More details will follow (with the potential for some pretty fun stuff thrown into the mix).

You can RSVP on this post if you have an aversion to Flash based sites or giving your information to a third party to help us coordinate the events (and no one will think less of you). However...

The site that will keep track of this and the big event at the end of the DNC will also be a fun tool for keeping Rocky Mountain Bloggers in touch with each other. We’ll use it to send invitations, updates, and news, make more announcements, and generally bug each other about things like when we think Andy will return to blogging. (Just kidding, Andy.) A number of people have requested that we send out email notifications when the Bashes are coming up--our group on ViewMyLife.com will allow us to take that step, and I think it will really raise the level of our inebriation professionalism.

No pressure, though. Feel free to leave comments, suggestions, complaints, and requests here--and I’ll keep track of the most important bits both here and on ViewMyLife.com.

For those wanting to take part, here are the instructions:

Steps to becoming a better person:

1. Sign-up on ViewMyLife.com. (Free and easy. Which works well for me.)
2. From the drop-down menu in the upper left corner (the blue, circle, logo thing), choose Groups.
3. Search for Rocky Mountain Blogger Bash and request to join the group. I’ll be approving people for now, although both Shannon and Andy will be taking administrative rolls as well.
4. Update your contact information in ViewMyLife, so we can more easily bug you when the next Bash is coming up.

One of the reasons we chose to work with the ViewMyLife.com folks when they approached Andy was that they were a Colorado company and we like to support home-town geeks. The other reason was quite simply that they seemed like good people--and they’re devoted to the idea of giving back to the community. In the next few days I’ll be posting information about their charitable work. You’ll want to pay attention in particular if you’re personally involved with a charity.

Lastly--and before we start in on the linkfest of RSVPs--please help us spread the word. We would like to bring a lot of new faces around this time and I know that many of you are far nicer, more charismatic, and better known than I am. Which means you have a better chance of bringing in some new folks to buy me shots.

And you know how much I appreciate the shots.

Okay, all, Rocky Mountain Blogger Bash 7.5 will be taking place on June 7. ViewMyLife.com, a local, up-and-coming business contacted us and wanted to help sponsor both this event and our DNC event, which will be taking place on either August 28th or 29th.

The folks from ViewMyLife.com are being very generous with their time and their sponsorship of the event and we look forward to introducing a bunch of bloggers--you wildly influential folks, you--to their site. We’re going to be setting something up with them to act as a kind of official page for information and updates for these upcoming events and all of that, along with more details about the event, will start rolling out in the next few days.

While we work on the details for 7.5, we’ll also be working out the details for 8.0 so that our out of town guests can start making their plans. Graphics, e-cards, and more will be rolling out, too, so that you can help us promote the event.

Full disclosure: while ViewMyLife.com will be sponsoring the event and helping to promote it, neither Andy nor I are being paid for our time or efforts. This is a situation where we decided that a good, young, local company could help us make a better event for all of our attendees and where we hope that we can help them to grow their business. To fulfill our side of that bargain, we need have a great event--and I’m hoping that all of you, whether you plan to attend or not, will help us spread the word. We’d like to reach beyond our normal crew to bring in bloggers and readers from a wide variety of sites. We want everyone to know that they are welcome to join in the fun.

This is a pretty exciting development and we’re coming up with some creative ideas to help attendees not only enjoy a night out drinking, but to help you all gain a little new readership, too.

You can start the RSVPs now or wait until we set up the official site, but I would love to have feedback from everyone who plans to attend either or both events.

Cheers!

Or, as Andy says, “You Will Be Hearing of Drinks and Rumors of Drunks.”

Big news. Big bash. But the form of all that bigness is just starting to take shape.

Seriously, though. Big. Big-gantuan, in fact.

Saint Peter, who didn’t attend the blogger bash because he’s too smart to risk his political future on that kind of debauchery, is launching Planet Colorado--a bit of a one stop shop for some of Colorado’s best blogs. And me.

Visit and blogroll--lots of good stuff from so many sources makes up for one hell of an eclectic feed.

Andy and I decided on Falling Rock after realizing that it had been a number of years since a couple of us were kicked out of the place; we’re pretty sure they’ve forgotten our sins by this point. And then Tara reminded us of the big beer festival downtown that will probably consume the entirety of most of the bars downtown. Which is when I noticed the whining helpful suggestion from Off Colfax and whining helpful complaining from Robert about how our locations aren’t diverse enough. Which seemed reasonable to me. After a quick consult with the Red Headed Master of the Universe, the Irish Snug was deemed appropriate for our needs. Hopefully, Robert will be able to find his mud pink skag and cheap hookers somewhere near the new location.

Which is to say, they have booze, will probably have room for us, and aren’t likely to kick anyone out until the party starts to wind down, anyway.

We’re starting early (4 pm) and drinking ‘til I’m all alone in the bar, crying in my beer, wondering where all my friends have gone.

You should come.

Given the short notice, we realize that it will be a hard sell for some of y’all, but it’s about the only free time some of us have before the holidays smack us straight in the face with a brick-like fruitcake. Ouch.

Now, go forth and spread the good word. Then leave your print here or at Andy’s to let us know that you’re coming. I will, of course, keep a running tally and throw a link to the RSVP’d attendees so that newcomers can get a grip on the sorts of oddballs (straight from the Island of Misfit Toys) who come to these things.

And, seriously, let people know that the event is coming up. Since they probably won’t notice my notice. If you know what I mean.

Update: While we don’t yet have a venue, we do have some confirmed attendees.

Extra-special Bash Attendee for Life, Mrs. Lady, won’t be there. But she gets a link, anyway.
Andy will be there.
Doug Sundseth, too.
Robert will be there (and he’ll be doing immoral and potentially illegal things, apparently).
Darren will be sticking with immoral.
Wheels will be there and Cheryl, too, if we’re lucky.
Tara has broken our hearts before, but my faith is unshaken.
Jed will be bringing high expectations. We worry that he’ll be disappointed.
Off Colfax is coming, and, damnit, he is bringing it. Or something along those lines.
We hope that Molly is coming.
Roger will be there. He’s drinking for the children. Or something like that.
Combs will be there. We ruled out drinking in the state of Kansas because we missed him so much.
I’m not sure if Extra L Billl will be there after his veggie slaughter. But I can hope.
Ali won’t be there. Which makes me sad on the inside (although Steve was kind enough to warn me).
Barney Moran will be there. Because he knows how special we are.
The Dating Dad will be there, and he’ll be behaving badly if his threats are to be believed.

I’ll be bumping the post and putting in more info for everyone about the RMBB tomorrow. When the pain of the Broncos loss has faded somewhat…

In honor of the latest Cirque du Soleil to visit Denver, here comes the bouncy post once again. Don’t forget the blogger bash.

Seven is special. Unless you happen to be a seventh grader,in which case it just sucks.

But, mostly, seven makes me happy.

Take, for example, July 7. That will be the night that the biggest, bestest, smartest, and drunkest bloggers in the Rocky Mountain Region come together for a night of fun and frivolity.

Which, that’s pretty damned special. Readers, writers, significant others, and other interesting folks are all invited to join in the party. Just bring your thirst, a credit card with a high limit, and an amusing anecdote or two.

We’ll be in the Robert Burns Roon, non-smoking, private room at the bar (which is, I believe, actually at Delaney’s bar, which is joined at the hip with The Celtic). For smokers, The Celtic is a “cigar” bar, so you’ll be able to indulge in your tobacco habit. Which is nice for you.

Updated graphics here.

---

Attendees & Stuff
Steve Green (Vodkapundit) One of our most famous, most distinguished, and most charismatic boozehounds. Which is why we love him.
Andy (World Wide Rant) Unless the runts keep him home. Which they can’t because he’s the co-conspirator that drives the continuing success of the Rocky Mountain Blogger Bashes
Robert (Creative Destruction) Who attends, mostly, because he can’t ignore the call of free shots.
Publicola In true gentlemanly fashion, Publicola will likely show up. Although we’ll have to find a way for him to sneak a cigarette.
Jed (Freedomsight) Who, regardless of why he’s coming, seems to have a better grasp of the Rocky Mountain Blogger Bash versioning than I do at this point.
Left Off Colfax This gentleman comes to pick fights with libertarians and conservatives while secretly drinking unguarded trays full of Jaegermeister. Which is amusing for pretty much everyone involved.
Mr. Lady Proving that Steve doesn’t have the corner on either charisma or boozehoundiness. (100 Kisses. That’s all I’m sayin’.)
Darren (Colorado Conservative) Or, at least, hell attend as long as someone wakes him in time.
Molly G (Soapy Water) God and babysitters willing, Molly will be there to tell us stories of Godzilla despoiling Hondas. Or not. Depending.
Wheels Who I think has been to almost as many of these as I have.
Angie Could it be?
Tara Anderson Not only does she come to the party, but she comes with Free t-shirts. Which makes her almost as popular as the guy who buys all the drinks.
Adam Who was probably cranky about all the free booze he missed out on last time.
Matt M (TBOTCOTW) His wife, who knows the kind of trouble we can be, still gave her blessing. She’s way too good for him.
Dr. Cutter And, don’t get me wrong, we’re happy he’s coming. But we really wish he would post more pictures of the naked skater.
Richard Combs He’ll be fashionably late, though. Frankly, I admire his commitment to our theme.
Robin Roberts Consider yourself nagged, mister.
Andrew, the Wash Park Prophet.
Julio Enriquez, whose knowledge of music probably rivals that of the drink-stealing blogger at Left Off Colfax…

1. Ghostrider sucked. I mean, that comes as very little surprise to anyone, but, boy, did it suck. And what happened to Nicolas Cage? I used to like that guy…
2. Era Vulgaris from Queens of the Stone Age sucked. There are a few good songs, but it’s hardly an engaging album. Their first three albums were brilliant, but Lullabies to Paralyze and the new album are huge disappointments.
3. The 2012 Summer Olympics logo sucks. Without the sort of tacked on Olympic rings, you would have no idea that it was representing the event, and other than the just as tacked on “london”, you wouldn’t know that it had anything to do with the city. It looks mashed together, poorly considered, and hardly worth the money spent. Confrontational, yes, and definitely aggressive, but lacking anything resembling grace or beauty. The thing is ugly.
   
   Some supporters are right: it will reproduce well in printing, it is simple, it is certainly not boring. I like all of those things. That doesn’t save it from being ugly.
4. It definitely sucks that you haven’t yet RSVP’d for the Blogger Bash. What the hell is wrong with you?
5. Mike Nifong sucks. But you knew that already.
6. The fact that Stan Lee is developing a Paris Hilton-based animated series for MTV sucks. Stan? What the hell are you thinking?
7. The concept that a few mean words cut deeper than any knife not only sucks, but it isn’t even true. I’ve been on the receiving end of harsh words and various sharp and pointy objects, and, let me tell you, the pointy bits are the ones to look out for. If you ever have the option of either stabbing me with a sharp, pointy object or saying mean things to me, I’m hoping you’ll choose the latter.
   
   Advice: grow some skin and get over the mean stuff.
   
   When things are said that hurt you, here’s what you do: first, understand whether there is legitimacy to the complaint, second, if it is legitimate, let the critique change your behavior and, if it is not legitimate, ignore the idiots. Life is simpler when you can be honest about these things.
8. Apparently the new energy bill sucks. Which, maybe I should have been paying more attention.
9. Anyone who claims to be able to predict with any accuracy, the point of the world’s peak production of oil sucks. And is taking you for a sucker. Why? 1- Because no one knows how much oil is in the ground. 2- Because oil extraction technology improves, which means some of our measured, recoverable reserves increase not because of new finds but because of new methods of extraction. 3- Because higher oil costs mean development of other, more difficult resources (like oil sands) that often aren’t factored into peak oil projections. That isn’t to say that we shouldn’t diversify our energy sources for a number of other reasons, but that the people who project doom and gloom usually have an agenda to push. You know what I say to that? Beware of the penguins.
10. Knocked Up does not suck. You should go see it. Unless you have issues with pot smoking potty mouths and one quick moment of entirely ‘tuitous nudity.

Kindly linked by the Non-Sucky Kate.

In the extended entry are a number of Rocky Mountain Blogger Bash graphics that you can use to help publicize the event. Please don’t hotlink the files--my bandwidth is not inexhaustible. The link should go to the RSVP post.

These graphics will be updated and a second set of banners will be added early next week.

So, feel free to spread the word (and thanks to Walter for pointing out the beer-centric photo).

Read the Rest...

It’s time for the news. Starring me.

Sorry about that.

Anyway, firstly, I’ve been offered an opportunity two write articles for a small paper. I’ll be freelancing for a little bit of extra money and a little bit of extra exposure. It isn’t much of a world-changing moment for me, but, it’s nice to be wanted, and it will be nice to be able to say that I’m a (semi-pro) writer.

I’ll give more details as the situation develops.

Secondly, come back tomorrow to see new graphics and an updated Rocky Mountain Blogger Bash Bouncy Post. We have a venue, we have a time, we have a date, and, I’m fairly sure, we’ll have some complaints. Hopefully nothing that a couple of shots of something tasty can’t fix…

Be sure to send the word out about the bash. We have a great list of attendees, and I would love to see more added to that list.

See. I told you I had minions. Totally evil, too.

Point being? If you don’t attend the Rocky Mountain Blogger Bash, you, too, will be courting the danger of a slowly shuffling, brain eating zomby (properly misspelled) horde.

So there.

July 7 it is.

Bigger, more official type announcement later this evening; consult with Andy and others soon on location; saving up of beer money and commences now; and drinking exercises (to improve stamina) begin this weekend.

Now, any ideas for a blogger outreach program?

August 4? August 11?

Some people definitely understand the value of the Rocky Mountain Blogger Bash.

Well, when he manages to find his way out here for one of our parties, he’ll find willing hosts, good drinks, and great conversation.

You were wondering, weren’t you? You wanted to know what happened, but you were terrified that you had missed the party of the year and would never be able to forgive yourself for staying home. Or maybe you were at said party and simply couldn’t remember enough of it to justify the big American Express bill burning it’s way through your bank account.

Well, whatever the case, if you start at Publicola’s joint and move through the links, you’ll get a pretty good idea of precisely what happened at this year’s winter gathering.

I personally would like to extend my thanks to all in attendance for a beautiful evening. The drinks, the conversation, and the candid photos will all be happily in my memories until I succumb to some debilitating brain disease later in life. Which is okay because I won’t care so much around then.

Just say “NO” to the use of eminent domain, especially on such a grand scale, and especially when “condemning” the homes involved is such an obvious and deceitful farce. The Rocky’s Vincent Carroll has it precisely right and kudos to the oft-condemned (in an entirely different way) Marilyn Musgrave for standing up on the right side of this cause.

Just say “NO” to Super Glue. Some things really shouldn’t be glued.

Just say “NO” to the misguided attempt to kill off junk in your mailbox (not spam in your inbox). Sure, it can be annoying. Sure, it adds up. Really, though, it isn’t as disruptive as phone solicitations, nor is it as pervasive as spam in your inbox. I’m not opposed to the idea of making my life a more annoyant-free (yeah, I know: that’s not really a word) zone; I’m opposed to a law that doesn’t really need to be on the books--and, as the linked article explains, there are already some options that consumers have to help control the problem. As I’ve explained before, when in doubt about the need for a law (or the potential for unintended consequences when the law is enacted), vote in opposition. Although it happens, it’s rare that a new law makes our lives better and common for a new law to have wide-reaching effects that we hadn’t considered, to cost more to administer than anyone had guessed, and to encourage our public “servants” to engage in more busybody legislation in the future.

Just say “NO” to Tim Hardaway. Although he’ll be confused because he wasn’t actually asking you for anything, at least you’ll have the peace of mind to know that you stood up to the belligerent jerk. As useless gestures go, it’s still far better than the more proactive left hook that you could throw (which would likely end you up beaten to a bloody pulp and then sent to jail--I’m pretty sure he’s bigger than you are).

Just say “NO” to missing the Rocky Mountain Blogger Bash tonight (see previous post). You know you want to come meet the crew. So, come meet the crew.

Just say “NO” to Ghost Rider. Not because you want to, but because you know that Daredevil sucked and it’s hard to get a comic book movie right. When I heard they were making a Ghost Rider movie, I was excited. When I saw the trailer, I was less excited. When I saw all the sneak previews and extended footage, I was worried. When I realized it was directed by the guy who screwed up Daredevil, I relegated it to the “video rental” list. It could be a great flick, but I wouldn’t make that bet.

Just say “YES” to the upcoming Soulsavers album, It’s Not How Far You Fall, It’s the Way You Land. From the sample songs, this is my most anticipated release of the year. With Mark Lanegan singing the majority of the songs--and with a stunning reworking of his “Kingdoms of Rain"--you had to know I’d be excited. But even the “Ask the Dust (Demo)” without vocals sounds good to me. With so much NO, there has to be a YES somewhere.

Update: I also agree with Off Colfax that we can give a hearty “YES” to 300 How stunning are those visuals? I’m all tingly now.

RMBB 6.0 is just a few days away, so plan to have drinks with the most self-important, obviously arrogant, and downright geekiest people on the Internet.

Or something like that.

Actually, nearly everyone who has attended a Bash is a person I’m better for knowing. There’s more intelligent conversation than shots (although the divide is pretty slender), more laughter than scowls, and you might actually make a friend or two.

If you know that you’ll be coming, let me know either by leaving a comment or by emailing me at zombyboy -at- resurrectionsong -dot- com so I can get you on the little list of love.

They’ll Be Celebrating the Bashing of Bloggers

I’m pretty sure that Wheels will be there. Just to keep a close eye on the furniture, if nothing else.
Shannon will be there. Although, with her puritanical ways, she won’t be much fun at all.
Andy will be there. Because, you know, he’s one of the organizers. Doesn’t really have a choice.
Matt will be there. Which is nice because I’ll have someone to who’ll talk about Cat Power and football.
Robert will be there. Because he made a foolish bet.
Left Off Colfax will be there. Because he needs to collect on a bet.
Molly wil be there. She says it’s for the Cat Power and football talk, but I’ve heard she’s really looking for free shots.
Cutter will be there. Along with his rogue Wayne’s World references.
I’m pretty sure Walter will be there. He knows the value of good booze.
Roger will be there. Because, frankly, it’s his fault.
Jed will be there. And we’ll actually let him come even though the Hello Kitty fixation is a little disturbing.
Robin will be there. Shhh! Don’t tell him that we have secret plans to make sure he pays the whole bill this time.
Sheygets Goyishekop will be mingling with the cool kids. Although our feelings are still a little hurt from the merciless mocking in the comment section.
Darren plans to attend. Although I doubt that he’ll take part of the Cat Power conversation, he’s definitely good for sports.
With any luck, Publicola will be there. Depending, of course, on the true meaning of “Central”.
Anachronista will be there. Representing the Society for Creative Alcoholism, of course.
Russ will be there. Because he heard that Optimus Prime was making a guest appearance. Which, damn, he’s going to be disappointed.
Tara’s invited. Mostly because she said that if I didn’t invite her and her weird Sarah Silverman fetish, she would wack me in the knees with a sharp, pointy stick. Which proves both that she doesn’t know the best possible ways to use a sharp, pointy stick and that she has good taste in offensive female comedians.
Cheryl is on the list. I think she’s just coming to keep tabs on her dad, though.
Anastacia will be heading to the event. And, if we’re lucky, she’ll sing us some naughty songs.

Cutter has made up for my near unforgivable slackery* by giving us an extra special RMBB 6.0 graphic of sublime beauty and supremely good taste. If you want to meet the brilliant mind behind the graphic, be sure to attend the bash.

And, onto another blog for a moment, can I tell you how much I love the honesty of this: “The Rocky Mountain Blogger Bash 6.0 is coming up and I shall be there, representing Lijit, talking to bloggers and trying to score a free drink or two.”

Beautiful.

* I swear, it had nothing to do with lack of interest; it’s been horribly busy at work and at home

Fellow citizens, I feel the need to raise an urgent issue with you all. While congress sits and does nothing, global warming has come to Colorado. Where once majestic sheets of ice and snow covered streets, there is barren blacktop. The glaciers that towered over our parking lots are slowly calving, giant portions breaking away and shattering on the earth below. Gaia is crying out for our help!

While we sit warm and comfortable in our heated homes, driving recklessly over this precious, snowy landscape, the blight of solar warming takes its toll. If nothing is done to curb this activity, the snow could be gone by spring.

Don’t let this happen!

I know that you, being concerned citizens, wonder what you can do to help. Contact your congressional representatives and demand that something be done to save Colorado’s snowlands from further harm. And an operation like ResurrectionSong--devoted to social justice, environmental equality, and groupie redistribution to the groupieless--is expensive. Your donations will not only help keep Rsong running, but will also help to buy much needed ice makers in our efforts to keep the streets icy.

You can also earmark your donation for our Groupie Lend-Lease Program or our Free Tequila for the Needy Blogger Bash Tradition.

Thank you. With your help, we can make sure that Colorado doesn’t have a brighter tomorrow.

Just the thought of 17,500 Rocky Mountain Blogger Bashes is giving me a hangover you wouldn’t believe. But if Pajamas Media could be talked into it, I’d do my level best to meet the boozy expectations…