A few months ago, you may recall, I was doing one of my occasional brute-force blog searches when I discovered that many of the folks linked by NEPA Blogs were having their posts stolen and reposted on another blog, without any sort of links back to their own sites. This practice, known as "scraping," isn't just content theft; it's also theft of advertising revenue, since many of the blogs from which the posts had been "scraped" - and to which they no longer pointed - had revenue-generating ads associated with them which were now detached from the content. The "scraper blog" was, of course, loaded with revenue-generating ads - so all of this content was now working for the owner of the scraper blog, not the people who had created it in the first place.
PennsNet.com - a site found by Michelle - isn't a scraper blog. Instead it's a concatenator site - or, to use the current terminology, it engages in content curation, not content generation. It posts links to news stories from other sources, as well as snippets of those stories - the headline and the first two dozen words or so. As of now it lists stories from four sources: "Citizens Voice," "Scranton Times," "Times Leader," and "WNEP." Each story links back to the original post at the original site. So with this site, it's very convenient to scan through the headline content of three newspapers and one TV station to see what stories of interest they might have, and then click through to read the complete, original story.
From a business point of view, this is a little sketchy: part of the business model of these sites is that you are exposed to ads while you are searching through content, so allowing someone to search through the headline content without the ads eliminates the possibility that someone will spot an ad that interests them and click on it. On the other hand, it's really no different from having four RSS feeds running side by side, each showing the headline content for a different site and inviting you to click through.
Not every story makes it onto an RSS feed, so there will probably be stories you would see on the original sites that you won't see on PennsNet.com. PennsNet.com also isn't technically a blog, as far as I can tell, though it may be by some definitions. But it is very convenient and very useful as a way to quickly see what is making the news in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and to have quick access to four major sources of news in NEPA. For now I'll be adding it to the "Sites About NEPA" section of the sidebar. But first, I may go and check out some of those headlines...
A clearinghouse providing links to blogs and other sites about Northeastern Pennsylvania or by people from Northeastern Pennsylvania. Submit blogs to nepablogs@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
PA Live! Blog of the Week: Fashion Vandals
NEPA Blogs will be presenting a "Blog of the Week" on the WBRE's PA Live! every Tuesday. PA Live! airs weekday afternoons on WBRE from 4:00 to 5:00.
Watch this episode on the PA Live! site:
Our PA Live! Blog of the Week this week is Fashion Vandals (http://fashionvandals.com/). It's a sometimes dark, sometimes sexy, and always edgy fashion blog written by Marissa Phillips, a.k.a. Riss Vandal. From her "About" page:
Marissa Phillips aka Riss Vandal is a staff writer for Gothic Beauty Magazine , the creator of Strange Days jewelry, and cohost of The Phillips Family Fun Time radio show. Among many things, her heart ultimately belongs to punk and goth subcultures, loud and garish cosmetics, and mostly anything that comes from Japan.
Fashion Vandals definitely won't be to everyone's taste: the fashions presented are more Lady Gaga than Lady Diana. (Check out these awesome paper eyelashes!) Some of the Model of the Week shoots are a bit risqué, so you might want to keep that fan and smelling salts handy on your first visit.
Riss's blog isn't just about fashion. She presented a wonderful account of a Tea Party she had with friends at Sugar's Tearoom in Forty Fort, and another of a pilgrimage to Frazetta's Fantasy Costumes in East Stroudsburg.
To see what's cool and what's hot in the world of goth and punk fashion, or just to get a taste of the amazing variety of topics that people in Northeastern Pennsylvania blog about, be sure to check out Riss Vandal's Fashion Vandals!
For other fashion blogs based out of Northeastern Pennsylvania, also check out Jilly BeansTALK and Trend HUNGRY. Darling Stewie has been known to delve into posts about fashion now and again, too!
If you have a blog you would like us to link on NEPA Blogs, or know of a blog you think we should link, please let us know! You can always drop us a line at nepablogs@gmail.com!
Watch this episode on the PA Live! site:
| http://pahomepage.com/palive-details/?nxd_id=207306 |
Our PA Live! Blog of the Week this week is Fashion Vandals (http://fashionvandals.com/). It's a sometimes dark, sometimes sexy, and always edgy fashion blog written by Marissa Phillips, a.k.a. Riss Vandal. From her "About" page:
Marissa Phillips aka Riss Vandal is a staff writer for Gothic Beauty Magazine , the creator of Strange Days jewelry, and cohost of The Phillips Family Fun Time radio show. Among many things, her heart ultimately belongs to punk and goth subcultures, loud and garish cosmetics, and mostly anything that comes from Japan.
Fashion Vandals definitely won't be to everyone's taste: the fashions presented are more Lady Gaga than Lady Diana. (Check out these awesome paper eyelashes!) Some of the Model of the Week shoots are a bit risqué, so you might want to keep that fan and smelling salts handy on your first visit.
Riss's blog isn't just about fashion. She presented a wonderful account of a Tea Party she had with friends at Sugar's Tearoom in Forty Fort, and another of a pilgrimage to Frazetta's Fantasy Costumes in East Stroudsburg.
To see what's cool and what's hot in the world of goth and punk fashion, or just to get a taste of the amazing variety of topics that people in Northeastern Pennsylvania blog about, be sure to check out Riss Vandal's Fashion Vandals!
For other fashion blogs based out of Northeastern Pennsylvania, also check out Jilly BeansTALK and Trend HUNGRY. Darling Stewie has been known to delve into posts about fashion now and again, too!
If you have a blog you would like us to link on NEPA Blogs, or know of a blog you think we should link, please let us know! You can always drop us a line at nepablogs@gmail.com!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Blogger Meet-up
Gort has shared with me that there will be another Blogger Meet-up on Sunday November 6th at 5pm. The location will be the Metro Bar and Grill in Dallas. See below for more details.
(Click the above picture to go to the bar's website)
~Michelle
(Click the above picture to go to the bar's website)
Hello All,
How about a get together the Sunday before the election. It won't be a big political thing like Blogfest as most of the candidates will be busy hustling for last minute votes although we will invite them. Maybe make it more of a NEPA blogger meetup with a little more warning than the last impromtu one. Add in friends and family. What do you think?
--Gort
I'm in if you are! Hope to see you there :o)
~Michelle
Sunday, October 23, 2011
From the Mailbag: NEPAtoday Magazine
From the Mailbag:
Today's Mailbag submission comes from Lew Marcus of the Scranton area. He requested that we link to his online magazine:
NEPAtoday Online Magazine - http://www.nepatodaymagazine.com
"Commentary on politics, lifestyle and the arts"
As of right now there isn't too much content on the website, but I'm sure that will change. There are 6 articles that cover a variety of topics from 3 different authors. We hope that by linking to this website that the word will get out about the magazine and that it will continue to grow.
Here's the 411 on the magazine (from the website): NEPAtoday Magazine Online is the cyber-sister of NEPAtoday Magazine, a monthly printed periodical published and distributed by Marcus Publishing, 611 Monroe Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510. To reach us via email or to SUBSCRIBE we are at: nepatodaymag@aol.com. To Subscribe just list "subscribe" in the subject line. We'll send you an email link every time we publish!
If you have a blog that you would like us to link to, please shoot us an email at nepablogs@gmail.com.
~Michelle
Today's Mailbag submission comes from Lew Marcus of the Scranton area. He requested that we link to his online magazine:
NEPAtoday Online Magazine - http://www.nepatodaymagazine.com
"Commentary on politics, lifestyle and the arts"
As of right now there isn't too much content on the website, but I'm sure that will change. There are 6 articles that cover a variety of topics from 3 different authors. We hope that by linking to this website that the word will get out about the magazine and that it will continue to grow.
Here's the 411 on the magazine (from the website): NEPAtoday Magazine Online is the cyber-sister of NEPAtoday Magazine, a monthly printed periodical published and distributed by Marcus Publishing, 611 Monroe Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510. To reach us via email or to SUBSCRIBE we are at: nepatodaymag@aol.com. To Subscribe just list "subscribe" in the subject line. We'll send you an email link every time we publish!
If you have a blog that you would like us to link to, please shoot us an email at nepablogs@gmail.com.
~Michelle
PA Media Board
This one came from the comments.
Bob Quarteroni: I'm trying to get a local media blog up and running but so far with no success, as in no posts and few looks, so I'd really, really welcome people stopping by and commenting, or at least looking. It's at http://pamedia.proboards.com. You can reach me at bobqsix@verizon.net. Thanks. Bob Quarteroni
Pa Media
http://pamedia.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general
There have been other sites that focused on the local media such as Beale's Bites and another message board that I won't link to because it deteriorated into personal attacks. Both authors/moderators decided to stop updating because some of the comments about people became viscous and in some cases libelous.
Well Bob, here is some unsolicited advice. Ditch the message board format and move to blogspot or wordpress, etc. I have found that the board platform is clunky and hard to navigate. The sign in and create account requirement discourages people from commenting. Shoot me an email if you want to discuss this gort42@yahoo.com.
Anyway, good luck and I hope this plug will direct people to your board.
Bob Quarteroni: I'm trying to get a local media blog up and running but so far with no success, as in no posts and few looks, so I'd really, really welcome people stopping by and commenting, or at least looking. It's at http://pamedia.proboards.com. You can reach me at bobqsix@verizon.net. Thanks. Bob Quarteroni
Pa Media
http://pamedia.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general
There have been other sites that focused on the local media such as Beale's Bites and another message board that I won't link to because it deteriorated into personal attacks. Both authors/moderators decided to stop updating because some of the comments about people became viscous and in some cases libelous.
Well Bob, here is some unsolicited advice. Ditch the message board format and move to blogspot or wordpress, etc. I have found that the board platform is clunky and hard to navigate. The sign in and create account requirement discourages people from commenting. Shoot me an email if you want to discuss this gort42@yahoo.com.
Anyway, good luck and I hope this plug will direct people to your board.
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Mine Shaft
Did you know that the NEPA Miners Football Team have their own blog?
The NEPA Miners Blog (a.k.a. "The Mine Shaft")
http://www.nepaminers.com/blog
The NEPA Miners started their new blog back in May. From the first post:
The name of this blog cracked me up when I first noticed it. It reminded of that song by Jerry Reed "She Got the Goldmine". I'm going to leave out the rest of the song title/lyrics, but you can Google it if you are curious.
Happy Friday NEPA!
~Michelle
The NEPA Miners Blog (a.k.a. "The Mine Shaft")
http://www.nepaminers.com/blog
The NEPA Miners started their new blog back in May. From the first post:
2011 marks the 5th Anniversary for NEPA Miners Football. We are growing in talent and popularity, still not everyone has heard about us? 2006 started a grassroots effort by Dan LaMagna launching the areas newest minor league sports franchise. The Miners started out fast with two winning seasons making the playoffs each year but needed more support to maintain success long term off the field.Dan LaMagna was the one that alerted me to their new blog on Twitter. If you want to give the boys in black and gold a follow they can be found @NEPAMINERS. I've added the NEPA Miners blog to the blog roll and also under the NEPA Sports Blogs section on the right hand side.
The name of this blog cracked me up when I first noticed it. It reminded of that song by Jerry Reed "She Got the Goldmine". I'm going to leave out the rest of the song title/lyrics, but you can Google it if you are curious.
Happy Friday NEPA!
~Michelle
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Riding Both Rails
About a month ago, I graded the News Media on their Social Media presence on my personal blog. In the process I posed a rhetorical question (not necessarily expecting a reply)...Why doesn't Mike Stevens of WNEP have a blog? He has a such profound way of telling stories from his "On the Pennsylvania Road" segments. I figured blogging could become a natural extension of his adventures.
Not long after that post, I was informed by Jennifer Wade that he does in fact have a blog.
"Riding Both Rails"
by: Mike Stevens and Tom Flannery
http://stevensandflannery.wordpress.com
The "About" section of the blog has an interesting story (I'd expect nothing less)...
Mike Stevens & Tom Flannery's blog addition is just one of SEVERAL that we have on our blog roll from the NEPA news media. I find the industry endlessly fascinating and hope that we continue to find more blogs from journalists/radio broadcasters/staff writers. If you know of any that we aren't already linked to, please drop us a line at nepablogs@gmail.com.
~Michelle
P.S. WELCOME BACK, GORT!
Not long after that post, I was informed by Jennifer Wade that he does in fact have a blog.
"Riding Both Rails"
by: Mike Stevens and Tom Flannery
http://stevensandflannery.wordpress.com
The "About" section of the blog has an interesting story (I'd expect nothing less)...
Mike Stevens will choose the subject matter (Tom respects his elders). Mike and Flannery have pledged to write 1000 words a week. Starting the week of 12/5 2010. Flannery has promised not to curse. Sevens has promised to not say “I’m too busy”
I read through a few of the most recent blog entries and I am intrigued to see where this collaborative effort will go next. 12/5/2011 is rapidly approaching and if they have kept up with their pledges, they should have enough material for a book. Although, I have to admit I'm very curious to know how much cash went to those charities :o) Nice work, gentlemen!After a year they’ll have a book.
As incentive, if Stevens misses a deadline, he will pledge $5 to Flannery’s charity of choice. The National Alzheimer’s Association. If Flannery missed a deadline, the Stevens charity of choice is the USO. A deadline doesn’t mean much without a penalty after all.
Mike Stevens & Tom Flannery's blog addition is just one of SEVERAL that we have on our blog roll from the NEPA news media. I find the industry endlessly fascinating and hope that we continue to find more blogs from journalists/radio broadcasters/staff writers. If you know of any that we aren't already linked to, please drop us a line at nepablogs@gmail.com.
~Michelle
P.S. WELCOME BACK, GORT!
Caffeinated Politics
It's been a while since I've been able to post a link to a new blog as the ever efficient Michelle and DB usually beat me to it.
Caffeinated Politics is wriiten by my friend 2nd District Democratic Chairman Casey Evans
From his introductory post
time for a different perspective
So, here I sit, at 5:45 a.m., as I watch the holy-hell-i'm-up-way-to-early-for-this news end and Morning Joe start on MSNBC and regretting having gotten up in the first place, when I, as per my daily routine, log on to the Times Leader and Citizens Voice websites to read the letters to the editor (what can I say, it's a guilty pleasure) and subsequently check LuLac and Gort for the latest happenings in the local political scene. Of course, they deliver the usual buzz with all of the candor and reliability that we have come to expect from them, and then it occurs to me..."I could totally do this, too."
Caffeinated Politics
http://caffeinepolitics.blogspot.com/
Caffeinated Politics is wriiten by my friend 2nd District Democratic Chairman Casey Evans
From his introductory post
time for a different perspective
So, here I sit, at 5:45 a.m., as I watch the holy-hell-i'm-up-way-to-early-for-this news end and Morning Joe start on MSNBC and regretting having gotten up in the first place, when I, as per my daily routine, log on to the Times Leader and Citizens Voice websites to read the letters to the editor (what can I say, it's a guilty pleasure) and subsequently check LuLac and Gort for the latest happenings in the local political scene. Of course, they deliver the usual buzz with all of the candor and reliability that we have come to expect from them, and then it occurs to me..."I could totally do this, too."
Caffeinated Politics
http://caffeinepolitics.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
PA Live! Blog of the Week: WB Fire Fighters Thoughts
NEPA Blogs will be presenting a "Blog of the Week" on the WBRE's PA Live! every Tuesday. PA Live! airs weekday afternoons on WBRE from 4:00 to 5:00.
Watch this episode on the PA Live! site:
Our PA Live! Blog of the Week this week is WB Fire Fighters Thoughts (http://wbff88.blogspot.com/). It's written by Wilkes-Barre fire fighter Dan Emplit, a.k.a. Don Quixote, who describes himself as "an over-caffeinated 18 year WBFD Engine 3 Driver, with 6 years Active Military service who has the clinging scent of gun oil about him."
Dan's posts aren't just about fire fighting. He shares his thoughts on local politics, has a remarkable series of posts filled with pictures of the condition of the interior of the Hotel Sterling (material from a class he took as part of his job; you can see the pictures here, here, here, here, and here), talks about national politics, gun safety, America's position in the world - and his blog was the first place I ever saw the trailer for the Avengers movie! (Hawkeye? Really? He does look pretty cool here...)
Dan can be blunt and frank at times, and his language reflects this. So if you're the sort who comes down with a case of the vapors when you encounter words you might not hear in Sunday School, you might want to have a fan handy when you read his blog. But if you'd like to get the thoughts of someone who routinely puts his life on the line to protect the lives and property of others, stop by WB Fire Fighters Thoughts and see what Dan has to say!
For other thoughts from a fire fighter, be sure to check out Gary R. Ryman's twin blogs Keep 200 Ft Back: My View From the Back Step and Fire Men, the companion blog to his newly-published book of the same title!
If you have a blog you would like us to link on NEPA Blogs, or know of a blog you think we should link, please let us know! You can always drop us a line at nepablogs@gmail.com!
Watch this episode on the PA Live! site:
| http://pahomepage.com/palive-details/?nxd_id=206066 |
Our PA Live! Blog of the Week this week is WB Fire Fighters Thoughts (http://wbff88.blogspot.com/). It's written by Wilkes-Barre fire fighter Dan Emplit, a.k.a. Don Quixote, who describes himself as "an over-caffeinated 18 year WBFD Engine 3 Driver, with 6 years Active Military service who has the clinging scent of gun oil about him."
Dan's posts aren't just about fire fighting. He shares his thoughts on local politics, has a remarkable series of posts filled with pictures of the condition of the interior of the Hotel Sterling (material from a class he took as part of his job; you can see the pictures here, here, here, here, and here), talks about national politics, gun safety, America's position in the world - and his blog was the first place I ever saw the trailer for the Avengers movie! (Hawkeye? Really? He does look pretty cool here...)
Dan can be blunt and frank at times, and his language reflects this. So if you're the sort who comes down with a case of the vapors when you encounter words you might not hear in Sunday School, you might want to have a fan handy when you read his blog. But if you'd like to get the thoughts of someone who routinely puts his life on the line to protect the lives and property of others, stop by WB Fire Fighters Thoughts and see what Dan has to say!
For other thoughts from a fire fighter, be sure to check out Gary R. Ryman's twin blogs Keep 200 Ft Back: My View From the Back Step and Fire Men, the companion blog to his newly-published book of the same title!
If you have a blog you would like us to link on NEPA Blogs, or know of a blog you think we should link, please let us know! You can always drop us a line at nepablogs@gmail.com!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Impromptu Blogger Meet-up
Hi all!
Sorry for the short notice, but I received the following email yesterday (around 1pm) from fellow NEPA Blogs contributor Gort42:
~Michelle
Sorry for the short notice, but I received the following email yesterday (around 1pm) from fellow NEPA Blogs contributor Gort42:
Please feel free to join us, if you are so inclined. I'd love to meet more of you if you are in the area and available!Hello Everyone,I know this is short notice.A few of us will be getting together tomorrow at 6PM at the Metro Bar and Grill in the Twin Stacks Center in Dallas.Hope to see you if you can make it.Gort42
~Michelle
Friday, October 14, 2011
Progress Pennsylvania
*Another Twitter Find*
Progress Pennsylvania
http://progresspennsylvania.wordpress.com
"Pennsylvania revitalization and economic development success stories"
The Who: The blog is authored by Roy Keeler from Pottstown, PA. On twitter he can be found under the name of @ProgressPA
The What: This blog is dedicated to Pennsylvania cities and towns who are making positive strides with revitalization and economic development. The idea is to showcase these places and hopefully they will become an inspiration. Enjoy reading these success stories!
Although Roy is not from NEPA, he has an extensive section of his blog dedicated to revitalization news from Scranton PA and Wilkes-Barre PA areas. You can also choose to read about other Metro areas throughout the state to see how they are doing in comparison.
Roy also gave us a Follow Friday mention on Twitter today which we highly appreciate! What is Follow Friday? You can read more about it here and here. You can follow us on Twitter too! Our user name is @nepablogs
~Michelle
Progress Pennsylvania
http://progresspennsylvania.wordpress.com
"Pennsylvania revitalization and economic development success stories"
The Who: The blog is authored by Roy Keeler from Pottstown, PA. On twitter he can be found under the name of @ProgressPA
The What: This blog is dedicated to Pennsylvania cities and towns who are making positive strides with revitalization and economic development. The idea is to showcase these places and hopefully they will become an inspiration. Enjoy reading these success stories!
Although Roy is not from NEPA, he has an extensive section of his blog dedicated to revitalization news from Scranton PA and Wilkes-Barre PA areas. You can also choose to read about other Metro areas throughout the state to see how they are doing in comparison.
Roy also gave us a Follow Friday mention on Twitter today which we highly appreciate! What is Follow Friday? You can read more about it here and here. You can follow us on Twitter too! Our user name is @nepablogs
~Michelle
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wake Up Wilkes-Barre
Fireman Dan tipped off Mark who tipped off me to the newest political blogger to pop up in the Blogosphere.
Wake Up Wilkes-Barre (which, by the way, they do not have hyphenated on their blog) can be found at http://wakeupwilkesbarre.blogspot.com
There is no "About Page" that I can find on the blog, so I will do my best to describe it in my own words. The blog's focus is specifically politics in Wilkes-Barre city. The author is anonymous. He/She describes himself/herself as follows (from the Blogger profile page) "A resident of the most corrupt city in the northeast, possible the county." The author is very much opposed to the campaign to re-elect Tom Leighton to another term as Mayor. The blog raises questions about the city's more controversial topics, such as the LAG Towing Contract, City Vest & the fate of the Hotel Sterling, as well as Leighton hiring some of his relatives.
Mark is not convinced this blog will be around after the election. According to him: "In reiteration, another election, another short-lived, fire-breathing blogger. What else is new?"
It is true, most political blogs that we list here at NEPA Blogs appear shortly before election day and then disappear or are abandoned thereafter. Maybe this one will survive after November. We'll see, I guess.
~Michelle
Wake Up Wilkes-Barre (which, by the way, they do not have hyphenated on their blog) can be found at http://wakeupwilkesbarre.blogspot.com
There is no "About Page" that I can find on the blog, so I will do my best to describe it in my own words. The blog's focus is specifically politics in Wilkes-Barre city. The author is anonymous. He/She describes himself/herself as follows (from the Blogger profile page) "A resident of the most corrupt city in the northeast, possible the county." The author is very much opposed to the campaign to re-elect Tom Leighton to another term as Mayor. The blog raises questions about the city's more controversial topics, such as the LAG Towing Contract, City Vest & the fate of the Hotel Sterling, as well as Leighton hiring some of his relatives.
Mark is not convinced this blog will be around after the election. According to him: "In reiteration, another election, another short-lived, fire-breathing blogger. What else is new?"
It is true, most political blogs that we list here at NEPA Blogs appear shortly before election day and then disappear or are abandoned thereafter. Maybe this one will survive after November. We'll see, I guess.
~Michelle
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
NEPA Newsletter
It's been a while since I've done a dual post at NEPA Blogs...that is to say, 2 posts in one day, but STOP THE PRESSES, this website was worthy of it.
That's right. It's a website and not a blog, but it is about NEPA. More specifically NEPA-Speak.
I submit for your enjoyment "NEPA Newsletter"
http://www.nepanewsletter.com
I found this in going through the archives of my blog. I'm sure by now, most of you have seen the Coal Speak dictionary over at CoalRegion.com. This is similar in nature to the dictionary there, except for one hilarious thing....it's ILLUSTRATED. You need to check out the link to see what I'm talking about. Too lazy to do that? Here's a quick screen shot:
Now don't walk...run and check out the hilarity that is the NEPA Newsletter. Then after you are done there, don't forget to check out the Heynabonics video on Youtube to bring your NEPA-Speak lesson full circle.
~Michelle
That's right. It's a website and not a blog, but it is about NEPA. More specifically NEPA-Speak.
I submit for your enjoyment "NEPA Newsletter"
http://www.nepanewsletter.com
I found this in going through the archives of my blog. I'm sure by now, most of you have seen the Coal Speak dictionary over at CoalRegion.com. This is similar in nature to the dictionary there, except for one hilarious thing....it's ILLUSTRATED. You need to check out the link to see what I'm talking about. Too lazy to do that? Here's a quick screen shot:
Now don't walk...run and check out the hilarity that is the NEPA Newsletter. Then after you are done there, don't forget to check out the Heynabonics video on Youtube to bring your NEPA-Speak lesson full circle.
~Michelle
Unsung Throes
Dale Wilsey Jr. of the Manic Frustration blog, hit us up on Twitter yesterday with a recommendation for a blog of one of his local writer friends.
Rachael Goetzke's blog is called "Unsung Throes" and the URL is http://kindalikeapoet.wordpress.com
From the About Page:
What’s all the racket about…?
Rachael Goetzke's blog is called "Unsung Throes" and the URL is http://kindalikeapoet.wordpress.com
From the About Page:
What’s all the racket about…?
Welcome to the blog of musical musings, creative wonderings and lyrical lolly-gagging. Hopefully, you will find the writing uplifting and inspiring. Hopefully, it will make you nod your head, yell, “heck yes!” or in some other way, enchant you into the beautiful and eternal conversation that music is. Pull up a chair, and sip your coffee. Welcome!
....And welcome to the blogroll Rachael, you are among some of the most talented and creative people in the Blogosphere in Northeastern Pennsylvania....
If you have a recommendation of a blog you'd like us to feature on NEPA Blogs, please holler at us through email (nepablogs@gmail.com) or via Twitter (@nepablogs).
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
PA Live! Blog of the Week: A Girl's Gotta Spa!
NEPA Blogs will be presenting a "Blog of the Week" on the WBRE's PA Live! every Tuesday. PA Live! airs weekday afternoons on WBRE from 4:00 to 5:00.
Watch this episode on the PA Live! site:
Our PA Live! Blog of the Week this week is called A Girl's Gotta Spa! Here's what NEPA Blogs co-administrator Michelle had to say when she first added this blog to the NEPA Blogs links list back in April:
If you have a blog you would like us to link on NEPA Blogs, or know of a blog you think we should link, please let us know! You can always drop us a line at nepablogs@gmail.com!
Watch this episode on the PA Live! site:
| http://pahomepage.com/palive-details/?nxd_id=204746 |
Our PA Live! Blog of the Week this week is called A Girl's Gotta Spa! Here's what NEPA Blogs co-administrator Michelle had to say when she first added this blog to the NEPA Blogs links list back in April:
A Girl's Gotta Spa! :: A beauty blog... because we all deserve a little pampering.SHAPE magazine recently announced its nominees for the 2011 "Best Beauty Blogger" awards, and A Girl's Gotta Spa! is on the list! Voting runs through October 28, and you can cast your vote for this NEPA blog here! Congratulations, Shannon, and good luck with the contest. And congratulations in advance on A Girl's Gotta Spa!'s sixth blogiversary, coming up October 24!
NEPA's own Shannon Nelson has been running this successful blog since 2005. To which she has extensive industry "Street Cred" detailed here.
More from the About Page: A Girl’s Gotta Spa! (sm), as a way to bring relevant and easy to understand product reviews with a dose of honesty, integrity and humor to women across the globe. As one of a handful of beauty bloggers at the time, it resonated with women looking for product opinion before they made a purchase.
As a woman, I do value Shannon's opinions before purchasing any cosmetics, hair accessories or styling products. Trust me ladies, she knows her stuff! She even recommended a new hairdryer for me when I was away in Green Bay on a work business trip after mine died. In addition to being a beauty blogger, she is also a LIFESAVER! I highly recommend this blog!
If you have a blog you would like us to link on NEPA Blogs, or know of a blog you think we should link, please let us know! You can always drop us a line at nepablogs@gmail.com!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Frank Knorek
Frank Knorek is currently a purchasing agent working in the private sector for the nation’s largest independent distributor of dental supplies and equipment.
In his own words:
The Blog URL is http://frankknorek.wordpress.com
From the About Page: My blog is a collection of experiences, insights, resources and discussions on entrepreneurship, non-profit management, new media, government affairs, economic development, public administration, and career issues facing young professionals.
This blog is another find from our follower list on Twitter. It is definitely worth a read.
~Michelle
In his own words:
"I have a front row seat in observing all aspects of how a corporation functions. I play a key role in vendor account management, consumer relations, coordinating vendor marketing promotions, and supply chain management activities."
The Blog URL is http://frankknorek.wordpress.com
From the About Page: My blog is a collection of experiences, insights, resources and discussions on entrepreneurship, non-profit management, new media, government affairs, economic development, public administration, and career issues facing young professionals.
This blog is another find from our follower list on Twitter. It is definitely worth a read.
~Michelle
Friday, October 07, 2011
Children's Chalk Fest
The Wilkes-Barre River Common is finally having their second annual Children's Chalk Festival tomorrow, Saturday, October 8 from 11am-3pm. You can find the flier below. The event had to be postponed twice due to the September Flooding. This is a great event for the entire family. There are endless activities to keep young children occupied and happy. Best of all, its FREE! The Times Leader had an article about it today, which you can read here.
Also, I wanted to take a moment to formally announce my latest community service endeavor which will be officially kicking off at Chalk Fest. Karla Porter and I are Co-Chairs on the "Wyoming Valley Costume Caper", a Halloween costume donation drop/swap to benefit children/families who may otherwise not be able to afford a brand new Halloween costume. Have you seen the price of some of those things? Very costly. Help us give them a fun Halloween! Read all of the details in the below press release.
Halloween Costume Caper 2011 Comes to Wyoming Valley
October 5, 2011 - Wilkes-Barre PA - The Arc of Luzerne County and Wyoming Valley CYC have teamed up with volunteers to make Halloween happier for some area children.
Gently used children’s Halloween costumes will be collected at these Wilkes-Barre locations through October 20:
Families can visit the Wyoming Valley CYC, 36 S, Washington St. Wilkes-Barre, on October 22 from 12:00pm - 6:00pm to select pick up a ‘new’ costume for their children. There is no cost for costumes.
The idea for the ‘costume caper’ came from community volunteer and mother Michelle Davies. Davies got the idea while thinking about costumes for her own children this year, and families that may struggle to provide this day of fun, especially in light of loss to many from recent flooding. A few emails later she was teamed up with The Arc of Luzerne County and the Wyoming Valley CYC to make it happen.
I will be on Rock 107 on Monday 10/10/11 at approximately 8:30am to talk about the project with DiRenzo & Prospector. I hope you will tune in and consider donating new and used costumes to our Costume Caper Cause.
You can also find us on Facebook under "Wyoming Valley Costume Caper". I hope you will stop the page and "Like" us.
~Michelle
Also, I wanted to take a moment to formally announce my latest community service endeavor which will be officially kicking off at Chalk Fest. Karla Porter and I are Co-Chairs on the "Wyoming Valley Costume Caper", a Halloween costume donation drop/swap to benefit children/families who may otherwise not be able to afford a brand new Halloween costume. Have you seen the price of some of those things? Very costly. Help us give them a fun Halloween! Read all of the details in the below press release.
Halloween Costume Caper 2011 Comes to Wyoming Valley
October 5, 2011 - Wilkes-Barre PA - The Arc of Luzerne County and Wyoming Valley CYC have teamed up with volunteers to make Halloween happier for some area children.
Gently used children’s Halloween costumes will be collected at these Wilkes-Barre locations through October 20:
Wyoming Valley CYC, 36 S. Washington St Wilkes-Barre
The Arc of Luzerne County, 16-18 W. Linden St Wilkes-Barre
Odyssey Fitness, 401 Coal St. Wilkes-Barre
Tobyhanna Federal Credit Union, 880 Schechter Drive
October 8th at Chalkfest , Rivercommon Wilkes-Barre
Families can visit the Wyoming Valley CYC, 36 S, Washington St. Wilkes-Barre, on October 22 from 12:00pm - 6:00pm to select pick up a ‘new’ costume for their children. There is no cost for costumes.
The idea for the ‘costume caper’ came from community volunteer and mother Michelle Davies. Davies got the idea while thinking about costumes for her own children this year, and families that may struggle to provide this day of fun, especially in light of loss to many from recent flooding. A few emails later she was teamed up with The Arc of Luzerne County and the Wyoming Valley CYC to make it happen.
I will be on Rock 107 on Monday 10/10/11 at approximately 8:30am to talk about the project with DiRenzo & Prospector. I hope you will tune in and consider donating new and used costumes to our Costume Caper Cause.
You can also find us on Facebook under "Wyoming Valley Costume Caper". I hope you will stop the page and "Like" us.
~Michelle
REMINDER: Dale Wilsey Jr.'s benefit is TONIGHT!
Details from the Press Release:
WHO: The Scranton Cultural Center featuring artist Dale Wilsey Jr.
--
Dale R. Wilsey Jr.
WHO: The Scranton Cultural Center featuring artist Dale Wilsey Jr.
WHAT: First Friday Exhibit: to benefit the Wyoming County Cultural Center at the Dietrich Theater
WHEN: October 7th, 2011 5-8 p.m.
WHERE: The Scranton Cultural Center
420 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
4th Floor, Shopland Hall Lobby
TICKET PRICE: Free
FROM ONE CULTURAL CENTER TO ANOTHER: SUPPORTING ARTS IN NEPA
Scranton, PA -- Sept. 20th, 2011 -- The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will host a benefit exhibit to raise money to help restore and rebuild the Dietrich Theatre in Tunkhannock. The Dietrich Theatre (the Wyoming County Cultural Center) was recently devastated by record flooding. Estimated costs to restore and repair are close to $100,000.
The exhibit will take place Oct. 7th, in conjunction with Scranton's First Friday, as well as, the kickoff of the SCC Electric City Listen Local series. The free exhibit will begin at 5pm on the 4th floor Shopland Hall and run through 8pm. Money will be raised through individual donations, sale of artwork and a bake sale. Donations will be accepted until 10pm.
Photographs in the exhibit were taken by writer/photographer and Tunkhannock native, Dale Wilsey Jr.
All proceeds will go directly to the Dietrich Theatre.
Visit the SCC's site, www.scrantonculturalcenter.org for more information.
Dale R. Wilsey Jr.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
The Plastic Waffle
Happy Thursday everyone! Time for another mailbag submission. Our latest mailbag submission arrived yesterday to the NEPA Blogs Gmail account from Bob Merc (a huge Todd Rundgren fan) who would like us to add his blog to our ever expanding blog roll.
"Greetings ! My name is Bob Merc from Scranton, Pa. and I have a music blog called "The Plastic Waffle" I would like to have it listed at your site.. the addy is www.pwaffle.blogspot.com Thank you!!! "The URL is http://www.pwaffle.blogspot.com
You can also follow him on Twitter: @BarreChordz
The Plastic Waffle blog features a new and different recording artist every day of the week. These featured blog posts contain faction information, trivia, videos and reviews about the artist. There are also a ton of links directing you to the best places to buy concert tickets, musical equipment and get musical lessons (if you are so inclined). You can learn more about Bob's focus for this blog by reading the first blog post here.
If you would like to feature your blog/list you in our blog roll, please send an email to nepablogs@gmail.com with your info!
~Michelle
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
PA Live! Blog of the Week: Manic Frustration
NEPA Blogs will be presenting a "Blog of the Week" on the WBRE's PA Live! every Tuesday. PA Live! airs weekday afternoons on WBRE from 4:00 to 5:00.
Watch this episode on the PA Live! site:
At NEPA Blogs, we locate blogs in a variety of ways. Some blogs are submitted to us through email (nepablogs@gmail.com) or through our Facebook group. Some we find by actively looking for sites that mention places in Northeastern Pennsylvania. And some have been found when co-administrator and social media maven Michelle Davies took a closer look at our Twitter followers and found out that some of them, in fact, had blogs!
Dale Wilsey, Jr. falls into this last category. His blog is our PA Live! Blog of the Week this week, and is called Manic Frustration (http://manic-frustration.blogspot.com/). It would perhaps be overly simplistic to call Dale a "blogger"; he is, in fact, a writer, photographer, and documentarian who blogs. But at the same time, he is also a full-fledged blogger. Based out of Tunkhannock, a beautiful city along the Susquehanna River in the northern reaches of Northeastern Pennsylvania, he has blogged extensively about the effects of the recent historical floods in Tunkhannock here, here, and here. But his blog also falls into the broad category of "life blogs," those meandering, unfocused blogs that serve as a means of expression for any and all of a blogger's thoughts, whenever they may arise. Life blogs to me represent blogging in its purest form, resembling the works of eighteenth-century diarists and journal-writers who captured so much of the history of their times through their own personal reflections and observations.
As I mentioned earlier, Dale is also a photographer, and an exhibition of his photography will be displayed Friday, October 7 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the fourth floor of Shopland Hall at the Scranton Cultural Center as part of Scranton's First Friday celebrations, to benefit Tunkhannock's Dietrich Theater / Wyoming County Cultural Center, which was damaged in the flooding. You can read more about the show on Dale's blog here, and can read even more in this excellent review with Electric City / the570.com here.
You can read more about Dale Wilsey, Jr. and Manic Frustration here. Be sure to check out his blog, and visit the exhibition of his work on Friday to benefit a good cause!
If you have a blog you would like us to link on NEPA Blogs, or know of a blog you think we should link, please let us know! You can always drop us a line at nepablogs@gmail.com!
Watch this episode on the PA Live! site:
| http://pahomepage.com/palive-details/?nxd_id=203556 |
At NEPA Blogs, we locate blogs in a variety of ways. Some blogs are submitted to us through email (nepablogs@gmail.com) or through our Facebook group. Some we find by actively looking for sites that mention places in Northeastern Pennsylvania. And some have been found when co-administrator and social media maven Michelle Davies took a closer look at our Twitter followers and found out that some of them, in fact, had blogs!
Dale Wilsey, Jr. falls into this last category. His blog is our PA Live! Blog of the Week this week, and is called Manic Frustration (http://manic-frustration.blogspot.com/). It would perhaps be overly simplistic to call Dale a "blogger"; he is, in fact, a writer, photographer, and documentarian who blogs. But at the same time, he is also a full-fledged blogger. Based out of Tunkhannock, a beautiful city along the Susquehanna River in the northern reaches of Northeastern Pennsylvania, he has blogged extensively about the effects of the recent historical floods in Tunkhannock here, here, and here. But his blog also falls into the broad category of "life blogs," those meandering, unfocused blogs that serve as a means of expression for any and all of a blogger's thoughts, whenever they may arise. Life blogs to me represent blogging in its purest form, resembling the works of eighteenth-century diarists and journal-writers who captured so much of the history of their times through their own personal reflections and observations.
As I mentioned earlier, Dale is also a photographer, and an exhibition of his photography will be displayed Friday, October 7 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the fourth floor of Shopland Hall at the Scranton Cultural Center as part of Scranton's First Friday celebrations, to benefit Tunkhannock's Dietrich Theater / Wyoming County Cultural Center, which was damaged in the flooding. You can read more about the show on Dale's blog here, and can read even more in this excellent review with Electric City / the570.com here.
You can read more about Dale Wilsey, Jr. and Manic Frustration here. Be sure to check out his blog, and visit the exhibition of his work on Friday to benefit a good cause!
If you have a blog you would like us to link on NEPA Blogs, or know of a blog you think we should link, please let us know! You can always drop us a line at nepablogs@gmail.com!
Monday, October 03, 2011
2 From Joe Gannon
I found Joe Gannon from scouring the @nepablogs follower list. He has two parenting blogs that he authors.
Blog #1 --
RaiseACaveman
http://raiseacaveman.blogspot.com
Twitter: @RaiseACaveman
Blog #2 --
Raising Freedom
http://raisingfreedom.blogspot.com
This second blog of Joe's talks about raising kids who value and respect freedom. There are only 2 posts over there, but we have no doubt that he will pick-up where he left off with this thought provoking blog soon enough.
Hey, and if you are on Twitter and not following us, you are missing out! If you blog and have twitter join the fun by giving a follow to @nepablogs.
~M
Blog #1 --
RaiseACaveman
http://raiseacaveman.blogspot.com
Twitter: @RaiseACaveman
"Just a guy teaching his son how to be a man. And having as much fun as possible doing it!"After perusing the About Page, I learned that Joe has a 10 year old and 4 nephews that are all under the age of 4! I must also mention that this blog of Joe's hasn't been updated since March. As a mother of 2 under the age of 7 (one of which is an evil genius), I can completely empathize with having your hands full. God bless your soul, Joe.
Blog #2 --
Raising Freedom
http://raisingfreedom.blogspot.com
This second blog of Joe's talks about raising kids who value and respect freedom. There are only 2 posts over there, but we have no doubt that he will pick-up where he left off with this thought provoking blog soon enough.
Hey, and if you are on Twitter and not following us, you are missing out! If you blog and have twitter join the fun by giving a follow to @nepablogs.
~M
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Vote Early / Vote Often
We have another NEPA blogger that has been nominated for a Best Blog Award at Parents.com. If you remember back a few months ago, NEPA Mom was nominated for a similar award. So, who was nominated this time around?Its none other than Shannon Nelson of the "A Girl's Gotta Spa" beauty blog!!! Congrats Shannon! Shannon tipped us off over on our Facebook Group Page (which by the way, you should join if you haven't already).
If you haven't checked out the "A Girl's Gotta Spa" beauty blog, here's the 411. Its a beauty blog from Shannon Nelson-a mom, skin care professional and pro in the social media industry. She covers everything from hair products to spa treatments. You can also read more about Shannon and her blog from vising the "About Page" on her blog.
Right now she only has 3 votes :-(
Get over there and vote for her right now so she can win this award!
The URL to vote is: http://blog-awards.parents.com/blog-awards/mom_blogs/1146-a-girl-s-gotta-spa
Voting ends on 10/15/11 and the winners are announced thereafter.
~M
Worthy of a second mention
A few weeks ago we featured "Our10.org" which was a portal for flood victims and volunteers/those with donations to connect. Our10.org was founded on September 16, 2011. The focus seems to be in the Wyoming County area, but anyone can sign up and post a listing. You can read our post about it here.
There is a similar website for Luzerne County/The Wyoming Valley out there (although not limited to those areas) for flood victims/volunteers. It is called NEPA Connect.
http://www.nepaconnect.com
From the Connect Flood Needs Page:
~M
There is a similar website for Luzerne County/The Wyoming Valley out there (although not limited to those areas) for flood victims/volunteers. It is called NEPA Connect.
http://www.nepaconnect.com
From the Connect Flood Needs Page:
At NEPA Connect we want to do what we can to help people affected by the recent historic flooding in Northeastern Pennsylvania get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
Use this free tool to find or donate items for home or business. We can work as a community to put affected homes, small businesses, and most importantly lives back on track.
[...]
-The NEPA Connect Team
I have had great success with posting some baby furniture and getting the items into the right hands of someone in need. You can read more about the experience on my blog here.
~M
Friday, September 30, 2011
Happy in NEPA
Happy in NEPA - http://happyinnepa.typepad.com - is the TypePad blog of Dr. Patricia Fox who lives and works in Northeastern PA. She is one of the blogs I found on my most recent Twitter blog fishing expedition. You can follow her on Twitter @DrPFox
More from the About Page:
I am a psychology professional living and working in northeast PA (NEPA). I am abundantly curious about what makes people happy. Dr. Ed Diener pioneered the modern study of happiness, scientifically known as "subjective well-being." I became interested in the study of well-being while a graduate student in the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program at Marywood University in Scranton, PA.
Some happiness is just what the doctor ordered after all of the tragic recent weather events that occurred in NEPA. I urge you to check out the blog, a little happiness never hurt anyone.
~M
More from the About Page:
I am a psychology professional living and working in northeast PA (NEPA). I am abundantly curious about what makes people happy. Dr. Ed Diener pioneered the modern study of happiness, scientifically known as "subjective well-being." I became interested in the study of well-being while a graduate student in the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program at Marywood University in Scranton, PA.
As an educator, writer, and researcher, I explore the factors that influence happiness including income, personality, relationships, health, environment, geography, and public policy. As a trained clinical psychologist, I am curious about how individuals cultivate happiness. I am especially interested in the happiness of people living in northeast PA (NEPA).
Pennsylvania is experiencing an historical change related to its mineral wealth. In 2003, the first natural gas well in the Marcellus Shale was drilled in southwestern PA. Speculators began to secure gas drilling leases in late 2006. Natural gas drilling quickly came to northeast PA in 2007. In 2010, Pennsylvania was reported to have 57,469 natural gas wells, the second highest in the U.S. The citizens of PA continue to be divided about the potential economic benefits and the environmental risks of natural gas drilling in the state.
I blog about the scientific research on happiness and well-being. I also explore the events unique to northeast PA influencing happiness. Finally, I seek out those people living and working in NEPA who have discovered what makes them happy.
Some happiness is just what the doctor ordered after all of the tragic recent weather events that occurred in NEPA. I urge you to check out the blog, a little happiness never hurt anyone.
~M
Endless Simmer
The Endless Simmer blog is essentially a "foodie" blog. There are several individual contributors to this culinary blog...similar to NEPA Blogs setup, except they are from all over the country. The connection to "NEPA" is that one of the contributors is a NEPA Native. Blogger Clayton Jacobs (@bellyrulesmind on Twitter) is of local swagger, from the About Page:
More about the blog:
There's also a blogger listed as attending college in Central Pennsylvania....Madeline Shores. Here's her bio from the About Page:
"Neither a writer nor a chef by profession, Clay Jacobs (Borracho) joins the ES team with passion and desire to explore new culinary experiences and basic grammar skills. Borracho is as likely to rave about Michelin 3-star cuisine as the pizza place down the street. When he cooks, the focus is on local product, bold flavors and comfort food, but his posts mix in discussions of technique, sports, pop culture and a dash of the inane. His Gridiron Grub series offers amped-up takes on typical football and tailgating foods to enjoy when watching the game, even if you are a Dallas Cowboys fan."
"After living off cafeteria food, the strange products of her tiny kitchen, and Central Pennsylvania’s finest offerings while attending college, Madeline Shores (ML) hwas forced to enter the real world in 2009 to begin her fast and sexy life representing the future of America. With only the stamp of a snotty private school and a completely unmarketable degree, ML has returned to Philly to live off cheap beer and whatever food she can afford (see: gourmet instant ramen). In her free time, she can be seen traveling and acting as the mealtime paparazzi while spending time with friends, some of whom have dubbed her “the anytime eater.”
On Twitter: @MadelineSho
More about the blog:
We created Endless Simmer to satisfy our insatiable desire to think about food constantly. We’re basically somewhere between regular consumers of food pop culture and total snobs. We can just as easily enjoy offal or destroy a Dunkin Donuts (fake) egg and cheese croissant. We love to experiment in the kitchen, but we do frown on cheating. There’s nothing we love more than a good food pun.
Turn to Endless Simmer for all your food needs. We will share our cooking stories, favorite shows, restaurant reviews, travel tales and any other things we can think of that incorporate eating in any way.
Clearly, we just can’t keep our mouths shut.
--
For our sake, we hope that they don't, because we were drooling over several of the posts. However, the "Top 10 Things I Ate In College That I'll Never Eat Again" post was pretty damn hilarious. I am guilty of so many of those food crimes! However, I'm kind of shocked that ramen noodles were absent from the list. Maybe some of the authors are guilty of still eating them (as I am on occasion)....speaking of which. TIME FOR DINNER.
~M
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
PostSecret
Let me preface this post by saying, the blog that I'm about to share with you is not a NEPA Blog, but the most recent post there ties in with NEPA as you'll see below....
What is PostSecret?
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. New "secrets" are posted every Sunday early in the morning. If you are so inclined, you can submit a new secret via the following snail mail address: 13345 Copper Ridge Rd Germantown, Maryland 20874. You can visit the blog going to http://www.postsecret.com.
Personally, I've been following this blog since approximately 2005. The online community has grown tremendously and Frank Warren has published 4 books with people's secrets. He is an advocate for suicide prevention and has teamed up with 1-800-Suicide to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
The secrets every week are a mashup of all different topics. Some controversial in nature, some comical, others about love. You never know what you are going to get (much like the swath of blogs we feature here). Sometimes there is a theme to the postcards secrets selected that week. For example, On Sunday, 9/11/11, most of the secrets carried a somber theme in remembrance of that tragic day 10 years ago. The secrets that were posted last Sunday (9/25/11) included the below post card.
DISCLAIMER: I hope that showing this does not offend anyone as that is not my intention (especially those of you who have lost loved ones in 9/11). You simply cannot compare one tragic event with another. Suffering, no matter the circumstances, is not a contest to be won. I just wanted to bring attention to the fact that NEPA was represented on the PostSecret Blog this week.
-----Email-----
My family lost 3 homes in this month's flood in Pennsylvania. I feel guilty for thinking that you can't bring the 9/11 victims back, but you can help the ones suffering right now from the flooding in Pennsylvania.
If I may say so myself, we need all of the help we can get right now. While the major river flooding is over, there is much clean-up to be done from that...as well as the renewed threat of flash flooding with the heavy rains this week. I also want to reiterate that we have a Blog Post dedicated to Giving/Receiving help for flood victims and potential volunteer opportunities. CLICK HERE to view the most recent information. I try to update the list as soon as I get new information. If you have any tips on where new donation drives are being held or know of somewhere that needs volunteers that we do not have on the list....please email nepablogs@gmail.com with the info, and we will update accordingly.
Stay safe AND DRY out there NEPA!
~M
What is PostSecret?
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. New "secrets" are posted every Sunday early in the morning. If you are so inclined, you can submit a new secret via the following snail mail address: 13345 Copper Ridge Rd Germantown, Maryland 20874. You can visit the blog going to http://www.postsecret.com.
Personally, I've been following this blog since approximately 2005. The online community has grown tremendously and Frank Warren has published 4 books with people's secrets. He is an advocate for suicide prevention and has teamed up with 1-800-Suicide to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
The secrets every week are a mashup of all different topics. Some controversial in nature, some comical, others about love. You never know what you are going to get (much like the swath of blogs we feature here). Sometimes there is a theme to the postcards secrets selected that week. For example, On Sunday, 9/11/11, most of the secrets carried a somber theme in remembrance of that tragic day 10 years ago. The secrets that were posted last Sunday (9/25/11) included the below post card.
DISCLAIMER: I hope that showing this does not offend anyone as that is not my intention (especially those of you who have lost loved ones in 9/11). You simply cannot compare one tragic event with another. Suffering, no matter the circumstances, is not a contest to be won. I just wanted to bring attention to the fact that NEPA was represented on the PostSecret Blog this week.
-----Email-----
My family lost 3 homes in this month's flood in Pennsylvania. I feel guilty for thinking that you can't bring the 9/11 victims back, but you can help the ones suffering right now from the flooding in Pennsylvania.
If I may say so myself, we need all of the help we can get right now. While the major river flooding is over, there is much clean-up to be done from that...as well as the renewed threat of flash flooding with the heavy rains this week. I also want to reiterate that we have a Blog Post dedicated to Giving/Receiving help for flood victims and potential volunteer opportunities. CLICK HERE to view the most recent information. I try to update the list as soon as I get new information. If you have any tips on where new donation drives are being held or know of somewhere that needs volunteers that we do not have on the list....please email nepablogs@gmail.com with the info, and we will update accordingly.
Stay safe AND DRY out there NEPA!
~M
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
PA Live! Blog of the Week: Karla Porter
NEPA Blogs will be presenting a "Blog of the Week" on the WBRE's PA Live! every Tuesday. PA Live! airs weekday afternoons on WBRE from 4:00 to 5:00.
Watch this episode on the PA Live! site:
Our PA Live! Blog of the Week this week carries a name many in Northeastern Pennsylvania are familiar with: Karla Porter. Found at http://karlaporter.com/, Karla Porter's blog reflects her interests as a Human Resources professional, including Human Capital and New Media , and looks at topics like how to prepare an "elevator pitch," how individuals can use New Media to advertise their value to potential employers, and why poor customer service is bad business. From her "Who is She?" page:
I work with organizations that want to achieve employer of choice status, are interested in attracting candidates who develop into employee brand advocates that drive growth and continued success, embrace diversity, desire a culture of innovation and excellence, want to enrich the community and reward superior performance with celebrity.
As much as Karla Porter's blog is about human resource issues, it is also a prime example of a "Personal Branding Blog." A Personal Branding Blog is just what it sounds like: a blog that allows you to build your personal "brand". Personal Branding Blogs give bloggers some control over what information there is on the Internet connected to their names. The thought behind every post is "this is something I want people to read and associate with my name." Whether your goal is to land a specific job, to flesh out a résumé, or just to present a professional image of yourself, a Personal Branding Blog is something that can be of tremendous value to many people.
Here are some examples of blogs linked by NEPA Blogs that fall into the Personal Branding Blogs category, as well as some key posts that help to explain the concept :
Karla Porter
http://karlaporter.com/
See:
- What’s Personal Branding Got to Do with Job Search?
Cheri Sundra is the New Black (according to me, Cheri Sundra)
http://cherisundra.blogspot.com/
Mandy Boyle
http://mandyboyle.com/
(Described by Mandy as "a patchwork of posts surrounding marketing, social media, branding, and my own reflections.")
See:
- How I Build My Personal Brand
You can also find my own Personal Branding Blog here:
Harold F. Jenkins
http://haroldfjenkins.blogspot.com/
(A word of caution: Don't assume that every blog that has a name for a title is - or is intended to be - a Personal Branding Blog. There are many examples of "Life" blogs - the meandering personal online journals that probably represent blogging in its purest form - linked by NEPA Blogs that use the blogger's name as a title, but aren't being used for the purpose of building a personal brand. Sometimes a blog is just a blog! But we'll talk more about "Life" blogs in a future installment.)
Watch this episode on the PA Live! site:
| http://pahomepage.com/palive-details/?nxd_id=202306 |
Our PA Live! Blog of the Week this week carries a name many in Northeastern Pennsylvania are familiar with: Karla Porter. Found at http://karlaporter.com/, Karla Porter's blog reflects her interests as a Human Resources professional, including Human Capital and New Media , and looks at topics like how to prepare an "elevator pitch," how individuals can use New Media to advertise their value to potential employers, and why poor customer service is bad business. From her "Who is She?" page:
I work with organizations that want to achieve employer of choice status, are interested in attracting candidates who develop into employee brand advocates that drive growth and continued success, embrace diversity, desire a culture of innovation and excellence, want to enrich the community and reward superior performance with celebrity.
As much as Karla Porter's blog is about human resource issues, it is also a prime example of a "Personal Branding Blog." A Personal Branding Blog is just what it sounds like: a blog that allows you to build your personal "brand". Personal Branding Blogs give bloggers some control over what information there is on the Internet connected to their names. The thought behind every post is "this is something I want people to read and associate with my name." Whether your goal is to land a specific job, to flesh out a résumé, or just to present a professional image of yourself, a Personal Branding Blog is something that can be of tremendous value to many people.
Here are some examples of blogs linked by NEPA Blogs that fall into the Personal Branding Blogs category, as well as some key posts that help to explain the concept :
Karla Porter
http://karlaporter.com/
See:
- What’s Personal Branding Got to Do with Job Search?
Cheri Sundra is the New Black (according to me, Cheri Sundra)
http://cherisundra.blogspot.com/
See:
Mandy Boyle
http://mandyboyle.com/
(Described by Mandy as "a patchwork of posts surrounding marketing, social media, branding, and my own reflections.")
See:
- How I Build My Personal Brand
You can also find my own Personal Branding Blog here:
Harold F. Jenkins
http://haroldfjenkins.blogspot.com/
(A word of caution: Don't assume that every blog that has a name for a title is - or is intended to be - a Personal Branding Blog. There are many examples of "Life" blogs - the meandering personal online journals that probably represent blogging in its purest form - linked by NEPA Blogs that use the blogger's name as a title, but aren't being used for the purpose of building a personal brand. Sometimes a blog is just a blog! But we'll talk more about "Life" blogs in a future installment.)
Blogs to Beat Cancer
In my last blog about the "Nothington Post" we received the below comment:
As promised, I will be adding the Lisa Payne Ovarian Cancer Fund blog to our side bar, and hope that you will consider attending the event if you are in the neighborhood in November when the event will be occurring. Additionally, I will add PoconoPhotoShoot.com underneath the NEPA Companies & Organizations section of the blog roll.
Keep those submissions a-comin'. Send us yours via nepablogs@gmail.com.
I was able to catch you guys on TV with George Roberts Computer Wise Show talking about Blogging and I picked up a few good tips! Thanks for the inspiration.
I'm helping a very dear friend who has suffered over five operations and is battling Ovarian Cancer. With the help of a few of her co-workers and the Boy Scouts Troop #80 we have put together a Fund Raising Benefit & Tricky Tray for Lisa Payne at the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire House off Rt.715 in Reeders, Pa. November 5th 2011 1:00pm to 5:30pm if anyone out there would care to attend. Everyone is invited and please bring a friend!
We’ve been working hard to raise-up some really great items to give away at this Fund Raising Benefit & Tricky Tray like a pair of Giant VS Eagles tickets, tons of gift cards from local business owners, dinner for two, gift baskets, DJ Chris Fox and a whole lot more!
If anyone reading this is in the position to donate monetarily please visit Lisa Payne’s Blog at;
http://lpovariancancerfund.blogspot.com/ because is she is certainly a one of a kind and I feel blessed to have her as a friend. Everyone that knows her in fact knows that this is a very special person and there just doesn’t seem to be enough like her in the world.
Other Contacts are Lori Dewitt 570-629-7818
and Kim Lollis 570-236-3115.
God bless you for your help!
Gary Keesler
PoconoPhotoShoot.com
As promised, I will be adding the Lisa Payne Ovarian Cancer Fund blog to our side bar, and hope that you will consider attending the event if you are in the neighborhood in November when the event will be occurring. Additionally, I will add PoconoPhotoShoot.com underneath the NEPA Companies & Organizations section of the blog roll.
Keep those submissions a-comin'. Send us yours via nepablogs@gmail.com.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Nothington Post
Yesterday we received another mailbag submission from someone called "Scare Jacket". The only text in the email was the URL (that is to say, the Uniform Resource Locator).
Nothington Post
http://nothingtonpost.blogspot.com
From the about section:
An interesting fact about the blog, is that it is written under total anonymity. I do not know the author, or am able to find any specific details as to who he/she might be. They are definitely someone who resides in Northeast PA.
There is also a sister site linked from the blog roll on Nothington Post which is authored by the same anonymous person:
The Obscure Lure
http://obscurelure.blogspot.com
"Odd News, Out of the Box thought, Off-beat Commentary"
I'm going to add both of these links to the blog roll here at NEPA Blogs. I think the political crowd of bloggers will appreciate these two new blogs. Don't forget, if you have a blog that you would like us to feature, send an email to nepablogs@gmail.com.
Happy Sunday!
~M
Nothington Post
http://nothingtonpost.blogspot.com
From the about section:
A blog dedicated to local, state, and national news, based in Luzerne County, PA, with an emphasis on politics as seen through a conservative lens.
To give us news tips or letters to the editor please email:
NuPoBlog@yahoo.com
We check the blog email at least once a week, so be patient.
An interesting fact about the blog, is that it is written under total anonymity. I do not know the author, or am able to find any specific details as to who he/she might be. They are definitely someone who resides in Northeast PA.
There is also a sister site linked from the blog roll on Nothington Post which is authored by the same anonymous person:
The Obscure Lure
http://obscurelure.blogspot.com
"Odd News, Out of the Box thought, Off-beat Commentary"
I'm going to add both of these links to the blog roll here at NEPA Blogs. I think the political crowd of bloggers will appreciate these two new blogs. Don't forget, if you have a blog that you would like us to feature, send an email to nepablogs@gmail.com.
Happy Sunday!
~M
Saturday, September 24, 2011
A dog blog
Yesterday, while were all enjoying libations and interesting conversation at Blog Fest, we received the following email from Ada Mae Compton:
~M
Hi,I must say, I was intrigued how a dog blog and the shale gas development could go hand in hand, so I visited the link as soon as the email came into the inbox. The story line is profound. I don't think I could sum it up any better than the introduction right on the main page:
This is my dog blog, out of Tioga County. Mostly, it is a first-hand account of unconventional shale gas development's impact on our family.
http://adamaecompton.wordpress.com
Thanks,
Ada!
I am so glad that "Ada" contacted us about linking to her blog. We are very thankful that she found a new, more responsible and loving owner. We will continue to follow her adventures, by adding her to our blog roll. We invite you to do the same.Ada the Dog
- Just a 3-legged dog living thu an unnatural disaster
Thanks for visiting! The most recent blog posts are in the right-hand column!
I’m a three-legged dog named Ada who’s living the country life here in northcentral PA. My name is short for Americans with Disabilities Act. I was adopted from the vet’s office after I was abandoned by some guy who works in the natural gas industry. So the story goes: I was brought to PA from TX and left here when he went back to TX. After I became a stray and was hit in the road, someone dropped me off at the vet.
The vet saved me by amputating one of my front legs. A month later, I was adopted by my new master and he gave me my name. He lets me blog, but moans about using too much bandwidth, whatever that is.
This is the blog of my life and the ongoings here in the country… specifically, the part about how operations at the Marcellus Shale wellpad next to my kennel’s property (literally) has affected my favorite places to play– in the field, in the pond, in the water from the garden hose.
So far, my master can light the tap water on fire and his pond’s ecosystem is crashing (e.g., the salamanders have died off). Pre-drill analytics show that I used to drink pristine water… now, my master fills my water bowl from one of those 5-gallon blue water jugs. The scariest part is that the gas wells next door haven’t even been fracked yet. All this drama and trauma is from the drilling process and/or the perforation process (which happens right before fracking). Isotopic analyses prove the thermogenic methane migration comes from the gas wells next door.
I’m guessing you’ve never met a dog with an education in organic chemistry, philosophy, or assessment, and I hope we can be friends!
Read answers to FAQs about me in my first post by clicking here! Also, at the right-hand side of each page, you’ll see links to some of my other posts in the archive. See ya round the blogosphere, friends!
~M
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Yuengling Brewery Blog
5 Signs you may be from NEPA:
#5 - You use heyna at the end of every other sentence.
#4 - You've gone around trick or treating to bars when you were younger.
#3 - You can actually pronounce Knoebels the correct way (Hint - Ka-Nobles).
#2 - You've done the dollar dance at a wedding.
#1 - Your food pyramid consists of: Middleswarth, Tastykake, Turkey Hill and Yuengling.
HEY...*cue segue*...Speaking of Yuengling...Did you know that they have a blog?
http://yuenglingbrewery.blogspot.com
The Official Yuengling Brewery Blog covers all of the events and happenings at America's Oldest Brewery. If you didn't know much about the Yuengling company or the beer they produce, this blog seems to be a great resource.
From the side bar:
Give the blog a visit and have a cold one on us!
~M
#5 - You use heyna at the end of every other sentence.
#4 - You've gone around trick or treating to bars when you were younger.
#3 - You can actually pronounce Knoebels the correct way (Hint - Ka-Nobles).
#2 - You've done the dollar dance at a wedding.
#1 - Your food pyramid consists of: Middleswarth, Tastykake, Turkey Hill and Yuengling.
HEY...*cue segue*...Speaking of Yuengling...Did you know that they have a blog?
http://yuenglingbrewery.blogspot.com
The Official Yuengling Brewery Blog covers all of the events and happenings at America's Oldest Brewery. If you didn't know much about the Yuengling company or the beer they produce, this blog seems to be a great resource.
From the side bar:
Yuengling Brewery
Located in Pottsville, PA, United States
Welcome to the official Yuengling Brewery blog. Yuengling is America’s Oldest Brewery. Located in Pottsville, PA since 1829, we have grown to become one of the largest domestic brewers, still family-owned and operated today. The brewery is currently under 5th generation ownership of Dick Yuengling, Jr. and produces seven beer brands including Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Black & Tan, Dark Brewed Porter, Lord Chesterfield Ale, Premium and Light. Our products are distributed in 13 states up and down the East Coast. For more information, please visit our website at www.yuengling.com.
Give the blog a visit and have a cold one on us!
~M
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
PA Live! follow-up
Yesterday was the second Tuesday for PA Live!, and the second installment of the NEPA Blogs "Blog of the Week!" And in a bit of self-referential linking, the Blog of the Week was...NEPA Blogs! (Video should be available here, though I'm having some playback issues. Oh, geez, I really did go overtime there! The clip runs 2:55 - we were scheduled for 90 seconds!)
Once again I got to meet a lot of great people on the set. First up was Gabriella Conover, a Junior at Meyers High School in Wilkes-Barre who is working on a Senior project called A Project of Hope, a breast cancer awareness project. From the event's Facebook page:
Also on the set were representatives from the Bayada Nurses, who specialize in providing home health care. I met Community Liason Mile Sokoloski and Division Director Garri Vickers, RN, MSN, CRNP. I don't see their segment online yet, but I'm sure it's coming!
Of course, no episode of PA Live! would be complete without something delicious being made on the set! On Tuesday's episode this was Pork Tenderloin Neptune, prepared by Chef John J. Hudak, Jr. of Vanderlyn's, located at 239 Schuyler Avenue in Kingston. It was made with the biggest shrimp I have ever seen, something like four ounces apiece! They simply had to be seen to be believed! I mean, look at them!
I believe Chef Hudak said these are called "#8"s - meaning eight or fewer to the pound. I later heard that these bad boys are actually four ounces apiece! That's some substantial shrimp!
So, what will next week's Blog of the Week be? That's a good question! I'd better get started on that...
Once again I got to meet a lot of great people on the set. First up was Gabriella Conover, a Junior at Meyers High School in Wilkes-Barre who is working on a Senior project called A Project of Hope, a breast cancer awareness project. From the event's Facebook page:
This is Gabriella Conover's Senior project. This will be a breast cancer benefit dinner with a tee shirt sale and a Chinese auction. All proceeds are being donated to Candy's Place in Forty-Fort. I have been working very hard all threw out the year to plan this. Each dinner will cost $7.00 and tee shirts will be $10.00. You must pay in advance to lock in your spot. Dinners will be limited and will be eat in or take out. We are also currently accepting donations for the Chinese auction. If you are interested please contact Jacqueline Askew for further information.My total goal for this project will be $3,500. R.S.V.P September 28th. If you have any questions please feel free to send me a message and i will give you a number to call about further details.The dinner is October 12, 5:00 - 7:00 at the Wilkes-Barre Area Voc-Tech school at 350 Jumper Road in Wilkes-Barre. The menu is Chicken Scampi, Mashed Potatoes, Carmelized Carrots, and Chocolate-Covered Pretzels - all fresh-made by students of the culinary arts classes, all for $7.00, eat in or take out. PLEASE CALL 570-991-8780 AND MAKE RESERVATIONS BY SEPTEMBER 28. Gabriella'a project benefits Candy's Place, which lists the event on their events page. You can see Gabriella's whole interview here.
Also on the set were representatives from the Bayada Nurses, who specialize in providing home health care. I met Community Liason Mile Sokoloski and Division Director Garri Vickers, RN, MSN, CRNP. I don't see their segment online yet, but I'm sure it's coming!
Of course, no episode of PA Live! would be complete without something delicious being made on the set! On Tuesday's episode this was Pork Tenderloin Neptune, prepared by Chef John J. Hudak, Jr. of Vanderlyn's, located at 239 Schuyler Avenue in Kingston. It was made with the biggest shrimp I have ever seen, something like four ounces apiece! They simply had to be seen to be believed! I mean, look at them!
I believe Chef Hudak said these are called "#8"s - meaning eight or fewer to the pound. I later heard that these bad boys are actually four ounces apiece! That's some substantial shrimp!
So, what will next week's Blog of the Week be? That's a good question! I'd better get started on that...
Tumblr Trio
Psssst! NEPA. I have a secret for you.
I have a Twitter addiction. I am the soul figurehead that manages the @nepablogs Twitter account. I scour it at least once a week to see if there are any new bloggers that have decided to give us a follow. Today, I'll be sharing with you the three Tumblr blogs that I came across most recently. Fear not! I still have an extensive queue of Twitter bloggers to add to our blog roll, but I'm trying to break it down into more manageable doses. I think these few Tumblr blogs may snap you out of your mid-week blues......or something like that.
First up...A Tumblr Sports blogger who loves Hockey!
"Lets Go Pens 1105"
http://letsgopens1105.tumblr.com
Hey! My name is Danielle! Just in case you couldn't tell by the title I'm a HUGE hockey fan! My favorite teams are the Penguins, Hurricanes, and Blackhawks. I don't mind any of the other team except the Capitals, Islanders, and of course the Flyers. Favorite players are all the Staals (including Jared!), Jonathan Toews, Jeff Skinner, Deryk Engelland, and Max Talbot!
Next...Christian Kemmerer with a Political Themed Blog.
"No Tea 4 Me"
http://notea4me.tumblr.com
On Twitter: @christiank22
Replacing right-wing extremism with potent home-brewed posts...
Lastly, the spirital blog of Mathew John Kester. He just started up his Tumblr blog today, so there are only 2 posts currently.
"A Wretch Like Mathew"
http://awretchlikemathew.tumblr.com
On Twitter: @awretchlikemat
I am Mathew. I live in the mountains of N.E. Pennsylvania with my wife Kelly, my daughter Zuzu and my son Max. (COMPLETE BIO COMING SOON!)
One of the things we like to drive home about NEPA Blogs, is that there's literally a blog for any and every topic imaginable. As you can see by the wide variety of Tumblr blogs in this post, we certainly a vast variety of local bloggers that have something to interest everyone. Keep those blog submissions a-comin'.
Now about those midweek blues....just think, we are in the downward curve heading towards Friday. Feel better now?
~M
I have a Twitter addiction. I am the soul figurehead that manages the @nepablogs Twitter account. I scour it at least once a week to see if there are any new bloggers that have decided to give us a follow. Today, I'll be sharing with you the three Tumblr blogs that I came across most recently. Fear not! I still have an extensive queue of Twitter bloggers to add to our blog roll, but I'm trying to break it down into more manageable doses. I think these few Tumblr blogs may snap you out of your mid-week blues......or something like that.
First up...A Tumblr Sports blogger who loves Hockey!
"Lets Go Pens 1105"
http://letsgopens1105.tumblr.com
Hey! My name is Danielle! Just in case you couldn't tell by the title I'm a HUGE hockey fan! My favorite teams are the Penguins, Hurricanes, and Blackhawks. I don't mind any of the other team except the Capitals, Islanders, and of course the Flyers. Favorite players are all the Staals (including Jared!), Jonathan Toews, Jeff Skinner, Deryk Engelland, and Max Talbot!
Next...Christian Kemmerer with a Political Themed Blog.
"No Tea 4 Me"
http://notea4me.tumblr.com
On Twitter: @christiank22
Replacing right-wing extremism with potent home-brewed posts...
Lastly, the spirital blog of Mathew John Kester. He just started up his Tumblr blog today, so there are only 2 posts currently.
"A Wretch Like Mathew"
http://awretchlikemathew.tumblr.com
On Twitter: @awretchlikemat
I am Mathew. I live in the mountains of N.E. Pennsylvania with my wife Kelly, my daughter Zuzu and my son Max. (COMPLETE BIO COMING SOON!)
One of the things we like to drive home about NEPA Blogs, is that there's literally a blog for any and every topic imaginable. As you can see by the wide variety of Tumblr blogs in this post, we certainly a vast variety of local bloggers that have something to interest everyone. Keep those blog submissions a-comin'.
Now about those midweek blues....just think, we are in the downward curve heading towards Friday. Feel better now?
~M
Cultured Carbon County
Success! When I decided to start drumming up press for NEPA Blogs, I did it with one idea in mind. That is, to increase traffic to our blog and find more bloggers from Northeastern PA. It is starting to finally pay off as we are noticing our traffic increasing dramatically. Harold has mentioned it in his most recent post on his career search blog here.
Today we received our first mailbag submission from someone who learned about us through watching Computer Wise on Blue Ridge Channel 13. I hope that we keep up the momentum with attracting new bloggers to our site. And hey, maybe even inspire folks to start a blog who were on the fence about it.
Anyway, without further ado...I present to you a submission from Ron Rabenold from Lehighton, PA:
Ron, that's all you have to do...just send us your link and we will feature your blog!
Here's a bit of information about this blog taken from the quote at the top of Cultured Carbon County blog...
A cursory crash course on Carbon County, Pennsylvania and other stuff I like...namely, a poem or a good story. Be sure to browse the more than 90 posts in my archives or do a key word search in the search box above left. The 100th Post!
I will be adding Ron's blog to the sidebar. As always, if you have a blog you would like featured here, please shout at us at nepablogs@gmail.com.
~M
Today we received our first mailbag submission from someone who learned about us through watching Computer Wise on Blue Ridge Channel 13. I hope that we keep up the momentum with attracting new bloggers to our site. And hey, maybe even inspire folks to start a blog who were on the fence about it.
Anyway, without further ado...I present to you a submission from Ron Rabenold from Lehighton, PA:
Just saw you guys on TV-13...neat!...thanks for all your work...Here is my blog...Let me know what else you'd like me to do; not sure how you would like me to link mine to yours...Thanks...ron Rabnenold
Here's a bit of information about this blog taken from the quote at the top of Cultured Carbon County blog...
A cursory crash course on Carbon County, Pennsylvania and other stuff I like...namely, a poem or a good story. Be sure to browse the more than 90 posts in my archives or do a key word search in the search box above left. The 100th Post!
I will be adding Ron's blog to the sidebar. As always, if you have a blog you would like featured here, please shout at us at nepablogs@gmail.com.
~M
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