Writers from across the blogosphere – Writers’ Block carnival

Welcome to the May 8, 2008 edition of writers from across the blogosphere. It’s late, but it’s here. 🙂 Also, if you’re into spec fiction (horror, science fiction, fantasy, etc.,) make sure to check out the two editions of a carnival of speculative fiction.

Bob Younce presents A Directory of Internet Article Writing Sites posted at The Writing Journey, saying, “Bob Younce takes a look at the options writers have for publishing their material on the various online article submission web sites. Along the way, he considers their usability, usefulness, and potential for profitability.”

Jean Mosher presents War, Philanthropic and Political Web Sites « Always in Motion posted at Always in Motion.

Jean Mosher presents Kelly’s New Vegetarian Cooking Blog « Always in Motion posted at Always in Motion.

Charlotte Babb presents Hello world…Again! posted at Charlotte’s Babblings.

Alfa King presents Thinking of writing a press release? posted at Alfa King Memories.

Orna Ross presents St Patrick?s Day in Glendalough posted at WRITING ADVICE & PUBLISHING ADVICE from Font.

Ben There presents The Long And Weary Path posted at Beer And Incense.

Jessse Hines presents How to Make Your Blog Stand Out from the Rest: C.S. Lewis on Originality and Truth posted at Vigorous Writing.

Jeffrey Stingerstein presents Emotional Truth Versus Objective Truth (and how they relate to theism and atheism) posted at Disillusioned Words.

Edith presents Obama, Clinton and Web 2.0 posted at Edith Yeung.Com: Dream. Think. Act..

articles

Machione presents The Best Coney Dogs In Stark County, Ohio – Coney Sauce, 35 Years In The Making – Catching Fire! posted at The Lives and Times… of Anthony McCune.

Wakish presents Money – The Root Of All Success! posted at Wakish Wonderz.

ben presents Love Is Not Enough: Against Lennon-McCartneyism posted at Head Wide Open.

SJ Yee presents Time Management for Lazy People posted at Personal Development for the Book Smart, saying, “Time is Money. Here’s a detailed summary of the key concepts in the time management lecture by Randy Pausch… You can skim through it to get the points you need…”

Kathy Bringer presents Conscious Flex: Universal Knowledge: by Nicholas Powiull posted at Conscious Flex, saying, “Just sharing for a friend. I hope it helps all writers! Thank you for doing what your doing by sharing :)”

authors

Amy Munnell presents Meet…playwright Eugene O’Neill posted at 3 Questions…and Answers, saying, “Meet the greatest American playwright of all time”

Kilroy_60 presents On The Anniversary Of Hunter S. Thompson’s Suicide – An Interview With Dr. Gonzo posted at Fear And Loathing – The Gonzo Papers.

Aaron Powell presents The Hole: A Serial Novel of Supernatural Apocalypse by Aaron Ross Powell posted at The Hole: A Serial Novel, saying, “The Hole is a serial apocalyptic horror novel, based in Mormon mythology, about a global plague, zombies, and a small group of survivors making their way across a very weird Midwest.”

blogs

Jean Mosher presents Blog for Fun and Profit « Always in Motion posted at Always in Motion.

Wakish presents Is a blog the platform you need? posted at Wakish Wonderz.

Adie Dornom presents 3 Tips to Blog Like a Manaic and Still Have a Life posted at Lee McIntyre’s Honest Marketing Blog.

Todd Goldfarb presents What 6 Months of Change Can Do For You (Subscribers Only)! posted at We The Change, saying, “What 6 months of creating and writing a blog can do for you. A great story, enjoy!”

book reviews

Christina M. Rau presents Belonging posted at Livin’ The Dream (One Loser At A Time).

GrrlScientist presents Finding Your Wings posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “A review of the newly published book by Burton Guttman, is a special workbook designed to help beginning bird watchers develop into intermediate birders!”

Peter Jones presents Poetry That Talks to the Heart: A Book for the Modern Age posted at Great New Books that Are a Must Read.

Elizabeth Harrin presents Book Review: Emotional Intelligence for Project Managers posted at A Girl’s Guide to Managing Projects, saying, “This is a book specifically for project managers but anyone who leads teams would benefit from some of the great tips in here.”

Geek’s Dream Girl presents Book Review: Confessions of a Part-Time Sorceress posted at Geek’s Dream Girl, saying, “A girly girl’s book about Dungeons and Dragons.”

books

James DeLelys presents healingthroughwords.com » PARABLES posted at Author James DeLelys, saying, “New book.”

Wayne Buckhanan presents Upping the Downside with Self Knowledge posted at Life, Love, & Learning.

interviews

Amy Munnell presents An Interview…with first-time author Misty Massey posted at 3 Questions…and Answers.

Amy Munnell presents An Interview…with freelance writer Sheila Hudson posted at 3 Questions…and Answers.

Amy Munnell presents Interview…with editor & freelance writer C. Hope Clark posted at 3 Questions…and Answers, saying, “The editor of FundsforWriters.com talks about one of Writer’s Digest’s 101 Best Websites for Writers.”

Amy Munnell presents An Interview…with ghostwriter Cecil Murphey posted at 3 Questions…and Answers, saying, “Ghostwriter Cecil Murphey talks about how to be a successful ghostwriter in today’s celebrity-centric world.”

life

Warren Wong presents How To Deal With Worrying posted at Personal Development for INTJs, saying, “Three steps to help you stop worrying in no time!”

Alex Blackwell presents 45 Tips for a Happier, Simpler and More Productive Life posted at The Next 45 Years.

Jean Mosher presents Postcards from Connecticut « Always in Motion posted at Always in Motion.

Jean Mosher presents Once a Trucker, Now a World-Class Opera Singer « Always in Motion posted at Always in Motion.

Carol Bentley presents Research and write posted at Carol Bentley.

Jeremy Neal presents Learning is Easy; Unlearning is Hard posted at Thoughts on Quotes, saying, “Unfortunately for us, our brain doesn’t come equipped with an administrator to resend passwords, retrieve documents and unlock files.”

Terry Dip presents Why English Is But Should Not Be the International Language (1/3) posted at Complete and Creative, saying, “You read and write in English. Any other languages?”

Shamelle presents Not Tonight Dear, I Have A Modem! posted at Enhance Life.

Lin Burress presents Launching Child Safety and Child Sexual Abuse Series posted at Telling It Like It Is.

Alex Blackwell presents Confessions from a Recovering Father posted at The Next 45 Years.

philosophy

Jeffrey Stingerstein presents Why Sheltering Any Faith From Criticism Is Dangerous posted at Disillusioned Words.

ben presents Head Wide Open: Panic Release posted at Head Wide Open.

Alex Blackwell presents Four Rocks to Grasp in Life posted at The Next 45 Years.

politics/current events

Freddie L. Sirmans, Sr. presents 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION NIGHTMARE posted at 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION NIGHTMARE..

Freddie L. Sirmans, Sr. presents A SURVIVAL PLAN IN CASE THE DOLLAR ACTUALLY COLLAPSES posted at A SURVIVAL PLAN IN CASE THE DOLLAR ACTUALLY COLLAPSES.

Madeleine Begun Kane presents Dear Ralph: Go Away! posted at Mad Kane’s Political Madness.

Brent Diggs presents What The Promised Recession Means To You As An American posted at The Ominous Comma, saying, “Urgent Economic Humor, read at once.”

Raymond presents Living In A Litigious American Society Obsessed With Filing Lawsuits posted at Money Blue Book.

publishing

Amy Munnell presents Make Your Fantasy Come True… posted at 3 Questions…and Answers, saying, “Fantasy publishers who will consider unagented manuscripts”

GrrlScientist presents The Birdbooker Report #5: Notes on Bird (and Natural History) Books posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “Here’s this week’s issue of the Birdbooker Report, which lists bird and natural history books that are (or will soon be) available for purchase.”

Catherine Johnson presents Author Budgets and Self-Publishing posted at Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace, saying, “If you choose to self-publish, tracking your costs is crucial, as the process can quickly get expensive.”

Amy Munnell presents Still a Kid at Heart…Children’s Book Publishers posted at 3 Questions…and Answers.

reading

Wakish presents A True Teacher Is An Emperor Whose? posted at Wakish Wonderz.

Wakish presents posted at Wakish Wonderz.

writing

babs mountjoy presents Research?a novel idea; or, Why is Homeland Security here? posted at Awalkabout’s Weblog, saying, “Because the world isn’t what it was when I started writing 36 years ago…”

Joshua Dodson presents Writing tips: Blogging for the Wary posted at Fragmentist.

Tauri Miller presents Blind Obsession. posted at What you sow, saying, “I hope you like it.”

Cathrene Gehue presents Writ Bits » Blog Archive » Amorphous Aphrodite posted at Writ Bits.

Caroline Barnard-Smith presents Yes, I?ve Had A Bad Day posted at Author or Bust.

Michael Mehas presents The Fugitive Captured posted at Stolen Boy’s Weblog, saying, “A writer faces a Sophie’s Choice moment.”

Brent Diggs presents The Secret to Writing Humor posted at Humor Blogging.

Catherine Johnson presents Truth and Consequences in Writing posted at Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace, saying, “It’s not just telling a good story; if it’s true, or inspired by truth, the writer has a responsibility to readers to support that claim.”

Wakish presents Wonderful Blogging Ideas – How To Breed Them In Your Garden? => PART 1 posted at Wakish Wonderz.

Wakish presents Method Of Presentation Of Topics posted at Wakish Wonderz.

Wakish presents Writing the GP Essay – Write to convince! posted at Wakish Wonderz.

Kathryn presents 10,000 Ideas and Resources for Writers and Bloggers: 100 ?Top 100? Lists posted at Real Words, saying, “This is a list of one hundred links to articles that each have 100 tips or resource ideas for writers. That means there are 10,000 ideas for writers all in one place.”

Jessse Hines presents David Mamet’s View of Today’s Writers: Not Real Enough posted at Vigorous Writing.

Tip Diva presents Tip Diva | Top Ten Tips – Beating Writer’s Block posted at Tip Diva, saying, “When Tip Diva is not thinking of advice and how-tos for this website, she writes for a trade magazine. Writing for both a magazine and a blog can be pretty taxing on her brain, and she sometimes finds herself continuously staring at a blank Word document. Writer’s block happens to the best of us, but there are some ways you can beat it.”

Edith presents Are You Making Meaning in Your Company? posted at Edith Yeung.Com: Dream. Think. Act..

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of
writers from across the blogosphere
using our
carnival submission form.
Past posts and future hosts can be found on our

blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags:

writers from across the blogosphere, blog carnival.

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Democrats have an important decision to make

Hillary or Obama?

What’s your take? We are faced in this country with 2 “firsts” in this election. The first woman president and the first black president possibility. And, it appears that the country is really wrestling with these two choices.

Personally, I’m backing Hillary. Not just because she is a woman. Here are my reasons:

She is smart. Dare I say, smarter than Bill Clinton and that is really something.

She has been investigated almost the entire 8 years that she was first lady. There are no more surprises. She’s been though it, and we all know her skeletons.

She has a passion to straighten out health care. She tried to overhaul the healthcare industry in 93, but the Washington cronies weren’t about to have a first lady tackle such a “Presidential” task.

She comes with a built in advisor, former president Bill Clinton. Our country is in such disarray, she is going to need all the resources available to her.

She has pledged to take away corporate america’s tax incentives if they ship jobs overseas.

It took a Clinton to clean up Bush Sr’s mess and it will take a Clinton to clean up after Jr’s mess.

During the Clinton years, we had a paid off debt with a surplus of funds to boot. People were employed, the stock market was booming and people weren’t worried about losing their home.

I’m not sure about Obama. The press is reluctant to expose his skeletons. I’m not sure why…the probing questions just aren’t there like they were for Hillary. He’s a talented orator to be sure, but I just have a nagging feeling there is more to the story than he lets on. Yet, he is doing the traditional politics crap that they all do. Yet, he isn’t called on it. Why?
Either way….do the right thing and vote for your choice.

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Primaries – Maryland Polls Close Soon

It’s 8:45 p.m. and the Maryland polls aren’t closed yet. A judge ordered an extension due to the bad weather.

So far, with 61% of the votes counted in Virgina, Obama is ahead. I will be very surprised if he doesn’t win Maryland as well.

Yesterday, I attended the Stand for Change Rally with Barack Obama at the 1st Mariner Arena. Over 15,000 people packed the space to capacity–young and old, various races and ethnic groups, women and men. The crowd was excited, and from the second Obama walked on stage, there wasn’t a boring moment. Not only did he connect with the audience, he outlined clear plans for the future and showed that he, too, is realistic about–and prepared for–the challenges ahead.

H. Clinton is now in Texas, where she hopes to re-energize her campaign after back-to-back losses and the firing/stepping down of her campaign manager. But Hillary is expected to win Texas and Ohio.

(CNN now reports that Barack is now ahead in the delegate count by 2–1170 to 1168.)

McCain is likely to win the GOP vote in Maryland and is projected as the winner in Virgina. But Huckabee is closer in the polls than almost anyone expected . . .

Exciting!
–
See where they stand on the issues:

http://www.ontheissues.org/Hillary_Clinton.htm

http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm

http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm

http://www.ontheissues.org/Mike_Huckabee.htm

http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm

###
Nancy O. Greene
http://www.portraits.bravehost.com

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The Writers’ Block Carnival – writers from across the blogosphere

Welcome to the January 29, 2008 edition of writers from across the blogosphere. Click, read, Enjoy!

writing

Vaibhav Gadodia presents Habitually Good » Blog Archive » Writer’s block – what is that? posted at Habitually Good.

GrrlScientist presents Today’s Adventure in The Land of Medicine posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “After a day like this, I would be crazy, if I wasn’t crazy already.”

Rebecca Suzanne Dean presents How To Kick Writers? Block posted at Rebecca Dean.

Richard Lee presents How To Write Magnetic Headlines posted at Richard Lee.

Brent Diggs presents Writing Prompts for the Not-So-Prompt posted at The Ominous Comma, saying, “Humor for writers”

Jessse Hines presents The Best Writing Advice I Ever Received posted at Vigorous Writing.

Jessse Hines presents Got Writer’s Block? Just Eat that Frog. posted at Vigorous Writing.

blue skelton presents The First Junkie Ninja Monologue posted at This Wasted Monologue, saying, “Scene: Present Day, Hospital Waiting Room – Blue Skelton is reflecting on the imminent birth of his first child.”

ScottG presents Notebook on a Passion: The Writer Begins with the Begiining posted at Notebook on a Passion, saying, “Writers write to influence their readers, their preachers, their auditors, but always, at bottom, to be more themselves.
–Aldous Huxley”

Steve Osborne presents First Things First posted at TheWritersBag.com, saying, “Steve Osborne, author of “Writing Tips for the Real World,” is a professional freelance writer and writing instructor with over 20 years of experience.”

Thursday Bram presents What If? Emergency Planning for Your Writing posted at thursdaybram.com.

GrrlScientist presents Bridge To Opportunity (Reprise) posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “This is just a story about the Brooklyn Bridge, as written by a non-native NYCer; me! Includes history of the bridge and Emily Roebling’s remarkable contribution to its completion.”

Steve Osborne presents “Are You Done Yet?” posted at TheWritersBag.com, saying, “Steve Osborne, author of “Writing Tips for the Real World,” is a professional freelance writer and writing instructor with over 20 years of experience.”

Ward Tipton presents Writing in Earnest | The Write Page posted at The Online Writing Resource Center, saying, “While freelance writing is great in many ways, wouldn’t it be nice to have your name on your writing and put the money it earned in your own pocket? I was finally able to get started doing this.”

Carol Bentley presents 4 easy steps to authorship. . . posted at Carol Bentley.

Steve Osborne presents The Well/Good Conundrum posted at TheWritersBag.com, saying, “Steve Osborne is a professional freelance writer and writing instructor with over 20 years experience. His blog teaches writing rules, strategies and techniques in a memorable, easy-to-understand way, spiced with a bit of humor.”

Alfa King presents Degree or experience? posted at Alfa King Memories.

Steve Osborne presents E-Mail Etiquette posted at TheWritersBag.com, saying, “Steve Osborne, author of “Writing Tips for the Real World,” is a professional freelance writer and writing instructor with over 20 years of experience.”

Sagar presents Rookie Mistakes: 15 Blunders New Freelancers Make and How to Avoid Them posted at Bootstrapper.

Alfa King presents Clarity and Brevity Make Good Blogging posted at Alfa King Memories.

articles

Orna Ross presents Planning Your Writing posted at WRITING ADVICE & PUBLISHING ADVICE from Font, saying, “Article on the importance of planning for writers”

Bela presents How to Catch a Mouse | House Chronicles posted at House Chronicles.

blogs

Michael Bass presents Hints for writing great blog posts. posted at Debt Prison, saying, “Don’t write junk, anything worth writing is worth writing correctly. Bad articles will leave readers with a negative impression of your site.”

Nick Cobb presents Felonious Ramblings: My First Day In The Joint posted at Felonious Ramblings.

Warren Wong presents The Different Types Of Website Visitors And Their Value posted at Personal Development for INTJs, saying, “An article describing the different types of websites visitors such as search engine, direct, referring, and social bookmarking and the value they bring to your website.”

Bob Younce presents Setting posted at Writing My First Novel.

book reviews

GrrlScientist presents Speciation in Birds posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “by Trevor Price, is a wonderful review of the literature that reveals the process and nature of speciation in birds.”

GrrlScientist presents Attenborough in Paradise posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “A remarkable set of adventures to the South Pacific islands and beyond on DVD as David Attenborough pursues his most deeply burning passions. [educational DVD review]”

Peter Jones presents The Hunter Becomes the Hunted: New Mystery Keeps You Reading posted at Great New Books that Are a Must Read.

books

James DeLelys presents Am I the Only One? posted at Author James DeLelys, saying, “Prelude to a new book.”

Sarah presents Eugenides and Saunders read from My Mistress’s Sparrow Is Dead posted at SARAHSPY.

interviews

Marilyn Terrell presents The Inn at Little Washington Celebrates 30 Years posted at Intelligent Travel, saying, “Susan O’Keefe interviews the celebrated chef-innkeeper at the Inn at Little Washington, Patrick O’Connell, as his inn and restaurant turn 30.”

life

Madeleine Begun Kane presents One Car Guaranty I?d Gladly Forgo posted at Mad Kane’s Humor Blog.

Alex Blackwell presents And a Side Order of Positive Attitude, Too Please posted at The Next 45 Years.

Justin Duval presents www.DarkGrin.com – mind TRIP posted at The Dark Grin, saying, “Philosophical creative writing piece.”

Joshua Wagner presents Getting Your Ducks in a Row posted at Total Possibility.

Joshua Wagner presents Love and Fear posted at Total Possibility.

Alex Blackwell presents Feel the Music in You posted at The Next 45 Years, saying, “While allowing my heart to hear the words to the song, it occurred to me that I did indeed own my life. Regret and shame were just pieces of garbage I had been carrying around long enough. But there was still plenty of time and there was still plenty of hope and fight left in me.”

philosophy

Akemi presents Belief can Change the Course of Life posted at Gratitude Magic.

Samuel Bryson presents The Philosophy of Happiness – Accepting Yourself posted at Total Wellbeing.

Scholars & Rogues presents A human thinking trap (and how to avoid it) posted at Scholars and Rogues, saying, “Thank you for your consideration.”

politics/current events

Meggie Pace presents Craft Research: Craft 2.0 posted at Earthly Paradise, saying, “The arts and crafts movement is experiencing an incredible revival on the web. This article discusses the movement’s origins and future.”

Heidi Whitaker presents Viral Blogging: What is the Price of Profiting from the Politics of Bigotry and Hate? posted at Work from Home Choices, saying, “This article discusses how political blogs are stirring up hatred and bigotry.”

Cheryl presents Cop a plea: to criminal stupidity posted at Glob-a-log, saying, “Dimwitted cops and criminals”

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of
writers from across the blogosphere
using our
carnival submission form.
Past posts and future hosts can be found on our

blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags:

writers from across the blogosphere, blog carnival.

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Writers from across the blogosphere – Writers’ Block carnival

Welcome to the January 5, 2008 edition of writers from across the blogosphere. Enjoy!

writing

M. Cruz presents Developing Unique Characters – Its The Little Things That Count! posted at NOIRLECROI.COM.

Steve Osborne presents Proofreading Tips posted at TheWritersBag.com, saying, “Writing tips for the real world, from a professional writer.”

Missy presents It may not be a traditional dance, but it’s a dance just the same posted at Incurable Disease of Writing, saying, “A musical revelation freed me from my self-doubt and writing is back on track.”

Sean-Paul Kelley presents Recreating Long Lost Drama: The Xiongnu and the Han, 200BC posted at The Agonist, saying, “The question I’m facing right now is how to bring out the inherent drama of an event that took place more than two thousand years ago and is little known in the West.”

Carol Bentley presents The power of words. . . posted at Carol Bentley.

Ward Tipton presents Coming Write Up | The Write Page posted at The Online Writing Resource Center, saying, “Many people would like to get into writing but either have no knowledge about where to get started or worse, they become consumed by “analysis paralysis” or feelings of insecurity because they doubt themselves. Doubt no more!”

Jason Mueller presents Poem of Pain posted at Over Ten Years Serving the Reading Public.

Rebecca Wallace-Segall presents Yay, Motivation! posted at a community of young writers in new york city.

Nicola Marsh presents Romance, rumours and rogues posted at Romance, rumours and rogues.

Carol Bentley presents Do your headlines grab your reader?s undivided attention posted at Carol Bentley.

Jason Mueller presents Plausible Denial posted at Over Ten Years Serving the Reading Public.

Tali presents THE NIGHT-CELL posted at Helium – Where Knowledge Rules, saying, “I’m trying to build up this character, while writing a few shorts, involving her. This is the first.”

authors

Jason presents ExecutedToday.com » 1849: Not Fyodor Dostoyevsky posted at Executed Today, saying, “We catch up with Fyodor Dostoyevsky — including some original translation of his “holy crap, I’m alive” message — on the anniversary of his mock-execution.”

Kilroy_60 presents Kilroy Fear & Loathing, A Hunter S. Thompson tribute – A business management consultant, spiritualist & writer looks at life – Sex Drugs Rock & Roll posted at Fear And Loathing – The Gonzo Papers.

blogs

Jeanie Marshall presents Blogging for Coaches, Consultants, and Other Professionals posted at JMviews Meditation and Empowerment, saying, “Over the years while coaching and consulting, I have encouraged many of my clients to write. Sometimes I suggest they write to sort out ideas, with no intention for publishing or even sharing the writing with anyone. Other times, I suggest they write so that they eventually publish something. More and more, I am suggesting that my clients write a blog. The blog is one of those very powerful mechanisms, readily available.”

Alfa King presents Blogging year, against all odds posted at Alfa King Memories.

Susan presents Monetarizing Your Travel Blog posted at The Innovative Traveler, saying, “Montearize Your Travel Blog”

Warren Wong presents How To Start A Successful Blog posted at Personal Development for INTJs, saying, “Tips on how to start a successful blog and what it takes to succeed.”

articles

Joshua Seth presents Getting Lost in Istanbul posted at Joshua Seth Blog, saying, “A Voyage to feel the taste of Old Europe through Hippodrome, the site of chariot races in old Constantinople and the Egyptian obelisk.”

Jim Sansi presents PR What? posted at The Kaizen Business.

book reviews

John presents Review: Of a Feather posted at A DC Birding Blog.

Sean-Paul Kelley presents So, You Want To Travel The Silk Road? posted at The Agonist, saying, “In his new book, Shadow of the Silk Road, Colin Thubron makes clear the magnitude of the task for writers who want to tackle the Silk Road. (I’m one of those writers.)”

Tiffany Washko presents Everything I Want to Do Is Illegal! posted at Natural Family Living Blog.

GrrlScientist presents The Snoring Bird posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “This book by Bernd Heinrich, a noted biologist, is a memoir that documents his father’s life and their relationship, and how his father influenced the scientist and the man that the author became. [book review]”

Torrie presents Book Review: Father’s Aren’t Supposed to Die posted at A Time of Grief.

interviews

Jeanie Marshall presents Jeanie Marshall Interviews Peter Shepherd posted at JMviews Meditation and Empowerment, saying, “Jeanie Marshall interviews Peter Shepherd, who is the Owner of Tools for Transformation, a personal development site which he started in 1997. He offers a considerable amount of valuable information at his web site, in his products, and through his mailings.”

Jason presents 1962: Arthur Lucas and Ronald Turpin posted at Executed Today, saying, “This is an interview I conducted recently with Canadian journalist Robert Hoshowsky on his recent book “The Last To Die” — about the last men hanged in Canada.”

life

Joshua C. Karlin presents Why You Need to Ask posted at Marketing & Fundraising Ideas.

Edith presents How to Stay Focused posted at Edith Yeung.Com: Dream. Think. Act., saying, “Are you distracted? Are you thinking about 3 things at the same time? Do you have more than 3 screens opened on your computer right now? If you said yes to any of the questions above, please stay focused here and read on.”

Rebecca Wallace-Segall presents Poetry Slam–Now That’s a Competition posted at a community of young writers in new york city.

John Crenshaw presents “He Tells Me To Burn Things” posted at Dominate Your Life, saying, “How do you distinguish good advice from bad, how do you know when someone is just telling you to “burn things?””

Warren Wong presents Conversation Skills / Tips: How To Have A Good Conversation posted at Personal Development for INTJs, saying, “Tips to improve your conversation skills and help you have a good conversation!”

Chickens in the Road presents The Slanted Little House posted at Suzanne McMinn, saying, “A writer at a turning point in her life picks up her laptop and moves to the country with her three children to find the real meaning of home–and life.”

Alex Blackwell presents Ask for What You Want posted at The Next 45 Years.

Justin Duval presents www.darkgrin.com – Why You Choose to Get Angry posted at The Dark Grin, saying, “Check out why you choose to get angry!”

Terry Dean presents Overcome Fear posted at Integrity Business Blog by Terry Dean.

Carol Bentley presents Invitation to birthday celebration posted at Carol Bentley.

philosophy

Meggie Pace presents A Beautiful House and Books–The Most Important Things in Life? posted at Earthly Paradise, saying, “William Morris’ philosophy integrated art, philosophy and “everyday life” in a way that almost seems impossible to today’s reader. He once argued that having a beautiful home and books were two of the most important things in life. Was he right? On reflection, I think he was!”

CG Walters presents Truth is But a Resting Place posted at Into the Mist, saying, “Many people are willing to accept that experiences and memories of the past become guides for our choices in the present, thereby dictating the future. Most people see these memories or experiences as defined once and never changing. I, on the other hand, am forced to view them as a more fluid commodity.”

Justin Duval presents www.darkgrin.com – The Spectrum of Extremes posted at The Dark Grin.

Pearl presents Spreading the Love via Compassion posted at :: Interesting Observations ::, saying, “Whats your definition of compassion?”

Matthew Spears presents Trusting Perceptions and Higher Communication posted at Loving Awareness, saying, “One of the most fundamental aspect of any growth or is the trust in one’s own perception. There is no question it is an incomplete perception; as a human, you will not see even a minuscule fraction of the totality of what’s out there, or that of your self. But it is still your perception. It is your link to your power. It is the basis for all growth, for if you rely on someone else’s eyes and intuition, you are not living your own life, discovering your own power, but are being a guinea pig for other’s experiments”

politics/current events

Jason Hughey presents The Assasination of Benazir Bhutto posted at Logical Consistency, saying, “Pakistan is emerging as a crisis. Read how the assassination of opposition leader, Bhutto, represents more serious and deadly problems, not only for Pakistan, but for the world.”

Sholom Anarchy presents Stumping for Ron Paul again posted at Anarcho-Judaism.

James K. Bashkin presents Kicked out of Cuba! “When crime fiction is a crime” by K Henkel: Fact and Fiction collide, with serious consequences. posted at Nearly nothing but novels, saying, “The fragility of free speech is indicated by this report of a Cuban writer’s exile in Germany.”

Madeleine Begun Kane presents Dear Editor: Enough With The Polls, Already! posted at Mad Kane’s Political Madness.

humor

Jason Mueller presents Beer, Bear, Body Bag: The Inspirational Story of What Not to Feed Yogi posted at Over Ten Years Serving the Reading Public.

contests

Susan presents New Podcast Documentary Contest posted at The Innovative Traveler.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of
writers from across the blogosphere
using our
carnival submission form.
Past posts and future hosts can be found on our

blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags:

writers from across the blogosphere, blog carnival.

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Writers from across the blogosphere – The Writers’ Block carnival

Welcome to the December 2, 2007 edition of writers from across the blogosphere. Browse, read, enjoy!

Sagar presents 17 Specialty Search Engines Every Web Developer Should Bookmark posted at Virtual Hosting.

Danogo presents The 2 Simple Ways to Get Your Website into Google Search Results posted at Danogo.com – Discover. Inspiring . Media, saying, “For blogs on a budget the inexpensive way to promote your site is right in Google’s search results.”

Jason Hughey presents What is a Conservative Part 2 – Social Contract and the Role of Government posted at Logical Consistency, saying, “In Part 2 of “What is a Conservative?” I go over the social contract theory of John Locke and explain how that ties into the role of government.”

Jason Hughey presents What is a Conservative Part 3 – Moral Beliefs of Individuals Theory posted at Logical Consistency, saying, “In the third article of the “What is a Conservative?” series, I present the Moral Beliefs of Individuals Theory (MBIT).”

Alfa King presents Writing for free? posted at Alfa King Memories.

Alfa King presents Beginner or professional? posted at Alfa King Memories.

Jason Hughey presents Part 4: What is a Conservative – The Declaration of Independence & The U.S. Constitution posted at Logical Consistency, saying, “In Part 4 of “What is a conservative,” I explore the undeniable relationship between the two founding documents: the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.”

articles

Robinson Go presents Persuasion 101: How to Make People Buy posted at The Robinson Go Blog, saying, “Make Money Online Now. Waste No Time, Make the Sale! Be Persuasive!”

Tiffany Colter presents Reaching more people with your blog posted at Writing Career Coach, saying, “if you post this please let me know and I will post a link to your blog on mine…..also check out my 9 year olds book reviews…..thanks”

seanjames presents The Actuality of College Life posted at Practical Jokes, Blogging Tips, Adsense, Insurance and Phew!!.

Michael Fowke presents A vision of Canary Wharf posted at Money is the way, saying, “My vision and a mystical celebration of the Canary Wharf financial centre in London’s Docklands.”

CG Walters presents Djalma : Mystic posted at Into the Mist, saying, “Excepted article from Sacred Vow by CG Walters (ISBN 978-0-9774271-0-9, visionary fiction).
Ian has met a young mystic, Djalma, who is trying to explain how Ian has been traveling into parallel lives to meet with a mysterious woman that he seems incomprehensibly bonded to.”

blogs

Christine presents GoogleAds, Keywords and Website Content: Making Money Online Using Web Content, Keywords and GoogleAds posted at Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France, saying, “Writing about what drives your spirit and allowing that force to generate an income for you!”

Matt R presents Elizabeth Banks (C’96): GQ Photo Spread! posted at Dueling Tampons, saying, “Entertainment news about UPenn alumni and undergrads”

Robinson Go presents Don?t Have A Blog? Start One Now! posted at Advice, saying, “I vastly improved my creative and technical writing skills through blogging.”

Sagar presents Top 100 Social Media and Social Networking Blogs posted at Virtual Hosting.

CG Walters presents Sisterhood of Crones posted at Into the Mist, saying, “This excerpted article is from the novel, Sacred Vow (Dragon’s Beard Publishing, ISBN: 978-0-9774271-4-7, paperback, Fiction: Visionary/Metaphysical). There is a rift in the Collective Consciousness because people are not bonding one to another. The Sisterhood of Crones (a description of the order, not their name–as their name is without word) is about to perform a ritual to receive a message from the Collective Consciousness…”

Elvis D presents My Gal Poison posted at 365fiction.

Kathleen Gage presents Is Blogging Necessary? posted at Street Smarts Marketing.

Wakish presents What Is Search Engine Optimization – SEO posted at Wakish Wonderz.

book reviews

Ian Welsh presents Call for Book Reviewers posted at The Agonist.

Carole G. McKay presents One Man’s Legacy: The Politics of Reason posted at McKay Today, saying, “A review of “Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent Shriver” and how one man’s focus and passion changed a nation’s social policies and can continue to inspire us today.”

GrrlScientist presents Chosen By A Horse posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “by Susan Richards, this wonderful book is about horses, love and life, and tells the true story of how a rescued horse actually rescues the author. [book review]”

GrrlScientist presents Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted): All Things Reconsidered posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “by Roger Tory Peterson, the world’s most famous bird watcher, this collection of true-life essays recounts RTP’s travels and life with birds. [book review]”

GrrlScientist presents Birder’s Conservation Handbook posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “by Jeffrey Wells, this book presents information about the 100 most at-risk bird species in North America and what we can do to protect them. [book review]”

books

Andrew Edgington presents By Anthony Robbins Offers Successful Life Strategies In Free Book – London – Adzooks.co.uk posted at Anthony Robbins, saying, “Check out this book and it´s FREE, well it is if you live in Europe.”

interviews

Liz Lewis presents Interview with a Travel Writer…Pam Mandel posted at My year of getting published.

Natasha presents Interview with Faye L. Booth | web stuff 4 writers posted at web stuff 4 writers, saying, “Interview with debut author, Faye L. Booth, focussing on how she’s used the internet to promote her book.”

Susan Johnston presents 5 Q’s with Sarah Jio posted at The Urban Muse.

life

Warren Wong presents How To Feel Better And Be Happier posted at Personal Development for INTJs, saying, “Some practical tips you can use now to feel better and be happier.”

Yazan Manasrah presents Uncluttering your mind posted at The Blasted Crossing, saying, “Want to find out how to gain the focus and mental energy to accomplish the daily tasks you must do?”

kcawley presents Break posted at Tomorrow’s Confusion, saying, “Take flight”

philosophy

Jeremy Neal presents Don’t Be One of the Herd posted at Thoughts on Quotes, saying, “Fear causes a herd mentality. Have the courage not to be one of the herd.”

kcawley presents House, Not a Home posted at Tomorrow’s Confusion, saying, “Poetic tale, ironic and short where the hero is nameless and the plot is unkown”

politics/current events

Madeleine Begun Kane presents First Pakistan And Then? posted at Mad Kane’s Political Madness.

Jeremy Neal presents Save Yourself from Government Regulation posted at Thoughts on Quotes, saying, “Government should protect us from each other, but not ourselves, says Ronald Reagan. Citizens must get involved to ensure government stays within due bounds.”

Jason Hughey presents What is a Conservative Part 1 – An Understanding of Natural Law posted at Logical Consistency, saying, “A summary of the natural law theory (as argued by John Locke and Sir William Blackstone).”

Alex presents The Iraq’s standard of safety posted at Samson BLinded.

publishing

Peter Huang presents Jade Raymond Comic posted at As You Want It, saying, “About something that happened in late November.”

reading

Rebecca Wallace-Segall presents Schools: Celebrate Teen Writers posted at a community of young writers in new york city.

religion

James DeLelys presents Home posted at HOME, saying, “What is Love?”

writing

JJ LOCH presents Sailboat Masts, Arnold Mackinac Ferry, and a Bell Tower posted at Nature Shows and Dreams.

Wakish presents Writing the GP Essay – Write to convince! posted at Wakish Wonderz.

patrick treadway presents How To Write A Haiku posted at How2Blogger.

Natalie presents 3 ways to brainstorm ideas for lyrics posted at Quaxle, saying, “This is a short post about ways to creatively find ideas for stories. This was aimed at writing song lyrics as my blog is about songwriting but this can be applied to any kind of fiction writing.”

Elvis D presents Mortality Acknowledged posted at 365fiction.

Elvis D presents Wiggle Room posted at 365fiction.

CG Walters presents Writing Sacred Vow : Letting a Spirit Story flow posted at Into the Mist, saying, “For me, one of my most powerful connections to the Absolute—the Tao, or whatever you may call the unified intelligence—has turned out to be through just the right story: something that takes the form of an extended mantra, imbued with a rhythm and symbolism resonating so personally that it seems surely to be a direct manifestation of my intuitive self.”

Elvis D presents Chasing Fame posted at 365fiction.

Rebecca Wallace-Segall presents Lessons from the Newest Generation of Writers (& Thinkers) posted at a community of young writers in new york city.

Wakish presents Method Of Presentation Of Topics posted at Wakish Wonderz.

The Career Counselor presents The Scoop on Freelancers Union: How and Why You Should Join posted at ask the CareerCounselor, saying, “Although there are perhaps two or three freelance unions in existence, by far the most well-known and far-reaching union is the nonprofit Freelancers Union. In 1995, Sara Horowitz, a former labor lawyer, launched the Working Today organization in an effort to meet the many needs of the growing freelance and independent workforce. In 2001, Working Today created the Portable Benefits Network (PBN) to help bring affordable benefits to freelancers across New York City. Finally, in May 2003 PBN changed it’s name to Freelancers Union.”

Missy presents Setting the Scene posted at Incurable Disease of Writing, saying, “Three basic questions to ask yourself when creating a scene…”

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of
writers from across the blogosphere
using our
carnival submission form.
Past posts and future hosts can be found on our

blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags:

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One more note about the 2007 Weblog Awards

Thank you to those that have voted for us in the 2007 Weblog Awards! It means a lot that you took the time to consider us for Best Literature Blog. You can take a look at this entry from yesterday, posted at The Book’s Den (a blog that should be nominated and a finalist in the 2008 Weblog Awards).

Today is the last day for voting; the polls close at 5:00 p.m. EST. Sure, it’s a cliche to say that it’s an honor to be nominated, but it really is–being a finalist in a contest you didn’t even realize you were nominated for is kind of like finding $20 on the sidewalk.

Yes, it’s nice to get votes, but the Best Literature Blog category consists of great sites that are all worth checking out. Here’s that list again:

Pepys’ Diary
Avon Romance Blog
Maud Newton
Classical Bookworm
Writer’s Block
Erik Hare
Diary of a Heretic
Bookgasm
Neil Gaiman’s journal
McSweeney’s

See what I mean?

We’re not going to win the contest and (though I don’t speak for the other writers on the blog) never expected to, but just being considered along with the other blogs is so very cool. So thank you, thank you, thank you!

Tied for first place right now are Pepy’s Diary and Neil Gaiman’s Journal. For my personal preference, I like Neil Gaiman’s Journal for the top spot. Consider his blog if you have an extra vote to give, have already voted for us, and would like to spread the voting love around. Check it out. Read it. Then vote. If you prefer Pepy’s Diary, go for it. And, of course, if you prefer to vote for The Writers’ Block by all means do so!

And also vote for “Jon Swift” for Funniest Blog. Not only does he have an intelligent, great blog well worth checking out, he has endorsed us and his other picks (Diary of a Heretic for top pick) in the Best Literature Blog category. He’s also listed links to the other blogs nominated for Funniest Blog. Whatever your particular political leanings, you’re likely to find something engaging at the “Jon Swift” blog.

What a fun competition. Congrats to all the nominees, finalists, and winners! 🙂

http://2007.weblogawards.org/polls/best-literature-blog-1.php
http://2007.weblogawards.org/polls/funniest-blog-1.php

Nancy O. Greene
http://www.portraits.bravehost.com

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Writers from across the blogosphere – The Writers’ Block carnival

Welcome to the November 5, 2007 edition of writers from across the blogosphere. Enjoy some new book reviews, interviews, politics and much more!

Phil B. presents Recycle Christmas Trees « Phil for Humanity posted at Phil for Humanity, saying, “It is almost that time of year again when we buy a new Christmas tree. Are you going to just throw it away when done with it?”

fabulousana presents Eclectic Closet : Pride And Prejudice posted at eclectic-closet.

articles

Roger presents Racism, Beyonce, political convenience, and shitty pre-war coverage of Iran posted at mask of anarchy, saying, “This world is increasingly run and reported on by people eager to put square pegs into round bones.”

GrrlScientist presents To The Creationists: Even WORDS Evolve! posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “[This link is about some new linguistics data — which may or may not be appropriate for your carnival]
Or; How ‘stode’ became ‘studied’. This piece explores the rate of evolutionary change in languages and finds that these rates of change are similar to the evolutionary rate of genes.”

Tiffany Colter presents Is Fear Blocking you? posted at Writing Career Coach.

Sagar presents The Digg Toolbox: 70+ Digg-related Scripts, Tools, and Tutorials posted at Virtual Hosting.

blogs

GrrlScientist presents Schemochromes: The Physics of Structural Plumage Colors posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “The physics of why blue feathers are .. well, blue in color.”

book reviews

Mike Bergin presents Soaring with Fidel posted at 10,000 Birds, saying, “Here’s my review of Soaring with Fidel with a response from the author! Thanks.”

James K. Bashkin presents A day without murder; reviews of Chekhov and David Lodge’s Author, Author posted at Nearly nothing but novels, saying, “My impressions of fiction, including crime fiction. To quote from my own writing on crimespace.com, “Crime fiction is such a pleasure, the psychology of this sometimes troubles me (but I know I can quit whenever I want to).” So today I prove that I really can quit whenever I want to. Today is a day for other types of fiction.”

SJ Yee presents The FAQ Book on Public Speaking posted at Personal Development for the Book Smart.

GrrlScientist presents Father Knows Less posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “The new book by Wendell Jamieson, is a father’s delightful and interesting quest to find the answers to his young son’s questions. [book review]”

GrrlScientist presents Cloning: A Beginner’s Guide posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “by Aaron Levine, is one of the best-written books I’ve ever read about the history, process and ethics of cloning technology and stem cell research. Highly recommended. [book review]”

James DeLelys presents WORDS A Prophecy Fulfilled | New Scriptures: Spiritual Growth, Healing, Help and Comfort posted at New Books, saying, “Had to share this book with you entitled WORDS A Prophecy Fulfilled. A great book that envokes very deep thought. Yet, it is simply written with a portion of its’ contents written in story form. This book may be read over and over again… always something new is found within its’ pages; Magical!”

Stirling Newberry presents The Continuing Tales of Captain Carnage posted at The Agonist, saying, “Michio Kakutani’s New York Times review of Norman Podhoretz’s book, “World War IV: The Long Struggle Against Islamofascism,” is the nicest review of mindless bellicosity you are ever going to read in English.”

GrrlScientist presents Bait and Switch posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “Inspired by the book by Barbara Ehrenreich, which describes the tribulations faced by job seeking white-collar workers who are “in transition”, I expound upon these challenges while also reviewing this book.”

interviews

Jeanie Marshall presents Jeanie Marshall Interviews Priscilla Palmer, Creator of the Personal Development List posted at JMviews Meditation and Empowerment, saying, “Priscilla Palmer began the Personal Development List of Blogs, which has been circulating the Internet. To thank her, I interviewed her for my blog.”

Linda Jo Martin presents Writing Festival Friday #5 – Featuring Mel Trent posted at Linda Jo Martin.

life

Priya Darshini Shivakumar presents Memoirs of Bygone New Year Eves posted at A screenful of thoughts, saying, “Nostalgia of bygone happy times”

John Crenshaw presents Are You Proactive or Reactive? posted at Dominate Your Life, saying, “You can learn a lot about how to be successful in life and business by studying what works for people in really intense situations. Am I ever going to be so bombarded with information that I’m incapable of processing it all?”

politics/current events

Roger presents Chilling: mass slaughter, live cremations & Burma?s last blogger posted at typing is not activism…., saying, “This is very much a summary of some of the leading edge coverage of Burma, but what I have found on these sources has not yet been widely reported, and I find both this information and the relative silence from world media chilling and sickening.”

phil F. presents SUNDAY FEATURE: Is Elizabeth Edwards Throwing a Wrench in the Campaign? posted at e-news daily.

writing

Susan Johnston presents 5 Hints for Writing Headlines posted at The Urban Muse.

InterfaceLeader presents Dealing with Writer’s Block posted at Words Words Words, saying, “Some tips on dealing with writer’s block.”

Rebecca Wallace-Segall presents When one boy plays video games… he finds inspiration posted at a community of young writers in new york city.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of
writers from across the blogosphere
using our
carnival submission form.
Past posts and future hosts can be found on our

blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags:

writers from across the blogosphere, blog carnival.

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Writers from across the blogosphere – The Writers’ Block carnival

Welcome to the September 30, 2007 edition of writers from across the blogosphere!

Hungry Writer presents R-E-S-P-E-C-T posted at Writing For Food.

‘Colorado’ Gumi presents Chap. 1 – ‘Proto-Gin’ posted at The History of Gin, saying, “This Blogger, who ‘claims’ not to be a famous writer, says it’s a biography of a young woman in an existential
world. . .but aren’t ALL Blogs about that???”

Roseate presents Review My Blog For TWO Link Backs posted at Make Money Online At Roseate Marketing Tips.

Eldon Sarte presents Mobile Writers: Do You Really Need a Laptop? posted at Wordpreneur.com.

Salman Siddiqui presents Is Increased Usage Of Computers Isolating People? The Verdict! posted at CompuWorld.

Michael presents Upon Meeting The 100% Perfect Moncton Girl posted at project hitchhiker.

Dannie Phiri presents Daniso Mapiri technotalks…sort of – Daniso’s Rants, Mumbles and Whatevers posted at Daniso Mapiri technotalks…sort of.

articles

Lucynda Riley presents El Dorado posted at The Traveling Man.

FitBuff presents How to Speed Up Your Metabolism posted at FitBuff.com’s Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog, saying, “A slow metabolism can do more than just add inches to your waistline. It can increase overall lethargy in your body, possibly leading to depression and other health-related problems.

But, there’s good news: There ARE ways to speed up your metabolic rate for increased energy, fitness, and overall health!”

Admin presents Anything Goes & General News: Britney Spears in the Bathroom posted at Anything Goes & General News, saying, “What really went down when Britney Spears asked a photographer to join her in a restaurant bathroom? It’s widely rumored that she asked for a tampon. According to the story, and it’s simply not true.

Cameras swarmed Spears when she popped into a Quizno’s in Brentwood to use their restroom on Monday afternoon. When she was done using the facilities, she called to a cameramen waiting outside to join her. Adnan, a Finalpixx photographer, taped his closed door exchange with Britney.”

authors

Ashok presents Rethink.: Some Personal Notes re: Shakespeare, Sonnet 18 posted at Rethink., saying, “Why write? Shakespeare gives an ambiguous answer about whether writing enshrines a memory forever in “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day,” I think.”

blogs

Ashok presents Rethink.: What Constitutes Plagiarism Exactly? posted at Rethink., saying, “How should we judge what is plagiarism and what isn’t, and what should guide our sentiments on the matter?”

Elvis D presents Generations posted at 365fiction.

Ant presents Guarantee Your Sites Page Rank posted at The Beef Jerky Blog.

Elvis D presents Forum posted at 365fiction.

Elvis D presents Dirty Old Man posted at 365fiction.

Eric Michael Johnson presents The Feeling of What Happens posted at The Primate Diaries.

Phil B. presents Blog Carnivals « Phil for Humanity posted at Phil for Humanity, saying, “Do you want to drive more traffic to your blog? Well, I have a really.. REALLY easy way. And no, this is not a gimmick.”

Christi presents Analysis of a Blog Reader posted at Blogging Writer.

Terry Dean presents Finding Your Unique Ability posted at Integrity Business Blog by Terry Dean.

Michael Fowke presents Deranged bankers in the City of London posted at Money is the way, saying, “A blog post from the Arthur Rimbaud of finance.”

book reviews

GrrlScientist presents Why Don’t Woodpeckers Get Headaches? posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “by Mike O’Connor, this delightful little book answers a whole flock of offbeat questions posed by people who love birds.”

GrrlScientist presents Peterson Reference Guides: Gulls of the Americas posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “by Steve N. G. Howell and Jon Dunn, this is the definitive reference work that teaches the art and skill of identifying gull species that occur throughout the Americas.”

GrrlScientist presents The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “a review of the book by Natalie Angier. This book explores the basics of all the sciences from to physics to cosmology.”

GrrlScientist presents The Body Has a Mind of Its Own posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, “A review of the book by Sandra Blakeslee and Matthew Blakeslee, that explores the fascinating concept of body maps; the relationship between mind, body and environment.”

books

Peter N. Jones presents Marketing Your Book DeMystified: New Book Explains All posted at Great New Books that Are a Must Read.

Scott H presents Top Ten Most Popular Books in College posted at College and Finance.

interviews

Linda Martin presents Writing Festival Friday #2 – Featuring Donna Alice Patton posted at Linda Jo Martin.

life

Dawn Xiana Moon presents Kid-Friendly Food posted at Dawn Xiana Moon: Randomness.

Cheryl Snyder Taragin presents Goatse is a Hoax and Other Internet Disinformation posted at The Spewker, saying, “I find the whole concept of Internet Disinformation amusing. So easy to check facts, and yet, people don’t. Bloggers should have a moral code of ethics.”

Warren Wong presents Why You Should Show Appreciation posted at Personal Development for INTJs, saying, “Why you should show appreciation for the little things people do and how to go about doing it.”

philosophy

Sonia Simone presents Make something for its own sake posted at remarkable communication, saying, “A creative mindset—the mindset that makes a thing because you want that thing to exist—is more likely to make something useful and exciting. Look for that feeling—”I want it because I want it.” See if you can find something juicy and real there.”

politics/current events

Sheppard Salter presents Does T.V. Make You ?Soft In The Head?? posted at salterblog.com.

Alex Landis presents Cyber Bias: The Threat of a Two-Tiered Internet posted at AlexLandis.com, saying, “A two-tiered internet is getting closer and threatens the network neutrality principle, and freedom of speech on the internet itself.”

publishing

Madeleine Begun Kane presents Fantasy Dear Editor Letter posted at Mad Kane’s Humor Blog.

writing

Elvis D presents Interview posted at 365fiction.

Elvis D presents Uprising posted at 365fiction.

Charlotte Rains Dixon presents LA: It’s a Different Writing World posted at Word Strumpet, saying, “Visit my blog for all kinds of information and commentary on writing fiction, articles, SEO copy, novels, creativity and journaling, plus books and authors.”

Terry Dean presents 25 Ways to Increase Conversion posted at Integrity Business Blog by Terry Dean.

Terry Dean presents 20 Ways to Add Value to Your Products and Services posted at Integrity Business Blog by Terry Dean.

Rhonda Leigh Jones presents Writing Foreplay Relieves Writer’s Block posted at Rhonda Leigh Jones.

Elvis D presents Paparazzi Fodder posted at 365fiction.

Matthew Cory presents Free Novel; Short Stories Anyways; I?m Done posted at Chocolate For Dogs, saying, “I’m not completely sure if this is appropriate or not; a friend of mine suggested I submit to you. I’m actually trying to submit my novel, if possible (though I’d ‘settle’ for the blog in general). Please contact me with any questions or recommendations, and I apologize if this is a little out of place.”

Elvis D presents Speedy Date posted at 365fiction.

Tim King presents Episode 1: How to Stay Out of Jail in One Easy Lesson, Chapter 1 | The Conscience of Abe’s Turn posted at The Conscience of Abe’s Turn, saying, “The first part in a new online drama serial, The Conscience of Abe’s Turn. It’s about a group of friends and civil rights activists who live in the fictional town of Abe’s Turn. Abe’s Turn needs a conscience.”

sethpollins presents The Queen Bully of Garlic posted at FoodVibe.

Doris Chua presents The Sebel Suites, Auckland posted at Doris on Travels.

Mike White presents Effective Communication Skills posted at Life According to Mike White, saying, “Tips on effective communication and presentation skills”

Elvis D presents A Director?s Life posted at 365fiction.

Elvis D presents An Actor?s Life posted at 365fiction.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of
writers from across the blogosphere
using our
carnival submission form.
Past posts and future hosts can be found on our

blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags:

writers from across the blogosphere, blog carnival.

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Politics as usual?

Political campaigns are in full swing, and these are just some of the thoughts I’ve been having as the time to vote gets closer. I’m sure there is much more to go into–and these thoughts aren’t likely to be anything “new”–but in the interest of time, I’m only going to highlight a few of the points.

Like anybody else, I have my concerns about the future of America. Some statistics (which are usually about as trustworthy as your average politician) say that Americans are falling behind in just about every major area–education, productivity, etc.,. Education is a big concern here in Baltimore. However, violence is one area in which America seems to be leading, and again, Baltimore is at the forefront. A truly “charming” city full of promise, one that rivals any other major city, it’s also plagued by one of the worst crime rates in America. Supposedly worse than New York, if you can imagine that.

Every year politicians claim they’re going to lower the crime rate, improve education, improve the relationship between the police and the people, improve housing and the job market, and every year–with few exceptions–it’s the same old same old. Where are the politicians that care beyond election day? When Shelia Dixon (Baltimore’s interim Mayor) addresses the issues, it’s usually a typical loop over and over again. She’s not responsible for this or that, she’s “working on” this or that. The outlines seem to be there, and yet crime in the city has gone up since she took over. The educational system is still in bad shape. Granted, she hasn’t had much time to prove herself as Mayor, but she exhibited the same reluctance to take responsibility before she took the office. I’d like to believe in her, but in such a situation, belief does not proceed results.

Back to the concern about America as a whole; one thing that worries me is the constant talk about the “fact” that America is not ready for a woman President (Hillary Clinton) or a black President (Obama Barack). Regardless of who I may vote for, I wonder if we as a country are so far behind that a person’s gender or ethnicity really still weighs so heavily as a factor when it comes to the well-being of the nation. After everything that this country has been through in the past few years, one would think that voting for the best person for the job would be at the forefront, not voting for the person that “makes [me] feel comfortable” or whom “[I’d] like to have a beer with”. Of course there are factions in this country that have their own ulterior agendas, but what about the majority?

True, human nature doesn’t change over night and politicians don’t work alone. The political campaigns are still popularity contests where charisma, looks, and money matter as much as (if not more than) ideas, strategy, and ideals. There are few politicians that can balance the two sides effectively. Usually, if a candidate is charismatic, he or she lacks substance; if they are strong on ideas and ideals, they lack social skills. Occasionally someone comes along that can wow the crowds and actually has a solid plan for improving the country for everyone, but they seem to be few and far between.

While I’m far from the gloom and doom type, I do think that as things move at a faster pace globally, Americans on the whole have to elect politicians that can help us make real progress at home and on the global stage, not make us stagnant–or even worse–throw us back into the dark ages. It may still be a field where one has to select the lesser of the evils, but voting (if our votes still truly matter) based on irrelevant issues has to be a thing of the past if America is going to remain relevant on the world’s stage.
Nancy O. Greene
http://www.portraits.bravehost.com
http://www.writersgroupblog.wordpress.com

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