citizen neil
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t'internet wonderful weirdness
This is a true t'internet tale, the likes of which make your face light up and your heart glow.
A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a blog and left a comment, as any good t'internet denizen does.
The next day, an e-mail appeared in my inbox. It was from the blogger's friend, and it outlined a novel idea: swearing all addressees to secrecy, she asked if we would help her make this blogger's birthday extra special by sending him something by post, a card, a trinket, anything.
"Ooh," I thought to myself somewhat puzzled, "I leave one comment and THIS happens? This blogger must be a pretty outstanding person for anyone to go through the trouble of e-mailing his commenters one by one and coordinate something so complex."
"Er, only the found the blog yesterday and I haven't a clue who Neil is but, hey, count me in!", I replied to the friend, who even then goes through the trouble of replying to my reply!
"Hmm, they sure do things differently out in California", I mused, scenes of Annie Hall replaying in my head. Dated, I know, I know.
A few days later, another e-mail arrives. Same subject, different friend of the same blogger, asking whether fellow bloggers around the world might post a little something on their respective t'internet pages today, to give The Man (because by this stage he was no longer just 'the blogger' to me but The Man, oozing street cred and flanked by an ever-growing retinue of well-meaning friends who genuinely seemed to care about him) another little surprise.
By that time, not only had I become a regular reader of The Man, but we had even exchanged a few e-mails relating to posts and, erm, swearwords and British slang for some reason. And yes, he is a rather pleasant chap, in writing at least.
So here we are.
Today The Man ages.
I couldn't even tell you how old he is because, either the information hasn't been revealed or I wasn't paying attention.
All the way from England, please join me in wishing the good Mr Kramer (he of The Times fame, we are in the presence of bloggy greatness I'll have you know) many happy returns.
Neil, you truly are the dog's bollocks!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
15 pies thrown:
Arf, funny. No idea who the squire is but since you asked so kindly Ariel, happy birthday old bean!
That's so sweet. Old-fashioned and sweet, and kinda of ironic that nothing's quite as good as recieving a parcel in the mail. This internet thing's rubbish anyway innit?
Timbo, welcome! I sent him a pressie and a card in the mail too, because there's just nothing like the kindness of strangers to make people smile. But you're right, despite all this t'internet close-knittedness, you cannot beat a token of appreciation you can actually touch. Oh I've come over all nostalgic suddenly.
Nick, good to see you back by the way!
And Neil, that last line is a compliment if a Brit says it! :) (I know these things, as I'm married to a Brit). Ariel, very clever tribute to Niel.
Yes, neil is a fun bloke, and has a talking penis, as you probably know.
Can this be true! Humans showing simple kindnesses to one another? Ye gods. Happy Birthday to your blogging pal. Now, excuse me, I have to go and faint. The shock's too mu...
Parisparfait, welcome and thank you! It was fun to do.
EmmaK, I have read comments about Neil's verbose appendage but I cannot say I have had first-hand experience of it however.
Atyllah, very true however outlandish this may sound. Careful where you faint, you could end up on someone's plate! (Not mine I hasten to add, you'd need fins rather than feathers to make the cut.)
That's either sweet. Or the "friend" is actually what my friend KD calls "sock puppets"...
A person who wants to self-promote uses fake emails and handles etc.
I had to throw that in before reading him and being charmed.
Having said that, I myself have sent and received presents from other bloggers. Funny how the connections go.
OK. I'll read. I'll read.
I confess I'm not really following this but Happy Birthday to whomsoever's birthday it was anyway
*Hic*
Any excuse for a party.
Although some people don't like to be reminded about their birthdays, it seems that this man's friends thinks he wants as many reminders as possible.
Happy birthday!!
I like the idea, and I think we should have something like that for our very own Ariel for being such a sporting girl. :-)
Hello!
Greetings to you.
Happy Birthday to N in NYC.
Another child's name heard in an NHS waiting area:
'Maximus!'
Wonder which film they were watching!
I quite agree with Edvard. Let's pamper our favourite lady as well!
So tell us where to send the 'Sympathies on your Oik' cards and chocolate!
Reluctant Nomad, I still haven't found out how old Neil is. State secret quite possibly.
Edvard Moonke (he of the new bloggy abode, oh yes!) and Mr X, how kind! You can, if you wish, send me good vibes - they are much needed and will be much appreciated I can assure you.
FB, welcome! Maximus? Hmm, just the kind of name that's likely to get the kiddo bullied down the amusement arcade, unless of course we're talking public school, in which case he'll fit in fine I guess. What a name to live up to though!
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