(Introduction)

Emptiness is filled with richness and reward
Promises are kept as into forever we voyage
What was once storm-tossed now is serene
Love shared awakens new beginnings
Forever doesn't seem long enough
Vows are made, yearnings are fulfilled
Passion and tenderness envelops us
We feel the warmth of souls united
Forever doesn't seem long enough

(CAUTION: Romantics beware - comments may contain naughtiness)

Posted by: Harvey at 01:47 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

(click to enlarge)

Check it out. I think I found the Associated Press's "Journalistic Integrity"

Or it might be Reuters'... it's hard to tell.

Posted by: Harvey at 01:45 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

2) Which Simpson quit when they had their own variety show?

3) What is Jimbo Jones' real first name?

4) What brand of high-priced suit does Marge buy at a discount fashion store?

Official Trivia Card answers in the comments tomorrow.

Posted by: Harvey at 01:25 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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(reference 1)

(reference 2)

Posted by: Harvey at 09:42 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

When I am with you, and hugging you, time stops and I leave this earth and I am in heaven.

(CAUTION: Romantics beware - comments may contain naughtiness)

Posted by: Harvey at 09:40 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

(click to enlarge)

[From: The Crows]

With his scarecrow finally perfected, Brian eventually quit farming altogether and simply lived off the protection money he collected.

Posted by: Harvey at 09:38 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

2) What is Homer's middle name?

3) What color is the Simpson's matching refrigerator and stove?

4) What band played the Simpsons theme in "Homerpalooza"?

Official Trivia Card answers in the comments tomorrow.

Posted by: Harvey at 09:31 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Looks like blogdaughter Teresa of Technicalities is trying to lose her "Daddy's Favorite" title, because she tagged me with a meme.

Nevertheless, since the obligations of parenthood don't end with birth, I must comply:

UPDATE: Looks like Richmond of One For The Road tagged me with this, too

*puts Richmond on Naughty List*

1.Wrapping paper or gift bags? Duct tape and grocery bags, i.e. "guy wrapping".

2.Real tree or artificial? Artificial - there's something comforting in the ritual of setting up the same tree every year.

3.When do you put up the tree? Sometime between Thanksgiving & early December.

4.When do you take the tree down? Early January.

5.Do you like eggnog? ANYTHING is good with enough booze in it.

6.Favorite gift you received as a child? A slot car racing set.

7.Do you have a nativity scene? No.

8.Hardest person to buy for? Beloved Wife. Someday I'll remember to take notes on those little hints she drops all year.

9.Easiest person to buy for? Brother Tom. Anything computer-related is good.

10.Mail or email Christmas cards? Possibly e-mail. Usually I don't even bother with that. Either I care about you enough to contact you more than once a year, or I don't care about you at all.

11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? The Peanut Butter & Jelly board game. I don't think I even played it once.

12.Favorite Christmas movie? The Nightmare Before Christmas.

13.When do you start shopping? Mid-December.

14.Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No. I just throw them away.

15.Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Marshmallow Fluff fudge. Dad only made it once a year. Wish he didn't always put walnuts in it.

16.Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored. And blinking.

17.Favorite Christmas song? "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", sung low and slow by a female vocalist who keeps her vocals understated. Definitely NOT the James Taylor version with that crappy line about "muddling through".

18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home.

19.Can you name all of SantaÂ’s Reindeers? Sure: Dasher, Dancer ... Prancer ... Nixon, Comet, Cupid ... Donna Dixon

20.Angel on the tree top or a star? Our angel always shedded feathers. I never liked her. So... star.

21.Open the presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Morning - and we had to wait until after everyone finished breakfast.

22.Most annoying thing about this time of year? Needing to shop for urgent, non-Christmas items at a big box store.

23.Do you have Jebus in your heart this Christmas? I'll see him at Hooters tomorrow. Does that count?

24.What would you like for Christmas? To wake up next to Beloved Wife in the morning, and fall asleep next to her that night.

Next victims:

Let's see... who hasn't posted anything in a while?...:

Sarah of That's Not Very Nice!

Titan of Titan's Lair

TRS of The Rumsfeld Strangler

Linus of Pepper of the Earth

Humble Devildog of Random Firings of Neurons

Posted by: Harvey at 10:21 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

No matter what happens. You should know in your heart, my love lasts and never leaves.

(CAUTION: Romantics beware - comments may contain naughtiness)

Posted by: Harvey at 09:27 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

(click to enlarge - HUGE picture)

[(numerous John Kerry-themed jokes)]

One of many proposed "blind-friendly" currency designs, the new three dollar bill would play the French National Anthem when squeezed.

Posted by: Harvey at 09:11 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

2) What is the name of Bart's favorite science-fiction/horror film series?

3) When Homer bet on Santa's Little Helper at the dog races, which dog actually won?

4) In Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire", who is Barney's date at the dog races?

Official Trivia Card answers in the comments tomorrow.

Posted by: Harvey at 08:56 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Have you heard about this yet?

Blog World Expo

The first and only tradeshow, conference, and media event dedicated to promoting the dynamic industry of blogging and new media. If you are currently blogging, vlogging, podcasting, producing some other form of new media content, thinking about joining the exciting industry of new media or just want to know what this whole blogging phenomena is all about then you need to be at BlogWorld.

The inaugural event will take place in Las Vegas November 8th and 9th [2007] at the Las Vegas Convention Center with an exclusive corporate only conference November 7th.

Just a couple blocks east of the north end of the Strip.

I haven't really thought about going, myself, since I'm just a small-time, for-fun blogger.

On the other hand, Vegas in November sure beats Wisconsin in November.

Have to keep an ear out for the buzz as the day draws closer.

Posted by: Harvey at 08:40 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

Rains fall, winds blow, the sun shines... it all comes naturally, just like loving you.

(CAUTION: Romantics beware - comments may contain naughtiness)

Posted by: Harvey at 08:37 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

(click to enlarge)

[Debi's Lounge, Deer Park, Texas, 6963 Hwy 225, Deer Park TX 77536]

Check it out! On the back it says, "2 for 1 special on hummers from Toothless Tanya".

Posted by: Harvey at 08:32 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

2) (T/F) In "Secrets of a Successful Marriage", Marge kicks Homer out of the house for dancing with an exotic daner

3) When Abe whisks Marge's mom away from her wedding, it's a parody of what film?

4) In "Lady Bouvier's Lover", what does Bart buy from the Impulse Buying Network?

Official Trivia Card answers in the comments tomorrow.

Posted by: Harvey at 08:25 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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(A paid review)

Via ReviewMe.com, I've been asked to review the site/products/services offered by Biggest On Earth (www.biggestonearth.com - note: site owner does NOT recommend site for children under 13 except with direct parental supervision).

WHAT THEY DO

They offer you the opportunity to "officially" label yourself (or someone you love/hate) as the "officially" ranked best, worst, biggest, etc. something on Earth.

As proof of your status, you're mailed a fancy-looking certificate (suitable for framing) attesting to your status, plus your own customized URL where your certificate will be permanently displayed online for all the internet to see.

WHAT IT COSTS

Currently, $5, plus $1.25 shipping & handling, although the site's offering a "New Launch Special" of free shipping "until December 20th" - I'm not sure if that means you have a few hours left, or a day and a few hours. Biggest On Earth accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and PayPal (PayPal payee listed as Purple Street - a Verified Business Member).

WHY WOULD YOU WANT THIS?

To quote the site:

You can use your award as a marketing hook for your business or maybe as an ice breaker during parties or gatherings. Link to your award's own URL from your blog. Get back at someone by nominating them for one of our "bad" awards. Put the URL you get for the award on your business card.

[snip]

All awards are permanent and are entered into the "Biggest on Earth" database, accessible by all search engines and can never be changed. That person will always be associated with that award from now until the end of time. But be careful who you nominate...someone can nominate YOU for an award, too!

In other words, to show people you've got a playful sense of humor.

IS IT WORTH IT?

Let's face it - for $6.25 (or $5, if you hurry), you're NOT going to be able to buy anyone a good present. This one definitely falls into the "it's the thought that counts" category. So if your only goal is to let someone know you're thinking about them, I figure a Biggest On Earth award is at least as good as a box of crackers and a can of spray cheese. Might even last longer (although spray cheese is incredibly durable, so I could be wrong about this).

WHAT ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT?

Unfortunately, time does not permit me to recieve a hard copy of the certificate prior to the posting of this review, but I'll update after I get it.

However, the Biggest On Earth home page has a "View Sample" link, as well as links to "Recently Bestowed Awards", so you can check those out to get an idea of what they look like. As far as I can tell - assuming the print & pixel versions of the certificate are similar - it's good enough for an "it's the thought" gift, or for personal ego-stroking.

For example, this "1st Biggest Breasted Woman on Earth" award.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE SITE

Clean, simple, colorful layout that immediately lets you know it's a fun site. The graphics, and differently sized/colored fonts send the message clearly without detracting from the readability of the page. Visitors are immediately greeted with links for "Who?", "What?", "Why?", and "How?", as well as top-of-the-page links for "Privacy Policy" and "Contact". Links and buttons are obvious and intuitive. The order process is straightforward and uncomplicated.

IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE SOON

Although I think Biggest On Earth is a great concept and frought with potential, I did notice what I'd consider some flaws in the actual execution. If this were MY baby, this is what I'd change:

A link to Dan Sherman's blog - The Biggest On Earth site says very little about the owner of this operation. As a new company, it's important to establish credibility and reassure new customers that this isn't an out-of-nowhere, fly-by-night thing. Dan's blog has been around since May of 2004. A simple link to the front page would be nice, so that people can find out who they're dealing with without Googling.

Better grammar - One given category is "Worse Blog". I really think that should be "Worst", so as to better match the other absolute adjectives, like "Biggest", "Best", "Happiest", "Cutest", etc. - Fixed, 12-20-06

Also, with "1st" awards, consider omitting the "1st", since phrases like "1st Best" are redundant. All you need is "Best" for those. However, for awards of "2nd Best", "3rd Best", etc., it works just fine.

Better layout on certificates - I don't know how to describe this, so I'll just show you:

The text below "(Wilsonville, OR)" should be on the same line, not a separate one.

I've only seen this problem on one certificate, and maybe the problem's been corrected by now, but Dan certainly shouldn't link that particular page as his official "View Sample" image. It leaves a bad (and possibly incorrect) impression. Fixed, 12-21-06

Alphabetized categories - The listing of available certificate categories can only be described as haphazard. I know that new categories are being added all the time, but they should still be in SOME semblance of order to make them more browsable by prospective customers.

Packaging description - How are these certificates shipped? Are they mailed in a crease-resistant cardboard flat, or are they folded up and put in an envelope?

IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE DOWN THE ROAD

Live Preview - This one might require a consultation with Dan's local geek guru, but it'd be nice if, during the "preview" step of the shopping experience, the buyer were shown an "as it will appear" version of the certificate before having to commit to the purchase.

Here's one reason why: I just got my "69th Best Blog" certificate ordered, and while I was filling out the form, I wanted my site URL (www.badexample.mu.nu) to appear on the certificate. I hoped that by filling out the "city" part but not the "state", it would appear in parentheses on the certificate. Sadly, that trick doesn't work, but I didn't know that until afterwards.

Links to a page displaying all of the already-issued certificates in that category - For example, if I want to find out if the "69th Sexiest Man" certificate has already been taken, I can't tell just by looking at the listing on the front page. Perhaps those category names should be clickable links?

Requestable Categories - Personally, I'd like to have a "Best Blogdad On Earth" certificate, but I'm limited in selection to what's listed on the front page. If Dan wants to have control over the categories so as to avoid obscene ones, that's fine - no reason he'd HAVE to accept every suggestion. However, it'd be nice to have a "suggest a category" form right on the front page.

An FAQ page - It's common practice for business web sites to have one of these, and people pretty much expect it nowadays. I think there's plenty of material in this review to make a start on that.

Certificate Frames - WAY down the road... think about offering a selection of frames to put the certificate in.

SUMMARY

Biggest On Earth looks to be a site that offers a fun, light-hearted gift, best suited for teens and adults. A good way to let someone know that they're in you're thoughts.

Assuming customer service is of good quality (which I will report on in a few days), I think this is a good place to pick up a "for the person who has everything" gift.

Even if that person is just yourself.

UPDATE - "Recently Bestowed Awards" column on Biggest On Earth home page is NOT updated immediately to reflect my certificate purchase. I'll keep an eye on it to see when it gets listed.

UPDATE 12-20-06 7am - My certificate is now listed under "Recently Bestowed Awards".

Also, Dan responds to my wish lists in the comments.

UPDATE 1-4-06 - I blame the USPS and and the Christmas card writers of America for the delay, but I finally got my "69th Best Blog on Earth" certificate in the mail on December 31st. Looks just like the on-line version, except "Bad Example" and "69th Best Blog on Earth" are in red.

As a note on BOE's good customer service, I'll mention that I was sent another certificate a couple days earlier. However, Dan realized after he sent it that it contained an error, so he sent me a replacement at no charge.

UPDATE #2 1-4-06 - BOE has also changed its business model. It now offers a choice of a web-only certificate for $2, or a web version plus a hard copy for $8 (shipping is free).

Posted by: Harvey at 04:20 PM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
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1 Dude, seriously... I've got a printer and a paint program and access to a foil stamp maker. I think I can save myself $5.00.

Posted by: Contagion at December 19, 2006 06:28 PM (MsT2U)

2 True, but that doesn't get you listed on the official site, now does it? :-)

Posted by: Harvey at December 19, 2006 11:08 PM (L7a63)

3 Thanks for the review Harvey. Loved every second of it especially the "how to improve" info. Let me address some of these for you and your readers. 1) Worse vs worst. In researching this, you are absolutely correct. Me. Idiot. We're changing it as soon as I can pull my programmer from bed. 2) Yikes! The layout problem. When I look at the sample certificate it doesn't do that. We took great pains to make sure the layout worked well. So, I have to know your browser, settings, screen size...etc. Any info you can get me would be appreciated. I'm absolutely fanatical about look and feel. Thanks! I might not be able to sleep at night over this, you know!!! 3) List... they aren't alphabetized because it's a concept where people don't automatically think of a category that should be there and want to look it up until they get a feel for what it's about. By that time, they've looked down the list anyway. However, we are working on categories whereby people can scan over "Family", or "Sports Fans" or "Naughty"... etc. That will serve to make it not so daunting of a task to move down the list. 4) 1st, 2nd...etc. We only did "1st" because of what you said about 2nd making sense and so on. When you make a list of stuff, you don't label the first one if there is only one on a list. However, if you have more than one thing, then #1 is present to serve as a placeholder in relation to #2...etc. I know it doesn't roll off the tongue as nicely, but when you read 1st Best Kisser on Earth, you assume there is a #2 which is what our service is all about, ranking the world's biggest and best..etc. So, if you don't put the #1, you don't give the impression that the person is ranked ahead of someone else. 5) You'll see the shipping packages shortly. It's not shipped in a stiff packaging. At $5, it's not cost effective to do that. However, if it's damaged in any way, we'll replace it for free. 6) Preview... yes, we're working on a page that people will be taken to for each award to see that award in real life and have a list of the people/things that are currently on that list. Then a buy now button on that page so they can be added to that award's list. :-) 7) Award requests. We're definitely working on that. It's one of the more powerful aspects of this service... using other people's interests to create our content. FAQ... yes, we need one. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. However, I hope to make the site so simply to understand that there's no need for one. However, I do know that we'd be silly not to have at least something that explains about shipping, returns and other mundane things that people routinely want to know. 9) About me... you're right there, too. Gotta prove why I'm #1 Entrepreneur on Earth, right? I'll get that added to the About Us page. One more thing... in response to the comment here from Contagion... you're absolutely right. Why not get a certificate, some gold foil and an embosser and do it yourself. Certificates come in boxes of 100 (we use the smaller version... not the large graduation certificate... easier to post in your office cubicle or dorm room...etc). You can't buy them individually. That will be about $18, give or take (plus shipping.) The embossable foil seals are sold in rolls... can't remember how many to a roll, but it'll cost you about $6 plus shipping. You can't get the embossable ones in separate sheets anymore. Those are for printing with your printer onto and they can't be manually embossed. Then you can purchase an official looking embossing stamp for about $40. If you don't have the machine to do it with, that'll be another $75 or so. Make sure you get one that's compatible with the stamp you just had made. After you get all that, then you have to figure out the printing on your printer of just one certificate since they come two up. Won't take long. Just some trial and error. After spending about two weeks altogether, waiting for the embossing stamp to be made for you and gathering up all the materials from various sources... you're absolutely right... this can be done by anyone. No use wasting $5 on one from an online service. :-) Thanks again, Harvey! I appreciate all the feedback. Dan

Posted by: Dan Sherman at December 20, 2006 12:31 AM (Gx0sV)

4 hehehe... I guess he fuckin told you didn't he, Contagion?

Posted by: Madfish Willie at December 20, 2006 08:36 PM (f/1sW)

5 I'll be glad when Herbey takes MY advice and shut's the fuck up!!!!

Posted by: Madfish Willie at December 20, 2006 08:37 PM (f/1sW)

6 MW - Sorry, I couldn't hear you because I was busy talking. What was that? :-P

Posted by: Harvey at December 21, 2006 08:26 AM (L7a63)

7 Again, a wonderful review... it made me want to go check it out! Have you heard about payperpost[dot]com? You are perfect for this sort of thing, since you're such a good writer... Did you write technical manuals in another life?

Posted by: pam at December 21, 2006 12:57 PM (l6NIn)

8 I've heard of PPP, but mostly in the form of people badmouthing it - although I gather most complaints are about the lack of a requirement that a PPP post be clearly labeled as such. Their site is fairly vague, so I'm not sure what they're asking or what they're offering. If there's a better source of info, I'd be interested.

Posted by: Harvey at December 21, 2006 01:24 PM (L7a63)

9 Bloggers are now required to let their readers know which posts are paid, so that's not up for debate any longer... The message boards at ppp have some good info, including an FAQ.

Posted by: pam at December 21, 2006 01:33 PM (l6NIn)

10 Nah, because I have access to all those things he's talking about already.

Posted by: Contagion at December 21, 2006 04:45 PM (MsT2U)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Although I've completed and been paid for one review, I had serious doubts as to whether I'd ever be chosen by an advertiser to do another one. This blog is fairly eclectic, and I just couldn't imagine a product that would be in tune with it.

Turns out I was wrong.

I received an offer to do a review on December 18th, and the advertiser who asked was actually a good fit for what this blog is about.

So, I guess it's true that there's someone out there for everyone.

I was just surprised they found me.

Pleasantly surprised.

Posted by: Harvey at 04:09 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 Yeah, well, I'm still waiting. Nobody loves me! Wah!

Posted by: fmragtops at December 19, 2006 05:15 PM (B9kj2)

2 Let's see how much they like eclectic.. tag, you're memed.

Posted by: Teresa at December 19, 2006 08:56 PM (gsbs5)

3 I'm with fmragtops, no one has contacted me yet. Then again, I'm a small fish. And I don't really care one way or another. I'm very happy it is working out for you!!!

Posted by: vw bug at December 20, 2006 07:44 AM (ZbLU8)

4 FM & VW - check your blog description. The first couple sentences (which are all that get shown when ReviewMe.com randomly rotates an ad for your blog to their front page) should describe why - from the advertisers perspective - your blog would be a good choice. For example - if your readership is mostly chatty women with young children who LOVE to bargain hunt, that might be a good thing to lead with. Give people a reason to pick you.

Posted by: Harvey at December 20, 2006 08:16 AM (L7a63)

5 I just knew you'd be given more; congrats!!

Posted by: pam at December 20, 2006 11:17 AM (l6NIn)

Hide Comments | Add Comment

Blogson-in-law Alex of Alex in Wonderland mentions the trend toward bloggers becoming celebrities.

Fortunately, you'll see no bloated-ego pontificating, or mugging for the cameras at Bad Example. I never expect to rise above my status as a flea on the itchy butt of the blogosphere.

Unless some sort of graffiti-currency-related scandal breaks out, in which case you won't be able to throw a sneaker at a television without hitting my face.

Anyway, as for the title of this post - Alex has announced that his wife (and my blogdaughter) Sally of Whimsy Capricious (who REALLY needs to post something soon) is 4 months pregnant (with an actual child, not a blogspawn).

I'm predicting triplets, just to get Alex spun up.

Posted by: Harvey at 08:26 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

Dreams are wishes... wants... desires
From the deepest corners of your heart.
But how do we fulfill our needs?
Where's the best place to start?
Is there an age that we must be?
Must a lesson have been learned?
Can just anyone fulfill their dreams?
Or must our dreams be earned?
If I could have my heart's desire,
It could easily come true.
To make mine a world of happiness,
All I'll ever want is you.
My dream is but a simple one,
Yet sometimes hard to acquire.
Just someone to give me sweet, sweet love
And fill my soul with fire.
But dreams can also show themselves,
And take you by surprise.
Consume your world with happiness,
Promising no goodbyes.
It suddenly appears
My dreams have come to life.
I'm living in my dream world
With you for all my life.

(CAUTION: Romantics beware - comments may contain naughtiness)

Posted by: Harvey at 08:14 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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(Introduction)

(click to enlarge)

[(red circle around Lincoln's eye)]

Presidential Fun Fact:
In an attempt to capture the youth vote, Lincoln tried to boost his "hip & trendy" quotient with a flamboyant eyebrow piercing.

Posted by: Harvey at 08:12 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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