BlogDogIt

In searching out some digitized text from "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy to insert into an article I was working on over at The Vestibule I was rewarded with the complete volume of the work. This exercise also served to introduce a very interesting, international, collaborative project between individuals in the United States of America and Russia and the Newly Independent States: Friends & Partners.

The website is certainly dated and its home page serves to celebrate the sites 20th anniversary (which occurred January 19, 2014.) It is unfortunate that this (obviously monumental) labor of love has stagnated in its development. However, it is found none-the-less worthy of those glowing rays of attention bestowed by the BlogDogIt Spotlight.

As luck would have it we have made our discovery in time to congratulate this web service on 25 years of contribution to the world wide body of knowledge. 

Born on January 19, 1994, Friends and Partners is one of the first Internet services developed jointly by citizens of the United States and Russia. Resulting from a chance meeting on the Internet (you can read our story here), it is but one of many examples of how the Internet, itself rooted in the Cold War separating our nations, can provide an effective means of bringing us together.

About the authors . . . We are Natasha Bulashova, of Pushchino Russia, and Greg Cole of Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. Our careers in information science led to our chance meeting via the Internet and to our discovery that despite cultural differences, a steep language barrier, and the misunderstandings upon which we were raised, we can become good friends. It is our greatest hope that this server will help others do the same. 

Please Note: Many of the links offered on the Friends & Partners web site are broken due to age and attrition but a great deal of valuable resources and entertaining content are still available to those willing to do a bit of cyber-exploration (you know who you are.)

Thanks to the BlogDogIt Friendly Ad Roller ™ I was reminded of Half and Half, the blog and brainchild of "half wit. half wisdom. a whole lot of nonsense."® Megan Lake (A.K.A. @meg_lago to her twits.) When her linky popped up randomly today I took the bait and decided to visit one of my preferred internet destinations.

I have to admit to disappointment however, when I discovered there had not been an entry made since two-nought-sixteen. Not exactly the end of the world because there is plenty of prose from her prolific pen - enough to profit even persistent perusers such as myself.

Wondering what Meg was up to nowadays, I flew on over to twitter to check for life-signs. Encouraged to find tweets originating from within a fortnight I decided to explore some more and saw she was now listing her internet address as MeganKLake.com It was through this website I learned rather than abandoning her creative side she had instead put it to great effect as Senior Copywriter for the prestigious AMP Agency in Boston.

An investigation of the portfolio presented on her new website reveiled a somewhat less wry application of Meg-arts but I found it to be an enjoyable look into the future of Meg Lago's past. So it turns out that around the time she was walking away from the Half and Half she was walking into the World of Play-Doh. In typical BlogDogIt form I would like to wish Play-Doh an extreemly belated but sincere Happy 60th Anniversary and officialy / finally join in the celebration of "World Play-Doh Day!" (September 16)

Watch the following video short and tell me honestly you did not see this in Meg's Future ;)

  Source: https://videopress.com/v/N0mHwKfh 

Play-Doh tasked us with generating buzz around World Play-Doh Day. We interviewed kids from all over the world and asked them what they thought the future would look like, then we created it in Play-Doh, wrote a cohesive story and launched it on the brand’s 60th anniversary on September 16, 2016.

- Megan Lake [meganklake.com/playdoh/]

You never know what the future may hold; these kids may actually have it right. That Megan kid certainly did.

It has been far too long since I put this BlogDogIt Spotlight to work  - well, lo and behold - my internet explorations have struck gold once again!

On January 2 of this year I first encountered the enchanting blogging voice of Christine Asuncion emanating from her blog entitled "By My Two Feet." In the midst of exploring the content therein, I discovered she had only just posted an article with the heading "parting with bymytwofeet" in which she explained how she had exhausted the space allotted to this free wordpress blog and had to close-up shop. At the conclusion of this goodbye message was a casual mention that she will now be blogging at her new site which she is calling "Christine.ity"
~ Thank Goodness!

Regular explorers of BlogDogIt will recognize Christine.ity from the fact that we have been featuring her site via RSS in the margins of our "masodo's musings" topic area, so as to never miss a post from this self-described "flake of stardust."  Among the many qualities she owns in respect to her blogging persona is the fact that, "I take my playlist seriously" So in true BlogDogIt fashion we encourage you all to join Christine in this regard:

Enjoy!

 Link to playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYU4MB6l0CvU1iQtPS4bMIUUKa4iKF3lP 

Wouldn't it be nice if someone with marginal hacking skills could somehow convert these youtube videos into mp3 files so those of us with mp3 players could take these tunes out into the world to experience these songs in a more natural habitat? And if only that collection could be downloaded in a group; say in a zip file? That would be very handy. And what if everyone that downloaded this mix would get to know these artist even better and support them in their pursits - that would be totally awesome! #SupportIndieMusic

Get to know Christine yourself:

https://christineity.wordpress.com/
https://amateureye.wordpress.com/
https://bymytwofeet.wordpress.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWFXBmXzkMj57bFXxX49uQ/

It has long been my intent to continue running BlogDogIt.com on the Geeklog CMS platform; doing my best to utilize existing features and plug-ins to keep this place on the cutting edge. Not too long ago though, I waxed poetic over my wishing to do something with the platform that - to my knowledge - had never been done with Geeklog. (See:Getting Geeky With IT)

I am pleased to report that after having submitted my work to Geeklog.net, I was informed by them that my modification - which I have named "RSS Last Post" -  has been accepted and added to their official downloads section under the heading "Add-ons" subcategory "Hacks."

Get only the latest post from your favorite blogs.
Display in side block or static page.

A great deal of my blogging efforts revolve around promoting others' blogs. For many years I would use the Geeklog Portal Blocks to share their RSS feeds. I soon got the idea to attempt to extract a remote site's latest post and feature it in a static page or block and set about cobbling together this hack. In addition to showing the last post for the blog it also gets the website's logo and link if supplied to their feed (some do, some don't.)

Click the image above to visit the RSS Last Post download page and download the ZIP file - chocked full of tasty PHP Soup. Look around BlogDogIt for several examples of this hack in action.

Space may be the "final frontier" but that does not mean you have to be an astronaut to scratch your exploring itch. You can climb a mountain if you have one handy or tromp off into the woods and attempt to get lost in nature (if she'll have you.) But if exploration is what you crave, take a tip from Dorothy: "If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own backyard..."

BlogDogIt is pleased to shine this (long-overdue) spotlight into the fascinating diversion of Urban Exploration and invite you to experience the Oblivion State. Oblivion State exists as an online forum for like-minded individuals to share their experiences in this most visually stimulating, awe inspiring, often melancholical quest for some really "big game" images.

Wherever humanity attempts to improve their condition the true impact of these endeavors is often best displayed in the urbanized areas their cities and towns. Begin your expedition here in the comfort of your internet browser (no tetanus shot required.) Think about those astounding sights you pass on a daily basis; those of which you have become numb to the beauty they possess. Open your eyes to the Oblivion State... 

 Click On The Image To Visit Source Article

All images sourced from http://www.oblivionstate.com/ and remain copyrighted to the photographer with all rights reserved. Used Without Permission - I am hoping your visit to their website will get me off the hook.

Featured Explorers:

[] MiaroDigital [] Ferox [] Andy [] urbexosaurus []
[] The Amateur Wanderer  [] eyevolve [] jones-y-gog []
[] skeleton key [] hamtagger [] mookster []

Be sure to catch my first contribution to Oblivion State:
Impressionists View: Riverside Amusement Park (circa 1979)

Brianna Wray - Interdisciplinary Artist

I have been keeping an eye on this lady for a couple of years now and feel the time is right for shining the BlogDogIt Spotlight her way. As a self-described interdisciplinary artist, Bri - I hope I can call her that - has her hands in many media of self expression.

With a flair for the upbeat she imparts through her art those properties we all associate with sunshine. With warmth she illuminates her world, highlighting the colorful nature of her creativity. Like those rays of sunlight we have all seen breaking through a sky filled with clouds Brianna breaks through the internet with a fresh and honest presence; a truly spirited artist and skilled internet artisan worthy of attentive patronage.

"...I’d like my work to contribute to fond memories and reflect the world around us in a whimsical way."
-- Brianna Wray - [Artist Statement]

On the WraysOfSunshine.com website Brianna has interviewed several of her local compatriots in the art world - gain insight into her love of art as she celebrates others who are driven to create. Perhaps one of the best introductions to Brianna Wray herself is in the form of this video self-portrait; Brianna: Wray of Sunshine - Final Project for Art360: 30:60:90: Identity & the Moving Image.

Enjoy!

The Video: https://youtu.be/eNl6j3B69AQ

Now how could you not want to learn more about this
ray of sunshine named Wray?  Her linkage:

I have always liked the Town of Oaklandon, Indiana. In the late 1970's I was employed by Lawrence Parks Department and was often tasked with mowing the grass, picking up litter and emptying trash barrels at the Oaklandon Road "Play Park" (beneath the landmark water tower on the corner of Broadway Street.) Many years ago my wife and I had the chance to move out of the Near East Side of Indianapolis and found a charming "fixer-upper" in Oaklandon and continue to enjoy this town.

From what I have been able to gather, Oaklandon, Indiana has a very interesting history. However, it has not been very easy finding specific information about our town on the internet. It occurs to me that fellow community members might never learn many of the interesting facts about our community due to the disbursed nature of available information. I have decided to create this website as a way to consolidate the available information and hopefully learn more in my quest to build and maintain this website. It is my sincere hope that you might find it useful and entertaining.

Thank you for checking out the website. Visit Historic Oaklandon and environs when you get the chance and experience the home-town vibe for yourself.

http://oaklandon.deburger.com/

It may not have been common knowledge but I have long been a fan of the Dubstep / Trance / Trap sound. From my early days of collecting CMF and MOD files through the BBS's I have often found myself absorbed in the enjoyment of the strangely comforting demonstrations of digitally derived sounds.

When I discovered the many works of ZealFied (Hassaan Tariq) I was drawn as a moth to a flame. ZealFied offers a broad spectrum of sound files featuring, fresh, finished arrangements that suggest to me a devoted artist worthy of following. Thanks to Soundcloud, ZealFied has developed a ready platform to share these jewels.

Equally as appealing are the associated graphic images for his articles. It was the desire to share these images that "sealed the deal" for shining the BlogDogIt Spotlight on this incredible talent. Found tucked away on the Pakistani edge of the World Wide Web; I am glad to share this discovery with you. 

Enjoy!

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/zealfied/

Tumblr: http://zealfied.tumblr.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZealFied.DJ

There are somewhere in the neighborhood of a bazillion content aggregators and/or click-bait farms. It does not take  a long exploration of those types of sites before you must only conclude they are in it for the money. It's your clicks putting money into their coffers. Quite often you will discover that time spent at such websites only results in a time loss you will never get back; as you seek to learn the facts of a story that may never deliver in any way, shape, manner or form, as suggested by the hyperbola designed to draw you in to a cyber-world likely created by robotic harvesters of all that the internet has to offer (and not in a good way.)

I would never say that there is anything wrong with sharing content found on the internet. In fact, if not for the practice BlogDogIt would feature far fewer posts and be way more boring. The difference between the run of the mill content aggregator and your truly is I only share those things of interest to me, with the sincere hope they will be of interest to you. Those who follow BlogDogIt with any degree of regularity will know this to be true. You will also know that discoveries I share tend to be from off the beaten path (and occasionally, simply off-beat.)

Ever since I shared the LonelyBlogs blog feed community with you I have made it a practice to regularly visit the site - mostly to admire the BlogDogIt link consistently appearing among the "Top promoters" of LonelyBlogs.com (shameless, I know.)

In my many visits to that feed page I have noticed quite a few prolifically posting bloggers - many of which I have started visiting on a somewhat regular basis. Among these there has been one particular blogger that I have actually come to be actively on the lookout for because - without fail - I have found his post to be entertaining, informative, interesting and/or unique. I am referring to the internet explorer Renard Moreau and his "exuberant" blog "The Chronicles Of Renard." Billed as "A Happy Exploration of the Blogosphere" it is easy to see why his approach to blogging strikes a chord with that which I purport to purvey.

The topic selections on "The Chronicles Of Renard" are as varied as they are voluminous and include Blogging Advice, Technology, Music, News, Entertainment News, Sports News, Photography, Health and much more. Renard's philosophy on content selection tends to favor the "evergreen" which means "The Chronicles Of Renard" is an awesome place to dig for gold. The mere fact that this prolific explorer of the inter-webs has been at it since 2013 means, this my friends is a mother-lode.

It is a Blogger blog platform utilizing Disqus commenting - so it is not your 'old-shoe' wordpress site - but get in there and get involved. If you find something that interest you (which will probably be the result of the first page-load) leave Mr. Renard a comment (he will appreciate that and very likely tell you so.) Tell him BlogDogIt sent you... that's what I'd do anyway.

Why not visit The Chronicles Of Renard today?
 

When you say you are giving someone the benefit of the doubt aren't you really saying that you doubt them but in a way you want to believe? That is really a skeptical outlook - sort of - I'll admit that. But when I first started following the exploits of Mikhael Ro I had doubts. I am not actually even sure how I came to click the "subscribe button" on his YouTube Channel.  However, I have made it a point to check out his videos as they get posted because - well, because... - let's just say - I do, okay? It was not until he presented his groundbreaking documentary titled "Vacuuming a Bed" did I know for sure that this was going to be a channel to watch.

I have no doubt that this video is the only video of vacuuming a bed I have ever come across on the internet. I am sure I could probably come up with another if I resorted to some of those highly overrated search engine sites but thanks to the bold initiative demonstrated by Mikhael Ro I cannot ever imagine resorting to any such search. I suspect this video on vacuuming a bed to be the pinnacle of this rather unique art form.

Kudos Mr. Ro! I only hope your assistant (featured in this clip) sees fit to return to you the valuable treasure you recovered while producing this film; I must say you have earned it (and more!) You have certainly earned the BlogDogIt Spotlight and all the popularity, pride and prestige that is sure to come your way as a result.

Please enjoy the video embedded below:

You have to understand folks, that household chore videos are not the everyday fare of this up and coming vlogger but this offering should let us all know - in no uncertain terms - that Mikhael Ro has a camera and is not afraid to use it in his quest to take the internet by storm. Visit his little corner of the World Wide Web and let him take you around Tampa and environs to show you the sights. Take virtual hold of his MagicBand pass to Disney World and see what a guy who has practically grown up in the park points his lens toward while there.

You can (and should) follow Mikhael Ro on the following:
YouTube
Wordpress
Google +
Twitter