Stanley: A Sharp Guy Who's Pretty Flat

I haven't mentioned this lately, but Carey and I have enjoyed the company of a good friend from Ohio for the past few weeks, Flat Stanley (of The Flat Stanley Project fame).

My sister, Mrs. Erin Burtoft, happens to be a teacher. She and her classroom thought it would be a roaring good time to send F. Stan (as I like to call him) over to Long Beach for a few weeks, provided we eventually send him back and document his adventures with photos.

So we did!

Needless to say, we had a terrific time. Here's hoping we get to spend more time with old Stanley in the future.

Once again, click the overblown link below to enjoy the festivities:


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I was elated to discover my name on Neil Gaiman's blog yesterday. Granted, he was only answering a question I'd sent to him earlier this week, but still. My Gaiman affection is boundless.

(By the way, the English Lit professor in question is none other than the divine dame, Stephanie Wells. The world would do well to listen to her, as she's one of the smarter cookies around.)
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Can't help but comment on the big Apprentice finale last night: I detest the idea of reality TV, but it's hard to resist Trump. As a study in the power and technique of marketing, it's a fascinating program.

I have to admit I've been cheering for Kendra since early in the season. She's good. When she pulled an all-nighter designing a truly gorgeous Pontiac brochure, I told Carey, "she's the one."

She probably should've remembered to, at the very least, shake The Donald's hand when he hired her. Ah, well, it's a big moment.
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Last but not least, today's review day for me at work. Here's hoping I manage to avoid getting canned.

Nah.

posted by Jeremy Bear 7:25 AM

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Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Chocolates, Raspberries, Caramels and Muffins

Danny Wright has a blog. Go read it and shiver at his wisdom!
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My birthday turned out to be a really terrific day.

First, I woke up to my wife singing a very special Birthday song. She was holding a plate, with a long, thick candle standing upright in the center. At the base of the candle sat two mini-muffins. Let your mind wander as it will. (I should probably also point out that the "special Birthday song" she was singing happened to be the Channel 101 perennial, "Chocolate Penis". Just watch the video and it'll all become clear.)

And, of course, my dear bride had flowers and a goodie-box delivered to me at work later in the morning. A beautiful arrangement, and the goodies made her everyone's hero at Binary Pulse.

Then a surprise email from Ryan: a $10 gift certificate at iTunes.

Then lunch: pizza at BJ's. Chad and Jason picked up the tab.

When I arrived at home, I found my two original comic art pieces framed and tied up with a bow (the Zulli and the Maguire).

Then, dinner at my favorite restaurant in Long Beach: McKenna's on the Bay. Spectacular food, great atmosphere, and the best view in Long Beach, with the sun setting over the water as we enjoyed the evening. Also, bonus, Scott and Stephanie showed up to share in the revelry (bearing gifts in the form of graphic novels... how can you not love these people?).

And gifts from my family also arrived (again, blessings upon blessings to the Amazon wish list).

A fine, fine day. I guess I get to start 29 off right.
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What else... oh, Knavel's got one too. A blog, that is.
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In college, I had the sweetest gig imaginable. While other students had to scrub dorms, serve hamburgers and unclog toilets for extra cash... I worked at a local TV station, doing voiceover for local commercial spots. It was great. Walk in, record a few commercials, pick up my check, walk out. After awhile, I wasn't bad at it, either. It's an artform, narration, it really is.

Anyhow, I've snagged the odd V/O gig here and there since then. Nothing wonderful, but I enjoy it.

Recently, though, I stepped back into the studio to record a marketing piece. It's online now, so if you're feeling bored, go have a listen (requires an updated Flash player).

posted by Jeremy Bear 7:35 AM

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