIers!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A long recap of a long week
Well, I suppose I should get around to doing this. I've had a difficult time getting back into the swing of things. I've been trying to catch up with everyone, but that's an ongoing project! This trip was a great time! Not just the concert, but catching up with the Indy girls, too! Throw in a quick meeting with a couple of other bloggers, PLUS a surprise meeting, and you get a fun and exciting week! And tiring, but I think I'm back on track in that regard. I think the best way to do this is chronologically, so here goes!
MONDAY - I had to drive 3 1/2 hours
to Billings to catch my flight. Considering that plane tickets to Indy cost about $300 more from anywhere else in MT, it's definitely worth the drive! And it gave me the chance to stop in at one of those big warehouse stores (this one rhymes roughly with "Rosco") to see former HNTer and fellow Montanan No One Special (once known as Alien Autopsy). The last time I came through town unannounced and dropped in, she had left work to take care of her appendicitis, so this was much better! Didn't have much time, since I had a plane to catch, but we had a nice quick talk! Rest of the day/night was fairly uneventful, but I did have to fork out $40 for a cab from the airport to the hotel because there's no shuttle or bus service late at night. Ouch!
TUESDAY - Concert Day! And the official anniversary date for HNT. Thanks to all who left congrats and all, but like I said--it's not me, but you guys that should get the congratulations! I'm just the big cheerleader on the sidelines rooting it on!
I met up with NY Diva and Living Diary for lunch at one of the brewhouses downtown. I got there early, so of course, ordered a beer while waiting. I quickly became aware that 11:30 AM in Indy is the same as 9:30 AM Montana time. The time difference raised its ugly little head a couple of times during the week... After lunch, they had to go back to work, so I waited for M to show up. She shows, and we head to the concert.
The doors hadn't opened yet when we got there, which gave M the opportunity to take a picture of the local police force. Apparently they wear naughty boots and provide handcuffs. Who knew?!? (click 'em to big 'em). Being in the door early allowed us to partake in a drink or two (which was another theme to the week...). It filled slowly, but eventually, the place was filled to the rafters. Sold out. We had seats on the floor, maybe 25-30 rows back. Possibly closer. No one obnoxious around us, and no one really terribly tall in front of us. We didn't have the benefit of the video screens, but we really didn't need them. They were on the basketball scoreboard directly above us, and we would eventually look up on occasion, particularly to watch their fingers flying across the keyboard. Everything was set. Then 7:30 hit.
Elton and Billy walk on from opposite ends of the stage, while two grand pianos are lifted by hydraulics to the stage. The first 6-8 songs are primarily ballads, alternating between each of their hits, alternating verses and solos. They were joined by individuals of their own bands to fill out the rhythm section, but it was definitely their moment to shine. The lights go down, hydraulics take Billy's piano down while raising Elton's drummer, keyboard player, etc., and he starts his set. His show didn't change a great deal from when I saw him in Missoula a year ago. Not much audience interaction, and he started out somewhat subdued. But by the end of his set, he was rocking out pretty good. Still can't hit the high notes, though he attempted a few more than a year ago. M, on the other hand, was singing to everything. In Missoula, I sat up high, so was above the sound, so I got to hear all of the audience singing along. This time, we were in the midst of the sound, so the audience singing wasn't even noticeable. Which is why M was singing out loud! And everyone was singing! And enjoying the evening. Including the 80 year old grandmother who was dancing and rocking out in the aisle!
It took all of two minutes for the stage change for Billy's band to hydraulically replace Elton's, and we were off to the races again! A much different personality than Elton. He talked between songs, introduced all the members of his band, and there was no question that the man was raised in NYC! Whereas Elton's voice has aged, Billy's isn't much different than the old days. And he doesn't just sit at the piano. He grabbed a guitar for "We Didn't Start the Fire", and then sang from mid-stage with just a mike stand. This set up the finale.
After another incredibly brief blackout, both full bands are back onstage, and they rock out on another 6-8 hits, throwing in a little bit of the Beatles, for good measure. Then the stage empties, except for the two of them, and they end together with "Candle in the Wind", and "Piano Man". The lights come up, and it's 11:10 PM. Over 3 1/2 hours of music!
On the way back, we passed Howl At the Moon, a bar with dueling pianos. I'm a sucker for that sort of thing. Either that or the bucket of 5 beers for $5. Maybe both...
I've been to a few dueling piano bars, but this one was different, because there were 5 different players, they were all in their twenties, and when they weren't playing piano, they'd jump in on bass, drums, or a solo instrument such as fiddle or sax. And they all sang. Well. After a few requests, a couple of buckets, and a few drinks, we ended up closing down the place. Must have been some time past 2AM, I think. And thus endeth Tuesday.
WEDNESDAY - Met up with M's sister, Diva and L.D. for lunch at Hooters. Her sister had to leave before we got the picture taken. The guys at the next table should have bought our lunch. The petite blond Hooters girl that took the picture stood up on a stool, and for whatever reason, had to stick her butt out to do it. I'm thinking just to balance. But everyone of them was watching her. Just to make sure she didn't fall, I'm sure...
We met up again for dinner and then drinks to celebrate Diva's birthday (last Sunday). Diva's friend, Sista Diva, joined us for a bit, then drove us to Diva's car where got on-site instruction on how to replace a flat tire. We then hit Jillian's for the drinks. I continued on with the beer theme, while the ladies experimented with various colorful fruity drinks. We closed down this bar too, but at a much earlier hour which was good, because...
THURSDAY - Time to go home. I had a 7AM flight, which means I was up at 5AM. Eastern time. M drove me to the airport. She's not a morning person. By any stretch of the imagination. Plus she might have been nursing a bit of a hangover. :-) I, on the other hand, felt great, other than being quite tired from a long couple of days. My return flight took me from Indy to Chicago to Denver to Billings. The Indy/Chicago trip is too short to try to nap. My best bet would be the second leg to Denver, but I ended up seated next to a chatter. I even mentioned that I'd been out drinking the night before ("Oh, do I need to worry about you getting sick?"), and I had my earbuds in, but that didn't stop her. So no sleep there.
I had an almost 4 hour layover in Denver, so I had gotten in touch with Vixen to see if she wanted to meet for lunch. She accepted, and we met at the Boulder Beer Tap House on the public side of the terminal. We had a lovely time, though I was probably fairly incoherent the entire time, trying not to yawn in her face. We had an overly friendly waitress who was trying to get me drunk, sampling all the beers they had on tap. The time passed quickly, and it was time to go. I still had 45 minutes before my plane was to depart. So we say our goodbyes, and I go around the corner to go through security. OMG! It took no time at all for me to realize that if I was going to catch my flight, it would be by jumping through the hatch as the plane pulls away from the concourse. Short story...I missed my flight. I kicked myself, then accepted the fact that hundreds, if not thousands of people miss flights every day. So I go sign up for standby and sulk. Maybe I can nap now!!
Fate is a funny, fickle thing. Sometimes for something good. A bunch of unrelated, uncontrollable events that culminate in a nice surprise. Last week, I uploaded the mobile Facebook app for my iPod. The Denver airport has free wi-fi. I missed my flight and have nothing to do. I get on FB and see that one of my FB friends leaves the following status: "I'm in Denver and I'm not impressed." Cool! I ask where she's at, figuring downtown or something. "B46". One gate away from my missed fight! I hustle down as fast as my stubby legs, blistered heel and funny floor escalator can take me so I can meet Wendy, whose airplane's potty had a malfunction and they were waiting for a new plane! This was, by far, the most bizarre circumstance to meet to date! We ducked into some small eating establishment to chat for a bit. This time, I left earlier, as I didn't want to miss another flight. Even if I lost my nice cushy plane for the cramped seat on a puddlejumper. The rest of the day was pretty normal. I still had the drive back home, and got in sometime between 11:30 and midnight. And didn't get to bed until about an hour later. The end of a long day and long week.
Would I do it again? Without question! This wasn't so much a blogger meet-up, as it was meeting up with bloggers while I was around. A great concert, wonderful company all week, and in spite of the travel problem, a fun time! Sorry this ran long, but I had to do it all at once. Hope you're all enjoying your weekend!
MONDAY - I had to drive 3 1/2 hoursto Billings to catch my flight. Considering that plane tickets to Indy cost about $300 more from anywhere else in MT, it's definitely worth the drive! And it gave me the chance to stop in at one of those big warehouse stores (this one rhymes roughly with "Rosco") to see former HNTer and fellow Montanan No One Special (once known as Alien Autopsy). The last time I came through town unannounced and dropped in, she had left work to take care of her appendicitis, so this was much better! Didn't have much time, since I had a plane to catch, but we had a nice quick talk! Rest of the day/night was fairly uneventful, but I did have to fork out $40 for a cab from the airport to the hotel because there's no shuttle or bus service late at night. Ouch!
TUESDAY - Concert Day! And the official anniversary date for HNT. Thanks to all who left congrats and all, but like I said--it's not me, but you guys that should get the congratulations! I'm just the big cheerleader on the sidelines rooting it on!
I met up with NY Diva and Living Diary for lunch at one of the brewhouses downtown. I got there early, so of course, ordered a beer while waiting. I quickly became aware that 11:30 AM in Indy is the same as 9:30 AM Montana time. The time difference raised its ugly little head a couple of times during the week... After lunch, they had to go back to work, so I waited for M to show up. She shows, and we head to the concert.
The doors hadn't opened yet when we got there, which gave M the opportunity to take a picture of the local police force. Apparently they wear naughty boots and provide handcuffs. Who knew?!? (click 'em to big 'em). Being in the door early allowed us to partake in a drink or two (which was another theme to the week...). It filled slowly, but eventually, the place was filled to the rafters. Sold out. We had seats on the floor, maybe 25-30 rows back. Possibly closer. No one obnoxious around us, and no one really terribly tall in front of us. We didn't have the benefit of the video screens, but we really didn't need them. They were on the basketball scoreboard directly above us, and we would eventually look up on occasion, particularly to watch their fingers flying across the keyboard. Everything was set. Then 7:30 hit.Elton and Billy walk on from opposite ends of the stage, while two grand pianos are lifted by hydraulics to the stage. The first 6-8 songs are primarily ballads, alternating between each of their hits, alternating verses and solos. They were joined by individuals of their own bands to fill out the rhythm section, but it was definitely their moment to shine. The lights go down, hydraulics take Billy's piano down while raising Elton's drummer, keyboard player, etc., and he starts his set. His show didn't change a great deal from when I saw him in Missoula a year ago. Not much audience interaction, and he started out somewhat subdued. But by the end of his set, he was rocking out pretty good. Still can't hit the high notes, though he attempted a few more than a year ago. M, on the other hand, was singing to everything. In Missoula, I sat up high, so was above the sound, so I got to hear all of the audience singing along. This time, we were in the midst of the sound, so the audience singing wasn't even noticeable. Which is why M was singing out loud! And everyone was singing! And enjoying the evening. Including the 80 year old grandmother who was dancing and rocking out in the aisle!
It took all of two minutes for the stage change for Billy's band to hydraulically replace Elton's, and we were off to the races again! A much different personality than Elton. He talked between songs, introduced all the members of his band, and there was no question that the man was raised in NYC! Whereas Elton's voice has aged, Billy's isn't much different than the old days. And he doesn't just sit at the piano. He grabbed a guitar for "We Didn't Start the Fire", and then sang from mid-stage with just a mike stand. This set up the finale.
After another incredibly brief blackout, both full bands are back onstage, and they rock out on another 6-8 hits, throwing in a little bit of the Beatles, for good measure. Then the stage empties, except for the two of them, and they end together with "Candle in the Wind", and "Piano Man". The lights come up, and it's 11:10 PM. Over 3 1/2 hours of music!
On the way back, we passed Howl At the Moon, a bar with dueling pianos. I'm a sucker for that sort of thing. Either that or the bucket of 5 beers for $5. Maybe both...I've been to a few dueling piano bars, but this one was different, because there were 5 different players, they were all in their twenties, and when they weren't playing piano, they'd jump in on bass, drums, or a solo instrument such as fiddle or sax. And they all sang. Well. After a few requests, a couple of buckets, and a few drinks, we ended up closing down the place. Must have been some time past 2AM, I think. And thus endeth Tuesday.
WEDNESDAY - Met up with M's sister, Diva and L.D. for lunch at Hooters. Her sister had to leave before we got the picture taken. The guys at the next table should have bought our lunch. The petite blond Hooters girl that took the picture stood up on a stool, and for whatever reason, had to stick her butt out to do it. I'm thinking just to balance. But everyone of them was watching her. Just to make sure she didn't fall, I'm sure...
We met up again for dinner and then drinks to celebrate Diva's birthday (last Sunday). Diva's friend, Sista Diva, joined us for a bit, then drove us to Diva's car where got on-site instruction on how to replace a flat tire. We then hit Jillian's for the drinks. I continued on with the beer theme, while the ladies experimented with various colorful fruity drinks. We closed down this bar too, but at a much earlier hour which was good, because...THURSDAY - Time to go home. I had a 7AM flight, which means I was up at 5AM. Eastern time. M drove me to the airport. She's not a morning person. By any stretch of the imagination. Plus she might have been nursing a bit of a hangover. :-) I, on the other hand, felt great, other than being quite tired from a long couple of days. My return flight took me from Indy to Chicago to Denver to Billings. The Indy/Chicago trip is too short to try to nap. My best bet would be the second leg to Denver, but I ended up seated next to a chatter. I even mentioned that I'd been out drinking the night before ("Oh, do I need to worry about you getting sick?"), and I had my earbuds in, but that didn't stop her. So no sleep there.
I had an almost 4 hour layover in Denver, so I had gotten in touch with Vixen to see if she wanted to meet for lunch. She accepted, and we met at the Boulder Beer Tap House on the public side of the terminal. We had a lovely time, though I was probably fairly incoherent the entire time, trying not to yawn in her face. We had an overly friendly waitress who was trying to get me drunk, sampling all the beers they had on tap. The time passed quickly, and it was time to go. I still had 45 minutes before my plane was to depart. So we say our goodbyes, and I go around the corner to go through security. OMG! It took no time at all for me to realize that if I was going to catch my flight, it would be by jumping through the hatch as the plane pulls away from the concourse. Short story...I missed my flight. I kicked myself, then accepted the fact that hundreds, if not thousands of people miss flights every day. So I go sign up for standby and sulk. Maybe I can nap now!!
Fate is a funny, fickle thing. Sometimes for something good. A bunch of unrelated, uncontrollable events that culminate in a nice surprise. Last week, I uploaded the mobile Facebook app for my iPod. The Denver airport has free wi-fi. I missed my flight and have nothing to do. I get on FB and see that one of my FB friends leaves the following status: "I'm in Denver and I'm not impressed." Cool! I ask where she's at, figuring downtown or something. "B46". One gate away from my missed fight! I hustle down as fast as my stubby legs, blistered heel and funny floor escalator can take me so I can meet Wendy, whose airplane's potty had a malfunction and they were waiting for a new plane! This was, by far, the most bizarre circumstance to meet to date! We ducked into some small eating establishment to chat for a bit. This time, I left earlier, as I didn't want to miss another flight. Even if I lost my nice cushy plane for the cramped seat on a puddlejumper. The rest of the day was pretty normal. I still had the drive back home, and got in sometime between 11:30 and midnight. And didn't get to bed until about an hour later. The end of a long day and long week.Would I do it again? Without question! This wasn't so much a blogger meet-up, as it was meeting up with bloggers while I was around. A great concert, wonderful company all week, and in spite of the travel problem, a fun time! Sorry this ran long, but I had to do it all at once. Hope you're all enjoying your weekend!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday Fill-Ins: #125
I'm back and I'm tired. Due to some carelessness on my part, a flight was missed, and I ended up with a 21-hour day of travel. And I get to go to work today...ugh. Lots of pictures to upload. Lots of stories to tell (well, not that many, but it seems like it). I may have fulfilled my beer quota for the month of May in just two short days! Anyhoo, knowing that some people are a bit impatient... I'm just letting you know that I'll get to posting it all as soon as I can! In the meantime...something that doesn't require a great deal of thought--It's Friday Fill-In!
And...here we go!
1. Moving is going very slowly for me this morning.
2. Desperately trying to think of something else than "born free", but failing.
3. My best quality is yet to be determined.
4. You call it. Either deheads or details.
5. In nearly 10 years, I hope to have a new laptop. I don't think I can deal with this cracked screen too much longer.
6. An uninterrupted 12 hours of sleep is what I need right now!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed early, tomorrow my plans include working on this symphony transcription and Sunday, I want to look forward to a possible day off on Monday (not yet guaranteed...)!
Be sure to check out the other FFI-ers!
And...here we go!
1. Moving is going very slowly for me this morning.
2. Desperately trying to think of something else than "born free", but failing.
3. My best quality is yet to be determined.
4. You call it. Either deheads or details.
5. In nearly 10 years, I hope to have a new laptop. I don't think I can deal with this cracked screen too much longer.
6. An uninterrupted 12 hours of sleep is what I need right now!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed early, tomorrow my plans include working on this symphony transcription and Sunday, I want to look forward to a possible day off on Monday (not yet guaranteed...)!
Be sure to check out the other FFI-ers!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
4th Anniversary HNT
It's that time of year when we can celebrate the 4th anniversary of HNT! If you didn't read my post from Tuesday, feel free to check it out. Go ahead. I'll wait...
In the meantime, here's the original guidelines, which I've decided to re-post a couple of times a year, just so we're all on the same page! No, they haven't changed. Yes, many of them are a bit outdated or unnecessary...
The Guidelines
I offer these guidelines for "Half-Nekkid Thursday":
So Tuesday was the actual anniversary date. I thought about doing something big like I did last year (I urge you to check it out, just to read what HNT has meant to many of us!). But time and inspiration got away from me, so that was out. I could have made some sort of big new announcement, but I've got nothing exciting to share. So how did I choose to celebrate? I hopped on a plane and flew to Indianapolis, where the always-lovely M and I had floor seats to see Elton John and Billy Joel in concert together!
We've actually been planning this for many months. At some point in our chatting last fall, we realized that we both liked classic rock (I think she said it because I lived during it--before it was classic...). I mentioned seeing Elton last April, and she mentioned something about Billy, and we'd both heard that they'd be touring again this year. When the Indy show was announced, we decided that it would make a good birthday present for the both of us (since we share the same birthday!). Lo and behold! I was successful in getting floor tickets! Not up front, not center, but certainly closer than halfway back, and easy access to make beer runs!
Lunches and dinner were shared with Living Diary and NY Diva while here too! Planning a mid-week thing like this never an easy thing, as some people apparently WORK during the week! Fortunately, they work within blocks of everything downtown, so it was easy for them to get away.
So a full concert review will be forthcoming, sometime this weekend. Suffice it to say, it was a fantastic concert, and over 3-1/2 hours of non-stop music. Well worth the trip! In the meantime, here's M and I (couldn't get backstage, dammit...).
In spite of not making a big production like last year (I suggest you go read each of the posts from last year--some great stories about what HNT meant to the old-timers!). My original intent for the Mystery Guest this week was to use four former HNTers who no longer blog, or have changed identities and leave no clue that they used to. That didn't work so well, so I went to Plan B--some of my personal favorite HNTers who are now posting quite sporadically, if at all. I did get four responses to that, and so you have them. To Vixen, Dana, Ms. I., and others, don't take offense...you're still posting regularly!
Be sure to come back late Thursday night for the reveal of each of these ladies!
Got in WAY too late last night to do this, but the MGs this week, from top to bottom, are Carnalis, Lee Ann, Summer, and Biscuit. Thanks ladies! (Summer's site is invitation only, but if you leave a request for an invite in the comments of her old site, she'll be checking there!)
I'm pre-drafting "...the Other HNT", so I'm not sure what I have for numbers. But they'll all be posted on time! As usual, NSFW!!!
One more surprise by the end of the week. I have lunch plans on my return layover with a wonderful HNTer! Pictures of that, and the whole week, will be coming soon!
Thanks to those who played TMI this week. Some interesting answers! I think that many of us agree that our friendships with fellow HNTers isn't reliant upon the pictures that we see, but the words that we read. Certainly, there's alot of skimming that goes on, but most of you seemed to say that it may have been the pictures that grabbed your attention, but the stories and comments that really solidified the bond. I like that!
In the meantime, here's the original guidelines, which I've decided to re-post a couple of times a year, just so we're all on the same page! No, they haven't changed. Yes, many of them are a bit outdated or unnecessary...
I offer these guidelines for "Half-Nekkid Thursday":
- In that North American, Puritanical way that most of my readers think, "Nekkid", or its variations, somehow insinuates sex, or its variations. WRONG!! The purpose of "Half-Nekkid Thursday" is not to see sex acts! It is the celebration of exposure. Of your big toe. Of your breastbone. Of your knuckles. Of your uvula. Whatever. Of course, sex acts can qualify, so if you want to post those.....
- "Nekkid" is not the same as nude! Again, nude qualifies, but it is not a requirement!
- Pictures should be taken of you or by you. Don't be going to some internet site and downloading "Half-Nekkid" pics. And don't use Uncle Bob's pictures from Spring Break '72, either. Let's try to keep this fairly "real".
- You don't necessarily have to be the subject of the picture. By the same token, if you're not, then the subject(s) should be known to you. No fair going to the beach and snapping pictures left and right. Yes, they might be "Half-Nekkid", but they don't follow the spirit of "Half-Nekkid Thursday".
- While animals can be included in a "Half-Nekkid Thursday" picture, they are not the focus, therefore cannot be the subject. If an animal is all that keeps your picture "Half-Nekkid" rather than "Full-Nekkid", that's OK.
- You are allowed a very limited number of cute-kids-in-the-tub type of pictures. We're interested in YOU!
- Use some originality with your shots. Facial shots should be limited. Artsy body landscapes, conversely, are highly encouraged. If a partner/family member is needed to take the picture, that's OK.
- Props can help you with creativity, and their use is encouraged, but not necessary.
- As we get into this, you may find that you want to post more than one picture for "Half-Nekkid Thursday". I would discourage this practice unless absolutely necessary. You should hold some pictures in reserve, in case you find yourself without a new picture down the road.
- While I can hardly control when you post pictures on your own blogs, let's try to keep "Half-Nekkid Thursday" special, and post "Half-Nekkid" pics only on Thursdays. If you feel the urge to post them more than once a week, I might recommend just emailing them out, rather than posting.
- Tattoos are certainly an acceptable subject, regardless of location. Scars are also acceptable, but please respect the others who visit "Half-Nekkid Thursday" on a regular basis. Spread out the scar pictures over a few weeks' time, please!
- Speaking of scars--If you use a picture of a scar, it must be accompanied by some sort of humorous anectdote as to how you got it. For a long, but good example, go here.
- Other skin conditions might not be acceptable, due to good taste. These include, but are not limited to warts, zits, lesions, ingrown hairs, boils, open sores, peeling skin, scabies, rashes, or any other assorted gross things. I'm not saying that you can't post them. Just use your best judgement, for the sake of the rest of us.
- When referring to "Half-Nekkid Thursday", please spell it correctly! Not Naked, not Neked, not Nakid. It's "Half-Nekkid Thursday".
- It's very important to not be dissing other's submissions! We're all going to have half-hearted entries from time to time. None of us is better than the other. One the other hand, it's completely acceptable to heap praise upon those that deserve it!
- IMPORTANT!--Remember to visit my current "HNT" post and leave a comment indicating that you've posted a picture for "Half-Nekkid Thursday". Consider my blog as the informational kiosk for "Half-Nekkid Thursday". You'll be able to see who is joining the tradition. Commenting is much easier for all concerned, rather than updating my blog each time someone posts their picture. I will try to keep the Blogroll in my sidebar updated each week.
So Tuesday was the actual anniversary date. I thought about doing something big like I did last year (I urge you to check it out, just to read what HNT has meant to many of us!). But time and inspiration got away from me, so that was out. I could have made some sort of big new announcement, but I've got nothing exciting to share. So how did I choose to celebrate? I hopped on a plane and flew to Indianapolis, where the always-lovely M and I had floor seats to see Elton John and Billy Joel in concert together!
We've actually been planning this for many months. At some point in our chatting last fall, we realized that we both liked classic rock (I think she said it because I lived during it--before it was classic...). I mentioned seeing Elton last April, and she mentioned something about Billy, and we'd both heard that they'd be touring again this year. When the Indy show was announced, we decided that it would make a good birthday present for the both of us (since we share the same birthday!). Lo and behold! I was successful in getting floor tickets! Not up front, not center, but certainly closer than halfway back, and easy access to make beer runs!
Lunches and dinner were shared with Living Diary and NY Diva while here too! Planning a mid-week thing like this never an easy thing, as some people apparently WORK during the week! Fortunately, they work within blocks of everything downtown, so it was easy for them to get away.
So a full concert review will be forthcoming, sometime this weekend. Suffice it to say, it was a fantastic concert, and over 3-1/2 hours of non-stop music. Well worth the trip! In the meantime, here's M and I (couldn't get backstage, dammit...).
In spite of not making a big production like last year (I suggest you go read each of the posts from last year--some great stories about what HNT meant to the old-timers!). My original intent for the Mystery Guest this week was to use four former HNTers who no longer blog, or have changed identities and leave no clue that they used to. That didn't work so well, so I went to Plan B--some of my personal favorite HNTers who are now posting quite sporadically, if at all. I did get four responses to that, and so you have them. To Vixen, Dana, Ms. I., and others, don't take offense...you're still posting regularly!
Be sure to come back late Thursday night for the reveal of each of these ladies!
Got in WAY too late last night to do this, but the MGs this week, from top to bottom, are Carnalis, Lee Ann, Summer, and Biscuit. Thanks ladies! (Summer's site is invitation only, but if you leave a request for an invite in the comments of her old site, she'll be checking there!)
I'm pre-drafting "...the Other HNT", so I'm not sure what I have for numbers. But they'll all be posted on time! As usual, NSFW!!!
One more surprise by the end of the week. I have lunch plans on my return layover with a wonderful HNTer! Pictures of that, and the whole week, will be coming soon!
Thanks to those who played TMI this week. Some interesting answers! I think that many of us agree that our friendships with fellow HNTers isn't reliant upon the pictures that we see, but the words that we read. Certainly, there's alot of skimming that goes on, but most of you seemed to say that it may have been the pictures that grabbed your attention, but the stories and comments that really solidified the bond. I like that!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
May 19th, 2005
TMI can be found on the next post down...
It started innocently enough. Just a little suggestion to a very small group of friends. I had only been blogging for a little over 4 months. Surprisingly, I had a loyal group of people who read my blog. Maybe about 6 people. And it was to them that I suggested to get half-nekkid. What I hadn't anticipated was that others might read their blogs and think it was a good idea. Today, four years later, well over 1,000 bloggers have tested the half-nekkid waters. Some tried it once or twice, others have been going strong for the better part of those years. I've read posts and gotten emails in the past from women, primarily, thanking me for starting HNT, and how it's helped their self-esteem, and body image, and confidence, and even their sexuality. I could lie and say that's why I started it, but it's beginnings were far less noble. I was just hoping to get a glimpse of Moose's bare shoulder!
I don't want this to be a self-congratulatory post, because HNT isn't about me. Osbasso and HNT are not interchangeable. They are two separate things. No, HNT is about YOU guys. YOU are the ones that have kept it going. YOU are the ones who have made it as successful as it is. YOU guys are the ones who should be patting yourselves on the back!
HNT has gone through a lot of changes over the years. And those changes have come because of YOU guys. The guidelines are the same now, word for word, as they were when I came up with them four years ago. But it's like open source software--everyone has a chance to make HNT into what they think it should be. And there's no "right" way to do HNT. Many of us have developed a familiar style. Others continue to amaze us in their diversity of photos. And still many others feel a sense of accomplishment each week just to be able to post anything. It's all HNT, and it's all good.
I suppose I should give some sort of opinion of this beast. After all, my Wednesday nights have been shot to hell on my social calendar!
HNT has established itself in the blogging world. It can be found in the Urban Dictionary. It's been written about in an Indian business magazine in New Delhi. A Winnipeg newspaper columnist (link no longer works) has written and blogged about it. It's been blogged about by a couple of noted newsblogs. It's been mentioned on Dr. Phil. Really! We even have our own TV station! There's a Flickr HNT group, as well as HNT for people in recovery (lots of confusion in the early days there!). Even MySpace and Facebook have HNT groups (though not "sanctioned"). And for those of you who haven't been around...HNT was even featured in a few cartoons (see below--click 'em to big 'em)!
What does the future hold for HNT? Who knows? It's like a NASA project. Voyager, the Mars Rovers and the Hubble telescope have lasted far longer than ever anticipated. So has HNT. The numbers have held steady, though the undercurrent of participants is constantly changing, with the crusty old-timers holding it all together. I hope that I'll be staying up too late in a year to write a similar tome for the 5th anniversary. Maybe the whole thing will have imploded. Who knows? Just this week we lost two major players. But as I alluded to at the top, HNT is more than just one person. It is all of us. So Happy 4th Anniversary to all of you, young and old! Hope to see all of you around next year!
It started innocently enough. Just a little suggestion to a very small group of friends. I had only been blogging for a little over 4 months. Surprisingly, I had a loyal group of people who read my blog. Maybe about 6 people. And it was to them that I suggested to get half-nekkid. What I hadn't anticipated was that others might read their blogs and think it was a good idea. Today, four years later, well over 1,000 bloggers have tested the half-nekkid waters. Some tried it once or twice, others have been going strong for the better part of those years. I've read posts and gotten emails in the past from women, primarily, thanking me for starting HNT, and how it's helped their self-esteem, and body image, and confidence, and even their sexuality. I could lie and say that's why I started it, but it's beginnings were far less noble. I was just hoping to get a glimpse of Moose's bare shoulder!
I don't want this to be a self-congratulatory post, because HNT isn't about me. Osbasso and HNT are not interchangeable. They are two separate things. No, HNT is about YOU guys. YOU are the ones that have kept it going. YOU are the ones who have made it as successful as it is. YOU guys are the ones who should be patting yourselves on the back!
HNT has gone through a lot of changes over the years. And those changes have come because of YOU guys. The guidelines are the same now, word for word, as they were when I came up with them four years ago. But it's like open source software--everyone has a chance to make HNT into what they think it should be. And there's no "right" way to do HNT. Many of us have developed a familiar style. Others continue to amaze us in their diversity of photos. And still many others feel a sense of accomplishment each week just to be able to post anything. It's all HNT, and it's all good.
I suppose I should give some sort of opinion of this beast. After all, my Wednesday nights have been shot to hell on my social calendar!
- I continue to be amazed by the artistry that some of you share with us. We all know who can be counted on for that!
- I continue to be amazed at the negativity that follow some HNTers.
- I continue to be amazed at how sheltered my life has been, and how many different lifestyles exist out there!
- I continue to be amazed at the friendships that have formed, and how strong those bonds truly are.
- I continue to be amazed at those who, in the midst of personal strife or tragedy, still manage to post something for HNT, or feel they have to apologize for not posting something. It has become that important to them.
- I continue to be amazed at the number of HNTers who have never seen the guidelines.
- I continue to be amazed at the number of HNTers I find each week that I've never heard of! Who have comments from the regulars! PLEASE! If you've "found" someone, encourage them to leave an "I'm up!" on mine each Thursday! Not because I'm a comment whore--but so that the rest of us can meet them as well!
HNT has established itself in the blogging world. It can be found in the Urban Dictionary. It's been written about in an Indian business magazine in New Delhi. A Winnipeg newspaper columnist (link no longer works) has written and blogged about it. It's been blogged about by a couple of noted newsblogs. It's been mentioned on Dr. Phil. Really! We even have our own TV station! There's a Flickr HNT group, as well as HNT for people in recovery (lots of confusion in the early days there!). Even MySpace and Facebook have HNT groups (though not "sanctioned"). And for those of you who haven't been around...HNT was even featured in a few cartoons (see below--click 'em to big 'em)!What does the future hold for HNT? Who knows? It's like a NASA project. Voyager, the Mars Rovers and the Hubble telescope have lasted far longer than ever anticipated. So has HNT. The numbers have held steady, though the undercurrent of participants is constantly changing, with the crusty old-timers holding it all together. I hope that I'll be staying up too late in a year to write a similar tome for the 5th anniversary. Maybe the whole thing will have imploded. Who knows? Just this week we lost two major players. But as I alluded to at the top, HNT is more than just one person. It is all of us. So Happy 4th Anniversary to all of you, young and old! Hope to see all of you around next year!
TMI Tuesday #187 - HNT Anniversary Editon
It was 4 years ago today that Half-Nekkid Thursday (HNT) became an official thing. Happy Birthday and thanks for the memories.
1. Have you ever participated in HNT? If so, when? If not, why not? - I've participated in every one since the beginning, though there was a six-week period when my camera was stolen that I relied on others with the original Mystery Guest concept. That involved others who were half-nekkid, but somehow incorporated an earlier HNT of mine in their photo. Some great, imaginative shots!
2. Have you ever avoided certain sites because of the HNT pictures that were posted? - I would have to say yes to that. Some might criticize me for that, but frankly, there's some HNTers that just don't strike my fancy. And it's not just the guy's sites, either!
3. Have you ever posted a HNT picture that you wish that you hadn't? - I'm OK with anything I've ever posted, though I'm not known for flaunting my nekkidness. People really don't want to be seeing that!
4. Do you email/text/call anyone regularly with someone you met through HNT? - On a daily basis to all three. I'd guess that there's maybe 6-10 that I am in very close contact with regularly. And many more on a less regular, but personal, basis.
5. What percentage of your online friends are current or former HNTers? - I'd have to say at least 90% of them are. Probably more. I think HNT has become a great marketing tool to get your foot in the door, so to speak, to network and make friends. Granted, it's harder to keep up with those who only blog on an occasional basis anymore, but HNT is what opened those doors.
6. Does anyone in your "real" life know that you do HNT (if, of course, you do)? - Besides the friends who joined in to get this whole thing started, I think there's two former students, two musician friends, two (older) spouses of symphony members, and none of my family. If there's others, they haven't told me!
7. Other than previously-known friends, have you met any fellow HNTers? - I do really well at this! I've met 43 different bloggers (listed on my sidebar), and all but three of them have participated in HNT at one time or another. Some have had repeat meetings (including a few in the really near future!), and I hope to add at least one, maybe two this summer. If you ever get the chance to meet a bloggiefriend in person, I highly recommend it!
8. Have you ever downloaded someone else's HNT pictures? - In the early days, before I had a clue how out of control this whole thing would become, I downloaded everyone's. I've got more than a little disk space taken up with pictures of toes from someone who did HNT a couple of times, then quit blogging. At the time, I had some sort of idea that a record needed to be kept. And in those really early days, HNT didn't have anything more that toes, or shoulders, or a neckline. Nothing like it is now. These days, I'll still download, but only those that I find particularly artistic. For some, that's a weekly occurance, for others, only once in awhile. And no, it's not just the T & A.
BONUS QUESTION: Have you ever submitted a picture for "...the Other HNT"? - I honestly am not sure if I have or not! I can think of one or two pictures that I'd even consider, but I'd have to go back to verify. I'm about 80% certain that I've posted one of my pictures there.
Be sure to check out the other TMIers!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Big week ahead!
Monday marks the 29th anniversary of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Always a nostalgic moment for me. If you'd like to read about it, go here! Be sure to click on the pic to get a sense of the size, detail and destruction!Bit of a Dad update. The small computerized Hoover vacuum that sucked the gunk out of his gut was taken out last week. Which means he was able to leave the house! He's walking slowly, but that's to be expected. The difference in his demeanor and look has changed drastically in the past week. For the better. Just in time for him to head to Billings on Tuesday for some routine tests and to re-zap his pacemaker. Things are looking up!
Big week this week, and if you haven't figured it out yet, you probably will on Tuesday!
Speaking of a big week, I've hinted at a road trip over the past week (even though I'm flying). A couple of surprises ahead, I'm sure! I've got things drafted for auto-post all week, but I'm not really going to have much chance to visit people. I don't anticipate much time online (but there'll be a little!).
An observation...I hate the work put into it, but how nice is it to be able to walk into your bathroom and have everything bright and white and shiny and disinfected? I need to be a bit more 'regular' in my bathroom duties (take that whatever way you need to...).
Friday, May 15, 2009
Friday Fill-Ins: #124
This week, I chose quotes having to do with spring...as always when I do this, feel free to fill-in whatever you'd like; it's more fun that way! Of course, if you know the quote, feel free to fill that in, too! The quotes will be on my blog, should anyone want to see what they are.
1. If we had no winter, spring or summer or fall, we wouldn't have any seasons at all.
2. Britney Spears is a perpetual astonishment.
3. If I had my life to live over a barbecue pit, I'd be mighty crispy by now.
4. The weekend starts inside of four and twenty hours.
5. If you've never been thrilled by Beethoven's 9th Symphony, 4th movement, you haven't lived.
6. To be interested in the changing seasons, one must go outside to experience them.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to writing some music, tomorrow my plans include packing and planning and Sunday, I want to catch up on the sleep I'll be missing out on next week!
Be sure to check out the other FFIers!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Thrown Together HNT
You know, sometimes the words just aren't there, and you're lucky to even get a picture posted.
Today is one of those days. Nothing wrong. Just busy and somewhat uninspired.
Sometimes this sexy seductress gets so sweaty that a shower is necessary;
a supremely certain way to get squeaky clean...
But sometimes she forgets that her shirt is still on.
Silly Sassie will be revealed late Thursday afternoon. Be sure to come back to see who it is!
Our Silly Sassie is better known as Sexie Sadie! Stop by and say hi!
"...the Other HNT" has many of your favorite HNTers getting a bit more naughty than on their own sites. Be sure to check them out! NSFW!
Big week next week!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
TMI Tuesday #186
1. Which traits from your parents do you see in yourself? - From my mom, I think it's probably being the voice of reason. Or the voice of looking at all possibilities. From my dad, it's wanting to be the protector, whether or not I can actually do anything to be so.
2. Which traits from you/your partner do you see in your children (if you don't have kids, which would you like to see)? - Probably the most desired (by me) would be an interest and passion for music. And a healthy dose of common sense.
3. How did you get the birds-and-bees talk? - Ummm...I think I'm still waiting for it. Mom handed me a book and told me to read it when I was maybe in 5th grade. But no sitting down and answering questions. Dad's never had the talk, but did tell me to "be careful" when I told him that the gf du jour and I were spending the night up at the cabin.
4. What was your favorite childhood book? - "My Friend Flicka" was a biggie. Actually, any book about horses. "Misty of Chincoteague", "Stormy, Misty's Foal", and "National Velvet" come to mind too. I also remember a large picture book by Pearl Buck, and lots of space books, too.
5. What is your favorite piece of erotic literature? - Don't have such a thing.
Bonus: What is the one thing you wish you could go back and tell yourself as a child? - Well, since I'm not the type to limit myself here... Exercise, learn to manage money, take a few chances, and agree to the damned piano lessons!
Double Bonus: If your life were a book or movie, what would the title be? - Views From the Back Row! Duh...
Go check out the rest of the TMIers!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Weekend stuff
I've often written about the family, and how well we all get along. It almost seems to be an anomaly out here. I read many blogs over the weekend where the authors either wished they had a better relationship with their moms before they died, or currently were not on good terms with their mom. Many due to some action(s) that occurred years ago, and have not been let go. Granted, I'm sure there's plenty of valid reasons, but for the life of me, I can't possibly think of what they could be. It's just something that I've never experienced, nor anticipate in the future. In my family, there's unconditional love all around, and I guess I don't appreciate it, since it seems like that should be the norm.
We did the family Mother's Day stuff a couple of times this weekend. S1 was here from Portland for the weekend. Since she doesn't make it back too often, she opted to stay with the parents on Friday instead of beers. Saturday, we all got together at my parents (Dad is still homebound because of his surgery). Actually, without the grandchildren, who were scattered all over for the night. And then we did the Sunday brunch for Mother's Day. I had a camera, but no batteries (yeah, yeah...), but hopefully I can get a picture or two from those who did! Oh, we also realized that Mom is officially the shortest one in the family now. Sort of like Yoda--short, but most definitely in control! All in all, a pretty good weekend!
As most of you are aware, Star Trek opened in the States this weekend. I first heard about this back in January of last year. So I went to see it last night. At the 10PM showing on a Sunday night. Surrounded by geeks who were on their third or fourth viewing of it. What ever happened to school night curfews??
I won't get into the story at all, but suffice it to say I was quite pleased with the end result! A few surprises, a good dose of levity, and an interesting story. It wasn't until a key phrase in the middle of the movie that one realized that any preconceived notions (that any good Trekkie would have) would have to be set aside. That being said, there were many familiar points and inside jokes. Including that wonderful rule that any unfamiliar crewman on an away mission would not be returning to the ship, finding their demise on the planet below. But the movie is not something that a non-Trekkie should avoid. Quite the opposite. One does not need to be an uber-geek to enjoy it. But the subtle quotes, mannerisms, and nods to the rest of the Star Trek franchise make it equally enjoyable for the hardcore fan.
As an aside, without giving anything away--there was an interesting "Degrees of Separation" thing going on with "House M.D." First off, Kirk's mother was played by Jennifer Morrison, better known as Dr. Cameron on "House". John Cho, who plays Sulu, starred in a "House" episode as a clinic patient with a dominatrix as his friend. Cho is better know as Harold in the "Harold & Kumar" movies (he also was in all three "American Pie" movies). And Kumar was played by Kal Penn, who until recently played Dr. Kutner on "House". See how that all neatly wraps together? Or not...
Symphony season is over, but we're well into looking ahead to the next, including the big summer concert. There's some developments that will be increasing my level of involvement, as well as being tagged for a music writing project in the near future. All with corresponding increase in pay. And that's never a bad thing!
Heard this on the radio, and then confirmed online...Simon & Garfunkel will be touring in Australia and Japan this summer. The duo, who are famous for their differences, will then decide if they can co-exist long enough to extend it to the US and Europe. I can't imagine they'll play anywhere nearby, but I've been known to travel for a good concert!
We did the family Mother's Day stuff a couple of times this weekend. S1 was here from Portland for the weekend. Since she doesn't make it back too often, she opted to stay with the parents on Friday instead of beers. Saturday, we all got together at my parents (Dad is still homebound because of his surgery). Actually, without the grandchildren, who were scattered all over for the night. And then we did the Sunday brunch for Mother's Day. I had a camera, but no batteries (yeah, yeah...), but hopefully I can get a picture or two from those who did! Oh, we also realized that Mom is officially the shortest one in the family now. Sort of like Yoda--short, but most definitely in control! All in all, a pretty good weekend!
As most of you are aware, Star Trek opened in the States this weekend. I first heard about this back in January of last year. So I went to see it last night. At the 10PM showing on a Sunday night. Surrounded by geeks who were on their third or fourth viewing of it. What ever happened to school night curfews??
I won't get into the story at all, but suffice it to say I was quite pleased with the end result! A few surprises, a good dose of levity, and an interesting story. It wasn't until a key phrase in the middle of the movie that one realized that any preconceived notions (that any good Trekkie would have) would have to be set aside. That being said, there were many familiar points and inside jokes. Including that wonderful rule that any unfamiliar crewman on an away mission would not be returning to the ship, finding their demise on the planet below. But the movie is not something that a non-Trekkie should avoid. Quite the opposite. One does not need to be an uber-geek to enjoy it. But the subtle quotes, mannerisms, and nods to the rest of the Star Trek franchise make it equally enjoyable for the hardcore fan.
As an aside, without giving anything away--there was an interesting "Degrees of Separation" thing going on with "House M.D." First off, Kirk's mother was played by Jennifer Morrison, better known as Dr. Cameron on "House". John Cho, who plays Sulu, starred in a "House" episode as a clinic patient with a dominatrix as his friend. Cho is better know as Harold in the "Harold & Kumar" movies (he also was in all three "American Pie" movies). And Kumar was played by Kal Penn, who until recently played Dr. Kutner on "House". See how that all neatly wraps together? Or not...
Symphony season is over, but we're well into looking ahead to the next, including the big summer concert. There's some developments that will be increasing my level of involvement, as well as being tagged for a music writing project in the near future. All with corresponding increase in pay. And that's never a bad thing!
Heard this on the radio, and then confirmed online...Simon & Garfunkel will be touring in Australia and Japan this summer. The duo, who are famous for their differences, will then decide if they can co-exist long enough to extend it to the US and Europe. I can't imagine they'll play anywhere nearby, but I've been known to travel for a good concert!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Friday, May 08, 2009
Friday Fill-Ins: #123
And...here we go!
1. Apples are to oranges as long as the music plays.
2. Once upon a time, and that's all I have to say about that.
3. I think I hear a twinkle in your eye.
4. It's liberating to be able to fly your freak flag.
5. Do what you want to do, but follow the yellow brick road.
6. He pulled up to the gates of Heaven and behind him was a Radio Flyer wagon; in the wagon was a bucket filled with bits and pieces of 1000 smashed accordians.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to beers with my sister from Portland, tomorrow my plans include BBQing with the family and Sunday, I want to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom!
Thursday, May 07, 2009
The Good Old Days HNT
There was a great post by SouthernGirl this past week regarding the demise of the art of cover art. How album covers, complete with everything you could possibly want to know about lyrics and artists, were as important to the overall experience of listening to music in the old days, as much as the music. During my years of managing a CD store, I was subject to all sorts of whining about how people missed the artwork. And artwork is exactly what it was. These days, with digital downloads, the art of cover art is a lost art.
Anyway, her post made me start looking through my CDs, and I got into a listening mode. I avoided my jazz and classical, and stuck with as much of my older rock as I could find. For lack of any other inspiration this week, I offer you the CDs I've been listening to over the past couple of days. And probably alot over the next couple of weeks!
"A school bell rings off the day,
brings in a stray a few girls at play.
Cut school pink slips are fine
for a good time there's boys on their mind.
A bad girl smoking in school,
breaking the rules acting real cool.
Talkin' 'bout all the rock boys,
back seat joys with some boy's toy.
chorus
At the girlschool, cause my baby broke all the rules.
Saddle shoes uniforms blue,
love all the girls in the girlschool.
Traffic jam in the hallway
ooh I'm gonna stay this makes my day.
Well here they come girls from the school,
breakin the rules hot on the loose.
My girl left right from school,
came over to my house, ooh..."
If you haven't figured out who this MG is (some are easier than others...), be sure to come back Thursday afternoon!
This shouldn't have been too hard to figure out. Our lovely MG this week is the one and only Vixen. If you haven't been by there (and why, exactly, would that be??), go there now!
A definitely NSFW set of pictures over at "...the Other HNT". But not all of them! Be sure to stop by and check out your fellow HNTers!
Keeping with the theme of the good old days here... Remember the Mystery Guest from a few weeks ago that didn't have a site to link to? Well, now she does! YoJ can be found here. Lots of poetry is promised, and a smattering of HNTs, maybe! Go say hi!
Anyone tried the KFC Grilled Chicken? I got a link (good for one day only) to print up free two-piece meals for absolutely FREE! Tried it tonight. Mighty darned fine! Vixen, you might even like it! And to another old-time HNTer...thanks for the link, Ladybug!
Anyway, her post made me start looking through my CDs, and I got into a listening mode. I avoided my jazz and classical, and stuck with as much of my older rock as I could find. For lack of any other inspiration this week, I offer you the CDs I've been listening to over the past couple of days. And probably alot over the next couple of weeks!
"A school bell rings off the day,brings in a stray a few girls at play.
Cut school pink slips are fine
for a good time there's boys on their mind.
A bad girl smoking in school,
breaking the rules acting real cool.
Talkin' 'bout all the rock boys,
back seat joys with some boy's toy.
chorus
At the girlschool, cause my baby broke all the rules.
Saddle shoes uniforms blue,
love all the girls in the girlschool.
Traffic jam in the hallway
ooh I'm gonna stay this makes my day.
Well here they come girls from the school,
breakin the rules hot on the loose.
My girl left right from school,
came over to my house, ooh..."
If you haven't figured out who this MG is (some are easier than others...), be sure to come back Thursday afternoon!
This shouldn't have been too hard to figure out. Our lovely MG this week is the one and only Vixen. If you haven't been by there (and why, exactly, would that be??), go there now!
A definitely NSFW set of pictures over at "...the Other HNT". But not all of them! Be sure to stop by and check out your fellow HNTers!
Keeping with the theme of the good old days here... Remember the Mystery Guest from a few weeks ago that didn't have a site to link to? Well, now she does! YoJ can be found here. Lots of poetry is promised, and a smattering of HNTs, maybe! Go say hi!
Anyone tried the KFC Grilled Chicken? I got a link (good for one day only) to print up free two-piece meals for absolutely FREE! Tried it tonight. Mighty darned fine! Vixen, you might even like it! And to another old-time HNTer...thanks for the link, Ladybug!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
TMI Tuesday #184
1. Have you ever bought a membership to a porn site? If yes, what is the most recent one and did you like it? - There was a young HNTer from a few years back that someone identified as having her own soft porn site (like so many other paysites). She got called out, though it was never determined if the girl in the website was the same as the person who was HNTing, or if the pictures were stolen from the site. I did purchase a temporary membership to that site. She was pretty, and I liked that! Don't remember the name, but it was over 2 years ago. There's two other HNTers that have/had porn sites, but I haven't paid for memberships. No real interest in paying for porn.
2. Would you rather watch a erotic/porn movie, read a story, or listen to an audio? Why? - Definitely rather watch the movie. I don't read, and there's really only one (maybe two) bloggers whose erotica I read, but generally, words don't do it for me. Audio can be fun, but doesn't really do it for me either.
3. If you have a significant other what do you do for each other to get in the mood? If you don't what would you kind of thing could a future potential long term partner do to get you in the mood? - My standard answer here...just breathing.
4. When it comes to sex, how much do you talk about it with others? How comfortable are you talking about sex? - I really don't do much sex talk with anyone. I guess there's some sort of uncomfortableness involved, but I'm not sure why. Phone sex or cyber sex? Forget it...
5. What are the last 5 things you search for on Google (or another search engine)? - Like I'm supposed to remember? Currently in the search field is "spanish english translation". I think that at work I did a search for "250GB hard drive best price". Beyond that, I have no idea...
Bonus: Have you ever had a fantasy that you were ashamed of? - Nope, not that I can remember, anyway. Definitely nothing with relatives or farm animals or anything like that!
Be sure to check out the rest of the TMIers!
Monday, May 04, 2009
Pick-me-up for a lazy Monday
This cobra is purported to be the largest dead snake ever found. Over 50' long!
Friday, May 01, 2009
That Sort of Day, Progressive, and FFI #122
It was one of those days.
I have a tendency to let things slide, waiting for a more opportune time to rectify the situation (also known as waiting until the last minute). I hate being forced to do something I have no control over. I rarely fill my gas tank before the needle hits "E", and then after driving around for just a little bit longer. Things like that.
I have known for awhile that I was in need of new front tires. They were going bald, traction in the snow wasn't good, but they were working fine. And I was certainly smart enough to get them taken care of before any sort of road trip. And if I blew a tire in town, I certainly know how to change a flat. So I could put it off a little bit longer. Until today.
I started off to work like every other morning, though a bit upset that it was still lightly snowing. In the time that I was stopped at a red light, to the time it turned green, I lost all the air in my tire. No bang, no pop, just flat. I pulled into a nearby parking lot, grabbed the little baby donut tire that passes as a spare these days, and pulled out the jack. That's where the day went downhill.
I bought my car, used, about 7 years ago. It's been a good car. And apparently, I've never had to change a
tire, because I found a totally unusable jack. It was broken, bent, and missing over half of the mechanism! So I left it there, and had to walk the rest of the way to work.
In the snow.
After work, I was able to get a jack, put on the spare, and stuck the flat in the trunk. As you can see, the tread is gone (click it to big it!). All the tread that you see in the middle of the tire should also be over on the side. Right where it's worn down to the cord (the white) and the big hole in the middle of it. She just wore down. I high-tailed it to buy new tires, because the other front one was just as bad, and could have done the same thing to me at any moment.
I may procrastinate with the best of them, but you know what? The traction I'm getting now is great!!!
OK, I have to admit a bit of an obsession recently. I am totally enamored by the Progressive Insurance chick. Her name is Flo (as you can see on her tricked-out name tag). I'm not sure what it is about her, but I literally stop everything I might
be doing whenever their commercials come on. I don't do that for the gecko. I don't do that for Burger King (I generally run to the bathroom during those). Is it the annoying perkiness? Too much make-up? I don't know. But I ran across this webpage from the entertainment section of the Austin newspaper. Apparently, I'm not the only one with this obsession. I was also thrilled to see a picture of the actress (complete with a real name!). Now that I've seen her, I KNOW I'm infatuated. Particularly for the old-timers around here--does she remind you of one of our favorite former HNTers???
Someone told me there's some sort of horse race going on this Saturday. Hope you all behave!
1. The first rule of working in an office and getting along is don't steal other's lunches.
2. You can't make the chowder if you don't have the clams.
3. When I think of carnivals I think of deep fried Twinkies.
4. The lilac is my favorite spring flower.
5. Things on my desk include 3 flat screen monitors, a tuba mouthpiece and beer mug, and that's my desk at work.
6. Too much beer makes me wanna pee.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to beers and gizzards with my high school friends, tomorrow my plans include maybe watching the aforementioned horse race and Sunday, I want to catch up on some projects!
Be sure to check out the other FFIers, and feel free to join in!
I have a tendency to let things slide, waiting for a more opportune time to rectify the situation (also known as waiting until the last minute). I hate being forced to do something I have no control over. I rarely fill my gas tank before the needle hits "E", and then after driving around for just a little bit longer. Things like that.
I have known for awhile that I was in need of new front tires. They were going bald, traction in the snow wasn't good, but they were working fine. And I was certainly smart enough to get them taken care of before any sort of road trip. And if I blew a tire in town, I certainly know how to change a flat. So I could put it off a little bit longer. Until today.
I started off to work like every other morning, though a bit upset that it was still lightly snowing. In the time that I was stopped at a red light, to the time it turned green, I lost all the air in my tire. No bang, no pop, just flat. I pulled into a nearby parking lot, grabbed the little baby donut tire that passes as a spare these days, and pulled out the jack. That's where the day went downhill.
I bought my car, used, about 7 years ago. It's been a good car. And apparently, I've never had to change a
tire, because I found a totally unusable jack. It was broken, bent, and missing over half of the mechanism! So I left it there, and had to walk the rest of the way to work.In the snow.
After work, I was able to get a jack, put on the spare, and stuck the flat in the trunk. As you can see, the tread is gone (click it to big it!). All the tread that you see in the middle of the tire should also be over on the side. Right where it's worn down to the cord (the white) and the big hole in the middle of it. She just wore down. I high-tailed it to buy new tires, because the other front one was just as bad, and could have done the same thing to me at any moment.
I may procrastinate with the best of them, but you know what? The traction I'm getting now is great!!!
OK, I have to admit a bit of an obsession recently. I am totally enamored by the Progressive Insurance chick. Her name is Flo (as you can see on her tricked-out name tag). I'm not sure what it is about her, but I literally stop everything I might
be doing whenever their commercials come on. I don't do that for the gecko. I don't do that for Burger King (I generally run to the bathroom during those). Is it the annoying perkiness? Too much make-up? I don't know. But I ran across this webpage from the entertainment section of the Austin newspaper. Apparently, I'm not the only one with this obsession. I was also thrilled to see a picture of the actress (complete with a real name!). Now that I've seen her, I KNOW I'm infatuated. Particularly for the old-timers around here--does she remind you of one of our favorite former HNTers???Someone told me there's some sort of horse race going on this Saturday. Hope you all behave!
1. The first rule of working in an office and getting along is don't steal other's lunches.
2. You can't make the chowder if you don't have the clams.
3. When I think of carnivals I think of deep fried Twinkies.
4. The lilac is my favorite spring flower.
5. Things on my desk include 3 flat screen monitors, a tuba mouthpiece and beer mug, and that's my desk at work.
6. Too much beer makes me wanna pee.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to beers and gizzards with my high school friends, tomorrow my plans include maybe watching the aforementioned horse race and Sunday, I want to catch up on some projects!
Be sure to check out the other FFIers, and feel free to join in!
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