Metablognition

A Look Back Towards The Future Of Blogs

2005-12-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

Hey, it's a post written a year ago by same the guy who appeared recently on rebecca's pocket! I thought he looked familar!

What a difference a year can make when it comes to the "business of blogging". You have a choice between Door #1, Door #2, and Door #3.

Here's his thoughts on the future of blogs...from about two years ago. Shall I send him a link to our class?

Moblogging? Sweet! Where's My Headset?

2005-12-05T22:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight, while reading rebecca's pocket I came across the word "moblogging" and thought to myself: God, what has blogging morphed into now? Needless to say, I looked up it on Wikipedia and found not only is this a great follow up to yesturday's post, but also touches upon my blogwork regarding the future of blogging.

Appartently, Adam Greenfield was the first to coin the term...and I believe it was this very post that is his claim to fame (although I could be very wrong). To be honest, I haven't done much research regarding the practice of moblogging in the "present-day blogosphere" (other than stumbling across the term in a post), but I did come across this site which provides some very interesting data outlining the history and progression of moblogging since 2002 (along with some other interesting information as well).

Frankly, I am incredibly overwhelmed by the whole idea of yet another category (I'm not even sure this is the right word) of blogs. When did blogs stop being just blogs? More importantly, who is shaping...better yet, in control of this medium?

This whole idea of moblogging (and class in general) has prompted me to question whether the future of blogging depends on the future of the technology, not just on the medium itself. I believe (others have mentioned this in class) that blogging, amung other things, represents an individual's intrinsic desire and need to be the master of his/her own technology.

In terms of how individual's are communicating throughout the world today, there is no question that the blogosphere is the new "frontier" (courtesy of Colin), but it's the technology associated with blogging that's leading the way...the actual bloggers are just along for the ride. Are both drastically impacting how we communicate today? Absolutely! However, it's important to remember that without this technology...well, (sniffle) Blogging On would cease to exist (tear).

Patheticut People

2005-12-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

Ever since Connecticut has adopted the new cell phone law I've noticed an increase in the number of people wearing the "required" headsets outside of their vehicles so they can talk on their cell phones in public.

It's not enough that people decided to have "two-way" conversations in public (kind of reminds me of the days growing up when my brother and I used to play G.I. Joe in the backyard with cheap walkie-talkies from K-mart), but now, even individuals without two-way devices are finding it easier to make their private conversations public. Let's be honest, freeing up people's other hand (the one that used to hold the cell phone) has made things easier for people talking on cell-phones while driving. However, these same people have discovered it's also convienent while shopping in a mall, at checkout counters at a Stop & Shop, ordering food at McDonald's, and yes, even in public restrooms!

A common public cell phone conversation goes something like this: "Oh, my God! (1 second pause). Are you serious?" (2 second pause) He/she did not say/do that...no way! (4 second pause) So what are you gonna do? In all honesty, I'd rather hear the two-way conversations. Call me nosy, but at least this way you're able to get the full conversation. On second thought, if you called me nosy, not only are you probably one of these people I'm speaking of, but when you get a minute away from your cell phone you should probably take a moment to bite me! Let's be honest, if you're going to broadcast a conversation you might as well expect listeners other than those on the other end of the line.

To those of you constantly wearing your headset in public I say the following:

If you're male -- You look as though your belong in a boy-band (as a follow-up, click here to see which one). If you decided not to click on the link because you think this is a good thing, I really mean you belong in Menudo (and when I say Menudo, what I really mean to say is alongside Ricky Martin).

If you're female -- I know most of you may think you're a Diva. However, you just look like a Wendy's employee who forgot to take off your headset when you left for lunch...and left your post at the take out window.

Finally, to those who wear such a small headset that you can't even see it (I'm not letting you off the hook) -- Here's who you remind me of. Yes, that's right, you may think you're a genius for purchasing the "nearly invisible" sized headset, but you can't argue with the fact that you still look pretty crazy standing there talking to yourself with no visible evidence as to why this is occurring.

Wow…I must say, it felt pretty good to get that off my chest. In all honesty (a.k.a. putting my harsh words aside), it really comes down to this: Just be safe while driving and talking on your cell phone...but for the love of all that is Holy, keep your headset and your conversations in your car!

A Few Thoughts Before Work...And Class

2005-12-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

I found this blog after reading a post by Brett (make sure you comment on his "new look" by the way). As Brett mentioned, the blog as a whole is very intriging and extremely relevent to what we're discussing in class this week. One of the main reasons: posts like this under the caption, "Why I Blog".

With such a large part of blogging relying on that which is personal, yet at the same time thriving on the idea of "community", the very question of why blog? is a very intriguing and complex idea in its own right. Ultimatley, I believe blogging simply represents an intrinsic human desire to understand __________ (fill in the blank).

Speaking of things that are relevant to this weeks discussion, check out this article.

I leave you this morning with this: As the blogosphere continues to shape identities and language among teens, is it really that hard to believe it's also having a huge impact on learning strategies and metacognitive development?

The Results Are In

2005-11-30T23:48:00.000-08:00

Here are my strenths...and let me tell you, they're pretty much right on target! Since it will probably say, "round: invalid function call" when you link - I found this out through trial and error, it wasn't something I just knew a head of time...computer literacy is definitely not one of my strengths - I'll have to improvise:

Social (Interpersonal) = 4.71

Language (Linguistic) = 4

Nature (Naturalist) = 4

Self (Intrapersonal) = 4

Body Movement (Kinesthetic) = 4

Musical = 2.43

Spatial = 2.29

Logic/Math = 2.14

...not to brag, but I think I'm one well-rounded mo-fo!

Do you agree with your results?

Food For Your Thoughts...Research For My Paper

2005-11-29T20:12:00.000-08:00

Don't ask me how I came across this blog...the only thing I know is that the search originated here.

Eventually, I came across some very interesting information in the post from November 10, 2005 titled, "Learning and the Internet: A New Study of Teen Blogging May Have Lessons for Academic Support Professionals".

If you don't have it already, this might be of some use to you...if you actually want to read what I'm linking to rather than simply click on some bold-faced words that is.

Are Blogs Shaping Our Intelligence?

2005-11-28T18:38:00.000-08:00

Throughout my travels in Secondary English Education at the University of Hartford, I met a man named Howard Gardner. Famous for developing the theory of mulitple intellignces in 1983, Gardner's studies have prompted me to think more deeply about how the blogsophere is shaping the face of "intelligence". More specifically, those related to an individual's intrapersonal/interpersonal skills.

There is no question blogs/blogging are changing the way individual's communicate, but are they also manipulating our intelligence and how we learn? Now that's one big can of worms, but certianly one worth opening up...maybe even in my paper?

Let's take my childrens' (who have not yet been born, thank God...25 with kids...not so much) generation. Is the blogsophere going to play a role in how they learn and develpe metacognitively. I think so. However, will its impact be positive or negative?

Most often categorized as "extroverts", individuals with a strong interpersonal intelligence thrive on discussions and personal interactions to learn. One can argue that the blogosphere is a warehouse of discussions, but does it provide a venue for "personal interactions"? Ah, the question of the week!

Perhaps those extroverts who emerse themselves in the blogsophere will eventlually become "introverts" and pocess what Gardner has termed an "intrapersonal intelligence". However, one could argue that although, for many, blogging is most often a task done in solitude, it does attempt to break people out of their shells and allow them to open up in ways never possible with natural, face-to-face human discourse.

It really comes down to one question: will future generations eventually look at and communicate with monitors displaying the many faces of the blogosphere with a simialr prowess as when they look into the eyes of a human? In otherwords, will monitors and the human face become one in the same?

Definitly a big can of worms...I think I need to open this one up in a paper rather than a post.

An Interesting (And Lucrative) Concept

2005-11-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

I came across this recent contest after spending some reading Loose Leaf (apparently Colleen was in the running!). While I haven't had the chance to look at every one of the blogs mentioned, this certainly raises many interesting questions. In fact, here's two I immediately thought of:

1) What is needed to be a "gender-specific" blog like the "female-oriented weblog/website/journal" the creators of the contest are calling for?

2) Keeping question #1 in mind, why did 63 Days win $1,000 over the others?

More to come on this one. In the meantime, feel free to add questions/comment as the spirit moves you.

Montaigne And The Bloggers Who Love Him

2005-11-26T17:12:00.000-08:00

Ever read a quote, kind of roll your eyes to the right then down, then look back at the quote and whisper to yourself: So true?

That's exactly what happened to me when I first logged onto Colleen's blog and read the quote at the top of her blog. It's one by Michel de Montaigne, a French Renaissance scholar who is said to have used himself as the focal point of of many of his studies.

I believe many bloggers like Colleen and myself (to a certain extent) post that which is considered "personal" because in doing so the blog eventually becomes a looking glass where we are able to "see" the little voices swarming inside our head: our true identity. For many, the blog is a way to document, track, and map this process of self discovery over a period of time.

Why tell the public that which is private? Because "I have never seen a greater monster or miracle than myself." For many bloggers, the power to express this idea outmuscles any forces threatening to keep it silenced. Is there any wonder why Colleen chooses a quote written by a scholar like Michel de montaigne to follow the title of her blog?

...a man who, might I add, also wrote: "...there is a plague on Man, the opinion that he knows something." So true!

Back In The Saddle Again

2005-11-25T20:43:00.000-08:00

The Holidays have prompted me to take a sojourn…someplace where I would be away from the internet/blogosphere (which by the way is still hard to access due to computer related issues – all the more reason to extend the break).

However, I'm back with a vengeance and looking to catch-up (man, I can’t believe it’s been over a week since I’ve posted!), read-up, and post-up in the final days of the semester!

...or as Steven Tyler puts it (click on Back in the Saddle).

A Couple of Updates

2005-11-16T18:42:00.000-08:00

Incase you missed it the first time (like I did) and haven't linked to it already, here's the article where readers respond to this.

In addition, here's an example of combining vlogs and blogs...and a travelogue too? For now, let's stick with the first two.

You Live & You Learn

2005-11-15T19:42:00.000-08:00

This is a really great site if you're looking for a "catch-all" of vidblogs (I imagine this is just another name for vlogs)...or yet another means of cultivating the already heightened feelings of uneasyness as you continue to jump head first into other people's personal lives.

Here's one of the first things you read on the site:

Welcome to Vidblogs.com!

A video blog is the new hot way for people to stick their personal lives on the internet! Not just simple words, static pictures, or grainy audio. They invite you to join them where-ever they go; meet their friends, their family, go on vacation, fall in love, and all vicariously from the comfort of your home computer. See some people's lives, and consider joining in on the fun here at vidblogs.com.

To be honest, I'm not sure I call this ultrapersonalized look into other people's lives as fun...intrusive maybe, but not fun. I'm not saying that blogs aren't personal. In fact, it appears those that are the most "succesfull" usually are. However, in the case of blogs, the written word seems so much more intriguing to me; blogs seem to leave more to the imagination than vlogs do.

It's certainly a profound idea to think that with vlogs you can sort of "live vicariosuly" through other people just by staring at videos (more so than you can while reading blogs at least). I can't put my finger on the exact reasons why, but I feel as though where blogs are to learn, vlogs are to live. Wow, definitately an SAT moment there. Let me explain (and I'm not making any guarentees):

With blogs, you see another persons life through a filter; there are limited amounts of auditory or intense visual components (most of the time ) with blogs. Ultimatley, you learn how to formualte your own ideas and imagaination through what you read. However, with vlogs, it's all right there in front of you on your montior. Just as it states above, vloggers invite viewers "to join them where-ever they go; meet their friends, their family, go on vacation, fall in love"....live vaicariolsy through the vlogger?

I ask that in the form of a question since I realize it's a huge leap and it's obvious I have a lot of sorting out to do. However, I do feel one thing is certain: In the case of all on-line diaries (blog or vlog) the more that is left to the imagination, the more room there is left to learn about yourself as a member of the blogosphere and about the individual blogger him/herself.

I say we as vloggers/bloggers live and learn and have the two forms come together instead of becoming two separate entities.

Baby-Stepping Into The Realm of Vlogs

2005-11-14T22:38:00.000-08:00

Since we're discussing vlogs in class this week, I figured I'd get a little background information regarding the past, present, and future of these things we've dubbed vlogs. In this article dating back to March 2005, author Michael Rogers (a.k.a. "The Practical Futurist") writes:

Most broadly, the rise of vlogs is going to provide an interesting study about the differences between text and video. Text offers organized, abstract idea compression, a fundamentally different communication mode than video. A text blog can be scanned quickly for items of interest, for example, while a video needs to be watched. Some vloggers claim vlogs can be scanned using the forward button in the Quicktime player, but that’s not exactly the same thing. Video needs to be watched — and you thought you were wasting time on blogs now.

Although I haven't had the chance to watch a huge number of vlogs, I can already tell that the biggest hardship bloggers - I'm sorry, vloggers - are going to have to overcome to increase the viewership of their vlogs revolves around one word: accessibility.

Frankly, if a blog does not catch my attention within thrity seconds of me logging on...sorry, but the survey says...X. I don't think I'm alone on this one. In fact, most people that have initially logged on to read this post probably haven't even made it this far. If you have...thank you, please hold out for at least another thirty-seconds so I can finish my thought.

The vlogs I have logged onto required me to download, save, live in fear of a virus, etc... In other words, not a good first impression. I think Roger's is right in saying that a clear difference between the "successfulness" of blogs versus vlogs is the viewer’s ability to scan to find subjects of interest. It's annoying as it is to read a blog that is shrouded in links directing you here, there, everywhere, let alone being forced to save (sometimes) and sit through something that in the end may never hit on any real points of interest.

This Sure Does Explain A Lot

2005-11-12T20:33:00.000-08:00

My inner child is ten years old!

The adult world is pretty irrelevant to me. Whether
I'm off on my bicycle (or pony) exploring, lost
in a good book, or giggling with my best
friend, I live in a world apart, one full of
adventure and wonder and other stuff adults
don't understand.

Thanks for the link to the quizz Brett...guess that makes two of us!

How Old is Your Inner Child?

On The Drive Home...

2005-11-10T23:15:00.000-08:00

Bar Bites with sweet-potato fries...$10.00

A Black & Tan followed by a draft of Coors Light...$10.75

(Shit, isn't the amount supposed to go up more than 75 cents?)

Screw it...

A shot of Jager with my classmates after Blogging On at the Tap...priceless.

It's A Small World After All

2005-11-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

After logging on to Pyromaniac I found the below mentioned quote under a section Phillip Johnson calls, "BloggSpotting":

That's about all I have time to write. I'm sure I missed a lot of links. But I'm not ignoring anyone on purpose. If the opportunity arises, I'll try to do another blogspotting post next week. (I was originally scheduled to fly to Tampa for some meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday next week, but I had to cancel the trip because Pecadillo was accepted into the LAPD's police academy, and Wednesday is his induction/orientation day. Darlene and I are invited to the festivities, so we're staying in town.) Maybe I'll have time to do some more BlogSpotting. Other than Pecadillo's copification, my calendar is pretty clear next week.

How big of a movement is this you ask? I don't know if I have any definitive answers to that question. However, I do know that in the realm of "Christian Blogs" it sure as hell seems like everybody "knows" everybody...kind of like they're all living in Bell Buckle, TN.

I should probably mention that the real purpose of this post is to announce Pecadillo's new, lofty endeavor: a career as a NYPD cop!

While I certainly commend him for taking on such an arduous and noble profession, I can't help but wonder if anyone living in the area is even the slightest bit concerned over the fact that this guy will soon be released onto the streets of NYC as their loyal defender of peace and justice.

All kidding aside, good luck and God bless Pecadillo! My hat goes off to you.

An Awkward Find To Say The Least

2005-11-09T22:17:00.000-08:00

Since we're on the topic of religion and all:

I happened to stumble across this post on Boing Boing after being linked there from Holy Weblog, which I originally found out about while logging on to Blogorreah.

What I'm really trying to say here is that I didn't log on tonight in search of this kind of stuff...I guess it kind of found me. Still doesn't sound good does it? Regardless, I am fairly certain I have now seen and heard it all.

My Tuesday Night's Apology

2005-11-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

While I would love to be blogging right now (in a more intellectually stimulating format than what my current post offers that is)...Firehouse USA: Boston is on in less than ten minutes.

Sorry.

Sometimes Being Bad Is Good

2005-11-07T19:53:00.000-08:00

In his blog, A BadChrisitan Blog, Brandon writes:

I particularly like music by popular artists that one might not associate with Christmas music (for example, The Barenaked Ladies, Natalie Merchant, Avril Lavigne (who has a kick ass version of O Holy Night), Bob Marley, etc...)

I'm sorry...did he just say Avril Lavigne has a "kick ass version of O Holy Night"?

Anybody that defines their blog as "relgious" and "Christian" (albeit a Bad One) then goes on to say the words "kick ass" and "O Holy Night" (all in the same sentence mind you) certainly puts a smile on my face. It's like an eighty-year-old laddy cutting you off then giving you the finger when you beep...you just don't expect it. Although, when it does happen (trust me, it happens) you have no other option but to laugh. Well, let's be honest...only after you return the greeting that is.

Did I mention describing yourself as "a bad ass son-of-a-preacher-man" also helps induce a little chuckle as well?

Feuding Bloggers or Religious Sarcasm?

2005-11-06T22:21:00.000-08:00

When I logged onto Doxoblogy (aside from the fact that it was the most recent) this post immediately caught my attention.

I don't know what I find more fascinating, the arrogance of the post, or the interesting comments to follow. One comment that stands out among the rest is this one written by the author of Avil & Fire (also a featured member of my blog-work):

John Rush said...
Jeremy,

Don't you know that religion does not belong in the blogosphere? Don't you know that your existence here is forcing religion down other peoples' throats? What are you thinking man?Don't you know that CERTAINTY is arrogance, and truth claims are simply power grabs? You need to be deconstructed man! God is dead. Haven't you read that yet? Come to think of it, you should be DELETED! In the name of tolerance, I will do all I can to silence, trivialize, marginalize, and stop you. Just shut up already. JRush the Freethinking Openminded Unbigot.

Who knew things could get so heated in the comment section of a religious blog? Then again, is this really two feuding Christian bloggers here or simply religious sarcasm? I have a feeling it's the later of the two. After all, I find it hard to believe that John would make the comment, "religion does not belong in the blogsphere" then go and post in his blog - one that is also deeply rooted in Christianity - the next day. Not to mention, he does appear under a section of Jeremy's blog titled, "Blogs By People I Like"...along with Pecadillo?

Now I'm really confused!

Thanks Be To God...And The Blogosphere

2005-11-05T20:53:00.000-08:00

I guess going Holy in the blogosphere has its perks.

Why Must You Treat Me So Bad?

2005-11-04T20:26:00.000-08:00

Yet again...forced take part in retro-blogging since my computer and I have had another "falling out." My tax deductable(?) solution to this problem: Donate it!

A Quick Shout-Out To Jimbo

2005-11-03T17:32:00.000-08:00

I am not sure what prompted me to do this (although I'm sure it was my blogwork) but I wanted to do a little more than simply "read through" Wikipedia; I really wanted to know more about "where it all began".

Of course, I quickly got side-tracked when I began to read more about it's founder . I decided to log onto his blog and then linked to this article which he comments on in one his posts...one I would love to discuss now if it wasn't for class.

I know, I know...not much of my own content here. I just wanted to throw this one out there because my time was limited and I knew I would forget to do it if I waited until after class.

Stay tuned...more to come on this one!

A Transferable Argument?

2005-11-02T22:53:00.000-08:00

Maybe I am way off target when it comes to understanding blogs revolving around "public debate". Regardless, call me crazy, but this is still fresh in my mind and I can't help but think that the vary argument Jon Stewart raises about former (hmmm?) shows like Crossover can somehow be applied to some of these blogs.

What do you think?

Shall we have a debate?

Not For Those With A Weak Stomach

2005-11-01T23:48:00.000-08:00

I thought the Daou Report has good intentions with the way it's structured by offering blogs from the "right" and "left". However, is it just me or does it seem as though neither side fosters an actual debate? Then again, how could they when each blog aims to propel the reader to one side of an argument or the other; all while using information provided by other sources (some of which you've probably already read!)? The apparent goal of all this: "I'm right, they're wrong". I keep thinking to myself: Where's the in-between though? Should it really be this "black" and "white" in the blogsophere?

It has gotten to the point where some bloggers are immediately gorging on what's directly in front of them, intending to be the first to throw it up on the web. Yeah, to them it may look like something new when they do this; to the viewers, a bit different than what they have seen in the past. Regardless, it's still all the same "food". Ultimately, some of these viewers feed on this information and spit it out again. Thus, the cycle is perpetuated.

The blogsophere is filled with these "bloglimics" and it's making me sick...I'm not a bird and I don't need to be force-fed.

My Blog's Halloween Special

2005-10-31T22:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight my fire department hosted our annual safe Halloween party for all the kiddies in town. We hired a bubble-man to come do a show, we had an exhibit in one of the darkened storage closets proudly displaying the jack-o’-lanterns we had carved the night before, and at the end we handed out goody-bags filled with various...well, goodies. Then there was me. Yes, I am proud to say that was me last night...well, that's not actually a picture of me, just a reasonable facsimile of the way I looked last night.

Call me crazy, but in between the greeting and scaring (unintentionally that is) all the adorable children, posing for pictures, all while avoiding the accidental slaughtering of tiny children via my huge hairy feet or enormous (and also hairy though covered by trousers) ass in the process, I thought about blogging. Now, this all could be a dellusion brought on by the heat exhaustion and the fact that I was looking crossed-eyed through thin wire-mesh eyes. However, I know I thought about blogs at one time...thus, providing the impetus for this post.

The fact is, with this costume and ethos that goes along with it, I had been propelled (although it's more like zipped) into a persona (animona?) and asked to take on the role of something that I new very little about. However, in a short time I was acting like a pro...and I felt like one to. The more children that acknowledged me, the more I felt like I was a success. Would I have gotten the same response without the mask? Probably not. Not only do I lose the persona and its credibility, but I also lose the confidence that's gained while hiding behind the veil it creates.

I'm finding that most of the political bloggers I'm reading lately are faced with the same scenario when they enter the blogsophere. After all, we have reached a point in time where it seems as though blogs are only as "good" as the ones they are linking to.

Ultimately, these bloggers end up regurgitating information again and again with the hope that a "credible source" will strongly agree/or disagree with them...just as long as they get linked. In the end, who do we hold as credible sources in the blogosphere when it seems as though the very notion of credibility is measured by quantitative data (a.k.a. the number of times a blog is "linked")?

I say we take these links away and find out who these people really are! Maybe then well get the chance to see what they have to say, rather than see what "they heard someone else say..."

And now a word from my sponsor...

Forced To Go Retro

2005-10-30T22:37:00.000-08:00

A little message to those of you who find themselves confused by the dates of my posts (a.k.a. those of you constantly hitting the "refresh" button and wondering what the hell is going on):

Two things have recently hampered my abilities to post on-line. (1) A work-related trip to Florida where internet access was limited, and (2) internet failure on my home PC when I returned.

However, during my days away from the internet, I did my best to keep up with my blog using Word. Since internet access doesn't come cheap (when I could make it to a Kinko's, library, etc...) I would spend limited time in the blogsophere and "post" using Word on my laptop (now that's dedication baby!).

Presently, I am back from Florida (I certainly dodged a bullet...those not living in Florida called her Wilma) and my computer is now up and running smoothly. However, I am now forced to play catch-up as I cut and paste the old (which is not as easy as it sounds since I have to change the format, add pictures, create links, etc...) and at the same time, post the new.

Consequently, I ask that you please be patient with me this week...and remember that some of the posts you are viewing now (or will be in the near future) were actually written some time ago; I just took the liberty of changing the dates to reflect when they were written rather than posted. For now, let's put the confusion aside and just call it what it is: retro-blogging.

More importantly, may God bless all those who were not as fortunate as I was to be able to get out of Florida. To one of my classmates and friend throughout years of college: my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Brett.

A Refreshing Find

2005-10-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

While perusing through Salon.com I was drawn to the "Coummunity" section so I decided to investigate before jumping right into Daou. I immediately received information pertaining to The Well and Table Talk -- two very interesting sites.

My first thought as I read through them: I feel as though I'm a part of a holistic community rather than trying to be accepted into "one or the other". More importantly, the comments are what prompted the debate, rather than just the blog itself...what a concept!

Tuning Into Reality

2005-10-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Tonight, on my way to my girlfriend's house I realized that I'm getting old. I found myself listening to Big D 103 (that's 102.9 DRC-FM for all you Connecticut peeps). Yes, that's Connecticut's "oldies" station; one I used to listen to with my father in our 1970ish green Malibu as we made our weekly dump run every Saturday morning...ahhh, those were the days!

Now, it wasn't a shock to me that I was listening to the station; I have been known to dabble in the oldies a little bit here and there. However, when the song Summer of '69 came on (a great tune by the way!) I have to be honest, there was a slight lump in my throat and I found it a little difficult to swallow.

The fact is, I am turning twenty-five in a matter of weeks (November 17th is the big day!). Aside from the fact that I can now rent cars without spending an additional 200 plus dollars, the big two-five scares the hell out of me! More than a quarter of my life is gone...five more years and I'm not a "twenty-something" anymore...I'll be thir...I can't even type it!

I should probably mention that this was the first CD that I ever purchased: Auditory proof that my youth is slowly slipping away...one verse at a time.

Oh, The Irony!

2005-10-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry...

I just couldn't resist...it had to be done!

Moving Up In The World?

2005-10-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

Check this out!

I have no idea how Google works, and I'm sure this is inconsequential. However, I must say it's always kinda cool to be #1 on a list of 148...as long as it's not a list highlighting something negative, like 148 of the most hated people of Connecticut.

I wonder who would be #1 if there was such a list? My vote: Johnny Rowland (I'm sure his new "roommates" would probably disagree with me though).

One of the Bulls Explains

2005-10-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

We have to get at least one of these guys to come to class! I may still not get everything they're talking about, but I admire their ability to write about anything and everything all at once.

Is it possible for a blogger to write without an agenda? I'm still not sure if that's possible, but I would argue that these guys are pretty damn close:

Pinko Punko said...

The Double is going for Tacos AND In and Out Burgers at the same time. The Triple is adding Krispy Kremes. The Quad is having a vietnamese sandwich on top of that. Did you not jump below the fold??? There was some serious taco blogging there! Oh man, that was one of our more informative posts. What is your double?

Oh, the double* is getting a Slurpee on top of the normal double.

It is like one big long episode of Arrested Development, but you have to hang on for dear life.

A dirty secret: none of us know each other and all of the in jokes come from the blog or comments made on or around various blogs. We don't try to be exclusive, but even amongst the stuff nobody gets, there should be stuff there for everyone like what goes into an awesome taco truck taco!

Thanks for spending time with us, don't tell anyone about me being serious!

Not only did one of them respond to me by posting a comment in my blog, but he thanked me for reading theirs...sure beats the hell outta SPAM!

I've Learned Something During My Sojourn In Florida...

2005-10-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

there is a visible difference between laziness in Connecticut and laziness in Florida.

???

2005-10-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

I think Three Bulls is one big inside-joke...and I don't get it. One of the main reasons why:

The Double is a ****ing sacrifice to the Gods of fat, grease, overindulgence and self-centered oinkity doink that is our culture. Cookie Jesus' thirst for our affection may be slaked by a special sacrifice, one for which need be trained (hey Chuckwagon, notice the lack of dangling?). This involves the very doable Double. There is a Triple, which should not be attempted at lunch, this is a dinner. A Quadruple is theoretically possible, but gas prices and physical reality have slightly interceded. More on the Quad later.

There are way too many minds trying to act as one (or perhaps one mind with multiple personalities?). Regardless, it constantly left me asking myself one question: What the hell are they(?) talking about? Then again, they do allude to this fact right from the beginning in the description of the blog:

Listen, kids, it's not even an "in" joke because none of us get it. Just enjoy the ride! We don't know what the hell we are talking about either.

Well, at least they're honest.

Food, Friends, And Lance

2005-10-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

When I read Lance Mannion's blog I feel as though I'm sitting at a dinner table among a large group of friends. Lance is at the head of the table and beginning to pass the peas when someone asks: "So, how was your day Lance?" And the narrative begins!

I find Mannion's blog appealing because the character is as interesting as the content...and both appear to be genuine. His posts not only capture interesting ideas and topics, but also reveal a lot about Mannion both as an author and as an "everyday person". Here's a little example:

Yesterday morning I was at Starbucks enjoying my triple halfcaf defcaf vanilla mocha latte-frappe-cino and there were a pair of college students at the next table, which means, in that Starbucks where the tables are placed so close together that they look like some giant set out to lay a parquet floor, the three of us were pretty much having coffee together.

If you have been to a Starbucks you know exactly what he is talking about. Not only is it humorous, but he's writing about a universally accepted notion (among all those latte-groupies...such as myself) of Starbucks that makes you feel as though you know him...share some sort of "common ground" so to speak. Without him over-explaining anything, you laugh at his witty banter and completely agree with what he is saying. Certainly this is one (for the record: I never said it was "the best one") of many examples.

In addition, look at some of the comments after each post. Most of the time, visitors are reacting not only to what Mannion has written, but they're also reacting to each other. Ultimately, Mannion's blog becomes a sort of fire-side chat with friends (I think I like this metaphor more than "the dinner with friends and peas" thing). Even though we learn a lot about Mannion as an individual, through his "topics of conversation" you can't help but feel as though you're a part of a wider community learning about each other at the same time...a pretty cool concept indeed.

Leavn' On A Jet Plane...

2005-10-14T05:07:00.000-07:00

I'm off to go recruit prospective students for the University of Hartford in "God's waiting room" (a.k.a. Florida). My new recruitment slogan: We're not Harvard, but we sound like it if you say it quickly.

Go ahead, try it...

You just said Hartvord...See, I told you!

On The Drive Home...

2005-10-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

As we begin to categorize blogs and place them into specific "blog groups" (i.e. "Connecticut Blogs"), in return, do we lose sight of "individual" (a.k.a. the blogger)? After all, if we consider blogs to be on-line diaries, does it make sense to categorizes something that is meant to be so individualistic?

A Change of Heart

2005-10-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm thinking since he took the time to read my blog and respond to the comments I made about his blog, he probably doesn't think I'm an asshole. Although he doesn't mention anything about it, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt. For the record, I've changed my mind: you're a standup guy Gary...certainly not an asshole by any standards.

Gary said...
"Surprise! I did read it!I'll tell ya, I never used to have a "comment policy". It was like, leave a comment or don't, whatever. But I got tired of morons leaving their unintelligible comments so I put that out there as more of "guard dog" than anything else. Plus, I want people to know that if they get nasty, snarky or insulting then they're history.I don't mind someone posting a cogent argument on something I wrote. I just can't stand it when someone takes the opportunity to try and lecture me on my own website. It's my site, my rules. Don't like 'em then move on or go get you're own site. What's more I don't care someone links me and rips me one on their site because at least I get a link out of it.I am pretty much an a-hole when I want to be (and fiercely proud of it) but I don't take myself too seriously.BTW, don't you just hate comment spam?"

Kind of makes you think twice before you make a comment about someone's blog huh? By the way, I'm sure it's an easy process, but I still find it really errie how other bloggers find out you've linked to them!

There Is More to CT Than Politics...Right?

2005-10-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

Connecticut Conservative:
Not a big fan of political rhetoric (I find myself saying that a lot when referencing CT blogs...why is that?). Not to mention, politics from a conservative perspective...yeah, not what I call a good time. However, to all of you (and when I say "all" what I really mean is two) who were just waiting to comment and ask where my "allegiance" was, my response: I gave it a chance...I briefly perused through it. Would I have done that if it was considered a "New Jersey blog"...hell no! My political attitudes aside, I must say that I didn't like the way the author organizes his blog; all of his posts seem to follow the same formula: Link + Summary + analysis = Post. This formula makes for consistently clear, concise, and over-all boring posts throughout the blog. However, I do hesitate to call them "posts" since the blog appears to be more like a collection of political editorials rather than a "true blog". What is a true blog? I'll have to get back to you on that one.

Connecticut Local Politics:

The only thing I got after reading this blog was a headache. Again, I don't take any interest in blogs that speak solely about politics. In addition, blogs that have posts that sound like the author is a robot are also unappealing. Case in point:

I remember a skit from Saturday Night Live in 1991, which was a send-up of a debate between Democratic contenders for president. It was called "The Race to be the Guy who Loses to Bush," and each candidate explained why he would be a terrible nominee and why the guy next to him should be the choice, instead. It was funny at the time, because no one thought President George H. W. Bush, fresh off a victory in Kuwait, could lose.

I love Saturday Night Live...hearing a skit explained by the author of this blog makes me hate it. The more I read these blogs that focus solely on politics (I'm sorry to say this) the more my allegiance to CT bloggers dwindles. This is me shaking my head back and forth...

My New Ride

2005-10-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

I've finally broke down and traded in my car. A two-wheel drive automobile just does make the cut when it comes to competing against this Connecticut weather. Take a look...ain't she a beaut!?

Finding A Common (Albeit Saturated) Ground In CT

2005-10-08T20:20:00.001-07:00

I was poking around Connecticut Weblogs and stumbled upon this blogger's "Comment Policy". When I first read this (along with other components of his "General Info." I felt as though his wife probably does remind him he is an a-hole often (what can I say, I got a bad vibe from the guy). However, when I took some time to actually read some posts, I found out he posts one picture of Diane Lane at least once a week. Ok, so he roped me in with a woman whom I also believe is stunningly beautiful (since I'm almost 25, should I follow that by saying "for an older chick"?). Next, it came to my attention that this gentleman is a NY Giant's fan. Ok, so now he really had my attention...I promise you there is a point to all this.

I began to think more deeply about weblogs; especially those labeled "Connecticut Blogs". First of all, what makes a blog a "CT Blog" anyways? Is it just enough to say the word "Connecticut" somewhere in your profile and that's it? In addition, the whole Diane Lane/Giants thing made me think about the role "commonalities" play in determining the popularity of blogs. I must say, my attitude towards the author changed once I realized we had some things in common (sounds like a recap of a blind-date with him...definately not my intention).

In terms of CT blogs, call me crazy, but I feel a sense of allegiance to my fellow CT bloggers. Let's be honest, I'm not about to go out and purchase a "Support CT Bloggers" bumper sticker any time soon, but will I continue to read them and give them a chance? Absolutely. Perfect example: The above-mentioned blog. I have to be honest, I didn't really like this guy's blog at all...not a fan of politicallitcal rhetoric. However, because there was this sense of "allegiance" to the fact that we had some things in common (most importantly, the state in which we live in) I felt as though I had to at least give it a chance.

Who knows, maybe this is the goal of weblogs that function much like "Connecticut Weblogs" does. By grouping "like" blogs/bloggers in one "catch-all" (great way to put it Colin) if feels as though the "common ground" is laid out before us even before one even reads any posts. Maybe I'm being way too positive about this whole thing.

I must say, there is also the part of me that believes if the author of the above mentioned blog were to ever read this post (which he probably never will) the first thought to enter his mind: This punk doesn't like my blog...what an asshole!

On The Drive Home...

2005-10-06T23:45:00.000-07:00

Do professional bloggers ever find themselves being "typecasted" within the blogosphere? If so, can a writer like Ana Marie Cox ever reinvent the provocative (some call it "dirty") persona she has created with Wonkette? Would she (and those of like minds) be dubbed a sellout as a result?

My favorite typecasted actor: Jon Heder as Napoleon Dynamite...Yessssssssss.

Sullivan's Got It

2005-10-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

Andrew Sullivan:
The first word that came to mind when I read this blog was "refreshing" (in comparison with some of the others like it...and when I say "others" what I really mean to say is Wolcott). What really intrigued me was the way Sullivan establishes a sense of trust in his audience through his writing. He speaks directly to bloggers and acknowledges their presence and impact on mainstream media. He says things such as, "Thank you too for your hundreds of emails to Fishback which helped steel his nerves. Once again, the blogsphere made a difference" and "Bloggers: join the campaign to end this abuse." In addition, I felt as though Sullivan raises important questions to act as the impetus for thought-provoking discourse rather than simply preach or link to someone else's thoughts to say: here it is...think it, know it.

Alias Or Alias?

2005-10-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

Well done Brett: "I've never imagined Roger Ailes to be as witty as this guy (link mine) thinks he is." I couldn't have said it better myself!

Now, I must admit something. I had a feeling this guy wasn't the real Roger Ailes even before I read Colin's links in today's post. I know, I know...shocking isn't it? However, I did go back into the blog to see why some would speculate about its...lets say, "authenticity". Trust me, I didn't even have to break the surface. In a matter of minutes (we aren't talking an in-depth analasis here) this is what I came up with:

"Dick of The Week"

"Ohio, High In The Middle and Fucked On Both Ends"

"Suck my dick"

"That Was The Week That Blows"

"Last Night, I became the victim of identity theft (unrelated to the blog). Now there's some irony!"

Or you could just Google.

To All You SPAM-Ladies Out There In The Blogosphere Tonight

2005-10-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

You're all the same! I pour my information out to you, and what do you do? You tell me you'll bookmark me...but you never do! Before you even hit enter you're already thinking about the next one; cooking up another "friendly" batch of lies. Where's the love?

Once a Columnist...Always a Columnist?

2005-10-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

As promised in my previous entry when I stated I would discuss James Wolcott's blog in further detail, I must say that my impression of the blog was shaped within the first thirty seconds of simply looking over the first "page". Immediately, what caught my attention were the number of times you see his name when you first log on. Let's count, shall we...

First, you see his name in huge capital letters, "JAMES WOLCOTT" (next to a caricature). Next, below his name, your eyes immediately are drawn down and to the right where you see "About James Wolcott" and "Write to Wolcott" (these are in white letters against a red background...for added visibility). So far that's three. Next, your eyes find there way back to the left side of the blog where, yet again, you see "James Wolcott is a Vanity Fair Contributing Editor". Finally, as your eyes begin to scroll down towards the actual entry you see "JAMESWOLCOTT.COM" sandwiched in between "October 2004" and "December 2004". Finally, just in case you thought this post was by an anonymous author, it states the title of the blog and "POSTED BY JAMES WOLCOTT" to dismiss such a heinous thought.

Ok, so that's a grand total of six times you see his name before you even begin to read the actual entry! Wait. Shit...I forgot about the little white poodle. To the right of the page you see "BY JAMES WOLCOTT" in big red letters underneath the words "HIT PARADE". In this advertisement displaying the front cover of his book, yet again, his name is clearly visible: JAMES WOLCOTT. Ok, so that's a total of eight times! That's a lot...and when I say "a lot" what I really mean is a bit excessive.

Do me a favor. Scroll up and quickly glance at the top portion of this post. What do you see? Let me guess...a whole lot of James Wolcott right? For this reason, my first impression of his blog was that is was simply going to be an extension of James Wolcott as the columnist for Vanity Fair. That's exactly what it turned out to be: a venue to uphold his reputation...not as a blogger, but as a columnist. Brett Evans (Happy New Year by the way!) shares a similar attitude about Wolcott:

"James Wolcott is not blogging. Instead Wolcott is writing a more frequent column and posting it on the web. He is a fantastic writer, a man who I sincerely respect. But his "blogs" are very well thought out columns that he may not have time to fit into Vanity Fair. "

Like Brett, I admire and respect Wolcott as a writer. The man is extremely gifted; there is no disputing this fact. However, this is not a blog...it's an editorial.

In the "About James Wolcott" section of his blog it states, "for over a decade at the Voice he [Wolcott] reviewed TV, books, and the punk scene, and now wishes he had kept a diary." I sincerely believe this blog is Wolcott's attempt to create a diary. The only thing wrong with this lies in the fact that he fails to post as if it was. In a recent post he writes:

"The Oil Drum is bringing the grim forebodings and ominous magnitude of what's happening in the Gulf, and what may be in store for the city of Tennessee Williams and John Kennedy Toole and sweat-bedewed jazz. I've removed my earlier post about hurricanes ("An Ignoble Confession"); it was written in a frivolous vacation mood, and this is not the time for frivolity."

Extremly well written, dont' get me wrong. The question is, is it the voice of a columnist or a blogger?

Oops…I Linked It Again

2005-10-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

I told myself I needed to focus on James Wolcott's blog in this entry. However, I was only about two minutes into reading his blog when I got side-tracked by one of his links (man, I hate it when that happens!). It was towards the end of his first entry after he comments on the TV show Law & Order and links to an entry written by Lance Mannion.

At the end of Mannion's entry there is a very long listing of comments. Interestinlgy enough, the original entry simply becomes the host for these bloggers' on-line discourse. In fact, by the time you reach the end of the comment list you've become so enveloped in the web of blogger's back and forth commenting that you find you have forgotten about the original entry!

Although Mannion's original posting provides the impetus for these comments, and there are instances when they at least awknowlege the original entry, for the most part, the entry simply becomes a venue for individuals to blog back and forth to eachother. Consequetnly, the comments beome more intersting than the original post. Is this what gives a blogger credibility? Could it be that a blogger gets credibility not soley on the content of his/her blog, but rather on his/her ability to empower others to discuss what he/she brought up in the first place?

Unfortunately, my blog isn't like an eposide of C.S.I.: with such little research/evidence and only minutes before I fall asleep, I can't formulate any answers to these questions at this point in time. However, there will certinaly be more to come on this topic, and Wolcott's blog (you know, the one this entry was supposed to be about) in the very near future (a.k.a. tomorrow)...damn links!

Here's to the Fall

2005-10-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again when the mornings start getting a little cooler, and the thought of chilly temps provides yet another reason to just stay in bed. Not that I'm the most punctual person to begin with, but during the winter months my “days late for work average” seems to grow exponentially. There is just something about going to bed when it’s dark, only to wake up in the dark, that doesn’t sit well with me. In fact, it’s down right depressing. During the fall and winter months I’ve faced the fact that I just can not be on time for work. Consequently, I’ve decided that if I can’t be on time, I might as well strive for consistency.

Speaking of the fall, tonight my new neighbors are hosting October Fest! Basically, October Fest is an excuse to wear black, red, or yellow (all three if you’re really in a festive mood), eat smoked bratwurst, kielbasa, German potato-salad, and of course sauerkraut. Obviously, you can’t eat this wonderful food without a frothy beverage. Thus, October Fest also provides a perfect opportunity to take numerous walks (although, sometimes stumbles) over to greet the second host: Samuel Adam’s and a keg of his own October Fest. Ahh, October Fest, the beer that just begs you to drink it on nights like these!

Well, the smell of smoked meat is slowly beginning to make its way into my house…yes, October Fest has begun! I did forget to mention one thing, quite possibly the most important one of all. The “cover charge” for this party: nonperishable food items to donate to our local homeless shelter. So, here’s to the fall, and helping those in need in the process.

A Generator Powered by Memes!?

2005-09-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

Check this out! Although many poor souls pray for a miracle, it's probably not going to "generate" any quality grades for students...and I'm sure most teachers hate it. However, it certainly raises many interesting questions about memes. Many I would like to discuss now...if it wasn't for the biggest rivalry in sports.

On The Drive Home...

2005-09-29T22:56:00.000-07:00

A "great" meme is like a furnace: it can go from hot to cold, but the pilot-light always remains.

Puzzling

2005-09-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know what's more weird, the fact that an article about Ana Marie Cox (editor of Wonkette) appeared in "The On-line Home of Women's Daily Wear" or the way I found out about it: craigslist? I didn't even know "craig" even had a blog. What's the connection between all of this? I've been trying to piece some things together, but have no definitive answers as of yet. Regardless, it will have to wait since I have to get to my graduate class on blogs...go figure.

FEMA & Carnival: What Sweethearts!

2005-09-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

"In the end, we will make no additional money on this deal versus what we would have made by keeping these ships in service," said Jennifer de la Cruz, a Carnival spokeswoman. "That has been our position from the outset, and it has not changed."

Hawaiian Tropic suntan oil = $10

Getting a passport = $97

A Carnival seven-day western Caribbean cruise = $599

FEMA signing a contract to house 7,116 evacuees for six months on a stationary ship for $1,275 per evacuee/week = PRICELESS!

(Actually, it's $236 million to be exact)

Let The Blame Games Begin!

2005-09-27T22:34:00.000-07:00

I tired my best to keep politics out of my blog...this didn't last too long did it? I just find it difficult to discuss memes without addressing the recent events surrounding the hurricanes, and former FEMA director Michael Brown's appearance before congress.

Before I begin, I find it necessary to preface this entry by saying I'm not a politician, nor do I try to be. However, after spending a lot of time raising money for Hurricane victims with my fire department, it has been frustrating for me to see a shift in our priorities; America has gone from holding out our hands to help hurricane victims, to pointing our fingers towards the individual who is to blame for the disasters in the Gulf Coast.

There is no question that the "hurricane blame game” has begun within America and the blogosphere...I've got the meme to prove it! In fact, the cartoon above is actually from a blog entry that attempts to dispute the "Bush blaming media" in regards to the hurricanes (a meme within a meme?).

In the end, is there a "winner" in this "game?'' It appears Rudy Giuliani would like to think so. Just as people point the finger at those politicians who have done so wrong during the hurricanes, they quickly give a thumbs-up to he who did so right during 9/11.

Bitter Enlightenment

2005-09-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

You bitch! After stumbling on written proof of my inability to be witty or innovative this was the first thought that popped into my head. I don't know what's worse, the fact that my title is not very unique anymore (actually, it never really was for that matter), or that someone named the "Friendly Bunny" came up with it long before I did. I'm going to be honest, I'm slightly bitter over the whole thing. All kidding aside, regardless who was the first to coin the term metablognition, I must say I have found myself extremely interested in the term and the impact blogs are having on pedagogy and educational philosophies.

At first, I thought that blogs were very similar to on-line message boards such as blackboard. However, I came across this site and realized there are considerable differences between the two. When used in educational settings, can one be considered "better" than the other though? If so, how would you measure this? Ultimately, doesn't it depend on the student's leaning styles? Although I don't have any definitive answers to these questions as of yet, the fact is, blogs have found a way into classrooms throughout the world; they are having an impact on teaching strategies and improving student achievement as well.

Rino's blog brings up some very important questions regarding the impact of blogs in schools...some of which were going to be addressed until I came across a paper published on the web titled, "Memes, Literacy, and Affinity Spaces: Implications for Policy and Digital Divides in Education." This certainly hurled another log onto the fire and gave me a lot of interesting "blog-material." However, right now I'm spent...and I have to go to a college fair in New Jersey. I’m not exactly sure which exit I will be visiting tonight, but there is no doubt I will have plenty of time during the drive to think about "The Friendly Bunny" (who I admire by the way), and those things called memes.

I'm Not Only a Blogger... I'm Also a Meme?

2005-09-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

During my undergraduate studies of secondary English education we often talked about something called metacognition, or “thinking about how you think.” It was commonly referred to as the latest “buzz word” in pedagogy. Ultimately, what it really had become was a meme spread by educators in their professional community. After tossing around different titles, I came up with what I thought was an innovative and witty name for my blog: metablognition. In sort, I like to define it as, “blogging about your blog.”

To test the uniqueness of my title I typed it into a general Google search and came up with 169 entries. When I searched only blogs, I came up with 2 entries. Ok, so maybe I’m not dealing with colossal numbers here, but the fact is there are people out there (171 to be exact) that have at least published this once-thought-of-as-extremely-innovative term in some context. Is it a meme yet? Definitely not. Could it be someday? I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.

Hopping On The Blog-Wagon

2005-09-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

I’m a thirteen year old boy whose only exposure to sports includes a game of batmittion at a 4th of July party when I was eleven, and two games of bowling at a cub-scout outing three months ago. Today, I was watching CNN and heard something about the Red Sox and how they just won the World Series. Though I’m not quite sure who the good players are, I kept hearing the same name mentioned over and over again. Needless to say, tonight I had my mom take me to Target to buy me a Manny Ortiz jersey! This is how I feel writing a blog for the first time. Ok, so maybe it’s not the best analogy, but it works. The truth is, up to this point I’ve heard nothing about blogs. Yet, I find myself writing one at midnight on a random Saturday. Why? I’m not really sure. However, just as the boy who puts on his jersey and goes into school the next day, as soon as I hit publish post I fear I will be ridiculed for taking part in something I really know nothing about. Yet, what if this makes me popular? Can’t I just say I’ve been a Sox fan all my life?

The great thing about a blog is that it provides a venue for an individual to showcase his/her ability to express themselves over a safety net. Whether it’s fact or fiction, you have the opportunity to publish something that has the possibility of being read by millions of people. Will it happen? Definitely not, but if it does, then you are the shit; you were born to blog! If only three people read it and all of them tell you it sucks…well, then it’s just a stupid blog you did on a random Saturday at midnight. As for the Red Sox jersey...it was just a gift, I'm really a Mets Fan.