In their infinite wisdom, the good folks over at alt-parenting site Babble have decided to give me my own blog.
According to their press release, Babble is:
"a revolution in parenting magazines: a publication that talks to urban parents not just as caregivers, but as fun, smart, intellectually curious people. It will apply Nerve’s tradition of irreverent honesty to the experience of parenting without the infantilizing, hyper-judgmental tone or acquisitive baby-as-accessory bent of so much of today's parenting fare."
I don't know how much help I'll be in fomenting the revolution. Unless the uprising is waged with loofahs, bottles of scotch, and witty banter, I'm generally not much of a "revolutionary" kind of guy.
However, I am genuinely glad that Babble approached me with this opportunity. I subscribe to every parenting magazine available and I've yet to find one that really speaks to ME. Most of them seem to be written solely for women and tend to promote this weird cookie-cutter cult of stay-at-home domesticity. Others place far too much emphasis on shopping and product placement. And very few really ever touch on anything personal or substantive.
But their biggest crime? None of them are funny!
Forget all the crap regarding hipster parents, urban mamas, AlternaDads, or Grups. At the end of the day, Babble is just a smart, edgy parenting magazine with a wicked sense of humor about being a parent. Because as any caring parent who has been barfed on at 4:00 am knows, parenting is very often an existential exercise in hilarity.
Anyway, I'm both extremely honored and humbled to join their irreverent collection of great writers (which include everyone from A.M. Homes to Jennifer Baumgardner to Walter Kirn.) REAL writers whom I've had the pleasure of reading over the years.
Current blogs over at Babble presently include Steve Almond's "Baby Daddy," Barbara Rushkoff's "A Girl Grows in Brooklyn," and Rebecca Woolf's "Straight From the Bottle."
Me? I've got no title for my new blog. And I've got a terrible case of brain flatulence these days. I've been thinking of a title for weeks and absolutely NOTHING is coming to my mind. So that's where YOU guys come in.
Since most of you know me pretty well, I figured you could help me come up with a witty title for my new Babble blog. So I've decided to have a little contest. Help me come up with a name for my new blog: a name, label, or catchphrase that I'll take over with me to Babble.
To increase the incentive and get your creative juices flowing, I've got some great prizes! Here's what the grand-prize winner will get:
(1) The latest high-end Digital Photo Frame from Phillips. So new that it's not even available in stores yet. These things rock the house. Not only is the picture quality stunning, it's clear that a lot of thought went into the beautifully streamlined design. They're absolutely gorgeous and would look great anywhere.
.
.
(2) An advance DVD of "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," the brilliant film starring Sacha Baron Cohen. With classic lines such as "My moustache still tastes of your testes!" and "What's up with you, Vanilla Face?," this film has already achieved cult status.
.
(3) Your choice of one of my favorite NYC foods that I will personally vacuum-seal with love and send to you. Winner will select from one of the following: hot dogs from Gray's Papaya, bagels from H & H, pastrami from Katz's Deli, or bacon from Peter Luger's Steakhouse.
The contest will close on Friday, February 23 at midnight. Then, BossLady and I will decide which one we like best and we'll announce the winner.
Ready, set, go!
p.s. Special prize to the first person who correctly guesses the origin of this post's title. No googling!
"All that and a bottle of scotch"
That was the first thing that came to me. Give a few days. I'll be back.
Oh, and once again I had no clue what the hell you were talking about with that title thing.
Posted by: Matthew | February 17, 2007 at 01:01 AM
The more I think about it, the more I kind of like "Egad! Bad Dad!" Just because it's a C&H reference shouldn't automatically disqualify it ... right? Plus, you could use it as an ironic reference point to the portrayal of dads by popular media as idiots and incompitants. You know, co-opt the negative language as a means of subverting it? Yes!
Posted by: Wayne | February 17, 2007 at 07:52 AM
Oh my God, it's spelled "incompetents." Don't disqualify my entry based on initial bad spelling!
Posted by: Wayne | February 17, 2007 at 07:55 AM
Downtown Dad
Posted by: Pamela | February 17, 2007 at 09:59 AM
Awesome prizes, MD! Too bad I have no creativity. How about "Cool Moe Dad"? Awful, isn't it? Can't wait to hear the winning name.
Posted by: Lisa L. | February 17, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Don't you already have your own blog? Still, congrats, my friend...you belong among the literati (as opposed to the illiterati, such as myself)
I'm fucking awful at naming things. I can barely misquote song lyrics on my own blog. But maybe something like "Uncorked" or "Alternate Side Snarking?"
Posted by: croutonboy | February 17, 2007 at 12:10 PM
DadDotComEdy
MoMetroPapa
MetroPo(lis)
MetroPa
By the way, congrats!
Tell 'em you know this (menopausal) Seattle mom of teens and young adults...
Posted by: Carol | February 17, 2007 at 12:47 PM
I really like Mike's very creative idea of "From the Peanut Gallery." However, my advice is to NOT use Peanut's name in the title. I made that mistake, and when baby #2 came along, I felt obligated to change it.
There are some really great ideas out there. Congrats on the new gig! I'll be reading.
Posted by: Amanda | February 17, 2007 at 01:20 PM
how about:
1) much ado about kiddies
2) adventures in daddying
3) the kid and i
Posted by: sun | February 17, 2007 at 01:52 PM
How about "MetroDad: Will Parent for Foie Gras"? You are one busy blogger, MD! Congrats on the new gig.
Posted by: Superha | February 17, 2007 at 02:35 PM
Congratulations! The one up above that made me laugh was "Secret Asian Dad" and now I can't get the damn song out of my head.
Posted by: karen | February 17, 2007 at 03:34 PM
"NincomPop!"
Posted by: Mike | February 17, 2007 at 04:41 PM
Congrats on the new blog — that is awesome (to the max)! :) I'll be reading it.
I've been trying to think of a new blog title ever since I read your post yesterday. I can't think of an exact, genius title, but here's what's coming to mind:
- Something like "Parenting RULES! Guidelines from the Book of MetroDad." Here's where I'm going with this:
--- "Rules" has two meanings: 1. as in rules of behavior 2. as in it is cool, it rocks (e.g., "That rules, Dude!")
--- You really like books, and your blog is definitely a e-book of humor and parenting advice, updated regularly.
Some other random thoughts:
- "PapaRules" (see above reasoning)
- "Telling it like it is."
- "MetroDad: Straight-up and Parental"
Good luck! I hope these ideas prompt other ideas.
Posted by: KG | February 17, 2007 at 05:00 PM
'They Call Me Colonel'
'Sit Down and Listen'
Who am I kidding - I like 'Secret Asian Dad' the most
Posted by: creative-type dad | February 17, 2007 at 06:24 PM
How about "Butterflies and the little Peanut"?
Butterflies - a ref to the Bosslady and at the same time you know, butterflies as in the butterflies in the stomach.. when you are pondering what to do with the Peanut (religion, education, etc)
Posted by: Mel | February 17, 2007 at 07:38 PM
Congrats. I've thought that a good name for a working dad's blog would be "Balls in the Air." You know...as in juggling. ;)
Posted by: Clare's Dad | February 17, 2007 at 09:18 PM
Uh, this is cheezy, but I'd suggtest:
"Dad to the Bone"....Kinda like "Bad to the Bone" but you're a dad so it's "Dad to the Bone" (dun-nuh-nuh-nuh-duh)....
Or ummm...
'Pierre Kim...You ARE the Father!'(from Maury. I can see your imaginary weave ridden baby mommas running across the stage now saying "OHHHHHHHHH, I toldt you! I toldt you!")
More suggestions to come.
This blog stinks...NOT!
Posted by: Latia | February 17, 2007 at 09:21 PM
Congrats on the Babble-Blog!
Some ideas from my tired brain:
Metro-Daddio
Cocky Pop Poppycock
Pop Goes the World
Dad First, Ask Quetions Later
Poppa Will Preach
Dad Dabbles in Babble
Father Blogger: Note from the Church of Parenthood
Posted by: Vampdaddy | February 17, 2007 at 09:22 PM
What is your label when you exit boom status? How about a rap name/alter? Like maybe
"Poof Daddy"
and then after awhile you could let the world know you'd now like to be called
"Poofy"
and then "P. Daddy"
and finally just "Daddy".
Diddy wouldn't mind, would he? Is that even his name still?
Pierre "Poofy" Kim. Loofahs, witty banter, rap vernacular - it's all good. And you can still maintain the MD brand. Hey, when's your clothing line coming out?
Posted by: Mike | February 18, 2007 at 12:35 AM
The Unbearable Lightness of Breeding
Breeding and Nothingness
MetsDad
Rootbeer and Corndog
I Know Henri
Hiya MotherFucker
Please deliver the gift personally and I'll have the pastrami.
Thanks brutha
Posted by: henri | February 18, 2007 at 12:35 AM
PerePierre
apparently
poponderings
savoir pere
call me big poppa (I love it.)
raising notes
metropaternal
the new kid
knows best
Posted by: J | February 18, 2007 at 01:08 AM
Blog title options:
(i) BABBLE ROUSER
(ii) I Left My Wallet In El Segundo.
OK, the second one was just because you got me channeling Q-Tip.
Congrats. What a well deserved honor.
Posted by: MetroDude | February 18, 2007 at 01:24 AM
Dad Blogs Like A Lady
Posted by: Mike | February 18, 2007 at 01:44 AM
Riding the Metro (hehe)
Dude, where's my Metro?
Metro, Scotch, and Wry (my fav)
Posted by: Deanna | February 18, 2007 at 02:28 AM
Gonna have to stick with 'Seoul Man', although 'Seoul Daddy' isn't bad, either.
Posted by: Stacy | February 18, 2007 at 03:12 PM
"Married But Not Dead." Saw it on a T-shirt last night.
Posted by: Mitch McDad | February 18, 2007 at 03:39 PM
"Crouching Toddler, Hidden Cheesestick"
Posted by: Mike | February 18, 2007 at 03:49 PM
Pierre Kim, MD: Prescriptions for parenting from MetroDad
Or This Father Knows Shit:
Posted by: Grandmother | February 18, 2007 at 04:18 PM
Tatanka!! The Metrofrontier of Parenting.
:)
Congrats!
Posted by: Jen | February 18, 2007 at 08:26 PM
Shameless Breeder.
Posted by: Mom101 | February 19, 2007 at 12:26 AM
Just delurking to say congrats on the babble gig. i find that parenting magazines don't speak to me either. and you're one of the only parenting blogs i read. i love hearing your perspective and will definitely check out your new venue.
Posted by: marna | February 19, 2007 at 12:38 AM
found your blog via a link to your recent valentines day post! very cute.
my own personal lame titles:
- misadventures with peanut&co.
- models & bottles (& potties)
- life spelled b-a-b-y
Posted by: jenifer | February 19, 2007 at 04:08 AM
Etemenankim
Ziggurdad
Ziggurat of Metrodad
Posted by: nbtd1 | February 19, 2007 at 06:05 AM
Congrats on the new gig!
Pop Culture
The Pithy Pop
I'll try to think of more.
Posted by: metro mama | February 19, 2007 at 11:17 AM
The Flippant Father
Droll to Drool
Posted by: metro mama | February 19, 2007 at 11:18 AM
For lack of more creativity, you say the Peanut likes Hello Kitty... Why not a take on that and go with Hello Kiddy. Kind of corny, but cute in way. The only other one I could think of was, Near Misses and Eskimo Kisses. Congrats on the new blog and good luck!
Posted by: s | February 19, 2007 at 11:27 AM
Me again. Sorry, I just can't help myself.
Sass in the City
Sass From the Sire
The Playful Padre
Pater Prattle
Daddy Drivel
The Debonair Daddy
Posted by: metro mama | February 19, 2007 at 12:02 PM
I was going to try to come up with one, but I can't top "Father Knows Jest" -- that is perfect. I do, however, have a tagline for you: "I am the boss of me"
Congratulations on your ascendancy in the blogosphere.
Posted by: Dew | February 19, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Metroparenting: Gone to Pot
Slough Daddy (oops, I just noticed someone already used the P.Daddy play on names)
Scotch and Yoda: Tales from a Drinking Know-It-All (no offense of course — you know we love your tales)
Sputterscotch
Metroscotchual, Straight Up
Zenlivet and the Art of Cuticle Maintenance (no idea what your scotch of choice is)
Zenlivet and the Art of Psychological Maintenance
Zenlivet and the Farts of Paternal Maintenance (ok, getting carried away here)
Menfiddich
ESPNfiddich
Daddy Mac-allan
Dad on the Rocks
Grammarphile Freak Daddy
It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp Daddy
[Anything] ...Noonan! (Because I'm a dork and Noonan! is always funny to me.)
Posted by: halfmama | February 19, 2007 at 01:15 PM
The Trajedy of Life is The Beauty of It's Passing Appreciated Amongst the Fragrant Blossoms of Our Memories Which Fade in Time Like a Hawaiian Tan In a New York Winter
Too wordy? TTOLITBOIPAATFBOOMWFITLAHTIANNW for short then.
Posted by: NinjaDad | February 19, 2007 at 01:54 PM
Swanky Dad
Swank & Swagger
Glitterati Parenting
Fatherhood: Shaken not Stirred
Posted by: BL | February 19, 2007 at 02:33 PM
Bah, way too late on TCQ. And I'm terrible at titles. But I can say this - big congrats, cool gig!
Posted by: Her Bad Mother | February 19, 2007 at 03:04 PM
Growing Up Dad
From Velvet Rope to Velvet Blankie
Posted by: BL | February 19, 2007 at 03:18 PM
Breeding is Fundamental
Posted by: BL | February 19, 2007 at 03:40 PM
Metrorail
Metro Rail
Metro Railing
MetroRails
Metro Rails
Just to cover all the bases you know.
Posted by: Henri | February 19, 2007 at 03:43 PM
metrowail
someone stop me please
Posted by: Henri | February 19, 2007 at 03:45 PM
Third Rail
Warning: Third Rail is Korean
Posted by: Henri | February 19, 2007 at 03:47 PM
How about:
Dadjectives and Nouns
Totally Dadical
Growing Up Notti
Pop Goes It
Hopeless Daddict:
Papa Don't Preach
Papas Don't Let Their Daughters Grow Up To Be Cowgirls
Father Knows Second Best (my fave)
Dood with Brood
Word. Glad to be blogging with you, my friend.
Posted by: GIRLS GONE CHILD | February 19, 2007 at 03:49 PM
How about:
Dadjectives and Nouns
Totally Dadical
Growing Up Notti
Pop Goes It
Hopeless Daddict:
Papa Don't Preach
Papas Don't Let Their Daughters Grow Up To Be Cowgirls
Father Knows Second Best (my fave)
Brood Awakening
The Kid Stays in the Picture
Talkin 'Bout My Girrrrrrrrl. (My girl!)
That is all. Glad to be blogging with you, my friend... :)
Posted by: GIRLS GONE CHILD | February 19, 2007 at 03:51 PM
Sorry about the repeat. I thought of a couple more when I was posting. Ignore the first one.
Posted by: GIRLS GONE CHILD | February 19, 2007 at 03:52 PM