Mudcat Tavern #18

Subject: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Áine
Date: 13 Nov 99 - 08:31 PM

All right, y'all – Welcome to the new Tavern!!

Hope y'all like the new decor – The steer them longhorns over the door belonged to was a real good friend of mine and you gentlemen better remove your hats before you belly up to the bar! Now you ladies can belly up there too, but I just want to let you know that them new brass spitoons are NOT for putting gum wrappers in!

Jes' wanna let y'all know too that no jokin' will be tolerated by the management 'bout that brand new nude paintin' behind the bar – Doesn't 'Spaw look good for a man his age? All right, Meixner, I see that laundry marker in your hand – put it back in your back pocket slowly – I said SLOWLY – or else I'll have to reach for the fire extinguisher!

Now for the new menu – it's gonna be downhome cookin' and Tex Mex this week. Hope y'all like chili that'll grow hair on your chest! Yep, that's Aine's Irish Cajun Chili we got cookin' in the back there and don't it smell good! Now jes' don't rile her and ask her the recipe 'cuz she's a pinch cook and don't want to let on that she doesn't know a tablespoon from a spitoon . . .

Before the band starts playin' on the brand new stage we got set up there in corner, the management wants y'all to know that anyone asking for Colorado Koolaid will be summarily tossed out the door. Free Guinness and Harp to anyone that's posted a BS thread in the last seven days and free rum for anyone who's posted to the 'Cat Farts' thread – yep, that's the man hisself, 'Spaw, pouring the rum for ya down at the other end of the bar . . .

So, everybody git yourselves a drank and settle down for the premiere performance of the Cat Farts Theme Song by the Esoteric Feline Gas Band and LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!!!!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: MMario
Date: 13 Nov 99 - 08:37 PM

Waittaminitt! where's the caffiene machine? WHERE'D IT GO? I gotta have my caffiene...oh, hell, hand me a bottle of kahlua, but *sob* I can't find that beautiful, brass, shiny, covered with knobs,buttons,levers and spouts caffiene machine. I even checked behind the mechanical bull, but I can't find it!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Susan A-R
Date: 13 Nov 99 - 08:59 PM

Hmmm, I think it's cleverly disguised in that painting MMario. I know it's kinda embarrassing, but I'm sure you'll figure it out now that you know where to look. As for me, I think I want a single malt scotch. My mother in law is here, and neither harps, nor rum will do the trick. Say, I like S'paw's hat. My uncle had one of those bit styrofoam stetsons once too, and I always thought it was a fiiiine piece of clothing, even though it wouldn't fit through any of the doors in his house. Well, I'm off to the catfart thread.

Susan (pray for me)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Áine
Date: 13 Nov 99 - 09:01 PM

Watcha talkin' 'about there, MMario? Ya want a cuppa Joe, no problem-o . . . See that there great big ole steel coffee pot over yonder? Jus' pour yourself a big ole mug of the stuff! Hope ya like chicory, 'cuz that stuff is just about to grow legs an' walk . . .

Oh, an' jes' so's ya know . . . that weren't no mechanical bull you were lookin' behind -- that was Big Mick in his brand new chaps -- don't look now, but he's headed this way . . .

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: MMario
Date: 13 Nov 99 - 09:06 PM

Just the way I like it! It's hard to stay conscious over the weekend at home where I don't have my IV of java.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 13 Nov 99 - 11:28 PM

I don't reckon you could fix up some Texas Fried Catfish, could ya, Miss Aine? *s* I posted to the Cat fart thread, but could I change that rum to a mountain dew? Under age in the states, ya know.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Áine
Date: 13 Nov 99 - 11:40 PM

Shur 'nuff, Caitrin! Would you like farm fries or Texas toast with that, darlin'?

As for the dew, I'm assuming that you want that stuff from the green can, not the real thang now, right? Well, there ya go, a nice big ole glass of it in one of Granma's Mason jars. Goes down a treat, don't it!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Jeri
Date: 14 Nov 99 - 12:00 AM

I think she meant the fizzy stuff in the green bottles. It's nice to have folks checking their own IDs here.

Áine, what's Irish Cajun Chili? Does it go with Margaruitas?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 14 Nov 99 - 01:26 PM

Thanks! That's right nice of ya. And farm fries, please! And Jeri's right...it is better in a bottle. (There's a little place in Boone that still has 'em.) One kinda has to check one's own i.d. in here...kinda tough for anyone else to, and it's just not right to try to take advantage of such a nice barkeep. :)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Áine
Date: 14 Nov 99 - 01:40 PM

Here ya go, Caitrin, a big mess a farm fries with an extra big bottle of ketchup and some extra napkins! If ya'd rather have that green stuff in bottle, well, jes' sashay yourself out onto the front porch and git ya one outa the cooler there.

And Jeri -- Irish Cajun chili is Aine's specialty of the house -- it's jes' chili made with a pint of Guiness and her secret blend of Cajun spices (garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and onion), along with the usual chili spices as well. Here's a great big ole bowl of it to go with your Margarita -- would you like salt around the edge of the glass or not, darlin'?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 14 Nov 99 - 02:49 PM

*grabs a bottle from the ice chest and pops it open on the counter* Gosh, I love this place. :)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 14 Nov 99 - 05:21 PM

HowDEE! How ya'll's doin'? Can I have a Coke on the rocks? I'm still underage for the next three weeks, but alcohol--can't have any & don't want any. Here's a toast to those ECU Pirates winning--and good luck for next week's season closer. Well now, nice painting of 'Spaw! Impasto--split complimentaries--use of the diagonal--artifical texture--and done in the style of Super Realism--Very nice (you know us art students). Is that Cleigh snuggled under the hatband on his styro-stetson? Whoa, let me try some of that Chili, Aine! I got a test tomorrow in health class, and I need for once this week to forget that this kinda food isn't bad for me!

--Mbo (who hasn't had his 8 servings of grain today (:-@)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 14 Nov 99 - 09:23 PM

Go Pirates! (I don't really watch football, but I'll cheer for the ol' hometown team anyhow.) Mbo...You're an art student? Do you by any chance know a guy named Mike who does a cartoon called Our Everyday Lives?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: MMario
Date: 14 Nov 99 - 09:33 PM

*shudder* SUPER-realism?!?!! gahd, I'm glad I'm facing away from that picture! (Sorry, 'Spaw!)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 14 Nov 99 - 10:04 PM

*BURP* 'Scuse me--that was some good chili! Caitrin, I'm sorry but haven't heard of Mike or his comic strip. Is it in the school newspaper? Master Mario, didn't you know that the last sculpture by the late great Super-Realist Duane Hanson was a life-size sculpture of the 'Spaw-man out of Bondo? 'S truth! It's in the kitchen, strategically placed so if someone tries to swipe something from the deep-fryer, they'll be confronted by a nude man in a styro-stetson with a dulcimer hammer raised over his head. Enough to scare anyone away!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 07:19 AM

Mbo, I know it was in the school newspapaer at one time...I don't know if it still is now or not. Styro-stetson and dulcimer hammer. Interesting combination.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Roger the skiffler
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 09:27 AM

The new decor calls out for a quick rendition of "Ghost riders int he sky". No? Ok I'll just have a quick one then.
Just noticed the Bramah bull head over the bar, he must have been doing a hell of a speed to come through the wall like that.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: MMario
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 09:31 AM

How about "Ghost Catfish in the Sky"? - y'know - considering all the nosie outside, the Tavern always seems to be a pretty peaceful place....okay, it's a little noisy on jello-wrestlin' night, but even then it's kinda peaceful...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Bert
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 03:10 PM

I'll take a shot of that free rum and a large bowl of chili. Mmmm, goood stuff. You all be very polite to Aine now. She comes from that town whose only claim to fame is, that somebody shot a bartender there 'cos there were beans in his chile.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Áine
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 04:58 PM

Bet y'all were wondering where I'd got to, weren't ya? Well, I was jes' out back in the Beer Garden putting down some brand-new sawdust and hanging some purty fairy lights, since the weather's gone and warmed up a bit now. Y'all jes' grab your dranks and chili and mosey on out here . . . Ain't it purty?!!!!

Now, I've been playin' around with a new recipe for my Kickapoo Joy Juice Salsa From Hades – I know what y'all are thinkin' – I jes' couldn't make it any better than it is already, right? Well, that's before Coyote Catspaw took my under his wing (and boy howdy, wadn't it interesting under there!) – and whispered the secrets of the ages to me . . . the things he's been a hidin' under that there styro stetson!! Shoooo-wheeee!!!!!

Here's some super big bowls of my new and improved KJJSFH and some great big ole bags of corn chips – I gotch ya yeller ones, ya red ones, ya blue ones, even some pokkie dotty ones for Miss Kat down there at the end of the big table . . . And if anyone feels somethin' internal start to catch a-fire, just hunker down and squeal real loud and Miss Kat'll be there with her fire extinguisher!!!

Y'all have a good time now, ya hear? Oh, and 'fore I forgit – MMario, jello wrastling night's not till tomorrow, so put down that hose!!!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 06:34 PM

Kickapoo Joy Juice Salsa from Hades. Wow. *takes a bit with a chip...her ears start to steam* *gasps out* Got that fire extinguisher, Miss Kat? This is heavy stuff!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 08:27 PM

Ahhh! The outdoors! I feel a song coming on..."Stars! In your multitudes, scare to be counted, filling the darkness with order and light, you are the sentinels, silent and sure, keeping watch in the night..." Sorry, I've been purposely steeping myself in Les Miserables and I can't help but share it with the others! Sorry, can't have any o' the Hades stuff--I've a rather delicate condition that can't handle it. Here's a good song. Ahem. "Cooooooooooool waterrrr...."

--Mbo (call me Javert tonight)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 10:01 PM

Javert and Eponine are my favorite Les Miserables characters. Marvelous choice, sir.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 10:22 PM

LEJ stumbles through swinging doors,comes to a halt in the sawdust raising small cloud,stares about him wild-eyed What in the name of Willie Nelson..!? glances up at obscene nekkid picture of Catspaw and cringes, notices mmario sitting at bar with two pearl-handled peace-makers sticking out of his holsters(mmario tips hat saying "evenin' LEJ"),sees bison head snarling down from rafters beside Banjer's banjer Of all the low-down ornery re-decorating schemes that were ever dreamed up by a 63 year old Paiute Medicine Man on Peyote cut with too much methedrine... stares into the corner where Kerouac is sporting a Stetson and Cassady has a "Red Man Chew" ball cap on, then suddenly catches the aroma of his favorite cuisine in all the world, the Sacred Chili con Carne, bubbling on the hob, hops onto a rawhide barstool, banging his spurs against the chrome stool-post, and slaps his ten-gallon on the bar Ah Hell, gimme a bowl of red with plenty of crackers, and an ice-cold St Pauli if you've got one! Like somebody said "you got to treat life like a good barbecue - when the goin gets tough you eases up on the beans, and you bears down on the meat". Oh, and a bottle of Tabasco, please.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 11:16 PM

Yo EJ! We're out back! Come join the fun! The Salsa eating contest has almost begun! Caitrin, how'd you know that Javert & Eponine are my favorites too? If someone is ever thinking of doing Les Mis in Greenville, I want to be Javert! I love every line that he says! And he also fits perfectly in my voice range. "Javert's Suicide" is my favorite song in the whole musical (Philip Quast's performance is unbelievable.) I love Frances Ruffelle as Eponine, and am looking through various versions to absorb every bit of dialogue she has. I also like the ABC gang. My sister loves Enjolras! Hey! I still feel like singing..."On this night of a thousand stars, let me take you to Heaven's door..." Where's 'Spaw? We can't start the Salso eating contest without him! Could somebody find him?

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Susan A-R
Date: 15 Nov 99 - 11:54 PM

I've survived the mother-in-law weekend, and have cooked u pa few entrants for the salsa contest. Someone kept suggesting that I use those scotch bonnet peppers, and so I did. Just hold onto your stetsons (styro and otherwise) and arm yourself with your favorite brew to put out the fire afterwards. Oh, and here's a bit of jalapeno corn bread to go with that chili. Ah, life is good!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: alison
Date: 16 Nov 99 - 02:03 AM

Philip Quast is indeed a wonderful Javert, (great musical),.... he also does Play School (kids TV program) over here in Oz... so we get to hear him singing all sorts of stuff..... he does a great "Black Cat".... lovely long ham strings, great butt..... mmmmmmm...... oops sorry..... does that door still open to the beach I think I need a cold swim.....

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: MMario
Date: 16 Nov 99 - 08:47 AM

Empty chairs and empty tables Where IS everyone? oh, I see! out by the BBQ pit, havin' a salsa eatin' contest, are ya? *Dido - go find Cleigh and amuse yourself for a while. No, you CAN'T have any. It'll burn your gullet*

Some Habenaro jelly here, with cream cheese and corn biscuits to spread it on.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 16 Nov 99 - 05:48 PM

Mbo, I have to agree on the personal voice range thing...Eponine is one of my favorites partially because I'm an alto. There are so few good alto parts in this world, ya know. (I can hit Fantine, too, but Cosette is a total no way.) Hey, Aine...do we have any Texas bbq here? (The stuff they refer to as barbeque in eastern north carolina is good, but it's not barbeque.)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: JL in Ozland
Date: 16 Nov 99 - 08:13 PM

'Scuse me, 'scuse me--can I slide a chair in here? Thank you ma'am. Yep, just got off the stagecoach, but this sure looks like my kinda place. Miss Aine, you got any Johnny Black in there behind the bar? And my, that's an...interesting...painting you got up above the big mirror!

Why, this here place is better than Willie's on the Fourth of July! Glad to meet y'all!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Nov 99 - 08:26 PM

Well, I thought I'd do a little painting around here. I hope nobody minds.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: MAG (inactive)
Date: 16 Nov 99 - 08:41 PM

Ah, somebody said the magic word: barbeque! the last coupla weeks at work (here) have been a strain; the good voters of Washington have guaranteed 3 layoffs and a loss of one-third of our service hours; my job is going to hell in a handbasket,and I've had a stomach bug that has been doing to me what no bug ever does to me.

Virtual BBQ and good company is just what the doctor ordered.

How 'bout "Tumblin' Tumbleweeds" in four-part harmony?

MAG

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 16 Nov 99 - 10:27 PM

So I bet you're wondering what I'm doing? Well, I'm working on a scale model of a chair for my design class. My teacher (Robert Ebendorf, if anyone knows him) wants me to adorn it using only pen and ink. So I've opted for a design based of the Book of Kells. Coming along nicely, don't you think? Oooh my eyes are getting tired from staring at all those lines! Too right about Eastern NC barbeque. All we have in Jacksonville (my home when I'm not at school) is Smithfield's, which is too vinegary and also too hot. There's supposed to be some good BBQ here in Greenville at a place called Bum's. Did you even see the BBQ guy on PBS who puts the food in his mouth, shows no visible signs of chewing, talks normally, and then starts chewing? I swear he must have cheek pouches! Mmmm, Aine, I could go for some REAL pork hash, with barbeque sauce! Got any? BTW howdy there, JL! What news from the south?

--Mbo (scribble, scribble)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Susan A-R
Date: 16 Nov 99 - 10:49 PM

Let me brush this snow off my jacket and head for the south door. I'm for the beach (I'm assuming that's where the barbacue is) It has ben snowing horizontally here for about 24 hours and walkiong home into the teeth of the north wind was something else!! Got home to a two and a half hour meeting at my house and only just got a chance to nip in here for black vile stuff and some chili 'n ribs. Oh, I did bring a key lime pie. All of my customers seem to be going on diets. I keep trying to tell them that November in Vermont is NOT the time to count calories, but their loss is our gain (in more ways than one.) Real limes, real whipped cream, the perfect habanero chaser. NO, it is NOT for possums, no matter how cute. Now git! Oh, I'll take the high part on Tumbleweed.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Bert
Date: 17 Nov 99 - 01:52 PM

Hooeeeee! that Habanero Salsa! Will I ever be able to sing again? I'll have to get Tree to make some tiger butter, just the thing to soothe the tongue.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 17 Nov 99 - 07:49 PM

No, no, no, Mbo! REAL barbeque is beef, not pork. You've been in NC WAY too long. And as to good Eastern NC bbq, The SKylight Inn (in Ayden) is the best. I can't remember if it's Bum's or Bee's that's good also. One of them is good and one of them is really greasy. The other one in Ayden is the greasy one. And your chair sounds really cool. I've tried some Celtic knot design stuff, but about the best I've done is in the Book of Kells coloring book my dad bought me. :)

MAG, I'll get the alto part of "Tumblin' Tumbleweeds" :)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 17 Nov 99 - 08:45 PM

Whoa! Book of Kells coloring book! I need one! Sorry, I don't know much about NC barbeque after all, it seems! My father just retired from the USMC, so I'm a military brat--I've been all over the place since the time I was born. I've lived here in Easter NC from 1982-1985 and now 1995 to the present. Far too short a time to know about the indigenous fare! Let me tell you the best BBQ I EVER ate was from "Sconyer's Barbeque" in Augusta, Georgia. Their PORK hash was the some of the best barbeque I've ever eaten! Sconyer's was also responsible for Augusta's annual "Lock & Dam Jam Pig and Chicken Shindig." Great sauce too. Their mascot was a rather complacent-looking pig reclining on a log in BBQ pit! My father used to work with a guy from Texas, and he also made some dang fine pork hash. Aine, you wouldn't happen to have any Halvorsen's Texas Hash, would you? I don't know "Tumblin' Tumbleweeds" that well, but I learned a neat trick from The Electric Light Orchestra (greatest band in the world!) where you can use your voice to simulate tornado winds. Works best in a chorus. Any volunteers? Wooooooooooo!

--Mbo (racing against the clock to finish the last chair! I on Mudcat waiting for the paint to dry!)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 17 Nov 99 - 10:02 PM

Well, there's a difference between Eastern NC barbeque and Western NC Barbeque. It is always pork, though. In the east it's shredded and in a vinegar sauce. In the mountains it's sliced and in a red sauce. The "pig pickin'" is yet another traditional porky thing. Texas barbeque is beef. It's important to know these things. :) I'll give the tornado winds a shot, but no promises. Hey, here's my neat news of the day! I learned how to play a digeridoo! Talk about neat noises.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: MMario
Date: 17 Nov 99 - 10:02 PM

peelin' grapes? Not THIS wednesday! Just listened to beginning of "the Lost episode" - not bad, though the multiple video frames makes it kinda wierd.....the different frames aren't synched, either - so getting multiple views of the guys....sorta like watching a disjointed strobe.....I miss the chat room....

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 17 Nov 99 - 10:11 PM

Well, I'm learning more and more about BBQ as this thread progresses! Wow...a digeridoo! I've tried to use a carboard wrapping paper tube, but it never works! I once saw a guy on TV rip a cyclone fence post out of the ground and start playing it as a digeridoo. It's all very intriguing. I'm thinking of writing a piece called "Ayers Rock" it would fit in well with my other tunes about various mountains, hills, and rocks.

--Mbo (Laredooo Tornadooo! Adios Amigoooooos!)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 17 Nov 99 - 11:24 PM

A dozen or so Catters are harmonizing at the bar when a howl arises from the direction of the little room with the silhouette of a bull over the door:

EEEEEEEIIIYYYYYAAAAAAHHHOOOOOOOOOWWWWIIIIIIEEEE!!!!

As the walls stop vibrating from the yell, Catspaw walks out and looks at the bunch at the bar, staring at him, their jaws dropped to their knees: He grins sheepishly, "Sorry, folks," he says. "That Irish Cajun Tex-Mex stuff is even fiercer comin' out than goin' in. And Bartender, Ma'am, ya'd better pull the curtain across that picture of me. Karen is dropping by tonight, and I don't think she'd be amused."

--seed

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Nov 99 - 11:26 PM

I bought a digeridoo last June, and can't seem to get the hang of circular breathing. Caitrin, if you figured out how to do that in one day, I'm gonna go into the corner and sob. So do you have any tips?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 18 Nov 99 - 08:56 PM

I actually learned circular breathing a while back when a friend was teaching me to play trumpet. Don't worry, Jeri, I didn't get it in one day. :) In fact, I still sound stupid because I breathe in way too hard through my nose. It sounds like I have a terrible cold. Mbo, I've also heard that you can use a piece of PVC pipe, but I've never tried it.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 18 Nov 99 - 09:10 PM

Well, I'm back from another 9 hour day at college. Boy, am I burned out! The Mudcat Tavern is just what I need right now! Hooray! Tomorrow's Friday! I get to go home for the weekend and actually sleep past 6:30! NOTE I am not going to be here tomorrow for the big ECU/NC State game. In fact, I'm glad I'm getting out of town tomorrow afternoon before all the madness starts. I'll watch the game from the comfort of the family living room in Jacksonville. I'm also looking forward to squeezing my ol' kitty cat, Boo. So what's new wi' everyone here? Doing well, I trust? Poor old 'Spaw, I know how you feel, buddy! Say, Miss Aine, what do you serve for dessert 'round heeyuh? I could use a tasty treat! I also need to cool off after the big tongue-lashing I gave to Mted, who accused Classical guitarists like me of being capable only of playing "wimpy Baroque" dances and not being able to play fast or loud enough for people to dance to. Well, I'd best not drag that in here, the Tavern should be a place to have fun! So let's have some! Anyone up for a game?

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: alison
Date: 18 Nov 99 - 09:19 PM

circular breathing tip...... from someone who can do it, (not me I hasten to add)... sit in a bath (or seeing as your here in the tavern- the irish coffee jacuzzi will do) with a straw... blow a steady stream through the straw and without breaking the stream try to inhale quickly through your nose........... good luck...

PVC pipe works... but put some beeswax on the end to make it more comfortable......

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Nov 99 - 09:37 PM

Thanks Alison. I don't usually keep straws in the bathroom, but I'll have to stock up, now. I can manage to breathe in through my nose, but making a steady raspberry noise is difficult. I think I'm supposed to be taking a few sniffs of air instead of one big snort.

What sort of game, Mbo? Darts? May I use the digerido?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Áine
Date: 18 Nov 99 - 09:53 PM

ALLLLLRRRRRIIIIGGGHHHTTT YYYY'AAAALLL!!!!

Áine bursts through the swinging doors of the kitchen and jumps on top of the bar . . .

'Y'all want some DEE-SERT? I'll give ya DEE-SERT . . .'

She whips off her white apron (liberally stained with chili) and stands there proudly with her entire body covered with sequins -- the red, white and blue of the Texas State Flag covering her down to her thighs (and then a couple of shamrocks on her knees for good measure . . .) Pulling the styro-stetson off of Spaw's head and grabbing the bottle of rum, she takes a big swig of the bottle, reaches under the bar, and brings up a big ole strang of . . .

'SOPAPILLAS -- I GOT YER RED HOT SOPAPILLAS RIGHT HERE!!!' Lonesome EJ's got the jars of honey there, so y'all just come on down and git some' . . .

SUDDENLY -- red lights flash and sirens sound outside the door of the Tavern -- M. McConaughey bursts through the door, sans clothes, carrying bongo drums, jumps on the bar with Áine and yells, 'Digeridoos, straws, an irish coffee jacuzzi??? LET'S PPPAAARRRTTTEEE!!!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 18 Nov 99 - 09:55 PM

Right-O! How about "Finish the Line" from traditional music? I'll start "All you brave Irish heroes, where'er ye be-" What's the rest of the line?

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: alison
Date: 19 Nov 99 - 01:00 AM

Jeri, it's supposed to be really quick snorts.. so you go raspberrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry,sniff, raspberrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry,sniff,raspberrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry,sniff.......

another technique I saw taught once is too stand in fron of a mirror and do it.... put your hands on your cheeks and gnetly squeeze them as you blow raspberrys (shut up 'spaw), you sniff quickly to fill your cheeks again while trying not to stop the raspberrys...... and start doing this slowly and gradually quicken up until you are doing them at the same time.......

send me your email and I'll do you a voicemail of what it should sound like, (although as I say.. I can't really do it.....) hahaha

I'll have what Aine's having.....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 19 Nov 99 - 09:11 AM

You gotta, like, feel the beat man! Hey, McConaughey! Guess what? You're not the only one wi' no clothes on! You're in good company with the 'Spaw painting! Hand me one of those Soparpillas, Aine! It's a little early in the morning, but who cares? BTW whats a Soparpilla?

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Allan C.
Date: 19 Nov 99 - 09:37 AM

Mbo, Sopapillas, (pronounced, SO-PA-PEE-YUZ) are a clever Mexican invention by which large quantities of honey are stuffed into one's mouth by way of a piece of light, hollow, fried dough. They are the best excuse for eating honey (as if one were needed) I have ever found! They go especially well IMHO between sips of Jamaican rum. If you'll just pass 'em down this way, I'll show you how it is done.

Meanwhile, Aine, thanks for fixing up a mess of those sopapillas and, BTW, you're welcome to stay just where you are. The view is especially good from where I'm sitting.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 19 Nov 99 - 09:44 AM

Oh boy! Sounds great! "Cramming Sopar's down your crop, makes a sound like 'pop, pop, pop!'

--Mbo (here's the tray)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: MMario
Date: 19 Nov 99 - 09:56 AM

awww, someone's been blowing bubbles in the irish cream juccuzzi! Look at those drifts of whipped cream piling up against the sides....(kinda disgustin' lookin' ain't it?) - but guess that's what happens.....

just stopped by to drop off a bowl of cranberry chutney with some fresh rye bread to spread it on....gearing up for turkey day!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 19 Nov 99 - 10:11 AM

Mmmmm....tuuurrkeeyyy...

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 19 Nov 99 - 06:36 PM

Hey! It's Friday night! I have a feeling something exciting is going to happen tonight! It's Friday! Right now, I'm back in Jacksonville, after braving the elements, the roads, and the millions of combines and tractors that were all out doing the annual autumnal chores. I love autumn! Ohh...I've never crammed so much honey in my mouth at one time before!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 19 Nov 99 - 09:40 PM

Sopapillas are fabulous, Miss Aine! Great stuff. You can never really have too much sugar. Mbo...all set for the ECU/State game? What do you figure are the odds they'll try to tear down the goal posts? You're probably right...you'll be lots safer in Jacksonville. Alison, thanks for the circular breathing tip. Maybe I'll finally be able to do it without sounding like I'm trying to inhale a large object through my nose. *hops in the Irish Cream jacuzzi to give it a shot*

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Susan A-R
Date: 19 Nov 99 - 11:06 PM

Geeze, I haven't had Sopas since I was in college. They are wonderful!! Thanks. Well, I'm taking a break from a bulk mailing, and a bit of rum would certainly help the process along (It's pretty mindless, so why not blow a few brain cells) Oops, Cleigh is going to be a bit sticky S'paw, he kinda got into my sopas and got carried away. Now he's a really sweet little guy.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 20 Nov 99 - 06:40 PM

PIRATES WIN! PIRATES WIN! Hey, Miss Aine, drinks for the house! On me! We sent the Wolfpack home wi' their tails between their legs! We're going to a bowl game! YEAH! UH-HUH! Hmmm...I wonder what they did with the goal posts after they RIPPED THEM DOWN! I'll tell ya, it makes me proud to be a member of ECU!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 20 Nov 99 - 06:56 PM

Whoa! Miss Aine, I just heard that you're homeschooling your children. Right on! You'll never regret doing it, and neither will the kids. My mother had the good foresight to homeschool my sisters and I. We were homeschooled for 12 years. I count it pas the once most important thing to happen in my life. Now my sisters and I are all college students, and our homeschooling has raised us to a higher academic level. NOTE--I have nothing against you folks who went to public school--I admire you greatly. But in our particular circumstance, moving every three years, and the absence of good schools led to the decision for homeschooling. Here's a toast to all of us who've survived the academic experience. "I see it as a challenge before the whole human race, and I ain't gonna lose!"

--Mbo (Cheers!)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 21 Nov 99 - 12:02 AM

Public school is hell. Middle school was the most horrible experience of my short life. Kids are terribly cruel, especially if you show any kind of weakness or difference. Stay far, far away from public school as much as possible.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Caitrin
Date: 23 Nov 99 - 10:22 PM

From what I've noted, private school is awful, too. Same cruelty as public schools, but class becomes more of an issue.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Neil Lowe
Date: 24 Nov 99 - 06:53 AM

I'm beginning to think the only real truth that's being touted these days is either on a bumper sticker or a tee-shirt: "Hookt on Foniks rilly wurkt fer me."

Regards, Neil

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Nov 99 - 03:36 PM

A guy I knew once joked "I wanted to buy Hooked on Phonics, but I accidentally bought Hooked on Ebonic instead!"

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: MMario
Date: 29 Nov 99 - 09:19 AM

I hate technology! you wouldn't believe what AI had to do to get here, but lemmee tell you I ain't happy! yeesh!

pour me a drink and lemmee put my feets up. What a weekend!

MMario

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Mían
Date: 29 Nov 99 - 11:20 AM

Aye, MMario, good to see you here, too. What be yer pleasure at 9:00 EDT on a Monday morning? (I do realize that is a wide open question...) Hair o' the dog (i have no idea what that actually is, perhaps one of our regulars can elaborate)? A lovely little single malt? Of course, the vile black stuff is always good for breaking one's fast. I toast ye all here (no, no I don't have a torch, take it easy). Slaínte!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: MMario
Date: 29 Nov 99 - 04:33 PM

all of the above sound appropriate to me!

what a day! Content filter has cut me off from the mudcat, but never underestimate the resources of an angry techie!!!!! But yegads is this method I'm using cumbersome!!!! and I KNOW I am missing most of the threads. Hopefully will be able to log in from home tonight....

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 29 Nov 99 - 07:18 PM

Sipping a Boddington's bitter ale which my frau brought back from England for me- haven't had much Mudcat time lately with the Christmas retail season going into full gear. Watch out for me about Dec 26th though!!

LEJ

Subject: RE: Mudcat Tavern #18
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Nov 99 - 10:49 AM

Where'd everybody go? Oh, I see the sign stuck to the mirror at the back of the bar..."We all went through the looking glass. Put on your flamenco footwear and click here for The Mudcat Cantina"