Interview With Lairbo

Today, we feature a long-time reader named Lairbo.

How did you first hear of the J-Walk Blog, and how long have you been reading it?

Don't remember how I first heard about it, but I've been reading it since late 2003.

What's the significance of your screen name?

I chose it as an email and screen name when I switched ISPs and my previous moniker wasn't available. It's a nickname given to me by three different people -- a girlfriend and two coworkers at separate jobs -- all from different parts of the country and at different points of my life.

Do you read this blog from work or at home? How many times a day?

Couple of times a day, usually, and when I don't for a day or two I always go back to see what I missed.

Basic stats.

55 (a fact that still startles me); male; Brooklyn, NY; married; unemployed graphic artist/writer.

Have you ever met any of the other commenters? Would you like to?

Haven't met any. I like Mean Jean's paintings and think she'd be interesting in person.

Photo?

Not really all that weird. I just ran into an ancestor I hadn't seen in ages when a photographer was nearby.

How many different places have you lived in?

Depends on how you do the math. I grew up near Los Angeles, moving only once and not very far, during childhood; then went off to NY and have bounced around Manhattan and Brooklyn. So, 2 if you mean general geographic area, and 13 if you go by individual abodes.

What other blogs to you follow?

I read several daily - Metafilter, Andy Borowitz, Drawn! Shoebox Blog -- but the Dave Barry and J-Walk blogs are the only ones to which I contribute or even routinely read the comments.

Which are your favorite topics covered at the J-Walk Blog?

The off-beat stuff is what I keep coming back for; especially items not already on other sites.

What is your favorite type of music?

The blues and its various variants.

Have you ever spent any time in jail?

No, but more from good luck than good citizenship.

What foods do you absolutely hate?

Raisins, tripe, tofu. I hate 'em with a deep, burning, irrational passion.

If you were to be buried when you die, what would you like to have printed on your tombstone?

1954 - 2075.

Was there ever a J-Walk post that you found so offensive you temporarily stopping visiting the blog?

No, but keep trying.

Which celebrity would you most like to have a beer with?

There are lots of people whose work I enjoy and admire, but that doesn't mean I'd necessarily wanna talk to them. I finally narrowed this list down to Matt Groening and/or Steve Martin.

What is the strangest thing you believe?

That, despite all the evidence, things will turn out okay.

Why don't you play the banjo?

No sense of rhythm. At least not enough to get me through a whole song. I almost bought a ukulele recently, though, and have a couple of harmonicas around here someplace.