Archive for April, 2006
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Posted by Bloggeries in Reviews
The Hollow Blah was indeed one of the most interesting blogs I have ever read. After spending the better part of half the day reading this blog, I must caution anyone following the link back to their blog, that you should enter it with a very open mind. You should be prepared for strong opinionated posts, personal ideas and details of events that are not what is considered “Mainstream” in society.
I have always found it very intriguing to read and hear about different cultural ideals and occurrences. While I have my own opinions on life, religion, and reality, I also consider myself a very open minded person and I believe that each and every person has the right to their own beliefs and should be allowed to live their lives based on how “They” believe is true to themselves.
The Hollow Blah, for the most part is written by two brothers. Jeremy and Kenji Yamaguchi were born in Japan to missionary parents. They have spent much of their lives traveling the world, and have developed their blog as a portal of contact for them, their fellow organization members, and as a means of expressing their beliefs of what they call their “Religion.” The follow a group called The Family International, and until reading this blog, I had never heard of such a group. While I definitely do not agree, nor would I ever be part of an organization such as they are, I hold to my claim of being open minded, and acknowledge their right to freedom.
I found their blog a very difficult blog to read. Almost every post is made of segmented rants or statements that I can only assume were just random thoughts being expressed. Much of it is a sort of dark and mysteriously worded communication between writers. I am assuming that they understand each other perfectly, but to an average reader, their writings do not serve much information.
Their diaries tell stories of meeting “Contacts” and events within their church. I did find some of their thoughts fascinating, in the sense that their lifestyles are so much different than anything I have ever experienced. This is not saying that I would ever want to live life as they do, but I think it is tribute to one of the great things about the Internet, the ability to see a prospective of the entire human race, as opposed to just life in our own living rooms.
I give their designer a great deal of credit in designing a blog that is unique. The layout is very easy to follow, and they have obviously taken great pride in their work. There are illustrations in their blog, although the obvious drawings of anarchy, they are very well done.
My rating of this blog is based on several factors. The blog is difficult to read, therefore not very “User friendly.” I also never really found a profound statement as to what their true beliefs are. I think that if a person truly wants to be taken seriously in their beliefs, they should take a solid stance and express just what those beliefs are. Making sublime statements only tends to make me wonder just how firmly they do believe. In other words, “What exactly is your point?” If you have a message, deliver it.
I am giving good ratings based on other factors. A unique design is always welcomed, and it encourages a reader to understand that the person writing the blog is serious about it, and takes pride in it. They update their blog frequently, and encourage their readers to post comments. I also give my regards to these writers for having the courage to invite others into their personal thoughts, and for giving the world the chance to peer into a lifestyle that is very difficult to understand.
While I did find this blog very interesting to read, I compare it to some vacations I have taken. They were great places to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live their.
Posted by Bloggeries in Reviews
I remember once getting a cassette tape from a friend of mine, who said he was in some sort of group study. He was actually trying to get me to come with him to his next session, to which I refused. The tape was one of those that had some deep voice telling me how great I was, and offering me advice on how to carry out my days. We’ve all heard of these things. A type of self help that so many people fall victim to, and end up purchasing whole sets of expensive books, and tapes, that would eventually end up in a yard sale somewhere.
Notes To Self, reminds me of just that. This blog offers frequent advice on various strategies one can use to live better and feel better about themselves. While I am sure there is a great deal of very useful information in this blog, I found myself reading, and then having to go back and read again, just to try and understand what they just said.
Although I could not find a personal profile on the writer of this blog, I can only assume two things. Either the author is a very highly intelligent person who is truly offering free advice to help people, or the author is someone who, for one reason or another, is just simply posting information gathered from a book or perhaps even one of those self help tapes.
I did find some interesting reading in this blog. The author makes use of some great quotes by authoritative and famous individuals, such as Bill Cosby. To be honest, I enjoyed reading the quotes as much as the articles.
I am not opposed to reading this type of thing. I understand that it takes an open mind, and also the “Desire to learn and understand.” However, I can’t help the feeling I get when I am reading literature such as this. That feeling that someone is trying to sell me something, and it is only a matter of time before they have sucked me in and taken my money.
If you are the type of individual that seeks this type of motivational reading and self assurance information, then I highly recommend this blog for you. But, if you are like me, then perhaps number 10 in “The Rules of Life” will probably be the result. The author lists the 10 Rules of Life, and number ten states, “You will forget all this.”
Posted by Bloggeries in Reviews, Spotlight
There is nothing more intriguing than a blog written by someone that is obviously passionate about there work. If you ever wanted to know about ANYTHING, then I suggest you pay a visit to Doryn’s Dish.Although Doryn claims she is not a writer, one could only hope to express themselves with the same clarity and enthusiasm that she does. Her “Dishes” are in such detail, that one can get a true feel for the idea or product she is reviewing.
When I first visited Doryn’s Dish, the first thing that come to mind was “Complex.” Her blog is a huge collaboration of thoughts and opinions on just about any subject or product. I can only imagine the amount of research she puts into each and every article she writes. Whether it is just a life experience, an opinion, or an outright review of a product, she takes great care in producing an article that explains it in very well defined detail.
In the more than 2 hours that I spent reading her blog, I not only had some good laughs, I also learned of some great ideas and products that I might have to run out and try. I even enjoyed learning how to use electricity on your face to remove zits, although I don’t think you should do it in the rain.
She, and her guests, have been writing her “Dishes” for so long, and so frequently, that it would take many more hours to read them all, but I suggest giving it a try. Doryn’s Dish has something for everyone. The design looks a bit childish at first, but once you see how her articles are written, you realize that it all fits perfectly. The only complaint I could have, is the side links are a bit small, and my old eyes had to strain a bit to read them.
That’s my “Dish” on Doryn.
Posted by Bloggeries in Reviews, Spotlight
It never ceases to amaze me at the brilliant ideas people come up with to blog about. CJ Howard is a great example of that brilliance.
CJ Howard (Charlotte Jane Howard) is only an infant. However, that does not stop her from blogging. CJ, with a little help from her parents I’m sure, is keeping a journal of her life as she grows up. The very witty way that she has managed to tell us about her life and her family, is nothing less than superb.
For most of us, reading the everyday life of a family would get boring in a short time, but not through the eyes of a toddler. This blog puts a whole new spin on daily blogging, and I was very entertained.
Family vacations, and many photos can be found at CJ Howard’s blog. You cannot help but chuckle at how life appears to CJ. Who would have thought that a baby’s mobile hanging above her crib would be the equivalent to a night at the movies for a grown up?
CJ Howard has a simple, but nice, design that looks like a nursery. It is easy to navigate, and pleasant to look at. I absolutely love the way CJ keeps her blog “Clutter free”, and one can only speculate that when she grows up, her bedroom will be just as tidy.
I offer many kudos to CJ’s parents for “Teaching” her to blog so well. This blog is a sure fit for the Bloggeries Spotlight!
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