I’ve always been amazed at how interests vary so greatly from person to person. Just by taking a look at the collections people maintain, I can sometimes learn more than by hearing entire life stories. I’ve collected beanie babies for 11 years now and have hundreds in my collection. On the surface, I adore cute and cuddly things. But if you look a little deeper, perhaps you’ll see my collection as a manifestation of my childlike nature – a way of holding onto a part of my past that way too often gets left behind.

Cheryl doesn’t collect beanie babies. Well, at least not that I know of. She does, however, have a collection of manual typewriters. Her passion expands to include nearly all pre-digital forms of communication – drawings, old film slides, typewritten documents, and handwritten letters. She shares this passion with the world through her blog, Strikethru, which focuses entirely on typewriters, typecasting, papercasting, and retro content.

Having been a dedicated blogger for nearly four years now, I thought I knew all about the many forms of blogging. But when I saw references to “Moleskine blogging” while perusing the Strikethru archives, I was a bit confused – but very intrigued. It seems that there are bloggers, including Cheryl, who write and doodle in Moleskine notebooks and then digitize and post the pages to their blogs. You can see Moleskine blogging at work in Papercast: Death of a Diarist. I checked out the other Moleskine blogging posts on Strikethru, and I just have to point out Moleskine Blogging: Flat Cats. Cheryl claims that she isn’t artistic, but I beg to differ. The flat cat in her Moleskine is absolutely adorable! The post even includes instructions for making one of your very own.

Another regular feature of Strikethru is typecasting. You’ll find a number of posts that have been created using old manual typewriters from Cheryl’s collection. She even identifies the typewriter used in each post.

So, what have I learned about Cheryl during my several visits to Strikethru? First, it comes as no surprise that she works as a technical writer. She obviously loves the written word, and being able to record her thoughts through the use of obsolete writing tools creates a sense of nostalgia for her. I’m willing to bet that she often looks at her old photos, reads her old diaries, and remembers what life was like as a child and a teenager. And though I have no particular interest in manual typewriters, I think that Cheryl and I have a lot in common.

If you’d like to take a stroll through time and find some pleasant reminders of days gone by, head on over to Strikethru. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to do some Moleskine blogging!

For more information Cheryl and Strikethru, be sure to read 10 Questions with Cheryl of Strikethru.

Categories: Retro, Reviews, Writing & Books

I’ve been sick for like two weeks now and that’s mainly why you didn’t hear from me in two weeks. I hope I am still in the contributors’ list. (Tish? Mike?). Anyways, I can’t think of anything better than good ol’ Slayer and Trivium to take you through any sick period. And of course my newest addiction, Strapping Young Lad. If you don’t know jack about what I am talking or think Metal Sucks, you can do one thing. Head on over to Metal Sucks, and you’ll find out whether Metal really sucks or it’s another totally different lifestyle that’s been going strong for years without you, ever since Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) struck that evil Tritone with an Augmented 4th in it!!!

See you get genuinely, brutally honest sites and you get GENUINELY, BRUTALLY HONEST sites.You can decide under which category Metal Sucks falls.The site is run mainly by two dudes, Axl Rosenberg and Vince Neilstein, and occasionally another dude or two chip in. Before anything, I have to tell you this. If these dudes want to say a certain swear word that starts with an “F”, rhymes with “duck”, and ends with a “k”, they’ll just say it.

It is one site I’ve been reading for quite sometime now, and I can’t imagine what kept me for so long from writing about it. Oh, maybe I was too obsessed with Strapping Young Lad! (They are awesome. I highly recommend you check them out if you haven’t heard of them).

In my point of view, I think Metal Sucks‘ most valuable posession (besides a die-hard readership) is The Hard R-with God Forbid’s Dalls Coyle. I mean, it’s God Forbid yo! Not just any band God Forbid!!!

Enough talking, why don’t you just buckle up your seat belts and head on over to Metal Sucks eh?

Categories: Art & Music, Reviews

I think it’s safe to say when we were all much younger there was always that one movie or book that really scared the snot out of us. For me a couple movies that immediately come to mind are The Twilight Zone and Creepshow. I watched both of those alone when I was just a kid and to this day I still think they’re two of the creepiest flicks I’ve ever watched. In fact I still refuse to eat Corn Flakes. If you’ve seen Creepshow, you know why.

It’s fun however to go back and revisit those things that scared us years later. The folks at Kindertrauma do just that. According to their about page, “Kindertauma is about the movies, books, and toys that scared you when you were a kid. It’s also about kids in scary movies, both as heroes and villains. And everything else that’s traumatic to a tyke!” What a fun concept for a blog!

While spending a little time flipping through the Kindertauma archives, it didn’t take me long to find a post about yet another movie that creeped me out as a kid. I’m sure most people reading this will remember Poltergeist. Uncle Lancifer writes, “Don’t let the name Steven Spielberg or the PG rating fool you, this film has caused countless sleepless nights and it’s done so for decades.” No truer words have been spoken.

If there’s been a particular movie, tv show or book that has left you scarred for life, Kindertauma wants to hear about it! With KinderTrauma’s TraumaFessions feature, readers have the opportunity to chime in and submit their scary childhood confessions. For example, a reader by the name of Eric writes about the Beautiful Day Monster, which you’ve probably heard of if you’ve watched the Muppets. Thinking back on it now, I guess he was kind of creepy.

In a nutshell, Kindertrauma is like a trip down creepy memory lane and more than worthy of being an addition to your list of daily blog reads. It was a lot of fun looking back on all those movies that gave me nightmares as a kid. Hopefully I won’t have any nightmares this time around.

Categories: Movies, Retro, Reviews

Another great find via Entrecard. I’m really glad that I signed up to use Entrecard, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the great bloggers I’ve found, and the number of people that have found my site as well. I love it when I come across a down to earth, tell it like it is, this is the real world type of blogger. And with The Buzz Queen that’s what you get. A real family with two teenage daughters.

And what do real families do? The take walks together, snap endless photos of their children, go to hockey games, and of course they jump for joy when Dad brings home Rockband for Playstation! Heck, I think I want to go visit, it looks like they’re having a lot of fun there.

I know Canadians take their hockey super serious, and we’re hockey lovers around here too. It’s great to see teenage girls playing and enjoying hockey without any worry about being made fun of or whatever. I love it! And from the looks of things they’re pretty darn good too!

And if having teenage daughters and a mountie for a husband doesn’t sound exciting enough for you add to the mix a beautiful great dane named Mattie. And well, all the antics that go along with having a dog that is almost as tall as you are! Make sure you check out some of the pictures of Mattie, he really is a gorgeous dog.

I know I’ll be watching to see what’s going on with The Buzz Queen and her family this year and I hope you’ll stop by and check it out too. I love the blogsphere :) Happy blogging everybody.

Categories: Personal, Reviews

This is Heather of Oh My Stinkin’ Heck, a completely wonderful blog I recently found in my voyages.

When I first moved to Utah, I thought that “oh my heck” was strictly a Utah term, and although I’m not positive that Heather isn’t from Utah, I tend to doubt it…and so, our Utah term has moved beyond borders making me feel more at ease to use it. Oh my heck!

I digress.

This blog is so fun! You literally could spend hours perusing through pages and pages of her posts, blogs of interest to her, her opinions and of course, the posts she writes about her family (complete with beautiful photography).

Heather is a wife and mother of 3 children, 2 dogs, 2 cats and a snake. She’s into reading, blogging, web-designing, photography and organizing (a woman after my own heart). You can tell she loves to blog though by her amazing blog which attracted me right away. It’s a really clean and funky design that has the ability to suck you right in. Plus, there’s tons to look at never leaving you feel like you’ve seen it all.

I’ve looked at a lot of blogs and I think one of my favorite things is when there is a link where you can get a glimpse (especially with a picture) of the author and who they really are. Heather seems whimsical to me and that makes her interesting.

Heather also hosts a program on Flickr that I am investigating called “Swaparooni” and the details are still becoming clear to me although from what I’ve gleaned so far, you sign up to swap, an item/topic of the month, with another person. Such as, last month everyone swapped totes and they were new. I gathered that it’s a way to experience another person’s interpretations of what they think you might enjoy, coupled with their tastes. I thought it sounded like a lot of fun. Who doesn’t like to receive little gifts in the mail? You can find this month’s Swaparooni here.

So check out Oh My Stinkin’ Heck. I guarantee you’ll be back again and again!

Categories: Personal, Reviews

Last year I had the pleasure of meeting a special dog whom I’ve since come to know and love. Johann is far from your typical canine. Not only does he author three blogs, but he also competes in agility trials, passes on helpful pet information through his Squidoo lenses, and raises money for needy animals. In fact, sometimes I wonder if Johann is really a dog at all. I’m willing to bet that he’s an angel.

The Days of Johann, an Agility Dog chronicles the life of this extraordinary dog. Johann blogs about his family, his love of agility, and of course his dedication to helping those pups less fortunate. His blog is entertaining, heartwarming, inspirational, and at times will bring you to tears.

Johann, named after Johann Sebastian Bach, was rescued from Southside Animal Shelter by his loving Mum in August 2004. He has three adopted siblings – Wolfie, Wiggy, and Gracie. Johann is one lucky dog, and he never forgets that. He does good deeds for others every single day.

I’d like to highlight a few of my favorite posts by Johann. I’m sure you will enjoy them just as much as I do.

A Little Jig! - In this video, Johann puts on his dancing shoes and shows off one of his many talents!

My Letter to Santa – This letter from Johann to Santa is sure to bring you to tears. It’s certainly one of the best posts I’ve ever read – on any blog. And I pray that Johann gets every wish on his list.

Canine CPR Reaches 4th Top Lens on Squidoo! - Johann’s lens on canine CPR recently reached #4 out of more than 500,000 lenses on Squidoo! It is an honor well deserved. If you check out this post, you’ll even see a photo of one of my dogs!

I mentioned that Johann raises money for needy dogs. He does so with his shopping site, which offers all sorts of cool stuff for dogs. 10% of all profits go to dog shelters and rescues. If you’d like to buy some goodies for your four legged friends, and help other pups at the same time, be sure to stop by and browse the huge selection of dog toys, treats, clothing, and more!

I hope that you’ll take a moment to check out The Days of Johann, an Agility Dog, as well as Johann’s other blogs, Rescue Me and Raise a Green Dog! It’s not every day that you meet an animal with such a kind heart. Johann truly is man’s best friend.

For more information on Johann, be sure to check out 10 Questions with Johann the Dog and Rescue Me - A Blog We Luv.

Categories: Animals, Reviews

Ten Questions with Lobo of Predator Press

1. Describe your blog in five sentences or less.
Well, the Wall Street Journal is an infinitely boring publication that no one reads … it’s all ‘economic crisis this‘ and ‘the escalating war in some unpronounceable that‘ blah blah. Jeez, it barely even has any pictures! And did the much-lauded New York Times cover when I wrecked my car for the insurance money? No. … As the sole source of news for millions and millions of readers, I figure Predator Press owed it to the masses to weigh in finally on really important issues.

2. Link us to one post from your blog that best defines who you are.
I would say ‘Roller Coaster‘. Being a celeb myself, I understand what it’s like having satellites taking pictures of your house and supermodels desperately trying to tear off bits of your garments every second of the day. But I’m a well-respected and married member of the community.Do you hear that Jessica Simpson? 500 yards at all times.

3. What sets you apart from other bloggers?
$300 glasses. Oh, and that a Northern Timber Wolf chewed me out of her own cervix, ‘cuz she thought I was malignant.

4. When and how did you first discover blogging?
You don’t want to hear the story about the Northern Timber Wolf? I’ve got these really cool scars.

5. What is your biggest pet peeve related to blogging or the internet?
Other people are on it. And now they are copying my idea! There must be eight or nine people ‘blogging’ out there now … I should have copyrighted the concept in the first place. Predator Press is already beyond my control: it’s a rampant and insatiable fusion-fueled juggernaut of a blog that chews up entire universes and spits out kittens for fun. More than one Predator Press will tear holes in the fabric of Space-Time, destabilize the “Blogosphere”, and ultimately collapse the entire internet into a singular dense point that skews your eBay feedback until you have to burn down your own home for the insurance money while fighting zombies dressed in a Speedo.

Screw those jerks!

6. Name one plugin, blogging widget, or service that you can’t live without.
Well, the computer keyboard is pretty cool when it’s plugged in. Otherwise I would have to scan in all those restaurant napkins and matchbooks.

7. If you could choose anyone, living or dead, to write a guest post for your blog, who would it be and why?
It would be my kids. I house them, feed them two or three times a week, and no matter how much I beat them it’s still all ‘bitch, bitch, bitch’. I demand an explanation.

8. How has blogging made you a better person?
I’m down to between 16 and 20 heartbeats a day. My doctor -understandably- was concerned and tested my blood. And as always, my blood got an A+ -clearly showing it’s intellectual superiority over all the other stupid and inferior bloods. The treacherous French continue to poison me with deep-fried pointy potato sticks, but according to Nietzsche, “What does not kill me makes me stronger”. I’m freakin’ awesome now.

9. What are your tips for becoming a better blogger?

1) Buy a computer.
2) Buy a monitor. And,
3) WRITE IT DOWN!

10. Name one great blog that you read on a regular basis. What makes it unique?

That’s easy. The only blog I read is The Cult of 45 Caliber Ominous Funny Things.

… It’s genius.

Categories: Humor, Ten Questions

Anyone with kids will tell that life with a toddler is anything but boring. It’s adventurous and fun and sometimes a little scary. Secret Agent Josephine shows you all of that and more on her blog. You’ll find crafty goings on, like this week’s posts about Operation Couch Cover. That’s right it’s an operation… because she’s a secret agent, get it? I love it :)

In addition to Secret Agent Jo’s wit and personality you’ll also find her illustrations. They brighten up the blogosphere and now they even brighten up learning with your toddler. You can buy Baby Bug’s flash cards in her Etsy shop! They’re gorgeous, and if you’re a follower on her blog you know how much work went into planning and creating the flash cards. A craft project gone wild and a beautiful result in the end.

Oh, yes Baby Bug, that would be her daughter a two year old bundle of cuteness and not an actual bug. You’ll find cute pictures of the little gal pretty often, and this is one toddler that knows how to ham up the camera. In addition to Baby Bug you might spy an occasional furry kitty post in the zoo or even some bird obsessing chatter.

I hope you enjoy Secret Agent Jo as much as I do. It’s been a favorite of mine for awhile now actually. Always present in my bookmarks and feed reader. Gumball the Kitten will always have a special place in my heart. I had a plan to cross stitch him on a bag, but my lazy side took over and I never finished charting him. Hmm… maybe a weekend project this spring.

Categories: Family, Personal, Reviews