Blog Village Community News: 2009

Monday, December 07, 2009

Give the Gift of You This Season

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving or time off with your family. I hope there was good news and very little bad.

I have good news. My husband's daughter is going to have a baby! My first grand child! They live in California, so we will be heading out there next summer to make nuisances of ourselves. LOL

Gifts from the Soul

Well, we are sliding into Christmas and I hope that y'all are thinking about what you can give of yourself instead of what you can buy for someone.

Make something: a wreath, a table runner, treats in a basket, spa in a basket, spring-blooming bulbs in small pots with a bow.

Look at your family and friends. Who needs what? Ask them, "What do you need?" Cook bread, make cookies, make a casserole for someone who cannot cook.

Clean out a room, a garage, or back yard as a gift. Give gifts of your time, now and in the future.

Coupons

Coupons are a great idea. They can be for anything, like personal service, going a place you hate because you husband likes it, listening to his side in an argument.

For Your Girlfriends:

This coupon entitles ______________________________________
to a massage and facial.

This coupon entitles ______________________________________
to a manicure and pedicure.

For the Kids:

This coupon entitles ______________________________________
to a weekend night out wherever you want to go (within 20 miles)

This coupon entitles ______________________________________
to "pass" on cleaning their room or doing chores on a day of your choice.

For the Husbands:

This coupon entitles ______________________________________
to one night out with the boys, no questions asked.

This coupon entitles ______________________________________
to my full attention to you during an argument. Present as argument starts.

Just print the coupons on some nice card stock, place a border around the card(s) and drop into their stockings. Personal coupons, like between husband and wife, should be put in an envelope or given in private.

Have a Wonderful Christmas
and
a Splendid New Year.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Clicks in or Clicks Out

Since I have been admin of Blog Village, clicks out to your blog is the system used to rank blogs on the Top List.

We can change this to clicks in from your blog or your blog ranking score.

Any interest in changing the system?

Please vote in poll on sidebar to let me know.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

We Remember and Say Thanks

Veteran’s Day Tribute

When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.

They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.

Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.

We salute each and every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave.

So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.

By Joanna Fuchs

Saturday, November 07, 2009

The Breast Cancer Site Needs Help

Help the breast cancer site (BCS) reach their goal of 5 million clicks. If the BCS receives five million clicks in the next five weeks, they will receive $10,000 for mammograms for low income, uninsured and working poor women through the vital work of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Mammograms are one of the best methods to catch breast cancer in the early stages. If the disease is caught early enough, the five-year survival rate is 96 percent.

Click below to go to the breast cancer site.

Monday, November 02, 2009

No More Poison : One Million Baby Crawl

Click the banner for more information or to join the Million Baby Crawl.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Do You Remember . . .

Hollywood Squares?

These great questions and answers are from the days when Hollywood Squares game show responses were spontaneous, not scripted, as they are now. Peter Marshall was the host asking the questions, of course..

Q. Paul, what is a good reason for pounding meat?
A. Paul Lynde: Loneliness!

Q. Do female frogs croak?
A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water long enough.

Q. If you're going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be
A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.

Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years.
A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.

Q. You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?
A. Don Knotts: That's what's been keeping me awake.

Q. According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he's married?
A. Rose Marie: No wait until morning.

Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?
A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency..

Q. In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say 'I Love You'?
A. Vincent Price: No, you can say it with a pineapple and a twenty..

Q. What are 'Do It,' 'I Can Help,' and 'I Can't Get Enough'?
A. George Gobel: I don't know, but it's coming from the next apartment.

Q. As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while talking?
A. Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing old question Peter, and I'll give you a gesture you'll never forget.

Q. Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?
A. Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.

Q. Charley, you've just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year?
A. Charley Weaver: Of course not, I'm too busy growing strawberries.

Q. In bowling, what's a perfect score?
A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy.

Q. It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics, what is the other?
A. Paul Lynde: Tape measures.

Q. During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet?
A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately Peter, I'm always safe in the bedroom.

Q. Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls?
A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.

Q. When you pat a dog on its head he will wag his tail. What will a goose do?
A. Paul Lynde: Make him bark?

Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?
A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.

Q. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people?
A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army.

Q. It is the most abused and neglected part of your body, what is it?
A. Paul Lynde: Mine may be abused, but it certainly isn't neglected.

Q. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do?
A. George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.

Q. Who stays pregnant for a longer period of time, your wife or your elephant?
A. Paul Lynde: Who told you about my elephant?

Q. When a couple have a baby, who is responsible for its sex?
A. Charley Weaver: I'll lend him the car, the rest is up to him

Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions.. What are they?
A. Charley Weaver: His feet.

Q. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should never do in bed?
A. Paul Lynde: Point and laugh

WE DON'T STOP LAUGHING BECAUSE WE GROW OLD, WE GROW OLD BECAUSE WE STOP LAUGHING!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

A Green Earth Returns

For those of you who remember The Artist and her blogs, Winsome aka Green Earth returns to Blog Village. Please stop by and visit her blog and welcome her back. It has been a long hard trip back to us. Here is a link to A Green Earth.

Friday, October 09, 2009

President Obama Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

Barack Obama, 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

On Friday, October 9, 2009 at 11 am CEST, the Norwegian Nobel Institute awarded named Barack Obama as the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The Institute awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Please Welcome New Blog Villagers

We have some new members. Please welcome them by visiting their blogs and commenting. If you have time, please rate the new blogs on the Top List. Help them get over the first HUMP of becoming a villager.

I am twitting up the Top List, so there may be some interest. The more active members, the better the list.

Namste

Friday, September 25, 2009

Have a Great Fall!

On the Road Again

We are taking off for a road trip. I should have Internet access, but you never know.

Not that many from the Top List read this blog, but I just wanted to let y'all know I would be out of pocket. I am open to suggestions about a Fall Fest, but we so far we have no takers. Think about it.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Any Interest in Fall Fest?

I sure wish someone would discuss the fall festival/carnival that Blog Villlage usually holds. Is anyone interested in submitting an article? Does anyone want to promote it? We can hold it on this blog or one of the member blogs.

Just a few things:

when will it be held
when is the deadline for entries
where will it be held
what topic(s) do we want to cover
top list members or anyone who wants to submit?

If you wish to join in or have some questions, either leave a comment or Click to Contact CyberCelt.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Not all heroes walk on two legs . . .

On September 11, 2001

Man's Best Friend
Was There

Woman with a dog walks into veterinarian

My neighbor found out her dog could hardly hear so she took it to the veterinarian. He found the problem was hair in its ears and cleaned both ears and the dog could hear fine.

The vet told the lady if she wanted to keep this from reoccurring she should go to the store and get some 'Nair' hair remover and rub it's ears once a month,

The lady went to the drug store and got some 'Nair' hair remover. At the register, the druggist told her,'If you're going to use this under your arms, don't use deodorant for a few days.'

The lady said, 'I'm not using it under my arms.'

The druggist said 'If you're using it on your legs, don't shave for a couple of days.'

The lady said, 'I'm not using it on my legs either; and if you must know, I'm using it on my schnauzer.'

The druggist said, 'In that case, stay off your bicycle for a week.'

Thursday, September 03, 2009

A Bit of Blog Village Business

-Summer is Over -
Time to Start Thinking
About The Upcoming Holiday Season

Is anyone interested in hosting the next Blog Village Quarterly Carnival?

We could have a Back to School Boo-Hoo,
How to Have a Safe Halloween,
Traditions : From Old to New Style

-or-

I would really love to do something that raises money for a charity, whether local or worldwide. There are so many people that want to make a difference. We can persuade them to help us. What is your idea? Please think about it and comment this week on this blog.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Protect Your Home From Wildfires

The following precautions can help prepare your home and lessen the damage to your property in the event of a wildfire.

1. Propane (LPG) tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of a wildfire. Keep the area around the tank clear of flammable vegetation.

2. Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from buildings.

3. All combustibles, such as firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats, stacked lumber, etc. should be kept away from structures.

4. Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid build-up of flammable materials such as leaves and other debris.

5. Remove branches from trees to a height of 15 feet or more.

6. In rural areas, clear a fuel break of at least three times the fuel length around all structures.

7. Keep tools, such as a ladder long enough to reach your roof, shovel, rake and buckets for water, nearby.

8. Place connected garden hoses at all sides of your home for emergency use.

9. Make sure your family has an emergency evacuation plan.

10. Know all emergency exits from your neighborhood.

From the Texas Forest website.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Your Blog Not Showing on the BV Top List?

Questions about the list reset are answered in these two posts

* Find Out More Here *

* Must Have Banner or Text Link *

Any other questions, please leave a comment here or use the contract link on the sidebar.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Reset Coming After Holiday Weekend

Have a Great July 4th!

This is a big holiday in the USA. Wherever you are, have a wonderful weekend. Remember the Blog Village Top List will reset Friday, July, 10, 2009 4:16 AM PDT.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Chocolate-Covered Grasshoppers

These marketers know how to get attention!

I received a FedEx package today. I opened it and there was a package of chocolate-covered grasshoppers! Attached was a card that said:

ENTREPRENEURS can CHANGE the WORLD. JOIN the MOVEMENT NOW!
grasshopper.com/idea

I had no idea about grasshopper.com, but I now I know! Turns out it is an advanced telephone service for entrepreneurs. Evidently, they are rebranding gotvmail.com to grasshopper.com and this is one of their marketing tools. See the video below for more information on changing the world. LOL

Originally posted on CoolAdzine for Marketers. No, I have not tried them. Thank God I am a vegetarian!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Making the Most of Memes

Wall paper at the Union of Concerned Scientists USA

Memes are a great way to bring new readers to your blog. They are usually relatively easy to join and to participate in as well.

I participate in Blog Your Blessing Sunday, Click and Comment Monday and Wordless Wednesday on my blog, Advertising for Success.

For Blog Your Blessing Sunday, you just post for what you are grateful in your life. You may add a photograph and/or a prayer/blessing. BYBS was started by the Blue Panther. This list includes people of all faiths and persuasions. I truly enjoy my BYBS time.

Click and Comment Monday is an old meme (Kat) that I want to bring back. Start on a blog (a blog from the top list would be good) and leave a comment on the blog. Then click a blog on their sidebar or their Entrecard or CMF Ads widget. Leave a comment on the next blog. It is a good idea to say which blog sent you and to mention C&C Monday. Keep going as long as you have time. Stop by Advertising for Success on Monday and add your name to the Mr. Linky to get on the blogroll.

Wordless Wednesday is a huge meme with Mr. Linkys everywhere. You post a photograph, drawing or comic, adding a caption or not. The main blog is WordlessWednesday.com. They have Wordless every day, I believe.

There are many more memes in which I do not participate. If you have a special meme that you like, please share it in the comments and I will get a list going in the sidebar.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Blog Village is Losing Some Members

The Blog Village Top List has been substantially trimmed down. I am putting in the effort, one more time, to drop people who are not active. I have sent notices and individual emails, clicked banners for new people and left messages that I had done so.

I had a setback in my health so I do not have the time to devote to reminding members to post a banner and to click it once a month. That is all you have to do to remain a member.

Of course, a richer Blog Village experience awaits those who visit, comment, participate in memes and carnivals, and follow BV blogs. Social networking sites like Twitter, MyBlogLog, Blog Catalog, You Tube, FaceBook and Linked in are also ways to keep in touch with other members of Blog Village. Some of us use Entrecard and some have CMF Ads. I see our blogs all over the blogosphere.

I hope you will choose to engage with BlogVillage. If not, please login and delete your account or contact me using the link on the sidebar.

Namaste!

CyberCelt

P.S. I will be Clicking and Commenting through the Top List next Monday. Join me, won't you? All the information you need is found here.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Poison in Plastics Will Harm Kids

Despite all of the media attention about the safety of kids products over the last year; the toxic chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) is still found in products that kids use every day, like baby bottles, sports water bottles, the lining of formula cans, and sippy cups.

This is a real problem because more than 200 studies have linked BPA exposures at very low doses to breast and prostate cancer, obesity, diabetes, altered development of the brain and immune systems, lowered sperm counts, and early puberty. Growing children are especially at risk from BPA because they have smaller bodies. In fact, BPA is so toxic that even very small amounts have been shown to cross the placenta and impact prenatal development.

Together we can change this! Urge your members of Congress to co-sponsor the Ban Poisonous Additives Act, which will prohibit the sale of food and beverage containers that contain BPA.

Do something about it. Visit the Moms Rising web site and send an email from the site.

After you contact Congress, please forward this email to your friends so they can send a letter too. It's going to take all of our voices to make these changes.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Spiffy New Blog Village Background

How do you like the new look? Let me know. If you would like to update your blogspot blog with a new background, just click the little tab up on the left. They are free! Free is good.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Banner Experiment

You may have noticed a new banner on the top list. The Banner Experiment banner is designed to send traffic directly to the top list. The visitors will not pass through the gateway.

Banner Experiment is new, but I thought it might be worthwhile to get the Blog Village Top List in the top sites. We will stay toward the top and remain visible is if we click the banner. Please click the banner when you visit the top list.

We can all use new readers and visitors. If this works, the site of the day spot and the top 10 or so banners will be the place to be seen.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The Green Generation : Bloggers Unite

On Earth Day, May 22, 2009, Bloggers Unite is putting the power of the blogosphere in publicizing The Green Generation.

The core principles of The Green Generation:

A carbon-free future based on renewable energy that will end our common dependency on fossil fuels, including coal.

An individual’s commitment to responsible, sustainable consumption.

Creation of a new green economy that lifts people out of poverty by creating millions of quality green jobs and transforms the global education system into a green one.

Click to join BloggersUnite | Visit The Green Generation

Friday, April 10, 2009

Importance of Blog Village Banners

To be an active Blog Village Member, you must prominently display the Blog Village banner or the Blog Village text link on your blog.

Using the banner or text link, you must click in through the gateway page once a month after the list resets. By this process, and only through this process, is your blog is placed on the list for the month.

If you do not click in, your blog does not appear on the Blog Village Top List and will not receive any clicks out, which is how the list is currently ranked.

If you are not on the Blog Village Top List, you will not receive visits from Blog Village members, which is the whole purpose of this list.

Below are detailed instructions for getting the banner on your blog. I hope this helps.

Your account options are on the left. You will want to click GET YOUR LINK CODE.

The next page displays your text link or banner choices. Select one, then click the RADIO BUTTON next to your selection. Then click GENERATE.

The next page displays the banner you selected with the HTML code. Copy and place HTML code for banner on your blog where it is easy to spot.

Unless you have a server and may upload and link directly to the image, you may disregard this instruction: (Be sure to change the IMG SRC to the location of the image on your server).

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Changing Marketing Forever (CMF Ads)

For those of you who are tired of dropping cards on blogs through EntreCard, there is another game in town. It is called CMF Ads and it is different from EntreCard in that the admins were EntreCard members from the beginning and know what has worked and what has not worked.

See if you recognize these guys:

What's different about CMF?

We are bloggers just like you. We understand the challenges that bloggers face and we have first-hand experience of what blogging is really like. We don't just spend a day or two looking at blogs then go off to do something else.

We don't just run the CMF services - we are reading, commenting and promoting blogs every single day.

What services do we provide?

For a list of our services, please refer to our About page.

I'm a blogger, how do I join?

See the following guide: Signing up for CMF

Top List Membership List

Hello!

I have neglected the list while I have been undergoing chemotherapy and recovering from the effects on my body and mind.

I am trying to clean up the Top List membership list so that only active users are in the database. Please make sure your blog village banner is on your blog where it can be seen and that you click in every month after the list resets.

Inactive members will be deleted each month after being notified by email IF they have set their preferences to receive ADMIN mail.

If you need help with the code for your banner or anything please let me know. On the sidebar, there is a link that says, "Click here to Contact CyberCelt." Please feel free to use it if I may help you with something.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

International Women's Day

International Women's Day (IWD) is March 8, 2009. IWD is now an official holiday in many countries. However, women are still not equal to men in many areas of life. So make a difference, think globally and act locally!

Write your thoughts about IWD on your blog on March 8, 2009. Register at BloggersUnite (new site!) so that you may share your post with other members of Bloggers Unite.

The International Women's Day website at www.internationalwomensday.com provides a free service to women and organizations around the world wanting to share and promote their IWD activity, videos, opinions and ideas.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Racism is SO 20th Century

Yesterday, the day after President Obama signed his stimulus bill into law, the NY Post ran a cartoon depicting the bill's "author" as a dead monkey shot by police. I will not post the image, but you may see it by clicking the link below. That is also your link to take action and tell the NY Post that this is unforgivable.

http://www.colorofchange.org/nypost/?id=2001-335189

Whatever his color, race, religion, sexual preference or age, he is the President of the United States. He has done more in 30 days of presidency to help the USA regain grown lost ground than has been done in any presidency since FDR.

Please take action on this serious breach of taste and ethics.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Eco-Domes : Moon Living for the Earth

This is a wonderful post about Eco-Domes, a sustainable method for building your own home.

From “Dirt” Cheap - Eco Domes! | Goal For The Green

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Obama Signed Pay Discrimination Legislation!

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act Boosts Protections Against Shortchanging Employees During An Economic Recession

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: media@dcaclu.org

WASHINGTON – Today the American Civil Liberties Union applauds President Barack Obama’s speedy enactment of legislation reversing the Supreme Court ruling in Ledbetter v. Goodyear, in which employees lost their right to their day in court for ongoing wage discrimination. Less than 48 hours ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate approved version of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act by a vote of 250-177, sending the bill to President Obama’s desk.

“By swiftly signing the Ledbetter legislation into law, President Obama insures that employees, regardless of their gender, race, national origin, age, or disability, are protected from the additional burdens of pay disparities during an economic recession,” said Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. “This law lifts the free pass employers received for ongoing unlawful pay disparities. This law now allows employees the ability to bring home every dollar that is rightfully earned.”

ACLU Legislative Counsel Deborah J. Vagins added, “The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act rights the wrong done by the Supreme Court in Ledbetter v. Goodyear. With this law, people who have suffered pay discrimination can once again seek vindication without facing unduly and unfairly restrictive deadlines. Now that Congress and the President have restored access to the courthouse, it is time to close the loopholes that make wage discrimination possible by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act.”

Take action to let your representatives know how you feel about equal pay.

Congratulate Lilly Ledbetter online.

For background information on Ms. Ledbetter's struggle, see Fariness in Pay--NOW! (08/08) on Losing Proposition blog.

For exact details of the wage gap, see this post Could You Use an Extra $434,000 (12/08) on this blog.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Keep Your Pets Safe this Valentine's Day

If you have a pet, you must read this article about toxic valentine goodies that can hurt your pet. Here are two examples of toxic valentines.

Forbidden Chocolate

Seasoned pet lovers know the potentially life-threatening dangers of chocolate, including baker’s, semi sweet, milk and dark. In darker chocolates, methylxanthines—caffeine-like stimulants that affect gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac function—can cause vomiting/diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart rate. . .

Life Is Sweet

So don’t let pets near treats sweetened with xylitol. If ingested, gum, candy and other treats that include this sweetener can result in a sudden drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycemia. This can cause your pet to suffer depression, loss of coordination and seizures.

There are many more good tips in the article. Please read ASPCA Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine’s Day.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Check on Your Neighbors

BAY CITY, Mich. – When neighbors went inside Marvin Schur's house, the windows were frosted over, icicles hung from a faucet, and the 93-year-old World War II veteran lay dead on the bedroom floor in a winter jacket over four layers of clothing.

He froze to death days after the electric company installed a power-limiting device because of more than $1,000 in unpaid bills. He had the money to pay his bills, but was suffering from possible dementia or exposure. The electric company never went by to explain the power-limiting device, which acts as a circuit breaker and which must be reset from outside. Once it flipped off. It stayed off and a WWII veteran slowly froze to death.

Rest In Peace

Marvin Schur

Served with Honor

Died of Neglect

If you live in an area where it is below freezing, power shortages occur and utility companies play games with your life, please check on your neighbors. If you have not seen a neighbor for a day or two, just look in on them. Bring some cider or hot cocoa or perhaps a stack of firewood.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Opinions, Please

I have been receiving many applications for the top list. I would like to know how list members feel about blogs in the following areas:

- FOREX blogs (foreign currency exchange)
- diet aid blogs (pill reviews)
- anime blogs (Japanese animation)
- celebrity blogs (pictures and gossip, no original content)
- bollywood blogs (India movie blogs)
- making money blogs

Thanks!