I've migrated to Wordpress which has broken most incoming links to my blog - and changed my RSS feed address.
If you currently follow me through RSS (and want to continue ;-) ) you will need to update the feed URL to http://www.bkennelly.com/vox/feed
Sorry for the trouble - I just got very tired of dealing with MT's complete rebuilds and poor spam controls. Hoping Wordpress will make life easier
Top search terms this month:
"nuclear wings", "lift & separate bra", "moldable chocolate", and "Steve Nash wife"
Whatever gets ya' here, I guess..Welcome.
(Not good video or sound quality, yet he is still fantastic. He really does a GREAT live show)
Stolen from ExurbanKevin's Facebook page (cause I'm a geek & I'm waiting for Red Eye to start):
I wrote a script to come up with/print out the answers ('cause I'm a geek & I'm waiting for Red Eye to start) Thought about rerunning it to eliminate duplicated artists, but decided to just stick with the original parameters.
1. What do your friends think of you?
"Love Is Alive" (Wish You Were Here, Mark Wills)
2. If someone says, "Is this okay?" You say?
"Your Smiling Face" (Live, James Taylor) ["Whenever I see your smiling face I have to smile myself"]
3. How would you describe yourself?
"Flying" (Speak of the Devil, Chris Isaak)
4. What do you like in a guy/girl?
"When Boy Meets Girl" (Terri Clark, Terri Clark)
5. How do you feel today?
"Money Talk" (Last of the Independents, Pretenders) ["Never underestimate a woman like me"]
6. What is your life’s purpose?
"To Tell The Truth" (Bitter Sweet, Kim Richey)
7. What is your motto?
"She's Got The Rhythm, and I Got the Blues" (Greatest Hits Collection, Alan Jackson)
8. What do you think about very often?
"Girls Gotta Do What A Girls Gotta Do" (Ten Thousand Angels, Mindy McCready)
9. What is 2 + 2?
"Alone" (Bad Animals, Heart)
10. What do you think of your best friend?
"I'll Never Be Free" (Days Like This, Van Morrison) [this is actually a love song]
11. What do you think of the person you like?
"You're Gonna Get What's Coming" (The Glow, Bonnie Raitt) ["You came up on me like a landslide, once in a while I get taken like that and I like it"]
12. What is your life story?
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" (Miss Peggy Lee, Peggy Lee) ["A band of angels coming for me"]
13. What do you want to be when you grow up?
"Only The Wind" (Greatest Hits, Billy Dean)
14. What do you think of when you see the person you like?
"Jam Man" (The Essential, Chet Atkins)
15. What will (did) you dance to at your wedding?
"Songbird" (Eva By Heart, Eva Cassidy) ["Cause I feel that when I'm with you, it's alright. I know it's right" that would be sweet at a wedding. "And I love you, I love you, I love you, like never before"]
16. What will they play at your funeral?
"Learning to Fall" (Boys Like Girls, Boys Like Girls) [Starts out "This is the worst day of my life..." heh]
17. What is your hobby/interest?
"What Is This Thing Called Love" (Greatest Love Songs, Frank Sinatra)
18. What is your biggest fear?
"The Homecoming Anthem" (Street Dreams, Chet Atkins)
19. What is your biggest secret?
"What She Is, Is A Woman In Love" (The Essential, Earl Thomas Connelly) ["What she sees is only what she wants to. What she has, she thinks is enough. What she does, is just look at the good things. And what she is, is a woman in love" That one is actually a pretty good fit]
20. What do you think of your friends?
"An Empty Heart and A Harvest Moon" (Suzy Boguss, Suzy Boguss) [How does your garden grow?]
21. What will you post this as?
"Proud Mary" (CCR Box Set, Creedence Clearwater Revival)
The rules:
1. Put Your iTunes (or your mp3 player) on "Shuffle."
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly it sounds
4. Put any comments in brackets after the song name.
5. Tag 10 people. [Or don't]
Yeah, I know I've been slacking - I blame Twitter.
I can't guarantee it won't continue - but I can at least make sure you have something to look at. I added a widget to the sidebar with my tweets. Just for fun I added one for tweets from fun folks I follow.
Enjoy
Widgets courtesy of @JazzyChad, developer of Tweetgrid
I've been on Twitter for a while now, long enough to have some thoughts, such as they are. In no particular order, just stream of consciousness. What do you think?
UPDATE: See also 5 Mistakes of New Twitter Users
UPDATE 2: Choose your user name wisely. One of the main things - length. Yes, size matters. When you are writing your tweet, that 140 character limit may not come into play, but when someone tries to reply, direct message or retweet, every letter in your username eats up valuable real estate. For instance. "@pinkelephantpun" is a killer. You can attach and display your real name with your account if you so choose - so your username can be short & sweet.
Add a profile pic or avatar. That default is ugly and far too prevalent. But...don't steal someone else's avatar...I'm just sayin'
Put something in your bio and/or post several updates before you start following people who don't know you. They will click onto your page to see who you are and what you're about. Give them some information to go on.
See also: Setting up a professional profile on Twitter
UPDATE 3: It is good to tie your blog to your twitter account, and there are several tools that tweet for each new blog post. However, those give no 'value add' to the info and, if the sole content of your tweet stream is from tweetfeed, why bother? If I want to follow your blog, I can use RSS much more efficiently. If you have nothing else to say and don't want to join in the conversation, Twitter may not be for you.
UPDATE 4: Say something! As of now (Jan 31, 2009) E_Stampede ["Informational Network about Social Media for Republicans"] has 5 updates in 5 days, all saying the same thing. Yawn. If you are going to bill yourself as all about social media, perhaps ya' ought to be sociable....
Still undecided about Twitter, though I like it much better now that I am using Twhirl
I've found, or been found by, friends. I found Twitter streams by a couple of bloggers I follow (though I am not sure that the ShinyShiny Tweets add anything to the ShinyShiny experience) I had a friend recommend a fun follow, where I found a productivity follow.
I may have even inspired another Tweeter
Unfortunately, I have already been spammed. I wouldn't have imagined the service would work very well for spammers, guess I was wrong.
If I missed ya', let me know so I can add you - I'm a follower :-D
NeoNeoCon has disappeared.....?
She's back
Interesting.
I have just been told that my blog is blocked at the air base in Baghdad. I am not sure why, as I try very hard to keep it PG-13. It has gotten a bit political lately, but I still don't see why it would be offensive or subversive or any other -ive that would get it blacklisted.
First: Any ideas why that might have happened? (I have no idea how long it has been blocked, maybe it was never available)
Second: Any idea how or where to appeal the decision?
I recently mentioned George Clooney (one of my least favorite actors) in a post.
Unfortunately, the Google ad at the top of my home page is now featuring several pictures of him. Why couldn't the bot have picked up on the Jason Statham reference and given me photos of him?
Let's try again: Jason Statham, Jason Statham, Jason Statham, Jason Statham, Jason Statham
Or maybe: Monica Belluci, Monica Belluci, Monica Belluci, Monica Belluci
Who would you rather see?
Lori's Back to blogging - YAY!
Check her out at Desert Martini
Especially when the hint is dropped by Exurban League.
Since they brought it up, it looks like the East Valley again - can't complain too much, great food and beverages to be had at Four Peaks.
It appears July 11th is the favored date (probably around happy hour, 3:00?) - anyone else care to join us?
P.S. Woods', any chance you'll be in town?
Having just re-recommended Exurban League to you all, I am fairly certain you picked up on me being a fan.
One of the things I like about the site, besides the fact that they are incredibly clever, is that the discussion is generally kept civil.
Who'd have thought that what would bring out the barking Moonbats* would be Dunkin Donuts and Rachel Ray?
UPDATE: Even Perez Hilton is talking about this - wow.
* Those whose sole argument seems to be a variation on "you're an idiot NYAH NYAH NYAH" as opposed to something substantive to the actual issue at hand. It even got to the point of alleging some sort of racial bias against Rachel Ray - seriously. Does anyone even know what her ethnic background is? Does anyone even care? Could it be any less germane to the issue?
If you aren't already reading Exurban League - what are you waiting for?!?!
Something for everyone, I promise.....
I guess Mom can keep reading my posts:
Not sure which pages contain cuss words since I try to edit those out...maybe one of Lori's comments ;-)
(saw it on 3Ts blog)
I'm not nearly as fast as Mike (only 99 in 30 seconds)...but I did accidentally scroll in the midst of the test....and clicked several other things on my desktop
|
I made a comment on this BlogForArizona post - and the author told me that reading and commenting on his blog seems like a waste of time.
Not often those liberals are so self-aware.
Not sure about the noise part, I much prefer calm & quiet.
What military aircraft are you? F/A-22 Raptor You are an F/A-22. You are technologically inclined, and though you've never been tested in combat, your very name is feared. You like noise, but prefer not to pollute any more than you have to. And you can move with the best. |
Click Here to Take This Quiz Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests. |
(Via Macker and ExUrban Kevin)
Back in the day, I worked at a "dot com" - don't many sad stories start that way? I still have a couple of friends from there, one who jumped ship early, a couple who stuck around till the fatal round of pink slips with me.
One of those buddies just sent me this, as "the story of our life" - too true.
(Via Susan Mernitt)
Montgomery swears that this post is not just an attempt to increase traffic from search engines.
I make no such claim. I'm not proud: Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus....
At the latest AZ blogger get together, we all mentioned the number of drafts we write, and save...and never publish. We also decided to each publish one of those "stale" posts for all the world to see. Here is mine, originally begun on 12/26/2005 and titled "Movies, Old & New".
Unfortunately, I can't finish my thoughts on SAJU's King Kong post, since it seems to be unavailable in the Zonitics archives - I don't remember what else I wanted to address (I covered a lot in my original review). I am also not sure what some of my points were in reaction to...and they don't hold up so well without the counterpoint.....
Since it has been almost two years, I don't recall what I wanted to say about the other movies, either. I do remember thinking that Fun With Dick & Jane included unnecessary swipes at the Bush administration (completely out of place in what was billed as a light, 'fun' comedy), and I don't think I found it overly entertaining. I will have to watch The Patriot & Rocky again before I can review them fairly.
So, here it is - what there is of it - in all it's stale glory.
**********************************************
Just a few bit to keep up, I wanted to answer Special Agent Johnny Utah in his King Kong complaints (mostly because I had more to say and he gave me a jumping off point), and then I saw three more movies I want to chat about, as well, the new: Fun With Dick & Jane, and the old: The Patriot and Rocky (I had never seen either of those, can you believe it?)
King Kong: I don't really know that the 'story' was worth telling, but it was certainly worth retelling. What made this movie possible, and desirable, is that it is a remake of a classic film that has been in our collective consciousness for 70 years. When it was originally made in 1933, it pushed the boundaries of the special effects genre (and decency) while making us care about a giant gorilla - no easy feat. I believe the only relationship you need to care about is between Ann & the ape, the rest is just filler for the most part (Well, Carl and his greed play a big part, too).
The comparison to Jerry Macguire is completely out there - I don't get the connection? I can't directly relate to the stories in The Patriot or Rocky, either, but I'm not going to dismiss them because of it. Different genres, different aims, different results.
I actually thought the dinosaurs here looked better than those in Jurassic Park, though I did have some issues with the effects. My complaint was with the backgrounds, specifically the mountain ledge that falls away during that chase. There were anatomical errors with these dinos, but that was intentional as an homage to the errors in the original.
I am willing to suspend my disbelief regarding Ann's potential injuries, and justify her resilience based on her profession. As a vaudeville performer who specializes in physical comedy, she has practiced falling, so flinging herself on the rocks would be no different than flinging herself on the stage. The rides in Kong's grasp and on his shoulder seem much more brutal, but not fatally so.
One of those silly surveys, after the jump:
1. Name one person who made you laugh last night.
D - he cracks me up
2. What were you doing at 0800?
3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Balancing receivables
4. What happened to you in 2006?
Ummm.....you think I remember that long ago
5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
"Have a good weekend" when our bookkeeper left.
6. How many beverages did you have today?
3 - protein shake, water, coke
7. What color is your hairbrush?
Brown - classic Mason-Pearson, of course.
8. What was the last thing you paid for?
Coke, this morning.
9. Where were you last night?
At D's, watching TV and eating the yummy steak dinner he made for us.
10. What color is your front door?
Red
11. Where do you keep your change?
In a heart shaped jar in my office
12. What's the weather like today?
Gorgeous, but a little cool for me. 89°
13. What's the best ice-cream flavor?
Vanilla, because it is the most versatile - add peanut butter, or chocolate syrup, or sprinkles. Make a root beer float....
14. What excites you?
Today, sunshine & music
15. Do you want to cut your hair?
Are you kidding? I spent most of my childhood dreaming of having hair that reached my shoulders, no way I am giving it up that easily.
16. Are you over the age of 25?
Ummm, yeah.
17. Do you talk a lot?
Depends on who you ask. Or who I am with. Or what mood I am in.
18. Do you watch the O.C.?
Not a chance. Puh-lease. See question #16.
19. Do you know anyone named Steven?
Yep.
20. Do you make up your own words?
It's been known to happen. On accident.
21. Are you a jealous person?
It's been known to happen.
22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter 'A'.
Athena, Amber, Alastair
23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter 'K'.
Karen, Karen, Katie, Kevin
24. Who's the first person on your received call list?
D. Duh.
25. What does the last text message you received say?
"Bubbles is weird, he's biting the green thing" Go ahead, try and translate that
26. Do you chew on your straw?
No.
27. Do you have curly hair?
I wish.
28. Where's the next place you're going to?
Post office.
29. Who's the rudest person in your life?
I am not rude enough to post that for all the world to see.
30. What was the last thing you ate?
Ziti and garlic toast that D made and packed up for my lunch. Yum!
31. Will you get married in the future?
Who knows? Doesn't seem likely at this point.
32. What's the best movie you've seen in the past 2 weeks?
Reign Over Me, I think. But I forget what we've watched. D?
33. Is there anyone you like right now?
Yeah - haven't you been paying attention.
34. When was the last time you did the dishes?
Well, I rinsed and loaded them into the dishwasher last night, does that count?
35. Are you currently depressed?
Nope.
36. Did you cry today?
No. I wonder how many people would answer yes?
37. Why did you answer and post this?
Why not?
38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey.
No - but feel free to play if you are so inclined.
Found it at Divine Angst
D set me up with a high speed connection at his house for my laptop.
The immediate benefit is being able to follow the gametrax on foxsports.com and cbssports.com while watching whatever game(s) is being televised. We get a little OCD about the stats and scores, so that hookup is..well, it's THE hookup.
The side benefit is being able to surf and blog from here. Last night, for instance, during college football, post season baseball, and our movies, I cleaned up my blogroll. Some were removed because they came right out and said they were done (downtownchickchat, Felicia Lee...), some because they haven't posted in ages or the domain is expired (Conservative Crust...). I added Exurban League, fellow music lovers and clear thinkers to boot.
A big Happy Birthday to our own Downtown Chick, Lori!
Any fun plans?
You have to type the first thing that comes to mind whenever you hear these 35 things. You can't think and go back and change your answers. Copy and Paste, then delete answers to make them your own.
Here I go:
1. Beer: hops
2. McDonald's: ice cream
3. Relationships: messy
4. Favorite color: Blue...no purple...no blue...
5. Power Rangers: go-go
6. Weed: garden
7. Steroids: cheating
8. Cartoons: D'oh!
9. The President: 2008 election
10. Tupperware: burp
11. Florida: Cuban food - yummy
12. Santa Claus: Christmas music
13. Halloween: candy
14. Alice: Mel's Diner, just down the road
15. Grammar: pet peeve
16. Myspace: cesspool, where you can find some cool music
17. Worst fear: why would I tell?
18. Marriage: messy
19. Paris Hilton: annoying, useless
20. Pat: the bunny
21. Redheads: fiery
22. Blondes: fun
23. Pass the: bar
24. One night stands: why would you?
25. Donald Trump: annoying
26. Neverland: second star on the right, straight on to morning
27. Pixie Stix: Encanto pool snack bar
28. Vanilla ice cream: mmmmmm...root beer float
29. Hooters: wings
30. High school musical: hype
31. Pajamas: cozy
32. Woody: Herman
33. Wet Socks: yuck
34. Driving: yuck
35. Love: ...but beautiful
Cool new feature from Google, embeddable maps.
In example, this is where we held the bloggerama.
Very nice feature for business websites, event announcements....
I was tagged a while back by Karen to post 8 random facts . . . it took me some time to come up with them.
- I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
- Each participant posts eight random facts about themselves on their blog.
- At the end of the post, eight more bloggers are tagged
- Go to their blog, leave a comment telling them they’re tagged.
Trivia side note: The Oscar nominated actress, Susan Kohner, who moves me to tears is the mother of producers Paul & Chris Wietz (American Pie, In Good Company...)
I'm not going to actually tag anyone, but I would love to see your list. Leave a link in the comments if you decide to play.
Where in the world is Anonymous Mike?
Can we get a special special post from "Edward Boyd" or Special Agent Johnny Utah to fill the void?
One of my favorite blogs has been Kathy Sierra's Creating Passionate Users. Lots of good info for your business life.
Last week, I read this statement on the death threats that were causing her to retreat from the blogosphere - and I felt like I was missing something. [post has been moved here] It seemed like a reaction that was completely disproportionate to the actual situation.
I, of course, couldn't say that. After all, I have never found myself in that situation - and I wouldn't want to question the level of fear being suffered by another woman. I also didn't want to give the impression that I supported or approved of the things that were posted about her.
And yet, I did question her reaction. It seemed there were so many options to stop the threat that didn't involve giving the threateners exactly what they wanted; her site shuttered indefinitely, attention for themselves. Her follow up posts, and the subsequant publicity, have made me question the situation even more. It has made me wonder about her as a person, and her previous posts....perhaps an overreaction on my part.
Now I know that I am not the only one who wished for a slightly more measured response.
Have any of you been following this? What do you think?
Eliot Stein - lowlife scum who claims that he just has "an incredible sense of humor"
As Cathy Seipp Lay Dying, Her Nemesis Took His Parting Shot on the Web
A sense of humor would imply doing something funny, not something cruel and twisted. I'd call him a pig, but that would be an insult to pigs everywhere.
Apparently, though, he has the mental & emotional development of a child. After working at a private LA school for only 4 months, he quit and:
On his last day, Stein came to school dressed in a tuxedo and, class by class, told all of his students that his leaving was the fault of one particular 10th-grade girl. By all accounts, Maia [Cathy Seipp's daughter]became an outcast at school.
Oh, and by the way, after unleashing his venom on Seipp as she lay dying, "Stein is absolutely unapologetic."
LLRX.com has a thorough examination of the myths surrounding copyrights.
Just in case you wanted to know.
Blogger extraordinaire Star C Foster died young and unexpectedly this week. Here, in her honor, Daft Punk Is Playing At My House.
'What will your obituary say?' at QuizGalaxy.com |
from Shephard's Alley
Not sure what the theme is here, I just went with it.
1. The phone rings... who do you hope it is?
Him. Of course
2. How much cash do you have on you?
None right now, I'm in my jammies (isn't that the required blogging uniform?) I don't usually carry much cash, I am a card user.
3. Favorite planet?
Gotta go with Pluto here, I've always been a sucker for the underdog.
4. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?
His. "I'm Spoiled" by Joss Stone
5. Do you label yourself?
Constantly. I'm a wimp. I'm a girlie-girl. I'm a nerd. I'm a ....
6. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
Makes a great mix tape ;-)
7. What does your watch look like?
A cell phone. I used to be such a watch person, I still have a ton of them. However, I am a pragmatist and the cell phone as time keeper is the way to go.
8. What were you doing at midnight last night?
I think I was asleep by then. Maybe?
9. What did your last text message say?
Outgoing: it was to Google looking for an Arby's location
Incoming: Google telling me where to find one (it wasn't close enough, we went to Taco Bell)
10. Where is your nearest 7-11?
I don't even know. There used to be one right on the corner, but it closed a couple of years ago.
11. What's a word that you say a lot?
"Baby" "Sexy" "Mmmmmm"
12. Who told you they loved you last?
My mother, this afternoon
13. Last furry thing you touched?
My sweet old fur-ball of a dog.
13. What are you looking forward to most?
??????
14. Favorite age you have been so far?
Gosh, there have been some great ones. I would definitely not pick one of the teen years but the others all have some pleasant memories.
15. Your worst enemy?
Myself I imagine
16. What is your current desktop picture?
The slot canyon up near Page, AZ.
17. What was the last thing you said to someone?
"I'll talk to you later tonight or tomorrow..."
18. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be?
I imagine that if I could fly I could find a way to monetize that skill into at least a million.....
19. The last song you listened to?
All the way through - Must Be Doing Something Right on CMT this morning
20. What time of day were you born?
5:47 am - I think
21. Where did you live in 1987?
Phoenix for part of it, Northern California for the rest.
22. Are you jealous of anyone?
Probably, though I can't think of anything specific right now.
Envious, absolutely. That's what makes you work harder and try new things, right?
23. Is anyone jealous of you?
Doubt it. Though when he and I used to go out dancing, I was sure the other girls were wishing they were in my place.
24. Where were you when 9/11 happened?
At home, in bed.
25. What do you do when vending machines steal your money?
I gave up on vending machines a long time ago.
26. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be?
Had to? Hmmm. Probably on my ankle? Somewhere easy to cover up and not prone to the ravages of gravity.
27. What's your life motto?
???? How about "Do not fold, staple or mutilate"
28. What's your favorite town/city?
Tough.
Phoenix, AZ (the whole Valley)
Sonoma, CA
Sedona, AZ
New York, NY
San Francisco, CA
29. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?
I don't remember for sure, unless you count a birthday card. Then it was about two weeks ago. As far as an actual letter, probably a complaint sent to some business or other.
30. Your first love:
Teddy Kirschner - I was 4 years old and I chased him all around the house trying to kiss him - lol
31. How far back do you know about your ancestry?
My grandmother did this one the one side. She takes us back pretty far, but I don't know all the details. As I understand it, though, we are related to the Kennedy's, Robert E Lee and Pocahontas. I think
32. When was the last time you dressed fancy?
Gosh, I don't remember that, either. Probably somebody's wedding. My nephew? D & S?
33. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener?
I'm really not good at either. Not great in social settings :-)
34. Do you take compliments well?
I try to. I hate it when I compliment someone and they dispute it, then I feel like I am on the defensive. It seems like they are calling me a liar or prodding me for more - either way it is ungracious. Knowing that, I try VERY hard to simply say thank you - no matter how much I disagree.
35. What was your favorite game as a kid?
The only one I really remember is a silly game my brother and his friend made up, "With that there?", a variation of tag designed to cause the most personal trauma to a little sister possible ;-)
36. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was married would you?
That's an easy one. No one who is married and pursuing someone else is sexy, therefore, it couldn't happen. No, no, no.
37. Are you judgmental? Honestly?
Duh - see number 36 for proof.
38. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you?
Sure, I married someone with different religious beliefs than me.
39. Use three words to describe yourself:
We did that up at # 5.
40. If you had to choose, would you rather be deaf or blind?
Deaf. I understand the world visually, and I have learned sign language (and forgotten much of it). I can imagine the hardships of hearing loss, I can't even begin to fathom losing my sight.
41. Are you continuing your education?
Formally, no. Informally, of course. I am always trying to learn new things.
42. What is your favorite children's book?
That's a tough one, too. I adore well written children's literature, and stories with a sweet message.
The Phantom Tollbooth: Norton Juster
Bub: Or the Very Best Thing: Natalie Babbitt
Alice in Wonderland: Lewis Carroll
Pollyanna: Marion Dane Bauer
43. Where is your ideal house located?
Around my loved ones.
44. What are your keys on your key chain for?
My car.
45. Where was the furthest place you traveled today?
The office - 8 miles.
46. Where is your current pain at?
No pain.
47. What's the last letter of your middle name?
N
48. Who did you vote for on American Idol?
I think I tried to vote once but couldn't get through. Last season is the first season I actually even watched.
49. What do you buy at the movies?
Nothing. If I get a drink I just have to get up and pee. I don't want to miss any of the movie, so I do without.
50. What do you wear to sleep?
Depends on if I am alone or not, whether it is cold or not.....
51. Anything big ever happen in your hometown?
Several things. Don Boles was blown up, Bob Crane was tied up, 9/11 terrorists learned to pilot large aircraft....
52. Do you like funny or serious people better?
I really appreciate a person who can keep me smiling, a sense of humor is HUGE. That said, if I had to be around Robin Williams all the time I would probably end up sticking a fork in the back of his skull - it seems like he is unable to turn it off and he would make me nuts. There has to be some balance.
53. Ever been to Vegas?
Once, when I was very young (8 years old, I think). Someone, a great-aunt or something, was getting married. We stayed at Circus Circus, is that place still there?
54. What do you and your parents fight about the most?
How in the world could I fight with my mom? She's perfect.
55. Is anyone mad at or irritated with you right now?
Gotta assume yes with this one, but I couldn't narrow it down for you.
56. Are you easy to get along with?
I wish I was (see above). I try to be. I do have problems with it, though, and I know I can be difficult, mostly because I get so irritated with other people. Unless I am 'involved' - for some reason I could just hang with SG for weeks on end without a problem. Maybe it just depends on what I have invested? What my expectations are?
57. Who was your best girlfriend/boyfriend?
MB - hands down. The best illustration is from when my daughter died. Almost everyone in my life was hard to talk to; they would try to change the subject, they would tell me I could try again, they made me feel like I had to comfort them and tell them it was alright... MB just let me talk about it. She asked me questions, she told me she was there and that she loved me. She called me on Mother's Day to make sure I was OK. She has always been the truest. She still is.
58. Who do you hate?
Who has time for that?
59. Current mood?
Sleepy.
I was up late, cruising the usual reads, and I found another contest over at Cowboy Blob's place. All I had to do was name that tune from his heavy metal video.
Easy as pie, Blade Runner is one of my favorite movies and that soundtrack was a large part of my youth - so very sensual, the ebbs and flows, build up, crescendo..... (sorry, TMI)
However, for some unknown reason, I am unable to comment on blogger/blogspot sites. The visual verification doesn't show up for me and the "listen to the characters" button does nothing. Am I the only one or does someone else have this problem, too? So, I sent him an email and got a reply right away - guess I am not the only night owl. If you look on his sidebar now, you'll see my blog ad on his sidebar. (He must have some insight into what I look like at that time of night - lol)
Now the bad news, he won't be joining us for the Blogtober Fest.
Saw this quiz over at Cowboy Blob's place, and thought it looked fun...wish you could choose a gender, though.
Found this at his place and I had to try it:
How to make a Vox |
Ingredients: 3 parts success 5 parts humour 1 part empathy |
Method: Blend at a low speed for 30 seconds. Top it off with a sprinkle of wisdom and enjoy! |
You Are a Tulip |
You often switch jobs, always looking for something better. But deep down, you're also very well grounded and content. And you will come to know that the life you live is already ideal. |
Via 3T
You Are a Fortune Cookie |
People want to be around you (even when they're a little sick of you), in hopes of being lucky too! |
Via Chocolate Chip CalTechGirl
BTW: I collect the fortunes out of my fortune cookies - got a whole jar of them. I love to randomly pick one out on a tough day. Wanna send me yours to add to my jar? Same address as when you send me your postcards.
Remember a couple of days ago when I was whining about Word Press not doing what I want?
Michael Deibler took up the challenge and, practically overnight, set up a Word Press plug-in to do just what I wanted my function to do! It works great and is quick and easy on my end. Thanks Michael, you rock!
Now I actually have to go review something so I can use it :-)
I set up my Word of Mouth Blog using WordPress and I am having a couple of issues...
The main one right now involves the 'helpful' way WP adds the <P> tags around EVERY BLOCK OF TEXT I TYPE. Argghhhh, so annoying.
Anyway, the main thing it is screwing up is a PHP function I would like to include in each post - which doesn't work because of the darn <P> tags - and the fact that it changes my < & > signs into escaped characters.
Any ideas how to stop that feature?
Just passing on the information, Barry "iPod" Johnson is looking for help in managing two of his blogs Blogs For Condi and Blogs For FOX.
Drop on by if you are interested.
While waiting for some stuff to process I thought I would follow Lori's lead with this music meme.
UPDATE: Guess I should have posted the rules -
"You put your media player on "shuffle" and let it answer the questions. No cheating. Sure, a lot of it won't make sense, but some of them are funny anyway."
How does the world see you?
A Broken Wing - Martina McBride
hmmm
Will I have a happy life?
This - k.d.lang
What do my friends really think of me?
Sentimental Journey - Doris Day
Gonna set my heart at ease...
Do people secretly lust after me?
Things Ain't What They Used To Be - Dee Daniels
ouch...can't find the lyrics for you, but they are less harsh than the title....really
How can I make myself happy?
Hillbilly Deluxe - Brooks & Dunn
Dwight Yoakum did a song by this title as well, but it was the B&D version that came up
What should I do with my life?
You Want More - Holly Cole
yeah I do
Will I ever have children?
Angel Eyes - Sting
ouch - much too close to home
What is some good advice for me?
Sweeney Pondered & Sweeney Planned - cast
hmmm - the Demon Barber of Fleet Street....
How will I be remembered?
While My Lady Sleeps - Chet Baker
Kind of sweet actually - no lyrics, but you can listen to a clip
What is my signature song?
Who I Used To Be - Clint Black
Not liking this theme...but the lyrics are more positive
What do I think my current theme song is?
Tea For Two - Doris Day
Well, that's sunny
What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
Except For Monday - Lorrie Morgan
Well, I do hate Monday's....
What song will play at my funeral?
Loving You - Nancy Wilson
This song is from the Sondheim musical "Passion" and it's a bit dark
What type of men/women do I like?
Big Mistake - David Wilcox
Actually, this is a spiritual song dissing the idea that the universe and all life on earth are just happenstance.
What is my day going to be like?
A Great Day To Be Alive - Travis Tritt
That would be cool with me
I met SAJU and one of his friends/readers/commenters, Michelle, at the local Starbucks today. So nice to take a break in the middle of the day a relax.
Thanks for the escape.
BTW: None of us had coffee.
Took the same quiz last year with almost identical results - though I seem to be a tad more cynical this year.
You Are A Romantic Realist |
You are more romantic than 40% of the population. You tend to be grounded when it comes to romance. Sure, you can fall hard... but only for someone you've gotten to know. And once you're in love, you can be a total romantic goofball... But you'd never admit it to your friends! |
While I was there, I thought I'd do this one too.
Your Mood Ring is Purple |
Clear mind Purpose is known |
I am definitely doing too many fluff pieces. These are the search terms (in order of popularity) that brought people over to Vox in the last couple of weeks.
Maybe it's just Valentine's Day being right around the corner - has people in a randy mood.
Sorry for the light blogging - MAJOR project with work. It's all going to be great, but it has been a real undertaking with a tight deadline.
Back soon, I promise.
In the mean time - Happy New Year!!
But she has been blogging right along on her sabbatical.
Oh yeah, her coming back gave me a day off. Yay!!!
Congratulations - and here's looking forward to MANY more!
In my defense, I would have figured it out eventually when I got down my RSS Reader (it's alphabetical, after all) and saw this post. Don't have to hit me in the head with a 2X4...usually.
Found this in my old posts, saved in draft status. Not sure why I didn't post it at the time, but here it is now. BTW, I've never seen these movies so I don't know if it is a good thing or a bad thing that I scored so highly on the Lara Croft scale.
You scored as Lara Croft. A thrill-seeking, slightly unscrupulous, tough-as-nails archaeologist, Lara Croft travels the world in search of ancient relics perhaps better left hidden. She packs two Colt .45s and has no fear of jumping off buildings, exploring creepy tombs, or taking on evil meglomaniacs bent on world domination. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Which Action Hero Would You Be? v. 2.0 created with QuizFarm.com |
Finally got around to adding a BUNCH of blogs to my sidebar - check it out over there
If I've missed any good ones, let me know. I put them in a database so it is really easy to update now
BTW: Dan, are you back to being an Arizona blogger for a while, or will you be leaving again soon?
I got tagged for a meme, and for once I actually got it in a reasonable amount of time.
1) Do you use an alarm clock to wake up in the morning?
Yes, though some days that works better than others. This morning, for instance, I was still so out of it from the NyQuil that it took me quite a while to figure out what that noise was and where it was coming from. (it isn't actually a clock, it is my cell phone - it plays Mozart)
2) What time do you set it for?
Depends. Usually 8:30, this morning 8:00.
3) Do you hit the snooze button? If so how many times?
I will hit the snooze button as many times as I can get away with - that is why I have my alarm set to only snooze once, that way I know I have to get up.
4) Have you ever abused an alarm clock?
Only if you count repeated pushing of the snooze button to be abusive.
5) It’s “time” to spread some “It’s Blogcess” linky love?
Lion and Lambs
Chasing the Wind
michael-deibler.com
ArtsyFarsty
Found this at Not Exactly Rocket Science ~
American Snapshot
According to the book, a majority of Americans:
• Eats peanut butter at least once a week
• Prefers smooth peanut butter over chunky
• Can name all Three Stooges
• Lives within a 20-minute drive of a Wal-Mart (several, actually)
• Eats at McDonald's at least once a year
• Takes a shower for approximately 10.4 minutes a day - longer, definitely
• Never sings in the shower
• Lives in a house, not an apartment or condominium
• Has a home valued between $100,000 and $300,000
• Has fired a gun
• Is between 5 feet and 6 feet tall
• Weighs 135 to 205 pounds
• Is between the ages of 18 and 53
• Believes gambling is an acceptable entertainment option
• Grew up within 50 miles of current home
Reilly did it - and she's rolling in the dough. I'm a pauper.....
my sister
Saw this at Snarky's place. Interestingly, she too was talking about children & movies in her 23rd post.
1. Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Post the fifth sentence (or closest to it).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five other people to do the same thing.
My 23rd post was titled "Creepy."
The fifth sentence was:
"That's the other creepy part."
I'm not gonna tag anybody, either - but feel free to play along.
Your Blog Should Be Purple |
I like purple - I'm OK with that. Heck, my blog already has accents of purple. But don't be holding your breath for me to write a meme....
Hmmmm - wouldn't have guessed monkey, and it's not often I am described as gregarious.....
El Gringo is still working to unmask our very own Special Agent Johnny Utah.
Today's clue: He went to Stanford. That could possibly be tell - seeing as how so few people attend that university each year, and none of them relocate the Phoenix.
Just ribbing you, Robert. Whoever he is, I am just glad he's posting. Or posting again?
Found another Arizona blog worth reading, One In A Row.
I call our local paper the Arizona Repugnant, he calls it the Arizona Repulsive.
Tomay-to/tomah-to....he gives us one of the reasons the paper sucks and shares the wisdom of a child.
Via the Shiny Shiny girls:
Our local paper of record, The Arizona Repugnant, has taken to blogging. This would barely register a blip from me if not for the fact that one of their bloggers is an old buddy of mine - and a seasoned blogger.
For those of you interested in college football in general, and ASU in particular, check out The Rookie.
I'm sorry to see him covering a narrow field because he really has such a wide range of interests he could be writing about. I miss his old blog, but I'm happy to find him somewhere.
BTW: there is still time to take the survey - Sentencing Drunk Drivers
Another Arizona blog I missed (and you guys really sucked at pointing any out for me ...... but I found them anyway) is Stumbling Through Life With Grace. Today she gives a bit of an insight into her relationship - and relationships in general.
Been there, that's for sure. In year 2 right now.....
Michael tagged me for this - eons ago - and I missed it. So I am doing it now - sorry Michael, I'll try to do better in the future.
Total volume of music files on my computer:
8273 files
The last CD I bought was:
I bought two -
Michael Buble: It's Time
&
25 Movie Favorites
Last acquired:
Celtic Woman - my mother gave it to me today...with tickets to their show next month.
Why? Because she is the best mother ever.
Five songs I listen to a lot, or that mean a lot to me:
uh......um.....
I almost always have the Nomad set to random - different genre depending on where I am.
Top five genres:
Chick Singers: Jazz
Vocal
Jazz
Country
Crooners
Five people to whom I’m passing the baton:
Since I missed this meme by SUCH a long shot, some of you may have already done it and I missed it on your blog, too.
Bitchalicious (who may be too busy for this, but is really a music chick)
Downtown Chick Chat
Lisa
Lion and Lambs
Michael - oh yeah, he's gone....
Reilly
Stacy (who may be too busy with the UberHusband)
Just came across Dooce via an old Most Bangable Babes list.
You must read her now - especially if you have children, or a husband, or in-laws and pets
You tell me who else I am missing. Please make sure that any sites you recommend are worth reading (and legible - blue text on a black background does not work)
Away from my computer for the weekend so....comments are off.
spammers.
Stacy did it, and I want a distraction, too…
1. When you look at yourself in the mirror, what’s the first thing you look at?
Depends on the time; if I have recently eaten I check my teeth, otherwise I check my eyebrows (I hate strays and must pluck them immediately)
2. How much cash do you have on you right now?
None
3. What’s a word that rhymes with “TEST”?
Best
4. Favorite plant?
Sansevieria - 'cause you can't kill it and I do not have a green thumb
Aloe Vera - 'cause it is so useful
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
SG - since his number makes up most of the list, that would've been a safe bet.
6. What is your main ring tone on your phone?
The one I hear most often is "Funky" since that is the one assigned to SG, followed by the "Radetzky March" which signals a call from Mom.
7. What shirt are you wearing?
Turquoise long sleeve T (the office is always cold, except on Monday's when I am alone and can turn off the AC) with a dragon on it.
8. Do you “label” yourself?
Sometimes; geek, girlie-girl, brat
9. Name brand of your shoes currently wearing?
No 'brand' name - they are slip on sandals from...? Wal-Mart? Payless? Who remembers those things?
10. Do you prefer a bright or dark room?
Bright - no question.
11. What did you have for breakfast?
Half of a breakfast burrito from The Burger Factory.
12. Ok, this is a two-parter: On a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, do you prefer crunchy or smooth and what kind of jelly/jam/preserves?
Creamy peanut butter, boysenberry, strawberry or grape (in that order)
13. What were you doing at midnight last night?
I think I was sleeping
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say?
It was from SG when we were arguing about something - no, I won't tell you what it said.
15. Do you ever click on “Pop Ups” or Banners?
Not a chance.
16. What’s an expression that you say a lot?
There isn't really one I can think of..... My sister just pointed out that I often say "How you doin'?" ala Joey Tribbiani to SG when he calls.
17. Who told you they loved you last?
My ex-husband when he called to offer his condolences for my grandmother.
18. Last furry thing you touched?
My sister's doxy that is here at the office
19. How many hours a week do you work?
At the office, around 20. Other projects, between 2 and 10.
20. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed?
None
21. Favorite age you have been so far?
All of them
22. Since question 22 is weirdly missing, make up a question.
I'll take a random question from BloggerSeeds: Land lover or water baby?
Land lover, for sure - complete desert gal.
23. What is your current desk top picture?
Albert Einstein sticking out his tongue
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
24. What was the last thing you said to someone?
"Well it was" to my sister's chuckling at my use of the phrase "It was also FREAKING HILARIOUS."
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to go back in time and fix all your mistakes which would you choose?
Definitely the money. I try to not have regrets; first by working not to do things I might end up regreting, then by realizing that even if I make mistakes, they have made me who I am. Besides, I know I could put that money to good use.
Your Logical Intelligence is Genius Your Verbal Intelligence is Genius Your Mathematical Intelligence is Genius Your General Knowledge is Genius |
I finally put a link to my sister's blog on my sidebar.
Sorry it took me so long
Wow! Yaya got a prize. A position? A proposition?.....
A compliment.
She is number 3 on this weeks Most Bangable Blog Babes list. I didn't even know such a thing existed. But it does - and she is on it! And there is a picture to prove she deserves it - she's frickin' cute as hell heck. Who knew?
Congrats!
Gonzo poker bloggers bring World Series to life in real time
The community of poker bloggers is only a few years old, but already they've stolen the spotlight with live World Series of Poker coverage, sold out to bigger publications, and even run an online charity poker tournament.
I have turned off the script that creates trackbacks because I am getting hammered. I am not sure why, but I am getting trackbacks to posts that I have closed trackbacks on. The spammers are not getting a link registering on any of my pages, just clogging up my database with their junk and my inbox with notifications about it. So I delete them. And delete them......
So, maybe they don't know that they aren't registering a link - it is being done by a script I imagine. My main question is, why is the script putting them in my database when they are turned off? Shouldn't it deny them or at least just dump them? Does anybody know about this "feature" in MT? Is there a fix? I would love to turn trackbacks on, I enjoy knowing who is out there reading and linking.
Stolen from Snarky, who found it at Big Orange Michael's:
If, as you live your life, you find yourself mentally composing blog entries about it, post this exact same sentence in your weblog.uh, yeah - you wanna make something of it?
Lori was having fun today with the Advertising Slogan Generator, so I decided to take her lead. Her results are a bit racier than mine.
I decided to look for a new slogan for the blog, so I'll put it to a vote.
Macker gives us a bit of insight into Rosie's latest rant - with a link to the transcript. If you think this woman isn't missing the toy from her Happy Meal you are " delusional "
Rosie's favorite little guy gets a nod over at Zonitics - finally, the truth is out about TomKat.
Reilly gives us a regular dose of Eye Candy - and now she's thrown in some hearts & flowers, too. Congrats, Girl!!!
Michael is AWOL, but with good reason - he and Diane got married over the weekend!
ShinyShiny has the perfect gift for Michael & Diane and Reilly & her guy.
Lori is taking a breather - maybe she needs a good dose of Reilly's Eye Candy....? Or perhaps just vats of high quality alcohol
Just to pick on Rosie some more, go read The Smallest Minority for lots of intelligent information on gun rights.
YaYa has apparently cloned one of SG's cats
More later....maybe
(took it from Stacy)
I tried to comment on a blog yesterday. Tried - not succeeded.
First, they had "captcha" or some such thing installed. I find that only mildly annoying, and I certainly understand the frustration that leads to it's use. At least on systems like that, where you are asked to enter an extra field of text, the word(s) are right there for you.
So, I fill in my name, my email, my URL, my amazingly insightful comment, and the secret code word - and I hit enter...only to be told I can't comment because I am not a 'member' Hmph!
So, besides all the information I have already given on the comment form, you want something else before you will let me play? Uh, no - but thanks.
Rachel set up a membership option on her blog a while back, but she did it right ~ she didn't exclude those who didn't register. What she did do was give extra goodies to those who did. So she gets lots of comments - from members and non-members.
But, maybe I'm just too sensitive.
I adopted a pet in honor of my mother, though I think her husband will be more amused.
adopt your own virtual pet! |
(BTW, got this from House of Snark)
You know the drill, I'm going out of town - comments are off. I'll turn 'em back on when I get back.
Have a great April Fools' Day, everyone!
Congrats to them both!
I am under doctors orders to severely limit my computer time .....
Silver lining: He did give me prescriptions for good drugs - and a massage.
Back in a couple of days.
Took this test 'cause she did it and I'm a follower
From her, who got it from her and her:
Answers
I have mentioned before how much I love RSS and my RSS reader. I especially love those of you who publish the full post as RSS, but for the good sites an excerpt gives me enough to decide whether to click through or not.
Then there is Television Without Pity, a fun site to help you keep up with your favorite shows via user posted recaps of the latest episodes. And they offer an RSS feed - which should be a good thing. Unfortunately, they seem to be unclear on the concept. Rather than send the full post in the feed, or allow the automatic truncation that most blog tools provide, they enter a specific excerpt on most that says - "The latest episode in a nutshell"
DUH! That's why you exist.
Now, it is still a handy notification system - I know when they've written about a specific show - but that's all. If you are going to do RSS, do it well...give me info.
Overrun by comment spam - so comments are of till I can transition to WordPress.
Of course, this week I don't even have time to breathe let alone worry about a major blog overhaul.....
Spending far too much time deleting comment spam
Banning IPs doesn't work and in fact ended up locking SG (and who knows who else) out of my comments - I have been putting off transitioning to WordPress but it looks like that is my best option. Grrr!
Related question: I have my sister set up on WP with the blacklist plug-in. However, it is sending all of her comments into the moderation queue, not just those that match blacklist criteria. Do I have something set wrong? Anybody?
....did some house cleaning over there -->
Added
Sand in the Gears is a most frustrating blog, though. His writing is wonderful, his stories are fabulous...but he is posting very rarely. I'm hooked and I find myself getting irritated with him because he hasn't given me any more of his stuff. How absurd is that?
Had to remove David.Dodenhoff and Brokenfall - they have both ceased to be. Oh, and I moved Jackalope Pursuivant - since he moved out of Arizona. He is now in my regular blog links.
From Time Magazine's story on 2004 being the Year of the Blog:
So your blog hasn't succeeded in getting national attention for your pet issue? Don't lose heart. Just blog, link and repeat.Definitely the secret to this whole thing - blog, link and repeat.
Also:
According to a survey of more than 4 million blogs by Perseus Development, 56% were created by women. More bad news for the boys: men are more likely than women to abandon their blog once it's created. Call blogging a 21st century room of one's own.hmmm - blog chicks rule
I got back from Sedona to find my sister's WordPress blog has gotten FUBAR - I am clueless as to what the issue is. She hasn't posted anything new (she has been in Sedona, too), there don't seem to be any new comments....
Any help would be appreciated.
UPDATE: it magically fixed itself...???
Go say Happy Birthday to my sister tomorrow - it is her first birthday with a blog.
You Are a Pundit Blogger! |
Your blog is smart, insightful, and always a quality read. Truly appreciated by many, surpassed by only a few. |
I don't really see myself that way, especially since I said the people only come to my site 'cause they know me, but whatever....?
I love this blog.
I love that SG reads this blog.
I love that my family and friends read this blog.
I hate when I find a post somewhere that is so funny I snort soda all over my keyboard and I can't link it here 'cause it is risqué (OK, downright nasty) and my family, friends and boyfriend read this blog.
And I don't want them to know how hard I laughed at a post like that.
Once again I am reminded that I need somewhere to blog anonymously.
It's been a year since Uptown Girl started sharing her thoughts with us online.
I'm glad she did - I look forward to her posts everyday. Head on over and wish her a happy one - and many more.
I got a nice gift in the mail this past week from my wish list. It is fabulous - unfortunately, it was also anonymous....so I don't know who to thank.
Was it you?
Well, thanks to whoever it was - I am really looking forward to putting it to use. SG may get some benefit from it, too ;-)
You're Lassie!
Take What Famous Dog are You? today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Personality Test Generator.
A house is burning down, you rescue all the small helpless children...Someone's stuck in a well, you pull them out...Someone's drowning and you save them. You're always there in the nick of time. Good job.
Found it Uptown
It is bad enough when those f*#%ing comment spammers hit my site, but they already hit my sisters site - her first day out of the block - and that pisses me off.
I am familiar with MT's IP blocking and blacklist, but I don't know how to deal with those idiots in WordPress. Any advice?
My sister and I have been talking for quite a while about getting her a blog. I really wanted her to have a forum to share her thoughts and insights, and now she does: Lion and Lambs
She even has the standard WordPress first entry So far, she has only the default template up - and you all know how boring that is. Since I have only been an MT girl it will take me a while to figure out how to prettify the Word Press templates. I'm just glad to see her posting.....
Head on over there and say "Hi", but don't tell her I sent ya' - I think she is a little shy
I am going to be at a funeral so the blog will be unattended for a while. I don't want to let the spammers have free reign here, so I will be turning comments off till I can get back.
I'm back so comments are back, too.
I'll give you more info on the trip later.
For those of you interested in the Bush/Cheney campaign (and disappointed in the official Bush/Cheney '04 blog) check out a new, late entry in the game. Bush-Cheney '04 senior advisor and strategist Tucker Eskew.
From today's post:
That's what one of you asked in a post...Is his goose cooked? Well, no, but he did himself no favors with that phony-baloney hunting trip.I wish he had been doing this all along - it looks to be more user friendly and amusing than the "What's Happening Today" posts over at the Official Campaign Blog. Stay tuned.He must've thought that what's good for the goose is good for the pander.
Doing a little house cleaning over there ------>
Still need to add (soon, I promise):
Had to remove Yale Diva. I love her writing, political and personal, but she seems to have abandoned the blog. At this point it is nothing more than a sounding board for moonbats and spammers. If anyone hears of Eliana coming back, let me know.
Goldie brings us, by way of YaYaEmpress, The List.
You know the rules. My 5, in no particular order:
From House of Snark I've stolen this:
Doctor Unheimlich has diagnosed me with Vox's Disorder | |
Cause: | just one of those things |
Symptoms: | neck swelling, gullibility, face blurring when photographed, mild hallucinations |
Cure: | pass it on to someone else within seven days |
Apparently, I'm contagious - and just to be sure I can recover I'll pass it on to everyone I can in the next week :-)
Ladies & Gentlemen, Right Journal has begun. He looks poised to give us some good (and funny) reading, check 'im out.
BTW, found him through Just A Girl in the World - he's one of her Blogs About gang.
On my last trip to LA, I purchased tickets to Monday nights Marillion concert at the House of Blues. I have been looking forward to seeing them live since I saw them last time - 1995 (?), Bimbo's in San Francisco (the club, incidentally, where his TV show was based)
So, I have two tickets - for just me. I had pretty much decided that I was taking a solo trip but then a good friend got bad news and I thought she might be up for an adventure. And she is!!!
Look out LA - two of the Phoenix blog chicks are comin' attcha.
With any luck we will also make a stop here on the way back....
p.s. comments are turned off till I get back to avoid idiots running loose. Sorry, the rest of you can tell me your thoughts on Tuesday.
I have been trying to get together with her and her to celebrate her birthday - which was weeks ago.
It was looking like we would finally make it tomorrow night but, now that I read this, I am not so sure.
Saw this quiz over at Bitchalicious and, since I am a sucker for classic pin-ups, I had to take it.
You're Betty Grable!
What Classic Pin-Up Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Go wish her a happy one.
Our Arizona Blogfather is back to his blog (after a much too lengthy hiatus) just in time to present us with his endorsements for tomorrows primary election.
Welcome back, "Edward"!
I don't agree with him politically.
I often agree with him critically - though not always.
I always enjoy his style - even when he is wrong.
James Wolcott gets a blog. Give it a look see, it will infuriate or amuse you - but it won't bore you.
(Hat Tip Buzzmachine)construction
My old friend Broken is back to blogging - and with a specific statement of purpose. I am glad to see him back - he has a very interesting voice. With any luck he will stick around a while.
BTW: this is post number 500 - seems fitting to use it to send a shout out to a friend, 'specially about his blog.
Michael said something nice to me in an email, so I thought I would give him a reward.
Thanks to suggestion from Lisa, I have installed ieSpell, which will allow me to write all my posts directly in my browser rather than in Textpad - which is what I did to take advantage of the spell checker.
ieSpell allows you to spell check anything you type in a textbox (web mail, forums, blogs) - just right click and gaze in wonder at how you managed to get restaraunt restaurant wrong...again.
Yes, Broken, I know you can't use it. I bet your browser already has a spell checker, right?
I removed the body of this post 'cause I think it was a bit too personal. I guess now I know where my blog comfort zone is....
Gist of the post - not spending time near a computer, spending time with SG.
There are by some estimates more than a million weblogs. But most of them get no visibility in search engines. Only a few "A-List" blogs get into the top search engine results for a given topic, while the majority of blogs just don't get noticed. The reason is that the smaller blogs don't have enough links pointing to them. But this posting could solve that. Let's help the smaller blogs get more visibility!
This posting is GoMeme 4.0. It is part of an experiment to see if we can create a blog posting that helps 1000's of blogs get higher rankings in Google. So far we have tried 3 earlier variations. Our first test, GoMeme 1.0, spread to nearly 740 blogs in 2.5 days. This new version 4.0 is shorter, simpler, and fits more easily into your blog.
Why are we doing this? We want to help thousands of blogs get more visibility in Google and other search engines. How does it work? Just follow the instructions below to re-post this meme in your blog and add your URL to the end of the Path List below. As the meme spreads onwards from your blog, so will your URL. Later, when your blog is indexed by search engines, they will see the links pointing to your blog from all the downstream blogs that got this via you, which will cause them to rank your blog higher in search results. Everyone in the Path List below benefits in a similar way as this meme spreads. Try it!
Instructions: Just copy this entire post and paste it into your blog. Then add your URL to the end of the path list below, and pass it on! (Make sure you add your URLs as live links or HTML code to the Path List below.)
Path List
1. Minding the Planet
2. Luke Hutteman's public virtual MemoryStream
3. Vox
4. (your URL goes here! But first, please copy this line and move it down to the next line for the next person).
(NOTE: Be sure you paste live links for the Path List or use HTML code.)
Off again on another trip - this is the beach trip, the bikini goal. I will be in California for a week, which means celebrating my birthday there. And it is a big one, I'll be censored years old.
Comments will be off while I am gone to stop the spammers, you can still email me at blog at bkennelly . com (or any of my other email addresses if you have them). I'll let you know if I manage to squeeze into the suit - and maybe I'll even post a picture....
UPDATE: I may not be able to access email after all. If I don't answer, don't take it personally.
I am destined to stay in the slime and muck at the bottom of the ecosystem, but I went ahead and signed up anyway - 'cause Michael did it and I am a follower
I happened to be over at Chasing the Wind this early morning and decided to follow a link in his blogroll.
At that site I saw a link to a name from way back in my past. This person is apparently campaigning for office this year.
I am not going to link his site because he is (or at least was) an absolutely certifiable psycho and I would really not like him to find me. He stalked me across the country several years ago, eventually getting a sporting organization I belong to to give him my contact info. I should say belonged to.
No, there was never any relationship there - nothing more than a casual friendship. I think he just went absolutely loop-de-loop, around the bend, off his rocker.... I know he had me very scared.
And now he wants people to vote for him...what a wonderful country.
to be fair, I haven't been bothered by him in years (but that could be because he didn't know how to find me) and he may have just had a 2-3 year breakdown. I realize people get better. I don't want to test the theory
BuzzMachine has a link to a recent WSJ article (and they made it a free/non-registration link!) regarding syndication of blog feeds. Many of you already know I am a huge RSS fan. For those of you who haven't dipped your toes in the water of reading your daily blogs this way, the article is a quick overview - very quick, just glosses the surface.
Though it doesn't go in depth, and the author is a bit behind the times (he calls newsreaders "a relatively new phenomenon"), I think it will pique some people's interest and get them to give it a try.
He has a few suggestions for aggregators - mostly applications requiring purchase or subscription. He does mention Bloglines, which is free and web based, making it ideal if you use multiple computers during the week.
I use SharpReader, which I love and it is free, but it does have a few 'features' that might not make it the best choice for you. It requires you to be running .NET on your system, which can be a bit of a pain but worth the trade off to me because I really like SharpReader. Also, I use it both at home and at work. Because it, and the data, reside on the computer, things I have read in one location show as new in the other. That problem is avoided with a system like Bloglines where the data is stored online. I find it to be only a minor inconvenience, however, when I factor in the ease of using the SharpReader interface.
I tried a couple of systems that deliver the feed as email - and hated them. One of the things I like about RSS is not needing to get email alerts and such ~ which explains why I think the RSS feed to track FedEx packages is better than their email alerts. I have enough crap in my inbox that I can't control - I love having my aggregator set up just the way I want it. I love pulling the information in, rather than them pushing it out.
But that is just my opinion...
Rachel has altered her RSS feed so that it now displays the whole post in your aggregator (should you so desire)
I am very excited because this works out great for me.
Oh, if you are an RSS junkie, it will probably be nice for you, too. But I'm excited for ME. Me, me, me!
Michael is on a date (or will be soon) so I wanted to send him some happy wishes - and something to set the mood. This ones for you:
Well, in trying to find a little extra trickle of income I have a paid sponsor (sort of) - My Utmost Construction
It isn't pay-for-placement, or even pay-per-click, it is a referral fee if someone in the Phoenix area actually books a job.
Here is what I can tell you about him: He's been in the business for a very long time (have to check the exact years), and is licensed, bonded and insured. He handles all sorts of jobs, private or commercial, but concentrates mainly on larger remodel or addition type jobs - getting him for handyman or repair stuff is great because he is very good, but you have to catch him when he has a free day or two. Having seen his remodel work, I can tell you it is quite impressive, as well (though I can't afford to have anything done right now).
And, for you ladies, he is definitely not hard to look at - especially when he is workin'
Just sorry I didn't pull a Rachel and get his picture
I'd have linked to Rachel's actual post with a picture of the AC guy, but I couldn't find it...and I'm too tired to keep looking. Trust me, it was funny - now go read her other stuff
Not content to wait for me to have time (and get off my butt) to make him a button, Michael created one himself - and even made it to the dimensions I use. So, here it is, go read his stuff.
Thanks, Michael
I have (finally) added Bitchalicious, I Have A Crazy Wife, & Hardworking Americans to the Arizona bloggers list and Chasing The Wind under my other suggested reads. I had hoped to make pretty buttons, but decided if I waited till I had time they would never get linked.
BTW: the links are alphabetical with the exception of Zonitics (because he is the AZ BlogFather) and Brokenfall (because he updates infrequently and is not of the same vein as my other recommended sites)
I had the great fortune to attend the memorial here in Phoenix with Gary & Rachel. It is always better to have friends around when you are hurting, even if they are brand new friends. I can think of more pleasant circumstances for us to meet, but I am grateful that we got together despite the sadness of the occasion.
After watching the service, and crying, I was interviewed by KTAR (radio) and KPHO and someone else (tv). Apparently, the secret is to wear a cool shirt. I didn't hear or see if any of them used the interviews on their early broadcasts.
I spent the evening at my mother's house with my brother and his family, my sister and one of her friends. I turned on the KPHO 10:00 newscast in time to see their short report and just as I said "that's where I was" the showed a clip of Rachel and I wiping our eyes so it came out as "that's where I was..that's me" They didn't show the interview, but they didn't really show anything else on that broadcast.
Pete was at the state Bar Association dinner which they covered because of Sandra Day O'Connor speaking at Reagan's funeral then here in Phoenix. As I watched that coverage I saw a shot of him, too. What are the odds we'd both end up on tv, on the same station, on the same day?
After the memorial, we went up to Metrocenter to waiting for Lori to be free for lunch. We had a great time at Olive Garden and probably could have stayed through dinner we were having so much fun chatting. The only downside is the amount of food I ate - I am still stuffed. But it was yummy, so it will be worth all the extra workouts. On a side note, Lori was wearin' some of her new shoes
I wonder if we can make getting together a regular thing. Definitely enjoyed those ladies - and Gary - and would love to have more get togethers filled with laughter.
BTW: I had my camera with me and didn't take a single picture - at least Rachel got a picture of Chuck.
Well, I have been holding out hope that Conservative Crust would work out his technical problems and come back online. However, since we are six weeks into the shutdown I realize I must make a choice...at some point soon I will have to take him off the sidebar. That is a real shame because I loved his site, this post is just one example. Sigh.
On that note, however, I must point out several great sites that I haven't gotten added to my sidebar yet.
Enjoy!
Rachel did this one, so I figured I'd give it a try.
OK - this one is better, or gets closer anyway
Heart of Fire
What is Your Heart REALLY Made of?
brought to you by Quizilla
Can you guys tell I am procrastinating....? Can not get into work today
What movie should I be in? According to this site it's Tarzan
brought to you by Quizilla
I don't agree at all, but..whatever. It's a cute picture anyway.
How 'bout you, do they get close?
What movie Do you Belong in?
I do want to hear your opinions on, well, everything - but I don't want to give the comment spammers a forum. Since I am going to be out of town for 3 days I have closed comments. I will open them back up again when I get back.
This is the weekend my step-sister is getting married...on the beach. I'm not sure if I am going to break out the bikini or stick with the two-piece (not for the wedding itself, for the rest of the trip). We'll see how brave I feel in the moment.
I have been seeing the mass exodus from MovableType (and others) to Wordpress.
I am sick of the long rebuild times with MT.
Many of the blogs I read regularly, written by people I respect, are making the switch.
Should I jump on the band wagon?
Thought I would pick one of the blogs from my sidebar and point out some of their recent posts. Up first: Silent Running
There is a great excerpt of an interview with Marek Edelman, legendary fighter of fascism. His time defending the Warsaw ghetto is still fresh enough in his memory to shine a light on the current conflict in the Middle East.
A review of The Day After Tomorrow, which Wind Rider describes as 'Attack of the Killer Tomatoes meets the Poseidon Adventure'
"Tom Paine" points us to Cuban exile Jesus J. Chao's thoughts on Michael Moore and Cannes
Cannes' shameful spectacle is a representative hallmark of the character of the Gallic people. We must not forget that Hitler occupied France much without resistance and there was extensive cooperation among the French people with the Nazis, to the point of delivering their own French Jewish friends and neighbors to the Germans for extermination in Hitler's concentrations camps.
Wish I had time to link some more, but work calls.....
Everybody else is doing it...so here I am, if I were in a cartoon.
I just found out that Rachel is a local girl and now I find out she's a wild one, too.
She's posted pu*sy video...on her blog...for just anyone to see!
1. Blog confession time: Is there a topic that you shy away from on purpose on your blog? What is that topic, and why?
I try to keep my blog PG-13, and I know that a few members of my family and a couple of friends read it. So there are subjects I won't tackle. If I was sure that my family wasn't reading it, I would have more to say on some subjects; religion, politics, sex..... As a friend said, "I am ready for the world to know, I'm just not ready for my family to know"
2. Define your blog to the world - in six words.
Vox blog, it's spreading like wildflowers.
3. Repeat question from RE: Blogs 1: What is current, most favorite blog tool?
I don't use any blog tools, unless you count Movable Type and SharpReader. I wouldn't be blogging without MT, I'd have a hard time keeping up without RSS and SharpReader... I'll have to say RSS by a nose.
4. RE:Blogs that have captured your attention - - no number limit here - - hand out some link luvin’s from your blog to theirs
Just A Girl In The World: You'll notice I've added her to the sidebar. Funny and fresh - she posts often and almost always leaves me smiling (sometimes she gets me riled up). Also intrigued by her other blog, Right Voices, where she recently did a great job of nailing one of the main problems the Left has with debate.
Belmont Club: For their very in depth coverage of the situation in Iraq. Most recently, the wedding party attack and it's implications. They cover reasons why American soldiers would fire at Iraqis in civilian dress, including women and children.
Chasing The Wind: interesting newcomer. Some good stuff so far, like this take on Michael Moore and the Palm d'Or (ooh, that rhymes)
p.s. to Michael @ Chasing the Wind: I mostly like what you're doing there, but that background has got to go.
Uptown Girl: Always. She's fun and she gives girl bloggers a good name. With this post about how uncomfortable it is to be 'included' in another couple's fight, however, she makes me reconsider an earlier post of my own.....
Yale Diva: She proves you can be a girly-girl and still have brains. Her mix of politics & fashion is a real treat. Here she gives us more evidence of the media hypocrites - book ended by posts about men's neckerchiefs (she is against) and straw trucker caps (she is for).
Buzz Machine: This is definitely one I couldn't keep up with if not for RSS - he is prolific, to say the least. His 'conversation' with the radio as he listened to The Next Big Thing is amusing in it's presentation, and irritating in it's content. He also did a great job of presenting the speech Michael Berg gave blaming Bush for his son's murder. You may get stuck on this site for a while, besides his many posts he has quite a group of commenters to keep you busy.
Useful Fools: One of my favorite AZ blogs. Besides his many other insights, he is a Vietnam Veteran with much to say about Kerry. He has information available for the Vietnam Veterans against Kerry demonstration, as well as much commentary on the situation in Iraq.
Zonitics: Last, but by no means least. He is our Arizona blog-father, keeping his eyes on our Copper State community. He is my go to guy for information and analysis on education programs/reforms and the 'revitalization of downtown'. I wish I could rely on RSS for his site. Because he isn't a daily poster, I spend a lot of time checking to see what's new, only to be disappointed. I know there is a way to get a feed from blogspot, but I can't remember what it is - and I am too lazy to track it down.....
1. RE: Blogrolls - Do you link just because you were linked? Or do you link because you actually read it?
I set up a blogroll account, but haven't used it. It seems that too many sites are filled up with nothing but recipro-links. When I look to the sidebar for links, it's because I've liked what I found on that site and want more in the form of something that they enjoyed. When it is just an endless list I feel less confident that is what I'll find.
I link only what I read - if they are on my sidebar, I visit them regularly. Many daily, all at least weekly. That said, I have found a few of them because they linked to me or commented here. I wouldn't link someone just because they linked me, but it would get my attention and encourage me to check them out
I have been wanting to post on this topic for a while, and still may do something a bit more involved, but it is very late and I am very tired.....
ANSWER: No
2. RE: Stupid Quizzes: Do you do them? If you do - do you do them because you think they’re cute, fun and interesting? Or do you do them because you have absolutely no ideas in your head and have nothing else to blog about and you feel obligated to put something, anything up there?
I have done a few quizzes because they were amusing.
I tried a couple to fill blog space but found it less than satisfying.
Don't do them very often at all, but if I do them, know it is because it caught my attention.
3. RE: Other blogs - 5 (or more)blogs that have captured my attentions this week
This is a tough one. I can think of two right off the bat: Uptown Girl, who has her own answers to these questions posted. This is a good example of how to get linked here. Lori has mentioned the site a few times, good contrast Downtown Chick Chat / Uptown Girl. So I clicked...and I commented...and she commented (or vice versa)....and I found that I was visiting Uptown Girl every day or so. So I made her a button and added her to the side bar.
Through both Uptown Girl and Downtown Chick Chat, I found Just a Girl in the World. This is her quiz. I find myself checking back there regularly, too, so she may end up with a link as well.
Recently found Hardworking Americans, another Arizona blog. Plan to link, just haven't built her a button yet. Looks like she spent the weekend dealing with the same type of issues as me - only she wasn't the one infected.
Then there is Sound Fury, also an Arizona blogger who recently gave us a suggested staff list for the new Anti-Conservative Website.
Prior to that (sorry, well over a week ago) would be Jackalope Pursuivant (who has a great suggestion for a Tillman tribute) and Short Strange Trip (whose efforts at physical fitness actually have a point) - more blogs from the Grand Canyon State. I find these mainly through the efforts of "Edward Boyd" over at Zonitics. He is our Arizona Blog Father and he keeps us all informed.
Well, I was holding out hope that Right We Are would be coming back. Looks like, from Lori's comment here, they are gone for good this time.
I guess I will have to remove the link from my side bar.....
I had hoped it was just a temporary fluke - but it seems to be ongoing.
Does anybody know what happened to Right We Are?
I am going to take advantage of my benefits and take a trip for a couple of days. That means I'll be away from my computer and unable to delete the comment spam that comes my way. Rather than give the little buggers free reign here, I have turned off comments.
I hate to do that, because the comments I get - though too few and too far between - are generally good ones. My readers seem to be a very intelligent bunch and I enjoy the interaction.
I'll turn comments back on for the newer posts when I get back.
UPDATE: Comments are back on - so what do you have to say?
I'll write about my trip (fabulous) once I get caught up.
Zonitics points us to an Arizoner blogger, Dan at Jackalope Pursuivant, previously overlooked by yours truly.
I repent.
Dan even went to the trouble of surveying other Arizona blogs - look there I am.
And there is another overlooked local blog - The Short Strange Trip. He's in Tucson, so not quite as cool as Phoenix bloggers but funny as hell. Sometimes the simplest observations get ya' right here.
1. What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
Could say getting married, but that's just because it ended badly
Physically risky would probably be skydiving, emotionally risky would be getting up in front of a crowd to sing.
2. What one thing would you like to try that your mother/friend/significant other would never approve of?
Pole dancing
It just seems like it would be so liberating, especially after reading Strip City by Lily Burana
3. On a scale of 1-10, what's your risk factor? (1=never take risks, 10=it's a lifestyle)
Again, have to split it up: physically I'd say 8.5, emotionally only 4
4. What's the best thing that's ever happened to you as a result of being bold/risky?
Gave my business card to S.O.Man. Then finally went out with him several months later. Good call on my part.
5. ... and what's the worst?
ummm, uhhhh - I guess I block out the bad stuff 'cause I can't remember anything.
Well, I am at home, sick - completely without a voice (a bit ironic for Vox to be voiceless, but I digress) I couldn't go in to work because, besides feeling like crap, I have to be able to make announcements and radio calls for my job at the airport. So, to pass the time here at home I have been blog-hopping. I opened up my SharpReader for the first time in a while to check my RSS feeds and what did I find to my great delight?
Right We Are! is back.
I haven't been over there since they posted the 'going out of business' sign several weeks ago. I have been visiting Lori's new digs over at Downtown Chick Chat, but thought Maripat had hung up her keyboard - a great loss for sure.
Well, it looks like she's been back at it for a while - and I missed some great stuff. As of Jan 26th, RWA features two conservative babes again. As soon as I can get the logo back up, you will find their site proudly linked on my sidebar.
Seems like a fine idea to me....
or see this....
or this....
I really, really like my new job - might even go so far as to say I love it. There aren't many jobs that are still enjoyable even when things are going horribly wrong. That's the kind of job this is ~ on the longest, most stressful day I am still smiling and happy to be there.
But, it gives me even less time to write my blog - and read yours. I was finally starting to find my voice (and losing the fear of speaking my mind) before the surgery. Now, I can't seem to fit 15 minutes into most days.
I will definitely continue to maintain Vox but will not be posting on even a semi-regular basis. If you are still at all interested, I recommend the RSS feed option, or come back every few weeks and see what I've been up to.
A few more days.....
too much pain - not enough drugs
and I thought I had a high threshold for pain, hmmm.
I know, "boo-hoo"
Well, the cutting part is over - the pain and drugs remain :-)
I should be back in a few days....
Well, I finally have some time off - and I'm having surgery. I have no idea how long I'll be laid up, or how out of it I'll be. I am reasonably certain I won't be posting for a few days.
John left a comment on the harsh punishment we have here for people caught with child pornography. I have much to say to him but it will have to wait till the drugs wear off.
Until I'm back in the game, please take the time to visit the sites on my side bar. They will keep you amused and informed.
Today is Ryan's Birthday! Head on over and wish him a happy one.
I hear he has some interesting plans for the day - let's hope he blogs it.
I promise to get back to writing (not just linking) soon. Training is almost over, so I will get a regular schedule - instead of working at every job, every day, I can do one or two jobs a day . . . which should leave time for reading, writing and blogging.
On the subject of work - I am finding this new job to be more challenging, and more fun, than I expected. Glad I decided to give it a try.
I promise to get back to posting real stuff soon. This month is just too packed with work to write much. I will try to at least give you links to things I find interesting - but October is when I see some free time. Yay!
For now there's this:
Matt Welch has done a great job of distilling what it is that the great blogs can be. Not all, not even most - but some.
I hope he is right about where the medium is heading.
(Hat Tip to BuzzMachine)
Well, everything seems to be in working order. DNS entries pointing to the right place and all.
I changed directories for the blog, but left a zero delay redirect.
New location www.bkennelly.com/vox/
Adjust your links/bookmarks if you want - or don't, you'll still get here. Unfortunately, the archive files are all moved too, so I may have screwed up your trackbacks. Sorry. Fortunately, I haven't been in business that long so there's not much there.
Thanks again to everyone who offered their help. Extra special thanks to Wind Rider, I would have been lost without you!
I am finally back online!!
All it took was several days work from Wind Rider over at Silent Running.... and moving to a new host.
I have no idea how to thank him for everything he did to get me back on my rant. If any of you know him and know what the appropriate offering would be - please let me know.
BTW, I've been with AN Hosting for almost 24 hours now, and so far no downtime. With my old host I would have lost 2-3 hours (at least)
I just love a man in uniform.
Thanks to Lori for the pointer, and the picture
As we see yet another victim of idiotic "Blog Rage"* I have been trying to comprehend how things get so out of hand. How does a simple disagreement become a full scale, long distance confrontation? Why would someone feel the need and the justification in threatening a persons job, family, children?
These types of blowouts usually occur when at least one of the parties is the type...
...whose arguments consist mainly of profanity and personal attacks. Rather than participate in an intelligent discourse, these folks leave comments with all the intellectual depth of a pre-teen with a public school education. When someone has the audacity to (gasp) disagree with them, they sink even lower. More profanity, more name calling, and, in true junior high fashion, they sic their friends on the offender. The original point (if there was one) is completely lost, and what is left is a lot of scratching and hair pulling.
My first inclination was to chalk up this behavior to the anonymity of the web, and in fact many of the secondary people who get involved (the minions) do in fact attack anonymously. However, from what I've seen, the principals do not - or, if they do, they also continue to post openly. You can easily, in most cases, find out what they are all about simply by going to their blog - when they are forthcoming enough to post a link. Once again, generally the principals do. Though they often don't have any trouble sinking to the level of filth of the more cowardly anonymous posters.
How does a disagreement over a word that is used by many people, for many reasons, devolve to an all out blog war over who gets to use it? How does a silly contest that should have been all in fun degenerate to the point that peoples children get involved (and threatened)? No matter what someone says to you, these hysterical reactions are so far out of line that they are unbelievable.
I am grateful that my traffic is so low that I am not subject to visitation from that element. It still makes me curious, though, what their offline life is like.
* if you don't know what I'm talking about, just as well - I'm not linking to it.
UPDATE: Just to be clear, the animosity in the latest BlogRage incident I mention didn't START because of the contest, that is simply the point at which it came to a head. No idea what started it, which kind of illustrates my earlier statement - the original point is lost (I think, in this case, the main characters seem to remember)
I wasn't going to link to anyone, but Matt was so forthcoming about the contest being a shameless popularity contest with the added benefit (hopefully) of increasing his traffic - I thought I'd do my part and send my handful of readers over there. I don't think the contest is to blame, but some immature reactions after it started.
I made it to Jaboobie's Spotlite!
I don't have to tell you how cool that is because I know you've been going there everyday to read his stuff. If you haven't, don't tell me - just GO THERE and read.. The coolness factor should be obvious. He even made me my own Vox button ~ which got me all inspired.
I made a few buttons of my own (with a little help from Missy) and posted them for anyone who is so inclined - or, more than likely, just for the fun of it. If you want to see the loudmouth logos, they are here
My brother, known (for many reasons) as the coolest-human-on-the-planet, pointed me to BlogStreet. This site will generate RSS feeds for most blogs that don't automatically generate them. Now I can easily keep up with you blogspot folks. They have their own aggregator which you can use, or you can subscribe to their generated feed through your preferred aggregator ~ perhaps SharpReader.
While you are there, take advantage of their directory, or see where you are in the blog neighborhood.
I can certainly see why people are so fond of SharpReader. Now that I have worked out my initial hiccups I love it!
My one complaint ~ too many of you aren't sending RSS feeds so I can't stay current with your posts that way.
Thanks to everyone who helped me get familiar with the SharpReader interface, especially Luke. You've got to respect a man who stands behind his product.
It has come to my attention that people find the previous name unwieldy. So, we will slice and dice - and retain the voice. Vox was the main point anyway. I'll subtitle with the rest (et praeterea nihil) because I think it still fits.
I have been looking for an aggregator to use for my long list of daily reads. I have heard many great things about SharpReader so I thought I would give that a try.
I am not having much luck. Is there anyone out there using this who can help me figure out why ...
1) it isn't updating the feed when the blogs are updated ~ and I waited hours after I knew an update had been done?
2) the sites I've subscribed to disappear everytime I turn off my computer? I certainly won't be subscribing everyday.
Or, perhaps you can recommend an aggregator that works in Windows but doesn't require running Outlook.
Anyone?
UPDATE: I sent an email off the Luke at SharpReader asking for help, and he responded very quickly with helpful suggestions and diagnostic questions. I have already worked out some of the issues I was having, and I'm confident that with his help I will conquer the rest. You've gotta be impressed with a product that offers that kind of service. Despite my initial hiccups, I can see why they have so many fans.
Now, if only more of the blogs I read offered the RSS feed
I find that a great part of the information I have was acquired by looking up something and finding something else on the way.
-- Franklin P. Adams
I recently got a comment from John Moore letting me know that he is an Arizona blogger as well. It seems my neighborhood is full of interesting, intelligent folks. You will find Useful Fools listed on my sidebar, but I wanted to give you a special heads up about it.
John has some good coverage of the current issues, lately on North Korea and Niger, for instance.
Something else that sets Useful Fools apart is the apparent lack of idiot comments. I'm not saying there is no disagreement, but there seems to be a decided lack of profanity and mudslinging involved. I don't know whether this is due to diligent deletion on John's part or he really attracts a more articulate clientele, either way it makes a more pleasurable read. I enjoy hearing from people with opposing viewpoints ('some of my best friends are liberal') if they are capable of presenting an intelligible case. For the most part, that's what you'll get there - except when Noam stops by.
What a great week!
Yesterday I got a short comment from Jaboobie, one of my favorite daily reads.
Today I found myself linked on Zonitics! It's like Christmas. Check their site several times a day - they post well and they post often!
If people that I respect this much are going to actually look at my blog, I am going to have to start writing stuff that is more interesting than a list of books I've read. It is obvious, also, that it is time to get brave and start posting about my [gulp] political beliefs. I hesitated because there are so many who do it so much better than I - e.g. the links above. But when Zonitics lists me as "Center" I know I need to get out of the closet.
Here it is in print for all the world to see: I am Right, I have always been Right & I have every intention of remaining Right.
Whew. There, I've said it. If you know me and you didn't know that you weren't paying attention.
OK, I know MoxiePOP has taken down her site ~ now I know why.
I am continuing to link to her in the hope that she will come back online soon.
update 6/25:
more on this at Jaboobie and A Little More to the Right