Here is a link to the HLDWW's review.
Bask in her journalistic glory here: http://www.thesundaypaper.com/More/Archives/tabid/98/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/3723/Goody-bag.aspx
Rhino
Showing posts with label HLDW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HLDW. Show all posts
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
HLDW Upgrade
Effective immediately the HLDW* has been upgraded and will now be known as the HLDWW - Hippie Liberal Douche Writer Wife.
A couple of months ago the HLDWW decided that she wanted to begin a freelance writing career. One small stumbling block was that she has no experience in the field whatsoever. Undeterred, she did some research and decided that the quickest way to achieve her goal of amassing some 'clips' (samples of published works - the street cred of freelancers) would be to do an unpaid internship somewhere. So, in her HLDWW single-minded manner she contacted the Editor in Chief of one of the local alternative weeklies, The Sunday Paper (www.sundaypaper.com) and secured a meeting. She met with him and asked for a shot at an internship. Unfortunately, he didn't have any space for additional interns but, after looking at some of her grad work papers, he did say that he would be willing to mentor her. He asked her to pitch some story ideas in the Arts arena (they don't have anyone on staff doing that beat right now) and if he liked any of the ideas he would take a look at what she wrote and possibly use it.
A couple of weeks ago she pitched a story about an exhibit set to open at the Museum of Design Atlanta. He liked the idea and advised her to write a review and if they had room in an upcoming issue they might use some quotes. Faint encouragement to be sure - but the HLDWW wanted to prove herself - so we (Yes, WE - it was painful and is worth another blog entry on its own - let's just say Rhino and frou frou gallery openings don't mix) attended the Press & VIP only opening for the exhibit and she wrote a review of 400 odd words (again, a painful process worthy of a separate blog entry) and submitted it.
She thought that was the end of things but then - GOOD NEWS - The Editor read it and liked it so much that he wanted her to beef it up to the 600 word range so that they could include it in the February 21st edition.
I'm so proud of her - her first at bat and she knocks it out of the park. She kicks ass and the world should know. As soon as the review appears online I'll post a link.
It is good to be the supportive spouse Rhino.
Regards,
Rhino
*Hippie Liberal Douche Wife
A couple of months ago the HLDWW decided that she wanted to begin a freelance writing career. One small stumbling block was that she has no experience in the field whatsoever. Undeterred, she did some research and decided that the quickest way to achieve her goal of amassing some 'clips' (samples of published works - the street cred of freelancers) would be to do an unpaid internship somewhere. So, in her HLDWW single-minded manner she contacted the Editor in Chief of one of the local alternative weeklies, The Sunday Paper (www.sundaypaper.com) and secured a meeting. She met with him and asked for a shot at an internship. Unfortunately, he didn't have any space for additional interns but, after looking at some of her grad work papers, he did say that he would be willing to mentor her. He asked her to pitch some story ideas in the Arts arena (they don't have anyone on staff doing that beat right now) and if he liked any of the ideas he would take a look at what she wrote and possibly use it.
A couple of weeks ago she pitched a story about an exhibit set to open at the Museum of Design Atlanta. He liked the idea and advised her to write a review and if they had room in an upcoming issue they might use some quotes. Faint encouragement to be sure - but the HLDWW wanted to prove herself - so we (Yes, WE - it was painful and is worth another blog entry on its own - let's just say Rhino and frou frou gallery openings don't mix) attended the Press & VIP only opening for the exhibit and she wrote a review of 400 odd words (again, a painful process worthy of a separate blog entry) and submitted it.
She thought that was the end of things but then - GOOD NEWS - The Editor read it and liked it so much that he wanted her to beef it up to the 600 word range so that they could include it in the February 21st edition.
I'm so proud of her - her first at bat and she knocks it out of the park. She kicks ass and the world should know. As soon as the review appears online I'll post a link.
It is good to be the supportive spouse Rhino.
Regards,
Rhino
*Hippie Liberal Douche Wife
Monday, February 16, 2009
Devious HLDW
The HLDW* is a devious, conniving wench.
February, 17th is The Rhino's date of birth and is generally celebrated by the masses as an all around day of mirth and merriment. However, this year, for many reasons, I advised the HLDW that I wanted to go low key this time around. No gatherings of any sort, no surprises because she thought that I "didn't really mean it about low-key", etc.
I should have realized that my wishes would go unheeded.
Monday is the day that I go to the cigar shop to play dominoes. Every Monday - hence the reason that we refer to it as Domino Monday at Chateau Rhino. The first clue that I should have known that something was up when I received a call from Red, the cigar shop proprietor, in the early afternoon, "Hey, where are you? We're about to put Gran Torino in." Red gets copies of screeners so we generally have many of the new releases, albeit with the "for your consideration" caption at the bottom, to watch in comfort with good cigars. Red is a buddy and we talk on the phone occasionally but only for man-appropriate topics - he has never called to advise that the movie is about to start. So, I get to the cigar shop and he asks if I want to watch the animation Justice League, The New Frontier before Gran Torino. NOW ALARM BELLS ARE GOING OFF. Red generally does NOT indulge geek stuff and is fundamentally opposed to showing "cartoons" at the shop. But, I'm any easy going Rhino and go with the flow and enjoy the movie. Oh, I forgot to mention that my buddy Steve was there and he just happened to have stocked the fridge with Guinness and INSISTED that I join him in drinking a few.
So, at the end of the movie my buddy Steve gets a call, hangs up and asks if someone can help him get something. I offer but he tells me to stay put - he has some help. Five minutes later Steve comes in, escorted by the HLDW. In her arms are a very large bottle of Bombay Sapphire and bottles of tonic. In Steve's arms are several boxes of pizza from my favorite take out joint. The HLDW decided that she needed to supply us with a little pizza party a day before my b-day.
What an amazing woman I married. She called everyone over the weekend and arranged everything.
Everyone sings Happy Birthday - with much gusto and very off key. I then eat, drink and am the recipient of many fine cigars. Someone said that all of the guys coming up to me and giving me cigars was reminiscent of that scene in "A Beautiful Mind" where they walk up to the table and place their pens on John Nash's table. Wonderful.
After the shop closed we repaired to the bar for more drinks, cigars and laughs.
I have just made it home and am a very tipsy Rhino (so forgive any typos or incoherence) - much, much gin and Guinness were imbibed - but I felt that I needed to get this down immediately because that chick I sleep with is so fucking awesome.
Did I mention that I married an amazing woman?
It really is good to be a 46 year old Rhino.
Regards,
Rhino
*Hippie Liberal Douche Wife
February, 17th is The Rhino's date of birth and is generally celebrated by the masses as an all around day of mirth and merriment. However, this year, for many reasons, I advised the HLDW that I wanted to go low key this time around. No gatherings of any sort, no surprises because she thought that I "didn't really mean it about low-key", etc.
I should have realized that my wishes would go unheeded.
Monday is the day that I go to the cigar shop to play dominoes. Every Monday - hence the reason that we refer to it as Domino Monday at Chateau Rhino. The first clue that I should have known that something was up when I received a call from Red, the cigar shop proprietor, in the early afternoon, "Hey, where are you? We're about to put Gran Torino in." Red gets copies of screeners so we generally have many of the new releases, albeit with the "for your consideration" caption at the bottom, to watch in comfort with good cigars. Red is a buddy and we talk on the phone occasionally but only for man-appropriate topics - he has never called to advise that the movie is about to start. So, I get to the cigar shop and he asks if I want to watch the animation Justice League, The New Frontier before Gran Torino. NOW ALARM BELLS ARE GOING OFF. Red generally does NOT indulge geek stuff and is fundamentally opposed to showing "cartoons" at the shop. But, I'm any easy going Rhino and go with the flow and enjoy the movie. Oh, I forgot to mention that my buddy Steve was there and he just happened to have stocked the fridge with Guinness and INSISTED that I join him in drinking a few.
So, at the end of the movie my buddy Steve gets a call, hangs up and asks if someone can help him get something. I offer but he tells me to stay put - he has some help. Five minutes later Steve comes in, escorted by the HLDW. In her arms are a very large bottle of Bombay Sapphire and bottles of tonic. In Steve's arms are several boxes of pizza from my favorite take out joint. The HLDW decided that she needed to supply us with a little pizza party a day before my b-day.
What an amazing woman I married. She called everyone over the weekend and arranged everything.
Everyone sings Happy Birthday - with much gusto and very off key. I then eat, drink and am the recipient of many fine cigars. Someone said that all of the guys coming up to me and giving me cigars was reminiscent of that scene in "A Beautiful Mind" where they walk up to the table and place their pens on John Nash's table. Wonderful.
After the shop closed we repaired to the bar for more drinks, cigars and laughs.
I have just made it home and am a very tipsy Rhino (so forgive any typos or incoherence) - much, much gin and Guinness were imbibed - but I felt that I needed to get this down immediately because that chick I sleep with is so fucking awesome.
Did I mention that I married an amazing woman?
It really is good to be a 46 year old Rhino.
Regards,
Rhino
*Hippie Liberal Douche Wife
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Sexy Fun Time
Another Rhino Life Lesson...
If one wakes with morning wood and decides to poke a sleeping HLDW* with it until she awakens and proceeds to ask her, "Do you have some place I can store this?" it will not, I repeat, WILL NOT result in sexy fun time.
Who knew?
I'm a caring and benevolent Rhino and I share this with you to aid you on your path to enlightenment. Some life lessons can be sweet but, as in this instance, they can be painful as well.
And lonely.
Not to mention frustrating.
At least until one takes a shower. A long, long satisfying shower.
Regards,
Rhino
*Hippie Liberal Douche Wife
If one wakes with morning wood and decides to poke a sleeping HLDW* with it until she awakens and proceeds to ask her, "Do you have some place I can store this?" it will not, I repeat, WILL NOT result in sexy fun time.
Who knew?
I'm a caring and benevolent Rhino and I share this with you to aid you on your path to enlightenment. Some life lessons can be sweet but, as in this instance, they can be painful as well.
And lonely.
Not to mention frustrating.
At least until one takes a shower. A long, long satisfying shower.
Regards,
Rhino
*Hippie Liberal Douche Wife
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
An Aussie on The Square
The HLDW* and I live in an Atlanta, GA suburb by the name of Marietta. One of the things that we like about this burb is that they have preserved it's historical downtown area. It is laid out in that "town square" fashion that is iconic Americana - there is a park area (with a fountain and stage for summer concerts) surrounded on four sides by streets - the court house is set at one side of the square and the other three sides are shops and restaurants.
So, the HLDW and I finish dinner at the pizza joint and decide that we need something for dessert. It is too cold for ice cream so we decide to go the pastry route and saunter over to take a look at one of the businesses that we haven't visited yet -- The Australian Bakery. We've been living in Marietta for the last 3 years and have been on 'The Square' numerous times but I've never poked my horn in there for a look ... it could be that "Australian Bakery" sounds like an oxymoron to me - Vegemite Strudel anyone?
We walk in are greeted with a massive bakery case filled with sweet and savory pastries on one side of the room and on the other side we see this (pics taken with my phone so apologies in advance for the dodgy quality)
A wall full of freakin' Aussie dry goods and stuff.
Of course, right off the bat they feature that quintessential Australian delicacy...
Yeah, Vegemite. And, no, I didn't buy any.
Further exploration found these:
Birmo posted, lovingly, about Tim Tams over on Cheesburger Gothic ... but I didn't buy any this round. Bought too much of the fresh and delicious looking offerings in the case - an apple turnover and slice of carrot cake for the Rhino and some frufru stuff for the HLDW.
But then, I found something utterly disturbing that defied immediate identification. I know, the package identifies them as "Musk Flavoured Sticks" (and you know they are foreign because of the extra "u" in the word flavored) What what I couldn't identify is whether these were a food product, insect repellent or something used by Aussie blokes to attract the sheilas... so, I decided to go with food product.
What the HELL are these things? Worse yet, what kind of conversation had to go on at the marketing meeting for these things? "Well, you know, peppermint sticks are nice and all but don't you think that it's a bit cliche? I think that it's about time to give some consideration to the clamoring hordes of musk lovers we all know are out there. We'll OWN the market!"
I offered the HLDW $50.00 to try them but she muttered something about having enough trouble getting the musk out of my side of the bed sheets and refused.
As we make our purchases I hear the distinctive sound of the Australian accent and am informed by the clerk that the speaker is the owner/baker, and he is, indeed, an actual Australian. I introduce myself and the HLDW and we exchange the usual pleasantries. After a few minutes I decide that I need to establish my Oz Cred so I go for the big name drop, "So, I'm sure you've read He Died with a Felafel in His Hand by John Birmingham?"
Oz Baker, "Umm, no, don't know that one."
Rhino, "You know, John Birmingham? He Died was adapted into a play and is the longest running play in Australian history ... that John Birmingham?"
Oz Baker, "Ummm, nope."
Rhino, "OK, then. Maybe you know about his award winning history of Sydney, Leviathan?"
Oz Baker, "Hmmmmmmm, nope, don't know it."
Rhino, "Do you read science fiction? Maybe you've seen his Axis of Time trilogy?"
Oz Baker, "No. But I may have to check them out."
Rhino, "Yeah, well, I think that you'd enjoy them. Oh, and, he's got another coming out in February - Without Warning."
I was about to go into a synopsis of the plot and characters along with my best rendition of of my best "You don't get these by pettin' kitty cats" but, by this point, his eyes were glazing over like the topping on the apple tart I just purchased.
So, there you go ... my attempt to name drop is an epic fail.
In consolation the apple turnover was pretty good.
But the slice of carrot cake was stale.
All in all I should have gone with the Tim Tams.
Regards,
Rhino
*Hippie Liberal Douche Wife
So, the HLDW and I finish dinner at the pizza joint and decide that we need something for dessert. It is too cold for ice cream so we decide to go the pastry route and saunter over to take a look at one of the businesses that we haven't visited yet -- The Australian Bakery. We've been living in Marietta for the last 3 years and have been on 'The Square' numerous times but I've never poked my horn in there for a look ... it could be that "Australian Bakery" sounds like an oxymoron to me - Vegemite Strudel anyone?
We walk in are greeted with a massive bakery case filled with sweet and savory pastries on one side of the room and on the other side we see this (pics taken with my phone so apologies in advance for the dodgy quality)
A wall full of freakin' Aussie dry goods and stuff.Of course, right off the bat they feature that quintessential Australian delicacy...
Yeah, Vegemite. And, no, I didn't buy any.Further exploration found these:
Birmo posted, lovingly, about Tim Tams over on Cheesburger Gothic ... but I didn't buy any this round. Bought too much of the fresh and delicious looking offerings in the case - an apple turnover and slice of carrot cake for the Rhino and some frufru stuff for the HLDW.But then, I found something utterly disturbing that defied immediate identification. I know, the package identifies them as "Musk Flavoured Sticks" (and you know they are foreign because of the extra "u" in the word flavored) What what I couldn't identify is whether these were a food product, insect repellent or something used by Aussie blokes to attract the sheilas... so, I decided to go with food product.
What the HELL are these things? Worse yet, what kind of conversation had to go on at the marketing meeting for these things? "Well, you know, peppermint sticks are nice and all but don't you think that it's a bit cliche? I think that it's about time to give some consideration to the clamoring hordes of musk lovers we all know are out there. We'll OWN the market!"
I offered the HLDW $50.00 to try them but she muttered something about having enough trouble getting the musk out of my side of the bed sheets and refused.
As we make our purchases I hear the distinctive sound of the Australian accent and am informed by the clerk that the speaker is the owner/baker, and he is, indeed, an actual Australian. I introduce myself and the HLDW and we exchange the usual pleasantries. After a few minutes I decide that I need to establish my Oz Cred so I go for the big name drop, "So, I'm sure you've read He Died with a Felafel in His Hand by John Birmingham?"
Oz Baker, "Umm, no, don't know that one."
Rhino, "You know, John Birmingham? He Died was adapted into a play and is the longest running play in Australian history ... that John Birmingham?"
Oz Baker, "Ummm, nope."
Rhino, "OK, then. Maybe you know about his award winning history of Sydney, Leviathan?"
Oz Baker, "Hmmmmmmm, nope, don't know it."
Rhino, "Do you read science fiction? Maybe you've seen his Axis of Time trilogy?"
Oz Baker, "No. But I may have to check them out."
Rhino, "Yeah, well, I think that you'd enjoy them. Oh, and, he's got another coming out in February - Without Warning."
I was about to go into a synopsis of the plot and characters along with my best rendition of of my best "You don't get these by pettin' kitty cats" but, by this point, his eyes were glazing over like the topping on the apple tart I just purchased.
So, there you go ... my attempt to name drop is an epic fail.
In consolation the apple turnover was pretty good.
But the slice of carrot cake was stale.
All in all I should have gone with the Tim Tams.
Regards,
Rhino
*Hippie Liberal Douche Wife
Monday, January 19, 2009
Big Guy Seating
The HLDW* and I were driving today and the subject of lunch venue was raised.
HLDW, "Let's do Indian food."
Rhino, "Blech. I had my mouth controls set to 'pizza'."
HLDW, "Well, reset them."
Rhino, "I didn't bring any pepto." (Indian food does really, really bad things to Rhino tummys)
HLDW, "I have some in my purse."
Well, at that point I knew that the best option on the decision tree was that of tactical retreat as when it comes to either Thai or Indian food the HLDW is much like the Borg - resistance is futile.
Rhino, "OK, which one do you want to go to - the French Indian one or the Bombay Cafe?"
HLDW, "French Indian? Which one is that?"
OK, I may have been forced to perform a tactical retreat in the face of overwhelming odds but that wasn't going to stop me from getting off a Parthian shot while doing so.
Rhino, (with a barely restrained smirk) "You know the one I'm talking about, the Le Whore Grill." (I am one witty mofo).
HLDW, "If you mean the Lahore Grill then I think we should go to the Bombay Cafe."
Rhino, "Cool, they have the puffy chairs."
HLDW, "That's what you remember about the place? You really focus on the strangest things."
Rhino, "Seating arrangements are a key strategic consideration for those of us classified as 'large and in charge'."
Now I've set the HLDW on the relative merits of seating at the various Indian restaurants...
HLDW, "Are the seats at Lahore uncomforable?"
Rhino, "No, they're fine. But the ones at Bombay are plush and have plenty of elbow room - you know, for when I have to make a mad dash to the buffet and fight those tough old ladies for the last of the nan."
HLDW, "OK, I get it, but please don't say 'you don't get these by petting kitty cats' to anyone in the buffet line this time."
Rhino, "Well, in my defense that lady's walker did bump into me."
HLDW, "Have I told you lately that you are insane?."
Rhino, "I set my watch by your insanity proclamations darlin'."
The eye-roll really was spectacular.
It really is good to be an equestrian archer Rhino - but it is hell on the horses.
Regards,
The Rhino
*Hippie Liberal Douche Wife
And, yes, it is Parthian shot and not parting shot - read some military history.
HLDW, "Let's do Indian food."
Rhino, "Blech. I had my mouth controls set to 'pizza'."
HLDW, "Well, reset them."
Rhino, "I didn't bring any pepto." (Indian food does really, really bad things to Rhino tummys)
HLDW, "I have some in my purse."
Well, at that point I knew that the best option on the decision tree was that of tactical retreat as when it comes to either Thai or Indian food the HLDW is much like the Borg - resistance is futile.
Rhino, "OK, which one do you want to go to - the French Indian one or the Bombay Cafe?"
HLDW, "French Indian? Which one is that?"
OK, I may have been forced to perform a tactical retreat in the face of overwhelming odds but that wasn't going to stop me from getting off a Parthian shot while doing so.
Rhino, (with a barely restrained smirk) "You know the one I'm talking about, the Le Whore Grill." (I am one witty mofo).
HLDW, "If you mean the Lahore Grill then I think we should go to the Bombay Cafe."
Rhino, "Cool, they have the puffy chairs."
HLDW, "That's what you remember about the place? You really focus on the strangest things."
Rhino, "Seating arrangements are a key strategic consideration for those of us classified as 'large and in charge'."
Now I've set the HLDW on the relative merits of seating at the various Indian restaurants...
HLDW, "Are the seats at Lahore uncomforable?"
Rhino, "No, they're fine. But the ones at Bombay are plush and have plenty of elbow room - you know, for when I have to make a mad dash to the buffet and fight those tough old ladies for the last of the nan."
HLDW, "OK, I get it, but please don't say 'you don't get these by petting kitty cats' to anyone in the buffet line this time."
Rhino, "Well, in my defense that lady's walker did bump into me."
HLDW, "Have I told you lately that you are insane?."
Rhino, "I set my watch by your insanity proclamations darlin'."
The eye-roll really was spectacular.
It really is good to be an equestrian archer Rhino - but it is hell on the horses.
Regards,
The Rhino
*Hippie Liberal Douche Wife
And, yes, it is Parthian shot and not parting shot - read some military history.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)