Next Blog

I've been clicking on the "Next Blog" link for the last couple of days, just to see what's out there. A few thoughts:

- I'm impressed with the ability of people who are obviously not native English speakers to get their ideas across. Their English isn't exactly correct, but it is intelligible, moreso than many people who grew up here. I was reading one blog written by a young woman in Portugal who has started a small business of walking and babysitting dogs for other people, because it is her tragedy that where she lives, she cannot have a dog. Now this may not be what the average person considers tragic, but you know exactly what she means.

- There are a lot of people blogging who are very young (under 18) and have very good eyesight; people who blog in the dark; or a combination of those two things. If you want someone to read your blog, try having the font size bigger than 8px, which isn't 'kewl' anymore anyway, and fix your contrast issues. Dark grey text on a black background isn't cutting edge, it's bad design and a good way to have no readers.

- Many 'Christians' are very close-minded, but not all of them are. Some of them are willing to respect your choice of not accepting Christ as your personal savior. They'll be sad that you are going straight to hell, but they'll let you go without a constant harangue about it.

- Too many right-wingers have no idea what anyone else is thinking because they only talk to each other and get their news from Rush. Newsflash: he's on the radio making money off you. Our current administration is flourishing because they have successfully promoted a culture of ignorance. How sad is it when the President can brag about never reading the newspapers and get re-elected. You think he's a good ol' boy who would sit down and have a beer with you? Not a chance. But the League of Rove has you all figured out. They know if they say something loud enough and often enough, you'll believe it. They know that if they make sure you are too worried about paying your bills to worry about what they are doing with your taxes, they can do what they want. And they'll keep giving money to those who don't need it, because that's life at the top of the right-wing food chain and who gives a shit about the rest of you. They don't. Note I'm not saying Republican. These people are not the kind of Republicans I recognize. </rant> edit: I don't mean to imply that the Democrats are any better, because they have been wildly unsuccessful at articulating a position on anything. They can't figure themselves out, nevermind anyone else.

- There is some good music out there that you will never hear on the radio.

- There are many blogs who have removed the toolbar from the top of their blog, along with the "Next Blog" link. It's annoying to have to go back and then forward again. Why are they so desperate to keep you on their blog? Then there are people who put a corner banner over the "Next Blog" link. Word of the day - choice. Try making a point without forcing it down our throats.

- This blog design is very popular.

Anyway, there are some good reads out there and a lot of brand new blogs. Good luck to the two young ladies who have come out and are happily living as a couple. Thanks to the people who post the elephant jokes, they are great. And to all the Moms out there, keep blogging.