Doesn't this brightly-painted building in Malaysia - apparently a reflexology clinic - look like it should be part of Neil's carnival? Photo by Marie-Claire Holmes, altered by editing.
You may have heard that Neil of Citizen of the Month is celebrating his birthday. To honour the auspicious occasion, some of Neil's blogging buddies are participating in the Carnival of Neilochka hosted by Colleen at Communicatrix.
It's hard not to like a smart guy with a great sense of humour. Plus Neil has all the neuroses of many transplanted New Yorkers living in California and freely admits to them. He has something to say about everything, including soap operas. If it weren't for Neil, I wouldn't have known that Dixie was poisoned and Brooke had been asked to leave All My Children.
And it's not just pop culture that has Neil's attention. When it comes to Middle East politics, Neil is my favourite antagonist. We've tangled a few times over differing views. Neil can be stubbornly opinionated and exasperating, rather like an annoying, yet endearing little brother. But I respect Neil's ideas and asked him to write a piece, "Counterpoint," for my blog. In his younger days, Neil took a class taught by the late Edward Said, whom Neil described as "brilliant." So for his birthday, I've sent him a collection of Said's essays.
One of the highlights of my first year of blogging was being named Neil's Crush of the Day. Franchement, all kudos and recogition that followed that honour just pale in comparison.
Neil once wrote that he'd like to come to Paris, where he imagined the Paris-based bloggers would serenade him with Edith Piaf songs. I told him we're all just waiting for the chance. Bonne anniversaire, mon ami!
I've got to check out your friend Neil - he sounds like a fascinating guy!
And, Oh MY, I had no idea about Dixie! She just came back from the dead a few months ago, didn't she???
Posted by: Becca | 08 March 2007 at 22:24
NEIL! Omgosh I had forgotten about his writing since taking up blogging again I'll have to check him out soon and wowsers the color on that bulding, Now I could live with that around me!
Posted by: berrie | 08 March 2007 at 19:34
Wonderful tribute to a witty, awesome bloke! Cheers, JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 08 March 2007 at 18:13
Jeez, I knew Dixie ate the poisoned pancakes, but never heard that Brooke was asked to leave. Clearly book promotion has left me to little time to keep up on Neil's marvelous blog. I intend to change that!
Love the photo.
Posted by: patry | 08 March 2007 at 06:28
I think I lost my comment....My computer went crazy...Hmmmm...
Posted by: Vanessa | 07 March 2007 at 22:21
Neil sounds just fabulous! I want that building in my yard!!!
Posted by: Vanessa | 07 March 2007 at 22:12
Wow. What an Ode to a fellow blogger! I am impressed!
The photo above is taken in my birthplace! Melaka!
When I saw it, I thought "Oh my GOD! It is my home!" (I was raised in Kuala Lumpur but spent the first 5 years of my life in Melaka).
Must look for my own photo collection...
Nx
p.s I take it, Marie-Claire is travelling the world
Posted by: Nina | 07 March 2007 at 20:44
What a gorgeous building to honor Neilochka! If he doesn't come to Paris now - then I don't know what to say! What a fun day for us all. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog to comment, Tara. We should have made this a national - nay, inter-national holiday today!
Actually, I think we did!
Posted by: tamarika | 07 March 2007 at 20:33
Ah, so I get to learn a little bit more about The Man! I feel like I am in the middle of a giant t'internet jigsaw puzzle, this is very intriguing.
Posted by: Ariel | 07 March 2007 at 19:25
WOW what colors, what joy! Neil's blog sounds intiguing I must visit him.
XO
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen Robisnon | 07 March 2007 at 19:06
Happy Birthday Neil! Dixie was poisoned...wow. lol I'm out of the loop I must check that out ;) XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 07 March 2007 at 18:18
what a pretty pretty photo for such a fun occassion; the building looks like a birthday cake all on it's own
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 07 March 2007 at 18:00
I agree: the reflexology center NEEDS to be part of Neilochka's celebration.
Posted by: Not Faint Hearted | 07 March 2007 at 17:40
Wow, Tara. This is so interesting. I'm going exploring on all these links for a new and interesting voice to visit. And he's in California! Woohoooo.
Posted by: AnnieElf | 07 March 2007 at 17:31
I want to live in that!!!!!!! How could you ever have a sad or gloomy day living inside that amazing color box!
Posted by: Mizsmoochielips | 07 March 2007 at 17:17