Hi gang! I'm stuck at work, but hardly feel like working. Please entertain me. 
Check this out; great granny or the GREATEST granny?
[EDIT]: Why is my link not working? Lame.
[EDIT]: Aha! Got it to work. Take THAT, SG!
Check this out; great granny or the GREATEST granny?
[EDIT]: Why is my link not working? Lame.
[EDIT]: Aha! Got it to work. Take THAT, SG!
Is it just me, or does the SG site need a major overhaul? They haven't rolled out any major changes in... well, have they ever? I've been a member for about 6 years and things are pretty much the same as they've ever been. I seem to recall a logo change and a design change, years ago but, apart from the recent activity feed, I haven't noticed any major changes in basic site functionality to improve the user experience.
Specifically, I'd love to see a better system for replying to comments on blogs & notifications of replies. When one member comments on another member's blog, there seems to be two different schools of thought on how to reply. 1) reply directly on the comment thread (which means the first person will not know that someone has replied to their comment unless the first person keeps returning to the thread to see if anyone has replied) or 2) go to the first person's blog and reply to the comment that was left on the second person's blog; which can make for a confusing comment thread. (Hopefully I worded all of that in a way that makes sense. LOL).
Am I the only person that is frustrated by this? Why are we not automatically notified when someone responds to us?
Which brings me to another gripe, why are we not notified (à la Facebook) when someone tags us in a post?
I'd also like to be notified when someone accepts my friend request.
And how about the "recent activity" feed? That seems a hot mess to me. I'd like a little more control over that (and, yes, I have used the "customize your recent activity" tool). My feed is constantly cluttered with notifications of thread posts from others on threads that I may have commented on in the past, but that I did not bookmark. As a result, I am missing out on updates that I may actually be interested in because they are being bumped off my feed by the chaff.
I have a bunch of other nitpicky complaints, and I realize that no site is perfect or can appease everyone's wishes, but it seems to me that SG could be a lot more user friendly.
Are there any changes you'd like to see? </rant>
Sorry for the bitching. I usually try to stay positive, so here's some boobies for you to make up for it.:
Specifically, I'd love to see a better system for replying to comments on blogs & notifications of replies. When one member comments on another member's blog, there seems to be two different schools of thought on how to reply. 1) reply directly on the comment thread (which means the first person will not know that someone has replied to their comment unless the first person keeps returning to the thread to see if anyone has replied) or 2) go to the first person's blog and reply to the comment that was left on the second person's blog; which can make for a confusing comment thread. (Hopefully I worded all of that in a way that makes sense. LOL).
Am I the only person that is frustrated by this? Why are we not automatically notified when someone responds to us?
Which brings me to another gripe, why are we not notified (à la Facebook) when someone tags us in a post?
I'd also like to be notified when someone accepts my friend request.
And how about the "recent activity" feed? That seems a hot mess to me. I'd like a little more control over that (and, yes, I have used the "customize your recent activity" tool). My feed is constantly cluttered with notifications of thread posts from others on threads that I may have commented on in the past, but that I did not bookmark. As a result, I am missing out on updates that I may actually be interested in because they are being bumped off my feed by the chaff.
I have a bunch of other nitpicky complaints, and I realize that no site is perfect or can appease everyone's wishes, but it seems to me that SG could be a lot more user friendly.
Are there any changes you'd like to see? </rant>
Sorry for the bitching. I usually try to stay positive, so here's some boobies for you to make up for it.:
[EDIT]: Dammit, there's another complaint, when you link a picture (rather than upload it), the darn thing is cut off (depending on the size of the photo). Come on, SG... fix this. *slaps forehead*
So I'm watching the news last night, and they announced the beginning of the zombie apocalypse!
Guess who's back?
After a nearly 6-month hiatus, I have crawled out from under my rock. My absence began unplanned and continued by choice. My access to all things internet ended abruptly with the death of my dearly beloved home computer. With it died my passwords (not all of which I had memorized, as I change them all the damn time); SG included.
The lack of internettin' turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I'd been spending too much time online & neglecting other things (oh, like office work, yardwork at home, and other things various & sundry). I've been far more productive and happy.
I recently felt it was time to make a return to SG, however. I have missed this place more than anything else I did online. I kind of feel like Micheal Corleone in Godfather III:
Actually, I had never intended to be gone this long. I just got swept up in life events. Nothing terrible, just busy. It seemed the longer I was gone, the less motivation I had to get back online. I rarely Facebook anymore. Sure, I'll log on to peek at what my loved ones are up to, but I rarely post anything. I'd rather be doing something else, like reading.
Speaking of which, I am currently reading the Song of Ice And Fire series by George R.R. Martin. I hadn't heard of it until HBO started airing the first season of Game of Thrones. I began watching it for the first time a couple of months ago. I thought it was a ton of fun. As it was based on George R.R. Martin's books, I decided to pick them up & read them. (In general, I prefer to read the books before I watch the adaptations).
They are wonderfully well written & I think HBO is doing a great job with the series. That said, I am only half way through the second book, A Clash of Kings, so I have not gotten into the second season of the show yet. No spoilers, please! I have to avert my eyes any time I see someone post something about it on Facebook (and now, SG, as well).
Is anyone else here reading the series (or already read) it? I am completely hooked. My favorite characters are Arya & Tyrion. I can't wait to see what's in store for them.
While I was gone, my wife & I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. Yes, 20! I can hardly believe it's been that long. On the one hand, it feels like it was yesterday that we met. On the other hand, I feel like she has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I am a truly lucky fella.
Earlier this month I went to New York City for the first time ever. (I can cross that off my bucket list now). It was amazing! I love that city. My wife & I were there to support our son, who was competing in a national jazz band competition at the Lincoln Center in Manhattan. Oh, and they WON the competition for their category (community high school jazz band). </brag>
Here they are performing at the competition. (My son is the tallest trumpet player, at the top right. Doesn't he look like he's having a blast? And don't they sound amazing?!):
The view from our hotel room in Queens:
We stayed in Queens, as it was a ton cheaper than Manhattan. (It was only about a 20 minute cab ride to the city, so not so bad).
I had my first cab ride ever, which was an experience in and of itself.
On TV & in the movies, Manhattan traffic is always incredibly congested, so I figured it was slow moving. Not the case at all. I was amazed at how fast everyone drove. Flying down the roads at 60-70 mph inches next to the cars next to us. It was like a thrill ride at a carnival. Traffic laws apparently don't mean much in NY. The drivers and the pedestrians both seemed to do as they pleased and the police never batted an eye. It is a very different experience here in Tucson, Arizona.
I also had my first train ride ever.
I'd always wanted to experience the NY subway system. It's amazing how elaborate and efficient they are! The subways also provided for some good "New York moments". It's a great place to people watch. There were impromptu street performances, scenes of high drama (loves both found and lost playing out before our eyes), interesting characters of all stripes. One of the more comical NY moments was when our train stopped and we saw a guy (presumably drunk and/or homeless) squatting against a wall, pants down, having a crap in the ground in the middle of the subway station. Now there's something you don't see every day!
My wife, trying to figure out the trains:
We went there with no specific agenda for our free time. We just started walking. I couldn't believe how many landmarks we ran into without even looking for them. We'd be walking around and suddenly we were standing in front the Museum of Modern Art, or Broadway, or Parsons Design School & Mood Fabrics (fans of Project Runway will know why I was excited about those last two).
We also stumbled onto Trump Tower (what can I say... I'm a fan of Celebrity Apprentice, too)
We have a friend who grew up in New Jersey/New York and took us to some of her favorite spots in the East Village, like McSorley's Old Ale House - New York's oldest bar, established in 1854. Abe Lincoln even drank there!
We also went to a great little (and I mean tiny) wine bar called the Bourgeois Pig. We sat on chaise lounge sofas drinking wine and eating chocolate fondue. The place was dark as hell & rife with atmosphere.
We had the best cannolis in the world at Venieros Pasticceria, America's oldest Italian pastry shop. Seriously, if you go to NY, this place is a must. Everything we got there was incredible.
The highlight of the trip, for me, however, was seeing a jazz quintet play at the world-famous Village Vanguard club in Greenwich Village. It was an unforgettable experience seeing a show in this tiny little club that has been host to every legend in the history of jazz music.
I can't wait to return to NY to experience more of it. We were only there for 5 days and barely got a taste of it. There is so much to see & do. Next time, I will definitely have to have a plan of attack so we can hit some of the other must-see places. Any recommendations.
Okay, I think I've prattled on long enough. Time to go perv some of the sets I've been missing. I look forward to catching up with everyone.
Before I go, here are some random pictures of my kitties; just because.
After a nearly 6-month hiatus, I have crawled out from under my rock. My absence began unplanned and continued by choice. My access to all things internet ended abruptly with the death of my dearly beloved home computer. With it died my passwords (not all of which I had memorized, as I change them all the damn time); SG included.
The lack of internettin' turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I'd been spending too much time online & neglecting other things (oh, like office work, yardwork at home, and other things various & sundry). I've been far more productive and happy.
I recently felt it was time to make a return to SG, however. I have missed this place more than anything else I did online. I kind of feel like Micheal Corleone in Godfather III:
Actually, I had never intended to be gone this long. I just got swept up in life events. Nothing terrible, just busy. It seemed the longer I was gone, the less motivation I had to get back online. I rarely Facebook anymore. Sure, I'll log on to peek at what my loved ones are up to, but I rarely post anything. I'd rather be doing something else, like reading.
Speaking of which, I am currently reading the Song of Ice And Fire series by George R.R. Martin. I hadn't heard of it until HBO started airing the first season of Game of Thrones. I began watching it for the first time a couple of months ago. I thought it was a ton of fun. As it was based on George R.R. Martin's books, I decided to pick them up & read them. (In general, I prefer to read the books before I watch the adaptations).
They are wonderfully well written & I think HBO is doing a great job with the series. That said, I am only half way through the second book, A Clash of Kings, so I have not gotten into the second season of the show yet. No spoilers, please! I have to avert my eyes any time I see someone post something about it on Facebook (and now, SG, as well).
Is anyone else here reading the series (or already read) it? I am completely hooked. My favorite characters are Arya & Tyrion. I can't wait to see what's in store for them.
While I was gone, my wife & I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. Yes, 20! I can hardly believe it's been that long. On the one hand, it feels like it was yesterday that we met. On the other hand, I feel like she has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I am a truly lucky fella.
Earlier this month I went to New York City for the first time ever. (I can cross that off my bucket list now). It was amazing! I love that city. My wife & I were there to support our son, who was competing in a national jazz band competition at the Lincoln Center in Manhattan. Oh, and they WON the competition for their category (community high school jazz band). </brag>
Here they are performing at the competition. (My son is the tallest trumpet player, at the top right. Doesn't he look like he's having a blast? And don't they sound amazing?!):
The view from our hotel room in Queens:
We stayed in Queens, as it was a ton cheaper than Manhattan. (It was only about a 20 minute cab ride to the city, so not so bad).
I had my first cab ride ever, which was an experience in and of itself.
On TV & in the movies, Manhattan traffic is always incredibly congested, so I figured it was slow moving. Not the case at all. I was amazed at how fast everyone drove. Flying down the roads at 60-70 mph inches next to the cars next to us. It was like a thrill ride at a carnival. Traffic laws apparently don't mean much in NY. The drivers and the pedestrians both seemed to do as they pleased and the police never batted an eye. It is a very different experience here in Tucson, Arizona.
I also had my first train ride ever.
I'd always wanted to experience the NY subway system. It's amazing how elaborate and efficient they are! The subways also provided for some good "New York moments". It's a great place to people watch. There were impromptu street performances, scenes of high drama (loves both found and lost playing out before our eyes), interesting characters of all stripes. One of the more comical NY moments was when our train stopped and we saw a guy (presumably drunk and/or homeless) squatting against a wall, pants down, having a crap in the ground in the middle of the subway station. Now there's something you don't see every day!
My wife, trying to figure out the trains:
We went there with no specific agenda for our free time. We just started walking. I couldn't believe how many landmarks we ran into without even looking for them. We'd be walking around and suddenly we were standing in front the Museum of Modern Art, or Broadway, or Parsons Design School & Mood Fabrics (fans of Project Runway will know why I was excited about those last two).
We also stumbled onto Trump Tower (what can I say... I'm a fan of Celebrity Apprentice, too)
We have a friend who grew up in New Jersey/New York and took us to some of her favorite spots in the East Village, like McSorley's Old Ale House - New York's oldest bar, established in 1854. Abe Lincoln even drank there!
We also went to a great little (and I mean tiny) wine bar called the Bourgeois Pig. We sat on chaise lounge sofas drinking wine and eating chocolate fondue. The place was dark as hell & rife with atmosphere.
We had the best cannolis in the world at Venieros Pasticceria, America's oldest Italian pastry shop. Seriously, if you go to NY, this place is a must. Everything we got there was incredible.
The highlight of the trip, for me, however, was seeing a jazz quintet play at the world-famous Village Vanguard club in Greenwich Village. It was an unforgettable experience seeing a show in this tiny little club that has been host to every legend in the history of jazz music.
I can't wait to return to NY to experience more of it. We were only there for 5 days and barely got a taste of it. There is so much to see & do. Next time, I will definitely have to have a plan of attack so we can hit some of the other must-see places. Any recommendations.
Okay, I think I've prattled on long enough. Time to go perv some of the sets I've been missing. I look forward to catching up with everyone.
Before I go, here are some random pictures of my kitties; just because.
It's so cold out right now, my nipples are cramped from the constant effort at trying to stay hard. 
My mind = blown!
I just found out my 62-year-old mom was in a goth gang in the 1960s called CORPSE FIVE. Five young ladies with white powdered faces, long-sleeved black turtleneck shirts and black stretch pants. How she kept this secret for so long is beyond me.
Apparently, they spent most of their time touring mortuaries and partying at graveyards.
Sadly, there are no photos of CORPSE FIVE still in existence.
This one's for you, mom!
I just found out my 62-year-old mom was in a goth gang in the 1960s called CORPSE FIVE. Five young ladies with white powdered faces, long-sleeved black turtleneck shirts and black stretch pants. How she kept this secret for so long is beyond me.
Apparently, they spent most of their time touring mortuaries and partying at graveyards.
Sadly, there are no photos of CORPSE FIVE still in existence.
This one's for you, mom!
Hi SG! Remember me?
I've been on a bit of a break from the site. Not for any reason, other than I just haven't been online a whole lot lately. I've been focused on family, work and other projects of late. So what's new with you? Have I missed anything really great?
Random pics of randomness:
Good wine, great design...
Tucson Chainsaw Massacre (a.k.a. yardwork)...
I can't sit for more than 5 minutes in my house without a kitty coming to occupy my lap...
Battle for the ball!
Two more reasons I absolutely love living in the Southwest...
I've been on a bit of a break from the site. Not for any reason, other than I just haven't been online a whole lot lately. I've been focused on family, work and other projects of late. So what's new with you? Have I missed anything really great?
Random pics of randomness:
Good wine, great design...
Tucson Chainsaw Massacre (a.k.a. yardwork)...
I can't sit for more than 5 minutes in my house without a kitty coming to occupy my lap...
Battle for the ball!
Two more reasons I absolutely love living in the Southwest...
I saw these today and they made me larff. I don't care if you are left, right, or straight down the middle... they are damn funny:
Cheers to you all!
Gearing up for Halloween!
I'm not sure if I'll have the time or money to come up with a creative costume idea for this year, so I may have to default to the old standby of ZOMBIE.
I'm not sure if I'll have the time or money to come up with a creative costume idea for this year, so I may have to default to the old standby of ZOMBIE.
Captain Random strikes again!
Sometimes it's not about the points. Sometimes it's just about the fact that you can play FART and FARTS in the same move:
Is anyone watching Breaking Bad? My gosh, what an amazing season this is! I am head over heels in love with that show. Gus and Mike are cool as cucumbers...
One of my kitties will not let me sit down for even a minute without jumping in my lap for a snuggle:
Sometimes it's not about the points. Sometimes it's just about the fact that you can play FART and FARTS in the same move:
Is anyone watching Breaking Bad? My gosh, what an amazing season this is! I am head over heels in love with that show. Gus and Mike are cool as cucumbers...
One of my kitties will not let me sit down for even a minute without jumping in my lap for a snuggle:
