Well, well, another year is slipping away, eh? Let’s see, 2003. As years go, not a bad one. Not a bad one at all.

I'm taking a blogging holiday tomorrow, so I just wanted to get a little something out here about the past year.

I guess the biggest change for me this year was that I started blogging. Man! I had no idea what I was in store for. I thought it was going to be a little, once in a while toy. WRONG! It became my obsession. And, oy!! The things I have read this year!!

I have seen babies born and, sadly, babies lost. I have seen lovers found and spouses cast to the winds. I have watched as people sunk deep into depressions that I could not help with and I’ve seen these very same people find the strength inside to pull themselves up, dust themselves off and start all over again.

I’ve seen people lose jobs; some people find jobs and most just stay mired in the same ol’ jobs.

I have laughed at jokes and pictures and stories of family. I have wished countless birthday wishes onto people. I have read personal thoughts on the passing of celebrities as well as heart wrenching stories of the more personal loss of family.

I’ve read your takes on politics, religion, war and peace. I’ve seen that you all have hopes and fears and desires and disappointments. I have seen you cry and laugh and drink WAY TOO MUCH! Just like regular people.

I’ve become friends (of sorts) with more people than I ever thought I would. I have also been one of the lucky ones and haven’t lost any friends. I didn’t even really pick up any enemies (well, except maybe some hi-jinxing hooligans like Sol or PeteBeck or TJ on occasion, but they know I love them like the dysfunctional brothers that I wish I never had).

And all of this in less than a year. Wow! Quite the little hobby, eh?

I looked back at some of my earlier posts and see quite a change in my own blogging style. I started out talking about my daily life and I always had a (semi)famous quote and a now-playing song. And I only posted once every couple of days! Gasp! Well, the songs and the quotes soon grew tiring and I dropped them. I still talk about my daily life but I post A LOT MORE OFTEN!

I still struggle to figure out what the voice of this site is. I wake up almost every morning and feel that I’ve run out of things to say. This probably isn’t surprising to some of you who read this site. Hey now!

I hope that I can continue to do this through the next year. You all have been so much fun to hang out with. Let’s keep it going in 2004. Whaddya say?

I hope you all had a happy 2003 and I wish you health and prosperity in 2004. Happy New Year everybody!

This is Buzz, signing off until next year.

And as always, I love you all.

I got to thinking that if I get hit by a beer truck on my way home today, then the last thing I posted was that disturbing picture of Leonid stretching his, umm, stuff on the ice. That is not the way that I wish this site to be remembered!

So, in the unlikely event that I am removed from this earth by my local Coors Light distributor, I will post something a little more pleasing to the eye.

(Oh, and Sandra, if you want to repay me by paying off my mortgage, I'm sure that Kate Hudson won't mind a bit. Thanks, doll.)

Well, my site is back, anyway. Thanks, Buzz for your generosity!

Busy Mom here. My site is down for a little bit, so Buzz graciously agreed to let me bunk with him for awhile. I have nothing momentous to say, I just felt so out of touch!

As I was perusing the news, I came across this. Is there a new company on the horizon? Will there be a naming contest? My entries:

Fed-O's
Fed-Kink
Kink-Ex
Fed-Ko's

Although I think that my man, Leonid, is probably a fabulous guy with impeccable table manners, this is not the picture that I wanted to wake up to today. And please tell me that's a piece of a bathing suit or something and not "Little Leonid" sticking out there. Oh god, I feel faint.

Sixty-five year-old Leonid does a split as he prepares to swim in the lake in Serebryany Bor Moscow's district as part of the launch of the winter swimming season. (AFP/Yuri Kadobnov

Ok, here's the deal. My friend Jennifer is trying to convince everyone that she is fabulouser than you. Yeah, you! I know, I know! That's what I said. So I say we all go over here and tell her just exactly why she's wrong! Stand up for your fabulousity! Be proud of your fabulousicicty! Go! Go and tell her!!

Know what I miss? The full blown version of Blogrolling, that's what. I like to be able to see who's linking to me so that I can check them out in return. Arrgghh!! At least an update on when it will all be fixed would be nice.

I know I sound ungrateful, but I'm really not. I really do appreciate Blogrolling. I just wish it would get back to normal.

If you're a male underwear model, I gotta think that this is not the reaction that you are looking for.

Pedestrians watch as men's underwear is modeled in a shop in downtown Berlin December 12, 2003. Passers-by in the center of Berlin were treated to the unusual sight of scantily clad 'dummies' flexing their muscles and baring their buttocks in a publicity stunt for a brand of men's underwear.
(Michaela Rehle/Reuters)

I went and checked the tree this morning. It survived the night and is now breathing on its own. It has been taken completely off of life support (except for an occasional watering) and we have high hopes for a complete and total recovery.

The tree's family and I would like to thank all of the well-wishes that we received and hope that you, in turn, have a wonderful Monday. Unless you're on the other side of the world where it's Tuesday. Or Sunday. I always get that mixed up!

Anyway, y'all have a great day.

The tree has been removed from the house (and wheelbarrow), taken out to the perfect spot, planted in good soil, mulched and watered! I believe we have done all in our power to allow this fine specimen to flourish. With any luck, it will grow to a magnificent 40 feet tall and 40 feet wide.

People will flock from neighboring counties, maybe even as far away as Maryland or one of the Dakotas, to admire our tree. "Oh my! What a tree!", they may be heard saying.

"Yes", we'll reply humbly. "We planted it ourselves."

"Surely not! No!"

Ah yes, it will truly be a tree among trees. A true sight to behold.

Or it will be dead in a month. We'll wait and see.

Ok, here we go. Back to your regular weekend Buzz. Did you know that:

The only way to stop the pain of the flathead fish's sting is by rubbing the same fish's slime on the wound it gave you.

Betsy Ross was born with a fully formed set of teeth.

Steely Dan got their name from a sexual device depicted in the book 'The Naked Lunch'.

Bob Dylan's real name is Robert Zimmerman.

Andy Warhol created the Rolling Stone's emblem depicting the big tongue. It first appeared on the cover of the 'Sticky Fingers' album.

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were the two left-handed Beatles.

Chris Ford scored the first ever NBA three-point shot.

Of all the East Coast States, New Hampshire has the shortest coastline, about fourteen miles.

New Hampshire is also the only State name the has four consecutive consonants in it (in the same word).

Alaska has the longest border with Canada of all the fifty states.

Montana has the longest border with Canada of the lower forty-eight States.

Montana also borders the most Canadian Provinces of all the fifty states. It borders three of them.

Arkansas is the only US State that begins with "a" but does not end with "a". All the other States that begin with "a", Arizona, Alabama and Alaska, also end with "a".

Only three angels are mentioned by name in the Bible: Gabriel, Michael, and Lucifer.

Dr. Seuss pronounced "Seuss" such that it rhymed with "rejoice."

Wilma Flintstone's maiden name was Wilma Slaghoopal, and Betty Rubble's Maiden name was Betty Jean Mcbricker.

Lenny Kravitz's mother played the part of "Helen" on "The Jeffersons."

The term "Mayday" used for signaling for help (after SOS), it comes from the French term "M'aidez" which is pronounced "MayDay" and means, "Help Me"

A pregnant goldfish is called a twit.

The smallest mountain range in the world is outside of Marysville, California and is named the Sutter Buttes.

Well, since the Empress has hurt her back and is therefore completely incapacitated, we decided to watch a movie tonight. And what did we watch? Well, we finally sat down and watched "Pirates of the Caribbean".

How much fun is that movie!!

I just love swashbuckling adventure movies and that was one of the most swashbucklingest of them all. Depp was worthy of the hype. If you're a fan of his, you'll love this movie. If you're not, you will be.

Oh, and Keira Knightley ain't half bad, either!

So, that's about it for tonight. You all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy all your new toys!

Now, let's see if there's a bottle of rum stashed around this joint.

(click to embiggen)

The lovely Kate over at sugar-plum.net/kate/ is discussing James Bond movies. I LOVE James Bond movies. I actually think that TBS should just quit screwing around and become 24 hour Bond. That way, there would always be something on TV.

* Here comes the part of the post where I get in trouble. *

I know it's much cooler to say that Connery was the best Bond, and I believe that he was, indeed, a great one. In fact, I have always maintained that he was my favorite.

Until now.

I have just recently realized that I have changed my mind. This may really ruffle some feathers but I think that the best bond ever is Pierce Brosnan. Yep, Remington Steele. The guy is way smooth. Way cool. Way stylish. And can pull off the dry humor that is James Bond.

So what do you think? Who is the best Bond?

Sean Connery (6 films)
George Lazenby (1 film)
Roger Moore (7 films)
Timothy Dalton (2 films)
Pierce Brosnan (4 films - so far)

For Babz:

Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It falls on December 26th, which is also St. Stephen's Day.
St. Stephen was a little known saint who achieved eternal fame by being the first Christian to be martyred for his faith, and he met his death by stoning. Ouch!

Boxing Day is so called because on this day it was the customary for tradesmen to collect their Christmas boxes or gifts in return for good service throughout the year. Also, it included giving money and other gifts to charitable institutions, and the needy.

The holiday may date from as early as the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is not known. It may have begun with the Lords and Ladies of England, who gave their Christmas boxes/gifts to their servants on December 26, or maybe by priests, who opened the church's alms (charity boxes), and distributed the contents to the poor and needy.

Ok, I'm in. I made it to work. I'm not happy about it, but I'm here. Along with about 1/8th of the normal workforce. It's barren in here, I tell ya. Listen:

*crickets*

See? Fortunately, I have set the bar very low today and feel that just by getting here and logging on, I have completed almost everything that I had hoped to accomplish. That's the secret folks. Set that bar low. It's much easier to clear.

Oh, and here's a work tip for you. Never make the word 'vacation' your password. It'll just piss you off every time you type it in at work. Trust me on this one.

"High Jump" - by Bob Peak

Oh my god! I just realized something! Something that may have been overlooked in all of the merry merry joy joy.

Did you realize that there are only 364 shopping days left until Christmas! Auugh!! I'm already behind! Must start shopping! What was the URL for Amazon.com again? Oh yeah, amazon.com. Thanks.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

UPDATE: Great news, folks. One of our oh-so-smart kids just informed me that 2004 is a leap year! That means we get an extra day of Christmas shopping. You can all now relax and enjoy your day. Whew! That was a close one!

Can you feel it, yet? It's after seven o'clock here on the east coast. Millions of children are starting to really feel the excitement build. They're wondering if they should go to bed early to make the night go faster. And yet, they find it hard to sleep.

It's a night like no other all year. You adults out there - do you remember the feeling? Oh, I do. I remember having butterflies in my stomach. "It's almost here! It's almost here!" Wanting time to just fly when in fact it seems to have almost ground to a halt! Arrgghh!!

It makes me smile to just think about it again.

So here's to you youngsters out there waiting for the big day. May you all have visions of sugar-plums dancing in your heads tonight. Enjoy your day, kids.

Well, we're winding down the Christmas songs this year and I got a request from the Empress! And to her I say - Gladly!

Today's song is one of our favorites at home. It's a little bit edgy-er (edgier? edjeeher? hedge ye oar?) than your average "Christmas carol". I hope you like it as much as we do.

Queen - Thank God It's Christmas

Man! Don't you hate how bitchy Santa's reindeer get right before the big night! Case in point (from the AP wire):

Blitzen, a young reindeer at the Santa Claus House in North Pole,
Alaska, leaps on KTUU Channel 2 reporter Meghan Stapleton as
Stapleton was doing a holiday story, in this image from television
Monday, Dec. 22, 2003. Stapleton was not injured and even
managed to hold on to the leash to keep Blitzen from running
away, though he did drag her a couple feet.
(AP Photo/KTUU-TV, Chris Werner)

The Empress and I no longer exchange gifts. Not for Christmas, anyway. We buy gifts for the kids and the family and a few friends, but not for each other. What we do now is better than that.

We now take a trip (together) to the liquor store and buy ourselves something that we wouldn't normally buy any other time of the year. Something expensive. We each pick out our own bottle of whatever that is. This year, for example, I bought a nice single malt scotch. Last year I bought myself a $90 bottle of Cabo Wabo tequila (it was very yummy). This year, Pat bought herself a very fine bottle of single barrel bourbon. Last year she got some fine champagne.

Then we set these bottles aside until Christmas Eve. We make sure that all of the presents are layed out and the kids are all sent to bed (well, now they're older so we just shoo them away). We turn off the TV and put on some soft Christmas music. We turn on the lights on the christmas tree. And we sit back and enjoy a nice quiet eve with just the two of us and some fine beverages.

It has become the day of the year that I look forward to most. After the rush rush rush of Christmas shopping and before the frantic rushing about to everyone's houses and the opening of presents, there is this quiet lull. A brief, calm time for just the two of us. And it happens again tonight. I can't wait!

I hope you all have a wonderful christmas eve and maybe you can find a quiet minute or two for yourselves, as well.

Peace.

Oh, and by the way, the whole 'Peace on Earth - Goodwill Toward Man" thing? Yeah, I actually think that's a pretty damn good idea! Goodwill Toward Woman, too.

So there.

A couple of weeks ago I opened up my big mouth (what else is new?) and ended up getting challenged to write up the definitive "blogging rules" by a couple of my lovely readers (ain't they cute?). Well, I thought about it and did a little research and have come up with a few thoughts.

First of all, there are quite a few sites that have attempted to write the rules of blogging. They all state the things that we are all used to seeing. Things like:

• Don’t continuously blog about your day. We don’t care how many loads of wash you did today or how much you hate your farting co-worker.

• Don’t keep on posting memes. Do you really think we care what Star Trek villain or which starchy vegetable you are?

• Don’t just post links to other people’s material or to news articles. If you don’t have anything original to say, shut up!

• Update often. Daily, if not more. We need to be entertained, damnit!

There are others, but you’ve all read them before. And to all of those rules, I say:

Bullshit!

If you want to tell me what time you got up this morning and what you had for breakfast and that you went to the store but you’re all pissed because you forgot to buy mayonnaise and that’s the original reason you even went to the store…well, that’s fine. I’m interested. And if I’m not, I’ll move on. It’s your blog. Write what you want. Really.

If you want to post eighteen memes a day, do it. Some may interest me and some may not, but if I recall correctly, it’s your blog. Write what you want. Really.

If you want to link to articles that you find interesting, do it. I may not have heard about it before and find it interesting. I may not, but I’m remembering that it’s your blog. Write what you want. Really.

Update when you want. Some people update ten times a day. Some people update ten times a week. And some people update ten times a year. So what? Why should anyone else care about that? It’s your blog. Write what you want. Really.

I guess you can see what I think of all of the so-called rules. They’re just a bunch of bunk written by people who think they have all the answers. Trust me. They don’t. They’re just simple doofuses like you and me.

Now all that said, I do think that I can offer a few tips to new bloggers. Again, take all of this with a grain of salt as this is just my experience and I’ve been doing this less than a year.

• Check your ego at the door. You will never get as many hits as you would like. Comments, either. That’s just the way it works. And we, as human nature dictates, will always want more. You will start off wondering if anyone will ever read your words. Then you get 15 hits. Then 47. Then 80. Wow 80 people read me! Then 112. Now you’re wondering how to get more hits. And then more. And then more. It never ends and you will never be satisfied. It’s ok. That’s how we’re built.

• If you want people to comment on your site, comment on theirs. Often. Show interest in the people that you are asking to be your “friends”. The more you comment on other people’s sites the better ‘feel’ they will have for you and the more (or possibly less) likely they will be to feel friendly towards you. Commenting on other people’s sites also puts your own URL out there for others to see.

• Don’t be surprised when you make a 35 minute post about your deepest darkest secrets and get no comments and then make a 2 minute post about how you had a huge crush on Heather Locklear when you were fourteen and get 22 comments. You can never tell what will get people in the mood to comment. You can fish for comments but it’s a tough business. Get used to it.

• Be true to yourself. Ok, this isn’t just a blogging tip, but a life tip as well. I think that if you try to be someone you are not, you will fail. You will be caught in a lie or you will get confused when it’s time to react to something or, at the very least, will never be absolutely comfortable with yourself.

I have more tips, but I think you’ve all probably suffered enough. If you have anything to add, please feel free. I would love to hear what you have to say.

Plus, I’m desperate for comments. ;-)

Now while Michelle Pfeiffer certainly made a sexy catwoman and Eartha Kitt is quite cat-like (even down to her name), I think it is clear that the only real catwoman was Julie Newmar. And as nice as Lee Meriwether always seemed to be, I have no idea why she was ever chosen to play the part.

I just felt it was time to clear the air.

Our car smells like food. Yes, you read that right. Our car, we discovered this morning, smells like onions and salami and oil and ham. This is a new feature that our car is displaying as it did not smell this way yeterday. We opened up the trunk when we got in to work this morning, but found nothing. Nothing in the back seat either.

One of you smart-alecs didn't put an italian hoagie in my engine, didja?

And no, BusyMom, that's not slang for something else.

December 23rd! Getting close, friends. Tomorrow's Christmas Eve already! Man! That came fast, didn't it?

Well, I wanted to get today's song out to you guys because, like it or not, it just ain't Christmas without The Waitresses. And you know it, too, so quit pretending otherwise.

The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping.mp3

Ok, ok! I guess I'm starting to see the light. It is becoming clear that no matter how much I love Kate Hudson, she is just not ever going to pay off my mortgage. Hell, truth be known, she's never even said hello to me! After all the lovely pictures I posted and kind words I had! Dang, girl, that's just cold.

So tonight, it's over. No no, don't try to stop me. I'm firm in my resolve. It's time to move on. But to whom? Hmmmm. Maybe you guys could help me. I have a few folks on my list, but would love to hear your opinion (keep it clean, kids). Whaddya think? Anyone here that I could woo into paying off my house?

Let's see. The list so far.

Sandra Bullock (current frontrunner)

Amanda Peet (I just loved her in 'The Whole Nine Yards!')

Drew Barrymore (Love her, love her, love her!)

Teri Hatcher (rrooowwrrr!)

Meg Ryan (everybody's favorite girl-next-door)

Rene Russo (a long time fave!)

Minnie Driver (definitely the dark horse here, but I have always really liked her!)

Now, this just ain't right!

(click to embiggen)

You know who really needs a smackdown? The guy that came up with the name 'sperm whale'. Seriously. Who in their right mind would think that that's a good name?

Sorry to have to bring this to your attention but, dammit, it had to be said.

I was reading an article this morning in the Smithsonian (or Discover) magazine about the origins of the human species. It seems that our species (H. Sapien) comes from a very small group of people from Africa. Heh. I'm African. I always suspected as much.

So, like Mac, even though we are the two whitest people on the planet, I just want to announce that I'm black and I'm proud. Huzzah!

I got this from one of my non-blogging friends, Maria. Just thought I'd share.

Mental note to self...must be more quiet when I get home....

The other night I was invited out for a night with "the girls." I told my husband that I would be home by midnight, "I promise!"

Well, the hours passed and the wine was going down way too easy. Around 3 a.m., drunk as a skunk, I headed for home. Just as I got in the door, the cuckoo clock in the hall started up and cuckooed 3 times.

Quickly, realizing he'd probably wake up, I cuckooed another 9 times. I was really proud of myself for coming up with such a quick-witted solution (even when smashed), in order to escape a possible conflict.

The next morning my husband asked me what time I got! in, and I told him 12:00. He didn't seem disturbed at all. Whew, I thought! Got away with that one! Then he said, "We need a new cuckoo clock."

When I asked him why, he said, "Well, last night our clock cuckooed three times, then said, 'oh shit,' cuckooed 4 more times, cleared its throat, cuckooed another 3 times, giggled, cuckooed twice more, and then tripped over the cat and farted.

What the hell? What do you mean I didn't post yesterday? I always post. Every damn day! Hold on, let me check.

*dramatic pause*

*sheepish return*

Well, you're right. I didn't post at all yesterday. First time since, well, I can't remember when. I guess I just got all tied up with my other life. Sorry, folks. Nothing personal, I assure you.

So I guess today I owe you (at least) two holiday songs. Very well. I'll start today's postings with two songs that I love from Kathy Mattea. I hope you enjoy them and I will be back in a little while. No really, I will. Whether you want me to or not, dagburnit!

There's a New Kid in Town

Mary, Did You Know

Tonight's song is especially for the young ones out there. Oh, and the old ones who love this show. Oh, and everyone in between. I guess it's for the young at heart. Yeah, like you.

FYI - The "Grinch" singer is also voice of Tony the Tiger. His name is Thurl Ravenscroft.

You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch (LP Version).mp3

The grinch that started it all (click to embiggen):

Well, the holiday season is upon us. Are you ready? No? Well, you better get a move on, friends.

Meanwhile here are a few holiday related tidbits to share with you.

In 1979, the National Christmas Tree was not lighted except for the top ornament. This was done in honor of the American hostages in Iran.

Oregon produces the most real Christmas trees. In 2001, 8.3 million trees were harvested in Oregon. However, Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska.

On the TV show Ellen, during a Christmas visit, Ellen Richmond's Aunt Mary (played by Mary Tyler Moore) grabs the butt of a shopping mall Santa Claus as a joke because she thought she knew the man. But when the person in the Santa suit turned out to be a stranger (played by Ed Asner), an embarrassed Aunt Mary whined "Ohh, Mr. Cl-a-a-a-us!"

On Seinfeld, Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) wanted to send a Christmas card with her photograph on it and so she got her friend Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards) to take a snapshot. Unfortunately, Elaine and Kramer didn't realize her blouse was not fully buttoned and that her breast nipple was exposed to the camera lens. When Elaine first saw the mistake, she cried "Oh my God, that's my Nipple!" For this little Yule tide photo faux pas she was nicknamed "The Nip" by her coworkers at Pendant Publishing. Elaine later cropped the nipple part off the photograph and used it for her health club ID.

Pagan Celts had celebrations around the time of the winter solstice, in part to brighten the darkest days, in part to propitiate the gods to allow the sun to return!

The Christian Church took over the festival but some of the traditions harked back to the pagan roots. The Yule log was burned in the fireplace, there was kissing under the mistletoe (related to a Druidic fertility rite) and the house was decorated with holly (evergreen trees were regarded with reverence).

Kwanzaa is a spiritual, festive and joyous celebration of the oneness and goodness of life, which claims no ties with any religion.

Chanukah, which means "dedication" and is also referred to as "The Festival of Lights", is a Jewish festival which begins on the Hebrew date of the 25th of Kislev and lasts eight days, through the 2nd of Tevet. This year, that corresponds to December 4th through December 11th.

Hannukah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees (led by Judah) over the Hellenistic Syrians in a revolt that took place around 165 BCE (note: Jews use BCE--Before the Common Era and CE--the Common Era instead of BC and AD). Once the Temple Mount in Jerusalem had been reclaimed, the Temple had to be rededicated. According to legend, only one jar of sacramental oil was found, enough for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, thus the eight days of Hanukkah.

Just a heads up. folks.

My dear friend Etherian over at www.jaynedarcy.us/blog is having some serious ISP issues and can no longer access her site. Her comments won't even work anymore. So if you thought she might be snubbing you, have no fear. She's just going through some tough web-times right now. Hopefully, she will be back on the air again real soon.

You may now return to whatever it is you were doing prior to reading this.

Sorry gang. Been way to busy to blog today and am running back out in a couple of minutes. I do have a favor to ask, however.

We bought our Christmas tree today and, for the first time ever, bought a live one. We have plenty of room to plant it after the season, but I was wondering if anyone has any experience with live Christmas trees. How long can they be in the house? When should I plant it? What about watering it (it's obviously not in a christmas tree stand)?

Any helpful hints out there?

Today's song is a beautiful Chanukah song from one of the great voices of our time - Jane Olivor. We've gone to see her for the last several years at this time of the year and she is not only a wonderful singer but seems like a genuinely nice person. I hope you enjoy it.

Jane Olivor - The Chanukah Song (We Are Lights)

Yesterday we went to the mall. Today we went to Costco.

Is there no end to our bravery?

Do you have one of those Costco/Sam's Club type membership clubs near you? Everything is freakin' HUGE! We bought a bag of pancake mix today that actually came with two large men to help carry it about! I think it's a lifetime supply of pancake mix! I wanted to pick up some rice. All they had was 50 pound bags of it. 50 POUNDS! Who the heck buys 50 pounds of rice? And don't even get me started on the flour!

So anyway, we're back and now we are looking forward to going Christmas tree shopping tomorrow.

I'm starting to long to go back to work!

Today's musical offering is dedicated to all my pagan friends. Oh, and all my christian friends. Oh, and all my friends who love great music. This one was suggested by my new friend Shelby over at the happybeagle. It's hard to believe that I forgot this one as Dar Williams is one of my most favoritist artist ever.

Wanna feel a little better about your fellow man (and woman)? Check out this song.

Dar Williams - The Christians and the Pagans

If this guy tries to score again, please lord, stop him. If this his reaction when he misses, I'd hate to see what he does when he succeeds!

No goal : Roma's forward Antonio Cassano reacts after missing a goal against Modena at the Olympic stadium in Rome, during their Serie A soccer match. (AFP/Patrick Hertzog)

Tonight's Christmas song is one of the all-time most beautiful songs ever recorded. Or rather, it can be. This version of it is, well, not beautiful. And just so blame credit can be given when due, this song is being brought to you tonight by my friend JaxVenus over at starrbrite.blogspot.com. Enjoy.

Eric Cartman - O Holy Night

Well, thanks to everyone's well wishes we were successful in our mall-run. Oh sure, it was frightening, but we were brave and charged right in. The amazing thing was that we actually got everything that we were looking for with a minimum of tears and/or bloodshed.

We kept telling ourselves over and over and over again "B-36 by the TGI Fridays" so we were even able to find our car! Woohoo!!

Then when we got home, I found out that Pat, in her 'paying it forward' included me as one of her recipients! Yay! She, knowing my love for awful B-Films, got me the DVD "THEM"! Remember that one? With all the giant ants? This is from the cover:

A HORROR HORDE OF CRAWL-AND-CRUSH GIANTS CLAWING OUT OF THE EARTH FROM MILE-DEEP CATACOMBS!

How can you not love that?

I also found out that I won Kelly's contest and will be getting some surprise goodies!

Now, I'm sitting here sipping some fine single malt scotch.

This day is turning out a-ok!

Apparently, SoDamn Insane cleans up real nice.

(Thanks Gerry)

The Empress and I are headed for the mall. If I never see or hear from any of you again, I want you to know that I really enjoyed the ride.

God help us.

I can't seem to stop thinking about phrase origins. Here's another one that sent me scurrying off to the internet.

"To the bitter end"

This is thought to be a nautical expression describing the end of a cable attached to the "bit".

The Oxford English Dictionary provides this citation, "1867 Smyth Sailor's Word-bk. 103 A ship is 'brought up to a bitter' when the cable is allowed to run out to that stop. When a chain or rope is paid out to the bitter-end, no more remains to be let go..."

That's not what I thought it would be at all. Interesting, eh? Ok, maybe just to me.

(Patti Smith and Bob Dylan at The Bitter End on Bleeker Street - 1975)

What a strange night!

First of all I dreamt that it was my birthday today. I mean, I dreamt it so realistically that I woke up a little confused.

I also woke up wondering why we abbreviate the word pound with 'lb'. Isn't that weird?

Oh and in case you would like to know too:

The origin is in the Latin word libra, which could mean both balance scales (hence the symbol for the astrological sign Libra, which was named after a constellation that was thought to resemble scales) and also a pound weight, for which the full expression was libra pondo, the second word being the origin of our pound.

Ooh, a game! Kelly's playing a little game and you can win something. I have no idea what, but that's not really important now, is it.

Head over and take your best guess.

Fun.

Sorry, not much time to blog these days. Are you guys ok? You all LOOK fabulous!

I haven't forgotten about your Christmas songs, though. I'm not sure if Keith or Mel ever got their copies of this song, but in any case, here's a great selection from Johnny Mathis. This guy sure can sing Christmas songs!

Do You Hear What I Hear - Johnny Mathis

Joe asks an interesting question. He wanted to know if I blogged more when I was working or when I was on vacation.

Well, Joe, oddly enough I seem to have more to post about when I'm working. I don't know if my mind is more active or what. When I'm at home, I always seem to other things to do, other places to go, other people to meet. You know, that old chestnut.

How about you folks out there? When are you most inspired? Do any of you have specific times that you set aside specifically for blogging?

Oh, and if you get a chance, head on over to Joe's site. He's new out here in the Blogosphere. Give him a little greeting, won'tcha?

Pat and I have had kids for as long as we've known each other. When we met, we each brought bundles of joy along with us. The weeks prior to Christmas have always been filled with a multitude of Christmas shows; Rudolph, Frosty, Peanuts, etc.

This year is the first year that we have been left mostly to our own devices during the holiday season. All of our kids are growing up and are starting to have their own lives away from home. They have friends and school and jobs. You know, like real people.

It pleases me to no end to report to you that what Pat and I have been doing in these weeks alone prior to Christmas is watching a multitude of Christmas shows; Rudolph, Frosty, Peanuts, etc.

Tonight we watched 'The Snowman'. I don't know if there is a more magical Christmas show out there. We always feel heart-warmed after watching it. It really is special.

I am a lucky man to live the life that I am living. I am truly rich.

I think I'll use tonight's Christmas song to (possibly) introduce you to a wonderful band, Grey Eye Glances. This group is one of our favorites here in the beehive. We've seen them live a couple of times and they are really quite good.

I didn't know until tonight that they even had a Christmas song. And while it is not a traditional song it is still very nice. I hope you enjoy it. And if you do, go out and get some more of their stuff. It's all good. Really.

Grey Eye Glances - our own place and time (a christmas song).mp3

I like Renee Zellweger. I do. I like her squinky eyes when she smiles. I like her voice. I like her acting. I don't like how she isn't paying my mortgage but that's a post for a later date.

One of the things I don't like about her is that she tends to get just too damn skinny. And you know how I feel about that! Anyway, she apparently has had to gain weight again for Bridget Jones Diary II. Below you can see a picture of her with and without the newly gained weight.

Without: Yuck!
With: Rrroowwrr!! Yowsa!

Whaddya think?

(click to embiggen)

Ok, I've done a little 'cockle' research and here's what I found.

First of all, you can only type or say the word cockle so many times before it passes into complete meaninglessness. I have hit that point.

Secondly, cockle has several definitions. I said earlier that something warmed my cockles. Let's see:

Definition #1: Any of various bivalve mollusks of the family Cardiidae, having rounded or heart-shaped shells with radiating ribs.
No. I'm pretty sure that's not it.

Definition #2: A wrinkle; a pucker
Geez! That one just skeeves me out! And I'm not even sure why.

Definition #3: One's innermost feelings
THAT'S IT!

So when someone says that something you did for them warmed their cockles, you can rest assured that you done good.

Unless they mean that pucker thing. Then you're on your own.

I am most definitely not a card person. If it were left up to me, I would never send out Christmas cards or birthday cards or graduation cards or Great-Grand-Secretary-In-Law cards. Hallmark is certainly not counting on me to keep them in business.

Fortunately, my wife is pretty good at sending out cards and manages to keep me out of the family doghouse by remembering to send out the appropriate 'well wishes' or 'condolences' to all of the right people at all of the right times.

All that said, I just received a Christmas card from my good friend (and secret girlfriend) Judi and I gotta admit - it warmed my cockles. (Actually, now I have to go find out what my cockles are - I'll report back later)

So maybe I have this card thing all wrong. Damn it Judi! Now I hafta rethink a formerly secure position.

Anyway, thank you very much, Judi. It was great getting the card from you even if it didn't picture any haggis.

Just wanted to make a quick post to let you know that I am quite busy this morning doing my "I don't have to work this week" dance! Yes, I am on vacation for the entire week! And no, you really (really really) do not want to see me doing this dance. Avert your eyes! Get the women and the children out of the room!

Oh, and yes, I do understand what a loser I am for being up so early on my first day off.

I'm still gonna do my dance, though.

Well, the Wizbang contest is over. I've gotta tell ya that I'm glad, too. I mean, me and a lot of the other girls were really starting to get pretty catty, ya know? They can be such bitches!

Seriously though, thank you to everyone who voted for me. It really did make me feel good.

And congratulations to the winner of my division, Allah is in the House! Apparently, his (or hers, I can't quite figure it out) is 11.4117 times better than mine! That's pretty damn good!

Congrats to all of the nominees! I think I'll try for 'Best New Blog' every year! It was grand fun!

Album art from "Blues for Allah' by the Grateful Dead

My wife just loves the Phil Spector Christmas Album that we have featuring artists like 'The Ronettes', 'The Crystals', and 'Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans', so today's selection is dedicated to the one I love. Pat, this one's for you. I hope you all enjoy this one from Darlene Love.

Darlene Love - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

I gotta say, the "blogvine" is truly amazing. Once again I heard about a major news story from reading someone's site last night (I can't remember who now, sorry) prior to hearing it on the news. I can't begin to tell you how many times this has happened. You guys are amazing. Better than CNN, I tell ya.

Keep up the good work, folks.

(I'll let others talk about the actual story itself.)

Oops. I almost forgot to post my Christmas song of the day! My friend Tom over at stfam.com recommended this Christmas song to me and I, in turn, am recommending it to you. Enjoy.

P.S. Last day to vote. Just sayin, is all.

Dido - Christmas Day

A young gentleman came riding past,
On a snow blue winters day,
He asked to drink by our fire
And I was pleased to let him stay,

He drank there quietly for a while,
And then he turned and said to me,

Your eyes are green,
Like summer grass,
Your lips are red,
Like a fresh cut rose,
Your hair is soft,
Like an Irish stream,
And your voice,
Is filled with sweet beauty

And the last words I heard him say

Were I shall return,
For you,
My love,
On Christmas Day

And the night will come,
But I won't sleep,
As I watch the stars that lead him,
I cannot place where he is,
But still my heart goes with him,
I'm saving all my Sunday clothes
For the day that I'll be leaving,
Father knows,
My sister knows,
And my friends,
They're happy for me,
And the priest he says,
You should thank God,
For the blessing,
Of such beauty

And the last words
I heard him say,

Were I shall return,
For you,
My love,
On Christmas Day
I shall return,
For you,
My love,
On Christmas Day

(On Christmas Day)

(I shall return for you my love)

And the last words
I heard him say
Were the last words
I ever
Heard him say

I shall return,
For you,
My love
On Christmas Day
I swear,
I will return,
On Christmas Day,
And yes,
I shall return,
On Christmas Day,
I shall return,
For you,
On Christmas Day
My love,
I will return,
On Christmas Day
I shall return,
My love
On Christmas Day

On Christmas Day

As has become traditional here on the weekends, I am giving you guys some more 'Didja Knows'. So I ask ya, did you know that:

Telly Savalas and Louis Armstrong both died on their birthdays.

Donald Duck's middle name is Fauntleroy.

Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.

The smallest port in Canada is Port Williams, Nova Scotia.

The Velvet Underground was named after a book on the S&M culture.

The Velvet Underground's first manager was Andy Warhol, who also produced their first album and designed the cover artwork. The cover artwork for the album (called "The Velvet Underground and Nico") featured a bright yellow banana that could be peeled off to reveal a bright pink banana underneath, with the label "Peel Slowly and See." "Peel Slowly and See" is the title of the Velvet Underground comprehensive boxed set, which is the only currently-available Velvet Underground recording to feature a peelable banana. The peelable banana caused substantial delays in the production of the VU's first album and contributed to Lou Reed's firing Andy Warhol as the group's manager.

New Zealand kiwis lay the largest eggs with respect to their body size of any bird.

Elephants have been found swimming miles from shore in the Indian Ocean.

When two words are combined to form a single word (e.g., motor + hotel = motel, breakfast + lunch = brunch) the new word is called a "portmanteau."

The topknot that quails have is called a hmuh.

Dr. Samuel A. Mudd was the physician who set the leg of Lincoln's assassin John Wilkes Booth ... and whose shame created the expression for ignominy, "His name is Mudd."

The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds.

Ralph Kramden made 62 dollars a week.

Did you ever notice that jumper cables are always in the way until you really need them, at which point they completely disappear?

Me too.

Damn it.

UPDATE:

Don't you love it when your buddy calls you from outta the blue and says "Hey, you know that big ol' tree lying in your side yard? You want me come over and cut it up for you? And should I bring my handy-dandy battery charger and jumper cables, too?"

Yeah, me too.

Today's Christmas song is actually two songs rolled into one. You all know these, right? Heat Miser and Snow Miser? You gotta love em!

TV - Year Without A Santa Claus - Heat Miser.mp3

From my good friend PeteBeck (you are linking him, right?) a really fun announcement. Check it out!

it's time once again boys and girls to choose the Word Of The Year!

last year the winner was "nukular", followed closely by "WMD" -- which isn't really a word, but then neither is nukular. the good folks over at SF Gate are asking for submissions. so far they've suggested "metrosexual" as a possible finalist for 2003. not bad, but personally, i'm voting for "Gropenator", after our illustrious governor elect.

according to the SF Gate article, the qualifications for a word are only that it should be in widespread use. it doesn't have to be new, but it should have picked up a new meaning or achieved new prominence.

so there you have it. vote early and often! you can email your personal favorites to this address - vk@sfgate.com, or if you want to leave your choices here in the comments (actually Pete's comments), i'll forward them all on just before the submission deadline, which is next thursday.

get to it!

Bill over at Bloviating Inanities has a fascinating post about Tiger blogging about me blogging about toilet paper.

This is madness people!! Where will it all end??

Hehe.

Just a small bit of advice.

When writing an email to someone and you want to be cool and call them "Dude", it is oh-so-important to make sure that you press down hard enough on the 'E' key.

Yeah, that totally changed the tone of THAT e-mail. Sorry dud. I mean dude!

Oh, and I've got Allah in my sights now! So get out there and vote, won'tcha?

You know, I sorta feel bad for these guys, but this is one of the funniest damn clean "priceless" pics I have ever seen. Nothing like getting all caught up in the moment!

(click to embiggen)

Dang! I think someone needs to eat a cookie!

Today's song is especially for those of you who aren't neccessarily celebrating Christmas this time of year but rather Solstice. I hope you enjoy it.

(click and save as, please)

Jethro Tull - Ring Out, Solstice Bells

Now is the solstice of the year,
Winter is the glad song that you hear.
Seven maids move in seven time.
Have the lads up ready in a line.

Ring out these bells.
Ring out, ring solstice bells.
Ring solstice bells.

Join together beneath the mistletoe.
By the holy oak whereon it grows.
Seven druids dance in seven time.
Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming.

Ring out these bells.
Ring out, ring solstice bells.
Ring solstice bells.

Praise be to the distant sister sun,
Joyful as the silver planets run.
Seven maids move in seven time.
Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming.
Ring out those bells.
Ring out, ring solstice bells.
Ring solstice bells.
Ring on, ring out.
Ring on, ring out.

I had cause this morning to change the toilet paper roll in our powder room. (No, I'm not telling you why! Sheesh! There are just some things that even I won't talk about on this site. I mean, my mom reads this site! And when it comes to bodily functions, me mums the word, if you know what I mean!)

So anyway, as my friend Charlie would say, where the hell was I? Oh yeah, toilet paper rolls.

Right. So I was just shitting there (oops, that's an unfortunate typo) minding my own business, and saw that we ran out of TP. So I get a new roll and go to put it on, but it's one of those rolls that's all scrunched. You know what I'm talking about, right? Like a pancake or possibly a frisbee. I try my best to scrunch it back to round but you know that you can never get it quite right. So now we have one of those rolls that goes ba-thumpety ba-thumpety ba-thumpety. I hate that.

We put a man on the moon and invented a 'living bra' - you'd think we could keep our toilet paper rolls round, wouldn't ya?

I've been seeing a lot of new faces hangin' around here lately. So let's see who's out there tonight. If you're a lurker, take a second and say howdy! If you're one of my codgy old regulars, well, you all say howdy, too.

So let's hear it. Who's out there? Quit bein' so ding-dang shy.

(Plus it's nice to pimp your own site a little, don'tcha think?)

Good lord! Did you ever have to pluck out a nose hair? Holy cannoli!! I just had this little renegade runaway rebel hair and thought "No prob. Just a little yank should do it". I think it must have been attached directly to the pain center of my brain.

I damn near fainted.

Speaking of nose hairs, I heard somewhere that people are starting to get their nose hairs waxed. Is this true? After today's little episode, I think I'll pass.

Today's musical offering is the best seasonal song that you're not listening to. This song is just wonderful. Give it a listen, won't you?

(Right click and save please)

Kate Bush - December Will Be Magic Again

It's been well documented that I am not nearly cool enough to use any words that end with -izzle. (Well, actually, I'm ok with sizzle but only in certain situations.) Some people can pull that shizzle off with ease (oops, sorry 'bout that), but I am not one of them.

I realized recently that that was just the tip of the iceburg. I am also not cool with the geeky side of the store, either. For example, I can't use pr0n or g33k or any of those types of words. I even struggle with ROFLMA and ROFL and ROF and RO. I can barely LOL.

The one that's the worst though - the one that I just cannot stand - is lurve. Ooh, I lurve me some mac-n-cheese. I lurve me some Devo. I lurve me some Kate Hudson (actually I do lurve me some Kate Hudson, but that's not for discussion right now).

Now, if you are a friend of mine and you use the word lurve, please understand that it sounds really good coming from you. Yeah. It sounds great coming from you. It's everybody else in the entire world that makes my skin crawl.

Ok, I guess that's it. My rant for the day. You may continue on. Oh and don't forget to vote early and vote often. I'm sneaking up slowly on that Allah character.

Today's Christmas song is one of the cutest I've ever heard. If you've got young kids at home, play this for them. They're sure to love it. You, on the other hand, will want to kill yourself after hearing it three times!

(Right click and save please)

Gayla Peevey - I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas

Without a doubt, this is the horniest person I have ever seen!

(This needs sound)

Apparently, George Clinton, the "godfather of American funk" was arrested yesterday. He was charged with cocaine possession. Personally, I think that the charges are all trumped up. I mean, seriously, does this look like the face of a drug user?

Umm, ok, never mind.

As most of you know, The Empress and I have the best marriage this side of the Pecos (wherever that is). People often ask "What's your secret?" Well, I think I've figured it out.

The secret to a long-lasting relationship is bacon and macaroni and cheese. These are the comfort foods of our time.

I can cook up a real nice batch of bacon at a moment's notice (not too crispy - not too fatty) and Pat can make Macaroni and Cheese like nobody's business (I think part of the secret is in the onions).

And there you have it.

Perfection.

Now that you mention it, what IS so funny about peace, love and understanding?

You know who I miss? Martha Quinn. Remember her? From MTV? Back when it was good? She was one of the original MTV VJs and by far the coolest and the cutest. Man! I had such a crush on her! I was 21 and she was 22 or 23. An older woman! Oh baby!

Then, she kinda moved on into obscurity (at least for me). Now I see her occasionally on the Neutrogena commercials but, dagnabit, I want more! Oh sure, I can see her any time I want in the classic 'Chopper Chicks in Zombietown', but that just ain't cutting it. Ya dig?

Oh well, I guess I'll have to take what is offered.

By the way, in case you were wondering, the other original VJs were:

Nina Blackwood,
Mark Goodman,
J.J. Jackson
Alan Hunter

Hey, doesn't one of these guys have a blog?

(click to embiggen)

I was looking up some Christmas songs on the Internet this evening and had cause to look up something by the Mamas and the Papas, a fine group, I'm sure you'll all agree. What I found was, on so many levels, disturbing. And being thusly disturbed I, of course, have decided to share it with you. Don't you feel special?

Anyway, this is what I found. Two albums by The Mom and Dads. The Mom and Dads? That's a bit of an odd name, yes? One mom and three dads? To the same kids? They're not clear on that so I shan't go any further. And the pictures. I don't know. I try to never be too mean and maybe I'm overstepping my bounds here, but YIKES!

To my discredit, I have not heard these albums and should probably give them a listen before I blog-bash them, but for the love of PeteBeck, they really did ask for it. Didn't they?

Today's Christmas selection comes from one of the new must see yearly "classics", 'The Nightmare Before Christmas". I absolutely love this movie and this is my favorite song from the film. I hope you like it, too.

(Right click and save please)

Danny Elfman - What's This?

I just went over to Wizbang to see how the voting was going and, ummm, yeah, ok. Let's see. In the 'new blog' category, the site that's winning has 1069 votes. That's pretty good, I suppose. Now, let's check Buzzstuff. Hmmm. Searching....searching....searching....sear..oh, here there am. 45. Ok, that's good, too. Let's summarize.

That Allah site - 1069
Me - 45

Hah! I think I've pretty much got this guy right where I want him! I would say as far a a sense of false security, I have allah sufficiently lulled.

Now to make my move! Let's see. I will need several things.

1) a couple of thousand votes. (I'll work on that later)
2) a kickass acceptance speech for greatest comeback of all time.
3) a beautiful new gown by Versace.
4) wait....no. Not a gown. A suit. Haha ha. Yeah, what was I thinking?
5) an entourage. Oh yeah, that would be sweet.
6) a spot on my mantle for my shiny new trophy.
7) What? They don't give out trophies? Well how about one of those great big checks? No? What the hell?

Heh. You all have a nice Monday. See ya 'round the 'sphere.

Oops. I was so busy having a Sunday, I almost forgot to post a Christmas song today.

Here's one of my all-time favorites. Enjoy. And have a nice night.

(Right click and save please)

Burl Ives - Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

This week was an incredible week for me. I got another present in the mail. This time when I opened my Amazon.com goodie box, I found a hardbound copy of "The Catcher in the Rye". Awesome! I have only wanted this book for, um, well let's see....I read it when I was in high school, around 16 years old, I guess, and now I'm forty thr....well, let's just say I'm older now, so I guess I have wanted a copy of this book forever! And who came through for me?

Charlie! You know. Charlie over at WherethehellwasI. Dude! Fantastic! Thank you so much!

Now all of you other fine folks need to go over and visit him. Get ready to laugh, though, because I don't know if there's a funnier writer than Charlie out on the web. Seriously. (Did I just say someone was funny seriously? Sheesh! Well at least I didn't say boobered!) Oh, and while you're at it, why not give him a vote for Funniest Blog over at Wizbang!

So anyway, I have fallen seriously behind on my paying it forward. Now I need to pick out three deserving bloggers. So today, that is my main mission. To buy wishlist items for three people. Are you all updated? Ok, ready or not, here I come!

Man! What a day! I've been working since 05:00 am and we're just now wrapping up. The problem is, we've been given a 40 day project and told to finish it up in 15 days. Yikes! Double Triple time, people!!

But no, I didn't forget my promise of a song a day so here you go. My friend Theresa over at dandelionwine.org has made a request and I'm all about requests over here so here you go, Theresa.

She asked for "My Favorite Things" but she didn't specify the artist. No problem. I'll give you all my three favorite versions of the song. Surely one of them would fit nicely on a Christmas CD, eh?

Enjoy. And have a nice night, kids. I'm climbing into a bottle of scotch and drinking my way out!

(Right click and save please)

Andy Williams - My Favorite Things

Julie Andrews - My Favorite Things

Lorrie Morgan - My Favorite Things

Well, JJJJB, Empress and myself are completely embroiled in work today (the SEC has ordered us to do the impossible so that's what we're going to do). As such, posting is probably going to be very light this weekend. I'm still going to give you some weekend 'did you know's' and later I'll fit in my daily Christmas song (as promised).

Hope your weekend is going better than ours.

The type specimen for the human species is the skull of Edward Drinker Cope, an American paleontologist of the late 1800's. A type specimen is used in paleontology as the best example of that species.

The first word spoken by an ape in the movie Planet of the Apes was "Smile".

The two lines that connect your top lip to the bottom of your nose are known as the philtrum.

Facetious and abstemious contain all the vowels in the correct order.

Hummingbirds are the only animals able to fly backwards. My father always told me that it was so they didn't spit in their own face.

All the dirt from the foundation to build the World Trade Center in NYC was dumped into the Hudson River to form the community now known as Battery City Park.

The Holland and Lincoln Tunnels under the Hudson River connecting New Jersey and New York are an engineering feat. The air circulators in the tunnels circulate fresh air completely every ninety seconds.

Several buildings in Manhattan have their own zip code! The World Trade Center had several.

Lucifer is latin for "Light Bringer". It is a translation of the Hebrew name for Satan, Halael. Satan means "adversary", devil means "liar". Still no idea what Solonor means.

A cat's jaws cannot move sideways.

Avocado is derived from the Spanish word 'aguacate' which is derived from 'ahuacatl' meaning testicle. Yeah, I'll pass on the guacamole, thank you very much.

Ok, it's time for my Blog it Forward victims. Let's see, who to pick this time. Hmmmm. I think for my first pick today, I will go with

Solonor! Man, I hate that guy! Growing up together he was always snipin' on me. Practical jokes left and right. Wedgies, Wet Willies, always dipping my pigtails in the inkwell, you know, that old chestnut. Why I remember the time he keyed my car, at least I think it was him! Anyway, go visit him if you must. Some people really seem to "get him". I don't know. Damn.

My second pick tonight may be a bit of a surprise as I don't really have a lot of contact with her. I'm picking Joelle from tenth-muse.com. I think I'm really more of a quiet stalker on her site (shut up! I can be quiet sometimes), but I really do enjoy her style. She leads a much more glamorous life than I do, so I do a little vicarious living through her. Go visit her, too. Oh and while you're there, hire her. She's an ace web designer!

Ok, one more. Who can it be. Oh, I know. I'll blog it forward to my good friend Buddha. I have the added benefit of not only being humored by his site but in real life as well. And trust me folks, he's even funnier in real life. Now if I could just persuade him to leave the Eagles camp and come over to the Cowboys, he'd be damn near perfect. Hell, I'D marry him! Ok, maybe not. Anyway, if you don't already visit this guy, make it a point to. You won't be dissapointed.

That's it for this go 'round. I'd like to......whassat? One more? Oh alright!

Let's see, how about .......Jenn! From mommyneedscoffee.com. I love this site. Jenn's one of those people that you read and feel like you know. She's one of the real people. And today she got her first de-link! Whaddya say we all go over and give her some new links, eh? You won't regret it. She's good people.

Ok! That's really it for this round! Thank you all for playing and once again I now have, like, a million new reads. So thanks again and I hope you all have a wonderful night. And as always....I love you all.

(And I don't care how sappy I am, Sol!) :P

I know, I know, I still have to give you my Blog It Forward picks. Dang! I just got home, gimme some time, willya?

I just wanted to post real quick and tell you about what was waiting for me today on my doorstep (it's been a banner week, I tell ya!). There was a package marked Fragile (it must be Italian, I thought, a la A Christmas Story) and said that it was from a blogger who I am convinced was separated from me at birth, Keith721.

Today, Keith became my favorite person in the world, especially after the day I had!

In the box was:
• a bottle of Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey (for Buzz)
• a sampler pack of single malt scotch - none of which I have had before (for Buzz)
and
• a bottle of Makers Mark Whisky (for Pat)

Now THAT, my friends, is a Christmas gift that I can get into! Holy macaroni! Thanks man! I am unworthy (but I accept your gift with pleasure).

One of my very bestest friends in the whole wide world, Cindy, is having a birthday today so I just wanted to take a moment and wish her well.

Here's a picture of us sharing one of our more cerebral moments together.

Happy birthday, girlfriend!

(click to embiggen)

Here we go again, my friends. It's time for the Christmas edition of Blog It Forward Day!!

Yep, it's already that time again! My, how time flies.

The rules are really simple. For those of you who are new to this, all you have to do is pick someone (ok, two. ok, three if you must) from your blogroll and post (on your site) just what makes them blogworthy. Be sure to track back to this post so that we can all find out who you chose.

This is a great chance to spotlight someone on your blogroll that maybe isn't getting the attention that they rightfully should. It's also a great time to tell us all about someone who has made a difference in your life. Or maybe it's someone who makes you laugh out loud at work every day.

Go ahead. Give it a try. Spread some bloggy lovin' around. Share your traffic with someone who means a lot to you. It will make you feel good and will make them feel great! You know how nice it is to see your name mentioned on someone else's site, right? And it only takes a couple of minutes.

And some of you old jaded big-time bloggers can join in, too. C'mon, it's cool to share the lovin'. You guys can really load some traffic onto some lesser known sites. Share the wealth.

Oh, and if anyone out there wants to take a shot at making a button for this, I'd really appreciate it!

Now go forth and tell us "Who do ya love"!!

One of my new friends from the other side of the world, New Zealand, to be precise, has made a Christmas song request so I, being the accomodating soul that I am, will grant that request.

So ScorpioGirl, this one's for you. Enjoy, all.

(Right click and save please)
Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock

I got home this evening and found a surprise on my doorstep! Oh, how I do love surprises on my doorstep! And what did it say on the box? Amazon.com. Woohoo!! My favorite place in all the world!

So I open it and find out that Shelly over at Foolish Visions had sent me a Christmas gift. She sent me Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers!! Yayyy!! (ok, if you could see me a second ago, I was doing my LOTR Happy dance - very embarrassing!) Thank you so much, Shelly!

So that's two gifts in one week! I am humbled and more importantly, going broke, because as you know, when I get something from someone I will pay it forward. I still haven't done it for the last gift, so now I have two things to buy. Are your wishlists updated? 'Cause someones getting something!

Oh, and if you get a chance, head on over to Shelly's place. It's a warm comfortable place to visit. Tell her Buzz sent'cha!

(click to embiggen - suitable for wallpaper)

I’ve been reading some of the comments to my “Miss Ameri-blog” post as well as comments around the ‘sphere and I think that maybe “popularity” is getting a bad rap. If I may be so bold as to paraphrase an item on my own ‘100 Things’ list, “just because something (or someone) is popular doesn’t mean it’s bad.”

I think that there are a lot of people out there who think along the lines of “Oh, look at little miss popular. She must think she’s all that! MmmHmm.” Or “That guy is so popular, he MUST be an asshole!”

Well, I’m going to take the unpopular position of standing up for popularity. There are plenty of people out there who are popular that are normal, decent folk. They aren’t trying to be popular by stepping on others or kissing up to the other popular kids. They are just very nice or smart or interesting or funny.

I’ll use a real life example (and hope she doesn’t kill me!). KathyHowe over at Kazoofus.com is a very popular blogger. People really like her and for damn good reason. But I will guarantee you that she is doing nothing nefarious to gain her popularity. She is just being herself. And that makes her popular. It does not make her bad.

So I say to you, don’t turn your nose up at someone just because they have a lot of friends. They might have those friends because they’re nice. I say give them the benefit of the doubt.

Of course, if they do turn out to be assholes, then LET ‘EM HAVE IT!! Popular bastards, thinking they're all that and a bag-o-chips!

Hehe.

Well, we're at Day 4 of the Christmas music list and I think today's offering should be to most people's liking. It's a classic among classics. Snuggle up with someone and give this a listen.

(Right click and save please)
Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song

And recapping the previous songs (because they're about to disappear):

Linus and Lucy - Vince Guaraldi Trio
Marvelous Toy - John Denver
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

See? I told you there was a Santa Claus! And he drives a Honda.

TUCSON, Ariz. - A man who stole a Salvation Army donation pot outside a drug store was hit by a car as he tried to run away, police said.

Edward Sanders, 40, grabbed the pot Tuesday and pulled it away after a short struggle with volunteer Patricia Parra, a 60-year-old woman who suffers from cerebral palsy, said South Tucson police Sgt. Dan Snyder.

As he started to run away, he was struck by a Honda sedan and police captured him.

The red pot and the $53.97 inside were returned to the Salvation Army, Snyder said.

"I think God has a poetic sense of justice," he said.

Sanders, treated at University Medical Center, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and criminal damage.

I'll tell you what's funny. Blog awards. Actually, the reaction to them is what's so funny. I didn't even know that they existed until about a week ago, but now? man, that's all some people can talk about.

It seems you have two camps.

You've got one group that is all "pick me - pick me". And you know what? That's fine. It's fun. It's ok to play along, and don't let anyone tell you different (no matter how "cool" they are). This is just one of those things that we (society) do. No matter what the arena, we like to compete. Give two kids each a rock and it won't take long before they see which one can throw the most accurately. Then who can throw the farthest. Then, once that's decided, which one can throw with the most style. It's just what we do. It's ok.

Then, you've got the other group falling all over themselves to convince you that they are too cool to fall into the popularity contest trap that these things represent. And you know what? That's ok, too. If you don't want to play, don't. It's alright. I'm not entirely sure why you have to spend so much time and energy telling your readers why they should be ashamed if they want to follow along, but whatever. It's your blog.

I guess my point here is that, as I bounce around the ol' 'sphere, it cracks me up just how much disk space is being given to these awards, both pro and con. It's like, as long as they exist, we will never run out of blog fodder. 'Cause you know how much bloggers love to talk about blogging and other bloggers. I know I do.

So anyway, I was checking out some of the nominees and followed the links to their sites and I found a couple of interesting ones. My problem now is, I can't remember if I'm supposed to be ashamed for finding them there or glad that I found them at all.

This whole blogging thing needs to come with a rulebook.

Dagnabbit! Looks like Busy Mom has discovered my secret identity! I thought I would never be found out.

This story has me thinking three things.

One - Ramming your car into a gas pump because the station wouldn't let you buy "cheap fortified wine" is probably a good indication that you may have a drinking problem.

Two - Who the hell buys their wine at a gas station? "Yes, I'll have that lovely Australian Sauvignon Blanc. 94 Octane, please."

Three - Have you noticed how many of these stories come out of Florida? C'mon people, let's get it together down there!

DAVIE, Fla. - A woman upset at being refused the sale of wine at a gas station rammed her car into a pump, setting it ablaze, police said.

Debra Ann Marren, 43, tried to buy some cheap fortified wine, but the Citgo clerk told her he couldn't sell it to her since it was illegal to sell alcohol between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., according to Davie Police.

"She became irate and started screaming at the clerk, but he held his ground," Lt. Bill Bamford said Tuesday.

Marren then jumped in her car, reversed into the pump, and fled with the pump on fire, Bamford said.

Police received another call about a woman arguing with a man, and officers found Marren and a car matching the description of the one at the Citgo station.

No information on what Marren was charged with, or whether she had an attorney was immediately available.

So a lot of folks are out there saying that Buzzstuff doesn't stand a chance at winning any kind of bloggie awards because it's not a political site.

To that I say "Oh contrare, moan amee!" (and you thought I couldn't speak french!)

I was looking through my old posts and I find that I do, indeed, write political shtuff. I'll show you. I once wrote:

"Politics is poopy!"

"You know all that political stuff that people are talking about? Yeah, me neither."

"There's a presidential election this year?"

"Politics Schmolitics!!"

"Hehe. You said bush."

"Where the hell is Uzbekistan? Is that even a real country?"

And that's just a sprinkling of the scintillating political posts that I have made. So, if you're one of those folks who think that this site is non-political and just exists to give people a nice, friendly place to go, think again, my friend. I am so left wing! No, right wing! Wait, which one is which? I can never remember!

Aww, politics schmolitics!!

Wow! You kids sure pulled in the hits yesterday for Kid's Day!! Over 800 hits! Way to go!

Alrighty then, back to some serious business (like that ever happens on this site! Ha!). Have you all started watching the Christmas shows yet? I know that 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' was on last night and I think the Grinch was on as well. Oh, and a pretty spiffy Andy Williams special.

Well, your Christmas song for today should get you in the mood to watch Home Alone. Enjoy.

(Right click and save please)
Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Well, I think that 'Buzz's Kid's Day' is drawing to a close. What a fantastic job you kids did posting today! And the pictures were fabulous! I can definitely see some future bloggers in this group! If any of you kids need a place to post, look no further. You've always got a home here at Buzzstuff.

I would like to take a second and thank each of you for participating today and sharing your 'kid's eye view' of the world with us. I feel that if we all read between the lines, you children can teach us every bit as much as we can teach you, if not more. We just need to pay attention. Keep up the good work.

Now, as a special bonus, I would like each of you kids have your folks email me your addresses and I will send you a little something to show my appreciation for what you did today. I'm serious parents!

Thanks again, all of you. I hope you had as much fun posting as we all did reading!

A kindergarten pupil told his teacher he'd found a cat, but it was dead.

"How do you know that the cat was dead?" she asked her pupil.

"Because I pissed in its ear and it didn't move," answered the child innocently.

"You did WHAT ? ! ?" the teacher exclaimed in surprise.

"You know,"explained the boy, "I leaned over and went 'Pssst!' and it didn't move."

We just got back from that place where you buy all the food and cookies. We were, uh, kinda, bad. See, we were at that big machine where Mommy gives the lady money and there were these special cookies right there that had Elmo on them and you decorate them. We wanted one but Mommy said no! Waaaaaaa! We showed her by throwing a tantrum and embarrassing her really bad. Everyone was looking at us and Mommy just stood there with her head in her hands. We don't know why she just wouldn't get it for us. She said that $3.99 for one cookie is too much money. So we told her to just go to the bank and get more money but she still said no. So to pay her back we are going to not eat our dinner tonight and poop in the bath tub. Take that mommy!

I did it! I did it! I snuck out of my bed! Nya nya nya I thought I was caught, but Mommy was sleeping on the couch. I am bored now. I see scissors. I think I will go cut things. Don't wake Mommy.

Maybe I will go see what my friends are doing here. I heard something break a minute ago. It wasn't me.

What is that smell? That wasn't me either!

howdy! My name is Nick. I am 6. I like video games. I also like jokes. How much money did the pirate spend to get his ears pierced? A buck an ear.

I am in first grade. I like school. My favorite classes are science with Professor Bobcat who grew a beard over Thanksgiving and music.

That's all I have to say. Typing is hard.

My Mommy took that picture and then I asked her to type for me instead.

Mommy is coming to pick me up soon and attempt to take me home. How do I know this even though I can't tell time yet? Because we are getting ready to go to the "upstair's great room" to play. The "upstair'd great room" has this cool playset, a basketball hoop, and lots of toys. It's a lot of fun. Mommy must not like me to have fun because she always comes and tells me it's time to go home just as we get to the great room. And she won't stop at the playground on the way home. She mumbles something about it "being 30 frickin degrees". How come Mommy can use bad words like frickin and I can't? That doesn't seem fair!

Bo here again,
just so you know, I'm feeling better, with Disney behind me now; and since I slept through the night, and I finished all that pink medicine, my daddy bought me some BUZZLightyear shoes... Uncle Buzz has got to like that, right?

Hi! Little Diva here! I wanted to log on earlier and join the fun, but Mommy was all "It's only 5:00am" and then she mumbled something about "sleep" and "dark" and then something I didn't understand. I am not sure what "5:00am" means, but I know that Mommy looks a bit scary and mumbles a lot when she comes to talk to me then. I tried to explain that I had to go play at Uncle Buzz's place It didn't help.

I finally got up. I had to wait even longer to come here. Something about Mommy needing coffee. I don't know what coffee is. I know it makes her happy. After coffee, we went to the money store. I'm not sure what the money store is, but Mommy gives the people some paper, they give her money and then I get a lollipop. Then we went to the food store. I have this great game that Mommy and I like to play at the food store. The rules are easy. When Mommy turns her back, I take something off the shelf and put it in the shopping cart. If Mommy sees it before we leave, she wins. If we get all the way home with my treasure, I win. I am very good at this. Mommy only won once. I win all the time.

I have to eat lunch now, but I will be back later. (I plan on sneaking out of bed during nap time. Don't tell her. Uncle Buzz said it was okay.)

The day after Thanksgiving Mommy took me to the Festival of Trees. We go every year. At first I got mad because we went to a place that wasn't the Festival of Trees, but it turned out it really was. Mommy said something like "they moved it to a new place". I'm glad she was right.

I like the Festival of Trees. Mommy bought me a small decorated tree for my room, and I got to pick it out all by myself. I tricked Mommy and picked one that looked grown up. Mommy and I also got Christmas trees painted on our faces, and made ornaments and door hangers.

They had this really cool Lego Christmas Train Village, and they let you drive the train and everything. I got to drive it three times. I didn't want to go home, but everyone else was tired. Wimps.

Something crazy has happened twice recently. Some doctor type person stuck this big thingie up near me and it took pictures of me. I was confused and tried to run away from it. Mommy said I probably feel scared because Daddy and her haven’t played with the other big long thingie in 8 weeks! Since the day they made me! Daddy is restless and Mommy says they can do it as long as he doesn’t mind her barfing on him. Daddy says the second trimester better get here soon. What's a try-mester?

A small boy is sent to bed by his father. Five minutes later....."Da-ad...."

"What?"

"I'm thirsty. Can you bring drink of water?"

"No, You had your chance. Lights out."

Five minutes later: "Da-aaaad....."

"WHAT?"

"I'm THIRSTY. Can I have a drink of water??"

"I told you NO! If you ask again, I'll have to spank you!!"

Five minutes later......"Daaaa-aaaad....."

"WHAT!"

"When you come in to spank me, can you bring a drink of water?"

In keeping with Kid's Day, I think I'll occasionally throw one of these in:

It was that time, during the Sunday morning service, for the children's sermon. All the children were invited to come forward. One little girl was wearing a particularly pretty dress and, as she sat down, the pastor leaned over and said,

"That is a very pretty dress. Is it your Easter Dress?"

The little girl replied, directly into the pastor's clip-on microphone,

"Yes, and my Mom says it's a bitch to iron."

Ga doo badah bah. Skoo fwup, FOOBALL! ball, bye bye. MINE!

Well, it's lunchtime at school right now. I like lunch at school. Mommy thinks I'm a picky eater because I don't really eat a lot for dinner. I hate to tell her, but I think Mr. Dan is a better cook than she is. I always eat all of my lunch at school, including my vegetables. I eat my vegetables at home too, it's hard to mess up cooking those.

Hi! I’m the Sarcastic Fetus. You may not know me yet, but that’s because I’m a fetus. Duh! Anyway, right now my Mommy and I are in a fight. You see, she went to Starbucks this morning and got—get this—a caramel apple cider. I said “F-that mommy!” (Yes, I say the f word. My mom says it all the time.) “I’m going to make you pay for this.” And I have. She has gotten to throw it all up, in a public restroom.
That will teach her to stray from the mocha peppermint frappachino. And if she doesn’t get me a pizza for lunch, I’m going to make her constipated. Stupid Mommy.

Hi! This is Nicholas' Mommy. I was going to let Nicholas play hooky from school today so that he could post on Buzz's blog, but since he already played hooky missed school yesterday, I thought it was best to send him along. He's very excited about coming home and telling you guys a story or two.

Would you guys ask Mr. Buzz a question for me? Would you ask Mr. Buzz to please tell us why they call it "playing hooky" in one of his upcoming "Did You Know" installments? Isn't it a silly word? Say it a couple of times.. Hooky. Hooky. Hooky. Kind of makes you laugh, doesn't it?

Anyway, Nicholas will be here later this afternoon. Try not to make too much of a mess of Mr. Buzz's house.

Buzz here. Sorry to butt in (hehe, I said butt) on the festivities but in keeping with 'Kid's Day' here at Buzzstuff, I thought I would throw out a big congratulations to our good friends Linda and John. They are the proud parents of a brand new blogger baby named Audrey. Great job guys and I wish you luck and happiness with your new daughter.

Hello? Anyone here? Busy Baby here. This is my first guest post anywhere, Buzz is so nice! What a fun place he has here, too!

I've been sick, but now I'm better. I love football. I can throw, kick and go "hut" with my football. Going "hut" with a basketball doesn't work as well. It gets stuck and you fall over on your head.

My friend Eddie asked about jobs. It's my job to sharpen pencils. Pencils for everyone! Actually, I think they're called "no-no's" since Mama calls them that when I run with one.

Is anyone else's mommy crabby in the morning? I think it's because she doesn't sleep long enough. She kept trying to get me out of my warm bed and dressed so she could go to an "early meeting". I don't know what a meeting is, but I don't think I like them. I didn't get to watch Miffy because of that "early meeting". I don't want to work when I grow up, work just seems to make people grumpy.

My daddy got a funny thing for his birfday~it's furry and runs away from me all the time. It lives in a funny box and sleeps a lot. I don't like daddy's thing because he steals my puppy dog, but when I take back my toy, mommy gets mad and shakes her finger at me. This thing makes mommy mad~it climbs in the shiny tree in the corner and makes me laugh. Mommy shakes her finger at the furry thing too. Mommy is very tired at night.

Our names are Abby (right) and Caroline (left) and we're twins! It's pretty obvious don't you think? You would be suprised how many dummy people ask our Mommy if we are twins. I mean, duh? Look at us! Our very own daddy after 2 and a half years of living with us still can't tell us apart. Mommy says he doesn't even try and that he's an idiot. Whatever. We still love our Daddy!

We are getting ready to watch Dora, then Blue, then Dora again, then Blue again on Nick Jr. before our lunch. Then it will be our nappy time and mommy will get to play on the 'puter without us sitting in her lap and shoving the keyboard away. She's on that thing too much anyway! Oooo, gotta go, Dora's on! Byeeeee!

Hi. My name is Christopher. Mommy calls me Critter. I don't know why, and I don't like it one single bit. I keep telling her I'm NOT Critter, just Christopher! Mommy doesn't listen.

I am excited that Uncle Buzz is letting me post on his blog today. I'm not sure what a blog is, but it's a funny sounding word. Mommy says I can tell everyone about all the fun stuff I do all day, but I thought I already did that when I scream in the grocery store.

Off to circle time in Kindergarten. That's when we do calendar stuff. I love the calendar stuff. My teacher says I'm very good at it.

Hey ya, Bo here, coming to you from the great state of Minnesota, and my mom’s blog. That's me and my sisters in the picture up above. You can click it to see us better.

My mom and dad thought it would be a great adventure to take my two sisters to Disney, and well they thought they could handle me along as well.

HA HA HA

So, let me tell you how well I handled THEM.

Day #1
The plane to Florida: Man I thought my mom accelerates fast, I screamed, and I screamed and then I fell asleep.

The accommodations: A pretty nice condo, but I kind of got a head cold, so sleeping all 8 of us in this town house, ALL TOGETHER, wasn’t really that great, cus everyone was up in the night with me. Whether it was tons of snot pouring out of my face, coughing or gagging all over my dad, everyone was bothered one way or another. But I guess it was good cus then everyone stayed away from me, except my daddy, who held me for like 50 hours straight, cus I’d cry and then cough and then gag if he didn’t. I couldn’t figure out why he was getting so crabby, but I guess his arms, back and legs were getting tired cus that stroller that he brought for me to sit in, was only pissing me off.

The meals: hmmm, I kept them guessing, I didn’t eat much, in fact nothing, and if I did, it didn’t make it down all the way, in fact I gagged on a French fry, cus my throat hurt so much.

The amusement parks: I either cried or I slept. But I did get to enjoy some things, I was awake for “It’s a Small World” and the “Pooh” ride at Magic Kingdom.

wanna keep reading???

Day #2
The meals: this time I gagged on a banana, cus my tonsils were gigantic. My grandpa decided not to eat with me anymore, cus my gagging was making him sick he said. Man, it’s snot, if I could snort and spit like big people, I’m sure I’d have been doing better.

The amusement parks: I was awake for the “Energy” ride and the “Living Seas” fish tank at Epcot. Oh and while we were there we did the “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” and I even wore the orange glassed they gave me, cus I think shades are cool. Anyway, I was wearing them until this guy came flying out of the screen at me in a machine, so I ripped the glasses off and just sucked my thumb for the rest of the movie.

The Dinner: I gagged again, nah, I CHOKED on a piece of French toast, (or four, cus I stuck too much in my mouth, and with this little throat- yeah you know the drill) Anyway, you should have seen it, it was Thanksgiving dinner at the IHOP, yep you heard me, big feast at the IHOP, cus we got lost trying to find Grandma and Grandpa for our nice dinner plan. Hmmmm, oh yeah I was talking about this cool choking scene, anyway, you should have seen it, my mom jumped out of the booth, over my sister, grabbed me out of my booster, knocking over a glass of pop, throwing me upside down and beating on my back. SHEESH mom, you don’t have to beat me, all because my dad was sitting there in shock and didn’t know what to do. Anyway, I threw up on the IHOP floor on top of the pop and the broken glass. It was quite a scene; I drew as big a crowd as that mouse dude with the big black ears.

Day #3
The amusement parks: I was doing a little better, cus my uncle in Minnesota called in a prescription for some pink medicine for me to take so I could get better, and not to make my daddy hold me so much. I stayed awake for the “Festival of the Lion King” and the “Safari” rides at Animal Kingdom. I called everything ‘puppy’ cus they all looked so furry and cuddly. Oh and I let my dad put me down so I could run up and take a picture with Lilo and Stitch.

The meals: I only gagged on a banana, but didn’t need to have my mom beat me on the back, so that was good, man I couldn’t wait for the melons in my throat to go away.

The amusement parks at night: I slept through “Cinderella’s Parade”, Oops, I don’t think I missed much, just a bunch of lights on wheels.

Day #4
The amusement parks: I was doing much better, I felt like I could beat up anything, cus that’s what boys do at my age, so I was ready for MGM. I did the “Muppet” movie, and “Beauty and the Beast” but I didn’t get to do “Disney’s playhouse” cus my dad was too busy getting nauseous on the “Star Wars simulator.”

The meals: hey I didn’t gag on anything today, that I can remember.

Day #5
The airport: my parents almost lost me, I was just sucking my thumb, kind of sleeping while I was standing there, when they all walked ahead, I could still see them through all the legs so I wasn’t too scared, I just kept sucking my thumb. I guess my mom was so used to my dad holding me the whole vacation that she assumed my dad was STILL holding me, then all of a sudden, my dad realized his hands were empty, and he flipped out, ‘Where’s Bo?’, and the lady behind us, asked if the little kid sucking his thumb behind her might have been me, and well it was, so it was all ok.

The plane home: I screamed again, because they made me sit down and I was feeling too good now, to sit. But while I was screaming the lady talking in front with the seatbelt in her hand, told the whole plane about the kid that was screaming, wasn’t that nice of her to tell them all about me, anyway, my dad’s face got all red, but I don’t get why. Then I slept.

THE END J you better do Disney soon, I hear everyone in the board is resigning. Bo

I have a job. Every day, I climb in my box and throw out all my toys. Mommy keeps putting them back in the box. Then she shakes her finger at me. But I keep throwing the toys out again. It's fun.

I love my job. What's your job?

Buzzstuff has gone to the .... kids! As you can see from Eddie's early morning post, I have turned the keys over to a bunch of juvenile delinquents (Ok, maybe they're not delinquents, but they're definitely juveniles!). Throughout the day, you should be hearing from several of the kids from around the blogosphere. God knows what they'll do to the place.

Anyway, show them some support, willya? Remember, today's guest posters are tomorrow's bloggers (or something like that).

I know I've promised you all a song a day until Christmas, and I intend to keep that promise. In keeping with the kid theme today, here's an old favorite of mine about a child's toy.

Have a great day everyone and have fun kids!

(Right click and save please)
John Denver - Marvelous Toy

Hi! I'm Eddie~my mommy is judi. When I woke mommy up this morning at 5 AM, she made me look out the window.

Everything is white out there. What is up with that? And where is my breakfast?

You wanna know what is excruciatingly delicious? Yes, that is, but that's not what I'm talking about here. I'm talking about the decadent deliciousness that is Drake's Fruit Pies. You know the ones I'm talking about? They have that hard encrusted sugar all over. The sugar that gets all piled up on the edges and when you bite into it your body actually quivers a little. Yeah, that's the stuff.

Man, my mouth is starting to water just thinking about them.

Oh, and they have fruit (or some sort of fruit by-product) so I think that means that they are good for you. Fab!!

Seriously, is there anything better than coming home from a hard day's work and find an unexpected present from a fellow blogger?

The answer is NO! It's fabulous!

Well, we got home and, lo and behold, there was that wonderful Amazon.com package (we all love Amazon.com packages, right?) sitting on my porch. Ooh! What could it be? Who could it be from?

Imagine my surprise and glee when I opened it up and found the DVD Forbidden Planet! Fantastic! I love those old sci-fi B films! And who was it from? It was from that mischievous little elf, Melissa over at PointyEars.com.

Thank you so much Melissa! That is so awesome! And now I guess in keeping with my own rules I need to find someone to Pay it Forward to. Are all of your wishlists updated? 'Cause here I come.

(click to embiggen)

Sonia, you are a trip! Thank you for this. My blogosphere domination plan has resurfaced! Look out, Solonor!! Haha!!

You know, I looked at that list and started singing:

"One of these things is not like the others. One of these things just doesn't belong."

(Oh, and in case you couldn't tell, I chose to sing that particular rendition in my very best Kermit voice. Thank you.)

Ok, it's finally December. Now, people. Now you can play Christmas music and put up your lights. Man! Everyone is in such a hurry! Oh and to get you all in the mood, I'm going to try to give you a fabulous Christmas song every day until the 25th. Grab 'em while you can, each song will only last for a day or two.

Here's your first installment. Have a great day everyone.

(Right click and save please)
Linus and Lucy.mp3 - Vince Guaraldi Trio

Twenty-two years ago today, in the middle of an ice storm in West Chester, Pennsylvania, my son Christopher was born. My life was never going to be the same again. And for that I say thank you.

Happy Birthday, son.

I love you.