August 1, 2006
The Mic is on and We’re in OZ!
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:00 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
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.
The rules are simple — be nice.
Tonight we’re in OZ!
We might talk about
- Dorothy and Toto
- The Scarecrow,
- The Tinman,
- The Cowardly Lion
- The Munchins,
- The Witches,
- The Flying Monkeys
- A Horse of a Different Color
- and OZ himself
AND THE EVER POPULAR,
Basil the code-writing donkey.
–Me “Liz” Strauss
Related article
The Mic Is Open in Nashville — Let the Music Move You!
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308 Comments to “The Mic is on and We’re in OZ!”
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Advice Librarian said
Sorry I missed last time - can I still do a musical number?
ME Strauss said
Sure what did you have in mind?
Joe said
Hey guys,
It has to be Yellow Brick Road…
Advice Librarian said
This one!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwc5YSAc-7g
I’m not much into country music, but since we were in Nashville and all, I would have brought a country music number
Joe said
Woahhhhh, we’re in OZ, aren’t we???
ME Strauss said
AdLIb,
If you keep talking about last week, Joe is going to call a time warp!
Joe said
Sorry, I was in a time warp, I thought we were in the here and now…
Advice Librarian said
Hehe - I suppose it can be something of an Oz moment when a long-haired heavy metal-listening Unix hacker like me confesses to quite liking the Dixie Chicks
ME Strauss said
Joe,
You and I are in the here and now. AdLIb is trying to capture last week. He’s going to break out singing “Thanks for the Memories” any minute.
Joe said
Ok,
Name your favorite part of the Movie.
I like the Flying Monkeys Best…
ME Strauss said
I think I like Munchkinland, or maybe the field of poppies, could be the Emerald City, the tornado . . . hmmmmm
Joe said
You know, where they rip the Scarcrow apart and take Toto to the Haunted Castle.
ME Strauss said
Yeah, I know that part. Then they dress in the uniforms and sneak into the castle.
Advice Librarian said
Hmm - the first movie with Garland? Never seen that, but I quite liked “Return to Oz” - the Gnome King was cool. Quite dated effects when I saw it, but still a neat movie.
ME Strauss said
You never saw the original. You must! You must!
It’s the original!!
Joe said
Yeah Liz,
They’re climbing the mountain and the Lion says “I hop my strength holds out” and the TinMan says “I hope your Tail holds out”…
ME Strauss said
Though I did like the Gnome King.
Here have a cool one, you guys.
Rick said
Hi Liz, Joe, AdLib!
My wife’s name is Glenda, so you know who her favorite character is. Me, I kind of like the doorman and the Wizard while he’s still in Kansas.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Hey all…good to be here traipsing along the yellow brick road. As long as we don’t have to face any of those flying monkeys. *shivers*
Rick said
They made a Return to Oz? When did that come out?
ME Strauss said
Hey Rick!
So I was about 13. How old were you guys when you figured out that the same guy played all of those characters?
ME Strauss said
Hey Ben!
No monkey sightings so far. Did you see any in Vancouver?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Nope, no monkeys in Vancouver. A lot of high priced condos and some great Thai and Japanese food though. Mmmm…
Hi all!
Advice Librarian said
1985 - http://imdb.com/title/tt0089908/ - though there was a 1964 tv thingy of the same name that I’d never even heard of before looking at the imdb just now. (Imdb - the Internet’s gift to movie nerds.)
Joe said
Ok, one man played… The Wizard, the Doorman, the Coachman, Professor Marvel, the Guard and I think one more character.
I don’t remember the actors name, but multiple roles are hard to play.
Rick said
I was 19 before I even knew any of it was in color.!My folks just had a black and white TV. I think I was 14 0r 15 before I realized the doorman, the Professor, and Oz were all the same character.
ME Strauss said
Yeah, and then the guys on the farm and the Lion, Tinman and Scarecrow took longer for me to figure out.
Joe said
Liz, You said about the one actor while I was still typing the characters… Hmmm time warp?
Rick said
I never realized he was all of those. The actor was Frank Morgan.
ME Strauss said
No time warp, Joe. Blogger synchronicity.
Advice Librarian said
You guys are making me feel my youth here
Joe said
Rick, How could you know the actors name and not know he played all of those charactors?
ME Strauss said
AdLib,
Youth is a good thing!
Rick said
I just looked it up at the <a href=”http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/”>IMDB</a>. Plus, we have it on DVD and a few years ago we played it at the theatre when the anniversary edition came out.
Advice Librarian said
Well, since I’m staring at 35 on the 12th of August, I’m no spring chicken anymore either, really.
ME Strauss said
Ah, an AdLIb birthday coming . . . a LEO
ME Strauss said
Hey Ben
Does Basil like a horse of a different color?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Happy bday in advance AdLib. Hope you have a great one…
Ben Yoskovitz said
Liz — a horse of a different color? What now? Did I miss something?
Rick said
Happy Birthday, AdLib! You still got the best coming. At work I’ve decided old age starts at 80. Anyone younger is still a kid.
ME Strauss said
Ben,
When Dorothy et al leave the poppy fields and enter the Emerald City they see a horse that changes colors and it’s called a horse of a different color.
Rick said
We’re in the Emerald City, Ben. Do you think Basil would like it there?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Ahhh…sorry, I’m not that familiar with Wizard of Oz. Sure I’ve seen it, but I didn’t catch all those details!
I can’t be sure if Basil likes the horse of a different color or not. Secretly I think he’s into romance novels but he’ll deny it.
Btw, did you send him packing to Chris, and if so, by what means?
Chris Cree said
Oz never did give nothin’ to the Tin Man,
That he didn’t
Didn’t already have….
Susan Reynolds said
Hi all! Speaking of the horse . . . I come bearing goodies in the form of a big Liz Strauss, Open Mic surprise - and it’s even on your assigned theme Liz. Click on my name and look for an image . . .
Advice Librarian said
Thanks, guys
I recall feeling somewhat miffed at my dad’s 50ieth birthday, when all the guests were saying things like “welcome to the ranks of the grownups” - but now I quite appreciate the thought that I don’t have to start acting my age until I hit fifty
ME Strauss said
Ben,
The package is taped up and ready to go complete with a copy of the menu from Biggs and a personal note from me. I’m thinking I’ll send it via UPS 2nd tomorrow.
Joe said
AdLib,
I am a bit over that and I still don’t act my age…
Rick said
That’s awesome, Susan!
Ben Yoskovitz said
Hi Susan,
That’s C-O-O-L. ‘Nuff said.
Advice Librarian said
Oh, that’s sweet, Susan!
ME Strauss said
Susan,
That is INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL. Wow.
Thank you. I’m speechless.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Thanks Liz.
Guys, we’re having an insane storm here, if I lose power…well…that’ll be that. So if I stop responding you’ll know why.
Liz — I hope you can write one more “send-off” post, and you know everyone wants a picture of you with the DVDs! Come on Liz!
And Susan - that’s so C-O-O-L. I said that already, but it needed repeating.
ME Strauss said
Chris Cree
Comes in the door singing.
Sing some more, Chris.
Susan Reynolds said
blush - so you will all feel included, you can grab a little goodie at http://susanreynolds.blogs.com/ozbadge180×200.jpg - just right click on the graphic and share the liz love
Susan Reynolds said
I think Basil and the horse will get along fine. I can’t wait to play host!
Chris Cree said
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There’s a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
ME Strauss said
Ben,
The son has the camera at college and the power to put the pix on the computer.
Joe said
Hey Susan,
That’s awsome.
Chris Cree said
Liz, you should never abdicate to much power to the younger generation. Remember Logan’s Run?
ME Strauss said
Chris
You put Judy Garland to shame. Your voice is ever so much purer. You singing an Starbucker dancing. We could take this show on the road.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Liz — will he be available to snap a shot? If you have to mail me a regular picture (*shiver* do people still use those *grin*) then you can do that too.
I know everyone here wants to see Liz and Basil together!
Ben Yoskovitz said
Susan - that links doesn’t seem to work.
And I’m tickled pink (if it’s possible for me to be tinkled pink) that you’ve signed up to the list and will receive Basil and the DVDs. I know he can’t wait.
He’s already told me he’s going to beg for you to paint a portrait (the donkey’s got an ego, what can I say!)
Chris Cree said
If Starbucker could have taught Basil to dance, then we could have gone out on the road!
Susan Reynolds said
I’m reading over comments, catching up. You’ve attracted a talented group, Liz. Complete with singing no less! The question is, will we have dancing along the yellow brick road. Just keep those flying monkeys away.
Joe said
Ben, are you sure you want to have a Beauty and the Beast picture on the Web?
Advice Librarian said
Logan’s Run? Hmm - yes, that was an interesting idea.
ME Strauss said
Oh Chris,
I do remember Logan’s Run. Think I should start running now?
ME Strauss said
Maybe we’ll take a pix with the phone and email it to you. tee-hee
cat said
* Dorothy and Toto
* The Scarecrow,
* The Tinman,
* The Cowardly Lion
* The Munchins,
* The Witches,
* The Flying Monkeys
* A Horse of a Different Color
* and OZ himself
and Jade …
Never heard of Jade? I thought not.
When I was growing up, my father was a producer of musicals. For a handful of years he was involved with a struggling family theater in California. We (yes, I was pulled in on a rouse) ended up doing over 100 shows of the Wizard of Oz. All up and down the state of CA.
Since I’ve never seen nor heard of a Jade in any production of the Wizard of Oz before or since, I can only assume the part was written in for me at the request of my father. He was like that.
Jade was dressed up all in green (surprise) satin. Just like the lass in ‘I dream of Jeanie’. A midriff outfit, it had a tiny top fitted with sequins and shiny bits and long satin green skirt that twirled.
My part? The personal assistance of the Wizard. They even threw in a dance number, a song, and a scream scene when the storm hit.
Memories. I have a few. And if you know anything about theater groups, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
cat
Ben Yoskovitz said
Joe - absolutely! Basil was adamant that he be photographed with Liz. But only on his right side, which he considers his “good side.” Whatever, Basil. Stick to programming, I say.
Advice Librarian said
Well, run more, live longer - isn’t that what the joggers say?
Chris Cree said
Hey Cat! Was it traumatic or fantastic? I can’t tell from your explanation.
Ben Yoskovitz said
cat — hi! And that’s cool. Your dad changed Wizard of Oz, an uber-classic, just for you. Sounds amazing to me.
Liz - camera picture is fine. Not the best quality but we’ll take it. The community can’t be denied, ya know…
Joe said
Liz, You don’t have to start running until you reach “30″
It’s too late for me, but you can still run, can’t you?
Chris Cree said
Ad Lib, are we talking about joggers? I was looking for the conversation about bloggers. I must be in the wrong room. *he, he*
ME Strauss said
Cat,
How wonderful! No wonder you live your bohemian lifestyle and hang out with this crew!
Advice Librarian said
Hmm - Liz(ard) of Oz or A Liz in Wonderland?
Susan Reynolds said
drat - I can’t figure out how to link to where the “I went to oz with Liz” badge was so I’ve stuck it in the blog at http://tinyurl.com/rz3ja
Feel free to right click and use at will.
ME Strauss said
Joe,
I don’t do “run.” There’s always a bus after this one.
Joe said
Ok,
Who played the “which old witch the wicked witch”?
Advice Librarian said
Speaking of joggers, I’m not one - and I always find it strangely comforting that the founder of the jogging movement diend of a heart attack while out running, at age 54.
Shameful, really - someone dying is mostly just tragic.
Joe said
She also played the old hag that took Toto away.
Joe said
AND the Folgers Coffee Lady
Chris Cree said
I ran track in HS. Rowed Crew and ran Cross Country in College. Then spent 6 years in the Navy running about 20 miles-ish a week. I had my fill.
Now I only run when chased.
ME Strauss said
Margaret Hamilton.
Joe said
Yeah Liz!!!
ME Strauss said
i’m with you AdLib. I only jog in my head. Sometimes I jog my memory. Sometimes I go zen jogging.
Ben Yoskovitz said
If you type really really fast it’s almost as good as going jogging. Seriously.
Chris Cree said
Susan’s badge is Here.”
And it is WAY COOL!
ME Strauss said
AdLib
I think Chris missed the story of your Grandpa and the tractor.
ME Strauss said
Cat
I went to enough theater parties to know what you were talking about. I was a theater minor in college. Now I’ve got that song “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” stuck in my head. Which, weirdly enough always reminded me of the professor’s trailer.
Chris Cree said
No. I distinctly remember Grandpa jogged himself with the tractor!
And now I’m laughing all over again!
cat said
Chris,
I would have to say that it was not a popular talent to have in High School … knowing the entire script of the Wizard of Oz.
But it began way before that. My parents started into theater when I was little. Standard four (think fourth grade or so for American). If my parents couldn’t get baby sitters (my brothers were not always ‘good’ little boys) we’d be taken to the theater during rehearsal and told to be quiet. Hours upon hours of sitting and fidgeting. Along the way, learning all the lines of whatever was the show of the season.
Memorizing … learning how to pull that off under pressure has done me in good stead. I got a job as a Mudlogger due to being able to memorize their entire Shell manual before the job interview. Nothing like being able to fake a geology degree from A&M after two weeks of flat out study
I can only say that it was interesting growing up in a theater family. Instead of doing normal little girl and teen things things (going to the mall, hanging with my friends) I spent my evenings and weekends memorizing parts, painting sets and traveling around doing this and that show.
When I was older, I’d get home from school and be driven downtown (45min away) and not get back most evenings until the wee hours. So, perhaps 4 - 5 hours before I had to be in class. When we were preparing for a show, at times it was only an hour or so after being dropped off before I had to leave for school.
One night, very late (I believe it was something like 4am actually) I tripped over some paint on the set and tracked it all over the place. From that point on, I was known as ‘toe jam’. We all had names. Strange names some of them.
Memories …
Advice Librarian said
Heheh - oh, quite apropos of nothing, isn’t this little guy adorable?
(Hope that link works….)
ME Strauss said
Chris,
You’re tech as well as singer.
Cat,
You’re going to have to run the road crew and keep us in line.
Chris Cree said
Wow!
What’s a mudlogger?
cat said
Liz,
“No wonder you live your bohemian lifestyle and hang out with this crew!”
Again, you are spot on! A bit difficult settling down in the suburbs when there is this strange need to always have something different.
Joe said
They’re the ones who pull the logs through the mud, silly
Chris Cree said
Ad Lib, What was that? Alien? Photoshop? What???
Advice Librarian said
They’re the ones who analyze the contents of the drilling mud (residue/sludge) from oil drilling operations…
Mudflappers are something a little …different.
ME Strauss said
AdLib’s thing looks like a snail I dated once.
Susan Reynolds said
Now THAT is what I call a line that will make the highlights, liz
ME Strauss said
Susan,
I guess I caught myself off guard. All right. I’ll make sure to include it.
Ben Yoskovitz said
I’m not even going to venture a guess as to what that image was…something popped into my head, but I don’t think it’s appropriate here. Not when we’re talking about children’s favorites like Oz…
Chris Cree said
Liz, comment 102 won’t look good out of context. I’m just saying…
Advice Librarian said
It’s a deep-sea squid I found on the New Scientist web site while browsing just now… yes, I read science magazines for fun, why do you ask?
“Piglet Squid
Perhaps a species of Helicocranchia. Its cartoon-character appearance is a result of its habit of swimming upside down, which makes its tentacles look like hair.”
Another strange one is this one - “Cirrate Octopod
Probably Vampyroteuthis infernalis, meaning “vampire squid from hell”. It has a skirt-like skin membrane around its legs, and ear-like fins above the eyes. “
ME Strauss said
#106 From Chris the guy who wanted to name the donkey Jack.
ME Strauss said
AdLib,
Quit showing pictures of guys I used to date.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Keep your pig squid away from my donkey.
Joe said
Maybe it’s just me, but I think this conversation is getting really, really weird…
Chris Cree said
I’m still going to have that discussion with Basil when he gets here. I still think Jack is a good, if unimaginative, name for a donkey.
ME Strauss said
Lions, and tigers, and bears, Oh My!
Advice Librarian said
Ok, I’ll remove the piglet squid from his head, and put this vampire squid on instead, is that ok?
Deep sea creatures are … odd. Like this annelid worm - you couldn’t use these in a movie really; people would think they were CGI.
Ben Yoskovitz said
The annelid worm reminds me of Jabba the Hut.
cat said
Chris,
A mudlogger is a hydrocarbon well logging technician. It’s a geologist with at least a 2 year degree. These days they are even more educated, but it’s still the bottom of the industry as far as prestige goes.
What I’d do is live on oil rigs, working 12 hour towers, for 4weeks plus (some jobs are six months). Mudloggers had trailers with all the equipment to log the samples that came back up with the drilling mud.
I took the night shift as I was scared of heights and would often have to climb up to where the roughnecks worked to confer about the pipe tally.
It works like this - a drill goes down into the earth, and with the assistance of drilling mud (thick or thin, depending on what they are drilling through) brings back earth.
A mudlogger takes samples at intervals - it could be on the hour, but it all depends how fast they are drilling and how close they are to where they are headed.
The samples are sometimes run through tests to determine what they are comprised of (is there oil present?). Each sample is described by peering through a microscope - what they are (sand, shale, bits of body parts), what shape (sharp, rounded, etc) and their colour. Along with the pipe tally (that’s how you know how deep you’ve drilled) a log is drawn up in detail.
Sometimes the mudlogger is asked to take a shot at tops, meaning when they are going through a known change in geology. Maps from the surrounding wells (if any) are usually on hand to help determine what you should be drilling through and at what level. When to expect to hit oil (wishful thinking), or where to watch out for overpressure so the well does not blow.
So there you have it, why the name ‘Mudlogger’.
There’s much more to it than that, but I believe you can get the picture. (and I haven’t made my way through my first pot of tea for the day so it’s sketchy)
Christine Kane said
Who’s representing the Lollipop Guild?
Chris Cree said
That last pick of Ad Lib’s looks like Steve Dallas’ Mom from Bloom County!
Christine Kane said
And Liz, I’m with Chris. Comment #102 could be held against you for quite some time!
ME Strauss said
Christine!
Just when I need a friendly face!
Advice Librarian said
I have no idea - I’m here as the stand-in for the Librarian’s Guild.
Hmm. My favourite fictional librarian is Lucien from Neil Gaiman’s “Sandman” series - mostly because he’s got the universe’s largest library to take care of….
Chris Cree said
Finally a REAL singer. Hey Christine!
They’ve been putting up with my bellowing tonight.
Oh, Liz, My last comment got moderated. Sorry.
Chris Cree said
Cat, It always amazes me how most industries practically have their own language that you have to learn to work in them. The Oil business seems to have even more terms than most.
Christine Kane said
Chris has been singing? If I only had the nerve?
Rick said
Don’t let him fool you, Christine. Chris sounded good. He’s got the soundtrack down pat.
ME Strauss said
If I only had a heart!
Rick said
If I only had a brain…
Christine Kane said
Was cat’s discussion on oil and mudloggers (did i get that right cat?) spawned on by the tin man needing oil?
Christine Kane said
now chris, i believe rick and liz are ganging up on you!
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Hey everyone. I apologize for my late-ness. I was distracted by the Herman Miller Aeron chair equivalent of cordless phones.
ME Strauss said
Aw Christine, I was only following your lead.
Advice Librarian said
Industry-specific language can be quite intriguing and confusing at the same time - what exactly is a “Best boy”? I know what a wrangler is, but what does a “Senior grip” do? Uh, yes, I read movie credits, why do you ask?
Industry-specific language is absolutely neccesary - it’s a lot easier to say “mudlogger” than “junior geologist looking at bits of drilling sludge to determine what the drill is dealing with” every time you need to refer to one, isn’t it?
cat said
Chris,
“The Oil business seems to have even more terms than most.”
When I was in the business (I was in one of the only all girl mudlogging teams), the equipment had names of female body parts. Now they’ve cleaned up their act … how boring.
But back to see the Wizard … I now have the Munchkins song trilling through my head!
ME Strauss said
Hey Doug,
There’s no such thing as late on Open Comments. Great to see you!
Christine Kane said
i know liz. i was laughing because i so carefully didn’t use the scarecrow’s verse! (and I like the way the lion says, “noive.”)
hi douglas…
Ben Yoskovitz said
Hey Doug!
And I agree with AdLib - industry-specific language can be a necessity, but sometimes, particularly in the tech industry it just gets plain stupid. Stupid buzzwords…at least they’re good for laughing at.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Liz, I’m normally here right at 8 PM. However, today is different.
Hi Christine. How are you?
Chris Cree said
If I were King of the Forest,
Not queen, not duke, not prince…
Rick said
Hi Douglas!
Christine Kane said
he’d tear em from top to bottommuss!
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Hi Rick, Hi Ben! I agree that some tech-industry buzz words are insane.
Chris Cree said
Each rabbit would show respect to me.
The chipmunks genuflect to me.
Though my tail would lash,
I would show compash
For every underling!
cat said
” it’s a lot easier to say “mudlogger” than “junior geologist looking at bits of drilling sludge to determine what the drill is dealing with” every time you need to refer to one, isn’t it?”
Hydrocarbon well logging technician, but yes, that’s a mouthful. (And I hated the word ‘technician’ …)
Christine Kane said
so, cat…are you now a mudblogger?
Joe said
Favorite:
Ding-dong the witch is dead. Which old witch? The Wicked Witch. Ding-dong the Wicked Witch is Dead.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
I was in the cellphone story the other day and the guy’s nametag said something like:
Paul
Mobile Telecommunications Sales Representative
which is code for:
Paul
Cell Phone Sales Rep.
Joe said
DON’T TELL ME THERE IS NO TIME WARP!!!
Everyone must be typing at the same time.
Next thing you know, there will be 20 comments to read…
Service Untitled - Douglas said
I meant to say store*, not story.
Chris Cree said
Perhaps we could promote Fight the bull to combat jargon in the workplace?
Rick said
Lion wasn’t your hero, was he Chris?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Doug - the question is: did Paul provide GREAT customer service?
Time warp…reminds me of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
It’s astounding.
Time is fleeting.
Madness…takes its toll.
Chris Cree said
Who doesn’t want to be brave?
Me I always ran from fights. Hence the track. And the Crew. And the Cross Country…
ME Strauss said
Hey Chris,
Thanks for the Fight the Bull link. I’ve been looking for that since the old one went away.
Joe said
Chris, I can’t believe that from someone who flew Jets…
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Ben - unfortunately, like most of his colleagues, Paul (which I don’t think was actually his name) was a moronic idiot. I could post:
“Do not hire moronic idiots.”
on Service Untitled, but I don’t think people would take me as seriously.
Rick said
I thought it worked with story. Every encounter with the telecoms is another episode.
At least most professions get whole words. In programming we’re stuck with a bunch of initials - IT, WTL, PHP, C++, ad infinitum…
Ben Yoskovitz said
Let’s do the time warp again!
It’s just a jump to the left…
And then a step to the right…
With your hands on your hips.
And your knees in tight.
Oh man…well it’s better than having Dora the Explorer in my head. Phew.
Chris - that’s a great link. Too bad the blog is super outdated.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Rick, I agree Enough with the acronyms! Sometimes you just want to go all chatspeak and go and say WTF or for those of you are less profane, WTH.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Doug - I bet if you posted something with that title it would generate a lot of traffic.
Brian Clark said
Howdy.
Advice Librarian said
YHBT, HTH, HAND?
ME Strauss said
Hey Brian!
Welcome. Who doesn’t know Brian?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Hey Brian…welcome. Nice to see you around.
“With a bit of a mind flip”
“You’re into the time slip”
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Ben, you think so? Liz knows a lot about blogging. What do you think, Liz?
Brian Clark said
This party has gotten wild as usual I see.
Rick said
Hi Brian! I’m glad to meet you.
Brian Clark said
Hey Rick, how are you?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Doug - ask Brian too. He’s the headline writing guru.
I think if you added in a number, so it was a numbered list it would be even better:
5 Reasons Not to Hire Moronic Idiots.
Chris Cree said
Hey Brian!
And Joe. Unfortunately the record must be set right. I didn’t actually fly the jets. I merely rode in them and told the pilot where to go.
Sometimes using very colorful words.
The US Navy is a strange place. But even they had the sense not to let someone with my Coke bottle vision do the actual flying.
Although it was an arguably braver thing not actually being in control…
Advice Librarian said
Chris - that’s what my sensei said!
First time in the beginner’s karate class, sensei said “Ok, we’ll start out with the best way to avoid losing fights”.
Then he made us run for 20 minutes.
ME Strauss said
I think the title “Don’t hire stupid idiots” is a good one. What do you think, Brian? You’re the expert.
Joe said
Hey Brian, Just in time for the insanity
Service Untitled - Douglas said
I could do that, it’d be a bit of a lighthearted post, which my blog could use every now and then. I do try and put an occasional joke in a post every now and then, though.
Brian, what do you think? (Read the comments I’ve posted starting on page 7) Liz?
Rick said
AdLIb, I’m lost! I barely now how to do a smiley:) I got you have been trolled. What are the other ones?
Chris Cree said
Christine Kane said
Chris, you did ALL that, and now you’re in a chat room singing “if i were king of the forest.” You’ve worked your way up in the world baby!
Hi brian..
Brian Clark said
Give Me Five Minutes — And I’ll Show You How to Eliminate Moronic Idiots From Your Life For Once and For All
Advice Librarian said
You Have Been Trolled, Hope That Helps, Have A Nice Day
Joe said
So, Chris,
You were Goose and not Maverick…
Service Untitled - Douglas said
But Brian, it’s about business! So getting rid of moronic idiots from business, specfically customer service departments. Just checked out your blog and loving it so far. Sending you an email via your contact form now.
Christine Kane said
joe, lol! goose doesn’t have a very good end as i recall???
Advice Librarian said
So, Christine, what do you think of the music I linked to on the first page?
Brian Clark said
Who Else Wishes There Were No Moronic Idiots Working in Customer Service?
Brian Clark said
It’s late, I’m tired, I may not be dishing out my best stuff.
Especially off the cuff.
Chris Cree said
Yeah, That’s how I’d explain that job. “I was like Goose. But I lived.”
Just once in my life I’d like to be able to say one word and have folks understand something about what I do.
Marine Surveyor doesn’t do it now, either.
Christine Kane said
ad lib, i didn’t see it… where? (and i generally don’t give my opinions on people’s music tastes, having been reviewed by every major paper from every angle and opinion possible. i no longer put much faith in opinions!)
Joe said
Yeah Christine, he didn’t even make it til the end of the movie. Unfortunately, that took Meg Ryan out too
Advice Librarian said
Nah, Brian. If we’re doing the classics, it should be: “Does your customer service staff make these moronic mistakes?”
Brian Clark said
No fair.. that was my next rip off!
Christine Kane said
And Meg Ryan was cute as a button in that film as I recall…
Chris Cree said
Brian is the headline MASTER. But I read his post and want to take a crack at it.
Who Else Wants the Secret of Little Known Ways to Get rid of Hired Moronic Idiots Once and For All
How’d I do?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Alright folks, I have to call it a night. A bit early but I slept like garbage last night and I’m beat.
Liz — I think Basil might still be with you, so tell him to get in touch tomorrow and let me know how he’s getting to Savannah. That way I can let people know.
And send a picture! *smile*
Chris — once we know how Basil is traveling to Savannah, we’ll know when he’s expected there so you can get ready. Good luck…
Christine Kane said
And we have a winner with Chris Cree, the Goose that lived!
Brian Clark said
You forgot “sure-fire” in between “known” and “ways,” but otherwise I think you hit them all, Chris.
Advice Librarian said
Oh, is it rerun time already?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwc5YSAc-7g - Dixie Chicks’ “Not Ready to Make Nice”.
I’m usually more of a hard rock/metal/punk guy, but even if that’s nominally country, it’s got that spirit of incandescent rage against everything that’s wrong about the world that I appreciate in my usual music fare.
Joe said
Christine, I have been in infatuation with her ever since.
Chris Cree said
I think that could be the title of my next blog: The Goose that Lived!
Only Goose was definitely NOT my call sign.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
That’s a good one, Brian.
Who Else Wishes There Were No Moronic Idiots in Customer Service?
Rick said
Yeah, Chris! It’s always good to have someone come back safe, even if their job title is less than enlightening (though it does make a conversation opener).
Good night, Ben. Sleep well tonight.
Brian Clark said
Goose died, but Maverick lived on to embarrass himself on Oprah.
ME Strauss said
Brian,
You are indeed the master.
ME Strauss said
Sweet dreams, Ben.
I’ll pass the message to Basil.
Joe said
Ok, Chris, What WAS your call sign???
Christine Kane said
Aw Joe, I’ll be she likes you too!
Ad Lib, i’ll go check it out. are there more songs besides that one? (I don’t know youtube yet.) That’s not my favorite one of theirs. “long time gone” is my favorite…mostly cuz i know the writer. but it’s a great song!
Joe said
Nite Ben,
Don’t worry about Basil, I hear Chris is a nice guy.
Chris Cree said
One of the reasons I got out was that I got tired of going to memorial services. I lost two buddies in crashes and I was in (mostly) during peace time.
Chris Cree said
Dream on Joe! I’ll not tell.
That was evil Chris. He’s dead. We killed him.
ME Strauss said
Brian,
You should check out Christine’s music. Click her name.
Joe said
Chris, if you don’t tell, then we will have to guess… JACK???
Service Untitled - Douglas said
See ya Ben! Have a good night.
ME Strauss said
Chris,
Did you see Vander Well when you were in Chicago?
Advice Librarian said
YouTube’s got this “Playlist” feature on the right side showcasing other video materials - I think your favourite is on there somewhere too. Should I find it for you?
Rick said
I was on a training base in peacetime. Even there we lost two pilots.
Chris Cree said
Liz, I missed Tom too. I was working like crazy when he was in town and he had family commitments.
Joe, Keep Guessing. But I’ll still not tell.
Christine Kane said
AdLib, I coudn’t make it load. my computer’s misbehaving!
Brian Clark said
Christine, good stuff. Glad to see you’ve got a smart business model, too.
Joe said
NOW for something completely different…
We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderfull wizard of Oz…
Rick said
Glinda Goodwitch is saying it’s time to click my heels together three times. Everyone have a good sleep tonight watching the munchkins frolic.
Christine Kane said
Thanks Brian.
Chris Cree said
Rick, aviation is serious business. I don’t think most folks realize how dangerous some of the stuff our military does as a matter of routine really is.
ME Strauss said
Good night, Rick,
Thanks for coming.
Sleep well and no fleas!
Brian Clark said
Christine, are you based out of Nashville or NC (or other)?
Joe said
Nite Rick
Christine Kane said
i’m gonna join rick. (well, not really.) but i’m pooped too. and i’m going to the y in the a.m.
good night all! and thanks liz! (and thanks again for the kindly words today. sorry i was a little spooky!)
Rick said
Thanks, Liz. They’re pretty well licked. Good night.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Goodnight Rick. See you next week!
Christine Kane said
Brian, I’m in Asheville, NC. I travel to nashville for co-writing, photos and my last cd was recorded there. But this year, i’m taking time off from touring to write for another cd.
Joe said
Nite Christine
Advice Librarian said
No worries, Christine - look it up tomorrow when your computer’s had a good night’s sleep
Brian Clark said
Well, I guess I’ll turn in too…
Chris Cree said
Night Rick.
Christine, I’m glad you are writing. Then you’ll have even more good stuff for when you finally do come to Savannah!
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Christine - perhaps I’m stupid (I wish I had a brain), but where do I find your music on the front page or something? I think I’m missing something quite obvious here.
ME Strauss said
Good Night, Christine,
I’m always just a keyboard away. You know where to find me. Sleep well.
Christine Kane said
Chris, the Charleston Ballet just came up to asheville to meet with me…they’re gonna choreograph a ballet to my music…and i’ll be performing with them at a festival next spring. you’re not far from charleston right? maybe it’ll be a tour thing and i’ll be back at SCAD…
Joe said
Nite Brian.
Chris, do you think that Christine will be there in time for Basil?
Advice Librarian said
Oh, here’s a music number for you all to sleep on - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6FsW-hfDDs or wake up to, as the case may be…
ME Strauss said
Good night, Brian.
Thanks for coming. It’s great to see you around here. Really.
cat said
Apologies, I had to work …
“so, cat…are you now a mudblogger?”
I’m now a web designer and project manager of Creative Latitude and NO!SPEC. My company site is here –>> http://www.katzidesign.com/
Christine Kane said
okay, i really am going to bed now…
my music’s on iTunes. but if you go to my blog, everything’s in the side bar. or click on CD’s and Lyrics on my homepage and you can listen to stuff on REalPlayer. (or on iTunes.)
Thanks y’all! Sleep tight!
ME Strauss said
Doug,
In case no one has said so yet, just click Christine’s name. Then click thru to listen to her CDs.
Brian Clark said
Night everyone… take care Liz — and call me if you still need to, uh… call me.
cat said
Playing catchup here … 60 messages just landed in my inbox.
“… jets. I merely rode in them and told the pilot where to go.”
Sounds like a job I’d enjoy
Chris Cree said
Christine, Charleston is spittin’ distance. I was up there yesterday. I’ll keep my eyes peeled and see if Gorgeous and I can make it up there.
ME Strauss said
Thanks Brian,
I do. I just don’t want to take advantage.
Brian Clark said
Hmmmm… I didn’t know it was going to be that kind of call.
Joe said
Cat, Maybe Chris will tell You his Call Sign…
Ask, ya never know…
ME Strauss said
You’re just too good-looking, Brian.
Chris Cree said
Cat, one of the hardest parts was finding a place to pee at about hour 4 strapped in the ejection seat. The Navy’s solution to that problem wasn’t exactly gender friendly, if you know what I mean.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Night Brian and Christine.
ME Strauss said
What I meant was I want to make sure I know what I want to talk about.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
I don’t have RealPlayer or iTunes and don’t want either, ugh. I’ll bookmark it and come back to it with my other computer, which happens to have RealPlayer. Need to make them mp3, so pretty much anyone can listen to them.
Brian Clark said
OK… peace out people.
Chris Cree said
Night Brian.
Whew! It’s a mass exodus! I might just play the part of the lemming tonight and head off to sleepy time myself.
Enjoyed it everyone, as I always do.
Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue.
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
I am downloading a nifty convertor. Let’s see how this goes.
Advice Librarian said
Chris, did you read this yet?
Combat Readiness
frightening
What the !\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\”#¤\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\”#¤\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\”# are the REMF\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\’s in charge doing to the actual people in uniform?
cat said
Chris,
I can indeed imagine the discomfort! Especially for females …
I had similar problems running around Arkansas when we were tripping. It’s not what you think. Tripping is when they’d pull all the pipe out to change the drill bit we got two towers off.
We were in the country side so there were no toilets anywhere for lasses. And since we were in Corelab uniforms (bright orange coveralls, all in one piece) … you can understand how much more complicated it became.
As usual, the guys had it easy.
… ok, remind me, how did we get here ???
Service Untitled - Douglas said
And it didn’t work.
Joe said
Liz, I had a great time tonight
those flying monkeys gave me a freight.
When we went to Oz with you
No one really had a clue
That when we got to the end
The Rainbow wasn’t our only friend.
Berma Shave
Nite, Nite
Nite all.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
I found another way that worked (downloaded another program I didn’t mind that can play .rm files). Nice music.
Service Untitled - Douglas said
I’m going to head to bed for the night. See everyone next week.
ME Strauss said
AdLib,
Would you email me that link so that I can make it work without overshooting the comment box?
ME Strauss said
Good Night, Joe.
Sleepy swell.
Chris Cree said
Ad Lib, it’s the classic guns vs. butter trade off from macroeconomics. The budget dollars need to go to the troops in the combat zone not here in CONUS.
Imagine how much louder they’d yell if they were prioritizing reserve units back here over troops in the war zone. Unfortunately there are only so many dollars to go around. And even then it is easy to argue that we spend to many on defense.
I don’t know of a less efficient spender of dollars than government bureaucracy. And it pretty much doesn’t matter whose.
ME Strauss said
Good Night, Doug!
Sweet Dreams!
Service Untitled - Douglas said
Night Liz and everyone.
As always, I had a good time and look forward to seeing everyone next week.
Scot Herrick said
It’s those other coasters all heading off to bed. I’m just starting down the yellow brick road here on the West Coast.
Glad it was a good evening and that I could stop on by.
Scot
ME Strauss said
Hi Scot,
How’s the heat out on your part of the yellow brick road?
Chris Cree said
The thing that gets me is the press over here seems to only report any fact or spin any story in such a way as to make the military look bad. Then they’ll have the nerve to say, “But we support the troops.”
I don’t know any folks in uniform who are buying that line. And I talk to several. There were 6 folks on my block deployed last year with the 3rd ID. They pretty much believe the press hates them across the board. And yet they still serve just as bravely and selflessly as if they were being touted as the heroes they are.
Scot Herrick said
High today here in Seattle-land was 73 degrees and they don’t understand what dewpoint means, unlike me who lived in Chicago-land for 6 years and was born and raised all the way up to Chicago-land in Wisconsin.
I even have the Wisconsin accent when I type…
Advice Librarian said
Ooops, sorry about that. Try this and see if it works.
Yeah, that’s true enough as far as it goes, Chris, but the most frightening bit in that is buried somewhere far downpage. The US has NO combat-ready units that aren’t already deployed - you’ve got no stategic reserve at all. That’s worse than a guns-vs-butter problem.
That’s the REMF’s who never wore uniform screwing up big-time.
Chris Cree said
*Deep breath*
I really need to get of my soap box and get to bed. Sorry for the rant Liz.
‘Night!
Advice Librarian said
What, even the Fox News War Porn Channel gives the troops that impression? What I get from the american news that makes its way across the pond to me is that the press is starting to catch on that there’s a difference between The People In Uniform Getting Shot At and the People Sitting In Comfortable Offices In Washington - and that it’s The People In Uniform Getting Shot At who deserves respect and support, not the People In Washington Office…
ME Strauss said
No worries, Chris.
I agree with you. Sleep well.
ME Strauss said
Scot,
I just love the fact that you know Chicagoland is a real word. Your Wisconsin accent sounds wonderful to these keys.
ME Strauss said
AdLib,
Thanks for fixing the link . . . No way the WordPress was letting the other one go through.
Thanks also for your read of the news from across the pond.
that the press is starting to catch on that there’s a difference between The People In Uniform Getting Shot At and the People Sitting In Comfortable Offices In Washington - and that it’s The People In Uniform Getting Shot At who deserves respect and support, not the People In Washington Office…
It doesn’t look that way in Chicago. It would be great if it looked like they did respect the guys who were fighting.
Chris Cree said
See. Most blue staters here think that Fox is a right wing news organization. And they are to the right of all the others. But most red staters will tell you they seem to lean right because they are actually close to the center while all the others are way out on the left.
But I really don’t want to get into politics. Those discussions no longer fit into my life’s purpose and aren’t productive for me. I just agree to disagree with folks and talk about other things.
ME Strauss said
Chris,
I think you have a clear picture.
When I listen to folks talk politics I hear the same arguments from all sides about each other. So maybe you and I can start the non-politics party and just talk about toys and music and movies.
Starbucker said
Hey folks, anybody still typing - just got back from dinner and wanted to at least say “Hi”
Advice Librarian said
Yeah, the media landscape gets really strange at times - though I found this story rather heartening, really - despite the sad context. That would never have played during the ‘Nam war.
Advice Librarian said
See, that’s where being a Norwegian slightly-conservative gets me into trouble with americans - our right-wing are mostly flaming pinko commies from your point of view, and I’m a norwegian Liberal. That is, Liberal in the Smith/Keynes social responsibility capitalism mold, not the strange American one…
ME Strauss said
Hey Starbucker,
You dancing man. How are ya!
ME Strauss said
AdLib,
You’re anything, but in trouble around here. We love you. In fact your opinion seems to be one many Americans hold.
Starbucker said
I’m doing great Liz - I’m in Helena, Montana tonight. Thank goodness the temperatures are cooler here - it was 100 back east today!
How was BlogHer, by the way?
ME Strauss said
Blogher was quite an event!
I’ve never been to a conference before where a good percent of the attendees do it for a hobby. They were very focused and the sessions were very intense.
Chris Cree said
Ad Lib, America today is one of the few places in history where the terms Liberal and Conservative are reversed. Conservatives want to conserve the liberal democratic republic that the great men who founded our country put in place. Most other places in history conservatives want to conserve some sort of more government/authority-centric system.
And I think I just figured out one reason I’m so tense these days. Hurricane Chris is heading into the Gulf of Mexico. Go figure.
Starbucker said
Rooms full of passion and focus - now that must have been something! You just don’t get that as much at “professional” get-togethers. Now what we need is an Open Mic conference - what do you think? That would be quite a gathering, wouldn’t it?
ME Strauss said
An Open Mic Conference. Now there’s an idea!!
We could make that happen!
Chris Cree said
And I believe Fred Phelps is deranged. I suspect he is going to have a lot to answer for when he stands in front of Jesus after he steps out of this life. His military funeral protests are downright sick.
Starbucker said
We could do it in Chicago - Chris knows all about the “exact change” toll booths now outside of O’Hare, so I’m sure he’s in!
ME Strauss said
That’s a deal. We’ll do an open mic conference in Chicago in the spring!
I think I’m going to have to leave the keys to the Emerald City on the sidebar. I have an early phone call.
You guys sleep well and have a great rest of . . .
cat said
“maybe you and I can start the non-politics party and just talk about toys and music and movies. :)”
I’m another one who does not talk politics online. Not any longer. I have definite views, throw that in with a brash way of putting things, and I’m bound to upset someone.
Toys, music, movies …. and potty talk … [kidding] … I’m a lover of history and art … people and their quirks … travel and photography … but no politics.
Starbucker said
Nite nite all , I’m off to dreamland too - see you in the Spring Liz!
cat said
Blogher .. Drat! That’s what I should have been asking questions about … lucky you Liz! Who’d you meet? Did anything exciting happen? Anyone ‘click’ with a ‘I know we are going to be friends for life’ moment?
Advice Librarian said
Yeah - Phelps is one sick puppy. But doesn’t that article just make you want to put on your vest and join up with the rest of the riders?
Hmm - so, Chris, are you headed for Cuba or Florida?
Chris Cree said
Ad Lib, I hate to say it, but looking at the data it looks like I’m going to thread the needle and cause problems for the Gulf Coast. I’m hoping I go West a little and spread the wealth. Usually “Chris” is a nothing storm early on. It is unusual lately to only be on C this late in the season.
Heck. Last year they ran out of letters.
Trisha said
anyone still here?
Advice Librarian said
Yeah, hope you miss NOLA at the very least…
Trisha said
wizard of oz scares me
Advice Librarian said
Uh, why? Though I can see why the original movie would - I’ve only seen clips from it, but I got the impression of an insulin-shock level of sugariness that made me wary…
Trisha said
I don’t know, there’s just something creepy about it. I haven’t seen it in years though.
Advice Librarian said
Creepy is good, isn’t it?
Bear in mind that I’m a fan of horror and japanese monster movies - Gojira gonna Getcha
ME Strauss said
Cat,
Let’s see, I met Sabine Kirstein, Janice Myint, and Amanda Cogdon. The sessions were very “her.” I got to hear MaryAnn Scoble and Arianna Huffington and Mena Trot.
ME Strauss said
Trisha,
I know what you mean about “The Wizard of Oz” I felt the same way about the original version of “Heidi.” I didn’t watch it after age 8 until well into my grown-up years. It scared me.
ME Strauss said
AdLib
I’m with Trisha. I’m not a creepy fan either. But I didn’t find OZ creepy.
cat said
Good Morning Liz.
How long were you there? Did I miss a post somewhere with photos and everything? Need photos …
ME Strauss said
I only went to Blogher for the cocktail party of the first night and the second day. I didn’t take any pictures. Some folks promised to send some.
cat said
I’ll be sure to bug you about them then
ME Strauss said
Okay. I’ll let you know if they ever show up.