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The Mic Is On! We’re Having Parallel Lives!

September 12, 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.

There are always first timers and new things to talk about.

Tonight we’re talking having more than one life!

castle Beach Barsailboat

We might also talk about

  • Donald Trump or Annie Lennox
  • Mother Teresa or Nelson Mandela
  • Steven Spielberg or Meg Ryan
  • anyone real or fictional

AND THE EVER POPULAR,
Basil the code-writing donkey.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related articles
The Mic Is On! It’s Summer Vacation Again!

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

Comments

  1. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:00 PM

    I win – I think. I’m first into the bar, right?

    Reply
  2. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:01 PM

    AdLib,
    You’re a winner of the very best kind.
    What would you like?

    Reply
  3. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:02 PM

    Ad Lib… ;-(

    Reply
  4. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:03 PM

    Heh. Evening Liz and AdLib. I’m the party pooper tonight.

    I’ve never wanted to be anyone but myself.

    Reply
  5. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:03 PM

    Joe,
    A cold one?

    Reply
  6. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:04 PM

    How ’bout the better half deciding to move her beauty shop from her beauty shop to HOME!!!

    Is that a parallel universe or what???

    Reply
  7. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:04 PM

    Aww, don’t worry Joe – you can go first next week 🙂

    I’ll take this life”, please – well, it’s a nice musical tribute to one of my favourite fictional heroes…

    Reply
  8. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:05 PM

    Scorpia,
    Imagine if you had a choice to follow a path untaken as well as be yourself now . . . or to go for the money . . . be your Nelson Mandela self . . . you have 23 other yous to pick from . . . What then?

    Reply
  9. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:06 PM

    Sorry guys,
    Hey Liz, AdLib and Scorpia, (and anyone else who shows up before I’m done typing) how are you all doing?

    Reply
  10. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:07 PM

    I think tonight I want to be Liz the music video director.

    Reply
  11. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:08 PM

    Tonight I will be…

    Reply
  12. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:09 PM

    Chewbacca…
    AAAAAAAAHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

    Reply
  13. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:10 PM

    Ah, that’s different, Liz. I think we all have a desire to be a better “me”. But that doesn’t come from being someone else. One might use another person as a role model in some things, but not to excess. We should all find our own way through life.

    As for the road not taken, sometimes I’ve wondered if I had the chance to go back, would I take that path? Maybe I would.

    Reply
  14. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:11 PM

    Joe,
    You would use one of your own lives to be Chewbaca? That’s interesting . . .

    Reply
  15. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:12 PM

    Big, Strong, Living int the future with Princess Leah???
    Why not???

    Reply
  16. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:14 PM

    Hi, Scorpia 🙂

    And what’s so bad about being roughly six-seven times stronger than a human, living to the ripe old age of 500 on average, and getting to wear a fur coat every day of your life?

    Reply
  17. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:15 PM

    If I’m going to have a choice of parallel lives, why not pick something from my fantacy future?

    Reply
  18. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:15 PM

    By the way – here’s an opinion piece for your Net Neutrality page, Liz 🙂

    http://www.mydd.com/story/2006/8/31/195545/897

    Reply
  19. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:15 PM

    But say, Scorpia, you had 23 lives to live in 23 universes, where you could be the earth mother in one life and the city version in another. . . .

    Same person different context, different surroundings, different challenges.

    Reply
  20. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:16 PM

    Joe,
    Princess Leah loved Luke!

    Reply
  21. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:16 PM

    I have no interest in fur coats, AdLib. Nor in being so strong (except maybe in a computer game ;). No, I don’t think I’d want to be a Wookiee.

    What about you?

    Reply
  22. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:16 PM

    Thanks AdLib for the NN link

    Okay, okay! I get the Chewbaca thing.

    Reply
  23. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:18 PM

    Liz,
    I don’t think it has to be that complicated.
    If you are going to live a parallel life, try the one that James T. Kirk had where he was a man in a womans body, and she had his body…

    Reply
  24. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:19 PM

    Interesting concept, Liz. But there’s no way one could be the same person in those circumstances. We are each the sum of our lives and experiences. Those would be different in each universe.

    Reply
  25. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:21 PM

    Joe, i don’t think that works out right (Turnabout Intruder was the episode). That was a forced exchange of minds.

    Mirror, Mirror would be a better example, where Kirk & Co end up in a real parallel universe.

    Reply
  26. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:21 PM

    Actually Liz, she loved the scoundrel…

    Reply
  27. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:21 PM

    But don’t you wonder?

    Reply
  28. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:22 PM

    Scorpia is right again, can I be you in the other universe???

    Reply
  29. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:23 PM

    Sure, Liz. Everyone wonders in their daydreams. But that’s make-believe and no way to really know. Except, of course, to know we wouldn’t be the people we are now.

    Reply
  30. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:25 PM

    Joe, you wouldn’t want to be me in any universe. Really. Just being an old Star Trek fan doesn’t make me desirable as an alternate life path 😉

    Reply
  31. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:26 PM

    Well, if we’re talking about parallel universes, one would think we might be able to stretch the rules just a little bit . . . 😉

    Reply
  32. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:27 PM

    Well, if you’re going to dream, dream big

    Though something like that probably doesn’t have an identifiable personality in human terms, so maybe it’s better to go for something like Smart Hulk instead.

    Yes, I’m an unabashed Marvel Fanboi, why do you ask?

    Reply
  33. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:27 PM

    Hi Liz, Joe, AdLib, Scorpia!

    But that’s part of the point, Scorpia? Would you be in your daydreams. You play games? Are any of them role play? I used to play D&D every Sunday night with a group of friends (much more fun than computer games). I liked druid characters. They could use magic and were close to the earth at the same time.

    Reply
  34. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:28 PM

    Yeah Liz, we could. But we’d still be in the land of make-believe, right?

    And what about you? What life would you want?

    Reply
  35. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:29 PM

    Ok, I’ll settle for being the sheriff in Eureka…

    Reply
  36. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:29 PM

    IIRC, Scorpia’s hooked on Elder scrolls:Oblivion…

    Reply
  37. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:30 PM

    Joe,
    No need to settle you get at least 23 choices . . . You’d make a great sheriff, I’d reckon.

    Reply
  38. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:31 PM

    Hi, Rick. You betcha, I’ve been a role-player (live pnp as well as computer) for many years in many systems. All my characters have something of me in them (though not necessarily the same something). But I am aware I’m playing in a make-believe world, even when taking it seriously. And I don’t think I’d ever really want to be any of them.

    However, there’s no way of knowing that unless I somehow had the choice to do it. That would be really interesting. What would I choose?

    Reply
  39. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:32 PM

    I’d want to direct music videos on a grand scale in one life I think and have a flower farm where children came to read books with me somewhere in the country in another — no computer or TV

    Reply
  40. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:33 PM

    AdLib, nah, Oblivion is old history by now, though I may go back to it sometime. In fact, I’ve been through two games since then. Gotta keep busy saving the world here 😉

    Reply
  41. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:33 PM

    Actually, I’d be more like Wesley Crusher, but much older. Or maybe MacGyver.

    I can do things that noone else thinks of with very little in the way of resources.

    Reply
  42. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:33 PM

    Hi Rick,
    Sorry, I was distracted answering questions . . . what can I get you? What do magical folk drink?

    Reply
  43. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:34 PM

    So why not do it for real, Liz? Both of those sound possible. If you really wanted to do either of them.

    Reply
  44. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:35 PM

    Scorpia,
    I like what I’m doing now . . . that’s why I need 22 lives more . . . 🙂

    Reply
  45. Renée says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:36 PM

    Sweet dreams are made of this
    Who am I to disagree?
    I travel the world
    And the seven seas
    Everybody’s looking for something.

    Some of them want to use you
    Some of them want to get used by you
    Some of them want to abuse you
    Some of them want to be abused.

    Chorus…

    Who am I to disagree?
    I travel the net
    And the blogsphere
    Everybody’s looking for something.

    Some of them want to read you
    Some of them want to get read by you
    Some of them want to hack you
    Some of them want to be hacked.

    Reply
  46. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:37 PM

    Yeah, Renee
    You are a . . . . Legend in Your Living Room. 😉

    Reply
  47. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:38 PM

    So you’re doing what you love best right now. Ever tried getting something of those other 22 into your current life?

    Reply
  48. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:38 PM

    Hey Renee,

    You want to be a singer, world traveller, a seeker?

    Reply
  49. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:39 PM

    I think I’ll get some cran-apple juice, Liz, if it’s around.

    Joe, don’t be like Wesley! Please?

    I’m probably a monk somewhere, like Paiboon Busayarak just became.

    Inother life I’m pulling a Dennis Weaver in a solar-powered, rain-collecting, environmentally friendly house in the southwest.

    In another I’m a really Nicola Tesla.

    Reply
  50. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:39 PM

    Ah Rene, the old Eurythmics song. I liked that one.
    Good choice.

    Reply
  51. Christine Kane says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:40 PM

    Hello All!

    Reply
  52. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:42 PM

    Hi Christine. So who are you in an alternate universe? How’s your dad?

    Reply
  53. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:42 PM

    Uh, I just heard the commercial in the background with a new age Robin Hood shooting an arrow at the “Phone Company Varlet”

    I want to be Robin Hood…

    Reply
  54. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:42 PM

    Hey Christine!
    How wonderful to see you. I took you with me when I did my creativity facillitation thing last week. You were in the car both ways. 🙂

    Reply
  55. Christine Kane says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:44 PM

    Hi Rick… No alternate universe…just springfield, Missouri this evening. i have a performance tonight, and i’m giving a workshop tomorrow night. my dad is in a rehab center, coming along slowly. thanks for asking! hi liz! i THOUGHT i was driving with you today!

    Reply
  56. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:44 PM

    Hey Christine

    Reply
  57. Christine Kane says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:44 PM

    hi joe!

    Reply
  58. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:45 PM

    Here’s your cranberry juice, Rick!
    Some Glen Livet tonight, Scorpia?

    Scorpia, that’s Christine. She’s a wonderful musician/writer/singer.

    Christine, Scorpia is a PC game tester/editor/ challenger/thinker.

    Reply
  59. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:45 PM

    Somewhere in an alternate universe, Christine is the lead singer in a kick-ass Goth metal band 🙂

    Like this one,

    Reply
  60. Christine Kane says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:46 PM

    scorpia is a pretty damn cool name…

    Reply
  61. Renée says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:46 PM

    Joe…

    I can’t sing to save my life but I love to change the lyrics just for amusement!
    Sexy Song Warning: Not for the weak hearts!

    A seeker is more like me!!! What about you guys?

    Reply
  62. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:46 PM

    I’ll take “Malcolm Reynolds” for 1,000 please Alex.

    Reply
  63. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:46 PM

    Speaking of parallel universes . . . I’ve been to Springfield, MO. I have family there.

    Reply
  64. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:47 PM

    Hi Christine! nice to meet you.

    Liz, sure, I could use a shot (good of you to remember). I have to leave in about fifteen minutes. Got something to finish up. But I did want to drop in for awhile anyway.

    Reply
  65. seanrox says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:47 PM

    I’m heading on over now but making a quick stop at the store for BBQ supplies. Does anyone have some suggestions?

    Last week the tri-tip and chicken was a huge hit, so it’s already on the list. The baked potatos went fast too.

    Reply
  66. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:48 PM

    Hey everyone, what’s up?

    Reply
  67. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:48 PM

    Oooh, yes – I used to play Robin Hood a lot when I was a kid. Dad loved the Errol Flynn movie(s) and read me a few of the stories – this was before he taught me to read, though…

    Reply
  68. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:48 PM

    Liz, Did you meet Homer Simpson when you were in Springfield?

    Reply
  69. Christine Kane says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:48 PM

    well liz, they can all come out to drury university tonight at 9:30 and see me. i’ll probably fall asleep at the mic!

    hi chris! hi adlib…

    Reply
  70. seanrox says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:49 PM

    I wonder if I should pick up some donuts for Homer Simpson?

    Reply
  71. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:49 PM

    Renee,
    Do you have an age limit for those lyrics?

    You are a poet, maybe you and Christine should team up for a song!?!

    Reply
  72. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:50 PM

    Christine, thanks. I chose it myself. Only now I’ve seen on the ‘net that I’m some sort of international evil organization. Among other things. Hey at least i’m famous 😉

    Reply
  73. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:50 PM

    Hey Chris!

    Hi Seanrox! Pineapple would be good in that. I was looking in the grocery store here for dried pineapple tonight. There was none to be found.

    Reply
  74. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:50 PM

    Hey Christine! Are you going on stage in less than 45 minutes?!?!!
    You are a crazy lady. Hanging here with us!

    Reply
  75. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:50 PM

    SeanRox,
    Meet our music star ChristineKane.
    Christine, Sean’s the next James Bond.

    Reply
  76. seanrox says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:51 PM

    Hey Rick. The store has free wifi and pineapple, so we’re both in luck tonight! I’ll grab some for you.

    Reply
  77. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:51 PM

    Hey Rick! How’s things?

    Renee, Are you a fan of the Dog Whisperer by any chance?

    Reply
  78. seanrox says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:51 PM

    Hi Liz and Christine. The name is Rox… SeanRox 🙂

    Reply
  79. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:52 PM

    Hi Chris,
    Who’s Malcolm Reynolds? I thought you’d want to be some guy named . . .

    Reply
  80. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:52 PM

    Hey, don’t knock how the artist charges her batteries before a performance – it beats the hell out of Keith Richards’ chemical assists before a performance…

    Reply
  81. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:52 PM

    Hi Renee! I was confused by wondering who would want to be hacked.

    How are you doing tonight, Douglas?

    Reply
  82. Christine Kane says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:52 PM

    chris… different time zone. i’m putting on make-up now.

    Reply
  83. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:53 PM

    Doug!
    How are you and who do you wanna be in a parallel life or two or three . . .

    Reply
  84. Renée says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:53 PM

    Do I need to put a “age limit” sign before the song? Hope I didn’t do something illegal?

    Reply
  85. Christine Kane says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:54 PM

    hey seanrox! adlib…as a matter of fact, keith richards is here with me now and we’re both hallucinating.

    Reply
  86. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:55 PM

    Hey Chris, seanrox, Rick… Things are just starting to move too fast to keep up with everyone that is showing up.

    Reply
  87. seanrox says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:55 PM

    In another life and world, I’m the next James Bond 🙂

    Reply
  88. Service Untitled - Douglas says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:55 PM

    Doing okay. Not going to be on very long tonight. Just wanted to pop in and say hello.

    Reply
  89. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:55 PM

    Christine, You’re still c-r-a-z-y in my book! 😉

    Liz, are you inferring I would want to be Jack by any chance? 😆

    Reply
  90. Renée says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:56 PM

    Hey Rick, finally I get to be on the same time zone with you!

    Agree, “Hacked” probably isn’t the best choice. Maybe “linked” will…

    Some of them want to link you
    Some of them want to be linked.

    Reply
  91. seanrox says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:56 PM

    Hi Doug. Hang out for a little while. The grill is heating up now and I brought some cool refreshing drinks as well.

    Reply
  92. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:56 PM

    Chris,
    I’m sorry I didn’t answer you earlier. Homer Simpson IS my family.

    Reply
  93. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:57 PM

    JOE! The sheriff is a BIG job. Are you sure you’re up to it? 😉

    Reply
  94. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:58 PM

    Doh!

    Reply
  95. Scorpia says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:59 PM

    Folks, it’s been fun, but I must be going now. Try not to become schizophrenic with all those multiple lives 😉

    Liz, why not drop by my (real) Thursday night chat sometime? Meet weird people 😉

    Reply
  96. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:59 PM

    Hey Doug, sorry I missed saying hello when you came in.

    @ Renee, I was only kidding 😉

    Reply
  97. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 7:59 PM

    Well, whatever you do, listen to Weird Al and don’t download this song – he needs the money for another solid gold Hummer and a diamond-studded swimming pool 😛

    How about you Christine? You in the market for one of those?

    Reply
  98. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:00 PM

    Oh, and Liz, Malcolm Reynolds is only the coolest hero character ever created.

    Of course apparently my celebrity look alike is Keanu Reeves.

    Reply
  99. Renée says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:01 PM

    Chris…. YES YES YES … I’m a great fan of “Dog Whisperer” – Firm on his commands, tender on his approach.

    Reply
  100. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:01 PM

    Scorpia,
    Good night. Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday. Send me an email about Thursdays and I will if I can. 🙂

    Reply
  101. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:01 PM

    That’s a lot friendlier than the Eurthymics version, Renee, or even the sorts who want to be hacked.

    Reply
  102. Ben Yoskovitz says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:03 PM

    Well I’m a bit late to the game, but still here!

    How’s everyone doing this evening?

    Reply
  103. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:03 PM

    Good night, Scorpia. Enjoy!

    Reply
  104. Christine Kane says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:03 PM

    AdLib…Oh yes…I”m a big Hummer kind of gal! (though today they upgraded me to a dodge caravan. now i feel like a soccer mom.)

    Reply
  105. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:03 PM

    Hey Ben,

    Liz, 102 comments in an hour, is that a record?

    Reply
  106. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:04 PM

    Hi Ben!

    Reply
  107. Christine Kane says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:04 PM

    bye scorpia! Hi Ben! And now, I have to leave to do sound check! good to see you all again!

    Reply
  108. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:04 PM

    What’s shakin’ everybody! I saw the talk about the Dog Whisperer – my wife and I are absolutely hooked on that one….and we’ve never had a dog!

    Reply
  109. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:04 PM

    Hey, Ben!

    By the way, I’ve baked some bread today – anyone want a slice? Hot from the oven, served with fresh butter and some nice cheese?

    Reply
  110. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:04 PM

    Renee, You would get along famously with my wife then. She OD on the DWwhen she was sick on the couch one weekend. The next thing I know she was taking me for walks, talking to me about my “pack leader, and telling me how I needed to be “in the moment”!

    Reply
  111. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:05 PM

    Good night Christine!

    Reply
  112. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:05 PM

    Christine, have fun at your show!

    Reply
  113. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:06 PM

    Bye Christine! Knock ’em dead tonight!

    Reply
  114. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:06 PM

    Break a leg, Christine!

    Reply
  115. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:06 PM

    Good Night, Christine!
    Have a great show. I’ll be listening!

    Reply
  116. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:06 PM

    Hi Ben!
    Hi Starbucker!

    Reply
  117. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:07 PM

    Ah yes Chris – I’ve gotten that “pack leader” talk too. That guy can be so……dominant.

    Reply
  118. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:07 PM

    Christine, Break a leg. 😉

    Reply
  119. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:07 PM

    Chris,
    Before I forget, you’ve given a whole new meanng to the name . . . Jack!

    I think I want to be him!

    Reply
  120. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:07 PM

    Really though. What he does with nasty dogs is very impressive.

    Reply
  121. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:07 PM

    Hi Starbucker! How’s life in the big west? Are you becoming yourself in an alternate universe?

    Reply
  122. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:09 PM

    Not Jack. The Dog Whisperer. {Boy could that get misconstrued! Sheesh!}

    Reply
  123. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:09 PM

    Yeah, Joe,
    Could be a record! I’m not sure . . .

    Reply
  124. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:09 PM

    I agree Chris. Rick, I’m actually HOME tonight; I call it “hangin’ in Connecticut”. Not too catchy. Out west next week though.

    Reply
  125. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:10 PM

    Geeze! SB is a ramblin’ man!

    Reply
  126. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:12 PM

    Maybe Starbucker is a dancing hobo in a parallel life!

    Reply
  127. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:12 PM

    Perhaps he was born under a wandering star?

    Reply
  128. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:12 PM

    How does that Allman Brothers song go – “Lord I was born a Ramblin Man” What was the next line? I think it was “Tryin’ to make a livin’ doing the best I can”. That works for me!

    Reply
  129. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:14 PM

    I want to be a travellein man… Ohwell, maybe in a parallel universe…

    Reply
  130. cat says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:14 PM

    Hi everyone. I’m afraid I’m not awake enough to get my head around being someone else.

    I’m not even sure who I am some of the time.

    Reply
  131. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:14 PM

    I think in my parallel life I’m a lounge singer who works the Rocky Moutain circuit – singing ”
    “Home on the Range” in the Las Vegas style. Isn’t that something to visualize? 🙂

    Reply
  132. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:14 PM

    That’s it, Starbucker.

    When it’s time for leaving I hope you understand
    That I was born a ramblin’ man.

    Reply
  133. Ben Yoskovitz says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:14 PM

    So we’re talking dogs?

    Reply
  134. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:15 PM

    Good morning, cat!

    Reply
  135. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:15 PM

    time warp

    Reply
  136. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:16 PM

    Hi Ben! Hi Cat!

    Reply
  137. Renée says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:16 PM

    One thing is very common between husbands and Dogs (no pun intended) …. Men and Dogs think with their stomachs!!! Get that right, you have them sweeping your feet!!! 😉

    Reply
  138. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:16 PM

    No Ben, we’re talking CATS…
    Hey Cat.

    Reply
  139. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:17 PM

    SB, Could you do it in sort of an Elvis impersonater with a Reggee beat? Oh wait. That’s been done. With Led Zepplin songs.

    Reply
  140. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:17 PM

    *sings*

    “Papa was a rollin’ stone..”

    Reply
  141. Ben Yoskovitz says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:17 PM

    Hi everyone…hope everyone’s doing well.

    I’m playing catch up at the moment.

    In a parallel universe though, I’d be a hockey player in the NHL (goalie) and a successful cartoonist (Marvel variety).

    Reply
  142. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:18 PM

    Good night, Rick,
    Are you sure you want to leave with that “Home on the Range image” in your head?

    Have great rest of the Tuesday night!

    Reply
  143. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:18 PM

    ~”Mamma’s, don’t let your sons grow up to be Cowboys”~~

    Reply
  144. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:19 PM

    Hi Cat!
    I don’t see how knowing who you are has anything to do with being someone else. Seems to me most people pull of that trick everyday without even trying. *big grins*

    Reply
  145. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:20 PM

    Am I leaving? Or am I in a time warp and back for next week already?

    Reply
  146. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:20 PM

    Renee, are you sure it’s their STOMACH’s???

    Reply
  147. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:21 PM

    Actually, I’d pick Elvis for my second parallel life – when he was younger, of course. Perhaps singing disco in South Texas (say San Antonio). Yep, that might work.

    Reply
  148. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:22 PM

    Starbucker,
    You have to do one life as John Travolta dancing.

    Reply
  149. Renée says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:22 PM

    Very Positive, Joe. Give them good delicious food, they will do wonders!

    Reply
  150. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:22 PM

    Chris, I think it’s “don’t let your babies grow up to be Cowboys”. Great tune.

    Reply
  151. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:24 PM

    Oh yes Liz, Travolta HAS to be one. Strutting down Times Square to “Stayin’ Alive”. Isn’t that one of your “parallels” too?

    Reply
  152. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:24 PM

    The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – true, but only with a long enough blade. The preferred method is slippig a stiletto in between the ribs – a much more direct approach.

    If you wanted to use that heart for some further purpose, I’m not quite sure if the direct approach is the one you want.

    Reply
  153. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:26 PM

    SB, If you thought my mis-lyricing was bad you should have hear my Willie Nelson impression. Yecht!

    I was really more into the Dread Zepplin sort of thing.

    Reply
  154. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:27 PM

    Oh I’d love to hear your Willie Chris! Although I bet you doing Dread Zepplin would be delicious.

    Reply
  155. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:28 PM

    I wanna be Darren Rowse, except have hair and live on the North side of the Planet. Maybe Aaron Brazell, except have hair and live on the North side of the Mason-Dixon line.

    Never mind, I’d rather be poor little ole me and have HAIR, HAIR growin’ it down to there. Here, Baby There Baby Growin’ It Down to There… Baby, HAIR…..

    Reply
  156. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:30 PM

    Joe, is that the Cowsills version you are doing there – or is it all Broadway? 🙂

    Reply
  157. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:30 PM

    So I assume this is not a good time to point out that I’ve got hair down to where my back ends?

    Reply
  158. cat says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:30 PM

    Liz, you are most likely right … and … I need to wake up

    … my groggy brain is now thinking that those who do not know themselves are more likely to be able to slip into a second or third life … and back again.

    [groan] I need more tea …

    Reply
  159. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:32 PM

    Joe, y’all maht naht fahnd it so bahd doun he-ah!

    Reply
  160. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:33 PM

    SB, I think it was the worst version of the Cowsills. But it sounds good in my mind.

    I did like the Broadway version though.

    Reply
  161. cat says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:33 PM

    “So I assume this is not a good time to point out that I’ve got hair down to where my back ends?”

    Ok, I’ve just gotta ask. Is it growing from your head or … all the way down along your body to where you sit?

    Reply
  162. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:34 PM

    Hmm, so are any of you in a position to vote against George Allen?

    Reply
  163. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:34 PM

    Cat,
    Tea sounds nice with some chocolate!

    Reply
  164. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:34 PM

    Sorry Chris, I forgot you were from Georgia. But at least you have HAIR.

    Reply
  165. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:36 PM

    ~You need coolin’, baby, I’m not foolin’, (a-uh-huh!)~

    Reply
  166. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:36 PM

    I don’t think I’d want “hair down to there” in any parallel life though. Too much work. I’ll just sing the song “vegas style” in my Cheyenne lounge.

    Reply
  167. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:36 PM

    I want to be a gymnast, music video director, who plays the piano, and has a flower farm where children come listen to me read them stories, and I run a billion dollar empire that sells Belguim chocolates 73% dark.

    Reply
  168. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:36 PM

    Well, right now it ends about three-quarters of the way down my back as I usually pull it up into a ponytail when sitting at the computer. And it’s all from my head, I’m not a mountain gorilla in this or any of my alternate lives.

    Reply
  169. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:37 PM

    I love it Chris ! Work it.

    Reply
  170. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:37 PM

    and we all do cool dance things during lunch breaks and on weekends in exotic island locations.

    Reply
  171. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:38 PM

    Ah, Joe. I’m not “from” Georgia. I’m “in” Georgia.

    Actually I’m from New York! (very far from…) 😆

    Reply
  172. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:38 PM

    Chris,
    A little Rick James if you’re up for it . . .

    Reply
  173. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:38 PM

    OK, I’ll ask Liz – what’s the significance of 73%?

    Reply
  174. Renée says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:39 PM

    I give up my looooong hair about two years ago. Way too much work to maintain them, especially when you workout everyday.

    Reply
  175. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:39 PM

    Renee,
    Do small dogs dance as a rule? What will they be in their parallel lives?

    Reply
  176. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:39 PM

    Liz, I’m all about the billion dollar chocolate empire! (a-uh-huh!)

    Reply
  177. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:39 PM

    Chris, I guess that’s why you had to speak in hyphens for a southern accent. 😉

    Reply
  178. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:40 PM

    Starbucker,
    That the percentage of cacao in really strong dark, dark chocolate — killer app of chocolate. It’s my food of the gods!

    Reply
  179. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:40 PM

    I quit working out years ago. I figure I did my share before I was 30!

    Reply
  180. Renée says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:40 PM

    Chris… why do you leave New York for Georgia?

    Reply
  181. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:41 PM

    Joe, You know the difference between a Yankee and a Damn Yankee?

    Reply
  182. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:42 PM

    Yeah, a Damn Yankee just lost the game… 😉

    Reply
  183. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:42 PM

    Renee, The Navy moved me down this way some time during the last century and I never made it back up there.

    Reply
  184. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:43 PM

    Gotcha – you’ll have to let me taste some of that in April when we visit. It sounds divine.

    Reply
  185. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:43 PM

    No, no, no… The difference is – I didn’t go back home!

    Reply
  186. cat says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:43 PM

    “And it’s all from my head, I’m not a mountain gorilla in this or any of my alternate lives.”

    Ok, I just wanted to make sure I have the correct visual behind ‘Advice Librarian’.

    … although it’s going to take me several weeks to stop adding a bear rug growing down your back.

    Reply
  187. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:43 PM

    Chris, that’s why my brother still lives in California…

    Reply
  188. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:45 PM

    Starbucker,
    The key is don’t go for the Swiss, go for the Belguim and look on the box it will tell the percentage. We’ll find some when you get here for the Spring Convention. It’s definitely an eat a bit at a time kind of thing. . . .

    Reply
  189. Starbucker says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:46 PM

    Well folks, I need to get upstairs and spend some quality time with my wife, who is so good about me traveling all the time (and putting up with all my blogging). Keep enjoying those parallel lives, the hair, the lounge songs, and all other great things that make you smile. Smiling is good. See you all next week, and thanks Liz for being the BEST host!

    Reply
  190. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:46 PM

    Weighing out hurricanes vs. earthquakes, I’ll take the storms. At least I can get out of the way of those.

    Of course that means I also get the humidity. And the heat. And the bugs. And Cynthia McKinney…

    Reply
  191. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:47 PM

    Well, I did my regular exercise today, running to catch the bus.

    As I was running through the cold rain, I couldn’t help but think “man, it would be nice to have a car” – which is why I don’t have one. If I did, I’d never get any exercise at all…

    Reply
  192. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:48 PM

    Oh, and Renee. It didn’t help that my parents moved out of the state right after the Navy move me south. Fortunately (for me anyway) I tracked them down in a small town in western Virginia! 😉

    Reply
  193. Renée says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:49 PM

    I’ve known and seen some dogs have a rhythm or two but I can’t say they are great dancers though since I have to carry my small dogs when we dance.

    How about dancing with Danny Devito?

    Reply
  194. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:49 PM

    Good night, Starbucker. Enjoy a dance with your wife.

    Reply
  195. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:49 PM

    See ya Starbucker, don’t let the bed bugs bite, or anything else for that matter. 😉

    Reply
  196. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:51 PM

    ‘Night SB. Don’t ramble too far!

    Reply
  197. Ben Yoskovitz says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:51 PM

    See ya Starbucker…

    Sorry I’m not in the conversation here…dang work stuff.

    Reply
  198. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:52 PM

    Good night, Starbucker,
    Hope your wife is still in this life!

    Reply
  199. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:52 PM

    Ben, You might need to get Basil to drop by and do some catch up coding for you, eh?

    Reply
  200. Tony says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:53 PM

    Evenin’ everyone … 🙂

    Is there still a crowd in here?

    Reply
  201. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:53 PM

    Well, seeing as McKinney lost the Democratic Primary you won’t have to put up with her whatever happens – unless she tries to pull a “Lieberman for Lieberman” crazy-person stunt and run anyway on the grounds that the voters don’t know what’s good for them.

    I’m not a fan of Senator Censorship, if you wondered. His efforts to kill rock’n’roll and censor everything from movies to computer games doesn’t sit well with me…

    Reply
  202. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:53 PM

    Chris, I don’t want to tell you about the earthquake and what I went through to find a was to contact my brother so my Mom could talk to him…

    She was frantic until she heard his voice, then everything else was Ok.

    ‘Nuff said…

    Reply
  203. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:55 PM

    Hey Tony!
    What’s going on in your parallel life?

    Reply
  204. Ben Yoskovitz says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:56 PM

    Chris – you’re right. I need Basil’s help! *laugh*

    Meanwhile he’s left Scottsdale near as I can tell and is headed to LA…but the reports are coming in sporadically and I haven’t had a time to piece it together into a post!

    He’s headed to Australia next though, which should be fun!

    Reply
  205. cat says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:56 PM

    Bye Starbucker!

    Reply
  206. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:58 PM

    Ad Lib, I hadn’t heard. But I do know that lady is weird enough that I wouldn’t put anything past her. Her district is over towards Atlanta so I wouldn’t have been able to vote in that race anyway.

    Reply
  207. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 8:58 PM

    Basil in Australia, fun for Basil or Australia or for those of us here watching? heh-heh . . .

    Reply
  208. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:00 PM

    Huh – I’m overe here in freakin’ Norway, and I know more about what’s going on in your politics than you do. Is there something wrong with this picture?

    Reply
  209. Tony says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:00 PM

    Hmmm .. parallel life … parallel life …

    I’d probably be a starving comic book artist actually.

    heh heh 😉

    What about everyone else?

    Reply
  210. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:01 PM

    Hi Tony.

    I can see Basil now. Opting for a cruise. Lounging by the pool whith a drink with an umbrella in it close at hand…

    Reply
  211. cat says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:01 PM

    “He’s headed to Australia next though, which should be fun!”

    Australia? Seems like a long way to travel.

    Reply
  212. Ben Yoskovitz says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:02 PM

    Tony…I said comic book artist too…well, and hockey player…still!

    Let’s hope Basil doesn’t sink Australia into the ocean. I know Leah Maclean is looking forward to seeing him.

    What I really want to do is update the look of the Where Is Basil site and start the buzz rolling! I need a more flexible design, but something that’s still travel-oriented…

    Reply
  213. Renée says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:02 PM

    Guys and Gals, I got to get some work done before I head down to town to meet up with my banker friends!

    It was an enjoyable “night” (morning here). See y’all next week. Have fun!

    Btw, how come I don’t get any tips when I sang “Sweet Dreams”. I guess must be my husky out-of-tune voice! ;-(

    Nite nite guys!

    Reply
  214. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:04 PM

    Uh, I hate to tell you, but it’s just starting to turn Spring down under(still winter), I think it may be a little cold there still for a donkey that like the desert.

    Reply
  215. Ben Yoskovitz says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:04 PM

    Bye Renee…

    Cat — it is a long way to travel, but that’s how it goes. He’s bouncing back to Canada after Australia, and eventually hitting Belarus, Belgium and South Africa, along with other locations in Canada and the US…

    Reply
  216. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:05 PM

    Ad Lib, I make no excuses. America is a country that typically has a voter turn out rate ~50%. On years where there is a Presidential vote, that is. On off years you can whack nearly 30% off that figure.

    Believe it or not, I’m actually relatively politically aware. For an American, that is. Most folks in my country don’t have a clue which Congressman represents the district they live in.

    Reply
  217. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:05 PM

    Have a good day, Renee. If you look to your right the tips are in the empty wine glass. We didn’t want to draw your attention to it too much.

    Reply
  218. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:06 PM

    ‘night Renee! Scratch the little guys behind the ears for us.

    Reply
  219. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:07 PM

    Good night, Renee!
    Bankers — huh! Send money!
    Have a great rest of the day!

    Reply
  220. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:07 PM

    Heh, voter turnout isn’t all that impressive around these parts anymore either – and for the record, I have no idea who your congresscritter is either, Chris 🙂

    Reply
  221. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:09 PM

    Nite Renee, work smart, work well, and we will see you in he..he.. he..

    Reply
  222. Tony says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:09 PM

    Ben — comic book artist too? (raises eyebrow)

    Do you still collect comics?

    Reply
  223. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:14 PM

    Oh No… I think the time zone is warping again…

    Reply
  224. Rick Cockrum says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:16 PM

    Good night everyone! I’m off to my time warp. Thanks for the pineapple, seanrox. And thank you, Liz, for the trip to alternate universes.

    Reply
  225. Tony says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:18 PM

    yikes, did I get here two hours too late?

    Reply
  226. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:18 PM

    Hey Rick,
    Have a great night. Have a safe trip finding your way home. 🙂

    Reply
  227. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:18 PM

    Georgia’s districts have been gerrymandered for some time. I actually live in Jack Kingston’s (GA 1st) district even though the border is less than a mile away and most of Savannah proper is in the 12th district.

    Compare the map for the last election with our new map for this election cycle.

    The new map makes a lot more sense, but it will make it tough for the Democrats to keep their hold on GA. In fact President Bush was here late last week to help push John Barrow out of the 12th district.

    Reply
  228. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:18 PM

    See ya Rick, I’ll keep the time warp in check as well as I can til Liz gets back from her alternate universe experience.

    Reply
  229. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:22 PM

    Folks, on that political note I’m going to turn in. Tomorrow is an early day!

    Enjoy!

    Reply
  230. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:23 PM

    Later Chris

    Reply
  231. Ben Yoskovitz says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:24 PM

    Tony — I don’t collect comics anymore, they’re just sitting there now. Maybe when my son is older I’ll get back into it!

    I’ve gotta jet too, I’m afraid. Goodnight y’all!

    Reply
  232. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:24 PM

    Which alternate universe experience would that be, Joe?

    Reply
  233. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:26 PM

    Good night, Chris
    (You shouldn’t be drawing those maps if they tired you out so.) Have a great night!

    Reply
  234. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:26 PM

    I’m not sure, it could be something to do with dancing, or singing, or…

    Reply
  235. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:27 PM

    Gerrymandering is something of a way of life for whichever party’s in control of congress, isn’t it?

    You guys do better when there’s gridlock between Senate, House and Presidency like god and the founders intended – that way no-one gets to push their extremist policies. As long as one party controls all three, you guys seem to become completely unhinged – well, it looks that way from over here, anyway.

    Right now, all the gerrymandering that’s been done is a function of the Republicans having control and favours them exclusively. Which is wrong on many levels, but doesn’t excuse in the slightest the similar stunts by Democrats.

    Doesn’t matter how many wrongs are done, there’s no chance if them ever turning into Right by the accidental balancing out of wrongdoing, is there?

    Reply
  236. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:27 PM

    See you, Ben!
    Don’t stay up all night working. It will make you sleepy!

    Reply
  237. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:27 PM

    Liz, I got my Wiki…. Crayons out! Really, though. I should have turned in a while back. I just get to gabbing… “Help! I’m talking and I can’t shut up!”

    ‘Night all! Enjoy!

    Reply
  238. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:30 PM

    Chris,
    Go be Jack. He doesn’t talk — he backs the bad guys do that!

    Reply
  239. Tony says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:31 PM

    hello?

    Reply
  240. Tony says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:32 PM

    Whoops … sorry. Wow — it does seem like I’m 2 hours too late 🙂

    Reply
  241. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:32 PM

    Tony, there is a song for that…
    Hello, Hello, Hello… Is there anybody in there…

    Reply
  242. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:33 PM

    Nah! Tony!
    There’s still folks here. We’re just taking a breather.

    Reply
  243. Chris Cree says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:34 PM

    Actually, Ad Lib, in Georgia’s case the previous map was drawn up by Democrats totally for their benefit. All those goofy districts were done to carve out the more populous sections of the state to give the Dems a chance to hold seats.

    The Republicans have only just now gotten a majority in GA politics – first time really since the Civil War. (Our congressional districts are drawn out by the individual states.) And now they have put some sanity in the district boundaries. At least now the districts are contiguous.

    Does the new map benefit the Republican party? I’m sure it does. But to me it seems that it is more a case of removing the ridiculous advantage that the Dems have had forever down here.

    Sometimes just removing an unfair advantage in one direction feels like giving an advantage to the other side even when it is just evening the odds.

    Reply
  244. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:35 PM

    Maybe Tony’s stuck on the first page?

    Reply
  245. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:39 PM

    Nah, Tony has been here before, I’m sure he knows that the numbers at the top or bottom represent which page of comments he’s on.

    Reply
  246. Tony says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:40 PM

    Nah … just taking a while to refresh. 😉
    I wonder if its a firefox problem

    Reply
  247. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:43 PM

    Tony, I don’t know. Chris uses Firefox and he seems to be able to refresh fast enough to beat me.

    Reply
  248. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:45 PM

    I think that you just got stuck in that time warp that surrounds Successful Blog on Tuesday Nights.

    Reply
  249. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:47 PM

    Election rules in the Us are screwy anyway – the Coasts are extremely underrepresented, and how come Alaska has as many senators as Texas, or California?

    We’re seeing something of the same over here in Europe – why, oh why does Sweden with 8 million people have as many representatives as Germany’s 55 million?

    I guess we all know the answer to that one – it’s the only way to get countries or states to join up…

    Reply
  250. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:47 PM

    You know, Joe, maybe it’s not a time warp after all. Maybe it’s just my magnetic personality. 🙂 🙂

    Reply
  251. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:50 PM

    You may be right Liz, but you know how magnets can mess with the space-time continuum

    Reply
  252. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:52 PM

    I would never mess with the space-time continuum, Joe. I consider it sacred. I need it to imagine with.

    Reply
  253. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:52 PM

    Depends on whether Liz is a fridge magnet or one of those building-sized magnets they use in the particle accellerators at CERN…

    Reply
  254. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:54 PM

    I’m supprised that no one brought up Stargate SG1.
    They did a few different episodes where Daniel traveled to a parallel dimention and Sam from a parallel dimention traveled to our dimention.

    I think that would fit right in to tonight’s theme.

    Reply
  255. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:55 PM

    I don’t believe in refrigerator magnets. Though once at 4 a.m. a friend and I invented a religion that had them as our sacred icons. . . . Only the ones that had messages of great meaning, such as

    You have friends in Las Vegas.

    Reply
  256. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 9:58 PM

    I only used the magnetic can opener as an icon. If you remember the days when you could only open a beer or soda can with an opener.

    No such thing as a pop-top.

    Reply
  257. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 10:01 PM

    I remember, Joe.

    I’m going to pack it in. *stretch yawn stretch* This rainy weather and work has been a killer this week.

    I’m wishing you all good night, Loves.

    Reply
  258. ME Strauss says

    September 12, 2006 at 10:02 PM

    Remember

    You have friends in Las Vegas.

    Reply
  259. Joe says

    September 12, 2006 at 10:09 PM

    Sorry, but now it’s my turn.

    I enjoyed the universe
    in parallel to our own
    and the lives we shared
    from our own homes.

    Time to turn in and say good night
    that even with 8 planets in flight
    there is really no bad way
    to say it’s time to hit the hey.

    Berma Shave

    Nite Liz
    Nite All

    Reply
  260. Advice Librarian says

    September 12, 2006 at 10:15 PM

    Okay, I guess that’s my signal for turning in as well 🙂

    Reply
  261. Phil Gerbyshak says

    September 12, 2006 at 10:40 PM

    Donkey Kong or Pac-Man – who’d win if they were both Yi-Ar Kung Fu characters?

    Reply
  262. Wendy Piersall says

    September 13, 2006 at 2:02 AM

    In a parallel life, I actually was able to make it to the conversation tonight 🙁

    Looks like it was fun everyone! 🙂

    Reply
  263. Ellen Weber says

    September 13, 2006 at 4:05 AM

    I like some of the examples here — I once did a leadership session that helped people reflect on the question: “How can I become the person I’d like others to see in me?” It generated lots of great discussion:-) This session did too — thanks!

    Reply
  264. ME Strauss says

    September 13, 2006 at 4:24 AM

    Hey Phil,
    I don’t know who would win, but I have a feeling you might have a point of view on that one!

    Reply
  265. ME Strauss says

    September 13, 2006 at 4:25 AM

    Wendy,
    This IS a parallel life and you didn’t miss the conversation at all. You just started the new part for today! 🙂

    Reply
  266. ME Strauss says

    September 13, 2006 at 4:27 AM

    Ellen,
    That leadership session sounds like one I need to take . . . I’d love to know what you saw in this transcript. It must something to read from your point of view , . . . details, woman, We need details! 🙂

    Reply
  267. Chris Cree says

    September 13, 2006 at 5:22 AM

    Ad Lib, Your question about US representation is one that was hotly debated when our founding fathers were drawing up our Constitution. The question was “What is fair?”

    The less populous states wanted a state by state representation at the federal level and the more populous states wanted representation based on population.

    The solution they came up with created our current two house Congress. The Senate has 2 representatives per state no matter the population and the House has 1 rep for every so many people with no state ever having fewer than 3 total members of Congress representing it no matter how few people live there.

    So to say that the coasts are somehow underrepresented is simply not true. Each state is represented both as an individual state and by population. If they didn’t set it up that way then the less populous states would be completely dominated by the more populous states, a situation our founding fathers felt was untenable.

    Our founding fathers saw our nation as a collection of individual states which had significant autonomy. That is not so much the case anymore because state autonomy has been eroded away nearly completely over the years as our federal government has grown out of control.

    The federal govt. has grown and taken authority from the states in spurts over the last 200 years, especially during times of war when central authority was needed to meet a specific threat. Three of the biggest usurpers of state control were Lincoln, FDR and our current president.

    These men were all (in my opinion) great leaders who did what they needed to do to guide our nation in a time of significant crises. Unfortunately one casualty that is often overlooked is individual states rights.

    Reply
  268. ME Strauss says

    September 13, 2006 at 5:25 AM

    Well explained, Chris. I so wanted to lay out that information last night, but was too tired to pull the concentration and thought needed together. Beautiful job of explaining both past and present. Bravo!

    Reply
  269. Advice Librarian says

    September 13, 2006 at 7:52 AM

    True – and the system looks like it does on the whole work.

    On the other hand, your “Electoral college” that selects your President has some serious problems…

    Reply
  270. Chris Cree says

    September 13, 2006 at 9:07 AM

    Ad Lib, You crack me up! I wanted to go into the brilliance of the Electoral College as I was putting that last comment together but didn’t because I thought I was going on too long already. But since you brought it up…

    The best explanation and defense of the Electoral College is probably Federalist Paper #68, written by Alexander Hamilton. In it he explains that the Electoral College system was devised to achieve three main goals.

    1. Provide a system for a smoother transition from one President to the next by having the people elect an intermediary body rather than elect the President directly. Remember how chaotic the whole 2000 election was? That was a bit of an anomaly in our history. Yet the system worked in that there was relatively little chaos (i.e. there were no soldiers in the streets enforcing order, etc.).

    Remember that at the time Democracy was not necessarily a desirable system of government. There were many who felt that it meant “mob rule” and chaos. Therefore our founders put a tremendous amount of energy and thought into creating a system that minimized that likelihood. They had just fought a war to escape what they felt was a tyranny of a monarchy. They didn’t want to replace that with a system that would allow any majority to tyrannize other minorities.

    2. By using a temporary body instead of looking to some other sitting body (such as the Senate, or Supreme Court) to choose the President, the founding fathers felt they’d created a system that was less prone to corruption. Is it still corruptible? Sure. But hopefully less than some other systems because the Electoral College is only selected for that one election and then disbands.

    3. They wanted the office of the President to answer only to the people, and not to some other standing body. Therefore they created a system where the people selected the electors who did their job and then when home.

    Our system is not a perfect one by any means. In my opinion the best form of government would be a benevolent dictator. However, regardless of the governing system in place, the challenge comes in when it is time to transition power to a successor. How do you build a system that ensures a smooth system that chooses the best possible successor, reduces the possibility of social chaos, and at the same time keeps the potential for corruption to a minimum?

    The Electoral College is a brilliant solution to these problems that cuts the finest line between the various compromises in my opinion.

    Reply
  271. Advice Librarian says

    September 13, 2006 at 9:47 AM

    Mmm, yes, that’s one way of putting it – though I note that all the rest of Western civilization manage without that.

    I think you might be interested in this analysis of what’s wrong with the Electoral College from an assistant professor of political science – basically, having the electoral college renders the votes in a lot of states irrelevant. Well, the way it’s currently implemented anyway with the winner-takes-all stuff. Changing that one detail would mean that you’d see meaningful campaigning all over the country again, instead of having half the nation getting ignored – and you’d also get a truer measure of how united your country is. This “Red State” vs. “Blue State” nonsense hurts you as a nation since the reality is that they’re all purple states and the distinction is an artificial media-created divide.

    I think you guys deserve better as a nation. There’s a lot more that unites you than divides you – but that’s getting buried under the TV simplifications…

    Reply
  272. ME Strauss says

    September 13, 2006 at 9:51 AM

    The simplification I see is not that of the TV, but that of those who don’t understand the masssive size of this nation. The country itself is too large to manage — too many people to negotiate ideas efficiently, which forces skin of the pudding knowledge upon us.

    You cannot learn all of our nations news in 2 hours. You cannot follow a single political issue deeply and hold down a job, there are too many players.

    Reply
  273. Rick Cockrum says

    September 13, 2006 at 9:58 AM

    AdLib is happy just as he is
    Fresh bread close at hand, hair down to his chair
    His blog back in biz, and music filling his air.

    Joe is a lawman,
    A wookie for real
    Protecting us all with McGyver’s great skill.

    Scorpia, too, is content
    As she already is
    Everyday fantasy is already her biz.

    Liz directs song and the dance,
    Electronics begone.
    Children, flowers and writing Is where she belongs.

    Renee comes in singing,
    Dancing dog in her arms.
    Man and canine alike, she soothes with her charm.

    Christine’s in Missouri
    Her ballads filling college breeze.
    She stopped and said hi before the clock made her flee.

    Chris Cree is traveling,
    A hero in the stars,
    Humming Led Zeppelin, escaping storms in his car.

    Seanrox cooked at the barbie,
    A feast he laid out
    While being James Bond with a bottle of stout.

    Douglas dropped in among us,
    Just to say hi
    Then time warped him away, away to fly.

    Ben plays great hockey,
    And cartoons on the side,
    With Basil his donkey, round the world he does fly.

    Starbucker wings in
    Home from the West,
    Song and dance in his soul, with his wife he does rest.

    Cat steps in for a moment,
    Still fuzzy with sleep,
    Tea in the morning, as to bed we softly creep.

    Tony’s in a time warp, two hours behind,
    Somewhere he is starving
    Drawing comics so fine.

    Phil zips by so fast
    Pac-man behind him
    In a kung-fu world Donkey Kong races past.

    Wendy said it was fun
    From time zones away.
    In the alternate world she stops by to play.

    And Ellen pops in
    With a comment from home
    She read the discussion as a way to be grown.

    So another mic closes
    It was quite a feat.
    We think of you often until the next week.

    Reply
  274. ME Strauss says

    September 13, 2006 at 10:03 AM

    Rick,
    You are Wonderful!!!!!!

    Reply
  275. Rick Cockrum says

    September 13, 2006 at 10:11 AM

    Just tryin’ to oblige, ma’am. Notice how I so cunningly left the links to be done. 😉

    Reply
  276. ME Strauss says

    September 13, 2006 at 10:14 AM

    I would never have expected you to do the links. They’re way too complicated from your end. Thank you, thank you, thank you. again.

    Reply
  277. Meikah Delid says

    September 19, 2006 at 8:35 PM

    Hi, Liz and everyone! Wow, the topic is cars…my kids and husband are loco over F1 racing and we’re kinda sad that Schumacher is retiring and racing only this season. BTW, heard of Tracy Chapman’s song, Fast Cars? The song goes…

    You got a fast car
    I want a ticket to anywhere
    Maybe we make a deal
    Maybe together we can get somewhere

    Anyplace is better
    Starting from zero got nothing to lose
    Maybe we’ll make something
    But me myself I got nothing to prove

    You got a fast car
    And I got a plan to get us out of here
    I been working at the convenience store
    Managed to save just a little bit of money
    We won’t have to drive too far
    Just ‘cross the border and into the city
    You and I can both get jobs
    And finally see what it means to be living

    You see my old man’s got a problem
    He live with the bottle that’s the way it is
    He says his body’s too old for working
    I say his body’s too young to look like his
    My mama went off and left him
    She wanted more from life than he could give
    I said somebody’s got to take care of him
    So I quit school and that’s what I did

    You got a fast car
    But is it fast enough so we can fly away
    We gotta make a decision
    We leave tonight or live and die this way

    I remember we were driving driving in your car
    The speed so fast I felt like I was drunk
    City lights lay out before us
    And your arm felt nice wrapped ’round my shoulder
    And I had a feeling that I belonged
    And I had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone

    You got a fast car
    And we go cruising to entertain ourselves
    You still ain’t got a job
    And I work in a market as a checkout girl
    I know things will get better
    You’ll find work and I’ll get promoted
    We’ll move out of the shelter
    Buy a big house and live in the suburbs
    You got a fast car
    And I got a job that pays all our bills
    You stay out drinking late at the bar
    See more of your friends than you do of your kids
    I’d always hoped for better
    Thought maybe together you and me would find it
    I got no plans I ain’t going nowhere
    So take your fast car and keep on driving

    You got a fast car
    But is it fast enough so you can fly away
    You gotta make a decision
    You leave tonight or live and die this way

    😀 😀 😀

    Reply

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