Can we lighten up a little?

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 05:24 PM

I agree Moon.....and I wasn't trying to bring anything back, just looking at "evolution" and in the process saying exactly what the 'Cat does mean to a lot of us....well, me in any case. If I didn't get that across, I didn't do a good job and I'm sorry I wasn't better.

Sorry I can't help on "used to be" friendships though. What am I missing here?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: bbelle
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 05:13 PM

catspaw ... this wasn't an effort to "go back" or to point out the "oldtimers" ... it was an effort to, hopefully, bring us back to reality and what the mudcat is to many people. To, perhaps, repair some used-to-be friendships. Don't know ... maybe I'm just spittin' in the wind ...

moonchild

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 03:30 PM

I just finished it and it was fun reading. A few of them have gone and a few are less active, but garg was of course rather benign as he often could be. Along with the times he was amazingly intelligent and well versed, he could also get far meaner and more spiteful. Where I do see a difference is in the overall tone of some of the moderate flamers we pick up now and again is, on the whole, a lot worse and a lot less knowledgable than garg.

We had just emerged into a light bantering period and the atmosphere was relaxed although we were still feeling our way into a different kind of cyber community than had been before and indeed one that differs greatly from other places on the net. We lost lots of good people during the next 6 months or so, but we acquired others, many of them now being part of the core group of 'Catters.

I think the evolution is interesting and it of course still goes on. The last part we have seen is the "Great Mudcat Adventure" of Bill and Allan and the way in which it brought us to a new level again. There are several significant moments in the history of this joint that have created the overall sense of family and community. Annaps first gathering for instance; there was initially great concern over her addy being given out and all that.....privacy issues and such. Now take a look....simply amazing.

I think that last year's FSGW was quite significant in the number of 'Catters in attendance and the great reports back to those who were only there in spirit. I don't recall any event before that time that was so well reported and with such exuberance, not to mention the sheer number of people who were there. Combined with annap's, the intermingling of 'Catters became more frequent with the best of it all coming lately from Allan and Bill.

We've gone through several extremely nasty periods too, but each has taught us better how to get along and how to handle the situations. Many times, one member has come to the front and shown us a way to cope, as Leej did with the first "Tavern" thread, and we have I think grown through those too. HearMe has brought another tool that has been a big part of the recent growth.

Thinking back more brings to mind other events that created large changes to the Village of Mudcat that make it so different from other places. Our new members often are amazed at the openess of the place and while at first they are reticent, most fall into the open atmosphere almost before they know it and can't believe they are doing it. If I had to pick an event that bonded the spirits of the people here and changed the tenor of the place in general, I would say it was my hospitalization. Most found things in themselves and others then that they certainly didn't expect......like the idea of dropping what they were doing and driving hundreds of miles for someone who was in essence a total stranger. But the unique thing was and is, that we are not strangers when we meet, but rather old friends....who've never met.

Some threads helped to create these feelings and sometimes they were threads not necessarily harmonius, but certainly we learned much of each other from them. Overall, we have learned a way to judge one another through our words and we are finding that our judgements are sound. I am still struck by a feeling from the Radio Show following Bill and Allan's trip. I think that then, for the very first time, Max felt the true enormity of his creation and the union of souls his work had inspired. He may have enjoyed it before, but what Mudcat was, in my opinion, came home to him that night. Maybe it came home to all of us even more.

What's next? We are a different place than we were then and we'll be a different place tomorrow. But I still relate back to something Sandy Paton once said. "I always wanted to live somewhere like this." As always, Sandy was, and is, right. I still like living here. In some ways we've gotten better and better and in a few ways, things are worse....but its still one helluva' fine place to come home.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: bbelle
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 02:13 PM

Wouldn't you like to know where some of the people have gone? And, while I've had my trial by fire with the real gargoyle, he was actually pretty benign on the threads, wasn't he? I know it's a long thread to go through, but I reread every one and it made me kind of sit up straight.

moonchild

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 01:57 PM

Some good stuff to remember, Jenny, thanks...kat

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: bbelle
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 03:40 AM

REFRESH

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: bbelle
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 12:40 AM

This is an old thread, but take the time to read through it. I'll be curious to read what stands out to "you."

best ... moonchild

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: The Shambles
Date: 01 May 99 - 12:23 PM

This one was getting a bit long but the cut and thrust continues here THE RETURN OF THE BLUE CLICKY THING

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Banjer
Date: 01 May 99 - 09:08 AM

I think it's high time we get one of those self cleaning litter boxes I've seen advertised. That way no one person would haver to be resposible for it and we could all deposit anything we wanted to!

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 May 99 - 08:18 AM

Yeah, but I still wanna know who's gonna clean up that litter box!?

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Banjer
Date: 01 May 99 - 04:39 AM

Right on LEJ!!! I think if the 'Spaw could communicate with us right now he would probably tell us to quit all this damn "CATerwalling" and lighten up! While we are all obviously very concerned about him and wish him all the best, I believe in his absence, until he can once again take the helm, he would want us to continue the fine examples of insanity he has set for us...I for one intend to do my part to carry on the tradition....On second thought, to HELL with tradition...let's do it the way we always have!!!

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 01 May 99 - 01:26 AM

I really needed a dose of Catspaw, and since Mr. Over-the -Top is convalescing, I checked out this thread from some weeks back. It got me laughing with my buddy instead of worrying about him, and I think he'd like that better. Anyway, I thought I'd refresh this classic example of Thread Creep, featuring Cats at his best (and worst).

LEJ

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: McMusic
Date: 22 Apr 99 - 11:28 PM

For Steve Latimer-- Kind of like something I read about once. Back in '66 or so, Jimi Hendrix opened for the Monkees? What were THOSE promoters taking?

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: anna
Date: 22 Apr 99 - 04:08 PM

What have I gotten into!! NOI

BTW, I happen to have that Chieftains CD With Van Morrison, Sinaid O'Conner(?), Mick Jagger, and a few others. It's called The Long Black Veil, with the title song being sung by Mick himself.

I loved Vans rendition of "Have I told you lately that I love you".

Now, remember. You promised to lighten up.

Anna

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 19 Mar 99 - 10:02 AM

Okay, a lot of you won't understand how bizarre this bill was. In my teenage years I saw a show at Toronto's Exhibition Stadium that opened with Blues/Rocker Rick Derringer, was followed by Blues/Rocker Rory Gallagher and closed with Aerosmith. In between Gallagher and Aerosmith was Henry Gross who was enjoying his fifteen minutes of fame with "Shannon" the syrupy, schlocky dog lost at sea song. It actually happened, I was there.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Mar 99 - 08:17 PM

Hey kat....ALL THOSE THAT RICK LISTED ARE TRUE!!!!!!

See, I thought he was taking a shot at my girl Emmylou with the little extra zinger he added. As a matter of fact I think you'll find some of those people together on stage more than once......the nightmares never cease!!!

catspaw

Subject: Rick Fielding: it's come true!
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Mar 99 - 07:31 PM

Hey, there! Rick, just wanted to let you know, you're psychic or something. Right after the great Irish music show on BBC America, last night, they showed a whole hour on Vna Morrison. I didn't/couldn't watch it, but they did promo the Chieftains as appearing with him, as well as John Lee Hooker and Bob Dylan. I saw the Hooker portiona nd had to leave the room because I wanted Van to shut up and let the "MAN" sing! kat

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 18 Mar 99 - 02:25 PM

I've been ignoring this thread, but seeing how as it just wasn't going away I thought I'd check it out. It adds a whole new meaning to "But I digress"

How about covers by like names?

Frank Zappa sings Frank Sinatra, I mean who is better qualified to sing "I Did It My Way"?

From the truth is stranger than fiction category, who else has heard the Pat Boone CD where he covers Heavy Metal bands like Led Zeppelin (wasn't there a thread about them a while back?), Metallica, Deep Purple etc? It is a hoot, especially Pat's version of Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train"

I'm not sure if Ozzy was originally an Osbourne Brother of Bluegrass fame. What about Homer and Jetro Tull?

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 17 Mar 99 - 05:57 PM

Check out his version of "Proud Mary"! And I ain't kiddin'

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Mar 99 - 03:28 PM

Bill I saw that album somewhere years ago. My curosity is getting the better of me and I think I'll do a bit of web searching.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Mar 99 - 02:49 PM

somewhere...in a time long since passed, I actually acquired an album of 'Leonard Nimoy sings'...I cannot remember to this day WHAT he sang...perhaps it was "Leonard Nimoy sings Ewan MacColl"!!...there's one to shiver your timbers!!

no, I did NOT pay full price...it was a yard sale item..

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Mar 99 - 06:38 PM

I enjoyed all of your pairings Rick and I did know they were real...I just thought you threw that last one in with a little extra fanfare making me assume it was a shot...but that DID make the sideways line a little nutso didn't it? Emmylou takes a lot of flak sometimes 'cause she doesn't fit the right slots all the time and often moves forward or backward in a kind of exploration process. Lately I've been pushing "Prayer in Open D" every chance I get to the point of nausea. Not many songs speak to taking personal responsibility for what we do in this age. So I kinda' thought you were zapping me about "my Girl." Didn't know about the guitar, thought she was still on the Gibson thing.

Best of luck...I'm sure you won't need it...on tour. Taking a "stabilizing influence" along ought to make it fun without being,uh...costly? Hope you both have a good time. Karen and I are dying for a few days alone together, so I'm envious too!!!I'll miss you while you're gone too there...Reg!

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 16 Mar 99 - 05:50 PM

Actually seed, all the couplings in my post HAVE actually happened. That WAS the joke! (guess I'd better not quit my day job). BUT..imagine my surprise to find out that Catspaw is an Emmy Lou fan, and that I was taking a cheap shot at both of them! Nooo Nooo Nooo! Didn't know the first...and wasn't doing the second! I actually am a big fan of Ms. Harris, and even more so now that she's playing a guitar built by my friend Glen Reid. The humour (for those who are into it) comes from the incongruity of the parings, and the downside result is that often the music made is much less than either artist would do on their own.

On the other hand, now I understand your "take one sideways" line "Paw". I assume it's the celtic translation of "Goin' upside your head!" If you want to mess with a Canadian, tell them "On Your Back,Bacon!" Gonna miss you while I'm on tour, Cletus.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Mar 99 - 12:48 PM

Hey there seed...do I somehow strike you as refined??? I have been to several refineries but was told there is a limit as to the "crude" they'll take. Some you just can't do anything with...suitable only for shoreline spillage I guess.

And by the way, Rick was taking a shot at me as he knows I've got a soft spot (perhaps also a har.......no,let that go, too crude) for Emmylou. Notice on the next post that I took a crude shot back. Rick's so refined...smooth as 10W40.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 16 Mar 99 - 11:58 AM

I for got to add this note to my earlier post: Rick Fielding, Bill Monroe put out an album "Bill Monroe and Friends" on which he did duets with a variety of country artists, one of whom was Emmy Lou Harris. --seed

And Catspaw, I guess I'm just not very refined. --seed

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Mar 99 - 11:49 AM

But Dan, though this may not be Thieme, it is thematic, if not consistent. And Joe should be honored by this thread. After all, he's had a condom named after him right here. Lots of people still to go though...How about the:"Liam's Brother Special" has an extra thick skin so as to be used by multiple family members.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 16 Mar 99 - 11:33 AM

Joe Who? Sorry I was on vacation for a few weeks shoveling snow at my mother's. I must have missed something.

Seriously, this thread is becoming far too long, becoming a threat to eclipsing the truly World Famous "Condom" thieme, er, thread. I think this has gone on far too long and, in case you need an incentive to cease, let me tell you that I have recently heard that Mr. Offer, rather than being an "investigator" is actually a contract hitman, thereby explainly those absences from home and frequent business trips to Chicago, Las Vegas, Providence and Palermo!

All the best,
Unsigned

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Bert
Date: 16 Mar 99 - 11:17 AM

Yes, I tried, but that's kind of difficult with Madonna....

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Mar 99 - 10:38 AM

Actually guys we've refined this just a bit to people of the same name:

Leonard Cohen Sings George M. Cohen

or

Richard Clayderman Plays Little Richard

Do anything you want though 'cause the concept just cracks me up!

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Bert
Date: 16 Mar 99 - 10:30 AM

Madonna sings Harry Lauder

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: AlistairUK
Date: 16 Mar 99 - 10:23 AM

I think it would be more interesting if it were

Marilyn Manson sings Burl Ives

K.C. and the Sunshine Band sing Leonard Cohen

Richard Clayderman plays Jelly Roll Morton

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 16 Mar 99 - 10:17 AM

I'm sometimes a bit slow at getting to these threads, so if the Jane doe sings joe shmoe is old hat, I apologize:

Pat Boone sings Marilyn Manson

k.d.lang sings Kenny Rogers

Charlton Heston sings Woodie Guthrie

--seed

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Ferrara
Date: 15 Mar 99 - 11:32 PM

Pete M, ROFLOL. - Rita F.

Subject: RE: idiots that can't read
From: Pete M
Date: 15 Mar 99 - 06:11 PM

Roger, if you are worried by the actions of morons who won't read instructions even when they are in VERY BIG EASY TO READ LETTERS, try the following mental exercise.

Take a deep breath, and close your eyes.

Picture yourself by a gently flowing stream, Birds are singing in the crisp mountain air, Nothing can bother you, The soothing sound of the gentle wind fills the air with serenity, The water is crystal clear, You can easily make out the face of the idiot whose head you are holding under the water.

And Phillipa please don't encourage them by adding to the blasted thread!

Pete M (OI)

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: AlistairUK
Date: 15 Mar 99 - 04:53 PM

If the tool you're using doesn't work you may find the machine you're working on looking for another mechanic!

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Mar 99 - 04:23 PM

Roger, sometimes you crack me up!!! I loved your hammer stroke and frankly thought it was OK. Some people are easily offended and let's face it...some are given to incredible stupidity. Don't sweat it and remember...If the tool you're using doesn't work, try a BIGGER hammer.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: The Shambles
Date: 15 Mar 99 - 02:49 PM

Talking of Joe, where is he? I for one have missed lately, his polite common sense approach to things.

Come back Joe, we need you.

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: AlistairUK
Date: 15 Mar 99 - 02:36 PM

If I could find the damned address I'd point ya to a dancing turd site

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 15 Mar 99 - 02:25 PM

Phillipa said I should come over here. I think she was suggesting I do penance for an outburst on the "Want to find a song" thread. I often wondered why Joe, who is usually quite polite, would occasionally break nasty on some poor soul.

For me, it is the feeling of wanting to control something, trying to do so nicely, and then eventually giving up, assuming stupidity or just plain onariness on the part of the hapless poster.

Well, I crossed the line, but I don't feel too guilty about it. Sometimes you work really nicely on a frustrating problem and then you just gotta take a hammer to it.

OI

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Mar 99 - 02:02 PM

That's sick there alison...What with Cletus already being committed to the Neil Young Center for the Terminally Screwed after the hamsterdance, well, this one may have had an even worse effect...just dunno.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: alison
Date: 14 Mar 99 - 11:12 PM

Hi,

with so much mentioning of liver going on I just had to send this... there's a screen saver should interest you (plus heaps of other St Patrick nonsense.)

check out

Liverdance

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 14 Mar 99 - 11:11 PM

Personally, I would get a big kick out of Dan Quayle reciting "Howl".

"I saw the best minds of my generation

knocked cold by the Three Martini Lunch

Stammering, fumbling for their American Express cards

Passing their hastily written Room numbers

To sullen-eyed waitresses wearing neon haloes"

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 14 Mar 99 - 10:58 PM

How about Jesse (the body) Ventura reading Jack Kerouac and TEN DAYS THAT SHOOK THE WORLD (John Reed)---a 2 CD set.

Somehow, this seems very PC (poetically correct).

Art

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Mar 99 - 04:58 PM

Well, Willie did sing with Ondar from Tuva, for real! Heard it on his new cd, "Deep in the Heart of Tuva"!

I love this thread! Keep it going guys! katlaughing

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Mar 99 - 04:24 PM

Isn't this a fun thread? It started about lightening up, but it seems to have become a refuge for some of us as the topics may change, but Lord knows they're light. Thank you Rick for another goodie!!!!!

So we combine the two perhaps and have, say,

Art Thieme Sings Art Garfunkel---and I am not demeaning either one, but somehow the material just doesn't work does it?

Simon,Alvin,and Theodore Sing Paul Simon---specifically I think "Hearts and Bones" or "African Skies" would be quite unique.

Pete Townsend/Pete Seeger---go either way with this one.

Roger McGuinn Does Roger Miller---can you see McGuinn bobbing his head around in that goofy way singing "Chug-A-Lug, Chug-A-Lug?"

Cass Elliott and "Ramblin' Jack---hmmm, could have been entertainin'!!??!!??

Michael Jackson and Jackson Browne---either way involves some serious weirdness, you pick.

How about a 3-way? Neils-Young,Sedaka,Diamond---mix and match folks and it's too strange to contemplate.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 14 Mar 99 - 02:39 PM

Wait a minute, I've got the silliest one yet! How 'bout Willie Nelson and that "Julio guy"? Naw, no one would believe that.

Now if things here become a bit surreal, we could go to a kind of Spinal Tap fantasy. (Remember the part where Nigel joined an audio book club where celebrities read the works of authors with the same name..such as "The works of John Irving, read by Dr. J". Well how about a conversation between Ralph Stanley and Stanley Kowalski. Like....S.K. "STELLAAA!"....R.S. "No, actually Stanley, it's a Gibson RB 250."

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Mar 99 - 12:51 PM

And once again, Truth proves stranger than fiction.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Chet W.
Date: 14 Mar 99 - 12:46 PM

You jest, but I just heard a heavy metal version of Whiskey in the Jar on the radio the other day.

Chet

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Mar 99 - 04:54 PM

Just take one sideways there Fielding old boy!!**grin**

I was thinking............

"George Jones Covers the Clancey Brothers, with special Back-Up from Chuck Berry and Little Richard"

"BeeGees Honor Concert for Willie, Waylon, and Hank"

"Johnny Cash and Ernest Tubb...Tribute to the Everly Bros."

GOTTA' STOP !!!!!! HELP!!!!!!

AND RICK...Any opinion on high line guitars...I know you've had a few...howzabout a post?

catspaw

Subject: RE: Can we lighten up a little?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 13 Mar 99 - 04:21 PM

Yeah, it could get really bizarre, like "The Chieftans" with "Van Morrison". Or how about "The Chieftans" with "Sinead O'Connor". Or my personal fantasy nightmare: "Bill Monroe with Emmy Lou Harris". Boy, I'd hate for that to ever become reality!