First of all, thank you! Yes, thank you all for your site-supportin’ donations. We’ve once again hit the ol’ “break-even” mark, once again removing any excuses I might have to Take A Break. Not that maintaining this site is all that arduous, not with the heavy lifting y’all have been doing in the Comments Section.
I’ll leave the “Donate” button posted over to the right, of course. But you can go back to considering it a “Tip Jar,” the kind of thing you drop a dollar in while requesting that I play “As Time Goes By.” Or requesting that I stop playing “As Time Goes By.”
———-
Erm. Uh. “Felberpalooza.” Here’s the deal…
As many of you know, Murray had suggested having a Fanatical Apathy get-together at Grouseland next Labor Day. And I’ve been somewhat quiet about it. And you’ve been asking why. And I haven’t said much in response…
Here’s the thing: For a guy who works in Show Business, I’m weirdly uncomfortable with making things All About Me. Though I’d happily perform for thousands of people, I’d be reluctant to invite even a dozen to my own birthday party. I’m not quite sure why this is. Perhaps I was thrashed with a party hat as a youngster.
But looking over the Comments about this, it became clear that “Felberpalooza” really isn’t “about me” at all. It’s an event that would allow you guys, who’ve been conversing with each other here over the past months and years, to get together, meet, and have some fun.
Looking at it that way, it’s actually kind of insulting, now that I think of it. How DARE you?
Okay - all that said, both Jeanne and I are into the idea. We’d come, and it’ll be great. I’d be tempted to ask that we call it “Fanatipalooza” or “Apalooza” or something, but that’s neither here nor there: Feel free to use this Comment thread to get the discussion underway, and between Murray and me and any other organizationally-minded folks, I’m sure we can work out the details and enjoy a couple of days of fun, fresh air, and immoderate drinking.
Whew! There - I’ve said it.
Fanny Roborat
87 comments
Tiffany
January 8, 2006 at 6:02 pm
1Doesn’t sound like such a bad idea, really. Good luck with the planning.
tess
January 8, 2006 at 6:17 pm
2Wait, when the hell is Labor Day? Do I have to buy plane tickets? Because I’m a cheapskate.
dee
January 8, 2006 at 6:31 pm
3As long as Murray doesn’t make us participate in any activity that involves “pedalling,” I’m in.
Great — this is better motivation than a class reunion to lose weight.
cooper
January 8, 2006 at 8:20 pm
4Mr. Felber, an excellent decision. I, too - believe it or not - have a similar social phobia. I was “pantsed” at a Sunday School party (tough neighborhood) when I was 4 years old. For much of my childhood, adolescence and early adult years, I was a crippled soul. My wife has been gently drawing me into attending more public functions, and that has helped me through the years to be more relaxed in these sorts of situations. That and the 100 mg of Zoloft I take each morning. Oh, yeah, and beer.
So, this is good news. The attendence will definitely spike now and who knows, you may get your throng thousands after all.
And in another item, if Susie hasn’t moved to Weehawken yet, you may ask your buddy, Peter Sagal, to e-mail her and assure her that Jersey mice would never poop in her Anolon, but now Jersey rats…
dee, if you loss weight, I’ll grow hair. Deal?
ice weasel
January 8, 2006 at 8:25 pm
5You know Adam, I understand your discomfort with “Felberpalooza”. It seems reasonable to me. And maybe something like fanapalooza is better, it does quite have the same ring though, does it?
Anyway, I’m more than happy to volunteer my time and talents (whatever they might be) for the festival. I do some experience planning events, curiously enough, very similar to what is being suggested.
So, rather than blather on about vague things I could do, here is a succinct and specific list.
-create a permanent web page on my server, update it regularly with “?palooza” information
-help or create any artwork needed for the web page, t-shirts, bumper stickers, fridge magnets, matchbook covers, and headgear (feel free to add to the list what I’ve left off). I’ve created fan merchandise for several large musical artists. I have connections with embroiderers and silk-screeners and such.
-volunteer to create and maintain regular email updates
-help “work” the festival
-help Murray set up before and clean up afterwards
-help solicit and contact potential sponsors (if such a thing becomes an issue)
And Dee, is this losing weight thing a requirement to attend? If so, I might be screwed from the get-go. I wish you had not brought that up. Though I agree, it will be a lot more fun than a class reunion.
ice weasel
January 8, 2006 at 8:26 pm
6Oh and Cooper, I have extra hair as well. You can have all of it.
You know, on the screen, that looks really nasty.
dee
January 8, 2006 at 8:40 pm
7Well I didn’t say I was GOING to lose weight, just that this would be great motivation to do so.
Ice Weasel has me beat skill-wise, but I take direction well and would be happy to show up a few days ahead of time and help with getting things ready. My Costco membership is at your disposal as well, and I already plan to use it to get enough supplies for Sweet Potato Flan For A Crowd.
Murray
January 8, 2006 at 11:39 pm
8PARTY”S ON!
AWESOME!
This will be fun!
Susie, Adam’s sister has already signed on and will be here. (Now we have to convince Old Mother Felber to make it out, (I really didn’t mean to insult her)).
Dee, just because we will be holding a 3 day bike festival doesn’t mean anyone needs to join in (unless he/she want to). Feel free to sit back with a mason jar of Maker’s Mark and enjoy the biking obsessed folks riding by.
For those who DO want to join in, there will be lots of very nice bikes available, (no charge). One of the rides we will be doing on Sunday is the Pike 2 Bike, an 8 mile section of abandoned super highway with 2 tunnels. (www.pike2bike.org ). This is a very easy ride. The road is flat AND as weird as you will ever find. Post Apocalyptic America! Broken 4 lane highway with forest crushing in on every side; AND THEN YOU GET TO THE TUNNELS. We will go up into the upper sections with the air handlers and plenum. This alone will make it worth your while. I’ll bring the bikes.
Those who are into camping are welcome to our campground with a 3 and a 1/2 state, 7 county view. This is where all of the action will be. We’ll have big cook outs every night, and a serious bon-fire. If you would like to camp, but don’t have a tent I have several extra. The pond will be open for swimming and kayaking. I’ll bring out my owl, Thicket, and we can talk about him, if you want to hold him, (get your picture with a live owl on your arm) this will be your chance. If the weather is on our side, we will take out the telescope and check out the sky. This is one of the few places with a virgin sky (damn that sounds exciting) and we can go over lots of nebulas, galaxies, globular clusters, binaries, etc. (If you have a good scope, bring it). Between hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, and just sitting on a mountain top, (appropriately hammered). enjoying the view, desserts from Maryland’s finest restaurant (www.elkridgefurnaceinn.com ), enjoying the FREE beer and Maker’s Mark, (I can’t legally sell it), meeting fellow Felbernauts, comparing FA stories, WWDTM stories, NPR stories, and leading the charge to repair America, this will be a DAMN GOOD WEEKEND!
Live music.
I’m up for Cheryl Wheeler, http://www.cherylwheeler.com/ She is one of my favorites and her songs are as close to Adam’s work as you will find. I’ve initiated contact with her, and at this time I’m not aware of her fee. I may need help on this end. I’m willing to host Felberpalooza (let me know if we have to change the name) for no compensation. (Felbernauts are welcome, at no charge for camping, riding the Pike 2 Bike, using one of our bikes, consuming copious quantities of Jingling Beer and Maker’s Mark, and all of the other things I’ve described here). I’ll find out how much Cheryl Wheeler needs and then we can figure out how I can pay for it. If we need to, I can probably get Aimee, the cutie who sang at my 50th birthday party. I’m also open to any suggestion on music. I can even try to get the group that would have sung at my 50th if their drummer hadn’t headed to the Philippines to marry his mail order bride and live there.
I’m open here.
OK here is the big question.
What will be on the T-shirts?
How ’bout,
(in small font) “I think (much larger font) I survived Felberpalooza and the 72 hours of Elvis. (Grouseland’s logo, (Elvis the grouse on a mountain bike) and Adam’s logo (Adam?)) (Small font) I’ll let you know”.
No date here, I’m hoping it will be a yearly event.
There is a deep ocean of talent residing within the Felbernauts. It is doubtful that my efforts are the best out there. (Cooper, if you can’t do better, you’re not trying). Go to it folks. I’ll put the name of the best entry on the T-shirt. Here is your chance for immortality. (Not really, but what the hell, in FA land this will be as big as you can get).
Logistics,
We (probably mostly Jane, (the best part of Murray)) will shuttle folks from BWI, (Dulles if you insist) to Grouseland. You will need to let me know ahead of time for me to arrange things, including, if necessary, an over night stay at my house in Columbia MD (you needn’t be alarmed, this is a very nice place, indoor plumbing and very thing).
For most of you, who are not into camping, I can get you into the local Day’s Inn at a discount, $55/ night (normally $80), there are also some very nice B&B’s nearby, (again, let me know to set it up).
Any one who says he/she is a Felbernaut. by definition is one.
This gets you all privileges, including discount lodging free camping and free Felberpalooza party items. (This is also open for discussion)
This includes everyone.
jerry-the-conserve-a-troll, waterfowler, RRRRRyan, come on out.
See how much fun intelligent liberals are in an idyllic and as yet, un-Bush-destroyed world. My guess is that we may disagree, but still have a good time. (How can we not! This is ADAM! The world’s funniest and most insightful satirist; and his equally funny and fabulous sister).
There have been several ideas for sub-issues like, Sweet Potato(e) pudding, etc. Bring it on! (Cooper, you better bring enough for everyone, and it better be good!)
Ice, your help, would not only be useful but probably necessary.
Dee, we need you. (Bring your copy of Carl Kasell’s home answering machine’s message). (You have no idea how much I envy you on this item). Carl, we’ve already met and (by god) you are also welcome. Peter, how about it?
Adam, how do we get the other WWDTM folks out?)
Any one who wants to help out will earn my undying gratitude.
Let the party begin!
ice weasel
January 8, 2006 at 11:50 pm
9Wait a minute, Mr. Kassel did an answering machine message for Dee! And here I am dissecting the generic ones online to try and make something for myself, I want one so bad…
Ok, I’m over it. Sorry.
Murray, I’ll email you all my particulars, feel free to pass them around to any of the Felbernauts, of course, Adam included. I just prefer not to post them. Since I live in the area, I’ll will be happy to help however I can shuttling or offering guest room space on the way to event.
Just let me know how I can help and I will. Your offer so far, sounds more than generous. I think you can count two, very out of shape people (my wife and I) to come on the Pike2Bike. It sounds awesome.
Murray
January 8, 2006 at 11:51 pm
10Hmmm. lets try this again
www.elkridgefrunaceinn.com
www.pike2bike.org
Emmarie
January 8, 2006 at 11:56 pm
11*Sits steaming in her little world of not being old enough to do such things.*
There better be another one in a few, or even maybe a handful of, years.
Also, the word “Fanatipalooza” makes me dizzy. It’s fun to say but not to write.
Murray
January 9, 2006 at 12:06 am
12Ice, I bet Pete can make one from Carl’s voice on WWDTM. Do you want him to confess to killing Kennedy? Hoffa? Lacy Peterson? If you want one in person, I can’t help you there.
Murray
January 9, 2006 at 12:20 am
13Damn,
Once more,
http://www.elkridgefurnaceinn.com/
ice weasel
January 9, 2006 at 12:30 am
14Pete? Really?
Hey, I’d love to meet Mr. Kassel but I’d settle for having him greet callers to my phone. I was lucky enough to meet Bob Edwards last year at CES and told him my only regret was that I didn’t have a recorder because it was his voice that woke me up for years. Meeting and him and getting him to sign his Murrow book was great, but not having him say something was missing part of the equation. He seemed to understand.
dee
January 9, 2006 at 10:23 am
15Hey, I worked HARD to get Carl’s voice on my answering machine! (http://www.npr.org/programs/waitwait/archrndwn/2004/oct/041009.waitwa it.html — Round 3)
And Murray, I would bring my own bike but your would only guffaw at my Trek Navigator 100 with the Comfort Seat. However, I would be very interested in a tutorial about Gears and How to Use Them Efficiently. (I grew up in Michigan. My bike-riding skills were acquired on flat land. )
David
January 9, 2006 at 10:34 am
16Knowing my luck, the Green Swamp will probably be up to its figurative ass in a category 3+, but Fanatipalooza sounds more and more like something to ignore The Big Winds for, and since our strategy of choice is to load up the irreplaceables, board up the target domiciles, and haul literal ass out of harm’s way, but not to any FEMA-sponsored “shelter from the storm,” Grouseland Ho! is not out of the question, even in the face of “Global warming is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated,” or whatever it is James Inhofe, The Biggest Blowhard in the Senate, said.
Rusty
January 9, 2006 at 11:02 am
17I would love to attend. I haven’t had much to say for a long time (I take the “apathy” part very seriously), but I’m still a regular fanatic.
Murray
January 9, 2006 at 11:26 am
18Dee,
Your bike sounds just fine. I am very familiar with beginners and casual riders. Most of my rental bikes are hybrids with a wide seat. It’s important that people have fun on the bike and a skinny saddle for someone not used to it doesn’t work.
Mary
January 9, 2006 at 12:27 pm
19YES!!! Adam has agreed to join us!
Miss Edith - please consider joining in. Dogs are welcome
Hey, dee, you aren’t the only one with Carl on your answering machine. I’ve had mine for a few years now.
Murray- I’ll contact you about particulars. I may need you to strong arm my husband into coming. He, too, tends to avoid gatherings. Those English Lit majors can be be rather shy
Scott
January 9, 2006 at 12:59 pm
20I am glad to have such advance notice. As the FBI guy assigned to monitor your group, it’ll take about 9 months to get all my expense advances approved. If it were any earlier I’d have to pay out of my own pocket and get reimbursed after the fact.
Though, truth be told, I’d like to spend my labor day holiday with my all-american hetrosexual family with the stay-at-home mom/wife. So, could you maybe webcast the whole thing so I could run through it the following week?
Ann
January 9, 2006 at 4:06 pm
21I’m so excited! I may even try biking, which I haven’t done since, well, a long time ago. And just for the record I’d like to say that at one point I actually thought “Felberpalooza” was my idea, although I’m thrilled that Murray is making it a reality.
This will also be my first trip to the Northeast—I’ve never been further north on the East Coast than DC, if you don’t count making a connection in LaGuardia, which I don’t.
And telescopes! A virgin sky! Whoo-hoo! Oh, yes. And meeting Adam and all the rest of you—the real high point of the trip.
What can I do from Seattle?
ice weasel
January 9, 2006 at 4:39 pm
22Ok, since Adam has expressed some (completely understandable) discomfort over “Felberpalooza” what about “Blogstock”?
Note to Scott: You Feds are so low tech. Just watch the satellite feed while you’re home with the bunchkins. We will be outside, after all.
Ann
January 9, 2006 at 5:24 pm
23No, sorry, nothing else has the quirky ring of “Felberpalooza”! We ARE Felbernauts, after all!
Although I haven’t read anything about our space race, lately–and how’s Fanny doing?
historyenne
January 9, 2006 at 5:54 pm
24Rusty brings up something you may want to consider, Murray. There are a lot of people (including myself) who read FA regularly, but don’t always comment. Who even knows how many of us there are? Maybe you should have a sign-up sheet or something.
Landis
January 9, 2006 at 6:00 pm
25Yeah, how is Fanny?
Fannypalooza might be a good compromise with Fanny-the-Robo-Rat as the mascot. Adam, we love ya, but you’re right - it’s not all about you. Having you there means that it will actually happen, but I’m totally sympathetic to your ‘all about me’ sentiments. It’s your site that has brought us all together and we should call it something to do with Fanatical Apathy.
Now to figure out whether Kat and I will be driving from California or catching a flight. OAK/SFO - BWI gets quite expensive that time of year and it’s much harder to bring the proper camping gear (and bikes and telescope).
not that Pete
January 9, 2006 at 6:06 pm
26How about “Apathetifest”? It has something of the ironic and oxymoronic overtones we know and love.
cooper
January 9, 2006 at 6:36 pm
27Hey, Pete IVDL. The reference to Fanny the RobotRat got me thinking. In addition to emailing your picture, which will be taped to the back of a chair or front of a dart board - we are a democracy over here and we’ll have to take a vote - how ’bout FedExing one of your robots to Grouseland. Not the nuclear powered one - that could present major problems, but the one that serves beer without spilling a drop, even when bumped into by revelers or forced to dance with ice weasel (patent pending). That may guarantee your picture will be framed and hung over the bar, where none of the drunken louts can get at it, but we would still have to vote on it. Just a thought.
not that Pete
January 9, 2006 at 6:41 pm
28Landis,
If there are going to be lots of folks in lycra biker shorts, we might be in dangerous territory with “fanny” references. Just sayin’.
Doug
January 9, 2006 at 6:57 pm
29I came upon an ice weasel
He was walking along the road
And I asked him, where are you going
And this he told me
I’m going on down to murray’s farm
I’m going to join in a liberal clan
I’m going to bike across grouseland
I’m going to try an’ get my soul free
We are stardust
We are golden
We are something-something(?) carbon
And we’ve got to get ourselves
Down there with Adam
cooper
January 9, 2006 at 7:14 pm
30Doug, you’re a shameless boomer.
dee, my, aren’t you the impressive young lady. Great round on WWDTM! The confidence, the quick accurate answers - no hints needed from the panelists for this contestant! I was hoping you’d blow a kiss or say hello to Adam, while you had the chance, but probably best you didn’t. The other panelists would have made fun of him mercilessly. Which, come to think of it, would have been the perfect reason to do just that. Oh well, we always think of these things later.
BTW, my mother-in-law lives in your fair city and we’re there quite a bit. Hope to meet you at the *******palooza.
dee
January 9, 2006 at 7:42 pm
31dee, my, aren’t you the impressive young lady
Oh cooper, wrong on so many counts there. I actually had a piece of paper in front of me with my name and city on it, in case hearing Peter’s voice would cause me to swoon and forget myself.
ice weasel
January 9, 2006 at 8:10 pm
32Well Dee, I’m impressed.
Ok, for the Felberally challenged (that’s me), what is the history of Fanny The Robo-Rat?
Old Mother Felber
January 9, 2006 at 8:14 pm
33(inflating her chest to classic Margaret Dumont proportions)
Hwell, since I have been Hasked, I do think that just possibly, I shall be there for the Festival.
Hif, of course, there is enough white wine guaranteed.
And Hif the Dazzling Miss Daisy is also welcomed.
ice weasel
January 9, 2006 at 8:14 pm
34And I promise I’m not post-whoring (jacking up the thread count) I’m just a bit fractured right now. Anyway, has anyone here heard of The Nields? Fantastic music.
http://www.nields.com/
Just a suggestion.
ice weasel
January 9, 2006 at 8:40 pm
35Does Mother Felber have a favorite white wine? We wouldn’t want to offend by offering her an inferior vintage, would we?
Landis
January 9, 2006 at 10:04 pm
36not that Pete - All the better reason to call it that.
SeattleDan
January 9, 2006 at 10:38 pm
37I sure wish I could attend.Alas,I will be in DC in May for the national book convention,but I dont think my poor,but humble,business can afford two cross country trips this year. So allow me to sit back,wallow in self-pity, and dream of what might have been.
Murray
January 9, 2006 at 11:05 pm
38Old Mother Felber, we are most grateful for your willingness to attend. Please list your favorite wines and I will personally see to it that they are always on stock and properly chilled. If Lennox or Mikasa crystal is not sufficient we may need to sell Jane’s car to purchase Baccarat, yet a small price. I truly believe that this crowd will part as you walk by. Miss Daisy will also be treated like royalty (or as much as we can muster for a pooch).
Doug, that’s just great!
I’ve received a really cool poster from Russell which I’ve emailed to those on my email list, perhaps Adam can post it. I knew that there was a great reservoir of talent out there for this thing.
ice weasel
January 9, 2006 at 11:10 pm
39Murray, I have some excellent Speigalau wine glass. I would be more than happy to bring one, just for Mother Felber (sorry, I cannot bring myself to use the “old” prefix”). Once I know her preference in whites, I’ll bring the proper glass because, of course, Mother Felber would never sip a chenin blanc from a riesling glass, nor would I ask her to do so.
And Murray, that thing was just a joke for Adam based on something I read here a while back. Feel free to post it or do whatever but I can do much better.
waterfowler
January 9, 2006 at 11:10 pm
40David,
By ‘08, you should be more worried about the Houston Texans beating Miami or Tampa.
Sorry to disappoint you Murray, but I’m still around.
waterfowler
January 9, 2006 at 11:12 pm
41BTW, what did y’all do to RRRRyan? I hope the skunk didn’t eat ‘em.
esp
January 9, 2006 at 11:26 pm
42Out of the shadows they come….the lurkers. This sounds great. As I mentioned at the original comment section anything I can do I will do willingly. Just let me know. Meet you all at the ****palooza!!!
Old Mother Felber
January 9, 2006 at 11:38 pm
43Expensive wine glasses are not necessary.
A bathtub or two will do nicely, thank you.
And a wine that comes in a bottle, not a box, will be appreciated, thank you very much.
waterfowler
January 9, 2006 at 11:44 pm
44Dang!! What am I going to do w/ this box?…
dee
January 9, 2006 at 11:46 pm
45Somehow I don’t think Mother Felber will need any help setting up her tent…
Pete IVDL
January 9, 2006 at 11:47 pm
46Well, well, well. The Fannapalooza is rising like a new star in the firmament.
Coop, my only beer-powered robot, “Suds”, was decommissioned many years ago and recycled in an alarm system, a GPS receiver, and a beer-brewing controller (bit of irony, that). And my latest robots aren’t up to US standards - you’d just laugh and make jokes about the “wrong hemisphere” if I did succumb… But thanks for the thought.
Since it’s a democracy, please don’t offer to print my logo on the dunny paper. I couldn’t stand it.
Ice baby, that’s my specialty - you want a piratical Carl greeting, gimme a couple days, I’ll see up with what I can come. It might not mention you personally, you understand, unless I troll the WWDTM archives to find him saying the words “ice” and “weasel”…
Murray, can you add me to your email list? My address (frack-to-bunt, as it’s from down under) is: ua.moc.yhpargoidua@etepcp. Other like-minded folks are welcome to add me to their lists as well. This highlights what I consider to be a fatal and fundamental flaw in the posting of comments here - I’m always asked for my email, but it’s not even available to people I want it to be. Available to. You know what I mean.
As I sit here sippin’ from my Fanny The Roborat coffee mug, I’m tempted to suggest Fanny as the official logo. Perhaps with a lasso and a bottle of Maker’s? That covers the Fanny bit (pun intended), and the palooza bit, doesn’t it? Other ideas? Suggestions?
As for the slogan, it surely should incorporate Fanny, virgin (as in skies), left-wing, humour, and Adam. A photoshopped version of God touching Man (think Sistine chapel), with God replaced by a lobster, and Man with a suitable representation of Adam’s charistatic countenance, while all the rest of us lowlifers scattered through the clouds holding strumpets and whisky glasses and mouses and… Come on you guys/gals/others, we can come up with something offensive, funny, satirical, and therefore appropriate, right?
Pete IVDL
January 9, 2006 at 11:47 pm
47Sorry, that should have been ‘trumpets’, shouldn’t it? My bad. Hehehehehe…
Pete IVDL
January 9, 2006 at 11:51 pm
48And the other bit should have been “charismatic”, not “charistatic”, although Adam’s charisma is constantly surprising. (Whew, got out of that one.)
esp
January 9, 2006 at 11:51 pm
49Strumpets, Crumpets, Trumpets…whatever. It’s a big tent.
Thunder Chicken
January 10, 2006 at 12:20 am
50This sounds like it will be so much fun. At this time I can not confirm nor deny our attendance at this fine event, but I am certainly hoping it will be a possibility
Pete IVDL
January 10, 2006 at 7:43 am
51Adam, I was telling Fran (She Who Must Be Obeyed) about *palooza, and Coop’s apparent shiny dome, and she wanted to know more aboutch’all… so I showed her your wedding mugshots. Now I’m both insanely jealous and relieved. (She’s told me to write this…) She thinks you’re “cute” and if/when Jeannie tires of you, Fran’ll pick you up. That’s the jealous bit. But she’s worried that you might be forced to always wear a hat (I’ve always known that once I start to become follicularly challenged, or incontinent, or both, she’s off). I’m sorry to put it so bluntly, but she’s got me by the short and curlies right now. Literally. (She’s never lacked bluntness; “delicacy” is a four-letter word for her, but “fortright” isn’t). I really hope this doesn’t stop you from buying me a plane ticke to the ‘palooza… mate… buddy…
Pete IVDL
January 10, 2006 at 7:43 am
52Thank Lobster, she’s let go now… ahhhhhhhhhhhhh…
becca rbd
January 10, 2006 at 7:50 am
53Yet another lurker and spouse might show up if we’re back on the right continent by then. Felberpaloozer sounds fantastic and I would love to put faces to the personalities I’ve been getting to know over the past year or two. Currently feeling envious and wistful for the get-together from Luang Prabang, Laos. On the positive side, I am sitting here reading about an “intellectual liberal get-together” in an internet cafe in a communist country surrounded by young monks in saffron robes, so that has to count for something.
Anybody who wants to follow along as we stroll around the world is free to check us out at beccabrian.blogspot.com). Nothing like a terrible work/life balance and a second Bush election to make you put your regular life on hold, quit your job, rent your house, don a backpack, and go out to see the rest of the world.
By the way, Pete IDVL’s sistine chapel derived idea is brilliant. I’d order/buy one even if we can’t make it.
And Murray and Pete IDVL, put me on what ever email lists you have: becca.davis@gmail.com.
Turd Blossom
January 10, 2006 at 9:42 am
54If I come to Grouseland will I be able to pose for a photo with Tom Ridge like Murray did?
ice weasel
January 10, 2006 at 10:53 am
55Just a couple of random thoughts.
You know, I never would have thought it would be difficult digging up a decent medium-res image of a image.
It’s not really very complimentary to slap any male’s face on Adam. Michaelangelo had this way of portraying his men, well, how do I say this, in very average terms, to put it kindly.
Adam, for a small bag of unmarked bills I could fix that problem. Hell, for a small bag of unmarked bills, I’ll give you a choice of “fixes”, all of them guaranteed to be impressive.
Ok, back to slaving over a hot Photoshop.
ice weasel
January 10, 2006 at 11:17 am
56Pardon the above, the first line should read, in part, “image of a lobster”.
Adam, the more I think about it, I’m thinking maybe some nice baggy surf shorts.
dee
January 10, 2006 at 12:32 pm
57It’s not really very complimentary to slap any male’s face on Adam.
thinking…thinking…
Oh! THAT Adam. Although I guess it works either way.
ice weasel
January 10, 2006 at 12:54 pm
58There I go trying to be nice and see what I get.
Murray
January 10, 2006 at 1:31 pm
59Naming this Magilla.
One thing to consider is that we will have at least 3 Felbers at this bash, each very accomplished. To me, even if Adam is apprehensive, the name should reflect the glory appropriately deserved by the family. On the other hand, in the absense of a way to vote on the issue, I would guess that he should have the final say.
TB,
You get to have your picture taken with Adam, Susie and Mother Felber, and your’re worried about Tom Ridge? (Wasn’t he some govenor or something)?
ice weasel
January 10, 2006 at 1:56 pm
60It’s a bloody shame I post pictures in here. Though after looking at this one I’m about to send to Murray, I know why we’re not allowed to.
Adam, it’s all just fun, right?
And Murray, wasn’t Tom Ridge that kinky duct tape and plastic sheeting guy? I seem to recall from somewhere…
And Adam, that offer to “enhance” the image is still open. If you let me stay on the Prom Committee, I’ll do it for free. OK?
Ann
January 10, 2006 at 2:16 pm
61Not that I don’t love and trust every single one of you, but is there a safer way to provide my e-mail address to Murray and/or other organizers? I’m already getting the tsunami version of the Nigerian scam in my Inbox–I’d hate to invite more mail of that nature.
Oh, and I can live with “Fannypalooza.”
ice weasel
January 10, 2006 at 2:35 pm
62Ann, we will hopefully be posting a contact email address soon that everyone can use without fear of being spammed.
Check back here soon.
Hmmmm, fannyfest? Sounds kind of kinky.
David
January 10, 2006 at 3:31 pm
63Fannypalooza has my vote (maybe with Fanny the Roborat mooning?), the alternative being Fanaddledpalooza (but that doesn’t come until into the second bottle of Maker’s Mark/six-pack of Sam Adams/dispenser box of vin blanc select).
becca rbd,
Can you feel the envy, girl?
Waterfowler,
Been wondering where the hell you went. FA just isn’t the same without your comments, however erroneous they might prove to be (I have the distinction of never having been wrong about anything, ever, of course).
Pro teams are only accidentally connected to the states in which they are found, with the exception of a couple of the old franchises, like Green Bay. So the only thing that matters for me with pro teams is whether or not a Gator is on them. Hence, Go Bears.
The University of Florida, however, is just that, so a shootout between the Sultans of Swampland and the eponymous team from that huge expanse known affectionately to some of us as the Lone Brain State (this particular insult arises from the fact that a friend of over four decades is from El Paso, and we never let a week pass without trashing each other) is all that really matters to a bone marrow deep Gator like me.
Pete IVDL
January 10, 2006 at 4:09 pm
64Becca rbd, I’m more of a follower (baaaa) than a leader; I have difficulty answering the door, let alone having email lists of all the friend (sic) I’ve made… But thanks for the offer!
WF & David, I saw some footage of grown men in funny padded suits and old bike helmets chasing a funny pointed ball - I assume this was the football game you mentioned? Now, as I understand it, the Superbowl is played by the winners of two different leagues, right? So when do we know which two teams are going to be providing the pre- and post-Rolling Stones support act?
Allison in Santa Cruz
January 10, 2006 at 4:19 pm
65I’ve been swamped getting things together here at he beginning of the academic quarter, but Fanatipalooza sounds like a blast and I hope I’ll be able to make it! Although I’m a bit intimdated at the prospect of meeting all you smart folks in person.
And, by the way, I also have Carl’s voice on my home answering machine (http://www.npr.org/programs/waitwait/archrndwn/2004/sep/040904.waitwa it.html). I gotta say, I was really nervous. Plus, the week I played was the week of the Republican National Convention, which I had tried really hard not to pay too much attention to. That’s why I missed the Zell Miller question, although Peter and Company were kind enough to let me have it anyways. We did have a nice long talk about banana slugs, most of which wasn’t aired.
Ann
January 10, 2006 at 9:23 pm
66I’m not sure I’m happy about capitulating to this “War on Felberpalooza.” After all, Felber is the reason for the season. Or something like that. All you PC people who want to take the Felber out of Felberpalooza are just un-American. I’m calling Bill O-Reilly and getting my OWN damned T-shirts printed up. Hmmph.
cooper
January 10, 2006 at 11:34 pm
67Ann, I agree with you about the name for our gathering. Jeez, I tell you, the next thing you know they’ll be taking the “X” out of Xmas.
Allison, I remember hearing you talk about the Banana Slugs. You did quite well with the questions. I must say, I didn’t recognize your accent as being particularly Californian, though. Am I wrong?
ice weasel
January 11, 2006 at 12:08 am
68“Californian accent!?”
Ok, so I say “dude” alot. Besides that, how would anyone tell?
cooper
January 11, 2006 at 8:50 am
69For sure, ice.
ice weasel
January 11, 2006 at 9:30 am
70dude…
ice weasel
January 11, 2006 at 9:59 am
71reposted from the above thread…
For those of you who would like to know the very latest about Felberpalooza (or whatever it is) can now submit your email to:
felberpalooza@convergencetime.com
Your email address will never be sold, rented or given to anyone else. The only mail you will receive will be periodic updates relating directly to Felberpalooza.
I know the above sounds like some kind of disclaimer. It is, but simply put, this email address is only for Felberpalooza and you can send your email to it (to get information) without fear of any abuse.
Pete IVDL
January 11, 2006 at 10:20 am
72Dudes (and dudettes), I get the feeling it’s time we start figuring out what in Lobster’s name we’re going to call the shindig. I don’t have any super attachment to Fannapalooza, and it feels like we’re going overboard so as not to hurt Adam’s feelings (sorry, mate, but after all, the first (and often the most funniest) posts generally appear at the top of each page here). Sooo, let’s get the ball rolling.
1) Felberpalooza (this has the advantage of shining the light on Susie, Jeannie, and Mature Mother Felber)
2) Fannapalooza (PC version)
3) Fanatipalooza (suggested by He Who Posts First)
4) Apalooza (ditto, with the added appeal to equine lovers and Lone Ranger fans)
5) Fanaddledpalooza (if it fits on a t-shirt, it’s legal, I guess)
6) Blogstock (hey, man, dude, that is some serious stuff)
7) ?????
I know a blog comment section isn’t necessarily the best or most appropriate place for voting, and I admit it could be a widdle bit early, but…
Allison in Santa Cruz (a biology geek)
January 11, 2006 at 11:17 am
73My vote is for Fanatipalooza. It’s the funnest to say.
Cooper, I didn’t grow up in southern California or near the coast so maybe that’s why I don’t have a surfer’s mumble. I have had, on more than one occasion, people ask if I’m British. Dunno where that comes from, I always figure these people haven’t heard a real Brit speak.
ice weasel
January 11, 2006 at 11:19 am
74I am going to take *such* a beating on this. Good thing I’ve spoken to no one on the phone…yet.
Murray
January 11, 2006 at 3:58 pm
75My vote is for Felberpalooza, but I’m good with what ever is decided.
Retraction time.
In my enthusiasm, I read a little more into Susie’s email than I should have. She is very much in favor of Felberpalooza but it looks very unlikely that she will be able to make it. My bad. Sorry for the miscommunication.
Ann,
Yes, Felberpalooza was your idea. Here is what you wrote on Dec. 12.
“I hate PayPal, but I too am willing–nay, eager–to contribute. Perhaps a tip jar at the upcoming Felberpalooza?”
The rest is history.
Murray
January 11, 2006 at 4:03 pm
76One friend emailed me to ask if he should cancell his tickets to “Cartalkapalooza”
ice weasel
January 11, 2006 at 9:46 pm
77How much fun could cartalkapalooza be? I mean, the smell of exhaust all day?
btw, check out…
http://www.convergencetime.com/felberpalooza/
…for your updates henceforth.
Katie
January 11, 2006 at 11:44 pm
78OOOOOOHHHh, My God.
I go away for a month or two of sheetrocking, painting, packing, jobhunting, and divorcing and LOOK at what ya’ll do!!!
Ya’ll come up with the Best Damn Party Idea EVER!!!!!!!
OK. I am sooooooooo onboard.
I am available for whatever menial tasks need to be accomplished.
I am also a damned fine cook, and will volunteer those services as well.
I will second, or third, or ninth the motion to invite other WWDTM personalities.
Dee - I’m right there with you. I figure if I start now, I ought to be presentable by September!
Oh, wow. This is gonna be just the carrot I need to get through the coming months!!
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Katie
Murray
January 12, 2006 at 12:28 am
79In an attempt to tap the unfathomable depths of creativity, wit, and intellect of the FA readers and commenters, we need to come up with several FA type events.
The 72 Hours of Elvis events will be posted at http://www.convergencetime.com/felberpalooza/ soon so that everyone knows what is happening, but we need some other diversions to get this sucker into high gear.
One idea is a Sweet Potato(e) pudding contest. Cooper assumes supremacy but there might be challengers to that claim. Bring your best and see what discerning liberal gourmets proclaim the most outstanding. I’m more a chocolate freak and I will be supplying a Chocolate moose (that can’t be spelled right) cake that weighs a bit more than Uranium, and threatens one’s very existence by being so utterly fulfilling and sensory overloading that one wonders if there is anything left on earth to experience, and having partaken of the very best, how can one slide back down and live in his previous state. (Oh, I don’t make it, I just supply it. It’s from the Elkridge Furnace Inn.)
Star trek costumes? Purple pirate get ups? Lobster disguises?
What are our themes? What do friendly liberals with a love of satire do in the wild? (well,,, yea, of course, but,,, well,, that’s kind of their own business), I mean besides that?
We NEED your input.
hedera
January 12, 2006 at 1:36 am
80Katie, it’s great to see you back. I was wondering where you were.
As for California accents: I personally am a Native Californian, born and raised, and I don’t have a “surfer” accent (possibly because I never surfed). I’ve never been asked if I’m a Brit, but I have been asked if I’m an easterner; I think it’s because I sound all my consonants and actually pronounce most of the syllables of the words I say.
I’m torn about Felberpalooza. I’d love to come, I’m almost certain my husband will not be persuadable (he doesn’t like large groups of people he doesn’t know), and I still don’t know how our vacation schedule will work out. Keep plotting and I’ll keep watching. Worst case, there’s always the photo over the bar.
Pete IVDL
January 12, 2006 at 10:04 am
81Hedera, make sure the photo is off-centre, in case you make it to the dartboard with me…
Katie, I’ll eleventh that, the WWDTM folks are like family, and even if their schedules are full, it’d be a great pity not to be able to pat those fine public spirited folks on the back. This of course includes (and maybe even ’specially) the behind-the-scenes gnomes and elves who work to get the show off the ground.
Murray, it’s “mousse” - although if you supplied a life-sized chocolate moose, I’d swim the Pacific to be there! Now, how about a chocolate lobster???
Kim
January 12, 2006 at 12:26 pm
82Lobster-willing, I’d like to come. My guy and I will bring bourbon, but probably won’t splurge on Maker’s. He’s a Ten High guy — both because it’s very drinkable for a cheap bourbon (in his opinion; in mine they’re all undrinkable) and because it was bluesman Robert Johnson’s beverage of choice way back when.
Thanks, Murray, for making this happen.
historyenne
January 12, 2006 at 5:13 pm
83Fanatipalooza gets my vote
George C.
January 13, 2006 at 12:43 am
84Sounds like a good weekend. I will be there.
David
January 13, 2006 at 11:51 am
85Chocolate mousse is definitely an exotic dancer,
and might be a thought for Fanaddledpalooza.
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February 22, 2006 at 1:18 pm
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Costume Rentals
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