Still on the quest for a quick & crappy HNT post... I submit this. This is only because Lelly said my last effort was "witty & creative... as usual." So, this week... not tricks! Just a plain old picture. I'm posting this one only because I was rapsodizing about my new trimmer a few posts ago. My last trim was 2 days ago and I actually got hit on twice today in a span of 5 minutes. Hmm... I can't help but think this trimming thing is actually working!

O.K. perhaps I won't let you off that easily. You get to participate in a poll! I've been toying with the idea of coloring my face fungus. The grey is coming in... which I don't mind. It's just at that funky stage where the the whiskers on my upper lip can look like I snotted all over it. So, you get to decide on the poll below.

If you're wondering what this HNT madness is all about... click the nifty button in the sidebar! HAPPY HNT TO ALL!

Should Lecram color his "face fungus"?
	By all means YES!
	Fuck NO!
	I really don't care what he does with his bloody beard!
Free polls from Pollhost.com

SSM leaves tomorrow for Washington. Click the karaoke version to "Candle in the Wind" and sing along to the bad lyric homage below!

Oh, and the picture was taken last night at his final local pub crawl. California will miss ya, buddy. To the citizens of Washington... we pity you.

Now sing it loud and sing it proud!


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Scary Squirrel Man,
You’re heading out into the
Washingto-nian wilderness,
With a stray cat by your side,
You leave behind the state,
Where you were brought into this world,
And where you first got laid,
And laid and laid with pride,

Chorus
We won’t miss the way,
You rant away,
While you’re loudly passing wind,
We won’t miss the drunken stupor
Or the silly grin,
What we’ll miss the most,
Will be your presence here,
Hanging out with Miller beer
And knowing that you care

You can be a bitch,
You can be re-action-ary
And a silly goof
When you’re dancing in a club
You haven’t got a clue
About the difference you’ve made
And you have made a few
Though you've chose to seem aloof

Chorus

It’s time to name that cat,
It’s time to pack up that cooler
That we’ve often used
For Summer barbecues
Get your ass up north,
And when you’re freezing off your balls
Remember underwear
Is something you should use

Chorus

For years my physical Rasputin persona has dictated the use of hair care and personal grooming products. I often have intense conversations with my female friends about hair-care... shampoos, conditioners, etc.

Personal grooming (aka beard trimming) is another matter entirely. Any conversations with my female friends on this matter usually ends up in a heated debate over... "Brazilian - yes or no?" That's a "beard" of a different sort entirely. As entertaining and illuminating as those discussions are they really do nothing to help me in my own personal grooming needs.

Since most of my male friends are clean shaven... it's a challenge to compare products. Well, last week at the checkout counter of Big Lots I spied this wonderful little trimmer set. It only cost about 12 bucks so I bought it!

Over the years I did it the old fashion way - trimming with a sissor and comb. I tried it out this weekend and this little set has changed my life! Viva Remington!

You've already heard about the world famous roasted chicken in the barbecue from the previous post. Thought a visual aid was called for. Here are one and a half birds in all their glory.

................................................................................

The wake last night at Thereminman's place was a wonderful do - at least where wakes go. SSM and I breezed into the hamlet of Kingsburg armed with a "growler" from a local micro-brewery.

Kingsburg has a great middle America small town charm about it. The Swedish motif is even more spectacular during the "holiday month" when it's lit up with twinkle lights and Thereminman's house looks like the house out of The Waltons. We were unsure quite what to expect when we first got there. Soon we were clued in to Thereminman's request to celebrate his late father's life with "food, fire, music & beer."



We entered this joyful catharsis with a spread of food, chilled beer and Hank Williams (his Dad's favorite) playing on the stereo on the wonderful back patio. Musician friends turned up and serenaded us with some live and lively Western Swing... complete with slide guitar.



As the crisp Fall California evening progressed there were great stories and photographs shared. At one point even a little old time country and western sing-along broke out. This was truly a celebration of a man's life honored by a son with grace and affection.




As the fire began to die out in the firepit we took our leave warmed by the knowledge we were honored to share this special time with our friend. We got insights into his father's life... and more importantly through this celebration of his father - we got to know him better.
......................................................................................
Then there was Livingstone's...

On the evening of Black Friday every year the place to be is Livingstone's. This neighborhood pub & and restaurant is the usual haunt for those who have returned for the holidays - and need to get away from the family. This "homecoming" of sorts affords one the opportunity to run into old friends and college buddies. After the wake last night we decided to pop in. Since this was SSM's last weekend in town... he used the occasion to say good-bye before he sets off to a new life in Washington. I'll let the rest of the pics do the talking.







As you can already tell SSM is a non-discriminating hugger.

Yeah, there are sales galore but I refuse to participate in the madness. The reason being that I already have a nose for deals year round.

Thanksgiving yesterday was pretty "kick-back" and fun. I did a little food (snackies) shopping and SSM turned up with the birds at 11:30 AM. After prep we put the chickens in the barbecue and played probably the longest game of carrom ever until the birds were roasted to perfection. (Used a soy, garlic, seseme oil marinade... which turned out great!) The fact that we were drinking wine while playing probably contributed to the length of the game - also we were playing with a tournament board. (We actually had to pick the game up right after lunch just so we could finish it.) It was fun nevertheless... even if SSM did win. Then it was movie time (projected on a screen in the living-room) which lasted most of the afternoon. So, all in all it was a fun time with great food and lots of gratitude to go around.

Today I've decided to get a little writing done. Installed some new devices on SSM's computer and I'm home now. Thereminman's father passed suddenly and there is a rockabilly wake planned later this evening. Probably going to turn up for that before checking out the old watering-hole to see who breezed into town for the holiday weekend. So, it's on to writing now!

Of all American holidays Thanksgiving is probably my favorite. The idea of appreciating what and who we are blessed with in our lives is a wonderful reminder that we should probably carry with us year round.

To me this holiday is akin to the family meal the Chinese partake in on the eve of Chinese New Year. On that night the family returns to the parental homestead and any grudges or ill will is forgiven so as to begin the new year fresh and with a clean slate. Sentiment? Perhaps. But a cool idea nevertheless that deserves encouragement.

So, here's wishing ALL of you a wonderful turkey day. (SSM and I are planning on roasting Chickens in the barbecue - it'll be his last Thanksgiving here for a while.) I have much to be thankful for... not the least of which has been the fun and fellowship I have been privileged to have shared with all of you over these few months through this blog. For more thoughts on the holiday season go to my friend Zonthar's blog.

Terima Kasih! (Thank You in Malay... which translates directly to "Received with Love")

EDIT: 5 PM: I won't be able tyo participate in HNT today as there is a shitload of pre-Thankgiving errands to run. I'll see you all soon.... have a good one!

I have pondered THIS for a while...

Can someone tell me why the current definition of winning is the "annihilation of the opponent"? Once upon a time, one won through the performance of excellence. When and how did that change?

I'll leave you with THAT for now....



Note to self on play:

• "You know that look? That smug bliss that lovers have?"
• "Everyone comes here to re-invent themselves... what are you running from?"
• "The mirrors have nothing to do with survellience... she is just obsessed with them."

Interesting how certain things in one's life spills over and influences other areas. It finally dawned on me this weekend what was really cramping my creativity.

Simply put... I am uninspired at work. The low morale and general malaise I experience 5 days a week, takes a toll and requires a full 2 days for me to shake. The last couple of months I've noticed how the need to "vege" on Saturdays has fast become a routine. Once recovered, and when my creative juices are ready to flow once more... it's time to face the grind again. I guess, I really need to take advantage of the upcoming long weekend to ignite and utilize a burst of creativity so that I can complete my play... since I am fielding it for the Rogue.

It's been more than 3 weeks since I even looked at the yet to be finished script. Though, I have to say that this time away has actually added and solidified some of the content for the play. I got to watch a 2 part documentary on Las Vegas on PBS last week. It provided some fascinating and useful insight into the history and the mindset of the city - the fact that it has reinvented itself over and over again is a big part of its culture. This is coincidentally a major theme in the play... both in content and genre. Can't wait for this coming weekend. And now that I've figured out what has been hampering my progress... I will vow not to blog about it anymore.

Didn't really have anything to say today. Found this numerology thing at Lilith's blog... so, I punched some numbers in and...

You entered: 1/4/1959

Your date of conception was on or about 13 April 1958 which was a Sunday.

You were born on a Sunday
under the astrological sign Capricorn.
Your Life path number is 11.

The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2436572.5.
The golden number for 1959 is 3.
The epact number for 1959 is 21.
The year 1959 was not a leap year.

As of 11/20/2005 1:20:10 PM EST
You are 46 years old.
You are 562 months old.
You are 2,446 weeks old.
You are 17,122 days old.
You are 410,941 hours old.
You are 24,656,480 minutes old.
You are 1,479,388,810 seconds old.
You are 6.7013698630137 dog years old. (You're still chasing cats!)

There are 45 days till your next birthday
on which your cake will have 47 candles

Those 47 candles produce 47 BTUs,
or 11,844 calories of heat (that's only 11.8440 food Calories!) .
You can boil 5.37 US ounces of water with that many candles.

In 1959 there were approximately 4.0 million births in the US.
In 1959 the US population was approximately 150,697,361 people, 50.7 persons per square mile.
In 1959 in the US there were approximately 1,667,231 marriages (11.1%) and 385,144 divorces (2.6%)
In 1959 in the US there were approximately 1,452,000 deaths (9.6 per 1000)


Your birthstone is Garnet
The Mystical properties of Garnet

Garnet is used as a power stone

Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)

Emerald, Rose Quartz

Your birth tree is

Fir Tree, the Mysterious

Extraordinary taste, dignity, cultivated airs, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those close to it,rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious uncontent lover, many friends, many foes, very reliable.

There are 35 days till Christmas 2005!

The moon's phase on the day you were
born was waning crescent.

And half of the paycheck is already spent! That's the way the money goes, I guess. Now to make what's left over stretch until the next payday.

For those who came by for HNT yesterday... THANK YOU for your kind and wonderful comments! According to my cousin I failed in my attempt to produce a crappy post. Lelly claimed that it was "witty and creative". (BTW, I thought her HNT rocked!) Well, as long as it provided some entertainment... I'm OK with that. Oh BTW, I may have a surprise for you HNTers in the next couple of months. Let's just say there is something fairly big in the works.

On another subject... we began scheduling for the Rogue last night and discovered that we need to get another venue! So, today a frantic search will be conducted to add yet another Cafe Venue to the miracle mile. We have an abundance of acts this year. It is an exciting line-up with a good mix of "veteran's" and "newbies". This could mean that 1 of the 2 shows I'm fielding may get bumped. Oh well. The festival is growing by leaps and bounds... and this is a good thing. Let's hope that we can pull it off in style.

It's going to be a busy evening. Planning on tipping a few with ScarySquirrelMan & Mustang... right after setting up a lighting gig. I'll update soon... perhaps with pictures!

As per request from my cousin, lelly, who also participates in HNT... here is a quick and crappy HNT post. "..can't you do a crap, last minute effort for a change? ;-)" (Believe me, this was a challenge for me.) So, this week there is no music, no witty ditty, no long winded story, no big extravaganza production number with multiple pictures. (For those... go to my previous HNT posts in my sidebar.) Just a simple post on Stan and Sam. (OK... so I got a little creative... I need help, I know!) And the picture above are my heels you sicko gutter minds!

Of late there has been a lot of reminiscing on Patrick's blog of days gone by in Malaysia. Actually, it has been a virtual explosion of nostalgia celebrating culture, as well as the quaint and idiosyncratic. I have pitched in my 2 cents worth along with others.

As fun as this exercise has been I have felt a little left out. I have not lived there in just over 25 years - the last time I visited was 15 years ago. The rapid pace of development that has occurred within that time has been nothing short of astounding... at least that's what I've gathered through friends, pictures and articles. So much so, I'm certain that my hometown is now a strange city to me.

I've been questioning whether the "heart" of the city and country will survive this rapid pace of change. How much compromise will erode or at least alter the basic "soul" of the people in the name of progress? Change is inevitable. For better or worse... it will happen. I'm not knocking change. It is the pace of change that concerns me. If change occurs at a rapid pace... will anything stick? Has this cultural erosion already begun?

Case and point: I was informed lately that the Malaysian government has issued an official "tolerance" policy toward other religions in the country. (Malaysia is officially a Muslim country... with about a 50-60 percent majority.) Sure, there have always been differences. (Most of these "differences" incited by individuals abusing the name of religion to further some political agenda.) But, for the most part the country I grew up in "respected" the differences in beliefs... even celebrated it. The major Muslim, Chinese, Hindu and Christian celebrations are official public holidays.

Perhaps it is just an unfortunate choice of word. (There has always been a collective misunderstanding and confusion between words such as "tradition", "religion" and "culture"... they are often used interchangeably. ) Then again, if there is no confusion, will non-Muslim festivals cease to be public holidays as a result? If it does... it will be the first significant step toward obliterating the heart and soul of my hometown and the country I grew up in..

UPDATE: I was thinking last night about my present situation. It's not bad but it is lacking somewhat in verve. I think part of this has to do with my lack of time to write. I have realized over the years that perfect writing situations are not arrived at but created. Still, everytime I set about setting up a "write" life intrudes. As a playwright the act of writing is about the only "pure moment" that one has with the work. Once completed the piece is turned over to a director, cast and designers for the collaborative process to begin. It is this process that is essential to breathing life into the work. Without this, the piece remains merely scribbles on the page. It is written to be played... not read. So, the moment that process begins the piece ceases to belong to the playwright. I do direct my own plays... at least the first time out. It is an essential part of my writing process. I have over the years developed an uncanny ability to "divorce" the playwright part of me from the director part of me. My cast is often amused when I make remarks in rehearsals like " Who wrote this piece of shit?" or "I hope the fucker who wrote this tripe appreciates us making his shit smell good."... and mean it. "Multiple personalities? " you may quip. Yup... more so when I'm writing. Friends who have walked in while I'm in the middle of a write... always leave a little afraid.

Stole this from Addict's blog. A few of my friends would contend that this quiz was being kind.

You Are a Little Scary

You've got a nice edge to you. Use it.

Here's another that I found.

Your Hidden Talent

You have the power to persuade and influence others. You're the type of person who can turn a whole room around. The potential for great leadership is there, as long as you don't abuse it. Always remember, you have a lot more power over people than you might think!

I'm posting this to promote irresponsible spending during the holiday season.

(the following is from About.com)

Definition: The day after Thanksgiving in the United States, is frequently referred to as Black Friday.

General Use: One of the major U.S. holiday shopping days. The day many U.S. consumers begin Christmas shopping. The day is heavily promoted by retailers.

Origin: The origin of Black Friday comes from the shift to profitability during the holiday season. Black Friday was when retailers went from being unprofitable, or "in the red," to being profitable, or "in the black", at a time when accounting records were kept by hand and red indicated loss and black profit.

Looking for upcoming BLACK FRIDAY deals? Check HERE & HERE.

Get your mind out of the gutter, already!!! Just thought I'd plug the new CD of a good friend of mine, Kien. (listened to it this morning... Rock On, Kien!)

He has a new cd out. You can hear a couple of samples on his Myspace page and he has a couple on his blogspot page as well. You can also visit his website. Go visit his sites, listen to his stuff and buy a CD.

Kien who lives and works in London will be returning to the US to perform in the Rogue in March. There's your reason for attending. The following are a few quotes from one of his press clippings.

" Former guitarist with Koozie Johns' "Sinnerstar" has played sessions for Dave Stewart (Eurythmics); Simon Kirke(Free/Bad Company) as well as, intriguingly, Demis Roussouses, the King of Malaysia and Vangelis."
Frank Franklin - Less is More Productions -

"If the moody, introspective folk-rocker is your cup of tea, have it with some honey and lemon at Kien Lim's "More Songs from London" show. Lim's entrancing vocals wrap around love songs both sweet and sour, but always in the key of mellow."
Fresno Bee", CA, U.S.A 11/03/05

"As far as I'm concernred, Kien Lim's show has been the standout musical performance of the festival so far. He is a talented guitarist and songwriter, and he sings with a beautiful baritone voice. You should definitely catch this exciting set before the festival ends. He's also a terrific photographer; check out his photos at his website: www.kienlim.com."
John Beynon Mar 6, 05

Go on, litttle buddy. It's time to let you go. Some called you a meme. Some called you a game. You have served well. People have enjoyed you. Now go. Go out there and spark creativity like you have here. Move on. Bye... perhaps I'll see you around.


This one is done here and is on it's way. Those who played and shared with me... thank you. Your creativity brightened my days. Time to retire this one here. Those who pick it up... have fun.

Since this is a new game I thought I'd feature links to those who participated. Before any fights break out... Paltry prizes were/are awarded to the first 20 who commented on the original post saying that they played... and actually did! BTW, I thought ALL of you did beautifully and exercised oodles of creativity!!!

I may have a variation of this game in the weeks to come. In the meantime, enjoy the wondrous imaginations of these folk!

• SWEAR by CarlyJayJay
• SECOND by warcrygirl
• MATH by Mr_Blog
• EGREGIOUS by goobergrl
  
• JOGGING by thomcat_13
• REJOICE by Ric Soard
• ENGAGE by Snavlylyn
• DISCONTENT by Tish
• TANK by S
• EDGE by Lily
• FAREWELL by Barry
• HIDE by truth
• FAIR by Mamabear
• TATTING by lime
• INVOLUTE by Ariella
• KNEEL by Sam
• STRADDLE by Sam
  

Hmm... with the tagging it'll be interesting to track how far in the cyber world this travels. I'll update as they come in. cheers!

UPDATE 6:37 PM: Those with prizes... feel free to critique.

UPDATE: 4:27, 11/11/05: PRIZE COUNT: 13 - only 7 more to go!
Posts of "Flip.." for a Prize ends at midnight tonight! After that I will release it into the blog universe to float or die.

Work has overtaken my life at the moment. Thanks for stopping by... I'm hoping I can get one in for next week (Fingers B is itching too!). In the meantime... check the post below this and see if you want to play... there may be a prize involved.

This is loosely based on an exercise I learned at a playwriting workshop. I've adapted it for blogging purposes.

1. FLIP open a dictionary and point to a word.
2. Type the word into Google images.
3. PICK an image that strikes you.
4. Write a 10 line RIFF off the image.
5. Use the word or the meaning of the word at least once within the first 5 lines of your riff.
6. Tag 3 other bloggers on your list.

THE WORD: CHANCE

Dickie knew this was his last chance. There would not be another. He was painfully aware of his mistakes from the past and lit a cigarette to help calm his nerves. The importance of the first impression was essential for success. He mentally went over his check-list. Within 2 puffs he felt her whispy presence take her seat in front of him. He smiled at her beauty even though he could not see her. He leaned forward and figured it was time to break the ice. "So, what kind of music are you in to?" he asked. It's tough rehearsing for a first date.

I'm tagging Aughra, Jade and Stacie... let's see if they'll play. Heck, if anyone wants to steal it... be my guest!

UPDATE: In an insane moment of shameless self promotion... the FIRST 20 Bloggers who play this game (and lets me know via posting a comment here on this post) will receive a PRIZE! (It ain't worth much... you'll receive it via email... but hey, it's a prize!)

I bought this (16 x dl). I already have a DVD burner (8x internal) on my computer... but this cost only$69! I love new toys!

On to other dribble...

There was little playwriting done this weekend. (FUCK!) There was way too much"business of life" to take care of. It almost seems as if the more I complete and accomplish... the more is thrown on my plate. I really cannot "create" when crap is hanging over my head... it just drives me to drink. So, SSM and I threw a few back on Friday and Saturday night. Perhaps I'll be able to clear the table to indulge in my very own feast tomorrow.

I got tagged by Generik

1. Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Post the fifth sentence (or closest to it).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same thing.

This appeared in April when I was riffing on an earlier post on squirrels - suicidal ones especially. The post where the fifth line is featured appeared 2 days after the original post - my dogs had killed a squirrel and were fighting over it.

So here it is...

Surely, it couldn't be the same reason - I look in the igloo and... Lo and behold... it is - A big fatty, at that!

Not the most profound line... but what the heck!

Who am I tagging? Hmmm... APJ, SSM, LELLY, KFARMER & PAUL.

EDIT: 5:06 PM
Sorry, no HNT this week... just this dribble.









That could be a line from a song... but is actually the usual state of my mind. Here is a sample of random crap bobbing around my swilly brain.

• I have been hitting the sack early the past couple of nights for no apparent reason. It does not bother me except for the fact that I have 1001 things to accomplish.
• One of the plays I am working on (Ms.White) needs a jump-start in order for it to be finished. My fear is running out of steam in the "wanting to" department and having to resort to "having to"... which would totally suck.
• Many of my friends are "at war" with something or another... but won't lift a finger to actually do something about it... whatever "it" is.
  
• Bitching bores me.
• I have recently noticed how many "creative people" hold on to limited visions in the "art of the possible.".
• Most people who demand "the truth" have the biggest challenge being honest with themselves and others.
  

That's all for now.
Happy Uninteresting Post Wednesday!
If you are in the mood for some slight entertainment... here is a post from the past.