Thomas – Technical Blogger

I received the following report of my death from an alert I have set up for my name.

Man armed with rifle fatally shot by Phoenix police
KVOA.com – Tucson,AZ,USA
Police received a 911 call from an 80-year-old man at the home, saying the suspect, identified as Thomas Willingham, was threatening to kill him and a woman …

The reports of my death are premature. I have to admit that it is disconcerting to see that someone with your name and very close to your age, recently died:  KVOA News 4, Tucson, Arizona – Man armed with rifle fatally shot by Phoenix police. I just wanted to let you know, that the deceased person, from this article, isn’t the Thomas Willingham that posts on this blog.

I found it startling to be reading news of my own demise, but I am relieved it is not me. I do feel bad for the Thomas Willingham that is now deceased, but my family and I are glad that I am still here.

Things have been hectic the last couple of months, and I have been taking a break from posting, but this news was too important to ignore.

So just to let you know:

• I am still here!
• I am not deceased, just resting.
• I hope to be back soon.

I am happy to note that the readership of my blog has continued at the current level as when I was posting frequently. At least I know that the content I have written is standing the test of time, and people still find what I have written to be useful.

To those that continue to read my blog, I thank you, and I plan on regaling you with my current adventures in the near future.

We are all familiar of the scene of a couple torturing their friends with slides displaying their latest horrid travel photos, while relating mind numbing stories of using Pepto Bismal because the food was ‘so different.’

Tim Schumm and his girlfriend Debbie Garside are not that couple. They took an amazing journey through Argentina, Chile and Antarctica, and one of the best parts of their travel are their posts and photography from the trip.

Tim’s photography is amazing, and the images from their trip are what you expect in National Geographic. You really get a ‘feel’ for the locations that Tim shoots. Tim’s posts are very interactive and he willingly takes the time to answer your comments and questions on his post.

I feel very fortunate that the interactions I have had with Tim are like sitting down and having a conversation over breakfast. You can follow Tim’s travels on ACDSee’s blog. Tim is a guest  “Pro Star” poster on the ACDSee blog. The Pro Star series is:

a place where the pro community will be able to share their stories, travel journals and photos from around the world.

The posts concerning Tim’s travels are well worth the time to read, and there are a lot of great images. The travel posts are as follows:

1. Tim and Debbies travel itinerary (at a glance)
2. Sick N Twisted
3. Argentina, equestrian wonderland
4. Dust, Wind, Drama and Spanglish
5. Ushuaia, Bottom of the world
6. Polar Star, the ice breaker
7. Exploring a Cerulean Land of Ice and Stone
8. Neko Harbour, Exploring the Penguin Rookery
9. Zodiac, the Leopard Seal’s Toy near Danko Island

The last entry about the Leopard Seal details an encounter with a Leopard Seal as big as the Zodiac that carried the group. Tim calmly relates an interesting game of ‘stalk the Zodiac’ the Leopard Seal plays. I knew they were big, but I did not realize they tipped the scales at a ton.

You can view additional images from his trip on the UseFilm.com website. Thanks to ACDSee for having Tim post his photos and relate his travels.

Photo Credits – Tim Schumm and Debbie Garside

This video series is an excellent spoof of David Blaine. This video is the third installment by ThoseLilRabbits, a very creative team that includes Mikey Day, Michael Naughton, Andrew Friedman, and Mitch Silpa. It is a very funny series, but the video does contain ‘colorful language’ that may be considered NSFW. The videos show ‘David Blaine’ terrorizing two guys from Los Angeles.

If you are not familiar with the series, watch the first two parts, before diving into the third video so you will have a full understanding.

Part 1 – David Blaine Street Magic

From the YouTube description – David Blaine brings his famous street magic to YouTube. Watch as the famous magician blows the minds of two Los Angeles idiots. WARNING: This magic is amazing.

Part 2 – David Blaine Street Magic Part 2

From the YouTube description – See David Blaine terrorize the same two idiots from the first video.

Part 3 – David Blaine Street Magic Part 3

I am continually amazed at how creative some people are when I see work like this. The creators of this video series do a great job, and I am looking forward to viewing more of their work.

Let me wish all of you a Happy New Year. I found the photograph on the site, Vegas Tripping, a sinners guide to Las Vegas. I have great memories of Vegas as that is where Shannon and I got married, and I actually spent New Years for 2000 there, so it seemed fitting to use that picture.

I have been absent the last couple of days as I have actually been on vacation and spending time with the family.

Our family New Years Eve tradition is to get dressed up and go to a fancy dinner. This year we had dinner at Pazzo, a great Italian restaurant. The food was excellent, and as Shannon is familiar with the chefs we got to talk to the great people that we were responsible for making our food. We make our reservations early, so we are finished with dinner and back home before 8. That way we actually get to ‘go out’ and have a fancy dinner, but are home before everyone starts drinking and driving.

I would let you know what my New Years resolutions are, but I try to make resolutions when needed and not wait for the New Year to make them.

Wishing you the best in 2008!

Thanks to James Moody: Geek in Paradise for the heads up about a set of foreign language World Of Warcraft, WOW commercials. These commercials star Jean Claude Van Damme in French, and Willy Toledo in Spanish

Jean Claude Van Damme je suis un mage

Van Damme is cast as a Mage, and is excited to be stopping hand to hand combat in favor of casting powerful spells:

Thankfully the YouTube video includes the following translation:

My name is Jean-Claude Van Damme… and I am a mage.
Hand-to-hand combat for me: it’s over!
Now I can cast powerful spells!
Just try messing with me… I’ll turn you into a sheep.
A sheep!
..Because we all are a bit like sheep, you know…
I am Jean-Claude Van Damme, I am a mage.
And you?
What’s your game?

Willy Toledo, y soy un Paladin

Willy Toledo is cast as a Paladin, protector of the holy light.

  This video is also translated:

Hi, my name is Willy Toledo… and I am a Paladin.
I am a combination of a spell caster and a specialist in melee combat.
…up-close and personal, clearly what I like most.
But this is serious, I´m a protector of the Holy Light.
I am Willy Toledo, and I’m a Paladin.
And you?
What’s your game?

I find these commercials to be really refreshing. I like a product that is willing to let the advertisers have fun with it. As much as I enjoy the commercials, I find it hard to believe there are people out there who still aren’t familiar with this game.

If you play, beware the Mage trying to turn you into a sheep, or a serious Paladin who considers himself protector of the holy light.

Thanks to James Moody: Geek in Paradise for the heads up about another set of World Of Warcraft, WOW commercials.

Verne Troyer, and I’m a Mage

Another commercial that really uses the talent of the actor, Verne Troyer:

There are 9 million players in the World of Warcraft, it’s huge, like my mage.

There is even a scene with Troyer’s mage next to Shatner’s Shaman.

Another great example that World of Warcraft get’s product advertisement. Their commercials continue to be informative and funny.

I recently interviewed Opal of Vegan Momma, recognizing her for being my 1,000 commenter.  I have known Opal for quite a while, and I found the interview to be a great source of information. It was interesting to step back and actually be a bit more formal. I hope that Opal found this to be a cool exercise also.

She answered the 5th question so thoroughly that I figured the content was worth a separate post. From the interview:

5 – You receive quite a bit of positive feedback concerning your blogs, what suggestions do you have for other bloggers?

Stay positive.  It’s great to have regulars, but it’s also nice to reach out to new people.  I try to follow up with every new person that stops by my blog.  Sure they get the generic email that goes out to all my readers, but I also try to send them a personal email.  I respond to the comment they left and invite them to come back.  I also let them know if they have a blog I will be stopping by to visit.

The following list is the additional information not included in the original interview with Opal.

Friendly

I want my readers to know they are appreciated.  I treat people how I want to be treated. I try to make myself available to those who need aid. I write about that often on my blog, and sometimes those who have emailed me stated they did because they felt ok doing so since it’s something I encouraged.

I honestly believe that the reason so many positive things have happened to website’s is caused by what I’m willing to do for others.  I don’t care if I don’t “know” you.  If you email me and need assistance  I’ll do my best to help.  It’s easy to succeed with those who think similar to you, that takes no effort.  I ask myself how would I respond to someone who doesn’t agree with me, will I be as nice.  I definitely try to be.

Quit Being Negative

If you write about something negative talk about the steps, you used to get past the negativity. Constantly filling your virtual home with negativity will eventually drive people away and those that stay might be they type that feed on that type of behavior. If you do write something negative talk about the steps you are taking to turn that into a positive situation.

Don’t Be Selfish, Recognize You’re Readers!

Think about how great it feels when someone recognizes you?  Give back and recognize others. Sure it will take some time to recognize them but guess what it took time for them to recognize you.  Let them know that they are appreciated.  If you like, the blogger you will make time to do it. It takes me a lot of time to recognize people, and yes I stay very busy but realizing the power that recognizing a person correctly can have it’s something I incorporate into my weekly, if not daily, routine. Let others know what a fabulous person they are. Link freely to others step outside your comfort zone and link to new readers people will realize that you aren’t only recognizing those you know.  How do I recognize my readers?  It’s mainly through links, Stumbles,  Diggs. 

Inform Your Readers Of Changes

Sure it’s your blog but if you are looking to build a vibrant community you will need their support, right? Let them know of major changes that are happening sometimes I let my readers know about minor changes also.  I want them to know what’s happening in my virtual world. I respect them and I want them to have a part in the decisions I make for my website’s.

Don’t Shut People Out

I’m Vegan and although I’m passionate about veganism, animal rights, I try to write in a way that I’m not condemning those who think differently than myself.  You turn people off when you do that people are more likely to listen to you if you approach them with respect. I treat people how I want to be treated. Life is too short to waste it being negative.

Include Them In Your Conversation

I usually try to end my posts with a question.  It’s not just about me.  I honestly want to hear about the experiences my readers have been through.  I try to engage my readers.

Thoughtful Comments

At times my comments can get long winded.  I try to be helpful and draw from my experiences when responding on other peoples website’s.

Summary

The effort Opal put into answering these interview questions is typical of the work she puts into her sites. I find Opal to be an excellent source of information and is someone I turn to when I have questions about blogging and community building. I am happy to say that I count myself as a reader and a fried of Opal’s.

If you are vegan or not, Vegan Momma is a site worth checking out.

Photo Credit – Opal Tribble’s site Vegan Momma

I want to thank everyone who contributes to the community on my blog. I have come to realize my initial post is just the beginning of the conversation, and it is through readers and their comments that real value can be added to my post. I have been fortunate to have an excellent community building around my blog and I want to thank you.

I can’t believe I recently received my 1,000th comment. I thought this milestone is worth mentioning and the commenter should be recognized. In fact as I write this, I am almost to 1,050 comments.

My 1,000 commenter is Opal of Vegan Momma. I was not surprised that she was the 1,000 commenter as she frequently visits and contributes to my blog. I figured I would interview Opal so we could find out more about her and she was kind enough to take the time to respond.

Interview with Opal of Vegan Momma

1 – How did you get into blogging?

Hmm, I had the website Vegan Momma long before I started blogging. I had a lot of info that I wanted to write about, but I wanted to do it without using Dreamweaver.  That’s how I found out about blogging before that time I had no idea what “blogging” could do.  I checked out Blogger. I hated it!  I deserted the blog the first day I signed up.  I moved onto TypePad stayed with them for 9 months and finally moved my blog onto my website Vegan Momma. I should have done that from the beginning.

2 – What attracts you to a blog, and what keeps you reading?

Solid & informative content what keeps me coming back.  I want to visit someone that is friendly and takes time to respond to their visitors. If I feel like I’m having a conversation with you, well you are added to my blogroll and my RSS Feed.

3 – You have numerous blogs that you write, can you give a quick list and overview?

Wow, that would take a long time.  I’ll just write about a few of them, ok?

Vegan Momma – www.veganmomma.com/blog

Is my main baby? Initially, I created this website so I could talk about veganism after about a year (surprised it took me that long) I grew weary talking about that. I was only networking with other vegans.  I don’t follow that practice in real life so why in the world am I doing it online. This website is constantly evolving recently I’ve been writing more about health, nutrition, exercise, and alternative ways people can make money online.  You don’t have to write reviews, and you don’t have to be dependent on search engines for your traffic.  I’m not.

Healing Yourself Naturally – www.healingyourselfnaturally.com

I’m passionate about alternative health so it’s only natural that I write about it.  I guess it’s my way of showing people there are natural ways remedies for the variety of ailments we encounter throughout life.  I don’t think over the counter remedies should be the first choice.  I’m hoping through providing information/recipes that people will be open to other methods to heal themselves.  In many cases you can heal yourself naturally without the side effects that is associated with medication.

The Raw & The Cooked – www.therawandthecooked.com

This is a whole food recipe website.  I don’t post junk food on here.  Westernized cultures consume entirely too much junk food I’m not about to prepare those types of recipes.  We have a high amount of disease we really need to wake up and focus on what we our putting into our bodies.  Many diseases that plague our society (various cancer, diabetes, heart condition, high cholesterol) can be linked to our health choices.  Its time we wake up and make changes in our lives.  We have only one body quit filling it with junk.  ☺

Weight Loss Diva’s – www.weightlossdivas.com

This one is currently sitting collecting dust.  I’m going to hire someone to take on this project they will have a similar vision as myself and be extremely knowledgeable about nutrition. There are many people searching for ways to lose weight.  I think many will look for a quick fix to accomplish these goals although some might lose weight rapidly following these methods, it’s not the healthiest option available and if you don’t have a plan on how you are going to maintain the new figure the weight will come back.

A Homeschool Resource – www.ahomeschoolresource.com

I created this website because there are many people who are single that want to homeschool their child but think they cannot accomplish this.  I believe they can. I’ve met single parents who work outside the homes that are able to accomplish this.  That is impressive.

4 – You are a very busy person, how do you have time to work, take care of your family, and still write your blog and build community?

It can be hard fortunately I don’t require too much sleep.  I sleep three – five hours nightly and I’m fully rested.  I also take care of my body which accounts for me not needing a lot of sleep.  

I take the time for what is important.  My daughter, businesses, fitness & relaxing.  My daughter is my #1 priority, naturally she comes before everything.  I manage to fulfill most of my goals simply because I make a schedule and try to stick to it.  I don’t make excuses.  Yes I do have to make sacrifices occasionally, but I’ve seen the benefits of doing that, and it inspires me to do more.  My hard work is paying off.  I could sit around complaining about what I cannot do but how is that helping me?  It’s not.  It takes a lot of work to be “successful”.  Success isn’t always about money.  I’m willing to put in the time and sacrifice to become a success.

5 – You receive quite a bit of positive feedback concerning your blogs, what suggestions do you have for other blogger’s?

Stay positive.  It’s great to have regulars, but it’s also nice to reach out to new people.  I try to follow up with every new person that stops by my blog.  Sure they get the generic email that goes out to all my readers, but I also try to send them a personal email.  I respond to the comment they left and invite them to come back.  I also let them know if they have a blog I will be stopping by to visit.

Opal also followed this question up with a list of suggestions. They were such great suggestions that they get their own post.

6 – It is obvious that photography is one of your hobbies, do you have others?

I have many hobbies. Although I don’t wear a lot of jewelry, I love creating it.  I imagine over the past several years I’ve sold hundreds of jewelry pieces, and I’ve given many of them away also.

Helping Others

Hmm, is that a hobby?  I volunteer a few times monthly at a local homeless shelter.  I’m also a mentor for an 11 year old girl.

Fitness

You might as well say that is an addiction.  It keeps the stress at an all time low.  The past few months have been very stressful. I’ve got a lot on my plate but the exercise keeps me positive and the projects that face me daily just aren’t so bad.

Extreme Sports

I love skydiving this is a something I put on hold when my daughter made an appearance I’m hoping it’s something I can pick up when she is a little older.

7 – You have a young daughter, how do you balance how much to disclose about your family on your blog?

People are shocked when I tell them I’m a private person because some say I’m so “open” on my blog.  What I reveal on my website is only a small sampling of who I am.  I don’t reveal everything about me of course that goes double with my daughter.  I don’t use her first name on my website.  I’m not comfortable revealing too much about my daughter so I don’t post too many pictures about her or write to many personal things about her.  If she wants to reveal tidbits of her life when she takes up blogging (I believe she will) than that will be her decision. Of course, if she is underage I’ll keep a tight control on what she can or cannot reveal. Now that I think of it that would be pretty cool if she decided to blog on momma’s blog when she gets older. Barring any unforeseen problems I believe Vegan Momma will be around for a long time.

8 – Does Aiyana help you blog, and does she have any favorite bloggers?

Yeah, tries to get in the way, lol.  Currently she is “blogging” but those are simple notes for family/friends.  She’s been reading since she was three. It’s amazing how much she has improved in that aspect. Since I know how important technology is I encourage her interest and let her explore, under mommy’s supervision.

Who are Aiyana’s favorite bloggers?

I’ll name the top three. I honestly think you’re her favorite.  Why?  You have a lot of screenshots on your website.  She sees that a lot with my work.  I take screenshots of my work and send them to clients. Occasionally I do that on some of my website’s.  She makes that connection and thinks you must be “ok” because you do something that mommy does.  She also knows you work with computers.  She knows that mommy loves computers/technology.  She usually calls you Mr. Thomas the Tech Guy or Mr T the Tech Evangelist! She thinks it’s cool that you work on a computer must like her.  Her computer is a Windows OS a HPdv6000t that she has named “Zizzy”.

She likes Pelf www.chenpn.com and is in love with her new turtle website (so am I).  Ms. Pelf sent Aiyana turtle cards all the way from Malaysia so she is the #1 lady blogger in her book.  

She also likes Mrs. Beth www.eclecticstudiocafe.com/blog Mrs. Beth sent her a gorgeous photo of a jumping spider.  It’s framed and hanging in our room.  She’s also fond of her daughter although the only way she’s met her is through her photo online.  Anyone that shows a lot of pictures will get a lot of attention from Ms. Aiyana.  She’s visual.  Currently mommy is on her “bad list” because I haven’t been posting a lot of photos, lol.

9 – You have 4 ferrets, what are their names?

My adorable little monsters, lol.  I cannot imagine my world without my fuzzbutts. I named them after Hindu deities; Ganesh, Indra, Hanuman, & Kali.  Although I’m Buddhist I’m accepting and interested in a variety of religions.  My ferrets can be found at www.ferretshaven.com.  I’ve been neglecting their website.  However they have informed me if I don’t start posting videos and pictures they will hide my keys, again!  😉

How you “view” me online is how I am in person.  I’m very approachable and am always smiling.  People like that.  Thomas, thanks for taking the time to interview me.  You’re a fabulous person, my favorite Microsoft guy, and I’ve been a fan of your website ever since I discovered you earlier this year.  You’re an excellent example of how to make your website interesting.  You do it well.

Summary

Thanks to Opal for the great information, and thanks to my readers and commenter’s. If you are a reader and have not yet commented, please feel free to add to the conversation.