Photo via vernacularlit.com
Well, thanks to all who joined in our little chat last night and a special thanks to my husband, who was kind enough to let us use him to experiment with the new “live chat” segment of the blog. Very gentlemanly of him. I had so much fun, though I felt a little bit like I was at a crowded party. I’d see somebody I knew, say hello, and then they’d be lost in the crowd. Denis had fun too. Really!
Once the chat is over, it disappears, but my friend Steve had the foresight to copy some of it. Here’s a little bit of the end of last night’s conversation, for those who missed out. It’s not very easy to read, as it’s black and white. I think having the different colors for different people helped last night. Also, I really want to get rid of the announcements of who arrived and who left. Anyway, here’s a snippet:
)<tammy>: does ann want to blog things and you and your kids tell her no, dont put that up<denisleary>: yes. all the time<DanielB>: I was just watching The Ref.. do you think you’ll work with Kevin Spacey again? I saw you two in Recount and you guys were great there. I’d love to see another drama/comedy with you two.<TracyE>: you were amazing in recount btw<scituatebarrym>: Tougher on ice Tim Robbins or Scott Hamilton?<LindaS>: Are your kids funny? *** Kim joined #annleary<Gloria>: How do you pass your rich heritage to your children? It’s one in which you obviously take pride?<LindaS>: What’s next after RM? *** BlogVisitor_0517 joined #annleary<BlogVisitor_3395>: i need a drink after this<tammy>: does she sometimes do it anyway <denisleary>: i would work with kevin again in a heartbeat – we spend so much ltime laughing and improving that i think we drive the directors and producers nuts.*** Kim quit (Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client)<Alan>: Two minute warning…<lisaclark>: any hockey types in season 6?<Angela_W>: Are you going to end RM by dropping a house on Sheila? please?<TracyE>: shut up alan!<Catherine>: Thanks for doing this chat Denis.<RTheFish>: Thanks for doing this Denis.<wendysimons>: the half hour just flew by!<Mary>: This is like watching my husband with the remote flipping thru the channels<Bsti>: If you and/or your wife ever need socks, I’ll set you up at SockDreams.com<suzie>: HI Denis, sorry on the phone with work…crazy blogger from Millbury<Sueso>: Would love to see outtakes*** BlogVisitor_5194 joined #annleary<MeganOMalley>: favorite area in Boston to live??<janjan0000>: this was awesome – thanks dennis and ann<TracyE>: i love sheila! shut up angela!<Christine>: Does your mom have a scrapbook of clippings of your career ? She is a cutie!<denisleary>: we lived in charlestown – which we loved.<barbara>: this has been great–thank you denis and ann…y<BlogVisitor_3395>: Outtakes needs to be a movie.<adriana>: Thank you for doing this chat! <Gloria>: I love your Mom<Mary>: Yes thank you Denis and Ann for doing this,, way cool<Pamela>: Great to hear from you, Denis!<pemdy>: I love Sheila too! Drop it on Janet!!!*** Kim joined #annleary<LindaS>: I love your Mom and her cadology! <case>: thanks very much for this Denis! *** berkshiregirl quit (Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client)<tammy>: it did fly by thank you so much denis for putting up with us <megfromchicago>: Thank you Denis and Ann! Had a ball!
As you know because I keep whining – I could not get through but after reading this Whew! I’m dizzy! WILD!!! What a trip. Thank you Ann for offering Denis up and what a great sport he was.
DL how about a comedy about a group of people and a blog?
It was great fun chatting last night! Thanks again to Denis for being our test chat guest-brave man and very gracious to agree to chat with us. The time went by so fast and sometimes it was hard to keep up, but it was fun! Hopefully, the author chat will go smoothly and we can have a meaningful discussion with our first author chat. I am so looking forward to that-I have my paper with questions ready to go! Happy New Year to the Leary family and to the blog family. Have fun, but be safe!
Kim — I couldn’t get through last night either! I thought it was because I was late to the party & the chat was full? Like you, I’m dizzy from the little snippet as well, lol. Looks like it was fun!!
Ann,
Thanks to you and Denis for last nights chat. It got a little crazy at times, but it was fun. Have to work tonight so EVERYBODY have a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
P.S. Ann, You have to wear the snuggie to the Winter Classic, continue to fine Leary tradition of New England Sports Commentary, be just like DL and Lenny on the Red Sox, ‘cept you won’t be saying anything it’ll be a “Fashion Statement” Have a Great Time!
Sorry that some of you couldn’t get on last night. I think the problem might have been that there were too many people on. There is a limit of 250 people who can chat at once. When I checked stats this morning I saw that there were over 1,000 individual visits last night at that time. I’ve had some thoughts about how to handle the more serious author chats. Maybe during the first 1/2 hour I will ask questions that you readers can send here in advance. Then we can open the second 1/2 hour up to a live chat.
Ann, that is a good idea about the author chat. You don’t want the chaos of last night’s chat for the more serious author discussion. Another thing I’ve seen done in the past for author chats is that the participants need to sign up in advance, there is a limit to participants, and they are the only people who are authorized to chat. I know you don’t want to be restictive, but it may be a way to organize the flow of the evening and be able to have some meaningful dialogue.
Ann – is there any way to allow more than 250 people in? Once people get into the chat they are going to stay in which leaves many folks out of the loop banging on the door to get in.
I woke up this morning, thinking maybe it was a dream. I’m still laughing about how much fun it was. Hilarious insanity I tell you!
Just reading this got me laughing/coughing all over again.
Kim, this is only a small part of it, maybe 1/4 of what went one during the time Denis was there. There was a whole lot more, not to mention when the lunatics took over the asylum after the left! It was seriously crazy, but fun. It was impossible to keep up with reading, and then to find DL’s answers among all the questions.
I roared when DL noticed that someone left, and said ‘good, she’s gone, let’s talk about her now’. And one of the times I got kicked off and got back on, he said something like thank God she’s gone, her perfume was horrible. rotflmao! How he could possibly notice the comings and goings with the battery of questions coming his way, I’ll never know!
Wendy – that is an excellent idea.
Sorry I missed last night’s festivities, but reading the excerpts sure tells me that it was quite a blast.
I95 in CT is pretty treacherous. I just “bumped” my car into a fence. Lost a hubcap, but otherwise, car is unscathed.
Drive carefully, everyone, and Happy New Year to all.
Excellent idea Wendy! Can you also have your IT guy or Steve do a transcript? I think that would be wonderful for the people who read the book but can’t make the chat.
A full transcript of last night would be priceless. OMG, having that to look at would pull me out of my deepest darkest moods!
Oh Aislinn! I’m so glad you’re not hurt. I hope you don’t have to go anywhere else. Be careful out there kids. The snow looks so pretty. We’re supposed to get 1-3″. I’m not going anywhere because of my leg, so fine by me.
Dear Ann and Denis-For the umpteenth time, thank you so very, very much! It was a blast! Happy New Year to you and yours and to everyone on this blog!
And since Rose brought it up, this is my last word on Snuggies—I promise!We received a few catalogues in the mail yesterday and there are now: Deluxe Snuggies (with pockets!), College Team (US teams only)Snuggies AND pet Snuggies in (count ‘em!)TWO sizes! Two dogs were modelling them and I think your canine companions already have a headstart on their modelling portfolios if you want to start them on a new career path (in addition to being blogstars, that is!).In addition, (and I thought about the Learys’ “typical evening” as chronicled by Ann), there was a “tea bell” which one could use to “summon the help graciously!” (How we got on THAT mailing list, I’ll NEVER know!)
A Happy New Year to you ALL! (and thanks for the great daily reading, Ann!
Lynne
P.S. Ariel-Thinking of you and your sis…take care.
Ann- are you going to the Winter Classic with Denis? My sister went to the Hawks Winter Classic last year and froze even with her Snuggie. Were there questions that Denis didn’t want to answer so skipped over them, or were there so many he didn’t get to them all? I only got kicked off once, but the computer was running real slow and hard to get messages to send.
Ann and Denis, Thank you again for the live chat last night, it was awesome that you did that for us….
I want to wish the Leary’s and all my blog friends a very Safe, Blessed and Happy New Year!!!!!
My New Year’s Resolution: do not try and read excerpts from the live chat – creates mass confusion out
Since everyone in my family (including the cat) is so much more advanced than I in the department of technology, gadgets, cell phones, twitter, facebook etc. they are all giving me a pat on the back for joining the chat last night and making fun of me at the same time. “Oh isn’t it cute mom had her first live chat; let’s mark it in her baby book!” “Let’s take a picture of mom with her laptop while on the live chat.” I know that my family is really just pea-green with envy! Denis actually answered a few of my questions, so I know they must be jealous!! HA HA HA
Today it is snowing here in CT. It was suppose to start after 2pm; it started at 9 am. I planned a New Year’s Eve party here, but guests are starting to cancel. The weather is going to get worse tonight. They don’t all live close by so I can’t blame them for not wanting to travel in bad weather. Now what will I do with all the food and goodies…..oh well….I guess I will have to eat my way to the new year!
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2010 and if you are traveling, drive safely!
I really like your idea Ann of having you moderate the first half of the Dan Chaon chat. I’m sure there will be some common questions many of us would ask. Looking forward to the 12th.
It was truly a fun chat last night….I felt like I had consumed about 6 cups of coffee reading it all…..it was truly frenzied, but fun. Denis is very funny and quick.
More on Snuggies (sorry)…I actually have a “Slanket” which is a bigger and thicker Snuggie….I think it came out at the same time as the Snuggie but since it was twice as expensive didn’t take off….but it did come in more neutral colors…..I have a brown one. I bet the “Slanket” people are kicking themselves they they didn’t have a kitchy commercial like Snuggie. Sorry, this is really useless information.
Happy New Year everyone. I’m suffering from a “Chat” hangover, I think. Just imagine Ann’s snippet from today, but scrolling upward in multiple colors at about 90 mph. It was hilarious and WOW did people come out of the wordwork for it! As Ann said, it was like a crowded party. Every time I saw a name I recognized I felt like yelling out “Hey, I’m over here…” Alan’s name stood out, so he was my beacon in the storm – ha.
Everyone be safe tonight! Happy 2010!
I didn’t figure out how to add a name to the blog until later…I was just Blogger#1234 or something like that.
Hey Amanda, I felt a warm vibe from Blogger #1234…I should have known it was you.
Last night was a blast! Although I did feel at times like I was back in grade school taking a timed math test- i couldn’t write fast enough & kept checking the time! Then if i did get something out, i couldnt see where it went! haha thank god HE was writing in pink font…that made it easier to just read what HE was writing. I gave up on trying to read everyone’s questions! What a great time! Thanks again Ann & Denis… Happy & Safe New Year Everyone!!:)
I thought it was just so much fun…a giant party. I didn’t care that it went fast, added to the fun !! Can’t wait for the next one…..Happy, Healthy, Wonderful New Year to All of You and Your Loved Ones !! Stay safe my friends !
I’m glad to see everyone else had as much fun as I did. It was like the blog only on speed AND steroids! I was sitting there in a panic, trying to read everything, trying to type questions, and I’m a lousy typist. Plus my new laptop has Windows 7, which I HATE. It kept bringing up other windows.
Afterward I was literally exhausted but on a really big high. It took me a couple of hours to come down.
Yes Cath, you’re right. Imagine about 5 times more than what’s shown there, coming at you at least 90 miles an hour.
Anyone want to buy socks from that bozo who posted? lolololol I think we should spam him.
Well, if there were one thousand people logged in at one time, of course lots must have gotten bumped out!. I linked up to Ann’s blog and saw the window and then…. OMG, then, all of this code came up and yes saw some pink fucsia colored words that were from HIM. But I could not follow up at all. And then I gave up!. Did not even try to log it, as it was ‘coming down fast’ and I would not have made any sense at all!.
Good job, Ann
And Denis as accomodating as he often is to please the crowds. I suppose it was a good ‘star pulse’ test. I wish some of the other actors I like would have a spouse as nice as Ann, with writing skills and authoring of her own, who would also take the time to share their talent with their fans. Really.
Wow-sorry I missed the chat party!! I did try at around 9:20 but was told by the server I had an “erroneous nickname”, which kind of hurt my feelings. Seriously, though, going to leave my Bruins snuggie home tomorrow since it might get wet..plus my husband says our seats at the Classic are inside!! Woot!! Happy New Year to All!!
The Leary Chat was indeed a fun time! Thanks to Ann and Denis for your patience in the face of (somewhat) controlled chaos.
As others have already observed, it was like a big, noisy, crowded party…(I’m about to get curmudgeonly here) with a whole bunch of party crashers. There, I said it. I know we want to be all-inclusive and “cast a wide net” and all that, but if you paid close attention to some of the questions and comments (yeah, I know it all went by at warp speed), there were a fair share of trolls and opportunists who, in my humble opinion, added nothing meaningful to the conversation but ate up a lot of bandwidth in the process.
Thankfully (and as I commented in an earlier entry), the author chat with Dan Chaon should be blissfully less chaotic, less crowded, and more manageable. I concur with the suggestion that the author chats somehow be moderated (though I doubt any of the participants will try to sell socks to Mr. Chaon).
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I want to wish Ann, Denis, their family, and my fellow bloggers a Happy New Year and a “wicked good life” in 2010. I’m not, by nature, a “happy” person (hard to believe, I know), but this place and my fellow travelers here make me happy. Thanks.
Well said Alan, as usual. Happy and prosperous New Year to all. Here’s to all illnesses and sore limbs healing quickly.
just realized that I completely missed the chat, bummer! Looks like a fun time was had by all!
Ann, I found you blog after reading “Why We Suck”. Coincidentally, Denis’ brother’s best friend’s name was Cliffey DeCoursey which is my maiden name. Well, actually it was Coursey but it was shortened from DeCoursey. Anyways, I loved the family stories and decided to check you out and read you books. I loved the books and your blog!
Happy New Year to all! Hope 2010 brings much health and happiness to all!
darn it! am I unaware of where the “r” is on the keyboard? that would be your books not you.
Proofreading, anyone? Your books and your blog, instead of you books and you blog. Good Lord! That’s what I get for trying to make dinner and comment at the same time.
Aw Alan, that was very sweet. We all adore you and want you to be very happy in the New Year!
We just drove through hours of slush and are now in Boston, where it’s still slushing. I really hope the weather works out for the Winter Classic tomorrow. People here are a little bit excited about the game.
Well said, Alan.
P.S. You make us happy.
This Blog is a very happy place indeed. It’s amazing that the bloggers are so supportive in our sadness and share in our happiness. Each and everyone is different, yet we all bond together in this our Happy Blog – even Alan can be happy here =)
Enjoy the Winter Classic Learys and if the weather isn’t too bad along the Indiana/Michigan snow belt, we’ll be heading up to Kzoo for a birthday celebration (a weekend early – but have to go when we can)
Happy and Safe New Year Everyone!!
Happy New Year Everyone! Last night was so much fun. Denis and Ann thank you. I was kicked off 3x, and each time I had to sign on with Meg 1,2 3, etc.. since it said my name was taken or maybe I was doing something wrong? 1,000 hits wow! I agree with Alan on all above and the sock thing was strange. Good luck with the weather for the Winter Classic. Alan, you are funny and nice, I’m glad we make you happy. Thats a good thing. This blog makes me happy and distracts me from the stress, def helps. All the best for 2010!
I’m going to start making cocktails now so I’m not responsible for anything I post after this.
Happy New Year, Y’all!
Hi Everyone! just dropping by to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Ann, have fun and stay warm at the Classic.
thanks again, ann – so much fun last night. we missed those of you who couldn’t make it….. happy new year to all!
Last night was fast and fun. I’m one of those who have never seen “Rescue Me”, in fact I didn’t even think I had FX as a cable channel — though I did finally find it. So, when is “Rescue Me” on?
I have a weird relationship with TV . . . I just can’t watch it during the day, and rarely get attached to any prime time shows. I guess I gravitate toward classic movies, sometimes reality TV, I’ll watch the Office, or My Name is Earl, or 30 Rock sometimes, but I don’t seek them out. I do look forward to SNL, I guess that is the only show I am loyal to.
If I could program a movie channel I would show LOTS of Scorsese — Taxi Driver, Mean Streets, Goodfellas, and Casino at least once a week.
I did see that Denis said something about Scorsese in the chat, it went by really quick — but if he is a Scorsese fan, then I would definitely check out “Rescue Me” if I could find it.
I just checked IMDB.com and saw that Scorsese has an Elia Kazan Documentary in development.
I have an amazing and very revealing original “love” letter written to Marilyn Monroe from Elia Kazan that I always thought Scorsese would find fascinating.
If anyone knows how to get in touch with him (Scorsese) let me know.
This letter is a really something. After I bought it at auction, I read Kazan’s autobiography (around 900 pages) and I have to say, he either lied in his letter to Marilyn, or lied in his autobiography. The guy was kind of a jerk — talented, but um, a jerk none the less. He really jerked Marilyn around, anyways.
Wow, sounds like I missed a big event last night, and will probably miss the Dan Chaon chat, too. Was it a video blog? I have participated in video chats through USTREAM, where the blogger is seen live on video, and participants can sign in and comment in the comment section. It’s fun, because you get to see the blogger, and they can read the comments and answer questions. I’m trying to figure out the mechanics of Ann’s chat.
Happy New Year, all. I lost my very best friend of 40 years back in March, and I am feeling a little sad today, but feel cheered hearing about the fun you all had last night.
Happy healthy New Year to all, and as usual Alan is honest, and right on the money. I read thru last nights’ post and Alan’s two minute warning was too funny. xoxox.
Since we’re doing sort of a post mortem about last night’s chat – I found it crazy, frenetic and hard to keep up. I do think there were too many people participating and agree with Alan’s comments about party crashers taking a lot of time and space from the “regulars.” (I hope that’s not sounding “clique-ish, but you know what I mean). I guess it was to be expected because it was a chance to talk with Denis in real time. Probably will not happen with Dan Chaon. Having said all that, it was a fun party.
Ann, thanks again to you and Denis for last night. And special thanks to you, Ann, for this wonderful blog you’ve created, which brings us all so much pleasure. This is my first blog, my first chat – what next, I ask myself?
I wish the Leary family and fellow bloggers a healthy, happy and prosperous 2010 – with lots of laughter!
Cheers,
Linda S.
P.S. Safe travels to all.
Thank you for saying that Alan. Cath and I talked about the party crashers earlier today. I’m sure we sound clique-ish, but it was very obvious that there a lot of non blog readers there, and I’m not talking about ones who don’t comment. I think we were looking forward to a somewhat intimate chat with Denis, and got a madhouse. lolol I don’t think people spreading the word on their facebook pages and via twitter helped, because news spreads like wildfire that way. I’m sorry if I sound like a witch, but you know me, honest to a fault.
On a happy note, happy new year to everyone. Alan, how sweet of you. Everyone here makes me happy too. And you always make me laugh. The community here, and the friends I’ve made through it, extended by email and facebook, and those in person, are some of the best things that have happened to me in 2009. Yes, there have been physical problems, but I’ve had so many incredible people come into mu life this year, my cup truly doth runneth over.
Cheers with my Cosmo to a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2010 for everyone. Love you all!
The chat was really fun. I have been struggling to stay afloat these last couple months with my kids’ schedules and my own classes, so I haven’t had as much time to check in on the blog. Yesterday reminded me how much I miss you guys! Thanks again Ann (and Denis).
So sorry I missed the party. (Lynne tried to help, she told me when it was and everything.) Can someone help a sad and handicapped witchey gal figure out the time differences? If it’s nine pm for Ann and Denis, does that make it six for West Coasters?
And yes, this is better than Disneyland, the happiest blog on earth.
(Really Alan? You didn’t need those socks?)
Thanks Ann for having Steve give us even that wee tidbit.
How dare y’all have a party without me!!! I would so much rather have been at home on my computer in that chat than involved in the hell that ensued during a visit anywhere in the vicinity of my mother. Ugh. Again … how does a woman carry a child in her uterus for 9 months and not love that child? I just don’t understand. I’m fixing to ask her that question soon and just be done with the wondering.
Strangely, when we left the little town I had the weirdest feeling that I would never see it again and went by my mom’s house to take pix (from the road, outside the gate) just in case. It was the oddest thing.
Happy 2010!! I am getting rid of lots of family baggage this year, so I’m glad I have my little blog family to listen to my crap!
Just wondering if anyone asked DL if he thought some of us who spill our guts on here and talk on the phone and stuff were crazy …