Tag: blogging

The Music of STEIS — “Performance of ther Year” nominee (Boston, Mass.)

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The first round of voting for this year’s “Performance of the Year” begins TONIGHT at 7 p.m. (Pacific) at The Public Blogger. As I mentioned earlier, it’s sort of like the blogging world’s version of The Oscars, with a little American Idle thrown in. Which is good, because if it was The Rap Awards my hip-hop name “2-White-2-Rap” would get me thrown out.

Anyway, there are 11 nominees, and one of us will be voted out each week until Dec. 30, beginning with the first round of voting tonight.

Yesterday, I began featuring each of the other nominees so you get a chance to see their work. There are five genres represented — artists, writers, photographers and singers. Oh, and one humorist. (There must be some kind of quota.)

Please take the opportunity to vote tonight, even if it’s not for me. Details are at the bottom of this post… as well as an elementary school photo of me with braces, buck teeth and rainbow suspenders that were often used for tying me up in the boys bathroom. But please — don’t let the torment of my youth influence your decision when you vote.

In the meantime, meet singer, songwriter and recording artist STEIS… Continue reading The Music of STEIS — “Performance of ther Year” nominee (Boston, Mass.)

Rob Goldstein — “Performance of the Year” nominee (San Francisco, Ca.)

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The first round of voting for this year’s “Performance of the Year” begins tomorrow at The Public Blogger. As I mentioned earlier, it’s sort of like the blogging world’s version of The Oscars, with a little American Idle thrown in. And for everyone’s sake it’s a good thing “So You Think You Can Dance” wasn’t a part of it. Otherwise, eliminations would be people going to the hospital after dancing with me.

Anyway, there are 11 nominees, and one of us will be voted out each week until Dec. 30.

Between now and tomorrow evening at 7 p.m., when voting begins, I’m going to feature each nominee so you get a chance to see their work. There are five genres represented — artists, writers, photographers and singers. Oh, and one humorist *puts hands in pockets and whistles off key*

Please take the opportunity to vote tomorrow, even if it’s not for me. Details are at the bottom of this post… along with a photo of my four teens looking proudly at their father. But please, don’t let the thought of their disappointment should I not get voted through influence your decision at all…

In the meantime, meet mental health activist, artist, blogger and poet Rob Goldstein. Continue reading Rob Goldstein — “Performance of the Year” nominee (San Francisco, Ca.)

Christian Marc — “Performance of the Year” nominee (Hollywood, Ca.)

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The first round of voting for this year’s “Performance of the Year” begins tomorrow at The Public Blogger. As I mentioned earlier, it’s sort of like the blogging world’s version of The Oscars, with a little American Idle thrown in. Except none of our mothers are going to tell the judges how talented we are even when we stink. Anyway, there are 11 nominees, and one of us will be voted out each week until Dec. 30.

Between now and tomorrow evening at 7 p.m., when voting begins, I’m going to feature each nominee so folks get a chance to see their work. There are five genres represented — artists, writers, photographers and singers. Oh, and one humorist *smiles creepily*

Please take the opportunity to vote tomorrow, even if it’s not for me.

Details are at the bottom of this post.

There’s also a short, but sad story about how I’ve never won anything since Mrs. Flipendorf’s sixth-grade “Draw The Female Reproductive System” contest. (I got extra credit for including the placenta, which was actually a spagetti stain from working at the dinner table. But hey — a win’s a win…)

In the meantime, meet writer, producer and all-around talented guy Christian Marc. It’s just too bad he’s so *cough cough* homely… Continue reading Christian Marc — “Performance of the Year” nominee (Hollywood, Ca.)

Charles Okpere — “Performance of the Year” nominee (Nigeria)

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As I mentioned yesterday, the first round of voting for this year’s “Performance of the Year” begins tomorrow at The Public Blogger. It’s sort of like the blogging world’s version of The Oscars, with a little American Idle thrown in. If The Sopranos gets added to the mix, it could be over by next weekend. Otherwise, there are 11 nominees, and one of us will be voted out each week until Dec. 30.

Between now and tomorrow evening at 7 p.m., when voting begins, I’m going to feature each nominee so that you can get a chance to see their work. There are five genres represented — artists, bloggers, photographers and singers. Oh, and one humorist. Please take the opportunity to vote tomorrow.

Even if it’s not for me.

I’ll have details at the bottom of this post.

Along with a very endearing photo of myself that will linger in your mind come voting time.

In the meantime, meet Charles Okpere, a young man from Nigeria whose persepctives and outlook on living life with optimism in the face of oppression is both illuminating and inspiring… Continue reading Charles Okpere — “Performance of the Year” nominee (Nigeria)

I’d like to thank my daughter for finding Nemo — then eating him

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As I mentioned earlier this week, I’m one of 11 nominees for Performance of the Year at The Public Blogger. While I’d like to believe it’s based on my body of work as a humorist (not the first time I’ve been told I have a funny looking body) I must recognize the fact that, had my daughter not eaten “Nemo,” I probably wouldn’t be here today. It was my third Freshly Pressed post and, by far, got the most responses. And not just from PETA. It helped put me on the Public Blogger radar — which is why I chose to include it as part of my first submission requirement to be voted on by the general public this Monday, Oct. 12 (details to come.)

We were also asked to explain, in one paragraph or less, what our art means to us (above). In truth, it really just says, “Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah… plus I get cookies.” I threw in the other stuff to sound intellectual. Continue reading I’d like to thank my daughter for finding Nemo — then eating him

Birthday or not, any year of Samara is worth celebrating

image The blog-o-sphere is like a train station, with hourly arrivals and departures we either connect with, make part of our routine or miss completely. When Samara pulled into my WordPress depot a few years ago, I knew hers was a crazy train offering stunning viewpoints as well as stretches of dangerous track. But I also knew no matter how close her stark honesty and razor-wire wit might come to causing a derailment, I could trust we’d always arrive safely at our destination because of her caring heart and adeptness as a writer.

So when I was invited to join other bloggers in wishing Samara a Happy Birthday today with a post — and a musical toast — I hopped aboard quickly. Although, to be honest, I would’ve been willing to steal a horse and gallop alongside in order to catch this train of well-wishers. That’s because I’m as much a fan and admirer of her blogger persona as I am of her person: devoted and kick-ass mother to equally kick-ass Little Dude; astute and introspective writer who can be simultaneously sarcasitc and warm, tough and vulnerable; and devoted friend to the coolest collection of “sisters” in the blog-o-sphere. Continue reading Birthday or not, any year of Samara is worth celebrating

There goes “The Neighborhood” (and it’s probably my fault)

image If the blog-o-sphere had a homeowners association, I’d probably get kicked out of the neighborhood for not mowing the lawn.

And maybe for still having my Christmas lights up in July.

But there is no homeowners association here. In fact, no one knows WHO’s running this place. Which might explain how I managed to get invited to be a special guest in “The Neighborhood” for this week’s episode of “The Lives We Live.”

For those who aren’t familiar with this blog-based show, it began last week with seven bloggers from around the world. Each contributes something — a video, post, song — about themselves and the life they live. Following each episode, someone is voted off. This might explain why I was asked to be a guest — and not a participant…

Send him home before the rose ceremony so we can avoid all of the awkward crying and begging.

The show’s host, Kendall F. Person, asked me for a short video highlighting something from my life; something compelling that would let people know who I am. I told him he could either have “compelling” OR something about “me,” but finding something about me that was also compelling would be next to impossible. Continue reading There goes “The Neighborhood” (and it’s probably my fault)

Call off the search party! Or maybe keep the party, not the search

Yes, those are my legs. Sorry about that...
Yes, those are my legs. Sorry about that…
You may have noticed I’ve been “missing” from the blog-o-sphere since last Friday. Then again, you may have noticed a weird spot on the kitchen ceiling that could be either maranara sauce or cranberry chutney from Thanksgiving, and therefore completely oblivious to my absence.

And who could blame you?

I had every intention of writing a short post for Friday morning, explaining how I would be off the grid and away for a family reunion (Mine, not just some random family), and how when I got back it would be on a deadline day (today) — which is like walking into the middle of a circus fire.

But I didn’t get the chance to write that post. Instead, I just disappeared without a word and left everyone in state of panic, wondering: My GOD! Will cranberry chutney leave a permanent stain?!?

So, I’d like to offer a sincere apology to everyone for what may have appeared to be a thoughtless act of self indulgence. The truth is, I put a lot of thought into indulging myself. So much so, that I ran out of time to write a post before I left. But I did bring you back a few photos and a short video. There’s also a T-shirt in the mail to all of you from Sun River, Ore.

And by that I mean one T-shirt, so you’ll have to share… Continue reading Call off the search party! Or maybe keep the party, not the search

One thing I do that ALWAYS turns my wife on

Yeah, being geeky together helps, too...
Yeah, being geeky together helps, too…
Since the thong incident, I realize any tenuous grip, however slight, I might have had on entertaining the hope of becoming a sex symbol — again however slight — essentially disappeared into the sandy void of those dunes. And to keep from making things any worse, I won’t define what I mean by “sandy void.”

Still, come this August, I’ll have been an extremely happily married man for seven years. That’s because, in additon to the blessings my wife and I share as a couple who truly enjoys every moment together — and the knowledge that NO day would be as good as it could be without each other in it — I also happen to know how to… well… Ummm, please my wife.

*Ahem* If you know what I mean.

*wink wink*

*cough cough*

Ok, if you still don’t know what I mean, then this short video about my secret bedroom tip should help…

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Truthfully, I’m getting a little sick of myself

photo by Kim Ulmanis
photo by Sharlynn Vee
As I got ready to post this morning, I stopped for a moment and scrolled through my last several entries.

Me.
Me.
Me again.
Me again, in a thong (sorry again).

I suddenly had the realization I could be in danger of wearing out my own welcome.

While it’s true this site is called Ned’s Blog, I’ve tried to avoid having it become a mere self-promotional or marketing tool. My goal for this blog has always been a simple one: Make it a place where people can count on getting a laugh or two.

Possibly three if I’m really on my game.

Over time, it has also been a place where I’ve opened up on occasion about the more sobering aspects of my life as a firefighter or growing up in a family of alcoholics.

Granted, those posts didn’t get many laughs. Continue reading Truthfully, I’m getting a little sick of myself