Aliens Ate My Blogosphere

(for Billy Jones)


The Blogosphere prior to being eaten

I am really pissed at those aliens. I was just sitting there, crying in my grits, Jean Valjean yawping "Bring him Home" over the telly, hot tears streaming from my face, when the phone call arrives. "The blogosphere is gone", a little voice over the wires came leaping. Now honoured among wagons I was prince of the apple towns, and so when the news came of this strange disappearance, mon semblable, mon frère -- clanging, clanging upon my heart as upon an anvil -- short was the time for me to act on my disbelief and dare to disturb the universe.



"Open Sesame!", I shout to the refrigerator door then clap twice loudly. The door springs open revealing a dozen cans of Pabst, a half-eaten can of Veenerweeners, and...Pandora's Box...only to brook yet another rivulet of confusion, where mind and matter glide swift into the vortex of immensity. Howls the sublime, and softly sleeps the calm Ideal, in the whispering chambers of Imagination.

"All is dross that is not the blogosphere.", I thought to myself as I popped the can and performed gravitational experiments upon the ablutive. "What wild ecstasy must be drunkening the minds of those mimsy borogoves. What headmusick drives these misdaisies? "

- "Anon they move in perfect phalanx to the Dorian mode of flutes and soft recorders."

"Well I would not have guessed that!" I said to my doppelgangstress. "I would've thought Phrygian, or even Locrian, considering the gravity of the matter. And maybe sackbuts and melotrons."


And so the search for the blogosphere went on in this soft morning city and in Edwardian Blogsboro. Until a blip, and the TV returns, lighting up the hungry eyes, redrawing the koolaid moustaches on all her little children.

Downing Street: How many new dead? How many new killers?

Big Brass Alliance

A friend and I were talking tonight about the Downing Street memo and its implications, and was lamenting the future needless dead. I lamented the future needless killers.

If America attacked Iraq, not out of self-defense, but just because that was Bush's notion and desire...does that mean our soldiers are simply killing people for another man's notion? Will the psychological effects on the surviving soldiers equal that of those suffered by the friends and families of those who do not survive?

What good can come out of a project that is little more than a killer-maker machine? And what can be said of the inventors of this machine?

Our soldiers can be forgiven, as they were sold a bill of goods, and told that things were other than they really are. But what of those who have created so much Hell in the world?

How can we carry on, when the survivors are just as broken as the dead?

It is not polite to make others do your dirty work. It is not a gentlemenly thing to do. When will gentlemen separate themselves of such people? When will the real peacemakers be allowed to mend the wounds and begin weaving a little Heaven back into the fabric of life in the world?

The Art of Business Blog Writing

Ezine article by Dave Beckwith

A White House of Bloggers

In the future, the White House will have a hundred bloggers who interact and gauge the pulse and problems of people of all walks, regardless of the size of their wallets. Meetings will be held where the President discusses the day or week's findings, and solutions are sought immediately, with progress reports due the following week.
Around America and the world, bloggers are also reeling you in...

No! That is not where I wanted it to go!

But you see, there will always be reactionaries, and thus some people will, quite automatically, seek the worst motives, and posit them as your own, which, of course only the contrary could be true. And yet still, even by trumping the reactionaries, I also trump myself, inasmuch as I have, in the squabbling, lost my readers who simply have not the time to wait for me to finish.

But that is not all.

Bloggercons, blogfests, convergences and such will start occuring in such a way that an entire region will participate -- first here, then there, then Greensboro, then Asheville, then Athens and Atlanta, Savannah and Charleston. A sort of roving blogtour a la Grateful Dead concerts, with even the transportation from city to city participating in the roving circus of knowledge and jocularity.

I would like to invite Phillip Glass, Morton Subotnick, Steve Reich, Robert Fripp, Jon Anderson, and a few other good folks to join in the celebration, and hope that all would find it more than acceptable.

THESE THINGS AND MORE...
(later)

From Descartes to Cervantes

DESCARTES
DESCANTES
CESCANTES
CERCANTES
CERVANTES

SARTOR RESARTUS: By Thomas Carlyle

The Life and Opinions of Herr Teufelsdrockh
1831

Considering our present advanced state of culture, and how the Torch of
Science has now been brandished and borne about, with more or less effect,
for five thousand years and upwards; how, in these times especially, not
only the Torch still burns, and perhaps more fiercely than ever, but
innumerable Rushlights, and Sulphur-matches, kindled thereat, are also
glancing in every direction, so that not the smallest cranny or dog-hole in
Nature or Art can remain unilluminated,--it might strike the reflective
mind with some surprise that hitherto little or nothing of a fundamental
character, whether in the way of Philosophy or History, has been written on
the subject of Clothes.

TPMCafe || Politics, Ideas & Lots Of Caffeine

Josh Marshall || John Edwards

Blog Core Values = Authenticity. Passion. Transparency. Credibility. Individualism. Creativity. Originality. Relevance. Integrity.

Learn more about then at BlogCoreValues.

Authenticity. Passion. Transparency. Credibility. Individualism. Creativity. Originality. Relevance. Integrity.

I think I got all those, although on this blog, my credibility might be lacking since I often crack jokes, and goof around more than on my more serious blogs. Fact is, most of the bloggers I know have all these virtues.

Not just blogging, but the Internet in general, has been, by far, the most important, life-changing and helpful tool to come along in my lifetime. The wonders never cease to amaze...

HoggFest BlogFest

Don't tell me blogging is bad for society. This weekend, Blogsboro bloggers gathered and created community and a good deal of cash for Jinni Hoggard, who is suffering from cancer, and the outrageous costs of health care.

If you or your company or organization would like to help, you may find more information here.

Here is a quick look at HoggFest through the eyes of Technorati:


And the tote board says.... 21 minutes ago
And the tote board says.... $9,171.00... ...was raised through all HoggFest related activities... and qualified Guilford County senior next year. This HoggFest funded scholarship will be given... agreed that the event will be repeated. In future years we hope to grow HoggFest into a larger Hogg's Blog 107 links from 62 sources

The Mailman Cometh 1 hour ago
The Mailman Cometh You ask, Gate Answers! Keep those questions coming and don't forget to write. Why weren't you at Hoggfest? My Dad wanted to see Revenge of the Sith, and I went with him to test my theory that Padme is who turned Anakin to the Dark Side of the Force. I stand gatecity 16 links from 11 sources

I Can't Believe I Ate The Whole Hogg 2 hours ago
Finally, I post the complete Hoggfest Round-up-- Blogsboro at its finest. BloggingPoet.com - BloggingPoet.com 12 links from 7 sources

Making Money On Your Blog 2 hours ago
to make money off of a blog is fundraising. Yesterdays Hoggfest was put together mostly Jay Ovittore's Blog 45 links from 30 sources

Hoggfest-Greensboro's Shining Community 2 hours ago
Hoggfest-Greensboro's Shining Community Yesterday was the long anticipated Hoggfest. For those that didn't know about it, Hoggfest was a fundraiser and charity event for Jinni Hoggard. Jinni has... with David(Oh, I'll just make it four kids). What I witnessed yesterday at Hoggfest, was a great Jay Ovittore's Blog 45 links from 30 sources

To Hoggfests to Come 2 hours ago
at Hoggfest yesterday. Ed Cone found them first. David Wharton expresses the same with his photos... nice people as I was at HoggFest." I had planned to go and help out for the afternoon. After being... single accomplishment of Hoggfest was one that won't be tangible for many years. It's the gift that we Chewie World Order 40 links from 28 sources

HoggFest the best 5 hours ago
HoggFest was a big success, and on many levels. It raised a bunch of jack for a family hit hard by medical expenses. It gave something back to a family that gives endlessly of themselves. It brought together friends, neighbors, and strangers for a good cause and a good time. It was an excuse EdCone.com 552 links from 397 sources

HoggFest Festival of Photos 10 hours ago
A Who's Who of Greensboro bloggers, musicians, artists, photographers, and grass-roots philanthropists turned out yesterday for HoggFest to raise money for my friend and neighbor Jinni Hoggard's breast cancer treatment. As I said to Jinni, it was a nasty reason to have a great party, and a really A Little Urbanity 42 links from 36 sources

Hoggfest 8 hours ago
Got back from the Hoggfest, a fundraiser for Jinni Hoggard, around midnight last night. It was quite a spectacle. Several local bloggers were there, including Ed Cone, David Hoggard, David Wharton, and Chewie. Not to mention, Billy the Blogging Poet, who gave several of his books to be raffled off Absolutely American 0 links

More HoggFest... check back for periodic... 9 hours ago
More HoggFest... check back for periodic updates The numbers: 10:30a - HoggFest organizer... she created especially for HoggFest will be hanging in the Hoggard mansion. It will always serve... the night before HoggFest. I finally got to meet her yesterday and told her how much I admire her stength Hogg's Blog 107 links from 62 sources

Come on down to HoggFest! 1 day ago
It's almost 6 pm and there is still time to go down for HoggFest. Man, are the ribs, music and the company a fine load of fun! It goes 'till midnight so come on down! Michael's Corner 9 links from 9 sources

HoggFest Is Rocking 1 day ago
HoggFest Is Rocking HoggFest is well underway, but you still have plenty of time to get there and enjoy the festivities. When I left a short time ago, there was still enough food to feed an army. Plus, the children are being entertained by a balloon artist, face painting, and an inflatable moon Patrick Eakes 55 links from 37 sources

Hoggfest!! 1 day ago
Got back from Hoggfest a couple of hours ago. Grahams and I went around 11-ish to help set up for the silent auction, which was still in progress when we left. There's been a nice steady stream of folks, and I met some of the locals I've know by blog, but not in person. David Hoggard's a really Artful Fantasies Journal 1 link

Hoggfest Today 1 day ago
Hoggfest Today Today is Hoggfest, an event to show support for Jinni Hoggard & Co. in her battle against breast cancer. It starts at 1 and runs until it stops I am told. The location is the Flat Iron in Greensboro. Gate can't be there because of some other commitments, but encourages you gatecity 16 links from 11 sources

HoggFest 1 day ago
HoggFest. Starts at noon, goes a long long time. Flatiron, downtown GSO. I'm on my way to help set up, as soon as I make some late-sleeping girls breakfast. 10:27:54 AM EdCone.com 552 links from 397 sources

HoggFest 1 day ago
HoggFest Come on out to HoggFest today. David has been cooking the pork since 6:30am, and Ed will be serving it up early this afternoon. A dozen bands are playing, and there are lots of activities for kids, too. The event lasts from 1pm until at least midnight at The Flatiron. Surely you can Patrick Eakes 55 links from 37 sources

HoggFest preliminaries... 1 day ago
HoggFest preliminaries... I drove the old oil-drum cooker down to the park across from the Flatiron.... If more show up, I'll put them on to feed the late night wave of HoggFest revelers. The big pig... additions to the HoggFest activities will basketball goals. Friend Tom Franklin is going to load up Hogg's Blog 107 links from 62 sources

All Quiet on the Eastern Front 1 day ago
All Quiet on the Eastern Front Don't expect much blogging from Greensboro tomorrow -- most of us are going to be down at Hoggfest, at the Flatiron from 1pm until. As much of the blogging corps will be there, it might seem logical that this would be one of the most blogged events in recent Chewie World Order 40 links from 28 sources

HOGGFEST TOMORROW 1 day ago
I'll be at the Hoggfest tomorrow. In case you don't already know about it, Hoggfest is a fund raiser to help David, Jini, and family pay the medical bills run-up during Jini's recent bout with Breast Cancer. I hope to see you there too. BloggingPoet.com - BloggingPoet.com 12 links from 7 sources

Mexico

(Oops! Wrong direction!)
They all look like Terri Hatcher anyway...at least on my LLDTV (Ludicrously Low Definition TV).

Go Canada!

Pharyngula's Blogroll

OR
The Blogroll of Pharyngula.

(thanks to Bora for the tip). An excellent collection indeed.

Does Jude (Iddybud) deserve your link?

Iddybud spent hours and hours on the Tarheel Tavern, and everyone seems to agree she did a great job. How 'bout giving her a link on your blog for her efforts! She didn't put me up to this, and would kill me if she knew I was asking this favor. But I do think she earned it. Lord knows there is no money to come from her excellent efforts. The same should apply to anyone willing to tackle the Tarheel Tavern, and I suspect most have just forgotten, or are too busy celebrating at the Hogg Fest...which I hope is still on tomorrow, as I'd love to come. (I wanted to come today, and called around, but found no one home. And I'd rather bring at least one other person.)


So...give it up for our yankee colleague!
-Dave

MainstreamPolitics

It has everything!

A Sucker for Viagra: A World of Blind Horny Old Men

...and I coulda had a V-8!

Since The Right Wing (TRW) prevented the use of the word, "masturbation", it has now become impossible for the makers of Viagra and Dr. Porkenheimer's Boner Juice to claim that the rash of blindness was caused by that unmentionable word which is also cloakingly called manustupration or "popping the Pez".

Several pharmaceutical companies are threatening to sue those who silenced and marginalized Dr. Jocelyn Elders, because of the concomitant dessication of a scapegoat.

Cases of palm hair are now raising eyebrow, and lawyers are already smelling class action.

TAR HEEL TAVERN: This week with your host...

iddybud, and someone over at Daily Kos simply will not let it go.

Jude has knocked this one out of the park. I vote that we make her an honorary Tarheel!

Meanwhile, on the border of New York and North Carolina...

Blogebrity: Bloggers as Celebrities

Check out the list...

A-List bloggers include: Eric Alterman, Atrios (Duncan Black) Ed Cone, Dave Winer, James Wolcott, Dan Gillmor, Henry Copeland, Arianna Huffington, Josh Marshall, Jay Rosen, Doc Searls, Kevin Sites, Stowe Boyd (Corante), Rafat Ali (Paid Content), Rick Bruner, Stewart Butterfield (Flickr), Ana Marie Cox (Wonkette), Cory Doctorow (Boing Boing), Seth Godin, Steve Hall (AdRants) Joi Ito, Joel Johnson (Gizmodo), Lawrence Lessig, Rob Malda (Slashdot), Markos Moulitsas (Daily Kos), Glenn Reynolds (instapundit), Peter Rojas (Engadget), Steve Rubel (Micropersuasion), Robert Scoble, David Sifry (Technorati), Biz Stone, Andrew Sullivan, Wil Wheaton, Evan Williams, Matthew Yglesias, and other fine bloggers.

Iddybud (Jude Camwell), Lenslinger, Billmon, Kevin Connors, Roxanne Cooper, Digby (Hullabaloo), Brad DeLong and Dave Beckwith (anonyMoses) made the C-List and Juan Cole, John Perry Barlow, Jerry Brown, Perry de Haviland, Esther Dyson, Joe Gandleman, Taegan Goddard, Tom Tomorrow, John Amato (CrooksAndLiars), Jerome Armstrong (MyDD), Stephen Baker (Blogspotting), Kevin Drum (Washington Monthly), Phillip Greenspun, Amanda Marcotte (Pandagon), Scaramouch (YesButNoButYes), Harry Shearer, David Sirota, and David Weinberger made the B-List. All are underrated.

Oliver Stoned

Legendary Filmmaker Arrested on Drug Suspicion