Before You Use Your Real Name...

Before you use your real name on your blog, read this partial post entry from Speedy Hollydale Page ...

Here is the thing, if you use your real identity EVER anywhere on the net, you are crazy. Just don't do it. We could go on all day about copy writes, personal privacy issues, and how we all "OWN" what we write on our blogs and other media sources, but truth is once you hit enter, your content is everywhere and recorded by much more than Google or Facebook. Think you have a private blog that is not searched by bots?? Think again. I could publish something, erase or alter it, but feeds and readers will have already captured every word. FOREVER. There is not privacy on the net, and there never was. I will say again ..... do not use your real identity or true address anywhere - anytime.

Thanks Speedykins for letting me use this good info! ;)

Did you lose some Google Blogger "Followers"?

I looked at my Google Blogger "Follow this blog" list, and noticed that the number had dropped overnight. Well it looks like The Daily Blonde has the answer. To fix it go to "dashboard", on the left you will see "manage" click on that. To the right of each blog if you see "anonymously", that needs to be changed to "publicly." Now you will appear on that person's blog. I imagine they have to do the same to reappear on your blog. So spread the word! If you have trouble go to The Daily Blonde and read her post. She has more information. Added Feb 25th - Babs (Beetle) just told me that..."For those that are not with Blogger. They just need to 'stop following' and then 'follow' again and it fixes things."

I've also noticed Google Blogger Blogs have been temporally disappearing. Not the whole blog, but the posts disappear. I was told that mine disappeared, and I noticed two others did also. You can still go to a post from your reader, but you have to click on the individual post, or the posts won't show. If anyone has information on that please let me know.

Networking Google Blogger Tip & Remodeling Update

About two months ago I tried a different way of networking. Google Blogger had recently come out with their "Follow this Blog" reading list. (look to your left, please click and join me!) I thought I'd follow the Blogger reading list trail. I clicked on one icon from a blog buddy, which lead me to another, & another, so on. If I came to a dead end, I would just double back. Of course being the choosy type, I looked over the persons profile & blog first to see if we might match. Then I left a comment, and added my name to their "follow this blog" list. I was pleasantly surprised when most of the people returned comment. In fact some are becoming regulars to my blog &, visa versa. I'm a bit slow to update my Blog Roll, but it should triple in size soon! ;o)

Remodeling Update - I took a breather from remodeling for awhile, but need to finish. It's about 90% done, but I'm stuck. I'm trying to find a Blogger compatible mail box icon that links directly to my e-mail. I'm also looking for a Blogger "Top Commenters" list that links individuals listed to their blogs. The one that I've seen does not work correctly. The count is off. If you have any suggestions I'd appreciate it. Remember they have to be Google Blogger compatible. By the way, I will be taking the "Political Non-Partisan Sites" list down soon. If interested you might want to bookmark the links.

So what do you think of the remodeling so far? Is there something that you would really want to see that I don't have? I am open to suggestions. ;o) Thanks!

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My Blog Changes + Thanks

I want to talk to you about several items. -

First, my blog will have a new look...

You will notice several changes in my blog soon. I'm going to have more "toys" or wegits on my blog. I may have to change my template so I can neatly fit the wegits on my sidebar. I don't want my blog to look to messy, and it's already starting too. So it might have a new look soon.

Second, I will talk about a variety of subjects, not just politics...

I have had a lot of political posts lately. I feel that it is important for me to have a political voice here, but I also acknowledge that I have some blog readers from other countries who visit my blog often. I don't want to leave them out. Therefore, I will have more of a mixture of posts.

Third, I want to thank...

I want to thank those wonderful, faithful, readers from other countries for continuing to visit my blog, and for your recent comments, even though I have harped on U.S. politics. My thanks goes out to...

eastcoastlife (Singapore)

Lady Banana (London, UK)

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (New Zealand)

I also want to thank several other people. We may not see eye to eye on political matters, but you have listened me to express my beliefs, (in some cases on your blog), and still remain welcoming to me. And my thanks also to some others who have expressed their political views even though they normally don't. I'm glad that you have felt comfortable enough to express your views on my blog. My policy concerning this blog is that I welcome a variety of opinions as long as you are kind, courteous, and respectful of one another. My thanks goes out to...

Against the Grain

Hahn at Home

Lilly's Life

Momma Mia, Mea Culpa

shrimplate

Spiritual Brush Strokes

twofinches


I hope that I didn't leave anyone out. I hope you forgive me if I did.

Forth, your suggestions...

I'm busy these days and might not have a lot of time to blog. However, I was wondering if there is anything that you want me to write a post on? What would you like to hear? I can't guarantee that I will blog about it, but will consider it. I appreciate your input. ;o)


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VOTE NOW - "What do you think of Gov. Sarah Palin?"

My Google Blogger poll on Sarah Palin ends in less then 24 hours. Remember if you don't vote, don't complain. ;o)










Photo credit

Nice Weather = Less Blogging

Nice Weather = Less Blogging

I'm sure that it's nothing new that people tend to blog less in summer. I will be one of them. Oh, I don't know how much less, but I imagine I will slow down some. You may tag me for memes and such, but please understand if I don't have time to do them. After a long hard Rochester winter I am out of hibernation, and want to get out and about. I want to go to festivals, beaches, see more movies, etc. Besides that I have to take care of a few things like get help for the depression, and concentrate on taking better care of myself. It's a good time to reprioritize.

A few subjects have come to my attention to blog about, but I will just touch on them...

What is going on John Edwards?

I can't figure him out. Why did he wait so long? He just backed Obama AFTER North Carolina voted. In my previous post "The John Edward Factor", I wrote how Senator Edwards, (of N.C.), could be a major player. Everyone thought that he would back either Hillary, or Obama before the North Carolina vote, and in so doing maybe rack up a few more delegates for his favorite. But he waited until the last minute, so his endorsement will not be as affective. It looks like he is just backing the Democrat that is leading. He also has stated again, that he does not want to run for Vice President. He's a relatively young, ambitious, politician who seems to be throwing in the towel. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it has to do with his wife's health. Or maybe he is interested in the V.P. position, but just giving us a load of crap.

Hallelujah! California legalizes gay marriage!



Now we have two states, Massachusetts and California. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi plan to wed. Congratulations ladies! But is it me, or do we seem backwords? After all Canada has already legalized gay marriage. We are slow, doing it one state at a time. For a country who says that they are for civil rights, we sure are taking our time about it.

Please subscribe to my NEW rss feed!

My OLD RSS feed is not working correctly. Please subscribe to my NEW Feed. If you have never subscribed, I would love to have you as a reader! Thank You!

Just click here


Information about RSS and different readers.

The Culprit is WordPress! And um, me

I have had my share of blog host woes this week. Here is an update, and if you have WordPress it you might be of particular interest to you.

First Google Reader is finally back online after disappearing for three days. I'm currently using My Yahoo as a backup reader in case this happens again.

I blamed Google Blogger for my recent problems, but I was wrong. My apologies to Blogger. To date I only had only one minor problem with Blogger, and that was during the set up. Turns out my difficulty is with WordPress. Ok, It was partly my fault. I admit it. I informed some of blogging friends of free coffee. I mentioned the brand name. I didn't realize that I would get in trouble for mentioning the brand name. I think that is how my website got listed by WordPress as SPAM. Yes, yours truly is now SPAM! UGH! Also WordPress has a new anti-spam plug in that may be prohibiting some legitimate bloggers from commenting. I guess in the wild world of blogging, just like life, that crap happens.

I ask that my WordPrss friends be patient with me as I try to get off the SPAM list. Meanwhile, look carefully at your spam folder, my comment might be in it.

I want to thank dcr blogs for putting is finger on the problem, and advising me. I hope that this mess will be over soon.

Have you had any problems with your blog host?

UPDATE: I am out of the dog house. My blog is no longer considered SPAM! I should have mentioned that it was Akismet, an anti-spam WordPress plugin, that labeled my blog as SPAM. If you have the same problem, you can go to Quick Online Tips for a way out of your dilemma, or contact Akismet directly. My thanks again to dcr blogs for providing those links, and for the advice.

UPDATED: Google Blogger, and Google Reader are Misbehaving!

Google Blogger, and Google Reader are both misbehaving! I am having difficulty leaving comments. I'm not the only one. Others have reported having difficulties. Also Google Reader is down. It is blank. This is the third time in three months that my reader has been down. It's my first time having problems with Blogger. As a new blogger it is annoying, and frustrating to me. My blog is just getting off the ground, and now T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Google, get your act together!

If you have had problems leaving comments, please come back at a later time...not to much later... ;o) and try again.

Meanwhile I will contemplate getting a back up reader!

UPDATE: It's Thursday morning April 10th. Google Reader is finally working, (at least for now), but I am still having MAJOR problems leaving comments on other blogs. I haven't forgotten about you my blogging friends. I'm trying! I'm trying! AAUGH!

Ah, the commenting problem may not be Bloggers fault! I many have a major announcement soon concerning this mystery.
RSS Reader information and reader list with video.

Don't Worry. Be Happy ... Soon - My 2nd Blog!

I know that I have blogged on a few very heavy topics lately. Since I don't want to scare any of you away, or give you nightmares, I will soon have a second blog.

"Awake In Rochester" will be more for you. I won't get into a lot of heavy personal posts. It will have more humorous, fun, posts. Similar to what it has been, but better, and without the mega drama.

But since I need to get a few things off my chest, and it might be heavy. I will have a second blog. Therefore, blog #2 will be for me. More personal. Letting off some steam Trying to think things through. Kind of an old fashioned privet diary. My darker side. Therapy baby! I think I will have it open to the public, at least at first. So you will be able to take a peek, if your brave enough!

I have a new poll concerning it. Where do you think I should have my more personal, privet blog? You can cast your vote. If you want to elaborate, you can comment here.

Twitter and People on My Blogroll

Have you heard about Twitter? It's a cool way to stay connected though short messages. A way to network, and publicize your blog, or anything else. I found out that FatDoctor accidentally erased her blog through Twitter. It only takes a moment to join. I have a new Twitter Wedget on my blog, you can join, and follow me on Twitter that way. Or you can just click here. But be careful it's almost as addictive as Blogging! I thought that I would Twitter about the wonderful people that are on my blogroll list, and spread some link love too.

The two most frequent, and faithful at commenting are Moments Of Randomness, and Sheep and Goats. (by Tom sheepandgoats). Thanks guys! Against the Grain, written by a lesbian who won an historic and precedent setting ruling which says that all legal same-sex marriages must be recognized in New York State. Yahoooo! Thanks Pat, and Lisa! And So It Goes On - A caregiver in Michigan who has an obvious flair for writing, and a good heart. Debo Hobo dot Com - She just had a birthday. Can you guess her age? If you can you just might win a $10 Amazon.com gift card. Check out her post dated March 13, 2008. Dr. Deb is a Psychologist. I'm not big on therapists, but I would like to be on her couch. Ahh, no Freudian slip intended. dcr Blogs- A smart cookie who likes to blog about blogging, and other things. I've learned from him. Eastcoastlife has a very popular blog. I'm learning about Singapore from her.

Forging Iron Man - He's a nursing student, into martial arts, and cancer survivor. We have several things in common- Christianity, Health Care, and Star Trek. We have had our disagreements, but work though them, (see link below). He's a good guy. Lady Banana is a cheeky Brit who has an addiction problem. She blogs about it openly. Laurensfitness.com - I wish I could hire her as my personal trainer. I could have used this info when I was a vegetarian. Living Our Dream is about a couple from my area who sold everything they owned and purchased a boat. They have been traveling around the world for 3 years. Now that's living!

If you want a good laugh visit Odd Planet. which has humorous news stories, dumb criminals, odd people, and funny pictures. The Isle of Kevin- A brit with a very funny blog. Trying to Catch the Wind - She's from my area, a substitute teacher and an animal care assistant. Way Khool Sites has the most interesting websites listed in her blog. She lives in Hawaii. About a Nurse is the newest addition to my blog family. It's amazes me how well she treats her patients. Beth Allen ll Recommended blogger to me. Google Blogger has worked well for me, and blogging is additive. I now have a general rule to only put one blog site up per person, but back then I blogrolled 2 other of Beth's sites - Beth Allen Inc. and Writing 5 to 9.

So please visit my blogroll friends, tell them that Awake In Rochester sent you. And I would love it if you joined me on Twitter!

I have posted about some of you-

Monroe County to appeal same-sex ruling

As a Bible College graduate why can't you see that Homosexuality is a sin?

FatDoctor.org: Erased? Her Blog Erased?

Blogging and Opposing Points of View

I have noticed when I read blogs, that people don't seem to voice a point of view that differs from the blog owners. I can understand this. After all when we write a comment, we are hoping that the blog owner will like us, blogroll us, and comment on our blog. However, I have seen some very controversial posts that are extremely one sided.

Personally when I write a post on - Same-Sex Marriage, and ECT Electroconvulsive Therapy, I expect to hear an opposing point of view. After all these are highly controversial topics. So please feel free to voice your opinion, in a kind, caring, and respectful manner. I want to hear what you truly think. It won't offend me if we don't see eye to eye. Of course I am not looking for rude, or sassy, comments either.

One good example of a comment that has an opposing view is found in "Therapy and Me." It's the first comment. Thank you anonymous commentor for saying what you truly think in a nice way!

By the way, you can voice your opinion now by voting on same-sex marriage. The poll is to your left. It is free, and confidential. ;o)

cartoon origin

Studying - Things to come

1 Corinthians 13 (The Love Chapter), Quantum Physics - Entanglement, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama. I'm studying them all.

My favorite chapter in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 13, also known as the Love Chapter. When I feel the need to adjust my spiritual focus, I sometimes study this chapter. Now is such a time.

Studying the Love Chapter, led me to study the Quantum Physics entanglement phenomenon. Which leads to the theory that we are all connected. Therefore, what I do to others effects me. These concepts are shown in the movie "What the Bleep Do we know?" and it's follow up, "What the Bleep Down the Rabbit Hole". I would highly recommend both movies, however, I didn't appreciate some of the negative comments that were made about God.

I'm also studying Hillary, and Obama because I will have to vote in 10 days! I'm still not positive who to vote for. Ever since I saw Hillary on, "Meet The Press", I switched my vote to her.

I've been posting quite often, about 3 posts a day. I am going to cut back a little. I will still be posting, but not as often until I'm finished with my studies. I hope to share with you the results of my studies of 1 Cor. 13, and Quantum Physics. I think it will be a series of about 4 posts.

Oh, It's Not Me!

I know that a Pal of mind is ticked off at me for something. It's the type of thing were she sees things one way, and I see them another.

At any rate. She was talking about someone in her blogs, kind of cryptic. I thought it was me. Now that I read another post, it sounds like she is talking about someone else. Oh, it's not me? I'm not the only one that she is pissed at?

Sounds like someone is giving her a hard time. I was sorry to read that.

Even though Blogs are public domain, and anyone is free to comment in them, I have not commented in hers lately. I thought that she wouldn't want me to. Now, I don't know.

Well, I'm a bit relieved. Apparently I wasn't the one that she was very upset with. I'm the one that she is mildly to moderately upset with. Phew! Confusing!

I'm not good at understanding abstracts, and cryptic messages, (I lost my decoder ring). So it's difficult to second guess what's going on. I wish that she would stop being so ambiguous, and deal with people directly. It's so perplexing!

At any rate. I will concentrate on other things. Life goes on. The beat goes on. She knows where to find me if she wants to get in touch. The line of communication is open, at least at this end.

I hope that things work out for her.


YouTube Video: Sonny and Cher - The Beat Goes On.

Blogging Tip: Blogger- Change Web browser to Foxfire

I tried to change my Photo on Blogger many times without success. I was very frustrated, and finally went to the help menu. I read how one person changed their web browser to (Mozilla) Foxfire, and had no problems for then on. So I did the same, and it worked great! In fact I prefer this browser to my old one.

Mozilla Foxfire browser free download

Blogging And Future Posts About Blogging

I am a new blogger. I have two library books that I am reading on blogging, (book review coming soon). I have asked some advice from my Pal Beth, (BethAllenII.com) concerning how to get others to read, and comment on my blog. I have used the Google & Yahoo search engines to find information on these topics.

Phew! There is so much more to blogging then just writing in a blog! I have heard of terms that I am not familiar with, and about social networks, readers, tags, etc. This is a whole new world! I imagine that there are other bloggers in my position. Bloggers trying to learn this new business, or craft quickly, and get more traffic to their blogs.

Therefore, I am going to have a series of posts on information that I have learned. I hope to have some of the very basics online quickly, but I am sure that this will be an ongoing project. I hope that the posts will help others.

If any of you have advice on blogging please feel free to e-mail me, or comment. Also if you have a good media recommendation on blogging, (book, website, Youtube, etc.), I would love to hear from you.

I want to thank Beth, (BethAllenII) for her advice, and for recommending Google Blogger to me!