Happy Birthday Hairy!

It's the Beast's birthday!

Today, he turns a mighty wise two years old!

That may not sound like much, but when your life expectancy is ten to twelve years, you learn to appreciate the small milestones too.

This poor pooch has some nasty elbow problems, making it likely he won't even make it to ten. That is all sad talk for the future. Today it is time to celebrate!

Many dog owners go all out and bake a cake. I am not one of them. The beast isn't even permitted to hit my sheets.

I'm not a complete Cruella, he does have a lovely plaid, flannel and orthopaedic bed to put his noggin on at the end of the day.

But, back to the Beast. He may not have gotten a cake, but we did share a bad ass walk - I even let him smell everything he wanted to. He's got a big 'ol bone and a can of wet food waiting.

So, to my Beast, my hairy Newfoundland buddy who is always at my feet, happy birthday.

You truly are man's best friend.

Just in case you are curious as to how the Beast belonging to Linnie spends his big day:

He spends it just like any other day. My kind of guy.

How do you like to spend your birthday?

Birthday'ing with the Beast,

L

Music Monday: That Bad Boy Beck

Good morning afternoon friends!

I write from the comfort of my double sized bed, complete with silk duvet. Alas, I am allergic to feathers. My bed is shared with the one and only Newf (no Beasts allowed) but lucky for me, the Newf is off making breakfast.

Eggs and turkey bacon. Yum.

Despite the mounds of homework, it is almost like a vacation, and for that, we need some cheeky beats.

Today features a song that has lived in mystery for years and years. I have yet to meet someone who does not like it.

Hopefully, you can continue the tradition.

Now to the musician. Beck is a good old boy; his first studio album was released in 1993 on cassette tape. CD was available only in limited quantity.

Beck is a true amazing musician - if you can imagine, none of his music includes sampling of any sort. Sampling is the use of pieces of other people's songs. It can sound cool, but it is a cop out.

Fast forward five years, Beck is ready to release his sixth album, Mutations. This bad boy was recorded over the span of two weeks, one song a day. Some of these songs are older tunes, and some of them were brand new. They were all produced by Beck and Nigel Godrich (you may recognize his name from the numerous Radiohead albums he's produced).

Anyways, before the release of his album, Beck had gotten special permission fro, his major record label to release his album on a small indie label (I *heart* indie), Bong Load Records. Unfortunately, when Geffen executives heard the record, they released it under their label against Beck's wishes.

This was the firestorm for a massive legal battle, one that none of us really know the result of.

In the meantime, you have a fabulous tune for today! Please, take a listen to Beck's Tropicalia:

It's too bad such a cool song has to be surrounded with such drama. Although, drama does make the world go 'round, or so says the soap I'm watching. I think some girl is going to get pushed off a cliff, um, exciting.

What do you do with your limited vacation time?

Fired up for some breakfast food,

L

It's Freaking Friday: And This is a (Creative) School Thing

Good afternoon dudes and dudettes!

This is actually a quick post for a school project, but, feel free to follow along.

If you are a massive fan of "Where's Waldo" this may be your cup of tea. Or it might not, we will find out.

That being said, today I have to submit an example of "The Databased Image". There have been some pretty neat examples floating around, check out the work of
Chris Jordan for some really freaky examples.

Let's just say I'm taking a different approach. I don't have any dead dodos lying around so I thought I'd provide a little example of my online database. Think of it as a scavenger hunt without a prize.

THE GOAL: You want to find this picture:

It is located *somewhere* in the bowels of this blog.

THE HINT: Because (I assume) my classmates are not frequent fliers here at Linnie gets Laced I assume you don't know the handles of the blogging world, or my blogging world, for that matter.

The boy in the picture is known as "The Newf". Yes, he's my Newfoundland lovah, and yes, he makes a mean plate of fish and chips.

The dog in my picture is known in these parts as "The Beast", mostly because, well, he is a giant beast.

You can locate the picture using a couple of different methods. Check out the post information bar below, and the sidebar for some locating love.

It's an IQ test, and the timer starts NOW! Good luck!

Looking for a likeness,

L

Wordless Wednesday: Boil Boil, Toil and Trouble...

The End of the Giveaway: Results

It is time to announce the winner of the first giveaway at Linnie gets Laced!

First, the giveaway and a small recap on the rules. I encouraged a little bit of a gamble (naughty, I know). The goal was to guess the number I had in my little head. If you couldn't guess the exact number, you wanted to be the closest.

I invoked the "Price is Right" rules, meaning you you had to be the closest without going over (and that you were gently reminded to have your pets spayed and neutered).

Here is the number I chose, with my photo evidence as promised:

That would make the winner the lovely Liz, with a guess of 27! Liz, shoot me an email to collect your $40 gift certificate to the CSN stores!

Congrats Liz!

Music Monday: Looking for Mr. Jagger

Good afternoon, my radical readers!

Today is a wonderful day, here in Ontario, it is Family Day. Created by our cracked out Conservative government (yep, I've put my political mindset out there) it is actually something I can agree with.

As I have no children, only a dog that sleeps until noon, the Newf and I have enjoyed a wonderful day spent in bed. As of right now, it is just after noon and we have just polished off our Tim Hortons breakfast sandwiches.

Not one to exclude, we made sure the Beast got a sandwich too.

We go all out in Linnie Land.

Speaking of family, I got an earful from my mother. It seems she noticed I haven't posted anything in the last week and she was not impressed.

Mom, I am sorry. I promise to keep your Kindle kicking this week.

This brings me to our anticipated video to kick off your Monday. I have my favourite Rolling Stones video. I have had a school girl crush on Mick Jagger since I heard this song, and once I saw him in concert that crush turned into pure unadulterated passion.

Mick, if you are out there, I love you. The Newf knows, it's okay; we don't have to hide anymore. Margaret Trudeau, eat your heart out.

So, here is the song that sealed my sentiment, please enjoy The Rolling Stones and their tune "Anybody Seen My Baby":

So, now that you've seen the video, let me confirm that yes, that was Angelina Jolie, and yes, I am poking a little bit of fun at the aforementioned earful delivered by my Mother.

The benefit being, that she reads the blog on her Kindle and she won't get the music video. Mom, don't believe the rumours. You and I both know that I take everything you say with the utmost seriousness, especially since the Great Spanking Debacle of '94.

Are you celebrating Family Day? Is everyday family day? Have you ever been spanked?

With a mind full of Mick,

L

It's a GIVEAWAY!

Do you like chairs? Are you a chair connoisseur? Perhaps a professional potato?

Well, either way, feast your sit savvy eyes on this baby, the Eames lounge chair.

My keister is already quivering. In fact, I've already purchased my (winning) lottery ticket, with high hopes of purchasing this feat of fancy.

It would look smashing in my darkened living room, surrounded by books and a massive picture window. My liquor cabinet wouldn't be far off either.

This chair is one of thousands of items (this is the Newf's favourite) that you can find within the CSN Online Stores.

Seriously, they have over 200 stores that you can shop in your skivvies. Hello, utter bliss.

The best part? You could win $40 to spend at ANY one of their online stores!

That's right, the lovely people over at CSN have provided me with $40 to give to one of you, my even lovelier loyal readers.

I've looked through the stores, and I already have a long list of loot I want. Even better, I've found some stuff I already have, and can say it is worth the purchase price (like this bad boy - my Newfoundland hasn't managed to ruin it yet).

So, I know you are asking "How do I win?" It's no secret that I like to gamble, so, do you fancy a little game?

I am going to pick a number between 0 and 1000. You have to guess what that number is. We run with the "Price is Right" rules over here, that means: the closest person without going over gets the prize. In the event two people have chosen the same number, the first one to choose the winner will be named the winner. No ties.

To submit a numbered guess, you must:
1.) Follow me. It's almost Valentine's Day, and I could use some love.
2.) Find & friend me on Facebook.
3.) You could Tweet your little heart out - include a link to this post (and please "@" me, so I can double check your entry).
4.) And finally, you could drop me an email or comment to tell me what your favourite post was, what your least favourite post was, or what you'd like to see more of.

With every guess, leave a comment below or shoot me an email. Don't forget to include your number!

This contest closes Saturday, February 19, 2011. The winner will be announced Monday, February 21, 2011.

Giddy about my (first!) giveaway,

L

FINE PRINT:
This is open to Canadian and US readers. To my Canuck friends, keep in mind there will be additional shipping charges (the duties are INCLUDED)! Consider it a tax for being awesome. None of my (Linnie's) immediate family members are able to enter - this includes Newf, the Beast, the Parentals, Grandma (the live one) and Dumpster Dog. The rest of my family either does not read my blog or does not receive preferential treatment (proof available). The number chosen by me will be photographed with a time stamp to allow my readers to rest assured there is no funny business. Oh, and I am awesome.

Wordless Wednesday: The End of the Line

Music Monday: Finding the Freak

Now my darlings, you didn't think I forgot about music this Monday, did you?

I wouldn't blame you if you did, but, I most certainly did not! It took a little soul searching, but I have the perfect piece for today. You see, I've been a little serious, morose, moody even (don't tell the Newf I said so).

I hate being serious (don't tell the Newf I said that either).

Just like Jenny From the Block, I need to remind myself of my roots. I need to get back to my original offbeat self. This song does just that.

Oh please, do not worry - I'm the carbohydrate to Ms. Lopez's protein (in that I eat lots of both). Today, I have the simply inspiring "Super Freak" by Rick James. Enjoy (and please, do dance)!

I'll tell you a little secret, I have school girl crushes on both Rick James and Mick Jagger. If you have never seen the Chappelle Show's skits with Rick James, HIGHLY suggest you check them out (even if you have to rent it). It's just that good.

Have a fabulous week, my favourite fruit loops!

Finding my inner freak,

L

Duck, Duck, No Wait, It's a Goose!

My goodness, this is embarrassingly late. Some time ago, a love cupcake craving chick tagged me in a game of "Duck-Duck-Goose".

First, the girl. She is absolutely adorable, and I just love her blog. You'll love her too, especially if you love to bake.

Now, the game. I am required to post fifteen facts about myself, and then tag five new bloggers to complete their own list.

This was no small order. Partially because I am still chuckling over my original list, partially because I am always nervous opening myself up to the Internet.

"Why on earth do I blog?", you ask? That's a good question. I'll let you know when I have a good answer. I'm full of little idiosyncrasies like that.

Okay, that was a freebie. These bits are on the books:

1.) I am a photography student (although it still feels weird to say that).

2.) Photoshop and I have a love/hate relationship. We love to hate each other. Seriously. Hate.

3.) The majority of my photography projects, to date, have included a somewhat morbid theme. I tell myself it just "happens" that way, so I don't feel like such a weirdo.

4.) Big Brother? No. You need to be worried about me. I see everything, I make predictions and I am right most of the time.

5.) I respect your right to make your own lifestyle choices, although, it is highly unlikely I agree with them.

6.) Speaking of, I have a couple of friends I need to dump; I hate doing it, and never quite get around to it. Here's hoping you aren't on the chopping block.

7.) My spare brain storage goes to any, and all, etiquette rules. I love to know how I should be acting.

8.) I judge you by your wedding invitations.

9.) I also judge you by your table manners. However, all bets are off if we are wearing pyjamas.

10.) Pizza is, by far, my favourite food.

11.) Guilty pleasures? Baywatch and The Bachelor.

12.) I have never whitened my teeth.

13.) My little sister left for the army in September. She has some high ranking intelligence job and I don't really get to know where she is. I don't like to talk about it, because it makes me miss her more.

14.) There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that my husband will do anything and everything to keep me safe, no matter what.

15.) Chivalry turns me on (when it comes from a non incestuous source).

So, that is the list of Linnie. I hope that will tide you over until I create another one. Now, for the new bloggers.

The fabulously talented (and sweeter than sugar) Ana, at i made it so.
Ms. Charlie, who you can find at the best fashion blog:Heart Charlie. Forget the other fashionistas, this girl rocks my world.
The lovely Tammy George, a pure fan of colour who can be found at Punk Rawk Purl
The (knitting) needle neurotic Zoe, at A Giraffe in a Scarf. Check out her hats!
And finally, the crafty maven and an old favourite of mine, Chantilly, who calls from her corner My Girl Thursday.

GOOSE, you're it. Let's see if you are paying attention. We all know I wasn't.

I must might be crazy,

L

The Apple of my Storm

Darling readers,

Tonight I sit and wait. Tonight, the snow is coming.

For days the weatherman has promised the snowstorm of the year - high winds, lots of snow and even "thunder snow" (if you imagined snow and thunder, you'd be right). Services and schools have been cancelled in advance, and the sheep of the city have been bustling about collecting supplies and fretting about the frost.

Friends, I am not concerned. It is just a little bit of snow - this is what we Canadians are built for.

I am old enough to remember the Ice Storm of '98. I am old enough to remember when losing power was a problem and we had a kitchen full of neighbours huddling around our gas stove. Finally, I am old enough to remember my father filling up every pot and container we had with water, lest we really get snowed in.

Those were the best snow storms.

Tomorrow, instead of cursing the commute, think of those who call the street home. Think of those who are really braving the cold. Consider what we can do to help.

But tonight, when you are happy at home, enjoy the moment.

I know that with a Newfoundland man to my left, a Newfoundland dog to my right, and the Environment Canada radar onscreen, I'll be just fine.

My lights are off, but we are all home. We are the freaks who fret about a lack of snow.

Hoping for some havoc,

L

Wizards? Witches? Anyone, help?

PS. If any of you technical wizards can tell me what's going on with my embeded videos, I would forever be in your debt.

Merci.

Fill the Void, Social Media

Oh my darlings.

I plum forgot about Music Monday. I know, I know it's technically Tuesday now. As IF the Newf hasn't reminded me. Still, I found something with a good beat for you musically minded mentals.

After watching this, I think you'll see me online a lot more.

What do you think? I posted it's sibling way back in September. Oh, and regardless of what the video said, this commercial still makes me smile everytime.

Are you scared yet?

Is Big Brother watching? Or are you watching Big Brother?

Socially screwed,

L