2009-10-09

298 And Counting…

298

The countdown to my 300th post continues, but there's still time for those of you wishing to enter your questions to me.

That's right, I'm doing a little Q&A.  Ask me anything you like, about me, my blog, tech, life in general, etc. and I will try my best to get them answered.  The dead line is this weekend.  So you procrastinators, and you know who you are, there's still time to get off the stick.

Send your emails to my GMAIL.COM account, which is SCOPE65.

Monday, I will be announcing the first ever contest here at SCOPE-TECH.  And there will be real, honest to goodness prizes, so make sure you come back here for that, and then the big 3-0-0!

Have a great weekend, one and all.

2009-10-08

I've Got Your Number, BEATRICE!

This post was inspired the the wonderful and talented Sass.  Check her out today.  Yeah, she's posted her THURSDAY POST, Blogger just won't tell you.

The Back Story:

I moved into "the city" in the summer of 1999 so I had to get a new phone number.  Nothing new there.  Well, I kept getting calls ALL THE TIME for 'Beatrice'.  When her DOCTORS office left a message on my answering machine (and I hope she eventually got the news about that rash), I'd had enough and decided to act.  So I updated my outgoing message on my answering machine to try to make things CRYSTAL CLEAR.

The Outgoing Message:

That pretty much nipped the messages for Beatrice in the bud.  Or so I thought…

The Incoming Message:

2009-10-06

Why I Love A Camera-phone

I love my Blackberry.  I love having a phone in my Blackberry to grab those quick random shots.  I just wish it was a BETTER camera.

Oh well, here's some stuff that I have snapped recently, out in the wild:

ODDS-7-N-7

So, it's a 7 & 7, right?  No, my friends, that's a rum and diet Coke.  The bring you a glass of rum, with a splash of mix, and then if you ask, will bring you a can of pop with it.  It so good that Ceres closes at 8:00.

ODDS-BIKE-01

I've seen tandem bikes before, but never like this.  While you can ride it solo, you must feel like you are jousting!

ODDS-CAR-01

"No, boss, when I said my engine was flooded…"

ODDS-CAR-02

Is there a Dr. in the house?

ODDS-CUBS-01 Just like their season… lost in a blur.

ODDS-JUST-DECKS

While you can't read it, it says "Because when you do one thing, you do it right."  But, but they do 4 things.

 ODDS-KETCHUP

This is a T-Shirt that I am thinking about giving my brother for Christmas.  The boy should have a cybernetic ketchup enrobing device attached to the side of his head, so that every morsel he eats is encapsulated in a thick skim of the sauce.

ODDS-SILVER-SURFER

I saw this dude on my way to work one day.  The silver thing is actually a jacket.  The pants are pin strip "skinny jeans" and YES that is a multicolored pony tail.

2009-10-04

Sleep Well Tonight…

clowns_last_supperI got this picture from HERE.  Now, sleep well with this vision dancing in your brain.

2009-10-02

No Olympics For You

Olympic_Rings It has just been announced.  Chicago will not be hosting the 2016 games.  But did you know that Chicago actually won the rights to host the Olympic Games in the past.  But, St. Louis pitched a hissy fit, whined like babies, and stole the 1904 games from us.  (WIKI)  I guess that was their payback for us opening the canal in 1900 that reversed the flow of the Chicago River and sent all our crap to them.  (WIKI)

Oh well.  I'm sure the sons, daughters, cousins, etc. of Chicago's ruling families will find new and creative ways to line their pockets between now and them by bilking the tax payers.

2009-10-01

Blogkeeping Backlog


The 300th Post

As I mentioned earlier, my 300th post is rapidly approaching, but there's still time for you to send in your questions for my Q&A session. 

So, do you have anything you've wanted to ask me, but it has seemed off topic, or whatever, so you haven't?  Send your questions to me now (and face it, if you don't do it today, you'll forget) and I will answer (most of) them.

Please send them to the email address scope65 at gmail dot com to send them in, so then people don't see your questions ahead of time.


New Followers

Wow, I have really been bad recently about doing some blogkeeping recently.  Somehow I just keep getting all caught up in my self and my stories to stop and take time to thank all of you who stop by every day or every once-in-a-while.  While I might not be the best at always responding to your comments, I hope you know that each and every visit and comment is appreciated.

(Yes, I know Jan isn't exactly a new follower, but I couldn't resist pairing up the cute dog pictures.)


Meme & Awards

Judi, at Lines Composed tagged me with a couple of awards.  And one of them carried a meme.  As you know, I'm not the "pass it along" type, so if you want to pick this up, go for it.

kreativ_blog[1]

  1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award. (Done)
  2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog. (Done)
  3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award. (Done)
  4. List seven things about yourself people might not know. (Done)
  5. Nominate seven Kreativ Bloggers. (Nope)
  6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate. (NA)
  7. Leave a comment on the seven blogs you nominate so they know they have been nominated. (NA)

The List

  1. When I cook a quesadilla in my George Foreman Grill, I call in a "Jorge Foreman."
  2. I don't think I'll be picking up any new TV shows this fall.
  3. I think the Claire / lesbian scene on Heroes last week was pretty desperate of their part.
  4. And freaking AWESOME!  (Follow this LINK to 36:30)
  5. I fart in elevators.  I love leaving the "Unholy  Ghost" lurking their, waiting to pounce once the doors close.
  6. I talk in song lyrics and movie quotes a lot.
  7. I'm not sure how I feel about Chicago's Olympic.

And the second award?  "Because I'm The Queen" the_queen[1] I think that stands for:
Q – Quirky
U – Unique
E - Easygoing
E - Everyman
N - Nerd


The Lowdown on the Downlow

Cora, you may wish to quit reading now.  The rest of you, highlight the hidden text below:

You will notice that while I have been very public about my plans to get Cora an engagement ring, that will be ending for a while.  Not because anything has changed, in fact my feelings have grown stronger (I guess that's change), but a lady deserves a little surprise and mystery in this process.  And it's my job to make my lady happy.

Thank you for your understanding.

2009-09-30

Who Ya Gonna Call?


Saturday in Seattle

This Makes Me Feel Good For some reason, I was tired and slept in a while again on Saturday.  After a light breakfast and a game of Harry Potter Clue.  Unlike the clue I plaid as a kid, there were secret wheels that opened and closed doors, hidden passages, and dark mark cards to wreck havoc on the players.  In a close, close game, I squeaked out a victory over Cora, her mom, and her daughter.  I thought that her daughter was going to solve it one turn before I could make my final accusation.  But while she had the WHO, and HOW, she was missing the WHERE that I had lucked in to.

After the game, it was time to literally hop on the bus, Gus and head to the city for some sight seeing and for a little ghost busting.  Cora and Gwen and I started off with a little shopping. And then a trip to the fortune telling Elvis.  And then a comic book shoppe.

We ended up back the Gum Wall.  This was Gwen's first visit to the wall, and she loved it.  I opted to give the Smiley Guy a pink toupee.

Old Baldy

Bald Smiley headed ball

Pink Toupee

Toupee'd Smiley

But, we didn't go to the Gum Wall just because we are fans of mastication.  That is also the meeting place for the Ghost Tour.  The tour It didn't cost $5.75provided nice value (an hour and a half for $15) and provided some nice history of Seattle.  I didn't see any ghosts or catch any ghost orbs.  But that doesn't mean I didn't see anything weird.  Back in 1985, Pike Place Market sold tiles as a fund raiser.  (Cora has one, somewhere, but she has never found it.)  A little group bought one.  A dozen years later, Heaven's Gate would become infamous.

After the tour, we headed back to the 'burbs and met up with Cora's mom for dinner at The Olive Garden.  After a nice, tri-generational dinner, it was time to take Cora's daughter to her father's (they'd split the weekend, so Gwen could join us) and for us to head home.


Sunday in Seattle

No sleeping in today.  This is my last day with my BFF (Beautiful Future FiancĂ©e) and it was not to be wasted.  We planned her next trip to visit me in October, and we just hung out and talked.  (Okay, we necked on the sofa like a couple of teenagers.)

Unfortunately, due to the 4 hour flight and the 2 hour time difference, the "last flight" is actually pretty early.  So we made it to the airport, and had a bite of lunch before getting in the agonizingly slow security line.  Agonizing in the fact that you stand there for 15 minutes inching forward.  Each half shuffle taking you that much further from your lady love.  While I cherish the opportunity to keep looking back and seeing her, the sadness in her eyes is also torture.

I guess I got on the plane and made it home.  I was in a funk.  I don't remember, and before I knew it, I was back on the phone with Cora again.  And then it started to pour here. Like the sky waited for me to get home, but then the sky started crying for me.

Wow.  That was a bit of a downer.  But it was a great weekend.  Going shopping with Cora was amazing.  A 43 year old bachelor should have been terrified stepping foot in a jewelry store, but with Cora's hand in mine, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.


And with that, welcome to the 80's

2009-09-29

It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Ring

As you may have guessed, I flew out Thursday after work to visit Cora in Seattle.  My 7:25 pm flight was a little late taking off, but landed a little early.  Neat trick, that.  The flight was a little bumpy, which made it hard to sleep.  Also, every 15 minutes, they would come on and tell you that in 10 minutes it was GOING to get bumpy.

Needless to say, I was not overly rested when I landed.  But Cora was wearing a stunning red dress and and these awesome black boots.  I would show you a picture, but my camera melted.  My heart melted.  Other things didn't melt.

Friday morning, after allowing me to sleep in a little (she has a heart of gold, that one) Cora and I headed out to do a little shopping.  And we discovered an interesting tidbit:  Cora is out fashion.

When did golden gold fall out of favor with engagement rings?  Most everything was in white gold or platinum?  But, while nothing was purchased, I view the expedition as a great success.  We have narrowed down the parameters on the ring, and I now know what I am looking for.

Other things learned on the shopping excursion:

  • While not for the wedding ring, rose gold looks AMAZING against Cora's skin.
  • Bailey, Banks, & Biddle is going out of business.
  • There are some pretty cool wedding rings for guys, but while the tungsten and carbon fiber one looked cool, it just wasn't serious enough to shout, 'MARRIED'.

After out little shopping excursion, we needed to head back and be there for when Cora's daughter got home from school.  (I won't mention that while we were out looking at the tree that crashed through the neighbor's fence, the angel though of locking us out of the house.  Wait, I just did.)

Before dinner, Cora and I decided to get a little exercise.  No, by heading up and walking some laps up at the track.  As we walked, I was always looking up at the amazing cloud formations.  And then I realized that it was actually Mt. Rainier.SEA-RAINIER

SEA-SHADOWBut after about 45 minutes of power walking hand in hand, the shadows started growing long, and our bellies started growing hungry, so we headed back, picked up Cora's daughter (who stayed home to do her homework) set off for dinner.

The ladies treated me to a nice meal at the Rainforest Cafe.  And after dinner, we had their signature Volcano brownie and ice cream dessert.

2009-09-28

Little Help Here

300We interrupt our regularly scheduled post with a quick plea:

This is my 290th post.  For those of you whose math skills have atrophied  over the years, that means that my 300th post will be coming up soon.

For those of you who were around 190 posts ago (and thank you, by the way) I did a 100-4-100 post where I told 100 facts about myself.  If you think I'm doing 300, then you must be seriously stoned this morning.

But, part of that was a Q&A where I would answer (most) any question sent to me.  So, do you have anything you've wanted to ask me, but it has seemed off topic, or whatever, so you haven't?  Send your questions to me now (and face it, if you don't do it today, you'll forget) and I will answer them.  You can put them in the comments, but I would prefer you use the email address scope65 at gmail dot com to send them in, so then people don't see your questions ahead of time.

With only 9 posts between now and then, and the need to cover my most recent Seattle visit, I think it will be the end of next week before the post goes up.

So, what do you want to know?

2009-09-25

If You Like It Then You Better Put A Ring On It

What, this isn't what you expected?  But you still laughed, right?  Thanks to 'Heidi' for showing me this video yesterday at work.

2009-09-24

Simple Request – Epic Fail

A Simple Request

I think the sign above is clear, concise, and to the point.

Epic Fail

Obviously someone else didn't.

What we got here, is … failure to communicate.

Let's just hope this has nothing to do with Sassy Britches's 'Wipe the Weiner' campaign, because then I would be totally grossed out.

Listen folks, I'm flying out to Seattle this weekend, so ya'll behave yourselves for the substitute teacher, okay?

(I lied, there is no sub.  Go crazy.)

2009-09-23

WW - Because The Color Of Your Car Is U-G-L-Y!

Orange?  Seriously?

Wordless?  Speechless!

2009-09-22

Old New. Played Out. Total Irrelevant.

Oh my God!  They killed Kanye!

Oh my GOD!
You Bastards!

Yeah, I know this story is old news.  Like Kanye.

Yeah, I know this story has no social significance.  Like Kanye.

But I just couldn't resist doing a little PhotoShop work.  And if you still are quite done kicking Mr. West, click HERE to take him for a spin. Probably not too safe for work.

(Yes, I know Candy and God have already blogged this, so I hope they forgive me for jumping on the bad wagon.)

2009-09-21

20ish Questions

A while back, ~E @ ~E Deconstructed tagged me with a meme.  It's not that I forgot about it, It just that I was in the middle of doing my road trip stories last week, and didn't want to break my flow.  But now, I've got a second, so here we go.

20 Questions:

  1. What can you not leave the house without?  My keys.  I have to get back in.
  2. Favorite brand of makeup?  I don't use makeup.
  3. Favorite flower? Lilac
  4. Favorite clothing store? Men's Warehouse
  5. Favorite perfume?  Jessica McClintock (it smells like Lilac)
  6. Heels or Flats?  I'm 6'4".  I don't need heels.
  7. What were your grades like in school?  Mostly A's some B's.
  8. Do you drink energy drinks? No.  Never have tried one.
  9. Do you like swimming?  No really.  But I prefer it to drowning.
  10. Do you like juice?  No.  High sugar is not good for a diabetic.
  11. Do you eat french fries with a fork?  I am not a communist.
  12. Favorite moisturizer? Jergens Original.
  13. Will you get married or are you? I will be engagement ring shopping in a few days.
  14. How old are you?  43
  15. Are you into ghost hunting? No, but I will be doing a ghost tour in a week.
  16. Any phobias?  I have a healthy respect of heights, but hate needles.
  17. Do you bite your nails?  Yes
  18. Do you drink coffee? Nope
  19. Describe an animal that describes your soul mate? A FOX!
  20. Last concert that you attended? Sytx & Boston
  21. Next concert you will attend? No plans in the works.
  22. Random thing on your desk?  A brass pencil sharpener.
  23. Favorite movies?  The original Star Wars trilogy, Princess Bride, Road House, Next of Kin, The 300, Sin City.
  24. Book you're currently reading?  The Blue-Haired Bombshell.
  25. Favorite lipsticks? I love the berry flavored lip gloss that Cora wears.  :-)
  26. Favorite piece of art in your room?  I would think it is this painting done on an old wooden desktop. Desk the Walls...
  27. Favorite jewelry?  I don't wear any jewelry.  Yet.
  28. Favorite YouTube channels and/or Videos? I don't really have one.  But I like the funny videos people send.

2009-09-19

Arrrrrr

Ahoy!  Today be September the 19th in the year o' our Lord 1 Score Aught Nine and it be International Talk Like A Pirate Day, ya scurvy curs.

Bizarro-Larry This treasure be from the curs at Bizarro.Com.

A co-worker (and saucy wench she be) asked me if'n it be appropriate to talk like a pirate in Temple (Rosh Hashanah).  "Yarr," I told her, "if she sees 'Long John Silverman' to tell him I said, 'oy-hoy'."

According to this SITE, some of us have very interesting pirate names:

Real Name

Pirate Name

Eric

Scowlin' Seamus Jones

Eric John Cap'n Quincy Bloodbeard
Eric Collins Pirate Bruno the Infected
Eric John Collins Cap'n Stu Golddigger
Scope Cap'n William Peckerwood
Scope Collins Cap'n Bernard Bloodbucket
Cora Gurglin' Blair Smythe
Cora Denise Rancid Helga Sparrow
Candy Pirate Julia the Well-Tanned
Cowguy Lazy Eye Palgrave
Dr. Zibbs Reeking Daryl Slasher
Gwen Pirate Carolyn the Sword Test Dummy
iNDefatigable mjenks Pirate Joe the Cash-Strapped
Prunella Jones Jelly Legs Misty
Sass Scowlin' Ursula Smythe
Sassy Britches Cap'n Aurora Swiftknife
Soda & Candy Decayin' Nadine Napier

Now if that thar don't shiver ye timbers and put some pep in ye hornpipe, arrr nuttin' shall.  Sorry I couldn't do ye'all, but figure what ye name be, and scribe it in yon comments.