Honestly, I’d rather have a bag of bones in my room than a skeleton hanging from a metal bar. The hanging one would result in many startled entries into my room and nightmares.

Why this excites me:

1. The skull comes apart.
2. The hand and foot come put together as well as apart
3. Um…I’ll have a freaking skeleton in a bag. Everyone (in my Anatomy class) will want to be my friend.
4. No more fighting to rent out the bones from the ASAP office. Ew germs! Do you know how many people touch those?! More importantly, do you know where they’ve been? Just today I tried to pick my nose with the skeletons hand. I can only imagine what else goes on with those.

…Crap. I’m going to regret that. I’m just saying…they probably don’t even get washed.

Why this does not excite me:

1. I have to wait 4-5 days for processing alone!
2. I’m $100 poorer. Skeletons are eff’in expensive!
3. I could never have a dog with this thing laying around.

Have you ever tried to put a skeleton together?!

Enough said.

Other times I’m surprised with how many comments a post received.

Then there are those other times when I’ll write a post and feel like I’m the only person laughing at it. I crack myself up.

This is definitely one of those times.

Check out my guest post at A View From 5280Ft.

I recently read an article posted by Daily Blog Tips about ensuring that your best content gets the most exposure possible. DBT recommends that our best content gets released into the Blogosphere on Monday rather than later in the week.

Why is Monday the best day to post quality content?

1. Bloggers are more likely to post fresh material on Mondays.
2. More time for links. Many bloggers won’t link to your post right away. A good number of bloggers have a schedule that they stick to. If they post on the same day that you publish your kick ass post, posting on a Monday gives them a whole week to find time to recommend your post to their readers. If you post it later in the week, you risk other bloggers not finding it and getting lost in the hundreds of blogs in their readers.
3. More time for social media traffic. The same principle from above applies here. Usually it takes about 24 hours for traffic to peak on sites such as Digg and StumbleUpon. If you publish your best content on Monday, traffic will pick up on Tuesday and you’ll have the rest of the week to watch the numbers. If you post on a Thursday, peak traffic will be smaller with the weekend nearing.

Obviously there are some drawbacks to posting on a Monday. One of them being that it’s the busiest day in the blogosphere. Your post is competing with other material for attention. This is why it’s important to have quality content. Make your post stand out from the other 300-400 weekend re-caps.

I am curious if good content is exempt from this Monday = more views rule. If you post exemplary content on a Tuesday or Wednesday, are you just as likely to see a large increase in views?

So what about you? Do you post your best content on Mondays? Do you see an increase in readers earlier in the week? If you post later in the week, do you notice a decrease? Do you even care about blogging strategy and timing your posts?

Do you find that you get a lot of traffic from other bloggers recommending your posts or is your readership mostly from loyal readers who continue to come back day after day?

“Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss”

****

My day consisted of falling asleep on the beach, frozen sangria, and video games. (Notice I did not mention any sun burn!) I love coming home with a smile on my face and “Amber” by 311 stuck in my head. I’m not sure why that song specifically, it just reminds me of summer.

I really hate that summer is coming to an end. That means I won’t have many more days like this.

Happy Blog Day fellow bloggers! I know that we don’t really need a day in order to recognize some of our favorites, but it’s fun to see many people participate on the same day. Blog Day is an efficient way to share content and increase readership. It’s also a great way to share the spotlight and let someone, who might not know that you’re reading, know and give them the chance to be recognized by the rest of the Blogosphere. How does it work? Well, it’s simple.

1) Find 5 new Blogs that you find interesting
2) Notify the 5 bloggers that you are recommending them as part of BlogDay 2008
3) Write a short description of the Blogs and place a link to the recommended Blogs
4) Post the BlogDay Post (today, August 31st)
5) Add the BlogDay tag using this link and add the link to the Blog Day website

Without further adieu, here are my five Blog Day recommendations:

* The Missus from On Common Ground. She has a keen eye for fashion and always shares her opinion on the latest trends, good or bad. Living in the South End of Boston she will often share restaurant reviews as well as cute shops to check out and events taking place nearby. She punches cakes, bravely attempts (and completes!) 30 day Bikram Yoga challenges and actively searches for more ways to learn about who she is.

* Rebekah from She’s Got Baggage. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this blogger and I have to say she’s just as awesome in person (if not more) as on her blog. She’s witty, honest and very open about the thoughts that go through her head while making out. I check her blog regularly whether I need a laugh or just to be reminded that I’m not the only one who feels a little crazy some times. I’m still new to her blog, but I definitely think it’s worth checking out.

(I’m kind of cheating on this next one, but I had such a hard time choosing only one of these kick ass male bloggers so I had to include a bunch. Many of you already know of them, but for those who don’t, you won’t be disappointed:)

* Chris from Surviving Myself, Starting Over at 24, Matt from A View From 5280Ft, d from d-blogged, Ben from No Ordinary Rollercoaster and last but not least, Narm from White-Collar Redneck.

* Laura from Quirkology. That blog is filled with way too many goodies. She shares a lot of link love with other bloggers, Etsy shop owners and websites. I find myself spending way too much time going through the archives and putting together my next birthday or Christmas list. It’s a fun, quick read and a great place to find gift ideas.

* Katie from Dr. Katie goes to Med School. She’s a twenty-something blogger who balances real life and medical school. It’s no surprise to many of you, but I’m a huge fan of this sort of stuff so I really enjoy reading about her journey through med school. I don’t know anyone personally who is sharing the experience, so I learn a lot about it through her. Her blog isn’t all medical terminology and factual mumbo-jumbo though, don’t worry!

That concludes my Blog Day list. But don’t forget that there are a ton more amazing bloggers in my Blog Roll. Be sure to check it out because I know many of them will be sharing their recommendations for Blog Day. I have a feeling you’re going to stumble on many new blogs today

If you’re participating, leave a comment with your link so others can check out your post!!

My biggest complaint is being lied to about the pool. We only searched for hotels with an indoor pool. We settled on PH and double checked that their pool would be open. Their website mentioned some renovations going on so I was nervous. Three weeks ago we were told the hotel would be open by the end of July and according to the man at the registration desk, it was. Some time between then and now, it closed again. We found this out yesterday. Imagine my disappointment. I’m not usually a big whiner and I don’t throw tantrums when things don’t go my way, BUT this isn’t cool. All I wanted to do this summer was swim. With my Florida trip turning out shit I was putting all my eggs into the PH basket.

My next complaint is the Internet. After being disappointed about the pool, I thought I could weasel my way into getting free net. It’s $12.95-17.95 per day by the way. Nope. Nothing comped here. Unfortunately I have two online classes so the Internet is pretty important right now. Knowing that I could watch my A&P lectures and take math tests in bed sort of numbed the financial pain. Nope! The Palmer House doesn’t have Wi-Fi in the hotel rooms, just the lobby. Way to put that on your website.

The room itself isn’t anything to be excited about. There weren’t even chocolates on my pillow. It’s just like any other Hilton or Marriott room. I’ve come to the conclusion that you pay for location more than service, amenities and swankiness. And to be honest, the location isn’t that great. I’m staring at the CNA building and rooftops when I look out of my window. I imagine a lake view room would life my spirits a bit. The TV works when it wants to. Of course ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN New, Bloomberg, and all of the hotel channels come in fine. But National Geographic, Hallmark, the Weather Channel, etc. play hookie at times.

That was only day one. We still have another night here and I’m hoping it goes better than last night. A noisy couple next door kept my mom awake at 2:30 a.m. Apparently the walls are VERY thin. I probably won’t be staying here again though. I could pay the same price and get more else where.

I hope everyone else is having a great weekend. Stay tuned for PostSecret (tomorrow) and a blog contest.

Why ‘Da Bears’ should keep Caleb Hanie as a quarterback:

1. He’s the only QB who seems to know how to throw a pass. (He completed his first six passes and finished 12 of 17 for 115 yards. This may not seem impressive, but it’s better than Rexy & Neckbeard’s performances.) Orton only completed 4 of 7 passes for 51 yards…tsk, tsk.

That would be Neck beard under pressure, just before he threw an interception

2. He’s the only good looking QB they’ve got. Don’t get me wrong, Rexy has his “sexy rexy” moments, but Neck beard? Seriously? There’s nothing attractive about that. (His beard doesn’t boost his magical football powers, sorry Dan.)

3. He would have had a 23-yard touchdown if rookie right tackle Kirk Barton didn’t rack up a holding penalty, which made the TD not count.

4. What about the 38-yard pass down the right sideline to Rideau?

5. Even the announcers agree that he doesn’t look pressured out there. One even went as far to say that Hanie made him feel relaxed. It’s a little odd, but I like the lack of stupid facial expressions and scrambling foot work.

6. For once it’s nice not to have your QB boo’ed by your own team.

7. His nickname could easily be herpe or hymen, which would make me feel a bit better when we’re losing.

8. He’s cute. (What? I’m a girl.)

Lovie, baby, let’s really think about who we’re putting on the field next Sunday when we play the Colts. Do you remember the Colts? Perhaps this will refresh your memory. I found it odd that when asked if they were worried about the season opener against the Colts, every player said no. Um…are you guys watching the same games I am?

The defense is still a huge concern. “Peyton Manning is probably foaming at the mouth in anticipation after another poor performance by the Bears defense.” Uh…yes. Can you blame him?!

Playing only the first quarter Thursday night, the Bears’ No. 1 defense allowed the Browns to amass 123 total yards and 10 first downs while possessing the ball for 11:05. Cleveland picked up five first downs on each of its first two drives, leaving the Bears searching for answers.

It’s not looking good fellas. At least give us a QB who can actually move the football. However, please throw it to someone other than Garrett Wolfe because apparently he’s not very good at moving it. Throw a few more passes, stop running up the middle. The other team is onto you.

In conclusion, I expect more from you. Spend a little less money on the “One City, One Team” campaign and buy yourselves some excellent players. Oh…and put Hanie in more.

Sincerely,
Jenn

P.S. Thanks for winning last night. It’s nice to know we’re not complete failures. Thank you Robbie Gould.

Without further adieu:

- Get off band-aids
Does somebody really need to know how?

- Girls who cry during sex
I cannot figure out how that brought someone here.

- You kick ass
Yes I do!!! Thank you

- Nipplage
::giggles like a 13-year-old::

- Famous person from Wisconsin

- Dude showers
Oh I just don’t know about this one.

- Please don’t sneeze
Especially in my general direction. I hate when people sneeze next to me on the train or airplane. It’s such a small space. There’s a good chance some of it got on me. Ew.

- Excellent blogs
Need I say anything?

What are some of the best, funniest, weirdest searches people have found you by?

There’s a handful of bloggers who aren’t receiving the respect they deserve and it’s really upsetting. These people are being honest, open and sometimes extremely raw with their feelings. They figure they have this safe place where they can open up and find support, encouragement or relief and instead they’re bombarded with hate mail and anonymous comments.

I know, I know…when you get an anonymous/mean comment you know you’ve made it as a blogger. You run the risk of getting an ignorant comment or two every time you post something. I get that. But when it becomes an every day occurrence and crosses that line between stupid and personal, then it’s too much.

For example, no matter what a certain blogger writes about, he/she receives hateful comments. Even after closing comments, they’ll move to his/her email. They’re not just hateful, but some of them are hurtful and unnecessary. After removing their email address from the blog, they continue to attack the comments. I just don’t get the point.

Another example is people doing the exact same thing that they’re bashing. It’s perfectly fine to disagree with somebody. I invite people to disagree with me, but I hope that they do so in a mature and respectful way. I’m never intentionally disrespectful* and if they’re going to be, then I won’t waste my time on them.

Anyway, so there’s a group of people who disagree with a certain blogger about how he/she handled a situation involving another blogger. Instead of maturely discussing their side, they attack her and tear down her blog. How does that make them better? They’re doing exactly what he/she did in the post except this blogger did it in a much more respectful and honest way. If I were the person that group was defending, I’d be embarrassed by their immaturity and ignorance.

I hate that it reaches the point where some bloggers feel that they have to shut down their blogs and change everything. Do they ever come back or do they stay away forever because their once safe community is no more?

I know there’s really nothing I can do to stop this. I just had to vent my frustrations. I hate hearing about some of the emails/comments you all receive and I wish there was more I could do.

* I am not above calling your face stupid. And I’ll gladly race you for pinks on TypeRacer.

Go Grease Lightning. Go.