Do you know the difference between the Stock market, and Walmart? Here's a clue. People learn their product, and don't fall for SALES tactics! They are educated, and skeptical.
This is a though love piece, because your business skills SUCK! I blame them not teaching math to you.
Sony, Casio, Toshiba, HP, and GE did not go bankrupt with Circuit City! A liquidation sale only means that they will not be replacing stock, or giving rain checks, or offering extended warranties, or company financing. Unless the government Trustee, came in and seized the assets, and started an auction to clear inventory- which is EXTREMELY RARE, it means the PRICE JUST WENT UP! That's right, UP! They need to make as much money as they can going out of business. But you want to get that DEAL before they sell out, so it's a frenzy. Where your judgment will not be rewarded, suckers! They never stop being a FOR PROFIT BUSINESS, even in bankruptcy. Nobody get's a golden parachute unless there's money in the bank, so guess what the goal of liquidation is?
Big ticket items are sold to competitors in the end, not consumers. And junk impulse items, are dumped into auctions, like grab bags in the end. Ooo, I got a million dollars worth of data cables for $750k!!! Now what are going to do with them? But small scale private sales, ha! You're nobody, get over it!
It's the same story with BLACK FRIDAY. Here's a clue: They make a profit against the WHOLE YEAR, on that one day!!! One day balances the books for every bad months before? Can you say SUCKERS? You got up at 5 AM to get screwwwwwed at the cash register? And they caught on to the day after Christmas too! Almost no state has an inventory "flooring" tax anymore, so they're not clearing stock, except on decorations they'd rather not warehouse.
Some Business Basics:
Supplies are limited, BY WHAT??? Floor space?
This is a limited time offer- well yeah, they all are! Doesn't mean the price with rise afterwords- rarely does!
Extended Warranty is never worth it- called by management Gravy Money. Because MOST failure of the product is under the mandated warranty period of 90 days. In California it's always 90 days guys, regardless of what the store claims!
Bulk volume does not mean wholesale prices. And Membership Cards are more free money to the business, like extended warranties. My local bulk retailer sells those Cup of Soups by the case for $0.35 cents each. They're $0.20 at the regular supermarket! Know what your buying.
Buyer Beware, particularly on any kind of clearance sale!
I've always found it remarkable that Circuit City lasted this long. Their problem was not competition from Best Buy, who are they kidding? Their problem was being greedy ________s, and the public not being quite as stupid as they thought. Remember their play it once movie scheme? And what the ____ was firedog?
I'm not going to be missing them!
Who I miss most was CompUSA. Not because of being a loyal customer to them, either. It has to do with, when they went out, there was less competition locally. Which cause our local White Label business to raise prices. Which then started missing sales goals, so the INVESTMENT GROUP that owned them, closed them down overnight, suddenly! No bankruptcy, not clearance sales, no nothing. Just one day in business, the next day not! It was all about the money, and only the money. And the market wasn't as healthy as they thought, and they weren't going to go back to business as usual. Smart on their part, but not so good on my consumer side of things. It's looks like I'll be annoyed by the Dork Troopers, along with the rest of you, suckers now.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Jackhammering my thoughts
I think the house right next door, is being flipped.
There has been a work crew there for two days, working until sunset each day. They were freezing this morning, and they got organized- I could tell. And today I'm hearing this jackhammer going, and going, and going. Makes my arms itch to even think about it. The house is on a slab, and has a crack from one side to the other, which maybe they are fixing? But after this many hours, the rat-it-tat-tat sound, has become a sound more similar to a super long fart to my brain! And you may have thought that rat-it-tat-tat was annoying? Try a six hour long fart!
I will actually be surprised if anyone moves in. Running Springs is a nice little town, but it's 19 miles away from civilization. Property values might seem like a bargain way out here in the woods, but there is a lack of jobs, that makes a rough area to live, even rougher. Which suppresses the values. If someone is flipping, good damn luck! That house is a money pit, if ever I've seen one- which is why I wrote it off, myself.
There has been a work crew there for two days, working until sunset each day. They were freezing this morning, and they got organized- I could tell. And today I'm hearing this jackhammer going, and going, and going. Makes my arms itch to even think about it. The house is on a slab, and has a crack from one side to the other, which maybe they are fixing? But after this many hours, the rat-it-tat-tat sound, has become a sound more similar to a super long fart to my brain! And you may have thought that rat-it-tat-tat was annoying? Try a six hour long fart!
I will actually be surprised if anyone moves in. Running Springs is a nice little town, but it's 19 miles away from civilization. Property values might seem like a bargain way out here in the woods, but there is a lack of jobs, that makes a rough area to live, even rougher. Which suppresses the values. If someone is flipping, good damn luck! That house is a money pit, if ever I've seen one- which is why I wrote it off, myself.
Troubling Search Engines
How search engines work, is a guarded secret for the Tech Aristocracy. One of the things they really don't want you to do, is figure it out! So I think there are certain levels of randomness to it. "So how is anybody suppose to find anything?" is a very HARD question to answer, and the bane of any NEW business putting up a website.
One of the things you find out very quickly by searching your own name, is just how many doppelgangers, you have. What you thought was your unique identity as a person often isn't! Particularly in Tech these days. And this is true, even with the less common names. Just a WHOLE bunch of people in this world, which is making the rock under our feet smaller all the time. You might not be cut from a cookie cutter, but betcha you can find somebody with your name, in your field, that ain't you, very soon, if not already! My group of close friends, have been in the programming business for 30 years, and we all have doppelgangers now, according to the search engines.
Now why that other Randy Smiley's Classmates account is more popular than mine to Google, I have no idea (but I kind of like it that way)? Maybe he pays for his? I'm too cheap and antisocial for that. But that's another topic, all together.
One of the most puzzling things to me, is that my Blog is hidden when you search 'Randy Smiley', but my friend's follower's page comes right up??????????? ?????? The BLOG doesn't, but looking over somebody else shoulder does????? How annoying is that? I think it's a bug in Blogger, I really do.
I found it puzzling as well, that my article "An abusive relationship", showed up on searches within minutes, and today has completely disappeared? Google can be fickle.And maybe some keywords, trigger flags with them for human examination (by their staff), I think? And you thought it was just in China? (Update:) Blogger requires being tickled within a certain time period. This article showed up right away too, while all others have faded off. Clearly Google rewards you for posting to Blogger, with new material all the time.
RandySmiley.COM was taken down for a while, and parked, because of a hacker trying to get it banned, for bad-ware (which he planted into my page). And in a way he succeeded, in that I'm no longer on the search list because of moving it into parking lots. So sometimes you just can't win on these things. And there is some kind of seniority involved in how often you are scanned by the engines, that I may have given up.
Meanwhile, none of the Engines today, seem to be leading with the normal direct websites. Which is quite odd? Tells me there was some kind of roll out (or roll back), that we might not be aware of. Which makes it even harder to answer your question; "How can anybody find me?"
I don't know!
(Update:) According to my expert, websites show up based on being linked to other websites. So starting yourself a free blog, and linking to yourself, might not be all that bad an idea. He also provided us with this Google link.
On websites, all I can advise is setting those Keywords in the header of your page, and then making sure there are no errors on the page. Both Firefox and IE will make note of errors on a page, so click that little icon and find out what they don't like, and fix it, if it gets flagged! Doing that one little thing, did improve my placement in the lists, a bunch. My error was so small, that not many tools caught it!
One of the things you find out very quickly by searching your own name, is just how many doppelgangers, you have. What you thought was your unique identity as a person often isn't! Particularly in Tech these days. And this is true, even with the less common names. Just a WHOLE bunch of people in this world, which is making the rock under our feet smaller all the time. You might not be cut from a cookie cutter, but betcha you can find somebody with your name, in your field, that ain't you, very soon, if not already! My group of close friends, have been in the programming business for 30 years, and we all have doppelgangers now, according to the search engines.
Now why that other Randy Smiley's Classmates account is more popular than mine to Google, I have no idea (but I kind of like it that way)? Maybe he pays for his? I'm too cheap and antisocial for that. But that's another topic, all together.
One of the most puzzling things to me, is that my Blog is hidden when you search 'Randy Smiley', but my friend's follower's page comes right up??????????? ?????? The BLOG doesn't, but looking over somebody else shoulder does????? How annoying is that? I think it's a bug in Blogger, I really do.
I found it puzzling as well, that my article "An abusive relationship", showed up on searches within minutes, and today has completely disappeared? Google can be fickle.
RandySmiley.COM was taken down for a while, and parked, because of a hacker trying to get it banned, for bad-ware (which he planted into my page). And in a way he succeeded, in that I'm no longer on the search list because of moving it into parking lots. So sometimes you just can't win on these things. And there is some kind of seniority involved in how often you are scanned by the engines, that I may have given up.
Meanwhile, none of the Engines today, seem to be leading with the normal direct websites. Which is quite odd? Tells me there was some kind of roll out (or roll back), that we might not be aware of. Which makes it even harder to answer your question; "How can anybody find me?"
I don't know!
(Update:) According to my expert, websites show up based on being linked to other websites. So starting yourself a free blog, and linking to yourself, might not be all that bad an idea. He also provided us with this Google link.
On websites, all I can advise is setting those Keywords in the header of your page, and then making sure there are no errors on the page. Both Firefox and IE will make note of errors on a page, so click that little icon and find out what they don't like, and fix it, if it gets flagged! Doing that one little thing, did improve my placement in the lists, a bunch. My error was so small, that not many tools caught it!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
An abusive relationship
I make no secret that I'm a dyslexic, and the older I get, and the better educated I become, the angrier I actually get over my primary education. Then verses now issues just boil my blood.
See, I don't read things. It's more like I stew and absorb things, maybe too much. Reading is a skill that is a slow process to me. You read a novel in a day, and I take 4 days to do the same thing. That's a huge difference, right there, between normal and me!
One of my pet peeves in life, is Tough Love. Tough Love isn't understanding, it's abuse! It isn't educating, it's abuse! Tough Love as a tactic is for belligerency, not for everything, all the time. It's one thing to be tough about clothes on the floor for example, verses in the hamper. It's uncalled for when someone fails to complete an assignment because of a physical defect in their brain.
My seventh grade science teacher was one of those Tough Love, guys! And he was the kind that pick out a kid, in every class, and mentally abused them. I assume he was thinking that it was for their own good. I was one of the unfortunate victims of this jerk!
It started with him finding excuses to yell at me, in class. We were assigned seats. So I had to sit next to a rascal, that was a talker. And our teacher used that as an excuse, to accuse me of doing things that I was innocent of. Which accelerated into him imposing a solitary confinement around me, by sitting me by myself, at the front of the class, instead of the talker!
Mind you, this same man, refused to teach evolution to the class. They handled the requirement of the State, by having him leave the room, and turning the class over to our Advanced Science teacher, who basically gave one lecture and was gone. I remember how much of a shock 'the Theory' was to me, the first time I heard it, there. And today, with the facts we know to be true, it's so hard to believe that people like that are still around. But, I know they are, I've even worked with them.
One day we were lead to library, and told to find a science project. That was not particularly good enough instruction for me as a 14 year old (maybe not even today). I needed help, and I was tossed into the deep end, without any. And as a shy student, I was afraid to ask for any, either. Not that I would have gotten any from this jerk.
I ended up finding a book about building a crystal-less radio. But remember, slow reader here! We had two weeks to do our projects. And everyday the requirements just seemed to get worse for a dyslexic to complete. We now not only had to make something, but we also had to write an essay about it. And I was going to be lucky to even finish reading the book. I was isolated from a lab partner, and just completely setup to fail! And I did!
I was taken aside, told that I had failed his class and would have to attend summer school, and I had to go to the Vice Principal's office. Once there, I got a corporal punishment for failing to complete my assignment. To this very day, I don't understand the thinking of these two FUCKED UP men, that passed through my life, for this one act.
On the silver lining side of things: The Advance Science Teacher was the summer school teacher. We got collect pond scum, and view it under a microscope. And dissect a frog, and identify and his organs. Which was a thousand times cooler than the effects of thermal radiation on atmospheres, and the boiling temperatures of water. (Mind you, he never gave me any credit for listening to him.)
Much to my own surprise, I loved the repeat of 7th grade science, and really enjoyed my one summer school experience. But to this day, I have issues with those two men, that I had the misfortune of encountering as a student with special needs. They were professionals, they should have ALWAYS known better!
As a footnote to this story, some day I'll have to write about why we need alternative education, and summer schools.
See, I don't read things. It's more like I stew and absorb things, maybe too much. Reading is a skill that is a slow process to me. You read a novel in a day, and I take 4 days to do the same thing. That's a huge difference, right there, between normal and me!
One of my pet peeves in life, is Tough Love. Tough Love isn't understanding, it's abuse! It isn't educating, it's abuse! Tough Love as a tactic is for belligerency, not for everything, all the time. It's one thing to be tough about clothes on the floor for example, verses in the hamper. It's uncalled for when someone fails to complete an assignment because of a physical defect in their brain.
My seventh grade science teacher was one of those Tough Love, guys! And he was the kind that pick out a kid, in every class, and mentally abused them. I assume he was thinking that it was for their own good. I was one of the unfortunate victims of this jerk!
It started with him finding excuses to yell at me, in class. We were assigned seats. So I had to sit next to a rascal, that was a talker. And our teacher used that as an excuse, to accuse me of doing things that I was innocent of. Which accelerated into him imposing a solitary confinement around me, by sitting me by myself, at the front of the class, instead of the talker!
Mind you, this same man, refused to teach evolution to the class. They handled the requirement of the State, by having him leave the room, and turning the class over to our Advanced Science teacher, who basically gave one lecture and was gone. I remember how much of a shock 'the Theory' was to me, the first time I heard it, there. And today, with the facts we know to be true, it's so hard to believe that people like that are still around. But, I know they are, I've even worked with them.
One day we were lead to library, and told to find a science project. That was not particularly good enough instruction for me as a 14 year old (maybe not even today). I needed help, and I was tossed into the deep end, without any. And as a shy student, I was afraid to ask for any, either. Not that I would have gotten any from this jerk.
I ended up finding a book about building a crystal-less radio. But remember, slow reader here! We had two weeks to do our projects. And everyday the requirements just seemed to get worse for a dyslexic to complete. We now not only had to make something, but we also had to write an essay about it. And I was going to be lucky to even finish reading the book. I was isolated from a lab partner, and just completely setup to fail! And I did!
I was taken aside, told that I had failed his class and would have to attend summer school, and I had to go to the Vice Principal's office. Once there, I got a corporal punishment for failing to complete my assignment. To this very day, I don't understand the thinking of these two FUCKED UP men, that passed through my life, for this one act.
On the silver lining side of things: The Advance Science Teacher was the summer school teacher. We got collect pond scum, and view it under a microscope. And dissect a frog, and identify and his organs. Which was a thousand times cooler than the effects of thermal radiation on atmospheres, and the boiling temperatures of water. (Mind you, he never gave me any credit for listening to him.)
Much to my own surprise, I loved the repeat of 7th grade science, and really enjoyed my one summer school experience. But to this day, I have issues with those two men, that I had the misfortune of encountering as a student with special needs. They were professionals, they should have ALWAYS known better!
As a footnote to this story, some day I'll have to write about why we need alternative education, and summer schools.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Hint to the California Lottery
I'm not interested in being apart of a TV Game Show- Not even a little!
I'm only interested in quietly paying Windfall Profit Taxes. Which is something I've never had the opportunity to do.
I love the Lottery, I really do. It's the only voluntary tax program we have. And the only reason we give up our money, is the BIG FAT TAX RETURN, that we sure as hell don't deserve. I really don't care if you spend the profits on whores for lobbyists, honestly. As long as I get my rare big return. But there are others who do want it to go to a noble cause to profit from our sinful nature- Sorry about that.
My point is, more payouts, bigger payouts, gets my attention and interest back. TV GAMES SHOWS are trash, that nobody is interested in, except 10 year olds, who can't play. Make it easier to WIN!!!
Making money is hard. Particularly today. You are one of our best stimulus programs- get it?
I'm only interested in quietly paying Windfall Profit Taxes. Which is something I've never had the opportunity to do.
I love the Lottery, I really do. It's the only voluntary tax program we have. And the only reason we give up our money, is the BIG FAT TAX RETURN, that we sure as hell don't deserve. I really don't care if you spend the profits on whores for lobbyists, honestly. As long as I get my rare big return. But there are others who do want it to go to a noble cause to profit from our sinful nature- Sorry about that.
My point is, more payouts, bigger payouts, gets my attention and interest back. TV GAMES SHOWS are trash, that nobody is interested in, except 10 year olds, who can't play. Make it easier to WIN!!!
Making money is hard. Particularly today. You are one of our best stimulus programs- get it?
Republicans GET at clue!
After 12 years of controlling both houses of congress, and a TRILLION dollar a year good time (lawless) party for the last 8 years, you think I'm interested in ANY of your ideas in how to FIX things now????
Clinton: -$2,000,000,000 in spending, and shrinking.
Bush: -$10,000,000,000 and growing.
You must be kidding? I'm speechless! You stood by and did nothing, and now we should listen to those who lost their way? Shut up, and sit in the corner and brood! Seriously, you need to shut up and think it out, and realize where you went wrong- BEFORE you offer us even more of the same. Your not getting it, which means you're stupid!!!
No bid this, it has one digit, and it's right in the middle. And most of all, you deserve it.
Ok, I'm going to expand this rant (1/27/09):
My issue is, HOW can you call yourself a CONSERVATIVE, when you refuse to balance budgets, and pay your bills? You use religion as a tool to be irresponsible? Boehner could really careless about condoms in the stimulus package. Which: You can't use them without being stimulated, so it saves American jobs and lives, there John. (Which is why he didn't bring it up to the President, only the TV cameras, the day before). My point is about 'getting off subject', not the latex toys issue. It's about using what's most dear to people's rational (their religion) , to continue to be irresponsible with the budget, and your stewardship! Giving more and more tax breaks to those WHO DON'T NEED IT, is a recipe for failure. That party is over, and your stuck in a rut? And hopefully the people of Ohio will fix it on the next election.
It's like the Republicans want more bigger failure, just to blame Democrats. Ok, that's your lives and jobs these guys are playing politics with! Let me say that a second time; It's YOUR lives and jobs, these guys are playing politics with!!! It's a game to them! It's not real! That is being out of touch, and it's wrong. Smart men know this is a real crisis, and not a time for head games. Elect people who are going to do what's right, for the RIGHT reasons! These guys clearly don't have that intent, and it's shameful.
Ok, so you managed to sucker punch Obama. You demanded changes, then didn't support the bill with changes you WANTED? That was low. And just how low are you going to go, before we hang you? Congressman Lewis, what have done for San Bernardino lately? Do we need to remind you that your district has unemployment that is double digit? We are watching, and we are taking notes, don't be to proud of yourselves, you've accomplished nothing, other than embarrassing the people who elected you.
Clinton: -$2,000,000,000 in spending, and shrinking.
Bush: -$10,000,000,000 and growing.
You must be kidding? I'm speechless! You stood by and did nothing, and now we should listen to those who lost their way? Shut up, and sit in the corner and brood! Seriously, you need to shut up and think it out, and realize where you went wrong- BEFORE you offer us even more of the same. Your not getting it, which means you're stupid!!!
No bid this, it has one digit, and it's right in the middle. And most of all, you deserve it.
Ok, I'm going to expand this rant (1/27/09):
My issue is, HOW can you call yourself a CONSERVATIVE, when you refuse to balance budgets, and pay your bills? You use religion as a tool to be irresponsible? Boehner could really careless about condoms in the stimulus package. Which: You can't use them without being stimulated, so it saves American jobs and lives, there John. (Which is why he didn't bring it up to the President, only the TV cameras, the day before). My point is about 'getting off subject', not the latex toys issue. It's about using what's most dear to people's rational (their religion) , to continue to be irresponsible with the budget, and your stewardship! Giving more and more tax breaks to those WHO DON'T NEED IT, is a recipe for failure. That party is over, and your stuck in a rut? And hopefully the people of Ohio will fix it on the next election.
It's like the Republicans want more bigger failure, just to blame Democrats. Ok, that's your lives and jobs these guys are playing politics with! Let me say that a second time; It's YOUR lives and jobs, these guys are playing politics with!!! It's a game to them! It's not real! That is being out of touch, and it's wrong. Smart men know this is a real crisis, and not a time for head games. Elect people who are going to do what's right, for the RIGHT reasons! These guys clearly don't have that intent, and it's shameful.
Ok, so you managed to sucker punch Obama. You demanded changes, then didn't support the bill with changes you WANTED? That was low. And just how low are you going to go, before we hang you? Congressman Lewis, what have done for San Bernardino lately? Do we need to remind you that your district has unemployment that is double digit? We are watching, and we are taking notes, don't be to proud of yourselves, you've accomplished nothing, other than embarrassing the people who elected you.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
You should be spammed!
What the ____ are you saying, there Smiley? Have you totally lost your mind?
This is one of those issues, that I'm going to sound like one of those crackpot ultra-pro business, conservatives on. But it's true: You should be spammed! There is good spam and bad.
Yeah, I hate as much as anybody else, all the offers for boner pills and adult websites- I really do. Have some decency. And there are no uncles in my family that have nickle to there name, to draw me into the Nigerian scam, either! And I'm way to cynical to save the puppies, in the newest versions.
But legitimate businesses do have the right, and even the good sense, to advertise offers to you. Your spam box is an eater of good information, and once in a lifetime deals, that you just might need, or wish you had seen before... They have a RIGHT to offer your goods and services.
I have no problem with short spam. The daily guys get under my skin a bit, but the weekly ones, less so. I sure don't want someone emailing catalogs out, and some fool would. But quick links, with just a single small picture, I have no problem with. Are we so fat and out of shape now, that we can't press the delete button, for ourselves? It just doesn't make since to me? There are deals being made, that you'll never get to know about with phony chip on your shoulder about spam, in your sacred emails. Most companies these days, link it to a loyalty card, to send you important News tidbits- it's still spam!
The Spam company will assure you, that it's product is both good and nutritious, in spite of all the jokes. You should be spammed, particularly by canned meat!
To Office Depot: 5% off anything but Tech, and HP Ink? Doesn't even pay my sales tax. It's not worth all the messages, and coupons your sending me- Get a clue! It seems to me that your spending a lot of money to do very little for me.
This is one of those issues, that I'm going to sound like one of those crackpot ultra-pro business, conservatives on. But it's true: You should be spammed! There is good spam and bad.
Yeah, I hate as much as anybody else, all the offers for boner pills and adult websites- I really do. Have some decency. And there are no uncles in my family that have nickle to there name, to draw me into the Nigerian scam, either! And I'm way to cynical to save the puppies, in the newest versions.
But legitimate businesses do have the right, and even the good sense, to advertise offers to you. Your spam box is an eater of good information, and once in a lifetime deals, that you just might need, or wish you had seen before... They have a RIGHT to offer your goods and services.
I have no problem with short spam. The daily guys get under my skin a bit, but the weekly ones, less so. I sure don't want someone emailing catalogs out, and some fool would. But quick links, with just a single small picture, I have no problem with. Are we so fat and out of shape now, that we can't press the delete button, for ourselves? It just doesn't make since to me? There are deals being made, that you'll never get to know about with phony chip on your shoulder about spam, in your sacred emails. Most companies these days, link it to a loyalty card, to send you important News tidbits- it's still spam!
The Spam company will assure you, that it's product is both good and nutritious, in spite of all the jokes. You should be spammed, particularly by canned meat!
To Office Depot: 5% off anything but Tech, and HP Ink? Doesn't even pay my sales tax. It's not worth all the messages, and coupons your sending me- Get a clue! It seems to me that your spending a lot of money to do very little for me.
A new day
It is no secret that I supported Barack Obama, all through this election season (18 months). Some might be surprised to find out, that he didn't start out being my man. I became somewhat familiar with him from his keynote address, at the Kerry convention. And while I could see him as a rising star in the party, I felt that he was still too green, to be taken seriously. And his address was no Mario! (Old democrats know what I'm talking about).
The man I wanted, just like most of the men I wanted down through the years, dropped out early. This last round being Joe Biden. But frankly, those early debates, Joe was just getting too goofy, trying to put forward a light hearted spirit of charisma. Add a two step and he and Richards could have taken the act on the road. So my focus shifted to the front runners, Hillary and Barack, and it was a very hard choice. But inside, there was something magic about Barack, but I didn't want to be fooled by cool, particularly early! But as they spoke, I was giving more amens to the speeches of dude, than the dudette. And even for a while, I wonder if it wasn't some secret chauvinist in me?
Besides, I know Clintons, and kind of what to expect from another 4 years of them. I did well under Bill, but this is not a personal reflection, but this was about the future. And how I in vision that future being shaped, here forward. And from retrospect of their mistakes, still kind of haunts me.
I was quite unhappy that the California Primary election was moved up. Many were afraid that we had lost any voice in who got to run in the big race. And my worsted fears, came about, they took the forgone conclusion. This State on my side of the aisle, went with Hillary. But I voted my mind, and beliefs in Barack, not that it mattered. This is why I didn't like voting so early in the year. Most did not vote their convictions, they voted for who they thought would win, hands down just by name. It was exciting all the way into June, but we were done in February!
Meanwhile, I would tease my conservatives, that they hadn't the guts to vote for the {N word}. Just to really rub it in, about their dilemma. This was another reason I favored Barack over Hillary early. I knew there were too many eggshells for Republicans to tread on, unlike their plans of going after the bitch, which they knew they'd be running against, and were ready for! NOW Hold that judgement of me, those who know me well, know I'm not that kind of bigot, at all- and I really Hillary! I did it teasing, on this election cycle because the opposition's back was against the wall, and while THEY would have LOVED TO do the same, they didn't dare be that politically incorrect. However, myself as an ardent supporter, I had the liberty to try and crack their shells, by stating their secret views. Which it's just my nature to find hilarious! So I owe the whole Obama family an huge apology. My taunts were uncalled for, and to outsiders might have been taken very, very wrong. It was a razz for wrong minded people, is all.
As a Liberal (even though I'm not sure what that means, but they all assure me, I am one), I'm just not at all use to being on the popular side of politics! As it was said on Rachel Maddow's show; "If you, with one week away from the election, and with double digits leads in the polls, still think there is some way for the Democrats to totally screw this up- Congratulations, you are truly a Democrat!" Or something along those lines. And it was TRUE, it was our deepest fear, because we are not use to anybody agreeing with us on even tiny, much less huge issues!
When Barack won the election, even I cried. Not because he was black, 'livin the dream'. I cried because I knew, we got it right! This time, we got it RIGHT! This man is the real deal! The man we can trust. And best of all, he can manage things. Then, when I saw Germany, my jaw dropped. When I saw Denver, my jaw dropped! When I saw that park in Chicago, I cried with Jesse Jackson, in awe. When I saw the Mall (the swearing in) a few days ago- ho hum, Obama must be speaking in public again? Two million people with nothing better to do on a Tuesday.
So, am I beaming with optimism, now that my guy won? Back to earlier story; Hell no! It's in our nature to be afraid of failure, even in the very last minute. But here is a man that genuinely believes in the rule of law, over paranoia and spin. That will lead the way back toward righteousness, through consistency. Our stature in the world has vastly improved overnight, and it's not misplaced optimism.
There are still people out there very afraid, and even very angry! I can assure them all, that it's not going to be a bad ride. But, that only fuels their hatred even more. It is hard to believe that anyone would want things to get any worse, but there are a few...
It was a dream to me, the Obama Biden ticket. And in spite of Joe's rambling repeats; My Friends! SOB, WE WON?!! Congratulation, you won a chance to loose/invent $2 trillion dollars in stimulus, and two extended wars, the real possibility of a third and maybe even forth? Super high unemployment. Wow, that's a prize isn't it? What did the looser get for playing?
"Brace yourselves!" Thank you, Sully; I think that might make a good theme for a few years, even yet!
One final note on my pet peeves; It's Obama, not O'Biden! Just call him Joe, would ja?
The man I wanted, just like most of the men I wanted down through the years, dropped out early. This last round being Joe Biden. But frankly, those early debates, Joe was just getting too goofy, trying to put forward a light hearted spirit of charisma. Add a two step and he and Richards could have taken the act on the road. So my focus shifted to the front runners, Hillary and Barack, and it was a very hard choice. But inside, there was something magic about Barack, but I didn't want to be fooled by cool, particularly early! But as they spoke, I was giving more amens to the speeches of dude, than the dudette. And even for a while, I wonder if it wasn't some secret chauvinist in me?
Besides, I know Clintons, and kind of what to expect from another 4 years of them. I did well under Bill, but this is not a personal reflection, but this was about the future. And how I in vision that future being shaped, here forward. And from retrospect of their mistakes, still kind of haunts me.
I was quite unhappy that the California Primary election was moved up. Many were afraid that we had lost any voice in who got to run in the big race. And my worsted fears, came about, they took the forgone conclusion. This State on my side of the aisle, went with Hillary. But I voted my mind, and beliefs in Barack, not that it mattered. This is why I didn't like voting so early in the year. Most did not vote their convictions, they voted for who they thought would win, hands down just by name. It was exciting all the way into June, but we were done in February!
Meanwhile, I would tease my conservatives, that they hadn't the guts to vote for the {N word}. Just to really rub it in, about their dilemma. This was another reason I favored Barack over Hillary early. I knew there were too many eggshells for Republicans to tread on, unlike their plans of going after the bitch, which they knew they'd be running against, and were ready for! NOW Hold that judgement of me, those who know me well, know I'm not that kind of bigot, at all- and I really Hillary! I did it teasing, on this election cycle because the opposition's back was against the wall, and while THEY would have LOVED TO do the same, they didn't dare be that politically incorrect. However, myself as an ardent supporter, I had the liberty to try and crack their shells, by stating their secret views. Which it's just my nature to find hilarious! So I owe the whole Obama family an huge apology. My taunts were uncalled for, and to outsiders might have been taken very, very wrong. It was a razz for wrong minded people, is all.
As a Liberal (even though I'm not sure what that means, but they all assure me, I am one), I'm just not at all use to being on the popular side of politics! As it was said on Rachel Maddow's show; "If you, with one week away from the election, and with double digits leads in the polls, still think there is some way for the Democrats to totally screw this up- Congratulations, you are truly a Democrat!" Or something along those lines. And it was TRUE, it was our deepest fear, because we are not use to anybody agreeing with us on even tiny, much less huge issues!
When Barack won the election, even I cried. Not because he was black, 'livin the dream'. I cried because I knew, we got it right! This time, we got it RIGHT! This man is the real deal! The man we can trust. And best of all, he can manage things. Then, when I saw Germany, my jaw dropped. When I saw Denver, my jaw dropped! When I saw that park in Chicago, I cried with Jesse Jackson, in awe. When I saw the Mall (the swearing in) a few days ago- ho hum, Obama must be speaking in public again? Two million people with nothing better to do on a Tuesday.
So, am I beaming with optimism, now that my guy won? Back to earlier story; Hell no! It's in our nature to be afraid of failure, even in the very last minute. But here is a man that genuinely believes in the rule of law, over paranoia and spin. That will lead the way back toward righteousness, through consistency. Our stature in the world has vastly improved overnight, and it's not misplaced optimism.
There are still people out there very afraid, and even very angry! I can assure them all, that it's not going to be a bad ride. But, that only fuels their hatred even more. It is hard to believe that anyone would want things to get any worse, but there are a few...
It was a dream to me, the Obama Biden ticket. And in spite of Joe's rambling repeats; My Friends! SOB, WE WON?!! Congratulation, you won a chance to loose/invent $2 trillion dollars in stimulus, and two extended wars, the real possibility of a third and maybe even forth? Super high unemployment. Wow, that's a prize isn't it? What did the looser get for playing?
"Brace yourselves!" Thank you, Sully; I think that might make a good theme for a few years, even yet!
One final note on my pet peeves; It's Obama, not O'Biden! Just call him Joe, would ja?
Monday, January 19, 2009
Who you callin' old?
If only I had a ferry wand- oops, pardon me. Let me check, still have my testicles- ok! If only I had a Powerful Wizard Staff- there we go! Then the top of my wish list of change would be relabeling some things around here that we just can't fix. Are you listening Google?
First of all, we all know it's Blogger.com. Which is the brains behind blogspot.com. Ironically, dyslexia and typos can make that BlogStop.com- they do understand this don't they? Which some squatter is sitting on, too! I hate squatters, nearly as much as forum spammers! Point is that I'm not all that fond of them putting the label BLOG on everything here, it's just so amateurish. And there are a few things, I can't relabel. "Follow this Blog" for example.
My personal biggest annoyance with these labels is "older posts". Older only means, beyond 7 of the last page offered. Another thing is calling them posts, exclusively. I prefer "Articles". And I would prefer that it read "Next Page" and "Previous Page", and not "Older.." / "Newer.." posts. So when you reach the bottom of the article, or page, please do not be confused by these poorly phrased controls, and go ahead and click that "Older Posts" link, please! It might not be older at all, other than by minutes of when it was first started. And once I do edit after posting (a feature we dyslexics like), older might not be true at all.
Oh great, now I'm a spammer, because of using All Posters to illustrate my messages? Even though I see All Posters in the Google Ads? I guess that trying to recoup your the losses of your time investment, is now spam? I'm not paid to post any ads. My ads are for things I really believe in. But clearly some don't see it that way? I can strip them off. It will be boring, but it can be done. Oh well, I guess it's back to paid Hosting then for this, pity. I thought I was sharing important information with others, here- maybe not?
NOW I NEED MY READERS TO KNOW, THAT ADS PLANTED BY GOOGLE DON'T IN ANY WAY, HAVE MY ENDORSEMENT AS A GOOD PRODUCT OR SERVICE! (They are all from Google now!) I highly recommend that you check them out with Better Business Bureau bbb.org before clicking on them. For example: I trust NO DIET CLAIMS, myself, or Christian Spammer offers(?)
Be glad I don't have that wizard staff now, worty old toad-cicle!
First of all, we all know it's Blogger.com. Which is the brains behind blogspot.com. Ironically, dyslexia and typos can make that BlogStop.com- they do understand this don't they? Which some squatter is sitting on, too! I hate squatters, nearly as much as forum spammers! Point is that I'm not all that fond of them putting the label BLOG on everything here, it's just so amateurish. And there are a few things, I can't relabel. "Follow this Blog" for example.
My personal biggest annoyance with these labels is "older posts". Older only means, beyond 7 of the last page offered. Another thing is calling them posts, exclusively. I prefer "Articles". And I would prefer that it read "Next Page" and "Previous Page", and not "Older.." / "Newer.." posts. So when you reach the bottom of the article, or page, please do not be confused by these poorly phrased controls, and go ahead and click that "Older Posts" link, please! It might not be older at all, other than by minutes of when it was first started. And once I do edit after posting (a feature we dyslexics like), older might not be true at all.
Oh great, now I'm a spammer, because of using All Posters to illustrate my messages? Even though I see All Posters in the Google Ads? I guess that trying to recoup your the losses of your time investment, is now spam? I'm not paid to post any ads. My ads are for things I really believe in. But clearly some don't see it that way? I can strip them off. It will be boring, but it can be done. Oh well, I guess it's back to paid Hosting then for this, pity. I thought I was sharing important information with others, here- maybe not?
NOW I NEED MY READERS TO KNOW, THAT ADS PLANTED BY GOOGLE DON'T IN ANY WAY, HAVE MY ENDORSEMENT AS A GOOD PRODUCT OR SERVICE! (They are all from Google now!) I highly recommend that you check them out with Better Business Bureau bbb.org before clicking on them. For example: I trust NO DIET CLAIMS, myself, or Christian Spammer offers(?)
Be glad I don't have that wizard staff now, worty old toad-cicle!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Some Art of Alfred Gockel
Even if you hate Modern Art as much as I do, it's hard not to love Gockel- but I'm working on it! ;)
(Well, I would have liked to introduce you to one of my favorite artists, but Google feels it's spam. Sorry, no art show!)
(Well, I would have liked to introduce you to one of my favorite artists, but Google feels it's spam. Sorry, no art show!)
Who are you (statement not question)
Picture deleted.
I've been in many of my friends homes, and while most would prefer I sit in the back yard and keep quite. Still, the dogs and me are occasionally allowed into the kitchen, and living rooms, but not on sofa! So this may come a surprise to some of you, that I'm not only allowed into the dog areas of some fine homes, but that I do notice things about your homes- other than where the food scraps are.Quite a few of you, like to have monuments to your's and your children's lives, and your pedigree. What concerns me in your decoration, is the lack of personally that goes with it. I look at these walls, and I see you and other little people, but I don't know what you like, and enjoy? Other than perhaps socker?
Although, I find it hard to believe that anybody actually enjoys socker on the field or in the stands? That just might be why EVERYBODY gets a trophy these days?
picture deleted
As a peddler of posters, it is my job to point this out. But once I'm as low as a Dachshund balls, I don't know why would you ever listen to me? Still, I can see your love for these dreadful creatures all over the room, but WHO ARE YOU?
I plaster these messages with pinup girls, not really to sell you cheesecake, but to give you ideas about using art to project forward your own personality. Ok, and maybe to peddle some really fluffy softcore too?
Putting your wife or husband's picture on your desk at work, only tells me that you're a type-A personality, or pretending to be one. If my desk were properly decorated with picture of family, my sister would be giving me the finger all the time, BECAUSE that's who we are; Doctor Phil rejects. Honest as it might be, that's just not right for the work place, is it?
picture deleted
So I recommend you take a moment, to lie on the floor, and look up at your world. What does it say about you, other than you really need dog kisses? And maybe more time working that appliance called a vacuum cleaner?Art is not about showing your good taste to the world!!! That's not the point at all! It's about using someone else talents, to make a statement about yourself. Who are YOU! Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry nearly ended the Who, over a lack of understanding of this self-reflective statement vs the question. It's self-reflective, and THAT is exactly what art is suppose to do with our lives! It's not how others see us, it's how we see ourselves. That reflects a deeper meaning, a statement, like a middle finger, only (maybe) more polite.
picture deleted
Maybe it's your elephant brand politics? Or your desire to lie naked and sweaty on a private beach? Or maybe it's about your daughter's box score too? Who are you, was never a question- it's a statement. And art on your walls should be the same thing! That change for a new year, might just be perking up a boring wall?
Still the advice is still sound; You need more than kids, to have a life that your friends understand and admire! Make your home your statement!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Take me to the river
pinup girl deleted
Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, (No not a character from a P.G. Wodehouse Novel), pilot of Flight 1549, and our hero! Good work, and good call, Sully! Two thumbs up! I'd give you more, but that's all I got!For those of you who don't know of Sully's deed, and I don't know why you wouldn't? His flight hit a gaggle of goose, about 2 minutes off the runway of LaGuardia airport. Without power, Sully wisely decided to ditch the plane into the Hudson River, on Jan 15, 2009, around 3 PME. Making a perfect water landing, saving the lives of all of his 155 passengers, with only one major injury- remarkable! And who knows how many other lives, if he had hit the City instead?
I'm sure there are 150 newly baptized in the river Christians in the world, for at least a day! So Jesus will give you a gold crown too, I'm sure! ;)
Keep flying Sully, we need more men of good judgment in the air like you! And your fabulous crew too. I'm sure your sick of hearing it, but THANKS again! Awesome job.
-:)
Vintage photo deleted
They must be kidding?
Kodak seems to think, I haven't made a sale for them in a WHOLE YEAR!?!
They do know the year is only 15 days old, don't they?
I don't think I've ever made a sale for the Kodak Gallery?
This is normal, by the way. People getting FREE advertising, seem to think it's perfectly alright to spur you, every once in a while. Or even threaten to fire you!?! Like that's going make you find my website any faster, or buy more product because of it?
Welcome to the fun and ungrateful world of Affiliate Marketing!
Why, if I'm angry with them, would I place this ad? There is a separate issue here, from general bad behavior, which is common by the way. They have really nice stuff to offer! It's just a pity, they can't figure out that they should be competing with Cafe' Press, and Zazzle, and change their business model, rather than change their name to Kodak Easyshare Gallery. I don't know HOW adding the word Easyshare is going to increase their business? It would implies to me, less openness to competitors cameras- so I think it's a HUGE mistake. Same as threating me, and expecting me to keep mouth shut about it.
They do know the year is only 15 days old, don't they?
I don't think I've ever made a sale for the Kodak Gallery?
This is normal, by the way. People getting FREE advertising, seem to think it's perfectly alright to spur you, every once in a while. Or even threaten to fire you!?! Like that's going make you find my website any faster, or buy more product because of it?
Welcome to the fun and ungrateful world of Affiliate Marketing!
Why, if I'm angry with them, would I place this ad? There is a separate issue here, from general bad behavior, which is common by the way. They have really nice stuff to offer! It's just a pity, they can't figure out that they should be competing with Cafe' Press, and Zazzle, and change their business model, rather than change their name to Kodak Easyshare Gallery. I don't know HOW adding the word Easyshare is going to increase their business? It would implies to me, less openness to competitors cameras- so I think it's a HUGE mistake. Same as threating me, and expecting me to keep mouth shut about it.
Well, I guess I'm not allowed to save you money at the Kodak Gallery, here!
Big Money, Big Problem!
Bad old joke deleted!
Bank of America says it's needs more tax payer's money- yeah, so do I! Carve me up some TARP funds will ya, first? What happened to that accountability? SHOW ME THE MONEY! I'm thinking, maybe they'll have better luck convincing the Chinese that they are too big to fail? Because if they're not over the line, they sure seem awfully close to it. I thought they had the money to buy Country Wide, didn't you?
GM got into the mortgage market- that seems to be some kind of secret, so don't tell. Ford is not in trouble, because they didn't? Toyota is hemorrhaging just as much money as Ford, but is nonunion, so it's ok?
funny vintage art print deleted
They seem to think it's all about financing. Who wants to tell them, that's only 20% of the issue, the 80% issue is job security. The States are bankrupt, even they will have to lay people off. Mom and Pops are near extinction, and there's no money for startups in the first place. We are in the deepest fasting moving part of the spiral down. It's not about loans, anymore! It's about JOBS, and JOB SECURITY!
There I just told them for you! Can we get on with making jobs now, and putting cash back into circulation? This bust is brought to you by the ending of the Cold War, and tax breaks for those who didn't need it, while starting two new wars. It doesn't Trickle Down, it Capsizes- Some of us have been trying to tell you that for 30 years! Ask yourself this question; What does Government do? How about making life fair? I can be quite happy with my little slice of pie, it sure beats starvation!
Footnote: Some of you may remember this Check joke as an old Gracie Allen joke. To the rest that see it as purely sexist, I'm sorry! It was sexiest thing I could find that matched the theme is all- it does not reflect MY opinions of women, in any way!
UPDATED (1/16): Bank Robbery has a new definition, in my opinion! We the USA, now own how many billions of Bank Of America? WHO gave them the money out of the TARP at this date? I smell rats! And I'll bet I don't get a vote in any new bank policies!
Falling Apples
Steve Jobs is sick- so what?
Not that wish Mr Jobs any harm (I wish him the best of luck and good health, as I do all), but I really don't know the man! I'm really finding it hard to understand the fall in stock value based on that news?
Now, I could understand a fall in value from thinking that holding your PC to your Ear is a stupid idea, at a best. Or a buck is song, is too damn much! Or that videos on 2 inch screen, aren't any fun. And that closed proprietary systems, are lame. These I can get behind. But a fall in value because Jobs is getting too skinny and could be in poor health- I have a problem with that! Now we're investing in the man, and not his company's ideas? Come on?
Footnote: The picture doesn't make any since once Blogger went and replaced the GIF animation file with a static PNG file. So Newton isn't taking a apple to the head! I'll remember that in the future.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Rye Bread Pizza
Pizza Chef art prints deleted
It's time for one of my recipes again, to get some food ads showing up. Too much business makes Google a Dull Boy!Rye Bread pizza doesn't sound good to a lot of people. And if your talking Grandma's old hard a rock lump of dry old bread, I can understand this. But this is a 21st Century version, soft and chewy, and not overwhelming strong. But it's not something that Pizza Dude is about to make Pizza of the week- though he should!
If you don't have bread machine, you can still make this recipe, the robot isn't that important. Just a good mixer, with a bread hook will do, and about 90 minutes. Bread machine, on dough though, makes it effortless.
1 1/2 t salt
1 tbl sugar
1 tbl olive oil
1/2 t caraway seeds
1/2 t dill seeds
(optional) Pinch / quick shake of Anise seed (not much)
1/2 c rye flour
1/2 c whole wheat
1 3/4 c warm water
1 tbl quick acting yeast
3 1/2 C all purpose flour
another pizza poster deleted
kneed
rest
punch down
divide dough in half, for two large pizzas.
Bake at 420 for twenty minutes with your favorite toppings, on a pizza stone!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese with Mozzarella really completes this pie.
Easily feeds 6 to 8 adults.
The same recipe with about 1 2/3 c water instead of 1 3/4, makes a nice loaf of bread as well. Bake it at 400 degrees for 45 minutes, for the 2 lbs loaf.
Outrage & Disappointment (what's new)
Justice pinup deleted
Madoff proves, every single day, that Justice is anything but blind. A poor man with half the offense is would be already tried, and in jail. While Berny lives in luxury in his own home, hiding assets, and continuing his crime spree, apparently?My anger here, is that this is everything a Democrat fears about the insanity of greed, overcoming justice, is showing up in our lifetime. You guys think that DEREGULATION is a good thing, because it get the government out of your life- HA! It doesn't make government smaller and more efficient at all. It only makes it incompetent, and anemic. Tax cuts for the rich, didn't make them go into a great shopping spree on Main Street. Rather it went into socks and schemes, which included outsourcing our jobs to India, Russia, and China, so they could increase profits for top level management mostly. Forgetting a simple fact, that in a CONSUMER DRIVEN economy, requires a strong and healthy MIDDLE CLASS!
Madoff belongs in the lowest pit of hell. Which he will not go to, because he doesn't believe in one! ;)
What I want from the election of Mr Obama, is the restoration of the integrity of government, on all levels. And that's NOW a very tall order. Maybe even too tall for ANY human being to overcome? Particularly with Justices like this, that just don't get it!
My one wish, is that tattooed men, in bright orange jump suits, were microwaving his dinners at the very least, in his Manhattan Penthouse. But that too, is just a pipe dream.
I've lost nothing to Berny Madoff, but faith in our justice system.
Oh yeah, that guy in India that took my job away. He's turning out to be as big a crook as Madoff. Isn't that just great? For those of you who need a clue; that was Sarcasm! This guy being a crook has nothing to do with the damage he did to my career, and this economy.
Here is my simple prayer for the new year; May we all find the justice, we deserve. Amen!
***To you Bushites, I had no idea the President was going to get so defensive about integrity issue, on the same day that I wrote this. Sometimes, I think they're reading my blog- yeah right! What next, wire tap my phone? Anyone who's ever had to call me, knows that's stupid idea, all you hear is the answering machine, over and over and over. Not a big fan of the phone!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Trix gone wild!
Nothing worse than a bondage trick gone bad! The magician thought to himself, while trying to figure out what just went wrong on the spot, and now how to cover for it.
It was simple a trick. Take a solid ring and a rope, or yarn. Tie the ring to the middle of the rope, and mystically make the ring melt through the rope, and off into his hand. Nothing to it. It's one of those rare tricks, nearly self working, that you can do over and over again, as many times as the audience wants. It just a elongated slip knot, but not exactly the kind people are use to seeing in daily life. Pulled one way it's impossible to free, but move center strand just off center, and it nearly flies off by itself.
There were several things in error on this attempt though. First was a stretchable cotton cord, that was like good shoe laces, that could get tighter around the loops. Secondly, using a 7 inch wide Chinese Linking Ring, made a huge surface area, which made the loop almost impossible to slip over the edge, particularly in a mysterious fashion. The third mistake that doomed the trick, was picking two very strong football players, to play tug of war with the rope, rather than having one guy hold it between his outstretched arms.
It was simple a trick. Take a solid ring and a rope, or yarn. Tie the ring to the middle of the rope, and mystically make the ring melt through the rope, and off into his hand. Nothing to it. It's one of those rare tricks, nearly self working, that you can do over and over again, as many times as the audience wants. It just a elongated slip knot, but not exactly the kind people are use to seeing in daily life. Pulled one way it's impossible to free, but move center strand just off center, and it nearly flies off by itself.
There were several things in error on this attempt though. First was a stretchable cotton cord, that was like good shoe laces, that could get tighter around the loops. Secondly, using a 7 inch wide Chinese Linking Ring, made a huge surface area, which made the loop almost impossible to slip over the edge, particularly in a mysterious fashion. The third mistake that doomed the trick, was picking two very strong football players, to play tug of war with the rope, rather than having one guy hold it between his outstretched arms.
vintage poster deleted
The trick was foolproof. Done it a million times in close up acts. But not a scale size, large enough to be seen by room full of 300 people. The ring tethered tight 4 feet above the floor, and there was no freeing it from the clutches of 17 year old jocks who had fallowed instructions right to the letter. It was like they had beaten him again at his own game, just short of the embarrassment of a super atomic wedgie, in the middle of the cafeteria.
"Thank you gentlemen for proving the ring is in fact solid!" Was a lame retreat, but the only way out of this pickle, and on with the show. For days afterward people asked what went wrong, proving how lame the exit plan was.
For those of you who wonder, yes, this is a true story of my life. Why, I'm sharing it with you, I have no idea? It's just came to mind. Maybe, because on this blog I'm sharing secrets? And there is nothing more precious to the Magician than his secrets, as you all know.
Actually to the magician it's the triple blink, "take" of wonder and puzzlement, that is the most precious thing. But under stage lighting, you can't see it on the audience's faces. But there is nothing worse to have, than their pity. Down right embarrassing to the fearless junior wizard in training, second class. Kinda makes my shorts pinch up to this day!
It was at that moment, that I was glad I was not an escape artist like my dear friend, and classmate, Mike Griffin. I'm sure I would have been smashed to a cube in no time, doing things like that. Less "the amazing", and more like "Super Dave", for sure! Yeah, you would enjoy that...er!
It was at that moment, that I was glad I was not an escape artist like my dear friend, and classmate, Mike Griffin. I'm sure I would have been smashed to a cube in no time, doing things like that. Less "the amazing", and more like "Super Dave", for sure! Yeah, you would enjoy that...er!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Paid Hosting or Free Blogging
As you can see, I'm making myself to home here. We're already up to our ears in advertisements (click me, click me), and pinup girls. And there's no place I enjoy a good pinup more than at my ears. (I'm not sure what that means, but it sounded funny).
There are some big differences between what you can and can not do here in a free Blog, vs. having a paid hosting account. Like giving up all of your ability to code in anything other than HTML, for example. However, FREE blog, has lots of FREE GOODIES, that you don't get with a hosting account.
(No fish can sold here?)
Nerd 101 does require the NASA picture of the day, and a Sudoku puzzle. This is turning out to be a lot like my iGoogle home page, only public!
I thought This day in History would be neat, but I'm not caring for articles about Joan Of Arc at all. English bloodlines, I'm not a fan of crazy women, not at all. And mental health care, hasn't improved much either, thanks to the stigma. Thankfully, that should be gone by midnight- I hope!!!
(No birthday cakes!)
Speaking of time. The clocks were not picked at random. Iraq and Afghanistan were added because I do tend to be popular with our armed forces (thank you much, boys). I can't imagine being so bored that you want to read me, but there you go- I know it's all about the pinups not the pinhead! Arizona is on the list, because those antisocial cowboys, have no need for Ben Franklyn or his silly daylight saving time. So it's there to help me remember when they are in and out of our timezone here in California. UTC/GMT there just cause it's the right way to tell time! And New York, because that's the timezone of most of the population. What, I might be crazy, but I'm not stupid!
So far, I'm kind of liking this free thing. It could really help make this writing thing, MUCH MORE profitable, unlike the $100 a year hole I've been putting my money into. Yeah, it's fun to be free of any rules, and to have more control. But, how do you beat free? Particularly, if I can do many of the same things, anyway. Like sell cake, and give advice about wine.
There are some big differences between what you can and can not do here in a free Blog, vs. having a paid hosting account. Like giving up all of your ability to code in anything other than HTML, for example. However, FREE blog, has lots of FREE GOODIES, that you don't get with a hosting account.
(No fish can sold here?)
Nerd 101 does require the NASA picture of the day, and a Sudoku puzzle. This is turning out to be a lot like my iGoogle home page, only public!
I thought This day in History would be neat, but I'm not caring for articles about Joan Of Arc at all. English bloodlines, I'm not a fan of crazy women, not at all. And mental health care, hasn't improved much either, thanks to the stigma. Thankfully, that should be gone by midnight- I hope!!!
(No birthday cakes!)
Speaking of time. The clocks were not picked at random. Iraq and Afghanistan were added because I do tend to be popular with our armed forces (thank you much, boys). I can't imagine being so bored that you want to read me, but there you go- I know it's all about the pinups not the pinhead! Arizona is on the list, because those antisocial cowboys, have no need for Ben Franklyn or his silly daylight saving time. So it's there to help me remember when they are in and out of our timezone here in California. UTC/GMT there just cause it's the right way to tell time! And New York, because that's the timezone of most of the population. What, I might be crazy, but I'm not stupid!
So far, I'm kind of liking this free thing. It could really help make this writing thing, MUCH MORE profitable, unlike the $100 a year hole I've been putting my money into. Yeah, it's fun to be free of any rules, and to have more control. But, how do you beat free? Particularly, if I can do many of the same things, anyway. Like sell cake, and give advice about wine.
(not allowed to tell you ad firms, or sell you wine)
The important thing that you have to know, to be successful at this, is know HTML/CSS. If you really want to take the things over, and make your own theme, some knowledge of XML/XSL is helpful too. But learning CSS2 is about your most useful knowledge base, here at Blogspot.
One of the things, I'm most going to miss from paid hosting, are the stats. There is a bunch of information captured about you when you visit a website, particularly if you got there from a search engine. And it's extremely interesting to see what keywords people used to find you. And there's nothing like that here- pity!
Normally, everybody moves the opposite direction. From Free to Paid Hosting. I guess I'm just a trouble maker to the very end?
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Professional Blogging, where's the cash?
(pinup deleted)
Ok, you're a fantastically interesting person. And for some strange unexplainable reason, you just can't keep that to yourself, anymore. The world must know about YOU, then you're BLOGGING! Well that's fun, now can I get paid for doing it?
Most writing websites, assume you are a good writer to begin with. Well, I'm a freak, I guess? I found that writing websites aren't much fun, because once you post, it's carved in stone forever. This is the problem with most Writing sites, that have contests and shared advertising revenue concepts. I've never made a dime off of them honestly (meaning check in hand / money in the bank). My brain defect gets in the way, too much! I'm dyslexic for those of you who don't know. So writing things right the first time, rarely happens for me. So the writing websites, are like High School all over again.
So, once you decide the writing sites are too restrictive, and don't really make you any money, what next? Well, now you need a revenue stream. And on the Internet, nobody pays for nothin', unlike the ads you see in magazines. You are now in an interactive media. Which means, you have to make somebody else's sale for them. It's called Affiliate Marketing.
Ok, google "affiliate programs", now wasn't that fun? There are several services, that most companies that Affiliate, use as brokers. The big two are Linkshare and CommissionJunction (cj). And joining these services, still does not make you an affiliate to your target company. They forward your request to be an affiliate, and someone at the marketeer then checks your website out. You can be rejected, and frequently are. The number one reason, is that lack of traffic to your site, which is really hard on start ups. Second reason is generally vulgarity that offend your marketeer. Some companies don't like me promoting Vintage Pinup Girl posters, and bikinis. Even though, I think them quite harmless myself, and just fun art.
Once you are accepted as an Affiliate, now you have to convince your family and friends to hit that banner or link, and actually buy something. You don't get paid for the ad just sitting there. Piece of cake, right? Ha! Not even your direct family will buy a calendar from Amazon, through you! When you start out, it's just as depressing it can be. Just be glad you have no money at risk in this. It's mostly just a waste of your time.
That said, YES, I have actually made money doing this. Not much, and sure not a profit, but I've had checks show up. But it takes time, and a lot of it! You have to keep working it. Finding new things to say, and new content all the time. And after a while, you start focusing in on a particular group, and it's out of a silent group of strangers that you'll start making money. But everything you do, you got to swallow all pride, and put the pressure on them, to support you. Yeah, it sucks! Welcome to professional blogging!
There are click-pay services, such as Google Ads. Don't cheat, they're not stupid! And another thing they're not, is their not all that lucrative either. Getting paid for clicks, isn't much easier than getting a commission on sales. You still have to be working at it.
Now, making sales is not always enough either. You normally don't get paid for EVERY SALE! You get paid for making your minimum commission! WHAT? That's right. I've made sales for Amazon, and CJ clients, but I've never gotten a penny from either. CJ even did the lowest thing I've seen done; they raised the minimum on me. Of them all, the only one I can recommend is Linkshare, because they do pay without a lot of games about minimums.
Driving traffic to your website is another issue all together. Ironically, the same pinup girl posters that drives some marketeers away, also brings a lots of new clients to my site, thanks to them being found by Google Images. They come, they read, they laugh, they buy a poster for their boyfriend/husband. It's my hook, now go get your own!!!
There is PayPerPost, which I've not explored at all. However, it sounds too good to be true... So, I'll get back to you on that sometime. Any blog with more than 10 hits per month, almost always ends up with a Spammer, and I'm sure PayPerPost has a lot to do with that. Which is why you can't post any comments here without my approval.
Are you in a hurry to get paid? Affiliate Marketing has got to be about a slow as it gets. Some only play quarterly. Most it's 60 days after the month is over, because your going to loose commissions on returns and canceled orders- like somehow it's your fault!
The very best way to blog for money though, is to have a product of your own to sell, such as crafts, photos, or artwork. Here's a hint, talk to your friends and family, because there are a bunch of people with no tech savvy out there, that have a lot of talent, that could use a good copywriter, and salesman.
Blog on (for profit?)!
Most writing websites, assume you are a good writer to begin with. Well, I'm a freak, I guess? I found that writing websites aren't much fun, because once you post, it's carved in stone forever. This is the problem with most Writing sites, that have contests and shared advertising revenue concepts. I've never made a dime off of them honestly (meaning check in hand / money in the bank). My brain defect gets in the way, too much! I'm dyslexic for those of you who don't know. So writing things right the first time, rarely happens for me. So the writing websites, are like High School all over again.
So, once you decide the writing sites are too restrictive, and don't really make you any money, what next? Well, now you need a revenue stream. And on the Internet, nobody pays for nothin', unlike the ads you see in magazines. You are now in an interactive media. Which means, you have to make somebody else's sale for them. It's called Affiliate Marketing.
Ok, google "affiliate programs", now wasn't that fun? There are several services, that most companies that Affiliate, use as brokers. The big two are Linkshare and CommissionJunction (cj). And joining these services, still does not make you an affiliate to your target company. They forward your request to be an affiliate, and someone at the marketeer then checks your website out. You can be rejected, and frequently are. The number one reason, is that lack of traffic to your site, which is really hard on start ups. Second reason is generally vulgarity that offend your marketeer. Some companies don't like me promoting Vintage Pinup Girl posters, and bikinis. Even though, I think them quite harmless myself, and just fun art.
Once you are accepted as an Affiliate, now you have to convince your family and friends to hit that banner or link, and actually buy something. You don't get paid for the ad just sitting there. Piece of cake, right? Ha! Not even your direct family will buy a calendar from Amazon, through you! When you start out, it's just as depressing it can be. Just be glad you have no money at risk in this. It's mostly just a waste of your time.
That said, YES, I have actually made money doing this. Not much, and sure not a profit, but I've had checks show up. But it takes time, and a lot of it! You have to keep working it. Finding new things to say, and new content all the time. And after a while, you start focusing in on a particular group, and it's out of a silent group of strangers that you'll start making money. But everything you do, you got to swallow all pride, and put the pressure on them, to support you. Yeah, it sucks! Welcome to professional blogging!
There are click-pay services, such as Google Ads. Don't cheat, they're not stupid! And another thing they're not, is their not all that lucrative either. Getting paid for clicks, isn't much easier than getting a commission on sales. You still have to be working at it.
Now, making sales is not always enough either. You normally don't get paid for EVERY SALE! You get paid for making your minimum commission! WHAT? That's right. I've made sales for Amazon, and CJ clients, but I've never gotten a penny from either. CJ even did the lowest thing I've seen done; they raised the minimum on me. Of them all, the only one I can recommend is Linkshare, because they do pay without a lot of games about minimums.
Driving traffic to your website is another issue all together. Ironically, the same pinup girl posters that drives some marketeers away, also brings a lots of new clients to my site, thanks to them being found by Google Images. They come, they read, they laugh, they buy a poster for their boyfriend/husband. It's my hook, now go get your own!!!
There is PayPerPost, which I've not explored at all. However, it sounds too good to be true... So, I'll get back to you on that sometime. Any blog with more than 10 hits per month, almost always ends up with a Spammer, and I'm sure PayPerPost has a lot to do with that. Which is why you can't post any comments here without my approval.
Are you in a hurry to get paid? Affiliate Marketing has got to be about a slow as it gets. Some only play quarterly. Most it's 60 days after the month is over, because your going to loose commissions on returns and canceled orders- like somehow it's your fault!
The very best way to blog for money though, is to have a product of your own to sell, such as crafts, photos, or artwork. Here's a hint, talk to your friends and family, because there are a bunch of people with no tech savvy out there, that have a lot of talent, that could use a good copywriter, and salesman.
Blog on (for profit?)!
Restyle
Yeah, I'm still exploring Google's templates on these blogs. I wasn't all that happy with the first one, because I always felt like I was reading things off somebody's boxer shorts!
This template isn't all that great either. And default colors, were totally something else again! So, I've been tweaking it. But I have YET to find that damn GRAY on the sidebar- me thinks they left something out of the menus? Anyway, I do like the extra elbow room on this template, compared to the others. So, I'll get that RIGHT look sooner or later.
Anyway, want to read my laundry?
This template isn't all that great either. And default colors, were totally something else again! So, I've been tweaking it. But I have YET to find that damn GRAY on the sidebar- me thinks they left something out of the menus? Anyway, I do like the extra elbow room on this template, compared to the others. So, I'll get that RIGHT look sooner or later.
Anyway, want to read my laundry?
Advice to New Bloggers
Hi, I'm professor Dys Lexic. You can call me Dys, if you like?
This is a workshop for people who want to express themselves like Blogo! "Any **** can record me at any **** time!" -No, no, no, not that Blogo!
For some reason, you decided that you have something to say, RIGHT? No? Then why are you typing messages to the world? This is the very first thing to keep in mind when blogging; YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY! Maybe it's important? And maybe it isn't? Still, there it is, a thought of some kind, wiggling and squirming to get out of your head, and into somebody else's, right? Or should I say Write!
The first thing to realize about your thought, is that it's important enough to PUBLISH! At least from you to a select target audience. So being apologetic about it, reads as false humility almost 90% of the time. Which is a a lot like making your first post read like this: "Hi, I'm a two faced jerk and a liar, can I sell you something?" Well no, your a two faced jerk, remember?
So there are secrets to good blogging. Remember, that you're no longer just the local yokel, bean picker or whatever. You are now a journalist. And you instantly thought of Newspaper Reporter, when you heard the word journalist, didn't you? That's ok, because to be a successful blogger, you need to retrain your brain, anyhow, to be more like those jerks! Most blogs are Editorials, and not Essays. Meaning it would be on the opinion page of your newspaper, not the front page. Go ahead, have that rant, it's your blog! That's not one of the common mistakes in them.
Now, I hate to inform you of this, but most people reading your thoughts will be hostile to you. That's right. It's very hard to be charismatic with words, because your making them think. And people don't like to think, even though, they think they like to think. So their thoughts are, what has this JERK got to say now, about what? That is if, they are taking any time to read you at all? So, remember those 6 important questions (6 w's(???)):
This is a workshop for people who want to express themselves like Blogo! "Any **** can record me at any **** time!" -No, no, no, not that Blogo!
For some reason, you decided that you have something to say, RIGHT? No? Then why are you typing messages to the world? This is the very first thing to keep in mind when blogging; YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY! Maybe it's important? And maybe it isn't? Still, there it is, a thought of some kind, wiggling and squirming to get out of your head, and into somebody else's, right? Or should I say Write!
The first thing to realize about your thought, is that it's important enough to PUBLISH! At least from you to a select target audience. So being apologetic about it, reads as false humility almost 90% of the time. Which is a a lot like making your first post read like this: "Hi, I'm a two faced jerk and a liar, can I sell you something?" Well no, your a two faced jerk, remember?
So there are secrets to good blogging. Remember, that you're no longer just the local yokel, bean picker or whatever. You are now a journalist. And you instantly thought of Newspaper Reporter, when you heard the word journalist, didn't you? That's ok, because to be a successful blogger, you need to retrain your brain, anyhow, to be more like those jerks! Most blogs are Editorials, and not Essays. Meaning it would be on the opinion page of your newspaper, not the front page. Go ahead, have that rant, it's your blog! That's not one of the common mistakes in them.
Now, I hate to inform you of this, but most people reading your thoughts will be hostile to you. That's right. It's very hard to be charismatic with words, because your making them think. And people don't like to think, even though, they think they like to think. So their thoughts are, what has this JERK got to say now, about what? That is if, they are taking any time to read you at all? So, remember those 6 important questions (6 w's(???)):
- Who
- What
- When
- Where
- Why
- How
The third mistake made, is to give too much information about yourself. If your age is important, your birthday more than likely is not. Why? Because I'm not going to celebrate you; I'm really, really not! Besides, what you wrote at 17, was the view point of a 17 year old. Maybe, an exceptionally enlightened one, as improbable as that might be. Point is, too much information is a ramble, as well as a personal security leak! You need to be cryptic about yourself, some!
Let's Review:
Let's Review:
- What you are saying is IMPORTANT to someone.
- Feel free to rewrite a even few times before posting, and watch those W's. Here at Blogger, you can rewrite as much as you want.
- Don't ramble, and give too much information about yourself.
- Don't expect EVERYONE to be your friend.
Then there are these mutants, perfect academics, who haven't a clue, that their PERFECT writing, is an abnormality in itself- Type A's. Does your writing communicate your unique thoughts? Then you should be happy with that. I'm not saying that you shouldn't try harder to be a better writer, not at all! But some will always attack you on issues of grammar or spelling, and not for your improvement, which is why this is a sensitive nerve to me. It's their way of just putting you down, for being offensive enough to dare to have an opinion of your own. So, who's problem is it really- don't take it personally, and never overreact, like I ******* do!
Next, be civil. "What the hell is..." might not being exposing your better self. One magic thing about TV writers for major networks- they are very creative in mutating common vulgarities. Which is an art of comedy unto itself. Just be more creative, will you?
Never put counters on your blog or website. It's not a good idea to tell people how unpopular you are, it really isn't! Maybe that's just my problem?
Last point: Does your writing have any personality or character to it? Sometimes, you need to be the Thespian, the Actor playing the role of an exaggerated character such as Prof. Dys Lexic, to keep the reader engaged. Besides, it can be fun, to be somebody else for a few minutes.
Blog on, dudes and dudettes! Remember to be entertaining.
And please, please, please, rethink being pink!
Next, be civil. "What the hell is..." might not being exposing your better self. One magic thing about TV writers for major networks- they are very creative in mutating common vulgarities. Which is an art of comedy unto itself. Just be more creative, will you?
Never put counters on your blog or website. It's not a good idea to tell people how unpopular you are, it really isn't! Maybe that's just my problem?
Last point: Does your writing have any personality or character to it? Sometimes, you need to be the Thespian, the Actor playing the role of an exaggerated character such as Prof. Dys Lexic, to keep the reader engaged. Besides, it can be fun, to be somebody else for a few minutes.
Blog on, dudes and dudettes! Remember to be entertaining.
And please, please, please, rethink being pink!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Latest Picture from Squirrel Cam
Squirrel Cam is shut down right now. I'm not even sure the camera is working. The storm that buried it, also unplugged it. And after recently breaking my satellite cable, I decided no to tug on the squirrel cam, too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
