roe

cancersucks but we can help, please read

2009-11-04T01:40:20-05:00

One of our valued members
Kal
http://www.thoughts.com/kal

read a post by a new member that really touched her heart

afterwords
she e mailed me and said something like...

(cancersucks) is so amazing. I know she is scared inside and no words will ever change that fact. I find her such an incredible person at her age to have the attitude that she does.

"My plans for today and everyday are to go directly to her wall and leave something.
A short prayer or something. A smile.
It is so clear that she is reaching out from under her laughter."

If you could,
please find out what hospital she will be going to?
I bet ...like you say,
if it was sent to Erika "cancer sucks" it just might get to her.
Even as a joke ...and for all of us to have a good laugh.
I think I'll ask... I'll be back.

=========================================================================

Well, one of the greatest things about this blogging community
is
we care
about one another
we managed to get the word out to as many people as we possibly could

told them about this very brave person
who was facing an uphill battle

who possessed
an unbelievable sense of humor
as well as a very positive outlook on life

soon

Cancersucks
had quite a following
always ending up in the top ten

her entries were so inspiring
and helped many people

our members were a huge support for her as well

and if you decide to read some of her posts
you will see all the
loving comments and prayers
and examples of their loyalty and friendship
left behind
www.thoughts.com/cancersucks

Reading the responses to her blogs
makes me proud to be a member
of this social networking community.

just in case you were unaware
it's a fact
We have some wonderful and caring people around here
at
thoughts.com

however

it is so very sad,
that cancersucks,
Erika Meyer
lost her battle on November 1st, 2009

www.thoughts.com/roe/blog/a-brave-journey-in-her-own-words-411896/

although
we are very grateful
she helped quite a few people along the way.

and may I digress
just a bit?

www.thoughts.com/cancersucks/blog/wellness-place-397016/

On October 13th, Cancersucks wrote a blog about how she had discovered a cancer non-for-profit organization that in her own words “did some really neat things.”

She mentioned how warm and welcoming it was and how they offered “a shopping list of services, all provided free of charge. She went on to list a number of activities and helpful resources and reminded us once again that all these activities were free.

At the end of her post she states,
“It was lovely. I spoke with the women for over an hour about my journey and she was extremely insightful and positive. And in visiting I realized the importance of taking care of oneself.... NOW, not later, when something medically catastrophic happens. When was the last time you took five minutes (five whole minutes!) to stop what you were doing, mentally going to a calm place, and just letting life stop rushing by you?

When was the last time you took a yoga class, had a message, or worked out for your own health? It's unfortunate that it took cancer to make me realize that life rushes by a little too fast.

Slow down. Get a message. Eat healthy. Take a deep breath. Take care of yourself. You can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself. Don't let something change your life because you weren't taking care of yourself. Isn't it a shame that they don't offer places like The Wellness Place to everyone (cancer or no cancer) at no charge.”

http://www.thoughts.com/cancersucks/blog/wellness-place-397016/

Are you all aware
just how many of our non for profit organizations
are struggling?

The very ones that are helping so many people
in such positive ways
are suffering due to funding cuts
and our poor economy

In the past
quite a few charitable organizations
depended upon some sort of government assistance.

Financial aid helped them with their annual deficit
which is the difference between what the Government pays
and what it cost them to operate.

However,
the Department of Human Services announced that some
non for profits were going to lose a significant amount
where as
others
would be completely terminated.

For the most part,
non for profits,
in this day and age
are supported
100% by donations from generous benefactors.
and
It's not easy raising money when the economy is so bad!

that's another story

=========================================================================

FYI

Funding cuts

http://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/cohenreport/2009/03/19/nonprofits-speaking-for-themselves-the-impact-of-the-national-economic-tailspin/

http://blogs.findlaw.com/free_enterprise/2009/09/congress-votes-to-cut-acorn-funding.html

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119500037195592058.html

wall street journal
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-112090203/non-profits-brace-funding.html

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

If you read cancersucks post
www.thoughts.com/cancersucks/blog/wellness-place-397016/

you will see for yourself how much a Cancer organization
helped her

Many people are struggling financially in this horrible economy
donating money is the last thing on their minds.

Nevertheless,
try to think about what
you might be able to
do without
in order to make a donation to some worthy cause.

I have no idea what cancer center
Erika visited

although

I am very familiar with the wonderful work
the Wellness House in my area happens to be doing.

They provide the same services
Erika (cancersucks)
described in her post.

Here is a link to the
Wellness House in HInsdale, Illinois.

www.wellnesshouse.org/

If you have a moment, take a look at some of the wonderful programs they offer to cancer patients and their families.

mission statement

Established in 1990,
Wellness House is a community-based independent organization that offers psychosocial support,
education and information,
as a complement to medical treatment
to cancer patients, their families and friends.
Wellness House
exists to improve the quality of life
for people whose lives are affected by cancer
and its treatment.
Program offerings include:
support groups, education programs, classes focusing on nutrition, exercise and stress reduction, bereavement counseling
and programs for children who have a loved one with cancer.

Wellness House has a comprehensive library
that includes cancer specific information
from the National Cancer Institute
and
the American Cancer Society.

Services are provided at no charge to participants.

Funding comes from individual contributors,
organizations, corporations and foundations.

Our mission is:
Challenging Cancer. Creating Community. Changing Lives.

http://www.wellnesshouse.org/

http://www.wellnesshouse.org/calendar.htm

A BRAVE JOURNEY, IN HER OWN WORDS

2009-11-03T22:15:24-05:00

A Story of Love
Kindness and Humor
Friendship
Hope and Courage

A tribute to an Angel in her own words
==========================

June 28, 2009 Erika Meyer
a loving wife, sister and daughter
loyal friend and dedicated first grade school teacher
sat down and wrote her first blog on
THOUGHTS.COM
entitled
A Phone Call That Rocks Your World

http://www.thoughts.com/cancersucks/blog/phone-calls-that-rock-your-world-324639/

many of our members
grew to know and love

Erika
aka"Cancersucks

over the last few months

This vibrant young women
had a devoted following who
laughed and cried by her side
as she blogged about her journey
into
the "unknown"
the surreal "world" of the cancer patient

many of her new thoughts.com family
virtually held her hand
every step of the way
always by her side
offering friendship and prayers as well as support
while she courageously battled this dreaded disease
with an unwavering and uncany sense of humor

Erika did everything she possiblly could
no matter what obstacles or disappointments she faced
no matter how much pain she was forced to endure
her strong will always prevailed

This loving human being
never took a single day for granted
or lost faith

often times
sharing
valuable insights
she had gained during her brave journey!
from the pink lettered poop pills
her husband Andrew so lovely labled
to her witty ideas for the perfect Halloween costume

she so loved her husband, family and friends
and she adored her 1st grade students

the world is a better place because she was here
if only a short time

her beautiful spirit
and positive attitude impressed one and all

November 1, 2009 her husband Andrew sadly
posted an announcement
that shocked the thoughts.com community
===================================================

http://www.thoughts.com/cancersucks/blog/god-gets-an-angel-410159/

=============

God gets an angel

Erika Meyer died of cardiac arrest at 4am on November 1st surrounded by love from her husband Andrew, Mother Laura, Brother Evan, sister-in-law Michelle, and parent-in-laws Doug and Chris.

Her death was caused by a combination of cancer, lung failure, and heart failure. A bowel blockage in her intestines created by the cancer stopped food digestion and resulted in the build-up of gas in her stomach. This build-up of gas created pressure on her lungs reducing oxygen intake and ultimately causing cardiac arrest.

Erika was the most beautiful and charismatic person I have ever known. She loved everyone and lived every moment to the fullest. When faced with the daunting diagnosis of cancer she did not run and hide but took it head on and created a blog to inform others of her progress. She loved reading comments posted on this blog and insisted in posting a blog whenever possible. Thank you for all of your support and kind thoughts.

Today God has one more angel helping him and I know she looks down on all of us with the same love and smile that brightened my day every day.

Erika I love you and miss you.

Love,
Her Husband Andrew

Posted by cancersucks on 2009-11-01 12:57:19 | Rating: | Views: 2664

If I were you, I would begin at the beginning

http://www.thoughts.com/cancersucks

THERE ARE NO WORDS TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND LOSS WE ALL FEEL
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
ARE WITH HER FAMILY

=================================

memorial contributions may be given
to the Erika Meyer Memorial Fund.
Sarah Adams PTO of School Dist 95,
55 Old Grove Rd Lake Zurich, Illinois
or
to the Buddy Foundation P.O. Box 334,
Arlington Heights, Il, 60005

dog gone it, I think I did it, not too fetching th

2009-10-27T23:38:42-04:00

I just learned how to upload a video!
I experimented with Max and Molly
our 2 poodles
I thought the video machine on thoughts was on the blink
what do you know
now
it's in the pink?

anyway
I had some rather disappointing video of the doggies
I thought I would use
another story
because
each little snippet was short
however
not so sweet
I digress

well
here it is

hey people
it can only get better!

here here! there... there is now here!

2009-10-17T12:36:33-04:00

Sometimes all we need
is
someone
to say

2 little words

"there ....there"
====================

"there... there"
I'm so sorry
I'm here, if you need me

"there ...there"
I wish there was
something
I could say
or do
to help

"there...there"
everything is going to be ok

"there... there"
don't worry
you are going to be fine

"there... there"
I know you feel bad today
but you will not always feel this way

"there... there"
I'm here

Bride/building/bikes/bricks/boys/BIG SHOTS

2009-10-15T21:44:45-04:00

YOU MUST ...B... READY
1986 was a landmark year. I married a widower with a young daughter instantly transforming me into the role of a wife and mother in the process while propelling me into another dimension in the land of the burbs.

My new husband and I were building a new home on a lot we had purchased a month before the wedding in a nice area near our family and friends. Although I had planned to say "I do" in April, prior to that, I said, "I'd rather not" when we discussed staying where he and his first family lived.

In May, I was finally able to utilize my hard earned and never used real estate license in order to sell his place.    My ready made family and I put most of our belongings in storage and set up house in a cramped apartment in a unfamiliar suburb, as far away from everyone as possible and as my Dad likes to say, "where God lost his shoes"

My ambitious new husband, decided to undertake the monumental job of general contractor in addition to simultaneously moving his growing and expanding insurance business to another location closer to our new residence.

While I was engaged, I had visions of giving Nicole a bath before her Daddy arrived home from work, changing her into a cute little summer dress and sprucing myself up a bit and possibly sharing a little spray of perfume with my darling little daughter right before Joe walked in the door every night.   In my dreams he would then be greeted by his adoring girls and treated to a delicious meal. Afterwards, we might all go for a family bike ride or take a stroll around the block holding hands, stopping occasionally to greet our neighbors along the way, and perhaps, once in awhile going out for some ice cream. Needless to say, it never happened!

After I married him, I hardly ever saw the guy. He was way too busy and when he was home, my poor hubby was exhausted! Instead, most days, I put Nicole in the bike carrier seat, strapped on our helmets and spent quite a bit of time riding around and exploring the unfamiliar as well as unfriendly remote and new neighborhood. We made picnic lunches and read books under trees and almost always stopped for ice cream before heading back to our overcrowded abode decorated with couches standing upright on their sides.

After receiving our permit to begin construction in June, even before our loan was approved, (another story) my new mate took a leap of faith, and dove into the project, full speed ahead. He found himself spending every waking hour tending to his business and working on the new house. I was in charge of interior details like purchasing the washer and dryer and kitchen appliances and cabinets, choosing fixtures, carpeting, tile and grout. (Who knew there were so many grout colors?) Another story. He was in his normal overdrive mode and I was on information overload. So sick of making decisions, I had a difficult time deciding what shoes to wear.

Only a few short months before my new life began, I was a producer working in downtown Chicago, single and living in a high-rise apartment along Lake Michigan. Details such as these never crossed my mind. Much to my dismay, I did not enjoy the tedious process in the least, truth be told, I hated every minute. The man at the furniture store asked me if I preferred a traditional style over a contemporary look and I had no idea how to answer? (However, if I were to build a house today, all these years later, I now have very definite opinions of what I like and don't like… although when asked that same question, I tell people I am ‘eclectic’(The wonderful all encompassing category for those of us who can not make up our minds)

While I was obsessing over the brick color, and finally had it narrowed down to red or white, my husband happily informed me he had made a deal with one of his clients who knocked down buildings for a living. We were offered the used bricks for free! All we had to do was transport them.   Secretly I was thrilled to get out of another chore, but was very leery of the color and condition of the so called "free bricks” The two of us grabbed our camera one afternoon and headed to an address where we were directed only to discover a horrible old abandoned building in the heart of a dangerous drug infested area. I was actually afraid to get out of the car to take the photo. Boy oh boy, if those bricks could talk, I bet they'd be able to tell us a few interesting stories. As soon as I was able to get a good look, like a typical female, I began to cry. Naturally, Joe put on a brave face, yet, I found out afterwards, he was a little nervous himself over what he believed to be the deal of a lifetime. He tried unsuccessfully for quite sometime, to reassure me that this ugly mortar, standing unevenly before us, would look different when moved to a better neighborhood. Poor lucky Joe just crossed his fingers and prayed and of course, as usual, he was right.

I’m still not quite sure if the Chicago Bricks, a very popular choice I might add, framing our house, are actually the same battered and bruised ones I saw on that scary unforgettable afternoon?   But. thats, another story!

Joe insured most of the contractors and in order to save money, became each one of thier special assistants or grunt workers. He did whatever was needed, doing jobs such as helping to dig the foundation, wire the place with electricity, lay pipes for the plumbing, sweeping the floors, filling the dumpsters, and cleaning the cigarette butts and fast food wrappers enviably left every single day.

In addition, this remarkable man I married, kept track of the budget and a myriad of other tasks. (Well, we sort of forgot one or two things along the way, like where to put the phone jacks and electrical outlets…on the night before the deadline, armed with flashlights and carrying Nicole, we ran around trying to decide where to put them.) One morning I pulled up to our “work in progress” to find the window that was supposed to be centered above the front door, happened to be way off to the side plus someone forgot all about a window in the back of the house on the second floor. Each and every time one of these situations or setbacks occurred, my general contractor husband confidently told me it was being handled, not to worry, that these things were only minor glitches and to be expected.

During the course of a typical day Joe would run to the house after receiving a call that a truck load of lumber or windows were sitting in our driveway waiting to be unloaded. Like superman, he'd change out of his suit and tie and into his “hard labor duds” then proceed to do whatever was necessary. According to his calculations, we were scheduled to move in sometime around Thanksgiving, right around the time I was standing up in a wedding of a good friend.

In the mist of all this chaos, I received a call in early September from John Wilson, the production manager who had hired me before I was married, to do all the locations for a movie filmed in Chicago, called the Code of Silence, staring Chuck Norris. John knew I had taught school after graduating from college; my degree was (K through 9)    He wanted me to be the studio teacher for the 2 young boys in the feature film, Big Shots, for a few weeks until the women he had hired from California was available.

I adored John and secretly wanted to jump at the chance to see all my old friends. John is very loyal and always hires the same crew whenever he comes to Chicago and the entire clan from The Code of Silence was already on board. I reluctantly explained my situation and told him I was sorry, my plate was way too full at the moment and besides, I was now a mom, I couldn't just leave my little girl home by herself. He insisted, and suggested I hire a baby sitter and offered to make it financially worth my time and energy. (I was already thinking of what the money might buy for our new house)   My mother who had been dying for grandchildren cheerfully stepped up and offered to watch Nicole.

Normally when you work on a movie, you have absolutely no idea what time you might start let alone finish everyday or where you might end up when the day is over. This was during a time before every human being on the planet had a phone or a pager. It wasn’t exactly the ideal job for someone with a family. On the other hand, John assured me I was going to be working in one location, at the Ambassador Hotel on the Gold Coast in a make shift classroom the entire time, and since it was still preproduction, the hours were going to be somewhat consistent.

A friendly family atmosphere is in the air on most movie sets. The cast and crew grow very close spending long hours together working side by side.   The business has its share of hurry up and wait moments, allowing us the luxury of providing plenty of time to get to know one another besides creating a make believe environment that lends itself to a ton of fun not to mention fabulous free food served around the clock.

I had a ball getting to know the boys and meeting their parents and being reunited with my old buddies again.

10 year old Ricky Busker, was the only boy surrounded by a gaggle of sisters from a very straight-laced Mormon family.   The poor little guy was devastated when his mom gave birth to their 6th daughter. Feeling sorry for him, his Dad decided to take his only son on a road trip to Chicago, about an hour or so away from home. While at a McDonalds having breakfast, they read somewhere about an audition being held for a movie that very afternoon. On a lark and without any plans, they headed for the tryouts. Never in a million years did they ever think he had even half a chance. All the other actors had impressive portfolios.   Ricky had only played a verb in a school play and that was the sum total of his acting experience to date. His family was literally floored when given the news that he won the lead role.

His co-star, 10 year old Darius McCrary, a black boy, was from a savvy show biz family who lived in Los Angel who had a few projects under his belt, though he too was rather new to the scene. Darius is best known for his role years later as Eddie Winslow on the long-running television series "Family Matters."

The production company provided the boys and their families with a suite in a fancy hotel and gave them an allowance of sorts called ‘per diem’ Latin for ‘per day’ to spend as they saw fit. It amounted to more money than Ricky’s father earned in a week. The Buskers certainly thought they had died and gone to heaven.
Ricky bought his very first pair of designer jeans and gym shoes. At least one parent or designated guardian is required on set at all times. Ricky’s dad was home in Rockford taking care of the house and the girls while his mom and their new baby were living the good life. Another story

When the two weeks were up, I was sad to say goodbye to my new buddies and my old friends. The new tutor was set to arrive the following day. When I picked up my check I was told John wanted to see me in his office. John had an a perpetual twinkle in his eyes, and he sort of reminded me of a leprechaun even though he worked on Ghost Busters and Risky Business and plenty of other major hits. He gave me that look of his told me he had a real dilemma on his hands and needed another favor.

The boys parents had a meeting with him earlier and insisted I continue to be the tutor. They said the boys were attached to me and that having to adjust to a new teacher would be too hard on them...etc
Lets just say, the people behind the scenes usually do whatever it takes to keep the stars happy. Since he had already offered this other tutor the job, John suggested that I stay and share the position. Hum sounded, interesting….

To be continued

This story was inspired when I came across 3Twigs avatar yesterday.
It is a picture of the 2 boys I tutored, Ricky and Darius.

I have some funny pics of our house under construction, that I do not have time to download or upload at the moment, but I did find a u tube of the movie which should accomplay part 2, of this saga, oh well, I will probably move it all around another time....

2012 +1 scribble # 48.... A pure fact

2009-10-12T16:48:07-04:00

scribble # 48
title
2012+1

===========================

It is a fact
that
2012 + 1 equals 2013

The answer to the question
What is 2012 + 1
was

2013

100 years ago
and
the answer
to that very same question

What is 2012 +1?

was
2013
10
years ago

and
guess what?
2013
is the answer
to that exact question
right this very minute
and will remain so an hour from now

2013
will be the answer
to that question
tomorrow
and
a year from now

its
a fact

one we will always
be able to count on

it's a given

and rather comforting too
don't you think?

In today's world
we are not able to say
with such authority
that the answer to such a
simple
question

will always remain the same

Here are a few little math links
for your enjoyment

thanks for stopping by

http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/sci__tech/math.html

http://www.slideshare.net/Ahudson/math-trivia

http://www.gradebook.org/Mathematics-Quizzes%20and%20Trivia.htm

http://www.triviaplaying.com/62_Math_.htm

odds and ends without endings/ going nowhere fast

2009-10-07T23:53:12-04:00

I recently wrote a post about how we have new areas and choices,
on thoughts.com to visit
when we are looking for something good to read
instead of all the negativity
that once permeated the air...
alas,
now we have a newsletter
and a link to the thoughts community
www.thoughts.com/thoughts_community
plus
another place to hang when looking
for something positive

tap on the
www.thoughts.com/Publicist
blue gear avatar
and it will magically take you to a wonderful place...

yet
much to my utter dismay,

I just discovered
the majority
of members
do not even know its there,
or how to find it!!!!

complaints about all the negative posts
are still in abundance

jeeze
there is not one negative post over there!
although

maybe people like reading negative stuff and blogging about it
I would not want to steal their subject matter!

but hey, thats another story!!!!!

let the publicist worry about it,

let her pass out the directions,
and get the word out
its not my job!

http://www.thoughts.com/Publicist
http://www.thoughts.com/Publicist/blog
================================================

my technical problems have interfered with my creativity!
sounds like an excuse
doesnt it?
perhaps it is????

---------------------------------------
I have been experiencing a few missing links,
or mixed up links, all I know is...
it stinks...and takes up so much time and energy

although, I must admit
I think there is a link, between my lack of technical knowledge and my linking verbs, adjectives and adverbs, not to mention my nouns
-------------------------------------------

I took a peak into my draft room today
and I found all sorts of things,
quite a few incomplete stories
that I had completely forgotten about.

Spent way too much time in there,
I fear a cold coming on!
Oh Please no, not the netti pot again!
say a prayer please
next time I visit, I will be sure to wear a sweater

---------------------------------------
Truth be told,
its time for me to get back to real blogging

-----------------------------------------------------
I wrote the beginning of a story about a fascinating subject
The FACES OF MEDICAL ERROR, FROM TEARS TO TRANSPARENCY
Attended the premiere a few weeks ago
and I planned to blog about it
I took copious notes...and even interviewed people,
now....where are those notes?
I wish there was a cabinet in the draft room for notes!
only the bare bones are there

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

I began writing about a high school football player
who happens to be a girl, its a real kicker,
I mean she is a real kicker
but its in the draft room
I'm about at the 50 yard line?

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

I found a post about "getting lost "
yeah, its sitting in the corner of my draft room
I happen to have a gps system
but I do not know how to use it and truthfully,
don't trust it....
however
I have been getting lost a lot lately, another story...

just the other night,
I was heading back from Michigan and before i knew it,
I was almost in Wisconsin,
sort of skipped Illinois,
my destination
my mind was in such a state, only it wasn't my own...
I have a really good excuse,
which is another story but I am not sure if I will write about it?

------------------------------------------------------
a few months ago I worked on one about saying "goodnight, I love you"
its about how sad it is when people stop saying it
actually
I forgot I wrote it
it was full of dust!
-------------------------------------------------------
I uncovered one about laughing and another about crying
yes, both in the draft room

----------------------------------------
I have a funny blog about losing things,
like important papers, etc
oh yes
incomplete, in the draft room
hey, at least I know where it is

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A while back I did some research about a building and was going to write about its fascinating history...well, it was fascinating to me....not sure about how others may feel
it survived the Chicago fire?

-------------------------------------------------
I'm behind on my scribble challenges
and I miss hanging out with the really cool scribble writers!
------------------------------------------------
I found the post about my dad being inducted into his high school hall of fame, class of 39
not finished, in the draft room
----------------------------------------
I have been going to bed way too late, and I need to do something about my insomnia and grinding teeth...another story
---------------------------------------------------------
I have been steadfast in my efforts
to make a long story short,
but I have to finish the story first before I am able to shorten it
---------------------------------------------------
my status
hum?
I might have to write about that!
-------------------------------------------------

this little nothing of a post is coming to a close
believe me, I could continue but I know if you ventured
into the land of roe,
I probably lost your interest a long time ago... time to exit
------------------------------------------------

wait a minute
OMG!
I just wrote a post about
nothing

and I went into great detail
and I just read today that
omg
is taking the Lords name in vein!
now I am really in trouble!

somebody else must have typed it
I think its a conspiracy
someone has it out for me
they are desperately
trying to make me boring and look dumb

how did they get in here and steal my wit and appeal?

I am going to report this asap
I do not want any of you to experience this humiliation

surely
someone will have their ips or ups address
or their zip code
by the morning
right?

omg
now the scribble people will run,
when they see me at the forum gate!

They are going to lock it and
badlydrawnstickman is going to swallow the key!

I will have to make him
chalk it up!

open letter to bootlady and mr stick and douglasmb

2009-10-01T01:15:17-04:00

Open Letter to Bootlady, Badlydrawnstickman and DouglasMB
I used to respect the three of you,
because of your behavior this evening
I no longer wish to be your friend!

This week our challenge is a word salade;
a Scrabbles Challenge, if you will.
We wish you to write your piece
using all of the following words

Essence
Saddened
Altruistic
Bounce
Perpendicular
Bile
Guess
Junk

Open Letter To Bootlady
www.thoughts.com/BootLady/blog/imposters-and-other-idiots-388176/

and Badlydrawnstickman:
www.thoughts.com/badlydrawnstickman/blog/offended-you-bet-i-am-bootlady-388547/

and DouglasMB
www.thoughts.com/DouglasMB/blog/hurt-and-wounded-388561/

The Essence of your post this evening,
saddened as well as sickened me!

Our founder had nothing but altruistic goals for this place and you two let him down in the worst way.

Tonight was an all time low for thoughts.com
I was forced to Bounce from blog to blog
in a perpendicular motion trying to find something to read that did not contain venom and bile.

It was spewing everywhere!

What is a matter with you people?

I guess by glancing at the popular post, members prefer to read nothing but junk
about junk food no less!

What ever happened to meaniful conversation among like minded people? I hope you are ashamed of yourselves!

CAT FIGHT BEFORE CLASS DISCUSSION

2009-09-28T21:54:35-04:00

teacher

My goodness, what is going on, I thought I was going to walk in here to find Ed's group assembled in the front of the room ready to present their report. What have we here?

(The teacher notices all the copies of various posts which were distributed around the room.)

Teacher
Who would like to fill me in?

John
Oh I would be more than happy to
play cat ch up!
Last night the site EXPERIENCED
a horrible cat fight
of cataclysmic proportion

therefore, as a class
we decided to catalogue it

it appears some bad black cat
was on the prowl
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
catting around
roaming the site
with a couple of stray black cat accounts
unleashing a cat o nine tales
on every stray cat in its path

one NASTY BAD cat
must have had a bit too much cat nip
cuz he was using various cat names

such as

meouch
littlepussywillow
kittylitter
and
catfish

apparently the evil black cats were everywhere
placing cat calls
spreading blackness and venom in every corner

cat scanning the site
offending everyone in their very dark path

which was categorically their sole intension

we all know what happens
if a black cat crosses your path?

(laughter)

let's just say
it's no cat walk
thats for sure

now
to cut to the cat chase
bad cats like this one
do not bring out the best in any cat
even the cool cats

anyway

instead of ignoring these black alley cats
a few of the white "house" cats
challenged them

and it was a catastrophe
it only
flamed the fire
as always

tempers flared
fires burned
cats were hot!

the place was smoking

a few of the
voices of reason
attempted to throw a damper on the situation
even offered them a little catechism
by reminding the white house cats

why the black alley cats come around in the first place

yet, the voices were unsuccessful
their cat calls fell on deaf cat ears

even though they tried
reminding them of old cat tales

despite their best efforts
they
were unable to
distinguish the fire

the white cats were really getting into the heat of battle
trying to defend
their fellow white cats honor
actually
the white cats
really got themselves involved in a vicious cat fight
name calling on both sides occurred
the good vs the evil

and
once again
from a distance

it all started looking pretty bad
like a bunch of cats on a hot tin roof
one can hardly tell the difference between
the good white cats
from the bad black alley cats

some of the good white cats were incensed
and began retaliating
and scratching thier way
to the top of the pop list

you should have seen those white cats go!

many other cats climbed aboard
quite a significant number of rehashing posts
that began to appear

almost every single one
took turns blasting and bashing
the bad black cats

some of the white cats
were angry at the battling white cats
for having an ugly alley cat fight
in the middle of the night

and

were not too happy about
the way in which some cats
chose to handle the situation
as a result
they made some rather catty comments
on the rehashing posts

trying to reprimand the good white cats
who were acting like bad black cats

which
really made the white cats mad as a cow

then
the cats turned on each other
blasting, battling and and bashing fellow cats

and by morning

the black cats and all the black cat accounts
had been banished
by the site staff

burried in some catacomb without a trace

although
sadly
all that remained
were the rehashed posts
which were not pretty!

when we left for class
another in house cat fight was taking place
and naturally
climbing the charts
just like a cat

the absolute worse kind of fight is one
where
good white cats
bash and battle against other good white cats

oh
such a shame
to see cat against cat
during an attack

it cant get any worse than that

we have examples of both sides
of the white cats stories

and we thought
we would use this cat tale as an example

as our cat in the hat
so to speak
we thought it would be purr fect

when we begin discussing
ethics and moral codes
and behavior
and
the common good vs freedom of speech
language, profanities and principles

Teacher

I am impressed
you have chosen a perfect example
a timely one
much better than the one I was going to use

which took place last year
between 2 young ladies on the site

I am very proud of the initiative this class has shown
all throughout the semester

ok, everyone
we have a lot of work to do
lets gather all this valuable data and put it away
we really need to move on at the moment

Ed, please organize your group in front of the room
and we will begin as soon as you are ready

if any of you want to remain afterwards today to discuss
ethics
using the cat example
I would be happy to stay
I have a free period

(while the class was getting settled)

teacher
apparently some of you must have been suffering from a bit of insomnia last night
did you know I just read somewhere that there is a link between sleep deprivation and dementia
you might want to consider a little cat nap this afternoon

OK, looks like Ed and his group are ready

please proceed

Ed

(to be continued)

blogging 101 before class discussion

2009-09-25T14:03:50-04:00

Before class, a large group gathered and began to discuss what happened on the site the previous evening. A few students made copies of the "fight" and began passing them around. Some of the co eds were reading while others were involved in an animated discussion... should the members report trouble makers to the site, and then drop it, or should they go after them, and take the law into their own hands so to speak. Some were pointing out the fact that making comments or writing posts about it, only fuels the fire, some say they believe certain people go looking for offensive posts to let off some steam, other members of the class think that bloggers should defend each other, afterall, they are like a family, and no one messes with a member of "the family"

In the back of the room another student had taken it upon herself to make copies of all the posts that were written in response to the incident...a few kids were trying to help her sort the piles of papers she had in her overflowing folder

there were so many posts
written by bloggers who were sick and tired of the fighting and name calling
another bunch contained all the people who used the incident for their next post
the third pile....people who wanted to keep the fire burning and garner more comments
another category was quickly named
"the voices of reason"
there were a number of posts that did not fit into any of the other piles
and while the entire room was in motion, John attempted to count
the "I quit, sick of this shit" pile

the class seemed to be divided about how to handle blog riots and rants

some were supporters of the rimo rule
report
ignore
move
on

others were proponents of fsb game
flame
slam
blame
game

The teacher enters the room and can't help but notice ......

to be continued

blogging 1001/ bloggers and the popular list

2009-09-23T13:09:24-04:00

Teacher

Good morning class, we have so much ground to cover today
Please copy the links I wrote on the board
I think they will help you when we begin our

moral and ethical vs "freedom of speech" debates

http://ethicsops.com/default.aspx

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/thinking.html

I am looking forward to next week
we have already had some lively discussions on that very topic
before and after class

moral and ethical issues are certainly not black and white
as you are discovering more and more while we dig deeper
into this mysterious world
of the social networking hierarchy
there is a fine line
between freedom of speech
and
rights vs the common good
we will be touching upon such topics as

should an e mail be made public
should an IM be posted
should comments be deleted
what if work is plagiarized
giving credit where credit is due
should people be singled out
or named in a post
should slanderous accusations be allowed
what if
if any
are the consequences

check your syllabus for the complete list
and be prepared
you will not know your subject matter
until you sit facing your opponent

(a few complaints and rolled eyes)

I have your graded papers on my desk to
return to you to you after class

the good, the bad and the ugly essays were a riot
You are also going to receive your
comparing and contrasting worksheets
today

how to choose one social networking site over another

as a result of all your hard work
we were able to focus on
one site in particular

somanythoughts.com

all semester we have been
looking into why its so successful
identifying problems
suggesting improvements

Everyone was assigned 10 bloggers to interview
from the oldest members down to the newest members

oh
How is that going by the way?

I want you to know how important this is to your overall grade
I hope you do not wait till the last minute
Ellen
how did you choose your bloggers?

Ellen

I went all the way back to July and August of the first year
the site was up and running
and I chose my ten by the number of blogs and comments they wrote
I also wanted to study people who joined a year later and a year after that
I tried to get a cross section of people,
and an equal number of males and females

Teacher

sounds good
are you almost finished gathering your data

Ellen

yes, as a matter of fact, I just completed it over the weekend
I knew it was going to be a lot of work
and I wanted to get it out of the way

Teacher

Jackie
how did you decide

Jackie

well
I wanted to find an equal amount of trouble makers
and an equal amount of respected people
and I threw in a few others who only post in the forums

Teacher

Bill what about you

Bill
I choose 2 from the general discussion forums
2 from the the members who frequent the creative writing forum
2 regulars from Mamamias chat room
and
2 of the top 10 from the top 100 bloggers list
and last but not least
I found
2 sexy looking ones
at least their avatars are pretty darn sexy
both ladies write about all sorts of mysterious things

laughter

Teacher

has it been eye opening

Bill

Oh yeah

everyone laughs

Teacher

let's here from Angela

Angela
I kept reading so much about the newbies
and noticed how the older ones were treating them

Teacher

I detest that word, don't you?
it reminds me
of pledges in a fraternity or sorority
Are any of you pledging this semester?

show of hands

Teacher

I wonder who made that word up?

Larry

probably the same person who calls everyone
"alluthoughtsters"

laughter

Tom

maybe its the same one who coined the phrase
"top of the soda pops"

I had no idea how many bloggers chose
" popularity"
as their blog topic
it's as if they don't know what else to write about?

laughter

Teacher

well, we will be discussing
the POPULAR LISTS
later today

I'm sorry, go ahead Angela

Angela

well I went into the archives and I found a few of the newer names and a few of the oldest names
and I followed 5 of each

Teacher

Katherine you have had your hand up
tell us about your group

Katherine

I guess I chose an easy route
there were so many members!!!
I was starting to get overwhelmed

I found my bloggers by
getting the names of the trip winners from the last 2 years
and then I added the person with the most posts

Teacher

OK that works

Teacher

we only have time for one more

Pat
how is it going?

Pat

I wanted to find an entertaining blogger who made me laugh
a serious blogger who made me think
a stupid blogger who made me yell at the computer
one who used it as a journal
another one who is writing a book
one who I think should have their work published, they are so good
a do gooder
a pot stirrer
a cheater who manipulates their counts to make it to the top
and one who never had anything to say
but that never stops them from posting

laughter

Teacher

I can not wait to hear your report
and all the rest of them, for that matter!

I am going to choose a few at random
and let you share them with the class

Ok
time for the Popular List
please find all of your notes

as students moved about

Teacher

we formed think tanks
and analyzed all the data
and I want to hear from the leaders of each group

half of the class was given the top ten posts to evaluate
for the day
48 hours
a week
a month
a year
and all time

and the other half
studied
the 100 top bloggers on this successful site

you really dug into the archives
and each of you were supposed to ask the blogger
you were tracking for their opinions as well

I TOLD ALL OF YOU TO COPY DOWN THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
AND KEEP THEM IN MIND
WHEN DRAWING YOUR CONCLUSIONS

NANCY
WILL YOU READ THEM TO THE CLASS

Nancy

What you don't know won't hurt you
OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND
The more you know the better

Teacher

Ed, your group studied the TOP 100 BLOGGERS

ED, LETS HEAR FROM YOUR GROUP FIRST
BRING ALL YOUR WORK TO THE FRONT OF THE ROOM
AND SIT IN THE DESKS FACING US
ED, YOU MAY USE THE PODIUM

ED
we have been told that when the site began
a top 100 blogger list
was not included
it was added later

yet, they did provide a place on the site
for the top 10 bloggers
although it could have been easily overlooked
not many members frequented it

it was similar to the groups and the category situations

no one was aware it was there

Teacher

we will discuss
groups and categories
another day

Ed

good,
because we have an abundance of information
on those 2 areas
anyway
the little known list of top ten bloggers
not to be confused with the top ten posts
did not attract much attention
if at all
their names and avatars were displayed
and the last few posts they had written were there
although
and this is key
a friend count was not included

not much info was provided really
and
If
the members did manage to find their way there
no one would fess up
it was frowned upon
the other bloggers sort of resented it
looked down upon it in a way
nevertheless
No one ever chose the top ten bloggers
as a topic or a target,
no one "picked" on them
no one mentioned them
their status was simply ignored
people never referred to any of the individuals
on that list
actually
most acted like the top ten logger list
did not exist

and
certainly no one was ever singled out for being there

we think the majority of members forgot about it
similar to private messages in the forums

even if they knew about another place for mail
it was not uppermost on their minds
months would pass before they
checked the old mail that was sitting unanswered in their
in box
however, almost everyone read their main mail regularly

Teacher

Ed, I think you are going off on a tangent and getting ahead of yourself
now is not the time to discuss mail, categories and groups
Mary please help him get back on track

Ed

you are right, sorry
I just have so much to say about this site
I feel like I have actually lived there
spent all my spare time logged on
the people seem so real to me
I actually care about a couple of them

"I feel the same way" could be heard whispered around the classroom

Mary

OK Ed, (giving him " the look ")
as far as the top ten bloggers list goes
once in awhile someone would mention it
but in the same breath would
make sure to add how it meant nothing to them

after discussing this situation with some of the bloggers I interviewed,
a few people seemed to resent the members on the list
while others were simply not interested

To make a long story short

laughter

it was never anything like it is today
the topic of endless posts

Anne

exactly
we believe the saying

out of sight
out of mind
applies to the top 100 list

Ed
In OUR opinion,
the creation of the top 100 bloggers list is one of the main reasons there seems to have been a shift in the
quality
as well as the quantity
of the posts and a breakdown in the warm supportive and friendly neighborhood community atmosphere that had existed
peacefully and naturally up to that point.

Bookmarking and gathering friends lost their original value
and took on an entirely different meaning.

bell rings

Teacher

Is that the bell?

Ed, we will start tomorrow where we left off today
please assemble your group
in the front of the room as soon as you walk in the door!

wait a minute everyone....

Don't leave without your papers

Jean, this was excellent, A+, Bob, you made me laugh, good work,
Pete, where did you get this insider info, we will have to talk, great work!

to be continued
----------------------
note:
this was posted yesterday and apparently, some people were able to read it and left a comment although at one point, it went poof? Actually I was told it could be read if you read one line at a time and was told if I went in there and "fixed it" it would be OK.

When I tried "fixing it" the first time a bunch of text appeared ....
Therefore, I am not going to start playing with this again...
I am afraid people...I admit it!
I am afraid to touch anything....to center anything, to use colors,..or quotes
we will see what happens when I try this again....

I suppose....
" Life is just one big experiment?"
I do not know who said that...maybe I just made it up?

and thats
another story?

class dismissed
maybe this teacher should take an early retirement?
collect her pension
and take up knitting

test do not read ....

2009-09-22T17:50:10-04:00

Teacher
Good morning class, we have so much ground to cover today
Please copy the links I wrote on the board
I think they will help you when we begin our

moral and ethical vs "freedom of speech" debates

http://ethicsops.com/default.aspx

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/thinking.html

I am looking forward to next week
we have already had some lively discussions on that very topic
before and after class

moral and ethical issues are certainly not black and white
as you are discovering more and more while we dig deeper
into this mysterious world
of the social networking hierarchy
there is a fine line
between freedom of speech
and
rights vs the common good
we will be touching upon such topics as

should an e mail be made public
should an IM be posted
should comments be deleted
what if work is plagiarized
giving credit where credit is due
should people be singled out
or named in a post
should slanderous accusations be allowed
what if
if any
are the consequences

check your syllabus for the complete list
and be prepared
you will not know your subject matter
until you sit facing your opponent

(a few complaints and rolled eyes)

I have a few graded papers on my desk to
return to you today
the good, the bad and the ugly essays were a riot
You are also going to receive your
comparing and contrasting
essays at the end of class

how to choose one social networking site over another

as a result of all your hard work
we were able to focus on
one site in particular

somanythoughts.com

all semester we have been
looking into why its so successful
identifying problems
suggesting improvements

Everyone was assigned 10 bloggers to interview
from the oldest members down to the newest members

oh
How is that going by the way?

I want you to know how important this is to your overall grade
I hope you do not wait till the last minute
Ellen
how is it going and how did you choose your bloggers?

Ellen
I went all the way back to July and August of the first year
the site was up and running
and I chose my ten by the number of blogs and comments they wrote
I also wanted to study people who joined a year later and a year after that
I tried to get a cross section of people,
and an equal number of males and females

teacher
sounds good
are you almost finished gathering your data
Ellen
yes, as a matter of fact, I just completed it over the weekend
I knew it was going to be alot of work
and I wanted to get it out of the way

Teacher
Jackie
how did you decide
Jackie
well
I wanted to find an equal amount of trouble makers
and an equal amount of respected people
and I threw in a few others who only post in the forums

Teacher
Bill what about you

Bill
I choose 2 from the general discussion forums
2 from the the members who frequent the creative writing forum
2 regulars from Mamamias chat room
and
2 of the top 10 from the top 100 bloggers list
and last but not least
I found
2 sexy looking ones
at least their avatars are pretty darn sexy
both ladies write about all sorts of mysterious things

laughter

teacher
has it been eye opening

bill
Oh yeah

everyone laughs

Teacher
let's here from Angela

Angela
I kept reading so much about the newbies
and noticed how the older ones were treating them

Teacher
I detest that word, don't you?
it reminds me
of pledges in a fraternity or sorority
Are any of you pledging this semester?

show of hands
Teacher
I wonder who made that word up?

Larry
probably the same person who calls everyone
"alluthoughtsters"

laughter

Tom
maybe its the same one who coined the phrase
"top of the soda pops"

I had no idea how many bloggers chose
" popularity"
as their blog topic
it's as if they don't know what else to write about?

laughter

Teacher
well, we will be discussing
the POPULAR LISTS
later today

I'm sorry, go ahead Angela

Angela
well I went into the archives and I found a few of the newer names and a few of the oldest names
and I followed 5 of each

Teacher
Katherine you have had your hand up
tell us about your group

Katherine

I guess I chose an easy route
there were so many members!!!
I was starting to get overwhelmed

I found my bloggers by
getting the names of the trip winners from the last 2 years
and then I added the person with the most posts

Teacher
OK that works

Teacher
we only have time for one more

Pat
how is it going?

Pat
I wanted to find an entertaining blogger who made me laugh
a serious blogger who made me think
a stupid blogger who made me yell at the computer
one who used it as a journal
another one who is writing a book
one who I think should have their work published, they are so good
a do gooder
a pot stirrer
a cheater who manipulates their counts to make it to the top
and one who never had anything to say
but that never stops them from posting

laughter

Teacher
I can not wait to hear your report
and all the rest of them, for that matter!

I am going to choose a few at random
and let you share them with the class

Ok
time for the Popular List
please find all of your notes

as students moved about
Teacher
we formed think tanks
and analyzed all the data
and I want to hear from the leaders of each group

half of the class was given the top ten posts to evaluate
for the day
48 hours
a week
a month
a year
and all time

and the other half
studied
the 100 top bloggers on the site

you really dug into the archives
and each of you were supposed to ask the blogger
you were tracking for their opinions as well

I TOLD ALL OF YOU TO COPY DOWN THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
AND KEEP THEM IN MIND
WHEN DRAWING YOUR CONCLUSIONS

NANCY
WILL YOU READ THEM TO THE CLASS

Nancy
What you don't know won't hurt you
OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND
The more you know the better

TOP 100 BLOGGERS

ED, LETS HERE FROM YOUR GROUP FIRST
BRING ALL YOUR WORK TO THE FRONT OF THE ROOM
AND SIT IN THE DESKS FACING US
ED, YOU MAY USE THE

ED
we have been told that when the site began
a top 100 blogger list
was not included
it was added later

yet, they did provide a place on the site
for the top 10 bloggers
although it could have been easily overlooked
not many members frequented it
(it was similar to the groups and the category situations)
no one was aware it was there

Teacher
we will discuss
groups and categories
another day

Ed

good,
because we have an abundance of information
on those 2 areas
anyway
the little known list of top ten bloggers
not to be confused with the top ten posts
did not attract much attention
if at all
their names and avatars were displayed
and the last few posts they had written were there
although
and this is key
a friend count was not included

not much info was provided really
and
If
the members did manage to find their way there
no one would fess up
it was frowned upon
the other bloggers sort of resented it
looked down upon it in a way
nevertheless
No one ever chose the top ten bloggers
as a topic or a target,
no one "picked" on them
no one mentioned them
their status was simply ignored
people never referred to any of the individuals
on that list
actually
most acted like the top ten logger list
did not exist

and
certainly no one was ever singled out for being there

we think the majority of members forgot about it
similar to private messages in the forums

even if they knew about another place for mail
it was not uppermost on their minds
months would pass before they
checked the old mail that was sitting unanswered in their
in box
however, almost everyone read their main mail regularly

Teacher
Ed, I think you are going off on a tangent and getting ahead of yourself
now is not the time to discuss mail, categories and groups
Mary please help him get back on track

Ed
you are right, sorry
I just have so much to say about this site
I feel like I have actually lived there
spent all my spare time logged on
the people seem so real to me
I actually care about a couple of them

"I feel the same way" could be heard whispered around the classroom

Mary
OK Ed, (giving him " the look ")
as far as the top ten bloggers list goes
once in awhile someone would mention it
but in the same breath would
make sure to add how it meant nothing to them

after discussing this situation with some of the bloggers I interviewed,
a few people seemed to resent the members on the list
while others were simply not interested

To make a long story short
laughter
it was never anything like it is today
the topic of endless posts

Anne
exactly
we believe the saying

out of sight
out of mind
applies to the top ten list

Ed
In OUR opinion,
the creation of the top 100 bloggers list is one of the main reasons there seems to have been a shift in the quality as well as the quantity of the posts and a breakdown in the warm supportive and friendly neighborhood community atmosphere that had existed
peacefully and naturally up to that point.

Bookmarking and gathering friends lost their original value
and took on an entirely different meaning.
bell rings

Teacher
Is that the bell?

Ed, we will start tomorrow where we left off today
please assemble your group
in the front of the room as soon as you walk in the door!

wait a minute everyone....

Don't leave without your papers

Jean, this was excellent, A+, Bob, you made me laugh, good work,
Pete, where did you get this insider info, we will have to talk, great work!

to be continued

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

MESSAGES OFF THE WALL

2009-09-20T20:23:12-04:00

Blogging 101
Teacher
Good morning class
This is going to be an interesting week. I thought all of you did a superb job with your rant posts. Some of them made me laugh out loud while others made some very valid points. I spent the entire weekend reading them and I have to admit I shared a couple with my husband. I will try to get your papers back to you as soon as I finish grading them.

At the beginning of the semester you were all given a blogger to track and a web site to evaluate. Today I will be collecting the message wall portion of your research paper

Normally I’d start with the profile page,
however, since it is a rainy Monday morning we could use a little comic relief.

Before we begin, Please bring all of your copies of last weeks I’m quitting posts and put them on the table near the window with the rest of them, remember
who ever finds the most at the end of the term, will be awarded 5 extra points.

Teacher
As you know, if time permits, I will choose one at random to read to the class.
All right everyone, I think I will take a peek at the record number of quitting posts turned in this week, while you take
a moment to put your reports in order and perhaps some brave soul would be willing to volunteer to go first.

a few minutes of laughter and conversation

Teacher

Teacher is laughing so hard she is almost crying.

Mike

The teacher wipes her eyes, then her glasses while holding a paper in her hand

This is the funniest one I’ve ever read and believe me Ive read thousands
Oh my goodness. Lets see if I am able to regain my composure… and to think I worried that this was going to be a dull class to teach!

More laughter

Teacher

Please begin by stating the real name of the blogger, their user name and a brief description of their avatar before writing a sample of their wall messages on the board.

OK John, I saw your hand fly up, would you like to start.

John:
MY bloggers name is
AMY AFGANISTAN
A female, I think?
But one never really knows do they?

The class laughs and shakes their heads and all begin whispering about a few bloggers whose gender has been the subject of much debate.

Teacher:

as soon as she speaks, everyone pays attention

Afghanistan seems to be a common last name, it’s a dead give away that the blogger in question wishes to remain anonymous. Does anyone know why there are so many people with this particular last name?

Mary

When one joins the site you are asked to fill out a little form and one of the questions asked is the name of your country. Afghanistan happens to be the first choice given
so to avoid scrolling I believe most people choose Afghanistan.

Teacher

I agree, Thank you Mary
In your opinion, which group is the largest, anonymous bloggers or people who join using their real name?
Mary

I’m not sure, I have had a difficult time with this question. It’s a dead giveaway when you see a name like thrownoutofmyhouse, a handle like that is a sure sign the blogger wishes to hide his or hers true identity.
Yet, whenever that particular blogger leaves a comment, they sign, one love, Loretta May

I am never sure if Loretta May is the authors real name or just another fake name…if I happen to notice they come from Afghanistan, I know she is a fake, but if she was born and bred in Milwaukee Wisconsin, I’m not so sure?

So many of these bloggers have opened multiple accounts. I was truly amazed. Believe it or not, a few of them do not even try to hide the fact that they write under various names. Its crazy!
Personally, I find it very confusing. In certain cases it makes sense to have multiples avatars if one wishes to remain hidden, but I just don’t get the other train of thought.

Someone explained his or her reason in a post just the other day. He said he did it to express the many facets of his personality.

Mary shrugs

Back to your question, I’m sorry, but I just don’t know the answer yet?

Teacher

Mary, you have given me a great idea, anyone who is able to give me an accurate answer and back it up, will be given extra credit.

Continue John, sorry for the interruption

John
That’s ok, I wondered about that myself.

Amy A’s screen name is
IWILLGETYOUMYPRETTY

he writes it on the board revealing the spaces between the words

I will get you my pretty

Running a group of words together is a common practice with the bloggers, some spell it phonically and other opt to spell the words correctly, most of these are rather comical.

Teacher

Great observation, we are learning something in this class that many people who are unfamiliar with a social network site do not realize…
Vast majorities of bloggers are most likely, certifiably insane or pretending to be so. In addition, it is quite surprising to note, a majority of them show signs of possessing a terrific sense of humor while others harbor a deep resentment in every area of life. More about this topic, later in the week. Proceed John

John

According to Amy A, she lives
Somewhere

Her avatar is a picture of a very exotic and sexy looking women who seems to be focused on something or someone off in a distance.

Somewhere? Far far away

everyone laughs

I’m 99% sure Amy does not even resemble
this picture, her avatar has to be fake, but one never knows, does one?

IWILLGETYOUMYPRETTY
has been a member for almost 4 months. She does not seem to have many friends.
The last time I checked she had 3. Although as we have been discovering, Amy makes the popular top ten daily lists on a regular basis.

Teacher:
We do not have time right now, but please remind me first thing tomorrow to discuss, the top ten posts and top 100 blogger lists.

John please continue

John
I look forward to that discussion…. now here are

a few of Amy AFGANISTAN wall messages.

He writes the following words on the chalkboard

“YOU BITCH!”

you probably live under a rock somewhere

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, WHY DON’T YOU GO BACK WHERE YOU CAME FROM!

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU, KISSES DARLING

I never sign off without reading one of your posts.

I think it was extremely rude of you to share the private e mail I sent. I was only trying to help and to see my words twisted like that was very disconcerting. I do not think private e-mails should ever be allowed as a post. I feel violated.

You should receive a demerit of some sort. I have decided to take this matter up with the staff. I will no longer have any contact with you. You will not be hearing from me again. Please do not visit my posts and I will most certainly stay away from yours.

Hey I totally get you! I feel the same way, just don’t have the guts to say some of the things you do

I enjoy ed the cat fite the uther day, you entertam me. u go gurl!

If you would only open your heart, you would be so much happier, I will pray for you.

I’m quitting this place because of people like you!!!!!

I don’t need this!

Amy, I love you, will you marry me?

If you do not leave merrymerryxmass alone, I will find you! You will not be happy to see me

You do not fool me, I know you are really lostkitten, I can tell by the way you write. I will expose you …you fake
I am an expert in these things.

Who do you think you are? Come out from under that fake avatar and look us in the eye

Honey, you need our prayers more than anyone here. I have you on the top of my list

I will have your Internet address by the end of the day, so kiss this place goodbye lady.

I know people in high places around here, and you had better watch your back because they come to me for advice all the time and I can not wait to tell them about the post you wrote last night. Let’s just say, you can kiss Vegas goodbye doll!

Kiss my …A blank blank
Avatar!

I will be your friend I just sent you a friend request.

Jerk!

You are not worth the time it takes to send this message so why am I doing it?

Its people like you that give this site a bad name!

Why do you feel the need to stir the pot?

Don’t you ever have anything nice to say.

5 stars, I loved your she’s so ugly post, lol

stop tryin to friend me! Im making my blogs private

The owner and founder did not build this place with his own money for people like you to inhabit.
From now on, I am telling everyone to ignore you.
I bet you would hate that.

How did the post you submitted last night at 6:02, reach the top ten by 6:05? I wanna know?

You have no proof that I actually said that! How dare you!

Everyone laughs and applauds after a brief discussion

Teacher
John
That was fun! Please place your analysis, of Amy A face down, in the bin next to the I quit pile

Melissa you are next

Melissa

My blogger is a housewife in her 50’s she has 5 children, 2 dogs, a cat, and a canary. Her husband works long hours at an executive search firm.

Teacher
Melissa, save that information for our discussion of the profile page
Melissa
Oh yes, you are right, sorry.

Jenny Kopper lives in the Midwest and she has never had anything published but she loves to write.

Teacher
Melissa, too much info right now, lets hear about her screen name and avatar

Mellissa
Her screen name is Jenny K
I’m pretty sure that is her real name.
Her avatar is a picture of a middle-aged women and there is a canary in the background

I believe this is a real person and that her avatar is her real picture and the canary in the back ground is her bird, named, Dorris Day

Melissa writes the comments from Jenny Ks wall on the board.

I wish we were neighbors, I would borrow a cup of sugar, you are so sweet. xxx

My kids do that all the time, but you made it sound so much more fun!

I hate when my husband says that, I’m glad you told him how you felt.

Hey old lady, waz up?

Bitch!

I laughed so hard I almost wet my pants, thanks for putting a smile on my face.

I sent you a private message, please check

Love ya!

What songs does Doris sing during the day… lol

You brightened my day, thank you

I’m sick of you, you are so boring

You bore me to tears

You have real talent, you should get that last one published.

Bitch

Have a great weekend!

Stopping by just to say hi

I love you!

I wish I could put your enthusiasm in a bottle and market it, I would be rich, we are all rich to have you here!

Will you please read my last two posts?

Watz up, you are pretty cool for an old broad

more applause and laughter after a brief discussion

Teacher
Hank
Your turn

My bloggers name is Robert Blake
His screen name is wise_one
His avatar looks like a picture of an owl
He lives in Boston

I think he is the real thing
He participates in the scribble challenge every week, and he has never missed a single one.

Hank writes the comments on the board

How did you get so smart
you old fart

I disagree with your politics but I agree with your argument

I need a dictionary by my side whenever I read anything you write, thank you for improving my vocabulary

Bitch

Will you please read my last 2 posts

Waz up, you remind me of my grandpa, and that’s a good thing, he was cool

You have a fabulous way of coining a phrase and are a delight to read. I always come away with something I never knew

5 stars!

I can’t compete with that last scribble, so I am not even going to try, it was fantastic good job

I wish I could get you to talk to my son!

Are you and your wife happy? Just wondering?

I hope you feel better, you should try the nedi pot, it worked wonders on my sinuses

What, you are going on a vacation,
please say it isn’t so

Just spreading some love in your direction

Stopped by to say hi

Sorry I missed you

IM me tomorrow

Yeah, I would love to go bass fishing with you! You name the time and place

Sounds fishy to me

You think you know everything don’t you, big shot, well you don’t! I am so much more popular than you are! lol

5 stars, I agree 100% well said

How do you make a long story short, amazing!

Lol

I guess I got cut off,
at your photos, and you have a beautiful family. I’m not sure which one of those attractive ladies is your wife.

How long did you say you were married, is Helen your one and only wife? Were you ever married before I was looking

A brief discussion followed by applause

Wonderful, everyone did a fabulous job, now its time for the
I quit
post but before I begin, if the bell should ring, be prepared to discuss the popular lists tomorrow.

OK
Wait till you hear this one….
Here goes

Now, no one better even try to talk me out of this, that is not the reason I am writing…………….
...........................

TEST, DO NOT READ

2009-09-20T20:19:51-04:00

warning, could not use quotes and various other things...

Blogging 101

Teacher

Good morning class

This is going to be an interesting week. I thought you all of you did a superb job with your rant posts. Some of them made me laugh out loud while others made some very valid points. I spent the entire weekend reading them and I have to admit I shared a couple with my husband. I will try to get your papers back to you as soon as I finish grading them.

At the beginning of the semester you were all given a blogger to track and a web site to evaluate. Today I will be collecting the message wall portion of your research paper

Normally I’d start with the profile page,

however, since it is a rainy Monday morning we could use a little comedy relief.

Before we begin, Please bring all of your copies of last weeks I’m quitting posts and put them on the table near the window with the rest of them, remember

who ever finds the most at the end of the term, will be awarded 5 extra points.

Teacher

As you know, if time permits, I will choose one at random to read to the class.

All right everyone, I think I will take a peek at the record number of quitting posts turned in this week, while you take

a moment to put your reports in order and perhaps some brave soul would be willing to volunteer to go first.

a few minutes of laughter and conversation

Teacher

Teacher is laughing so hard she is almost crying.

Mike

The teacher wipes her eyes, then her glasses while holding a paper in her hand

This is the funniest one I’ve ever read and believe me Ive read thousands

Oh my goodness. Lets see if I am able to regain my composure… and to think I worried that this was going to be a dull class to teach!

More laughter

Teacher

Please begin by stating the real name of the blogger, their user name and a brief description of their avatar before writing a sample of their wall messages on the board.

OK John, I saw your hand fly up, would you like to start.

John:

MY bloggers name is

AMY AFGANISTAN

A female, I think?

But one never really knows do they?

The class laughs and shakes their heads and all begin whispering about a few bloggers whose gender has been the subject of much debate.

Teacher:

as soon as she speaks, everyone pays attention

Afghanistan seems to be a common last name, it’s a dead give away that the blogger in question wishes to remain anonymous. Does anyone know why there are so many people with this particular last name?

Mary

When one joins the site you are asked to fill out a little form and one of the questions asked is the name of your country. Afghanistan happens to be the first choice given

so to avoid scrolling I believe most people choose Afghanistan.

Teacher

I agree, Thank you Mary

In your opinion, which group is the largest, anonymous bloggers or people who join using their real name?

Mary

I’m not sure, I have had a difficult time with this question. It’s a dead giveaway when you see a name like thrownoutofmyhouse, a handle like that is a sure sign the blogger wishes to hide his or hers true identity.

Yet, whenever that particular blogger leaves a comment, they sign, one love, Loretta May

I am never sure if Loretta May is the authors real name or just another fake name…if I happen to notice they come from Afghanistan, I know she is a fake, but if she was born and bred in Milwaukee Wisconsin, I’m not so sure?

So many of these bloggers have opened multiple accounts. I was truly amazed. Believe it or not, a few of them do not even try to hide the fact that they write under various names. Its crazy!

Personally, I find it very confusing. In certain cases it makes sense to have multiples avatars if one wishes to remain hidden, but I just don’t get the other train of thought.

Someone explained his or her reason in a post just the other day. He said he did it to express the many facets of his personality.

Mary shrugs

Back to your question, I’m sorry, but I just don’t know the answer yet?

Teacher

Mary, you have given me a great idea, anyone who is able to give me an accurate answer and back it up, will be given extra credit.

Continue John, sorry for the interruption

John

That’s ok, I wondered about that myself.

Amy A’s screen name is

IWILLGETYOUMYPRETTY

he writes it on the board revealing the spaces between the words

I will get you my pretty

Running a group of words together is a common practice with the bloggers, some spell it phonically and other opt to spell the words correctly, most of these are rather comical.

Teacher

Great observation, we are learning something in this class that many people who are unfamiliar with a social network site do not realize…

Vast majorities of bloggers are most likely, certifiably insane or pretending to be so. In addition, it is quite surprising to note, a majority of them show signs of possessing a terrific sense of humor while others harbor a deep resentment in every area of life. More about this topic, later in the week. Proceed John

John

According to Amy A, she lives

Somewhere

Her avatar is a picture of a very exotic and sexy looking women who seems to be focused on something or someone off in a distance.

Somewhere? Far far away

everyone laughs

I’m 99% sure Amy does not even resemble

this picture, her avatar has to be fake, but one never knows, does one?

IWILLGETYOUMYPRETTY

has been a member for almost 4 months. She does not seem to have many friends.

The last time I checked she had 3. Although as we have been discovering, Amy makes the popular top ten daily lists on a regular basis.

Teacher:

We do not have time right now, but please remind me first thing tomorrow to discuss, the top ten posts and top 100 blogger lists.

John please continue

John

I look forward to that discussion…. now here are

a few of Amy AFGANISTAN wall messages.

He writes the following words on the chalkboard

“YOU BITCH!”

you probably live under a rock somewhere

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, WHY DON’T YOU GO BACK WHERE YOU CAME FROM!

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU, KISSES DARLING

I never sign off without reading one of your posts.

I think it was extremely rude of you to share the private e mail I sent. I was only trying to help and to see my words twisted like that was very disconcerting. I do not think private e-mails should ever be allowed as a post. I feel violated.

You should receive a demerit of some sort. I have decided to take this matter up with the staff. I will no longer have any contact with you. You will not be hearing from me again. Please do not visit my posts and I will most certainly stay away from yours.

Hey I totally get you! I feel the same way, just don’t have the guts to say some of the things you do

I enjoy ed the cat fite the uther day, you entertam me. u go gurl!

If you would only open your heart, you would be so much happier, I will pray for you.

I’m quitting this place because of people like you!!!!!

I don’t need this!

Amy, I love you, will you marry me?

If you do not leave merrymerryxmass alone, I will find you! You will not be happy to see me

You do not fool me, I know you are really lostkitten, I can tell by the way you write. I will expose you …you fake

I am an expert in these things.

Who do you think you are? Come out from under that fake avatar and look us in the eye

Honey, you need our prayers more than anyone here. I have you on the top of my list

I will have your Internet address by the end of the day, so kiss this place goodbye lady.

I know people in high places around here, and you had better watch your back because they come to me for advice all the time and I can not wait to tell them about the post you wrote last night. Let’s just say, you can kiss Vegas goodbye doll!

Kiss my …A blank blank

Avatar!

I will be your friend I just sent you a friend request.

Jerk!

You are not worth the time it takes to send this message so why am I doing it?

Its people like you that give this site a bad name!

Why do you feel the need to stir the pot?

Don’t you ever have anything nice to say.

5 stars, I loved your she’s so ugly post, lol

stop tryin to friend me! Im making my blogs private

The owner and founder did not build this place with his own money for people like you to inhabit.

From now on, I am telling everyone to ignore you.

I bet you would hate that.

How did the post you submitted last night at 6:02, reach the top ten by 6:05? I wanna know?

You have no proof that I actually said that! How dare you!

Everyone laughs and applauds after a brief discussion

Teacher

John

That was fun! Please place your analysis, of Amy A face down, in the bin next to the I quit pile

Melissa you are next

Melissa

My blogger is a housewife in her 50’s she has 5 children, 2 dogs, a cat, and a canary. Her husband works long hours at an executive search firm.

Teacher

Melissa, save that information for our discussion of the profile page

Melissa

Oh yes, you are right, sorry.

Jenny Kopper lives in the Midwest and she has never had anything published but she loves to write.

Teacher

Melissa, too much info right now, lets hear about her screen name and avatar

Mellissa

Her screen name is Jenny K

I’m pretty sure that is her real name.

Her avatar is a picture of a middle-aged women and there is a canary in the background

I believe this is a real person and that her avatar is her real picture and the canary in the back ground is her bird, named, Dorris Day

Melissa writes the comments from Jenny Ks wall on the board.

I wish we were neighbors, I would borrow a cup of sugar, you are so sweet. xxx

My kids do that all the time, but you made it sound so much more fun!

I hate when my husband says that, I’m glad you told him how you felt.

Hey old lady, waz up?

Bitch!

I laughed so hard I almost wet my pants, thanks for putting a smile on my face.

I sent you a private message, please check

Love ya!

What songs does Doris sing during the day… lol

You brightened my day, thank you

I’m sick of you, you are so boring

You bore me to tears

You have real talent, you should get that last one published.

Bitch

Have a great weekend!

Stopping by just to say hi

I love you!

I wish I could put your enthusiasm in a bottle and market it, I would be rich, we are all rich to have you here!

Will you please read my last two posts?

Watz up, you are pretty cool for an old broad

more applause and laughter after a brief discussion

Teacher

Hank

Your turn

My bloggers name is Robert Blake

His screen name is wise_one

His avatar looks like a picture of an owl

He lives in Boston

I think he is the real thing

He participates in the scribble challenge every week, and he has never missed a single one.

Hank writes the comments on the board

How did you get so smart

you old fart

I disagree with your politics but I agree with your argument

I need a dictionary by my side whenever I read anything you write, thank you for improving my vocabulary

Bitch

Will you please read my last 2 posts

Waz up, you remind me of my grandpa, and that’s a good thing, he was cool

You have a fabulous way of coining a phrase and are a delight to read. I always come away with something I never knew

5 stars!

I can’t compete with that last scribble, so I am not even going to try, it was fantastic good job

I wish I could get you to talk to my son!

Are you and your wife happy? Just wondering?

I hope you feel better, you should try the nedi pot, it worked wonders on my sinuses

What, you are going on a vacation,

please say it isn’t so

Just spreading some love in your direction

Stopped by to say hi

Sorry I missed you

IM me tomorrow

Yeah, I would love to go bass fishing with you! You name the time and place

Sounds fishy to me

You think you know everything don’t you, big shot, well you don’t! I am so much more popular than you are! lol

5 stars, I agree 100% well said

How do you make a long story short, amazing!

Lol

I guess I got cut off,

at your photos, and you have a beautiful family. I’m not sure which one of those attractive ladies is your wife.

How long did you say you were married, is Helen your one and only wife? Were you ever married before I was looking

A brief discussion followed by applause

Wonderful, everyone did a fabulous job, now its time for the

I quit

post but before I begin, if the bell should ring, be prepared to discuss the popular lists tomorrow.

Wait till you hear this one….

Here goes

Now, no one better even try to talk me out of this, that is not the reason I am writing…………….

..............................................

.............................................

peeking at profiles, a showcase... a housewalk

2009-09-17T23:57:07-04:00

www.thoughts.com/roe/blog/-a-guide-post-a-beacon-of-light-378593/

When I discover a new blogger I usually start by reading their first blog. If I apprach it another way, I find myself way too confused.  (Thats another story)

More often than not I assume after reading a few posts that I have a pretty good handle on the person behind the avatar. Unfortunetly, I can not tell you how many times I have been off by a landslide. Once I was postive I was engrossed in a young girls life only to discover she was a he who happened to be a middle age man. Another time, I was convinced I was reading the wise words of a older women who was in fact a young man.

Warning If you do not read the profile first, you just never know whoes insigful thoughts are are sitting right in front of you for your viewing pleasure.  Because of my poor track record, I would strongly suggest you read someones profile before you begin reading their posts.  I never paid much attention to profiles and as a result, I actually left mine blank... another story   When Ben added the message wall feature,I was in for quite a surprise, I had no idea people had taken such great pains to decorate their little bunglaow What a surprise.

No two profiles were alike, they are as individual as every blogger. Some people choose a quote or a poem to represent their essence, others describe their lives, and include their expectations or the reason they joined thoughts.com. There is an abundace of creativity out there and many reminded me of eye candy. I think it is refered to it as "tricked out"...jeeze, quite a few people do a lot of tricks with their little space. Its a lot like decorating...some people choose contempory styles, others are traditional and the majority seem to be eclectic.

I ran across a couple of profiles that reminded me of a full length feature film with its own sountrack. Many people have included music that plays instantly as you open the page. This is definelty a hindrance if you are  engaged in an undercover operation trying to take a peek at the site while your hubby is sound asleep right next to you. The minute someoene's well thought out tunes begin to blast out of the speaker, my cover or should I say covers are totalaly blown. I keep fogetting to hit mute which does not sit well with my daring sound asleep and rudely awkened guy, poor Joe. another story.  

Unfortunely, if reading profiles was not on my top ten priotiy list, writing mine was never even given a second thought until now.  I've decided to share some more of my favorite people who live and blog at thoughts.com by presenting their blog bunglows like a home showcase or a housewalk.

If you enjoy reading someones work on our site
copy paste their profile here in the comment section
thank you!

I had better do something to mine, its a total blank.

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

"Yesterday is but the past, the memories of days gone by. If you live as you years ago, you're nothing but memories, too."  With this thought in mind, I try my best to live life with an expectant outlook, unafraid of the stumbling blocks and adversity that spice up my adventure, gathering a smorgasboard of people who played various roles in my life.   In this life, I realized, it's not what you make out of your life that's important but how many lives you have touched. I hope I did just that--- made a difference by touching the lives of my loved ones and all those who were and still are within the circle of love of my very colorful life

http://www.thoughts.com/mey

As a neophyte in this world of Blogs, I am not sure where I am going. I like to write, usually more serious than most. When I get my bearings, I am usually humorous, and willing to listen. Be patient. I may have something to say. 

 www.thoughts.com/cogitator

I got my degree in Philosophy and Computer and Information Sciences, a double major which reflected two of my life's passions. I've used computers since they ran on punch tape and cards, but have only just learned to blog. Most of my career has been in technical writing, but right now I find getting a job in my field difficult, so I am working nights as a security guard for Apple Computers. This is a lifelong learner's dream job, but only for so long. It's an opportunity to study things, and work on eventually getting a "real" job again. And, oh yeah, a great way to subsidize a blogging habit. For most of my life, I've kept a journal (long winded, boring journals even I wouldn't reread -- imagine the angst fueled by too much coffee and late night sessions with dead philosophers' writings) so this blogging could become a bit addictive, a bit too much like crack with sex and born again praise the Lord addictive. Beware.  MUSIC  Let's see if this works. If it does, here's the closest thing I could find for my ringtone I use for Sara, and only for Sara. I prefer the Bartoli version of the aria, though

www.thoughts.com/davidsbass

I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.
~Og Mandino~ 

www.thoughts.com/DifficultSoul

This is my second year blogging on this site and the friendships I have made are really valuable to me. I live in a small town in a small county in the small country of Ireland but I'm part of a big, global family here. I'm trying to be a writer and from time to time I like to post stories that are floating round in my head. I'm a Christian who doesn't preach but I love to encourage. 

www.thoughts.com/overthehillandfaraway

My motto is keep moving forward...come what may...keep moving forward. Acceptance is the best gift we can give ourselves. If you can change it, then change it. If you can't control it, then accept it and keep moving forward. Woot!  

www.thoughts.com/shemelts

Born from a stone egg atop an ancient...no, wait, thats not me, thats Monkey...  Some drift aimlessly through life, but drifting was always my aim.  I live in a delightful village full of odd people. Odd things happen. I wouldn't have it any other way. Sometimes I am very wise, but honestly you'll have to read through everything I write, carefully, to spot the two occasions on which this has allegedly happened.  I like my religion disorganised, my cars fast, my food prepared with care and everything to be liberally seasoned with humour. Life is too ridiculous to be taken completely seriously. 

www.thoughts.com/Perigo_Minas

I like a very simple life with a great family and a few fantastic friends. I enjoy the theatre, movies, concerts, and music. I teach 8th grade and primarily work with at-risk students. Every year I teach, I love my job more and more. Although I don't post a blog every day, I do read them. Thoughts has been a great place to explore ideas and issues from a variety of different perspectives.

http://www.thoughts.com/cwzywbt  

I am in my 50's and feel 25. I am a retired mortgage broker currently working as a local comedian. I enjoy playing guitar,reading,freelance writing and competitive knife and tomahawk throwing. Guess I didn't get enough of watching Danie Boone on TV as a kid.  I am a fun and free spirited guy who loves people and a good time. I'd love to hear from all of you so give me a jingle...  I am an open book so if you have any questions, ask---I will tell you no lies...  I hope to talk to all of you soon...   "What lies behind us,  or what lies beyond us  pales in comparisson to  what lies within us"  Emerson funnyman57

 www.thoughts.com/index.php

Finally I have organized my blog site. For those of you who know me you know that my poetry is my passion, although I do like to dabble in other types of writes... So for ease I give you a path to walk as you meander the trails of E-Land:  Links below are activated for your use...  Poetry: Writes of rhythm and rhyme...  Prose: Poetry that does not follow the rhythm and flow of rhyme...  Short Stories: A few short stories I have written. Most are collaborations with other thoughts.com members.  Friends Writes: I will sometimes post writes from friends or family. With their permission mind you!  Blogs: This is where you will get to know me with out the poetic encryption...  Portfolio: These are 3 to 10 writes that I am having reviewed by a group with a critical eye.  Topkon: A book I am tinkering with...  Please enjoy your visit...  Evetspordlaw
Let us all support DouglasMB in his ride to support MS...  Click below for link... BIKE MS
In memory of Sydney (Lalligal) -1986-2008-

www.thoughts.com/Evetspordlaw

My current blog is 'Pandemic'  A recently finished longer story is 'Canvas'.  Coming soon: 'The Last Story (II)'.  *JUST FINISHED!* 'Convergence', a collaboration with circe.  *NEW!* 'Retrospective Stickman' - a collection.  questions? comments? email me on thoughts.com or here: badlydrawnstickman@hotmail.com  Please visit the Calendar of Writing Contests here.  Thanks for visiting my homepage.  Cheers!    Join the initiative - Bloggers Unite!!

http://www.thoughts.com/badlydrawnstickman

peekin at profiles/a home showcase, or housewalk

2009-09-17T15:14:25-04:00

go down to the comments please
well that worked, so please
start doing the old scroll
skip all this @#$%^&*
this one is a sister to the following link
relatively speaking

www.thoughts.com/roe/blog/-a-guide-post-a-beacon-of-light-378593/

When I discover a new blogger I usually start by reading their first blog. If I apprach it another way,
I find myself way too confused.
(Thats another story)

More often than not I assume after reading a few posts that I have a pretty good handle on the person behind the avatar. Unfortunetly, I can not tell you how many times I have been off by a landslide. Once I was postive I was engrossed in a young girls life only to discover she was a he who happened to be a middle age man. Another time, I was convinced I was reading the wise words of a older women who was in fact a young man.

Warning
If you do not read the profile first, you just never know whoes insigful thoughts are are sitting right in front of you for your viewing pleasure.

Because of my poor track record, I would strongly suggest you read someones profile before you begin reading their posts.

I never paid much attention to profiles and as a result, I actually left mine blank... another story

When Ben added the message wall feature,I was in for quite a surprise, I had no idea people had taken such great pains to decorate their little bunglaow
What a surprise.

No two profiles were alike, they are as individual as every blogger. Some people choose a quote or a poem to represent their essence, others describe their lives, and include their expectations or the reason they joined thoughts.com. There is an abundace of creativity out there and many reminded me of eye candy. I think it is refered to it as "tricked out"...jeeze, quite a few people do a lot of tricks with their little space. Its a lot like decorating...some people choose contempory styles, others are traditional and the majority seem to be eclectic.

I ran across a couple of profiles that reminded me of a full length feature film with its own sountrack.
Many people have included music that plays instantly as you open the page. This is definelty a hindrance if you are
engaged in an undercover operation trying to take a peek at the site while your hubby is sound asleep right next to you.
The minute someoene's well thought out tunes begin to blast out of the speaker, my cover or should I say covers are totalaly blown. I keep fogetting to hit mute which does not sit well with my daring sound asleep and rudely awkened guy, poor Joe. another story.

Unfortunely, if reading profiles was not on my top ten priotiy list, writing mine was never even given a second thought until now.

I've decided to share some more of my favorite people who live and blog at thoughts.com by presenting their blog bunglows like a home showcase or a housewalk.

If you enjoy reading someones work and they have an intersting profile, please share it in the comment section with the rest of us...
I will return to add a few more of my own.

"Yesterday is but the past, the memories of days gone by. If you live as you years ago, you're nothing but memories, too."
With this thought in mind, I try my best to live life with an expectant outlook, unafraid of the stumbling blocks and adversity that spice up my adventure, gathering a smorgasboard of people who played various roles in my life.
In this life, I realized, it's not what you make out of your life that's important but how many lives you have touched. I hope I did just that--- made a difference by touching the lives of my loved ones and all those who were and still are within the circle of love of my very colorful life

http://www.thoughts.com/mey

As a neophyte in this world of Blogs, I am not sure where I am going. I like to write, usually more serious than most. When I get my bearings, I am usually humorous, and willing to listen. Be patient. I may have something to say.

www.thoughts.com/cogitator

I got my degree in Philosophy and Computer and Information Sciences, a double major which reflected two of my life's passions. I've used computers since they ran on punch tape and cards, but have only just learned to blog. Most of my career has been in technical writing, but right now I find getting a job in my field difficult, so I am working nights as a security guard for Apple Computers. This is a lifelong learner's dream job, but only for so long. It's an opportunity to study things, and work on eventually getting a "real" job again. And, oh yeah, a great way to subsidize a blogging habit. For most of my life, I've kept a journal (long winded, boring journals even I wouldn't reread -- imagine the angst fueled by too much coffee and late night sessions with dead philosophers' writings) so this blogging could become a bit addictive, a bit too much like crack with sex and born again praise the Lord addictive. Beware.

MUSIC

Let's see if this works. If it does, here's the closest thing I could find for my ringtone I use for Sara, and only for Sara. I prefer the Bartoli version of the aria, though:
www.thoughts.com/davidsbass

I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.

~Og Mandino~
www.thoughts.com/DifficultSoul

This is my second year blogging on this site and the friendships I have made are really valuable to me. I live in a small town in a small county in the small country of Ireland but I'm part of a big, global family here. I'm trying to be a writer and from time to time I like to post stories that are floating round in my head. I'm a Christian who doesn't preach but I love to encourage.
www.thoughts.com/overthehillandfaraway

My motto is keep moving forward...come what may...keep moving forward. Acceptance is the best gift we can give ourselves. If you can change it, then change it. If you can't control it, then accept it and keep moving forward. Woot!
www.thoughts.com/shemelts

Born from a stone egg atop an ancient...no, wait, thats not me, thats Monkey...

Some drift aimlessly through life, but drifting was always my aim.

I live in a delightful village full of odd people. Odd things happen. I wouldn't have it any other way. Sometimes I am very wise, but honestly you'll have to read through everything I write, carefully, to spot the two occasions on which this has allegedly happened.

I like my religion disorganised, my cars fast, my food prepared with care and everything to be liberally seasoned with humour. Life is too ridiculous to be taken completely seriously.
www.thoughts.com/Perigo_Minas

I like a very simple life with a great family and a few fantastic friends. I enjoy the theatre, movies, concerts, and music. I teach 8th grade and primarily work with at-risk students. Every year I teach, I love my job more and more. Although I don't post a blog every day, I do read them. Thoughts has been a great place to explore ideas and issues from a variety of different perspectives.

http://www.thoughts.com/cwzywbt

I am in my 50's and feel 25. I am a retired mortgage broker currently working as a local comedian. I enjoy playing guitar,reading,freelance writing and competitive knife and tomahawk throwing. Guess I didn't get enough of watching Danie Boone on TV as a kid.

I am a fun and free spirited guy who loves people and a good time. I'd love to hear from all of you so give me a jingle...

I am an open book so if you have any questions, ask---I will tell you no lies...

I hope to talk to all of you soon...

"What lies behind us,
or what lies beyond us
pales in comparisson to
what lies within us"
Emerson
funnyman57
www.thoughts.com/index.php

Finally I have organized my blog site. For those of you who know me you know that my poetry is my passion, although I do like to dabble in other types of writes... So for ease I give you a path to walk as you meander the trails of E-Land:

Links below are activated for your use...

Poetry: Writes of rhythm and rhyme...

Prose: Poetry that does not follow the rhythm and flow of rhyme...

Short Stories: A few short stories I have written. Most are collaborations with other thoughts.com members.

Friends Writes: I will sometimes post writes from friends or family. With their permission mind you!

Blogs: This is where you will get to know me with out the poetic encryption...

Portfolio: These are 3 to 10 writes that I am having reviewed by a group with a critical eye.

Topkon: A book I am tinkering with...

Please enjoy your visit...

Evetspordlaw

Let us all support DouglasMB in his ride to support MS...

Click below for link...
BIKE MS

In memory of Sydney (Lalligal) -1986-2008-

www.thoughts.com/Evetspordlaw


	My current blog is 'Pandemic' A recently finished longer story is 'Canvas'. Coming soon: 'The Last Story (II)'. JUST FINISHED! 'Convergence', a collaboration with circe. NEW! 'Retrospective Stickman' - a collection. questions? comments? email me on thoughts.com or here: badlydrawnstickman@hotmail.com Please visit the Calendar of Writing Contests here. Thanks for visiting my homepage. Cheers! Join the initiative - Bloggers Unite!! lalligal 1986 - 2008 remembered http://www.thoughts.com/badlydrawnstickman

www.thoughts.com/badlydrawnstickman

want to keep peeking
go to this site for more

www.thoughts.com/Publicist/blog/a-peek-at-profiles-and-posts-386486/

www.thoughts.com/badlydrawnstickman

A GUIDE POST, A BEACON OF LIGHT!

2009-09-16T03:26:00-04:00

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check your sarcasm at the door
and
please wipe your feet
let's keep the mud outside
if you don't mind

all are welcome to take shelter
here in the lighthouse

seems many members
have been hanging out with the wrong crowd
spending time in the nasty part of blog town

We will be passing out maps and flashlights
to all intersted parties

think of this blog as a

guide post

guiding you toward the light

the word
popularity is not allowed in here
this is not a contest of any sort
nor a competition
it's a safe house

oh and that big guy in the tower
will delete anything inappropirate

so don't bother to come around
if you want to start trouble
have your fun in another part of town

you would only be bored here anyway

This is a drama free zone
a resource
an oasis

We will help each other shed
light on a wide range
of subjects and styles of bloggers

from here

we might send you to
read some poems
short stories
pearls of wisdom
journals
mysteries
comedies
every kind of thought imaginable
we are going to help each other
shine a beacon of light
on some well respected members of our community

if you have been lost or confused
missing the
old thoughts

stick around
we will show where it is

it never left

its been here the entire time

well maybe
it's been clouded in all this darkness

all we need is a little light

then we will find our way back
to never never blog land

If you are tired of all this nonsense
move toward this beacon of light
let us direct you to a blog
worthy of your time

after all
if you keep losing your way
we will surely lose you
and we certainly dont want that to happen

Hopefully
this lighthouse will direct you
towards much brighter thoughts

come one come all

the links are on us

for heavens sake
enjoy your time
while logged on to thoughts.com

we have quite a bit of burried treasure here
you just have to know where to look

ok people
we need your help
in order to accomplish our mission

Have you read a post
that might have been informative or inspirating?
An original work
interesting or entertaining
something
to put a smile on your face
or
actually make you laugh out loud.

As a result of reading someone elses thoughts were you prompted to think about an issue
you had never considered?

have certain wise words
improved your mood
by providing
a better outlook
on your situation

Have you come across anything so cativating that it held your attention from beginning to end?

Think
certain authors help improve
our writing or vocabulary skills

have you found yourself remarking
Yeah, thats me!
or
wow, that was enjoyable
or clever
or witty
or profound

Did you learn something
that you did not already know
or were you reminded
of something you always seem to forget

Did someone's shared thought
keep your attention from beginning to end

Tell us about the blogger
you respect or admire
or the one who you
believe has real talent
and leave a link here

one link per comment please

and a brief description of the blogger or post

We want to know why you think
we should visit this person
Please do not forget that important detail

You are welcome

to return and add as many links
as you like

if you dont know how to drop a link
tell us the name of the author
the title of the post
and the date it was written
we will all have flashlights
we'll find it!

confusing, I know....
this is a link to the sister post for this one?

-----------------------------------------------
more
on a positive note

www.thoughts.com/Publicist

www.thoughts.com/roe/blog/peekin-at-profilesa-home-showcase-or-housewalk-379582/

www.thoughts.com/roe/blog/peeking-at-profiles-a-showcase-a-housewalk-379909/

Just a little kick, you did not get the boot!

2009-09-12T19:52:16-04:00

some people lost their keys

to never never blog land
yesterday and today
and had to
reboot

others had to clear their past history
or
eat their cookies
some
of us
needed to
clean our room
and do the dishes

whatever

believe it or not
a few of us have experienced a
few technical problems

even though we all have
clearly been warned
by the maintance department

in the forums
and on the publicist site

that being said

www.thoughts.com/forums/showthread.php

if you happened to be among the bloggers who
were one of the ones who found themselves
booted out
and if you give a hoot

kindly share with the rest of us

I'm going to pass the purse

and ask everyone to put in their
own 2 cents

and then
we will have ourselves a welcome home party
for the poor bloggers
who were waiting outside the gate

you know
some of us really did have
a difficult couple of days

so
when the party is over and we are all in the bag

I will ask everyone to kindly get out
of the
bag

because
ladies and gentlemen
this boot is made for walking
and thats just what
it will do
one of these days this boot
is going to walk over
to
bootlady!

watch this/todays going to be a good day...I hope!

2009-09-11T21:03:22-04:00

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Oprahs 34th season in pictures

2009-09-10T14:08:53-04:00

*Note to Cabinfever...the underlined button is not on??? so whats up with this?

Tuesday was going to be a busy day, I had an appointment in the Western Suburbs at 11:30 and another downtown at 3:30, not far from all the action on Mag Mile where Oprah was taping a show (a giant block party) to celebrate her 24the Season. I knew many streets were going to be closed from Wacker Drive to Ohio and I figured parking would most certainly be a hassle, I even considered canceling or taking the train! Instead, I decided that this occasion might provide an excellent opportunity to promote thoughts.com ...therefore, I decided to arrive early for the 3:30 appointment in order to get myself organized! The festivities were scheduled to begin at 5. I carefully packed my car...i phone, 2 cameras, in case my battery ran out, a charger, if by chance I was near an outlet...which I highly doubted, plus my lap top, charged and ready to go, even though I haven't read the manual or the ones to my cameras or phone for that matter, another story.... I also brought along my power cord and phone charger just in case, some pens and a notebook and a few bottles of water, my thoughts.com t shirt, providing I could find a place to change and because it was one hot and humid day in case of a sudden change in weather, I decided to stuff a sweater in my over loaded bag in case it cooled down later and of course an umbrella! It was a foggy day and the forecast called for possible scattered showers. Like a girl scout, I was prepared for everything. I always dread dragging an umbrella around, but whenever I fail to do so, it rains. Heavens, I could not risk ruining my equipment. (I'd be out of business) as a result, I was forced to add yet another bulky item to slow me down. I have always wanted to travel light, walking along, with a hop and skip in my step, foot loose and fancy free, but I more often than not, look like a bag lady carrying around all my worldly goods.
The real professionals have their own vans, staff, permits and state of the art equipment and I was just running or trying to run holding on to all my junk for dear life while trying to maneuver my way around without dropping anything, traveling by the seat of my pants, not having the slightest clue what to expect when I arrived. After tearing around my house gathering all my essentials, my little Dodge Journey, the one my son sold me last summer, was packed to the max and was all set and ready to hit the road to make blogging history and put thoughts.com on the map!

I was going to do a live blog cast of the entire event.

I parked my car in the Grant Park Garage and carefully noted my location ( level 1 row R) since I have been known to have misplaced a car or two over the years. I searched for a temporary office and found it in the basement of Macy's, quickly located an outlet in the cafeteria, plugged in the computer and set about to google the details of this once in a lifetime extravaganza. It was there I began to blog about my experience, a behind the scenes look sharing all sorts of pre show buzz. I used the camera to interview people along the way and whenever I was asked what I was doing, I replied I was the publicist of thoughts.com and here to do a live blog, then I'd show them my shirt and pass out a card, and while they still looked like I was speaking a foreign language I'd tell them to make sure to log on to thoughts.com in order to see themselves.

I was having so much difficulty with the site, codes were not only crowding my words but blocking them all together and it was all a big jumble. I would not allow myself to give up and therefore continued to try to load the material I was gathering thus far until I noticed I was almost late for my 3:30 appointment...Regetably, I had to log off without posting a single word or pic and make a bea line toward the building around the corner, running the entire way while dragging along quite a heavy load. U tube was going to have to wait!

I tore in the revolving door, like a bat out of hell, and instantly found myself a prisoner, yes... I was captured in a glass holding cell, stuck, unable to get out, pass go or collect $200
(my wide load had me locked in snug as a bug in a virus) I started to get a bit dizzy revolving round and round until I was rescued by a sympathetic door women. I wanted to say, I don't know my way around and around here, or haven't I seen you around somewhere before, but did not have a moment for a single pun.

I eventually made it up to the 31st floor yet moments later found myself back in the hallway, like a boomerang... hitting the lobby button. I always attempt to be early for any appointment, in order to catch my breath and regain my composure although Tuesday, I overdid it, I was an entire week early for the meeting.

If it hadn't been for my plan to make blogging history for thoughts.com, I might have been a tad frustrated, although, under the circumstances, I figured, this extra time gave me a better opportunity to stake out a good spot for my live blog.

The gates were going to open at noon allowing standing room only to the many loyal Oprah fans who traveled from all over the country, actually from all over the world to get a chance to see their idol in person and take part in the festivities. I read a report on line while in my temporary office in Macy's, that the gates actually opened at 8 am because the crowd was overflowing.

I called my son, a senior at Loyola University who had a class that afternoon close to the main stage which was set up in the middle of the magnificent mile, north of the Chicago river between the Chicago Tribune and the Wrigley Building wondering if he would like to tag along

After sharing a run down of the guest list, The Black Eye Peas, James Taylor, Rascal Flatts, Jennifer Hudson, an illusionist named Angel, he thought he might try to meet me later.

I asked the door women who saved me from running in circles all day if I may use her desk for a moment to put myself together. I noticed an outlet and asked if I might plug in my computer. This kind lady even offered me her seat and told me to make myself comfy. I did not want to use my battery until I was forced to do so. It was there that I once again unsuccessfully tried to post my live blog. However I was able to assist a number of people who wandered into the building looking for one place or another. I even interviewed a number of these confused individuals and gave them my thoughts.com card.

Again, my frustration was mounting and the clock was ticking...

Reluctantly

, I had to abandon the site and head north toward the Chicago river! I hoped to add it all in later.

I followed the crowd from the Cultural Center on Michigan Ave and stopped briefly for a moment at the Grant Park parking garage, contemplating my excess baggage. I considered unloading a few items. I headed down the stairs, and back up again, then turned around and headed back to my car. Indecision was driving me crazy and as usual I told myself, whatever I left behind would be the very thing I wish I had included, so I confidently turned around once and for all and headed toward the Wrigley building. About half way there, I was wondering, if I had made the right choice, my shoulder was throbbing but there was no time for second guessing.

When I approached the Chicago River I was directed to take Lower Wacker Drive instead of "crossing that bridge when I came to it!" Like a good blogger and Oprah fan, I did what I was told, and headed down the dark stairs along with a million other eager people anxious to get to the main stage. No one was pushing or shoving, everyone was on their best behavior. The Chicago police out in force on foot, on motorcycles and bikes could not have been more accommodating. Mayor Daley and the Producers of the Oprah Show should be very proud of their efforts.

Once we reached the cavernous lower wacker, we were directed to cross the street to the west side. I took this photo before going west, young lady...go west...even though I had planned to hang out on the east side.

ok
I did not plan to show this pic of the window right now, but its here, so when God closes one door he usually opens a window, so I might as well say a few words about this photo.

In order to promote thoughts.com, I was more than willing to face the masses bumping into millions of people. "Oh excuse me, I am so sorry, did I hit you, I didn't mean it, are you OK? Oophs, did I step on your foot, sorry, excuse me, excuse me, I'm trying to get to the other side of the street" I heard, "yeah, good luck with that lady!" As I made my way knocking into everyone in my path, I even asked one lady if I might have permission to jump over her stroller. She informed me she had no place to move it....so talk about a leap of faith, I did! Right in the middle of Michigan Avenue. completed surrounded by bodies, my cell phone was ringing. It was a text from my son. I tried to but my stuff down near my feet, but there was no room, so I juggled a few things and managed to read his message. "Mom, how long are you planning to stay?" I had no idea how to respond, who knew? I was staying until I achieved my goal. While attempting to reply, I dropped my phone in the crowd and thanks to St Anthony, (st Anthony st Anthony, please come around, somethings been lost and cant be found...it works for me every time, another story...the phone was soon miraculously safely tucked into my big black bag. While trying to cross the street I happened to notice a balcony on the Chicago Tribune building that was directly facing the stage. There were only a handful of lucky people standing there in comfort, enjoying the entertainment in the streets.

I was willing to do anything for thoughts.com, so I immediately went into the
"How am I going to get in the building and up to that balcony mode.

This picture is out of order...dah, as if you did not expect that fact
The following photo is of the roof of the Chicago Tribune and the only ones allowed out there were the "official people" You see the window...well, not only did i jump through hoops and over strollers and scaled big road blocks, I eventually after a few little adventures and other locations, climbed out of this window...and the rest, is another story.

oh this is a picture of the guy entertaining the pre show crowd. This picture was snapped while I was attempting to cross the street. Notice, the silver fence meant to keep people out...I scaled that thing, in order to get to the other side.