The Comment Tater

Google: Still Around After The Holocaust

2006-11-29T17:58:00.000-08:00

Oh crap. As you may recall from earlier posts that I:

1. Have been watching some tv but I didn't tell you that I've been diggin' on Jericho
2. Love Google

Well, I nearly choked on this episode when at the last the FBI agent was contacted about lying when lo and behold Google Earth pops up on his computer. Google is still around after the holocaust. And, they're working with Nasa and, apparently, the FBI. Woo Whoo! Go Google.

I'm a freak.

Monster Commercials Rock

2006-11-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

I've never confessed to you my love for Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). Monster's commercials rock.

My Review of ReviewMe.com

2006-11-19T11:04:00.000-08:00

I signed up to be a member of Review Me. In case you haven't noticed, I am a big fan of all things tangible. I do like to keep up with the latest and greatest of everything and if I can bring good information to you and make a wee bit of a living at it then I'm going to and I encourage each of you to do the same. That is what Review Me will allow, at least as I see it now.

What is Review Me? Review Me is a site that will pay you to review things on your blog. Your pay is based on certain factors like how many readers you have and other popularity factors. Now, this isn't to say that every post will be a review by any stretch. But every once in a while, you may find one and I hope that you will find value in it. Truth be told, I'm still a bit leary of it all and am anxious to see how it all plays out. This may turn out to be a passing fad instead of a means by which to earn a little green.

Sponsored post.

What's On Your Tube?

2006-11-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

Well, Lost isn't on tonight and so I must fill the void with something besides sitting around on the internet... And so it was that I discovered Sleeper Cell on Showtime's on demand series.

I was feeling pretty hooked but tonight, after watching episode three and hearing my beloved group, The Distillers, I knew right then that I was hooked. Call it crazy but it resonates well with me to hear music that I actually like in a show. And the particular song, City of Angels, was, at least in my limited perception of reality, a little known song but it is the one that rocks the most.

Other shows that I am watching now or are eargerly anticipating the return of include:

Dexter
Weeds
Battle Star Galactica

What are you watching?

On Skype

2006-11-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

I've got Vonage and it works well. I'm pleased about the low prices that I get. I'm also a Google lover and try to stay on top of all things Google. Yesterday I was alerted that there was new software to download by my Google updater. Come to find out it was Skype. Now, I had been thinking about adding Skype to my toolkit but it was conveniently laid before me by my beloved Google.

But my mind now ponders, what is the advantage to Google to include that as a downloadable application? Doesn't Ebay own Skype? Where does this lead and what does the future hold, I wonder. I must have missed the discussion on Google/Skype for surely there must be one... there's always a story.

So, I've downloaded the Skype and tried to go through the set up but seem to be lacking the test link. Anyway, do you use Skype? I need to add some contacts! I was also in Office Depot today and saw the Skype Cordless phone. Oooohhhhhh....

The Begging Continues

2006-11-12T17:17:00.000-08:00

I previously posted my official 2006 Christmas Wish List. For those wealthy readers, please feel free to purchase any item on my Christmas Wish List and have it sent to me. Thank you!

Here is an addition to my list. This, as it turns out, is a VERY good deal as Wal-Mart had it for $1400 and was charging shipping and sales tax. At the time of this posting, this item is less than $1400 with free shipping and no sales tax.

We Rented Bully

2006-11-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

Saw Bully at the Video Store. Rented it and while I don't play video games myself, my teenage daughter played it and I got to watch. I thought it was quite humorous and one does take some pleasure in getting back at the bullies.

Still Not Done: My Official 2006 Christmas Wish List

2006-11-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

I've added more stuff. I'm a big kid at heart, really. If there is anyone out there with more money than they can spend here are a few ideas for you. Spend a little of that expendable dough on me... I'm begging, I know.
1. The Slingbox

2. CityKitti

3. The Game Formerly Known As Deflexion

4. The Roomba (Yes, I'd even take it remanufactured)

5. The Scooba

6. This Cordless Phone Set. It's so cool that it only requires one phone jack. This works really well for those who have Vonage like I do.

7. I WANT BOB!

8. Home Security

I Am A Lot Of Things

2006-11-10T18:11:00.000-08:00

But an Irish pop singer I am not. What am I talking about?

Someone I gave birth to composed and performed the intro music to this (up to the heartbeat).

I saw a story on EnviroMission. They are building a tower that will use air to create energy. I often wondered, and this may sound very crazy, about how we might harness the very hot air of certain regions and pump it into other areas of the globe as heat. Now you may chuckle. Hardily if you wish.

Too Young For Gray Hair

2006-11-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

But I look in the mirror and there it is. Should I let it go? Should I color? Decisions, decisions. I'm not much of a girly girl. Can't wait for all the cyber/human hacking stuff because I want new knees, new hips, new low acid producing stomach and better eyes.

Speaking of hacking, have you heard about the creator of Dilbert? He suffered from a condition which caused him to lose the ability to speak but he now is in the process of rehabilitating himself and if I have the story correct, he is the first person ever who has suffered from this condition to do this.

Good stuff!

Last Night's Dreams

2006-11-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

I think I did forms in my dreams all night last night. That is usually what I do instead of counting sheep. I do karate forms in my head. I have soooo many now that it takes a while to do them all in my head.

Strange Dreams

2006-11-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while I have dreams where my children's lives are in danger. Last night I had one such dream. It all began with my interactions online. For whatever reason, the terrorists had targeted me. Through my online interactions they were able to figure out where I live, what I do and threaten my son's life. Dreams like these prevent me from really getting good rest.

On Being

2006-11-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I get really down when someone disappoints me. I'm sickened when I hear people take pride and joy in the pain and suffering of another that they caused. I'm also disappointed when you find that someone you trust lied and took advantage of another. Elitist make me want to hurl. In these moments, I look deep inside myself.

Every day I struggle with the yin and the yang of being. I know that it is easy to exact revenge or to unleash my frustration. To what end? These kind of actions cause me to become unbalanced. Disappointments of others are catalysts to imbalance. I'm seeking peace. Not happiness. Just peace.

When I grew up, times were tough. I know I didn't have it as hard as any number of kids out there. I never went without a roof over my head though during some time I did sleep on the floor and live out of a cooler because we had nothing except a roof over our heads. My childhood was still less than desirable wrought with domestic violence, sexual abuse, neglect and poverty. And some of these things played themselves out in my adult life. However, I know that the struggles and hard times I faced have made me who I am. To that end, my number one goal in life is to find peace by being a good human. I don't wish to be a best friend. I don't wish to be the best at anything. I don't even ever hope to be happy. I only want to find peace.

I don't think I can ever be "happy" the way that others are happy. I don't think I ever felt genuine love until I was 16. That quickly ended and to this day, that same feeling has eluded me though I've managed to come about as close as I'm ever going to allow myself to get. I think that happiness is a course for destruction for me anyhow. Anytime I've ever allowed myself to think or to feel that I was happy I found that it was more or less naievety which led to bad decisions and loss of control of my situation. Happiness is something you'll have when you are dead, I think.

But only if you find peace in your life.

How do I find peace? That is very difficult. There is a biblical saying about doing on to others. I find that most people only do what will make them happy regardless of the consequence or impact on other people's lives. I find that most people are not trustworthy or dependable. That's just sad. When you're sad, it is hard to find peace. But every day, I remain focused on maintaining that balance between peace and sadness.

A few years ago my journey for peace led me to my real father. Some might think I was crazy for looking a man up who I had never met before. Much to my amazement, it did bring me great peace. I actually enjoy my relationship with my real father a great deal and have forgiven his absence in my life. The reality is, in fact, that his presence may have only been mildly beneficial because he had some tremendous struggles as did my four sisters that he fathered. All in all, things turned out probably the way that was best.

Another thing. I don't grieve when people die. I expect death. Death is usually a welcome relief. Sometimes it is unexpected and that can be troublesome but I'm not sure that I have the capacity to actually grieve. Never really have. I've cried before but it is generally forced. Is this peace? I think in a strange way it is.

The only way that death would be truly regrettable to me is if I had left things undone. Raising my children is a priority. If I were to die before they were solidly capable of supporting themselves, that would be a travesty and I imagine their sorrow would spring from their helplessness and less from the loss of me. That is if they carry the same thing inside them that I do.

In my journey toward peace I wish to learn as much as I can. To inspire my children and to inspire others. I've told my children that when they go to another person's house and they play and they make messes to help clean up and try to go one step beyond that and leave the place in better condition than what it was when you got there. Crazy, eh? I think not. I think that is part of being a good human.

Perhaps at another time I will continue this dialog. For now, I ask you to look inside yourself. Are you a good person? Are you happy?

This Commercial

2006-11-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

On Commercials

2006-11-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

Is there anyone else out there who thinks that the Dow Chemical Company commercial is absolutely poetic and beautiful?

The Jack Links Messing with Sasquatch commercials kill me, too.

Go Wired

2006-10-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Wired helps snag sexual predator.

Oh Don Piano

2006-10-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

Warning, if you are drinking something while watching this, you may shoot it out through your nose.

In a lot of pain

2006-10-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

I've been going at it hard getting ready for my red belt test. I've had six hours of class time this week and today managed to hyper extend my right arm. It feels like it is out of socket or something. Last time it felt this way I was able to get it back to feeling right by lifting a dumbell over my head and down my back with the arm that was having the issue. It seemed to pop it back.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Giant Earwig In Germany

2006-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

I know I have some very news hungry readers and I expect many of you are already aware of the giant earwig that is making his way across Germany but in case you're not, follow this.

Get Them The Hell Out Of There

2006-10-04T20:05:00.000-07:00

Glad Mark Foley is gone. If Hasert knew two years ago then he needs to GONE too. Having been molested in no excuse to repeat the abuse. As a person who was abused I KNOW. Take personal responsibility and CHANGE your world.

Testing for My Red Belt Soon

2006-10-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

I'm testing for my red belt on October 20th. I have been working very hard to get myself in the condition I need to be in. I've been doing push ups and trying to get myself to the point where I can do knuckle push ups. I've been trying to toughen up my knuckles by dragging them along surfaces that I walk past whenever I can. I do this because I know that the punch break is coming and I must have the psychological confidence to put my fist through a board. I'm pretty sure that I have the power but where the mind won't go, neither will the body, or at least in my case.

If I continue to demonstrate to myself that I can put my knuckles through such rigors, I think I can successfuly break my board.

I'll be in class a lot between now and October 20th.

The Science in Sci-Fi

2006-09-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

I've got hooked on reading Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game series. I have read Ender's Game, Ender's Shadow, Xenocide, Children of the Mind and am now reading Shadow of the Hegemon. there are a few other books in the series but I think I'm ready to venture on to new frontiers.

Xenocide and Children of the Mind were intriguing to me because they introduced the concept of faster than light travel in ways I hadn't thought about before. I'm looking now to read books by other authors that can give me the same wow feeling. I want to be wrapped up in the story and learn or expand my mind at the same time. I'm keenly interested in physics. Any suggestions? Here are a couple books that I was considering.

Earning Extra Income in Virtual Worlds?

2006-09-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Looking for a part time gig on weekends. Thought it would be a super fun job to be a guide in one of the virtual worlds. Anyone know of such gigs?

This Dude Made Me Do This:

2006-09-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

buy one.

I went to the WKRN blogger's meeting last weekend and met this guy, Michael Rosenblum. He has put a spell on me. When I first saw him I was like, who the heck is this dude all walking around in black in the early hours of the day? He just had an aire about him this caused him to stand apart from the crowd. I don't think it was his clothing. I think it was something else. Perhaps he serves an evil master?

I sat in the front row of the room (though I had not intended to) and found myself nodding and bobbing my head to practically everything he said and laughing like a giddy school girl. How embarrasing. But he totally rocked.

I left feeling very much inspired. Not create news but to simply create. Creation is... the proof of life, I think.

http://www.rosenblumtv.com/

Prayer of the Martial Artist

2006-09-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

Oh Higher Power:

Grant me the knees and hips of youth so that I may leap ten feet into the air and execute a round house kick that will send the evil doers on a trip to see their master.

You Know I'm a Super Cutting Edge Gadget/Technology Freak

2006-09-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

And I think you are too. You keep coming back, don't you?

Okay, so no one has contacted me about the ultra cool Tesla Car yet but rest assured, I'll keep stating my case to Tesla Motors that this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement...

So, because you people keep coming, I have to keep writing. I want to direct your attention now to Florida. Florida has plans to vaporize their garbage, to the tune of 3,000 tons a day, and generate electricity in the process. Whoa. Love it.

Can they vaporize neighbors cause mine are making a helluva lot of noise?!

Got something cool to share? Share it, now! I hate not knowing.

Dear Tesla Motors

2006-09-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Tesla Motors,

I believe in your product. I love the design. I could testify to the wonderous joy of driving a Tesla all electric car in the Middle Tennessee Market day after day while driving through three counties. Three of the wealthiest and fastest growing counties in the state of Tennessee. Those counties are Rutherford County, Davidson County and Williamson County. Did you know that Brentwood, Tennessee's Median house value was greater than $300k in 2000 according to city-data.com?

I'd like to propose that you consider allowing me to drive your Tesla car, the ultimate, multi-fuel vehicle, to and from work and around town for at least one year at no cost to me, other than the electricity required to power the vehicle, in exchange for the marketing and advertising value that you would receive and benefit from through such an arrangement. I would like the arrangement to continue beyond one year, provided you are satisfied with the results. The exposure in these markets that you would receive would be well worth the cost.

Each day I would drive through three counties to work and then those same three counties from work. You will reach the wealthiest of buyers in the Middle Tennesse Market day after day through this arrangement. I would also drive the car to and from my monthly blogger's and podcaster's meeting and any other meetings to which I am expected to attend. Furthermore, I would freely blog about the Tesla car whenever appropriate.

Consider my proposal and if interested, email me at dailydiablogger@gmail.com.

If you are interested in learning more about the all electric but multi-fuel capable vehicle by Tesla Motors, visit Tesla Motors online at www.teslamotors.com. You will be amazed.

On Torture

2006-07-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

The sound of someone hiccuping is near torture to me.

Talk amongst yourselves.

Medical Bills Have Made Me Ill

2006-07-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

Oh boy! I spent about an hour and a half on the phone today going round and round with different agencies in bill paying hell.

Last year my son had chest pains and naturally I took him to the emergency room. I had heard of children with undiagnosed heart problems and feared the worst. Well, I put money in a flex spending account every year since 2004 because I had to have some surgeries and want to be sure that I have the means to pay my debt. So, in short, I had the money to pay my bills!

About two months before having to take him to the hospital, I moved. No, problem, I updated all my employee records as necessary, made sure the post office had a forwarding address etc. I should be square... or so I thought.

I don't know how many of you have ever had experience with hospital medical bills but it is a seemingly endless barrage of medical bills soon to follow. You get a bill for this, for that and for the other. All from different sources. It is very difficult to make sure nothing is outstanding.

Months go by and bills are paid to facilities and diagnostics... And so, I'm thinking I'm good to go. No statement from the insurance company telling me that any other expenses had been submitted so I'm thinking I'm cool.

Well, not too long ago I got a call from a collector. The collector informed me of an outstanding bill for a medical expense in 2006, of which I was aware or at least waiting for, and an outstanding bill for '05. WTF???? The caller tried to get me to pay by phone but I was more interested in seeing the bill in paper. So I asked them to send me the bill. During the call, they also addressed me by my former name, which was changed in '03. I made sure to correct them, give them my address and informed them that even if I wanted to pay the bill I would need paper copy for the IRS because if you use your Flex card, you've got to retain proof of the bill.

Wait.

More waiting.

Well, I called today and finally, after making several phone calls to three different places I finally got to the bottom of this situation. Though I had my name changed in '03, they persisted in showing the former. Though I moved in April '05, they continued to show my old address. Though my insurance company was MGIS last year, they submitted the claim to Cigna.

Blah!!!!

Every time I talked to them today, I had to keep telling the different people over and over again what my name was, what my address was and to which insurance company the claim should have been filed against.

To make matters worse, the company I work for changed insurance providers again this year and the window of opportunity to submit '05 claims to the previous provider closed 6/30. CRAP.

Shirts

2006-07-09T17:31:00.000-07:00

Buy a Stinking Shirt Already

Painting a Ceiling and Other Comments On Home Ownership

2006-07-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

Update to my home buying illness. I know the outcome. Basically it involves coming up with a gadgillion dollars, killing my husband and selling my firstborn.

Now, if you happen to be among the hordes and masses of happy home owners and are looking for a clever way to spruce up your home, might want to check out this link on ways to paint your ceiling.

Now I'm off to see which of the above mentioned tasks I can knock out first.

Sick I Tell You

2006-07-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

I've been looking at houses for a while now. We think we found one that we liked. We talked to a mortgage broker last night and am awaiting results. I'm pretty distressed over it. I had trouble in my past with my ex-husband and had my wallet stolen last year. I put a fraud alert on my credit. I'll let you know how it goes. For now, little sleep and lack of interst in doing much. I am not optimistic about this.

Blah.

Testing, Testing, Testing.

2006-07-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

Incidentlog.com Police and Fire edit cancel
Source

Widgets, Gadgets, Fun With CSS and GIMP - Stop The Insanity

2006-06-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all out there in non-potato land, Comment Tater here... I'm looking for some fun widgets, gadgets, maybe a fun site to learn CSS and a simple and informative tutorial on the GIMP.

I have found Yahoo Widgets and am in love with it (though I must confess I've yet to download my first widget) but really want something for my blogs. I read there is nothing thirty somethings love more than to have weather and calendars on their blog. Well, it is true. Give me cool gadgets and gizmos. Distraction to the masses.

So, make me into a loaded baked potato and pile it on, would you?

Tags: Gadgets; Gizmos; Widgets; CSS; GIMP

The Comment Tater

2006-06-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine emailed me this link and said that she was reminded of me when she saw it. You be the judge.

Read about Tater People.

What the Bleep...

2006-06-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

Do you have Starz on Demand? Check out the movie, What the Bleep Do We Know. If you love physics or science I believe you will love this movie.

Oh, and by the way... Warren Buffett: I need some charitable contributions... how 'bout it?

Tags: What the Bleep Do We Know?; Warren Buffett

Superman is Gay, Snakes Rule

2006-06-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

My friend, the Big O, is planning a get together to go see Superman. Personally, I can't think of too many things that are more boring BUT, I will so totally go see Snakes on a Plane.

Talk amongst yourselves.

Tags: Snakes On A Plane; Superman Is Gay

More on Rich Dad's Guide to Investing

2006-06-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

I continue to listen to the Rich Dad's Guide to Investing and am really beginning to feel like I can be rich. I find that I do think like a rich person, more so than an employee. Those are people in the E quadrant and I need to be in the B quandrant. That is the quandrant of Business owner. This will allow me to gain the experience necessary to become the kind of investor that will allow me to become truly wealthy.

Anyway, later in the cd, there will be more discussion on what a person can do when they have no money. But for now, here are some very interesting ideas on the subject. The excerpt below is taken from Ask MetaFilter:

Selling used underwear on ebay - (techincally illegal by the rules)
Entering competitions untll i win something and selling it
Standing on a street with a sign saying "I can read your mind for 20pence" and do one of those cheasy "pick a number betweeen 1 and 10" games (its busking so maybe illegal)
Finding a loose brick on the road and selling it as a door stop (c0uld be illegal but who knows) - and who the hell is going to buy it
Setting up a speed dating night by approaching people and asking for money down before sorting it out with the venue (risky but very cheeky - and a lot of work.
Stand outside a celebrity venue and ask for someones autography and then sell it.

Have you any ideas for becoming wealthy with very little, if no money?

And, oh my gosh, I really wanted to get that Rich Dad, Poor Dad Board Game but look at how expensive it is.

Rich Dad's Guide To Investing

2006-06-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

I spoiled myself the other day and bought a book on CD. I downloaded one CD to my mp3 player already. It is Rich Dad's Guide To Investing . I've only listened to the first six segments and I already feel head and shoulders above the rest. I'm so pumped about it that I must get the Rich Dad, Poor Dad book for teens or the CD.

I had a wild hair to move away from my desk for a few moments and remind myself why, exactly, I slave away and toil daily. So, I splurged and come to find out, did over spend, but that is what you get when make purchases on the spur of the moment. Anyway, read more about Rich Dad's Guide To Investing.

I'm a Tightwad Freak

2006-06-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

I hate to see my electric bill. I hate to see my gas bill. I'm totally about energy efficient homes.

I know I've put pictures and links to the monolithic dome homes on my sites before but, really, not only are they gorgeous (in my twisted opinion) but they are energy efficient, too. Not ready for the round look? Read this article about this family that didn't pay a cent for utilities for two months. Oh, and by the way, doesn't Johnny Depp look smoking hot here?

If The Earth Were A Sandwich

2006-06-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

My husband has a degree in anthropology and archaeology so he is a little bit of a freak... He's particularly a freak about earthquakes. So, every now and then he'll be like, did you hear about the earthquake in so and so and I bet it has to do with such and such and so forth.

Well, I don't like to sit around and just buy into his wild and crazy stories and like to see if I can find a way to prove or disprove some of the craziness in his head. So, below is some intersting links for you regarding earthquakes and such. I think you will find great amusement by visitng the earth sandwich link.

If the earth were a sandwich.
U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program.
Yellowstone National Park Special Map.

Crappy Slappy!

2006-06-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I did not win the lottery. Didn't even get $2 out of 20 lines.

I was going to buy me a ranch in Colorado and build my monolithic dome home. I was thinking of bamboo flooring. I wanted an indoor pool and I was going to move my whole family up to the Family compound. I just met my dad a couple years ago and my sister. It would have been sweet.

What my Monolithic Dome Home might have looked like.

I'll keep trying to make my fortunes some other way. And keep playing the lottery.

**Edit, Edit, Edit**
This is what my Monolithic Dome Home would've looked like.

$10 Can Make Me Holler!

2006-06-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

Three co-workers and I went in together and bought 20 lines on the powerball jackpot. For $40, total, we purchased 20 powerplay lines.

If I disappear... you know why.

My husband wants to move to Amsterdam. I'm okay with visiting but I'm in love with Colorado. No humidity, no snakes, no mosquitoes... what's not to love about that? The jackpot is up to $100 Million. Split between the four of us, that is somewhere around $17 Million dollars after taxes I do suppose. I've offered to divorce my husband and give him his share. Will he go?

Oh, man, I'm totally going to build my monolithic dome. I will most definitely invest. I'm taking donations, if you want to support my dream ;).

Ass Pennies

2006-06-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

So funny from YouTube by way of the I am bored website.

Inspired By Harelip Frog

2006-06-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

I'm watching Lost right now, which has become one of my favorite shows...

I was inspired by Harelip Frog because I'm feeling in somewhat of a bitchy mood. So, a list of things I don't like:

Hearing people hiccup.
Hearing people sneeze.
Hearing people cough.
The sound of someone eating, unless I'm eating with them.
Whiners.
People who talk constantly.
Self absored ass hats.
Religious zealots.
Anti-Religious zealots.

I'll append this list as things occur to me. You're getting on my nerves now... good bye.

Help a Dude Out

2006-06-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

Well, you gotta check out this website. This dude and his girlfriend supposedly have a bet going where if he gets 5,000,000 hits to his website by the end of the year he gets to have a threesome.

Hotter Than A Firecracker

2006-06-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

Today, I ran some errands, cooked dinner, played tennis and now at 8:10 at night am finally able to get over to the pool. I won $ 27 on the lottery today!

It has been hotter than a firecracker outside. I burn easily and it is simjply painful to be out in the sun!

Gotta go!

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Approved By FDA

2006-06-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

I gotta tell you that as a woman I am simply excited that the FDA approved the cervical cancer vaccine today. Of course, ten years from now we'll probably find that the vaccine causes some other kind of cancer but for the moment and for today I am thrilled to hear that we are coming one step closer to removing the word cancer from our vocabularies.

Tell me what you think about this.

Not So Domesticated

2006-06-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Whew!

I've been on vacation this week and had planned a menu for every day. I had planned for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. I'll tell you what! It is hard work to try to cook three meals a day and try to have fun in between. I haven't quite got three meals a day in every day this week. It is just too much food!

We did have this cola chicken last night which was very good. It was made with a can of diet coke. My husband complained because he thinks he knows how to cook better than I that I should have used regular coke. The chicken turned out fine with diet coke, in my opinion. I also learned that working with corn starch and water is a work out!

I thought it would be fun to try new things this week but frankly, I spent $268 on groceries getting everything that I needed and have had to work hard in preparation and in clean up. Not much fun.

So, what I've reminded myself is that I am not the domesticated type. I don't very much enjoy cooking all the time, housework, laundry and all those non-fun things. I do like to play tennis, though I don't know the rules, and I like to read. If only I were rich!

Where Does The Time Go?

2006-06-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

Okay...

I'm on vacation this week. My seven year old son wants to go to play tennis. I will be taking him shortly. Since I've been gone, a young girl by the name of Analyce Guerra came up missing from my apartment complex. It was completely surreal. She's not yet been found. There are rumors that are circulating as to what happened to the little girl but I feel pretty confident that the child was taken by someone that the family knows...

I've also traveled recently to Colorado. My GOD... There is a God. You are certain of that when you see Colorado. Not Denver, now. You can see the mountain range from Denver but Denver is suprisingly flat. I went to Keystone and spoke at a recent convention. It is my five year plan to move to Colorado. I left my heart there.

I've stopped working so many long hours, thank goodness. I should have a little more time to blog now. I have many things going on with karate, kids, work, and I'm trying to learn Mandarin Chinese. I'm currently reading a book on RSS/Atom programming. I also recently downloaded MoreMotion Web Express.

It has been a difficult time around here, financially speaking. My husband hasn't been working and is finally getting back to work. So, support your Comment Tater. If you plan to order anything from Amazon, please click on my Amazon link and make your purchase through my link. If you know of any other good revenue generating methods, let's talk turkey, chicken.

I also finally made the short trip over to MIT OpenCourseWare. Continuous education is something of which I am truly passionate about. I'm always seeking the most cost effective (free) way to learn something. They have made a small selection of complete audio and video lectures available. Way to go, MIT.

Well, I'll sign off for now. Good to chat with you guys again. Give me a shout.

Skateboarding in Your Underwear

2006-04-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to go somewhere meanwhile son who is supposed to be changing is skateboarding in his underwear.

What to do with kids....

Oh Computer, My Dearest Friend

2006-02-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

How long has it been since last we connected? What's that you say? Too long? Yes, I would agree.

What's been keeping me? Oh, my... Such a long list indeed. Work, long commutes, karate, kids, house work, doctor appointments... Shall I go on?

How I've longed to feel your flat keys beneath my fingers. How I've yearned to have you near me during what brief moments I can steal away at work. How my thoughts drift toward free wireless connections so that we may rendezvous on occassion. I day dream of our interludes in the sunshine sharing intimate moments together.

Alas, my beloved, my schedule in the next week will most likely keep us apart more than I wish once more. Know this, that you are loved.

Blogging for Perspective

2006-02-08T17:08:00.000-08:00

I'm so thankful to be able to blog. It feels great to exercise my right to free speech. What a relief. When the dark clouds gather over your head, it is healing to write and to have conversation with others.

Posing a Question
How many websites do you manage? How many blogs do you manage? Would you be surprised to learn that I am responsible for three websites (two public and one internal) and one business blog? Would you further be surprised to learn that I have six personal blogs? Here's a reality check to put things into perspective on my accomplishments (more for me than for you):

Through the power of Search Engine Optimization, a certain website that I manage has increased Google referrals by 300%.
Approximately 95% of all inbound calls that are sales inquiries are a direct result of having been found in a search result yielding a listing for above mentioned site.
The most recent week's log analysis revealed that the business blog ranked 4th place as a referrer to the site.
The business blog has opened doors to presentations at industry events and publishing opportunities in industry publications.
Blog referrals to website are becoming returning visitors. Returning visitors = conversions.

Tools of the Trade
What are your tools? Mine are Macromedia Studio - Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash (to a lessor degree). I also am skilled with Pagemaker, Illustrator, Photoshop. I have used Freehand, Golive, FrontPage. I am a deliberate user (one that is aware) of RSS feeds, which sets me apart from many users who are completely unaware. I also use Click Tracks, Stat Counter and Google Analytics.

I was largely responsible for every effort that made the accomplishments in the perspective piece above possible. My skills are in the areas of search engine optimization, online marketing, graphics design and online communications. You probably didn't know this about me, how could you with such a basic blog? I keep some of my blogs in a separate profile.

The Spice
What else you don't know about me, I am a green belt in Tang Soo Do. That is middle of the way from beginner to black in the style that I am training in. I am learning Korean in my training as it is a traditional Korean style martial art. I am also learning Mandarin Chinese through Chinesepod.com. Bless those people who put that program together. They are doing a fine job with their teaching methods.

My bands and drummers promotional blog is really picking up steam. I've had a number of requests lately to promote bands and drummers. I bet you didn't know that about me, either.

Then there is my beloved Smyrna blog. This blog was designed for the small, but growing, community of Smyrna, TN residents. It is a vehicle of communication and offers viewpoints of the residents of the town. I've offered my services to businesses to promote, at no cost, their business and job openings. I'm looking forward to a growing readership and positioning myself as a go to person in this community.

My interests in blogging and all things technical and cutting edge led me to form the Smyrna Blogger and Podcaster's Group which grew to the Rutherford County Blogger and Podcaster's Group and grew even still to the Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Group. Through this group I have made a number of connections throughout Middle Tennessee.

The Blogger's A List
Blogging has led me to meet many unique and talented people such as Joey of TV on The Fritz. Joey is BRILLIANT, well written and sure to be a success in life. There is the future published author, Aunt B. of Tiny Cat Pants, a lady who I adore though I don't always agree with her viewpoint. The talented and intelligent Katherine Coble, who I stand in awe of. She uses words like nerd-bait and I like that. Though we've not met in person, I have admired her from afar. There is also the near future mega music superstar, Newton Dominey. If you haven't heard of Newton, pay close attention... his fame is coming. He has talent, he has the devilishly good looks as well. If there is any futures betting on musicians, put your money on Newton. Let us not forget Jag. Jag is a lady with whom I'm sure I could get myself into a lot of trouble with. Beautiful, smart and very funny.

My list would not be complete without mentioning the three closest friends that I have made through blogging: Ivy, Chip and Michael. These three hold a very special place in my heart. They have tugged on emotional strings that remained hidden for a number of years. Chip is one of the hardest working people I know. Ivy knows the world. She is a people person and a great discussion facilitator. My friend Michael... what can I say. He can take one paragraph and turn it into three pages. He is so passionate about the Vols that it is almost beyond imagination. Without these three people, I don't think the Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Group would exist. I also like to think that I inspired Kathy T to create the LaVergne blog.

Among the blogs mentioned above, I also have a family blog and a blog on drumkits that my dad makes. Suffice it to say, I am busy.

Looking Forward
What does the future hold? I'd like to gather together the brilliant minds that I have made connections with and develop a videocast show of some sort. I'm interested in Comedy. As you can probably tell from reading previous posts, I have the hots for Jon Stewart. I'd love to have a show that blends Jon Stewart and Monty Python... though they kind of are one in the same.

Tags: Comedy, Videocast, SEO, Search Engine Optimization, Community Blogging, Smyrna, TN Blog

Working For Cartoon Central

2006-02-02T19:28:00.000-08:00

If you look at the comments on my last post, you'll see this dude commented and asked me to endorse him to be hired for Cartoon Network. How funny. Seems he doesn't do drugs, he's 26 years old, has his education and he's ready to rock and roll.

For a moment I thought about linking over to him but my goodness, someone really doesn't like this person or something. Follow the link in the comment if you like.

I'm 34 years old, don't do drugs and I'm ready to rock and roll. Will that get me a job on Cartoon Network? How 'bout Comedy Central? That way I can hit on John Stewart.

Anyway, does anyone have anything to say about WavePad?

WavePad... A Little Advice, Please

2006-02-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

I'm about to download WavePad for my very first Podcast on February 11th. I've been advised that WavePad is a free tool that I will need to download.

Does anyone have any other suggestions or comments about WavePad? I'm so broke that I can't even afford to pay attention, so free is good for me! Looking for a little advice here, so don't be shy, jump right in and give me your two cents worth...mkay?

Gorillas Making Sushi

2006-01-28T10:00:00.001-08:00

I love to laugh. Period, the end. It is one of my favorite things to do. I like to watch Sealab 2021, Samurai Champloo and now Cromartie High... OMG... It is hysterical but you know what, it is so right on.

I was just sitting here watching this episode and making some comparisons to my life. This dude on here has this reputation and regardless of what he does, the people around him apply their own perceptions to his actions. For instance, he demonstrated by sitting another dude next to him in a chair, they both put their feet up on the desk. The people watching the demonstration conceeded that they thought the guy who has the reputation looked like he was doing something bad and the other guy, doing the same thing simply looked as though he were resting. How hysterical and how true!

Watch it... It is awesome... Later in this program, they've got a gorilla serving sushi.

Gorillas Making Sushi

2006-01-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

Wanna Be On TV and Get Your Finances in Order to Boot?

2006-01-26T19:27:00.000-08:00

Do you know who Dave Ramsey is? Well, maybe you should.

Seems the money management guru is about to pilot a tv show and you could be the lucky victim, er - I mean star...

Six months. You, Dave Ramsey and the rest of the world get your finances on the right track to financial freedom.

Tags: TV Pilot, Be on TV, Financial Freedom, Dave Ramsey

On Being Googled

2006-01-25T17:30:00.000-08:00

Today I was taken somewhat aback. I've Google'd people before but don't think I've ever known that I, myself, have been Google'd. So, today, I'm checking some log files when I notice a query string from Google which contained "[my first name] [my last name]" "[company that I work for name]" and I'm thinking, "Oh, crap! They've found me!"...

Okay, so maybe not that paranoid but it does make the hair on your arms stand up and is a little disconcerting when you actually know someone out there knows your first name and last name, they know where you work and they are searching for you!

Probably nothing. Probably someone searching for my direct phone number. But still.

Anywho... How are you?

Shaolin Soccer

2006-01-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

I'm watching Shaolin Soccer on Comcast On Demand. It is quite funny... I believe it to be produced by the same poepole who did Kung Fu Hustle (which I can't wait to see - On Demand).

As a student of the Martial Arts, I can watch this movie and appreciate it on many levels. Not only is this movie funny as heck, it also has some very beautifully choreographed martial arts scenes.

For me, Martial Arts is about more than self defense, though that is a huge benefit. In my opinion, Martial Arts is a practice of self discipline but it is also a way for me to fully engage my mind and body in something artistic.

I highly recommend studying some form of Martial Arts to everyone.

Coolest Online Tools

2006-01-21T13:13:00.000-08:00

Hey! I'm taking a break from taking a break and I need to talk to my peeps.

Anyone care to share with me some of the coolest online tools they are using? I can start the list off with some that I love:

NVU
Gimp
Bloglines
OpenOffice

Play nice and share.

Tags: Cool Online Tools,

Your Lot in Life...

2006-01-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

I'll be taking a brief hiatus over the course of the next couple days. I plan to finish up a very short book, focus on my martial arts training and complete some tutorials I'm working on.

I just wanted to engage my readers in conversation during my absence. And so, I will ask a couple questions and hope that you will share:

Question 1: Are you happy with your job?
Question 2: Are you happy with where you're at in your life?
Question 3: What is the best thing you've ever done for yourself?
Question 4: What would you recommend someone who is unhappy with their life or career do?
Question 5: What are you doing, right now, to continue your education?

Why am I asking these questions? I don't know. I feel compelled, sometimes, to probe the minds of others. I keep hoping, I suppose, that they have some magic spell or some tip or trick that I might try that will give me an edge in some unforeseen situation or that will help me find the niche into which I belong.

Do you have questions for me that I might answer upon my return?

Are You LinkedIn? I AM....

2006-01-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

Join my network of contacts - quickly. Seems that LinkedIn is changing some policies. I'm not aware that any policies have changed thus far and have not received any email like that described over at Recruiting.com. If you want to be part of my network, email me at dailydiablogger@gmail.com and I will give you my linkedin address.

Tags: LinkedIn; Comment Tater; Daily Diablogger; Networking

This is Rich...

2006-01-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

Tip of the Hat to About to be Brilliant for turning me on to this.

I wasn't going to post anymore as I was about out the door but took a momentary diversion into fun. Check out this site called Gizoogle for some fun and friviolity on your site or someone else's. I translated my article on Oprah Winfrey Elementary into some Snoop type language, which, by the way, I am completely distraught that my beloved Jon Stewart hasn't commented yet... Anyway, feast your eyes on this treat:

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Oprah Winfrey Elementary School?

Could it be T-H-to-tha-izzat two ladies from Middle Tennessee might be succesful in they endeavor ta name an elementary schoo` motherfucka TV n Fiznilm game Oprah Winfrey ?

C-H-to-tha-izzeck out tha post frizzay Bad Bad Ivy saggin' tha nam'n of a schoo` in a ghetto called La Vergne in Tennessee . Boo-Yaa!. They're quite serious, mind you, though I F-U-Double-Lizzy expect ta see this mocked on The Daily Shizzow wit Jon Stewart orThe Colbert Report . I can hizzy Stephen say'n he is putt'n you on notice, La Vergne.

Jon, if you're hatin' this, I'm putt'n you on notice - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU... Oh, n Stephen, you're pretty hot yoself.

Tags:Oprah Winfrey ;Education;The Daily Shizzow ;Jon Stewart ;The Colbert Report ;Bad Bad Ivy ;La Vergne, TN

Oh, and by the way, my whole site, translated, can be seen here. I'm known as the Comment Hustla.

Oprah Winfrey Elementary School?

2006-01-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

Could it be that two ladies from Middle Tennessee might be succesful in their endeavor to name an elementary school after TV and Film personality Oprah Winfrey?

Check out the post from Bad Bad Ivy regarding the naming of a school in a town called La Vergne in Tennessee. They're quite serious, mind you, though I fully expect to see this mocked on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart or The Colbert Report. I can hear Stephen saying he is putting you on notice, La Vergne.

Jon, if you're reading this, I'm putting you on notice - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU... Oh, and Stephen, you're pretty hot yourself.

Tags: Oprah Winfrey; Education; The Daily Show; Jon Stewart; The Colbert Report; Bad Bad Ivy; La Vergne, TN

Techno Yum

2006-01-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

Fried apples are delicious but Fried Apple Blurbs is even more delicious with his post on this Teleflip.

Tip of the hat to Nashville is Talking.

Update:
While reading some blogs of some bloggers I met tonight I came across this groovy device on Rexblog.com that turns your Apple Ipod into a home media center. This is way cool, the future of television. Will this mean so long to the grossly overpaid actors and actresses? Will there be Indie Podcasts?

Wink That One Eye

2006-01-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

The Assimilated Negro writes today on his blog:

What would help is if you learned some tricks or something. Like if you learned to talk* (French would be pretty sexy), or if you winked that one eye you have, or even did some sort of weird dance, like “the snake” or something like that. I’m sure that would distract from your so-so physique and give the girls something to talk about.

Find out what he is talking about (warning - not for children). I need a good laugh every now and again and he hits the spot.

Vonage or Skype?

2006-01-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

Anyone out there have any comments about Vonage or Skype? I'm considering ditching my land line and was just wondering what insights some of my geek readers have to say about either.

Help me make an informed decision. Tell me what to do.

Don't Forget To Nominate Your Favorite Blogs

2006-01-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

Until January 10th, you can nominate your favorite blogs for a Bloggie Award (follow the link and scroll down the page) in different categories.

I think it would be simply awesome to see a Middle Tennessee Blogger win.

Good luck to all.

Half Way to My Black Belt

2006-01-08T16:56:00.000-08:00

Often times I wonder if I am achieving enough in my short life. Do I have a good enough job? Am I making enough money to be competitive with my peer group... I guess I try to keep up with the Jones'... One thing I am quite proud of, though, is continuing with my martial arts training. Yesterday I tested for my green belt. This will put me at 50% completion of the training required to achieve my black belt.

Anyhow, I wanted to share that with the world.

Get Your Nominations In

2006-01-05T19:02:00.000-08:00

You can nominate your favorite blog to win a Bloggie Award from now until January 10th. You know who your favorites are (hint, hint...). No, seriously though, take this opportunity to show the world how Middle Tennessee shines!

On Bloggers Dating Bloggers

2006-01-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

Okay folks... I am doing the karate thing two nights a week and other things on Wednesdays so I don't get to post a lot during the week. The holiday was bliss for me. Total Geek Vegfest.

Anyway, I simply must point your direction to a blog that I have recently blogrolled. Assimilated Negro has an awesome post on why Bloggers should not date Bloggers and it is hysterical. Learn more about diarrhea pudding right here.

I love laughter.

Like a Wild Animal, I've Been Tagged

2006-01-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

Unlike my friend Ivy, I hate to be tagged. So now that has been said, I will probably be tagged more often. Why do I hate to be tagged? It forces me to write, number one and then it forces me to write about things of which I really care not to write. I like it to flow naturally and at my will.

Anyway, I've been tagged and far be it from me to stopped the fun and frivolity.

So, according to Ivy, the game is a game of fours. You list four this, four that.

Four jobs I've had in my life: Crane operator, rigger, signalman, file clerk.

Four movies that I could watch over and over again (give me a break, after you watch something three of four times - blah): Quills, Rocky Horror Picture Show (Is anyone up for a field trip?), 1776, Amelie.

Four places that I've lived: Baltimore, Kings Bay, St. Louis, Greenbrier.

Four TV shows I love to watch: How its Made, Going Tribal, Survivorman, Flip this House.

Four places I've been on vacation: Gatlinburg, St. Louis, Kentucky, Home.

Four websites I visit daily: Statcounter, Bloglines, Google, Comment Tater.

Four of my favorite foods: Sushi, Fried Chicken, Chocolate, Cream Cheese.

Four places I'd rather be: Amsterdam, Yukon, Denmark, Gatlinburg.

Four albums I can't live without: Hollywood Potato Chip, Sing Sing Death House, Sister Hazel, Flood.

Four people I'll tag to play this game: This is hard because most everyone I know has been tagged but - House Trained Llamas, Salem's Lots, Kathy, KornKob (welcome to my world, sis).

Why Ivy had to tag five people is beyond me... Makes it more difficult when there is a smaller pool of bloggers from which to choose.

Hemp Consultants Wanted

2006-01-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

Are you a hemp enthusiast? Do you enjoy talking to people? Then you might be interested in becoming a Hemp Consultant. Like a Mary Kaye Consultant, a Hemp Consultant brings hemp product into people's homes (totally legal) for demonstration.

As a Hemp Consultant, you would be selling clothing and candles from an expanding product line. Hemp clothing is more durable than cotton clothing and the clothing line has something for everyone, from adult to children. You'll find that the new hemp clothing designs are suitable even for the conservative types.

Many of my readers are in Nashville and the surrounding area so you will be pleased to learn that this is a start-up company right here in the Nashville area. Your support would be local.

I'm not an expert on hemp but I have been told that hemp is in our currency... You can buy products in Wal-Mart that contain hemp so this is a completely legal and legitimate opportunity.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Hemp Consultant, send me an email at dailydiablogger at gmail dot com.

Resolutions?

2005-12-31T18:58:00.000-08:00

Just so you know, I have no resolutions. I have resolved to have an "aha moment". I live every second of my life trying to be brilliant or genius and a better person. I don't need to resolve to be these things or do these things once a year. This is the way I live my life.

Happy new years to you all.

Employee Dissatisfaction

2005-12-29T17:20:00.000-08:00

All I can say is hallelujah that someone else feels this way. Maybe it is just me...

Tonight, while looking at some of my links in my blogroll, I ran across this post from Jim Durbin titled "Strive for Dissatisfaction." Great read, in my opinion. In the following excerpt, Jim's wife hits a homerun with her quote, stated below:

"Nothing new was ever created by a satisfied person. Dissatisfaction is what motivates us to achieve, create, and alter our circumstances to do more, be more, and make more."

Quite a woman, eh? And she's right. Companies use employee satisfaction as a metric to measure their benefits against those of their competitors and reduce turnover. There's nothing wrong with that, but there's nothing right with it, either.

The key to true satisfaction lies in doing a job well - facing a challenge and defeating it. Dissatisfaction in our world is considered a negative emotion - like it's somehow wrong to want something better. If companies truly want to excel, perhaps they ought to poll their dissatisfied workers and find out what is it they want done better. Maybe the key to turbocharging stock prices is not eliminating dissension from the ranks, but encouraging its expression in order to find out what it is you can do better.

Or you can keep doing what you're doing and wonder why things never seem to change.

Jim, your wife is has a beautiful mind.

While Searching On Social Butterfly

2005-12-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

I was checking up on certain phrases today, one of which was Social Butterfly, when I ran across this article - which, mind you, is rather old, but a hoot none-the-less - about the social habits of bloggers.

Bloggers are social creatures and I can see a glimmer of truth in this article but I can tell you that I am digging the fact that I am, as the brilliant Jag puts it, riding this gravy train called blogging.

ROTFLMAO - Dead On

2005-12-25T10:18:00.000-08:00

OMG... This is so right on and completely hysterical. I dare not even begin to describe what you're going to read here but I will say that that elf can dance.

Merry Freakin' Christmas - Get a Bag of Crap

2005-12-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

Edit, Edit, Edit: The Very Lovely Jag linked to me for a list of attendees to the recent Nerd Fest that I attended. Don't go get your panties in a wad, Nerdliness is an aspiration of mine and to have been in a room full of Nerds is like being in the presence of world leaders for me. Anyway, to the point, the Lovely Jag linked to me and gave you this url. If you are looking for that list, follow me. Otherwise, want to read about the bag of crap, see below.

Well, I'm absolutely thrilled that the lovely Aunt B. linked to my laundry list of attendees at a recent nerd fest that I attended. Love you lady...

Moving on, it is Christmas Day. Are you feeling lonely? Is the sum total of recipients on your Christmas Shopping List one, and that is your cat? If so, you might like to check out Woot's offer for the day. My friends, you can have your very own bag of crap for only $1.00 plus $5.00 shipping. Woot recommends that you purchase in quantities of three to get the best deal out of shipping.

Merry Freakin Christmas.

The Not So Quiet Party At My Quiet Life's Pad

2005-12-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

Chris rules was the password for entry into the tightly secured apartment complex downtown on Second Avenue... What a beautiful view My Quiet Life had. After meeting the folks last night, however, I think I might recommend to Chris that he change the name of his blog to My Not So Quiet Life. Food for thought.

As we entered the door we were greeted by Chris' lovely fiancee who is quite knowledgeable on her wines. I think I must consult her going forward on good wines. We were greeted as "The Smyrna Bloggers" which is nearly hysterical to me since the other two bloggers I was with, Bad Bad Ivy and Chip Talks, both live in La Vergne.

The room was full of people, all who appeared to be in their late 20's, with the exception of one who looked about 19. Too cute. Before the night had ended, I sent a notebook around for everyone to write down the names of their blogs so I could get it right today and not repeat the same, horrible, mistake that I did recently when mentioning Salem's Lots.

So, I have the list of folks and I'd like to share with those the acquaintences that I made. Of course, there was Aunt B. She does seemt to be quite the social butterfly but I was so saddened to see her leave so early and was a bit let down that the Butcher did not come with.

Then there was the very handsome and married Newton Dominey. Newton is only one degree away from Bruce Springsteen if memory serves. Newton, please do correct me if I am wrong. Newton has a site apart from a blog which allows him to promote his musical skills. It would seem that he is a skilled musician with a number of talents. He is a singer, drummer and guitarist in Nashville. He plays the local clubs. I'm really interested in helping him with optimization so that he can be number one in the search engines for the keyword phrase "Musicians in Nashville".

I also had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Jamie (name is a bit difficult to remember). Her blog's name is About to be Brilliant, which I think is the story our all our lives and how we feel every day. My experience with Jamie introduced me to the word Twat Waffle. Contain yourself.

Now we turn to Becca. Though we did not get to speak as much as I did with the others, I did learn that she has a blog with crazy eyed dogs on it.

Then there was this guy who looked like Ben Folds and claimed not to have a blog but rumor has it that he does. Perhaps he was not too quick to claim it since it is named Loser Fish.

Another blogger with whom I had little opportunity to speak I think his name is Chris, but if you are looking for business technology information, you might want to pay his site a visit.

And finally, shortly before we had to go, TV on the Fritz showed up. Ladies, he is quite adorable but alas is quite young as well. Fritz, you've got a delightful smile. I hope that our paths will cross again sometime soon. I will definitely be paying your blog a visit for some youthful wit and wisdom.

Chris, thanks once again for your hospitality.

Woo Who - Party!

2005-12-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

I'm going to a party with my friends from the Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Group. Bad Bad Ivy, Chip Talks and I will be attending a party hosted by My Quiet Life. I'm very excited to be meeting more bloggers. I'm also thrilled that Aunt B. plans to be there so this is going to be a lot of fun.

Beautifully Written

2005-12-22T17:38:00.000-08:00

I wish I had nothing better to do than to read and write. I wish I had the ability to focus for long periods of time. Mostly, in regards to writing, I wish that I could write as well as Aunt B. She can take garbage and craft it into something beautiful. I'm glad she's not feeling too antagonastic. If I could look into a crystal ball and tell you the future, I would say that Aunt B. will be known as one of the greatest writers of our time*.

Don't know Aunt B.? In a recent post, she responds to some kind comments by saying this:

Here's the part I especially like--"meandering tales" and "whole wonderfully constructed cast of characters." Yep, that's exactly it. I want you to read this and get a sense of what it must be like to sit next to me at a bar or across from me at the dinner table. I want you to care a little bit about the people I care a lot about. I want to take our ordinary moments and put a little shine on them.

And I'm glad that's coming across. That makes me happy.

For those of you who are not familiar with Aunt B.... a word of caution. She also has this remarkable ability to take something beautiful and turn it right back to garbage. Utterly hysterical.

* An experiment. ;) I thought it would be quite amusing to see Aunt B. show up in searches as "one of the greatest writers of our time."

Them Bastards

2005-12-21T18:58:00.000-08:00

I was having a VERY BAD DAY... I am an eternal red-headed step child. I can say that as I am red-headed... So, at 1:00 when I finally got to go to lunch after not having eaten ALL DAY and having had only vegetables and liquid the day before, I went over to Border's Book Store to sit in their wireless cafe and get some things off my damn chest.

Well, after paying $5.00 for a damn smoothie, I sit down to get online and what do I discover? YOU'VE GOT TO PAY TO ACCESS THEIR WIRELESS NETWORK. WTF!

ESPRESSO JOE'S, I LOVE YOU.

BORDERS, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING?

John Will Never Let Me Link to Him Again

2005-12-20T19:53:00.000-08:00

Oh, John... Will you ever forgive me for my haste?

Recent Blogger and Podcaster Meet Up

2005-12-19T19:06:00.000-08:00

I attended a meeting of the Rutherford County Blogger and Podcaster's recently and I must say that those characters are a hoot... Anyway, Bad Bad Ivy has got one helluva idea. Seems she is feeling quite creative and suggested we have a Celebrity Blogger Smack Down... All proceeds to go to charity, of course.

I won't tell you which local blogger certain folks wanted in the middle of a cage fight. I wonder if John would be like the Emcee dude, or whatever he is called.

You read it here first.

Santa Plans to Relocate To Siberia

2005-12-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is true. The world in which we live is a dynamic place, although most changes happen over the course of thousands or hundreds of thousands of years. This change, however, will be one that scientist belive will happen within the next fifty years.

Remarkably enough, the earth's magnetic poles are shifting. It is expected that within the next fifty years magnetic north will be in Siberia. No longer will the Northern Lights shine brightly in the sky above Alaska... but Siberia.

This is not something that is new to the Earth as there is evidence that this occurs with some frequency but it is quite amazing that it should take place in our lifetime. I highly recommend reading A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. This is, without question, one of my most favorite books.

This Is Really Stupid, But So Am I

2005-12-16T19:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, call me crazy, but I just love the Brak Show and Sealab 2021. What the hell did they do with Mom on the Brak Show, though. Anyone know? I don't like the new Mom as well as the other.

By the way, I realize these are probably old episodes so what I mean by "new" is probably more accurately written as "different".

Number 1

2005-12-12T19:56:00.000-08:00

That's right baby! I'm number one in Google for the search term "Tater Me". Woo who, parteee...

Don't hate me because I am a success.

Firefox 1.5 Rocks

2005-12-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

I have this laptop that I haven't used because without access to the internet, it was rendered very much useless. Well, as I may have previously mentioned, I set up a wireless network in my house, and got my laptop up and running.

I've since been installing all the necessary software the I think I need: Open Office, NVU, Firefox, IPodder and the necessary firewall and virus softwares, etc.

I have to tell you, in case you don't know, Firefox Rocks! These extensions are... OMG... fantastic. I highly recommend RUSure, and Image Zoom. I think I could have downloaded for an hour or more and really had to pry myself away from all the great extensions there were to make my life easier. I am so keen on the dictionary extensions, too. Check out Firefox 1.5.

Birth of A New Ocean

2005-12-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

Check this out, Scientist announced on Friday that they had discovered the birth of a new Ocean - of all places - in Ethiopia.

Now, if this doesn't astound you, I don't know what will.

Kite Flying Ban Sparks Riots

2005-12-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

I kid you not, I just saw the riots in Pakistan that have been sparked due to the banning of kite flying. As seen on CNN.

Bird Flu

2005-12-10T11:06:00.000-08:00

I wonder if I have it.

Oh, How Sickly I Am

2005-12-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

I'm not too well last couple of days.

I did manage to get myself a wireless network running in my apartment and I am soooo happy about it. I bought some wireless cards from Woot. Three B cards for $15. I would have preferred G cards but the B cards seem to be working just fine. I gave one to my friend for future use.

I recommend checking out Woot. Daily they have a new deal and it isn't always techie stuff. The other day they had some audio equipment for your car and then a bread machine, coffee maker and the network cards. I thought the price was very reasonable, shipping and all and the order came in quite fast.

I must retire.

Legislation On Time Spent Online

2005-12-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

My hubby was going on in his usual way the other day about the government and how corrupt politicians were, etc... Most of the time, since I have no ability to argue the point either way, I ignore him. I like to get the facts from more than one source, you see, and I don't drink kool-aid very well, not even his.

Anyhow, he asked me if I knew that the government was trying to pass legislation that would track the number of hours a user spent online and if you went over a certain amount, it would be deemed as an addiction and you'd have to (memory fails me here) take classes or pay a fine.

Now, dear readers, I've searched for stories that would give me greater detail on this and have yet to find one. Does anyone know of such a piece of legislation? If such a law were to be passed, how would you feel?

Fix For The Playstation 2

2005-12-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

Anyone got a clue what I can do to fix my Playstation 2? I have one and the disc seems to have stopped spinning. Help.

Me, Me, Me... Something To Add To My Christmas List

2005-12-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this might not be nearly as funny as what Aunt B. wants but, it is still pretty humorous. If ya'll want to ge me something for Christmas, this would look so good on my cubicle wall:

It's Pee and Poo. Now, ya'll know what that means, right? Tip of the hat to the CMO Blog. How funny.

My New Mantra

2005-11-29T13:06:00.000-08:00

As if I need one, but I found this to be fascinating. My mind is so weak that I need guidance.

Optimism, discipline, and focus.

Blogger Barred from U.S. Border

2005-11-28T16:41:00.000-08:00

Now, this is a disturbing story. Tip of the Hat to Nashville is Talking, by way of Bill Hobbs.

The U.S. government has barred Canadian-Iranian blogger, Hossein Derakhshan (otherwise known as Hoder), from entering the United States for six months.

Hoder is a critic of the Iranian goverment, according to this piece on Committee to Protect Bloggers (a site with which you should familiarize yourself). He is also a member of the international free speech community.

He is denied passage to the U.S. under the charge of illegally working in the U.S.

Ooohhh, it sends shudders through me. Brittney, over at Nashville is Talking, had the priviledge of meeting Hoder back in May. Read Brittney's thoughts.

A Shout Out To Taco Bell

2005-11-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

I must give a shout out to the Taco Bell on Cason Lane in Murfreesboro. I left something there of great value. I thought, surely no one has turned it in. I called the Taco Bell on Cason Lane and they did have it . I spoke to Michelle Hathaway there and thanked her many times for holding it for me. I have to thank whomever found it and turned it in as well. I don't know who that was but my sincerest appreciation to you for turning that in. That is practically unheard of these days.

So, next time you are in Murfreesboro, TN, be sure to stop by the Taco Bell on Cason lane and let Michelle Hathaway know that the Comment Tater thinks her team is a great bunch of folk.

Rejuvinated

2005-11-27T09:13:00.000-08:00

I took several days off from blogging to rest and relax and be with the family.

It was great.

Anyhow, saw Harry Potter over the holidays. This movie left me only wanting to learn more. It was difficult to end on the note it did and then know that I had to wait for a whole year to learn more. There were things that were left unaddressed and I think that is the biggest rub I had with the whole thing. Oh, well, hopefully next year we will learn more.

Anyone else have comments on the film? I've read about how they address the teenage, coming of age thing, and it was entertaining. It was especially entertaining for my two oldest children who are about the same age and going through the same thing.