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The Mic is on and We’re in OZ!

August 1, 2006 by Liz Leave a Comment

It’s Like Open Mic Only Different

Here’s how it works.

open mike night

It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.

The rules are simple — be nice.

Tonight we’re in OZ!

oz

We might talk about

  • Dorothy and Toto
  • The Scarecrow,
  • The Tinman,
  • The Cowardly Lion
  • The Munchins,
  • The Witches,
  • The Flying Monkeys
  • A Horse of a Different Color
  • and OZ himself

AND THE EVER POPULAR,

Basil the code-writing donkey.

–Me “Liz” Strauss

Related article
The Mic Is Open in Nashville — Let the Music Move You!

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Filed Under: Blog Comments, Community, Marketing /Sales / Social Media, Successful Blog Tagged With: bc, blog_promotion, discussion, letting_off_steam, living-social-media, Open_Comment_Night

Comments

  1. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:07 PM

    Sorry I missed last time – can I still do a musical number?

    Reply
  2. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:08 PM

    Sure what did you have in mind?

    Reply
  3. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:09 PM

    Hey guys,

    It has to be Yellow Brick Road…

    Reply
  4. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:09 PM

    This one!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwc5YSAc-7g

    I’m not much into country music, but since we were in Nashville and all, I would have brought a country music number 😉

    Reply
  5. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:11 PM

    Woahhhhh, we’re in OZ, aren’t we???

    Reply
  6. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:11 PM

    AdLIb,
    If you keep talking about last week, Joe is going to call a time warp!

    Reply
  7. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:12 PM

    Sorry, I was in a time warp, I thought we were in the here and now…

    Reply
  8. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:13 PM

    Hehe – I suppose it can be something of an Oz moment when a long-haired heavy metal-listening Unix hacker like me confesses to quite liking the Dixie Chicks 🙂

    Reply
  9. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:15 PM

    Joe,
    You and I are in the here and now. AdLIb is trying to capture last week. He’s going to break out singing “Thanks for the Memories” any minute. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:16 PM

    Ok,
    Name your favorite part of the Movie.

    I like the Flying Monkeys Best…

    Reply
  11. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:17 PM

    I think I like Munchkinland, or maybe the field of poppies, could be the Emerald City, the tornado . . . hmmmmm

    Reply
  12. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:18 PM

    You know, where they rip the Scarcrow apart and take Toto to the Haunted Castle.

    Reply
  13. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:20 PM

    Yeah, I know that part. Then they dress in the uniforms and sneak into the castle.

    Reply
  14. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:22 PM

    Hmm – the first movie with Garland? Never seen that, but I quite liked “Return to Oz” – the Gnome King was cool. Quite dated effects when I saw it, but still a neat movie.

    Reply
  15. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:23 PM

    You never saw the original. You must! You must!
    It’s the original!!

    Reply
  16. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:24 PM

    Yeah Liz,

    They’re climbing the mountain and the Lion says “I hop my strength holds out” and the TinMan says “I hope your Tail holds out”…

    Reply
  17. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:25 PM

    Though I did like the Gnome King.

    Here have a cool one, you guys.

    Reply
  18. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:27 PM

    Hi Liz, Joe, AdLib!

    My wife’s name is Glenda, so you know who her favorite character is. Me, I kind of like the doorman and the Wizard while he’s still in Kansas.

    Reply
  19. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:27 PM

    Hey all…good to be here traipsing along the yellow brick road. As long as we don’t have to face any of those flying monkeys. *shivers*

    Reply
  20. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:28 PM

    They made a Return to Oz? When did that come out?

    Reply
  21. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:28 PM

    Hey Rick!

    So I was about 13. How old were you guys when you figured out that the same guy played all of those characters?

    Reply
  22. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:30 PM

    Hey Ben!

    No monkey sightings so far. Did you see any in Vancouver?

    Reply
  23. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:31 PM

    Nope, no monkeys in Vancouver. A lot of high priced condos and some great Thai and Japanese food though. Mmmm…

    Hi all!

    Reply
  24. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:31 PM

    1985 – http://imdb.com/title/tt0089908/ – though there was a 1964 tv thingy of the same name that I’d never even heard of before looking at the imdb just now. (Imdb – the Internet’s gift to movie nerds.)

    Reply
  25. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:32 PM

    Ok, one man played… The Wizard, the Doorman, the Coachman, Professor Marvel, the Guard and I think one more character.

    I don’t remember the actors name, but multiple roles are hard to play.

    Reply
  26. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:32 PM

    I was 19 before I even knew any of it was in color.!My folks just had a black and white TV. I think I was 14 0r 15 before I realized the doorman, the Professor, and Oz were all the same character.

    Reply
  27. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:34 PM

    Yeah, and then the guys on the farm and the Lion, Tinman and Scarecrow took longer for me to figure out.

    Reply
  28. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:34 PM

    Liz, You said about the one actor while I was still typing the characters… Hmmm time warp?

    Reply
  29. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:35 PM

    I never realized he was all of those. The actor was Frank Morgan.

    Reply
  30. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:36 PM

    No time warp, Joe. Blogger synchronicity.

    Reply
  31. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:36 PM

    You guys are making me feel my youth here 😛

    Reply
  32. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:36 PM

    Rick, How could you know the actors name and not know he played all of those charactors?

    Reply
  33. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:38 PM

    AdLib,
    Youth is a good thing!

    Reply
  34. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:39 PM

    I just looked it up at the <a href=”http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/”>IMDB</a>. Plus, we have it on DVD and a few years ago we played it at the theatre when the anniversary edition came out.

    Reply
  35. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:41 PM

    Well, since I’m staring at 35 on the 12th of August, I’m no spring chicken anymore either, really.

    Reply
  36. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:42 PM

    Ah, an AdLIb birthday coming . . . a LEO

    Reply
  37. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:43 PM

    Hey Ben
    Does Basil like a horse of a different color?

    Reply
  38. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:44 PM

    Happy bday in advance AdLib. Hope you have a great one…

    Reply
  39. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:46 PM

    Liz — a horse of a different color? What now? Did I miss something?

    Reply
  40. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:46 PM

    Happy Birthday, AdLib! You still got the best coming. At work I’ve decided old age starts at 80. Anyone younger is still a kid.

    Reply
  41. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:48 PM

    Ben,
    When Dorothy et al leave the poppy fields and enter the Emerald City they see a horse that changes colors and it’s called a horse of a different color.

    Reply
  42. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:49 PM

    We’re in the Emerald City, Ben. Do you think Basil would like it there?

    Reply
  43. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:50 PM

    Ahhh…sorry, I’m not that familiar with Wizard of Oz. Sure I’ve seen it, but I didn’t catch all those details!

    I can’t be sure if Basil likes the horse of a different color or not. Secretly I think he’s into romance novels but he’ll deny it.

    Btw, did you send him packing to Chris, and if so, by what means?

    Reply
  44. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:51 PM

    Oz never did give nothin’ to the Tin Man,
    That he didn’t
    Didn’t already have….

    Reply
  45. Susan Reynolds says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:51 PM

    Hi all! Speaking of the horse . . . I come bearing goodies in the form of a big Liz Strauss, Open Mic surprise – and it’s even on your assigned theme Liz. Click on my name and look for an image . . .

    Reply
  46. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:52 PM

    Thanks, guys 🙂

    I recall feeling somewhat miffed at my dad’s 50ieth birthday, when all the guests were saying things like “welcome to the ranks of the grownups” – but now I quite appreciate the thought that I don’t have to start acting my age until I hit fifty 🙂

    Reply
  47. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:53 PM

    Ben,
    The package is taped up and ready to go complete with a copy of the menu from Biggs and a personal note from me. I’m thinking I’ll send it via UPS 2nd tomorrow.

    Reply
  48. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:54 PM

    AdLib,

    I am a bit over that and I still don’t act my age… 😉

    Reply
  49. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:54 PM

    That’s awesome, Susan!

    Reply
  50. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:54 PM

    Hi Susan,

    That’s C-O-O-L. ‘Nuff said.

    Reply
  51. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:55 PM

    Oh, that’s sweet, Susan!

    Reply
  52. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:55 PM

    Susan,
    That is INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL. Wow.
    Thank you. I’m speechless.

    Reply
  53. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:56 PM

    Thanks Liz.

    Guys, we’re having an insane storm here, if I lose power…well…that’ll be that. So if I stop responding you’ll know why.

    Liz — I hope you can write one more “send-off” post, and you know everyone wants a picture of you with the DVDs! Come on Liz!

    And Susan – that’s so C-O-O-L. I said that already, but it needed repeating.

    Reply
  54. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:58 PM

    Chris Cree
    Comes in the door singing.

    Sing some more, Chris.

    Reply
  55. Susan Reynolds says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:58 PM

    blush – so you will all feel included, you can grab a little goodie at http://susanreynolds.blogs.com/ozbadge180x200.jpg – just right click on the graphic and share the liz love

    Reply
  56. Susan Reynolds says

    August 1, 2006 at 7:59 PM

    I think Basil and the horse will get along fine. I can’t wait to play host!

    Reply
  57. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:00 PM

    Somewhere over the rainbow
    Way up high
    There’s a land that I heard of
    Once in a lullaby

    Reply
  58. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:00 PM

    Ben,
    The son has the camera at college and the power to put the pix on the computer.

    Reply
  59. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:01 PM

    Hey Susan,
    That’s awsome.

    Reply
  60. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:01 PM

    Liz, you should never abdicate to much power to the younger generation. Remember Logan’s Run?

    Reply
  61. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:01 PM

    Chris
    You put Judy Garland to shame. Your voice is ever so much purer. You singing an Starbucker dancing. We could take this show on the road.

    Reply
  62. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:02 PM

    Liz — will he be available to snap a shot? If you have to mail me a regular picture (*shiver* do people still use those *grin*) then you can do that too.

    I know everyone here wants to see Liz and Basil together!

    Reply
  63. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:03 PM

    Susan – that links doesn’t seem to work.

    And I’m tickled pink (if it’s possible for me to be tinkled pink) that you’ve signed up to the list and will receive Basil and the DVDs. I know he can’t wait.

    He’s already told me he’s going to beg for you to paint a portrait (the donkey’s got an ego, what can I say!)

    Reply
  64. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:03 PM

    If Starbucker could have taught Basil to dance, then we could have gone out on the road! 😆

    Reply
  65. Susan Reynolds says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:04 PM

    I’m reading over comments, catching up. You’ve attracted a talented group, Liz. Complete with singing no less! The question is, will we have dancing along the yellow brick road. Just keep those flying monkeys away.

    Reply
  66. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:04 PM

    Ben, are you sure you want to have a Beauty and the Beast picture on the Web?

    Reply
  67. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:04 PM

    Logan’s Run? Hmm – yes, that was an interesting idea.

    Reply
  68. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:04 PM

    Oh Chris,
    I do remember Logan’s Run. Think I should start running now?

    Reply
  69. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:05 PM

    Maybe we’ll take a pix with the phone and email it to you. tee-hee

    Reply
  70. cat says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:06 PM

    * Dorothy and Toto
    * The Scarecrow,
    * The Tinman,
    * The Cowardly Lion
    * The Munchins,
    * The Witches,
    * The Flying Monkeys
    * A Horse of a Different Color
    * and OZ himself

    and Jade …

    Never heard of Jade? I thought not.

    When I was growing up, my father was a producer of musicals. For a handful of years he was involved with a struggling family theater in California. We (yes, I was pulled in on a rouse) ended up doing over 100 shows of the Wizard of Oz. All up and down the state of CA.

    Since I’ve never seen nor heard of a Jade in any production of the Wizard of Oz before or since, I can only assume the part was written in for me at the request of my father. He was like that.

    Jade was dressed up all in green (surprise) satin. Just like the lass in ‘I dream of Jeanie’. A midriff outfit, it had a tiny top fitted with sequins and shiny bits and long satin green skirt that twirled.

    My part? The personal assistance of the Wizard. They even threw in a dance number, a song, and a scream scene when the storm hit.

    Memories. I have a few. And if you know anything about theater groups, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

    cat

    Reply
  71. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:07 PM

    Joe – absolutely! Basil was adamant that he be photographed with Liz. But only on his right side, which he considers his “good side.” Whatever, Basil. Stick to programming, I say.

    Reply
  72. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:07 PM

    Well, run more, live longer – isn’t that what the joggers say?

    Reply
  73. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:08 PM

    Hey Cat! Was it traumatic or fantastic? I can’t tell from your explanation. 😉

    Reply
  74. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:08 PM

    cat — hi! And that’s cool. Your dad changed Wizard of Oz, an uber-classic, just for you. Sounds amazing to me.

    Liz – camera picture is fine. Not the best quality but we’ll take it. The community can’t be denied, ya know…

    Reply
  75. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:10 PM

    Liz, You don’t have to start running until you reach “30”
    It’s too late for me, but you can still run, can’t you?

    Reply
  76. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:10 PM

    Ad Lib, are we talking about joggers? I was looking for the conversation about bloggers. I must be in the wrong room. *he, he*

    Reply
  77. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:11 PM

    Cat,
    How wonderful! No wonder you live your bohemian lifestyle and hang out with this crew!

    Reply
  78. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:13 PM

    Hmm – Liz(ard) of Oz or A Liz in Wonderland?

    Reply
  79. Susan Reynolds says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:14 PM

    drat – I can’t figure out how to link to where the “I went to oz with Liz” badge was so I’ve stuck it in the blog at http://tinyurl.com/rz3ja
    Feel free to right click and use at will.

    Reply
  80. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:14 PM

    Joe,
    I don’t do “run.” There’s always a bus after this one.

    Reply
  81. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:15 PM

    Ok,
    Who played the “which old witch the wicked witch”?

    Reply
  82. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:16 PM

    Speaking of joggers, I’m not one – and I always find it strangely comforting that the founder of the jogging movement diend of a heart attack while out running, at age 54.

    Shameful, really – someone dying is mostly just tragic.

    Reply
  83. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:16 PM

    She also played the old hag that took Toto away.

    Reply
  84. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:16 PM

    AND the Folgers Coffee Lady

    Reply
  85. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:17 PM

    I ran track in HS. Rowed Crew and ran Cross Country in College. Then spent 6 years in the Navy running about 20 miles-ish a week. I had my fill.

    Now I only run when chased.

    Reply
  86. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:18 PM

    Margaret Hamilton.

    Reply
  87. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:19 PM

    Yeah Liz!!!

    Reply
  88. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:19 PM

    i’m with you AdLib. I only jog in my head. Sometimes I jog my memory. Sometimes I go zen jogging.

    Reply
  89. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:20 PM

    If you type really really fast it’s almost as good as going jogging. Seriously.

    Reply
  90. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:20 PM

    Susan’s badge is Here.”

    And it is WAY COOL!

    Reply
  91. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:20 PM

    AdLib
    I think Chris missed the story of your Grandpa and the tractor.

    Reply
  92. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:22 PM

    Cat
    I went to enough theater parties to know what you were talking about. I was a theater minor in college. Now I’ve got that song “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” stuck in my head. Which, weirdly enough always reminded me of the professor’s trailer.

    Reply
  93. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:23 PM

    No. I distinctly remember Grandpa jogged himself with the tractor!

    And now I’m laughing all over again!

    Reply
  94. cat says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:23 PM

    Chris,

    I would have to say that it was not a popular talent to have in High School … knowing the entire script of the Wizard of Oz.

    But it began way before that. My parents started into theater when I was little. Standard four (think fourth grade or so for American). If my parents couldn’t get baby sitters (my brothers were not always ‘good’ little boys) we’d be taken to the theater during rehearsal and told to be quiet. Hours upon hours of sitting and fidgeting. Along the way, learning all the lines of whatever was the show of the season.

    Memorizing … learning how to pull that off under pressure has done me in good stead. I got a job as a Mudlogger due to being able to memorize their entire Shell manual before the job interview. Nothing like being able to fake a geology degree from A&M after two weeks of flat out study 🙂

    I can only say that it was interesting growing up in a theater family. Instead of doing normal little girl and teen things things (going to the mall, hanging with my friends) I spent my evenings and weekends memorizing parts, painting sets and traveling around doing this and that show.

    When I was older, I’d get home from school and be driven downtown (45min away) and not get back most evenings until the wee hours. So, perhaps 4 – 5 hours before I had to be in class. When we were preparing for a show, at times it was only an hour or so after being dropped off before I had to leave for school.

    One night, very late (I believe it was something like 4am actually) I tripped over some paint on the set and tracked it all over the place. From that point on, I was known as ‘toe jam’. We all had names. Strange names some of them.

    Memories …

    Reply
  95. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:27 PM

    Heheh – oh, quite apropos of nothing, isn’t this little guy adorable?

    (Hope that link works….)

    Reply
  96. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:27 PM

    Chris,
    You’re tech as well as singer.

    Cat,
    You’re going to have to run the road crew and keep us in line.

    Reply
  97. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:28 PM

    Wow!

    What’s a mudlogger?

    Reply
  98. cat says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:29 PM

    Liz,

    “No wonder you live your bohemian lifestyle and hang out with this crew!”

    Again, you are spot on! A bit difficult settling down in the suburbs when there is this strange need to always have something different.

    Reply
  99. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:29 PM

    They’re the ones who pull the logs through the mud, silly

    Reply
  100. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:30 PM

    Ad Lib, What was that? Alien? Photoshop? What???

    Reply
  101. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:32 PM

    They’re the ones who analyze the contents of the drilling mud (residue/sludge) from oil drilling operations…

    Mudflappers are something a little …different.

    Reply
  102. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:32 PM

    AdLib’s thing looks like a snail I dated once.

    Reply
  103. Susan Reynolds says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:33 PM

    Now THAT is what I call a line that will make the highlights, liz

    Reply
  104. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:34 PM

    Susan,
    I guess I caught myself off guard. All right. I’ll make sure to include it. 🙂

    Reply
  105. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:35 PM

    I’m not even going to venture a guess as to what that image was…something popped into my head, but I don’t think it’s appropriate here. Not when we’re talking about children’s favorites like Oz…

    Reply
  106. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:35 PM

    Liz, comment 102 won’t look good out of context. I’m just saying…

    Reply
  107. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:36 PM

    It’s a deep-sea squid I found on the New Scientist web site while browsing just now… yes, I read science magazines for fun, why do you ask?

    “Piglet Squid

    Perhaps a species of Helicocranchia. Its cartoon-character appearance is a result of its habit of swimming upside down, which makes its tentacles look like hair.”

    Another strange one is this one – “Cirrate Octopod

    Probably Vampyroteuthis infernalis, meaning “vampire squid from hell”. It has a skirt-like skin membrane around its legs, and ear-like fins above the eyes. “

    Reply
  108. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:36 PM

    #106 From Chris the guy who wanted to name the donkey Jack.

    Reply
  109. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:37 PM

    AdLib,
    Quit showing pictures of guys I used to date.

    Reply
  110. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:38 PM

    Keep your pig squid away from my donkey.

    Reply
  111. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:41 PM

    Maybe it’s just me, but I think this conversation is getting really, really weird…

    Reply
  112. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:41 PM

    I’m still going to have that discussion with Basil when he gets here. I still think Jack is a good, if unimaginative, name for a donkey. 😉

    Reply
  113. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:41 PM

    Lions, and tigers, and bears, Oh My!

    Reply
  114. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:41 PM

    Ok, I’ll remove the piglet squid from his head, and put this vampire squid on instead, is that ok?

    Deep sea creatures are … odd. Like this annelid worm – you couldn’t use these in a movie really; people would think they were CGI.

    Reply
  115. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:43 PM

    The annelid worm reminds me of Jabba the Hut.

    Reply
  116. cat says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:44 PM

    Chris,

    A mudlogger is a hydrocarbon well logging technician. It’s a geologist with at least a 2 year degree. These days they are even more educated, but it’s still the bottom of the industry as far as prestige goes.

    What I’d do is live on oil rigs, working 12 hour towers, for 4weeks plus (some jobs are six months). Mudloggers had trailers with all the equipment to log the samples that came back up with the drilling mud.

    I took the night shift as I was scared of heights and would often have to climb up to where the roughnecks worked to confer about the pipe tally.

    It works like this – a drill goes down into the earth, and with the assistance of drilling mud (thick or thin, depending on what they are drilling through) brings back earth.

    A mudlogger takes samples at intervals – it could be on the hour, but it all depends how fast they are drilling and how close they are to where they are headed.

    The samples are sometimes run through tests to determine what they are comprised of (is there oil present?). Each sample is described by peering through a microscope – what they are (sand, shale, bits of body parts), what shape (sharp, rounded, etc) and their colour. Along with the pipe tally (that’s how you know how deep you’ve drilled) a log is drawn up in detail.

    Sometimes the mudlogger is asked to take a shot at tops, meaning when they are going through a known change in geology. Maps from the surrounding wells (if any) are usually on hand to help determine what you should be drilling through and at what level. When to expect to hit oil (wishful thinking), or where to watch out for overpressure so the well does not blow.

    So there you have it, why the name ‘Mudlogger’.

    There’s much more to it than that, but I believe you can get the picture. (and I haven’t made my way through my first pot of tea for the day so it’s sketchy)

    Reply
  117. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:48 PM

    Who’s representing the Lollipop Guild?

    Reply
  118. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:48 PM

    That last pick of Ad Lib’s looks like Steve Dallas’ Mom from Bloom County!

    Reply
  119. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:48 PM

    And Liz, I’m with Chris. Comment #102 could be held against you for quite some time!

    Reply
  120. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:49 PM

    Christine!
    Just when I need a friendly face!

    Reply
  121. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:50 PM

    I have no idea – I’m here as the stand-in for the Librarian’s Guild.

    Hmm. My favourite fictional librarian is Lucien from Neil Gaiman’s “Sandman” series – mostly because he’s got the universe’s largest library to take care of….

    Reply
  122. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:51 PM

    Finally a REAL singer. Hey Christine!

    They’ve been putting up with my bellowing tonight.

    Oh, Liz, My last comment got moderated. Sorry.

    Reply
  123. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:52 PM

    Cat, It always amazes me how most industries practically have their own language that you have to learn to work in them. The Oil business seems to have even more terms than most.

    Reply
  124. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:52 PM

    Chris has been singing? If I only had the nerve?

    Reply
  125. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:53 PM

    Don’t let him fool you, Christine. Chris sounded good. He’s got the soundtrack down pat.

    Reply
  126. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:53 PM

    If I only had a heart!

    Reply
  127. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:55 PM

    If I only had a brain…

    Reply
  128. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:55 PM

    Was cat’s discussion on oil and mudloggers (did i get that right cat?) spawned on by the tin man needing oil?

    Reply
  129. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:56 PM

    now chris, i believe rick and liz are ganging up on you!

    Reply
  130. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:57 PM

    Hey everyone. I apologize for my late-ness. I was distracted by the Herman Miller Aeron chair equivalent of cordless phones.

    Reply
  131. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:57 PM

    Aw Christine, I was only following your lead.

    Reply
  132. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:57 PM

    Industry-specific language can be quite intriguing and confusing at the same time – what exactly is a “Best boy”? I know what a wrangler is, but what does a “Senior grip” do? Uh, yes, I read movie credits, why do you ask?

    Industry-specific language is absolutely neccesary – it’s a lot easier to say “mudlogger” than “junior geologist looking at bits of drilling sludge to determine what the drill is dealing with” every time you need to refer to one, isn’t it?

    Reply
  133. cat says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:58 PM

    Chris,

    “The Oil business seems to have even more terms than most.”

    When I was in the business (I was in one of the only all girl mudlogging teams), the equipment had names of female body parts. Now they’ve cleaned up their act … how boring.

    But back to see the Wizard … I now have the Munchkins song trilling through my head!

    Reply
  134. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:58 PM

    Hey Doug,
    There’s no such thing as late on Open Comments. Great to see you!

    Reply
  135. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:58 PM

    i know liz. i was laughing because i so carefully didn’t use the scarecrow’s verse! (and I like the way the lion says, “noive.”)

    hi douglas…

    Reply
  136. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:59 PM

    Hey Doug!

    And I agree with AdLib – industry-specific language can be a necessity, but sometimes, particularly in the tech industry it just gets plain stupid. Stupid buzzwords…at least they’re good for laughing at.

    Reply
  137. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 8:59 PM

    Liz, I’m normally here right at 8 PM. However, today is different.

    Hi Christine. How are you?

    Reply
  138. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:00 PM

    If I were King of the Forest,
    Not queen, not duke, not prince…

    Reply
  139. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:01 PM

    Hi Douglas!

    Reply
  140. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:01 PM

    he’d tear em from top to bottommuss!

    Reply
  141. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:02 PM

    Hi Rick, Hi Ben! I agree that some tech-industry buzz words are insane.

    Reply
  142. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:03 PM

    Each rabbit would show respect to me.
    The chipmunks genuflect to me.
    Though my tail would lash,
    I would show compash
    For every underling!

    Reply
  143. cat says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:03 PM

    ” it’s a lot easier to say “mudlogger” than “junior geologist looking at bits of drilling sludge to determine what the drill is dealing with” every time you need to refer to one, isn’t it?”

    Hydrocarbon well logging technician, but yes, that’s a mouthful. (And I hated the word ‘technician’ …)

    Reply
  144. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:05 PM

    so, cat…are you now a mudblogger?

    Reply
  145. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:05 PM

    Favorite:
    Ding-dong the witch is dead. Which old witch? The Wicked Witch. Ding-dong the Wicked Witch is Dead.

    Reply
  146. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:11 PM

    I was in the cellphone story the other day and the guy’s nametag said something like:

    Paul
    Mobile Telecommunications Sales Representative

    which is code for:

    Paul
    Cell Phone Sales Rep.

    Reply
  147. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:11 PM

    DON’T TELL ME THERE IS NO TIME WARP!!!
    Everyone must be typing at the same time.
    Next thing you know, there will be 20 comments to read…

    Reply
  148. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:12 PM

    I meant to say store*, not story.

    Reply
  149. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:12 PM

    Perhaps we could promote Fight the bull to combat jargon in the workplace?

    Reply
  150. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:12 PM

    Lion wasn’t your hero, was he Chris?

    Reply
  151. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:14 PM

    Doug – the question is: did Paul provide GREAT customer service?

    Time warp…reminds me of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

    It’s astounding.
    Time is fleeting.
    Madness…takes its toll.

    Reply
  152. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:14 PM

    Who doesn’t want to be brave?

    Me I always ran from fights. Hence the track. And the Crew. And the Cross Country…

    Reply
  153. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:15 PM

    Hey Chris,
    Thanks for the Fight the Bull link. I’ve been looking for that since the old one went away.

    Reply
  154. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:16 PM

    Chris, I can’t believe that from someone who flew Jets…

    Reply
  155. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:16 PM

    Ben – unfortunately, like most of his colleagues, Paul (which I don’t think was actually his name) was a moronic idiot. I could post:

    “Do not hire moronic idiots.”

    on Service Untitled, but I don’t think people would take me as seriously.

    Reply
  156. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:16 PM

    I thought it worked with story. Every encounter with the telecoms is another episode.

    At least most professions get whole words. In programming we’re stuck with a bunch of initials – IT, WTL, PHP, C++, ad infinitum…

    Reply
  157. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:17 PM

    Let’s do the time warp again!
    It’s just a jump to the left…
    And then a step to the right…
    With your hands on your hips.
    And your knees in tight.

    Oh man…well it’s better than having Dora the Explorer in my head. Phew.

    Chris – that’s a great link. Too bad the blog is super outdated.

    Reply
  158. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:17 PM

    Rick, I agree Enough with the acronyms! Sometimes you just want to go all chatspeak and go and say WTF or for those of you are less profane, WTH.

    Reply
  159. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:18 PM

    Doug – I bet if you posted something with that title it would generate a lot of traffic.

    Reply
  160. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:19 PM

    Howdy.

    Reply
  161. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:20 PM

    YHBT, HTH, HAND?

    Reply
  162. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:20 PM

    Hey Brian!
    Welcome. Who doesn’t know Brian?

    Reply
  163. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:20 PM

    Hey Brian…welcome. Nice to see you around.

    “With a bit of a mind flip”
    “You’re into the time slip”

    Reply
  164. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:21 PM

    Ben, you think so? Liz knows a lot about blogging. What do you think, Liz?

    Reply
  165. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:21 PM

    This party has gotten wild as usual I see.

    Reply
  166. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:21 PM

    Hi Brian! I’m glad to meet you.

    Reply
  167. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:22 PM

    Hey Rick, how are you?

    Reply
  168. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:22 PM

    Doug – ask Brian too. He’s the headline writing guru.

    I think if you added in a number, so it was a numbered list it would be even better:

    5 Reasons Not to Hire Moronic Idiots.

    Reply
  169. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:23 PM

    Hey Brian!

    And Joe. Unfortunately the record must be set right. I didn’t actually fly the jets. I merely rode in them and told the pilot where to go.

    Sometimes using very colorful words.

    The US Navy is a strange place. But even they had the sense not to let someone with my Coke bottle vision do the actual flying.

    Although it was an arguably braver thing not actually being in control…

    Reply
  170. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:23 PM

    Chris – that’s what my sensei said!

    First time in the beginner’s karate class, sensei said “Ok, we’ll start out with the best way to avoid losing fights”.

    Then he made us run for 20 minutes.

    Reply
  171. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:23 PM

    I think the title “Don’t hire stupid idiots” is a good one. What do you think, Brian? You’re the expert.

    Reply
  172. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:23 PM

    Hey Brian, Just in time for the insanity

    Reply
  173. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:24 PM

    I could do that, it’d be a bit of a lighthearted post, which my blog could use every now and then. I do try and put an occasional joke in a post every now and then, though.

    Brian, what do you think? (Read the comments I’ve posted starting on page 7) Liz?

    Reply
  174. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:25 PM

    AdLIb, I’m lost! I barely now how to do a smiley:) I got you have been trolled. What are the other ones?

    Reply
  175. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:25 PM

    😆 at Ad Lib!

    Reply
  176. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:25 PM

    Chris, you did ALL that, and now you’re in a chat room singing “if i were king of the forest.” You’ve worked your way up in the world baby!

    Hi brian..

    Reply
  177. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:26 PM

    Give Me Five Minutes — And I’ll Show You How to Eliminate Moronic Idiots From Your Life For Once and For All

    Reply
  178. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:26 PM

    You Have Been Trolled, Hope That Helps, Have A Nice Day 🙂

    Reply
  179. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:26 PM

    So, Chris,
    You were Goose and not Maverick…

    Reply
  180. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:27 PM

    But Brian, it’s about business! So getting rid of moronic idiots from business, specfically customer service departments. Just checked out your blog and loving it so far. Sending you an email via your contact form now.

    Reply
  181. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:28 PM

    joe, lol! goose doesn’t have a very good end as i recall???

    Reply
  182. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:28 PM

    So, Christine, what do you think of the music I linked to on the first page?

    Reply
  183. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:30 PM

    Who Else Wishes There Were No Moronic Idiots Working in Customer Service?

    Reply
  184. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:30 PM

    It’s late, I’m tired, I may not be dishing out my best stuff. 🙂 Especially off the cuff.

    Reply
  185. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:30 PM

    Yeah, That’s how I’d explain that job. “I was like Goose. But I lived.”

    Just once in my life I’d like to be able to say one word and have folks understand something about what I do.

    Marine Surveyor doesn’t do it now, either.

    Reply
  186. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:30 PM

    ad lib, i didn’t see it… where? (and i generally don’t give my opinions on people’s music tastes, having been reviewed by every major paper from every angle and opinion possible. i no longer put much faith in opinions!)

    Reply
  187. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:31 PM

    Yeah Christine, he didn’t even make it til the end of the movie. Unfortunately, that took Meg Ryan out too 🙁

    Reply
  188. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:31 PM

    Nah, Brian. If we’re doing the classics, it should be: “Does your customer service staff make these moronic mistakes?”

    Reply
  189. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:32 PM

    No fair.. that was my next rip off!

    Reply
  190. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:32 PM

    And Meg Ryan was cute as a button in that film as I recall…

    Reply
  191. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:33 PM

    Brian is the headline MASTER. But I read his post and want to take a crack at it.

    Who Else Wants the Secret of Little Known Ways to Get rid of Hired Moronic Idiots Once and For All

    How’d I do? 😉

    Reply
  192. Ben Yoskovitz says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:34 PM

    Alright folks, I have to call it a night. A bit early but I slept like garbage last night and I’m beat.

    Liz — I think Basil might still be with you, so tell him to get in touch tomorrow and let me know how he’s getting to Savannah. That way I can let people know.

    And send a picture! *smile*

    Chris — once we know how Basil is traveling to Savannah, we’ll know when he’s expected there so you can get ready. Good luck…

    Reply
  193. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:34 PM

    And we have a winner with Chris Cree, the Goose that lived!

    Reply
  194. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:34 PM

    You forgot “sure-fire” in between “known” and “ways,” but otherwise I think you hit them all, Chris. 🙂

    Reply
  195. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:35 PM

    Oh, is it rerun time already?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwc5YSAc-7g – Dixie Chicks’ “Not Ready to Make Nice”.

    I’m usually more of a hard rock/metal/punk guy, but even if that’s nominally country, it’s got that spirit of incandescent rage against everything that’s wrong about the world that I appreciate in my usual music fare.

    Reply
  196. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:35 PM

    Christine, I have been in infatuation with her ever since. 🙂

    Reply
  197. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:35 PM

    I think that could be the title of my next blog: The Goose that Lived!

    Only Goose was definitely NOT my call sign.

    Reply
  198. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:36 PM

    That’s a good one, Brian. 🙂 Who Else Wishes There Were No Moronic Idiots in Customer Service?

    Reply
  199. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:36 PM

    Yeah, Chris! It’s always good to have someone come back safe, even if their job title is less than enlightening (though it does make a conversation opener).

    Good night, Ben. Sleep well tonight.

    Reply
  200. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:36 PM

    Goose died, but Maverick lived on to embarrass himself on Oprah.

    Reply
  201. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:36 PM

    Brian,
    You are indeed the master.

    Reply
  202. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:37 PM

    Sweet dreams, Ben.
    I’ll pass the message to Basil.

    Reply
  203. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:38 PM

    Ok, Chris, What WAS your call sign???

    Reply
  204. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:38 PM

    Aw Joe, I’ll be she likes you too!

    Ad Lib, i’ll go check it out. are there more songs besides that one? (I don’t know youtube yet.) That’s not my favorite one of theirs. “long time gone” is my favorite…mostly cuz i know the writer. but it’s a great song!

    Reply
  205. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:39 PM

    Nite Ben,
    Don’t worry about Basil, I hear Chris is a nice guy.

    Reply
  206. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:39 PM

    One of the reasons I got out was that I got tired of going to memorial services. I lost two buddies in crashes and I was in (mostly) during peace time.

    Reply
  207. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:40 PM

    Dream on Joe! I’ll not tell.

    That was evil Chris. He’s dead. We killed him.

    Reply
  208. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:41 PM

    Brian,
    You should check out Christine’s music. Click her name.

    Reply
  209. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:42 PM

    Chris, if you don’t tell, then we will have to guess… JACK???

    Reply
  210. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:42 PM

    See ya Ben! Have a good night.

    Reply
  211. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:43 PM

    Chris,
    Did you see Vander Well when you were in Chicago?

    Reply
  212. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:44 PM

    YouTube’s got this “Playlist” feature on the right side showcasing other video materials – I think your favourite is on there somewhere too. Should I find it for you?

    Reply
  213. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:45 PM

    I was on a training base in peacetime. Even there we lost two pilots.

    Reply
  214. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:46 PM

    Liz, I missed Tom too. I was working like crazy when he was in town and he had family commitments.

    Joe, Keep Guessing. But I’ll still not tell.

    Reply
  215. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:46 PM

    AdLib, I coudn’t make it load. my computer’s misbehaving!

    Reply
  216. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:46 PM

    Christine, good stuff. Glad to see you’ve got a smart business model, too. 🙂

    Reply
  217. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:47 PM

    NOW for something completely different…
    We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderfull wizard of Oz…

    Reply
  218. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:47 PM

    Glinda Goodwitch is saying it’s time to click my heels together three times. Everyone have a good sleep tonight watching the munchkins frolic.

    Reply
  219. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:47 PM

    Thanks Brian.

    Reply
  220. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:48 PM

    Rick, aviation is serious business. I don’t think most folks realize how dangerous some of the stuff our military does as a matter of routine really is.

    Reply
  221. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:48 PM

    Good night, Rick,
    Thanks for coming.
    Sleep well and no fleas! 🙂

    Reply
  222. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:48 PM

    Christine, are you based out of Nashville or NC (or other)?

    Reply
  223. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:48 PM

    Nite Rick

    Reply
  224. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:50 PM

    i’m gonna join rick. (well, not really.) but i’m pooped too. and i’m going to the y in the a.m.

    good night all! and thanks liz! (and thanks again for the kindly words today. sorry i was a little spooky!)

    Reply
  225. Rick says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:50 PM

    Thanks, Liz. They’re pretty well licked. Good night.

    Reply
  226. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:50 PM

    Goodnight Rick. See you next week!

    Reply
  227. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:51 PM

    Brian, I’m in Asheville, NC. I travel to nashville for co-writing, photos and my last cd was recorded there. But this year, i’m taking time off from touring to write for another cd.

    Reply
  228. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:51 PM

    Nite Christine

    Reply
  229. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:52 PM

    No worries, Christine – look it up tomorrow when your computer’s had a good night’s sleep 😛

    Reply
  230. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:52 PM

    Well, I guess I’ll turn in too…

    Reply
  231. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:52 PM

    Night Rick.

    Christine, I’m glad you are writing. Then you’ll have even more good stuff for when you finally do come to Savannah!

    Reply
  232. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:53 PM

    Christine – perhaps I’m stupid (I wish I had a brain), but where do I find your music on the front page or something? I think I’m missing something quite obvious here.

    Reply
  233. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:54 PM

    Good Night, Christine,
    I’m always just a keyboard away. You know where to find me. Sleep well.

    Reply
  234. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:54 PM

    Chris, the Charleston Ballet just came up to asheville to meet with me…they’re gonna choreograph a ballet to my music…and i’ll be performing with them at a festival next spring. you’re not far from charleston right? maybe it’ll be a tour thing and i’ll be back at SCAD…

    Reply
  235. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:54 PM

    Nite Brian.

    Chris, do you think that Christine will be there in time for Basil?

    Reply
  236. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:54 PM

    Oh, here’s a music number for you all to sleep on – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6FsW-hfDDs or wake up to, as the case may be…

    Reply
  237. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:55 PM

    Good night, Brian.
    Thanks for coming. It’s great to see you around here. Really.

    Reply
  238. cat says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:55 PM

    Apologies, I had to work …

    “so, cat…are you now a mudblogger?”

    I’m now a web designer and project manager of Creative Latitude and NO!SPEC. My company site is here –>> http://www.katzidesign.com/

    Reply
  239. Christine Kane says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:56 PM

    okay, i really am going to bed now…

    my music’s on iTunes. but if you go to my blog, everything’s in the side bar. or click on CD’s and Lyrics on my homepage and you can listen to stuff on REalPlayer. (or on iTunes.)

    Thanks y’all! Sleep tight!

    Reply
  240. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:57 PM

    Doug,
    In case no one has said so yet, just click Christine’s name. Then click thru to listen to her CDs.

    Reply
  241. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:58 PM

    Night everyone… take care Liz — and call me if you still need to, uh… call me. 🙂

    Reply
  242. cat says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:58 PM

    Playing catchup here … 60 messages just landed in my inbox.

    “… jets. I merely rode in them and told the pilot where to go.”

    Sounds like a job I’d enjoy 🙂

    Reply
  243. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:58 PM

    Christine, Charleston is spittin’ distance. I was up there yesterday. I’ll keep my eyes peeled and see if Gorgeous and I can make it up there.

    Reply
  244. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 9:59 PM

    Thanks Brian,
    I do. I just don’t want to take advantage.

    Reply
  245. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:00 PM

    Hmmmm… I didn’t know it was going to be that kind of call. 🙂

    Reply
  246. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:00 PM

    Cat, Maybe Chris will tell You his Call Sign…
    Ask, ya never know…

    Reply
  247. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:00 PM

    You’re just too good-looking, Brian. 🙂

    Reply
  248. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:00 PM

    Cat, one of the hardest parts was finding a place to pee at about hour 4 strapped in the ejection seat. The Navy’s solution to that problem wasn’t exactly gender friendly, if you know what I mean.

    Reply
  249. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:01 PM

    Night Brian and Christine. 🙂

    Reply
  250. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:01 PM

    What I meant was I want to make sure I know what I want to talk about.

    Reply
  251. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:02 PM

    I don’t have RealPlayer or iTunes and don’t want either, ugh. I’ll bookmark it and come back to it with my other computer, which happens to have RealPlayer. Need to make them mp3, so pretty much anyone can listen to them.

    Reply
  252. Brian Clark says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:03 PM

    OK… peace out people.

    Reply
  253. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:04 PM

    Night Brian.

    Whew! It’s a mass exodus! I might just play the part of the lemming tonight and head off to sleepy time myself.

    Enjoyed it everyone, as I always do.

    Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue.
    And the dreams that you dare to dream
    Really do come true.

    Reply
  254. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:06 PM

    I am downloading a nifty convertor. Let’s see how this goes.

    Reply
  255. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:06 PM

    Chris, did you read this yet?
    Combat Readiness

    frightening

    What the !\\\”#¤\\\”#¤\\\”# are the REMF\\\’s in charge doing to the actual people in uniform?

    Reply
  256. cat says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:08 PM

    Chris,

    I can indeed imagine the discomfort! Especially for females …

    I had similar problems running around Arkansas when we were tripping. It’s not what you think. Tripping is when they’d pull all the pipe out to change the drill bit we got two towers off.

    We were in the country side so there were no toilets anywhere for lasses. And since we were in Corelab uniforms (bright orange coveralls, all in one piece) … you can understand how much more complicated it became.

    As usual, the guys had it easy.

    … ok, remind me, how did we get here ???

    Reply
  257. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:09 PM

    And it didn’t work.

    Reply
  258. Joe says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:10 PM

    Liz, I had a great time tonight
    those flying monkeys gave me a freight.
    When we went to Oz with you
    No one really had a clue
    That when we got to the end
    The Rainbow wasn’t our only friend.

    Berma Shave

    Nite, Nite
    Nite all.

    Reply
  259. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:11 PM

    I found another way that worked (downloaded another program I didn’t mind that can play .rm files). Nice music. 🙂

    Reply
  260. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:12 PM

    I’m going to head to bed for the night. See everyone next week. 🙂

    Reply
  261. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:15 PM

    AdLib,
    Would you email me that link so that I can make it work without overshooting the comment box?

    Reply
  262. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:16 PM

    Good Night, Joe.
    Sleepy swell.

    Reply
  263. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:16 PM

    Ad Lib, it’s the classic guns vs. butter trade off from macroeconomics. The budget dollars need to go to the troops in the combat zone not here in CONUS.

    Imagine how much louder they’d yell if they were prioritizing reserve units back here over troops in the war zone. Unfortunately there are only so many dollars to go around. And even then it is easy to argue that we spend to many on defense.

    I don’t know of a less efficient spender of dollars than government bureaucracy. And it pretty much doesn’t matter whose.

    Reply
  264. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:16 PM

    Good Night, Doug!
    Sweet Dreams!

    Reply
  265. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:19 PM

    Night Liz and everyone. 🙂 As always, I had a good time and look forward to seeing everyone next week.

    Reply
  266. Scot Herrick says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:19 PM

    It’s those other coasters all heading off to bed. I’m just starting down the yellow brick road here on the West Coast.

    Glad it was a good evening and that I could stop on by.

    Scot

    Reply
  267. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:20 PM

    Hi Scot,
    How’s the heat out on your part of the yellow brick road?

    Reply
  268. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:22 PM

    The thing that gets me is the press over here seems to only report any fact or spin any story in such a way as to make the military look bad. Then they’ll have the nerve to say, “But we support the troops.”

    I don’t know any folks in uniform who are buying that line. And I talk to several. There were 6 folks on my block deployed last year with the 3rd ID. They pretty much believe the press hates them across the board. And yet they still serve just as bravely and selflessly as if they were being touted as the heroes they are.

    Reply
  269. Scot Herrick says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:22 PM

    High today here in Seattle-land was 73 degrees and they don’t understand what dewpoint means, unlike me who lived in Chicago-land for 6 years and was born and raised all the way up to Chicago-land in Wisconsin.

    I even have the Wisconsin accent when I type…

    Reply
  270. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:22 PM

    Ooops, sorry about that. Try this and see if it works.

    Yeah, that’s true enough as far as it goes, Chris, but the most frightening bit in that is buried somewhere far downpage. The US has NO combat-ready units that aren’t already deployed – you’ve got no stategic reserve at all. That’s worse than a guns-vs-butter problem.

    That’s the REMF’s who never wore uniform screwing up big-time.

    Reply
  271. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:23 PM

    *Deep breath*

    I really need to get of my soap box and get to bed. Sorry for the rant Liz.

    ‘Night!

    Reply
  272. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:26 PM

    What, even the Fox News War Porn Channel gives the troops that impression? What I get from the american news that makes its way across the pond to me is that the press is starting to catch on that there’s a difference between The People In Uniform Getting Shot At and the People Sitting In Comfortable Offices In Washington – and that it’s The People In Uniform Getting Shot At who deserves respect and support, not the People In Washington Office…

    Reply
  273. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:27 PM

    No worries, Chris.
    I agree with you. Sleep well.

    Reply
  274. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:28 PM

    Scot,
    I just love the fact that you know Chicagoland is a real word. Your Wisconsin accent sounds wonderful to these keys.

    Reply
  275. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:30 PM

    AdLib,
    Thanks for fixing the link . . . No way the WordPress was letting the other one go through.

    Thanks also for your read of the news from across the pond.

    that the press is starting to catch on that there’s a difference between The People In Uniform Getting Shot At and the People Sitting In Comfortable Offices In Washington – and that it’s The People In Uniform Getting Shot At who deserves respect and support, not the People In Washington Office…

    It doesn’t look that way in Chicago. It would be great if it looked like they did respect the guys who were fighting.

    Reply
  276. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:33 PM

    See. Most blue staters here think that Fox is a right wing news organization. And they are to the right of all the others. But most red staters will tell you they seem to lean right because they are actually close to the center while all the others are way out on the left.

    But I really don’t want to get into politics. Those discussions no longer fit into my life’s purpose and aren’t productive for me. I just agree to disagree with folks and talk about other things.

    Reply
  277. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:36 PM

    Chris,
    I think you have a clear picture.
    When I listen to folks talk politics I hear the same arguments from all sides about each other. So maybe you and I can start the non-politics party and just talk about toys and music and movies. 🙂

    Reply
  278. Starbucker says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:38 PM

    Hey folks, anybody still typing – just got back from dinner and wanted to at least say “Hi”

    Reply
  279. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:38 PM

    Yeah, the media landscape gets really strange at times – though I found this story rather heartening, really – despite the sad context. That would never have played during the ‘Nam war.

    Reply
  280. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:42 PM

    See, that’s where being a Norwegian slightly-conservative gets me into trouble with americans – our right-wing are mostly flaming pinko commies from your point of view, and I’m a norwegian Liberal. That is, Liberal in the Smith/Keynes social responsibility capitalism mold, not the strange American one…

    Reply
  281. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:43 PM

    Hey Starbucker,
    You dancing man. How are ya!

    Reply
  282. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:45 PM

    AdLib,
    You’re anything, but in trouble around here. We love you. In fact your opinion seems to be one many Americans hold.

    Reply
  283. Starbucker says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:46 PM

    I’m doing great Liz – I’m in Helena, Montana tonight. Thank goodness the temperatures are cooler here – it was 100 back east today!
    How was BlogHer, by the way?

    Reply
  284. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:49 PM

    Blogher was quite an event!

    I’ve never been to a conference before where a good percent of the attendees do it for a hobby. They were very focused and the sessions were very intense.

    Reply
  285. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:50 PM

    Ad Lib, America today is one of the few places in history where the terms Liberal and Conservative are reversed. Conservatives want to conserve the liberal democratic republic that the great men who founded our country put in place. Most other places in history conservatives want to conserve some sort of more government/authority-centric system.

    And I think I just figured out one reason I’m so tense these days. Hurricane Chris is heading into the Gulf of Mexico. Go figure.

    Reply
  286. Starbucker says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:51 PM

    Rooms full of passion and focus – now that must have been something! You just don’t get that as much at “professional” get-togethers. Now what we need is an Open Mic conference – what do you think? That would be quite a gathering, wouldn’t it?

    Reply
  287. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:53 PM

    An Open Mic Conference. Now there’s an idea!!
    We could make that happen!

    Reply
  288. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:54 PM

    And I believe Fred Phelps is deranged. I suspect he is going to have a lot to answer for when he stands in front of Jesus after he steps out of this life. His military funeral protests are downright sick.

    Reply
  289. Starbucker says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:54 PM

    We could do it in Chicago – Chris knows all about the “exact change” toll booths now outside of O’Hare, so I’m sure he’s in! 🙂

    Reply
  290. ME Strauss says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:56 PM

    That’s a deal. We’ll do an open mic conference in Chicago in the spring!

    I think I’m going to have to leave the keys to the Emerald City on the sidebar. I have an early phone call.

    You guys sleep well and have a great rest of . . .

    Reply
  291. cat says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:57 PM

    “maybe you and I can start the non-politics party and just talk about toys and music and movies. :)”

    I’m another one who does not talk politics online. Not any longer. I have definite views, throw that in with a brash way of putting things, and I’m bound to upset someone.

    Toys, music, movies …. and potty talk … [kidding] … I’m a lover of history and art … people and their quirks … travel and photography … but no politics.

    Reply
  292. Starbucker says

    August 1, 2006 at 10:59 PM

    Nite nite all , I’m off to dreamland too – see you in the Spring Liz!

    Reply
  293. cat says

    August 1, 2006 at 11:00 PM

    Blogher .. Drat! That’s what I should have been asking questions about … lucky you Liz! Who’d you meet? Did anything exciting happen? Anyone ‘click’ with a ‘I know we are going to be friends for life’ moment?

    Reply
  294. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 11:02 PM

    Yeah – Phelps is one sick puppy. But doesn’t that article just make you want to put on your vest and join up with the rest of the riders?

    Hmm – so, Chris, are you headed for Cuba or Florida?

    Reply
  295. Chris Cree says

    August 1, 2006 at 11:08 PM

    Ad Lib, I hate to say it, but looking at the data it looks like I’m going to thread the needle and cause problems for the Gulf Coast. I’m hoping I go West a little and spread the wealth. Usually “Chris” is a nothing storm early on. It is unusual lately to only be on C this late in the season.

    Heck. Last year they ran out of letters.

    Reply
  296. Trisha says

    August 1, 2006 at 11:19 PM

    anyone still here?

    Reply
  297. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 11:20 PM

    Yeah, hope you miss NOLA at the very least…

    Reply
  298. Trisha says

    August 1, 2006 at 11:20 PM

    wizard of oz scares me

    Reply
  299. Advice Librarian says

    August 1, 2006 at 11:24 PM

    Uh, why? Though I can see why the original movie would – I’ve only seen clips from it, but I got the impression of an insulin-shock level of sugariness that made me wary…

    Reply
  300. Trisha says

    August 2, 2006 at 12:20 AM

    I don’t know, there’s just something creepy about it. I haven’t seen it in years though.

    Reply
  301. Advice Librarian says

    August 2, 2006 at 12:40 AM

    Creepy is good, isn’t it?

    Bear in mind that I’m a fan of horror and japanese monster movies – Gojira gonna Getcha 😛

    Reply
  302. ME Strauss says

    August 2, 2006 at 9:05 AM

    Cat,
    Let’s see, I met Sabine Kirstein, Janice Myint, and Amanda Cogdon. The sessions were very “her.” I got to hear MaryAnn Scoble and Arianna Huffington and Mena Trot.

    Reply
  303. ME Strauss says

    August 2, 2006 at 9:08 AM

    Trisha,
    I know what you mean about “The Wizard of Oz” I felt the same way about the original version of “Heidi.” I didn’t watch it after age 8 until well into my grown-up years. It scared me.

    Reply
  304. ME Strauss says

    August 2, 2006 at 9:09 AM

    AdLib
    I’m with Trisha. I’m not a creepy fan either. But I didn’t find OZ creepy.

    Reply
  305. cat says

    August 2, 2006 at 9:16 AM

    Good Morning Liz.
    How long were you there? Did I miss a post somewhere with photos and everything? Need photos …

    Reply
  306. ME Strauss says

    August 2, 2006 at 9:33 AM

    I only went to Blogher for the cocktail party of the first night and the second day. I didn’t take any pictures. Some folks promised to send some. 🙂

    Reply
  307. cat says

    August 2, 2006 at 9:46 AM

    I’ll be sure to bug you about them then 😀

    Reply
  308. ME Strauss says

    August 2, 2006 at 10:20 AM

    Okay. I’ll let you know if they ever show up. 🙂

    Reply

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