Interview With A Bee

When someone new pops by and leaves a comment, it's always exciting to try and figure out who they are and what makes them tick. I've been very lucky to have comments from some really excellent people and want to say thanks to you old folks and hi to the young 'uns.

Recently, Kate from Someone Else's Horoscope dropped in and I saw that she'd been interviewed and was conducting some of her own. I figured if I asked for a few questions, it would be a good way for her to get me to talk more about me to know me. I'm not sure it worked.

1. How did you come up with the name Passion of the Dale (and while you are 'going there', how about a bit of dirt on why you chose the Bee guy for your avatar?) What's your definition of passion?

Hi Kate and welcome to my nightmare. I was inspired by a well known anti-Semite who had a film out at the time and I also liked the absurd way it sounded with my first name Passion Dale. It hopefully gives the correct impression that everything I write about means a lot to me, even if it's something as simple yet lingering, like a fart.

I used to have an old 45 rpm record centre as my avatar but then out of the blue one day, I was stung by the Bee. It helps me to rememeber how closely The Simpsons' skin tones match my own.

2. Describe a life-altering experience that you had. How was it life-altering?

You mean one that affected me or just in general? I've had several, some that I've blogged about and some that I'm saving for a rainy day. Any post on my blog that has the label family is bound to be telling, so try this one.

3. What do you think about plastic surgery? What would you change about yourself if you had the opportunity to do so for free?

I think plastic surgery is great for people who have disfigurements that are holding them back from enjoying life but when it goes too far (you know who you are), it hurts us all. I'd probably take a couple of inches off my waist if they could assure me I wouldn't die during the process but otherwise, I'd steer clear.

4. Do you believe in God? What is your vision of what happens to a person after death?

I'll let the book I'm about to start reading answer for me: Christopher Hitchens' God Is Not Great - How Religion Poisons Everything. I figure even if a lightning bolt hits me, the fact that I've got a nun in my family might score me a point if I end up needing it. After death, depending on your pre-nup with the funeral director, it's bug food or dust in the wind. These answers are subject to revision in times of crisis or upon rereading The Lovely Bones.

5. Where have you been in the world and where would you like to visit? When do you think you will get there?

My favourite vacations have been in the home country (Canada) and I've been lucky enough to get to see parts of Italy (Rome, Florence, Verona, Milan), London and New York and enjoyed them all. I'd like to get to Budapest and Prague, perhaps within the next year or two.

So, I'm not sure what have you learned about me Kate other than the fact that I'm an unrelenting smartass with a slightly pudgy heathen centre but thanks for stopping by!

If anyone else would enjoy a round of interviewing, let me know and I'll throw stuff at you. Or some questions if you prefer.