Impact
Oh my dog---the GNF--it finally came! And it is every bit as radiant and moving as I always knew it would be.
captcha: white, as in “It was great fusing with you all in the shadow and glory of the _______ cloud.”
Posted by on 01/09 at 09:48 AMWe are all GNF now!
captcha: “heard,” as in “I _______ a Global Nuclear Fireball when I died.”
Posted by Crazy Little Thing on 01/09 at 10:07 AMWell, that just cheered me up. Waahoo!!
capcha: “analysis,” as in, “my reaction to this post doesn’t bear much ________”
Posted by on 01/09 at 10:14 AMPerfect.
Posted by Roxanne on 01/09 at 10:42 AMIt’s been a pleasure to fuse with all of you in the GNF. Thanks to all, for all of it.
captcha: “century” As in: it’s the end, the end of the ______
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZMVdPYmiB4
With the drums way up front in the mix, for all the frenchmen out there.Posted by on 01/09 at 10:45 AMFirst Invisible Adjunct, now you. I suppose we’re all going to end up this way, with a blog coda, a final point, and a closure of sorts.
Or maybe not: I have verified proof that you actually read other blogs, and the captcha word below is “after.” Bwahahaha…
Posted by Sherman Dorn on 01/09 at 11:00 AMWow, I didn’t expect the GNF to make me sad, but it did!
But a perfect sendoff nonetheless.
YEEEEEHAAAWWWW!Posted by on 01/09 at 11:06 AMSob.
There goes the best blog in the blogosphere.Posted by Hattie on 01/09 at 11:35 AMOh, I get it—the whole WAAGNFN thing was an elaborate set-up for a perfect final post.
Thanks for all of your wonderful work on this blog. I always found reading your posts and the comments very rewarding (and enjoyed participating on the few occasions when I did). You built a great community, which I’ll miss.
Posted by on 01/09 at 11:42 AMI for one would like to welcome our new GNF overlords, and while the unbelievers toil in the new underground uranium mines that will feed its insatiable hunger for energy, we happy happy few in the WAAGNFP will bask in its divine glow, enjoying the warmth and leisure we always “expected.” The perfect CAPTCHA!
Posted by John Protevi on 01/09 at 11:45 AMWell at least that made sense!
I suppose we should be happy you didn’t use this or this.
But are you sure you don’t want to follow this post with a blogger-ethics panel featuring Carl Sagan, Henry Kissinger, Robert McNamara, William F. Buckley and George Schultz?
(Captcha is “rest” as in Rest in Peace, Oh Dangeral Blog!)
Posted by on 01/09 at 12:08 PMWho cares about the clouds when we’re together! Bring it On!
Posted by on 01/09 at 12:10 PMHello! Hello. Hello?
That’s odd… everyone seems to have gone. And they’ve left a terrible mess of things.
Posted by on 01/09 at 12:19 PMAnd so it ends, with pretty fireworks, as promised. Blogroaches, the sole survivors of the Giant Nuclear Fireball, now rule Le Blogue Bérubé.
Posted by J— on 01/09 at 12:53 PMI don’t know why, but the guy riding the rocket in Professor Berube’s video made me think of that other action man, Major Tom. I found this most wonderful video from the early 1980s, campy as all hell and aged like swiss cheese yet also still contemporary somehow. Enjoy!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=r44OFO-MNPo
Posted by on 01/09 at 01:06 PMare you sure? i mean are you really sure? it’s not too late. you could call your next post: ‘how i learned to stop worrying and love the blog.’
Posted by random on 01/09 at 01:21 PMTake care, Michael. We’ll miss your fractured take on modern life.
Posted by Heraclitus on 01/09 at 01:36 PMAnd in the end,
the love you take
is equal to
the love
you make.(thanks for all them great words, M. Berube.)
BAM!
-Librarian
CAPCHA: “future”...as in, we will miss yinz in the future times.
Posted by on 01/09 at 01:43 PMMagnifique!
Posted by Dr. Virago on 01/09 at 02:35 PMHmmm… is there some kind of a message there?
Posted by the talking dog on 01/09 at 03:17 PMVera taught me to stop worrying and love the bomb.
Posted by Centrally Certified Content Publisher on 01/09 at 03:20 PMJust sing out a Te Diem
When you see that ICBM
And the party will be “come as you are.”From a city that houses one of the lonely western outposts of your university, thank you for fighting the good fight.
Captcha: “followed,” as in “to the end.”
Posted by Tube City on 01/09 at 03:43 PM-
Posted by Kevin Hayden on 01/09 at 04:43 PM
Mein Fuhrer! I can blog!
Posted by on 01/09 at 05:15 PMBlogroaches, the sole survivors of the Giant Nuclear Fireball, now rule Le Blogue Bérubé.
Ahem, ...
Michael,
This mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardize it.
Good luck in all future endeavors.Captcha: similar, as in: “I cannot put my fine-motor-control actuator on it, but something about that video seems very familiar, even familial. Strange. You know how it feels when _______ heuristical algorithm sequences keep activating over and over again?”
Posted by on 01/09 at 05:18 PMThanks, Michael.
I came for the good writing, and stayed for the interesting fun in comments stirred up by all the marvelous folks who chose to hang with you here.
Maybe we can all get together at Kirby Olsen’s blog sometime for a reunion.
Posted by on 01/09 at 05:22 PMGreat video choice! I’ll have lots of time to catch up now on the archives as your many C-U fans from my era have just last year alerted me to your blog.
Posted by on 01/09 at 05:36 PM<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/1HGKTIhiK1g “>The tubes are weeping</a>
Posted by Kevin Hayden on 01/09 at 06:02 PMSo this is the way the blog ends, out with a bang, not a whimper.
Posted by on 01/09 at 06:03 PMhttp://www.youtube.com/v/1HGKTIhiK1g
Posted by Kevin Hayden on 01/09 at 06:05 PMHey, Michael! If we happen to be passing through State College can we come by and stare at your house as long as we stay outside the picket fence?
Missing you already- JR
Posted by on 01/09 at 06:50 PMWhat about the mine-shafts?
Posted by on 01/09 at 07:46 PMDangeral to the end. It’s the devoted blog-reader’s dilemma: anybody who thinks maintaining his or her blog is as important as maintaining his or her actual life, doesn’t have a blog worth reading. So long, and thanks for les histoires du fils, as well as the education about all kinds of things besides education, for making me laugh so often, for your clear, lively prose, for your tough but well-mannered argufying. This is the only blog I read where I also regularly read the comments, because there’s been much to be learned there as well, rather than the usual mere obscene spitting at holders of deviant views. By being such a gracious host, you’ve evoked thoughtful, informed responses. I’ll miss the whole cast of characters. Best wishes to you, the elusive and mysterious Janet Lyon, your sons and your mom. Captcha: big, as in void in the blogosphere.
Posted by on 01/09 at 08:35 PMWell, now I have about a half hour a day freed up. Thanks, MB! And thanks, smart and funny (sometimes at the same time) commenters! Long live the WAAGNFNP!
Captcha: summer, as in, “nuclear winter? no, I’ll take the nuclear summer, please!”
Posted by The Constructivist on 01/09 at 08:40 PMcaptcha: heavy
Posted by ifthethunderdontgetya on 01/09 at 08:51 PMYeah, too dark, right? How about this humble suggestion? No one hardly ever blogs at fafblog! anymore, right? So why don’t Berube and Billmon and Invisible Adjunct and blac(k)ademic and all the other good reads gone take up identities there and post once in a blue moon?
Heh, guess I’m still in denial. Or is it bargaining?
Posted by The Constructivist on 01/09 at 09:02 PMEXCELENT!!!!
captcha wish
Posted by on 01/09 at 10:47 PMBut now he can make the movie he always dreamed of, A Boy and His Blog.
Sorry, couldn’t help it.
Thanks for some of the best-humored and most intelligent blogging in the whole, wide blogosphere! Best to you and yours!
Posted by on 01/09 at 10:49 PMThanks for the writing, Dr. Bérubé. You have a talent for explaining complex ideas in an accessible, even entertaining way. I came for the politics and stayed for Multimedia Wednesdays, Liberal Thursdays, ABF Fridays, and the loopy, inscrutable WAAGNFNP Show Trials. (Theory Tuesdays, not so much.)
(If charging people a fee would keep you blogging, I’d certainly join up. Ahem.)
A bientôt, et merci pour tous les poissons.
-- Andrew H.
Portland, OregonPosted by on 01/10 at 01:46 AMDam* - I’ve been reading you forever. You do realise I’ll never ever ever crack open a theory text now?
You may weep for the potential genius insights into our humanity that will be lost forever.
OTOH why don’t you just get a life?
You are?
Well...that’s all right then.
Andrew
Brisbane
AustraliaPosted by on 01/10 at 02:46 AMYo Constructivist! I just zipped by your joint. Your list of favorite movies overlaps with one of my current academic interests. Do you know about Mechademia?
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/10 at 08:10 AMI’ve also been zipping around the internets checking out the blogs of those who blog here. Kirby Olson is one *weird* duck! We *should* have a reunion at his blog one day--only the producers and ministers of the CCST could knock some sense into that guy!
Anyhow, I finally realized last night that this blog went out with a BANG! Sorry...I am really slow, but I could not resist.
Finally, let’s nominate Michael Berube for a Koufax Award, even though he, like Spunky, is now defunkt:
http://koufax.wabanaki.net/node/34
Posted by on 01/10 at 08:32 AMPerhaps we could form a WAAGNFNP guerilla blogforce, or maybe even go Kong into a gorillaforce. Every once in awhile we hold a WAAGNFNP invitational intervention on someone’s blog—but blogue’s, of course, would be exempt. To be a blogue one has to be certified by the WAAGNFNP Ministry of Justice.
It’d be a blogospherical analogue to graffiti bombing.
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/10 at 09:35 AMLike, how many of you lived through the Table Talk diaspora? When Salon decided to go pay-to-post for their discussion area, Table Talk, lots of folks decided to leave. And lots of us left in groups, where the groups just re-formed elsewhere on the web.
Geez, I feel like I’m channeling Mickey Rooney: “Hey gang, let’s form a band.” Not like I’m volunteering to organize, because I’ve got enough on my plate already.
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/10 at 09:42 AMBill, I didn’t know about the journal--it’s bookmarked, thanks! And thanks for being the first to comment on my insignificant microbe of a blog. In case you don’t check my response there, my suggestion was that someone create an Adventures of Floating Head Professor blog to help us create a 21st C Tom Joad-like mythical figure out of this humble blog’s virtually absent presence. The graffiti-bombing idea is the bomb, too, but we need a base of operations (maybe like the one you mentioned in the comment!)....
Posted by The Constructivist on 01/10 at 09:58 AMFoucault in #42: You want weird, check out Kirby Olson’s comment (it’s the first one) in response to this Althouse post.
Posted by J— on 01/10 at 10:48 AMOh, I get it—the whole WAAGNFN thing was an elaborate set-up for a perfect final post.
Actually, Azelie, I didn’t think of this finale ‘til last Saturday. I’m just not that creative.
But I still think that the Beatles were dropping hints that Paul was dead as far back as Please Please Me. Just look at the photo on the cover! Paul’s clearly out of step! I think he’s barefoot, too.
Posted by Pseudonymous guy who sounds like me on 01/10 at 11:10 AMSee, the GNF works in mysterivous ways.
When the GNF knocks, will you answer the door?
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/10 at 11:22 AM
Posted by on 01/10 at 11:27 AMFirst the West Wing goes, then Clamor Magazine, The OC...and now this.
Posted by on 01/10 at 11:36 AMYou know, we could all just keep talking with each other here in this thread forever…
Posted by on 01/10 at 12:18 PMWell, we’ve got to keep this thread open at least until the Minister of Justice has a chance to make a formal statement. Still lots of WAAGNFNP business to attend to and wrap up - hopefully just temporarily, not forever-arily.
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/10 at 12:50 PMJ- in #46: For some reason, I went to Kirby Olson’s blog. Here is the concluding paragraph of his post entitled “The Michael Berube Debacle:”
The right and the left are like the clashing cliffs in the Jason and the Argonauts myth. Lutheran Surrealism is the dove that sails through those cliffs. The cliffs clash and attempt to smash the dove into dust. But we are more than dust. Like our souls, hope will survive and bring us to the Nude Jerusalem.
Posted by on 01/10 at 05:35 PMI can’t put on my finger on why, but that evocative description of the cliffs smashing into each other and trying to smash the dove reminds me of a video game I used to play. Frogger? Donkey Kong? Maybe it was Ladybug...
Anyhow, it’s odd somehow that out of all the wonderful writers who converge here on a regular basis, Kirby Olson should be the one who makes me laugh and laugh almost as hard as when MB still wrote *this* blog.
Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to nude Jerusalem we go…
Posted by on 01/10 at 06:08 PMPerhaps we could form a WAAGNFNP guerilla blogforce, or maybe even go Kong into a gorillaforce. Every once in awhile we hold a WAAGNFNP invitational intervention on someone’s blog—but blogue’s, of course, would be exempt. To be a blogue one has to be certified by the WAAGNFNP Ministry of Justice.
Oh--and I LOVE this idea: we should totally do it. I would pay money to have a WAAGNFNP blogforce; just tell me where to send the check. If someone wants to open a blog of this nature, then I’d seriously kick in for the web hosting fees and graphic design and whatever else is involved in holding the internets together.
Let’s hear what the Minister of Justice has to say about the future of the WAAGNFNP?
Posted by on 01/10 at 06:15 PMNow we must go forth and recruit, and here’s one possible approach:
Posted by Romy B. on 01/10 at 06:54 PMFor some reason, I went to Kirby Olson’s blog.
Because we cannot resist. This stuff is very funny. Also, somewhere in “The Poverty of Theory” E.P. Thompson reflects on how encounters with arguments, interpretations we find objectionable often help us clarify where we stand. Olson says Bérubé is more authoritarian than Mao; we say no. Kirby Olson says Lutheran Surrealism is the dove; we say no. I guess this would make him a Louis Althusser to our E.P. Thompson.
Posted by J— on 01/10 at 08:06 PMFoucault writes: Every once in awhile we hold a WAAGNFNP invitational intervention on someone’s blog
I am very interested in the notion of GNF guerilla blogging. It would clearly be to our advantage to be the WAAGNFNP flash bloggers! More on all that later, but keep up the ideas and more. Oh and by the way, tell me again, who is this Kirby Olson???Posted by on 01/10 at 08:39 PMSorry spyder, I didn’t mean to confuse readers; this idea is actually Bill Benzon’s. I’m afraid I still have not learned how to italicize the remarks of those whom I wish to quote. Lessons in blogosphere bibliography would be useful here:
“Every once in awhile we hold a WAAGNFNP invitational intervention on someone’s blog—but blogue’s, of course, would be exempt. To be a blogue one has to be certified by the WAAGNFNP Ministry of Justice.”
I really like the idea of being invited to do interventions (or even *not* being invited but doing them anyway). Karen Finley used to pretend to have epileptic seizures in diners when she was a waitress (among other guerilla acts), so what is to prevent us from flashing ourselves?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=b7Kkl1D1QRAKirby Olson is a Lutheran Surrealist:
http://www.lutheransurrealism.blogspot.com/He has a persecution complex, hates Marxists, wants to save Michael Berube’s soul with a seatbelt, and seems *devoutly* religious (though perhaps there is some irony in his convictions; either that or he is wildly hilarious without realizing it). Today he is on about Darwin, which is not as entertaining as some of his past posts.
Posted by on 01/10 at 09:39 PMOh crap: I just wanted to say that I honestly don’t find Finley’s pretend seizures very amusing. She performed these “guerilla acts” in what must have been the 1970s or early 1980s, before our culture became sensitive to people with disabilities. Finley’s other “Pranks” (as discussed on the youtube video above) seem a little more compelling (though still disturbing).
Anyhow, I apologize if I seemed to condone performances that actually make light of other people’s life-threatening conditions.
Posted by on 01/10 at 09:43 PMAloha Michael.
I still say Kirby Olsen is the love child of Chris Clarke and P.Z. Myers and some cryptoLutheran Oankali/Ooloi missionary.
“county” as in: What’s 40 feet long and has five teeth? The funnelcakes line at the Perry County Fair.
Posted by Ron Sullivan on 01/11 at 12:35 AMTwo commenters at Lutheran Surrealism came up with their own philosophies: Vegan Presyterianism and Episcopalian Pointillism. I hereby propose Buddhist Objectivism.
. . . The central tenet of Buddhism is not “every man for himself.” These are all errors, Otto. I looked them up.
Posted by on 01/11 at 02:10 PMKirby Olson!
Hahaha!
Captcha: hospital...Don’t make us laugh so hard you put the fish in the hospital.
Posted by Teh Zebrafish™®© on 01/11 at 04:46 PMWell, it’s only Day 2 without Le Blogue Bérubé , and this is what we’ve been reduced to: vicarious, shame-filled, self-questioning followers of the Kirby Olson!
It feels just like that summer when my mother got me hooked on “The Days of Our Lives.”
Posted by on 01/11 at 06:23 PMI never heard of Kirby Olson until I saw his comment re: The Army of Annalt-Hai. (Said comment posted at the home of Althaus, not at Sadly, No!).
Captcha: british
Posted by ifthethunderdontgetya on 01/11 at 08:17 PMSo sad to see you go Michael. Thanks for everything!
MK
Posted by on 01/11 at 09:19 PMThanks, Michael, it was grand.
Posted by on 01/11 at 09:31 PMI can’t believe I missed the end of the world. I loved your blog, Michael. Thank you.
Posted by on 01/11 at 10:11 PMLutheran Surrealism is the dove that sails through those cliffs.
With all the works of literature in the world he could have lifted an image from, he picks Jonathan Livingston Seagull?
captcha “like”, as in wow man.
Posted by Chris Clarke on 01/11 at 11:26 PMFrom the Minnesota Review interview with Michael:
“I kike independent bookstores, I patronize them, and it’s good to get an independent cup of coffee, too, but it struck me as strange that the fetishization of the local would become so entrenched.”
Typo or Mel Gibson? I always knew these anti-Israel leftists were naturally anti-Semitic. But to kike independent bookstores? That’s horrendous. They have a hard enough time staying in business without being kiked by their customers.
Posted by on 01/12 at 11:01 AMAN INVITATION FROM THE MOJ AND MVP
Greetings WAAGNFNP friends and faithful!
I’d like to assure our Lead Prosecutor and everyone else that this blogue and the WAAGNFNP does not end with “vicarious, shame-filled, self-questioning followers of the Kirby Olson!”. Your Minister of Justice loves you and cares for you, and would never allow that to happen. (The truly faithful among you already knew that!).
While the fireball was large enough to end this “humble” blogue, it left the rest of us regrettably in tact, still awaiting the Mother, the Giant of all Nuclear Fireballs. So, what to do now? We finally have that party we’ve been putting off for so long due to being busy with conducting The Peoples’ business of Show Trials and Witch Hunts and Cage Matches.
I think it was Amanda who said, “We Are All Giant Nuclear Fireball. Now Party!” And it is in that exuberant spirit that the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Visual Propaganda are taking the unprecedented action of opening up the highly, highly exclusive WAAGNFNP High Council Officers’ Club to the
riff-raffloyal and indispensable Party rank and file.On Saturday Jan. 13th at 8pm Eastern, all WAAGNFNP friends and faithful will be welcomed to the High Council Officers’ Club to eat, drink, enjoy the Saints-Eagles game on our state-of-the-art big screen TV’s, and in general, have a chance to celebrate and enjoy each others’ company before we all have to say good bye.
Several PZ Myers Approved™ buffet spreads, a Hosted Bar (yes, I said “hosted”, not “No Host”, this is the High Council Club, you know), and the finest viewing of the Saints-Eagles game imaginable are just a few of the amenities you’ll be able to enjoy.
Now before the non-football fans start whining, this is not a football-centerd party. The game will be on for those who wish to watch. Those who do not wish to watch will have plenty of football-free space to enjoy. Everyone is welcome for party blogging, from the hardcore football fans breaking down the game after every possession of the ball (like me), to the folks who’d rather discuss anything but football.
Doors to the High Council Club will open on Saturday at 7:30pm Eastern, so the people who want to get their bets down on the game can be on the record with their picks. Folks who do not place their bets in advance and say, “I knew that would happen” after the game is over will enjoy one-on-one time with 3Tops.
For those of you who can’t make it on Sat. night, I apologize. There’s no one time that’s good for everybody. But PZ will likely still be there Sunday morning telling stories and singing songs, so you won’t have missed everything.
For the loyal readers of this blog who have your own blogs, we’d love you to invite your folks here to enjoy the party and/or the football game. It’s going to be a BLAST!
So, Saturday night, we party. I’ll address wrapping up WAAGNFNP business after that.
Le Blogue-WAAGNFNP Blowout Party
WAAGNFNP High Council Club
Saturday, Jan. 13th 8pm Eastern
Doors open at 7:30pmYours in Service
Oaktown Girl
Minister of Justice
WAAGNFNPBill Benzon
Minister of Visual Propaganda
WAAGNFNPspyder (on special assignment, hopefully to have brief internet access sometime on Saturday)
Minister of Offense and DefensePosted by Oaktown Girl on 01/12 at 12:41 PMAnd who knows, maybe we’ll learn more about the fate of “Stix” Bérubé and his journey to The Land that Time Forgot.
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/12 at 01:57 PMThat sounds fabulous, Oaktown Girl and noble Minister of Justice! I will be here on Sunday night with bells on.
Thank you to spectacular Minister Bill Benzon and Minister spyder for extending this invitation to us.
Posted by on 01/12 at 04:35 PMvicarious, shame-filled, self-questioning followers of the Kirby Olson
Who, me? We Buddhist Objectivists are neither shame-filled nor self-questioning.
And MOJ, thank you for inviting us riff raff to the party! I will drop in if I can.
Posted by on 01/12 at 04:51 PMI will be here on Sunday night with bells on.
That’s a joke, right? SATURDAY night!
Foucault - Lord Astaroth would be very upset if our Lead Prosecutor wasn’t there. He’s gonna be so totally up for an impromptu show trial or two that night.
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/12 at 05:32 PMAlas, timezones and a total ignorance of American-style football make it impossible for me, the most hoi of the polloi, to attend. However, SAfrica are slowly gaining the upper hand against Pakistan in cricket, anyone in for that?
Thanks to all you faithful Party apparatchiks for continuing the struggle.
A luta continua ! as they say.
Posted by on 01/12 at 05:39 PMWait...you expect me to sing? That’ll only work if the shock wave has deafened everyone.
Posted by PZ Myers on 01/12 at 06:12 PMEgads… I am terribly sorry. I was in my study (actually the library) and someone was causing a ruckus outside my chamber (er...cubicle). In my hyper prosecurial distraction, I typed the wrong date (also I was rushing to go and cash my pay cheque so I can blow it all at the High Council Officer’s Club this weekend)!!
I am totally up for an impromptu show trial. Where do we begin? Kirby Olson or M. Bérubé? Since they are both now scarce on this blog, they would both be great candidates for a show trial. We could limit their testimony to a hear-say whisper, and bring in sock puppets from Chris Clarke’s wide collection to testify in their name!
Or perhaps we could have a trial for the suspected imposter of poor Ann Althouse?
captcha: programs, as in “Get with the _____ and show up on SATURDAY night, people.”
Posted by on 01/12 at 06:24 PMHa! Too late, PZ! Dr. Free Ride already “outed” you as a singer when you were on the run as a Fugitive:
Psst! The Fugitive is holed up at the ScienceBlogs flophouse, drinking rum, talking like an overeducated pirate, and bellowing sea chanteys at all hours.
And I’m pleased to announce that Dr.Free Ride has just RSVP’d as well. All the ScienceBlogs folks are most welcome. I hear the Giant Nuclear Fireball actually has some sort of science element to it, so there’s plenty of room for science chat at this party.
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/12 at 06:27 PMAt one level I am certainly glad that FHP is getting a well-deserved break, but then again I just don’t know who will provide the proper treatment for developments such as Strom Thurmond Jr. being one of the lawyers for the estate of
Gerald “Get Up” FordJames Brown.Sigh. So much irony, so few qualified interlocutors.
Posted by on 01/12 at 07:19 PMDr Free Ride lies. You can’t trust her, ever. Not only is she a liar, she’s treacherous. Professors of ethics only master their craft so they can come up with cunning ways of circumventing ethical behavior.
Turned me in, did she? Arrrr. She broke the code of the sea, and we all know what that means: the Kraken. And now I know where she’ll be at 8PM ET tomorrow, har har.
captcha: arms. As in, she’ll be feelin’ the cold, clammy embrace of the arms of my vengeance on the morrow.
Posted by PZ Myers on 01/12 at 09:35 PMFor what it’s worth, I never said he sang well.
captcha: whether. As in, who can tell whether knowing the ethical loopholes will make a difference once we are all splitting and all fusing?
Posted by Dr. Free-Ride on 01/12 at 09:41 PM[checking to make sure we have plenty of tranquilizers, saline drips, hand cuffs, and straight jackets in the High Council Club along with the fireworks, rocking chairs, saw dust, perfumes and grease guns.]
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/12 at 10:10 PMGot your books. Reading them is helping with Berube withdrawal symptoms.
Posted by Hattie on 01/12 at 11:39 PMI am totally up for an impromptu show trial. Where do we begin? Kirby Olson or M. Bérubé? Since they are both now scarce on this blog, they would both be great candidates for a show trial.
My goodness, conducting a show trial of Monsieur Bérubé on this, his very own blog, would be a coup.
(Although you’d have to watch him. He still has the power of the “Delete” key going for him.)
Captcha: tried (no kidding!) and convicted.
Posted by on 01/13 at 01:27 AMI go to California to bury my father and I come back to THIS?! The emptiness, the void, the horror! (And after I’d just told someone that I’d finally decided which was my favorite blog of them all—but now I’m not going to tell you, no sir-ree, wild horses couldn’t drag it out of me!) The priest at my father’s funeral commented that he was now enjoying that great dinner party in the beyond with all those he loved who’d gone before him. And even though the priest is a good friend of mine, I did almost gag at that image. And yet, if asked for my idea of heaven, I suppose I could not do better than to describe it as a great dinner party up in the blogosphere, with Monsieur Berube as host, of course. (And all of you as guests, of course, except for the cranky and trollish ones.) I’ve often wondered how you could possibly manage to find the time and energy to do it all—what with the blogging and the professoring and the writing and the MLAing and the hockeying and the genuine quality time with your family, whom we’ve come to know and love through you. And with that recognition, I know it would be very self-centered and childish of me to demand that you must continue blogging, so that we would still have a place to come to for comfort, refuge, wit, and wisdom. (But I may just stamp my little feet and hold my breath until you promise to come back!) But seriously, while I am having a little trouble with loss lately and will miss “this place” and your voice enormously, I mostly want to thank you for all that you’ve shared of yourself over these last three years. I’ve been enlightened and delighted whenever I’ve come here, and I will miss that. Godspeed—or, rather, good night and good luck!
Posted by on 01/13 at 01:58 AMA party?! Yippee! Can we wear fancy dress?
(captcha: ‘waiting’, excitedly.)
Posted by on 01/13 at 04:55 AM"My goodness, conducting a show trial of Monsieur Bérubé on this, his very own blog, would be a coup. (Although you’d have to watch him. He still has the power of the “Delete” key going for him.)”
Yes, it *would* be a coup, wouldn’t it?
As for the delete function, I believe the former lord of this humble blog used it very infrequently during his time here. Perhaps he will continue that tradition into the afterlife?
First charge: WMDs (Just take a look at the image at the top of this page. At least Saddam Hussein took the trouble to *hide* his imaginary WMDs)!
But before we go too far, we should ask the 3Tops what say they re: a Show Trial for Le (Défunt) Blog Bérubé. Perhaps it is too soon after his loss to persecute him? Perhaps we should be respectful in our celebratory solemnity at the High Council Officer’s Club?
Posted by on 01/13 at 09:27 AMSharon, I’ll be wearing fancy dress—and rhinestones. Lots of rhinestones!
Posted by on 01/13 at 12:01 PMA show trial?
I hope we have the proper language! (captcha)
And music.
P.S. I thought that music was important for some reason, but now I can’t remember. Must be getting old, I suppose.
Posted by ifthethunderdontgetya on 01/13 at 03:33 PMcrash rattle stumble scrape
where’s the light?
tchkhh
yeowww! what a mess! hope we can get this cleaned up before the party . . . . and what’s that smell . . . . . and that that . . thing over there in the corner?
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/13 at 03:40 PMAh hah, now I have a reason for teh music.
I hope most (captcha) will agree>
Posted by ifthethunderdontgetya on 01/13 at 04:00 PMOh, I am sure we can muster up the proper language for a show trial. Why, here is some language that I found kickng around while cleaning out my quarters this afternoon:
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/glossary/legal.htm
However, since tonight is clearly going to be a formal affair, we might dress up our language a little, as well:
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/glossary/latin.htm
Actus reus sounds so regal, doesn’t it? But really, I think Keats was so right when he said it the first time around, “‘Bérubé is guilty, guilty is Bérubé,’ - that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.”
I would help you all set up, but I must press my ears and curl my hair.
Posted by on 01/13 at 04:21 PMHere’s a party game for the party.
http://tools.wikimedia.de/sixdeg/index.jsp?from=Gojira&to=Michael_Bérubé&ign_dates=1
http://tools.wikimedia.de/sixdeg/index.jsp?from=Michael+Bérubé&to=liposuction
http://tools.wikimedia.de/sixdeg/index.jsp?from=Michael_Bérubé&to=Chicken+Noodle+Soup
http://tools.wikimedia.de/sixdeg/index.jsp?from=Michael_Bérubé&to=knish
(for instance. go wild!)
Posted by Chris Clarke on 01/13 at 05:00 PMMmmmmmm . . . knish.
Posted by Michael on 01/13 at 05:20 PMHey--
When you hit the “return path” for Michael_Bérubé&to=Chicken+Noodle+Soup, this is what you get! Pat Robertson, huh? Talk about dangeral degrees of separation…
Chicken Noodle Soup
DJ Webstar
1987
Pat Robertson
The Professors: The 101 Most Dangerous Academics in America
Michael BérubéPosted by on 01/13 at 05:23 PMBérubé to Atomic Bomb is fitting.
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/13 at 05:26 PMHoly cow--the return path from knish is even worse:
Knish
Cheese
Islam
Pat Robertson
The Professors: The 101 Most Dangerous Academics in America
Michael Bérubécaptcha: likely, as in “It’s very ______ he will be convicted.”
Posted by on 01/13 at 05:27 PMyeowww! what a mess! hope we can get this cleaned up before the party . . . . and what’s that smell . . . . . and that that . . thing over there in the corner?
Hey, stop poking me with that stick. Do you have to be so rude?
Posted by PZ Myers on 01/13 at 06:11 PMI want you to know that I beat Bérubé on Gojiraand knish, and tie him on liposuction and Chicken Noodle Soup. Nyah.
Also, PZ Myers and Bérubé are separated by only 4 degrees.
I’m a bit perturbed that the path from PZ Myers to evolution has an intermediate step through Answers in Genesis.
Posted by PZ Myers on 01/13 at 06:19 PMA REMINDER FROM THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE
OK people -
Please set your watch alarms, alarm clocks, cell phone alarms, or whatever annoying sound you need to 7:30 or 8:00 pm tonight Eastern, (4:30 or 5:00 Pacific) so you will remember to turn on your computers and join the big, spare-no-expense, super-extravaganza WAAGNFNP-LeBlogue Blowout (Blow-up?) party tonight.
A brief word about any show trials that may or may not happen tonight. The key word here is “impromptu”. We can’t start planning in advance. It all depends on who shows up, the quality of accustions being leveled, and how many people support and add on to those accusations.
Now, PZ has leveled some serious show trial worthy accusations against Dr. Free Ride (above #81), which kind of breaks my heart because I really like her. But the MOJ cannot let sentiment get in the way of Justice. Besides, I’m sure DFR can take care of herself just fine. Officially, PZ’s charges against DFR have to be ruled invalid since pre-party accusaions are not part of the official record for this event. But the MOJ is going to allow the accusations to stand on the grounds that they are of such high show trial quality. However, for breaking the rulz, PZ goes to the very back of the buffet line.
As far as bringing up charges against Our Leader - no one is above the laws of the Ministry of Justice. BUT charges against Our Leader CANNOT have anything to do with his retiring this blogue, or people being sad about the same. Mostly, we just hope Michael will stop by and schmooze with us, and I’m sure he will if the party is lively enough. (And after a respectable amount of schmoozing, if y’all decide to try his sorry ass, then fine).
Finally, - thanks to Foucault for the legal lingo links, Chris Clarke for the party games, and Thunder for the music. Bill - don’t worry about that smell - it’s just Lord Astaroth playing around with some of his spells. All will be pristine when the doors open. Oh, plus 3Tops somehow got locked inside The High Council Club last night and didn’t want to break open a wall to do her business. So, a little pooper-scooping to take care of, which fortunately Astaroth can take care of with a simple wave of his hand. So nice to have a Demon in the house.
Finally, some excellent news to report - Minister of Offense and Defense, spyder, has contacted me from his deep cover special assignment and says he will try to do everything in his power to get some online access so he can be at the party. Yea!
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/13 at 06:45 PMThe back of the buffet line? No fair!
Oh, well, back of the buffet is the front of the bar. This better not be a cash bar, I’m telling you.
Posted by PZ Myers on 01/13 at 07:32 PMTHE DOORS TO THE WAAGNFNP HIGH COUNCIL CLUB ARE NOW OPEN
The amenities available for your enjoyment are limited only by your imaginations.
Please gets your predictions in now for the final score of the Saints-Eagles game. People who know nothing about sports are most encourged to place their guesses. When non-sports people “win”, it really tweaks us sport folk, which is always entertaining. (Feel free to make your guesses based on uniform color, relatvives living in PA/Louiaiana,etc.)
Groovin’ Gojira invisions everyone having a groovy time!
(Rodin “Gates” photo by Prof.Jeffery Howe)
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/13 at 07:36 PMPZ -
The bar is a hosted bar, as was detailed in the party plan (#71).You, however, get to sit in this special booth (specially picked just for you by the MVP) unitl 8pm Eastern. But hey, at least we’ll bring it inside for you.
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/13 at 07:41 PMWe godless folk don’t much care for “saints”, and biologists like birds, so I’m going to have to go with the eagles over the sanctimonious frauds, eleven gojirion to nothing.
Uh, what kind of game are they playing, by the way?
Posted by PZ Myers on 01/13 at 07:42 PMSo, does anybody wanna play Parcheesi?
Okay, who brought the dog?
Posted by on 01/13 at 07:48 PMIs the Absent One lurking at this party? (not that he can lurk for more than 3 minutes....)
Posted by on 01/13 at 07:50 PMYay! I made a sign for my booth!
Posted by PZ Myers on 01/13 at 07:50 PM
Well dah-lings, here I am! I wanted to show off a rare side of my wardrobe tonight, but they asked me to check my low-cut and backless Cat Woman costume at the door. Damn.
Luckily, I had this lovely shawl tucked away in my handbag. Mmmm… I am so delighted to see that someone made Tuscan Tuna salad and orechiette with homemade sausage and broccoli rabe! This room looks *so* lovely with the candles, and it is such a pleasure to be here.
28-21 Saints (I have no idea about football. Left to my own devices, I would have said 6-4, but some kind soul told me you can’t get those kinds of scores in football).
So, what’s the gossip? What shakes?
Posted by on 01/13 at 07:52 PM
Even when threatened with a show trial (which, come to think of it, might help my tenure case), if I say I’m bringing stuff for lemon drops, I bloody well bring stuff for lemon drops!
Bottoms up, folks!
Posted by Dr. Free-Ride on 01/13 at 07:59 PMEagles win by 8 wickets.
“Probably”.
Posted by on 01/13 at 08:03 PM(The Minister of Justice makes her Grande Entrance in an exquisite designer gown from illustrious designer/rapper M.C. GNF).
Well, PZ -
I’ll buy a hug (and the kiss) for a dollar. Don’t mess up my dress.
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/13 at 08:04 PMWasssssssssaaaaaaaaaup?
Posted by Roxanne on 01/13 at 08:05 PMHere, I brought something for the buffet:
Posted by Adrian on 01/13 at 08:07 PMOh my - just minutes away from kickoff.
Um...Saints win by 3 Gojiron.Ooooo...lemon drops!
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/13 at 08:07 PMFor a whole dollar, I do a lot of rumpling.
Did I hear someone ask for a sea shanty? Everyone...sing along!
In Amsterdam there
lived a maid,
Mark well what I do say!
In Amsterdam there lived a maid,
Who was always pinchin’ the sailor’s trade.
I’ll go no more a roving with you fair maid!A rovin’, a rovin’,
Since rovin’s been my ru-i-in,
I’ll go no more a roving,
With you fair maid!I took this maiden for a walk,
Mark well what I do say!
I took this maiden for a walk,
She wanted some gin and didn’t she talk.
I’ll go no more a roving with you fair maid!A rovin’, a rovin’,
Since rovin’s been my ru-i-in,
I’ll go no more a roving,
With you fair maid!She said, “You sailors I love you so,”
Mark well what I do say!
“All you sailors, I love you so,”
And the reason why I soon did know.
I’ll go no more a roving with you fair maid!A rovin’, a rovin’,
Since rovin’s been my ru-i-in,
I’ll go no more a roving,
With you fair maid!She placed her hand upon my knee,
Mark well what I do say!
She placed her hand upon my knee,
I said “Young miss, you’re rather free.”
I’ll go no more a roving with you fair maid!A rovin’, a rovin’,
Since rovin’s been my ru-i-in,
I’ll go no more a roving,
With you fair maid!I gave this miss a parting kiss,
Mark well what I do say!
I gave this miss a parting kiss,
When I got aboard my money I missed.
I’ll go no more a roving with you fair maid!A rovin’, a rovin’,
Since rovin’s been my ru-i-in,
I’ll go no more a roving,
With you fair maid!Posted by PZ Myers on 01/13 at 08:08 PMThis guy’s outside, says he’s with the band.
Anyone know anything about this?
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/13 at 08:08 PMFoucault dahling...you look mahvalous!
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/13 at 08:11 PMCaptcha: neither
OK, even I can’t predict neither team will win.
Oh, look a butterfly!
I really don’t think Americans will vote for a Clinton again.
Oh, 24-21
Posted by Anne Althaus™ on 01/13 at 08:11 PMIn the spirit of burying th’ cutlass with PZ, here’s another:
We pillage, we plunder, we rifle and loot.
Drink up me ‘earties, Yo Ho!
We kidnap and ravage and don’t give a hoot.
Drink up me ‘earties, Yo Ho!Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate’s life for me.
We extort, we pilfer, we filch and sack.
Drink up me ‘earties, Yo Ho!
Maraud and embezzle and even hijack.
Drink up me ‘earties, Yo Ho!Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate’s life for me.
Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate’s life for me.We kindle and char, inflame and ignite.
Drink up me ‘earties, Yo Ho!
We burn up the city, we’re really a fright.
Drink up me ‘earties, Yo Ho!Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate’s life for me.
We’re rascals, scoundrels, villans and knaves.
Drink up me ‘earties, Yo Ho!
We’re devils and black sheep, really bad eggs!
Drink up me ‘earties, Yo Ho!Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate’s life for me.
We’re beggars and blighters and ne’er-do-well cads.
Drink up me ‘earties, Yo Ho!
Aye! But we’re loved by our mommies and dads!
Drink up me ‘earties, Yo Ho!Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate’s life for me.
Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate’s life for me.
Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate’s life for me.
Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate’s life for me.Posted by Dr. Free-Ride on 01/13 at 08:12 PMI took it upon myself to serve as Mix-Mistress Rox. You can launch the tune player here. (And be sure to re-load the page in about 15 minutes, because I’m still adding stuff.)
Posted by Roxanne on 01/13 at 08:13 PM#114
they may not always taste like you expect though…Posted by Adrian on 01/13 at 08:14 PMCathy (from Philadelphia, GO EAGLES!) enters wearing a rhinestone tiara.
Jelly beans, lemons and kisses, oh my!
Hi everyone!!
Posted by on 01/13 at 08:14 PMAnyone know anything about this?
3Tops has the list of entertainers. Page her and have her bring it down to our door man. (That should have been taken care of already. She must already be into the beer barrels).
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/13 at 08:15 PMhttp://youtube.com/watch?v=b9WKsuSNjms&mode=related&search=
Oh yeah, that’s from “Rahsaanovision 1: An Experiment.”
http://youtube.com/watch?v=b9WKsuSNjms&mode=related&search=
Let Rahsaan in--he’s awesome! Here’s a really nice selection called “Lover Man” (1959). Maybe he will play it tonight for PZ Myers?
Posted by on 01/13 at 08:15 PMMommy, can I stay up and play with the grown-ups?
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/13 at 08:20 PMMix-Mistress Rox - thanks!
I clicked on the song called “Sex Bomb” because, well, of course that’s the one I’d click on. But hey, great party tune! I highly recommend it to everyone!
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/13 at 08:20 PMThanks, Oaktown Girl! You look absolutely brilliant yourself! And Anne Althaus™ looks so much hotter than expected after all those troubles she’s been having. I’m so glad she was able to make it tonight.
Here’s that song by Rahsaan Roland Kirk that I thought PZ Myers might like to play near his booth. It’s very sexy and subtle.
Lover Man (1959)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5El2-6asgyw&mode=related&search=
Posted by on 01/13 at 08:22 PMIs anyone else seeing pink bears already?
Just me then?
Who’s ready for another round?
Posted by Dr. Free-Ride on 01/13 at 08:22 PMOh, you mean I have to pick which team gets the 24?
The
democratsWolcotts just don’t want us to win.So the Saints.
Captcha: spring...Is it spring yet?
Posted by Anne Althaus™ on 01/13 at 08:23 PMBummer, man. I’ve just been informed that I’m a pretentious ass scientist. You can do good work for years, but you study asses that one time, and you’re an ass scientist in everyone’s mind forevermore.
Way to bring a party down, man.
Posted by PZ Myers on 01/13 at 08:23 PMStudying asses while confined to one’s kissing booth is pretty standard party protocol.
Posted by Dr. Free-Ride on 01/13 at 08:29 PMThat blonde lady had a very short shirt. I hope the Clenis wasn’t nearby.
Captcha: I’m merely sayin’…
Posted by Anne Althaus™ on 01/13 at 08:35 PMhttp://youtube.com/watch?v=hrPEM2qc-j8
Hey, there are some pretty good asses in this video for all the ass scientists out there! We may want to save this Leonard Cohen classic for a little later in the evening, as well.
captcha: home. It feels like that tonight.
Posted by on 01/13 at 08:35 PMI’ve just been informed that I’m a pretentious ass scientist.
I’d notify the American Osteopathic College of Proctology. Maybe they’ll bring a lawsuit against those maroons.
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/13 at 08:35 PMBill, Bill, Bill.
For pretentious ass science, you want the American Osteopathic University of Proctology
Posted by Chris Clarke on 01/13 at 08:39 PMOK folks, I know for many of you, this is your first time at the High Council Club, so lemme tell you a few things up front:
3Tops holds her beer well, but after the 3rd barrel she has a rather short fuse. Don’t cross her. Like Fat Tony, she doesn’t get mad, she gets “stabby”.
If Lord Astaroth gets you talking about football, he’s just going to go on and on about how unfair it is that the NFL has a team call the “Saints” but no team called the Devils, Demons...or Astaroths.
And of course, a couple of hours (and several drinks) into the party, PZ’s going to start asking people if they want to see his nipples.
Hey - who just changed my captcha to “ass”???
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/13 at 08:40 PM
Take us to your leader.
Posted by on 01/13 at 08:44 PMHey, my captcha is “behind”!
This party is shaping up to have a theme, and it’s not a pretty one.
Posted by PZ Myers on 01/13 at 08:46 PMAny requests?
Posted by Roxanne on 01/13 at 08:47 PMGojira, dahling, is that you? Didn’t recognize you without the body.
Yes, it’s me. This is my cyberform. Like it?
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/13 at 08:47 PMEh, I’ve seen PZ’s nipples.
Posted by Dr. Free-Ride on 01/13 at 08:47 PMHey lurkers -
This is a party, so we’d like to hear from you. Here’s a handy tip:[if you post your comment in brackets, you remain invisible!]
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/13 at 08:49 PMi know, i am late, but then i usually am. Damn, there is just too much to get ready before i have to come all the way over to the party. Being out in the land i now call Clarkeian county, seeing as now, after reading so much of what he writes and cares about, all of my new referential keys are Clarkian.
Well, i have been anxiously looking north and west, hoping against all hope for signs of the GNF but all i get is Sonoran winds, clouds, and all these people who are wearing lots of clothes complaining about how cold it is. I just checked with home and they said it is 4ºF.. These people out here have no clue.
moe later after reading moe or listen to moe, or both.
Posted by on 01/13 at 08:50 PMYou wish.
Sorry, but after that last show trial I had them removed in honor of Astaroth. If you still want to see them, I’ve got ‘em in a jar somewhere around here.
Posted by PZ Myers on 01/13 at 08:51 PMHonestly, I don’t know if it’s appropriate to spend the whole party talking about asses. I’ve never been to a party like that before, have you?
I’m just asking. Really.
captcha: leaders. Am I getting tipsy, or did anyone else just see those martians with their genitals exposed asking to speak with Michael?
Posted by on 01/13 at 08:51 PMI think those Martains would look good with the little bear.
Um, err, think the little guy can deal with the sight without being traumatized for life?
But, oh, I forgot. The little guy’s seen Uncle PZ prance around many times. He’s innoculated against LGMs and LGWs.
captcha: “family”—it’s all in the
Posted by Bill Benzon on 01/13 at 08:52 PMI think I did see some aliens shamelessly parading about, without (captcha) clothing.
I blame the Clintons.
Posted by Anne Althaus™ on 01/13 at 08:55 PMOK, I’m jonsing and need to get some football chat in here. But that’s OK becuz unlike the MSM’s opinion of Congress, we can all do more than one thing at a time, so the non-football folks please don’t flee or go silent.
Question - Any NY Giants fans out there? I’m dying to know what y’all think of Tom Coughlin getting signed for another year.
Posted by Oaktown Girl on 01/13 at 08:58 PMHey---
*I’m* Anne Althaus™! I can’t believe this. Why does it have to happen everywhere I go
