Today's Apocalypse Sign: This Ones For Alex

Congrats Alex...you deserve all the credit and accolades you have received during this blogfest.

~~
Well, I have never been a first commenter on Alex's site. Maybe once but I'm not sure. Usually by the time I read the days post on Alex's blog at least hundred people have already commented. So for this blogfest I thought I would go for the gusto and try to be the Last entrant and poster.

Alex was one of my first followers and for that I will always be grateful. He is a loyal friend who never fails to comment on any of the drivel I have put out there over the last two years. To the point I feel bad when I miss one of his posts. He has commenting on a hundred blogs down to an art form of sincerity. The highest praise I can give for this is the simple statement that if Alex is the only one to comment on one of my posts, its been worth the time it took to write it.

Who is Alex? What does he look like? Who would play him in a movie?

I do not have the slightest clue, truth be told. I could be whimsical and comedic in my answers in my answers but today I don't feel like following the rules or being cavalier. I want to say just a few things totally not in the spirit of a "roast" type format. No ninja death here today!

Alex has created something literally from nothing. His site (like every other) started at ground zero. He chose to mold it into what it is today. A blog that is looked toward for help by struggling and underconfidant writers - aspiring and newly published. His ISWG weekly get-togethers have no doubt helped several writers with issues they once dealt with on their own or thought no one else was facing.

I suspect Alex looks different to each of his followers based on how he has helped them. Warrior. Cowboy. Cosbolt pilot, Yes, even truly a Ninja (how does he do his Santa-like visits to so many blogs?) I see him as a regular guy. One I would love to discuss/debate music, movies and good trivia with. And have maybe a drink or two.

I find his writing engaging and visual. Two musts for me. Both of his published books have captivated me and reeled me in like a fish. I can say honestly that I am waiting anxiously for his third book and hoping he is willing to continue writing after this trilogy is done. I certainly will read whatever he writes next. And thanks to Alex, I have discovered others I enjoy reading, Nancy, Stephen, Milo...to name a few.

Alex is one of the good guys. The fact he is endlessly supportive to so many, underscores that fact. The writers he features on his site surely benefit from the increased exposure. Giving back is his strong suit. Co-hosting the A-Z Challenge is one of his biggest give-backs on a huge stage. He takes the time to respond to all his commenters no matter how many. The personal touch. He inspired me to do the same.

In summary, even though he is by his own words "not a big fan of Led Zeppelin" (a flaw I rarely forgive in people who have any sense of music history) I can look past that and say, I am a better blogger, person, and internet presence because I have "met" him.

That is who he is.

Enjoy your blogfest Alex.

Now a treat from youtube...

Today's Apocalypse Sign: What's Next? And The Dead Pool Update

I have received several (alright 4) inquiries into what the future may hold for this here blog after the 21st of this month. Things like will there be a post on the 22nd? will your blog name change? do you wear boxers or briefs? Wha-what??? That might have been Robyn's question.

Anyway, I honestly only began thinking about that name change thing the last couple weeks. But in the end I feel there will still be enough uncertainty in the reading of the daily "tea leaves" so to speak, that I can find plenty to blather on about for years to come in regards to apocalyptic events. The Mayan references will have to go but there will certainly be something that I can replace it with. We shall see on that score

I am sure I will post on the 22nd (unless I choose option 4 on the party planners guide) as I will have to at least let you know that there was not a mini-Apocalypse that only struck where moi lives.

As far as the underwear question...I say let them eat pizza! More string cheese pleeeze!!

--------------------------------------------

DEAD POOL UPDATE

I have been watching the news but reluctant to pull the trigger on number three. There is really a lot of death to find if you go looking for it. Jenni Rivera died in a plane crash and even though she was apparently well known and really hot looking...in the end I have never really heard of her and I only considered her for number three since she is married to the baseball player with the coolest name...Esteban Loaiza. It just rolls off the tongue in a sing-song kind of way. But in the end I decided not to choose her. Now I am struggling to determine if I am indeed being too subjective and not just playing the cards as they fell. So if by some chance you actually drew her name from the hat...I guess you win. In the shallow end of the pool.

I also am keeping an eye on G.H.W. Bush who has been hospitalized...Senator Daniel Inouye 88, the 50-year Senator from Hawaii who is hospitalized. And even Freddy Muniz who, as young as he is, had a mini-stroke...at 28???

I am of the mind to let this thing percolate a little longer as this season of overindulgence has just begun and all options should be left open.

We have Larry Hagman as #1, Zig Ziglar as #2 and if you you have any candidates worthy of consideration that have passed on please bring them up.

By the way, I saw the Stones open for Monday Night Football tonight...don't bother picking any of them (unless maybe Bill Wyman) they aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Today's Apocalypse Sign: Let's Get To It - Zombie Apocalypse

Many people think and wish for a Zombie Apocalypse (ZA). This is a curious fetish along the lines of being star-struck by a murderer in prison and then wanting to be with (or marry) them. Well, if this is your thing then we need to cover this possibility for 12.21.12.

Educate Yourself

Let's start with a primer for a pandemic caused ZA. (If you planned some Pandemic Pictionary from yesterday's post, give yourself bonus points). What better way to start than with an educational film.

This film was released on SyFy back in 2011 and took place in 2011. It is pandemic-based and zombies chase our heros to Catalina Island for refuge. How Ving Rhames does not go "down right medieval on their zombie asses" and save the world is to waste what he learned in Pulp Fiction. I have never seen this movie but I am sure it has loads of tips on what to do and not do in regards to ZA. {I have seen Zombieland and Woody gives some good tips too.}

Dress For The Kill

Next, you need to dress the part. You can get the latest zombie T-Shirts at where else...Zombie T-Shirts! One of my personal favorites is this beauty...

I also recommend some protective clothing and a good start would be...what else? attack dog training suit! Bonus is it protects your neck too.

We Must Protect This House!

Now you are ready for some home security. Here is a genius method you could take care of this weekend at your local Academy Sports store.

This would allow you to literally shoot zombies like fish in a barrel as they endlessly try to keep walking to get into your house. Be sure to keep your electric bill paid...you'll need plenty of juice!!

Zombie Blades

Weaponry is now in order. Let's start with blades...get as many as you can! Go to Zombie Tools and check out some of the badass blades you can buy today! Start with these beauties...

This is the Apokatana - must have.

The Mack Daddy-O is 42 inches and 4 pounds of Zombie stopping power

There are many other choices including smaller personal defense blades you will want to carry on your person at all times. Not cheap but these products will not break or let you down so go get ya some!

The Armory

Okay, last for today is the firepower you need to stop the brain bunglers from a safe distance. If you can't trust the validity of ask.com chiming in on the ZA who can you trust? Best Guns for the Zombie Apocalyse are right here for your evaluation. My first selection would be...

M16 with the M203 grenade launcher
For single or group kills

My next selection would be the Remington 870 shotgun with a sidesaddle for serious splattering power. A 45-cal and 357 for a personal sidearm, a Tommy gun with a 100-round drum and the coup de gras...the flame thrower!!

This should get you started on your way to self protection and getting your band of brothers ready to defend. What? You don't have a band of brothers?? Maybe that should have been at the very top of the list...well if you haven't made any friends you can count on, maybe your brain should be eaten.

How are you preparing?

More to come....

Today's Apocalypse Sign: The Countdown To The End

Today marks less than 12 days to the end of the Mayan Long Count Calendar. More specifically:

Today's Date:	Mon 10  Dec 2012
Today's Maya Date:	12 . 19 . 19 . 17 . 9
	4 Manik 10 Mac
11 days until 13.0.0.0.0

If you check out the link above, you will know what all that means...maybe.

So, what will relieve the headache you are bound to get trying to understand the detail of this calendar??

An End Of The World party, of course!!

Here are some options to consider when planning that special once-in-a-lifetime (literally) party:

1. World Wide End Of The World Party - You can organize your own party, join an existing party, or print a World End ticket for the party...all from this site. Cool video too. There is plenty of fun stuff to do on the Mayan calendar wheel. Check it out!

2. End Of The World Party Decorations - Here you can get everything you need for your own EOW party. From Mayan maraccas to necklaces and from torch cut-outs to Mayan party horns, you'll have everything you need. There are also party favors, party food list, and a party play list. One stop shopping! Of course they have all bases covered with a selection of I Survived The Mayan Calendar T-shirts. (Okay so I ordered one!!). You can also get this cool party sign for your yard!

3.  Doomsday Party 2012 - Here are four great party games for EOW party. My personal favorite...Pandemic Pictionary!! Right?

4. Apocalypse Drinking Game - Guaranteed to make you not care about (and maybe even hope for) the End Of The World.

5. Cruise to the End - For those of you looking to spend every last dime before the End, check out this cruise to where it all began...Mayan country. Sails from New Orleans to the Yucatan and Cozumel. Might as well be in the center of the biggest party on the planet!

And now a little upbeat ditty to get you in the mood...






And if the world is going to end, you can't go without hearing a little Tom Waits...



That's a young and hilarious Martin Mull (sans moustache).

Today's Apocalypse Sign: The Hanukkah Weekend Graphs

The festival of lights has kicked off the holiday season that sees Jewish overlap African overlap Christian Christmas celebrations. I personally cannot keep them all straight and since I only partake in one of them I guess I don't really have to. But whatever your party style is this December be safe and forgiving while you enjoy the weekend graphs! Twelve days left in the Mayan calendar!!


I think you have a pretty good crop to plow through today and I even included a bonus graph for you Tom Waits fans.

So wait no longer...the Festival of Graphs is here!

Enjoy....



What about nosebleed red???




The circles of life...so true



I'm a pepper, you're a pepper, wouldn't you like to be a pepper too!!



Ahhh...the good old days. This describes my 20's to a T!



It's the first thing you check upon entering the bathroom, people!!!





And for the beginning of Hanukkah, another Tom Waits graph!!  Again if you have never listened this still makes no sense...but it is very true!

Today's Apocalypse Sign: The Weekend In Black And White

A couple months ago I made my first trip to Jerry's World Theme Park  (aka Cowboys Stadium). All I was packing that day was my little Olympus Stylus Tough - 8010 point-and-shoot. It takes some decent pictures with some in camera effects. One I used several times that day was the "fish eye". This shot is a good one of this humogous monument to sports excess...from the top of the world!


Dallas Cowboys Football

Not a bad seat in the house!

Linking to The Weekend In Black In White

Today's Apocalypse Sign: Mayan Month Weekend Graphs

Hello my soon-to-be wassailers preparing for your holiday wassailing. Only time of year using that word twice in one sentence is alright. We have turned the calendar to the final month of the Mayan Long Count Calendar, the lead-in to the end as it were. 12.21.12 is a mere 19 days away and with it, all the uncertainty and speculation of what comes next. You know the freaks are about to start crawling out of the woodwork as well as those bent on making a profit off of the hype. I will strive to bring you what I can ferret out regarding this once in our lifetime event (one way or the other it WILL be that at least).

For now, I wish to share the findings of my search this week to amaze, entertain, and educate you in the ways of the world you may be unaware of.

To that end I present the first Weekend Graphs for December 2012.


Please enjoy!


For all my blogger friends from across the pond...this entry is for you!




If you have never heard a Tom Waits song this will make no sense...I recommend The Piano Has Been Drinking and my favorite TW tune...Pasties and A G-String.


Who doesn't like re-enacting the scene from Marathon Man...not safe at all.



I actually wake up at 4:55 and realize I can sleep til 5...not the same amazingness.


In case you felt really good about your Christmas shopping this year...