Ultimate Winner #5: davidseven

Cue the trumpets! Throw some confetti! Alert the press!

Today we celebrate a momentous occasion - our fifth participant to collect all seven days six days and a wildcard!

Congratulations to davidseven!

Check out his wins:

Day Two
03/02/10 - List

Day Three
03/25/10 - Advice
04/14/10 - Free For All

Day Four
05/06/10 - Praise

Day Five
04/02/10 - Neighborhood Watch

Day Six
11/21/09 - Waiting

Day Seven
03/14/10 - Daylight Savings

Wildcard
02/14/10 - Valentine

So everyone join me in congratulating the very numerical davidseven on his hard-fought victory! He'll always be davidone in our hearts.

David (may I call you David?) - Feel free to swipe the button above if you'd like to display it on your blog!

Ultimate Winner #4: Bethany

Cue the trumpets! Throw some confetti! Alert the press!

Today we celebrate a momentous occasion - our fourth participant to collect all seven days six days and a wildcard!

Congratulations to Bethany (@Auburnrose)!

Check out her wins:

Day One
03/22/10 - Funeral for a Foe

Day Two
02/09/10 - Good Luck
03/09/10 - First Job

Day Three
05/05/10 - Children

Day Four
02/25/10 - Spaghetti Incident
12/18/09 - Secret Santa

Day Six
03/20/10 - Cameo

Day Seven
1/17/10 - Wish Upon A Star
05/09/10 - Lessons Pt 2

Wildcard
02/03/10 - Award Show

So everyone join me in congratulating the amazing Bethany (@Auburnrose) on her well-deserved victory!

Bethany - Feel free to swipe the button above if you'd like to display it on your blog!

Pause

I've been giving a lot of thought lately to the future of this site. This has required me to give some thought to the past of this site as well.

The condensed version is that while I have really enjoyed reading your responses, I believe my concept really only works with more participants. See, I try to spread the wins around a bit so everyone feels the love and nobody wins more than once a week. But with the same few participating on a regular basis (regardless of how seriously talented, witty, and faithful you have all been), it seems like I'm not always able to choose the "best" option. I'm feeling quite backed into the corner with the concept.

So what to do? Because of the specificity of the concept, I'm not sure. The whole point is to have seven distinct categories and daily winners try to collect all of the badges. If I stop naming winners or do away with the categories, that destroys the concept making this just another writing cue blog.

I'm also at a point off-blog where I'm more slammed than usual (oh, the joys of continuing my education) and could use a breather anywhere I can get it.

For right now, I'm going to put new cues on pause. I will continue naming winners for the remaining cues so if you haven't participated (or want to try again - multiple entries per person is totally acceptable!), go for it!

I'm completely open to suggestions. Please don't give up on the site quite yet. I'll post an update soon.

Lessons, Pt 2

Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

What lesson has life taught you that you wish you never had to learn?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/25/10

Some of the most beautiful things in life are found on the detours you never wanted to take.

Winner: Bethany (@Auburnrose)
Reason: Being that I'm taking a few detours of my own right now, this really spoke to me.

Teacher

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



What lesson is this teacher sharing with her students?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/25/10

I'm telling you, kid, a truth, not a lie.
If you can become as successful as I,
Then I bet that you
Could teach school, too!
Then you could take off that stupid green tie.

Winner: C. Beth (@cbethblog)
Reason: Odd that the kids have to wear ties and not the teachers. That doesn't seem fair somehow.

Measuring Up

So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.

So I have this friend... Somehow she never feels like she measures up to the people around her. What advice can I give her that will help her feel better?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/25/10

My advice? Stop measuring yourself against others. Instead, focus on making the best choices you can each day. Measure only against yourself. Was today better than yesterday?

I'm reminded of my favorite Maya Angelou quote:

"You did the best you could. And when you knew better, you did better."

Being your best doesn't mean being better than others!

Winner: Eternal Lizdom
Reason: Thank you, Liz, for your very realistic answer. Plus, anything with a Maya Angelou quote is alright by me.

Ultimate Winner #4: Inspired Dreamer

Cue the trumpets! Throw some confetti! Alert the press!

Today we celebrate a momentous occasion - our third participant to collect all seven days six days and a wildcard!

Congratulations to Inspired Dreamer!

She never did get the elusive Day Two but her fabulous haikus resulted in many wins along the way - including finally a Wildcard win to put her over the top!

Check out her wins:

Day One
01/04/10 - Shredder

Day Three
11/25/09 - Apple Pie
01/20/10 - Chicken
03/31/10 - Overnight

Day Four
12/31/09 - New Year

Day Five
12/11/09 - Escape Kitty
12/18/09 - Secret Santa

Day Six
11/21/09 - Waiting

Day Seven
11/29/09 - Old Woman

Wildcard
04/14/10 - Free For All

So everyone join me in congratulating the lovely Inspired Dreamer on her well-deserved victory!

Inspired Dreamer - Feel free to swipe the button above if you'd like to display it on your blog!

Praise

Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.

Write a letter praising a recent positive experience you had as a customer.

We Have A Winner!!! 05/25/10

To whom it may concern:

Thank you for not calling the police.

Signed : You know who.

Winner: davidseven
Reason: He answered twice, plus he's worked so hard that the management felt he was overdue for a day four win.

Children

Now What?: Write what comes next.

It's ten o'clock. Do you know where your children are?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/25/10

All of the eggs are just as I left them, unfertilized and unhatched.

Winner: Bethany (@Auburnrose)
Reason: Some great answers but this one made me choke on my water.

Rusted

Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.

rusted

Write anything you like about the word above.

We Have A Winner!!! 05/25/10

After his long journey with Dorothy through the land of Oz, the Tin Man and his new heart returned to his little house in the woods just off the yellow brick road. Many years passed and Tin Man started to notice his joints getting a bit stiff. He began using oil everyday, sometimes more than once a day to help keep him going. After a few years, Tin Man realized he couldn't even get out the door anymore without lubricating each joint a few times. That was when he knew he had rusted and it was time to go to the Lolly Pop Guild nursing home to live out his final days.

Winner: Melinda (@mstacer)
Reason: Maybe I'm a bit biased because I'm reading Wicked at the moment, but Oz references make me happy.

Name That Pony

In the News: This category features news-related prompts.

The Kentucky Derby was held on Saturday. Among the contenders were "Dean's Kitten", "Mission Impazible", and "Super Saver".

What would you name your Derby contender?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/25/10

Sir Muffinkins.

How sad would you be if he lost? "Aw, poor Sir Muffinkins!"

Winner: Jessica (@poisongrl)
Reason: Sad indeed.

Lessons

Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

What lesson has life taught you that you wish you had learned sooner?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/25/10

Sometimes you can't have the happy ending, but you can still have the good ending.

Winner: Sassy Britches
Reason: Good endings usually make us happy eventually, right?

Broken

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



You have some explaining to do. How did this window get broken and how is it not your fault?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/25/10

Yes, Miss Johnson, I did throw the rock that broke your window - but I was really aiming for that burglar in your tree!

Winner: Marc
Reason: He was only trying to protect her! She should be thanking him.

No Cake?

So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.

So I have this friend... At her wedding reception next month, she has decided to not have a cake. Instead, there will be fresh fruit and cookies. Could you address my concerns about the legality of this idea and whether or not it will have any bearing on if she is properly married?

05/07/10 - Another day with 4 great responses, just short of the 5 response minimum. No winner. But I love those of you who play so faithfully.

Ice Cream

Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.

Write a letter to an ice cream company explaining your idea for a new flavor and what to call it.

05/07/10 - No winner on this due to lack of response. Bummer, too. I liked this one.

Mommy Dearest

Now What?: Write what comes next.

Your mother forgot your birthday.

Uh oh... Now what?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/07/10

I call her up immediately at 9:43AM (one minute after my birth time during which she normally phones me), pout a lot and make her feel guilty, then plop myself in her kitchen until she makes me spaghetti and meat sauce and garlic bread and carrot cake with cream cheese icing. Then give her a hug. :)

Winner: Sassy Britches
Reason: Full of win - and yum!

Shopping Mall

Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.

skateboard, sum, ant, drag, positively

Write about something you saw at the shopping mall.

05/07/10 - No winner on this due to lack of response.

Down Under

In the News: This category features news-related prompts.

Today is Hug an Australian Day

Which Australian would you like to hug - and why?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/07/10

Uh, Simon Baker, der. Do you really need an explanation?

Winner: Sarah @ My Drunk Monkeys
Reason: If you question why I chose Sarah's "Simon Baker" response, it'll be like you don't know me at all.

Titanic

Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

The RMS Titanic sunk early on April 15, 1912. 1997, James Cameron made a film about it.

Write a new ending. Or if you aren't familiar with the ending (the boat sinks!), feel free to change up an element of the actual history.

05/07/10 - No winner on this due to lack of response.

Women at Work

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



What bizarre situation have these ladies been called in to take care of?

Source: Still Picture Records Section, Special Media Archives Services Division (NWCS-S), National Archives at College Park

We Have A Winner!!! 05/07/10

Their husbands had five alarm chili for dinner.

Winner: Marc
Reason: And now rather than thinking these masks are hideous, we all want one.

Tax Fraud

So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.

So I have this friend... She just bragged to me about a bunch of ways she cheated on her taxes last week in order to receive a big refund. What, if anything, should she do?

05/07/10 - No winner on this due to lack of response.

Earth Day

Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.

Today is Earth Day. If you support this day, write a letter to someone and convince them to change their ways. Or if you don't support this holiday, write a letter telling someone why they are wasting their time.

05/07/10 - No winner on this due to lack of response.

Umm, Thanks...

Now What?: Write what comes next.

It's your birthday. You've just opened a box containing the most bizarre gift you've ever received.

What is it? Who is it from? What do you say?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/07/10

My birthday had been largely perfect. No fuss, no muss. My husband and I sat huddled up on the couch after having put my son to bed, my swollen belly taking up the most space.

"Did you get everything you wanted for your birthday?" he asked.

"I think so," I responded feeling content and happy. Our hands were intertwined.

He reached to the side of the couch and pulled up a smallish box. "Do you think you can handle opening one more present?"

I was immediately curious as to what was in the transformed shoe box. It stood up on it's end. The lid had been fashioned to look like little doors, complete with two small knobs to pull them open. It was the only gift I had received with the exception of the birthday card my son had picked out.

I opened the doors slowly and peered inside. I felt kind of guilty, as if I was spying on someone's life. Inside was a little bar and from it hung green things. I pulled the door open wider and reached in, pulling out one of the green shapes. It was a $20 bill folded into an origami shirt. There were pants and dresses too.

"There is $250 for you to go buy a new wardrobe. I know it doesn't do you any good now, but I thought you would want new things after the baby was born."

I couldn't stop admiring the little wardrobe. I was so moved by the amount of time it must have taken to create. It was beautiful in artistry and rich in love. Sometimes, money can buy happiness.

Winner: Heather
Reason: Completely touching.

Travel Packing

Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.

Supply a list of odd items you would pack for travel. Feel free to explain.

We Have A Winner!!! 05/07/10

Always pack earplugs.
Not for me, for the others;
I've been told I snore.

Winner: Inspired Dreamer
Reason: There's your Day Two win! I like that your item was something specifically benefit those around you. I wish all travel companions were so considerate!

Food Fight

In the News: This category features news-related prompts.

NJ cafeteria workers punish food-fighting students

What was the punishment?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/08/10

The kids were required to wake up extra early each morning for a week and prepare hot breakfast for the local homeless shelter.

*we did something like this to fulfill our NHS service requirement in high school. Bought the ingredients, made the breakfast at home, and served it before school started.*

Winner: Isabella
Reason: Maybe not the funniest response, but I absolutely love the idea. It definitely teaches a lesson that apparently is not soon forgotten.

Vacation Redo

Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

You've just returned home from vacation. Given a second chance, what would you have done differently? Maybe there's something you didn't buy, somewhere you didn't eat, a place you didn't have a chance to see.

I would've eaten more chorizo.

We Have A Winner!!! 05/08/10

Vacation to the place I grew up in:
I would have got drunk, just once, with the people I grew up with. I think at least the first time, thats the way it should be.

Winner: Alchemy16
Reason: Probably for different reasons than you, I totally agree with this. Everyone I grew up was so goody-goody at the time. I get a real kick out of their Facebook statuses now - we could totally meet for a drink now that we've gotten past the stuffiness.

Runaways

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



What's going on here?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/08/10

They just had the previous cue ("Unresponsive") read to them and, unwilling to come up with any new ones, they are running for their lives!

Winner: SparkleFarkle (@WishMittens
Reason: I wouldn't blame them at all!

Unresponsive

So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.

So I have this friend... She says she's not going to bother posting a new cue today since there are so many old cues with fewer than five responses. Being the 5th response on an old under-answered cue let's me cross it off my list, which makes me happy. It also gives you a one in five shot of winning!

• Day 2 - Troubled Teen
• Day 4 - Advice
• Day 2 - Vacation
• Day 3 - Overnight
• Day 4 - Biggest Fan
• Day 5 - Neighborhood Watch
• Day 6 - Easter Bunny
• Day 7 - Easter Basket
• Day 1 - Biography
• Day 4 - Not a Stalker

If you think those cues stink, suggest some new ones.

Not a Celeb

Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.

Convince someone that you are NOT a famous person and that they should stop writing letters and stalking you.

We Have A Winner!!! 05/08/10

Why would I do that? I'm totally famous. Keep stalking me.

Winner: Ryan Ashley Scott (@ryanashleyscott)
Reason: It's always good to feel loved. Depending on the level of stalking, I might have to agree with this!

Free For All

Now What?: Write what comes next.

I didn't schedule a cue for today. That means you're sitting there, cue-less, and you can write about anything you want, completely unsupervised. Now what?

Two winners today - I'll give a Day 3 and a Wildcard. Because I'm generous to make up for my lack of planning.

We Have A Day Three Winner!!! 05/07/10

Oh my. No cue. Carte Blanche to write about anything. What an opportunity....

So....


Nice weather, isn't it?

......

Oh look. A squirrel.

.......

Uh.....

Can I have a cue, please.

Winner: davidseven
Reason: That's almost exactly the thought process I went through trying to think of a cue when I realized I hadn't posted one.

We Have A Wildcard Winner!!! 05/07/10

Haiku must follow
Five-Seven-Five syllables;
Should note season (Spring!)

Winner: Inspired Dreamer
Reason: She is nothing if not true to herself.

Stranded

Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.

You are stranded on an island with only the following:

spoon, ukelele, yarn, hand sanitizer, feather boa

How do you use them to survive until help comes (or until you are killed by a smoke monster)?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/07/10

Here I am stuck on this stupid island. All I have with me are the following: a spoon, my ukulele, a ball of yarn, hand sanitizer, and a pink feather boa. So what do I do now?

It is pretty chilly here after the sun goes down so I will use that boa for warmth later. Meanwhile I am going to use this yarn to help me make a little shelter.

So, there! My little shelter is done. That multicolor yarn does work well with the green from the leafy branches I used to make my little casa.

Hmm...what's that in the distance? I looks like smoke. That's weird. Maybe it will go away if I play that ukulele a little. My playing sucks so it should ward off anything that might be out there.

Ack! What's happening to me? That smoke is all around me now!

Well, it appears that I am dead. I am floating above my body now, and I see a really bright light. Hmmm....I guess I shouldn't have drank the hand sanitizer. Who knew it wasn't like drinking alcohol?

Winner: Melinda (@mstacer)
Reason: Very nicely done. And an important lesson to all - ukeleles do NOT stop fires. Nice try though.

Name That Critter

In the News: This category features news-related prompts.

National Zoo names octopus

Actually, they allowed the public to vote on the octopus. Always risky. What would you suggest naming him?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/07/10

Bill

Winner: Mike Trippiedi
Reason: That's a great no-nonsense name for such a handy creature.

Surprise Arrival

Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

We arrived safely home from our trip yesterday with nothing out of place at the house. Given a second chance to leave us a surprise for our return home, what would you do?

We Have A Winner!!! 05/07/10

You had fun on vacation; I guess that's fine.
But I can't help but wish the vacation was MINE.
I hope you don't care
(It's only fair)
I came over and drank all your wine.

Winner: C. Beth (@cbethblog)
Reason: Good thing we drank a lot of wine on the trip!

Traveling Clothes

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



A snapshot of me and Joe (no) on our travels home today. Dare to caption us?

Source: George Eastman House Collection

We Have A Winner!!! 04/28/10

The future parents of Susan Boyle leaving on their Honeymoon.

Winner: Mellodee
Reason: Yikes. And is her arm at the most awkward angle you've ever seen? How uncomfy!

Sitter

So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.

So I have this friend... He's hired a cat-sitter while he's away on vacation but he suspects the sitter isn't stopping in to take care of the cats every day. Without staying glued to his security cameras online (because the point is to enjoy his vacation), what do you suggest he do to make sure his pets are being properly cared for?

No worries for my kitties while I'm away but it made me think "what if..."

We Have A Winner!!! 04/28/10

Hire a cat-sitter-sitter. Or, save half the money and hire a kid (one whose parent's encourage responsibility) to sit the cats. You get a two-fer. The parent's will make more of a point to make sure the kid is doing his/her job.

Winner: Ryan Ashley Scott (@ryanashleyscott)
Reason: A cat-sitter-sitter. There really IS a job for everyone.

Not a Stalker

Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.

Write a letter to your favorite famous person (musician, actor, politician, etc) convincing them that are NOT a stalker and that you had a legitimate reason for being outside their home at 2am with a camera.

We Have A Winner!!! 04/28/10

Dear Miss Bar Refaeli,

So, uh, about last night. I can explain, alright? In fact, that's what I'm about to do! So read on, won't you?

I know this will be hard to believe, but it's true - lying is not something I do! Out of my bum is not where I'm talking - I really do suffer from sleep walking!

Oh, you want to know about the camera? I was asleep, how should I know... ha ha?

In closing, may I make a suggestion? You might want to clear up your garden's congestion. I did not appreciate having to do the Poison Ivy Dance - especially since I wasn't wearing pants.

Your not stalker,
Phast Tawker

Winner: Marc
Reason: I will admit I had to look her up but it was worth the search. And I have a soft spot for excuses that rhyme.

Pirates vs Ninjas

Now What?: Write what comes next.

It is inevitable that someday there will be a battle between pirates and ninjas.

Which group will claim victory and why?

We Have A Winner!!! 04/26/10

The Ninjas will certainly win. Their suberb, kickass ninja moves will dominate the handicapped pirated.

Handicapped pirates? Why, yes! Those damn pirates, as underhanded as they are, can only see out of ONE EYE!

Winner: Donnetta
Reason: Beyond the one eye, most pirates also have the peg leg. I say that puts them at a real disadvantage.

Wildcard: One Minute

Wildcard: This category can be absolutely anything. Absolutely. Anything.

The premise behind the writing prompt site The One Minute Writer is that you have 1,440 minutes in the day - use one of them to write. After you use one of them to write, what thing could you do for just sixty seconds each day to improve your life?

We Have A Winner!!! 04/26/10

Snuggle. With my dogs, with my husband, with anyone (well, maybe not a stranger). There is something that makes life so much better with a hug or a cuddle!

Winner: Heather
Reason: I agree. It doesn't take long for a good snuggle and things seem so much cheerier after!

Biography

In the News: This category features news-related prompts.

Jennifer Love-Hewitt's recently released biography is called Day I Shot Cupid: Hello, My Name Is Jennifer Love Hewitt and I'm a Love-Aholic. Why, exactly, I do not know.

What would be the title of your biography?

We Have A Winner!!! 04/26/10

I've got hobbies--I read, and I jog.
(I also cook, then eat like a hog!)
And I write about me.
My autobiography
Is an ongoing one, called C. Beth Blog.

Winner: C. Beth (@cbethblog)
Reason: Guess shes'a already ahead of the rest of us. Again. ;)

Easter Basket

Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

Instead of candy, what would you use to fill an Easter basket?

We Have A Winner!!! 04/26/10

Fish

Winner: Shark Bait
Reason: It makes perfect sense that candy would be inappropriate with a name like Shark Bait. I just hope there's some provision for water that may seep through the basket.

Easter Bunny

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



Caption this Easter Bunny scene.

Source: Library of Virginia

We Have A Winner!!! 04/26/10

"The hat has spoken - GRYFFINDOR!"

Winner: Isabella
Reason: Not being familiar with Harry Potter, I didn't get this one at first. But once I did, I decided to pick it. Because I can.

Neighborhood Watch

So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.

So I have this married friend... Her neighbor is extremely hot and often runs through the neighborhood, occasionally shirtless. What kind of excuses can she make up to be in a decent viewing position? Also, any way to subconsciously influence him to remove his shirt more frequently?

Totally a hypothetical situation, folks.

We Have A Winner!!! 04/26/10

"Oh wow. Did I spray you with my hose-pipe again. Sorry about that."

Winner: davidseven
Reason: Hmm, this response just may work. It addresses both the need to be in the yard AND the shirt removal. I'll be sure to pass it along to me, umm, friend.

Biggest Fan

Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.

Your favorite famous person (musician, actor, politician, etc) is running a contest that will reward their biggest fan with a special one-on-one dinner. Write a letter convincing them to choose you.

04/28/10 - Not enough entries to name a winner for this one. It's a shame since we were only one entry short and the four here are great!

Overnight

Now What?: Write what comes next.

While doing some late night shopping at the local department store, you find yourself locked in. Unfortunately, you will not be able to leave the store now until morning.

Now what?

We Have A Winner!!! 04/22/10

I would change labels
On the thin chick clothes; they'd all
Think they'd gotten fat.

Winner: Inspired Dreamer
Reason: It's brilliance, in haiku format. Haha, thin chicks!

Vacation

Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.

Sangria, Lost, Monkey, Book

Tell me about your vacation.

Thanks to Marc for today's cue!

We Have A Winner!!! 04/22/10

Holiday Lemons

Winner: Monica Manning
Reason: Monica was correct in that her piece was a bit long. But it was well-written and didn't feel that long when I read it. It's definitely worth clicking over to check it out.

Rocket Science

In the News: This category features news-related prompts.

New study shows river runoff decreases in driest years in Oregon, Northwest

Wow, really? Write your own "duh" new study shows headline.

Source: This dumb study headline brought to you by OregonLive.com.

We Have A Winner!!! 04/15/10

Those scientists were feelin' fine
After their dinner & case of wine.
One wrote this "study"
(Reviewed by his buddy):
"Your toots stink! And so do mine."

Winner: C. Beth (@cbethblog)
Reason: I don't usually go for "potty humor" but I wonder if a case of wine factors into so many other stupid studies.

100th Follower!

Congratulations to Monica Manning, the 100th follower of Seven Days Seven Answers. As such, I am gifting her with a Wildcard win.

Thanks everyone for your support of this blog!

Transportation

Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

Automobiles were never invented. How would life be different?

We Have A Winner!!! 04/15/10

Without the automobile James Dean might still be alive, which means that Paul Newman may not have had a movie career.

Winner: Mike Trippiedi
Reason: I laughed until I realized that this might also mean no Newman's Own salad dressing. And that's just going too far.

Panda

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



What's this bear so happy about?

We Have A Winner!!! 04/15/10

AHA-HA-HA! Guys! Look! I got stuck AGAIN! I am so stupid. Next time I get drunk and want to sleep in here, you guys better stop me. HA-HA-HARRR!!! Now pull me out. I gotta pee.

Winner: China
Reason: I realize China just won a few days ago and I try to spread the love among the winners but this response was just made of awesome. Especially when I read it in my best panda voice. Plus, how could someone named "China" not win a post about pandas from China? Seems only natural that this would be the most accurate response.

Ultimate Winner #2: Marc

Cue the trumpets! Throw some confetti! Alert the press!

Today we celebrate a momentous occasion - our second participant to collect all seven days!

Congratulations to Marc!

Marc's responses range from funny to serious to touching and he's tackled poetry, prose, one-liners and stories.

Check out his wins:

Day One
01/11/10 - Bank Funnies

Day Two
03/16/10 - MacGyver

Day Three
3/3/10 - Genie in a Bottle

Day Four
2/4/10 - Dents

Day Five
1/15/10 - Hostess

Day Six
01/23/10 - Jump
02/20/10 - Curlers

Day Seven
02/07/10 - Cinderella

So everyone join me in congratulating Marc on his well-deserved victory!

Marc - Feel free to swipe the button above if you'd like to display it on your blog!

Stranded

Wildcard: This category can be absolutely anything. Absolutely. Anything.

You will be stranded on a desert island for one year and can pick three men (men, you can pick three women) to be stranded with you. Who would you pick and why?

Today's cue courtesy of el vigilante.

We Have A Winner!!! 04/15/10

Les Stroud of Survivorman, because he would totally get me though the year safely and build me an awesome shelter.

Taylor Lautner to look at and his martial arts skills might come in handy to fight off any native wild animals.

And my son, because I couldn't live without him or that long.

Winner: Melinda (@mstacer)
Reason: I was impressed at how practical most of the responses were so I went with Melinda for choosing a nice mix of useful, hot, and sweet.

Advice

Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.

Write a letter to an advice column about something that has been troubling you.

And don't be surprised if some of these responses end up as future cues.

We Have A Winner!!! 04/22/10

My friends say I am always vague and stuff like that.

Winner: davidseven
Reason: I've never been accused of that. Ever.

Poison Treats

Now What?: Write what comes next.

Your boss comes to your desk and offers you one of his wife's special homemade chocolate candies. You love peppermint patties so you toss an entire glob of chocolate in your mouth only to realize it's coconut and you're allergic to coconut. Your boss asks you what you think of his wife's awesome yummies.

What do you say/do?

This one happened to me. I swallowed the candy, told him it was delicious, and ended up going home early due to the allergic reaction.

We Have A Winner!!! 04/15/10

Spew it out forcefully into the trashcan and then, gasping, say, "Oh they are DEE-LISH-US - but I'm deathly allergic to coconut! So sorry!"
"But if she makes coconut-free peppermint patties, I'd LOVE to try THOSE! -
And don't worry, Boss, I have some Benadryl in my desk. I won't have to leave early, but I may be a little slow today." (Big apologetic grin)

Winner: China
Reason: The response manages to salvage both the working relationship AND the health of the coconut-intolerant employee. Nice work.

Troubled Teen

Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.

porcupine, mouthwash, gnome, arrow, galoshes

Why is your teenager in trouble?

Thanks to Bethany for today's cue!

We Have A Winner!!! 04/22/10

She thought she had been struck by cupid's arrow. She had never experienced the sensation she had when she looked at Josh. Maybe band camp wouldn't be so bad after all. She walked over to him and smiled weakly. "Ummm.... hi Josh," she said. Her mouth was dry. She would have been willing to drink a bottle of mouthwash if it meant her tongue didn't feel like sandpaper in his presence. She watched him tug a little harder on the head of a gnome, trying to pluck it from his camp counselor's garden. The counselor had nailed it to a stake and buried the end deep.

He looked over his shoulder briefly. "Hey."

She felt the heat rising from her feet, up her legs and into her abdomen. It made her feel nauseous, dizzy, confused. Is this what love felt like, she thought. She stumbled forward slightly. Her bright red golashes glowing bright against the slightly damp color of earth. "Hey." she responded, her vision clouding everything but Josh out of her sight. She felt herself sway. I'm weak in the knees. It's a fairytale!

Josh looked over his shoulder again. "Are you okay?" he asked, forgetting the gnome and reaching for her instead. She could feel the heat rising up her chest and into her face. She was having difficulties breathing. She couldn't believe what a strong effect he was having on her. She swooned. The last thing she saw was Josh leaning over her and the last thing she felt was his lips pressing against hers.

At least, that is the way she preferred to remember it when the other kids at band camp taunted her. She kept this story alive inside of her using it mentally fend off the taunts of the other kids who had learned what happened. Maybe one day, she would be able to use it as the opener to her explanation of how she found out she was allergic to porcupine quills.... and why she would never attend another camp in the mountains again. For now, she had to endure the teasing and hateful words that teenagers are so good at conjuring up.

Winner: Heather
Reason: I don't miss my high school years - but perhaps if I was more creative about writing off those embarrassing moments, my memories would be more pleasant.

Funeral for a Foe

In the News: This category features news-related prompts.

Death of a Browser

Recently, a "funeral" was held for Internet Explorer 6.0, the web browser that just didn't want to die. If you could hold a "funeral" for something (other than a person or animal), what would it be?

We Have A Winner!!! 03/29/10

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to mark the passing of the No Child Left Behind law. While its intentions may have originally been based in the betterment of the education of all students, it quickly became evident that it was nothing more than a hindrance to the educational process. No Child was Left Behind because instead Every Child was left behind. Teachers lost the freedom to teach in a manner the benefited their students and became prisoner to teaching to the tests mandated by this law. Students no longer learned functional skills, but only what was covered on the mandated tests. Instead of improving schools and student performance, the opposite occurred during your reign. Schools continued to fail and student performance continued to be an embarrassment in comparison to other nations. High school drop out rates remained high, students failed to learn to read, and minorities continued to demonstrate a gap in performance. I wish we could say you will be missed, but we can finally get down to the task of educating our students in ways that will make learning an active process that engages children. We can finally make accommodations for all children who learn a little differently, who need a little help, and who may not master the concept the first time it is presented. Finally learning can be individualized for all children and teachers can teach instead of prep students for tests. Rest in peace, or rest in pieces.

Winner: Bethany (@Auburnrose)
Reason: JenM voted for her and I believe in democracy. Also, many programs are created with great intentions and then continue on long after it's become obvious that the plan is falling short - I wouldn't mind seeing quite a few of these buried. Great answers all around.

Spring Poem

Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

To celebrate the arrival of Spring yesterday, I tried to find a nice Spring poem to share. Instead, I found this:

Ode to Spring
O spring, O spring
You wonderful thing!
O spring, O spring, O spring!
O spring, O spring,
When the birdies sing
I feel like a king,
O spring!
~Walter R. Brooks

Either rewrite this awful poem or write your own brief Ode to Spring.

We Have Winners!!! 03/29/10 (All of the responses were amazing, I had trouble even narrowing it down to two!)

The first day of Spring is a wonderful thing;
Its escorted by sunny, warm weather.
Robins take wing, and all the birds sing,
And the light coats replace those of leather.

Yes, the Sun in the sky brings a tear to my eye
As it banishes gray hues, so dreary.
Winter's still there, by the nip in the air,
But its pall will grow less and less weary.

With a smile in my heart, I'll now play the part
Of a lover whose dear one comes calling,
And cheeks flushed with pink might cause one to think
That the star for the costar has fallen.

Winner: D.A. Schweiss on his blog
Reason: This is a beautiful take on Spring and the transition away from Winter.

oh spring! oh spring!
you ghastly thing
with your bursting enthusiasm
and syrupy smile
oh why can't you leave me
to wallow in winter,
and shiver and grumble a while?

Winner: Radhika92
Reason: While so many of us are excited for Spring, I thought this was a great representation for those who aren't.

Cameo

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



Write whatever comes to mind about this cameo.

Source: Creative Images Rubber Stamps, submitted by Alchemy16

We Have A Winner!!! 03/29/10

"Hey pretty lady. Why so blue?"

Winner: davidseven
Reason: Since it was Alchemy16's cue, I let her choose the winner. She picked davidseven "cause it was funny, and unexpected, and completely not pertinent. :)"

Bedrest

So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.

So I have this friend... She is stuck basically on bedrest for most days. She is absolutely through with television. What book, DVD, or other creative idea would you suggest to her to help pass the time and keep from going crazier than she already is?

Thanks to Bethany for today's cue!

We Have A Winner!!! 03/29/10

I cannot imagine being stuck on bedrest, but if I were, the first thing I would turn to would be audio books, unabridged audio books. If my friend had the same taste I do, I would suggest the Mitford Series by Jan Karon, all of them, in order, and only the unabridged ones. Then, The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold, which is the most amazing book I have ever read. And then on to the crime stories I love so much - too many to suggest here. Throw in some Stephen King and some Maeve Binchy - yes, I have conflicting tastes : ) Since I am usually a multi-tasker, I would also suggest knitting, crocheting, making cards, scrapbooking, taking courses on line, teaching myself some software so I could become an expert and teach it on line, learning and using photo manipulation software. Many of the crafts that can be done on bedrest (like the knitting/crocheting) can be donated to very worthy causes when they start to pile up : ) Some light exercise while in bed would be a good use of time too, if it's possible.

Winner: B, as posted on her blog
Reason: Since this was Bethany's cue, I let her choose the winner. She chose B because "she is the only one that mentioned that even on bedrest you can do crafts that can be donated to charity which is an awesome idea to still feel useful when limited in what you can do, who suggested audio books, and who suggested taking an online course."

Repo Man

Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.

The bank has sent a letter stating that they will be repossessing your motorcycle due to non-payment of the loan. However, you have never owned a motorcycle or done business with this bank. Write a letter to clear up the mistake.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/26/10

Dear Sirs,

After reviewing my records I see that you are correct that I have not made a single payment on the mentioned Motorcycle.

However, while reviewing those records I see that you have likewise not issued payment for the Circus Elephant, Wading pool and 3 tons of Jell-o recently purchased from me. Once those Items are returned or paid for I will happily turn over any and all motorcycles which I have purchased from your company.

Thank you in advance for your co operation

Winner: Jason (whom I have no way of contacting)
Reason: I rather like the idea of turning it right back on the bank and citing THEIR non-payment!

All Irish

Now What?: Write what comes next.

Today is St. Patrick's Day!

How do you celebrate, if you do? Or if you don't, how would you respond if someone tries to pinch you for not wearing green?

We Have A Winner!!! 03/24/10

I don't do much to celebrate St. Patrick's Day except I always wearing green!

It has become fairly acceptable in our society to pinch a person for an infraction as benign as not wearing green on March 17th. However, it is very much not acceptable to break those peoples pinching fingers for touching me and causing me pain.

So I wear green.

Happy Don't Pinch Me (or else) Day

Winner: Melinda (@mstacer)
Reason: "Don't Pinch Me (or else) Day"? I love it - it's exactly my kind of holiday!

MacGyver

Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.

You are handcuffed in the trunk of a car with only the following:

tweezers, breath mint, paper plate, plastic bag, emergency flares, jar of salsa

MacGyver your way out of the situation. (Yes, I think MacGyver IS a verb that means to manipulate an uncommon means of escape.)

Thanks to davidseven for inspiring this one!

We Have A Winner!!! 03/26/10

Well I’m useless with tweezers, so I’d open up the jar of salsa and dump it on my wrists. Hopefully that would make them slippery enough to escape the handcuffs.

Then I’d want to see what the heck I was doing, so I’d light the emergency flares. I’d quickly realize that was not the smartest move when the trunk filled with smoke. In the ensuing convulsions I’d probably hit the trunk hard enough, or in just the right spot, to pop it open.

Sitting up while hacking up a lung, I’d start waving frantically at the car travelling behind me. They, understandably, would be rather confused. A moment of inspiration would lead to me using the tweezers to carve out the word HELP in the paper plate and holding it up for them to read.

Their comprehension secured, they would phone the police while I tidied up after myself, sticking the used flare, torn up plate, and spilled salsa into the plastic bag. My Momma didn’t raise no dirty boy.

Once the cops arrived and pulled over my would be kidnapper, I’d offer the Good Samaritan who helped rescue me their hard won reward – a breath mint.

Hey, it would be all I had left.

Winner: Marc
Reason: Marc wins for his original and unselfish use of the mint.

Walker, Texas Ranger

In the News: This category features news-related prompts.

Happy Birthday, Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris turned 70 last Thursday, March 10. Write a brief story about his birthday party.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/24/10

Unfortunately, one-time actor and all-time ass-hat Chuck Norris passed away last Thursday at his own 70th birthday party.

His tea-bagger friends brewed up a spa-sized mug, but Chuck had previously downed a 64 oz blender full of vodka and whole bananas, mistaking ir for a fruit smoothie.

Thus impaired, Chuck tumbled over the rim, and refusing help, because - well he's CHUCK NORRIS, doncha know, drowned.

He nearly succeeded in returning from the dead, but could not overcome the rejection of the ObamaKare Death Panel.

RIP Chuck. You're gone but not missed!

Winner: JazzBumpa
Reason: Hmm, methinks perhaps Mr. Bumpa is not a fan of Mr. Norris?

Daylight Savings

Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

Welcome to Daylight Savings Time. Rewrite the saying above.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/23/10

Early to rise,
Early to bed.
Wealthy and wise,
With a social life that's dead.

Winner: davidseven
Reason: Very nice job twisting the original back on itself.

Monkey Business

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



You know you want to caption this monkey! How could you possibly resist?

We Have A Winner!!! 03/23/10

Orangutan: Awt eh ah oo do, OWNT ick san!

(TRANSLATION: "What ever you do, DON'T lick sand!"

Winner: SparkleFarkle (@WishMittens
Reason: I've had sand in my mouth before at the beach and I hope the face I made was een half as cute as this monkey. Wait, I'm not sure if that's what I mean...

College Major

So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.

So I have this friend... He's choosing colleges and declaring a major. What field would you recommend he study that will be vital for the next generation?

We Have A Winner!!! 03/19/10

Finance, with a minor in one of the humanities.

The first because it's a specific skill set that's applicable in a variety of careers and jobs. The second because it's what turns you into an educated person as it teaches you how to learn. If you learn how to learn, think critically, think creatively, you can do well at any job.

Winner: TMC @ Return to Rural (@returntorural)
Reason: Her answer makes a lot of sense. Really, any major that teaches you "how to lear, think critically, think creatively" is a great choice.

Desperately Seeking Cues

As I've mentioned over on my other blog, I'm going to be heading off for vacation in a few weeks. Since I don't want to strand you here without cues, I'm once again pleading begging selling my soul in exchange for some cue suggestions.

You can use the handy dandy Suggest a Cue form or just email me. Or tweet me. I'm not picky, just let me know. If I use your cue, I'll hook you up with your name in lights, some kind words, and a link to your blog.

Also, I won't be able to name winners in my totally consistent usual haphazard manner for about twelve days so everyone will need to play nice and I'll start catching up winners as soon as I return home.

Thanks in advance!

You Done Me Wrong

Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.

Someone in your life has wronged you and you can't say anything but you also can't let it go. Write them a note instead, realizing they'll never see it, just to get it off your chest.

I've done this many times and often find it helps. I then delete it or run it through the shredder but at least it's out of my system.

03/23: No winner on this one - only two responses.

Cats vs Dogs

Now What?: Write what comes next.

This Saturday, there will be an epic battle between cats and dogs.

Which group will claim victory and why?

Yes, this is a bit of a repeat but the responses were great. I'm seriously considering replacing a daily cue with some sort of debate question.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/18/10

Cats take the high ground. Dogs tire of barking and eventually break off to pee on trees and hump each other.

Cats cannot act as a cohesive unit and will never mount a coordinated attack.

Regardless, war ends when dinner is served.

Winner: TM (@trmink)
Reason: From my experience, this is all true. And probably why the debate continues - there's really never going to be a winner. It's not in their natures.

Ultimate Winners

The hard-working and talented participants below have collected wins on all seven days or have won Wildcard days to fill in the gaps.

Congratulations!

03/01/10 - C. Beth
03/26/10 - Marc
05/06/10 - Inspired Dreamer
05/25/10 - Bethany
05/25/10 - davidseven

First Job

Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.

lawn, robot, yellow, spork

Tell us about your first job.

My first real taxable job was as a student aide at the University. No sporks allowed.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/16/10

My first summer job was to cut the grass at a nursing home, in Arizona. It was 99 degrees when I woke up at 8am and I don't particularly care that it was a dry heat because so is a freakin' oven and you don't see people crawling into those for a vacation. My father said I had to work this summer, something about being a spoiled rich brat, but he never said anything about having to do the manual labor myself. So I made a quick trip to Gadgets 'N Things and bought one of those top of the line robotic lawnmowers. I tried to get one in green so it would blend in with the over watered lawn more but all they had was yellow. So I charged that robot up and then set it loose on the perfectly flat and perfectly out of place green lawn in the middle of a desert. As it cut the lawn, I relaxed in the air conditioned rec room of the nursing home. Hey, they have Wii in those places now and I was deep into a bowling battle with some old guy when I heard an old woman screaming about a UFO on the lawn. Oh crap! I dashed into the kitchen to find a group of old ladies gathered around the window watching my bright yellow lawnmower working. I tried to distract them with the awesomeness that is a spork but I failed miserably. Finally the director came in to see what all the fuss was about and I was caught red handed (or yellow roboted). After a call to my father, the robot was confiscated and in punishment I was given an antique push mower - you know the ones that do not have an engine. Apparently the residents are not the only antiques kept there. I earned that check, only to have to turn it over to my father to pay for the robot I put on his charge card. The same robot that now cuts our lawn so he does not have to go out in the heat.

Winner: Bethany (@Auburnrose)
Reason: Great scenario crafted with this list of words. Nice job!

Salmon Story

In the News: This category features news-related prompts.

Upbeat salmon forecast worries fishermen

Write the article that accompanies the headline.

Source: SFGate.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/16/10

A massive harvest of salmon sounds like a good thing, but for some fishermen near Scotlands fishing grounds, it's a real worry. Angus McCaber explains.

"Weel, I canna see ho we'll be away to kitch all dese salmons. We dinna have the wurms."

The worm shortage is a distinct source of concern, as they are a necessary part of fish catching. Tests are continuing with fake worms to enable the men to catch all that they can.

This however, also worries Mr McCaber, whose wife owns several sea fishing boats as well as a smokery.

"I seys to t'missus the other day, I looks in the freezer, and it's full. I has to seys to her "She canna take any more Captain. She's up to capacity as it is. I canna change the laws of physics!"

Winner: s'me
Reason: The faithful representation of the accent won me over.

Romeo and Juliet

Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

Romeo and Juliet is a classic but let's play Shakespeare and rewrite the ending.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/14/10

Oh that's easy - the parents let them get married, they start having kids, he has a boring going nowhere job, she has to get a really crappy job since she's a woman and can only work part time with the kids, he gets tired of it and cheats on her - she poisons him. Happily ever after right??

Winner: B, who posted her response on her blog
Reason: Perhaps the moral of B's story is that living an unhappy, unfulfilled life is a fate worse than a passionate life that ends in death? Beats me but I kind of like the idea that either way, they would not escape their eventual fate.

Fortune

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



What does she see in the crystal ball?

Source: George Grantham Bain Collection (Library of Congress): Pauline Frederick - Potiphar's wife (LOC)

We Have A Winner!!! 03/14/10

She sees herself fifty years from now sitting in the same chair looking into the same crystal ball.

Winner: SOL
Reason: I liked her response so much that I'm going to make it into a future cue. I can't imagine 50 years from now seeing that nothing in my life has changed.

Tattoo

So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.

So I have this friend... Her name is TMC and she blogs over at Return to Rural. Recently, she's posted about the new tattoo she's having created on her back. If you were to have something tattooed on your body (let's imagine it's free, both in regards to cash and pain), what would it be and where?

We Have A Winner!!! 03/14/10

I'd tattoo eyeballs on my eyelids so I could sleep at my desk and no one would know!

Winner: Eternal Lizdom
Reason: Sounds very useful! Not to mention very painful.

Advice to Newlyweds

Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.

While digging through the Google Analytics for this site, I found someone came searching on the term "advice for newlyweds". I'm not sure if they found what they were looking for so let's give it to them!

Write a note of advice to the newlyweds.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/14/10

Dear Head Over Heals in Love,

Get a nice piece of paper and something comfortable to write with. Sit down in a comfortable place to write. Write out what you love about your spouse and why you wanted to marry. Fold the note carefully and store it in a safe, easily accessible place.

Believe it or not there will probably be days when you will wonder what you ever saw in your spouse and why you ever wanted to get married. On those days it will be good to be able to pull out your note and remind yourself of how you feel today.

Winner: Jacqueline, who posted on her blog
Reason: I've been married almost 12 years and I think even at this stage her advice is valuable.

Genie in a Bottle

Now What?: Write what comes next.

You have rubbed the magic lamp and a genie promises you three wishes.

Now what?

We Have A Winner!!! 03/10/10

I wish for millions of dollars
And the little man smiles at me,
Snaps his greasy fingers,
And I'm buried in cash from Monopoly.

I wish to be able to fly
And the little bastard smirks;
With another snappity snap,
I receive two plane tickets to Newark.

I wish for immortality
And he snaps his fingers once more;
Now I'm up to my neck in formaldehyde,
And thinking I should be more careful what I wish for.

Winner: Marc
Reason: A rhyme with a lesson. Nice work!

List

Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.

Let's try something a little different this week.

duck, chair, elbow, banana

You find the following items on a list. What do they have in common? What kind of list might this be and why?

Example: If you found a list that said "onion, carrots, potatoes, beef", it might be a grocery list and perhaps the list-maker was putting together a stew.


We Have A Winner!!! 03/10/10

The producers of The new adventures of MacGyver really wanted to top themselves for bizarre escape scenarios.

Winner: davidseven
Reason: I'm not sure I want to imagine what the duck would be used for - here's hoping it's more of a verb and less of a noun!

Ultimate Winner #1: C Beth

Cue the trumpets! Throw some confetti! Alert the press!

Today we celebrate a momentous occasion - our first participant to collect all seven days! Too bad the Olympics have ended or we'd have her stand on a podium and give her a gold medal.

Our first Ultimate Winner? None other than C. Beth (@cbethblog)!

It seems only fitting that Beth is our first winner because she has faithfully participated in every cue. Even more? She did it in limerick!!!

Check out her wins:

Day One
11/30/09 - Tiger Woods

Day Two
02/16/10 - Jealous

Day Three
10/28/09 - Halloween Costume
12/09/09 - I'm Proud

Day Four
11/19/09 - Sponsorship
12/17/09 - Santa
12/31/09 - New Year

Day Five
01/22/10 - Internet Dating

Day Six
11/14/09 - Over Her Shoulder
01/02/10 - Power Go-Kart

Day Seven
12/27/09 - Direction
01/09/10 Licks

So everyone join me in congratulating Beth at being awesome!

And what's the prize for being awesome? I haven't figured that part out yet. She never seems interested when I offer her unlimited amounts of cat hair so for now, she'll have to make do with knowing she has won eleventy bajillion internets while I hook her up with a shiny button and my husband's stock portfolio.

Ohno

In the News: This category features news-related prompts.

Marketers Say Oh Yes To Ohno

I think most of the cheesy horrible Ohno/Oh Yes headlines have been written but take your best shot at a few more. Or, feel free to write another horrible headline.

Source: CNBC.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/10/10

I was blue 'til that wonderful night--
Tickled pink was I at the sight!
Yellow he's not--
That trick was red hot!
He's the cream of the crop; he's Shaun White!

Winner: C. Beth (@cbethblog)
Reason: Yes, she's still allowed to play. And she's still allowed to win. Because I'm the boss and I said so!

Lions and Lambs

Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

Tomorrow is March 1st. Traditionally, the saying goes:

In like a lion, out like a lamb.

Play editor and write your own version of the idiom.

Interested in the origin of this saying? It has something to do with constellations and Leo, the Lion, and Aries, the ram or lamb. Planetary alignment and all that jazz.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/09/10

Background: The grifters swindled some simple local folks out of their hard-earned savings; then beat it before the long arm of the law could nab them.

Hence: In like a-lyin', out on the lam.

Winner: JazzBumpa
Reason: Very clever. Very clever indeed.

Such a Long Time

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



What happened here?

Source:Powerhouse Museum Collection: Portrait of an articulated skeleton on a bentwood chair

We Have A Winner!!! 03/09/10

They told me I should make sure my life became fat-free, organic, no gluten, no dairy, no street-drugs, including medicinal marijuana, no preservatives, no sodium, no carbs, no starch, no auto emissions, no red meats, non-frozen, no sugar, no cholesterol, no smoking, no alchohol, no Red Dye #2 or any other artificial colors or flavorings or sweeteners, no lactose, no high fructose syrup, no radon, no molds, no UV sun exposure, no long-range noise exposure, no asbestos, no mercury from fish, no flouridated water, no non-iodized salt, no freon, no hormone enhanced foods of any kind, no plastic bags, no DDT or pesticides, no vaccines, no trans-fats, no chemical-dumping, no saturated fats, no microwave cooking, no plastic packaging for foods, no floro-carbon sprays, no high-tension wires, and no acid rain.

So I did and look what happened!!

Winner: Mellodee
Reason: Great responses but I had to go with this one. I guess there really IS nothing left once you cut out the bad stuff.

Rock Band

So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.

So I have this friend... He dreams of some day becoming a star with his neighborhood garage band. He thinks the only thing holding them back is a great name. What would you suggest?

We Have A Winner!!! 03/09/10

"The More You Drink the Better We Sound"

Winner: Inspired Dreamer
Reason: I think that's true of most bands. But definitely THIS one.

Spaghetti Incident

Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.

Someone has stolen your lunch (leftover spaghetti) out of the work refrigerator. They didn't even bother to leave the bowl behind. Leave a note on the fridge to the spaghetti thief.

This happened at my work a few years ago. The employee that had his lunch stolen has since moved on but we will never forget the Spaghetti Incident.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/09/10

Dear Spaghetti Thief,
I thought I was cheap tossing Chef Boyardee spaghetti into my own bowl to make it look like I actually cooked last night, but you make me look like Julia Child's comparatively! I hope you feel proud of yourself of going to all the effort of to steal a 99 cent can of two year old spaghetti in a dollar store chipped bowl that probably is painted with more lead than paint. I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch that the fellow office workers treated me to out of sympathy, and it was so much better than what was in that bowl. Next week I am bringing in canned beef stew - it will be in an orange bowl if you would like to steal another meal!

Thank you,
Rebecca

P.S. Could you taste the new powdered laxative I added to the spaghetti? I have the worst IBS and am hoping it works, but you tried out my first test sample. Could you leave me a note with the results?

Winner: Bethany (@Auburnrose)
Reason: Some great responses. For the account of what REALLY happened with the Spaghetti Incident at my office, check out my other blog tomorrow.

Failing and Falling

Now What?: Write what comes next.

You have to give a very important presentation to the president of the company. As you walk to the podium, you trip and fall flat on your face.

What do you say or do?

I haven't done this but I've witnessed something very similar. Horrifying.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/03/10

"Don't worry, I prepared for the presentation, just not so much the walking bit."=

Winner: Lora
Reason: GREAT responses all around on this cue. I laughed a lot and have made some notes for the next time my two left feet claim victory.

Dance Machine

Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.

candle, rocky, spinach, yellow

Make up a new dance move.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/03/10

1) Partners (boy and girl) face each other.

2) Each places hands palm together overhead, making the shape of a candle flame.

3) They sway from side to side.

4) They then do-si-do, promenade right, sashay left, then swing right, because that's about as spinachy as anything else could be.

5) The boy suddenly remembers he's eskeered of girls and runs from the dance floor in total embarrassment.

6) The girl shrugs and goes to talk with her friends. But not about boys. They're really not very interesting.

Winner: JazzBumpa
Reason: I'm not sure how new this dance move is - I remember doing it years ago. But it still made me laugh for the honesty of it.

Suicidal Penguins

In the News: This category features news-related prompts.

March of the Suicidal Penguins

Recently, penguins won the epic battle against chickens in a landslide. What could possibly prompt a headline such as this?

Source: AOL News. It's actually a very interesting story if you have a minute to read.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/01/10

I think the penguins found out about the theories that some scientist and others have about global warming, ice caps melting, and all that other stuff that would ruin their lives, so instead of waiting for their impending deaths, their committing suicide.

Winner: Silver Star (@silvrstar)
Reason: Sometimes, if I listen to too many health "news" reports, I find myself feeling almost as disillusioned. Poor penguins, I feel their pain.

Foot in Mouth

Take Two: Given a second chance, how would this be different? Rewrite the ending to a book, movie, scene, fable, quote, etc.

Think of a time when you stuck your foot in your mouth, saying something you shouldn't have said.

Set-up the situation for us and then give yourself a do-over.

We Have a Winner!!!! Complete and Total Failure!!!! 3/1/10
Let's just stick a fork in this one and call it done. And let's never ever speak of it again.

Curlers

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



Write a caption.

Source: Norway's Torger Nergaard (C) releases the shot as teammates Haavard Vad Petersson (L) and Christoffer Svae sweep during their men's round robin curling game against the United States at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics February 16, 2010. REUTERS/Lyle Stafford (CANADA)

We Have A Winner!!! 03/01/10

Norway's Men's Curling Team - yet another victim of lost airline luggage.

Winner: Marc
Reason: An airline once lost my luggage. I walked around for a day looking sorta like that - but not at an International sporting event. Next time I see someone out in public in their pajama bottoms, I'm going to ask them if they're a member of the Norwegian curling team.

Participants Requested!

So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.

So I have this friend... She runs this blog that posts daily cues. Maybe you've heard of it? Despite a good number of daily visitors (even on the worst day) and over 80 followers, 4 of the last 7 days don't even have 5 participants each. She's tried giving away wildcard awards, she's tried giving out money. While traffic spiked, participation did not. She wants your honest feedback - what would you suggest?

We Have A Winner (sorta)!!! 02/26/10
Winner: Me! And you! And the blog!
Reason: Thank you all for your fantastic feedback. I'm putting some of your ideas into place immediately and some are going to take a bit more thinking. I've been feeling a bit burnt out, to be honest, and really want to up the participation levels to make it more fun for everyone involved. Look for details to come. And thanks for being loyal and awesome!

Acceptance Speech

Letters: Given either a first line or a set-up, write a letter appropriate to the situation.

You have won an award. What is it for? What will you say at your acceptance speech?

We Have A Winner!!! 03/01/10

I'd like to sincerely thank the academy and our esteemed partners and friends present here tonight. I'd also like to thank Qdoba for sponsoring today's nacho bar lunch *waves to delivery man in the back of the room* and for bringing me, as this evening's honoree *bats eyelashes coyly* a pint of tortilla soup. I love that sh*t!

I am thrilled to be this year's recipient of the Most Outstanding Bed Head - Natural. I don't use any kind of styling product at all. This straight-standing mop is a product of a fine balance of tossing and turning. I feel blessed to have such bed head luck. I realize that others spend long hours and many dollars in a salon to get just this look *points vanna-style towards head.*

So thank you once again. I truly am thrilled to receive this award.

Winner:TMC @ Return to Rural (@returntorural)
Reason: If I ever win anything, I totally want to celebrate with a nacho bar.

Party Pooper

Now What?: Write what comes next.

It's usually a good sign you should leave a party when...

Finish!

We Have A Winner!!! 02/26/10

...you finally take a good look around, recognize no one and realize that Mike's birthday cake actually says Steve.

Winner: Seriously Why Can't I
Reason: Probably a very good time to let yourself out the side door and never look back.

Jealous

Checklist: A list of words will be accompanied by a scenario in which to use them.

garble, private, breathe, joy, wild

Write about a time you were jealous.

We Have A Winner!!! 03/01/10

I'm a Private in this war so wild.
I hear your garbled call to your child.
I breathe a sad sigh--
And ask, "Why can't I
Have that joy you had when you dialed?"

Winner: C. Beth (@cbethblog)
Reason: I just liked it a lot. So it wins because I said so.

Olympic Event

In the News: This category features news-related prompts.

The Winter Olympics are underway! Write about a controversial event making its debut.

We Have A Winner!!! 02/26/10

While some don't understand this sport, the intensity of the training is often overlooked. It takes days, weeks, months, years of dedicated training. It means dedicating your entire lifestyle. It means missing out on the fun activities friends do. It means missing out on family vacations. It means not getting to know your neighbors.

Choosing this event means choosing sacrifice.

This year marks the first year that the Olympics will recognize the sport of couch potatoing.

Personally- I'm going for the Gold!

Winner: Eternal Lizdom
Reason: Very well-argued. However, I think she'll have some strong competition for that gold medal. Especially among contenders from the USA!

Wildcard: Valentine

Wildcard: This category can be absolutely anything. Absolutely. Anything.

Your job is to provide text for greeting cards. Suggest a non-standard Valentine's Day card greeting.

We Have A Winner!!! 02/23/10

To my darling wife.

I'd rather have you than the TV remote. (Although if you don't make me choose, I will love you even more.)

Winner: davidseven
Reason: My husband always complains that none of the cards sound like they're written by men. Maybe this is more what he had in mind?

Zebra

A Thousand Words: Photo day!



Write a caption.

Source: sxc.hu

We Have A Winner!!! 02/20/10

"Do these stripes make my lips look big?"

Winner: Marsha
Reason: So many GREAT responses for this cue but this one made me laugh the hardest. Thanks to everyone who played!

Dreaming of the Ex

So I Have This Friend: Give your best advice to this friend.

So I have this friend... She's been "happily" married for some time but recently she keeps dreaming about an ex-boyfriend from high school. Other than a couple of emails over the years, she hasn't been in touch with him since graduation. Still, she dreams about him at least once a week and they aren't innocent, platonic dreams. How do you suggest she puts him out of her mind?

We Have A Winner!!! 02/20/10

I've been there. My morally superior sister said to sever the psychic connection, because she thought by dreaming of my ex I was cheating on my husband.

Instead, I wrote. A lot. In fact, I wrote a poem about one of the most frequently recurring dreams (called SYNESTHESIAN SAGE). I also wrote some pretty sweet sex scenes. Might as well use inner turmoil to further your creativity.

SYNESTHESIAN SAGE
Dreams never have music in them, do they?
The park bench dream fills my head though, fills my ears, fills my muscle and bone with sounds.
No music; just insect purr.
I'm barefoot walking one of the two clear hardpan tracks of the dirt road.

The park bench is black curved metal.
Ten feet from the road through tall grass there's the smooth bench warm in the sun.
No music; just raven wings.
Vibrations pulse, press, beat from life teeming in the sky in the trees in the grass in the ground.

Dreams carry smells (memory joggers) in them.
Sage is the smell is the sound of this dream, the sage I've crushed under my bare feet, the sage my feet swing over while I'm on the park bench in the sun, waiting.
It's the music.
Music carries the body - have you ever noticed? - draws the breath, holds the breath, makes the heart beat in cacophonous riotous totally irreverent rythyms, changes your mood.

He sits by me; the birds sound louder.
His hand in mine is a sliding fingertip stroke on steel guitar strings, but he says nothing.
The air is deafening.
We couldn't talk if we wanted to over the din and the sage.

Winner: Coppertop (Her blog is full of her writing - I got lost for awhile reading it. Check it out!)
Reason: As much as I love music, I'd never noticed before that my dreams don't seem to have a traditional soundtrack. But those small details, the same that might sounds and smells that might remind you of someone (say, an ex?) always seem so much stronger.