September 2, 2008
The Mic is On: We’re Talking about Stars and the Universe!
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.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
Do You See Stars?
Since time began, people have been looking up with questions, finding answers, telling stories. Which ones do you pass on to people you care about? People and stars have a lot in common. Tonight we’re talking about the stars and the universe.
- Do you wish upon a star?
- Do you know the constellations?
- What do you know about Astrology and Astronomy?
- Would you want to travel to a star nursery?
ahem . . .
And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)
Oh, and bring example links to share —
–ME “Liz” Strauss
image: sxc.hu
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281 Comments to “The Mic is On: We’re Talking about Stars and the Universe!”
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Brooke said
Helloooooooo!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hiya!
I couldn’t type those four letters for the life of me!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Brooke,
Did you get a chance to look at the stars over the weekend?
Brooke said
Ha! I’m so psyched that I am #1 !!!!
Marti said
Hello! LOVE that picture just above the comments!
Trisha said
Hello!
Brooke said
I did not too much at all. And now it is rainy and chilly. I LOVE to look at the stars when I am away from city lights.
Brooke said
Hey Marty - Hey Trisha!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Marti!
That’s the cartwheel nebula. It’s a NASA photo!
Brooke said
Oooh - fanccy Liz!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Trisha!
How was your weekend?
Trisha said
this video says pretty much all I have to say about the subject: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FAcpGtJnvI
Trisha said
My weekend was ok
Marti said
It is beautiful. No stars here in Mazoorah tonight, remnants of Gustav are uglying up our skies…..
Joe said
Space, the Final Frontier
These are the Voyages of the Star Ship Enterprise
It’s Five year mission
To explore new planets
Find New Life…
To go where no man has gone before
Ahhh Ahhh ah,ahh,ah,ah,Ahhhhhh…
Hey Liz
Hey All
ME Liz Strauss said
I love photos of nebula and I lost all of mine when my computer died two weeks ago. So I thought just now, that I might find a few to show you from the files at NASA
ME Liz Strauss said
The dumbell nebula
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
Hi all
Hubble: The most amazing space photographs in the universe
http://tinyurl.com/5bchpo
Trisha said
Liz - your computer died? The thinkpad? How old was it?
Amy Derby said
Hiya everyone.
I know nothing about stars, except I do know a bit about astrology. (Is that weird?)
Marti said
Hello Liz, Brooke, Joe, Trisha. One of the best things about living out here in the sticks is that on a clear night we can see a thousand stars. It is so beautiful it takes my breath away.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Pamir,
That sombrero galaxy looks good enough to eat . . . like wafer cookie.
ME Liz Strauss said
No Trisha!
The thinkpad is still moving along. It was my desktop.
the helix nebula
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
@marti don’t get that much here as it’s sprawlville, but out in the Everglades it’s pretty awesome.
Marti said
Amy, I am very fond of astrology.
Hello Pamir!
Wonderful to see everyone tonight.
Thanks for the Star Trek into, Joe. I am a big fan
Brooke said
I bet Marty!!
Timothy Johnson said
Has anybody seen my big dipper?
Rick Cockrum said
Howdy, all!
Nebula make some of the most beautiful images.
Stingray nebula
Ant nebula
Marti said
LOL @ Timothy.
I fear urban (well, SUBurban) sprawl will drown out our night sky. We’re 25 miles east of Kansas City, but the subdivisions have come within a few miles of the farm.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Amy!
Welcome!
Todd Jordan said
Oh shinies….
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Rick,
GodandScienceimages who are they?
Timothy Johnson said
Hi Marti… we went out to the lake for a cookout Saturday night, and I was fascinated by the number of stars in the sky… I’d forgotten how many you can see with the naked eye when city lights aren’t in the way.
Laura Hecht said
Hey everyone! I find star-gazing to be a very relaxing endeavor. YES?
Joe said
Me too, Marti
Some of my favorite shots are the Mars Rovers pics http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html
Todd Jordan said
@Marti
heard that folks in one town started calling into the police about the strange lights in the sky when they had a major power outage. Folks have never seen the stars. OMG.
Amy Derby said
Timothy — I don’t know you, so I’ll reserve my dirty joke. But it’s the thought that counts?
Rick — I like the ant one.
Liz — Thank you!
Marti — Astrology fascinates me. I enjoy freaking people out by guessing when their birthdays are. Hehe.
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
Speaking of astrology, I’m a Capricorn (at least in western astrology). You?
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Tim!
Do you see stars?
Angela Maiers said
Hello All-the stars are shining very bright tonight-it is a clear, calm night in Iowa. How is everyone tonight?
Todd Jordan said
I can haz star envy. Even in the burbs we don’t get a good view.
ME Liz Strauss said
The trifid nebula
Marti said
Amy, I used astrological profiles to create characters in a novel. I was wondering how to give them distinct personalities, so I started out with their birthday and what description it gave as characteristics of people born under that sign.
Amy Derby said
Pamir — Do you thrive on crazy excel spreadsheets? (My capricorn friend does.) I’m a scorpio (and fit the horrible stereotypes beautifully).
Rick Cockrum said
Liz - I have no real idea. I just found them googling for nebula pictures. They were the first result. The site appears to try to reconcile the Bible and science.
They do have some good images.
Todd Jordan said
FYI - I don’t do signs.
Amy Derby said
Marti — That is a great idea! I have a huge heavy book that gives a personality description in depth for every day of the year, so that would be an interesting way to create characters. I might have to steal that idea!!!!!!!!
Marti said
Amy do you only play your guessing game in person, or would you take a stab at the commenters?
Hi Rick, Laura, Angela!
Oh Todd, that is too funny “strange lights in the sky” LOL!
Rick Cockrum said
Msrti - I like that idea. If I were to ever write fiction, I’ve thought that I would do the charts at random for 2-3 main characters, throw them into a situation that triggered their main week points, and watch their reactions and interactions based on the astrological personalities.
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
@amy I’m a doh! on Excel. I’ve other Cappy OCDs lol!
ME Liz Strauss said
Light takes time to travel. Do you see stars or are the stars you see already gone?
Marti said
Amy, take it - my gift to you
Rick Cockrum said
Oohh. I gave my Marti a new name!
mark_hayward said
Good evening! Came over from twitter.
Just wanted to say…lovely stars down here in the Caribbean (Culebra Island) this evening.
Trisha said
Liz - that makes me feel better! I’m hoping my thinkpad will last a long time!
Timothy Johnson said
Liz - I see stars whenever my kids do a “pile on daddy”
Amy - as Liz says, you’re only a stranger once… now that you’ve introduced yourself, you can let the off-color humor fly.
Marti said
It really works, Rick! Tips on writing always say “make your characters distinguishable from one another” but it’s hard for an author to think of ways to make each character have their own personality.
Robert Hruzek said
Howdy, Liz! Howdy y’all! A tip o’ the hat to everyone tonight. I have a half hour to kill, so I thought I’d drop by.
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
@liz those stars are gone baby!
@marti my sis is a Scorpio.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Joe!
Hey Todd!
Hey Laura!
Todd Jordan said
Hey there everyone.
If only we spent as much time staring out at the stars as we do making hate, the world would be in a better balance.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Mark Hayward!
Thanks for bring us the stars from the southern part of the world!
Marti said
Liz, I like to think of the starlight as traveling through me and beyond - forever…
Hi Robert!
Amy Derby said
Marti — It only works in person unless it’s someone I’ve talked to a little bit online. I don’t know any of yall well enough to try. And thank you for gifting me your idea.
Rick — That is a good idea too. (I’m stealing yours also. LOL)
Pamir — My good friend who is capricorn keeps excel spreadsheets of every holiday and birthday gift she has ever bought for everyone ever. It sickens me.
What are your OCD things???
Robert Hruzek said
Don’t see too many stars here in Houston. I’m flying to New Brunswick, CA tomorrow though. Maybe I can see the northern lights?
Amy Derby said
Liz — Do you live in the city city? Can you see stars from there, or are the lights too bright?
ME Liz Strauss said
Robert,
The stars are bright deep in the heart of Texas.
Robert Hruzek said
Howdy, Marti:
Ttttttiiiiiimmmmmmeeeeee C!
(Long time, no see!)
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Amy,
I live across the street from the lake . . . no stars here.
Joe said
Look
Up in the sky
Is it a bullet?
Is it a plane?
Noooo
It’s raining Klondikes!!!
Catch em if ya can!
Pamela said
It was an awesome weekend to view stars in upstate NY…. and I’ve heard from friends there are fantastic violet lights in the west coming from volcanic activity in Alaska.
If you like astrology and talk radio and are interested in a couple of astrologers spin on the upcoming election, you can check out our archived stream on Astro-Chatter-Radio
but whether you follow astrology or not, I’m in total agreement that the night sky is wonderful to watch.
Marti said
You speak great wisdom there, Obi Won ToddJordi
Rick, think nothing of it. Heck, I’m lucky to type my name right about half the time
Amy, I’m a Leo *grin*
ME Liz Strauss said
Twin jet nebula
Robert Hruzek said
Liz, I recently spent a weekend out in the Texas Hill Country. Got to see the milky way as clear as a bell! Awesome!
Amy Derby said
Liz — I worked downtown six years, often till midnight, but never noticed if there were stars. Kinda sad, isn’t it?
Brooke said
Thanks Joe!! I caught 4!
eric : Gardenfork.tv said
the stars in the UK sky seem closer than when I look at them in New England. Anyone else? eric.
Sprite said
Hi Liz!
Quick drive by hi! I always look too the heavens & find comfort in those stars being there. (course in CA they are at times harder to see) Grew up with open skies & constant views of Big & Little Dippers, & of course Aurora Borealis was always there. Astronomy side of me has much to learn, Astrology side of me is ever learning.
*waves* Hope you’re having a great night!
LoveYa,
Sprite
Amy Derby said
Marti — I don’t know any Leo women. You are the first.
ME Liz Strauss said
Angela,
I want to talk to you about a client. Email me if you get a chance would you? lizsun2 at gmail.
Robert Hruzek said
Let’s not forget these stars!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Pamela!
Welcome. You’ll find this group likes most things.
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti
Obi-Wan-ToddJordi . . . too funny!
Joe said
If you could travel to any other planet, real or fiction, where would you go?
Me: Rysa
Robert Hruzek said
Tonight’s topic reminds me of my childhood dream to be a Spaceman. Not an astronaut, mind you; a Spaceman.
ME Liz Strauss said
Welcome Eric: Gardenfork.tv
I think the stars look closer when I see them through trees.
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
@amy mine? hmm…gotta have tv volume at an even number, nothing too serious. I wouldn’t want to be in your friend’s head
My dad is a Leo. I’ve known several lionesses too.
Robert Hruzek said
Well, I’m sorry to say, my half hour got foreshortened a bit. Gotta go now. Y’all have a great time stargazing tonight. I’m with ya in spirit!
See ya, Liz! See y’all!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Sprite!!
Welcome!
Open skies make me feel like I belong on the planet, like the whole universe has it’s arms around me.
Amy Derby said
Now I have the Jetson’s theme song running through my head.
Brooke said
totally off topic: Did you see this post at Char’s? FUNNY!
Joe said
See ya, Robert
Amy Derby said
Pamir — I wonder what I can blame my OCD on…. I know several male leos. No females though.
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
@robert he may have left but is that a Spaceman like David Bowie’s The Man who fell to Earth?
ME Liz Strauss said
Bye, Robert!
Brooke which post were you going for?
I’ll fix the link.
Marti said
The most beautiful night sky I ever saw was when we left after visiting the Grand Canyon. We were heading back down this little two-lane hiway, and it was so clear and bright. We pulled off on the shoulder and got out to stare at the sky - the stars looked so close! It was like you could just reach out and touch them.
Marti said
Hope you have more time next go-round, Robert. Always a pleasure to chat with you (and all of you!)
Joe, thanks for the Klondike!
Pamela said
thanks for the welcome, Liz.
I think David Bowie is a Capricorn… like Elvis.
Todd Jordan said
If I could travel to another planet? I’d want to go somewhere I could be a welcome guest.
ME Liz Strauss said
Todd,
Wouldn’t you want to be king?
Brooke said
Thanks Liz! The back to school video!
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
@pamela Yes, he is a Capricorn. Isn’t Einstein too?
Joe said
Todd, I think you’re there already. You know you are welcome on the SOB planet!
ME Liz Strauss said
Reflection nebula
Marti said
Planet SOB - that’s where I’d like to visit!
Amy Derby said
I would like my very own private planet with my very own private flying thingy to fly-invite in only the people of my choice.
Joe said
Marti, I think you do every Tuesday night.
Pamela said
Einstein was a Pisces… man of dreams who changed reality
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
The most beautiful night skies I’ve ever seen have been on the Aegean coast of Turkey. There’s a several weeks long boat tour you can take there, “Blue Voyage” coz of the ocean’s color…anyhow you anchor in these little coves at night…there’s absolutely no development, no noise, electricity or artificial light pollution whatsoever! Totally off the grid and totally awesome.
Todd Jordan said
I want to go to a planet with adults on it or just children, but no bratty wanna be kids in adults clothing.
Marti said
That’s true, Joe! This is like a wonderful little haven-planet…no where else I’d rather be….
Angela Maiers said
WOW-I missed alot-had to step away for a bit!
Nice to meet you Amy, Pamela, Pamir, and Robert!
Liz-I will email you!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Todd, Hey Marti
It’s a wonder.
Pamela said
got to go… nice site! enjoy conversation and different points of view with tonight’s Libra moon… I’ll be back- thanks!
Todd Jordan said
Hey Liz. I’m distracted by the ugliness on Twitter. I’m shutting it down for the night.
Rick Cockrum said
I lost my internet connection there.
I’m going to say goodnight before it goes out again.
As that famous radio astronomer, Jack Horkheimer, used to say
Nite all.
Good night Liz, and thank you for reminding us of the beauty of the stars.
Marti said
Oh Pamir, that sounds beautiful! what a descriptive writer you are - I feel like I can feel the ocean breeze…
Agrees with Obi Won ToddJordi
ME Liz Strauss said
Todd,
Read my link first if you see this.
Marti said
Fare thee well, all ye stargazers who’ve left the conversation…..
ME Liz Strauss said
Faretheewell, indeed, Marti
Trisha said
Had to go for a while - but wanted to add - we have a telescope, haven’t used it a whole lot though; not stars - but I do like looking at Jupiter’s large moons a lot!
Angela Maiers said
Would planet SOB have Klondikes available all day and all night-calorie free of course!!!
Marti said
There are so many distractions these days. “Stop and smell the roses” can also be “Stop and gaze at the heavens”
Oh Angela, a planet with calorie-free Klondikes….sorry, drooling on the keyboard….
ME Liz Strauss said
bow in the great nebula
And the SOB planet would have to have every color
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
@marti Thank you. It was one of those trips that I actually witnessed the Earth’s rotation on it’s axis and all the rest of it. We were lower than the edge of hill behind us as the sun went down. The full moon came up behind the hill, so at first we saw only it’s light in the sky. Then as it came up, sliver by sliver, the silhouetted edge of the dark hill, you could track every star as the night went on.
The whole dome of the Heavens turned for us till dawn.
ME Liz Strauss said
Trisha,
I seem to remember that about you!
Do you look at the moons often?
ME Liz Strauss said
Pamir,
You write your experiences so well!
Marti said
Pamir, that sounds like an amazing experience! Thank you for sharing
Amy Derby said
Pamir — That sounds beautiful.
Amy Derby said
Liz — I am getting a new error that says “you are posting too much too quickly, slow down”
I think it’s your blog’s way of telling me I talk too much.
Brooke said
My good friend just got Human Anaplasmosis
ME Liz Strauss said
Trisha,
This one is for you.
Butterfly nebula
Marti said
I get that error too, Amy. Us gabby gals - LOL
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
Hey thanks guys. Those kinda stick…
ME Liz Strauss said
No Amy,
That one happens when you hit the comment button too fast. It’s for people and robots who try comment spamming.
Amy Derby said
Marti — Funny though that I get it even when I haven’t said anything in a while. I get it at problogger too, and I only comment there like once a month. LOL
Amy Derby said
Liz - I think b5 just hates me.
Marti said
I was hunting through old photo files, ’cause I used to have a bunch of star and nebula pictures. They made nice blog backgrounds. But I can’t seem to locate them now.
LOL on b5 hates comments!
ME Liz Strauss said
No, Amy,
b5 loves you. b5 loves all bloggers. The server . . . I’m not so sure about.
Joe said
Liz, maybe b5 should shut comments off on all the other blogs on Tuesday nights?
Pamir | Reiki Help Blog said
Thx Liz, thx everyone, going to catch some US Open now…
Marti said
Well, this has been a “heavenly” chat, but I have to get up soooo early. May the stars shine brightly on all of you!
Until we meet again……..
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Joe,
There was a major server migration to server beach this week. It’s been a bit of a pain.
ME Liz Strauss said
Thanks for coming, Pamir!
Brooke said
Thanks for all the great pics guys! I enjoyed them. Nighty nite all!
Amy Derby said
Gotta get Liz a chat room. You can call it SOBChat.
Melissa (Pronoia) Pierce said
Who the hell is Basil the code-writing donkey?
ME Liz Strauss said
I’ve got some plans, Amy . . . just need to get them in motion.
Amy Derby said
You are a woman of many plans. The time-gods should give you extra hours in the day for all those plans.
ME Liz Strauss said
I wish the timegods would give three editors and three designers.
Trisha said
no Liz - we don’t usually find we have the time to get the telescope out very often..
Thanks for the butterfly nebula picture!
Amy Derby said
I think you have to bed the editor-gods and the design-gods for those. The time gods are only in charge of time, ya see.
P.S. Melissa is stuck in moderation.
Amy Derby said
I meant beg, not bed. That was not a dirty joke, although the bed way might work faster.
ME Liz Strauss said
ONG!! Melissa,
Sorry you got stuck in moderation!
[blush}
Basil is a character who got invented in the comment box here. He’s a donkey who used to show up drunk with Ben Yoskovitz.
Melissa (Pronoia) Pierce said
Bedding only seems to work better Amy cuz’ you know *blink blink* you are busy.
Amy Derby said
Melissa — I believe he writes for b5…
I know someone online who is writing a childrens book about a dog named Basil. He’s a “special” dog.
ME Liz Strauss said
http://www.whereisbasil.com/2006/08/11/basil-checks-out-some-air-force-and-confederate-history-in-savannah/
Amy Derby said
Melissa — I thought your middle name was Paranoia at first glance.
ME Liz Strauss said
A whole blog was started because we named this donkey after the John Cleese character in Fawlty Towers. Then we started sending a Fawlty Towers DVD set around the world.
markdavidson said
Hi, my name is Mark and I’m a Twitter Star. [ducks]
BTW, I love basil. It makes everything taste better. Wait. WHAT?! Basil donkey!? Okay, I’ll eat just about anything.
Joe said
Hey Melissa,
Here’s my version of the Basil story. http://workingathomeinternet.com/WP/2006/07/22/the-true-story-of-basil-the-code-writing-donkey/
Amy Derby said
Liz — that is crazy, in the best possible sense of the word.
Melissa — My friend Elliott is going to email you. I gave him the email from your personal blog, because I couldn’t find an email address on your .ws one.
Trisha said
ok - I’ve got to go. Sorry I haven’t been able to hang out as much lately!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Mark,
Most of the folks are just reading at this point. . . .
This is when I had Basil
http://www.whereisbasil.com/2006/07/28/liz-it-husband-and-basil-crash-sixaparts-party-at-the-chicago-metropolitan-museum-of-art/
Karen Swim said
Hi Everyone! I wanted to pop over and say Hello! I like stars, quite fond of basil too.
ME Liz Strauss said
Melissa,
What’s the story of your twitter name?
Amy Derby said
So was there an actual donkey, or is he imaginary?
Amy Derby said
KAREN!!!!!!!! Yay!
Melissa (Pronoia) Pierce said
Well, now that I know the true story of Basil the code writing donkey, I just have one more question… How does he type all that code with those donkey hooves? That seems a little awkward. It seems Ben probably had to follow a ton of guidelines in the Canadian Donkeys with Code Writing Disabilitues Act. It’s really a heart rendering story.
Karen Swim said
Hi Amy!!!
markdavidson said
Clicking and I’ll try to control my thread-jacking.
Hahaha!
“Reported Attack Site!
“This web site at http://www.whereisbasil.com has been reported as an attack site and has been blocked based on your security preferences.
“Attack sites try to install programs that steal private information, use your computer to attack others, or damage your system.
“Some attack sites intentionally distribute harmful software, but many are compromised without the knowledge or permission of their owners.”
My reputation precedes me once again! Pheer my 1337ness! Er, wait. FF3 blocked your page. Hmmm. Can I trust you, Liz? lol. Clickity-click!
Deborah Woehr said
Pamir and Marti: Thanks for sharing those moments. I’ve never experienced anything as breathtaking as you guys have described. When I was a little kid, I was awed by all of the tiny white dots in the night sky. Then the city had to go and put those stupid orange streetlights in.
Liz: I know more about astrology than astronomy. I haven’t decided which of the NASA photographs I like more, the nebulas or the Mars exhibitions.
Melissa (Pronoia) Pierce said
My twitter name, I had to change it, too many people were getting it wrong but you can find Pronoiapierce all over the social web.
Pronoia: n. sneaking suspicion that the world is conspiring to help you, shower you with blessings and make you really really smart.
So, I added a last name, and that’s just who I am - open to letting the world conspire in my favor.
Amy Derby said
LOL @ “Canadian Donkeys with Code Writing Disabilitues Act”
Karen, you should’ve brought your moonbounce.
ME Liz Strauss said
I really think, Melissa, that “Life of Perpetual Donkey — The Sequel” needs to be in the plan somewhere.
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
175 comments– I had to scroll to the bottom to jump in. Hi everyone!
Melissa (Pronoia) Pierce said
I’ll put it on the whiteboard Liz!
markdavidson said
Hi Melissa, I got an SMS message from you. What kind of awesome goodies from you did I just subscribe to?
Karen Swim said
I made the mistake of opening Twitter and just realized that thing I signed up for today barfed on the twitterverse with a zillion back to back messages, not cool! Melissa, cool Twitterhandle. Amy, hehehehe moonbounce. I could use a bounce!
Amy Derby said
Hi Karen.
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
I went as far back as #121–anyone care to fill me in on the meandering topics tonight? Did anyone stay on topic and talk about stars? And what’s this about a code writing donkey??
markdavidson said
Hi Karen, what thing did you sign up for today? Some kind of social aggregation program?
Joe said
Hey a little off topic, Did anyone else get 30 free minutes to landlines & cells on Skype?
I know it’s not just me if it’s legit!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Everyone!
Karen Swim what the heck did you sign up for?
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
Hey Amy… and the other Karen! And Marti and Liz! And Mark, Melissa and Deborah! Who’d I miss?
Melissa (Pronoia) Pierce said
Mark, as long as I hang out here tonight you have to subscribed to a whole lot of nothin’. At some point, I’ll have to finish up the e-zine for my kooky coaching practice’s
Unlearn|Unleash|Unlimit thingy…
d
Melissa (Pronoia) Pierce said
I want to moonbounce
Karen Swim said
Hi Mark! I signed up for a site that alerts of writing jobs via Twitter, only it apparently blurts out multiple tweets in an obnoxious stream that appear to be from me - and um, now I am looking for my sign up to cancel, can’t remember the right name so can’t find it in my email - UGH!!!
ME Liz Strauss said
What’s a mounbounce?
Amy Derby said
Karen — My understanding is Liz’s freak-fan-club here passed a virtual donkey around the interwebs, and then Liz took it to a museum. Oh, and apparently it writes code. But I’m sure I got that wrong. LOL
Karen Swim said
Oh to tie into stars, hmmm they weren’t aligned when I signed up without keeping track of the info!
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
Why, that sounds just like something Liz would do! Wonder if she keeps that donkey in her condo on weekends?
Amy Derby said
moonbounce
You stand in it and jump. It’s for kids, unless you play at Karen Swim’s house.
Melissa (Pronoia) Pierce said
And it turns out the donkey was an astrologer before this code writing gig… so it all ties in.
ME Liz Strauss said
Amy,
Sounds to me like you got the Britannica version right on the money.
Melissa (Pronoia) Pierce said
except for that moonbounce… unless…
ME Liz Strauss said
And before that he played the role of “Jade” in the Wizard of Oz.
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
Speaking of stars–over the weekend, a bunch of us were standing outside in rural Michigan admiring the millions of stars. Suddenly, we saw something weird– like a ball of flame moving across the sky. It looked almost like a hot air balloon. Any ideas what it was? We ruled out UFOs.
Amy Derby said
MOONbounce. Moons are like stars, in my head. (It’s scary in my head. LOL)
Joe said
Alas, Basil was last seen in Belarusse. Never to emerge into the atmosphere again to see the stars as they once were.
Poor, poor Basil.
Lost without ever seeing his friends on Tuesday nights again.
markdavidson said
Liz - A moonbounce is that giant inflatable thing that you have to take your shoes off for.
Melissa - Hahaha! I hit ‘Y’ on my cell phone for a reason, you’d better send me sumtin’!
Karen Putz - Hi, if I don’t follow you already, what’s your Twitter SN, please? Thanks.
Karen Swim - ACK! Sounds unpleasant at best! Nobody wants to be an agent for third-party Twitter spam!
ME Liz Strauss said
#188
WOMAN FOREVER HAUNTED BY WRITING GIGS FROM THE ITERNET . . . FILM AT 11
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
Oh hey, Joe, I didn’t see you hiding there!
Amy Derby said
Yes, basically a castle-shaped inflatable cage for young bouncy kids. Except when you play at Karen Swim’s house.
ME Liz Strauss said
A moonbounce is that giant inflatable thing that you have to take your shoes off for.
Oh Mark,
So many ways I could twist that one.
Dominic Rivera said
My mom who just passed away must be way beyond those stars now…
Karen Swim said
I feel so dirty! I’m an unsuspecting agent for spam.
Karen Putz, there were also weird sonic booms over the weekend in my neck of the woods,could there be a connection?
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
Hi Mark– I’m DeafMom on Twitter. Aiming to be the most famous Deaf Mom on the internet (hey Liz, a tag line!) Mark, what’s your Twitter name?
ME Liz Strauss said
Amy,
If Encyclopedia Britannica every does a Twitter version, I want you to be the Chief Editor. Please, please, please, please.
Amy Derby said
Karen Swim — Is that the same thing that happened to your tweeter today? Because I got a long list of crazy messages from you and was about to mail you some pills.
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
Would a sonic boom produce a flash of light that dashes across the sky?
Amy Derby said
Liz — Gladly, because you rock.
Joe said
Karen mom, I’ve been here all night, it’s just difficult to get a word in edgewise round here.
ME Liz Strauss said
Karen Putz . . .
Would a sonic boom produce a flash of light that dashes across the sky?
Um, that would be reindeer.
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
Joe, dear, I’ve never known you to be shy.
Amy Derby said
Karen Putz — I have seen that thing you are talking about. There is one that streams overhead my apartment. It is from a satellite one of my neighbors thinks.
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
LOL Liz, but reindeer only fly on a certain night each year.
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
Ah ha, Amy– that’s what I told the hubby. He’s into UFOs and wants to believe that he finally saw a caravan of them this weekend.
Amy Derby said
Oh great, now Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer has replaced the Jetson’s theme song in my head. Quick, someone smack it out of me.
ME Liz Strauss said
One night a year, unless they’ve been out drinking with Basil, um and the Taco Bell dog.
Melissa (Pronoia) Pierce said
Alrighty then… Mark is expecting something in his mailbox from me so’s I better finish up this e-zine. I think I’ll top it off with a code writing donkey jumping on Karen’s castle shaped moon bounce. If you’d like to see how I work that into a coaching e-zine, you can subscribe here: http://www.boldurl.com/UPC7rl6B
If you wouldn’t DONT SUBSCRIBE because I’ve installed a crazy twitter app that will spam you from Karen Swim’s twitter account. Mwwwhahahaha
Amy Derby said
Karen — My stepdad saw it one time when he was over and went on this huge “get your webcam” rush to film it, because he’s one of those people you’d see on a mystery special saying how he saw bigfoot and the loch ness monster having a tea party at the burmuda triangle. I don’t think anything seeking intelligent life would choose my neighborhood.
Karen Swim said
Maybe Rudolf is starting his own cyberventure!
Amy,yes that is what happened to my Twitter today and I was not even online, in fact I was happily napping.
ME Liz Strauss said
#206
Hope she’s talking to my mom and dad about now.
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
Karen! You napped? You were supposed to be working!
Amy Derby said
Karen — Do you teach an e-course in powernapping? Because I want to learn how, and you are the nap queen.
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
Dominic– sorry for the loss of your mom.
Amy Derby said
Non-star/non-donkey related observation: twitter has ruined me for deep, meaningful conversation. I’m packing everything in 140 chars now. :-\
Karen Swim said
ROFL! I woke up early, knocked out work, hit some blogs and commented, did some marketing, napped, woke up and ran 6 1/2 miles. I love naps and I could teach a course just not during nap time. LOL!
Karen Swim said
I cannot unsubscribe from this Twitter spam thing, oh gosh folks don’t try this at home! Save yourselves!
ME Liz Strauss said
Karen,
I with you about napping. In fact, when I want to rest, I close my eyes and imagine stars.
No kidding.
Amy Derby said
What is it you signed up for so that I make sure *not* to sign up for it???????????????
Amy Derby said
Karen and Liz — I am an insomniac. In order to sleep I have to take drugs, and the drugs make me sleep a long time. I need to learn how to nap.
Karen Swim said
Ah Amy, I’m sorry! Insomnia is not fun as a way of life!
Dominic (206) I am sorry for your loss.
Amy Derby said
Dominic — I scrolled fast and missed your post. I am sorry about your mom too.
Karen Swim said
Melissa, ROFL!!! I’m off to subscribe! LOL!
ME Liz Strauss said
Perhaps if we all subscribed we could bury them is subscriptions?
Amy Derby said
Liz — When you picture stars when you’re going to sleep, what do they look like?
Joe said
So once again we all start on our topic
And then we seem to become quite myopic
For 10 comments we do stay quite centered
Then the subject changes, not where we entered
But when we talk about spaces we see at night
We may dream of new worlds and see how bright
The nights will become with so many stars
As illuminate as the surface of Mars
We can just imagine how fantistic it would be
To be with each other and the universe we do see
Burma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
ME Liz Strauss said
Amy,
I look inside and it’s like I can see out into the universe — the entire expanse — infinity.
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Joe,
Sleepy swell!
Karen Swim said
Joe, that was a beautiful sentiment.
Amy Derby said
Liz — That would make an interesting meditation. Another project for you.
(Bet ya wish I’d never started stalking you!!)
Karen Swim said
Liz and Amy, I like the question and answer..infinity…
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
Great one, Joe!
ME Liz Strauss said
Amy,
It’s convergence to divergence.
I do it also when I get overwhelmed by being with too many people too long.
Amy Derby said
Good night Joe.
Karen Putz aka Deaf Mom said
Ok, time for me to get off and order my kids in bed. Oldest kiddo is wrestling with the idea of going to two Homecoming dances at two high schools.
I’m seeing stars. Oh wait, that’s just money signs.
Night, everyone! Make a wish on a star tonight!
ME Liz Strauss said
Here’s one for you . . .
Lullaby for Listening with Eyes Closed
Amy Derby said
Liz — I don’t do well in groups or when I have to speak in public. I have a very weird grounding meditation I do after that is sort of like that except without stars.
Amy Derby said
Good night Karen. Dancing is better than football!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Karen Swim said
Good Night Karen, may the Stars shine upon you and yours.
Amy Derby said
Liz — I like it. It should have a cello. I can’t hear cello anymore, but I can still play one. I think everyone should play a cello at least once, because the vibrations go straight to your gut. I can’t really explain it. But your song should have a cello.
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Karen,
Tell your oldest one to cherish that decision.
Karen Swim said
I love Karen Putz, I really hope she does become the most famous deaf mom of all time. She has a heart of gold.
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah, a heart of gold and the best smiling eyes.
Amy Derby said
Yes, must meet Karen one of these days.
ME Liz Strauss said
She lives out your way.
Karen Swim said
Maybe at next year’s SOBcon!
Amy Derby said
Yes, she told me. So exciting.
Amy Derby said
Karen, did you go to that? I was going to sign up but it fell over a weekend I was out of town at a food safety conference for a client.
Karen Swim said
I did not go, found out too late (blog newbie, totally clueless!) BUT I plan to be there next year with bells on!
Karen Swim said
Hey Amy, are you signed up on the Solosez list by chance?
Amy Derby said
Karen — Cool. It will be good to meet you.
Amy Derby said
Yes, but I don’t always read it. I’m on like a thousand legal mailing lists. LOL
Karen Swim said
Amy, I would love to meet you!! I am hoping to meet Liz before then, I love Chicago and I’m close!
ME Liz Strauss said
SOBcon this year is going to be 3 notches higher than last year. Whew!
Amy Derby said
Karen — I’m in the SW suburbs, but I’m in the city frequently, so if you’re ever in town let me know.
Liz — Does the conference have interpreters?
Karen Swim said
Well Ladies, I’m calling it a night. Thank you Liz for having me, you are, as always an awesome hostess. I shall dream of stars tonight. Sleep well!
Amy Derby said
Night.
Karen Swim said
Amy, btw will do!
ME Liz Strauss said
Good Night Karen!
Starry dreams!
ME Liz Strauss said
Yes, there are signers, Amy.
You *were* talking about hearing issues with Karen, weren’t you?
Amy Derby said
I’m not all the way deaf, but I can’t hear most people’s voices well enough to hear them especially when there is background noise (I have hearing aids but they are useless). I read lips but at most conferences I’ve been to folks tend to move around when they talk, rather than stand behind a podium. I don’t really like group things, so I usually don’t go to those things, but I would like to meet you and so many others that I figure if it’s in Chicago I might as well try it — I can always go home.
ME Liz Strauss said
Stephen Hopson and Karen Putz did fine. We had two signers there for the entire event. And of course, they’re highly gregarious people. I think you’d do well in the group. We’re staying in a room that only hold 150 people. So, no worries about huge crowds etc.
Couldn’t imagine you wanting to go home.
ME Liz Strauss said
It seems a good time for us to go check out the stars too!
Good night, Amy!
XXX
Amy Derby said
Sounds like fun. We should get you signing. You talk with your hands so you might as well.
Thanks for the lovely starchat.
Ed Borasky said
I rather like the Flanders and Swann song:
“Jupiter is passing by Orion,
And Venus is conjuncted with Mars,
All the planets are wheeling through infinite space
To their pre-ordained place in the stars.
“And I gaze at the Heavens in wonderment
At the time and the trouble they expend,
All to warn *me* to be careful
In dealings involving a friend.”
Inkthinker | Freelance Writing Blog » Amazing Giveaway from Liz Strauss at Successful Blog said
[...] — You may know Liz Strauss as the host of Open Comment Night, or perhaps as the brilliant mind behind SOBCon, but now you’ll know her as the generous [...]
Dominic Rivera said
Thank you!
inkthinkerblog.com » Amazing Giveaway from Liz Strauss at Successful Blog said
[...] — You may know Liz Strauss as the host of Open Comment Night, or perhaps as the brilliant mind behind SOBCon, but now you’ll know her as the generous [...]