I am a believer. (and an ordained minister)

I am a believer. (and an ordained minister)
I do believe in free speech.
I really believe in free will.
http://articles.cnn.com/2009-09-30/living/first.blasphemy.day_1_lindsay-god-beliefs?_s=PM:LIVING

T.G.I.F.

T.G.I.F.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FISHEO3gsM

I have not read this book and just "borrowed" the cover because - well, I agree with what it says. I would like to know if anyone else has noticed a trend in the facebook community. It seems to me that there is a growing number of people who just can't stand the idea that people might just be enjoying themselves and each other. I tend to believe it is a top-down problem. The big Zuck is miserable and has managed to arrange it so that the most people possible are sucked down into paranoia and mutual contempt too.

I have not read this book and just "borrowed" the cover because - well, I agree with what it says. I would like to know if anyone else has noticed a trend in the facebook community. It seems to me that there is a growing number of people who just can't stand the idea that people might just be enjoying themselves and each other. I tend to believe it is a top-down problem. The big Zuck is miserable and has managed to arrange it so that the most people possible are sucked down into paranoia and mutual contempt too.
So, are there any armchair psychologists out there looking into this. Is it just me ? Will the next DSM have a new catagory for Facebook Induce Paranoid Syndrome.

http://www.thebigbadbank.com/tag/psychological-profile/

Here is a link to "Facebook is Corrupt, Dishonest and Very Dangerous" by
George W Hunt - (I figure if I'm stealing his book cover I need to add this)
http://www.thebigbadbank.com/images/facebook1.jpg

Guy Kawasaki <----- I stole this from this guy - Guy. Everybody and I do mean everybody should circle him. If you only circle one Guy - this is the one to add.

Guy Kawasaki <----- I stole this from this guy - Guy. Everybody and I do mean everybody should circle him. If you only circle one Guy - this is the one to add.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2010/10/01/science-ig-nobel-prize.html

Why - just b-cos...

Why - just b-cos...

Originally shared by Jeremy Dahl

The More You Nerd

I think that song made #1 on the charts...

I think that song made #1 on the charts...

Originally shared by Eric Spring

Originally shared by Guy Kawasaki

Originally shared by Guy Kawasaki

(Thu10) Six baby squirrels make a BMW their home.

http://www.onehotlap.com/2011/09/six-baby-squirrels-go-flying-around.html

Total BMW news coverage: http://bmw.alltop.com/

Hey - did you delete the "hygene" video ? WahWahWah...

James is a very "real" treasure. No hiding behind an online facade.If he seems to care or anything, he really does...

I think it needs a cow-bell.

I think it needs a cow-bell.

Originally shared by Marcelo Almeida

Mad Cow Motorcycle, by Billie Grace Lynn

Originally shared by Michael van der Galien

Originally shared by Michael van der Galien

And... another installment of Top Ten Social Media Articles and Tweets of the Day:
http://michaelblogs.com/top-ten-social-media-articles-and-tweets-of-the-day-8/



In today's edition: Paulo Coelho rocks the social media world, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Delicious.
http://michaelblogs.com/top-ten-social-media-articles-and-tweets-of-the-day-8/

Welcome back - Julie W

Welcome back - Julie W

Originally shared by Julie Webgirl

LMFAO
(via Elf Kellogg)
http://www.geekculture.com/joyoftech/joyimages/1596.gif

Originally shared by Michael Marciano

Originally shared by Michael Marciano
http://www.howtogeek.com/67766/how-to-migrate-from-facebook-to-google/

hey - we're doing this 7 thing about yourself thingie....

hey - we're doing this 7 thing about yourself thingie....


C. Corey Fisk - - I'm a writer, specializing in words about books and autobiographical essays... thought I was retired but just accepted a proposal to publish a few chapbooks.
- I'm the most severely disabled person you'll ever meet outside of a hospital or nursing home setting. Just trust me on this.
- I'm a recent California transplant, but spent most of my life on Cape Cod or in Boston/Cambridge.
- G+ helps me pass the days with photo, science, cooking and word tastiness.
- When I moved to CA. I acquired three kids -- of all my challenges, this is the hardest one I've faced and the most rewarding.
- I have kissed Neil Gaiman and punched Harlan Ellison -- on the same day.
- I have been accused of being a Heinlein character or more than ten occasions.

Originally shared by ****

Originally shared by ****
http://www.bakedlife.com/2011/03/isnt-it-about-time-you-learn-exactly.html

Originally shared by ****

Originally shared by ****
http://www.bakedlife.com/2011/03/isnt-it-about-time-you-learn-exactly.html

Originally shared by Marcelo Almeida

Originally shared by Marcelo Almeida

lovely - by David Mishra

I couldn't find an attribution but saw this on facebook. I traced it back as far as the Columbia Children's Theater.

I couldn't find an attribution but saw this on facebook. I traced it back as far as the Columbia Children's Theater.

Anyone can wake from a dream. I get to wake up to one. Goodnight fellow google-heads.

Thanks for sharing your experiences but mostly - thanks for the years of dedication hard work and service to our country.

I try to learn something every day, Just because I can.

I try to learn something every day, Just because I can.

Originally shared by Michael Marciano
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20974-neutrinos-everything-you-need-to-know.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news

An old army buddy sent me this. She's always been a good fighter.

An old army buddy sent me this. She's always been a good fighter.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/09/27/140837983/caffeinated-women-may-be-fighting-depression-with-every-cup

A perfect day for these....

A perfect day for these....

I'll put the url in the thread....

I'll put the url in the thread....

If you only look at one list of "must have" peeps - this is the best one out there - even if I'm not on it....

If you only look at one list of "must have" peeps - this is the best one out there - even if I'm not on it....

Originally shared by Mark Smith

Some of the people that make my G+ experience more fun

Remember, out of 2,000 people I can't mention everyone, so just take this as what it is...My list of some of the people that make it worth logging in everyday...

J Grynd One of the all-in-one streams on G+. This guy posts everything out there and really good person too
J.C. Kendall One of the wiser people I've met on here, you learn a lot from his stream and pick up new ways of thinking daily
Pam Adger Pam's one of those people that is funny, enjoyable to have around, and always coming in with a wisecrack or helpful comment
Liz Quilty One of the most helpful people I've met on G+ since I started, she is a wiz on Linux, Android, and many other tech-related topics as well as health too
Lisa Bimmerz A really intelligent friend who comes up with some great convos on her stream and is just overall a great person to be around
Karen Johnson If you're into politics, and like talking sensibly about it, circle Karen and do yourself a favor, she brings unique takes to the conversations
Bodi Brown If you want a REAL G+ experience with someone that takes you down their daily walk in life, circle Bodi, he's one of the best
Angela Woodson Angela's into music projects, but moreso has a huge heart that shows in her postings, really glad she's around our circles
Daniella Ayala Witty, wisecracking and a sweet person, you can't go wrong circling Daniella
Anderson KA There's people that post a ton of garbage, and then there's people that post those WOW posts, Anderson is the latter. If you like pictures, gifs, and overall entertaining content, circle him, you won't regret it
Morgan ABBOU Probably one of G+'s best-kept secrets. Morgan puts up a lot of thought-provoking posts that we all need time to time
Sandra Dyson One of the nicest computer and tech-related people I've met on Google since joining. We could all learn something from Technogran
MARY Q Mary's one that you can't put into a category unless that category is realy nice people that make you smile
Timothy Hartkorn Great Photo tours and a great person for conversation. Tim is the type that can discuss just about any topic and be respectable about it
Charlene P Charlene's one of those people that's fun to hang out with, great personality and just loves life overall
Millie Harris Millie's always posting up funny material of all sorts daily, and a lot of great music videos and content. One of the sweetest people you'll meet
Mari Thomas Mari's great for everything from tech articles to thought-provoking conversations, to current news events to you name it. To be honest I don't think there's much Mari can't do on her G+ stream. Great person to learn from
Howie Chicago Howie's one of those guys that's helpful, strong in his views, but really funny and enjoyable for conversations and hangouts
miriam dunn A Poet, an Artist, and a whole lot more. I know I personally grew from following her stream and took in things I never considered before in art
Jussta . One of the wisest and real people I've met on here, someone that you could really learn a lot from on many levels
Jesse Stay Another person that you meet and may not have a lot of common ground but the more you get to know them the more you respect them daily
B. E. Berger One of those streams that you read and take away something with you intellectually, something we're missing a lot of in life. A great writer
Krystal Heather A witty and funny person who likes to look at life on the lighter side and remind us not to take life so seriously
Rebecca Harrison Rebecca's one of those people you don't even need a reason, but I'll give you a few, great convos, thoughtful and caring posts, great overall person to be around and get to know
Tiffany Dow Another person that has a heart the size of the Google universe and incredibally intelligent. Tiffany's the type of person you could only dream about having as a neighbor as a friend, just a really warm and caring person overall
Michael Marciano Michael's another really great person to follow for humor, great music, and he's the type of person you feel like you've known him for ages
Ted LeBlond Ted's one that I've learned a lot from the past few months, and very passionate about his technology, if you're a Mac guy especially, circle Ted
Tony Simons Tony's the Droid guy, he's always putting up reviews, news, and everything droid. If you want to hear it from a reliable source, here he is
Muhammad Yunus One of the people that we can all learn something from, a truly wise person working for peace. Something we take for granted often
Wilson Hines My favorite trucker buddy. Wilson's a respectful friend that brings to the table a great conversation and a lot of passion to his views
Tora Stanley Another of my favorites, Sweet and Intellectual, those 2 words describe Tora to a tee
Winter Powell Another of those people that you can't put into one category, because they're just them, just a really nice person that you look forward to talking with on here. Winter's another person that's just plain REAL, she's herself, no act
Julia Abenes Probably the smartest model I've met, she can discuss politics, tech, and still looks great doing it. Shouldn't we all be so lucky?
Ayoub Khote An active and integral part of the G+ community. Ayoub's always helping others, and has the type of stream that you feel like you've known him for ages already. Very intellectual as well
Alvin McClendon II Gotta love having Alvin around, he's one of those types of friends that will pick you up when you're having the lousiest day. A class act too
La Shón P Another of the first and the nicest people I've met so far, someone who comes into the conversation and is just themself and you can be at ease to talk to


That's this installment for this time. Looking through my circles, I haven't even scratched the surface of quality people around me, and I'm thankful to have all of you guys around. Looking at the circles, there's a TON of names missed, and I'm sorry I can't get them all in on one post, but if you're in my circles, thanks for coming along for the ride and bringing a bit of yourself to the G+ recipe

Originally shared by Sue Page

Originally shared by Sue Page
http://rosettaproject.org/about/

I have to complete one promised writing assignment before breaking out the red pencil....

I have to complete one promised writing assignment before breaking out the red pencil....
Um....
I understand the story and the second story too. I think you should keep enough flesh to develop the Luna motivation - but - save the whole troll thing for a second (saleable) story. probably more of a novella?

roughly - for the purpose of the Evil Jester thing I'd pare it to this...
Meredith loses Vic, who went in the army so they could afford to have Luna. She goes to live with dad and gets involved with support grps to help deal with loss and gets sucked into the computer.
Cut to Luna grown up --
Sorry - effing real life trolls interrupting but will work on it later

more Tina please - she ties it together nicely

anyway all mommys have good reasons to get hooked by the computer (who is the villian) one is bbs's and support grps - another is that mom is on fb (or at least in the computer)
3rd ends the story open-ended

the media is the hook but the computer is the bad guy....
just a thought...

this may take me a while but I thought I'd share it with you 1st to save time/effort

I may be off line for a while but if you msg me on fb it will ring too my phone - if you have questions or objections/comments tonight - dead line is halloween

Hey sweet thing - what kept ya so long? This is an example of a private msg....

Originally shared by Johnathan Chung

Originally shared by Johnathan Chung

The Ultimate G+ Collection: A Treasure Trove of Google Plus Tips, Guides, & Resources

Here is an extensive database of Google+ resources that I put together for both newbies & power users. I'm sure there is something new to discover for everyone :)

The collection is large, so I decided to break it up into 11 sections and have it hosted on sociologyplus.com, a new website I contribute to about the sociology and culture of Google+, as well as other Google+ related events and information.

This collection is not meant to be all-inclusive (although it does contain a lot!) It is meant to be more of a reference or respository of G+ goodies and tidbits to browse through when needed, not something to read from start to finish.

What's in this collection?

For newer users of Google+, it may help to skim through Section 1 on "Getting Started" and pick several items from "Overview" to look through. The remainder of these resources can be referred to as needed after you become more comfortable with Google+. If you're already familiar with G+ and all the guides that have been shared, you may find Sections 6, 7, and 8 to be most useful.

SECTION 1: GETTING STARTED (http://goo.gl/syrqi)

"Quick Start" is composed of 1-2 page high-yield infographics containing the minimal technical information useful for the simplest of G+ experiences. This is for individuals who like the least amount of introduction and who like to learn as they go.

"Overview" contains G+ tips, personal recommendations, user experiences, and describes the overall G+ environment in a way that is more elaborate than “Quick Start” but less comprehensive than the full "Guides" section.

SECTION 2: GUIDES (http://goo.gl/GgidI)

"Beginner Guides" have step-by-step walkthroughs, descriptions, and advice for the most important basic features of G+ to maximize your experience quickly without getting too involved or potentially overwhelmed. This is a well-rounded introduction to G+.

"Comprehensive Guides" contain an enormous amount of dense information, some of it repeated within other detailed guides. If you are looking to learn the in's and out's of G+, read through these to pick up on everything from basic to advanced tips and tricks.

SECTION 3: CIRCLES (http://goo.gl/WGvnh)

Delves into circle management and maintenance. It is important to stay organized with circles because they determine how your information is presented in the Stream and how privacy (“who sees what”) is controlled.

SECTION 4: PHOTOS (http://goo.gl/sy2sS)

Items on uploading, sharing, organizing, and customizing pics.

SECTION 5: HANGOUTS (http://goo.gl/btUyc)

Many examples of creative uses of Hangouts and Hangout resources.

SECTION 6: FINDING PEOPLE (http://goo.gl/o1HA9)

Provides a list of sites for where and how to search for G+ users based on a variety of criteria and interests. Some of these sites are also useful for maintaining and sharing public circle lists and for viewing user statistics. "List Names" section is composed of aggregated lists of people found in particular G+ niches and communities.

SECTION 7: BLOGS & NEWS (http://goo.gl/0jQzW)

Provides general and comprehensive information focused on what's happening in Google+.

SECTION 8: EXTENSIONS, TOOLS, & APPS (http://goo.gl/1FyBK)

These tools are meant to enhance or modify the G+ user experience. Some browser extensions may stop working properly when Google makes updates and changes to G+. Please note: use of these extensions and services are "as is" and at your own discretion. Several extensions may ask for permission to access your browser activity and G+ profile.

SECTION 9: PRIVACY (http://goo.gl/NSPGY)

Provides resources to maintain privacy and security on G+.

SECTION 10: SUGGESTIONS & FEEDBACK (http://goo.gl/1TLNk)

Ways to provide constructive criticism to Google for improving G+.

SECTION 11: GRAPHICS & ICONS (http://goo.gl/Gi3Cb)

Contains Google Plus-related fan art, graphics, icons, and desktop wallpaper.

Lumberjack Day? Eh?

Lumberjack Day? Eh?
http://lumberjackday.net/celebrate/about/

ted kelly had a hangout. {url}Adam Boenig, Bliss Morgan, Alexander Symonette, Drew Nicholson, kelly h, Paulissa Kipp, Ardith Goodwin, and Christopher Lira

ted kelly had a hangout. {url}Adam Boenig, Bliss Morgan, Alexander Symonette, Drew Nicholson, kelly h, Paulissa Kipp, Ardith Goodwin, and Christopher Lira

I think the reading/writing hang out may still be going

I think the reading/writing hang out may still be going

Originally shared by Adam “Hairthulhu” Cross

Live Reading Time! Come on down!

https://plus.google.com/115687178185726009185/posts/hbgnx8MSHjm
https://plus.google.com/115687178185726009185/posts/hbgnx8MSHjm

are you online?

Happy National Museum Day

Happy National Museum Day
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/

Circle this guy - he posts awesome every damn day...

Circle this guy - he posts awesome every damn day...

Originally shared by ****

The Scorpion and the Frog (with a twist)
-j.c.kendall

A scorpion and a frog meet on the bank of a stream and the
scorpion asks the frog to carry him across on its back. The
frog asks, "How do I know you won't sting me?" The scorpion
says, "Because if I do, I will die too."

The frog is satisfied, and they set out, but in midstream,
the scorpion raises its stinger, but before striking,
the frog continues to swim, but says: “Though it is your nature to sting, it need not be your destiny." "Is a scorpion all that you can be, or is it only all you know?”

The scorpion relaxed its stinger and pondered the question of destiny.As the frog reached the stream shore, the scorpion climbed down from the frog and the scorpion at that moment was transformed into a lovely golden bird,with wings that could take it to heights unknown.

As the bird poised to fly away, it paused to ask the frog:
“Why did you risk danger to help a scorpion?” The frog replied:
“I would like to be a bird also, and I am trying to get God’s attention.” “But my nature is impatience and anger; so God does not hear my prayers”

As the bird flies away, it reminds the frog:
“It may be your nature, but it need not be your destiny.”

Those of us who think we're awesome get really irritated by you guys who actually are. Stop it ! I mean seriously dude, Could you just take a mediocre break once in a while....

Those of us who think we're awesome get really irritated by you guys who actually are. Stop it ! I mean seriously dude, Could you just take a mediocre break once in a while....
Excellent twist - A Scorpio

September 23

September 23
Autumn Equinox Link
Celebrate Bi-sexuality Day Link
Checkers Day/Dogs in Politics Day Link
Great American Pot-Pie Day Link
Hug a Vegetarian Day Link
Love Note Day Link

Celebrate Something - Space junk might come crashing down on you before tomorrow !
http://www.examiner.com/contemporary-art-in-sacramento/native-american-day

Originally shared by Alexandra Bakker

Originally shared by Alexandra Bakker

4th time I watch this video.... (though only once did I watch the tutorial part ).

I just LOVE LOVE LOOOOOVE the gorgeous photos with the song Mad World playing, which I absolutely ADORE!!

First time, I thought it was Adam Lambert singing... but then saw Trey Ratcliff giving credit to a guy named Antonis Karalis who sings it beautifully!!!

NOTE: The tutorial is really cool. Worth watching at least once in case you don't know what HDR Photography is, and understand why Trey's photos are so bright and colorful!! But if you wish to SKIP directly to the slideshow with the music, it begins at 4:15.
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of9D85pu9WU

Originally shared by Surazeus Simon Seamount

Originally shared by Surazeus Simon Seamount

My religion is Astarism.

Astarism honors First Mother Astara Ishtar Athena.

Ishtar sent Abraham and Sarah west and they founded Assurism, Olympism, Apollonism, Zoroastrianism, Mithraism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and all their branches and offshoots.

Ishtar sent Brahma and Saraswati east and they founded Hinduism, Vaishnism, Shaivism, Buddhism, Krishnaism, Sikhism, and all their branches and offshoots.

Astarism includes all those religions as one.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Astarism/203571433043390
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Astarism/203571433043390

WTF - Seriously ?

WTF - Seriously ?

Originally shared by Emmett Lollis (ThePortalDoctor)

Just discovered this on my new Facebook timeline.. They really want to have our health records on file. There is NO reason to categorize health updates any differently than a regular status update unless they are building their own version of our health records. This is going just a bit too far.

Okay, I'm re-sharing this again. Thomas Hawk made a map. You can "Pin" your location and check out other G+ users locations too. I made a simple video of the process because I had a hard time doing it. It's not hard to do, I'm just a little dense sometimes....

Okay, I'm re-sharing this again. Thomas Hawk made a map. You can "Pin" your location and check out other G+ users locations too. I made a simple video of the process because I had a hard time doing it. It's not hard to do, I'm just a little dense sometimes....
You may prefer not to put your own addr. on the map. At least add your town or neighborhood. You may find there are other google-heads right around the corner.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=204585871850547439167.0004acedd2b1b6765c800&msa=0&ll=37.699034,-122.113037&spn=0.989875,2.035217&t=h&z=10&vpsrc=6&source=gplus-ogsb

Originally shared by ted kelly

Originally shared by Guy Kawasaki

Originally shared by Guy Kawasaki

(Thu06) A celebration of celebrations:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/09/a_step-by-step_guide_to_celebr.html

#22 is powerful...

Amen

http://www.hark.com/clips/hmpybplbyw-amen

Yay - finally, hic...

Yay - finally, hic...

Originally shared by EmmaJayne Withay

"I'm not gonna lie; this is the second bottle." - Drunk baking FTMFW! http://youtu.be/qTyotI3IHFQ H/T to @Lindygeek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTyotI3IHFQ

Originally shared by Kathy E. Gill

Originally shared by Kathy E. Gill

Google+Tip: Finding People
Curated directory of directories and lists. ;-) Please let me know good ones that I have missed!
http://wegetplus.net/getting-started-with-google-plus/finding-people-on-google/

Originally shared by ****

Originally shared by ****

Makes me wanna holler
-j.c.kendall

What if it was you that was strapped to that chair?
What would you think of the people that put you there?
What if you laid there with that needle in your arm?
What if you could not prove that you did no one harm?

Would you pray to your god, and would you ask him why,
If people were issued passes just to come and watch you die?
As they fastened that rope around your sweating neck
Would you look down and say goodbye to those you respect?

There are laws in this country that must be obeyed
Men fought for this nation with lives down they laid
Every person is subject to our system of Laws
It’s the best country on Earth despite all our flaws.

But, at what point does it matter if someone gets away,
If we actually do kill an innocent man someday?

There are fates worse than death, and with death, you get no mulligans.
We either respect life, all life, or goddammit, we don't

Originally shared by Carlos Lima

Originally shared by Carlos Lima

:-)

Originally shared by Muhammad Yunus

Originally shared by Muhammad Yunus
http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3774&Itemid=218

Bravo - on the bitch-slap thing.

Originally shared by Muhammad Yunus

Originally shared by Muhammad Yunus

Here is my conversation with Randi Zuckerberg from yesterday. Enjoy!
http://www.livestream.com/cgiconversations/video?clipId=pla_049b110d-79ce-49d4-938c-b4798651e3c0

You inspire me to do what small things I can do, and to integrate thinking, feeling, and acting. I try to honor your actions by encouraging others to pitch in. Thank you.

Originally shared by Yonatan Zunger

Originally shared by Yonatan Zunger

Some more tips and tricks for using Google+ search:

* Saved searches are like streams When you hit the "Save this Search" button, you're creating a new stream that shows up below your ordinary streams. Circle streams are built around groups of people; search streams are built around common interests. So if you save (e.g.) "BBC Sherlock", what you're saving is a stream of people who are interested in that show. It can be a great place to meet people, and to talk about the things you care about.

* You can use hashtags like #plustips Hashtags are just strings that begin with a # symbol, but people use them to identify subjects or topics of interest. Stick those in your posts, and you can search for them, too. (For example, check out the searches for #plustips or #storycircle) And hashtagging is a collaborative effort: if you add a hashtag in a comment, that tags the post as well.

* You can share searches The URL you get when you do a search is just https://plus.google.com/s/. You can share this link around and other people get that same search stream; they don't have to be logged in, or even Google+ users, in order to see that link. (Of course, if you aren't logged in, you'll only see public content)

And of course, we're working intensely on making Google+ search a more and more powerful experience. We want to turn these searches into a place where you can find your (and your friends') content, where you can find people, and where people with common interests can meet and talk -- and there's a lot more in the works to make that happen!

Look at this

Look at this

Originally shared by James Lawson-Smith

If some one is making Naughty comments on your posts, or anyone elses post, Just hover over the +1 button on that comment and a Flag will appear. Click on this and you can report abuse for that comment. If you did not mean to hit the Report Abuse button just hover over the flag, now that it is red, and click undo.

Originally shared by Guy Kawasaki

Originally shared by Guy Kawasaki

(Wed09) Discovery explains the meaning of searches for porn:

http://discovermagazine.com/2011/jul-aug/05-things-that-internet-porn-reveals-about-our-brains

Nice to see you again.

Originally shared by Nina Pelletier

Originally shared by Nina Pelletier

Prompt-and-Share It's Wednesday's First Sentence theme continuing on the Prompt-and-Share. We all know how important the first sentence is to any story, it grabs the reader and pulls them in. We've been taking the first sentence of famous novels and writing our own little stories with them. Today we are gonna steal from Ami Mckay's The Birth House.
In 400 words or less, write a short story/flash fiction starting with this as your opening line: My house stands at the edge of the earth.
Take it away folks!

Originally shared by Nina Pelletier

Originally shared by Nina Pelletier

Prompt-and-Share It's Wednesday's First Sentence theme continuing on the Prompt-and-Share. We all know how important the first sentence is to any story, it grabs the reader and pulls them in. We've been taking the first sentence of famous novels and writing our own little stories with them. Today we are gonna steal from Ami Mckay's The Birth House.
In 400 words or less, write a short story/flash fiction starting with this as your opening line: My house stands at the edge of the earth.
Take it away folks!

Just WOW

Just WOW

Originally shared by Ralph Roberts

Pompeii Fast Food Joint To Re-open After Two Thousand Years
try the baked cheese lashed with honey, delish!

via Kuriositas.com

"In just about the longest refurbishment period in history, the Pompeii based snack bar owned by Vetutius Placidus is to re-open. Its last customers left in something of a hurry one thousand nine hundred and twenty one years ago but the high profile launch tomorrow promises to be something of a more unhurried affair.

"Three hundred specially invited guests are to taste the delights of Roman fast food in the thermopolium (that’s snack bar to you and me) in a special ceremony to mark the reopening of the joint, which has been closed to the general public for many years. Now after a long period of excavation and preservation, visitors will be able to once more taste the house specialty – baked cheese with lashings of honey. ..."

http://www.kuriositas.com/2010/03/pompeii-fast-food-joint-to-re-open.html

Originally shared by George Musser

Originally shared by George Musser
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2011/09/21/quantum-cheshire-cat-even-weirder-than-schrodingers/

this is the guy who I was telling you about with the Tenn. waterfall pix.

this is the guy who I was telling you about with the Tenn. waterfall pix.

Originally shared by Ralph Roberts

Lower Potter Creek Falls
on Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau

a framegrab from an episode of our TV show and DVD series (available on Amazon), "Waterfalls of the Southern Highlands."

this guy is a good one - not just a writer, but more...

this guy is a good one - not just a writer, but more...

Originally shared by Ralph Roberts

Bug-Eyed Monsters & Bimbos
edited by Mike Resnick
(includes one of my own stories)

Who better to parody science fiction than science fiction authors
themselves?

In this classic collection of stories, compiled by Mike Resnick
(winner of five Hugos, plus a plethora of other awards in multiple
categories), such prominent authors as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac
Asimov, Barry Malzberg and a host of others take their pens and
wits to make fun of themselves and the genre they live for.

pre-order on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bug-Eyed-Monsters-Bimbos-Hilarious-Collection/dp/161242032X/ref=sr_1_3?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1315311187&sr=1-3

Originally shared by Abhi Nemani

Originally shared by Abhi Nemani

I've been rendered irrelevant by an technology #inevitable:

http://abhi.herokuapp.com/
http://abhi.herokuapp.com/

Originally shared by Tamar Weinberg

Originally shared by Tamar Weinberg

Do this: http://www.drawastickman.com/
http://www.drawastickman.com/

Originally shared by Linda Lawrey

Originally shared by Linda Lawrey

New Google+ Users - You will find many Google+ Chrome extensions that will add to your Google+ experience. I'll list a few here that you may wish to look at.

My ALL time favorite extension is "Replies and More" by Matt Mastracci. While you can mention anyone in your circles or in a post's thread by typing either @ and their name or + and their name, and you will see it populate as you type,
you can "mention" anyone in a thread, the author or a commenter, with one click using this extension. Also, if Sharing is turned off (which you can do with either a public or private/limited post via the post dropdown (Lock this post), you cannot "mention" anyone in the comments. This prevents sharing via mentioning. However using this extension you can reply/mention to anyone already in the thread.

It has another feature that isn't native here yet (and I hope it's coming soon) is that when you open a "reshared" post at the permalink, you can hover and click to go to the original post that was reshared.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/fgmhgfecnmeljhchgcjlfldjiepcfpea

Next, There are TWO Photo Zooming (by hover) extensions and it's your choice which you might wish to use. One is for Google+ only by Sebastian Mauer called "PhotoZoom" here:

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/njoglkofocgopmdfjnbifnicbickbola

And the second works not only on Google+ but most web pages as well. It's called "Hover Zoom" here: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/nonjdcjchghhkdoolnlbekcfllmednbl

Using either of these extensions will Zoom any photo in a post upon hover, so that you don't have to click on it to see it or read it. You may still wish to click through, but in some cases for just one photo, these are a timesaver.

Next, you may get replies that are not in your language. This adds a translator feature to any post or comment, or you can set it to translate everything in your right sidebar here: Google Translate, by Google (FREE) : Translate your Google+ stream (posts or comments,) using integrated, inline, Google Translate support.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/jfppgkomfopklagggkjiaddgndkgopgl

Sometimes I want to email myself or someone, a link to a Google+ post (or any other link on the web) for followup. I use "Send from Gmail (by Google)" FREE for this. The link to any post here has a permalink that you can access via the date/time stamp. So if it's a lengthy post and you want to open it in a new tab to read, you can do so there, and email that post link from there as well. You never leave your place on Google+ or any other site using this quick email extension.

(The permalink to a post is also available at the post dropdown)

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/pgphcomnlaojlmmcjmiddhdapjpbgeoc

Now that we have such a great new Search feature here in Google+, I've still found a nice extension that lets me search Google+ in the Omnibox (url address bar) even when I'm not IN Google+ and that is "Search G-Plus - Omnibox" by Brad Kasprzak.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/kdcanpkkkkfaklbfpkibpgdilkbokkjf

Three fun extensions you can check out to change the look and functionality here are:

"Golden View for Google+" by Micah Wittman : https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/gijclepbhbekkghfmcdfkpmbkbefcokp

"G+ Me" by Huy Zing :
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/oacdcllhgpddmlnhajiacfakhlilbicp

More about G+ Me here: http://huyz.us/google-plus-me/

"Circle+" by Daniel Treadwell:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/lgejhoiengobafehdiejgcdnogdngeej

Remember that extensions need to be updated occasionally and as Google+ (which is in beta) is tweaked, it can cause some extensions to break, requiring an update. The extension developers I've mentioned above are fantastic at updating the moment they know it needs to be done. (Thanks guys!) And of course, Google keeps their extensions updated as well.

When it comes to extensions, less is more, but you may have a few "must haves" for Google+ just as I do, once you get a chance to look at them and use them.

Remember: Once you install an extension, go to your extension page, and set any options they may offer. Refresh your page here in Google+ for them to show up.

Enjoy!

................................
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/fgmhgfecnmeljhchgcjlfldjiepcfpea

Originally shared by Muhammad Yunus

Originally shared by Muhammad Yunus
http://j.mp/ruiWIx

Originally shared by Muhammad Yunus

Originally shared by Muhammad Yunus

Explanation of how the idea of social business evolved

Originally shared by Dave Besbris

Originally shared by Dave Besbris

When I tell folks I'm a musician, they often ask me what kind of music I like. I always answer "The Good Kind". I pretty much like all genres as long as there is some honest emotion in the song. This song is an example of just that. I normally don't find myself listening to "popular vocal hitz" but Adele gives me goosebumps with her vocals in this track.

I really like this particular version, too. Since it's a live performance in her house, it feels more intimate. Seeing her stuff on the shelves as she sings, seeing the look on her face during the chorus..video adds something special here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAc83CF8Ejk

Originally shared by Jaana Nyström

Originally shared by Jaana Nyström

Here's my list of Google+ related extensions still in daily use:

http://huyz.us/google-plus-me/ The best!
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/jgoepmocgafhnchmokaimcmlojpnlkhp +1 button
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/oadboiipflhobonjjffjbfekfjcgkhco phone share extension
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/amnpdnbolmpkbjkpadaeodajnddnmckn Hangout auto try
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/jfppgkomfopklagggkjiaddgndkgopgl Translator for G+
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/igjkledipncagiggffblbgkeajojecbc More for G+
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/fdgiicomigipakpcpfgebhfhoeoholio Quick Hangouts
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/fgmhgfecnmeljhchgcjlfldjiepcfpea Replies and more
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/njoglkofocgopmdfjnbifnicbickbola?hc=search&hcp=main Photo zoom

These I use.

I curate a Google+ help site here which is updated regularly:
http://www.scoop.it/t/googleplus-help

You may say I'm a dreamer, but...

You may say I'm a dreamer, but...

.http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/

Originally shared by Rebecca Harrison

Originally shared by Rebecca Harrison

I Loved Him as a kid, my favorite was "A Light in the Attic"

Twelve years after his death, beloved children's poet Shel Silverstein came out with a new book called "Every Thing On It." It features a collection of unpublished poetry and drawings by the late artist.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44602641/ns/today-books/t/shel-silverstein-book-released-years-after-his-death/?gt1=43001#.TnlAuNR9uSo

Would it be alright to mention you in my prayers tonight too ? For some reason I seem to be pretty good at it.

Originally shared by Ryan Crowe

Originally shared by Ryan Crowe

Launch of sociologyplus.com
discussing the idea, "Beta"?, and contributing

Hello all! If you haven't heard from other sociologyplus.com team members. We have finally launched the site.

The idea behind SocioloG+ is, as the site says, "an informal look at the socio-cultural anthropology of the Google+ society".

What does this mean? It's a fancy way of saying that we want to highlight the things that are being created on Google+. So, what is creation exactly? Well - there are a lot of ways to answer that, from the simple to the metaphysical to the scientific to the philosophical. When we talk about creation - we mean:

Art, the sorts of relationships users initiate and cultivate, innovative events, influential thought, intellectual debate... it's a fairly open approach to talking about what makes Google+ unique in relation to other platforms.

As Robert Scoble says, "Content is king". Well.. we're hoping to provide the throne for the king to sit on.


It says "Beta"

We do plan on expanding the site - we have some cool features cooking up and we're starting to work on implementing them. Some of these features will rely on contribution, you can look at the bottom of this post to see if you can help!

Please provide feedback!

We're new at this! Feedback is the ultimate goal - please let us know what works, what doesn't and provide some suggestions.

OH yeah, we're new at this...

We're all new at being part of a website team... we're trying to make sure we keep in mind all intellectual property things and providing credit to people who deserve it and doing what we need to do to make sure you're comfortable with contributing to the site! We're not perfect... yet - so please, if you contribute and have a problem - let us know and we will try to bend over backwards to help you out.

Contributing?

Art
Right now we have an Art Gallery up - if you'd like to have your own gallery on SocioloG+ - please contact Drew Nicholson (who is our art director and curator). Let him know everything you'll need and then we can figure out how to get that stuff up :)

Guest blogging/columnist
Let me or Christina Trapolino know if you're interested in Guest Blogging. Right now the site is full of Christina and my own posts from the past. We're still working on organizing posts - but we'd love to feature you as a writer.

Plusology video series
Are you an academic or scientist of some sort and would like to do a TED talk on social activity or some other function of Google+? Do you have video recording capabilities? We're going to start hosting Plusology videos as soon as we can. Let me know if you're interested in contributing.

Web Developers
We've launched the site with the help of 2 developers, who have done an awesome job. If you like to work with websites using WordPress and Drupal and have some background in these areas - let us know. We need the help, most of us are just bloggy mctalky types.

Is this a paying gig?

We are not currently in the business of making money, so we can't offer you monetary compensation at this time. What we CAN offer you is this: our collective follower base is fairly large we can give you exposure and/or notoriety. Whatever you do with that is up to you - but if you have art - say, “hey - I did X for sociologyplus.com and check it out”. We want you to be proud of your contributions and we want you to show it off wherever and whenever you can.


Reshare please: Craig Kanalley Mike Elgan Natalie Villalobos Ahmed Zeeshan Alireza Yavari Jay Acunzo Kimberly Lau Ardith Goodwin

Sheila Schilling - she can make pages sing - I pointed her your way.

Hi - We're ok, right?

Hi - We're ok, right?

Originally shared by Kiki Moon (LunarDisco)

Well the Steamies went off to Mass. The Baconessa posted a funny pic of a fat person. Jen J-C quit the soup after a couple of different 100+ threads (all bitching) Nobody had anybodys back. James G had to stop a couple of fights. More bitching about fakey profiles. I unfriended some popular peeps. Anya is back so the flower supposedly went crazy with the trolls trying to duke it out. Hell got overrun by teen agers. (like as young as 14) I quit the Haven (last weeek) and all of Caroles groups (Linda was one of my cuts) Oh and they have some new list things and feature pissing everybody off.... whew

Well the Steamies went off to Mass. The Baconessa posted a funny pic of a fat person. Jen J-C quit the soup after a couple of different 100+ threads (all bitching) Nobody had anybodys back. James G had to stop a couple of fights. More bitching about fakey profiles. I unfriended some popular peeps. Anya is back so the flower supposedly went crazy with the trolls trying to duke it out. Hell got overrun by teen agers. (like as young as 14) I quit the Haven (last weeek) and all of Caroles groups (Linda was one of my cuts) Oh and they have some new list things and feature pissing everybody off.... whew
I hope I didn't miss anything.

Originally shared by Adam Sweet

Originally shared by Adam Sweet

Did you know that you can get around YouTube's out of region censorship by replacing '/watch?v=' with '/v/' in the URL.
http://youtube.com

Originally shared by Robert Scoble

Originally shared by Robert Scoble

2,998 active Google+ers

Welcome to all the new people who are showing up here.

We hope you become active, but the first step to being active yourself is finding people to read.

I only circle people who are:

1. Active.
2. Posting interesting stuff, to me.
3. Are easily categorizable (i.e. I can figure out what circle to put them on, although I do have a circle called "uncategorizable").
4. Have a well-filled out bio and a non-default photo. You might think that's not important, but I only want to follow people who CARE about their public image. Doing those two things says you care (I have made exceptions, but only for people who have extraordinary content).

Anyway, I'm sharing now for the first time my favorite 2,998 Google+ users. These are people I've spent hundreds of hours finding. They are in one of these circles:

Tech journalists or tech-centric blogs.
Geeks and programmers.
Tech executives or entrepreneurs.
Photographers or videographers.
Designers or artists.
PR, marketing, or social media experts.
Rackspace employees.
Friends (people who I would buy a beer for).
Broadcasters and podcasters.
Tech analysts.
Google+ community leaders.
Smart people I like listening to, but don't fit into one of the above categories.

Most of them are folks who are "tech passionate." In other words, folks who often engage on the geekier side of life.

Please, if you think you fit into one of the above categories and I'm not yet following you, please let me know (post a comment below).

To see them, by the way, visit my profile at https://profiles.google.com/scobleizer and look under "in Robert's circles" for the "View all" link.

Originally shared by Adam “Hairthulhu” Cross

Originally shared by Adam “Hairthulhu” Cross

Look, I hate spam as much as the next guy; but this is important enough to me to get out there. She has health issues that prevent her from working, but she still want to help her family and make a small income, just like me and this crazy writing thing.

Check the link. Buy something cheap; it doesn't matter. But I would consider it a personal favor. So much so that if you can get me a receipt, I will write you a piece of flash fiction personally; meaning one that will not be posted here or anywhere else, you and I will be the only owners of said piece.
http://www.partylite.biz/sites/jennyoc/guest-reply?showid=9256455&guestid=8267816&attend=N

Originally shared by Guy Kawasaki

Originally shared by Guy Kawasaki

(Tue05) Terry Gross interviews Maurice Sendak about his latest book, Bumnble-ardy. Sendak is the author of Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen. This is one of the most poignant interviews that I've ever heard on NPR.

http://www.npr.org/2011/09/20/140435330/this-pig-wants-to-party-maurice-sendaks-latest

Originally shared by Jaana Nyström

Originally shared by Jaana Nyström

I started another Scoop It site:

http://www.scoop.it/t/googleplus-help

Chrome and mobile extensions + apps and advice

Originally shared by Ken Rutkowski

Originally shared by Ken Rutkowski

Reexamine Class Warfare
With talk of class warfare in the air, it’s perhaps useful for the sake of context to re-examine the 1929 platform of the Communist Party of Great Britain, titled “Class Against Class” and representing an avowedly class warfare approach to an economic crisis. Here’s what they had to say on tax policy:http://goo.gl/tJMx5

(1) Abolition of all indirect taxes.

(2) Exemption from all kinds of taxation for all wage-earners.

(3) Tax exemption for all working farmers.

(4) Graduated income tax starting with the incomes of £500 per annum, increasing gradually so that all personal incomes over £5,000 per year are confiscated.

(5) Abolition of the right of transfer and inheritance by confiscation of all individual fortunes over £1,000.

(6) Repudiation of the National Debt (special consideration to be given to the position of small investors, the Cooperatives, and trade unions).

Originally shared by Chris Saad

Originally shared by Chris Saad

WSJ Outsources it's community, publishing platform and social strategy to FB. Brilliant move #sarcasm

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2011/09/19/wsj-social-for-a-world-where-facebook-is-the-new-internet/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2011/09/19/wsj-social-for-a-world-where-facebook-is-the-new-internet/

Originally shared by Adam “Hairthulhu” Cross

Originally shared by Adam “Hairthulhu” Cross

Original prompt via Nina Pelletier:

Prompt: (500 words or less) You or you’re character witnesses a miracle… an honest to goodness, unexplainable in their time, miracle. Describe what you or your character experiences, while focusing on you or your character’s reaction. Not as hard as the prompt from last week, but still a toughie. Good Luck! (point of view and tense is your choice)

Blaize walked along the cliff. He loved it up there. He loved the snow that constantly fell on the high peeks, and the way the moon and stars peeked over the clouds far below, their light reflecting off the mountains of fog. He loved it because almost no living creature would ever interruot his train of thought when he was there, mostly because no living creature could survive the thin air. Still, the thin air smelled of the pines growing farther below and the snow falling high above. He shook the snow out of his waist-length red hair and shoulders, and sat down in lotus postition on the edge of the cliff, admiring the view before closing his eyes.

When ordinary people closed their eyes, they saw nothing; blackness. When he closed his eyes, he saw everything as it was; the energy, the vitality of the planet, the far moon, and the farther stars. He saw the paths that energy made and the paths it would make; he saw where the planet would go and what they would do, and for that matter, when they would die.

The planet he was on, his home. was Sheol; and Sheol's energy was violently shifting, constantly changing. Which is as it should be, for the planet, like himself, was not ordinary.

He listened for a moment to the sound of the drifting snow. Normally it was too quiet to hear; but, at this moment, in this stark silence, it was the only noise to be heard. The sound of the gentle wind, the shifting of the crystalline structures as they settled, one atop another.

After about 15 minutes, he opened his eyes, feeling refreshed and renewed. He looked about and noticed something small peeking out above the snow. He stood up, walking towards it; he had been up this mountain more times than he cared to track over his 300 year life, and he had never seen a single change until now. Worse yet, it was a change that was not supposed to happen.

This could have unintended consequences.

As he got closer, he saw it: a deep violet rose with a black stem, its thorns touched with red. It was unusual in that it only grew where someone was destined to die, and also one of the stranger, more fascinating anomalies that sprung up from time to time. Still, not even it should be growing way up here.

He smiled. "Thank you, Pan. Now stop messing around."

"Messing around is what I do." replied the voice that echoed in the mountain and sky.

431 words

Originally shared by Axel Kratel

Originally shared by Axel Kratel

Wear Sunscreen, Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Baz Luhrmann on life, this is a classic, so straight forward.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked….You’re not as fat as you imagine.

Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4PM on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing everyday that scares you

Sing Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours. Floss Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with
yourself.

Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how. Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements. Stretch

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone. Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children,maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…what ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s.

Enjoy your body, use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.. Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room. Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them. Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future. Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders. Respect your elders. Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one
might run out.

Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85. Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth. But trust me on the sunscreen…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

Originally shared by Rebecca Harrison

Originally shared by Rebecca Harrison

I've been looking for a way to make these! I guess I should've just asked on here huh? =)

Life's like that.

Life's like that.

Here, you wanted something to talk about, right?

Here, you wanted something to talk about, right?

Originally shared by Surazeus Simon Seamount

Seed Of Science
© Hermead of Surazeus
2011 09 19

In these lean hungry times of unemployment
perhaps people should turn off their computers
and step outside doors of their silent homes
to enter neglected shop in back yard
where they may learn again forgotten skills
and grasp ancient tools of clever production
we made from sticks and stones at dawn of time
to farm fields growing worts and herbs and fruit
and shape wood building homes and carts and boats
so we may remember how we got here
retracing each step in development
of progress to create civilization
when seed of science blooms in Tree of Life.

Hi - I just read "Seed of Science". While thinking about this more before attempting a reply makes more sense....

Hi - I just read "Seed of Science". While thinking about this more before attempting a reply makes more sense....

I just have to say-

Turn off their computers ? Surely you jest.

Originally shared by Zev Lexryder

Originally shared by Zev Lexryder

Posting cuz I want to find it later to read. :)
http://allthingsd.com/20110919/manifesto-driven-unthink-promises-a-social-network-where-users-own-their-accounts/

Originally shared by Eduardo Ribeiro

Originally shared by Eduardo Ribeiro

Antarctica and Greenland should be proud! ;)

Originally shared by Surazeus Simon Seamount

Originally shared by Surazeus Simon Seamount

I am sitting at my desk in Faery Crossing, writing blank verse in my epic poem, Hermead, about wizards, magicians and scientists of history.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Faery%20Crossing/189/95/26
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Faery%20Crossing/189/95/26

Originally shared by Mike Elgan

Originally shared by Mike Elgan

They call Velveeta 'cheese food.' I say it's neither!

Discover Magazine just published a fascinating story about how "cheese food" like Velveeta is made. It's not rocket science -- rocket science is way less complicated.

For those of you outside the US who may not be familiar with America's inexplicable taste for shitty industrial food, well, this is why we're fat.

http://discovermagazine.com/2011/sep/16-the-secret-of-velveeta-how-cheese-food-is-made

Originally shared by Ralph Roberts

Originally shared by Ralph Roberts

Wooden Books of Padova University

AtlasObscura.com - "Once a collection of roughly a hundred, nearly half of these rare wooden books have been lost or destroyed since their creation in the late 1700s or early 1800s, leaving only 56 of these amazing objects.

"What is particularly curious about these books is that while most books are made of wood, pulped into paper, these books are both about trees and constructed of them; their construction and contents are truly one and the same. Each volume is about a different species of tree, with its cover made from the wood of that tree, showing both wood radial, longitudinal, and cross profiles. And on each spine is a section of the tree's bark.

:Inside are the book's contents - but rather than paper describing the tree, each book holds bits of the tree itself. Seedlings, leaves, roots, sawdust, charcoal, flowers, and seeds are all fastened in place and numbered. Each book is accompanied by a handwritten piece of parchment with a legend explaining what each sample is. ..."

full article: http://atlasobscura.com/place/wooden-books-padova-university

Hi I'm Ted or Theo. I added you mainly because Richard Martin mentioned you, but also because we have only one peep in common. Feel free to raid my circle, I have some good-uns.

Originally shared by Tim O'Reilly

Originally shared by Tim O'Reilly

I just went down to check out the scene at the https://occupywallst.org/ rally. It was a bit of a disappointment, for a number of reasons. First, there were only a few hundred people there (one of the organizers told me they peaked out at around a thousand on the weekend). Second, the people who were there were the wrong people.

What do I mean by that? The attendees were mainly scruffily dressed young people, whose attire and approach was too easily dismissed by those in authority. The smirk on the face of the Fox News reporter who was interviewing various participants said it all. "These people are easy to dismiss."

I couldn't bear to see him goading these idealistic young people into making bombastic statements (the reporter is a tool of AIG was one comment I overheard), so I stepped over and asked if I could speak to him.

I told him that I run a company with about $100 million in revenue, and that it isn't just kids who think that Wall Street bankers got away with a crime. There are a set of people who constructed a set of financial products with intent to defraud. They took our country to the brink of ruin, then got off scott free, even with multi-million dollar bonuses. I'll be interested to see if Fox runs my comments anywhere.

It seems so odd to me that the Tea Party isn't out in force at this protest. It seems so odd that government largesse aimed at rich corporations seems to be OK with them, while government largesse aimed at the disadvantaged ought to be cut. I would have loved to see blue collar Americans out in force at this protest, not just college students.

(Personally, I'm all for a leaner approach to government that I've described with the geeky vision of "Government as a Platform." Spend strategically in order to catalyze society to do what needs to be done. Unfortunately, in this case that wasn't done.)

I highly recommend Matt Taibbi's Rolling Stone reporting on the financial crisis of 2008 http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-great-american-bubble-machine-20100405 , as well as these recent pieces: http://www.financialsense.com/financial-sense-newshour/guest-expert/2011/09/14/william-k-black-phd/why-nobody-went-to-jail-during-the-credit-crisis and http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/09/obamas_economic_quagmire_frank.html They should make your blood boil.

It's not the American Spring yet, but it ought to be.

Here are some of my photos from the event:

To sleep, perhaps to scream....

To sleep, perhaps to scream....
G-nites & junk.
http://www.vimeo.com/16314154

a challenge

a challenge

Originally shared by Nina Pelletier

Prompt-and-Share Dialogue. I love reading dialogue, it’s my favorite part of a story, if done correctly. As many authors will attest to, if dialogue IS done correctly, no tags should be required. The character, the scene, the plot should all be visible through the speech text. So let’s give it a go.
This prompt was recommended by Drew Nicholson
500 words of less, write in dialogue ONLY please.

Hints on dialogue for beginners:
1 – Dialogue is always done within quotation marks Example: “Hello there”
2 – Use single quotation marks when to enclose quotes within quotes Example “Helen said that she was an ‘unfit mother’ before she ran away”.
3 – Always start a new paragraph when a new person is speaking
Example:

“I despise you.”

“Yeah well, I hate you more!”

“No, I hate YOU more!”

Anyhow, you get the idea. GOOD LUCK!

Originally shared by Justin Brown

Originally shared by Justin Brown

http://www.livestream.com/globalrevolution
http://www.livestream.com/globalrevolution

Hey - Don't bother adding me. Most of what I post would just bore you. We're on the same page mostly it seems but on occasion if I do or see something I'll send it your way.

Repost - sorry but the User Map is a great idea.

Repost - sorry but the User Map is a great idea.

I saw this map the other day. Do you want to see if any other Plussers are nearby. This ought to be an automatic feature, like the map on your profile page.http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=204585871850547439167.0004acedd2b1b6765c800&msa=0&ll=37.699034,-122.113037&spn=0.989875,2.035217&t=h&z=10&vpsrc=6&source=gplus-ogsb

Originally shared by ted kelly

Hi - I like to circle scarysmart women. Carole (common circle) dragged me to the plus side. Oh, I just signed up on Diaspora in case you wonder why people circle you "out of the blue"

hehehe- personally I have mixed feelings on the issue, but this is just too cool...

hehehe- personally I have mixed feelings on the issue, but this is just too cool...

Originally shared by Jillian C. York

Google+ no longer lets you share limited posts publicly (for better or worse), so I can't give credit here, but this is awesome .

(Credit to Piotr Kucharski, who saw my post and spoke up!)

Hello - missing you, whats up?

Neurotheology: This Is Your Brain On Religion : NPR

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/15/132078267/neurotheology-where-religion-and-science-collide

Originally shared by S. John

Originally shared by S. John
http://www.fastcompany.com/1769468/scientist-discover-the-oldest-largest-body-of-water-in-existence-in-space

I hope this video helps - I had a hard time adding my info to the Google+ Users map. http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=204585871850547439167.0004acedd2b1b6765c800&msa=0&ll=37.699034,-122.113037&spn=0.989875,2.035217&t=h&z=10&vpsrc=6&source=gplus-ogsb

I hope this video helps - I had a hard time adding my info to the Google+ Users map. http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=204585871850547439167.0004acedd2b1b6765c800&msa=0&ll=37.699034,-122.113037&spn=0.989875,2.035217&t=h&z=10&vpsrc=6&source=gplus-ogsb

This was started by Thomas Hawk and is a great way to find peeps in your area - or in other areas too. So I made a little video to illustrate the process. Sorry for the fumbling and bumbling.

PS: please re-share and comments and criticism are appreciated.

Originally shared by ted kelly

Title

Originally shared by Cheetos Oona

Originally shared by Cheetos Oona

Rose Ice Cream

Originally shared by ****

Originally shared by ****

"Ice"
-j.c. kendall


Inside its freezing; yet, you sweat
Always so frigid, while perpetually wet

In a chill or in heat, or any weather,
We both know we need to be together

Into the mix, how we love to be tossed
While I am the liquid, and you are still frost

It sometimes works when we are apart
Then come together in a start

From a brisk location or off warmer places
All the stress and tension soon erases

Cool and wet or hot and warm
We increase the pleasure of any form

Together, we are twice as nice
For I am the Liquor and you are the Ice

Hi - I love your info page.

Hi - I just read a post from a nice lady suggesting that peeps should leave a note when circling other peeps. I agreed - I put you into one of my busier/friendlier circles. Feel free to let me know if I seem to be over-sharing. I won't be offended and can drop you down a notch or something.

NSFA - Sorry Atheists, not safe for you...

NSFA - Sorry Atheists, not safe for you...
http://christiannymphos.org/

Originally shared by Michael Lee Johnson

Originally shared by Michael Lee Johnson

NOTICE TO ALL GOOGLE USERS - Don't Fall for this TRAP!!!
Google+ Phishing Scam now in full-swing.

As of 5 minutes ago I received a email in my inbox allegedly from 'G-mail' asking me for my Username and Password etc. - If you receive an email similar to the one attached below, delete it. - It's obviously a blatant Google+ phishing scam.

Good Night and Sweet Streams

Good Night and Sweet Streams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io9ZBNZWdso

Thanks Jack Carlson There is a Clock ringing deep inside a mountain. It is a huge Clock, hundreds of feet tall, designed to tick for 10,000 years.

Thanks Jack Carlson There is a Clock ringing deep inside a mountain. It is a huge Clock, hundreds of feet tall, designed to tick for 10,000 years.
http://www.kk.org/thetechnium/archives/2011/06/the_clock_in_th.php

I had to ask too for help - on the left side -scroll down the list of names - on page 7 should be your pin - click on it and put your google id# in the description box

Cool beans - Just search for your location, add a pin and then edit the description with your Google+ ID #.

Cool beans - Just search for your location, add a pin and then edit the description with your Google+ ID #.

Originally shared by Thomas Hawk

I created a collaborative map where Google+ users can add themselves to a world map. With this map you should be able to see where other Google+ users are at in the world.

We'll see how this works, but if you would like to participate, go ahead and add a pin in the city that you are located in.

Feel free to reshare this map to as many people as you can to get as many people as possible on it. Also please post your Google+ url with your pin point, so that people can add people based on geographical region.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=204585871850547439167.0004acedd2b1b6765c800&msa=0&ll=37.699034,-122.113037&spn=0.989875,2.035217&t=h&z=10&vpsrc=6&source=gplus-ogsb

I'm still drawing a blank. I managed to stick a pin in at my home - but the only place I see to edit says "don't edit here"

I'm still drawing a blank. I managed to stick a pin in at my home - but the only place I see to edit says "don't edit here"
If you could help, I'll re-share with a "for dummies" sort of description... tks

Originally shared by null

Originally shared by null

NASA Rover Finds Rare Mars Rock With Clues of Ancient Water
http://www.space.com/12987-mars-rover-opportunity-rare-rock-water.html

This was the first thing I saw this morning. I really must get a better place to keep my computer.....

This was the first thing I saw this morning. I really must get a better place to keep my computer.....
http://www.keysnet.com/2011/09/16/378472/drilling-off-keys-to-begin-by.html

Good night Streamers

Good night Streamers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWySPGpT3io

here's the only - hopefully 1st Miriam Dunn painting

here's the only - hopefully 1st Miriam Dunn painting

Originally shared by Kimberly Brink-Castleberry

Originally shared by Kimberly Brink-Castleberry

Really enjoying watching Coldplay perform live on the Austin City Limits Music Festival Youtube Channel right now -> http://www.youtube.com/aclfestival
http://www.youtube.com/aclfestival

Originally shared by 热门创意

Originally shared by 热门创意

两笔点成的水墨画~美~~

Originally shared by C.C. Chapman

Originally shared by C.C. Chapman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEpFlymH6RQ

Originally shared by Nina Pelletier

Originally shared by Nina Pelletier

Prompt-and-Share Friday - This prompt come from Adam Boenig ! Have fun with it folks! I won't be posting a prompt tomorrow so feel free to take your time with this one. Limit 1500 words! That's right, when Adam says EPIC, we listen!
Take something you do every day; say, making breakfast or cleaning the house. Write a story about it in "epic adventure" style.

The most valuable lesson I have learned, is to understand the value of the lessons I have learned.

What are you doing tomorrow ?

What are you doing tomorrow ?

TRASH FREE SEAS: 2011 INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP
http://www.oceanconservancy.org/our-work/marine-debris/international-coastal-cleanup-11.html

Originally shared by Matt Hardy

Originally shared by Matt Hardy

Mist over Hebden Bridge (where I live).

Originally shared by Chris Messina

Originally shared by Chris Messina

Because everyone needs a little more flaming octopus in their life.

This is Duane Flatmo's "El Pulpo Mecanico", a flame-shooting octopus vehicle from this year’s Burning Man. Yow.

/via Robert Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMfzFIERJIg

Originally shared by Catherine Devlin

Originally shared by Catherine Devlin

I'll be posting mostly on Diaspora (https://diasp.org/u/catherinedevlin) rather than g+ from now on. I expected my semi-boycott of g+ to be temporary, but Google has entrenched its "real names" policy, and all that remains is to comply or leave. Fortunately, Diaspora is a really good alternative, lacking only, um. Users. Hey, you can't have everything.

I would never refuse to call a friend the name she wanted to be called, whether that was for her privacy or safety or self-expression or whatever else. It's her name, and respecting that is part of friendship - or common courtesy. I don't want g+ imposing rules on my friends that I would never impose. A social tool that is unfriendly to my friends is a broken social tool.

I know I'm walking away from a lot of conversations my friends are having on g+, and that's a high price. My consolation is that I'll have more time for your tweets and blogs. See you there, or on Diaspora, or (gasp) in real life.
http://www.freesoftwaremagazine.com/columms/why_you_should_join_diaspora_now_your_freedom_depends_it

Originally shared by Christy Sandhoff

Originally shared by Christy Sandhoff

His history is accurate. His prediction is ominous. Whether you take his advice or not is your decision (at least for now you are still fee to decide).
New World Order, One World Order????? I don't know.

Remember it is what you don't know that hurts you the most.
http://www.canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/9454

Is there one place that has more squirrels, then all others?

Is there one place that has more squirrels, then all others?

In the United States the largest concentration of squirrels is in Washington, D.C. Specifically, in Lafayette Park across from the White House. Some call it the "Squirrel Capital" of the World. Squirrels roam free and are well feed by the thousands of Government employees and visitors that tour the park daily.
obviously -never been to your head

I was listening to something on NPR today and they mentioned that the squirrels talk to each other. Hmmm... they're plotting something I bet...
http://www.squirrels.org/faq.html

Originally shared by Yifat Cohen

Originally shared by Yifat Cohen

A group of students was asked to list the 7 wonders of the world. The teacher collected all the notes and the highest ranking places were -

The pyramids in Egypt
The Taj Mahal
The Grand Canion
The Panama Canal
The Empire State Building
St. Peter Church
The Chinese Wall.

One girl was still working on her list when the teacher approched her asking if she needs any help. The girl said - yes, there are so many wonders in the world, I just can't decide..
The teacher started reading the little girl's list out loud:

To see
To smell
To taste
To hear
To feel
To laugh
To love

Hang in there and don't settle. I believe that besides beauty and talent and your wonderful spirit: You are what used to be called a woman of quality. I'm positive that you will do well. Better than you can imagine. I can't explain how I know this, but really - I'm certain of it.

Originally shared by Michael Interbartolo

Originally shared by Michael Interbartolo

NASA’s Kepler Mission Discovers a World Orbiting Two Stars

The existence of a world with a double sunset, as portrayed in the film Star Wars more than 30 years ago, is now scientific fact. NASA's Kepler mission has made the first unambiguous detection of a circumbinary planet -- a planet orbiting two stars -- 200 light-years from Earth.

Unlike Star Wars’ Tatooine, the planet is cold, gaseous and not thought to harbor life, but its discovery demonstrates the diversity of planets in our galaxy. Previous research has hinted at the existence of circumbinary planets, but clear confirmation proved elusive. Kepler detected such a planet, known as Kepler-16b, by observing transits, where the brightness of a parent star dims from the planet crossing in front of it.

"This discovery confirms a new class of planetary systems that could harbor life," Kepler principal investigator William Borucki said. "Given that most stars in our galaxy are part of a binary system, this means the opportunities for life are much broader than if planets form only around single stars. This milestone discovery confirms a theory that scientists have had for decades but could not prove until now."

A research team led by Laurance Doyle of the SETI Institute in Mountain View, Calif., used data from the Kepler space telescope, which measures dips in the brightness of more than 150,000 stars, to search for transiting planets. Kepler is the first NASA mission capable of finding Earth-size planets in or near the "habitable zone," the region in a planetary system where liquid water can exist on the surface of the orbiting planet.

Scientists detected the new planet in the Kepler-16 system, a pair of orbiting stars that eclipse each other from our vantage point on Earth. When the smaller star partially blocks the larger star, a primary eclipse occurs, and a secondary eclipse occurs when the smaller star is occulted, or completely blocked, by the larger star.

Astronomers further observed that the brightness of the system dipped even when the stars were not eclipsing one another, hinting at a third body. The additional dimming in brightness events, called the tertiary and quaternary eclipses, reappeared at irregular intervals of time, indicating the stars were in different positions in their orbit each time the third body passed. This showed the third body was circling, not just one, but both stars, in a wide circumbinary orbit.

The gravitational tug on the stars, measured by changes in their eclipse times, was a good indicator of the mass of the third body. Only a very slight gravitational pull was detected, one that only could be caused by a small mass. The findings are described in a new study published Friday, Sept. 16, in the journal Science.

"Most of what we know about the sizes of stars comes from such eclipsing binary systems, and most of what we know about the size of planets comes from transits," said Doyle, who also is the lead author and a Kepler participating scientist. "Kepler-16 combines the best of both worlds, with stellar eclipses and planetary transits in one system."

This discovery confirms that Kepler-16b is an inhospitable, cold world about the size of Saturn and thought to be made up of about half rock and half gas. The parent stars are smaller than our sun. One is 69 percent the mass of the sun and the other only 20 percent. Kepler-16b orbits around both stars every 229 days, similar to Venus’ 225-day orbit, but lies outside the system’s habitable zone, where liquid water could exist on the surface, because the stars are cooler than our sun.

"Working in film, we often are tasked with creating something never before seen," said visual effects supervisor John Knoll of Industrial Light & Magic, a division of Lucasfilm Ltd., in San Francisco. "However, more often than not, scientific discoveries prove to be more spectacular than anything we dare imagine. There is no doubt these discoveries influence and inspire storytellers. Their very existence serves as cause to dream bigger and open our minds to new possibilities beyond what we think we 'know.'"


For more information about NASA’s Kepler Mission, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/kepler