only backgroundI'm a wife, mother and grandmother. I'm opinionated. I contradict myself frequently. Most of all, I love my kids. I believe in them. I fight for them. They're weird and wonderful. If you want to know more, here's a bunch of other stuff from my old site.
Archive for the ‘Blogging’ Category
Since my kids are spread out over 17 years, my experience with public and private education runs the gamut from love and admiration to I-want-to-scratch-out-your-eyes. Interestingly, the best and worst teachers in my children’s lives taught at the very same school. Having dealt with so many teachers over so many years, (and still dealing with teachers for my three youngest children) I can usually pick out the good teachers from the bad. I have no doubt that Betty is one of those very special teachers that every parent would like to clone.
Betty is a retired middle school teacher who comes from a family of teachers. While she spends much of her time enjoying her two young grandsons, she also manages to find time to blog about current events, teaching and just general family and children stuff.
I know there are loads of websites geared toward children and education but Betty’s blog stands out. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent who homeschools or just wanting to supplement your child’s traditional education, you’ll find an engaging, informative blog here. Betty let’s you know that April is Poetry Month (I love poetry!) and also shares a touching Family Circus comic as she explains about the friendships she’s established with other bloggers.
Betty also touches on the politics of education when she reports on No Child Left Behind or other legal matters. I really like that Betty reports on the facts without really offering an opinion. When I read the entry on Utah’s Voucher Program, I wasn’t quite sure of Betty’s position on the issue. I’d hoped to read some interesting commentary in the comments but there were none. We need to get the word out about this blog and get people reading and commenting it. This is good stuff!
Before I could give Betty my seal of approval (you know everyone wants that!) I had to read what she had to say about parents. I’ve been treated as a “partner” in my child’s education by some teachers and as an obstacle by others. After reading Betty’s take on the Pizza Hut Reading program and her disbelief that a teacher assigns homework for the parents, I just knew that Betty was one of those teachers that I’d have loved to have teaching my child. Who am I kidding? I’d have loved to have Betty teaching me!
There is just so much good information here, all written in an entertaining style, that my best advice to you is to just go to Betty’s blog and start reading. Subscribe to her feed so you don’t miss a single post. Whether you’re in the teaching profession or are a parent, you’re going to love this blog.
And Betty, if you’re reading this, thank you. Your blog is a gift to all who love children and learning.
- Posted in:
Hard to believe but as far as I can tell, there is no Patron Saint of Blogging. Yes, Saint Isidore of Seville has been named the Patron Saint of the internet and of computer users. So I guess he covers blogging, in a way. But not really. Isidore was a learned man so computers and the internet seem quite appropriate. And yes, he was a writer, but there’s something about blogging that’s more personal than the kind of writing that Isidore of Seville did.
And so, I’m trying to figure out who would be a good Patron Saint of Blogging. I think the Vatican must ultimately decide, but it doesn’t hurt to do a little searching and polling on my own. Maybe the Vatican will refer to my blog post to make a decision. Hey! You never know!
I’ve read suggestions of Saint Hugh of Lincoln, Saint Jerome and Saint Maximilian Kolbe, all of whom would be fine choices but still seem to be missing something that says “blogger.” That’s why I’ve come up with my own list of candidates. Whether you’re Catholic or not, go ahead and give me your opinion. Tell me what you think. (These are in no particular oder, btw)
First up, Paul the Apostle. He’s really a pretty obvious choice, which could give him the edge or make him less desirable. He’s already the patron of writers, reporters, publishers, journalists and authors. The letters he wrote are in the Bible. And if that’s not enough, he’s always depicted with a sword and a book. Rather blog-appropriate, I’d say.
Next is Francis de Sales. He, too, is patron of authors, journalists and writers. He kind of “bucked the system” by joining the priesthood instead of continuing on in politics as his family wanted. Bloggers “bucked the system” by blogging, or at least that’s the perception of some. On the other hand, he was very kind and soft spoken. That isn’t usually a trait associated with bloggers. (Or is it just the blogging crowd in my life?)
An interesting choice would be Alonso Rodriguez. This guy wasn’t considered bright; he was initially refused by the Jesuits because he was not educated enough and then left college because he couldn’t do the work. And yet, after his death a collection of manuscripts of journal entries was discovered and later published. “Spiritual Works of Blessed Alonso Rodriguez” contained Alonso’s thoughts, musings and illustrations that were simple and yet displayed a remarkable sound and correct understanding of doctrine. Might bloggers be thought of as not bright enough for traditional media, and yet have a solid grasp on the passing scene?
Okay, those are my top three candidates. Feel free to comment about these three or to add another that seems better suited. Maybe we bloggers will finally get our own Patron Saint.
- Posted in:
Last year I started a blog where I had intended to post my thoughts on things political or social. Mostly, it was to be my take on this world. Problem was, I did that here on this blog prior to that and this is where I always feel most comfortable. Odd how a blog can feel comfortable. Or not.
Anyway, I think I’m going to get back to that other blog. I’ll resurrect it and start posting on it again. I know my political beliefs aren’t always popular but that’s okay. I figure I’ll debate when I’m in the mood and ignore confrontation when I’m not.
You see, sometimes I don’t want to debate an issue but I often feel obligated to do that. I shouldn’t, though. I pay for my web hosting and my domain. If someone wants to disagree with me then they ought to pay for their own web hosting and domain in order to be heard. Which isn’t to say I’ll edit out opposing views, only that I might. Depending on my mood.
So this blog will continue to be filled with home life pondering, like kids and dogs and husband and cars and neighbors and parents and whatever else occupies my mind. And of course I’ll still tell you about the things I’m enjoying or considering buying and ask your opinion whether I need a new coffeemaker or I’m just comparing prices on treadmills. In other words, this blog won’t change. The other blog will get a breath of new life.
Stay tuned for that. Hopefully I’ll get a good post up this weekend.
- Posted in:
If you haven’t looked at my other sites lately, well… I don’t blame you. I’ve been neglecting my work but that’s all going to change.
As I mentioned, I’ve made some headway on my addiction blog. Hopefully, it won’t be long before that one is up and running. I’ve also done a redesign on Kendyll’s site. I still have to import all the content since I’ve gone from a different CMS to WordPress, but at least the design is ready.
The theme is Gossip from Small Potato who runs WPDesigner. Small Potato creates some of the nicest free themes around. His latest in the Seven Deadly Sins project, Gluttony, is still in beta but looks great so far. The Gossip theme, though, is not available to everyone for free. Instead, it’s the first release in the $5 Themes Club. What is that, you ask? Well, it’s just the most economical way to get premium WordPress themes, ever!
Even though there is a guarantee that members will have access to a minimum of 12 themes for their $5 annual fee, it looks like there will definitely be more than one theme released each month. This is February and already there are four themes to download. This is the best $5 I’ve ever spent. Quite a bargain!
Oh, and the themes come with support, too. you can submit a private ticket or join others at the forum for user-to-user advice. So, what are you waiting for? Join up!
And let me know what you think of Kendyll’s new design, too.
- Posted in:
I’ve been working here and there on a new blog. I’ve owned the domain for 4 years, attempted to get it up and running before but then scrapped it and started over. the CMS software I was using was a bit more than I needed, I think, and not as easy to use as WordPress.
I’ve finally found a theme that I like and I’ve even located a few graphics that I’d like to use in a header. I’m going to ask the artists if I can use them and whichever says yes, I’ll go with that. So, everything is falling together.
My new blog will be a niche blog: addiction. I’ll be writing the main blog dealing with my own addcition to and recovery from nicotine, my co-dependence, as well as general topics such as drug treatment, helpful groups, interesting sites, laws, etc.
Hopefully, I’ll also be able to include a forum later for those who want a place to talk about this very important issue as well as a directory of helpful links and a download section.
I’ll make the announcement here when the blog goes live, so stay tuned. And please, feel free to comment here if you have any suggestions or want to donate artwork for this project.
- Posted in:
Yesterday I hosted a clue here for the HubLove contest at HubPages. The answer to the clue was Style.
A number of writers submitted articles on Style and I’ve just chosen my two favorites. The entries were judged for originality, usefulness, and how interesting and engaging they are.
My choice for runner up is Doggie Style: Dressing Up Man’s Best Friend. The title alone made me smile and the pictures she included, especially the pit bull in sun glasses, were priceless. The writing style kept me engaged and entertained. Great job!
And now, the number one, first place winner is…. How to style a mohawk. Like the runner-up, the content is original and the writing style is really very interesting. I love that even though it wasn’t a humorous article the author’s personality lent a light hearted feel to it. It edged out the runner-up because it’s actually a very useful how-to guide. My regular readers know that my 16 year old son has a mohawk and I’ve been forced to learn how to style it. I wish I’d had this article a year ago! Even so, I learned from it and in the end, that clinched the deal for me.
Congratulations to gamergirl and good job to all the others who submitted articles!
- Posted in:
Welcome, participants in the HubLove contest at HubPages!
Here is today’s clue:
“This five-letter word is called divat in Hungarian and tíska in Icelandic, and is derived from a word meaning writing implement.”
Be sure to leave your guess at the Hub for this clue, not here at MyDandelionPatch.
And although we’re in day 5 of the 30 day contest, it’s definitely not too late to join and contend for the $5000 Killer Hubbing Prize, consisting of a MacBook Pro, Canon digital SLR camera, Sony camcorder and iPod Touch! Check out the details here!
- Posted in:
I intended to post this last Friday but a nasty flu bug took my family by surprise. It was not pleasant! I’ve still got two people down but we’re all on the mend.
Okay, there’s an unbelievable contest going on that I just know you’ll want to enter. It’s the HubLove contest over at HubPages. You won’t believe the prize on this one!
- MacBook Pro: 15-inch, 2.2 GHz (MSRP $1999)
- iPod Touch: 8GB (MSRP $299)
- Digital Camcorder: Sony Handycam HDR-SR5 (40GB) (MSRP $920)
- Digital SLR camera: Canon EOS 30D with 18mm-to-55mm lens (MSRP $1721)
You’re probably wondering what you have to do to win this awesome prize. Well, it’s not that tough. First, you need to create a free HubPages account. Then, check out the day’s clue and try to guess the answer. The first person to guess correctly gets a point. Then, publish a Hub (which is an article at HubPages) about that topic of the day.
All the details about the contest are spelled out clearly and you can see that there’s a chance to rack up loads of points, especially if you’re a proficient writer. The contest is in its 5th day but with 25 more days to go, there’s no reason why someone starting right now can’t win this. With a prize package valued at almost $5000, it’s certainly worth a shot!
So, what are you waiting for?
- Posted in:
I’m not a homeschooler. I wish I’d known about homeschooling, the fact that it was an option, way back when my 29 year old son started to school. That was 23 years ago and pre-internet; I never realized that I could teach my kids myself instead of sending them to a public school. Since gaining internet access, I’ve learned quite a bit and I know many homeschoolers. Let’s call that the good side of the internet.
And then there’s the bad side of the internet. No, I’m not talking about porn. I’m talking about theft. Specifically, content theft. As a blogger, I know that some of my posts have made their way to “scraper” sites. As a webmaster for over 10 years, I’ve had my graphics stolen and used elsewhere. Those of us with limited financial means have little recourse when we are the victims of content theft.
This post is my way of fighting back, even if it’s just one little attempt. The editor of Secular Homeschooling Magazine, Deborah Markus, wrote and published “The Bitter Homeschooler’s Wish List” in the magazine’s Fall 2007’s issue. An exerpt:
4 Don’t assume that every homeschooler you meet is homeschooling for the same reasons and in the same way as that one homeschooler you know.
5 If that homeschooler you know is actually someone you saw on TV, either on the news or on a “reality” show, the above goes double.
6 Please stop telling us horror stories about the homeschoolers you know, know of, or think you might know who ruined their lives by homeschooling. You’re probably the same little bluebird of happiness whose hobby is running up to pregnant women and inducing premature labor by telling them every ghastly birth story you’ve ever heard. We all hate you, so please go away.
The owner of another site published the entire list, didn’t give credit to the author and derived quite a bit of traffic from it. Markus found the list on Fark, asked that it be credited to her (it was) and then proceeded to have other mentions of the list at other sites point to her site rather than to the site of the content thief.
Eventually, Deborah Markus contacted the owner of the site where her list was published and the exchange between them is just unbelievable. This thieving site owner refused to remove the list and link to the original because the list was generating traffic!
Okay, here’s the deal. Content theft is wrong. Let’s fight this together. I’m asking all bloggers to blog about this and link to Deborah’s blog post as well as the original list. And then, please Digg the story, too.
It really doesn’t matter if you’re a homeschool parent or not. What matters is that theft is a crime and in this case, the best way to fight back is to send as much traffic as possible to the original content. You’ll note that I did not link to the thief and I’d suggest that you don’t either. Just let Deborah know in her comments that you blogged about this.
- Posted in:
Edit: This is a long transcript so you’ll have to click the link below to read more. 
Ted Murphy: questions for me go over here
Ted Murphy: 30 minutes to showtime.
Ted Murphy: 15 minutes…
skeet: So, are we all going to talk about Ted until he comes back to direct the conversation?
Ted Murphy: i sure hope so.
Ted Murphy: 5 minutes…. lurking
Ted Murphy: alright… let’s get this going!
skeet: We’re here and primed for action.
Ted Murphy: great!
Cass: areyou wearing the red velvet jacket?
Ted Murphy: I am wearing my socialspark shirt
- Posted in:
