10-Q

One thing that Anybody who's ever looked into such things can tell you, is that every day of the year has one or more events commemorated by it [for instance, according to the Mayan calendar pictured at left, December 20th, 2012 is a day that should be devoted to "serene contemplation of birds - their grace and calmness, even at times of difficult winds". The next day is "Run Around like A Chicken Whose Head Has Been Cut Off Day"]. The degree of ridiculousness attached to so many commemorations depends, in part, on how silly you find the event or group being celebrated. Which is an incredibly convoluted way [the only way I do things] to bring up the fact that today, April 16th, is Blog Reader Appreciation Day.

To the best of my knowledge, this is the first formal celebration of you at the other end of the Blogosphere. Personally, I think it's more than a little overdue. I can only speak for myself, but I'd at least like to think these little observations aren't just being filed away in a particularly dark corner of the Internet, only to be perused when I become President [or, more likely, when I become one of those unknown people who start firing rifles in a mall for no known reason]. The point is, I'd guess every blogger wants his/her words to be read, and enjoyed, by someone, somewhere, in the world. Hopefully, that someone is you.

While we're sharing with each other, Dear Reader, a favor; I don't expect it every time, and it's never a condition of reading this blog, but could you please leave a comment now and then, even if it's of the "You suck worse than anybody" variety? It's nice to be able to put a name, or maybe a face, to the people who actually take the time to stop by [especially helpful when compiling a list of malls to senselessly fire rifles in...].

The person who put Blog Reader Appreciation Day together suggests that posts on this day "thank and celebrate readers with special tributes...contests, and give-aways". I'll be brutally honest; I don't have much to give away. But here are a few links to sites that I've enjoyed:

-Free Albums Galore - A great site to find free and legal music to download. You probably won't know most of the artists. But discovering new music is frequently a joy in itself.

-All My Faves - You could do worse than using this as a start page. Quick links to many of the Internet's favorite stops, along with weekly surprises and new games. A surprisingly good time-waster.

-makeuseof.com - Exploring maven Aibek looks for cool websites, software, and other unique Internet freebies. Then he posts them daily. Need a particular program? You may just find it here.

Sorry there isn't more. But you're probably aware of the major players in such matters. These are some names you may not know.

Before I go, a special thanks to my "followers". You ladies have put up with a lot, more than most people should have to, and I do appreciate it. If I ever learn how, I'll become your follower, too. Thanks also to my regular readers [as always, you know who you are]. And, if you've just discovered this blog,

-Mike Riley [who also writes the blog lab, Challenging The Thunder, and Coming Out Of The Candy Store. Thanks for reading them, also]

Do The Right Thing

Warning: this is a "variety" posting, with thoughts on several different subjects. If any of them bore you, try another one. If they ALL bore you, try one of the many fine sex-oriented sites that are a proud part of our blogosphere...

I don't know how other bloggers run their sites. I can only speak from my own experiences. But something tells me that many bloggers have the same problems, concerns, etc, when it comes to their sites. We all want to be read [otherwise, this effort is equal to a certain sexual act specifically criticized in the Old Testament (see the story of Onan for further details)], we all want to be a "Blog Of Note" [and who do you have to know for that to happen?], and we all want those counters we got as html code from other sites to move upward, dammit!

And yet, how many of us do the right things? Not me, bucco! I read the advice blogs [who, by the way, made these people "experts" (except, of course, for the technical sites, which usually are really written by experts)?], and they suggest things like "write new entries daily". I don't know about you, but I can only really write when I'm enthused, annoyed, or amused by something. One of my favorite writers, Dorothy Parker, once said that only the truly mediocre are at their best each day [I guess I don't think I'm mediocre. I may not be good, but I'm not mediocre. Maybe that should become this site's new slogan...].

They also suggest putting photos on the site. Well, I STILL don't have a digital camera, or a scanner, so adding illustrations is out for now [Boy, this is turning into a real "pitiful me" session. Maybe I should add a music html, so this page could play weepy music when you read it. I am such a wuss...].

So, I try.I go to other people's blog, looking for ideas. (Most of the ideas are unsuitable for a family blog. I've got to stop going to those sex blogs. Then again, most of them DO have pictures, and update themselves daily. You don't suppose the topic has anything to do with their success? Nahhh...) I'm not going to give up. I'll just push "quality" over "quantity" [This should not be taken as criticism of those sites that have both. I don't need any more enemies.].

Random news items that got my attention in recent days:

- a survey notes that, by the year 2015, 60 percent of couples will sleep in separate bedrooms [Who knew The Woman I Love and I would be trend-setters?]

- NASA announced that "seas" of methane or ethane may exist on Saturn's largest moon [I was hoping for Diet Pepsi, but I'm no scientist...]

-Haliburton, the company connected with vice-president Dick Cheney, has decided to move its headquarters to Dubai [Great, now we won't even be able to get the money back in taxes!]

- The new $1 US coins do not have the long-time slogan "In God We Trust". [It really bothers me, but, since the government of the moment doesn't seem to live by that principle, I guess it's only fair.].

Well, that's all I've got. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow...

Maybe not.