Checklisting

Just crossing things off of my "Post to The Nan Stop" checklist today folks....
My desk is covered in colored Post-its where I scrawl writing notes, things to do, and things to buy.  On an orange post-it, I've written, Get Cyrus Out of Exile.

What does this mean, you ask?  Whenever I sign onto the The Nan Stop, I see my pack of 17 faithful followers... (Hello, Readers!) but then there is a notice that reads, "You have one anonymous follower."  And next to it, is a ghostly faceless, nameless head.  I always read it aloud in a chilling voice....(think Vincent Price from Michael Jackson's Thriller)...."You have one anonymous follower!!  Moo ha ha ha!"  I know it's Halloween time, but this scares me.  After a little bit of investigation, it turns out this anonymous reader is Cyrus Irani, my best friend's hubby.  I asked him about it... and in earnest he replied that he doesn't know how to escape the anonymous group.  So I ask you Nanstoppers, someone... anyone... Cindy.... please.... help Cyrus out... because that message gives me bad chills every time I read it.



Next on the check list.... show off the first Halloween costume Tinger has made for herself....

We call it, "Tingerfly."  And there will certainly be more to come!

Next Item: (And I'm sorry to turn my blog into a Marketplace....) but I'm trying to sell my rain boots.  I've only worn them twice, and long story short... they are too big, but I can't return them, because at some point... probably during my move from D.C. to Ann Arbor.... I threw away the sales receipt and return shipping label from Zappos.  Dumb-dumb, I know!!  But please see the ad I posted on Craigslist below:  

Hey! I recently purchased a pair of Navy Blue Tretorn Rain Boots from Zappos.com, but they are a too big on me. I'm unable to return them (...) but since I still need rain boots, I was hoping to cut my losses, sell this pair at a reduced rate, and get the same pair in the correct size. 

The original price is $85. I'm hoping to sell them for $75, or the best offer. 

They are basically brand-new, with no scuffs, marks, or wear and tear. 

The side-strap is adjustable to accommodate any calf size. 

They are listed as size 8.5. (I think these run a little big, though, so would be best for someone who is more of a size 8.5 to size 9.)

For more detailed info on the boots, you can check them out at Zappos: http://www.zappos.com/tretorn-langta-black-gray (Go to the website, but then change the color option to Navy/Light Blue) 

Readers -- please let me know if you're interested!  

And Finally... I'd like to share an important news report from my favorite vital news source, The Onion.  This was sent to me by my former co-worker, Mona, who has a good eye for (fake) news: 

http://www.theonion.com/video/study-americans-get-majority-of-exercise-while-dru,18198/

Happy Weekend, Readers!  xoxo

-NL

Link, Link, Link

I wanted to highlight the "Blogs I Follow" in the right-hand column of this page.  (There are three listed.  Only two are actual blogs, but all three are very important!)  

The first is a link to Notes From a Prudent Man, by Cyrus Irani.  Cyrus lives in Chicago with his lovely wife Cindy (my bff), and his blog is basically a collection of observations and insights, filtered through the lens of a very astute, funny, and of course, prudent person.  I enjoy reading it especially because Cyrus often writes about things he does with Cindy.... so I get little glimpses of what she is doing now and again.  I really enjoy updates on the things that may seem mundane to Cindy, thus she does not mention them to me over the phone.  For example, below you will see a photo of Cindy purchasing a Rotisserie chicken from Costco. 

Cyrus also reviews movies, posts pictures of things that he finds funny or meaningful that may likely go unnoticed by the average person.... and my favorite part... he tells stories.  And I love a good story.  Oh, you'd like to see a photo of Cyrus?  

I would explain this photo to you, but instead, I shall remain silent.  All I'll say is, if you're going to tune in to someone's thoughts.... shouldn't it be this guy's?

The second blog is Eliza Rose Knows.  Eliza is my friend Sarah's niece.  Eliza's father is a really amazing professional photographer (...I stalked his website one day, and was really impressed and surprised to see the extensive list of well-knowns in his portfolio!  Just to name a few.... Nelly, Sheryl Crow, Taylor Swift, Queen Latifah, Billy Idol, Pharrell, Dave Matthews, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, John Legend, and wait for it... wait for it.... SNOOP DEE-OH-Double G!  Scream!  He also has a big portfolio of people with different beards, which I believe was showcased in its own independent venue in Austin, Texas.  Really enjoyable, humorous, and beautiful photos.) Anyway, he has written a blog from his daughter Eliza's perspective that describes her daily activities and interests through amazing photos, hilarious videos, and brief musings.  The icing on the cake is that Eliza now has a super cute baby sister named Evangeline.   Below: Look at them go! 

  

Sweetness. 

The final link is to a website called, A Trade for A Trade.  The basic story here is that my new UofM writing pal, Kendra, and her husband Johnathan run an online business.  I've tried several times to explain this business to people... (as Kendra and Johnathan have very eloquently explained it to me).  But since I am largely ignorant of fair-trade and ethical goods, when I excitedly try to convey the idea behind their website to others, I end up saying jumbled stuff like, "It's a very good website!  Kendra and her husband visited many different countries that make... ethical... objects.  I mean, they actually went to different countries to make sure the products were very... fair and.... fairly made.  Wait, not "fairly-made" like, only fair quality, but fair to the person who made them, I think.  It's all very...ethical. And good.  Oh dear."  

So I'll just let the website speak for itself.  Please visit it so that I don't have to feel guilty for the verbal damage I've already done to their business.  I mean, they've worked so hard.  And...ethically!   I'll stop. 

Happy Tuesday! - NL

You Go, Remy!

This morning, I received an email from my former co-worker and friend, Mona! (Hello, Mona! You Secret Sandwich!) It had link, with no explanation or description. I thought to myself, "Uh oh... is this a Spam email with a virus attached that has viciously bounced off of Mona's email account without her knowing??" But then I realized... it was a YouTube video and gave it a click. After I did so, to my delight I realized -- Oh, it's Remy! My favorite DC-based rapper.... no explanation needed.

But this is a blog, so I'm going to explain. Remy (Full name: Remy Munasifi) is an Arlington, Virginia local - born and raised - who writes the most observant and hilarious raps about daily living in the greater Washington D.C. area. Clever lyrics, combined with catchy music and narrative scenes, Remy has been producing his own rap videos on Youtube for nearly 4 years -- and has since become a viral video sensation -- with over 110,00 Youtube followers. He has garnered shout-outs and fueled discussions on CNN, The Washington Post, and Fox News... just to name a few. And now, he has his very own album, commissioned by Comedy Central.

If you like him, here's a link to his website: http://www.goremy.com/Site/Home.html

This one is for my D.C. readers, who, like Remy, have experienced the ups and downs of relying on the District of Columbia's Metro Transit System. Special thanks to Mona for sending it along! (xoxo, Mona! You're the best Reverend in town!)

-NL

Please, Allow This Psycho To Get You Fired Up For the Week!

Happy Monday, Readers! I have my first Creative Writing Workshop class this afternoon... so I'll be spending the morning polishing up an excerpt of my novel that I hope to submit to my classmates! A bit unnerving, but exciting at the same time.

So although I won't be able to write a full entry today, I thought I'd share a video of Phil Davison, who delivered this speech on September 8, 2010, while in the running for Treasurer of Stark County. It's likely you've already seen it, since this clip when viral...with over 1 million hits on YouTube within the first 2 days of its post. One of my classmates posted it to Facebook... it's scary, unsettling, and friggin' hilarious. I love a good GOP hissy fit. If nothing else, please allow Candidate Davison to get your pants in gear for the week! Hope you're all doing well!

-NL

p.s. After watching this clip, please enjoy some of my favorite comments posted to YouTube about Mr. Davison's impassioned words. (Below)

YOUTUBE: VOTE PHIL DAVISON FOR STARK COUNTY TREASURER

Kiiinsey: "Dude, this guy is going to treasure the sh*%# out of Stark County! Yeah!!!"

Pos908: "I don't know about treasurer, but he'd make an awesome pro-wrestler."

JuryJudgeLemon: "This is why I think all of us should be allowed to carry tasers. If that guy took one step toward me, I would've tazed him in the neck."

Ando1777: "This guy sounds exactly like Joe from Family Guy going through puberty."

MickGlee10: "I'll have one gram of whatever he's snorting, please."