I have moved my blog to its own domain, operated by WordPress. I'm done with Blogger.
Click on my blog name or one of my latest blog posts below:
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Goodbye, Blogspot!
Blogger (or blogspot), the site on which this blog is posted, has recently changed its "GUI" -- Graphical User Interface and method of operation significantly. I hate it. The old way was working fine. Now there are a whole slew of changes that make it much more difficult to use, not better.
I embrace change when changes are made for a reason. I see no reason for these changes. It took me over an hour to figure out how to post the message about my recent biker conference, and 25 minutes for this one. The new GUI platform that Blogger introduced and forced upon its users is absolutely awful, non-intuitive, and very hard to use. Sheesh...
I guess the kids back in Google-land thought they'd like to play with the minds of us old farts. So easy to do. (LOL!)
I understand that this new GUI is here to stay and that they won't change it back to the more functional GUI that they had. Therefore, I regret that this change forced me to ABANDON BLOGGER and move to Wordpress.
I have installed Wordpress and am now working on configuring my new blog. When it is ready for its debut, I will make one last post here... then it's "goodbye blogger!"
Sorry if this change will inconvenience anyone. Blame it on the mega-Google-monolith. Google is not the monopoly it tries to be.
I really don't want to change platforms, but Google, the owner of Blogger, is forcing me to make that choice -- vote with my boots, and leave Blogger to play games with others. Not me. I don't have time for this b/s.
Life is short: realize that all good things come to an end. Blogger is one of them. Thanks, Google, for nothing but hassles and heartache.
Friday, April 20, 2012
New Blog Header
You may have noticed that I changed the header for this blog. Just making it reflective of my passions. I remain a guy into boots, leather, and Harleys (well, my Harley.)
Life is short: ride safe!
Life is short: ride safe!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Mail Bounces
I enjoy receiving messages from people all over the world who visit this blog and my website.
Unfortunately, there are times when I receive an email bounce, which reads like this:
Unfortunately, there are times when I receive an email bounce, which reads like this:
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Post 1400 and Blogging
Welcome to post #1400 on this blog. Regular readers have been accustomed to a new post each day, but I've pretty much run out of new content -- or at least enough to write a new post for each day, 365 days/year.
For a while, unless there is breaking news, I will scale back to a new post every other day and see how that goes.
For a while, unless there is breaking news, I will scale back to a new post every other day and see how that goes.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Top Ten Blog Posts of 2011
Each year of this blog's history, I have posted an analysis based on painstaking collection of data on what the "Top 10 blog posts" have been during the year.
This year, the Top 10 posts are...
This year, the Top 10 posts are...
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Cyber-Bashing
It is rather sad, but not uncommon these days, that various forums on the 'net allow anyone to register and use a pseudonym to say things that they would never say in public or if they had to reveal their true identity.
Sometimes these thoughtless dolts link to my website, and say...
Sometimes these thoughtless dolts link to my website, and say...
Monday, November 14, 2011
Read More>>
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Peddlers From India Try Too
Tell me what about the following commenting policy statement on this blog is so hard to understand:
I digress...
Despite my warning against it, inevitably the commenter from India includes a link back to some website offering cheaply-made, inferior boots or gear.
Delete...delete...delete... those kinds of comments are gone. Always. That is what "comments will be deleted ... without exception" means.
Here is a recent example of the source of one of those types of comments -- and how I can tell where the commenter came from:
I will not be a party to cross-promotion of junk.
Life is short: think before you act, and act responsibly.
All comments are reviewed prior to posting. If you do not have a Google ID or Blogger ID, you may use the Anonymous ID option, however, you must type your name with your comment. Comments without a way to know who wrote it may be rejected or deleted. Comments with embedded links to commercial websites WILL BE DELETED--NO EXCEPTIONS!Unfortunately, about once each week, some boot or leather peddler from India attempts to leave a comment on this blog. (I also get them about once each month from Pakistan.) The comment is usually worded as a compliment, though often includes significant errors in grammar and spelling. One would think that the country of the world that has the largest English-speaking population might have people who can write coherently in the language.
I digress...
Despite my warning against it, inevitably the commenter from India includes a link back to some website offering cheaply-made, inferior boots or gear.
Delete...delete...delete... those kinds of comments are gone. Always. That is what "comments will be deleted ... without exception" means.
Here is a recent example of the source of one of those types of comments -- and how I can tell where the commenter came from:
I will not be a party to cross-promotion of junk.
Life is short: think before you act, and act responsibly.
Monday, October 3, 2011
More than 1300 blog posts later...
I usually note the milestones of this blog by the 100s, but when the 1300 mark arrived, which was my post about a new way of displaying bike cop galleries on my website, I did not want to delay announcing that gallery. Then I plum forgot (until now).
Not much has changed in the last 3-1/3 months since I celebrated the 1200 blog post milestone. What has been most popular on this blog? Finding a masculine gay man -- a perennial favorite search that lands thousands of visitors on this blog; How To Tell If You Have Vintage Frye Boots -- also an ongoing favorite, with many inquiries trying to determine what is "vintage" from the current Frye-branded much lower quality boots available these days; and finally, another ongoing favorite -- how, when, where, and with what to wear cowboy boots. Man oh man am I surprised by the vast number of guys who search the web anonymously about how to wear cowboy boots.
During the last 100 blog post timeframe, my partner had successful brain surgery, my twin brother and his wife visited for a month while he retired from 32 years of service to our country; and I rode my Harley around my lovely home state and didn't get lost (much.) We had a hot July, decent August, and very rainy September.
My "new" job at which I started working last November is going well. Four articles or papers that I wrote were published in two peer-reviewed journals, one monthly Association newsletter, and as a chapter in a book edited by a well-respected researcher and professional colleague. One of the papers received a lot of attention internationally and was nominated for an award from my professional association, which I will find out about later. As a result of that (and perhaps doing a few more things right,) I got a promotion of sorts by moving off of conditional probation earlier than the one-year timeframe originally set out in my employment contract and getting a small raise.
Life is going well, smoothly, and quietly. Not much else to report! Keep blogging!
Not much has changed in the last 3-1/3 months since I celebrated the 1200 blog post milestone. What has been most popular on this blog? Finding a masculine gay man -- a perennial favorite search that lands thousands of visitors on this blog; How To Tell If You Have Vintage Frye Boots -- also an ongoing favorite, with many inquiries trying to determine what is "vintage" from the current Frye-branded much lower quality boots available these days; and finally, another ongoing favorite -- how, when, where, and with what to wear cowboy boots. Man oh man am I surprised by the vast number of guys who search the web anonymously about how to wear cowboy boots.
During the last 100 blog post timeframe, my partner had successful brain surgery, my twin brother and his wife visited for a month while he retired from 32 years of service to our country; and I rode my Harley around my lovely home state and didn't get lost (much.) We had a hot July, decent August, and very rainy September.
My "new" job at which I started working last November is going well. Four articles or papers that I wrote were published in two peer-reviewed journals, one monthly Association newsletter, and as a chapter in a book edited by a well-respected researcher and professional colleague. One of the papers received a lot of attention internationally and was nominated for an award from my professional association, which I will find out about later. As a result of that (and perhaps doing a few more things right,) I got a promotion of sorts by moving off of conditional probation earlier than the one-year timeframe originally set out in my employment contract and getting a small raise.
Life is going well, smoothly, and quietly. Not much else to report! Keep blogging!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Considering Blogging?
Blogging has become a medium in which many people share their thoughts, opinions, ideas, and information about their interests. I started blogging three and a half years ago, and have learned a thing or two.
I have written 25 suggestions about blogging, and whether you haven't started to write a blog yet, or already have one, these ideas may be helpful to you.
However, in order to comply with Suggestion #3, all you will see on this page are the main headers. Much more detail, in a printable form, are here at this link (which complies with Suggestion #9.)
Take these suggestions for what you will -- my thoughts and ideas, not official direction.
1. Choose a stable blogging platform and stick with it.
2. Know that once a blog is around a while, most visitors will find it via an internet search engine.
3. Limit the length of what you write to what can be read in 30 seconds or so, and if you have more content to write, divide it into parts and publish over several posts.
4. Make it readable.
5. Use images on a blog post where possible.
6. Use visual contrast.
7. Don't get crazy with changing font size, use bold face, or italics too much.
8. Avoid using an underline in a blog post.
9. Use links in blog posts to provide background, references, citations, or to give readers a link to find more detailed information if they want it.
10. Set commenting to be moderated, not automatic.
11: Allow anonymous commenters within your blog comment policy (see below).
12. From the get-go, establish a blog commenting policy.
13. Follow a reliable and regular posting schedule.
14. Write when you think of it.
15. Have some friends on whom you can rely read certain potential blog pieces for you in advance to provide you suggestions on how to improve it.
16. Use good grammar, spelling, punctuation, and choose the right words for what you wish to say.
17. Give up on feeling you have ownership. You don't.
18. Post images you own or are clearly in the public domain.
19. Remember that once it's out there, it's out there.
20. Create a free account on statcounter.com and embed the code in your blog.
21. Create an interesting, personal image header image, not just words.
22. Remember that some readers are color-blind or color-ignorant.
23. A positive attitude is important.
24. Don't be a quitter.
25: Finally: Have fun as a writer!
Much more detail on these suggestions are on this page of my website in printable form.
Life is short: have fun blogging!
I have written 25 suggestions about blogging, and whether you haven't started to write a blog yet, or already have one, these ideas may be helpful to you.
However, in order to comply with Suggestion #3, all you will see on this page are the main headers. Much more detail, in a printable form, are here at this link (which complies with Suggestion #9.)
Take these suggestions for what you will -- my thoughts and ideas, not official direction.
1. Choose a stable blogging platform and stick with it.
2. Know that once a blog is around a while, most visitors will find it via an internet search engine.
3. Limit the length of what you write to what can be read in 30 seconds or so, and if you have more content to write, divide it into parts and publish over several posts.
4. Make it readable.
5. Use images on a blog post where possible.
6. Use visual contrast.
7. Don't get crazy with changing font size, use bold face, or italics too much.
8. Avoid using an underline in a blog post.
9. Use links in blog posts to provide background, references, citations, or to give readers a link to find more detailed information if they want it.
10. Set commenting to be moderated, not automatic.
11: Allow anonymous commenters within your blog comment policy (see below).
12. From the get-go, establish a blog commenting policy.
13. Follow a reliable and regular posting schedule.
14. Write when you think of it.
15. Have some friends on whom you can rely read certain potential blog pieces for you in advance to provide you suggestions on how to improve it.
16. Use good grammar, spelling, punctuation, and choose the right words for what you wish to say.
17. Give up on feeling you have ownership. You don't.
18. Post images you own or are clearly in the public domain.
19. Remember that once it's out there, it's out there.
20. Create a free account on statcounter.com and embed the code in your blog.
21. Create an interesting, personal image header image, not just words.
22. Remember that some readers are color-blind or color-ignorant.
23. A positive attitude is important.
24. Don't be a quitter.
25: Finally: Have fun as a writer!
Much more detail on these suggestions are on this page of my website in printable form.
Life is short: have fun blogging!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Post 1200 and other news
More quickly than I thought, I have reached the 1,200th post on this blog -- pretty good since I've only been writing and posting on this blog since January, 2008. I have followed other blogs and am disappointed when they stop, as many of them have. I give kudos to fellow blogger Roland who started a blog a few months after I did, and keeps at it. Way to go, Roland! WescoBear blogs often, too, but I have stopped visiting his blog because I won't sit through advertising to read it.
I understand why bloggers stop blogging -- it takes a concerted effort to think of new content and to write new material -- and for me, to write and post every day. I have welcomed the occasional guest blog post, and remain open to more guest posts that have to do with boots, leather, biker gear, motorcycle riding, and being a normal, sensible, rational, monogamously partnered gay man among the mixed and unwashed masses (giggle.)
Speaking of the partner ... a news update. He and I saw his neurosurgeon. Yes, he has a brain tumor. No, it's not malignant. Yes, he will require surgery. No, not now. I will be administering some treatments as his doctor showed me to reduce the acoustic neuroma behind his left ear, and then the doc will take it out in September. Wish partner well. Having brain surgery is a scary thought, though it could have been worse.
Life is short: keep blogging and care for those you love by showing them how you care by doing something for them.
I understand why bloggers stop blogging -- it takes a concerted effort to think of new content and to write new material -- and for me, to write and post every day. I have welcomed the occasional guest blog post, and remain open to more guest posts that have to do with boots, leather, biker gear, motorcycle riding, and being a normal, sensible, rational, monogamously partnered gay man among the mixed and unwashed masses (giggle.)
Speaking of the partner ... a news update. He and I saw his neurosurgeon. Yes, he has a brain tumor. No, it's not malignant. Yes, he will require surgery. No, not now. I will be administering some treatments as his doctor showed me to reduce the acoustic neuroma behind his left ear, and then the doc will take it out in September. Wish partner well. Having brain surgery is a scary thought, though it could have been worse.
Life is short: keep blogging and care for those you love by showing them how you care by doing something for them.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Why I Don't Blog on LiveJournal
I was reading my buddy WescoBear's blog the other day, and when I first entered his blog, I got a popup with some video-based advertisement, along with this message: "Once the ad ends you'll be returned to your LiveJournal experience."
Fooey! I ain't gonna sit through some ad before reading a blog post. I don't care if it's a free site and they have to earn their support from ads. Fuggataboutit.... If I'm going to be forced to sit through an ad before reading a blog post, I'll surf elsewhere.
That's one reason, among others, that I won't use LiveJournal as a blogging platform. I won't be a party to having blog visitors be subjected to advertising. If Blogger (my blog host) starts doing that without my expressed consent, then I'll migrate elsewhere. As difficult as that would be, I want to ensure that "the experience" that my blog and website readers get when the visit either of my sites is not riddled with ads for products and services.
You may not be aware, but I constantly turn down offers to place advertising on my blog, website, and YouTube channel. Sure, I get offers to make money by accepting advertising, but the small income stream isn't worth aggravating my visitors. Further, I won't want to have a product or service that I don't endorse (or even know about) advertised on any of my sites.
Life is short: keep control.
Fooey! I ain't gonna sit through some ad before reading a blog post. I don't care if it's a free site and they have to earn their support from ads. Fuggataboutit.... If I'm going to be forced to sit through an ad before reading a blog post, I'll surf elsewhere.
That's one reason, among others, that I won't use LiveJournal as a blogging platform. I won't be a party to having blog visitors be subjected to advertising. If Blogger (my blog host) starts doing that without my expressed consent, then I'll migrate elsewhere. As difficult as that would be, I want to ensure that "the experience" that my blog and website readers get when the visit either of my sites is not riddled with ads for products and services.
You may not be aware, but I constantly turn down offers to place advertising on my blog, website, and YouTube channel. Sure, I get offers to make money by accepting advertising, but the small income stream isn't worth aggravating my visitors. Further, I won't want to have a product or service that I don't endorse (or even know about) advertised on any of my sites.
Life is short: keep control.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Discussions On This Blog
I received an email from a reader of this blog, where one of my previous posts prompted him to share some thoughts about a situation that he was dealing with. That's a different story, and will remain private. However, what he closed with is something I want to discuss for a bit: "... thank you for your willingness to publicly discuss personal matters/issues on your blog. I do feel that by writing about your own personal experiences, you have dispelled some gay myths and made 'gays' to be normal."
Wow, thanks man. As I have said before, I never really know who I touch with what falls out of my head.
I know this is not the ordinary "gay man's blog." I wonder sometimes what IS an "ordinary gay man" but that's another issue.
I consider myself an ordinary guy; a regular Joe; a neighbor, friend, colleague, biker... whatever labels like that one may wish to apply.
I read some other blogs written by gay men. Those blogs have many more public followers than this one. A low number of public followers on a mature blog used to bother me a lot. I would ask myself, "what are they looking for?" or "what do other gay bloggers blog about that attract more public followers?"
As I analyzed it some more, I realized several things.
First, this is MY blog, where I express my thoughts, feelings, ideas, oddball humor (or lack thereof), likes, dislikes, interests, avocations, and such. I am not writing "for" anyone but myself. I do appreciate that others are interested in what I have to say. Ultimately, though, the blogging experience is a catharsis of sorts for me, and is a way for me to get things off my chest, or describe some knowledge, or express ideas (within limits.)
Second, some gay men's blogs with many followers write a lot about politics. I choose to avoid that here because everyone has different opinions and I do not want this blog to turn in to a venting post for the masses. I respect that everyone has opinions, and I know that I may disagree with some of them. But I'll fight for the right for people to express their own ideas, as long as they don't hurt anyone. However, I do not want this blog to become an exchange of rants, which so often happens on blog posts that are political in nature.
Third, some gay men's blogs with many followers represent a huge gay social circle that the blog writer has developed. The writers receive many comments to posts, and often the comments include witty remarks and humor.
I do not have a huge gay social circle. Honestly, (chalk it up to living with the world's #1 recluse) I don't have much of a social circle at all, because I do not go out to socialize (such as to a restaurant, bar, club, or to friends' homes) and I have lost all interest in attending gay events such as MAL or IML. I get my "social jollies" (that is, fulfill my "need for human interaction,") through other methods, like helping my senior pals, participating in community meetings, going to tons of family get-togethers, and riding with my motorcycle club from time to time.
Fourth, WYSIWYG. Read on.
Back to the comment that I received via email, I affirm that what I choose to write about is reflective of a personal life that is stable, solid, active, and totally integrated with the wider community in which I work and live. I am not "the gay neighbor"; I am "the civic organization president." I am not "that gay guy with an electrician's license"; I am "that nice young man who can fix this for me." I am not "that gay biker with all that leather"; I am an appointed officer in the club who enjoys, like everyone else, riding his motorcycle while geared properly. Finally, I am not "the gay family member"; I am a brother, uncle, cousin, nephew.
I got over worrying about how many public followers this blog has when I looked at my data logs and realized that I have many more readers who choose to remain anonymous. Now that this blog has matured, I am seeing about 500 - 600 unique visitors each day from all over the world. Okay, most of them choose to remain silent; I can live with that. Heck, I read a lot of blogs, too, and there are very few that I follow publicly -- so "I get it." No biggie.
I also realize that some readers are still wrestling with their own sexual identity, and part of their struggle lands them on this blog from time to time as they seek information about what gay men are like -- particularly masculine gay men who don't... well... act and behave "gay" (i.e., whatever stereotypical behaviors you want to apply, but for me, one of those stereotypes is that I am not effeminate.)
Summarizing point: I am a regular guy. I have activities that I like to do. I have clothing and footwear that I like to wear (and some clothing and footwear that I don't.) I am head over bootheels in love with one man. So what?
Follow me or not, WYSIWYG.
For visitors who do not know what "WYSIWYG" means: "What you see is what you get." It is a commonly-used acronym with many computer software applications, but equally applies in this case.
Wow, thanks man. As I have said before, I never really know who I touch with what falls out of my head.
I know this is not the ordinary "gay man's blog." I wonder sometimes what IS an "ordinary gay man" but that's another issue.
I consider myself an ordinary guy; a regular Joe; a neighbor, friend, colleague, biker... whatever labels like that one may wish to apply.
I read some other blogs written by gay men. Those blogs have many more public followers than this one. A low number of public followers on a mature blog used to bother me a lot. I would ask myself, "what are they looking for?" or "what do other gay bloggers blog about that attract more public followers?"
As I analyzed it some more, I realized several things.
First, this is MY blog, where I express my thoughts, feelings, ideas, oddball humor (or lack thereof), likes, dislikes, interests, avocations, and such. I am not writing "for" anyone but myself. I do appreciate that others are interested in what I have to say. Ultimately, though, the blogging experience is a catharsis of sorts for me, and is a way for me to get things off my chest, or describe some knowledge, or express ideas (within limits.)
Second, some gay men's blogs with many followers write a lot about politics. I choose to avoid that here because everyone has different opinions and I do not want this blog to turn in to a venting post for the masses. I respect that everyone has opinions, and I know that I may disagree with some of them. But I'll fight for the right for people to express their own ideas, as long as they don't hurt anyone. However, I do not want this blog to become an exchange of rants, which so often happens on blog posts that are political in nature.
Third, some gay men's blogs with many followers represent a huge gay social circle that the blog writer has developed. The writers receive many comments to posts, and often the comments include witty remarks and humor.
I do not have a huge gay social circle. Honestly, (chalk it up to living with the world's #1 recluse) I don't have much of a social circle at all, because I do not go out to socialize (such as to a restaurant, bar, club, or to friends' homes) and I have lost all interest in attending gay events such as MAL or IML. I get my "social jollies" (that is, fulfill my "need for human interaction,") through other methods, like helping my senior pals, participating in community meetings, going to tons of family get-togethers, and riding with my motorcycle club from time to time.
Fourth, WYSIWYG. Read on.
Back to the comment that I received via email, I affirm that what I choose to write about is reflective of a personal life that is stable, solid, active, and totally integrated with the wider community in which I work and live. I am not "the gay neighbor"; I am "the civic organization president." I am not "that gay guy with an electrician's license"; I am "that nice young man who can fix this for me." I am not "that gay biker with all that leather"; I am an appointed officer in the club who enjoys, like everyone else, riding his motorcycle while geared properly. Finally, I am not "the gay family member"; I am a brother, uncle, cousin, nephew.
I got over worrying about how many public followers this blog has when I looked at my data logs and realized that I have many more readers who choose to remain anonymous. Now that this blog has matured, I am seeing about 500 - 600 unique visitors each day from all over the world. Okay, most of them choose to remain silent; I can live with that. Heck, I read a lot of blogs, too, and there are very few that I follow publicly -- so "I get it." No biggie.
I also realize that some readers are still wrestling with their own sexual identity, and part of their struggle lands them on this blog from time to time as they seek information about what gay men are like -- particularly masculine gay men who don't... well... act and behave "gay" (i.e., whatever stereotypical behaviors you want to apply, but for me, one of those stereotypes is that I am not effeminate.)
Summarizing point: I am a regular guy. I have activities that I like to do. I have clothing and footwear that I like to wear (and some clothing and footwear that I don't.) I am head over bootheels in love with one man. So what?
Follow me or not, WYSIWYG.
For visitors who do not know what "WYSIWYG" means: "What you see is what you get." It is a commonly-used acronym with many computer software applications, but equally applies in this case.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Intensity Time Off
Sorry, but I'm taking at least a week off from blogging. May is just way too intense for me. Partner isn't well, yet wants to continue to do lots and lots of backbreaking gardening chores, his annual rite of Spring. He insists that I help him, and while I like the outcome, I do not like the ... "intensity" ... of his fervor to get these chores done.
Things on the job are really crazy, including necessity to train another new boss, and if you've ever had to do that, you know that it takes time. I'm sure it will go well, but I have to invest the time necessary to bring the boss up to speed yet continue to do all the mountain of work that has to be done keeping people across the country safe, educated, and responsible people empowered to make informed decisions.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, 14 May, 21 volunteers and I ensured that 62 seniors were safer in their homes, by installing grab bars, non-slip mats for the bathtubs, stronger lighting, replacing smoke alarms, and other minor but important fix-up safety things. Several officials from our county stopped by the event to wish us well and thank our sponsor. After running around organizing that event for eight hours, I still had to put in four hours of "plant this NOW!" demands by Partner. Uggghhh....
Back at the ranch, I am taking a week off from blogging for three reasons: 1) my time is really limited and I do not write personal blogs while I am on the clock for work and have no time in my off time to do it; 2) I am running low on ideas again; and 3) Blogger continues to misbehave, and I do not have the patience or time to fool with it. I hope it will return to normal in a week.
Be good, smile, and take care of those you love. Remember -- life is short: show those you love that you love them.
Things on the job are really crazy, including necessity to train another new boss, and if you've ever had to do that, you know that it takes time. I'm sure it will go well, but I have to invest the time necessary to bring the boss up to speed yet continue to do all the mountain of work that has to be done keeping people across the country safe, educated, and responsible people empowered to make informed decisions.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, 14 May, 21 volunteers and I ensured that 62 seniors were safer in their homes, by installing grab bars, non-slip mats for the bathtubs, stronger lighting, replacing smoke alarms, and other minor but important fix-up safety things. Several officials from our county stopped by the event to wish us well and thank our sponsor. After running around organizing that event for eight hours, I still had to put in four hours of "plant this NOW!" demands by Partner. Uggghhh....
Back at the ranch, I am taking a week off from blogging for three reasons: 1) my time is really limited and I do not write personal blogs while I am on the clock for work and have no time in my off time to do it; 2) I am running low on ideas again; and 3) Blogger continues to misbehave, and I do not have the patience or time to fool with it. I hope it will return to normal in a week.
Be good, smile, and take care of those you love. Remember -- life is short: show those you love that you love them.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Blogger Was Down
Message that appeared on Blogger for a long time yesterday morning:
I had a couple people write to me yesterday to ask if I were okay, since all they were seeing was a post from March 11, and nothing more recent.
Unfortunately, Blogger, the platform on which this blog appears, had a major problem of some sort -- perhaps related to the bad luck that supposedly occurs on Friday the 13th? Actually, Blogger has been behaving strangely a lot during the past week. I hope it's not failing, and that I would have to migrate to another blogging platform. I really don't want to have to do that.
Anyway, by early afternoon yesterday, Blogger had resumed normal operations. I found the posts that I had written and were scheduled for Thursday (Law Ride Gallery) and Friday (Chaps Weather). I had to publish them again, but at least I didn't have to write them all over again.
This is one of the perils of using a free system. One cannot expect 100% reliability all the time.
Life is short: keep blogging!
I had a couple people write to me yesterday to ask if I were okay, since all they were seeing was a post from March 11, and nothing more recent.
Unfortunately, Blogger, the platform on which this blog appears, had a major problem of some sort -- perhaps related to the bad luck that supposedly occurs on Friday the 13th? Actually, Blogger has been behaving strangely a lot during the past week. I hope it's not failing, and that I would have to migrate to another blogging platform. I really don't want to have to do that.
Anyway, by early afternoon yesterday, Blogger had resumed normal operations. I found the posts that I had written and were scheduled for Thursday (Law Ride Gallery) and Friday (Chaps Weather). I had to publish them again, but at least I didn't have to write them all over again.
This is one of the perils of using a free system. One cannot expect 100% reliability all the time.
Life is short: keep blogging!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Blog Comments
Lately, several attempts to leave comments on various posts on this blog have had to be deleted. A ding-dong from India has been commenting using a fictitious American-sounding name, leaving compliments on certain posts (with bad grammar and incorrect English) with an embedded link to a cheap leather goods website. Someone else from the Philippines attempted to comment on a post and had a link to a motorcycle vendor in Australia. Someone else from Pakistan has been active, leaving comments with links to cheap Pakistani leather vendors. A while ago, an operator of a gay resort in Mexico also attempted to leave a comment. The comment was good, but the link back to the resort was not.
Once again, I remind readers that I welcome comments, but I have a firm blog comment policy: 1) you have to use a name (screen name is okay) and 2) you can NOT embed links to commercial websites. That link could be within a comment or I have also found them in the "screen name" of the person leaving a comment.
When you go to my comment area for any post on this blog, you will see this:
All comments are held in moderation for me to review prior to posting. I will approve comments that add to a post's content or share opinions about it, even if opinions are different or contrary, but not rude, racist, homophobic, or malicious. I delete posts that violate my blog policy. As it says above, "no exceptions."
Life is short: follow the rules.
Once again, I remind readers that I welcome comments, but I have a firm blog comment policy: 1) you have to use a name (screen name is okay) and 2) you can NOT embed links to commercial websites. That link could be within a comment or I have also found them in the "screen name" of the person leaving a comment.
When you go to my comment area for any post on this blog, you will see this:
All comments are reviewed prior to posting. If you do not have a Google ID or Blogger ID, you may use the Anonymous ID option, however, you must type your name with your comment. Comments without a way to know who wrote it may be rejected or deleted. Comments with embedded links to commercial websites WILL BE DELETED--NO EXCEPTIONS!I don't know how much clearer I can state it. Please comment, but please do not attempt to use this blog to promote commercial websites.
All comments are held in moderation for me to review prior to posting. I will approve comments that add to a post's content or share opinions about it, even if opinions are different or contrary, but not rude, racist, homophobic, or malicious. I delete posts that violate my blog policy. As it says above, "no exceptions."
Life is short: follow the rules.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Back to My Blog
I have enjoyed having guests post things on this blog for the past several days. I expected three of them, and the one from my local Community Hero was not expected, but appreciated.
Now, back to my blog. Content: hmmm, what to blog about.
Things on the gay scene are typical and moribundly boring. Same old stuff with no new news to reflect on. (At least from this monogamously-partnered gay guy's vantage point.)
Things on the "amusing google searches" still show up. I have captured a few which I will blog about in the future. It amazes me that the more technologically-advanced toys that people use (a lot of Android processors showing up), how absolutely awful their spelling and grammar is. It's not just short-hand text-speak. It's fundamental stuff like not knowing the difference between "wear" and "where" and things of that nature. I fear that the more texters use their gadgets, the grammar and spelling of our language continues to go into the toilet.
Nota bene: I was forwarded a resume to review by a colleague as we were looking for short-term professional technical help on a project. The resume was one page, and had 38 spelling, grammar, and other major gaffs in it. 38 of them! My colleague and I both decided to pitch the resume in the electronic trash. If the person can't write, he should at least have had someone proofread his resume before submitting it. Embarrassing!
I sat in on two interviews last week, observing and taking notes. One person actually answered his cell phone during the interview to take a personal call. Another kept fidgeting. We realized that she was texting under the table. Needless to say, these characters didn't make the final cut.
As far as boot-oriented matters are concerned: I remain happily booted. The weather is warming, so I am changing boots more often, several times each day. When I hop on my Harley, I wear boots with solid tread, not smooth leather soles. I had to dress up for those interviews last week, so I wore good-looking, polished cowboy boots. Over the weekend, my partner and I did a lot of work on our house, including building a memory garden in honor of my aunt who passed away. I wore Timberland work boots and my newly-acquired Air Force tactical boots for that.
Which reminds me of a sorry web posting that I saw over the last weekend. Some guy wrote on a public board to ask if Timberland boots were acceptable for "white guys" to wear. He continued with his statement that it appeared to him that only black guys wore "Timbs." Oh, gimme a break. Timberland boots are work boots. Work boots like for doing labor -- construction, etc. I like my Timberland boots because they are comfortable and durable, and I don't care if they get dirty or messed up with garden mud. So be it -- that's what they're for!
One thing, though: my partner preferred that I wore my AF tactical boots instead of the Timberland boots because the AF boots have waffle soles, so mud and dirt don't get caked up in the lugs, they way it does on Timberland boots. After a hard day's back-breaking labor in digging that garden last Saturday, my Timberland boots had quite a bit of mud stuck in the soles. I had to hose them off with a jet stream, and even then, not all the dirt came out. So now I have created some outdoor boot storage just for gardening boots. Hell to pay if I wore those boots in the house and dropped dirt clods everywhere. (And my partner has a right to get upset when that happens, because he works hard at keeping the floors and carpets clean.)
On the leather front: yeah, I got a new leather shirt. It's really cool-looking. I bought it on sale while I was in San Francisco a few weeks ago. I'll describe it and show it to you in a future post on this blog.
Not much new news. I remain very busy with work, which is both fun and consuming. My partner remains busy planning our Spring gardening chores, which I vow to make as enjoyable as I can. This is something that my partner loves to do, and is a hobby that we both can share.
Oh, one thing: my twin brother chided me to "chill" on a recent post on this blog. Okay, bro'. I did. I took a few hours off on Sunday afternoon, cuddled up next to my partner, and we watched a streaming video full-length "tear-jerker" movie. Usually I am the one to break into tears over the littlest things in movies, but I caught my partner drying his eyes when it ended, as well.
Life is short: keep busy, and keep blogging!
Now, back to my blog. Content: hmmm, what to blog about.
Things on the gay scene are typical and moribundly boring. Same old stuff with no new news to reflect on. (At least from this monogamously-partnered gay guy's vantage point.)
Things on the "amusing google searches" still show up. I have captured a few which I will blog about in the future. It amazes me that the more technologically-advanced toys that people use (a lot of Android processors showing up), how absolutely awful their spelling and grammar is. It's not just short-hand text-speak. It's fundamental stuff like not knowing the difference between "wear" and "where" and things of that nature. I fear that the more texters use their gadgets, the grammar and spelling of our language continues to go into the toilet.
Nota bene: I was forwarded a resume to review by a colleague as we were looking for short-term professional technical help on a project. The resume was one page, and had 38 spelling, grammar, and other major gaffs in it. 38 of them! My colleague and I both decided to pitch the resume in the electronic trash. If the person can't write, he should at least have had someone proofread his resume before submitting it. Embarrassing!
I sat in on two interviews last week, observing and taking notes. One person actually answered his cell phone during the interview to take a personal call. Another kept fidgeting. We realized that she was texting under the table. Needless to say, these characters didn't make the final cut.
As far as boot-oriented matters are concerned: I remain happily booted. The weather is warming, so I am changing boots more often, several times each day. When I hop on my Harley, I wear boots with solid tread, not smooth leather soles. I had to dress up for those interviews last week, so I wore good-looking, polished cowboy boots. Over the weekend, my partner and I did a lot of work on our house, including building a memory garden in honor of my aunt who passed away. I wore Timberland work boots and my newly-acquired Air Force tactical boots for that.
Which reminds me of a sorry web posting that I saw over the last weekend. Some guy wrote on a public board to ask if Timberland boots were acceptable for "white guys" to wear. He continued with his statement that it appeared to him that only black guys wore "Timbs." Oh, gimme a break. Timberland boots are work boots. Work boots like for doing labor -- construction, etc. I like my Timberland boots because they are comfortable and durable, and I don't care if they get dirty or messed up with garden mud. So be it -- that's what they're for!
One thing, though: my partner preferred that I wore my AF tactical boots instead of the Timberland boots because the AF boots have waffle soles, so mud and dirt don't get caked up in the lugs, they way it does on Timberland boots. After a hard day's back-breaking labor in digging that garden last Saturday, my Timberland boots had quite a bit of mud stuck in the soles. I had to hose them off with a jet stream, and even then, not all the dirt came out. So now I have created some outdoor boot storage just for gardening boots. Hell to pay if I wore those boots in the house and dropped dirt clods everywhere. (And my partner has a right to get upset when that happens, because he works hard at keeping the floors and carpets clean.)
On the leather front: yeah, I got a new leather shirt. It's really cool-looking. I bought it on sale while I was in San Francisco a few weeks ago. I'll describe it and show it to you in a future post on this blog.
Not much new news. I remain very busy with work, which is both fun and consuming. My partner remains busy planning our Spring gardening chores, which I vow to make as enjoyable as I can. This is something that my partner loves to do, and is a hobby that we both can share.
Oh, one thing: my twin brother chided me to "chill" on a recent post on this blog. Okay, bro'. I did. I took a few hours off on Sunday afternoon, cuddled up next to my partner, and we watched a streaming video full-length "tear-jerker" movie. Usually I am the one to break into tears over the littlest things in movies, but I caught my partner drying his eyes when it ended, as well.
Life is short: keep busy, and keep blogging!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Bloggetory Commentary
Some people have commented to me, privately by email, that they noticed that I had two guest blog posts from straight men in a row on this blog, owned and (mostly) written by a gay guy.
My point all along has been that I am really no different from anyone else, gay or straight. I am a man who cares for his partner, family, and community; works hard in a professional position and enjoys his work; likes to ride his Harley and regrets not having enough time to ride as much as he would like; wears leather garments that he has invested in over the years; and likes boots (and has a rather large collection.) Some guys collect stamps. I collect (and wear) boots.
I most sincerely appreciate the guest blog posts that I have received and posted on behalf of two men with whom I have communicated about boots, about motorcycling, about life, and about similar interests. I have also posted dozens of blog entries from my (straight) twin brother, as well as several guest posts from some other straight guys, here, here, here, and here. And not to leave anyone out, collaborated on a post with a gay man, here, and posted one from a gay cop, here. Just goes to show two things: 1) I look forward to receiving and posting guest blog features that relate to themes of this blog (boots, leather, gay/straight relationships, motorcycling, caring for others). Also 2) gay guys and straight guys aren't that different -- the only major difference is the sex of the partner we have. No.big.deal.
If you haven't read the comments on these recent blog posts, you should. The comments commend this blog for not going into the gutter with porn-type writing, images, and such. I keep this blog G-rated for a reason. It is a public blog. If you want that kind of stuff, you know where to find it. The internet is full of it.
What my partner and I do behind closed doors is our business -- sorta like what my siblings do with their opposite-sex spouses is their business, respectively. We are adults in monogamous relationships. That's it; 'nuf said.
We all can get along just fine in this world where we have common ground. We really aren't all that different, but it IS the differences that we each have that makes life interesting. Gosh, life would be awfully boring if we were all the same.
Life is short: enjoy solid relationships with good people. Sexual orientation has absolutely nothing to do with it.
My point all along has been that I am really no different from anyone else, gay or straight. I am a man who cares for his partner, family, and community; works hard in a professional position and enjoys his work; likes to ride his Harley and regrets not having enough time to ride as much as he would like; wears leather garments that he has invested in over the years; and likes boots (and has a rather large collection.) Some guys collect stamps. I collect (and wear) boots.
I most sincerely appreciate the guest blog posts that I have received and posted on behalf of two men with whom I have communicated about boots, about motorcycling, about life, and about similar interests. I have also posted dozens of blog entries from my (straight) twin brother, as well as several guest posts from some other straight guys, here, here, here, and here. And not to leave anyone out, collaborated on a post with a gay man, here, and posted one from a gay cop, here. Just goes to show two things: 1) I look forward to receiving and posting guest blog features that relate to themes of this blog (boots, leather, gay/straight relationships, motorcycling, caring for others). Also 2) gay guys and straight guys aren't that different -- the only major difference is the sex of the partner we have. No.big.deal.
If you haven't read the comments on these recent blog posts, you should. The comments commend this blog for not going into the gutter with porn-type writing, images, and such. I keep this blog G-rated for a reason. It is a public blog. If you want that kind of stuff, you know where to find it. The internet is full of it.
What my partner and I do behind closed doors is our business -- sorta like what my siblings do with their opposite-sex spouses is their business, respectively. We are adults in monogamous relationships. That's it; 'nuf said.
We all can get along just fine in this world where we have common ground. We really aren't all that different, but it IS the differences that we each have that makes life interesting. Gosh, life would be awfully boring if we were all the same.
Life is short: enjoy solid relationships with good people. Sexual orientation has absolutely nothing to do with it.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Writer's Block Broken
While this blog has been "on pause" for a couple days, I am happy to report that I have received not one, not two, but three guest blog posts, and two questions that are appropriate for blogging about. One guest blog post is cowboy-boot related, another is from a motorcycle police officer, and another is from my twin brother, who contributes here frequently. These posts will appear over the next week.
I sincerely appreciate that my appeal for ideas worked. I am always open to suggestions for things to write about, questions to answer, or guest blog posts from others who have something to day about wearing boots, leather, or other issues that I deal with on this blog from time to time. It's great when people contribute and help out.
If you have any questions, blog suggestions, or wish to contribute a guest blog post, write to me using this form or send me an email if you have it. (I do not publish my email address because nefarious spambots find it and then go crazy.)
Life is short: appreciate contributions!
I sincerely appreciate that my appeal for ideas worked. I am always open to suggestions for things to write about, questions to answer, or guest blog posts from others who have something to day about wearing boots, leather, or other issues that I deal with on this blog from time to time. It's great when people contribute and help out.
If you have any questions, blog suggestions, or wish to contribute a guest blog post, write to me using this form or send me an email if you have it. (I do not publish my email address because nefarious spambots find it and then go crazy.)
Life is short: appreciate contributions!
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