Mostly Muppet

I have no idea why the phrase I’m using as a post title, “Tentacular and the Octophants”, jumped into my head this morning, but it did.

Likely culprit: a cool print of an Octophant that’s now become a t-shirt. This might make a good birthday purchase. I’m just sayin’.

Octophant

I also think the title would be a great band name. Very 70’s prog rock or terrible high school/college rock noise experiment. It’s a definite contender for inclusion in my upcoming novel for NaNoWriMo.

You remember NaNoWriMo, right? The annual novel-writing competition that takes place each November. I’ve participated three times now with almost an entire 50,000 word novel as the result, spread across 3 years and 3 topics.

It’s been more of a lark in the past, but it’s put up or shut up time in 2008.

So I’ve got this little nugget - a band name - Tentacular and the Octophants. And I’ve got a phrase I’d like to use, maybe as the novel’s title: “Land O Goshen”, which my paternal grandmother still says.

My cousins grew up in Goshen, Indiana and I think some kind of coming of age/finding yourself/switching identities story would work well there. Or maybe referencing that mundane locale with the biblical Goshen.

Anyhow, I’ve still got another 3 weeks to plan the structure, jot down some more snippets of dialogue and clever phrases and study up on Egypt, Indiana and the concept of identity (both personally and online).

Wish me luck!

I never plan out my birthday - presents I want, places I’d like to visit, things I’d enjoy doing - and so my best birthdays have been the one where Jenn (who knows me perfectly) does the heavy lifting. See my 30th birthday recap for evidence.

Anyhow, since it’s a Friday and we’re less than a fortnight (that’s 2 weeks for those of you scoring at home) from #32, I thought I’d offer a (mostly) tongue-in-cheek list of things I want for my birthday.

Plus, I’ve done nothing but lists all week, so why change now?

1. Crystal Head Vodka

A glass skull as a bottle? Check.
Dan Aykroyd as your pitch man/financial backer? Check.
An 8-minute ad that reads like a Ghostbusters 3 viral video? Check.

I *so* have to own a bottle of this stuff. For my birthday.

2. A suit to make me look like Don Draper

I’m completely harping on the topic of Mad Men, but since I’m going as Don Draper for Halloween, I need the suit.

Here’s the interview that makes me love the character, the show and the actor, Jon Hamm, even more than I should: Jon Hamm, star of TV’s Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world

3. Console Wars Veteran - Pin

I would never really pay €18.00 for this (or expect a loved on to do so) but I think I’ve earned an honorarium or some kind. Maybe a WoW action figure for my desk at work?

Other than these things (and some new headphones and a new iPhone case - both of which will be purchased this weekend) I couldn’t be happier.

I really don’t need more stuff in my life. I just want more time to be with the folks I love, taking advantage of all the stuff.

Happy Friday!

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but I’m now head-over-heels in love with Mad Men.

Actually, if you’ve read this blog at all in the past month, you’re probably sick to death of it/me.

Still, I’ve got a few links to share to either fuel the fire or burn you out.

1. it’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world

Michael Kors (yes, I watch Project Runway too) is apparently such a big fan of Mad Men, it inspired his newest line.

2. The City Where ‘Mad Men’ Reigned Lives On

Washington Post article on the New York City of Mad Men.

3. Office Manager

Limited Edition t-shirt with a silhouetted “Joan”. Found out about it on Monday, pre-order closed today @ Noon. Sorry.



Joan's Silhouette

4. Mad Men Illustrated

Mad Men-themed Illustration set. Brilliant and I’ve probably already linked it.

My new iPhone wallpaper:



Joan and the Xerox machine

5. Mad Men Season 2 Recaps

Since I’ve only recently caught up, I’ll have to give these a try soon, but Kottke’s seal of approval carries a ton of weight.

Until Sunday’s episode!

There’s a thread here, but I don’t want to be too obvious about it. You be the judge.

1. I’m going to try and catch up on Breaking Bad

I enjoy Brian Cranston, AMC has me hooked on Mad Men (we started late, but caught *that* marathon) and, despite the Twitter kerfuffle, I think their broadband offerings/extensions are cool.

2. Most TV networks don’t get social networks

Or they do grok it, just not *enough* or in the right way. Everyone is equally guilty, but folks are trying.

3. The Outbreak *is* interactive TV

Minus the TV, of course. *This* is how the internet changes everything. Found via Twitter, of course.

4. Don’t like the Horror of The Outbreak (it’s zombies), you can still find Old TeeVee on New TeeVee (the internet) without breaking the law
5. How to Know if You Should Fire Your Social Media Consultant

Good advice for folks who peddle Social Media wares and those who would hire them.

6. Broadcast Ratings Down

Not all that shocking or earth-shattering considering the most recent strike (plus some of the factors above) but a good perspective on the shifting.

7. Social media as customer service

Church of the Customer is always good.

8. Local: ATL Social Media Calendar

I’m remiss in my tweetup and APWBWGTTD attendance.

There you go.

No, I’m not going to mention the Presidential election or the Wall Street Bailout, I’m going to blog about beer.

Namely the fact that I had healthy (and sometime unhealthy, considering the outcome of the UGA/Bama game) doses of two of Anheiser Busch’s latest products.

First, Landshark Lager.
Which is essentially a Corona knock-off.
YMMV depending on your enjoyment, or lack thereof, of Corona.
And yes, it’s an AB offering, despite the “Margarittaville Brewing” tag and mention of Jacksonville, FL, it’s still AB

Second, Budweiser American Ale.
Meh.
Nothing to write home about but really nothing to hate.
Kinda like my reaction to Bud Light, actually.

So I’ve given them my money and maybe a little bit of my soul, because I’m thinking I’ll purchase these two again?

Is this the slow slide into oblivion via lowering standards.

Hell, I’m having another Landshark!

Cheers!