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View Full Version : Happy Belated Birthday, Mtpspur!



Scheherazade
07-15-2009, 06:17 PM
http://tastegoblet.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/birthday-049_edited.jpg

An interview with Mtpspur:

Why are we doing this interview thing?
For starters it is nice to asked and deemed interesting enough to want to be more known. The Drama Queen is flattered beyond belief and a chance to get into Logos' head is never to be passed up.

Are you sure you want to do this?
Other then the trials and tribulations trying to answer these questions and NOT get logged off or have them lost in cyberspace we be good--if somewhat slow in responding.

Got milk?
Not anymore. Way back in 1972 I was stationed in Guam where the chow hall served powdered milk. Only the chocalate was drinkable and upon returning stateside 15 months later discovered to my horror that regular milk no longer tasted 'right'. Haven't drank it since. The tatste buds are that tyrannical.

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?
That would so be me and it's cookies---as many as I can carry away chortling. I call it my helping the Long Suffering Spouse maintain her weight control by the proper removing and disposal of temptation.

If you had a personal theme song what would it be?
Have thought this one over for about a month now and no one song comes to prominence though I am partial to the theme music from Patrick McGoohan's The Prisoner show from the 1960s.


Are you male or female? Male

What makes you keep coming back?
Someday a certain well regarded moderator will experience her version of a mid-life crisis and pick up a phone and madness will ensue. Generally the gentle and warm company makes this place worthwhile to dwell in and spend time with. Plus I'm doing more on-line reading these days.

Are you happy with the way things are here?
Now that the blogs views are back I am content.

Which countries have you visited?
Canada, Guam, Sai-pan--visited Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, Winnepeg Canada during my book/comics collecting days, and Guam for the Air Force and Sai-pan for a day off.

How do you like your home town?
Not enough left of it that hasn't been changed, tore down or retired to care anymore. Each visit back to Spencerport NY causes more of a sense of loss then is emotionally healthy at my precarious state of mental health.

If you could live somewhere different, where would it be and why?
I tend to settle where Uncle Sam or the Providence of God placed me depending on your belief system and since people tend to be the same I rarely dream of other places.

Do you have any pets?
Currently a black chow mix named Onyx and two black cats named Rags and Shadow and a tabby named Marbles. Onyx will let anyone in the house--even well regarded moderators.

What makes you happy?
That's a mixed bag. To be bluntly truthful when I'm reading my collections (comcs, pulps, whatever); sometimes the Bible (when not obsessed with my failures); satisfaction at work when plans go well, various things but the real point is that I do not DEPEND on the RIGHT to be happy. If I am happy fineand good BUT I tend to suspicious of happiness as it is too easily taken away so I try to live as if I can lose it all which attitude is being severly tested by the Internal Revenue these days. I also strive not to get too worked up over things.

What is mankind's biggest achievement, and its greatest downfall?
Probably the printing press and the good sense ot print the Bible first--greatest downfall is probably when a person or society starts to settle for the common denominator instead o reaching for the stars. Not that I do that I'm too easily pleased and satisfied.

Do you feel comfortable in your walk with God/atheism?
The day I get comfortable with my walk with God is the day when He will leave me in my pride and vainglory. Very dangerous being satisfied with your spiritual condition--tends to lead to sin and pridefulness and a hardening of the heart towrds God and men. Trust me on this one--will save much grief and sin.

Which actor should play you in a movie based on your life?
Well Jason Alexander looks like me the most sooooo---but I am much more charming.

Given the option, what animal would you choose to be?
The grizzley bear -- a hibernating grizzley bear.

What were your favorite things to do the past? What about now?
Bicycle riding, bowling---nowadays no bike and bowling and being out of shape takes too much money and energy--I'm basically a sit at home type.

What makes you feel great about yourself?
There is that warm wonderful feeling when advice is given, ignored and then the almost startled realiziation from the person responding "You were right!!" gnerally said with a bit of surprise and look that implies they now realize I might have just a bit of depth. This is freely adapted from watching way too many Columbo episodes.

How did you meet your significant other?
Now for that you should really dig way way back in my blog and see the whole story revealed. I don't think my blog was ever better written prior or afterwards. Look around entry #65 I believe.

Who inspires you most?
That can be problematical. The Long Suffering Spouse inspires me to show that I'm not quite an irredeemable idiot. My buddy Steve in Baltimore inspires me to be a more considerate person or at least render better lip service to the concept. Bookwise the admirabale Charles haddon Spurgeon inspires me by HIS Christian devotion but the downside is that I rarely measure up and he would be very very disappointed in me.

What are you naturally good at? (Skills, abilities, gifts etc.)
Organizating tasks (as in file set ups, bookcases, task management steps; I tend to be detailed just to the edge of obsessionIF the subject interests me however. Used to have a very good memory and can still remmeber books read over 50 years ago quite well but not so good at a book read less then a month ago. Agiing--never a pretty sight. Sigh.

What is the one thing you must do before you die?
Meet a well regarded moderator and get her to LAUGH. Or finish my Avengers collection for the fifth (or is it the sixth?) and final time. 111 out 503 to go. Ho ho.

If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
The way my job goes teaching the AAA calltakers how to get information properly would fulfill any teaching desires I ever had.

What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?
Could have handled my military career better but my major regret that will last all my days will be not being at peace with my parents. There was a firm chasm between us that was never bridged.

What method do you cherish above all others, as means to improving your life?
Experiencing the providences of God and in a glass darkly seeign Hs guiding hand-even if I don't quite know what it's all for. Called character building.

What is your role in an emergency situation: the 911 dialer, the person who runs to the scene to help, the video recorder, or the person too overcome by shock to do anything?
The dialer. Though I have been in all these positions but starting the process has been my usual lot until the experts take over.

What one thing would you NEED to have on a deserted island if you didn't have to worry over food and water?
Deserted seems to imply the Long Suffering Spouse is off somewhere singing Freebird so I'll to go with a working television set. Obviously not so much a NEED as a want. Seeing as how the food and water aren't a problem. Hope they have cable.

What song is in your head at the moment?
Taylor Swift's Love story---the video is so charming and I'm a sucker for period costumes.

Which book are you reading at the moment?
Ah ha-the fourth 24 novel (staring Jack Bauer titled Cat's Paw by John Whigman AND C. S> Lewis' Mere Christianity. In chapter four of that one and hour 9 of the novel.

The last book you finished reading?
The third 24 novel called Trojan Horse by Marc Cerrasini. There are 10 novels in all and I have many riany day reading days thanks to an overzealous IRS collections department.

What is your favourite quote?
Don't really have one but I used to torment the family with a quote from Le Femme Nikita when she attempted to extort a favor from Operations (her boss) and he laughed and said "We've trained oyu well Nikita!"

Favorite food?/ Comfort food?
Tunafish casserole--crackers and milk and tuna only--no onions

What time of day do you most often find yourself on the LitNet?
Late evening, early morning hours--I am a nite owl

What are you wearing at the moment?
Blue jeans and suitable shirt--at work now doing this in pieces

Favorite poem?
In Flanders Fields---so melancholy

First novel you remember reading on your own?
After much thought it HAD to be Bomba the Jungle Boy on Jaguar Island (approximately age 7) by Roy Rockwood--a children's series. We had three of them and this was the fourth in the series--picked because of the frontispiece illustration showing Bomba being attacked by a jaguar AND a cayman. Life long impression left and I still have nightmares about alligators to this day.

What era do you find most of the books you read are from?
The 1930s/40s--mostly for detective stories, then historical novels era--1600s-1800s---pirate type/adventurer novels

Favorite TV shows?
The very very favorites: The Wild Wid West, Rockford Files, Scrubs, House MD, Secret Agent/The Prisoner (for the record I do NOT think #6 is John Drake though I did once upon a time; Le Femme Nikita, Angel/Buffy the Vampire Slayer to name a few

Which LitNet members would you like to meet in person if you could?
Logos, Logos, Logos Logos plus Pendragon, McHockenbury, Kizzo, and even Virgil, Robinhood3000 but just so I can slap him silly, MotherHubbard and Granny, and did I mention Logos??? Again to name a few--honorabke mention Pussinboots but mostly to see what a great mom she will be.

Favorite post on the Forum?
No particular favorite

Favorite thread?
Again no particular favorite--sorry

Last food did you have?
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Last words you said out loud?
"Just one troubleshoter". This is in reference to just one service call being over a half hour old and we have not arrived on location yet.

Last person you hugged/kissed?
The Long Suffering Spouse

What do you do (for a living) to be able to keep your LitNet addiction going? And are you happy with your chosen profession?
AAA Dispatcher; most of the time I am amused by the drama and life stories going on around me andmy various parts of playing God with stranded members. Happy is a relative term. i like to think I am doing some good in a productive manner.

What question would you like to ask yourself?
Why oh why do i shoot myself in the foot all the time without gaining the desired results.

What would you like to be if you could change your profession?
I dream small---a process server

Least favorite book/song/movie?
Book--Was almost going to say Ethan Frome but dark Muse likes that one so maybe there is more there then meets the eye so we'll go with Wuthering Heights. Song--Cat's the Cradle---if you listen to the song VERY carefully that is one ungrateful child acting like his DAD did NOTHING for him--au contraire--got him thru college, had a car for him, kept a roof over his head. Ungrateful guttersnipe indeed. Can you tell I really HATE this song? With movies a bit harder---there is no one movie that comes to mind that I just hate because if I did I simply wouldn't watch it but The Way We Were makes even Robert Redford boring.

What is your most outstanding feature?
I personally feel that I try very hard to be honest about my failings and try not to steal credit from anyone.

If you could change one thing about the way you look, what would that be?
My teeth--never got the care they needed--very very crooked.

Which book do you wish you had written?
Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs--opend the doors to all my other reading and collecting. Runner up and should have been book would be Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini.

What is your favorite book cover?
Now if this was comic book covers there would be many answers--but as to book covers--drawing a blank here.

Most and least favorite characters from books?
The shadow from the pulp stories. Any character fromWuthering Heights--the fact that I was reading it while having an unpleasant visit with the in-laws may be a contributing facor here.

What would your biography be titled?
A Life Lived Somewhat Unexpectedly

What should you be doing at the moment instead of answering these questions?
Watching the dispatch screen--I'm at work now trying to finish this up.

Why the airplane window shields need to be lifted up during take off and landing?
Haven't the foggiest idea

If you could only rescue one item from your burning house, what would it be, and why?
There is a framed print of the very first Zane Grey's King of the Royal Mounted Sunday comic strip from 1935 which is kept as a sort of memorial to my ftaher who had Zane Grey novels on the bookcases we had as kids. Would be in memory to him as I have some eelings towards him.

Wonderful Superman or depressing Batman?
Depressing Batman though this shows a very very myoptic view of Bruce Wayne. He is actually very very focused on his mission and the preservation of LIFE. Superman does not QUITE have the clean record for not killing as Bats does.

The most embarrassing moment in your life?
The midlife crisis--enough said and forever to be repented of.

Which literary character (s) have you been told to resemble the most?
Never had it happen.

List some of the things that annoy you immensely.
Bad information provided by AAA members and calltakers; good advice not taken; snobbery without basis; authors dying without finishing their latest books; comic books that take forever getting published--to name a few---dare I mention the Religious thread and the sniping that goes on there??!!!

Anything that you want to forget but you never can?
Again the mid-life crisis--what a comedy/tragedy of presumption and arrogance that turned out to be--was way out of my depth on that one and got what I deserved and trust me on this one God was very very merciful that year

Tell us about some amusing translation mistake you have heard or made yourself.
None come to mind.

If you had to lose one of your senses, which would you choose and why?
smell--especially when cucumbers are near

What’s the first thing you’ll do in an embarrassing situation?
Own up to it

Are you mostly happy with life or are you still in pursuit?
when the pursuit stops--it's time to get off the stage

What gives your life meaning?
Watching God in His mysterious way constantly show his glory and at the same time entertain me immensely--alll about me all about me

What type of Faerie would you like to be and why?
Tinkerbelle's boyfreind for all the obvious reasons

What makes you laugh?
Scrubs (TV show)

What was the happiest period of your life and why?
The truth--1972-Apr 73--best Christian fellowship time spent ever onGuam and NOTHING as ever come close since.

Do those animated smilies ever get tired? Think of them day after day, dancing or crashing computers or laughing or crying till the end of time...
No they are Enegizers rabbits at heart

What part of “Final” don’t you understand?
The Ending--lol

One final word of wisdom for LitNet users?
The turth DOES set you free

What would you like to ask to the person to be interviewed after you?
Can you put in a word for me regarding a certian well regarded moderator?

Niamh
07-15-2009, 06:21 PM
A very very very happy belated birthday Rich!

papayahed
07-15-2009, 06:26 PM
Happy Birthday!!!!

andave_ya
07-15-2009, 06:37 PM
:eek2: Rich when was it your birthday!?!?! I MISSED IT?!?! Oh no! I'm so sorry my friend! :bawling: I wanted to call you!!!
I'll call you. And sing happy birthday the second you say hello. Are you at work? When's a good time?

That said, HAPPY BIRTHDAY my dear friend, and, great interview!

Logos
07-15-2009, 06:46 PM
Great to be able to peer into the mind that makes mtpspur mtpspur !! :lol: :ladysman:

Happy Birthday and many many more Rich!! :)

pussnboots
07-15-2009, 06:51 PM
Happy Belated Birthday!!!!! Hope you had a great day!

higley
07-15-2009, 06:52 PM
Rock on the PB&J! Happy birthday :)

1n50mn14
07-15-2009, 08:14 PM
Happy belated birthday!

Virgil
07-15-2009, 08:34 PM
Great interview Rich!! Happy birthday! :bday_2:

Great interview. I found this very enlightening:


Least favorite book/song/movie?
Song--Cat's the Cradle---if you listen to the song VERY carefully that is one ungrateful child acting like his DAD did NOTHING for him--au contraire--got him thru college, had a car for him, kept a roof over his head. Ungrateful guttersnipe indeed. Can you tell I really HATE this song?
I think the song is called "Cat's in the Cradle," and I never thought of it that way before. Yes, that is an ungrateful kid. I may never listen to that song the same way again. :eek:

A present for you, though I have no idea what it really is, but I thought it fitting;

http://weblogs.redeyechicago.com/.a/6a00d83451600969e201156f8ad9ac970c-450wi

http://www.internet.is/mvala/birthday_monkey.JPG

eyemaker
07-15-2009, 09:30 PM
Happy Belated Birthday! :)

motherhubbard
07-15-2009, 10:04 PM
has it been a year already? Happy Birthday!

Joreads
07-15-2009, 10:56 PM
Hope you had a great day

sprinks
07-16-2009, 08:11 AM
Loved the interview! Happy belated birthday! :)

toni
07-16-2009, 11:31 AM
Happy Belated Birthday! It was fun reading your interview :D!

mona amon
07-16-2009, 12:02 PM
Happy Birthday, Mtpspur! Loved the interview! :)

mono
07-16-2009, 02:55 PM
Great interview, mtpspur! Happy belated birthday, my friend, and sorry I missed it. Do not forget to pay us a visit from time to time, and share some discussions! :D

applepie
07-16-2009, 06:59 PM
A VERY happy birthday!!! Sorry I missed it, but I hope that you had a good one. I also loved reading your interview as it lacked none of your humor, and I was happy to be on the list of people you would like to meet. Love you bunches:) Meg

Nightshade
07-17-2009, 02:46 PM
I thought I had already posted but obviously missed it Happy birthday rich!

kiz_paws
07-18-2009, 12:48 AM
How could your birthday slip by without a big hug from me??

Happy Belated Birthday, Rich!

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s122/kiz_paws/birthday%20LitNet/catswavinginwindow.gif

I enjoyed reading your interview and was touched at your mentioning me in it. :)
~K♥zzo

mtpspur
07-19-2009, 12:52 AM
To all the well wishers--thank you muchly. Been a bit busy lately nd about to get the next blog posted. The birthday went all right (such as it was). It was nice of Sher to pst the interview but there is actually some more to go that hasn't been posted--not sure when and if she will but it was fun if somewhat done on the run. I'll address that more in the blog entry. Special hanks to Virgil on getting my attention about a proper thank you. I always (I know there will be doubters here) get embarassed when I actually GET attention and tend to hide a bit until the mob insanity moves on.:D:D Thank you everyone.

qimissung
07-19-2009, 10:52 PM
Happy Birthday (belatedly :))!

Scheherazade
07-21-2009, 10:01 AM
Mtpspur's interview, Part II:

What is your most outstanding feature?
I personally feel that I try very hard to be honest about my failings and try not to steal credit from anyone.

If you could change one thing about the way you look, what would that be?
My teeth--never got the care they needed--very very crooked.

Which book do you wish you had written?
Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs--opend the doors to all my other reading and collecting. Runner up and should have been book would be Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini.

What is your favorite book cover?
Now if this was comic book covers there would be many answers--but as to book covers--drawing a blank here.

Most and least favorite characters from books?
The shadow from the pulp stories. Any character fromWuthering Heights--the fact that I was reading it while having an unpleasant visit with the in-laws may be a contributing facor here.

What would your biography be titled?
A Life Lived Somewhat Unexpectedly

What should you be doing at the moment instead of answering these questions?
Watching the dispatch screen--I'm at work now trying to finish this up.

Why the airplane window shields need to be lifted up during take off and landing?
Haven't the foggiest idea

If you could only rescue one item from your burning house, what would it be, and why?
There is a framed print of the very first Zane Grey's King of the Royal Mounted Sunday comic strip from 1935 which is kept as a sort of memorial to my ftaher who had Zane Grey novels on the bookcases we had as kids. Would be in memory to him as I have some eelings towards him.

Wonderful Superman or depressing Batman?
Depressing Batman though this shows a very very myoptic view of Bruce Wayne. He is actually very very focused on his mission and the preservation of LIFE. Superman does not QUITE have the clean record for not killing as Bats does.

The most embarrassing moment in your life?
The midlife crisis--enough said and forever to be repented of.

Which literary character (s) have you been told to resemble the most?
Never had it happen.

List some of the things that annoy you immensely.
Bad information provided by AAA members and calltakers; good advice not taken; snobbery without basis; authors dying without finishing their latest books; comic books that take forever getting published--to name a few---dare I mention the Religious thread and the sniping that goes on there??!!!

Anything that you want to forget but you never can?
Again the mid-life crisis--what a comedy/tragedy of presumption and arrogance that turned out to be--was way out of my depth on that one and got what I deserved and trust me on this one God was very very merciful that year

Tell us about some amusing translation mistake you have heard or made yourself.
None come to mind.

If you had to lose one of your senses, which would you choose and why?
smell--especially when cucumbers are near

What’s the first thing you’ll do in an embarrassing situation?
Own up to it

Are you mostly happy with life or are you still in pursuit?
when the pursuit stops--it's time to get off the stage

What gives your life meaning?
Watching God in His mysterious way constantly show his glory and at the same time entertain me immensely--alll about me all about me

What type of Faerie would you like to be and why?
Tinkerbelle's boyfreind for all the obvious reasons

What makes you laugh?
Scrubs (TV show)

What was the happiest period of your life and why?
The truth--1972-Apr 73--best Christian fellowship time spent ever onGuam and NOTHING as ever come close since.

Do those animated smilies ever get tired? Think of them day after day, dancing or crashing computers or laughing or crying till the end of time...
No they are Enegizers rabbits at heart

What part of “Final” don’t you understand?
The Ending--lol

One final word of wisdom for LitNet users?
The turth DOES set you free

What would you like to ask to the person to be interviewed after you?
Can you put in a word for me regarding a certian well regarded moderator?