LMNOP

Tomorrow I go on vacation, so please excuse this site as it becomes overrun with tall grass and weeds and cobwebs for next week or so.  I'll be back after the Fourth of July weekend, assuming I do not run away to become a cruise ship performer--which, quite honestly, is a strong possibility.  I have always been intrigued by career paths involving headset microphones.

See ya!

Found this gem on Craigslist today (click to enlarge):

My first thought upon reading this was, "Weird." 

My second thought was, "Hey.  I'm a primate.  I'm disease-free, too.  This could be a great way to make $1000."

Last week Pizza Hut announced that they will be taking their branding up a notch by pushing "The Hut" as their hip, cool nickname in order to appeal to a younger generation.  This does not mean they are completely rebranding, though--they still plan to be officially called Pizza Hut.  This is more of a marketing push.  As a spokesperson explains, "We think that 'The Hut' is to Pizza Hut as Coke is to Coca-Cola. We have begun using the term in conjunction with Pizza Hut in our advertising, pizza boxes and some restaurants."

So basically, Pizza Hut wants to give itself a nickname.  If you have ever spent any time in a college dormitory, you are thinking the exact same thing I am thinking right now: EVERYONE KNOWS YOU CAN'T GIVE YOURSELF A NICKNAME.  If you try, it will just backfire, and instead of being known as "The Tank," you will be called something like "Colonoscopy Joe" as punishment.

Besides being completely inorganic and violating every rule in the Nicknames Acquisition Codebook, "The Hut" is also a stupid nickname.  Basically, the name "Pizza Hut" has two components: a word describing the product sold by the company, and a word describing a structure made of dirt and sticks.  Which seems more appropriate for spinning a nickname off of, you ask?  Answer:

Duh.

Well, Pizza Hut must at least have a good reason for wanting a nickname, right?  Back to our friendly spokesperson:

"And yes, we're also introducing another vocabulary word with Pizza Hut, which is 'The Hut.' That ties in nicely with [today's] texting generation. We wanted to make sure that Pizza Hut and 'The Hut' become common vernacular for our brand. Red is our mark and when you see that red roof, people will refer to it as 'The Hut' or 'Pizza Hut.' As we expand our online and mobile businesses, 'The Hut' is the perfect icon for our mobile generation."

Ah-ha!  We are appealing to THE YOUTH!  Of course!  With their text messages and their tight pants and emo haircuts!  Surely they will treat this marketing campaign with the same earnest, genuine acceptance they routinely demonstrate when confronted with corporate America's attempts to connect to them!  This can't not work!

Long live THE HUT!

Tiger Beat Heartthrobs Then & Now.  Holy crap, it has been about 14 years since the name "Devon Sawa" crossed my mind.

I want to get business cards like these, but instead they would say, "This certifies that you have had a personal encounter with me and that you found me slllllightly awkward."

Scientists are getting better and better at mind reading.  I might as well tell you my deepest, darkest secret now: I thought Spock was hot in the new Star Trek.

Turns out it is not, in fact, a good idea to set off fireworks in an Arby's bathroom.

Awesome link from Jerome.  I think it is safe to say that "Liz" has a stick up her ass.

Something about this particular Awkward Family Photo made me laugh so hard.  I think it is partly because the Dad looks EXACTLY like Charlie's teacher from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

6 Intriguingly-Shaped Communities, as seen on Google Maps

The 14 Strangest Canned Foods.  Warning: that horrible canned chicken makes an appearance.

Researchers say that it takes alcohol six minutes to go to your head.  Good to know.

Some sculptures made from toilet paper rolls.

Prairie dog containment FAIL (thx, Em)

When you are extremely indecisive, tattoos are not an option.  I mean, come on: yesterday I looked at the giant soap refill bags at Target for 10 full minutes and then actually left empty-handed because I could not reassure myself that any of the available soap scents were ones I would like for as long as it would take to use up the bag.  So permanent ink on my body is not really within the realm of possibility.  Bumper stickers are the same way; I just cannot commit to a particular cause on such a long-term basis that I would adhere something to my car over it.  (OMG, WHAT IF I WAKE UP TOMORROW AND I DON'T WANT TO COEXIST ANYMORE???) 

Until now.  These bumper stickers are awesome.

And my personal favorite:

Finally, bumper stickers I can live with.  Now let's just hope I get the soap issue solved in the next couple days.

As I may have possibly mentioned jusssst a couple times here, Pancake's birthday was Sunday.  Several fabulous dogs were in attendance, including:

Riley!

Sammy!

And Coco!

There were also humans present.

There was ALSO a cake, frosted by yours truly, (in case you didn't recognize my distinctive artistic style).

Pancake also danced for us, with a little help from Mike (and vocal backup from Kelly).

This was all leading up to the grand finale, of course, which was when I gave Pancake his new car:

Just kidding.  Probably.

All in all, it was a pretty great doggie birthday party.  If you want to see a few more pictures, there's a set here.

Pancake had a most excellent birthday party today to celebrate turning two.  Here he is, not quite understanding the significance of birthday cake:

More pictures of the party, his all-star canine guest list, and even a few humans to come.

 Pancake is turning two tomorrow! 

My little guy is growing up.