Recapitulation Situation

from Streams of Consciousness

Baseball Strike Haiku

Following the traditional 5-7-5 construction, I offer this in 'honor' of the current baseball situation...

Will baseball strike out?
Do I really care anymore?
Time to watch football

also posted at Streams of Consciousness

Baring My Soul

courtesy of The Topics Blog

In the sections that follow I will bare my soul by answering some of the posts I've found on The Topics Blog. I encourage you to check it out and do the same.

• Part 1 - Remembering Important Dates
• Part 2 - 15 Minutes (Or More) Of Fame
• Part 3 - Naming Rights
• Part 4 - Children's Naming Rights
• Part 5 - Je Parles Francais

Baring My Soul, Part 1 - Remembering Important Dates

Jenny M wonders if we remember important dates, like birthdays and anniversaries, how we remember, and whether we've ever gotten into trouble for not remembering.

I am inconsistent in remembering important dates, like birthdays and anniversaries. Sometimes I've used my planner to keep track of these important dates, but when it comes to actually sending cards, etc., I am terrible. I cannot remember the last Mother's Day, Father's Day, Anniversary, or Birthday card I've mailed. I am better at making phone calls to people, however. Yet I can remember those dates for my wife, my daughter, and me.

Note to self: Jennie's birthday is coming up at the end of October.

Baring My Soul, Part 2 - 15 Minutes (Or More) Of Fame

Dan Johnson (who's that?) asks, "Have you ever been on television or in the newspaper? More than once? What for?"

As a child I was on "The Uncle Al Show," a local kids television show in Cincinnati.

This past Christmas, Jennie, Keisha, and I were on the local news in Dayton, as part of a story about meeting a Santa Claus who signs for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

In 1993, I worked for the Salvation Army during their Christmastime Kettle Drive. Instead of ringing a bell, I played Christmas carols on my alto saxophone. This greatly cheered up the cashiers at the Kroger where I collected donations. They especially enjoyed my rendition of "O Holy Night." The Cincinnati Enquirer did a story about how donations were down, and they contacted the Salvation Army to find someone who demonstrated a lot of Christmas spirit. The Commander sent the photographer to me. On Christmas Eve 1993, I was on the front page of the Cincinnati Enquirer!

In 1999 we and another family in Middletown went to Middfest, a cross-cultural celebration that takes place each October in Middletown, Ohio, where we lived. We had a great time, listening to the ethnic music. My daughter Keisha and our friends' daughter Rachel, both wore overalls that day. As the music played, I'd pick them up by the back of their overalls and swing them around. They enjoyed that a lot, and it got the attention of the news photographer. So, the next day, October 6th, there we all were, on the front page: I swinging both the girls at the same time.

Baring My Soul, Part 3 - Naming Rights

Erin (air-in) would like to know if I was named after another person and why:

When I was born, apparently my Dad wanted to name me Tyrone Hadley. Fortunately for me, my mom saw me first, and she chose instead to name me after my Dad. This turned out to be a great choice because it made him even more proud. My full name is Daniel Allen Johnson, Jr. Both my dad and I attended the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering, and there were actually some times when I got his mail and he got mine. Since then, I've always made sure to use the "Jr." when I sign my name, etc.

Baring My Soul, Part 4: Children's Naming Rights

Erica inquires about the names we give our children, why we chose them, and so on.

We have only one child: our daughter Keisha Renee. No one in our family has that name. My maternal grandmother's name was Loraine, but we thought - especially after consulting my wife - that Keisha Loraine was not a good idea - punny, but not the best choice (Ever heard of Quiche Lorraine?). Actually, the name Keisha Renee just came to me one day. It sounded beautiful. Some time after she was born I looked both names up in a baby name book. "Keisha" is derived from the same African-American word that means "newly created." "Renee" is French for "reborn." Hence, we've considered her name an inspiration from God: She was our "newly-created" child, and our desire is for her, when she gets old enough to make the decision to follow God for the rest of her life, that she will be "reborn."

God has not yet allowed us to have any more children, but if we could have a son, we would name him Caleb William. We like "Caleb" because it means "faithful," after the man in the Old Testament with the same name. William was my father-in-law's name.

Baring My Soul, Part 5 - Je Parles Francais

Erica wants to know if I can communicate in another language besides English and to try writing an entire post on my blog in that foreign language. Since I cannot post in sign language, I might as well attempt in French. Here goes:

Bonjour, mon nom est Daniel Johnson. J'étais né dans Cincinnati, Ohio. J'actuellement habite dans Dayton, Ohio avec ma femme et ma fille. Nous avons un chien qui a nommé Jake. Keisha a cinq ans, et elle est beaucoup le regarder en avant à l'aller à l'école. Me, je ne travaille pas maintenant. Ce Juin, j'ai perdu mon travail. Je suis en train du trouver l'autre travail. Je suis programmeur.

Pouvez-vous me comprendre? Si non, alors vous pouvez utiliser le website au "Freetranslation.com" traduire mon mots. S'il vous plaît me permettre de sait que vous pensez il.

Merçi beaucoup.

The Most ADHD-type Album I've Heard This Year

• BACKGROUND from CDD.gov
• THE MOST ADHD-TYPE ALBUM I'VE HEARD THIS YEAR
• SHOULD I START YET ANOTHER BLOG?

BACKGROUND From CDD.gov

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood behavioral disorders and can persist through adolescence and into adulthood. The causes are currently unknown.

What is ADHD?

According to the 2000 American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV-TR), ADHD is a Disruptive Behavior Disorder characterized by on-going inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity occurring in several settings and more frequently and severely than is typical for individuals in the same stage of development. Symptoms begin before age 7 years and can cause serious difficulties in home, school or work life. ADHD can be managed through behavioral or medical interventions, or a combination of the two.

THE MOST ADHD-TYPE ALBUM I'VE HEARD THIS YEAR

With the above, "official" definition in mind, I wanted to share that I finally listened to Tim McGraw's recent album "Set This Circus Down," and as I read the words to the songs, I was struck by how "ADHD" they sounded.



I don't think that was the original intent, but this is probably a by-product of the recording. I'm sure many others have listened to it and provided their own reviews, but, since I have ADHD, I feel that I can relate a lot to this album. It's almost as though it describes my life, or the path, without conscious effort, that my life could take. Especially the Chorus from the first song, "The Cowboy In Me", which was written by Craig Wisemand, Jeffery Steele, and Al Anderson:

The urge to run
the restlessness
The heart of stone
I sometimes get
The things I've done
for foolish pride
The me that's never
satisfied
The face that's in the
mirror when I don't
like what I see
I guess that's just
the cowboy in me

Aha! So that's what it is! It makes a little bit of sense, when you think about the original cowboy-types, who risked everything to go west and search for a better life. A lot of this ADHD behavior was indeed useful back then, right California? So, we descendents of these cowboys now display ADHD-type behavior. Interesting, isn't it?

SHOULD I START YET ANOTHER BLOG?

Which brings me to my other thought. I already contribute to six blogs, five of which I own. (By the way, I'm still looking for contributors to Get That Job!) I can see a potential for a blog related to ADD/ADHD. I suppose that my interest in separating the "mind spillage" is so that those on the "Journey Inside My Mind" may know that they can take a specific path if they so desire:

• If they want to search the quotations archive, then go there.
• If they want to read some creative writing, then by all means, knock yourself out.
• Should they desire to "Get That Job!", then go for it.
• Care to read some of my "Letters to God"? Don't let me hold you back.
• Or, if you're experiencing "Blogger's Block", then check out some potential blogging topics.
• If you want to experience the hodgepodge, then stick around here.

I'm just wondering if I devoted an entire blog to ADHD, would people be interested in it and would I benefit from it.

"I guess that's just the cowboy in me."

The "100 Things, About 100 Bloggers, in 100 Days" Project

Happy 8-28!

Today's date reminds me of one of my all-time favorite verses in the Bible, Romans 8:28 --

• NIV: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
• NASB: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
• KJV: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
• WE: We know that God works out everything for the good of those who love him. They are the people who are part of his plan.
• AMP: We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

also posted at Letters to God and QuotesBlog

More Answers To Topics Blog Questions

• Five People Who've Affected Me The Most
• Favorite child, etc.
• Mental illness

Five People Who've Affected Me The Most

In no particular order (after the first), the five people who have had the biggest impact on my life are

• Jesus Christ, the incarnation of God, who lived a perfect life and died for me at just the right time
• My lovely and beautiful wife Jennie. I am still amazed that she loves me, but boy am I glad that she does. She helps me to see myself more for who I really am, especially when I'm down. She endures all my eccentricities, and somehow, through the grace of God, is learning to appreciate them. Through her I see a completely different side of God, and the differences I appreciate and marvel at. She is my best friend.
• My wonderful, darling daughter, Keisha Renee. Even as I write this, I feel tears welling within me. A gift from God, she is so much like me in her personality yet fortunately has her mom's good looks. I am learning so much about patience and gentleness from her, and through my relationship with her I have come to better understand my relationship with God, my Heavenly Father.
• My Dad, for whom I was named. I am so much like him, and I don't even have to try. I've been realizing this so much more as I've grown up into a husband and father. In addition to the same name, I have his sense of humor, 'interesting' outlook on life, and eclectic taste in music. I mentioned this to him one Christmas in a plaque I gave him. I spent my adolescent years with him, and to this day, he is one of the most important people in my life.
• My Mom, who named me after my father. I've said that I'm a lot like my dad, but I am also much like my mom. Though most of my life we've lived over 1000 miles from each other, I have felt closer to her than any of my other blood relatives.

Favorite child, etc.

I am considered by many in my family to be my mom's favorite child. I was her firstborn, and it has sometimes caused problems in my relationship with some of my other siblings, especially one of my sisters, who is only two years younger than I.

Mental illness

I have answered this one before throughout this blog, but I don't mind sharing it again. In the Fall of 2000 I was diagnosed with depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorder. Based on my family's medical history, I also was considered to be at risk for having a manic episode, which is part of bipolar disorder. I went to therapy and took some medicine, but I never could feel that it was working completely. At times I felt that I couldn't understand what was going on, what the illness was, etc. Then, this past January, I started seeing a different psychiatrist who concluded that I was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and instead showed a lot of signs for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). So I began taking some medicine to help with that. Currently, I am off the ADD medicine, and I am looking for non-medical methods of dealing with what goes on inside me. I believe that ADHD is the better diagnosis, based on what I've learned about it. I am also learning to appreciate it more. Moreover, I understand better how it relates with the other mental stuff I am dealing with.

The 'Ooseum'

My wife Jennie started her new job today as a food service worker at the University of Dayton campus. It's different in that I am still at home with my daughter Keisha, until she goes back to school next week. Here's how our day went:

Today we went to the Boonshoft Discovery Museum, which my daughter calls "The Ooseum". So from 10 to 3 today I ran around with her at the museum. It was a great experience, and both of us had a great time.

After we left and were driving home, I told Keisha that we did a lot today and asked her what she liked the best. She could not remember it all. I wasn't surprised. It's hard for me to remember everything we did. But I related to her some of the exhibits we saw, and I could tell that she really enjoyed the time we spent together.

What makes this even more special is that it's Keisha and I spending the time together this time. Previously when I was working full time, Jennie and Keisha would do 'fun stuff' like going to the "ooseum". So, for the past five years of Keisha's life, she and Jennie have gotten very close because of all the time they spent together. I like the current situation in that Keisha and I are now growing much closer.

She is, after all, in my own unbiased opinion, an awesome kid!

Take the Polygeek Quiz at Thudfactor.com

You are 22% geek

OK, so maybe you ain't a geek. You do, at least, show a bit of interest in the world around you. Either that, or you have enough of a sense of humor to pick some of the sillier answers on the test. Regardless, you're probably a pretty nifty, well-rounded person who gets along fine with people and can chat with just about anyone without fear of looking stupid or foolish or overly concerned with minutiae. God, I hate you.

Creative Writing Updates

• MyPsalm119.
  
• Do You Remember Me?
  
• A Song To The Owner Of My Soul/A Prayer To The God Of My Life
  
• No Man Is An Island
  
• Hope For Our Children
  

I Believe In You - poem

I received this via email a long time ago. - DAJ

The intent of this song is that it's GOD who's saying the words. I hope this can encourage brothers and sisters who need to be reminded that God is always behind us, believing in us, not pointing the finger ready to zap us.

I Believe In You
(C) 1993 Eric Smith

I was with you, from the very start
I was close to you, you near to me, always in my heart
So many times I counted, your troubles my very own --
I shared your tears; did you realize, you never were alone

Did you hear my voice, when I called?
How I long to hear your laughter
And spend the days with you --
Now and forever after -- hear my voice, hear it true...
I Believe In You

Time ever fleeting, we watched the years pass
You always hoping for one better than the last
How I longed for you to call me, how I've wanted you so near
And I waited so patiently, as you gave into your fears

Do you hear my voice, when I call?
How long to see your spirit soar
And spend the days with you -
Now and forever more -- hear my voice, hear it true...
I Still Believe In You

And then by no mistake, well that day it finally came
Like cool refreshing water, I heard you calling on my name
And then it seemed like only moments, that we'd ever been apart
Now laughing just like children, and dreaming with one heart!

Well you heard my voice when I called
It's so good to hear your laughter
And spend the days with you --
Now and forever after -- hear my voice, hear it true --
I Believe In You -- yeah, hear my voice, hear it true --
I've Always Believed -- In -- You.

This isn't a dream

Some Thoughts from QuotesBlog

QuotesBlog

• How impatient we can be!
  
• Failure?
  
• This is why we blog!
  
• A key to reducing stress
  

... and many more can be found at the searchable archive at http://quotesblog.blogspot.com!

"Water Meter Man!"

We just had a visit from Water-Meter Man! The entire visit lasted a maximum of 30 seconds, but my life is forever changed!!! Get the scoop:

Seriously, though, I've often wondered what these guys are thinking as they go inside peoples' houses. My daughter, still in her night clothes, answered the door, but fortunately, did not open it. Our 5-month old puppy has a coniption fit ("good boy!"). My lovely wife and partner, who is faithfully doing laundry, reminded me that the light above our water meter is out.

So I came upstairs from blogging, and let Water-Meter Man in, amid the loudness of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (my hearing-impaired daughter does not have her hearing aids in). I, bearing flashlight/radio/emergency siren/weather radio, let Water-Meter Man inside (I said that already), explaining to him that our light downstairs where the meter is doesn't work. So I lead him downstairs, shine the light, he glances at the meter, enters something into his "magical gadget", and heads back upstairs and out the door. All this in less than one minute.

"Have a nice day," I said, as he left our castle. I quickly locked our door. Afterward, I encouraged our daughter for coming to get us after opening the door to reveal "Water-Meter Man", and I taught her to come get us whenever someone else comes to our door. And "normal" life resumed.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Smithsonian Institution

Explore and learn: online resources from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.!

A Trip To Our Past

I forgot to mention that last week, Jennie and I had to travel to Cincinnati to get copies of our birth certificates. We got there just in time to get them that day. As a part-time genealogy buff, it was a good thing. At $12 per copy, that wasn't so bad. Perhaps I'll get our relatives' birth certificates sometime in the future.

The Flummery Digest

The Flummery Digest This one comes highly recommended...

I especially liked the Flum of the Month for June 2002. Check it out and have a laugh on me.

SoYouWanna.com

"The Wild Goose Chase Ends Here...SoYouWanna.com teaches you how to do all the things nobody ever taught you in school."

Are You Ready For Some Screwballs?

From k99online.com: Music - Hank Williams, Jr. Helps Drew Carey Make The Move To Mondays. Hank Williams Jr. has recorded some different lyrics to his famous "Are you ready for some football" jingle that promotes ABC's Monday Night Football for the upcoming season, but that's not all...

"In the new promo spots, Williams's voice will come out of actor Drew Carey..."

Firstgov for Workers

Firstgov for Workers - Services and Information for America's Workforce has some relevant information about Jobs, a Pay Calculator (especially good for when you're filling out those applications and need to convert an annual amount to an hourly amount or vice versa - I've had to do that), and much more:

• Jobs
• Learning
• Family and Health
• Transportation and Housing
• Money Management
• Rights and Protections
• Citizenship
• Recreation and Travel
• News for Workers

also posted to Get That Job!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Erin asks, "What are your favorite things from past decades--a TV show, clothing trend, style of music, etc.? (i.e. rollerskates/four wheelers, Transformers, bell bottoms)" I replied:

Somewhere I have a die-cast miniature Millennium Falcon, which I got as a Christmas gift when I was younger. I know that it probably is a collector's item, but I'd need to find it first. I also had an almost-complete set of "Empire Strikes Back" story cards. I remember the anger I felt at the kid down the street, who wouldn't trade me the card I needed for a duplicate one that I had.

I keep a lot of my original writing, which I wrote back in high school and college. Once I found my "voice", so to speak (no pun intended), I found that I really enjoy writing.

I used to have several LPs: Cheap Trick, KISS, and others. When I moved out on my own, however, I gave those to my Dad, who has a huge record collection and the record player.

Frosting the Cake

courtesy of DB via email

Thursday night my youngest daughter Stevie and I made a cake, and I told her we would frost it the next day.

Well Friday was a busy day, so I again told her we would try to frost it on Saturday (it was covered up to stay fresh).

Well Saturday morning I was having a really hard day emotionally. So I was in my room crying, and she comes in there. I told her I was having a hard day, and she said very firmly, "Mom, are we going to frost my cake?"

I tried to explain to her again that I needed a time-out, and we would frost the cake later. Again she said, "Mom, I want to frost my cake."

So the moral of the story is: If you think that your life is bad, remember that there might be a child out there that needs a cake frosted.

I hope you enjoy this story as much as I have in living it.

Can You See The 9 Faces? (picture)

Computerfest® - Fall 2002

I received this email yesterday. I've added links as indicated.

Fall 2002 Computerfest® arrives at Dayton's Hara Arena Complex n August 24 & 25, 2002.

Computerfest® is "Bridging the Gap" between people and technology with new and exciting development along with many long time favorites for you:

NEW !!

Advanced Training Sessions
IT Security, Windows 2000, Intro to PCs

More than 14 Manufacturers Representatives.
Including Microsoft & Intel

Apple seminars - introducing Jaguar Mac OS X v10.2

Cisco Playground

GRAND PRIZE - Winner has choice of iMAC or P4 2.26g

Jon 'maddog' Hall from Linux International

Ticket Information

Tickets are now available online...see www.computerfest.com for details. You get ALL this and more for only $8.00 in advance and $10.00 day of the show. Tickets are also available at the Hara Arena Box Office, as well as most Dayton area computer stores. Volunteer and get in FREE. See details below.


Computer Training

Have you ever considered taking some classes in computers, or wanted to work toward some of your computer certifications, but haven't had the time or couldn't afford the price of the training? Well Computerfest® may now have just what you have been looking for, our NEW Advanced Training Seminars! These classes will be held Thursday and Friday, August 22 & 23 from 9 AM to 5 PM at the Hara Arena Conference Center. We are offering your choice of three different topics:

Information Systems Security with Network Tool Demos $299.95

Microsoft MCP Certification $ 399.95- Test Prep for the Windows 2000 Professional 70-210 exam

Introduction to Computing and the Internet (Friday Only) $ 59.95

For detailed course descriptions, and registration information go to our website www.computerfest.com


Seminar Lineup

This year's seminar lineup is the best ever! Over 100 hours with topics including Apple, Linux, computer crimes, networking, web pages, firewalls, and certifications. Over 14 Manufacturers Reps will be giving seminars too. Companies including Microsoft, Intel, Lite-On, MSI, nVidia, Altec Lansing, Logitech, Enermax, eVGA, Supermicro, Enpower, Belkin, Gigafast, Neovo, PowerQuest and more. These seminars will provide a wealth of information and all are free with your paid admission. A complete schedule of the weekend's seminars can be found at www.computerfest.com

• We want to welcome Apple back to the show. They will be doing seminars all day both days in the APPLE Room. In fact they will have just released their latest operating system, Jaguar, Saturday at 12:01 AM. So, be sure and set in on one of their demos and see what all the excitement is about.
• In North Hall we have a NEW arrival in the form of a Cisco playground. Experiment with Cisco routers and other equipment onsite and ask questions of the experts in the field about the products found in most large networks around the globe.
• Also in North Hall we have our Linux Playground, including TWO speaker rooms. Linux user groups from around the area (under the direction of Don Corbet, "The Linux Guy"), have banded together to offer an extensive array of Linux speakers in their own speaker rooms! A very special speaker we are able to present this show is none other than John "maddog" Hall, Executive Director of Linux International will be giving our keynote address on Saturday afternoon.

Prizes

Don't forget to stop by the Computerfest® booth (#425 in East Hall). You can drop off your ticket stub and have a chance at winning our grand prize, a top of the line PC or APPLE computer system. It’s winner’s choice. This is the first time we have offered an Apple system and with the growing popularity of OS-X we wanted to make this GRAND PRIZE computer system the best ever. The PC System is a Intel P4-2.26GHZ and will be provided by PC Club. The Apple System is a G4 iMac 700Mhz PowerPC G4 and will be provided by The MacDepot. Or you may win one of our hourly door prizes donated by exhibitors at the show! You can also purchase our show T-shirt or one of our new items (First-Aid kits, Badge Holders and Embroidered Hats).

Check Out Your Purchases Before Leaving

A very unique service at Computerfest® is the ability to check out your purchases right at the show. The Ohio Technology Access Project (OTAP) will test products that you have purchased at the show for a small donation. Be sure to take advantage of this service for the goodies that you find. OTAP can be found in the East Hall in booth 420.

Deals!

And of course Computerfest® offers deals! With exhibitors from all across the country and selling computer products of every kind, Hardware, Software, Books, Literature, Supplies, you are sure to find what you are looking for at the price you want. We have some of the friendliest vendors in the industry. They listen and they care.

Volunteer

Experience the joy of volunteerism! Volunteers not only get into the show for free, they are also invited to an exclusive pizza and sub party after the show on Saturday. Work multiple shifts, and you can get free Computerfest® branded merchandise. Visit our website at www.computerfest.com to see what shifts are available and sign up.

About Computerfest®

Computerfest® is sponsored by the Dayton Microcomputer Association (DMA®), over 850 members strong. All proceeds from the show go back to the community. Stop by the DMA® Booth in East Hall and learn what a user group can do for you! And with the NEW Discounts you could easily save more than the cost of your DMA® membership.

Enjoy COMPUTERFEST®!!!!

For the safety of yourself and others DMA® and Computerfest® reserves the right to inspect any item, bag, purse, package or parcel brought on to HARA property.

The Topics Blog's Newest Contributor

I have somehow convinced Erin and Lauren that I could contribute to the Topics Blog. So, in the meantime, if you have Bloggers' block, then here's an idea. Of course, you may prefer to blog on this topic. You could also expand on this thought. If none of these suit your fancy, then you could find a number of other ideas at the Topics Blog. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Update: It's official! My bio is on their contributors' page.

Create Your Own Family Film Festival!

Why not? This idea is especially good for when the weather is incredibly awful (too hot, too cold, too wet, whatever). With our growing collection, and our insatiable habit of checking out videos from the library (or is it paying the late fees?), this should be easy. Now all we have to do is figure out how to fix our VCR... Check it out...

Search the Historical Newspaper Collection

"Periodicals and newspapers are the diaries of local communities. They are excellent sources of family history details — often recorded nowhere else. Look for obituaries, marriages, legal notices, and more." go there...

What good is a blood donor?

Yesterday I had the privilege to hear a representative from our Community Blood Center here in Dayton, Ohio. She handed out a flyer with the following text on it:

A blood donor is good for people who go through windshields and red lights. For Someone with cancer, hemophilia, or anemia. Or hepatitis. Or ulcers. For people being operated on. For people into feudin' and fightin'. For people who are almost out of life because they are almost out of blood. For a little girl who doesn't know that leukemia has happened to her. Or why. For a little boy who needs something revved up that wound down. Like energy. For people having open-heart surgery. For people who need a blood donor and also an organ donor -- a part as well as a pint -- a new heart or new liver, a lung or a kidney. For new babies needing new blood. Or new mothers needing a transfusion. For little kids who get into something poison or fall onto something sharp. For people who fool around with something that explodes, goes off, bites or shatters. For people burned pretty bad. For daredevils. Tree climbers. For people at the wrong place at the wrong time. A blood donor is good for people who are in a lot worse shape than most people you know. Someone needs a lot of your blood a lot.

----------
What are your reasons for not being a regular blood donor? I will be eligible to donate again the first or second week in October.

About Blogs for God

You may or may not have noticed, but I've included Blogs4God in the list of other weblogs. You could say it's a metablog of several blogs from Christian bloggers (wow, that's a lot of "blog"! heh heh). From the About blogs4God page: "Welcome to a place where you will be able to read innovative, interesting, and inspiring web logs under one roof, so to speak."

Clark Howard - Interest, Credit Cards, Weddings, Publishing

Clark Howard broadcasts a call-in consumer advocate talk show whose "goal is to help you save money, spend less, and avoid getting ripped off." In Dayton, Ohio his syndicated talk show can be heard on News/Talk 1290 WHIO AM. The following items came from a monthly email summary of his show:

• Reduce your interest rates
• CardCops Protects You!
• Finance your wedding with sponsors
• Publish it yourself

Reduce your interest rate

"A study by the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) shows how easy it is to reduce the interest rate on your credit cards just by picking up the phone. Approximately 60 percent of us run balances on our credit cards and the average interest rate is about 17 percent. As part of the survey, PIRG asked people to call their credit card company and have their rate reduced. Wouldn't you know - 56 percent got an immediate reduction..." Read more...

CardCops Protects You!

Cardcops publishes "quite a bit of information, especially for businesses, to help prevent identity theft. Now, they have started a Web site - cardcops.com that allows you to see if your card may be in the hands of thieves..." Read more...

Finance your wedding with sponsors

Here's something to consider if you have not yet tied the knot: Ericka Armour and her husband-to-be, Nathaniel Hughes, are having their wedding financed by sponsors who are supplying nearly everything for free. Sponsors names will be on the back of wedding invitations, on the tables at the reception and in other 'discreet' places at the wedding. Ericka said the companies have given about $15,000 worth of items and supplies. When you think that an average wedding costs $20,000, that’s a nice chunk.

Publish it yourself

"Clark’s received many calls from people who are interested in getting their first book published. What’s happening is the big publishing houses are only publishing a very small handful of authors and they’re even turning away some of the veteran authors who are considered 'mid-list.' So, how do regular citizens like you and me get published?" Read more...

Streams of Consciousness

A few days ago, I reflected on my blogging experience over the past seven months. I wrote, "The links to writing posts, etc., are getting dusty, and I am considering creating another blog for just my own creative writing and moving the creative writing posts from this blog to the new one."

Well, I am proud to announce the birth of yet another blog, which I've entitled "Streams of Consciousness." In high school I learned about one style of writing called Stream of Consciousness, in which the author writes as he or she thinks. Perhaps it makes sense; perhaps it doesn't. Since this blog you're currently reading is a "Journey Inside My Mind", I thought, why not make my creative writing blog a trip through the "Streams of Consciousness?" In other words, it's sort of a specific path along the journey, if you know what I mean.

Anyhow, I have begun removing some of the creative writing posts from this blog to the new one, so the links to writing posts at the left may or may not be valid yet. If you come across any broken links, please let me know.

Thanks and keep blogging!

Exuberance

"Exuberance is holy." -- Blake

Blogs4God Mentions

• Rachel commented on Letters to God
• Bene Diction has again quoted (heh heh) something from QuotesBlog

Climbing the Rock Wall

"The other thing the weekend was notable for is that I redeemed myself on the rock wall. I had climbed one to the top - about 3 years back..." more at spacemonk.blogspot.com

I've tried the rock climbing thing that's at the local malls. I can get to the top OK, but getting down is not as easy. I guess I'm glad that the floor is there to stop me. I can't seem to slow myself down as I descend, and I always land on the floor with my legs out in a sitting position. Maybe I should wear a cup the next time!

Blogger Update

Status.Blogger.com: How we're spending our time at Pyra

The original charter of this blog, as explained over there on the right, was to tell not only about known issues, outages, etc., but also what we're working on with Blogger. That's an important thing that I believe in doing—and would appreciate at a customer/user—but in the day-to-day stress, gets knocked down on the priority list. So, here's an update: more...

Specialization - The Key to More Readers?

I am forming an opinion about blogging, based on my experience with it so far. Maybe your comments will help me. Now, I cannot guarantee that anything I type henceforth in this post will be grammatically correct or will even make any sense at all. Get ready for some stream-of-consciousness:

It seems that those blogs centered around a particular theme get more traffic. I am talking about those blogs that are about technology, cooking, help with blogger's block, creative writing, quotations, job hunting, and so on. Someone who wants to read about technology has a better chance of finding something in a blog that is more techology-based, for example.

Yet I also find it useful to read blogs that tend to be of a more personal nature. For example, I may never get to meet Mike Zellers in person (although I'd like to, someday), but I can discern a lot about him from reading his blog.

I recently created a weblog about the job hunting process, called "Get That Job!". I have set it up so that other people can contribute content. Actually, I am eager for others to sign up as regular contributors or occasional contributors. So let me know if you are interested!

The links to writing posts, etc., are getting dusty, and I am considering creating another blog for just my own creative writing and moving the creative writing posts from this blog to the new one.

What do you think?

Update: I did it. In fact it's called Streams of Consciousness.

Tough Enough To Bend

Yes, I DO write music!!

Men Do Talk About Relationships

"New Haven, Conn. — According to a new study, young women speak more frequently and frankly about sex and sex-related subjects than men do. But this isn't true. Men speak about sex and relationships all the time. It's just in code..."

from Satirewire.com.edy

The Topics Blog: Long-term Goals

Melanie asks, "What do you hope to accomplish for yourself over the next 5 years? Or do you not think that far into the future?"

I have a hard time thinking that far into the future. Heck, I have a hard time thinking about what's going on tomorrow.

Manage Your Content With PHP

A List Apart: Manage Your Content With PHP

"IN THIS ARTICLE we’ll build a simple, template-driven site that separates style, content, and structure in your website. We’ll create a cross-browser stylesheet switcher that remembers the user’s preferences, touching on php variables, cookies, if statements, and including pages with require_once."

On Transitions

In Mike Zellers's summary of his experiences from this past year, he says:

I am and have been a very lucky person. How many go from being laid off to their dream job (although a suprising number of people i've talked to have found being laid off as a blessing in disguise)? Overall, the net change in my life has clearly been positive over this time frame...

Aptly put. My thoughts exactly.

I personally found the separation from my company as a blessing in disguise. I was burned-out from a long drive and much time away from my family. Since that time, I've focused my job search closer to home, and I've spent a whole lot more time with my family. Not to mention, I don't feel as uptight - relieved is more like it.

Referral List

While going through my referral list this morning, I noticed the following domain names, which I had never heard of before:

• AtlanticZone.ca
• Cogeco
• Truman State University
• Organon, Inc. - Health Care Research & Development
• BTopenworld.com
• CenturyTel Community Portal
• POPsite.net
• US Air Force
• Sonera Plaza (from Finland?)
• ComCast High-Speed Internet

Degrees of Separation... The Saga Continues

Mike tried the Degrees of Separation game.

Everyone With A Stolen Debit Card Should Be So Lucky

An interesting story from the UK

Another Blog Milestone

As of yesterday, August 7, 2002, Journey Inside My Mind has been around for a full seven months! I invite you to take a quick trip back to see what was in my mind on January 7, 2002.

Additionally, you can take a look inside for what was in my mind on these dates:

• February 7, 2002 - 1 month old
• March 7, 2002 - 2 months old
• April 8, 2002 - 3 months old
• May 7, 2002 - 4 months old
• June 7, 2002 - 5 months old
• July 7, 2002 - 6 months old

Degrees of Blog Separation

Bene Diction comments on BloggedyBlog's Degree of blog separation idea.

I've heard of something like this called SnobJumping. Those of us members of BlogSnob get a random link to someone else's blog on their blog.

So, for example, I can click the link to that random blog, and it is also supposed to have a BlogSnob blog link on it. The idea is to continue as far as you can. I have never been able to link all the way back to myself. Most of the time, I get caught in a dead-end; someone has removed the BlogSnob link, and I have to start over at my blog.

I may try the different approach.

Quoting the Quotable

Bene Diction quoted something from my Quotes Blog. Cool!

You may be from Ohio (pronounced O-hi-uh) if...

A celebration of what it's like to live or have lived in the Buckeye State:

• You think all Pro football teams are supposed to wear orange!
• You know all the 4 seasons: Winter, Still Winter, almost Winter, and Construction.
• You live less than 30 miles from some college or university.
• You know what a buckeye really is, and have a recipe for candy ones.
• "Toward the lake" means "north" and "toward the river" means south."
• You know if other Ohioians are from southern or Northern Ohio as soon as they open their mouths.
• You can spell words like Cuyahoga, Olentangy, Bellefontaine, Tuscarawas, Wapakoneta and you know which letter is doubled in Cincinnati.
• "Vacation" means spending a day at Cedar Point.
• You measure distance in minutes.
• Your school classes were canceled because of cold.
• Your school classes were canceled because of heat.
• You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.
• You end your sentences with an unnecessary preposition. Example: "Where's my coat at?"
• You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.
• You think of the major four food groups as beef, pork, beer, and Jell-O salad with marshmallows.
• You carry jumper cables in your car.
• You know what 'pop' is.
• You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.
• Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.
• You think sexy lingerie is tube socks and a flannel nightgown.
• The local paper covers national and international headlines on one page but requires 6 pages for sports.
• You know which leaves make good toilet paper.
• You actually get these jokes, then forward 'em to your OHIO friends.

3 H's: Hazy, Hot, Humid - The Saga Continues... Ozone Action Day

That's right campers. Conditions in the Miami Valley are once again favorable for the creation of ground-level ozone, otherwise known as smog. So gentle readers, leave those lawn mowers off until evening, get by on those remaining fumes of gas in your tank until 6 pm tonight, and, of course... Do Not Go Outside!!!!!

OK. Maybe that was a little cheeky. Nevertheless, it's gonna be another scorcher. Not like Afghanistan, however. My friend Scott is currently stationed over there, and he reports a cool 130 degrees. Heck, when he comes back to Dayton, he may want to wear long pants and a jacket! (maybe not)