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!

photo credit

It's HAT War!

Well folks, I never thought I would see the day when such a war would brake on the intenet. Yes, it's HAT War! The question is... Who has the best hat? I have spoken with two of the candidates, (click here, please join). Or tried to speak with them. But was snubbed by both that were in the Twitter room. They seemed to intent on winning the vote of someone else, and cast me aside. You would think they would at lest shake my hand! I've seen McCain & Obama shake many a hand. Ahhh, it's a sad day. But one of those hats must be chosen, for the good of our country. After all, we can not have a hatless country. Who would you vote for? All 3 hats can be seen at Speedy's Blog...

Speedycat Hollydale Cast your vote on this blog.

You may also check out the blogs of the other candidates...

Nurse Amanda Hugankiss

Renny BA (apparently sponsored by Olga The Talking Bra)

Once you decide, please come back and tell me how you voted. Perhaps you can help me choose.

Social Networking - Which community do you like?

MyBlogLog, del.icio.us, digg, Twitter, reddit, Technorati, StumbleUpon, Facebook, Brightkite. The list goes on, and on. Since I've been remodeling my blog, I am also giving networking a second look. Which ones are the most popular, or best when it comes to blog networking? Which is your favorite? My favorite is Twitter.

I've joined several communities that I'm listing here. I would love to be add as your friend, or part of your community.

MyBlogLog

Twitter

Blogger Friends is to your left.

Technorati

StumbleUpon

I just joined StumbleUpon because my blog buddy DeboHobo is crazy about it, so I thought I'd give it a try. On StumbleUpon when someone clicks on "awakeinrochester's blog", (bottom right), your suppose to be able to get my feed. It doesn't work. Can anyone suggest how to fix it?


Photo credit

I Have Won 3 Awards!

I want to thank Tracy of Spiritual Brush Stokes AND LadyBanana for giving me this award. That's right, I have received 2 of this same award. I'm glad because it is a beauty.

LadyBanana also gave me another award. This is a cute one. Thanks LB!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I will keep 2 of the awards to give out later. At this time I would like to pass along one of my cool looking "Brillante Weblog" awards to everyone who is on my blogroll!

The catch is that you have to see this post. ;o)

Since both LadyBanana, and Spiritual Brush Strokes are on my blogroll this means that you have been double awarded! Yes, I'm being very tricky today. ;o)

déjà vu - My Awards Return

The two wonderful Sparkling Awards that I received from Lady Banana, (thanks again LB), and gave away to others has come back to me! The sneaky dcr Blogs gave the awards back to me. Yes, I've been double awarded! He passed the awards to "early commentators" and I was one of them. Thanks dcr Blogs! I will put these two pretty awards up on my mantel for now to enjoy, but plan on awarding them to others in the future.

Two Sparkling Awards

I have been awarded these two sparkling awards by my blog buddy LadyBanana
Thank you LB

I would like to pass these awards on to the people who have commented on my blog recently. The photos on my blog didn't come out exactly sparkling like LadyBanana's so you might want to go to her post by clicking here to pick them up. The following have won these two lovely awards...

Sheep and Goats

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

Spiritual Brush Strokes

As The Pump Turns

Debo Hobo dot com

Dr. Deb

eastcoastlife

Moments Of Randomness

dcr Blogs

And So It Goes On

Momma Mia, Mea Culpa


Note: I may be adding a top commenter's wedget soon, and possibly refer to it for future awards like LadyBanana did. Good idea LB! I'm sure it was a time saver.

Wordless Wednesday - Twitter

Join me on Twitter! It's mini blogging. People blog in a few short sentences about their lives. Because it's so fast people tend to twitter often, about a variety of things, and almost the moment it happens. You can also IM each other, and add twitter to your cell phone. What a great way to network, get personal updates, and stay in touch! Twitter isn't perfect, it has a few bugs in it's system. So if you have problems just come back to Twitter later. It's well worth it!

Luke... I sense a disturbance in the blogosphere

Luke... I sense a disturbance in the blogosphere. GO... warn Obiwan, Yoda, and the brave Jedi bloggers. I will remain here with this bucket of bolts. And Luke ... remember ... resist the dark side, it leads to chaos.

This video is Star Wars - Imperial March, or Darth Vader's Theme. For some reason I genuinely like this song. The video is only one minute long, and well worth it. But don't watch it if you scare easily.

My 6 Word Memoir

Considerate Thinker

I was tagged by Ladybanana to do the 6 word memoir. This looks like a fun one. I have recently taken an online free personality quiz at Personal DNA, and decided to base this on my results. I have scored high, or slightly high in these traits. It goes into more detail then pictured. By the way I found this quiz at Ladybanana's blog.

First, here are the Rules:

1.)Write your own six word memoir.
2.)Post it on your blog; include a visual illustration if you'd like.
3.)Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible.
4.)Tag at least five more blogs with links.
5.)Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

So here's the 6 word memoir...

Considerate, thinker, empathetic, functional, trusting, caring

I tag the following people:

About a nurse

Against the Grain

Dr. Deb

Eastcoastlife

Forging Iron Man

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow


Note: You don't need to take the Personal DNA quiz to do this meme.

I Won Two Awards! I Am Sharing Them With...

I want to thank Lady Banana for presenting me two awards this week! Lady Banana is the TOP Banana in my book! If you are not acquainted with her, please visit and tell her that Awake In Rochester sent you. These are the first awards that I have ever been given, and I want to share them.

Concerning the beautiful Rose Award, (to your left).

"Red rose has number of thorns in it
when it pint your finger it hurts
Everyday in my life is just like red roses.
Sometimes life is not always bed of roses.
But life is great with God."

Now, it's my turn to share this red rose.
I am awarding it to the NEW people on my Blogroll!
It's a special welcome.
Readers, please visit and welcome them!

The Rose Award goes to....

As The Pump Turns

Health Psych

Momma Mia, Mea Culpa

Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also received this most Excellent award from the lovely, and cheeky Lady Banana. (award to your right). I am passing it along to all those Excellent people on my blogroll.

• about a nurse
• Against the Grain
• And So It Goes On
• As The Pump Turns
• Beth Allen II
• Beth Allen Inc.
• dcr Blogs
• Debo Hobo dot com
• Dr. Deb
• eastcoastlife
• Fat Doctor
• Forging Iron Man
• Health Psych
• Lady Banana
• laurensfitness.com
• Living Our Dream
• Moments Of Randomness
• Momma Mia, Mea Culpa
• Odd Planet
• Sheep and Goats
• the isle of kevin
• Trying to Catch the Wind
• Way Khool Sites
• Writing 5 to 9
• Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

Important Announcements...

1) I have a new RSS feed. I have had problems with the old feed, so please get my new one.

2) If I'm not on your blogroll list, I would be honored to be on it.

3) Sign up for twitter, and you can add me. It's a great way to stay in touch!



Related Posts: Twitter and People on My Blogroll

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.

Send FREE Rice To Those In Need By Playing A Game!

If you go to freerice(dot)com You can play a fun vocabulary Internet game. For each word that you get right, 20 grains of rice will be donated by the sponsors to the UN World Food Program to help end world hunger. It does not cost you a penny! No string attached. You don't have to join anything. Just have fun, play, and improve your vocabulary. Meanwhile, your feeding the poor! If your competitive try beating my score. I just played a quick game worth 500 grains of rice. My vocabulary score level was 24.

Please spread the word, blog about this, tell a friend! Help end world hunger the easy, fun way. You have nothing to lose.

Click here to play.

Skeptical? Read this...

No Hoax: Free Rice Website Feeds the Hungry.

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.

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?

UPDATED- FatDoctor.org: Erased? Her Blog Erased?

UPDATED- SHE'S BACK! ... The problem is solved, she now has all of her posts. FatDoctor is now back online with a new blog! Please stop over and say hi, give her your suport. Reconstructing a blog must be a pain in the butt. Tell her that I sent you ;o)

http://fatdoctor.blogspot.com/

My blog buddy FatDoctor of FatDoctor.org posted this on Twitter yesterday.... "Accidentally erased my whole blog. And I don't have a backup. No sense crying - it's not like a family member dying...or is it?" It was a shock to me. She had one of the best blogs I have ever seen, and is a very sweet, caring, down to earth person.

I have been working closely with FatDoctor, and managed to retrieve most of her posts, but without the graphics. I would like her to be able to retrieve ALL her posts, or her blog. I'm not very computer savvy, and am running out of ideas. So I am asking for your help. If you have any ideas on how she can get her blog back, or posts, please leave a comment. I have her e-mail, but will not give it out due to privacy issues. However, I will drop her an e-mail, and let her know about your comments.

As you many know my blog is only a few months old, so currently I don't have a huge following. I am asking that you consider telling your readers about her dilemma. Maybe creating a post about it. She is not the first one who has lost a blog, and will not be the last. I think that we can all sympathize with her.

I have heard that whatever has been placed on the internet never really gets erased, and can be retrieved. We would appreciate your help.

"Souper Spices" Products by Barbara Tranello

My cousin is selling wonderful 100 percent organic herbs and spices called Souper Spices. They have no sodium. No MSG. They are convenient, economical, and easy. Personally I prefer organic herbs, and spices. Not only are they better for you, but the taste is sooo much better! Once you try them, you won't go back. My cousin who is a fabulous cook, even includes a free recipe along with every Souper Spice mix that you purchase. She even has delicious recipes at her website! If you read this local Democrat and Chronicle newspaper article it will tell you all about it. You can also check it out right now at her web-site.

Click here for Souper Spices...Tell her that "Awake In Rochester" sent you!

Maga Hits (Tagged)

I was tagged by Scott. This looks like a good one. I wonder if it works . . .

You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!) ~ I tagged 7 ~

It’s real easy!

Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially!The benefits of Viral Linking:

1.One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!
2.Increase your Google PageRank fast
3.Attract large volume of new traffic to your site
4.Build your community
5.Make new friends!

Linky Love Tag
The Strategist Notebook
Link Addiction
Ardor of the Heart
When Life Becomes a Book
The Malaysian Life
Yogatta.com
What goes under the sun
Roshidan’s Cyber Station
Sasha says
Arts of Physics
And the legend lives
My View, My Life
A Simple Life
Juliana RW
Mom Knows Everything
Beth & Cory’s Mom
A Mind Forever Voyaging
enjoying the ride
Jennifer’s thoughts
Mom of 3 Girls
Amanda
Don’t Make Me Get The Flying Monkeys
ExPat Mom
Just Jessie
Wilson Six
Kristin
Nuttier Than You
Shonnte
Summer’s Nook
Laura Williams Musings
Melissa’s Idea Garden
Confessions of an Everyday Housewife
Blah Blah Blog
Stop the Ride!
Soap, Blings & Girly Things
Amanda:Mama’s Musings
An Ordinary Life
The Zen of Motherhood
Atomik Kitten
The Sassy Southerner
A Room of Mama’s Own
Exploring Autumn
Real LifeBoogiemum
Living and loving every minute of it
Huckdoll
The Rocky Mountain Retreat
Peace is Every Step
Life According to Lizzy
Following Forward
Boys Rule My Life
A Quest for Relevance
Not Trying for a Boy
The Gaspards
Orryally’s journal
My Life with Boys
The Truest Thing
The Potter’s Hand
Permission to Peruse
Live Laugh Blog
Pianomomsicle
Heather’s Hot Mess
Kevin and Paula
Smatterday
Guidance for Victory
Forging Iron Man
Another Day in Paradise
Permission to Peruse
Awake in Rochester
Cycling Widow
Zimmerhouse
Sitting in Silence
Voice in the Night
Stretcher Jockey
Running Wildly

And So It Goes On
Debo Hobo dot Com
Dr. Deb
dcr Blogs
eastcoastlife
Fat Doctor
Moments Of Randomness

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

I have Evidence!

(Betsy walked into Linda's office with several office memos tucked under her arm.) You know I don't like a lot of office memos. I asked you not to send so many, but you did. I have EVIDENCE! (She yelled as she slammed the memos down on her coworkers desk).

(Linda looked stunned. It was obvious she didn't see this coming. She knew that Betsy had a problem with the volume of memo's, and thought that she had cut back on them to Betsy's satisfaction.)

(Betsy unloaded on Linda. Pointing to the office memos) Look! This is from 1/20, 1/19, 1/15, 1/14 etc. EVIDENCE! You are being disrespectful to me!

(Linda thumbed though the office memos with a bewildered look on her face. She never expected this outburst of anger. And Betsy had said nothing since Linda cut down on the memo's to her. Linda thought that things were fine between them.)

Just a moment Betsy. (Linda said, as she sifted though the responses to the office memos that Betsy sent to her.)

Ah, here it is. Here is your letter that you sent to me requesting that I cut down on office memos to you. Your letter states that I should send you office memos "once or twice a week, or less frequently." Later, you sent me a reminder letter that was very vague. It states. Send me memos "sometimes, off and on". I know that I cut down, (Linda explained.) I didn't actually count the memos at the time, (Linda picked up, and looked at the memos), but it looks like on average it was twice a week. I thought I was doing well in that area for you. You are the only one here that has a problem with my memos, but I cut down on the ones that I send to you, at your request. I have several people that I send memos to on a more frequent basis, they seem to enjoy them. I get a good response. Besides that, I have keep the memos to you shorter, and of a less personal nature. Keeping things light.

You see Betsy, I enjoy sending office memos to people, like you enjoy Blogging. Plus it is my main means of communication, but I cut down at your request. I thought that I was doing rather well, and was surprised to see you so angry when you entered my office. In the month that I cut down on office memos, you gave no indication whatsoever that you had a problem with my memos. This came out of the blue. I feel that I have bent backward to meet your request, but you did not appreciate my effort.

Related Post: Betsy and Linda (Office Talk)