Blog Fu: Enter the Dragon

After a wide variety of challenges,* I could post a string of negative links (like the slavery apology with no check behind it or the hard luck story of a father of four who turned to bank robbery out of desperation). However, I won't. I choose joy, dammit, and you should to! So let's get that going, BLOG FU STYLE!

- I've decided to become fascinated by the concept of steganography. The idea that messages can be right in front of your face and people not see them ... it's so much like the way I often feel I'm speaking and not being heard, but subverts the concept to do it on purpose for a kind of empowerment. I find that liberating. Look for this in some of my fiction, I suspect.

- Because we could use more of it in every day life, how about twelve indispensible tips for creating elegance. I think that's a good thing to keep in mind, from stacking dishes to designing skyscrapers.**

- On a similar note, who knew you were only four steps away from being happier?*** You can be more effective while you're at it!

- Who wouldn't be happier knowing the ten craziest products inspired by bacon? Not owning, per se, because I'm sure many Muslims would have beef with that**** ...

- Have you ever seen my dawg Craig and I do "Under Pressure" at karaoke? It's a sight to see, I tell ya ... what's that? The homie Jabir filmed it on his phone and uploaded it to da intanet? It's true ...

... now that's entertainment!

- I don't know why this image of Matt Wagner's masterpiece creation Grendel***** makes me so happy. I could almost see myself with a t-shirt of that ... or dressed up that way for Dia de los Muertos.

- I don't know much about Lady Gaga****** -- her loopy 80s-styled lyrics over groovin' modern dance beats have helped me immensely as a DJ and karaoke host, I'll admit -- but anybody who shoots fire from her boobs can't be all bad.

- How about something you can use? Try asking these questions at your next job interview and see if it goes well.*******

- Even better: networking tips for business people who are shy ... or antisocial ... or misanthropic ... you get the point!

- Yes, I'm fascinated by the idea of powering things with urine given how useless it seems now. Screw you, OPEC, we've got Smart Water!********

I've got more, but I have a lot of grinding to do today, so you'll have to wait for more digital sunshine on another day. Also, check for the new blog over at MySpace for news about my official retirement from karaoke hosting. Auf wiedersen!

Playing (Music): "Died In Your Arms Tonight" by Smitty

* = Don't ask.
** = It bothers me that people don't recognize how many chances for creativity and interesting things exist in even the most mundane lives. But we're not getting into stuff that bothers me today! Don't bring me down like ELO sang!
*** = Those twelve steppers are working too hard. Kidding! Much respect to people in recovery!
**** = halal beef, of course, but still ...
***** = Matt Wagner's Hunter Rose is one of my all-time favorite fictional characters. He wins by force of will and unmitigated genius, and loses through his own arrogance and attachment to strategic liabilities. I can relate to that.
****** = "... can't read my, can't read my, no he can't read my poker face ..." Also, any song so awesome that it inspires an even more awesome song (profanity notwithstanding)... well, I can't be mad at that at all. Okay, I'm a little mad at CuDi's verse, because I don't think all that was needed, but the rest is amazing!
******* = Never say I didn't do anything for you.
******** = Strangely, the official website looks dumb ... who knew?