July 4, 2006
The Mic is ON in Philadelphia!
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 6:57 pm
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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.
Some things we might talk about could include
- personal declarations of independence.
- coolest fireworks stories — real and metaphorical.
- urban legends about fireworks.
- parades, marching bands, and drum corps.
- your invisible pet. We know you have one.
AND THE EVER POPULAR,
What are the code-writing donkey and the drinking moose doing tonight?
A link anyone to was a member of the DCI related to one of the points above.
Thanks to gophila.com for this Fourth of July Fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC. Thanks to Joe for finding this great photo of his lovely city.
Enjoy the fireworks!
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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317 Comments to “The Mic is ON in Philadelphia!”
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Douglas said
Just about to leave, but wanted to come and say hi!
Cuileann McKenzie said
Hi Liz (and everyone else)!
This is my first comment added to one of your open-mic sessions. The open-mic is such a neat concept!
Considering a personal declaration of independence, I find myself thinking of my hair. Sounds weird, I know.
A couple of weeks ago, I got my hair (which had been a conservative light-brown) dyed red with a couple streaks of blond and very dark brown in the bangs for accent. And now that some time has passed, I still love it (thankfully)!
This relates to independence because I had always wanted to get some freaky hair to celebrate being a writer, but I told myself I should wait until after I had lined up an agent. I figured that having an agent would legitimize my occupation.
But then, I realized that I don’t need someone else to validate my work before I give it value myself. With that, I went ahead with the bold colors.
I didn’t get red, white, and blue — but my funky hair is still my declaration of indendence.
p.s. I was trying to think of a blog subject today, and here it is. Thanks for the inspiration of your open-mic topics.
ME Strauss said
Hi Doug,
Thanks for stopping by. The party hasn’t even started, but it sure is good to see you! Enjoy the firewoorks tonight!
taorist said
“Eherm….”
(Feedback)
“Uhmm…Mike’s Tests, Mike’s Tests.”
Of course I’m the only one who’ll laugh at that. I thought of nastier openings, but the Liz says WE BE NICE NOW.
My invisible pet is a small mosquito. I order it to put it’s little backside on everyone’s little nose. Just for the heck of it.
Heck. Heckle. Jeckyl. Hyde. Snide. Slide.
I liked slides as a little boy. Slides are little boys now, eh? When they grow up they tend to be longer and up up on top of a swimming pool.
Pool. Cool. Who’ll. Stool. Sample. Ample. Staple. Capable.
We’re all capable of doing great things in life. We just happened to forget it most of the time.
ME Strauss said
Hi taroist!
Meet Cuileann and Doug!
A pet mosquito! Say hello to the folks! Tell them about your blog.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Evening y’all. No fireworks up here in Canada I’m afraid, ours were on the weekend. I hope everyone’s having fun, nice to new commentors here so early!
ME Strauss said
Hi Ben,
Did you bring Basil the Donkey? Do you know taorist? His real name is taorist. Then there’s Cuileann, she’s a writer speakers. Tell them what you do Ben.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Hi all. I haven’t met either Taorist or Cuileann - but I just checked out Taorist’s blog — I like the template.
What I do? Hhmm…other than harangue people willing to talk to me, I’m behind the project: IGotNewsForYou (http://www.igotnewsforyou.com). The site allows you to send funny, personalized mock news pages to friends via email. Better than birthday cards (in my opinion) and a lot of fun to send.
Take a look and let me know what you folks think. PS. The site is being re-done, hopefully in the next day or so…so it should be interesting!
Basil’s working away as always Liz…on a secret project!
Cuileann McKenzie said
Hi Ben!
I didn’t think I’d bump into another Canadian here.
I’ve been living in Austin for 6 years now, but I grew up in Ontario. I spent a lot of time in Toronto and love it. I’m getting to know Vancouver now with in-laws living out there.
I must confess that July 1 nearly passed without me noticing this year. Bad Canadian!
ME Strauss said
Culeann I just realized I sent that email to the wrong address,
taorist said
Hey Cuil! Nice post about the tin-foil helmets!
Yeah. My real name’s taorist, my last name’s .com
http://taorist.com
Christine Kane said
Ben, my dog wishes she were in Canada with you. She hates fireworks.
Hi All! Hi Liz! Hi Taorist and Cuileann!
ME Strauss said
Cuileann,
I’m resending that email (sorry about misspelling your name there.) This whole thing has me frazzled.
Anyway, I used to live out by Lake Travis.
Mark Wade said
Hair. Dyed. Red.
“freaky hair to celebrate being a writer”
What’s hair?
Hellooooooo Liz and all! Happy Independence Day to the US of A.
ME Strauss said
Hi Christine,
I was just reading your blog about Eeyore. That was a cool post. i liked it a lot.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Cuileann - there’s another Canadian that posts here regularly too - HART. He’ll probably show up later.
I used to live in Ontario myself - Guelph in fact, about 40-50 minutes outside Toronto.
I’m a Montrealer though, and in Montreal now. I’ve got a mother-in-law in Vancouver; we visit a couple times a year (going at the end of the month). Vancouver is a gorgeous city.
Your site looks interesting…I’ll have to dig in a bit more later. Not that I’m a writer, although a significant part of IGotNewsForYou is about writing…
Christine Kane said
Hiya Liz…well, thanks. I’ve read you all week and over the weekend too!
ME Strauss said
Hi Mark!
You dyed your hair red. TOO COOL!!!
taorist said
Hey Kane! Are you a Dane?
Ben, then you like my template? Thanks! Donkeys are hot these days. Waitaminit! I see Paris riding a donkey down Rodeo!
taorist said
Cool! Kane’s a rock and roll songstress!!!!
Christine Kane said
I’m a North Carolinian too. Doesn’t rhyme. sorry.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Taorist - I do like it. About as clean/simple as you can get. Right to the content, and it looks different than most blogs I’ve seen.
ME Strauss said
Cuileann,
I love your description of your personal independence. Now I realize that was what Mark was talking about. I thought Mark had done it too. Silly me, Mark would have picked a different color.
Cuileann McKenzie said
Thanks for re-sending the email — I’ll check it in a second.
Hi Toarist — glad you liked the tin-foil post. It’s so true that my best ideas come late at night (happened again last night) and that I really need to get receiving them at a better time.
Hi Christine, too!
I hope I didn’t miss greeting anyone!
taorist said
Wow! I’m glad you liked it. I just wished I was the one who coded it. LOLZ!!!! I picked it out because ti was straight and to the point.
Now if only someone will go to my blog and comment on my posts…..hmmmmm..
Christine K! I love your hair!
Cuil! You have a great blog! My subscriptions in the mail!
Ben Yoskovitz said
Liz - if Starbucker shows up and I’m not around please have him email me. I don’t think his email address was on his blog and I need to send him the Fawlty Towers DVD (assuming he wants it.)
Ben Yoskovitz said
Taorist - the design works. Doesn’t have to be uber-fancy, ultra-slick or wild ‘n crazy. Just has to work for the type of blog you want and the content you’ve got in it. Looks like it works to me.
Getting people to comment is hard - I beg, but with mediocre results. *grin*
ME Strauss said
Ben,
How did Starbucker end up winning? I thought that Cat was the winner last I heard.
Christine Kane said
Hey Liz, Have you blogged at all about focus and writing? Staying focused on what you’re doing, and keeping it in a time frame? I’m wondering about this concept cuz it takes me a long time to write… songs OR blogs…cuz I kind of stray and wander…
and I wonder if you’ve ever experienced that idea of “time stretches to match the time allotted…” Like, should I LIMIT the time so that I stay focussed? or should I allow that creative thing to go where it wants?
anyone’s thoughts are welcome too!
ME Strauss said
Christine,
That’s a problem I have too. I’ll have to think up some great intelligent things to say about focus. I know about how time can stretch to fit the time you have. That sure is true.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Liz - Cat was the winner…hey, don’t you read my blog?!?!? *sniff sniff*
She gave up the prize, due to the fact that she lives in Southeast Asia and didn’t want me paying $10,000 for shipping. So, she offered to pass it on, and I knew Starbucker was particularly interested.
Then I got to thinking - maybe we could keep passing the prize around to anyone that wants it (it’s only 1 DVD I think, so shipping in the US+Canada shouldn’t be too bad, even to Europe…) Either we do it by running a new contest each time someone’s ready to pass it along or we just pass it along without a contest. I’d setup a couple “rules” — you have to mention that you’re passing it along on your blog, maybe put a picture online of the postmark or something so we can keep track of everywhere it’s going.
If it catches on, I’ll be forced to create a new blog tracking the path of the Fawlty Towers DVD Collection…which could be fun anyway. *chuckle*
Mark Wade said
tao, you don’t get comments?
Waddaya think Liz - could we find a couple of topics that will get tao more comments then he can handle?
ME Strauss said
Ben.
I read your blog. That’s how I knew Cat won. If you do a “pass it on prize,” you should have all of the winners sign something that stays with it.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Christine - I don’t know if this works for you, or if you’ve thought about it - but from my research on writing and my own experience I’ve found that allotting X amount of time (either per day or every 2 days, or some form of interval) can help.
I think someone called it B.I.C - or Butt in Chair time…hhmmm…not quite right but it was something like that.
Basically saying, “Ok, every Tuesday from 9am-12pm, I’ll write. I’ll write whatever comes out, good, bad or ugly, but I’ll write.”
I’ve found this works, sometimes, although it doesn’t account for getting struck by creative lightning.
ME Strauss said
Mark,
You’re making the evil liz come out early aren’t you? *she smiles her little girl evil smile*
Ben Yoskovitz said
Liz - definitely! Each person has to sign something, maybe each person has to put in a postcard from their hometown/country/location too.
It has a lot of fun possibilities if people are willing to participate. It would start with Starbucker, if he wants to, and I suspect he will once I can track him down!
It would be like that gnome from Amelie (the movie)…it could be really funny, pretty viral and a great way to really connect with some “online friends.”
Christine Kane said
Ben, thanks. I do that. I do the BIC thing with songs especially. blogs are such a sideline thing, and I can get so distracted by all the things that blogging entails…that it can take me a long time. I’ll get back to the BIC on that too. You’re right. And yes, the creative lightning usually comes after you’ve sat there, later in the day!
Rick said
Hi all, and happy Independence Day.
I worked third shift for years. I loved it. The world’s asleep and your mind is quiet. No better time for the unconscious to let go of whatever it’s been cooking up. You’re awake and it can’t do it in a dream, so it comes straight out.
A friend of mine used to say she got her best ideas when she was in the bathroom. It makes sense when you think about it.
Mark Wade said
Doggone it! I forgot about clicking on “show all” comments here… arrrgh
Christine, I have difficulty staying focused myself. I’ve been off on a tangent lately and haven’t been able to get back on track. Of course the tangent evokes some very strong emotions so I’m not worried about it.
Christine Kane said
hi rick!
Starbucker said
Howdy y’all and happy 4th! I’m on for just a few minutes before my wife and I enjoy a movie - “The Squid and the Whale” - anybody see it?
PS: I’d be glad Ben to participate in the Fawlty Towers blogging project
ME Strauss said
okay, we need to get some comments on the taorist blog.
we need to get a Fawlty Towers around the world pass it along process going.
Christine Kane said
mark, how does a tangent evoke strong emotions and how is that good? being the emotional artist type, i find that my emotions mostly just get in the way of being clear…
Christine Kane said
hi starbucker!
Joe said
Hey All,
Just got through
with the Bar-B-Queue
Now it’s time
to drink some wine
and enjoy the fireworks
with all my little quirks
I was born in Philly
so, don’t think I’m silly
When I say
I really like this day
But when it’s said and done
there is no need to hone
As Dorothy said “There’s no Place like Home.
ME Strauss said
Hi Rick!
Thanks for coming!
I get my best ideas everywhere. I have lots of posts about it. One is about finding them in the refrigerator. But I confess the bathroom is a great place. I’m with you there. Well, not literally.
Christine Kane said
Joe, done and hone don’t rhyme! But it’s good to have you here!
ME Strauss said
Hey Joe,
Great to see you.
Cuileann, are you still here?
Starbucker said
Hi Christine - and Liz, what’s this about thinking in the bathroom?? I must confess when I was very very young I used to read a lot of encyclopedias there….
Mark Wade said
Well Christine - this tangent evokes feelings of getting ripped off by big business. That is not the reality of my Blog, my topic isn’t even close to that. But, to me, it is a topic (the tangent) that is more important right now than Blog promotion.
Feeling like we’re being ripped off makes me do more research than ever. Helps my writing.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Starbucker - email me at byosko@gmail.com so I have your email address.
I’m going to send you a free subscription to IGotNewsForYou.com and I need your physical address.
I’ll then purchase the Fawlty Towers DVD and send it to you - and I’ll send along instructions on what you can do to pass it along. And we’ll go from there.
If it goes past a few people, I’ll consider a blogging project for it (but my hands are full at the moment.)
And hi to Joe & Rick!
And Christine - I know what you mean when it comes to blogging. I try BIC for it, but it rarely works. What I find myself doing is writing blog posts in my head at night and then trying to spit them out the following morning…not exactly the best thing but that’s what’s been happening lately.
Christine Kane said
okay mark. got it. so it’s passion. and emotion. but passion and purpose. that’s a good thing. you’re right.
Mark Wade said
Found something to leave a comment at taorist
Something about you Liz…
Ben Yoskovitz said
Ideas coming to people in the bathroom!?!
Bravo! I’m with you there. Happens to me all the time. I’ve nearly fallen off the toilet a few times…(Was that too much info? Just tell me if it was, I won’t be hurt.)
I would guess a lot of people get ideas in the shower.
I get ideas while reading too. Which I expect is quite common. Read a blog post, get an idea, jot a note and hopefully go back to it later.
Rick said
Taorist,
I like the template, too. The contrasts make it easy to read. It looks great in Firefox. IE doesn’t like it, though. Your posts slide down below your sidebar, and the writing in the sidebar starts in the white to the left of the gray boxes, with the first 1 - 1.5 letters cut off.
Re comments - If anyone has a great secret, I’d love it, too. Real comments are few and far between, and for every real one I get, there are about fifty spams.
Cuileann McKenzie said
Hi Liz. I got your email this time and sent a quick reply. Cool that you used to live near Lake Travis — I love that area!
Hi Ben. Yeah, I know Guelph — I went to the Univ. of Waterloo (20 mins down the road). I envy you being in Montreal — haven’t made it there yet. Will look forward to meeting Hart on the mic sometime.
Hi Mark. What’s hair? I guess you don’t have any? That look was tempting. I don’t think my husband would’ve liked it. He loves the red though.
Everybody, thanks for the kind words about my blog/comment. I’ll check everybody’s site after this. Right now, I feel awash in all this discussion. I even made a list of who said what — I’m so old-school.
Christine Kane said
Ben, as long as it’s happening! Blogs feel very patch-worky to me. Then again, songs are the same way. Made to be read (or sung) linearly, but never put together like that.
ME Strauss said
Well, Starbucker,
I don’t have many thoughts, but sometimes when I find one. It’s waiting for me in the bathroom, next to the hot water faucet.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Taorist - your blog layout is buggered in Internet Explorer.
I’m running both browsers right now - in Firefox it’s OK but in IE it’s not.
The sidebar content is outside the boxes (to the left) and gets cut off — so I see:
ARCHIVES
uly 2006
une 2006
etc.
And the content itself is all the way at the bottom, after the sidebar.
Quick guess - your SEARCH box is too big.
–> you see that code?
I think you need to change the WIDTH to be something less — try 130 or something and see what happens.
Rick said
Hi Christine, Liz. It’s good to be here. I thought I would be leaving soon, but I just found out all the local fireworks ended last night, and I’m not up with driving into Pittsburgh.
ME Strauss said
Cuileann,
You should know some traditions here.
They are that
All Canadians know everyone.
Spelling and punctuations are optional.
Joe said
I’ll be back shortly, I am going to sit on my lawn (since it is newly mowed) and watch some fireworks.
Won’t be more that about 75-100 comments.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Dang - my code didn’t show up — here it is again:
input type=”text” value=”" name=”s” id=”s” style=”width:169px;”
If that doesn’t work — just look in the INPUT TYPE, you’ll see a WIDTH value of 169.
Reduce that and see what happens.
Rick noticed it too and commented before me!
ME Strauss said
Cuileann,
You don’t need a list. It will always be here for you to check through. Sometimes we have contests about who said what.
taorist said
Liz, an “EVIL” side???? Nooooooo!!!!!!!
And all I wanted was to show that separations can be a good thing….
I just thought that you would be one of the better examples.
Mark,
Your blog design is just too beautiful! Bravo!
Uh…what’s a Fawlty Tower?
ME Strauss said
Taorist,
No worries, I’m not really evil. I was just kidding. *she blushes*
Okay cold ones all around. *Liz brings out the snacks and beverages that are always available in the sidebar.*
Ben Yoskovitz said
Christine - I agree with you on blog posts. But what I have just really started thinking about is that blog posts are like an album, not just one song.
Albums were at one time put together to be listened to all at once, when we didn’t have CDs or digital music or iPods, etc. The Montreal classic rock station regularly does “album sides” - where they play one classic rock album side, from start to finish, “the way they were meant to be listened to.”
A collection of blog posts should be the same - but I think most people, including myself don’t do that. We write what comes to us, one thing one day, the next thing the next day. But if we could string our posts together in some sort of logical order, planned like an album, I bet it would work better.
Christine Kane said
hey y’all, i’m gonna go do the fireworks thing too and cover my dogs ears so she doesn’t get completely wrecked!
as far as comments go… lots of people are scared to leave them. it took me forever to leave a comment for liz. and i read her blog for a long time.
Rick said
Hello, Ben.
Christine, the closest I come to songs is the occasional poem, few of which are fit for public consumption, but they are the hardest writing I ever do.
With the blog, I start a lot of drafts, other people’s equivalent of the idea book, I guess. Over time they jell in my mind until I can get something that holds together on paper.
Cuileann McKenzie said
Thanks for the reassurance about not needing lists.
My husband who is here with me thought it was hilarious that I was 2 pgs behind the action by the time my comment was ready (so y’all can laugh too).
Christine Kane said
Ben, you’re totally right. i love listening to cd’s all the way through. sequencing is an art in and of itself…
Ben Yoskovitz said
Taorist — look here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005LC1H/sr=8-1/qid=1152060818/ref=sr_1_1/002-7563381-3122402?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance
Fawlty Towers was a TV show out of Britian from John Cleese. He and his wife ran a hotel. It was hysterical.
In the last open mic session I ran an impromptu contest - the prize being that full DVD collection.
Starbucker said
Ben, I’m e-mailing you back right now with the details. Folks, gotta go watch the movie now. You all be good will ya? Liz, thanks again for hosting!
ME Strauss said
Rick is staying!!! YEA!!!
Want to talk publishing, Rick.
Cuileann is a writer and I’ve been a publisher for years and years and years and years.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Starbucker - I enjoyed the movie btw. Not quite a comedy, it’s rather dark.
Have fun.
I’ll email you tomorrow with some details about the prize and passing it on.
ME Strauss said
Starbucker,
I’ll miss you. Leave your glass on the sidebar. Don’t worry about the stool.
taorist said
Uccckkk…. I look like an 80 year old, 20 cent whore in IE. Don’t LOOK!!! LOLZZ!!
Thanks for the suggestion Ben! I’ll look into in sometime today. You’re a great guy!
Mark Wade said
Phew, this one is moving quick!
Thanks Tao but Khaled from Broken Kode is the designer and the man!
Rick said
I thought that was where your evil side came from, Liz - I assumed some of your time in publishing was spent as an editor.
As far as me publishing, no - not really. Like I said, most of it isn’t fit for public consumption, and what little is left isn’t enough for a book.
Rick said
I’ve ended up keeping two browsers open - one so I can page through the comments, and one showing all the comments on one page that I refresh to see what’s new.
taorist said
Uhhh….Liz,
I included your name in my post. Is that ok? Did I step on some toes regarding you and Scrivs?
Mark Wade said
“for years and years and years and years and years and years and years and years and years and years and years and years and years and years and years and years”
???
ME Strauss said
Well, Rick, I always tell folks I was in editorial, but I wasn’t an editor — and all of the editors agreed. Read my stuff and you will too. I have a friend who proofs for me . I have a bad case of dyslexia. I’m totally right brain and I can’t really see the words. The letters keep moving on me.
ME Strauss said
Taorist,
What post is that? Is up at your blog now?
taorist said
yep.
ME Strauss said
Mark,
What??? years and years and years, of what?
Cuileann McKenzie said
This talk of publishing has made me ears perk up.
I’ve finished a novel — Consumption — which is literary/women’s fiction.
Now I’m questing for an agent and following some leads I got from attending the Writers’ League of Texas Agents and Editors Conference a couple weeks ago.
Back in a couple minutes….
taorist said
There’s something about independence and separations. I should’ve included America and Britain in my post.
http://taorist.com/2006/07/03/rebirth-through-separation/
Mark Wade said
You’re not of a sufficient enough age to have published for that many years, Miz Liz
ME Strauss said
Cuilean,
I think highly of The Knight Agency. You should check out their blog.
Ben Yoskovitz said
I’ve always dreamed of writing a book.
I actually co-wrote one once, but it wasn’t the most pleasant experience. I learned a good deal from it though, but didn’t benefit enough from it…
Maybe when I “retired” I’ll go sit on a beach and write something for real. (Although I don’t actually like the sun that much, so maybe I’ll stick to the shade.)
ME Strauss said
Why, Mr. Mark, *she said in her best Scarlett O’Hara* I think you are the kindest man. I’ve been publishing since my son was born in 1985. I was only 6 years old then, of course. He was a miracle baby.
ME Strauss said
I have a 23 chapter novel about a chick who goes jogging in her head.
ME Strauss said
Where’s Joe?
ME Strauss said
So who brought invisible pets and what are they?
Rick said
Congratulations, Cuilean!
Ben Yoskovitz said
Joe went to watch fireworks. Said he’d be back in 75-100 comments.
I don’t have an invisible pet, unless you consider Basil invisible, but that’d really tick him off.
ME Strauss said
I love it that we’re counting time in comments now. We could change the world with Open Comment night!
ME Strauss said
Thank you, Rick, for your manners.
Yes! Congratulations Cuileann.
I mean what I said about the Knight Agency. I’ve been following them for a while. They really treat their authors well and spend time getting to know people. They have lots of chats with writers and let you listen to author interviews etc. Their office is interactive and the have a Yahoo groupl
http://knightagency.blogspot.com/
ME Strauss said
Ben, what’s the secret project Basil is working on? Is Milton or the pig involved?
Rick said
I don’t have an invisible pet, but I do have one of those little devils you see sitting on your shoulder in medieval pictures. His name is George.
taorist said
Who’s Mr/Ms. 100 Comment??????
ME Strauss said
Rick,
Do you have an angel too?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Liz - Milton is involved. The pig isn’t just yet, but who knows.
It’s secret, I can’t publicize it yet, but I will as soon as we go live. It should be fun and it was inspired by stuff going on at open mic.
Basil begrudges me the extra work, but I flashed some extra carrots in his face which got him going. Thank goodness I can pay him in carrots and not actual dollars of a real currency.
taorist said
Who else, but the LIz herself!
Cuileann McKenzie said
Liz,
Kudos to you for doing this site when your dyslexia must make it so challenging. I used to teach Communications at a college in Canada and can remember several students that had to work extra-hard because of it.
Thanks for the Knight Agency recommendation — I’ll check it out.
Ben,
I hope your co-writing experience didn’t leave a permanent bad taste in your mouth. Maybe you just need a change in subject matter or genre? Just a thought. Although I know finding time can be a huge issue too.
ME Strauss said
I have a secret project that I’m working on too.
ME Strauss said
Cuileann,
How much speaking do you do? How did you get started doing it?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Liz - I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.
Cuileann - the co-writing project wasn’t that bad. It was mostly the circumstances of it. I had 15 minutes of fame on the Internet way back when with Buzzword Bingo. Kind of a funny story; too long for here I think. I was even in the Wall Street Journal. I got smacked around a bit by a major publisher which led to the co-writing of the book instead of me doing it, and back then I didn’t capitalizing on my 15 minutes enough…ah well…
ME Strauss said
Cuileann, I’m lucky. Folks around here, forgive me my typos as long as I keep the ideas good. Then I have my proofer come in and give me homework every night.
ME Strauss said
Taorist,
You’re example of Scrivs was no more than a mention. I can’t imagine it would cause even a ripple.
Rick said
Are you a leftie, too, Liz?
Yes, I have an angel. She doesn’t have a name, though, and doesn’t tend to be as interesting as George. She does most of the work on my blog for me.
HART (1-800-HART) said
~waves to all .. How’s it going, eh?
ME Strauss said
EVERYBODY HART!
ME Strauss said
Rick,
I can’t help but think I was supposed to be. My son, who is the same way was diagnosed as 98% right brain at age 3 was ambidextrous until he went to school.
I do mirror writing perfectly. That’s my talent.
I think you should name your angel, Angel.
Ben Yoskovitz said
HART - good to see you. Hope you had a great Canada Day weekend!
Thanks for commenting on my blog btw, Starbucker is going to be getting the Fawlty Towers DVD soon, and then passing it on…the chain has started!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Ben .. thanks
We went to the Beach for the weekend. I mentioned this in the post #114 but, had the less-than sign so it disappeared. I mentioned that there was this annual “beach” war. The north side beaches versus the south side beaches. We lost but had a better fireworks show to watch!
Starbucker should enjoy those DVD … by the way .. how many is that? ONE? didn’t they only make like, um SIX episodes of Fawlty Towers?
We had a situation on Monday. We were on the way home from the beach and we decided to stop in a restaurant for brunch. We were thinking to ourselves… “Fawlty Towers” - remember the episode that the doctor went into the kitchen and cooked his own sausages and eggs? We were going to do the same - it was taking so long to get our food.
Cuileann McKenzie said
Ben — that’s interesting. And I guess the 15 min.s can be too fleeting sometimes.
Liz — I got a Speech Communication minor in university and always really enjoyed it. Over the last couple years, I’ve done some affirmations of faith and a couple sermons at Austin Unitarian Universalist churches. And I’ve had a couple opportunities to talk about MS Awareness — I have that. I spoke about that in May to a conference of Athletic Therapists in Canada and am hoping to do more speaking at churched during the summer.
I love speaking, though, and would love to do a lot more of it. If you hear of opportunities, please let me know.
ME Strauss said
Cuileann,
Are you still here? HART have you met Cuileann?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Hey HART — There were only 12 episodes every made, but I think the collection has something like 4 DVDs, where it’s got the episodes + interviews + extras.
Cuileann McKenzie said
Hi — yeah, I’m here.
Hi Hart. I hear you’re another Canadian, eh? I’m originally from near Toronto and now live in Austin, Texas. What about you?
HART (1-800-HART) said
I have not met Cuileann yet .. although, I picked up that Cuileann is Canadian .. and recently spoke at a conference of Athletic Therapists …
Hi Cuileann .. From Winnipeg.
Rick said
Hi, HART.
Sorry I disappeared for a while. Evidently lot of people in my neighborhood decided to have an impromptu fireworks celebration. It was astounding for back yard launches (all under the rose, of course). Now the air looks and smells like a battlefield.
Chris Cree said
Hey guys!
Sheesh! I must be late. Hart’s here before me!
Whad I miss?
ME Strauss said
So now we have three Canadians who know everyone. We should be able to take over the world.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Hey guys - if anyone’s interested in a free subscription to IGotNewsForYou, as my gift for Independence Day, just shoot me an email at byosko@gmail.com.
Cuileann - the 15 minutes were fleeting but amazingly fun. I was interviewed on CBC radio across Canada. Did about 10 radio interviews in a row. WSJ, and other magazines did articles too where I was quoted. There was a site running for awhile, but blogging didn’t even exist back then, and we just couldn’t monetize the buzz. Nor did the publisher do much of anything to market the book or think beyond the book to other ideas/revenue sources.
So it was a blast to be a wee celebrity for a couple seconds, and that was that…
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Rick .. that sounds pretty cool … if you add BBQ, steak, and beer
Cuileann McKenzie said
Hey Hart!
My husband grew up in Winnipeg (and we lived there for about 8 months). In keeping with Liz’s thought that all Canadians know each other, do you know him? John Curtis — his blog’s at johndcurtis.com (to differentiate him from the thousands of other John Curtis’s). He’s 32 — don’t know if that’s close to your age or not.
ME Strauss said
Sorry Hart.
Here’s your BBQ, steak and beer. Can I get you anything else while I’m up?
Ben Yoskovitz said
I visited Winnipeg for a wedding. Last year I think?
Anyway, there are almost more Canadians than Americans here. Hhhm…take over the world, you say Liz? I think it’s already begun!
Chris Cree said
How about a Klondike Bar?
ME Strauss said
Hey Chris!!!
Did you bring a secret pet?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Cuileann - your husband’s blog looks nice design-wise, but again, in Internet Explorer, it’s broken.
The sidebar shows up only at the bottom at the end of all the posts.
My guess: his images in the blog posts are TOO WIDE. There’s one in this post particularly:
http://www.johndcurtis.com/blog/blog/Tech/2006/06/21/How-to-take-control-of-paper-documents.html
If he needs more help let me know and I can probably help out but it should be fairly easy to shrink the images.
Rick said
Unfortunately, the picnic was earlier today. The smoke would have flavored it quite nicely, though.
ME Strauss said
Cuileann,
This is Chris. He lives in Savannah — where Mark with the red (no) hair lives.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Chris .. I was watching “Criminal Minds” but, it is a repeat - otherwise, you’d be here before me
Cuileann .. Of course I know your husband John and all other Canadians .. We went to different schools together!
Actually, I wish I did know him. I need a bike for the beach - they don’t allow motorized vehicles, and our 1950’s era bikes are no good anymore. I could use advice. Everybody I see shows me bikes that are worth $2000. I want something for $99 or less .. My dilemma. PS I’m 1963 era.
ME Strauss said
The last backyard fireworks I was at Guy Fawkes Day in Oxford.
Chris Cree said
I’ve got no secret pets. Fat Boy and Low Rider are more than enough to keep Gorgeous and I busy.
Rick said
Hello, Chris. I loved your post today.
Cuileann McKenzie said
Yeah Ben,
You’re on to something. We’ve successfully infiltrated your society and we even look like you. The only way to tell us apart is the occasional Eh? and our love for strong beer.
ME Strauss said
You know him HART. I know you do. You just don’t want to make us Americans nervous.
Chris Cree said
Thanks Rick. It is important that we remember the great things that were done by those who paved the way for us.
Douglas said
Am I too late?
Chris Cree said
Oops.
Gotta run already! Sorry to say hello, good-bye but Gorgeous is calling and I gotta run!
I’ll see y’all next week. Enjoy!
ME Strauss said
Hi Douglas!
Welcome back.
Everyone say hi to Doug!
HART (1-800-HART) said
You Yanks don’t have to worry about us Canucks .. at least, not yet - not until Winter.
That’s when the flock of Canadian Seniors migrate to the lower states for warmer weather. That’s when it will happen. When all the Canadians will take over. First USA // zen ze vorld!
ME Strauss said
Bye Chris!!
Great to see—
Douglas said
Yep, I managed to see some fireworks. Actually, a whole bunch. There is a great spot where I live (West Palm Beach area, FL) where you can see all of the fireworks in many of the surrounding cities.
ME Strauss said
Doug,
That’s HART, He’s a Canadian. He knows everyone as all Canadians do. But Hart also tells the best stories.
Cuileann McKenzie said
Ben — thanks for the very constructive feedback about John’s site and your offer of help. I’ll pass the info on and he’ll be glad to get it.
Hart — you’re from ‘63, he’s from ‘73 and I stuck in the middle-ish from ‘70
ME Strauss said
I was just going to ask you, Doug, how the fireworks were. Did they do any really cool stuff?
Douglas said
Thanks for the introduction Liz. I work for a Canadian company, I know how it is.
Rick said
Good night, Chris.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Hi Doug - pleased to meet you.
Oooh, a blog about customer service, now we’re talking near and dear to my heart. Reading now…
Douglas said
Nothing super spectacular, but worth the 15 minute drive. The view from where I was standing was top notch.
ME Strauss said
In my hometown they did the fireworks over the river and the big ending was to make a waterfall of fireworks off the steel girder bridge. That is the best fireworks I ever saw to this very day.
Douglas said
Ben, yes customer service is my thing! How are you involved with it?
ME Strauss said
View is everything with fireworks. I hate the boomers though.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Douglas. Happy Holidays. You are in West Palm Beach? I think I own an island somewhere in that area. I saw it once on a map. Can’t remember where. Of course, I need to find my “favorite lost uncle” or “aunt” or “other relative” who owns that property and try to become an Heir. Any suggestions?
(last name=Singer)
ME Strauss said
Joe left at 62 to see the fireworks and said he’d be back in 75 to 100 comments. Shall we take a pool on his return?
Cuileann McKenzie said
back in a few mins…
Rick said
I’ll vote for 180.
Douglas said
Singer Island, I’m guessing, Haar?
Liz, how do you apply to the b5media network? I’ve been looking for a good network to join and I missed the 9rules application deadline-thing by a day or two.
Douglas said
* Hart. Pardon the typo.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Doug - I live and breathe customer service in my day job. In my “side gig” (which is basically me, myself and I…ok, there’s a couple partners) I do all the customer service, which usually involves a lot of coaxing and begging people to try my website out *chuckle* (which is a bit more sales oriented, but I’m being absurd at this point.)
Truth is, I’m passionate about customer service (which sounds cheesy, but it isn’t; and sounds obvious, but it clearly isn’t to most companies/people.) I’ve written about it before on my blog as well.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Douglas .. “HAAAAR” was a good reply to my thinking that I should own an island out your way
Liz - i’ll vote for 209th before Joe returns
ME Strauss said
Doug,
http://www.b5media.com/
Is the network blog. But their not taking applications — at least I don’t think they are. You could write Jeremy and ask.
You’re a business blog, so you might try KnowMoreMedia. They’re really good folks. I like them a lot.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Doug - looks like you have some great interviews on your blog. How’d you get those?
(New subscriber alert: that’s me…)
ME Strauss said
Rick
I’ll go high and say 225.
Douglas said
Liz — Yep, my first “connection” in the blogging world was Maria at Customers Are Always.
Ben — I just emailed them and asked, heh. I’m working on arranging a few more. New subscribers are always welcome!
ME Strauss said
Ben are you in the pool? What comment do you think Joe will return?
Rick is at 180
Hart’s at 209
I’m at 225
Ben Yoskovitz said
I can vouch for a couple folks at KnowMoreMedia - Easton Ellsworth and Dan Tudor.
Doug - what’s the interest in joining a network? I’m mostly curious — more traffic, more revenue, more opportunities, for fun, curious yourself? Do you see a big advantage to joining for a blog such as yours?
Ben Yoskovitz said
Gack! I missed the pool. I was too busy daydreaming about great customer service and asking Doug questions.
Let me see — can I pick $1? No. Dang.
I didn’t even see Joe’s comment about when he’d return, so this is a blind guess — 227.
Cuileann McKenzie said
Okay everyone. I’ve got to go. My late dinner is now ready. It was nice meeting all of you, and I’ll check out all of your blogs!
See you at the next open mic!
ME Strauss said
PS 100 comments would have been 160
Who else is here? Starbucker? Taorist? Cuileann?
Douglas said
Ben, I’d be interested in more traffic. I make basically no money with my blog now, so making a bit would be nice, though I don’t expect to retire from it. I think my motivation is a combination of meeting some new people and more traffic.
I have a good joke that was just forwarded to me if anyone wants to hear it.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Bye Cuileann. Good to have you onboard, and nice to meet you. I hope you’ll be back next week!
Rick said
Good night, Cuileann. Good luck with the book.
Douglas said
Ben, I checked out your site and it looks good! It’s always nice to meet a fellow entrepreneur. I’m working on getting funding to start my most recent project now.
Ben Yoskovitz said
Doug - I don’t know what your traffic numbers are like, so I can’t comment on that, but in terms of making money, I think part of the issue (if I may be so bold) is your ad placement and the fact that you label them so clearly as ads.
Note: I’m far from an expert, but in my research it seems like “blending” the ads into the blog design a bit more would help, and specific ads (particularly Google’s text link ones) can work very effectively at the top of the page…(just above your date, July 4th.)
I’d be happy to chat with you via email on the subject if you’d like. I get the impression though, that you labeled the ads the way you did on purpose…
Ben Yoskovitz said
Doug - glad you liked my site. If you want a free subscription, send me an email: byosko@gmail.com.
And I’d be happy to chat with you on other topics as well.
I’ll be leaving open mic shortly…
Douglas said
Ben — I’m pretty ignorant when it comes to SEO, ads, and that type of marketing. I know branding, but not making money off of ads type-marketing. I’d be delighted if you wanted to email me and provide some suggestions. Email is doug [at] %spot [dot] net. Where the % is, replace it with a 9.
ME Strauss said
Good night Cuileann.
Thanks for coming. It was great getting to know you!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Well .. if Joe is to come back at 209 posts - then, I’ll have to keep up this chat.
ME Strauss said
Rick is at 180
Hart’s at 209
I’m at 225
Doug is 227
That seems to be everyone but Ben.
No guess Ben before you go?
Douglas said
Here’s the joke. Not sure if this is allowed or not, but I think it meets the be nice criteria.
Two sisters, one blonde and one brunette, inherit the family ranch. Unfortunately, after just a few years, they are in financial trouble. In order to keep the bank from repossessing the ranch, they need to purchase a bull so that they can breed their own stock. The brunette balances their checkbook, then takes their last $600 dollars out west to another ranch where a man has a prize bull for sale. Upon leaving, she tells her sister, “When I get there, if I decide to buy the bull, I’ll contact you to drive out after me and haul it home.” The brunette arrives at the man’s ranch, inspects the bull, and decides she does want to buy it. The man tells her that he can sell it for $599, no less. After paying him, she drives to the nearest town to send her sister a telegram to tell her the news. She walks into the telegraph office, and says, “I want to send a telegram to my sister telling her that I’ve bought a bull for our ranch. I need her to hitch the trailer to our pick-up truck and drive out here so we can haul it home.” The telegraph operator explains that he’ll be glad to help her, then adds, “It’s just 99 cents a word.” Well, after paying for the bull, the brunette only has $1 left. She realizes that she’ll only be able to send her sister one word. After thinking for a few minutes, she nods, and says, “I want you to send her the word, ‘comfortable’.” The telegraph operator shakes his head. “How is she ever going to know that you want her to hitch the trailer to your pick-up truck and drive out here to haul that bull back to your ranch if you send her the word, ‘comfortable’ ?” The brunette explains, “My sister’s blonde. She’ll read it slow.”
Rick said
180 come and gone. Oh well.
Ben Yoskovitz said
I’m afraid I have to leave early. Duty calls. What duty? Well…I can’t say. *chuckle* I’m just being absurd again (it gets worse as open mic goes on, ask Liz.)
It was a pleasure meeting some new people today — Doug, I’ll be emailing you tomorrow. And it was great “seeing” some old faces too (not “old old”, just “recognized from the past.”)
Happy Independence Day neighbors to the South…
Cat said
Hi Liz. Hi everyone.
I just flew in and rinsed the travel off an hour or so ago. It’s great to be home, I can tell you (even with all the work I have waiting). Mumbai this time around was a different challenge.
Liz, I hope your birthday was fabulous.
cat
Ben Yoskovitz said
Liz - I was 227.
Unless Doug picked the same number.
If he did, I’ll go with 219.
Douglas said
Have a great night Ben, I look forward to hearing from you!
Hi Cat.
ME Strauss said
Yeah, Doug That works.
Douglas said
I haven’t picked a number yet. I’m going high - 250.
HART (1-800-HART) said
In the next few months, I have to think of ways to get back up with my own network membership drive. Currently, I’ve been busy as all heck, and penalized by Technorati, and now have the beach bug. if anybody wants to pass along suggestions .. i too am interested.
ME Strauss said
Sorry Ben. 227 it is!
ME Strauss said
CAT!!!!
Great to see ya!! The birthday was great too. Thanks to you it got a fabo start.
Rick said
Good night, Ben. Hi, Cat.
Time for me to go, too. A cup of coffee, then off to bed. See you all next week.
Joe said
Did I miss much?
I had a great time with my neighbors watching the fireworks (something like the picture).
Philly is great on the Fourth, but it takes all day to keep up with everyone and everything that’s going on.
I hope everyone had a good time in my fair city.
Liz, thanks for bringing everyone with you, I hope it was as much fun as I had hoped.
ME Strauss said
Here’s where we are on the guess when Joe gets back contest. He said at # 160 he’d be gone 75-100 comments. We’re guessing when he”ll be back.
Rick is at 180
Hart’s at 209
I’m at 225
Ben is 227
HART (1-800-HART) said
comfortable. I laughed. But just a little bit.
I wish I had some jokes to tell. All I have are sick (poor taste) PIZZA jokes.
Douglas said
HART, was checking out your site. Do you know anything about raising money from investors?
ME Strauss said
HART it looks like you’re the closest!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Cat.
Hi * A DIFFERENT * Joe ..
Cat said
Hey hey Liz!
I’m going to be nosey and ask what you ended up doing on your b-day? Eat anything scrumptious? See anything special?
Birthdays, no matter how old I get, are still precious to me. I may not do much on the day, but it’s the shiny feeling I enjoy.
ME Strauss said
Welcome back, Joe!
The fireworks were great I taken it?
Have you met Doug?
Doug, this is Joe. He lives in Philadelphia.
Joe said
Who had 198???
ME Strauss said
No one had 198. There aren’t that many of us.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Douglas .. my involvement has only been with preparation of cash flow projections, business plans, pro-forma financial statements etc .. in a support mode. You looking to go public? Just get a loan from your local bank? VC?
HART (1-800-HART) said
209 !!
Douglas said
Hi Joe!
HART, yes it’s the things like cash flow projections that I need help with. I’ve finished my executive summary and have that perfected, now I just have to expand it to the big business plan. I’m looking for angel investors.
I’m about to get going. I had a great time and enjoyed meeting some people. I’ll definitely be back next week!
ME Strauss said
Flowers, Cat, first thing in the morning with my coffee. Cut so that I could arrange them myself.
A very good book.
Home cooked meal with all of the trimmings.
A long afternoon nap and music in my headphones.
HART (1-800-HART) said
hehe .. sorry about that - had to take #209th post, since JOE didn’t!
Hey Joe. Welcome back. how was the fireworks?
Cat said
Hi Doug, Rick, HART and all.
Reading down, I just realised it’s the 4th of July out there.
Happy fireworks day USA people
Joe said
Instead of naming names, I will just say HEY ALL…
Douglas said
I’m out. See everyone next week! HART, my email is doug [at] %spot [dot] net. Replace the % sign with a 9.
Bye!
ME Strauss said
Good night Doug,
Thanks for coming! I’m glad you decided to come on back.
taorist said
Lurking on the comment board…..
this is a runaway hit, Liz! It’s like chatting except it’s on a blog. Whod’ ve thunk it?
Joe said
Hey Doug,
I missed you this week. But I’m sure we’ll converse next week.
I think Hey HART was closest with 209?
Only a guess, but I think that was the nearest.
HART (1-800-HART) said
~waves to Douglas // cya next week. or around the internet (in my bloglines!)
Joe! I’ve been meaning to ask you something - about your blog … how do you navigate to previous pages?
Douglas said
I decided to come back for a bit and pop in while I work on something.
Joe said
Hey HART,
The only way I have found so far, is through the Recent links or if you are on an individual page, between the post and comments there is a previous post link.
Other than that???
ME Strauss said
Thanks, taorist, for your runaway hit comment.
Yeah, it’s kind of like being in a bar.
ME Strauss said
Joe.
I called HART closest in comment 202.
Joe said
I have a question…
Has anyone been in Philadelphia for the Fourth of July (or any other day for that matter)?
ME Strauss said
Joe/HART
Is there the archives route to prevous pages?
Joe said
Liz,
Now that I look back at some of the comments…
There was a lot happening from the time I left until I returned.
ME Strauss said
Gosh, Joe,
Yeah. Things were fast and furious as they sometimes get.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Joe .. is that a wordpress theme? If it is - i might be able to help with the navigation code..
Fraser said
anyone still celebrating?
HART (1-800-HART) said
haha .. Liz - Fast and Furious .. at least since HART has been here
That’s me!
Douglas said
HART, looks like it to me. The wp-admin directory works and the URL is /WP.
I have the “previous” code too.
ME Strauss said
Yes, I’ve been in Philadelphia a few years back and I’ve flew in and out of there several times, but that doesn’t count.
I’m going to be there in July for some meetings, but I’m not sure I’ll have even a minute to spare. I just found out about that this morning.
ME Strauss said
Hey Everyone,
Look at 229, Fraser here!
Yeah, Fraser, we’re still celebrating!
Joe said
WHY YES IT IS…
If you can help, I would owe you as much as I do Chris, Ben, DavidC, Steve, among others (not to mention LIZ).
I am such a novice when it comes to WP I sometimes feel like I’m back in grammer school.
Any help is always appreciated.
Fraser said
Only stopping in for a quick moment - to say hello and wish everyone an incredible holiday. I’m still relaxing post our long weekend up in Canada… about to settle down to read some more Kite Runner before bed
ME Strauss said
Fraser,
Joe’s from Philly. Hart’s Canadian. I’m not sure where Doug lives. Cat, are you still here?
ME Strauss said
Kite Runner???
Douglas said
I live in South Florida most of the time and New Jersey some of the time.
Joe, I’d be more than happy to help you with your site. Maybe get a new skin?
Fraser said
Hi Joe from Philly, and Hart from Canada (although Liz thinks we all know one another, I’m not convinced I know you) and hello Doug from someplace.
Yep, Kite Runner. I’m only just past 1/2 way but it’s a great book so far.
Joe said
Hey Fraser,
You should have been in Philly tonight, it was a great show.
Liz… If you have time, drop me and email, I think I can recommend some good places to go to really appreciate the city.
ME Strauss said
What is Kite Runner. I don’t know it. Who’s the writer. If you like it, I’m betting I would too.
ME Strauss said
Joe,
A while back, I was downtown I stayed in the hotel that used to be a bank. Then I was there for a conference and stayed at the Marriott. This time I’m staying with a friend to work on a project together.
Joe said
Hey Douglas,
Only if you mean it, I don’t just change my skin for anyone…
ME Strauss said
Oh, Joe, that’s so funny.
Fraser said
It’s a book about a young boy growing up in Afghanistan who flees with his father to the US shortly after the Russians invade.
Khaled Hosseini is the author.
Kite Runner
Douglas said
Joe,
Of course, the skin will work by itself and maybe require a bit less work than your current one.
Cat said
Yes, Liz. I’m here. Sort of. Laying on the couch and trying to stay awake.
ME Strauss said
Thanks Fraser. I love good books. My current pile is getting low. That’s the only time I pay attention to what’s out there. I either have too many or too few.
ME Strauss said
Cat,
You must be exhausted. You need water, chocolate, and sleep.
Fraser said
alright, off to read. good night everyone.
Joe said
Liz,
E-Mail me…
You’re probably talking about 1 Girard Plaza. Or if you had the $Dollars$ you may have stayed at the Belvue Strafford… (I worked there in H.S.)
ME Strauss said
Sweet Dreams, Fraser,
Thanks for stopping by with a good book.
It was great to see you!
HART (1-800-HART) said
Hi Fraser .. Nice to meet another Canadian .. and, if we don’t already know each other .. Our parents grew up in different neighborhoods together! I’m sure of it.
ME Strauss said
Hey HART,
Maybe your parents even dated the same people who didn’t know each other.
Tammy said
Happy Holiday ~ I showed up late. I’m in Maine
Went to a parade - small town type although we are in the capitol then a birthday party for my now 19 year old daughter then a night along the river watching fireworks - the first for my boys. They plugged their ears the whole time - it seemed like we were right under the fireworks.
What a party you had here with open mike! I’m pretty new to the crew but I’m enjoying reading all about you ~ Tammy
ME Strauss said
Hi Tammy,
Joe and HART, and Cat are here. Though Cat has a pretty good case of jet lag so go easy on her.
Douglas said
Hi Tammy! I’m also quite new, but am having a good time.
ME Strauss said
Sorry Doug,
I thought you left again!
I guess you’re finding out how addictive it is around here.
Joe said
Tammy,
I hope you and yours enjoyed your 4th as much as me and mine (a Philly guy).
ME Strauss said
Joe,
You mean that you are a Philly guy right?.
Not that your’s is a Philly guy.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Liz .. that’s entirely possible
you never know .. my parents used to get around *wink*
Douglas said
Nah, I’m here Liz. Yes, it is addictive. I think I’ll be leaving in a few, though. It’s getting fairly late here.
ME Strauss said
HART,
Did your parents date people they didn’t know? How could that be possible? They were Canadian. They knew everyone.
ME Strauss said
Did you talk to Tammy about her blog yet?
Joe said
Ok,
I don’t get the question…
I mean I am Born and Bred in Philadelphia…
Chris Cree said
You know I was just poking around on my way off to snooze and I see y’all are still at it!
ME Strauss said
Okay. The wording could have implied that your partner was a guy from Philly not you. I didn’t think you would want to leave that out there if that wasn’t what you were trying to say. And I thought that wasn’t what you were trying to say.
Chris Cree said
Liz, you ought to know that Fat Boy (the Cat Whisperer figured out it was him) got his aim back. Even without thumbs. So all is well.
ME Strauss said
Chris!!
What? No Klondike bars?
Joe said
Maybe us guys from Philly, just consider ourselves guys.
No inuendo, no crossed terms, no misdirection, just Straight Forward guys
Douglas said
I’ll be back in a little while. If anyone leaves before I get back, see you next week!
Tammy said
Hey Doug - I like your stories, just posted on your blog ~ and I discovered Joe’s yesterday ~ Liz… you are indeed a true “connector” aren’t you!
ME Strauss said
It was a straightforward semantic error. That could have been misunderstood. That’s all.
Chris Cree said
Sorry. Somehow we had a run on them and wern’t quite prepared. Unfortunately we apparently don’t have another shipment for a while now. (Although I do have it on good authority that we should get some in next Tuesday some time…)
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Chris Cree said
In spite of her superior writing skills (pushed forward by her own language challenges) Liz is also a master networker. Oh, yes and gennerally sweet lady all around.
Chris Cree said
Well that’s weird. Trackbacks in the middle of Open Comment night.
Curiouser and curiouser…
Joe said
Tammy,
I appreciate your stopping by, commenting and actually subscribing.
Doug,
You can always stop by and offer suggestions, I do listen when someone tries to help.
Liz,
I never thought any differently. (the offer still stands for when you come to Philly).
ME Strauss said
Joe,
I appreciate you offer and if I have even a second, I would love a chance to meet you in person. How far are you from the airport?
ME Strauss said
Yeah, Chris,
That trackback is something isn’t. That blog has been trackback me for a few days now and I’m not sure who writes it either, but I’ve got a couple of guesses. It’s called “The New Flatness”
Chris Cree said
Yeah. I read the post. It doesn’t make much sense. Not rude, mind you. I just don’t get it.
Joe said
Probably 10 miles, give or take.
Down 476, 15 minutes, depending on where you stay, less time than a Cab.
ME Strauss said
Well, I’m not staying at the airport, but I’m flying in and out of there. So maybe there’s a chance to catch up somewhere on my way in or out!
HART (1-800-HART) said
I’m back - I was looking at some excel spreadsheets .. (oh - sure .. that sounds boring, but it’s really more - it’s hell! haha- just kidding)
Tammy said
Well, I can’t stay long ~ sad to stay at this point in my life… I still have young kids that get up early and its midnight here in Maine. I have learned something though ~ I think I could just go through and meet all of you on your blogs which is what I’m working on so when you see Tammy ~ it’s probably me from Liz’s corner!
I have several unfocused blogs but starting on Marketing Basics and when I get comfortable enough I will do something unique. I love to write ~ but I’m new to jumping into conversations! See you this week here or on your sites. Tam
Douglas said
I’m back.
Thanks Tammy.
Joe said
E-mail me with any details, I’m always find a way to catch up with a friend.
ME Strauss said
Chris,
I think the post is about how we need to own our identity, but I don’t know what about it is tracking back to here.
Chris Cree said
Hey, all. I’m going to hit the hay. Tomorrow is a long day. Thanks for all the things you say. But unfortunately I’ve got bills to pay. So for now I’ll just go away.
Enjoy!
Cat said
Liz,
“You must be exhausted. You need water, chocolate, and sleep.â€
Pretty tired. But mainly because I came down with a cold. Water I’ve just done and thanks for the reminder of the Chocolate! I forgot I have a huge bar in the fridge.
Sleep will have to wait. My cats just arrived from the vet and mamma cat STILL has not had those kittens. Kittens we all thought were to be born two weeks ago. I think she waited for me to come back and it’s soon. Like in the next few hours. The vet says, as she is so big, it looks like 4, 5 or more …. Wish me luck!
Fraser,
thanks for the heads up on the book.
ME Strauss said
Thanks for coming, Tammy!
For someone who’s new at this, you do it really well.
Joe said
Tam,
Nite, just remember, once you visit (here or there) you are a friend.
ME Strauss said
Good night Chris,
Thanks for making it over to see us!
Tell the cats to aim better.
ME Strauss said
Cat,
Enjoy that chocolate. RIGHT NOW!
Joe said
Cat,
All the best with Momma and the kids (to be).
Hope they don’t wear you out too soon.
Chris,
I’m supposed to be the poet…
HART (1-800-HART) said
Liz .. enough about us .. How are you? Any plans for the summer? Besides changing the weekly blogging titles on Mike nights?
What does one do if you go on vacation? On vacation, I don’t want to work .. but I realized that this summer I might be off 2-weeks - but, there will be no internet. No internet - no email - no blogging etc. I went to the beach Friday 3pm, got back Monday noon - had 1245 emails in my inbox. I can’t imagine 2 weeks off. Also, it’s not like I can ‘hand-off’ this internet obligations to i.e. my folks (who watches our cat while we are away).
I was just curious. Thought I would put it out there. Discuss. 10,000 words or less
ME Strauss said
Joe,
So Chris is doing poetry and you’re doing the “you’re a friend.” *giggle*
We’re turning into each other!
ME Strauss said
I hardly ever go on vacation, HART, and probably won’t until I get this next project on the road.
But when I do . . . it’s with a really close friend and it’s anywhere in the world . . . where we can hang out, drink great wine, eat fine food, and talk.
Douglas said
OK, I’m going to head out. It was nice meeting and talking to everyone. See you next week!
ME Strauss said
Good night, Doug!
Thanks for coming. You were a great part of open comments night this week!
Chris Cree said
My “potetry” is more along the lines of Fezzik (he’s the one on the right). And it only comes out when I am sleep deprived.
Now where is that pillow…
Douglas said
Thanks Liz. I’m glad I came.
ME Strauss said
Thanks for the explanation, Chris.
Watch out for those cats!
Joe said
Now that Chris has stole my story
and I can’t regain the glory
How do I say good night
without causing all such freight?
There is no way I know
‘cept to say “I must go”
For tonight I saw such things
that I and all might cringe.
So, I bid fair adeau
and hope that all of you
have such a great night tonight
that dreams you have will chase the freight.
Berma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
ME Strauss said
Good night, Joe
Sweet dreams!
ME Strauss said
And so HART, this ends another open comment night event in the history of the blogosphere, leaving the universe to ponder . . .
What about Naomi?
HART (1-800-HART) said
I’m not sure who Naomi is that you are referring to, however I will agree that July 4th 2006 can be remembered for many things, the shuttle flight … Liz’s Open Night Mike Night, and um … I’m sure there’s something else.
HART (1-800-HART) said
Oh yes! Independence Day in USA. Happy Holidays everybody
I guess I will be lurking in the background and wish everyone a G’night now too ..
ME Strauss said
You never fail to make me SMILE.
Cat said
Liz, on each Mike Night, before I take off I try to share a useful url to make up for my scattered posts (I’m usually posting between work, so not focused). Today is the blog of a friend of mine, Neil Tortorella. We are part of the team who founded Creative Latitude and are now working on a blog together, to be launched in August (hopefully).
Anyway, here it is. Enjoy.
Inside the Marketing Mind | Marketing and self promotion ideas and tips
http://www.tortorelladesign.com/marketing_mind/
nite!
ME Strauss said
Cat,
Thank you for that. It’s a winner. I’ll be sure to put it up front in the morning when I gather the summary of the night together.
Feel better and tell Mama Cat that I’m thinking of her.
Cat said
Thanks Liz.
I’ll give mamma cat a hug for you. I’ll hug hard so’s to help her along!
About the chocolate. I must be sick as I cannot stomach even a bite. Yeah, I tried. Sacrilege
{psssttt …. cat does not do sick well}
Take care, and thanks again for the wonderful hospitality.
ME Strauss said
Cat,
Feel better and get your self well too.
andy fossett said
damn, it’s already the fith here…
i somehow managed to totally miss independence day - i live i japan, but i’m still an american. i must be crasy busy not to have at least planned a bbq. oh well. next year, i’ll be back stateside, so i won’t miss it.
double damn, it’s too rainy to shoot of fireworks… what a waste.
ME Strauss said
Hi Andy,
You didn’t miss it — not completely. I assure you that folks will come to comment after you. They always do. Thanks for coming.
You don’t have to wait for next year either. We do this every Tuesday night for practice. So you get a chance for a “do over” next week.
Liz
chartreuse (BETA) » Blog Archive » Links (The Morning Remix hangover edition) said
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