Spectrum

Updates...

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:18:06 PDT

I am back and none the worse for my wear, but I am still catching up on all of the things that we must do after a few days away(especially when we have adult children living at home!) I will be completing my reviews shortly and posting the contest winners. So sorry for the delays!

I have missed you all!

-M

Copyright ©2009 Michele Cameron Drew. All rights reserved.

Apologies

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:05:40 PDT

I am away on vacation right now. Although I planned to have internet access to read and post the writing contest winners on 7/1, due to circumstances beyond my control, I have no internet access. This brought me to the library today to apologize. I'm sorry but the contest winners will be announced next week on 7/12 or 7/13 once I have returned and had a chance to read through your entries.

Good luck!

-M

Copyright ©2009 Michele Cameron Drew. All rights reserved.

David Carradine: the Legend is Gone

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:04:40 PDT

by the stickman

Actor David Carradine has been found dead in a hotel room in Bangkok, Thailand. Although at this writing it is unconfirmed, reports have stated that the actor committed suicide by hanging himself.

Eldest son of veteran actor John Carradine, David Carradine is probably best know for his role in the 1970s TV series “Kung Fu.” One of five sons, four of which including himself had became actors. The four sons that pursued acting were David, Robert, Keith and Bruce Carradine...

Read more...

Last Day for Writing Contest Submissions

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sun, 31 May 2009 10:49:35 PDT

If you haven't got your entry in for the Spectrum writing contest for May, now is the time! Today is the last day. The contest will close at 11:59pm tonight, so you'd better hurry! Previously published works are being accepted. Please see the original post and contest guidelines here. Winners will be announced on June 30th, here on Spectrum.

Good luck and keep writing!

—M

Copyright ©2009 Michele Cameron Drew. All rights reserved.

Fear Of Dancing And The Dance Floor

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 30 May 2009 20:27:50 PDT

I have many a crazy friend. Some would say that I was the craziest of them all. It does not matter. Some of them I know through dancing, some of them I don't. You want to know something crazy? Whether they're my friends that dance for a living or my friends who can't dance at all, they both have a fear of dancing. It seems that this crazy fear is something a lot of people have in common.

They even have a name for it now. Yes there's a name for practically every condition out there, even people who need to switch the lights on and off seventy times while humming every note of 'We Will Rock You' on every off switch before they leave a room! If every one of these conditions is accurate, every single one of us on this planet is crazy and has at least a hundred different conditions. And you guessed it, there's a frightening name for the fear of dancing, it's called...chorophobia.

Now I don't know about you and your friends, but I'm in no rush to send mine to the doctor's yet-at least not for this reason! I typed in 'fear of dancing' into Google the other day and lo and behold, there were 2, 240, 000 websites that mention this. That's a lot of chorophobiacs! There are hypnotherapists offering services to cure this, it is actually something that affects people's lives.

Well let me tell you, I've been through this journey from start to finish. From sitting in the most comfortable chair in the world in every single room I graced where people were dancing...to being totally comfortable just dancing out of the blue on any London street. I have a dancer friend who also does gymnastics, who has no problem doing a back flip in the middle of his walking and then start dancing as if it's as easy as 1-2-3, all while people are walking towards him from the opposite direction (credit to Scotty P Maurice).

So what's the story? How do you get rid of the fear? Well there are basically two ways:

1. Just dance as best as you can and have fun, irrespective of what other people think and whether you look good or not.

2. Learn to dance well, and then as you build competence, your confidence will grow.

Two paths to the same destination. Of course if you choose number 2, number 1 will start to follow and you won't care what other people think if you know you're good!

You've all seen the first type, they're dancing, you're wondering what the hell they're doing but they seem to be having fun and that's all that matters. I'm sure you've also seen the second type, those really good dancers and thought to yourself, "Well duh, if I could dance like that, I wouldn't be scared at all."

Well you want to know something? A lot of those really good dancers are actually deep down scared as well. Time and time again I have seen extremely talented dancers, get ultra nervous and worried right before an audition or performance. They start doubting themselves and become blind to their own capabilities, convincing themselves they can't remember dance choreographies and routines. And I'm talking about dancers most people would die to be as good as!

When I saw this happening, that's when it struck me - it's just a biology thing. It's your body's fight or flight response where you suddenly get that rush of adrenaline shoot up your body, jolting into every one of your nerves and making your knees become weak at the prospect of what's to come. It could be damn good...or it could be damn nothing. And at those last moments what's more real to you is how you could turn into nothing, the lowest of the low, the bottom of the pit and everything that could go wrong.

It could take a huge paradigm shift, a whole new shift in the way you look at life in general to erase your fear by the first method I mentioned above. In fact for some people they never achieve this shift. Carly Simon is an extremely talented musician who is known to suffer from stage fright (she used to have her bottom spanked because the physical pain helped rid her of the stage fright). If she did not have the competence or desire, she would probably have never got on stage.

But if you choose the second route (i.e. to build competence instead) it is a much more gradual experience where you desensitize yourself to the whole notion of dancing. When you have a problem, it's usually a good idea to actually put yourself in a situation where you'll be forced to deal with that situation and become used to it (rather than becoming used to thinking about it and talking yourself out of it).

Once you actually go to a couple of dance classes, it won't be a big deal any more. Sure, you might still get a little nervous if you are a beginner or not familiar with the style, but you'll put yourself in there, the fear won't do nothing to stop you. So go ahead and dance, because there's always a new chorophobiac just waiting to take your place around the corner (probably sitting in a chair).

source

Copyright ©2009 Michele Cameron Drew. All Rights Reserved.

Another Tie for Father's Day?: My Top 5 Favorite, Unusual Choices

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:07:45 PDT

So, your dad says he's tired of ties. He doesn't even wear a tie, ever. I have been looking around on the net for some rather unique gifts today and I came across a few that I might even get for my dad. I decided to put a few of my favorites together tonight for you:

image source

For the dad who loves to sing and is also fitness concious, how about trying a new workout? This workout from Billy Blank Jr. not only works out your heart, but also your diaphragm, at the same time. You can check it out here: Billy Blanks Jr.'s: Cardioke.
For the comedian dad, I am thinking of MADtv - The Complete First Season.
For the totally rad 60's dad there's Zappa Plays Zappa: Zappa Plays Zappa DVD.
I never knew Chuck Woolery was a fisherman until I found this gem: Bass Fishing The Basics With Chuck Woolery(I think my dad will be getting this one). Oops?
This is for the true family dad who loves to spend LOTS of time with the kidz: Kidz Bop Greatest Hits + Kidz Bop 15 Bundle

Just remember, no matter what you choose for your dad, make it something that he will appreciate and enjoy.

Writing Contest

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:29:39 PDT

Just where are all those entries everyone promised? I really hope to see lots more.

There are only 4 days left to get those entries in by the deadline on May 31st at midnight!

I hope to see you in the winner's circle.

—M

Wacky Blogging Weekend - Page Rank and Authority

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sun, 24 May 2009 13:34:05 PDT

Well, I am feeling a bit like the court jester today.

Yes! Spectrum has moved to its own domain(please update your links!). This weekend, the plan was work in the house: wash and patch walls in two rooms and get the materials to build a wall in another that we are converting into a bedroom. I was also going to begin packing my bedroom as I am moving into the master in a couple of weeks. Of course that isn't how it went...
I had planned to purchase the domains this weekend and sometime after the changes in the house, have the new blog finished and ready to move to its domain as well as Spectrum. Oops...

Poetic Expression Today is finished on today.com and I have moved it to my new author page, read more here.

Although I know this is a good thing, it's disheartening to see all of your page rank on three blogs go to 0(due to url changes) and have to rebuild them all over again.

Google and/or Technoarti apparently think Poetic Expression is a spam blog, which we all know it is not. I have to create new page rank and authority for it somehow, but they won't even let me claim it. :(

So, while it wasn't what I had planned, I spent my weekend building my new blog and tearing down the old. I have very high hopes though, now that everything has its own domain(except Digital Artisan) that all of my building will not be in vain. I think I will wait a minute before changing DA, but not too long. I would like to retain SOME page rank for of all my hard work.

Two days ago: Poetic Expression Today PR2/13, Poetic Expression PR0/0, Spectrum PR2/18, Digital Artisan PR2/8.

Today: By Any Other Name PR0/0, Poetic Expression PR0/0, Spectrum PR0/1, Digital Artisan PR2/8.

Sound advice: If you are planning on putting your blog on its own domain, do it when you set it up or at least early in the game, so that you don't lose credit for all of your hard work.

Now, I'm off to drop SOME EC this weekend and at least attempt to clean my room today!

—Michele Cameron Drew

Writing Contest and Reorganization

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 23 May 2009 19:47:45 PDT

The Spectrum Writing Contest is now underway with entries beginning to trickle in here and there from all over the globe. This is Spectrum's first contest and I am hoping that it will go well, because if it does, I plan on continuing them, while gradually incorporating bigger and better prizes into the contest. I can't wait for the chance to start digging into some of these entries and see what you all have to offer.

source

Spectrum really is a blog for writers and my mission is and has been to bring some great writers and their work into the limelight. It has been a great run and I hope that it will continue to grow and be enjoyed by the masses.

I must apologize to all of my readers for my lack of attention lately. As some of you know, I have had my share(and then some) of housemate issues over the past few months and have been working very hard to overcome some incredible challenges.

You see, after three different changes in financial arrangements, my current housemate has not been able to carry his share of the financial burden and it has been getting passed on to me. I have also had to rearrange my entire house twice and am in the process again. Thinking "out of the box" has become an obsession for me in recent months(pun definitely intended).

My housemate has finally come to the realization that he cannot afford to remain and has given notice to quit at the end of June. I am relieved but also dread the interview process and learning to live with new people.

The past couple and next few weeks have/will be bringing on new challenges as once again we make some major shifts in our physical living situation and take on new housemates. Although I am excited, optimistic and looking forward to the changes, I am weary and overextended and fearing that it will be awhile before things calm down. With my disabilities and being in the state of perpetual moving for about nine months, all this reorganization has my body aching and tired and I will be looking forward to having a little time to relax and write.

Once I have completed this transformation over the next few months, I think that I will be making some changes here in the blogosphere, with the possibility of a new facelift for Spectrum and Digital Artisan and some new and interesting sponsors as well.

Thanks so much to those of you have stood by and kept this blog and my others afloat when I have been somewhat absent. I want you to know that I plan on continuing the Spectrum and have many more changes planned in the coming months.

I hope that you will continue to visit and enjoy reading the works of so many wonderful writers!

—M

PS... Spectrum has moved to its own domain and needs you to update your links so we can regain our page rank. Our new address is http://www.spectrumwriters.com!

Writing Contest Update

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 30 May 2009 20:38:15 PDT

Due to my recent schedule changes I am moving the deadline for entries in our writing contest to May 31st 2009 and the winner announcement to June 30th.

If you haven't heard about the contest, please see the original post here. Hurry, the deadline is approaching!

-M

Mother's Day Traditions

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:24:00 PDT

As I'm sure most of you know, Sunday May 10th is Mother's Day this year. Although the group consists of mainly women much older than myself, my daughter and I go to a traditional ladies' luncheon at church every year where they also run several contests as part of the festivities.

Last year I won for most cell phone pics, and my daughter won for youngest mom, but my favorite of these contests is the hat contest. Until recently, I had a collection of many unusual hats in a wide range of styles, which was withered down to just a few basic pieces by a dishonest roommate last year. So... I am looking to rebuild my collection and this year is no exception. I generally pick them up at flea markets, yard sales and thrift stores.

Although the hats are always quite ornate(church hats) from many different eras, many with veils and lots of silk flowers, I don't really care about entering the contest or winning, but just want to be a part of things and am looking for something more modern.

I have been looking around on the net for ideas. Here are a few of my favs from my hat search:

Accent your outfit with this Linen Cadet Hat featuring a linen fabric, button details, and a floral interior lining. This is a really smart look and I would love it(in black of course).

Go for some stylish shade with this Floppy Straw Hat featuring woven straw construction, floppy brim, and an interior band ala Gone with the Wind.

This Cat in the Hat Fiber Optic Hat should please all fans of Dr. Seuss' classic story. Complete your Cat costume and amaze your friends in the process with the light-up hat! With a single push of a button, hat lights up with flashing red lights.

The Farmer Beachcomber Hat... need I say more?

I found this one particularly alluring... if you're going to the premiere of Frankenstein, perhaps. The screw actually turns like it's drilling into your head! The Bandage Hat with Screw Turning has a screw that turns with disturbing sound, fake hair, and white bandage with simulated blood on it.

This has to be by far the most interesting hat in the bunch: Show your team that you're their #1 fan in this hilarious football
hat! This funny hat looks like an official football and is sure to stay on through all your cheers with its secure velcro strap. Add the matching glasses to really let your spirit show!

Additional Specifications

Made of textured vinyl with white suede lace to look like a true football
One size fits most (adjustable velcro strap inside!)
Secret pocket inside to hold snack bar money, directions to the post-game party, etc.

No self-respecting collection would be complete without a derby. The black derby is the perfect way to top off your look!

It's elementary, my dear Watson. Take a stroll down your street and follow the clues to your next Halloween party in true Sherlock style. The Sherlock Holmes Hat features gray cotton wool material with attached ear flaps and tie strings. Guaranteed to solve any party problems this Halloween!

Of course after the luncheon we will probably hang out and watch a movie or two, the kids will play video games or go to the park and we will all share a lovely dinner at "Grandma's place". It should prove to be a beautiful day, no matter what the weather may hold.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there.

-Michele Cameron Drew

PS. The deadline is coming soon! Don't forget to email your entry/entry link to spectrumwriting@gmail.com for the current Spectrum Writing Contest! -M

Spectrum - Writing Contest

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:19:22 PDT

Perhaps you have an amazing article that has gone unnoticed or you just haven't bothered to publish yet? Itching to write something, but it doesn't fit in with your blog or site? Maybe you don't have a blog or site to publish on... or you'd just like to publish something here on Spectrum?

I have decided that Spectrum will host a writing contest for those interested in publishing here. Prizes will include advertising, being published on Spectrum and Entrecard credits! The basic guidelines will be as follows:

First come, first serve: Up to the first 200 entries will be accepted.
You do not have to be an entrecard member to enter.
You may write about any topic you see at the top of our pages(and it's a broad Spectrum!).
The composition may be in any style or form(including poetry) be 250-600 words and be in English.
The work may be previously published, if it was on or before 3/15/2009.
The entry must be your own original work and you must own the copyright.
This is a family safe site. Out of respect for our readers, we try to keep profanity and porn outside of the Spectrum. Please do the same.
All entries/entry links will be emailed to spectrumwriting@gmail.com by midnight PDT on May 15th, 2009. Winners will be announced on June 1st, 2009.
All entries may be published on Spectrum at any time.
All owners retain their original copyright.
One entry will be accepted per individual.
Judging will be based on site guidelines and compatibility, content, writing ability and style.

Prizes:

1st Prize:

exclusive one week front page publishing of your excerpt or full article on Spectrum(wk 2)
a link to your site of choice on the winner's page
a link back to your original work when published
a 125x125 prime real estate ad on Spectrum for the months of June and July
5,000 EC(for entrecard members)

2nd Prize:

exclusive 3 days front page publishing of your excerpt or full article on Spectrum(wk 3)
a link to your site of choice on the winner's page
a link back to your original work when published
a 125x125 prime real estate ad on Spectrum for the month of June
2,000 EC(for entrecard members)

3rd Prize:

exclusive 3 days of front page publishing of your excerpt or full article on Spectrum(wk 3)
a link to your site of choice on the winner's page
a link back to your original work when published
a 125x125 prime real estate ad on Spectrum for the month of July
500 EC(for entrecard members)

Up to 25 entries total will have links to their site of choice posted in the winners post. All entries published on Spectrum randomly throughout June and July will include a link to the original work(if applicable).

All non-entrecard members are encouraged to submit their work as well.

Good luck!

-M

World's Most Impressive Buildings

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 30 May 2009 20:35:40 PDT

by nobert soloria bermosa

See 18 of the most amazing buildings in the world.

This article is focused on the largest and tallest buildings ever built based on different category, type and/or function. Amazing features of each building are also included.

1. World's Largest Civilian Administrative Building, World's Most Expensive Administrative Building and World's Heaviest Building

source

According to the Guinness World Records, the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, Romania, a multi-purpose building containing both chambers of the Romanian Parliament, is the world's largest civilian administrative building, most expensive administrative building, and heaviest building.

Features:

The Palace measures 270 m by 240 m, 86 m high, and 92 m under ground.
It has 1,100 rooms, 2 underground parking garages
It is 12 stories tall, with four additional underground levels
The building is constructed entirely of materials of Romanian origin.
Estimates of the materials used include one million cubic meters of marble;
3,500 tons of crystal - 480 chandeliers, 1,409 ceiling lights and mirrors were manufactured;
700,000 tons of steel and bronze for monumental doors and windows, chandeliers and capitals; 900,000 m³ of wood (over 95% domestic) for parquet and wainscoting, including walnut, oak, sweet cherry, elm, sycamore maple;
200,000 m² of woolen carpets of various dimensions (machines had to be moved inside the building to weave some of the larger carpets);
velvet and brocade curtains adorned with embroideries and passementeries in silver and gold.

[Read more...]

Getting Stronger Every Day and the New Poetic Expression

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:25:50 PDT

M
source

Well.. I managed to get everything turned back on until the end of the month when I take over the lease and the house. My son and I are starting to get things somewhat organized. I'm really excited about getting this all done and finding a new housemate and looking forward to some summer barbecues!

I'm also happy to have moved my Poetic Expression blog over to the Blogger platform with a brand new design and its own domain! My today.com blog will still remain and I will still be posting to it occasionally for those interested.

I love working with blogger more than any other blogging platform that I have tried and to be quite frank, I'm tired of the constant changes with the today.com system. Having a single dashboard for all my blogs on Blogger is wonderful. My only complaint is that I wish that the comment approval screen showed which post the comments belong to, but it's well worth the sacrifice.

Next step: Find a decent work at home job as it is difficult for me to get around these days with my disabilities, I'm feeling renewed though and everyday I feel stronger and more in control again.

Thanks to all of my wonderful friends for keeping my spirits up and putting up with me, while I work through this mess that I was handed to deal with and thanks to God for delivering me.

-M

Or Maybe Not...

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:24:42 PDT

Well... I have done my part and then some. I have gone to the ends of the Earth to get this guy's rent bill off of my back so that I can keep the house, but he just let me know that none of the utilities have been paid at all, even though I have paid my share.

I have put over $1500 into the bills this month and have almost no food. The electric will probably be shut off today and water shortly thereafter.

I just got an email from Kelly Services letting me know that I have been accepted as a telecommuter and they have a position for me.

How is that for irony? Here's a job... too bad you will have no electricity and will have to pass on it because you live with a moron who doesn't pay the bills?

I'll catch you guys on the flipside of this, I guess.

-M

The Generous Landlord BKA (There is a God)

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:49:19 PDT

This is an ongoing thread. Read the prior post for more.

I just opted to take over the lease in May. The landlord was quite generous in helping with my roommate's debt, basically we split it three ways and of course my contract with him for the old security deposit is null and void and I will probably never see that either. I still must however come up with some serious cash for his utilities for this month.

I am taking a huge loss on this one folks... But I still don't have to move.

Can't wait to unpack.

*sigh*

-M

A Plea to the Masses

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:31:55 PDT

It's a long story, but the gyst of it is that my son and I moved into a shared home a few months ago and didn't get what we paid for. I don't like to ask for help, I'm generally the helper and not the helpee but this time, I am asking.

Immediately upon move in our housemate decided that he was setting house rules. These rules were laid down because he cannot afford to pay his share of the utilities. We are limited to two loads of laundry per week and three 15 min showers. Everything must be recycled, including a lot of trash. He moves the furniture and boxes up his belongs in different areas of the living space on a daily basis and cleans the carpets about once every ten days! We on the other hand have been limited to unpacking only in our rooms and then he berates me for not having unpacked when he won't let me unpack. There are many other rules too that are completely ridiculous. After 5 months of living this way, I am pulling my hair out!

Needless to say he's just not right. Unbeknownst to me he has been having some major money problems and didn't bother to pay any of the bills with the money that I paid him for March. Now he is in danger of being evicted and we will have to move as well. We will also be without electricity as of this weekend. My state taxes are due this month, so I am in a royal mess. We can't move and even if we could stay, we can't do it with this guy. I need help.

I am going today to appeal to the landlord and see if I can work something out where my son and I can take over the place and have him move out. If not I will have to find a new place. Either way, I will have to find a way to come up with at least $975 and I have no idea how. If you can afford it, even enough for a cup of coffee from the people that visit this blog on a weekly basis might help to get us out of this mess.

If you can, please donate.

Thanks,

-M

Great New Droplist Idea... Join Us

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:36:13 PDT

EC Droppers: Copy this list and add yours to the mix, then post it to your blog and we'll create big a list of reciprocating droppers! This will raise our backlinks, page rank and technorati authority as well as making an easy drop list to follow daily.

This great idea was from Big Daddy Richard over at Trader's Hub... he says that when the list gets to be around 400, he'll create a widget for it.

Nice work, Richard!

My Entrecard Drop List

(Start, copy and/or embed this widget list in your blog! It will build up your links, improve your page rank and bounce rate, and increase your blog authority!)

6. Sony Ericsson User Blog

7. John Wright Sketch Blog

8. Traditional Jewelry

9. Serian Man

10. Domestic Goddess

11. Hot In Singapore

12. Know Ur Exchange

13. Loose It Back

14. Steven Humour

16. Indonesia Travel

17. Ask Ms Recipe

18. Caledonian Comment

19. I'm Walking On Sunhine

20. High Pay Key Word

21. Is A Man's World

22. Home Insurance Group

23. ThaCash

24. Matthias Chronicles

25. Sexy Old Broad

26. JavaSwim

27. TV News And Reviews

28. Chapters Of My Life

29. Mydzo Blog

30. Lights Camera Action

31. Virtual Gamer

32. Random Ramblings

33. The Daily Planet

34. Red Sox Mommy

35. The Savvy Tourist

36. Republic of A

37. Ken's Trees

38. Juliana's Lair

39. Happily Ever After

40. The Work From Home Mother

41. The Superficial Gallery

42. Work At Home Wealth

43. John Lottery's Bimonthly Articles

44. All About Stock Markets

45. Money Matters Hub

46. Money Saver

47. Dieting Talk

48. Nico Designs

49. Politics 2000

50. Limitless Adventures

51. Mystic Moments

52. Mature Not Senile

53. The Raging Rev

54. Indoor Street Art

55. The Path To Pegasus Letter

56. Independent American

57. AsTheCrackerHeadCrumbles

58. Buy Tees

59. My Online Adventures

60. Our World

61. Shiny Adornments

62. Stock Market Bliss

63. Savage Nomads

64. Beyond Feron

65. Up All Night

66. Sonnie Side Up

67. Renaes Crafty Corner

68. Teen Suicide Talk

69. Student Loans

70. One

71. Cheaper by Half A Dozen

72. Birding In Falklands

73. Everyday Living

74. Digital Artisan

75. Glitchline

76. All To Read

77. Flitting On Fiction

78. Martial Arts Junkie

79. Exposed SEO And Internet Marketing

80. Diet Secrets Online

81. Akila's Blog

82. Tracey's Blog

83. Parenting Life

84. Short Apps

85. Hunter Academy

86. Reality TV Soup

87. Hot Shit Form Here

88. Network Of Combined Ideas

89. Denford Magora's Zimbabwe Blog

90. 1Cent News Dot Com

91. Woodworker Blog

92. Isker's Blog

93. Back 2 School 4 Grown Ups

94. Travelling And Sightseeing

95. Where The Road Takes Us

96. Glue For Families

97. Truths Of A Shy Writer

98. Lil Insights

99. Living Well

100. Beyond Taiwan

101. Laptops,Mobiles, And Forex Trading

102. The Fashion Lovers

103. Right Wing Nut Job

104. On A Lighter Note

105. Paperkraft.Net

106. Stitching Life Together

107. How To Earn Money Blogging

108. Born To Succeed

109. Recipes Reviews And Gadgets

110. My Life In Italy

111. Mix It Up With Marc

112. Insane Freelance Writing

113. World Through Colored Glasses

114. Lucent Dusk

115. Learn To Earn Money Online

116. BlogTactic

117. Lunatic Banknotes & Coins

118. Stalking Minds

119. Chicken Heart

120. Atniz Work From Home

121. Theme Today

122. Kaya Mo, Pinoy

123. Chinaren's Blog

124. Vonshred

125. Quantum Indonesia Translogistic

126. Personal Budgeting And Finances

127. Sand And Sea Designs

128. Linkmandx.com

129. Slightly Sarcastic

130. The Health And Wellness Post

131. TopClanz

132. Fusion Investing

133. Shauni Speaks

134. Muyin Jewelry

135. The Damn Nation

136. Opinions From A Filipino's Perspective

137. Mindful Drivel

138. Lisgold

139. Hello Kitty Gifts

140. First Door On The Left

141. DashRent

142. Business, Wealth, And Financial Success

143. Rosilie: My Blog

144. Photo Journalist

145. AdSpheres

146. Short Stories In The Making

147. Screaming Me Me

148. Zero

149. Mama Flo's Place

150. Entrepreneur Empire

151. Teacher Techie Says

152. Jigsaw's Lair

153. Your Digital Life Style

154. Suplado Online

155. Wine At Five

156. Rebellious Arab Girl

157. Dollar Tamer

158. Places To Visit In Argentina

159. Pyro Electro News

160. Here and Now 4 Angel

161. Q Shifter Hobbies

162. Pinoy Web Surfer

163. I Love Hate Aerica

164. Pregnant With Cancer

165. Call Center Gal

166. Freebie Reporter

167. 60 Were Enough

168. Saxon

169. Life is Full of Up and Down

170. CafeTeen dot Biz

171. Morning Coffee News

172. Search Engine Must Be Crazy

173. hendigo dot com Product Review Paradise

174. Newsvids

175. Bloggerhitz The Power of Blogging

176. Swirling Thoughts

177. Leomar's Den

178. Crotchety Old Man Yells At Cars

179. UR Entertainment Port

180. Widgets For Bloggers

181. GewGaw Writings

182. Puzzles

183. Tizzalicious Crafts and Cuteness

184. In My Own Words

185. Pinay Mom In Czech Republic

186. International Musing

187. Busy Little Elf

188. Blazing Minds

189. Step By Step To Extra Cash

190. Spectrum

191. On Web Check

192. Poetic Expression

193. Gadgets Spot

194. Sjeltur

195. Nesting Buddy

196. Looks Around

197. A Malaysian Abroad

198. A Jedi's Musings

199. Fix My Life

200. Vanilla Seven

201. Search Engine Panel

202. Gems By Jerri

203. Techno Techiques

204. SackosaurusRex

205. Gas Saver

206. My Library

207. Mom's Lifestyle'

208. The Zoo Crew

209. WAHM Resource Site

210. Mobile eBooks, etc.

211. Margie and Edna

212. A Fil-Am's Journey

213. The Shark Tank

214. Color Addiction

215. JunkFoodAholic

216. Ravenwerks

217. Blackholes and Astrostuff

218. Picatrix

219. A Rose By Name

220. Eclectic Electronics

221. Chic Sassy Designs

222. A Second Cup

223. Reap Money Online

224. Biz Boink

225. Philippines ad Beyond

226. A Grateful Heart

227. Duniasoer

228. Arradya's Crazy World

229. Interet Blogging Resources

230. West Of Mars

231. CoolAdzine for Marketeers

232. Travel On The Tide

233. Live Life 365 Self Help Videos

234. Live Life 365

235. Femme Power

236. Gina's Music Memories

237. Gina's Italian Kitchen'

238. Baby Boomer Flashback

239. Subtropical Gardening

240. Peace, Love, Happiness

Update: Here is the widget:

My Entrecard Drop Listgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

To join: Head on over to Trader's Hub and check out the original post here.

Under Pressure...

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:37:54 PDT

I'm sure there are a few people wondering where I have been. I had hit a bit of a wall with my writing for a minute, but that is not really the problem. Right now I am faced with an infection in my teeth and am very sick. I was also told last week that due to other people's foolish and inconsiderate financial practices, my son and I have to move from the place that we have just barely moved into and are just getting back on our feet. I am not even really sure how I will accomplish this feat; a. because I've just barely recovered financially from the last move and b. because I have a disability that causes me constant pain in my foot, leg, hip and lower back and it is very difficult for me to get around and pack and move things. My poor son is just one 16 yr old boy. This has been very tough on him.

Anyway, I just thought that I would post something, so that all of you would know that I am still alive and fighting the good fight and that my blogs are not going away or forgotten, I am just away for awhile due to real life being a pita. With all of this going on, I've barely had time to do a few EC drops every few days and read a few posts, writing has been completely off my to do list for the past couple of weeks.

I miss you guys...

-M

Thank You... Top Ten EC Droppers for February!

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 23:48:54 PST

Congrats to Lidian and thanks to all of Spectrum's top droppers!

The Virtual Dime Museum
Wave Weaver
Reach Beyond Limits
Wandering Thoughts
NiharsWorld
Poetic Expression
how much love
Stuperhero Extraordinaire
Kitchen Retro
The Callalily Space

The City of Lights

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:39:17 PDT

by Jimmy Smith

A closer look at Paris.

History

The earliest known occupation of what is now Paris was around 4200 B.C. by the Celtic Simons. The Celtics flourished until they were conquered by roman forces in 52 B.C. When the Romans took over they named the city Lutetina. While under roman rule the city began to grow rapidly and in the year 212 the city was renamed Paris. In the early fourth century the city was attacked by barbarians forcing the Romans to build a wall to protect the city. In 1789 the city was Paris was part of the French Revolution where the monarch was overthrown by the Russians.

image source

[Read more...]

The Laundromat

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:40:43 PDT

I'm sorry that I have been so absent as of late. I was back to work full time for awhile and things were a bit hectic.

Recently I got an email from a friend with a subject line of "Ok, You Talked Me Into It". It was from good old RJ Grant. You see RJ hasn't written any articles online lately as he has been concentrating on larger projects. I asked him to post an article because I have missed his amusing anecdotes.

Inside the email was a link to the very witty and wonderful The Laundromat by RJ Grant

You may think that the Laundromat is not a particularly exciting topic? Then maybe you haven’t looked at the Laundromat in the right light. My earliest memories of the Laundromat are those of an affordable amusement park for children growing up in Brooklyn.

[Read More...]

Hearst Castle: The Incredibly Extravagant Estate of Newspaper Magnate William Randolph Hearst

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:41:40 PDT

by Michele Cameron Drew

Once an amazing ocean retreat for the upper echelon of wealthy celebrities throughout history, particularly in the 1920s and 30s, Hearst Castle is now one of the most visited attractions in California and the United States.

source

Location

Ninety miles south of Carmel at the southernmost part of the Big Sur coast near San Simeon and Cambria, in San Luis Obispo County, lies Hearst Castle, the fascinating and magnificent estate of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.

History

Built from 1919-1947 by well known architect Julia Morgan of San Francisco, on a 40,000-acre ranch, purchased by William Randolph Hearst's father, wealthy miner George Hearst in 1865. It was designed around the eccentric style of William Randolph Hearst. His love of antiques with functionality is something not to be missed.

source

Once an amazing ocean retreat for the upper echelon of wealthy celebrities throughout history, particularly in the 1920's and 30's, an invitation to visit the castle was a highly coveted item. Hearst Castle is now one of the most visited attractions in California and the United States.

source

[Read more...]

Five Positive Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day If You’re Single or Recently Broken Up

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:42:51 PDT

by Maria Blazz

Is this your situation? You can also have your celebration.

source

If you’re mad because you’re single and lonely, or because you recently broke up or divorced or if you just hate the marketing around this holiday, you have many anti-Valentine’s day options around to pick. But, what if you love Saint Valentine’s day but just don’t have that special soul mate to share with? Here are some alternatives to celebrate and keep positive.

1. Hang out with your best friends.

Love manifests in many ways and one of them is friendship. Share some time with your closest friends and show them how much you appreciate them, they sure will give you their feedback. If you have the chance, go out, don’t stay at home. Although you can organize a party in some house, it’s better to change the air and visit a new place that you may enjoy and where you can have fun without mourning about the past.

2. Share some quality time with your family

Another form of love you may have is your family: parents, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, grandparents… If you have a good relationship with them, try to be thankful for that and remember that’s a big value in your life.

3. Do something that you really like

When you’re busy with something you really enjoy to do, you don’t have time to complain or think about the bad side of your situation. While you’re watching that funny movie you love, cooking, doing gym, listening to your favorite music, traveling or whatever makes you happy, you’re generating positive feelings for you and those who surround you.

[Read more...]

Political Sex Scandals in History

michelecamerondrew@gmail.com (Michele Cameron Drew) — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:43:50 PDT

by eddiego65

People often look up to politicians who are supposed to lead by example. So it is definitely disappointing to see them commit indiscretions that jeopardize their careers and create embarrassment not only for themselves but also for their country and families as well. Here are some notable political sex scandals in history.

Bill Clinton (1946 - )

President of the United States (1993 - 2001)

Image source

News of Clinton's extramarital affair with 22-year-old White House intern Monica Lewinsky broke out in January 1998, what became known as the Lewinsky Scandal. After issuing numerous strong denials, Clinton eventually admitted having "improper physical relationship" with Lewinsky during his testimony in Paula Jones' sexual harassment lawsuit in August 2008, when key evidences surfaced, particularly blue dress stained with his semen. Clinton was consequently impeached for charges of obstruction of justice and perjury by the House of Representatives in December 1998; however, he would be acquitted by the Senate the following year.

John Profumo (1915 - 2006)

British Politician

Image source

Profumo, the Secretary of State for War under Harold Macmillan's administration, was unfortunately best known for his involvement in the Profumo Affair in 1963. At the very height of the Cold War, he was accused of putting national security at risk by his short-lived affair with Christine Keeler, a showgirl who was also having a relationship with Soviet naval attaché Eugene Ivanov. The scandal led to his resignation and withdrawal from politics following his admission of having misled the Commons when questioned about his friendship with Keeler.

[Read more...]