May 30, 2006
By Popular Demand The Mike Is On
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 5:58 pm
It’s Like Open Mike Only Different
Here’s how it works.
The rules are simple — be nice.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. . . . Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
See this post if you want some ideas of things to talk about.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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By Popular Demand Open Comment Night Starts EARLY
Filed under Comments, Community, Outside the Box, Successful Blog, ZZZ-FUN |
C'mon. Let's talk!
447 Comments to “By Popular Demand The Mike Is On”
Joe said
I love being first, but with the time warp surrounding this blog, I’ll probably be #43… LOL
Joe
Joe said
Ok, there was a countdown and everything…
HELLO… Hello… hello… is there anybody in there?
Chris Cree said
Where’s the mike?
My blond is setting in
ME Strauss said
Whoa, a bit of feedback!
So what were you saying about the 1000 paintings?
Brian just bought 67 and Ann bought 150.
Joe said
Hey Chris,
At least I’m not alone…
Besides, I’m blonde, except for the gray.
J.
Chris Cree said
I think it’s brilliant:
Paper, toner (blue), and a web site = $500,000 (potentially).
Wish I’d thought of it.
Chris Cree said
I’m starting to fade around the edges (ever so slightly!) myself
Joe said
Liz,
You told me last week to bring everyone with me… seems you forgot someone.
Joe
Chris Cree said
By-the-by, Joe, I see neither of us got our own domains set up yet. I’m surprised after the noodle lashing we both got last week!
Joe said
I know, but “ya do what ya gotta do”
ME Strauss said
Joe,
Who did I forget?
Joe said
… ann michael…
ME Strauss said
Ann was backstage with you guys. Maybe she and Sheila went out racing cars. . . .
Joe said
Hey Chris,
Thanks for stopping by my place today…
I think the link you left was inspirational.
Joe
Joe said
Liz,
Could be, but I thought the race was yesterday
Chris Cree said
Glad you liked it. I linked to it from my Memorial Day post. It is important that we remember.
ME Strauss said
Joe,
You never know with those two. They could find a couple of hot cars in a second and start one.
Chris Cree said
And miss all the action right here!??
Joe said
@Chris, I totally agree…
@ Liz, I hope you don’t give them the keys to the blog without giving some instruction on obeying the speed limit…
Joe
ann michael said
sorry - i got a little lost there for a while - trying to get an image on my blog!
Chris Cree said
Hey Ann!
Tracy said
Hello - I am new here…
Tracy said
Do I spend my life on moderation?
Joe said
Hey ann,
Did Liz give you the keys to the blog again???
Joe
Chris Cree said
I liked your interview post. I HATE those “your greatest weakness” qustions.
ann michael said
just for a bit
ann michael said
can’t imagine why she’d trust me!
ME Strauss said
Hey, Tracy,
Come on in! Sometimes things happen so fast around here . It takes a second. What do you think of 1000 paintings? Ann bought one. Joe is posing for number 7
Joe said
Hey Tracy,
I know by the time I get done typing this that Liz would have already said… Welcome to my nightmare…
Joe
ann michael said
thanks! I always hated those questions too - they seemed so pointless - “tell us what we want to hear”
ME Strauss said
You guys, Talk to Tracy!
Joe said
Alice Cooper… I was asleep that year…
Chris Cree said
Ann, What are you going to do with your number?
Joe said
do-do-do-do…
Tracy said
Well I went and looked at the 1000 paintings and thought it was dumb yet genius. Dumb because they’re not art. Genius because people are actually buying them.
ann michael said
I’m going to hang it on my wall to remember that I never want to work in a company with more than 150 people!
ME Strauss said
I’m with you Tracy. I with I had time to put one of those dumb, fabulous ideas into place.
Joe, whatcha singing?
Chris, I think Ann bought her IQ.
ann michael said
It will also be a constant reminder of the power of viral marketing! (love Alice!)
Tracy said
So many numbers, so little time.
Joe said
I still don’t get what you are talking about 150 people, paintings???
Chris Cree said
Ah, but Tracy, just because you and I don’t get art doesn’t make it not-art!
ME Strauss said
God, Ann, Welcome to My Nightmare is in My CD Collection. OOeeeOOOOO
Tracy said
Oh no, it’s not not-art cuz I don’t get it. It’s not-art cuz it’s not-art.
ann michael said
It is art - marketing art!
ann michael said
why must our definition of art be so limited - right?
Chris Cree said
That’s what I’m missing! Music! Must.. find… iTunes…
Chris Cree said
Tracy, Tracy…. Come on down to Savannah and spend some time with the students at Savannah College of Art and Design.
I don’t get 90% of what they do. But people say it’s art.
Joe said
Liz,
You really do have a time warp around this blog on Tuesday night.
I missed 4 comments just by hitting refresh… No, my comp is not that slow either.
J.
Tracy said
Oh my. I suppose if I shut my eyes, it might be art.
Then again, when I first started reading I was thinking that you picked a number and underneath that number was a real painting. And you were just sorta gambling with what you’d get.
Then I realized, no, you’re actually bidding on that number as the painting.
*sigh*
ME Strauss said
I’ve been listening to the soundtrack to a Chicago Restaurant website all day.
Art = something I’m willing to look at for ten years and still find interesting. I don’t think those numbers are interesting for a second.
Chris Cree said
But it’s soooo… blue.
Mark Wade said
Hang on everyone - I’ll go get Art…
Hey Art! C’mere - they’re tawkin’ ’bout you again!
Hiya …. hehe
Chris Cree said
Art is something I can convince my friends it was worth me spending money on!
ann michael said
Art for the left brainers! Tracy - you’re a forensic accountant - don’t you think numbers are beautiful??
Chris Cree said
Mark! Heya!
Tracy said
Yeah I was in a law office a few weeks ago and they had this huge canvas that was stood on end, and paint was dripped down it in gobs. And they paid thousands for it.
*shaking head*
Mark Wade said
Hey Chris - How’s Savannah? Oh, that’s right - I’m here too! LOL
ME Strauss said
Art is worth staring at when I’m really ticked off.
Joe said
Hey Mark,
How, ya doin?
When did yoy meet my father? His name is Art (for real).
He’s a veteran of WWII, (ask Chris).
A great ole man.
J.
Chris Cree said
Dude! No WAY!
Mark Wade said
Way!!!!!
Tracy said
Numbers are beautiful but they’re not art. (I especially love numbers when they’re green, if you know what I mean.)
Chris Cree said
Gotta learn to read those “About” Pages. And a New Yorker too! Could be scary!
Mark Wade said
Hey Joe… Good to cya again!
Mark Wade said
Yep! A Damn Yankee I am!
Chris Cree said
Yeah, we didn’t go back home…
Mark Wade said
Liz,
Snacks???
Soda???
Joe said
As always Mark,
Any tidbits to share???
J.
ann michael said
Hey Mark - I live in PA now, but I’m a native New Yorker. There’s no place like home!
ME Strauss said
Hi Mark,
Great to see ya!
All kinds of snacks hot and cold and beverages in the sidebar. As always.
Joe said
Don’t worry Liz, I have to go eat dinner soon, so save the snacks…
J.
Chris Cree said
Tracy, Are you in Milwaukee, or Chicago?
Tracy said
Yes and yes
Chris Cree said
So let’s see… Three from NY? Could we be taking over S-B?
Mark Wade said
All right for the NYers!!!
Joe, not sure if it’s a tidbit but let me tell ya’ I’ve been under a merciless spam attack for over 24 hours now. Thank God for Spam Karma…
Imagine - 24 hours and more than 2000 spam comments. I think I pi**ed off some anti Net Neutrality folks
Joe said
Ann,
I grew up in PA, not a bad place… I still live here after a little movement.
J.
ME Strauss said
Tracy,
A forensic accountant! Near Chicago! We must get to know each other. My son is interning with Navigant and I live in Chicago. Are you coming in for TechCocktail?
Ann, Art for left-brainers. I like that!
Joe said
Mark,
If you pi**** off the anti neutrality folks, I’ll help you rebuild if necessary.
J.
Tracy said
I don’t even know what TechCoktail is. *sniff sniff*
ann michael said
wow - it is really hard to keep up here - one refresh and you miss a bunch of stuff - this is good - it will keep us sharp!
Chris Cree said
Sorry, Tracy. My wife is from Port Washington. My understaning of the Packer’s universe does not compute your answer. Am re-booting my brain now.
Tracy said
Yeah imagine trying to work and refresh at the same time.
ME Strauss said
Hey Joe,
I grew up in PA, not a bad place… I still live here after a little movement.
What’d ya do after standing still? (Mark made me ask that.
Stop that Mark, or I’ll take back my crayons.
Tracy said
Oh Chris - That means you’re a wanna be CheeseHead!!! *smooch*
Home base = Milwaukee
2nd office = Chicago
But the company is only me so it’s all the same!
Mark Wade said
Thanks Joe…
So far the worst it’s gotten is to run real slooooooow.
Okay - wassup with this TechCocktail???
Chris Cree said
Mark has crayons! NOT FAIR!
Mark Wade said
Yep! Got crayons! Liz gave ‘em to me!
Joe said
Ann,
As I said… “Welcome to my nightmare”
These guys don’t think there is a time warp around this blog… I think you just confirmed my theory.
J.
Chris Cree said
They actually made me sign the loyalty oath, secret hand shake, double brat and all that.
Mark Wade said
hehe - standin’ still… that’s a liquor runner’s dream lol
ann michael said
not fair - liz we all want crayons
I want to draw numbers
ME Strauss said
This is TechCocktail and it’s in Chicago the week of my birthday. Everyone should come to party. I’m a phenomenal dancer. Check out the restaurant.
Crayons for anyone who shows up . . ..
http://techcocktail.com/blog/2006/05/25/tech-cocktail-event-july-6-2006-at-state-chicago/
Tracy said
Shhhh - big secret here: I don’t like brats. Never did. I hope everyone else knows what those are. And that I’m not talking about bad little children, rather some really greasy disgusting horrible sausages on buns.
Mark Wade said
Chris - your wife is from Port Washington?
NY?
Chris Cree said
Mark won’t give up the blue one!
Joe said
I hate to leave, but dinner is ready.
I’ll be back shortly, and after reading to catch up for 20-30 mins, I’ll be back on…
Joe
Tracy said
Hey that Tech thingie sounds fun. It’s a little hard for me w/ the train schedule, but I’ll see.
ann michael said
That’s ok - blue is so yesterday!
Chris Cree said
No, no, no. I’m from NY (far from). Gorgeous is from Wisconsin.
Mark Wade said
Blue and Green. So there
ME Strauss said
That’s okay about the brats, Tracy.
Ann doesn’t like raisins.
Chris Cree said
Better’n Black & Blue!
Tracy said
Mark what do you know about PW?
Tracy said
Raisins? I looooooooooooooooooooooooooove raisins. Eat them almost every day!
ann michael said
well i have the magenta and the aqua - much better choices
Mark Wade said
Ah - so - there’s a Port Washington, Wisconsin. Got it…
Haven’t been there.
Didja’all notice? Liz is havin’ a BIRTHDAY!!!
Tracy said
I love thunder - and we just had the most MASSIVE crack of thunder. Woo hooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
Chris Cree said
Tracy doesn’t like brats!!!??
(was that loud enough?) We had a brat fry yesterday. First of the summer…
ann michael said
Well Tracy - I’m with you on the brats - can feel your blood flow become sluggish with every bite!
Tracy said
Mark - Are you affiliated w/ Broken Kode?
Mark Wade said
Tracy,
I had an ex SIL that lived on a boat at one of the marinas there for quite a few years. Her husband was a heck of a good guy. His family owned a furniture store in Plainview.
ann michael said
Thunder rocks too (no pun intended)
ME Strauss said
I am the 65th crayon. I can be any color I want.
Tracy, you can think of Tech as a tax write-off
Chris Cree said
BIRTHDAY??? When?
ann michael said
Hey guys - hate to run out - but I have three kids that should have finished their homework by now - need to go check and make sure they’re on track - I’ll be back!
Mark Wade said
Khaled from Broken Kode designed my Blog. GREAT designer! Darn good person also!
Tracy said
Heh heh - of course it’s a tax write-off. I just have to be able to get home. And the last train leaves at 8:00.
Mark Wade said
“BIRTHDAY??? When?”
Same week as July 6th… right Liz? Thought we didn’t see that eh? Ha ha…
Chris Cree said
Hello? Blond guy here. Please explain about the Birthday. (And use little words so I understand.)
Advice Librarian said
sorry I’m late, I was burning a pizza and doing my weekly “find more directories round” and got a bit distracted when the directories caught fire…
Erm - anyway… I’ve got the ice cream - who wants some?
Tracy said
You peeps are a riot. And no one even invited me. I just invited myself. *giggle*
ME Strauss said
I’ll ask my husband if you can stay over.
Then you can leave in the morning. If you don’t mind sleeping on my son’s futon.
Chris Cree said
ICE CREAMMMM!!!
Mark Wade said
Chris - Liz sorta slipped it in in #92 up there /\
Tracy said
That’s sweet. But you can’t invite over a stranger!
Mark Wade said
Ad Lib! Ice Cream! Oh yeah… Now we’re getting somewhere (hmmm Liz never had Ice Cream b4 lol)
Chris Cree said
Mark, thanks for using the short words for those of us on the short bus.
Mark Wade said
Ya know who’s missin’ so far?
The donkey and the moose! Where are those guys?
ME Strauss said
Tracy, I think I already did.
Mark, how do you know wht the comment number is?
BTW, Jeremy promised the new comment plug-in for next week.
Tracy said
I can see the comment numbers. It’s oh-so-helpful!
Chris Cree said
Steve! Do you think the moose got him? Gosh I hope he’s OK. He seemed so nice…
ME Strauss said
Steve said he had to go for a run first.
Mark Wade said
Liz… oh Liz… tell me you don’t see comment #’s Liz… actually, no don’t… Liz?
What will the new comment plugin do?
ME Strauss said
AdLib!!!
Great to see you!
What do you think of the 1000 paintings???
Chris Cree said
Mark, Can’t find your email on your blog. With 2000+ comment spams, I think I can see why. Would you be willing to skip over to my place and drop me a line? I’d like to connect with someone in town.
Easton Ellsworth said
Hi everyone - enjoy your evening - I can’t really visit tonight but wanted to drop by and say hi
- now carry on with the random conversation.
Chris Cree said
How about it Ad Lib? What’s your take on the 1,000 paintings?
ME Strauss said
Liz… oh Liz… tell me you don’t see comment #’s Liz… actually, no don’t… Liz?
NO I don’t
What will the new comment plugin do?
It will page the comments for you.
Mark Wade said
Chris,
You should have mail
Advice Librarian said
1000 paintings? glanced at them for a second; and it looks like they’re the kind of people who’ve taken my advice about fads to heart:
“If you do something that’s goofy enough to get airtime on ‘Good Morning America’, you can make money with anything“.
As long as you’re not copying someone else, that is.
I brought peanuts and chocolate too, by the way - good guests should take some of the burden off the hostess, right?
Mark Wade said
Liz - you’re kidding… what browser ru using?
Advice Librarian said
Oh, about spam - I use Akismet instead of Spam Karma; it’s caught everything so far with just a couple false positives mostly due to links to blogger instead of a domain of your own.
Chris Cree said
Mark, Got it! Thanks.
ME Strauss said
Mark,
The answer is in the question. Grin. I just saw them in firefox. They’re cute.
Mark Wade said
Hey Ad Lib,
This is more a case of too lazy to upgrade WP. SK works on this version fortunately, or I’d be in a real mess. Tried Bad Behavior and shut everything down. Deleted that real quick.
Chris Cree said
Ad Lib, the question we’re all asking is are the 1000 paintings art? (is are?)
Mark Wade said
Liz… Liz… laffin’… laffin’ How long could you stand it if I kept laffin’?
Welcome Chris. Correct me if I’m wrong - don’t you live out by Georgetown?
Chris Cree said
Si. More like IN Georgetown. And we love it.
Tracy said
Okay - This was fun but I must go pack my suitcase and finish preparing for tomorrow’s work. Ick.
Joe said
I’m Baaacck…
Ice Cream, 2000 comment spams, AdLib can’t stay? Comment #
Still lost on the painting thing…
J.
Sheila Scarborough said
God, I guess the lesson is never swig bourbon before open mike night….I found it!
And I came right in with ice cream, which I’m having a big ol’ bowl of….coffee with chips and nuts and stuff.
I’m going to lurk over here and be bewy bewy quiet….
Chris Cree said
Bye, Tracy. This is a weekly thing if we haven’t scared you off.
ME Strauss said
Tracy, where you going? Some cool city?
Mark Wade said
Tracy
Was a pleasure meeting you.
Chris, I have quite a few friends out in your neck o’ the woods. We live in Windsor Forest back in the “important” person’s part by the golf course. LOL
ME Strauss said
Hey Sheila,
Welcome back, ice cream and all!
Chris Cree said
Sheila, there is a no lurking rule here. The good news is there is forgiveness in this group if you don’t make sense.
Mark Wade said
Ah Ha! Sheila and - what was Steve’s moose’s name? Drinkin b4 a big engagement like this? Sheesh… Laffin’
Sheila Scarborough said
Well, Chris, you apparently would know “what do you do with a drunken Sailor?”
Even if I am a shoe….
Chris Cree said
Mark, I’ve got a buddy’s laptop who lives in WF. That’s a good spot too.
Joe said
Hey Sheila,
I think it’s ok to come out as long as you don’t drip on the carpet.
As Chris said, there is a no lurking rule, so, make sure you bring enough Ice Cream for all.
Joe
ME Strauss said
Steve’s Moose is Milton. He’ll be here later.
Yeah Sheila, I think making sense could be a problem.
Chris Cree said
Sheila, I haven’t heard that song in many a year. *blush*
Advice Librarian said
Huh, did WP eat my comment on art?
Sheila Scarborough said
Well, gawd, it was only one Jack & Coke but I’m a cheap date….the early pass-out factor has probably kept me out of a hell of a lot of trouble….the ice cream is to mitigate impact, of course.
I really ought to take my full name off of this or Google will projectile vomit all this stuff if any one cares to search my name….
Joe said
No AdLib, it just moved it to the end of the line…
Sheila said
Oh, sorry, back to the art.
Or we could talk about drunk artists like Jackson Pollack.
Chris Cree said
Sheila, isn’t your blog, “Family” travel? *giggle*
Sheila said
Yeah, and the little suckers drive me to drink….
Joe said
Sheila Scarborough,
You’re not ashamed of anything you said around here, are you???
Joe
Advice Librarian said
By the way, is this the right place to plug John Rogers’ Memorial Day posting? It’s a really impressive piece of rethorical work…
Tracy said
I’m going to San Fran. I’ll be back if I remember.
ME Strauss said
Great trip and safe home, Tracy.
Don’t worry, Sheila. You’ve said nothing silly.
Joe said
AdLib,
Chris gave me a nice link in comments on one of my posts for Memorial Day.
Sorry, I’m too lazy to go look it up for ya.
J.
Chris Cree said
Joe, it’s also here in my M-Day post.
Chris Cree said
Ad Lib, what’s the link to John’s post?
ME Strauss said
Whew, I just went back to read what i had been missing in the flurry. I had no idea that Easton dropped by. Once again. This is quite a party. Has Elvis been here yet?
Sheila said
Naw, but Richard Petty’s appalled by all of the women not being ladies!
Claire Tompkins said
I’m on California time, so happy hour has just started for me. So I’m here!
1000 paintings reminds me of that 1 million pixels website where you could buy ad space on a page for $1 per pixel. At the top it says “own a piece of Internet history!” Well, that wasn’t art.
On the other hand, there’s Marcel Duchamp and Andy Warhol who made art from ordinary stuff and advertising.
Mark Wade said
Elvis was here but he was using I.E. so his comment didn’t get a number - then he got lost in Joe’s time warp… well, you get the idea… Laffin’!
Advice Librarian said
The flash link? Yup - saw that. Gotta say though that reading Rogers’ Lions led by donkeys was a thing of Beauty in the Native American sense - been in the army myself this side of the pond and what he said about the right and the wrong way to support the troops spoke to me.
Ben said
Hey all - can’t get here earlier than around this time, but glad to be here!
I see the discussion is hot and heavy already!
Mark Wade said
Chris,
Nope - not Gulfstream… Moving to Savannah is way too long a story for open mike night and - well, ya’ probably would have had to have been there to believe it.
ME Strauss said
Hi Claire, Hi Ben,
Don’t pay attention to Mark laffin at me.
I agree with you Claire. It’s all for money.
Ben, Steve’s coming later with Milton.
Ben said
I saw some brief comments about onethousandpaintings.com. That guy’s getting some serious buzz!
I wonder if he sparked it somehow and continues to fan the flames or if the Internet has just taken over.
I need that kind of buzz!
Mark Wade said
Welcome Claire and Ben!
Chris Cree said
Mark, I figured… that’s why I asked for the email touch. We can catch up that way.
Mark Wade said
Aw - Liz - I bet they see the comment #’s hehehe
Sheila said
Hey, I’ve just been over reading Advice Librarian’s recommendation on “Lions Led by Donkeys;” really is great I must say.
Chris Cree said
Ah, but Claire, the pixel guy didn’t claim to be art, but ads. Does that make a difference if people are willing to pay?
ME Strauss said
Mark,
You should go over, right now to see whether 179 is for sale and buy it for me. Because that’s the comment that made me laugh out loud. GRIN
Joe said
# 191 unless someone snuck in while I was lurking…
I agree with Chris, the pixel guy sold ads, not two ways about it and people bought them.
J,
ME Strauss said
Sheila,
Isn’t that guy, AdLib’s friend, the best writer????
Advice Librarian said
Nah, it’s not art. Those numbers along with dogs in the pub, crying children, gypsies and the Second coming of Elvis on velvet may be a lot of things, but they’re not art.
They’re functional, decorative, or tasteless - but art engages the mind beyond the time it takes to look at it, and stays with you. That’s why Warhol’s comments on consumerism aesthetics is art, and those numbers aren’t.
Sheila said
Yeah, how come the potted one’s reading the heavy stuff and everyone else is talking about painted numbers?
Isn’t this fun? I really must go pay attention to children at some point, I suppose….
Chris Cree said
Liz, I’d say he’s a good writer.
But I disagree with his position. And that is coming from my own experience in uniform, not to mention my dinner conversation yesterday (over brats) with guys who are recently back from over there… actual boots on the ground perspective and all that.
But it is still food for thought.
ME Strauss said
Chris,
You’ll notice I didn’t say a word about his position.
Mark Wade said
Wow - Sheila, Ad Lib, that is one heavy piece - Lions Led By Donkeys. Excellent read. I’ll be going back to that one again and again.
Joe said
Children are like numbers,
If you invite one they multiply,
If you have none,
they will not comply,
but in the end,
They all want Ice Cream…
Sheila said
Well, the one thing we seemed to have learned from Vietnam was not to blame lower-level troopers for employment decisions made by their civilian masters.
Ya don’t like where the civilians are sending the troopers, ya better vote. And not just on “American Idol,” dammit.
I may need more bourbon before this is over….
Chris Cree said
Oh, Sheila! I’m not potted. I’m blond. I haven’t had a drink in over ten years! This is just how I am…
ME Strauss said
Chris.
To say it out, I have great respect for guys with their boots on the ground. I thank every one I meet including you.
Claire Tompkins said
Chris,
Well, people do pay for art. And they’ll pay more if something is unique, like the number 179. I think this whole project is a conceptual artwork about the art business. We value uniqueness and rarity, we’re willing to pay a lot for something that’s deemed valuable and that gets a lot of press (good or bad). The fact that the artist leaves out aesthetics is another comment about the art marketplace. Am I talking too much?
Sheila said
No, no, I’m the potted one (although Lions/Donkeys sobered me up pretty good….)
ME Strauss said
Sheila,
You’re planted?
Ben said
The onethousandpaintings thing makes me wonder though - it seems like it’s going to be 15-minutes of fame and that’s it.
Imagine if you go to someone’s house and visit and see the number on their wall. You ask them what it’s about. They tell you. What will their response be?
“You paid HOW MUCH for that number?”
or
“Wow, what an amazing social Internet experiment and comment on the art world.”
I don’t know…
Sheila said
Yeah, if I can keep from falling over after the initial buzz I’m pretty focused….er, planted.
So, a number makes it art, sometimes. I am pleased that my limited edition, numbered, neon green and black ballcap from the Gatornationals drag races is art.
I am being a smartass, of course….
Chris Cree said
Claire, I just get frustrated by the art crowd because there’s very little art that I “get”. I’m glad they can make a living at it though.
Claire Tompkins said
Ben,
It would be interesting to list the qualities that make something art. It has to endure, is that one? I kind of think so. Hard to imagine anyone buying #47 at Sotheby’s in 10 years.
Joe said
K,
Art… the Pic on my M-Day post.
Respect… My M-Day post.
1000 words… my M-Day post.
Sorry, but I think less is more in that respect.
J.
Chris Cree said
Ben, I figure it’s his 15 minutes plus about $500,000 if he sells all the numbers…
Mark Wade said
Wow - it’s easy to get lost in here tonight… whiz bang… phew… whadya’ say?
Claire Tompkins said
Chris,
I think there’s a lot of emperor’s new clothes-ism in the art world. It is frustrating. So there’s another quality: how many people have to “get” an artwork before we call it art? If it’s only a handful of folks, I don’t think it qualifies. or if you have to read the manual first, it doesn’t qualify.
ME Strauss said
I would hope that art would be harder to reproduce and more inclined to inspire wonder than anything like those numbers.
They are what they are a guy’s idea at how to make money,
ME Strauss said
I still stick by my “I have to believe that I’d be still wanting to look at it in ten years and finding something new and interesting about it.”
Joe said
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
It you like it and think of it as art, it is…
Ben said
Ya I would have to say - “not art”.
But it’s hard to disagree with the way he’s making money.
I guess for me it’s a bit inspiring (since my “thing” relies on viral attention as well), but it’s also irritating in a way to see something like that be successful. I know, we shouldn’t be envious…and I’d like more than 15 minutes fame, a sustainable, long-term business is the goal at the end of the day.
But even if he gets his 15 minutes and tons of dough, I bet it opens doors for him. So kudos to him for that.
Chris Cree said
Claire, I’ve gotten to know more artists (or more correctly art students) in the past couple years than in my life before. I am coming to the point where I don’t have to have all the answers any more, on art and most other subjects.
Or maybe I’m just getting older…
Thanos said
I recommend Akismet as well, there’s a newer version out for WP btw if you haven’t visited the wp news blog lately. I’ve been up two months, 52 affirmed blocks, two false positives — but the fellow leaving the comments was typing from Russia in broken english with lots of misplaced periods. On the other hand, maybe they weren’t false positives, maybe it’s the dreaded Rusian Cyber Mafia.
Chris Cree said
And just because he gets his pile doesn’t mean there is any less for the rest of us. I’m genuinely happy for him and hope he makes a bundle.
ME Strauss said
Thanos!
Great to see you over here! And protecting us from the dreaded Russian mafia! Everyone meet Thanos. He’s been over to the Lizstrauss blog.
Chris Cree said
Thanos, Welcome to our crazy little group. And the SOB award is verry GOOD! Congratulations!
Mark Wade said
“Or maybe I’m just getting older…”
Waaahhh… more laffin’
Mark Wade said
Does the LizStrauss Blog have comment numbers? In I.E.?
Ben said
Hello Thanos, nice to see you onboard.
Wish I could use WordPress…lousy hosting company…*sigh*
ME Strauss said
Gee Chris,
If he makes a pile do you think he might share some with me? I’m really (32 reallys) poor. I could use the money. Maybe I should take my crayons and make the alphabet. Huh????
Chris Cree said
Can I buy the “C”? I like that letter. It reminds me of….
School.
Thanos said
Well if your host is lousy, switch!! Be like a flea and hop off the dog. Great hosting companies with good rates are not as hard to come by nowadays as they used to be.
Joe said
If he makes a pile
Where is HART when you need an animal person???
ME Strauss said
The Lizstrauss Blog doesn’t need comment numbers. It’s exclusive. There are only about 19 comments, but they’re all from famous people.
ME Strauss said
See, that’s why I’m poor. Chris I’d give you the C.
Joe said
SORRY HART, AND LIZ,
It was what came to mind with that phrase.
Sorry,
Joe
Claire Tompkins said
Earlier I wrote that a work has to endure to be art, but I think that puts too much emphasis on the physical object. If an artwork makes you think or makes you see something in a different way, that’s valuable, even if the painting itself doesn’t last.
Ben said
I wouldn’t mind switching hosting companies, but it’s still a hassle to move everything at this point and I’m concerned about the downtime as the DNS switches.
We’ll see where things are at in a year, and probably make the move at that point.
I need hosting that allows me to run ASP pages and an Access DB + PHP/MySQL (for WordPress) though, so my requirements may be on the slightly more demanding side (for the cheapest of hosting).
Mark Wade said
Advice Librarian said
Speaking of bad hosts - mine has apparently eaten the last two posts I made to my blog. Grr.
ME Strauss said
No Worries, Joe.
Claire,
I hadn’t thought, but you’re right . . . a sand castle can be art even though it’s gone very quickly.
Chris Cree said
Liz, were you ever a teacher?
They seemed to be pretty free with their C’s too. Hmmm..
ME Strauss said
Mark,
I love the sound of your laugh.
Thanos said
I use 1stcom, and they do all of that. However I didn’t shop too much, there are betters out there. I poked around until I found a host whose sites, even the complex ones, loaded fast. That was really my only criteria when I was looking. Their rates and speeds are beat by many others.
ME Strauss said
Ben,
We moved this blog today in about an hour. There were no issues. It was very cool.
Joe said
AL,
Blogger does that to me quite often. I guess it doesn’t matter who the host is, I think they are all hungry.
J,
Mark Wade said
My host is outstanding! Been with them for eight years or so… they answer the phone, they get down to business, they’re just professional and I wouldn’t change for anything.
ME Strauss said
Yeah, Chris,
I was a teacher. i thought everyone already knew that. I gave lots of As. I taught the little kids.
I should say they taught me stuff.
http://lettingmebe.blogspot.com/2005/08/giving-guy-place-to-stand.html
Thanos said
I’ve seen some magnificient Ice Sculptures, in Fairbanks they have a worldwide competition every year, and you would not believe the things they make.
Chris Cree said
Joe, but with Blogger I figure we are just getting what we payed for (not much!).
Ben said
I’ll make a note to check out 1stcom.
And maybe I will look at making the move, but we paid a year for the hosting.
Hopefully our site gets so much traffic we HAVE to find a better hosting company, for now I’ll stick with what we’ve got and Blogger *sigh* — but if you have great experience with any hosting companies shoot me an email and let me know (byosko@gmail.com)
Mark Wade said
Do you realize we’ve just passed last weeks number of comments - oh - sorry Liz, you wouldn’t know that would you? LMAO…
ME Strauss said
AdLib,
Are you writing outside WordPress then posting into it?
You can get some weird code that way. Of course , I had WordPress eat one of mine today for no reason.
Chris Cree said
Liz, the teacher thing explains why you are so nice and willing to put up with some of us!
Claire Tompkins said
I was always a teacher’s pet. Maybe that’s why I like it here!
Advice Librarian said
Meh, yeah - I’ll see what I can do about recreating it later on. I was going to draw your attention to one of the articles in the Library - but now I see that there’s lots more wrong there now. You can’t actually get to the content, it seems - I’m going to have to talk to Richard, I guess…
Ben said
One of my subscribers just sent ME a page to thank me. Heh, that’s pretty funny, and appreciated. (This might not mean anything to anyone, but I just wanted to post it somewhere.)
Oh and let me ask you - what do you guys think about launching new windows on links you post in your blog to other sites? Worthwhile or pointless? Do people get irritated with the popping up windows or added tabs?
Joe said
Chris,
Free is free. I lost a post one time and Jesse (he’s a regular reader) found it on Bloglines even though it wasn’t on my blog or in Bloggers recover files.
So, once something is published, it ends up somewhere.
Thank goodness for regular readers, huh…
J.
Thanos said
Wordpress ate some of mine, but it was my fault. I am beta’ing IE 7, and old habits get me in trouble — I flip out of the edit page, and with multiple sessions and multiple tabs in each session, I sometimes close the edit window before hitting save & continue, or publish, or something reasonable like that.
Nice talking to all of you, have to go do some things to the blog now, later on.
Chris Cree said
Mark, I’m (still) looking for a host too.
Joe said
Ben,
I used to do the target=blank thing, but I found out that it irratates a lot of people. If you link to someone else that enhances your post, your readers will appreciate it and more likely than not they will be back to your site because they trust you and your referrals.
Joe
Sheila said
For Ben/all, I like to have links open in a new window; I get to multi-tasking and wandering all over and I’d rather shut a bunch of windows and end up back at Start than have to click “Back” 800 times.
Otherwise I forget where I came from, my life metaphor….
Thanos said
Whoops, one more thing, I do the new windows thing simply because your blog is still up in the background, more chance they will come back after they close the other window after noodling through links for a half hour.
Ben said
Sheila vs. Joe
More Windows vs. No Extra Windows
Anyone else?
Liz - would you mind if I showed people the new home page test for my site?
ME Strauss said
Mark,
Don’t LYAO you look too good with it on.
Oh AdLib, what’s going wrong with your blog: That sounds awful.
I love you, Claire.
Chris Cree said
Ben, I’ve fallen for Firefox. The whole tab thing is the best of both worlds. But I don’t like the “new window” think if I can help it.
ME Strauss said
Thanos, your last two comments sound just like me. Have a great night now1
Joe said
Commmmon Ben, show us the new home page.
Ben said
I’m a Firefox fan to but my day job requires that I stick with IE for testing purposes (testing software application), since most customers use IE. I actually use both from time to time. The tabs do give you the best of both worlds in many ways…
ME Strauss said
Ben,
Gp ahead and show them and tell them it’s shake and bake and I helped. (that’s an ancient TV commercial reference)
Joe said
Liz,
Now I’m ancient, huh?
Chris Cree said
Geeze Luise, Liz. If that’s an ancient reference than I am getting old!
Ben said
http://www.igotnewsforyou.com/liz_test.asp
- not 100% complete, but a modified home page for the site based on Liz’s feedback.
- she was insanely helpful and friendly, btw.
- it’s shake and bake *smile*
- any thoughts, questions, ideas are appreciated! I don’t want to hijack the discussion though so you can always reach me via email, MSN, AIM, Skype, Gtalk, smoke signals, extremely loud morse code…
Claire Tompkins said
I’m a Firefoxer and I love tabbing instead of opening new windows. But opening new windows is way better than having to backtrack later. I hate IE.
Liz,
You would’ve been my fave teacher.
ME Strauss said
You guuuuuyyyyyyysssssss,
I said ancient for the benefit of the kids in the room.
Claire, I was a one-of-a-kind teacher, that’s a sure one.
Chris Cree said
Next think you know, Liz will be saying, “Ancient Chinese secret, eh?” is “ancient.”
Mark Wade said
Chris - sorry - got a phone call - I’ll email you with my hosts info.
Liz, Thanks, I like where MAI also
ME Strauss said
I might as well declare it.
Okay here we go.
Now is “Officially Pick on Liz Day” for the next hour.
ME Strauss said
You and YA are welcome, Mark.
Joe said
Ben,
Looks good from where I stand (sit). I like the way you can change things around.
I’ll look further later, but the upfront concept is ver-goot.
Joe
Claire Tompkins said
But, Liz, you’re so nice! I don’t want to pick on you!
Anyway, I have to go to taiko practice. Maybe I’ll see you all next week!
Chris Cree said
Mark, Thanks!
Ben, How come the only headline that doesn’t seem to change is “Greed Pays!”?
Does that mean something and I’m missing it?
I like the layout. What a cool idea!
Ben said
Mark - please email me the host info as well, I’m curious. Thanks. (byosko@gmail.com)
Pick on Liz Day for the next hour! WOOHOO!
*smile*
So, um…Liz…right…Liz is so…wait a second…pick on Liz, got it. I’m on this. What’s that? Who’s on first?
Chris Cree said
Claire, next week tell us what taiko is! Enjoy!
Joe said
Liz,
I don’t think you seen picked on til 6/1…
Sheila said
Not to be dull, but have to go fold and put away laundry so can actually use bed.
In the “shake & bake” days (ancient history) I’d have just shoved it on the floor….
‘Night.
ME Strauss said
Claire,
I thank you for coming. I hope you got enough in thtat email i sent you.
Ben said
Joe — does the liz_test.asp home page inspire you more than the current live one (http://www.igotnewsforyou.com)?
Do you “get it” right away? How easy it is? The fun?
Chris — It doesn’t change because it’s hardcoded to only show 1 story. I can probably get that changed. there’s a few things that aren’t changeable, like the little weather and sports/stock bits at the top and the footer. That story “Greed Pays!” is generated you pick a person’s “quirks” and normally you’d get 3 choices at least to find the best one.
Mark Wade said
Ben,
Email on the way…
ME Strauss said
Ben, You’re silly. I’m delighted that everyone seems impressed with where you’re going with that page.
it’s turning out cool.
where’s Steve? He’s about due?
See you next week, Sheila. Let the laundry go.
What’re you up to Joe?
Ben said
Thanks Mark, I got it.
Chris Cree said
OK. I like the way things change when you refresh OR when you click on a headline. Very cool. Very intuitive.
Chris Cree said
I don’t smell a moose yet…
Ben said
Chris - after playing with the page, what’s the next link you want to click (assuming you want to click through into the site)?
And can you do me a favour? Click TRY NOW at the top.
It takes you to a form. That’s the actual form you’d use to create a page for someone.
A couple questions:
* Too many questions?
* Too complicated looking?
(And guys, let me know when you’re sick of me jumping through the computer and strangling y’all for feedback!)
Joe said
Ben,
The new presentation shows the idea upfront. Much better than just a link in the sidebar.
This is a much better approach, I think.
The idea is right there so people can click or refresh to see what the whole thing is about.
J.
Joe said
Liz,
Nuttin’
Advice Librarian said
I have no idea what’s going on - looks like the server is having a nervous breakdown right now. I’ve lost a few comments too now - and strange things have happened to the main site as well.
Ben said
Thanks Joe.
I should send Liz a gold star…or something…
If you could input a few bits of information (your name, a recipient’s name and gender) to see how it can personalize some of the content, right on that home page, would that make it even better? Obviously we personalize more than that when you click “try now!” but that’s an idea I’m working on now — to show people that it can be personalized…
Mark Wade said
Okay youse guyzzz… time to go watch the second half of the BB game.
As usual, it’s been a blast even tho’ I couldn’t see any comment numbers hahahaha (maybe I’ll let that go someday Liz)
Have a great night all,
Mark
ME Strauss said
Hey, I just emailed steve that we were talking about him and Milton.
Joe. Nuttin doesn’t usually come with a date on it.
ME Strauss said
AdLib, your blog looks normal from here. Maybe it’s a server thing and it’ll adjust itself by tomorrow???
Advice Librarian said
Oh, yes - target:blank is IMAO a bit rude unless most of your readers use Firefox tabbed browsing; and it’s one of the things we were generally taught to be against in the usability studies course I took in Uni.
That’s because it takes away the user’s control for very little gain on your end of things…
Chris Cree said
Ben, It’s not that it’s too complicated or too many questions.
I’m just the kind of person who would balk at entering any kind of personal data for someone else (the recipient). I realize the page is generated from the information. But I’d still balk and probably hit the back button at that point.
That’s my hang-up and not what I’d consider a valid critique of your site.
ME Strauss said
Mark,
I’ll miss you laffin, but I think I’ll still hear you acroos the starry night sky.
Ben said
AdLib - I’m leaning in the direction of removing it. Somehow, sometimes, it [using target=_blank] feels…dirty…
I’m going to switch on my blog for awhile, I doubt I’ll get feedback on it, but we’ll see if it affects the user experience at all.
Chris Cree said
‘night Mark. Thanks for the tips!
Advice Librarian said
I hope it’s just a server thing - I wonder if Zend or Ioncube crashed? I’ll have to have a talk with Richard when he wakes up; it’s 3 AM in the UK now…
Chris Cree said
3 AM!!! Gadzooks!
ME Strauss said
Is (target=blank] where I can’t back out of your blog?
Ben said
Chris — someone else said that to me today too, about entering in the personal information.
Is there anything I could do on that form page to convince you it’s OK to fill out? That I’m not using the information for evil?
I never really thought of that possibility…that people wouldn’t want to fill in the personal information, since most of it is just “silly” info anyway (fantasy job, personality quirks) and not stuff like how much money they make, etc.
Joe said
AL,
I was just over at your place and things looked fine from a readers perspective.
Left a comment just to make sure it worked, and it seemed to be responsive enough, and the comment took well enough.
Joe
Ben said
[target=_blank] is what you’d add to a link in order for it to launch a new window.
In IE it launches a new window, in Firefox it might launch a new tab.
So when you want to go back to the original site it’s still there, you don’t need to use the BACK button to get there.
Advice Librarian said
Target:blank is where you force links to open in another window - a generally annoying practice. Disabling the back button is done with sneaky javascript and should be grounds for having your licence to use fingers revoked…
ME Strauss said
Thanks, I get confused when the word blank comes up. I think that’s what I’m supposed to do.
Steve Remington said
Holy shamoly batman. The hoops I have to jump through just to get back for open mike night. People stopping in, phones ringing, wife is sick, kids won’t just go to sleep….
But hey I am here. I get an A for effort…
ME Strauss said
Ah yes, AdLib, Now I remember that one is
[target_fingers ripped off and then broken]
Steve!!!! How delightful to see you!!!
Ben said
Welcome aboard Steve. Hope your wife is ok…
A+ for effort, it sounds like.
Now where’s that moose of yours?
Advice Librarian said
Heh, it’s 4:30 AM where I am - and hi there, Steve!
Joe said
Ben,
You might try a sample page using their own info, although I think people would be hesitant about giving out an email address.
Joe
Steve Remington said
Milton is drunk as a skunk. He got into my Wild Turkey and was doing shots when I came home. I’ll see if he is still coherent… brb
Chris Cree said
Ben, I think it’s a case where my old New York cynicism gets caught in a loyalty loop of not wanting to sell out my friends. In the resulting cranial short circuit, I wouldn’t want to risk that off chance that I might do something “bad†of my own volition, and I’d just hit the back button.
Like I said, though, I don’t think it’s about your site at all. I’m just not wired for it. I’m not a good test market because I’d skew the results.
Ben said
Hey Joe - we won’t ask for email address right there.
All we’ll ask for is:
Your first name / last name
The recipient’s first name / last name
The recipient’s gender (important for text changes in the stories)
That’s all we would need for you to see how we fill in the names into the stories.
I’m not sure we NEED to do this, since you can very quickly see on the page that the names in it are samples, and you can see how the stories change.
But being able to fill in a simple form like that and actually SEE the sample get personalized might be even better.
The only problem is that the form is going to clutter the page, unless I put it after the sample, in which case no one will probably see it.
Chris Cree said
Snif, snif.
I SMELL MOOSE!!
Advice Librarian said
Well, target:blank is just slightly rude, the equivalent of shouldering aside people in a crowd. Blocking functionality with javascript(disable.backbutton) is the equivalent of taking hostages and making demands…
At least in terms of usability impact…
Ben said
Fair enough Chris. Your feedback is still valuable and appreciated, good test market or not!
So thanks…
MIlton said
Hello. I’m not as think as you drunk I am.
Chris Cree said
Steve, be careful. Liz is giving out C’s tonight.
ME Strauss said
Chris,
Hold your horse. I’m sure Milton won’t let you down.
By the way, Ben. Where’s the donkey?
Joe said
@ Steve, Hey…
@Liz, Don’t blank out on me, 6/1 will be here soon enough.
@ AdLib, Why don’t you sleep at night?
@ Ben, think of what you would do on a first visit.
@ Chris, “Tommy, do you hear me?” Still here?
Steve Remington said
Giving out C’s?
Coffee
Steve Remington said
Joe you are quite the multi-tasker
Ben said
I put the donkey to work coding on the website.
He’s got a book open (Coding for Moose), but it’s upside down, and he’s typing furiously. Of course every time he hits the keyboard he hits multiple keys at once. And he drools…oh, does he drool.
Still, the code is coming along, so who am I to complain?
Chris Cree said
In her defence, I specifically requested one…
Chris Cree said
Drooling donkey. Yechtppht!
Ben said
@ Ben, think of what you would do on a first visit.
– I’d hand over all my money!!
Ok, maybe not…
@ AdLib, Why don’t you sleep at night?
– I was starting to ask the same question. At 4:30am I ain’t a pretty sight, and don’t even ask me about what the moose is doing at 4:30am…*shivers*
ME Strauss said
Actually, Chris, you really wanted Cs plural, I saw that glint in your eyes.
Joe, don’t think I don’t have an eye on you.
Ben, I’m sure glad that the donkey has found honest work.
AdLib, Here’s some special French Roast for you and Chris and anyone else who wants some.
Milton, Milton,
Misten Lister, After teen martunis you aren’t half so under the affluence of incohol as these thinkle peep you are.
Joe said
So, Milton came in on the donkey who drooled on the keyboard which short-circuited the code for the book that Ben was reading to Steve so that he could explain it to Liz who in turn translated in into Norweigan for AdLib?
ME Strauss said
You guys should read this.
http://weblog.glemak.com/nomadic_audio/
you’re stars
Chris Cree said
Guffaw @ Liz.
Chris Cree said
Joe, you’ve got to use more commas if you expect a blond like me to keep up!
Advice Librarian said
I keep odd hours, so I can come around here - but I suspect I should do the clever thing and go to sleep in a while. Once the effect of the third pot of coffee wears off anyway
Joe said
,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Chris Cree said
Ad Lib, getting too much blood in the coffee stream again? (I just love that phrase of yours.)
ME Strauss said
Did you guys read that link yet? You’re famous!
Ben said
Liz - you’re going to have to create new badges for your minions. We’re SOBs and minions. Sweet.
And Joe, I think you’ve got that right. Although Milton also happened to trip over his own feet throwing his bottle of Wild Turkey at the donkey and hitting him on the head, which caused him to fall over and land on Ben, who was trying to type out a message of incredible importance here, which ended up garbled, confusing Steve and making Liz wonder how she puts up with her minions.
Phew. Breathe. Phew. Breath again.
Joe said
So, who is that guy with the gray streaks in his hair?
You know, the one with the beard.
Let me guess…
Chris Cree said
Wait. Ben, I thought Turkey season was in the fall.
Steve Remington said
ummm errr eee… ugh!
Liz we are stars. woohoo!
First off I would like to thank my mom. If it wasn’t for her I just wouldn’t be here right now. And I am going to Disney World. Thanks Mickey…
Steve Remington said
There is a spring turkey season in Maine (May)..
Chris Cree said
So. Hanging out with Liz and her crew get me lots of C’s, and now this.
Rich & Famous! Too Cool!
Chris Cree said
OK. Steve. Wouldn’t want Milton getting in trouble for the Turkey projectile thingy that Ben mentioned.
ME Strauss said
I’m glad to see that all of those posts I’ve been doing on Power Writing and Creative Wondering are finally paying off.
We’ve got Ben over there breathing like he’s doing Lamaze, while Joe has taken off. AdLib is walking around cursing the coffee that has taken over his blog. The donkey and moose have revealed that they’re really Brad and Angelina in costume . . . and Cris is thinking a C is better for a blonde than being part of this story,
Steve Remington said
Chris, I am waiting for David Letterman to call us and invite us on his show. I am so nervous… hehe!
Chris Cree said
Ah. Letterman is on after my bed time… time…
Ohmygosh! It’s after the pumpkin hour! I really should head out.
Advice Librarian said
Can I just say that I want David Boreanz to play me in the movie?
Ben said
I’ve calmed down…trust me…I don’t want to be remembered as the “heavy breather”, especially now that we’re famous.
Not quite sure how I want to be remembered, but “heavy breather” can’t be good.
ME Strauss said
Sure, AdLIb, you can say that. Who is he?
Chris Cree said
THANK you Liz. I was afraid to ask.
Steve Remington said
Milton barfs on Ben who then projectile vomits on his donkey. Ben’s ass ran for the bathroom when he accidently stepped on the almost empty bottle of Wild Turkey when Liz went to catch the donkey. Ben yelled at Liz to get her hands off his ass when Chris accidently nudged adlibs coffee and it fell onto the rug soaking all the C’s….
ugh
Ben said
Played the vampire with a soul in the TV show Angel.
Currently one of the guys in a show called Bones — if that’s still on.
He’s been in one or two movies, I think.
http://images.google.ca/images?q=tbn:gJ35Tzdx1W-YzM:malestars.codserver.com/cnt/david_boreanaz/photos/5.jpg (not sure that link will work)
Advice Librarian said
David Boreanz played Angel on “Buffy” and the “Angel” spinoff series - looks like this
ME Strauss said
Well, I guess we have you covered AdLib.
Anyone else???
Chris Cree said
Then the conversation comes to a grinding hault whist we all try to remeber how to breathe after the convulsive laughter restulting from Steve’s post….
Ben said
Steve,
My “ass” is getting far too much attention in your run-on sentence there!
Granted Liz has always been a bit grabby when it comes to asses, or so I’ve heard.
Joe said
I’m still here, although I think that the best actor to play the part of Joe Hauckes should be John Wayne, I would be remiss if I didn’t consider Curt Russell or (who’s that guy who played in that Little China movie?) Kirk Doughlas… All in their younger years of course.
Joe said
That was “Big Trouble in Little China” Now I remember…
ME Strauss said
Ben,
You have heard no such thing about Liz.
http://lettingmebe.blogspot.com/2006/05/20th-century-chivalry-yes-it-was.html
Steve Remington said
Hey it’s your donkey. I didn’t bring him. If you don’t want to attract attention to your ass leave him home next time. Lol
Advice Librarian said
As an alternate we can go with an animated series, in which case I’ll definitely be played by “Too Much Coffe Man”…
Chris Cree said
I’ll keep the Joss Whedon theme going. I’d like to be played by Nathan Fillion because Malcom Reynolds is my kind of hero.
HART (1-800-HART) said
360 comments? *sigh .. Reader’s Digest version please!
I was watching “Last Comic Standing” .. both my wife and I are in agreement that “Hank Hill” guy (with big head) will be the ultimate Last Comic Standing Winner … trust your HART!
ME Strauss said
They all sound lovely. I’ll hold the camera.
Steve Remington said
Firefly! Woohoo. I loved those shows. Seen ‘em all and loved the movie Serenity. I am a browncoat by heart that’s for sure.
Advice Librarian said
So who gets to play Liz? Kate Blanchett?
Steve Remington said
This would be me…
Joe said
It’s eleven sixteen at night,
So I must now take flight.
It was nice seeing all of you,
But now I bid a fine adeau.
Berma Shave
Joe
Steve Remington said
OK this would be me then since that didn’t work
ME Strauss said
Good night, Joe
Sleepy swell.
Ben said
Goodnight Joe, thanks for the feedback.
ME Strauss said
Kate Blanchett? You think?
Chris Cree said
Hart:
slow start. 1000 paintings = art/notart. New folks. Brats. Three from NY. crayons. birthdays. comment numbers. new windows. hosts. site critique. moose & donkey loose. chaos ensues…
Steve Remington said
Nighters!!
HART (1-800-HART) said
I too was a fan of Firefly - but, didn’t see the movie … Was it any good?
Was a HUGE fan of other shows … and all the movies .. Star Trek, Lost in Space, Babylon 5, Farscape, et al
HART (1-800-HART) said
Chris .. thanks for update
looked at the 1000 painting site from prelude post, and everything you said makes sense to me - without reading above! lol Good Job.
Chris Cree said
I didn’t discover Firefly until the movie was in the works. The movie was quite good. Have the DVD (and I don’t have many).
Now I’m hooked on the new Dr. Who on Sci-Fi friday night.
Ben said
Serenity is definitely worth seeing. Not the best movie of all time, but entertaining - even if you weren’t a Firefly fan.
ME Strauss said
EVERYBODY: HART!
Welcome Hart. Thanks for bringimg us up to date.
You missed the famous part.
Chris Cree said
Heart, if you can follow all that you’ve got more coffee on board than Ad Lib!
Oh, yeah. Check out post 333 for the famous part!
Joe said
Ok,
One last comment before I leave…
Chris, Dr Who is the man… I used to watch the show on PBS when they were in B&W.
I guess that shows my age.
Nite all
Joe
Ben said
Alright, it’s time for me and my ass to hit the sack.
Unlike AdLib I can’t stay up too late, plus carrying my ass on my back really tires me out.
It was a great night - thank you to everyone for their feedback. If you have anymore thoughts, holler my way via email (byosko@gmail.com).
Oh, and if you guys want free subscriptions to IGotNewsForYou.com just let me know via email. I’m happy to oblige for the help you’ve given. Even you, Chris, just in case you change your mind and want to try it out!
I know Liz is going to try it out soon! Steve too! Right? Milton? Bueller?
HART (1-800-HART) said
yes! Dr. Who! I liked the original series, but watched it all, no need to watch reruns. I quite like the new series … is it a new season yet? I liked the Eccleson? guy ..there’s a new guy this season, right?
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Liz ~waves ….
No, I’m not famous .. yet! // OH! I missed the ‘famous’ .. will do a “Find” search ..
Steve Remington said
Sorry I was late guys but wife is actually really sick. I should probably go see how she is. Maybe Milton will stay around if he can make his way over to the “puter”
Nighters all!
Chris Cree said
I’m usually laughing too hard at the DR. to get the character names. Fortunately with TIVO I can pause until I’m breathing again. It bugs my wife because I’m told it’s not really as funny as all that.
ME Strauss said
I watched the orginal series. God I haven’t watched TV for a very long time.
HART (1-800-HART) said
I see .. Liz is the famous one
~waves to all her new friends! I’m HART … I usually come after hours here, and cause trouble ..I mean, entertain the masses.
Chris Cree said
Yes. I watched the original as a kid too. (”And I helped!”)
The new is different, but I think true to the original.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Ben .. I tried to sign up for your thing-a-ma-jig .. but, I did it on an empty stomach and had to shave the next day (not to suggest it took too long, but for the easily amused and low concentration factor .. you need a simple signup that you just send out perhaps, a factory setting ‘a-ma-jig’ ..
ME Strauss said
Chris, Keep that “and I hepped” stuff up and I’ll change your C to a B and then where will you be?
Hart the famous part is at comment 333.
Bye you guys!
HART (1-800-HART) said
how do you know what comment #333 is? I know if you hover your mouse over the DATE of each comment, you can see a number but they are in 5-digit range
Chris Cree said
Yes, maam.
How did you know about it within 20 minutes of his posting that blog entry?
Chris Cree said
Heart, you’re not using Firefox, are you?
Liz had the same problem.
Advice Librarian said
It only works if you use a real browser like FireFox
‘
ME Strauss said
I actually knew about it for a long time before I told you guys about it. If you read my comment on the post over there. I had been checking my stats and saw that he had been to visit. I’d never been over to see his blog. I’m a curious girl. I found out before Technorati did!
Ben said
Hey HART (I almos left but didn’t) …
Subscribing should only be a couple steps.
Go to http://www.igotnewsforyou.com/subscribe.asp.
Submit your email address + password.
It then takes you to PayPal where you pay with a PayPal account or credit card, which is the standard couple of steps that PayPal uses.
If any of that causes a problem (technical) let me know.
Of course I offered you a free subscription so just email me if you’re interested. Or you can help out a starving artist and pay…*smile*
Ok ‘night!
Chris Cree said
Ah, the old stats. Shoulda known.
HART (1-800-HART) FF said
I see the post numbers - and Liz - you need that in I.E…..
ME Strauss said
BTW, HART,
Jeremy promised the paged comments for next week. Something came up after the server move or it would have been tonight.
HART (1-800-HART) said
I posted in FF but, am in moderation - newbie user
Chris Cree said
What does “paged comments” mean?
HART (1-800-HART) said
Liz .. it should be interesting with Paged Comments.. But, since my first post tonight, I’ve been following more by just setting my email to check every minute, and the seeing it in my IN-Box the comments
I suppose I can watch it in the other browser FF and see the numbers now….
ME Strauss said
HART
You want to explain what the new plug in will do? You picked it.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Ben-Lurker .. thanks
G’nite .. Will do something - before week is up..
Chris Cree said
Liz, No worries. I’ll get the explanation another time. I need to turn in too. Thanks for another wildly successful open comment night!
HART (1-800-HART) FF said
Liz .. will do
Chris - Paged Comments is a plugin for Wordpress, that can put your posts in reverse order (like blog posts) and rather than long pages of comments, you can set it to have say, the last 10 only ..
I first found it at (the other) Martin’s site with the Best Audio Plugin Invention Since Sliced Bread .. You can see how it works there as there are over 700 comments .. great for guestbooks! I’m using it on my own guestbook at http://CurlingBlog.com/gushue/ for instance too.
You can do a net search or, if you want I can send you the URL or post it in here.. just have to load the plugin page
ME Strauss said
Chris, Basically it means you won’t have to scroll all the way down every time.
Sweet dreams. sleepy swell.
HART (1-800-HART) said
btw Liz - I’m not getting anymore weird characters in my Bloglines - I just checked…
HART (1-800-HART) said
PagedComments - URL is .. http://www.keyvan.net/code/paged-comments/
ME Strauss said
Thanks for telling me. I went in and fixed the offending post. That post had smart quotes in it. Wordpress hates those.
HART (1-800-HART) FF said
I’m not really sure what “smart quotes” are .. but, on all my WP2.0 blogs .. I go into the Users function and UN-Tick the “Use the visual rich editor when writing” tick .. I hate that!
ME Strauss said
I don’t use the Rich Text Editor either and don’t recommend it. But a piece of that post was typed in Word and imported. Smart quotes are the curly ones, that change direction depending which side they’re on–not the straight, stickline ones. They cause problems like weird characters such as ampersands do.
Advice Librarian said
Hmm, I think you might want to look into the plugin FiredogLake is using for their comments section - they habitually reach 2-300 comments - and what they use is a little javascript button that just refreshes the comment field
Dang if I know what it’s called though - I’ll have a look and see what I can find.
ME Strauss said
The one that came up two weeks ago when Martin was here was this one
http://www.keyvan.net/code/paged-comments/
That’s what I asked for
Advice Librarian said
Huh - I usually use notepad or at most wordpad when I write. Word does too much; it gets in the way of writing I feel.
Probably just me being idiosyncratic again, but I prefer the clutterless notepad to full-blown word processors.
ME Strauss said
I can’t stand having that overwide margin. It makes me crazy. The eye can’t read that wide.
Advice Librarian said
Hmm, maybe what you want is this one instead: http://gleamynode.net/wordpress/archives/106
HART (1-800-HART) said
I just usually write in the Write Box inside the blog
Ad.Lib. .. Is it this you were thinking? http://blog.jalenack.com/ajax/ I see his plugin but, not a demo yet .. still searching myself - always open to alternatives ..
ME Strauss said
I see you want the threaded part. You’re so good.
I’ll be moving to WP 2.0.2 in about 15 seconds so that won’t be the answer. . . .
Advice Librarian said
No. more like this thing - scroll down to the bottom of the page and there’s a button there that says “refresh comments”.
by the way - what do you guys think about Scotus suppressing whistleblowers in federal service?
HART (1-800-HART) said
well Liz .. you now have a barage of plugins to test in the upcoming Summer of Mic nites.
ME Strauss said
On the comment thing I really like the idea of the last comment being on top. I’m sure tired of scrolling.
On whistleblowers. I think that just makes everything worse . . .
Advice Librarian said
Yeah. I used to believe in the idea of America as the Land of the Free.
It’s very sad to see what’s happening in your politics now - I’m hoping you guys will luck through like you did in the McCarthy years and the Nixon period.
ME Strauss said
Oh we’re still the same independent people, we just go through our periods . . . like Joseph Campbell pointed out compared to other countries, we’re teenagers.
We don’t know how to take anything in stride. Everything is an angst-filled teenage experience, knee-jerk reaction, hormone-packed argrument.
I liked that description.
HART (1-800-HART) FF said
ps.. re: #418 .. said that #413
Well .. going to go into Lurk mode now - I closed my blogging this week, but think I’ll start back again tomorrow.. So, off to my Bloglines I go (besides the entertainment ones)
ME Strauss said
That 418 and 413 thing, HART was an echo. OR it was me padding the comment count.
See you tomorrow.
HART (1-800-HART) FF said
Oh okay .. (gratuitous comment to pad the comment count wrecklessly again)
G’nite everybody .. cya Tomorrow! or, around the http://WWW.
ME Strauss said
Good night HART.
Advice Librarian said
Heh, so as a nation you’re having your angsty Goth phase now and thinking of running off to join a cult? I can buy that
Looks like the party’s winding down now though, there’s just you and me left - and it’s 7 AM here now, so I suppose I should snatch some sleep too
ME Strauss said
I like your description too.
Sweet dreams, Friend
Sleep well.
Martin said
Phew, made it … Am I on time?
D’oh, 430+ comments. Damn you all for having your open mike when it’s mid-morning in my neck of the woods.
ME Strauss said
Hello Martin,
You’re not late. You’re just early for next week. You pick the time when we should start.
Liz
Joe said
Hey Liz,
You’re going to have to include instructions with the new set-up…
It took me a minute to figure out that 18 was the page.
I like it though.
Joe
HART (1-800-HART) said
It’s almost there Liz!
In your actual plugin directory.php file .. there is a line .. $paged_comments->ordering = ‘ASC’;
If you change it to the following, it will show in reverse order, so the last comment is actually first, not at the end of the last page
$paged_comments->ordering = ‘DESC’;
(there are other options in there too fyi)
ME Strauss said
Okay I’ll give it a try.
ME Strauss said
The original line of code is not in the file.
HART (1-800-HART) said
I don’t know what to say . it would be in..
http://successful-blog.com/wp-content/plugins/page-comments.php file ..
I’ll go browse the plugin site..
ME Strauss said
I Was looking in the wrong place.
Can we fix the alternate colors too?
HART (1-800-HART) said
oh - I’ve got the old version 1.0 for my wp1.5.2 blog .. the new version 2.0 shows something like “show_all_ordering “
HART (1-800-HART) said
hmm.. alternate colors .. maybe! I don’t know .. i’ll look at my code - ps .. I see numbers on the posts now in I.E… if all else fails.. THAT WORKS! :p to all FF users.
ME Strauss said
I need to wait the files aren’t writeable at this end.
HART (1-800-HART) said
well, it sounds like you found it
waiting isn’t too bad. In the meantime, I couldn’t figure out how to do alternating colors.. I’m no designer! But, I could ask for a favor in the meantime, while you are waiting..
I seem to have two emails subscribed to these comments .. (at) PetLvr.com and (at)1800HART (dot) com .. Your unsubscribe/manage subscriptions does NOT work. Can you please unsubscribe the PetLvr email address? I used that the other day as it was the default in my Firefox browser, but now I’m getting two emails of every post I’ve subscribed to. T.I.A.
ME Strauss said
cool sure.