Mad Macedonian

A Humble Hello to Instapundit Readers

I am in awe, and not a bit overwhelmed, by what happened here yesterday in response to a post on Instapundit that mentioned a post by me.

4,585 PAGE LOADS

4,378 FIRST TIME VISITORS

Like the only other link I've had from Mr. Reynolds (Generating a very small reader response compared to this one.), to a post on my BikeBlog, in 2005, this one came about because I read a story, not at his place, but elsewhere, and thought he might find something I wrote of interest to his readers.

I then went about my day...

Leaving my Co-Blogger, Nikita, to deal with the consequences of my action (In addition to blogging rights, he is the Official Bouncer, in the Comments, so can approve, or not, in my absence.) ;-D

Over the years I've written to many Bloggers, newspaper columnists, writers, activists, and politicians, and take a simple pleasure from knowing they may have at least read what I have written.

The few times I've been rewarded with links, or e-mail correspondences (Mostly related to work on The Cycling Dude)and the one time I was profiled in a local newspaper, have given me a sense of accomplishment, and a small feeling of belonging to a Big "Pajama Pundit" Fraternity.

I wish to welcome the readers of the premiere Blog on the Internet, Instapundit to Musings of a Mad Macedonian, and the fun, interesting, informative, and educational place that I strive to make it (With the very capable assistance, of my co-blogger, Nikita, my 10 year old cat.).

The honor Glenn Reynolds does me by this inclusion on his blog is just as humbling now as it was nearly 3 years ago.

It is an honor I do not take lightly.

To all you welcome new visitors:

I am just an ordinary blogger.

If you are expecting to find a blog full of posts about the election, the war, terrorism, immigration, politics, and the like, then you will be disappointed.

I did a blog full of that for 5 years before deciding that wasn't what I truly wanted to blog about 7 days a week, all year long.

Others do it better, and reach those who need reaching. ;-D

I am just doing my best to entertain, educate, and inform myself, and my readers, about life in the OC, and SoCal, about Poetry and Writing, Books, Movies, Classic TV, Cats, Genealogy, Hiking, and a few other things as listed in my Categories, and sidebars, and the resources available online related to these subjects.

I hope that people continue to find my efforts worthy, and useful.

Each persons experience of what happened yesterday, traffic-wise, is unique to their Blog, the subjects they write about, and the interest level of the readers of Instapundit in the story that he linked to.

By any measure the results of the attention, from an Instalanche, are a positive for the recipient, but it is entirely up to the recipient to take stock of his, or her, Moment in the Crosshairs of the Blogosphere, and make the most of it as a new day dawns.

An Instalanche has the potential to propel your Blog into sudden MUST-READ territory, or somewhere just below that, and everyone wants to have you in their Blogroll, but for most the simple truth is that, after a few days, most of the Blogosphere moves on.

Count Musings of a Mad Macedonian in that last category (I get over 100 hits a days periodically, and hope to see that grow).

The question then becomes what do you do for an encore?

You are probably wondering what this place is all about, and whether there is anything you can get from it that would be of interest, and of use, so let me introduce the place, now 7 months old.

To understand our purpose, and what we have to offer means exploring our archives, and our collection of links, but first I'd like to suggest you read these:

The Coming of The Mad Macedonian: A 3 Part Story.

How I Started Thinking About PLACE and Why I Write About It.

How I Became the Family Genealogist

Mad Macedonian: Culture Critic

INTROS TO ONGOING SERIES:

Prompting Yourself to Write: An Introduction

Seeing and Hearing The People Around Me

Odd Thoughts That Wander Through My Brain While Taking a Shower

Meet Nikita (After a month off he resumes blogging later this week!):

A Hearty Meow, Dear Reader!

Happy Halloween! A Cat Reveals a Secret

If, after all that, you decide to explore our archives (NIKITA'S PLACE is the "Blog within the Blog" for Nikita and his writing, and lots of pictures, too!), today, or in the future as a regular visitor, then we welcome you aboard.

If not, then we sincerely thank you for being curious enough to give us a look, and hope you will spread the word, to anyone you think might be interested, about this site.

We also encourage comments to our posts, so don't be shy! ;-D

Part of being a blogger is engaging in the ongoing dialog that is a part of all of the varied communities that make up the different precincts of the Blogosphere. ;-D

Food: It's the F-Word the Whole World Gets Most Worked Up About

From vending machines to fast food joints, from the fields to Farmer's Markets, from supermarket shelves to the Breakfast and Dinner Table everyone has the F-word on their lips:

Scene:  A Kitchen in a typical middle-class American home.  The table is occupied by a man, a woman, a baby, and a male and female teen.  Looking in the windows, from outside, are various figures representing farmers, retailers, environmental/animal activists, media and politicians, including Presidential Candidates, and scientists who want to investigate and modify every living thing. Whenever the word "Food" is repeated, these observers begin singing and/or chanting.

Man:	Will you say grace, dear.
Wife:	Good bread, good meat, Dear Lord please bless what we are about to eat.
Man:	Amen!
Teens:	Amen!
Man:	Well, what've you got?
Wife:	Well, there's eggs and bacon; sausage and hash browns; peanut butter and jam;  Bread, oatmeal, coffee, orange juice, milk, and spam. Take your pick, its all good food.
Observers:	Food food food food...
Wife:	...Food that is tasty, nourishing...
Observers:	Food! Lovely food! Lovely food!
Wife:	...it cost me more than last month when I went shopping, even using coupons!
Teen Son:	Can I have $10 to go to Burger King? I don't feel like eating this food.
Man:	Well, there's healthy food, then there's fast food, and we have this food, so eat your food.
Teen Daughter:	I don't want ANY of this food!
Teen Son:	Why can't we have Burger King food?
Wife:	THAT'S food that's got too many calories!
Man:	Our food hasn't got as much calories in it as fast food, right?
Observers:	Food food food food... (Crescendo through next few lines...)
Wife:	Could you pass me the margarine and bread?
Teens:	Urgghh!
Wife:	What do you mean 'Urgghh'? It's good food!
Observers:	Lovely food! Wonderful food!
Family:	Shut up!
Presidential Candidates:	Lovely food! Wonderful food!
Wife:	Shut up! (Candidates stop) Damn retailers, health nuts, scientists, and politicians! You can't have food of any type without someone trying to scare you about the food.
Teens:	We don't want this food!
Man:	Sshh, kids, don't cause a fuss. I'll have more of this food. I love it. We're having this food EVERY morning!
Observers:	Food food food food. Lovely food! Wonderful food!
Wife:	Shut up!! Look the baby has nodded off.
Man:	Well, wake him up, and give him HIS food!
Wife:	(Awakening the baby, and cooing in a loving voice) Here, little one, here's your food food food food food food... (The baby giggles as the teens try to leave the table, but it is too late as the observers enter the kitchen, blocking the door)
Observers:	Food food food food. Lovely food! Wonderful food! Food fo-o-o-o-o-d food fo-o-o-o-o-d food. Lovely food! Lovely food! Lovely food! Lovely food! Lovely food! Food food food food!

How I Became the Family Genealogist

When your Mother told you to always "Eat yer Veggies!" I'll bet you never had a thought about the joy of digging around for roots, did you? ;-D

Over the years I've done a bit of research into my family history, and plan to share stories about that research, and future efforts.

My lineage, thru my Father, comes from a small town in the Republic of Macedonia, a former part of the nation of Yugoslavia, and a region heavily influenced by associations with Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire.

As complicated as that may sound it, so far, appears less confusing than my red-blooded American Roots. ;-D

The Lineage of my Mother goes thru Kentucky (Daugherty/Dougherty, Fraze/Frays, Tanner), and Indiana (Hesson, Wells), for sure, and possibly back to Pennsylvania (Wells) in the 1700's.

Or there could be a lineage back thru 700 years of British history (Skelton), including one dude who was briefly hitched to Ann Boleyn.

And therein lies the rub: One much married woman (Mary Hesson) has stalled my research at 1900 as I try to sort out the paternity of her only son, a Maternal Grandfather (William Wells or Skelton?).

I once wrote a little ditty that is not quite appropriate for this situation, but gives you a general idea of the fun one can have sorting out family history.

Hello, My name's McLemire
There's some confusion of which I tire
I'm your Uncle and your Cousin
And I've got offspring by the dozen
Genealogy

Oh, joy!

When I began my research, in the 1980's, it was done out of a great curiosity about the journey of my Father.

It was almost too late.

He was a mental patient, and died in 1988.

Although I had a few stories from him and my Mom, a few letters in his native language, and a ton of photos with unidentified (I can't read the language!) people in them going back to the 1950's, I was in the dark about so much.

Even a shortlived correspondence with a cousin didn't reveal much due to possible censorship by Yugoslav Authorities.

We did manage to get some documents out, in 1989, before the wars came to the country, and I was able to get the Immigration Files of my Father, but this just leads to more unanswered questions.

Contact with that branch has been sporadic, and confusing, ever since.

So I decided to focus on my American Roots.

Unknown to me that was started too late as well.

By the late 1980's only my Mother, and two Uncles, were left of the generations that were born between 1890 and 1940.

My Mom, Grandmother, Half-Aunt, and Uncles all told stories, but did I ever think to pay close attention, and record them in some fashion?

Nooooo...

Idiot! :-(

What finally struck my fancy, and got me started on the sporadic 21 year journey that has been my efforts at research, was the story of the mysterious death of my Maternal Grandfather, and the claim by my Mom that it was front page news in 1937 Owensboro, KY.

Like all children we think our parents, especially our Mothers, will live forever, and we will have all the time in the world to ask questions, record stories, and more.

Mom died suddenly in 1990.

My research took a back seat to my struggling life... until I went online in 1998.

In 2001 and 2002 I discovered using the internet for genealogy, and my research perked up again.

I have Family Tree Maker 2006 Collectors Edition, organized my photos by year, and decade, put my info into file folders, and solved an old family mystery, the details of which I will share in future posts.

I've got One Uncle who thinks my digging is just grand, and the one who didn't, for reasons mysterious died a year or so ago...

'll be catching readers up with  the state of my research, and exploring the websites in my blogroll as well so, if you have an interest in genealogy stop by from time to time and, even more importantly, check out those websites!

I've got more mysteries than I know what to do with, thanks to the help over the years of other researchers, and a place, this blog, to share my journey, and also encourage others to look within themselves, and their families, and find their own answers to "Where I'm From".

Continue on to How I Became the Family Genealogist 2.

When I began my research, in the 1980's, it was done out of a great curiosity about the journey of my Father.

It was almost too late.

He was a mental patient, and died in 1988.

Although I had a few stories from him and my Mom, a few letters in his native language, and a ton of photos with unidentified (I can't read the language!) people in them going back to the 1950's, I was in the dark about so much.

Even a shortlived correspondence with a cousin didn't reveal much due to possible censorship by Yugoslav Authorities.

We did manage to get some documents out, in 1989, before the wars came to the country, and I was able to get the Immigration Files of my Father, but this just leads to more unanswered questions.

Contact with that branch has been sporadic, and confusing, ever since.

So I decided to focus on my American Roots.

Unknown to me that was started too late as well.

By the late 1980's only my Mother, and two Uncles, were left of the generations that were born between 1890 and 1940.

My Mom, Grandmother, Half-Aunt, and Uncles all told stories, but did I ever think to pay close attention, and record them in some fashion?

Nooooo...

Idiot! :-(

What finally struck my fancy, and got me started on the sporadic 21 year journey that has been my efforts at research, was the story of the mysterious death of my Maternal Grandfather, and the claim by my Mom that it was front page news in 1937 Owensboro, KY.

Like all children we think our parents, especially our Mothers, will live forever, and we will have all the time in the world to ask questions, record stories, and more.

Mom died suddenly in 1990.

My research took a back seat to my struggling life... until I went online in 1998.

In 2001 and 2002 I discovered using the internet for genealogy, and my research perked up again.

I have Family Tree Maker 2006 Collectors Edition, organized my photos by year, and decade, put my info into file folders, and solved an old family mystery, the details of which I will share in future posts.

I've got One Uncle who thinks my digging is just grand, and the one who didn't, for reasons mysterious died a year or so ago...

'll be catching readers up with  the state of my research, and exploring the websites in my blogroll as well so, if you have an interest in genealogy stop by from time to time and, even more importantly, check out those websites!

I've got more mysteries than I know what to do with, thanks to the help over the years of other researchers, and a place, this blog, to share my journey, and also encourage others to look within themselves, and their families, and find their own answers to "Where I'm From".

Continue on to How I Became the Family Genealogist 2.

The Baby Book: A Tribute to My Mother

I think I miss my Mom the most at Xmas time:

I miss her in the kitchen, for days on end, fixing cookies, and the most amazing pies, and then a Xmas Dinner to die for. ;-D

In memory of my Mom, and missing Moms everywhere, I want to share my Moms notes on my 1st two Xmas's as she set them down in my STORY OF OUR BABY BOOK many years ago.

The ink is still bold, and her joy, and humor at her growing 1st little bundle is evident in every word...

ENJOY:

THE FIRST: Age 9 mo. had picture taken with Santa. Was quite fascinated with our tree. He got a little wagon, a little duckie, and a telephone.

THE 2ND: Age 21 months. He received a tricycle, a drum, and a dollie from mom and dad. A dollie , a car, and a trailerhouse from granmother. A red firetruck from little girl friend Carol Lee Bell. $2 from Aunt Pat and Uncle Harley. He had begged for a dollie for three months. On Xmas morning when he saw that doll he had eyes for nothing else! He tried to rearrange the tree of course!

Yup, you read right. I had me a girl friend. We sort of outgrew each other by the time we entered kindergarden, and the last I saw of her was in 4th grade. ;-D

Ain't had a girlfriend since.

I wonder what ever happened to her? ;-D

if you are into genealogy, and family history, and even if you are not, look thru old family photo albums, journals, letters, greeting cards, and more, and you will be quite surprised by what you discover. ;-D

I miss her in the kitchen, for days on end, fixing cookies, and the most amazing pies, and then a Xmas Dinner to die for. ;-D

In memory of my Mom, and missing Moms everywhere, I want to share my Moms notes on my 1st two Xmas's as she set them down in my STORY OF OUR BABY BOOK many years ago.

The ink is still bold, and her joy, and humor at her growing 1st little bundle is evident in every word...

ENJOY:

THE FIRST: Age 9 mo. had picture taken with Santa. Was quite fascinated with our tree. He got a little wagon, a little duckie, and a telephone.

THE 2ND: Age 21 months. He received a tricycle, a drum, and a dollie from mom and dad. A dollie , a car, and a trailerhouse from granmother. A red firetruck from little girl friend Carol Lee Bell. $2 from Aunt Pat and Uncle Harley. He had begged for a dollie for three months. On Xmas morning when he saw that doll he had eyes for nothing else! He tried to rearrange the tree of course!

Yup, you read right. I had me a girl friend. We sort of outgrew each other by the time we entered kindergarden, and the last I saw of her was in 4th grade. ;-D

Ain't had a girlfriend since.

I wonder what ever happened to her? ;-D

if you are into genealogy, and family history, and even if you are not, look thru old family photo albums, journals, letters, greeting cards, and more, and you will be quite surprised by what you discover. ;-D

The Immigrant: A Tribute to My Father

One of the things I want to write about on this site is my Genealogy, my Family History.

My Father's Macedonian story is a fascinating one, and one I know very little about other than that he came to America for a life of freedom.

Let me introduce you to my Father:

My Father fought Socialism and Communism,
And that's ok.
He sabotaged one of Tito's Railroads,
And lost an eye that day!

My Father wanted to be free,
So he could live his life his way.
He fibbed to Yugoslavia's backers,
And came to the USA!

My Father immediately got his Green Card,
So he could legally stay.
He believed in Democracy,
And earning an honest living all the live long day!

The big difference between my Father and those who are coming here, and living here, illegally, is just that:

They do not want to do the right thing and enter here legally, or come forward and get their citizenship or permission to live and work here legally.

I am The Mad Macedonian, a first generation American Citizen, and damn well very Fucking Proud of it!!

So sue me! I hear the ACLU's free at the moment. :-D

The big difference between my Father and those who are coming here, and living here, illegally, is just that:

They do not want to do the right thing and enter here legally, or come forward and get their citizenship or permission to live and work here legally.

I am The Mad Macedonian, a first generation American Citizen, and damn well very Fucking Proud of it!!

So sue me! I hear the ACLU's free at the moment. :-D

Speaking of the Dearly Departed...

A few of my ancestors have been known to pay visits to the living when they should be off presumably struming a harp somewhere.

My Mom swore that she saw a ghostly figure, at the foot of her bed, looking into the cradle where my newborn oldest sister was peacefully asleep in 1965.

Then there was 1972, the year my Paternal Granma died and decided it was the perfect time to immigrate to America.

There I was minding my own busines practicing my Violin in my bedroom one evening...

Mom was in the kitchen.

Dad, well Dad was ensconced in a Mental Hospital (A long story.)

There were three loud knocks at the front door.

Naturally I took advantage of the interruption to beat my mom to the door. Only there was no one there. We checked the yard, and the street, but both were empty.

Three days later it happened again. This time we walked up and down the street and knocked on neighbors doors to see if they saw anything unusual.

Nothing...

A week later we get a letter from Yugoslavia from my Grandfather, addressed to my Father.

Luckily Dad was well enough to read the letter so he translated the contents upon our next visit.

It was sad news. His Mother, whom he'd not seen, in person, since the mid- 1940's, had passed away.

He took it hard.

The odd part was revealed when we learned the dates of her death and burial.

Yes, you guessed it! She died the day of the first knocks, and was buried three days later on the day of the 2nd knocks. :-D

Then there's the story of a group of the family, sometime in the 40's, sitting together after someones funeral, when a flame appeared under their chairs.

The flame went from person to person before stopping under a chair. Turns out this person was the next to kick the bucket.

The person who told me that story is long dead and though I don't remember who the members of the group were, they too are all long gone.

Everyone doing genealogy and family history will know of, or discover, ghost stories such as these, some decades, or centuries old. ;-D

A few of my ancestors have been known to pay visits to the living when they should be off presumably struming a harp somewhere.

My Mom swore that she saw a ghostly figure, at the foot of her bed, looking into the cradle where my newborn oldest sister was peacefully asleep in 1965.

Then there was 1972, the year my Paternal Granma died and decided it was the perfect time to immigrate to America.

There I was minding my own busines practicing my Violin in my bedroom one evening...

Mom was in the kitchen.

Dad, well Dad was ensconced in a Mental Hospital (A long story.)

There were three loud knocks at the front door.

Naturally I took advantage of the interruption to beat my mom to the door. Only there was no one there. We checked the yard, and the street, but both were empty.

Three days later it happened again. This time we walked up and down the street and knocked on neighbors doors to see if they saw anything unusual.

Nothing...

A week later we get a letter from Yugoslavia from my Grandfather, addressed to my Father.

Luckily Dad was well enough to read the letter so he translated the contents upon our next visit.

It was sad news. His Mother, whom he'd not seen, in person, since the mid- 1940's, had passed away.

He took it hard.

The odd part was revealed when we learned the dates of her death and burial.

Yes, you guessed it! She died the day of the first knocks, and was buried three days later on the day of the 2nd knocks. :-D

Then there's the story of a group of the family, sometime in the 40's, sitting together after someones funeral, when a flame appeared under their chairs.

The flame went from person to person before stopping under a chair. Turns out this person was the next to kick the bucket.

The person who told me that story is long dead and though I don't remember who the members of the group were, they too are all long gone.

Everyone doing genealogy and family history will know of, or discover, ghost stories such as these, some decades, or centuries old. ;-D

Where's George, and Andrew, Abe, and Ullysses, for That Matter?

WHERE'S GEORGE?  is the fun, fascinating, and educational website where peopel can keep track of those globetrotting gents named George, Andrew, Abe and Ulysses and the rest of their Currency Commrades.

You have just bought a burger and fries at some fast food joint, bought a lotto ticket, or paid some street corner floozy for a midni, um, forget that last, you get my drift, I'm sure.

Have you ever wondered where those bills have been, or where they will go next?

All you need to do is enter the denomination, series, and serial number of any US dollar bill, and your current USA ZIP or Canadian Post Code in the box on the main page.

If you want to follow them on their travels, though, you have to register on the website.

You can enter a brief note describing the bill, its condition, and any markings on it of interest.

If you so choose you can print, or rubberstamp the website URL on the bill, in a way that does not deface the bill, or make it "unfit for re-issue", so the finder will know what to do, if they are so inclined, and then spend the bill!

For 10 years, now, people all across America, and Canada (There is a seperate site for Canadian bills), have been following the money. ;-D

These news stories, over the years, are a testiment to the popularity of the site.

The website has many fascinating forums, interesting links to Numismatic related websites, and a store that sells shirts, mugs, and bumper stickers.

There are various Top 10 lists that track bills in various categories such as:

1. Top 10 Most Entered Dollar Bills: some bills have been entered 12-15 times (All $1 bills), and there are lists for other denominations.

2. Top 10 Users: One person has entered over 907,000 bills, and had 143,000 of them reported again!

3. Top 10 States: Ca. comes in at #1 with over 11,800,000 unique bills entered, and more than 1,300,000 of those reported again!

4. Top 50 Zip Codes, and state/county.

There are also lists by Series, denomination, and Federal Reserve Bank.

I've been a member since Sept. 2007 and have entered 54 bills worth $253

None have reported back as of yet. ;-D

21 = $1

12 = $5

11 = $2

5 = $10

5 = $20

The oldest ones I've registered are 5 $2 bills from 1976!

As a registered member your bill stats are numerous, and fascinating to read:

Denomination, Series, Federal Reserve Bank, Block Letter, Zip Code, year and month registered.

You can even track favorite bills, and I currently have two:

There is, I learned, a 1999 Bill w/Same Serial #  as one of my bills, Traveling Since 2002!

Where's George is fun, check it out! ;-D

Other websites of interest:

The Directory of Where's George Related Pages

Alan Gilfoy's Where's George Main Website

Alan Gilfoy's Where's George Tip Page

Prompting Yourself to Write 12: Your Life, Your Imagination, Your Writing

The only reason I was even on the team was as a seat warmer until Ariza returned, and an extra body during practice. Even I knew that!

Plus, Buss got me for peanuts, and this was gonna be my swan song season in the NBA, after just 2 years.

No-one ever expected me to actually get into a game, especially me.

But then no-one expected the Lakers to get into a 3 OT heart-stopper in the Play-offs, and so many players fouling out that only myself, and 1 other, were left on the bench.

But that was the situation we suddenly found ourselves in with 23 seconds left on the clock, and down by 2, 139-137.

As we gathered in the huddle Jackson looked around and told us that I was going in for Odom with 5 fouls, and the play was going to go to Kobe for the last shot.

Everybody's  eyebrows shot up, but no-one raised an objection.

Except me, and I was out-voted.

The Staples crowd was loud, even Jack was on his feet, as Kobe brought the ball up court against pressure.

He passed to Walton, who passed to Gasol, who tossed it back out to Kobe.

All the while I hung out beyond the 3 pt. line, trying to look inconspicious.

The seconds ticked by, and no-one had a good opportunity.

10... 9...8...7...6...5...4...

Kobe passed the ball to me...

What the?

I was near half court, unguarded, and suddenly I couldn't hear a damn thing as I stood, holding the ball,  looking desperately for someone else to give it to.

It seemed like forever, but was only 2 seconds.

My ears unclogged, the screaming crowd intruded into my universe again, and I could hear the voice of Kobe over all of it....

2...

"SHOOT THE FUCKING BALL!!!!"

1

I looked at the basket, held the ball the way I used to hold it in in my High School days and, as an opposing player bore down on me, I fired...

The only reason I was even on the team was as a seat warmer until Ariza returned, and an extra body during practice. Even I knew that!

Plus, Buss got me for peanuts, and this was gonna be my swan song season in the NBA, after just 2 years.

No-one ever expected me to actually get into a game, especially me.

But then no-one expected the Lakers to get into a 3 OT heart-stopper in the Play-offs, and so many players fouling out that only myself, and 1 other, were left on the bench.

But that was the situation we suddenly found ourselves in with 23 seconds left on the clock, and down by 2, 139-137.

As we gathered in the huddle Jackson looked around and told us that I was going in for Odom with 5 fouls, and the play was going to go to Kobe for the last shot.

Everybody's  eyebrows shot up, but no-one raised an objection.

Except me, and I was out-voted.

The Staples crowd was loud, even Jack was on his feet, as Kobe brought the ball up court against pressure.

He passed to Walton, who passed to Gasol, who tossed it back out to Kobe.

All the while I hung out beyond the 3 pt. line, trying to look inconspicious.

The seconds ticked by, and no-one had a good opportunity.

10... 9...8...7...6...5...4...

Kobe passed the ball to me...

What the?

I was near half court, unguarded, and suddenly I couldn't hear a damn thing as I stood, holding the ball,  looking desperately for someone else to give it to.

It seemed like forever, but was only 2 seconds.

My ears unclogged, the screaming crowd intruded into my universe again, and I could hear the voice of Kobe over all of it....

2...

"SHOOT THE FUCKING BALL!!!!"

1

I looked at the basket, held the ball the way I used to hold it in in my High School days and, as an opposing player bore down on me, I fired...

A Happy Blogger is a Healthy Blogger

Think about these Blogging Highs one at a time BEFORE going on to the next one...

IT DOES MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD, especially the thought at the end.

1. Falling in love with Blogging.

2. Laughing so hard at what another Blogger has written your face hurts.

3. A hot shower after Blogging.

4. No lines at the supermarket because everyone is at home Blogging.

5. A special Blog entry (By you, or someone else).

6. Getting e-mail notification of "legitimate" comments, or trackbacks, to entries on your Blog.

7. Taking a tour of an interesting Blog.

8. Reading your favorite Blog during breakfast.

9. Lying in bed reading your favorite Blog, or Blogging, on your laptop before bedtime.

10. A Hot story, fresh out in the news, to Blog about.

11. Carnival of the Vanities (or any of its many offspring).

12. A bubble bath after a particularly intense Bloggging session.

13. Googling for stories to Blog about.

14. A good Fisking (by you, or someone else).

15. The Deep Thinkers, Story Tellers, and Poets, of the Blogosphere.

16. Finding a new Blog that no-one but you has discovered yet.

17. Laughing at yourself for loving to Blog.

19. Midnight Blog sessions that last for hours.

20. Blogging about sprinklers.

21. Blogging for absolutely no reason at all.

22. Having someone tell you that your entry about sprinklers is absolutely beautiful.

23. Laughing at an inside joke among your fellow Bloggers.

24. The Community of Bloggers in its infinite variety.

25. Accidentally overhearing someone, at a restaurant (or anywhere else) say they read your Blog.

26. Waking up and realizing you have the whole day to Blog.

27. Your first Blog (either the very 1st site, or the very 1st entry).

28. Making new friends through Blogging.

29. Playing with a new Blogging tool.

30. Having someone (or several dozen, hundred, or thousand someones) read, and explore, your blog.

31. Sweet dreams of your 1st Instalanche.

32. Hot chocolate in celebration of your 1st Instalanche.

33. Group Blogging with friends.

34. Blogging in your sleep (Not the same as #31).

35. Making eye contact with a cute (or handsome!) stranger while Blogging on your laptop.

36. Eating chocolate chip cookies while Blogging.

37. Having your friends send you a link to their latest masterful Blog entry.

38. The infinite variety of subjects to Blog about.

39. Running into an old friend and realizing that he/she is a Blogger, too.

40. Watching the expression on someone's face as you tell them that you are a Blogger.

41. Watching the sunrise (or sunset) as you Blog.

42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day (to Blog).

43. Knowing that at least your Cat reads your Blog (Ok, your Dog too!).

44. Getting Blogged by someone you admire.

45. Your 1st Webby Nomination.

46. Your 1st Webby Award.

47. Finding your Niche in the Blogosphere.

48. Your 1st Blog Child.

49. Blog Rolls.

50. Knowing you've done the right thing, by joining the Blogosphere, no matter what other people think.

SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THESE BLOGGING HIGHS
TO YOUR READERSHIP IN A BLOG ENTRY TODAY, TOMORROW,
OR EVEN NEXT WEEK, AND SOMETHING FANTASTIC
WILL HAPPEN TO YOU, OR EVEN YOUR BLOG, BY THE END OF THE YEAR (Well maybe not, but sharing your love of Blogging, and maybe bringing a new voice into the fold, will be reward enough, trust me on this.).

Be sure to use these links in your story:

Musings of a Mad Macedonian = http://www.madmacedonian.com

Link = http://www.madmacedonian.com/2008/04/a-happy-blogger.html

Trackback = http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/155339/28311382

Bloggers are Citizens of the Computer Age who engage us with their writing on events, activities, and subjects, of the wider world when we are, instead, looking for entertainment, news, and all sorts of information in only the usual places.

(Know of any other Blogging Highs? Share them in the Comments!)

Think about these Blogging Highs one at a time BEFORE going on to the next one...

IT DOES MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD, especially the thought at the end.

1. Falling in love with Blogging.

2. Laughing so hard at what another Blogger has written your face hurts.

3. A hot shower after Blogging.

4. No lines at the supermarket because everyone is at home Blogging.

5. A special Blog entry (By you, or someone else).

6. Getting e-mail notification of "legitimate" comments, or trackbacks, to entries on your Blog.

7. Taking a tour of an interesting Blog.

8. Reading your favorite Blog during breakfast.

9. Lying in bed reading your favorite Blog, or Blogging, on your laptop before bedtime.

10. A Hot story, fresh out in the news, to Blog about.

11. Carnival of the Vanities (or any of its many offspring).

12. A bubble bath after a particularly intense Bloggging session.

13. Googling for stories to Blog about.

14. A good Fisking (by you, or someone else).

15. The Deep Thinkers, Story Tellers, and Poets, of the Blogosphere.

16. Finding a new Blog that no-one but you has discovered yet.

17. Laughing at yourself for loving to Blog.

19. Midnight Blog sessions that last for hours.

20. Blogging about sprinklers.

21. Blogging for absolutely no reason at all.

22. Having someone tell you that your entry about sprinklers is absolutely beautiful.

23. Laughing at an inside joke among your fellow Bloggers.

24. The Community of Bloggers in its infinite variety.

25. Accidentally overhearing someone, at a restaurant (or anywhere else) say they read your Blog.

26. Waking up and realizing you have the whole day to Blog.

27. Your first Blog (either the very 1st site, or the very 1st entry).

28. Making new friends through Blogging.

29. Playing with a new Blogging tool.

30. Having someone (or several dozen, hundred, or thousand someones) read, and explore, your blog.

31. Sweet dreams of your 1st Instalanche.

32. Hot chocolate in celebration of your 1st Instalanche.

33. Group Blogging with friends.

34. Blogging in your sleep (Not the same as #31).

35. Making eye contact with a cute (or handsome!) stranger while Blogging on your laptop.

36. Eating chocolate chip cookies while Blogging.

37. Having your friends send you a link to their latest masterful Blog entry.

38. The infinite variety of subjects to Blog about.

39. Running into an old friend and realizing that he/she is a Blogger, too.

40. Watching the expression on someone's face as you tell them that you are a Blogger.

41. Watching the sunrise (or sunset) as you Blog.

42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day (to Blog).

43. Knowing that at least your Cat reads your Blog (Ok, your Dog too!).

44. Getting Blogged by someone you admire.

45. Your 1st Webby Nomination.

46. Your 1st Webby Award.

47. Finding your Niche in the Blogosphere.

48. Your 1st Blog Child.

49. Blog Rolls.

50. Knowing you've done the right thing, by joining the Blogosphere, no matter what other people think.

SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THESE BLOGGING HIGHS
TO YOUR READERSHIP IN A BLOG ENTRY TODAY, TOMORROW,
OR EVEN NEXT WEEK, AND SOMETHING FANTASTIC
WILL HAPPEN TO YOU, OR EVEN YOUR BLOG, BY THE END OF THE YEAR (Well maybe not, but sharing your love of Blogging, and maybe bringing a new voice into the fold, will be reward enough, trust me on this.).

Be sure to use these links in your story:

Musings of a Mad Macedonian = http://www.madmacedonian.com

Link = http://www.madmacedonian.com/2008/04/a-happy-blogger.html

Trackback = http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/155339/28311382

Bloggers are Citizens of the Computer Age who engage us with their writing on events, activities, and subjects, of the wider world when we are, instead, looking for entertainment, news, and all sorts of information in only the usual places.

(Know of any other Blogging Highs? Share them in the Comments!)

Have you now, or ever been, Hypnotized?

I have a friend who tells the following story:

I once had a college communications professor who asked the class to
raise their hands ff they had ever been hypnotized. 

A few hands went up.

He then asked how many had watched TV for more than 15 minutes
without leaving the chair/sofa. 

The whole class raised their hands.

"You've all been hypnotized", he said.

TV - Electronic Soma.

Hee, hee. ;-D

Between 1970 and 1998, I, like everyone else, had my favorite TV shows.

On different channels, during the same hour, even!

When the VCR came along I was in heaven because I could tape all my favorite show when not at home, and never miss an episode.

Then I began to think about what else was missing in my shut-in life, and the very 1st step I took was to stop watching all but 2 of my favorite TV shows.

In a couple of more years I even stopped watching them.

These days I only watch news programs, and sports, and the occasional cartoons in passing.

Over the last 4 years I've watched the occasional Video, and DVD, but one of the biggest changes is that while I still read books as much as ever, I don't read the Newspaper as often, and rarely read Magazines.

The other change, of course, began when I got a Computer and went online at the end of the 1990's.

I read a lot online, and became a Blogger.

I wonder how many Bloggers, and other Computer users, are "Hypnotized" by their Computer, and have forgotten that there is more to life than sitting in front of their computers Reading, Writing, Blogging, and Gaming all day long?

Join me in doing something else, why don't you?

Take a Bike Ride, go for a Walk, or a Hike, attend a concert, or 2.

You won't miss anything, trust me. ;-D