This was just to fun not to share!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
RIP The Taco Bell Chihuahua
When I saw this news item, I had to post it:
Taco Bell dog Gidget dies at 15
By Robert Jablon, The Associated Press
Posted: 07/22/2009 06:04:28 PM PDT
LOS ANGELES - Gidget the Chihuahua, the bug-eyed, big-eared star of 1990s Taco Bell commercials who was a diva on and off the screen, has died. She was 15. Gidget suffered a massive stroke late Tuesday night at her trainer's home in Santa Clarita and had to be euthanized, said Karin McElhatton, owner of Studio Animal Services in Castaic, which owned the dog.
By Robert Jablon, The Associated Press
Posted: 07/22/2009 06:04:28 PM PDT
LOS ANGELES - Gidget the Chihuahua, the bug-eyed, big-eared star of 1990s Taco Bell commercials who was a diva on and off the screen, has died. She was 15. Gidget suffered a massive stroke late Tuesday night at her trainer's home in Santa Clarita and had to be euthanized, said Karin McElhatton, owner of Studio Animal Services in Castaic, which owned the dog.
Although she was hard of hearing, Gidget was otherwise in good health up to the day of her death, eating well and playing with her favorite squeaky toys at the home of trainer Sue Chipperton, McElhatton said.
"She was retired. She lived like a queen, very pampered," McElhatton said.
Gidget was found at a kennel and wasn't show quality, McElhatton said; she had an undershot jaw and huge ears.
Gidget was found at a kennel and wasn't show quality, McElhatton said; she had an undershot jaw and huge ears.
But Gidget knew she was a star, McElhatton said.
"She was a prima donna, basically. She absolutely knew when she was on camera," McElhatton said.
In a 1997 Taco Bell television commercial, Gidget was seen as a male dog who, through the magic of special effects and a voice actor, proclaims in a richly accented voice: "Yo quiero Taco Bell" - Spanish for "I want Taco Bell."
Viewers were charmed. What was supposed to be a single ad became a campaign that ran from 1997 to 2000.
The ads made the Taco Bell mascot wildly popular, although they provoked criticism from activists who accused them of promoting Hispanic stereotypes.
While other Chihuahuas had bit parts, McElhatton said it was Gidget who got the closeups and the quips (Carlos Alazraqui was the voice).
Gidget traveled first-class, opened up the New York Stock Exchange and made an appearance at Madison Square Garden, McElhatton said.
In later years, she did other acting work, appearing in a 2002 commercial for the insurance company GEICO and in the 2003 movie "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde."
She remained the object of affection after her retirement, going on hikes and beach visits with her trainer. She aged gracefully, and liked nothing more than to snooze in the sun.
"She was like a little old lady. She'd kind of gotten smaller," McElhatton said.
Gidget will be cremated, McElhatton said. Her owners had not decided on a final disposition of her remains. Taco Bell Corp. said in a statement Gidget would be missed by many. "Our deepest sympathies go out to her owners and fans," the company said.
"She was a prima donna, basically. She absolutely knew when she was on camera," McElhatton said.
In a 1997 Taco Bell television commercial, Gidget was seen as a male dog who, through the magic of special effects and a voice actor, proclaims in a richly accented voice: "Yo quiero Taco Bell" - Spanish for "I want Taco Bell."
Viewers were charmed. What was supposed to be a single ad became a campaign that ran from 1997 to 2000.
The ads made the Taco Bell mascot wildly popular, although they provoked criticism from activists who accused them of promoting Hispanic stereotypes.
While other Chihuahuas had bit parts, McElhatton said it was Gidget who got the closeups and the quips (Carlos Alazraqui was the voice).
Gidget traveled first-class, opened up the New York Stock Exchange and made an appearance at Madison Square Garden, McElhatton said.
In later years, she did other acting work, appearing in a 2002 commercial for the insurance company GEICO and in the 2003 movie "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde."
She remained the object of affection after her retirement, going on hikes and beach visits with her trainer. She aged gracefully, and liked nothing more than to snooze in the sun.
"She was like a little old lady. She'd kind of gotten smaller," McElhatton said.
Gidget will be cremated, McElhatton said. Her owners had not decided on a final disposition of her remains. Taco Bell Corp. said in a statement Gidget would be missed by many. "Our deepest sympathies go out to her owners and fans," the company said.
So, let us all raise not a flagon of bloodwine, but instead, a taco, a burrito, or whatever Taco Bell delicacy you prefer in her honor.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
CHUY DAH July 2009
First of all, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy (if somewhat belated) 4th of July! Hope your holiday was a good one!
Also, a belated Happy Birthday to our Lt. K’Ana as well!
[Yes, once again, this newsletter is late. But at least it’s here.]
Is it me, or has the Grim Reaper been playing “catch-up” lately? Look at the list of celebrities we’ve lost -- and all in the span of a couple of weeks:
Ed McMahon
Farrah Fawcett
Michael Jackson
Billy Mays (TV’s master pitchman)
Gale Storm (actress & singer from the early 60s)
Fred Travelena (master impressionist)
Karl Malden
Steve McNair (ex-quarterback for the Tennesee Titans)
It just goes to prove that Death doesn’t discriminate - when your number’s up, it’s up; it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do.
So take a moment and raise a glass to those who have gone on ahead of us.
FROM THE XO’S DESK
To start off, I’m pleased to report that our Intelligence Officer, Capt. K’Hper, is back from an extended medical leave. Welcome back, my brother, may I say that you’ve been gone too long.
I was glad to see the turnout at last month’s Ship Picnic. We had it all that day -- great weather, good food, and the company of fellow warriors. I ask you, does it get any better?
(Well, yes, if Tuscora Park could improve their frakking parking!)
July’s event will be a crew trip to the Borders bookstore at The Strip in North Canton on July 11th -- which will be this Saturday. I plan on leaving for Borders around 10 - 11 am, so judge your own departure time. We’ll be having dinner at the Belden Village Mall’s Food Court, to be followed by a possible mall crawl, time and interest permitting. I hope to see you all there.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
7/4: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
7/6: Lt. K’Ana’s birthday
7/9: Chancellor Klaad and Judok’s anniversary
7/31: Clan Makhleod’s anniversay
Also, a belated Happy Birthday to our Lt. K’Ana as well!
[Yes, once again, this newsletter is late. But at least it’s here.]
Is it me, or has the Grim Reaper been playing “catch-up” lately? Look at the list of celebrities we’ve lost -- and all in the span of a couple of weeks:
Ed McMahon
Farrah Fawcett
Michael Jackson
Billy Mays (TV’s master pitchman)
Gale Storm (actress & singer from the early 60s)
Fred Travelena (master impressionist)
Karl Malden
Steve McNair (ex-quarterback for the Tennesee Titans)
It just goes to prove that Death doesn’t discriminate - when your number’s up, it’s up; it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do.
So take a moment and raise a glass to those who have gone on ahead of us.
FROM THE XO’S DESK
To start off, I’m pleased to report that our Intelligence Officer, Capt. K’Hper, is back from an extended medical leave. Welcome back, my brother, may I say that you’ve been gone too long.
I was glad to see the turnout at last month’s Ship Picnic. We had it all that day -- great weather, good food, and the company of fellow warriors. I ask you, does it get any better?
(Well, yes, if Tuscora Park could improve their frakking parking!)
July’s event will be a crew trip to the Borders bookstore at The Strip in North Canton on July 11th -- which will be this Saturday. I plan on leaving for Borders around 10 - 11 am, so judge your own departure time. We’ll be having dinner at the Belden Village Mall’s Food Court, to be followed by a possible mall crawl, time and interest permitting. I hope to see you all there.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
7/4: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
7/6: Lt. K’Ana’s birthday
7/9: Chancellor Klaad and Judok’s anniversary
7/31: Clan Makhleod’s anniversay
Saturday, June 20, 2009
An associate of ours passes away
If you have a CDPC t-shirt in your collection, be it in your drawer or in your closet, chances are it was made by a gentleman named Paul Barbarcik. Paul was an associate of both the Doomslayer and the Camp Dover Peace Conference, and he saw that we had a supply of t-shirts for a number of years, always in various colors.
I learned this morning that Paul had passed away on Wednesday, June 17th at the age of 56, following a brief illness.
Many of you may not have known Paul like the Chancellor or I did, but I usually ran into him when I was out and about, be it at New Towne Mall or Wal-Mart, and 9 times out of 10 the first thing he'd ask me was "When's the next convention?" We'd chat about Trek memorabilia in one form or another or maybe the newest movie for a few minutes, and then we'd go our separate ways.
I learned this morning that Paul had passed away on Wednesday, June 17th at the age of 56, following a brief illness.
Many of you may not have known Paul like the Chancellor or I did, but I usually ran into him when I was out and about, be it at New Towne Mall or Wal-Mart, and 9 times out of 10 the first thing he'd ask me was "When's the next convention?" We'd chat about Trek memorabilia in one form or another or maybe the newest movie for a few minutes, and then we'd go our separate ways.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
CHUY DAH June 2009
THE SUMMER ISSUE
Once again, yes, I’m late with this month's edition.
All I can give for a reason is that I’ve been extraordinarily occupied, especially with 3 birthdays hitting my house within a 14-day period, one dentist appointment to repair a broken tooth, and numerous meetings concerning other projects I’m working on. Some things, they can't be helped.
SHIP NEWS: First of all, a belated Happy Anniversary to the other 2/3rds of our Command Staff - and of course I speak of Capt. K’Dot Kali and her husband, Commander Bastian K’Hyde.
On the subject of our Chief Engineer and Resident Mad Scientist/Evil Genius ©, it seems I left out portions of his report from last month (doom on me) -- Bastian will be undergoing some changes in the near future: not only will his legal name be changing to Sebastian Andrew (that’s going to take some getting used to), but he will be manifesting his horns soon -- so keep an eye on his skull for future developments. He will also be starting supplemental training to become a holistic health practitioner (Chief, my apologies if I erred in any of this; I’m going from memory).
BRAGGING MOMENT: If you’ll indulge me for a “Proud Uncle”moment -- I’m honored to report that my niece, Cadet Specialist 2nd Class Q’Elle Makhleod, was selected to be part of the 5th-grade Math Team representing Strasburg Elementary School in a recent county-wide Math Tournament, which was held at the TuscCampus of Kent State University. She didn’t place in the tournament, but it’s an honor just to be selected. Also, effective as of tomorrow (which is her birthday), Q’Elle will be promoted to the rank of Cadet Specialist 3rd Class.
IT’S SUMMERTIME, WHICH MEANS IT’S PICNIC TIME: It’s June, and this month’s event will be our yearly Ship’s Picnic, which will be at its usual location, Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia on June 13th (next Saturday). I’ll need someone to take the role of Advance Party and find a table or two for us; contact me if you can take this assignment).
As usual, it’s Bring Your Own Picnic -- and this year, I’m lifting the moritorium on fried chicken and watermelon; let’s just be aware of who’s around us, all right? Arrival time is slated for 1 pm. If the weather’s with us, I say this would be the perfect time for the 2009 Doomslayer Invitational as well. Keep in mind that if the weather turns bad, the alternate location will be the New Towne Mall.
AFTER ACTION REPORT - “STAR TREK”: I don’t know about anyone else, but I was literally blown away by how good this movie was. I thought this was going to be an actual prequel, but no, they’re jumpstarting the Trek franchise and starting things off at Square One, just as they’ve done with the Batman and Iron Man franchises.
There have been those who have decried this movie, lamenting that Star trek is dead and gone, and we might as well throw all our books away. In my esteemed opinion, those people didn’t really watch the movie. This movie may be the shot in the arm that fandom’s been needing for a long time.
I, for one, left the theatre feeling the old familiar buzz that I felt when I first got into watching Trek in the beginning. And in my book, that’s not such a bad thing. (I’d go into more details, but there are some crew who haven’t seen the movie yet, so I’d rather not spoil it.)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 2nd: K’Dot Kali and Bastian’s Anniversary
June 7th: Cadet Q’Elle’s birthday
June 13th: Doomslayer Picnic at Tuscora Park - 1 pm; Bring your own picnic
June 14th: FLAG DAY
June 21st: HAPPY FATHER’S DAY (Be sure to do something nice for your father; remember, without Dad, where would you be?)
June 29th: Autumn Daley’s birthday
Once again, yes, I’m late with this month's edition.
All I can give for a reason is that I’ve been extraordinarily occupied, especially with 3 birthdays hitting my house within a 14-day period, one dentist appointment to repair a broken tooth, and numerous meetings concerning other projects I’m working on. Some things, they can't be helped.
SHIP NEWS: First of all, a belated Happy Anniversary to the other 2/3rds of our Command Staff - and of course I speak of Capt. K’Dot Kali and her husband, Commander Bastian K’Hyde.
On the subject of our Chief Engineer and Resident Mad Scientist/Evil Genius ©, it seems I left out portions of his report from last month (doom on me) -- Bastian will be undergoing some changes in the near future: not only will his legal name be changing to Sebastian Andrew (that’s going to take some getting used to), but he will be manifesting his horns soon -- so keep an eye on his skull for future developments. He will also be starting supplemental training to become a holistic health practitioner (Chief, my apologies if I erred in any of this; I’m going from memory).
BRAGGING MOMENT: If you’ll indulge me for a “Proud Uncle”moment -- I’m honored to report that my niece, Cadet Specialist 2nd Class Q’Elle Makhleod, was selected to be part of the 5th-grade Math Team representing Strasburg Elementary School in a recent county-wide Math Tournament, which was held at the TuscCampus of Kent State University. She didn’t place in the tournament, but it’s an honor just to be selected. Also, effective as of tomorrow (which is her birthday), Q’Elle will be promoted to the rank of Cadet Specialist 3rd Class.
IT’S SUMMERTIME, WHICH MEANS IT’S PICNIC TIME: It’s June, and this month’s event will be our yearly Ship’s Picnic, which will be at its usual location, Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia on June 13th (next Saturday). I’ll need someone to take the role of Advance Party and find a table or two for us; contact me if you can take this assignment).
As usual, it’s Bring Your Own Picnic -- and this year, I’m lifting the moritorium on fried chicken and watermelon; let’s just be aware of who’s around us, all right? Arrival time is slated for 1 pm. If the weather’s with us, I say this would be the perfect time for the 2009 Doomslayer Invitational as well. Keep in mind that if the weather turns bad, the alternate location will be the New Towne Mall.
AFTER ACTION REPORT - “STAR TREK”: I don’t know about anyone else, but I was literally blown away by how good this movie was. I thought this was going to be an actual prequel, but no, they’re jumpstarting the Trek franchise and starting things off at Square One, just as they’ve done with the Batman and Iron Man franchises.
There have been those who have decried this movie, lamenting that Star trek is dead and gone, and we might as well throw all our books away. In my esteemed opinion, those people didn’t really watch the movie. This movie may be the shot in the arm that fandom’s been needing for a long time.
I, for one, left the theatre feeling the old familiar buzz that I felt when I first got into watching Trek in the beginning. And in my book, that’s not such a bad thing. (I’d go into more details, but there are some crew who haven’t seen the movie yet, so I’d rather not spoil it.)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 2nd: K’Dot Kali and Bastian’s Anniversary
June 7th: Cadet Q’Elle’s birthday
June 13th: Doomslayer Picnic at Tuscora Park - 1 pm; Bring your own picnic
June 14th: FLAG DAY
June 21st: HAPPY FATHER’S DAY (Be sure to do something nice for your father; remember, without Dad, where would you be?)
June 29th: Autumn Daley’s birthday
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
CHUY DAH May 2009
THE CINCO DE MAYO ISSUE
Okay, you've noticed what I called this month's newsletter.
If things had gone a little differently, this issue would have been been titled “THE POST-CDPC REUNION ISSUE”.
And if you notice, it’s not. Sadly enough, we all know what actually happened, no sense in rehashing the past. . .so, here we are, nonetheless.
But all is not lost, my brothers and sisters -- no, no. . .we do have something to look forward to: the release of the new STAR TREK prequel. This event will be our first Shore Leave of 2009, which means the General Meeting for this month will NOT be at Parkside Buehler’s, but instead will be at New Towne Mall in New Philadelphia, where we will meet at 12 noon for lunch, see the new movie, and have a Mall Crawl as well.
Please be advised that this will not be a full KLOAKED (Klingons Leaving Off Armor Keeping Earthers Deceived)mission, since regrettably there are no Klingons in this movie (that we know of), but I’d strongly recommend Casual uniforms or at least Camp Dover t-shirts, if you have ‘em.
KING-ONS...IT HAD TO BE KING-ONS: If you haven't seen it yet, Burger King has created a brand-new race to help advertise their new STAR TREK glasses give-away. They infused the Burger King with Klingon DNA and created. . .I can't believe I'm saying this. . .the King-on. I was shocked when I originally saw it, then after a couple of viewings, I thought "Hey, they actually did it right. . .right beards, correct ridges, modified armor...even kleavage for a female King-on. . . okay, maybe this isn't so bad..." So I give the BK folks points for originality...but still...King-ons?
AWAY TEAM MISSION REPORT: This past Friday, I met up with Capt. K’Dot Kali, Commander Bastian, and Cadet T’lisen at one of the planets in the Cleveland system; we visited a rather fascinating space station known as the West Side Market. I have to say that it reminded me a little of the markets we had visited before in the Walnut Creek and Sugarcreek systems, but with far more exotic selections to choose from. Afterwards, we dined at an Olive Garden restaurant before departing. It was quite an experience.
ENGINEERING REPORT
I am now, in my more human persona of Sebastian Andrew Benjamin, now the Beneficent Emperor of Earth!
(NOTE: Ah, Chief, when you make a report that reads like this, a little more in-depth explanation of things may be warranted. . .just a little constructive criticism, that‘s all. . .)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 5th: HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!
May 8th: World-wide Release of “STAR TREK”
May 9th: Doomslayer “STAR TREK” Shore Leave at New Towne Mall - 12 noon
May 10th: HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY (be sure to do something nice for your mom -- without her, where would you be?)
May 12th: Chief Engineer Bastian K’Hyde’s birthday
May 25th: MEMORIAL DAY (take a moment to remember the warriors who have gone on before us, and to honor the warriors fighting the good fight now)
May 30th: Admiral Konnor’s birthday
Okay, you've noticed what I called this month's newsletter.
If things had gone a little differently, this issue would have been been titled “THE POST-CDPC REUNION ISSUE”.
And if you notice, it’s not. Sadly enough, we all know what actually happened, no sense in rehashing the past. . .so, here we are, nonetheless.
But all is not lost, my brothers and sisters -- no, no. . .we do have something to look forward to: the release of the new STAR TREK prequel. This event will be our first Shore Leave of 2009, which means the General Meeting for this month will NOT be at Parkside Buehler’s, but instead will be at New Towne Mall in New Philadelphia, where we will meet at 12 noon for lunch, see the new movie, and have a Mall Crawl as well.
Please be advised that this will not be a full KLOAKED (Klingons Leaving Off Armor Keeping Earthers Deceived)mission, since regrettably there are no Klingons in this movie (that we know of), but I’d strongly recommend Casual uniforms or at least Camp Dover t-shirts, if you have ‘em.
KING-ONS...IT HAD TO BE KING-ONS: If you haven't seen it yet, Burger King has created a brand-new race to help advertise their new STAR TREK glasses give-away. They infused the Burger King with Klingon DNA and created. . .I can't believe I'm saying this. . .the King-on. I was shocked when I originally saw it, then after a couple of viewings, I thought "Hey, they actually did it right. . .right beards, correct ridges, modified armor...even kleavage for a female King-on. . . okay, maybe this isn't so bad..." So I give the BK folks points for originality...but still...King-ons?
AWAY TEAM MISSION REPORT: This past Friday, I met up with Capt. K’Dot Kali, Commander Bastian, and Cadet T’lisen at one of the planets in the Cleveland system; we visited a rather fascinating space station known as the West Side Market. I have to say that it reminded me a little of the markets we had visited before in the Walnut Creek and Sugarcreek systems, but with far more exotic selections to choose from. Afterwards, we dined at an Olive Garden restaurant before departing. It was quite an experience.
ENGINEERING REPORT
I am now, in my more human persona of Sebastian Andrew Benjamin, now the Beneficent Emperor of Earth!
(NOTE: Ah, Chief, when you make a report that reads like this, a little more in-depth explanation of things may be warranted. . .just a little constructive criticism, that‘s all. . .)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 5th: HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!
May 8th: World-wide Release of “STAR TREK”
May 9th: Doomslayer “STAR TREK” Shore Leave at New Towne Mall - 12 noon
May 10th: HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY (be sure to do something nice for your mom -- without her, where would you be?)
May 12th: Chief Engineer Bastian K’Hyde’s birthday
May 25th: MEMORIAL DAY (take a moment to remember the warriors who have gone on before us, and to honor the warriors fighting the good fight now)
May 30th: Admiral Konnor’s birthday
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)