Monday, November 15, 2010

Guest Blogger: Catherine Durkin Robinson

You read that right: my self-declared nemesis (in regard to winning awards from local independent, alternative, weekly news magazines for whom she is employed) is today's guest blogger. Aside from being a blogger, columnist and author of a published novel (I'm right behind you, lady!), I don't even know what I can say about Catherine that I haven't already slandered libellously all over the blogosphere (are we still using that term? I haven't been attending meetings. Somebody help me) so I will steal this paragraph from her web site's bio:
Not easily defined, I’m a feminist who’s had cosmetic surgery, a wife who has never been domestically inclined, and a mommy who doesn’t particularly like kids. In my spare time, I investigate missing socks.
Here's her contribution...



Double the fun



The man I am bound to for eternity and beyond listens to sports/talk radio. Recent topic: “Gifts for the Wife.” A caller suggested taking the lovely lady to a department store for an accurate bust measurement and then showering her with properly-fitting bras. The host agreed and said most women don’t wear undergarments that fit well and, as a result, damage their backs and shoulders. When did Oprah infiltrate the locker room? Anyway, my husband relayed this information while presenting me with a gift certificate I’d have preferred to blow on shoes and organic refreshments.


I decided to humor him. I thought maybe a few seconds with a tape measure would lead to a bra sale and I’d head back toward Kenneth Cole in less than twenty seconds.


Instead, Delilah looked at me for a full minute and yelled to her assistant, “Hold my calls. This is gonna take awhile.”


Delilah’s badge read: Certified Fitting Specialist.


I’m not sure what college or technical institution awards such certificates, but this woman knew boobs like I know rap lyrics. Delilah marched me into the dressing room and shut the door. Surprised at first, I quickly got over this invasion of my personal space when she gruffly commanded, “Take off your blouse.”


I almost asked her to put on Massive Attack and compliment my eyes.


Instead, Delilah groped like a high school boyfriend and asked my bra size. I said “34 C” and she choked back a chuckle.


“Stay here,” she said and walked out the door.


I waited and tried to avoid the not-quite-ready-for-prime-time player staring back at me in the mirror. Delilah returned with several selections.


“Turn around and take off your bra,” she said.


While looping the girls into a contraption resembling a straight-jacket, Delilah asked me to bend over and “allow gravity to do its job” before snapping me into place and adjusting the straps. I don’t like that position in the dark much less under fluorescent lighting. At the very least, she should have offered me a drink.


I stood up and smiled. Wearing a magnificent brassiere that fit like a seamless and very expensive glove, I thought, “This must be how Giselle Bundchen feels!”


Skies opened and the love of the Lord was upon me. A fantastic moment that included singing angels until I screamed and blood shot from my eyeballs because I noticed the tag said, “32 DD”.


“There must be some mistake.”


The woman shook her head and looked as if she were handing down a death sentence.


“No, sweetheart, that’s what you get for nursing twins.”


She made what women in her line of work refer to as an educated guess.


“Ignore the cup and just be happy you’ve gone down a number size,” she said, delicately. “Most men could fit their hands around your rib cage and most women would love this kind of figure!”


Yeah, I thought, women who walk the streets at night. I stared at Delilah and swallowed a bit of vomit.


“The bad news is your boobs are now, officially, larger than life,” she continued because awkward silences are no way to close a sale, “so good luck finding bras anywhere other than the Internet. I had to search through five cartons in the back because most double-anythings are built for women built like Roseanne. Try some of the more popular porn sites for your size and stay away from silver-studded bustiers. Those can crack a tooth – trust me; I learned that the hard way.”


I walked out of the store feeling better than I had in ages. Can’t wait to see what Husband comes up with next year.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Guest Blogger: Ellen Mueller

Today's guest blogger is Ellen Mueller and I am thrilled as she is hands down my absolute favorite artist. She's a genius. In case you don't know, I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Ellen previously:
Both experiences were rewarding and I hope I get the chance to work with her again. In the meantime, in her ongoing effort to help us all accept change and maintain control of our lives, she has contributed a short film with practical advice that we may not ever need but will be happy to have if we do.


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-E5RUlqTgI)

Also, check out her web site for more examples of her work.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Guest Blogger: Marissa Rapier

Today's special guest blogger is Marissa Rapier, the pride of Kankakee, Illinois. I've enjoyed reading her blog "Marissology" (formerly known as "Wild Hair") for years now, even though the content often makes me blush and sometimes Google what she's talking about and then blushing an even deeper shade of red, because I'm all shy and demure and stuff.
Anyway, Miss Riss has graciously taken time out of her very busy schedule to make a contribution to my blog, and here it is...


When I dislike something I dislike it with passion. Take, for instance, the band Bon Jovi. Gag! When Jon sings it sounds like he's taking a dump while razor blades are extruded from his anus. If one of their songs plays on the radio I lurch with a vengeance to change the station. Making matters worse is when my co-worker, whom I don't like to begin with, plays their "greatest hits." Yes, I put that in quotations because nothing is greatest about that band in my less than humble opinion. Talk about setting me up for a horrible workday. Then, I want to punch her in the face because she knows darn well that I hate their music. However, legal restraints keep me from doing so. It would be so cool, for dramatic effect, if I could rip the disc from the player and smash it with a hammer or some how manage the sound of a needle dragging across a record. Instead, I play nice and try to find a happy place. With any luck, the hot UPS guy will drop his package and bend over right in front of my window at the mall.

For many years I've compiled lists of movies and musical artists that I'd like to punch in the face. Not long ago it hit me that the vitriol inspired by these things branched out to other subjects, like pajamas in public or style being sported by pregnant women wearing regular pants but leaving them unzipped and unbuttoned to make room for their baby bump. The list is endless. Because of that never ending list, I needed a place to vent my ire. Wouldn't you know it! Someone else had already created such a blog and fan page on Facebook. Had this person heard about my lists or stumbled across my blog when I posted about the movies I'd like to give a knuckle sandwich or could it be possible that great minds DO think alike? Needless to say, I was slow on the draw. The creator, Jennifer Worick, claims she made the expression wildly popular. Uh, not exactly, but I like her style. I solemnly swear on Clark's blog that I had never heard of it until the phrase was uttered from my lips. She's the one with the published books. So, that pretty much gives her greater credibility, I guess. And for that I want to punch her in the face. Then, have coffee and point out all the things we want to punch in the face in our surrounding area.






Monday, November 08, 2010

Guest Blogger: Jeff Hickmott


"Oh, yes and I guess you need a pic.
It's me smooching with Kylie."

Today's guest blogger is Jeff Hickmott (in case you thought the headline might have been some kind of trick). Jeff is a world traveler, currently residing in the UK. He also...well, I'll let him give you his own short bio: "Short bio, you say? My name is Jeff, I write the blogs The World Of Jeff! and The Food Of Jeff! I'm almost 45, quite handsome and dashing, er, what else do you folks need to know? Hair - brown with flecks of grey. Height 6 foot 12. Legs like a gazelle. Bionic blood. Thighs like tugboats." I don't know that I can add anything to that word portrait so I won't even try. Here is Jeff's contribution...

Up For It
I was in a rut. A writing rut. I had a full-blown case of the blogger's blues. It had been a good few days since I'd had anything I really wanted to write about.

When I really enjoy writing (well, typing really, if ya wanna get technical) is when I have something really interesting to write about - something I saw on the news, some hot topic that's in the public eye or something that just gets my goat and makes me want to have a good rant. Sometimes, though, it can be something simple, like writing about writing. Or writer's block. Or Rubik's Cubes. Or food.

Well, it was obvious what I needed. A challenge. This is where fortune, and Clark, stepped in.

Clark sent out a message that he was taking a month off from The Trickle (as we in the inner circle refer to this hallowed institution) to take part in NaNoWriMo, as confusing and hard to say a monicker as you'll ever find. He's challenged himself to write a novel in a month. Well, good luck with that, buddy. I've been trying to write a novel for 15 years, and I'm still struggling with that difficult third chapter. When it all goes tits-up, don't say I didn't warn ya. Oh, and go for a nice snappy title. Something along the lines of "My Buddy Jeff", "King Jeff", or even "The World Of Jeff!". Say, that last one has a nice ring to it.
Anyway, where was I? That's right, he sent out a desperate plea for assistance.
"My friends," quoth Mr. Brooks (for it was he), "I'm taking a month off to write The Great American Novel, and all that jazz (I'm paraphrasing here) and I need a bunch of mugs, I mean volunteers to write it for me, and all that. Word."

So there it was. The Golden Opportunity. The Shining Moment. Destiny was calling. I had a chance, a real chance, to become a "guest blogger" on a popular, well-known, stupendously awesome blog by a writer of high esteem and sagacity (No need to thank me, Mr. Brooks, no need!) I would do it. I would write a piece for Da Trickle (to give it its street name) and become an instant success! An overnight sensation! A-number-One! Cream of the crop! Staaart spreadin' the newwws...
What would my family and friends think about this newfound stardom? What would me mum say?

I know exactly what she'd say, actually. "You're getting too big for your boots, Jeffrey!"

And then there's the problem of fans, isn't there? Adoring masses outside my house at all hours of the day and night. Paparazzi. Stalkers. I'd go into hiding, like J.D. Salinger and never write again. Or like Sean Connery in 'Finding Forrester'. I can actually do a passable Connery impression. Absholutely, Mish Moneypenny. I found the cure for the plague of the 20th Shentury and now I've losht it! I am a man of a thousand voices.

Anything is possible. I might spiral into a dizzying, er, spiral of booze, women and Geritol. And more booze. It'd be all over the tabloids. "I HAD JEFF'S ALIEN DINGO HAMSTER BABY, SAYS LOHAN", "JEFF ATE MY LASAGNA", "WHY ARE YOU READING THIS NONSENSE", "JEFF WORKING ON REWRITE OF EIGHT IS ENOUGH", the headlines would scream.
So here I am on The Conch (to give it its Waikikian name). It is indeed an honour and a privilege.

But what to write about? What? Hmmm. I have much thinkage about this tricky one.

I'll figure it out at some point.






Friday, November 05, 2010

Guest Blogger: Jessie Stehlik

Jessie Stehlik is an artist specializing in photography (she did my headshots!) and graphic design. We almost went into business together behind the most brilliant restaurant concept ever devised. That didn't work out (probably for the best). But luckily for me, it turns out that, in addition to all of her other talents, although casually oblivious to reality (her description, not mine), she is a writer. With jokes. Who knew?

Conversations with Comics.


While Clark is away doing his (insert whatever boring project yadda yadda book thing here), he’s graciously asked me if I would like to participate as a guest blogger. And BOY would I.
I’ve decided to make it my mission to really class this place up by bringing in some comedic star power, with the ultimate intention of rocketing this place up to the very top of the blogosphere, being given all the credit for it, and taking over by pure brute force and the support of my new fans.
So, with that, here are interviews with, not one, but SIX comedians. I’m not going to go so far as to say that these interviews are…*slightly*…fictional, but I’ll just go ahead and replace their “answers” with the sound that Charlie Brown’s teacher makes, so as not to be sued by their respective agencies.

First up: JON STEWART!

Me: Your recent Rally To Restore Sanity And/Or Fear has received quite a bit of press lately, with your speech in particular receiving critical praise. My question for you about that is: are you happily married?

Jon: …wah, wah. Wah wah wah.

Me: I know you’re saying yes, but it’s obvious that you mean “no.” I understand you have kids. How easy will it be for you to abandon them when we move to Paris together?

Jon: …

Okay, that interview didn’t end well, so let’s just get to the next person on my list, Hugh Laurie:

Me: I often have chest pain and arrhythmia. Do you think it could be Lupus?

Hugh: Wah wah wahwahwah wah wahwah.

Me: HA! Come on now, of course you’re a real doctor! Don’t be so hard on yourself!

Hugh: Wah wah wah.

Me: I’m sorry, your fake British accent is very distracting, what now?

Hugh: Wah wah wah.

Me: Of course it’s fake, it’s terrible.

Hugh: Wah @$%&; wah, wah @#$%.

Me: ...can I still book you for a physical?

I never said I was a journalist. In fact, the mere fact that I’m blogging is proof that I don’t have a bone of journalistic integrity in my body. Right? Am I right? Oh, come on. You know I’m right.
Nevermind, let’s just move on. Robin Williams!


Me: Hi, Ro…

Robin: WAAHAHAHAHAHHAH wah wah WAH wah WAHAAAHHAH!!!!!!!! Wahwahwahwahwah@%&$wah@#$&;wah WAH WAH!!!!!!! @#$%&;%#@$!!!!!! WAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Me: Oh, I, uh, yeah, heh, that’s....

Robin: WAH wah wah WAH WAH wah @#%$wah @&;$#@ wah wah wah!!! Wah??!?!?!?!?! WAH!

Me: Well that’s certainly interes…

Robin: Wah WAH wah!

Me: No, I didn’t know your rectum could do that. You know, I’m really sorry, but I just realized I have another interview and have to run, but it was a great pleasure to mee…

Robin: @^&;#$ WAAAH!



Next: Dane Cook


Me: Why? And please stop. You’re an insult to comics everywhere.

That’s actually the end of the interview because I stormed out upset. I’m pretty sure I caught the reflection of him humping a bar stool as I walked out.

Finally, Steve Carrell:

Me: You are, obviously, a most beloved and respected comedian who has stolen many hearts with your representation of the endearing yet obviously flawed Michael Scott. So who cashed in your soul to make you leave the show? Are you moving on to do His work – like gathering up the innocent to bring them to a fiery hell?

Steve: Wah. Wah wah wah wah wah wah.

Me: Can you at least tell me who is going to fill the gaping void of tearful nothingness that you will leave behind?

Steve: Wah Wah.

Me: oh….OH. That’s GOOD. Like, REALLY good. The show is probably going to be even BETTER now. Wow. Too bad I don’t have a public forum by which I can relay this staggering news!

(turns, looks at the camera and winks)

That’s all, folks! Tune in next week as we discuss the incredible world of broccoli!!!

Clark: *wah wah wah wah WAH wah.*

Jessie: what do you mean I’m not invited back...?

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Guest Blogger: Ruprecht

For all I know, this is an actual photo
I was first introduced to the mysterious Ruprecht (he only has one name like Prince and Madonna!) through association with mutual friends, fellow writer-y types. He has two blogs, both very funny "Rupe's Value Added Services" and "F (STOP)". We've never met in person (I know he operates out of California and is a Dodgers fan), which is probably good, because I can totally see us getting involved in wacky misadventures that would end with us in a convertible hurtling over the edge of a cliff, a la Thelma and Louise (he would be the one wearing the scarf). Here is his guest contribution, an election day adventure you're sure to enjoy...

Voter #000023


Drama.
It can be a wonderful thing.
Especially if you’re in control of it … if you have the upper hand on how it’s distributed when you didn't start it.

When I went in to vote early yesterday morning, I recognized an acquaintance among the handful of volunteers at the polling place. An acquaintance who, in the distant past, has gotten under my skin more times than I can count.
You know the sort: Snide remarks. It's a major undertaking for them to say anything civil, let alone nice. The kind who not only enjoys sticking the knife in, but twists it as well.

Well, the modus operandi of this particular acquaintance was such that it’s in her nature to do just that. It so happened she was working the polling place as a volunteer.

“Hello, Sally!” I said as I approached her. I stuck out my hand to shake hers in a show of good will salutation. Surrounded by others who were watching, she had no choice other than to reciprocate. She offered her hand gingerly, as if my touch would somehow taint her.
Her comment back to me was “Why, hello! Wow! You look nice! I’m not used to seeing you so dressed up!”
The way she said it was as if she’d only ever seen me in torn jeans and a raggedy T-shirt. I swear there was a drop or two of acidic vitriol dripping from her words.
My reply? “Well … that’s because you’re used to only seeing me naked.”
Yes. There were wide eyes and muffled laughter all around the room. Sally turned several shades of red and didn't know exactly what to say.

Drama. It can be a wonderful thing.

Monday, November 01, 2010

Guest Blogger: Gail Worley

Gail Worley, Rock Critic At Large is the author of The Worley Gig. She loves Alice Cooper (the band, not the guy), rock drummers, bacon and all things pink. She lives in New York and has promised that she will take me sightseeing if I ever get up there again (specifically to go see the site of the original CBGB's, which will make me sad because now it's a Foot Locker or a Starbucks or Baby Gap or something and now I'm already sad). Also, she has agreed to share content here to help fill the gaping void while I am away, which is slightly different than the gaping void that exists when I am here. This is her review of stand-up comedian Daniel Tosh who is on a national tour right now...

Must See Comedy: Daniel Tosh Tour 2010 

2010 has been a great year for seeing some of my favorite stand up comedians: Ricky Gervais, Demitri Martin, and just last night I was lucky to catch Daniel Tosh – certainly one of the most wildly popular comedians on the circuit right now – at the first of two shows he played at New York City’s Beacon Theater. I’ve been an avid fan of Tosh’s Comedy Central show, Tosh.0, since I discovered it accidentally about a year ago. As soon as I heard tickets were going on sale for his Tosh 2010 tour, I made sure I grabbed a pair. For fans of Tosh.0, Daniel’s stand up is slightly different, in that there are no screens, no videos and no props onstage with him at all. It’s all 100% pure Tosh, just riffing seamlessly and brilliantly spot-on about everything and everyone – from the citizens of New Orleans, to Brett Favre to rap artists, whom he sarcastically thanks for “keeping women in their place” – in his signature un-PC style. He is not afraid to say offensive things about every group of people – from religious zealots to political conservatives and liberals as well, not to mention poor and fat people. I love how he simplifies how ridiculous we all are with our “I’m a victim” mentality. No quarter is given, and that’s why Tosh just slays every time. But if you are humorless, overly PC, or offended by anything at all you should probably stay home.


It was a sold-out crowd for the Beacon’s 7:30 show (Tosh performed again at 10 PM) and obviously everyone in attendance was a huge fan of the Comedy Central show. One of my favorite bits was Daniel’s recollection of having been delayed on a flight that sat on the tarmac for three hours while the airline waited for another flight to arrive, so that they could get more seat belt extenders, which are needed when heavy passengers cannot fit within the confines of a standard safety belt. “Not only were they out of seat belt extenders on the plane, they were out of seat belt extenders in the entire airport,” he exclaimed hilariously. This, of course led to his riffs on fat Americans, which are always hilarious, because they are so true. I also enjoyed his bit about what Johnny Depp, at age 48, goes through in his nightly routine to get ready to leave the house, as he decides he needs to accessorize with eight bracelets instead of just seven (this is probably a lot funnier in person than it sounds written down).

One of the more complicated bits Tosh did tied together a horrifying incident at an Atlanta amusement park, where a young man was accidentally decapitated, and how annoying it is when you have a cast on your leg and all anybody wants to ask you is “how did you break your leg?” I didn’t really see where he was going with this one but, trust me, he pulled it off beautifully. The amusement park decapitation/broken leg bit was a perfect example of how you’ll think Tosh is going in one direction with the joke, and then he zigs and zags so much that he gets four or five different punch lines in before he then manages to bring it all back to where he started. I don’t know anyone else who is really able to do that live. It’s also worth noting that one hundred percent of his material was completely new to me, so even if you watch Tosh.0 faithfully, you will probably be surprised by most of what goes down in the live show. While Daniel’s set was only slightly over one hour long, (not including two warm up acts, one very funny and the other not so much) every second was absolutely, ridiculously funny. I would definitely see him again on any future tour and recommend you check out the Tosh Tour 2010 when it comes to your city. Daniel Tosh!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

A month off...sorta

I am going to participate in National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, which begins tomorrow, November 1st. What is NaNoWriMo? Well, here's the official description:
National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.

Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.
Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.
Why am I doing this? I have an idea for a novel that I'd like to get started on. As mentioned in the description, this process forces you to focus on creating content and ignore editing and other fine tuning aspects of the writing process that can be daunting and ultimately crippling. So the goal is to wake up on December 1st with a big, misshapen lump of words that needs a ton of tweaking, work that can be done at a more orderly pace. The point is to hurry up and get that lump of words and then figure out what to do with it.

In the meantime, I have to "work" my regular "job" as well as keep up my obligation as contributing editor with SB Nation Tampa Bay, not to mention all the day-to-day madness that occurs as part of "life". Something's gotta give: this blog. Posting here is liable to be less frequent and certainly not as lengthy (stop applauding, please...at least sit down). Having to crank out 1,667 words a day for NaNoWriMo doesn't leave a lot left over for the ol' Trickle. Sorry.
But please don't stop visiting; I am not shutting down!! There will still be content here, as much as I can produce and as often as possible...and there might even be a surprise or two.

So Happy NaNoWriMo. Wish me luck and I'll see you real soon!

PS: If you're participating in NaNoWriMo, please feel free to connect with me via the web site. I'm Clark_Brooks there.

Happy Halloween!

Believe it or not, I have only ever written one actual "joke" in my whole life. I've trotted it out here before but it is as Halloween-appropriate as a naughty nurse's uniform so here it is:

Knock knock.
Who's there?
Ow.
Ow who?
Werewolves of London!

Happy Halloween!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Last minute Halloween help for parents who might be freaking out

Fortunately for me, I don't have any effeminate characteristics, so I will be dressing as Lady Gaga. Again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1taC3JjIOkM&feature=player_embedded

The funniest fundraising pitch you'll see...until I get my Relay For Life campaign going again

Man, I'd be so much funnier if I knew some celebrities.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQTtMXZs2LA&feature=player_embedded

Foreign Art Cinema Appreciation Corner

As I've matured, one of the things I've learned is not to ridicule foreign cultures. I don't know their history. I am not familiar with their customs. I have no idea what influences their tastes. There is no way for me as an outsider to understand the context under which a piece of art is created and appreciated. And so, I present the following without comment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfYmTJYdeTw

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

I approve this brilliant idea

I like to think that I'm a marketing genius. Marketing is basically making people want stuff they don't need. That's easy. Human beings are predisposed to do that anyway. Look at the stuff cluttering your surroundings right now and tell me I'm wrong. It's like gently nudging someone standing on the edge of a cliff who climbed up there to jump anyway. The only challenge is finding a way to stand out and draw attention away from your competition. So if you're even slightly creative, being a marketing genius is not that difficult.
If I worked in the political arena, where I would apply my marketing genius is in conveying a consistent message. *GASP! WHAT A CONCEPT!* No, not on issues and such. Who gives a shit about that? I mean in public presentation. What you have right now are words and images that don't gibe. Nasty accusations and character assaults delivered with warm, flawless, toothy grins. Like this: 
"Die, blood-sucking corporate douchebag"     "Up yours, Maoist."
This is disingenuous and deceitful behavior and it's no wonder why the public doesn't trust these people. So all I would have to do to stand out from my competition would be to remain consistent in my message and demeanor. Now, I could advise the candidate to follow the mean and nasty path, which would be fun and make for good tv, but I'd probably go the other way and one of our ads would sound something like this:

"Hi there. As you know, I'm running for _________ and I'm seeking your vote. My opponent and I have fundamental philosophical differences of opinion but I don't believe that makes them a bad person. In fact, I think they've had some good ideas and done solid work over the years. If nothing else, they should be commended for their commitment to public service. I would never demean or insult their character, or yours by extension, since so many of you support them. I just believe that I have some new and better ideas and that I'm better suited for the job at this time, that's all. 
Since it's impossible for any reasonably intelligent person to form an educated opinion on complex issues based on a sixty second television ad, I'm not even going to make an attempt to influence you to do so now. Instead, I'd like to invite you to check out some of my ideas and proposals when you have time to do so without the distraction of a ball game or talk show or whatever program this particular ad is airing in the middle of. You can visit my web site or even stop by my campaign headquarters, whatever's best for you. If I happen to be there, I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have."

Okay, I got carried away and lost any semblance of reality with the second paragraph but you get the general idea 

Monday, October 25, 2010

Come and knock on our door...

Something strikes me as odd about the whole Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill/Virginia Thomas thing that blew up last week...

Why in the hell does Virginia Thomas have Anita Hill's phone number? 

Somebody I mentioned this to said that she probably kept it because she never got over her hurt feelings around the relationship between her husband and Ms. Hill when those two were introduced as America's Sweethearts 19 years ago. Well, maybe. But I believe that 19 years is exactly the maximum amount of time that someone should be allowed to be pissed off about something before getting over it. Think about it: when you were 19, were you still upset about whatever it is that bothered you when you were an infant? You probably didn't even remember being upset. You were though. Ask your mom. She has pictures (and they're adorable). Yes, 19 years should be the statute of limitations for getting over stuff because if you can't resolve hurt feelings in the time that passes between conceiving a child and the day that child is old enough to serve in the armed forces, there's something wrong with you beyond whatever hurt your feelings (exceptions to this statute would be slavery, the Holocaust and having European settlers steal your continent, because they're kinda culturally grandfathered in at this point).
Besides, I'm less concerned with why she has the phone number now than I am about why she had it in the first place. All I can picture is an awkward conversation while waiting for an elevator at the Supreme Court hearings:
"Well, that was...weird."
"Yeah."
"Listen, uh, I..."
"What?"
"Nothing! I didn't do a thing! Look, I'm way over here! Geez! What?"
"Oh, sorry...I just thought you were going to say something..."
"No! Well, nothing...important, or anything. No big deal."
"What is it?"
"I was just thinking...you know, if you want...we could, you know, keep in touch or something."
"..."
"I mean, we have a crazy history, you and me. Shared experiences and stuff..."
"..."
"I don't know. No big deal. Forget it."
"Clarence, what would your wife think about that?"
"Ginny? She's down! In fact, it was her idea!"
"Seriously?"
"Oh yeah! Totally!"
"Well, I guess that's not strange or anything then. Sure, here's my private phone number."
"Sweet!" 

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Another self-imposed hiatus. Sorry.

Right now, I am part of a group of people I despise: pet owners who can't honor their commitment (SPOILER ALERT: If you're somebody who has never loved a pet, you're not going to be able to relate to anything that follows so just stop reading now and spare me any "they're just animals" sentiment, okay? Thanks.). The kind of people who get a dog or a cat because they looked cute and then once they find out there's work involved, they give up and abandon the animal. I'm one of those people now.
The reason why is stupid and complicated and not important to the story, but I have to give away my pet cats. Soon. By the end of the month. I found out just under a week ago and since then I've been negotiating, begging and trying to come up with options and I have failed. And that's the bottom line: I've failed. I've had these cats for a very long time, their entire lives basically. Over that time, I committed to their care and keeping and now I'm just abandoning them. What kind of person does that?
I'm sick over the whole thing right now, on a lot of different levels (rest assured, I am thoroughly hating myself, so that's covered). Mostly I'm anxious over finding a place for them to live. There are horriffic stories about things that happen to domesticated animals, particularly cats, particularly around here, these days. How can I possibly make sure no harm comes to them? I can't. That, aside from sadness and loneliness I'm already feeling even though they're still here, is the most difficult
Anyway, this issue currently dominates my mind and is inhibiting, among other things, my ability to share the kind of stuff I normally share here so I'm going to need to take a break from posting here until it's resolved, whatever that eventually entails. Like I said, if you've never loved a pet, you won't be able to relate, but I hope you at least understand. Thanks.

Monday, October 18, 2010

The The

Does the message on this billboard appeal to you? Does it make you want to listen to that particular radio station? If so, that's fine, but just be advised that it might mean you are an elderly person. "Why?", you ask. "Because I don't like rap or hip-hop or whatever it's called? Well, excuse me but I like real music. That doesn't make me old or elderly or whatever you said. The only thing it means is that I have taste.So why don't you just stick it up..."
Hey, relax!! That's not why I'm saying it (even though your reaction was exactly the kind that an elderly person would have). It's not the word "rap", it's the word "the". Elderly people have a habit of assigning an unnecessary "the" to things that are foreign to them that they don't care for or understand. Examples of things the elderly have feared/disliked/mistrusted where they've used the superfluous "the" to establish a distance from that which makes them uncomfortable and express a reluctance to establish familiarity:
  • "The rock and roll" (as opposed to "rock and roll")
  • "The crippled" (disabled people)
  • "The Twitter" (Twitter)
And so you don't want to listen to the rap? Suit yourself. Don't listen to the rap, old timer.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Boo! (I mean that in a good way)


Get it? Scary + carrots? Haw haw!
 I have long been an advocate of handing out vegetables on Halloween. There is nothing like the look on a young trick-or-treater's face when you drop a bag of frozen peas or a can of stewed tomatoes into their sack of Fun-sized Butterfingers and Milky Ways...except for maybe their parents. I've been doing it for years and will keep on doing it because it will always be funny.
It's nice to see that some of the produce people have a sense of humor about their product as well:


A Bunch of Carrot Farmers and Bolthouse Farms, the people behind this summer's $25 million "Eat 'em like junk food" campaign from Crispin Porter + Bogusky, are launching Scarrots, a bag of 25 single-serve 1.7-ounce bags of baby carrots that are intended for distribution to trick-or-treaters -- Brandfreak.com


Hilarious!


I saw some of the "Eat 'em like junk food" ads, like this one, this summer:

Also hilarious, right? But are baby carrots really a suitable substitute for traditional junk food snacks? Well, I went out and bought some (point, marketing campaign) and ate them while doing some writing and I have to say...yes, yes they are. You can mindlessly stuff them into your mouth one after another and they're crunchy, they're sweet and, an added bonus, not even a little bit messy. I hate a disgusting, greasy, salt-crumb-covered keyboard, so as far as I'm concerned, they're actually better than amy kind of chips or popcorn or especially Cheetos. And that's not even factoring in the nutritional factors.
So anyway, yeah, I'm a big fan of baby carrots now (another point, marketing campaign) and in two weeks, the kids in my neghborhood will be too, like it or not.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Abandon all hope, and don't forget to punch out for lunch

If you're a manager, it's very important that you're capable of effectively communicating information to your staff. This can be accomplished in a number of ways. Email? Sure. Very modern! Memos? Absolutely. Proven effective! Face-to-face conversation? Hmmm, I'm not sure about that. How about the next best thing: a good old fashioned, hand-written message on a dry erase board displayed in the employee break area!

  • Well, of course you want the staff to know that you're concerned about their problems.
  • Well, of course you want them to address the situation promptly, utilizing the internal chain of command.
  • Well, of course you want them to become utterly dependent on you and establish the company as their sole benefactor by removing all hope that anyone outside of the company could or would ever advocate on their behalf or provide any assistance whatsoever.
Wait a minute, what now?
Oh okay. Just checking. Carry on.

Friday, October 08, 2010

Retro Comedy Reboot!

Classic is classic.
That's why things that are called classic are called classic; because they are!
You simply can not improve upon a classic.
But you can make it better!
That's what's behind the whole reboot craze in Hollywood; taking something that's already a classic and making it better by making brand new money off of it. That's why you have reboots of Robin Hood, The Pink Panther, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Star Trek, The Karate Kid, The Incredible Hulk, The Incredible Hulk and The Incredible Hulk. A reboot is different from a remake in that you're not really making anything at all, you're just updating something that already exists and infusing it with more style. And style = excitement.

Reboots take old stories...excuse me, classic tales...and update them to fit and appeal to a more modern sensibility. Because while the classics may be great for what they were (and they are!) this generation is far more hip, savvy and sophisticated and demands more "edge" from their entertainment.

Now, you might be asking are old movies and folk tales the only things that can be rebooted? Of course not! Anything can be rebooted; songs, movies, books (probably not books) and films too! What about old jokes? Yes! You betcha those old-timey chestnuts can be dusted off, buffed to a high shine, dressed in a leather diaper and sent out into the world to amuse the world all over again. See for yourself... 

ME: Why did the little boy throw his alarm clock out of the window?

YOU: I don't know. Why?

ME: Because he has severe emotional problems and is a borderline sociopath who should never, ever, under any circumstances, be left alone with people, animals or time-keeping devices. Where is he?

YOU: I-I don't know. I think he's upstairs, playing in his room.

ME: Oh God, you're home alone with him right now? Listen to me; get out of there. Now. Just leave. Don't take anything. Go to a neighhbor's house, lock the doors and stay away from the windows. And clocks. Go! Now! Call me once you're safe there.

YOU: ...

ME: Hello? Hello?? Are you there? Hello?!?

LITTLE BOY: I'm here, Clark...

ME: Gyaaaahh!

LITTLE BOY: Tick-tock, tick-tock...

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Loathe in an elevator

I like riding in elevators.
For one thing, an elevator is not stairs. Stairs are work. An elevator is a ride. It goes up and it goes down, slowly, and that's all. Like the low-stressingest thrill ride on the whole midway. Well, unless something goes wrong, in which case it becomes a hurtling steel box of death. Other than that, I mean. Or maybe it's more like a bus (also a hurtling steel box of death). The kind of bus driven by an invisible computer where everybody stands (that seems fair!) and there is music.
For another thing, I'm pretty good at it. When I'm in one by myself, going up, I like to stand right in the middle, my feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, arms akimbo with my hands balled into fists. Going down, my feet are together, knees locked, my arms are straight at my side, palms facing downward. I do this because when I'm in an elevator by myself, I like to pretend I'm wearing rocket boots and I'm actually flying (in slow motion) up or down in the building.
Again, that's when I'm by myself.
When there are other people present, etiquette demands different behavior.
  1. Act very shy and demure. When greeting fellow passengers, make slight eye contact with one or two other passengers but then IMMEDIATELY avert your gaze elsewhere. Maybe mumble "g'morning" if you're feeling particularly flamboyant but that's it. Model your behavior after that of an Amish debutante and you'll be fine. EXCEPTION: If you came running across the lobby and caught the elevator at the last possible second, you're allowed to seem harried but get it together quick. Apologize and say thank you for making everyone wait an extra half second and be embarrassed about what you've done until you get to your floor.
  2. Push the button for the floor you want to visit so the invisible computer knows where to go. If someone pushes the button for your floor before you do, don't just stand there. That's going to make the other person think you're either some freak who just rides around aimlessly on elevators or stalking them. I'm not sure which is worse. Both are bad. Instead, lean in as if you were going to push it...BUT DON'T! The message you want to convey is, "Ah. I need to go to the 7th floor, but if the fact that the button is now illuminated when it previously was not means anything, and I think it does, it appears that you do as well and have already pushed the button for BOTH of our sakes. I didn't notice that you did that, but since you did, well done!" Otherwise, you're telling that person that you lack faith in their ability to push a button. You think they're an idiot? You think you can push a button better than them, hot shot? Look, it's already lit up and everything. Why don't you just settle down. It's a call button, not an accelerator pedal. Relax. You'll get to the 7th floor just fine.
  3. For chrissakes, don't push all the buttons. What are you, 12? 
  4. Unless you're reasonably sure you can get out of there without anybody knowing you did it, in which case, rock on, because that is classic and hilarious.
  5. Once on, and all the appropriate buttons have been pushed, assume the rider position: turned around facing the doors, because even though you're going to be in there for a while and bells and lights will alert you when it's time to get off, it's important for some reason to be ready to leap right out in case the doors open with no warning at all. Also, be standing up (no leaning!), with your eyes fixed on the numbers as they light up. Look! There's 7. I'll bet 8 is next...DING! Yep! Just like I thought. And here comes...DING! 9! I knew it! I swear, I was going to say 9!
  6. If you feel you absolutely have to improvise and do something different than everybody else, Robin Williams, go ahead and study the certificate posted above the button panel. Lots of good info there. What kind of elevator is it anyway? Traction passenger? Okay then.  Who's the Secretary of Elevator Safety? Charlie Liem. All right. What's the approved weight limit? 3500 lbs. Hmm, we're probably okay. Hey, no smoking! There's no smoking in here! Anybody smoking? No? Good. WARNING: You're basically assuming the role of Safety Officer if something goes wrong. Sure you can handle that responsibility, Rip Taylor?
  7. Whatever you do, don't talk. No talking! Everybody has a lot on their mind. Plus, they're afraid of you. Who starts a conversation on an elevator? Perverts, that's who. And rapists.
  8. Do I even have to mention farting?

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Klassic Kartoon Time!

This is great but may not be around long once the Kopyright Kops find out. So enjoy while you can!

Monday, October 04, 2010

First there was Relay, then there was The Race

I participated in the the Susan G Komen Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure Saturday morning. The weather was beautiful, Vinoy Park was packed and it was a great time. Our team came up just a wee bit short of hitting our goal but you can still contribute if you like, just click the link above. In the meantime, here are a few photos...
 You gotta start somewhere.

 This is our team, the LoveBees Lovers. There are a few holdovers from Team Daddy-O Alley Katz, but for the most part, this is a new band, playing new songs.

 And we're off! As in front...

 ...so behind

 Part of this event involves decorating porta-potties. This one is ours. Let me tell you, there are better ways to make a good first impression on people then saying hello to them with a camera in your hand as they exit a portable toilet bright and early on a Saturday morning.

Orange slices: the perfect post-race breakfast treat.