Followers...must post photo or they'll be blocked! New Policy to prevent stalkers!

In the aftermath of a being stalked and harassed by an employee by the name of "Scott" at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, I have instituted a new policy at the tattler (and for my accounts elsewhere on the web such as Twitter) to ensure I am protected (and safe) - and likewise - to conceal my exact whereabouts from wackos who lurk in the shadows waiting to pounce with potentially dangerous sick fixations running rampant in their screw-ball heads!

In the future, all individuals who wish to follow me must post a photograph verifying their identity.

Failure to comply with the requirement will result in a block restricting following.

Sorry, but the age of innocence on the Internet has passed.

Stay posted!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Google Blogspot...installs follow gadget! Fans may track the Tattler!

 

Taking a nod from twitter, google has taken a huge leap forward on the Internet by adding a follow gadget to blogspot to catch the tail end of the comet!

Blogspsot is one of the largest most highly-ranked free blog providers on the Internet.

Now, instead of bookmarking - or conducting exhaustive searches - fans of The Tattler (and other sites) have simply to click on an icon on the homepage to trigger the receipt of blog updates daily the moment they're posted on the recently purchased google site.

Hop aboard, eh?

http://www.ijulian.blogspot.com/

Bloggers...abandoning blogs according to New York Times! Misleading info...

I would be remiss if I did not respond to the New York Times article just recently in which a reporter asserted that bloggers were abandoning their sites in droves. (06/07/09)

For starters, some of the reporter's statements were terribly misleading.

According to the journalist, one source - Technorati (the largest blog site in the world) - alleged that blogs were sitting idle and not being updated on a regular basis.

Although that bold-faced statement warranted a follow-up interview with at least a blogger or two to confirm the facts - the reporter was inclined to accept Technorati's observations as true.

In this instant case, the lack of journalistic ethic on the part of the writer, has left egg on the face of the New York Times staff.

The truth of the matter is that Technorati has been experiencing quite a few ongoing glitches at their site which account for the reason a handful of bloggers may have been reluctant to follow through in recent days.

For example, when I first signed up with Technorati, my blog posts at google's Blogspot (The Tattler) and WordPress (Pop Culture) were pinged on a daily basic; consequently, my material was always current and up-to-date.

So, time-sensitive notices about local and National events - and spur of-the-moment news flashes - were published quickly enough for readers to act upon them.

However, in recent weeks Technorati has been experiencing a number of technical problems which they have not been very quick to fix in spite of their professional obligation to do so.

Specifically, it should be noted in my own instant case, that although I wrote daily posts for weeks-on-end - on more than one occasion - Technorati falsely reported that no new posts had been published for days!

On those occasions did Technorati staff incorrectly assume I abandoned my blogs, too?

No wonder their data is out-of-whack!

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, once the flaws in the Technorati software came to my attention, I began to ping the posts daily since the automated system was not reliable from the get-go.

In spite of that dedicated effort on my part to ensure readers would receive all updated posts in a timely fashion, Technorati still managed to prevent material posting in a timely manner (sometimes for durations of twelve or thirteen days).

To make matters worse, Technorati's site crashes often, which adds to the frustration.

When a blogger attempts to log in, a bizarre message - The Monster got loose - may flash across the screen and instruct the individual to try back later (without any explanation).

Also, I can't count the number of times I have logged in to my account and received the startling message that my blog (The Tattler) didn't exist!

Duh!

As to the other issues raised by the New York Times?

The reporter asserted in the article that bloggers were abandoning their blogs because they were frustrated by the fact their arduous efforts were not panning out in spite of the fact they busted their butts - with the ultimate aim - of being "discovered".

For instance, the reporter surmised that because book deals (bloggers were eagerly anticipating) were not forthcoming - and fame did not come knocking on their door with a promise of untold overnight - that disenchanted bloggers were opting to jump ship.

If that was/is the case for many - who are now seeking recognition elsewhere because of their failed attempts on the Internet - the truth of the matter is that a multitude of artists over the years (in a myriad of fields of creative expression) have similarly offered up their talents in a non-paying capacity with the express hope they would be catapulted into the spotlight.

For example, comics have often signed up for open-mike night at celebrated nightclubs, with the express hope that a talent scout in the audience might recognize their talent - and ultimately - land 'em gainful employment.

Actors have also been known to perform on stage in equity-waiver theatres - to specifically showcase their talent - in order to land a starring role in a major production on Broadway or in a feature film.

All things considered, it appears that the New York Times really screwed up on this one!

Took a blustery blogger to set the record straight, eh?

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Blog Action Day...introduction to 4 posts on "poverty"...

When we think of poverty, many disturbing images float into the consciousness.

Images of young children starving in the streets of an impoverished country, for starters, seem to exemplify the extreme horrors of it.

The thought of young ones being without a crumb to nourish their bodies turns my stomach.

At a time when there is so much advanced technology and widespread global communication, how is it possible that in our reach we have managed to pass over and turn our backs on the truly needy?

After all, we are all "one" in the grand scheme of things.

If one part of us is unhealthy or lacking in nourishment, then each of is, in some capacity.

As Shakespeare said in one of his dramatic plays of yesteryear:

"All are punished!"

In tandem with the "Blog Action" movement today to rise up against poverty - and ultimately effect some healing - I am posting 4 articles.

"World Hunger" has been included for two reasons.

For starters, the article throws a spotlight - not only the waste and superficiality of life in America - but exposes the greed of a few to the detriment of the many.

Further, the statistics underscore the urgency for a call to action.

With that in mind, constructive solutions are also offered up that are not only consciousness-raising, but quite novel in approach.

So, I trust you'll hop on the bandwagon when you peruse that article!

To complement the first post, I have also included a few words from Mahatma Gandhi, written several decades ago in the infancy of our surge for selfish gratification.

Even still, the thoughts resonate with truth, today.

In a few sentences, the spiritual leader managed to put his finger on the underlying causes of the ills of our modern-day society - which ultimately - hinder our ability to realize a much gentler, kinder, Garden of Eden.

When our focus drifts to poverty in America, undoubtedly thoughts turn to the homeless who struggle daily in the mean streets of this once-great Nation.

In a world of plenty - how is it possible for an ugly scenario such as this - to have unfolded in our own backyard?

The land of the brave and the free - appears less likely to turn out a good Samaritan or two - willing to lend a helping hand in troubling times.

Such is the width and breadth of our lack of compassion!

For this reason - I have posted "Alms for the Poor" to remind us on blog action day how important it is to give to the homeless - even when a dark shroud has cast a shadow on the rest us considered more fortunate.

Finally, it should be noted, there are many forms of poverty.

On many different levels we are poor, and needy, and wanting.

When it comes to nurturing Mother Earth (for instance) - sentient beings are poor in spirit and slow to replenish a great bounty - once thought bottomless.

In the final analysis, we are all spiritually poor in America.

That's worse than financial bankruptcy in my humble opinion.

Were it not true - each and every one of us would be striving stridently to curb the ills of global warming, anxiously attempting to minimize the carbon footprint, and diligently seeking a way to end all the senseless polluting.

We must end the apathy!


The 4th post focuses on a remarkable woman (who just passed into spirit this past week) - who founded the green movement "Heal the Bay".


Unlike so many others, Dorothy Green was not poor in her ability to rectify a wrong, effect right action, and bring about a positive logical outcome.

Why did she tackle the challenge?

Because it had to be done!

The Dorothy Green post is a tribute to a great lady.

And, the best way to end on an inspiring positive note.

Happy Blog Action Day!



Mother Nature is alive and well and living...

Blog Action Day...Mahatma Gandhi on "hunger" and pauperism in the world!

"I suggest that we are thieves in a way.

If I take anything that I do not need for my own immediate use and keep it, I thieve it from somebody else.

It is the fundamental law of Nature, without exception, that Nature produces enough for our wants from day to day; and if only everybody took enough for himself and nothing more, there would be no pauperism in this world, there would be no man dying of starvation."

Mahatma Gandhi

Blog Action Day...activist Dorothy Green "Healed the Bay" while others were poor in spirit!

When I informed a handful of people I would be penning a post on Dorothy Green who founded "Heal the Bay" - some undoubtedly wondered why since this year's blog action topic is on "poverty".

As I pointed out in my "introduction" at the top of the blog today, there are many forms of "poverty".

For the most part, when we use the term, we tend to conjure of images of the homeless and children begging in the streets for food in third-world countries.

While I have addressed the issues in 3 separate posts - "World Hunger", "Alms for the Poor", and by virtue of a quote from "Mahatma Gandhi" - I thought it was also important to note that some suffer from "spiritual poverty" as well.

As Gandhi noted, it is due to prevailing greed, that many remain begging in respect to the basic necessities of life.

The post on "World Hungry" points an accusing finger at a handful of wealthy men - who rape the earth of her bounty - as they likewise - greedily control the assets of the world.

Meanwhile, the masses struggle in obscurity and go hungry daily around the globe.

In sum, society is plagued by the morally bankrupt.

In essence, the lot of them are spiritually poor.

Yes - food and shelter is important - but as a race it is of the utmost importance, too, to strive for lasting peace among all nations and a harmonious co-existence with Mother Earth.

In that respect, one woman - Dorothy Green - was not "poor".

In fact, she was quite rich in spirit, and a generous "giver", as she worked tirelessly to turn back the clock on pollution, and global warming, and a consciousness that was upsetting the equilibrium.

At a time when activism in the environment arena was not popular, for instance, Ms. Green had the vision to recognize the urgency of tackling a growing problem in respect to waste in the bay off the Santa Monica Coast.

Instead of sitting back and complaining, and turning a blind eye, the feisty gal took action.

It all started when her brother was splattered with poorly treated sewage water in 1985 from an open drain at Ballona Creek in Marina Del Rey.

When there were no answers forthcoming from City Hall to account for the outrage, Ms. Green invited a handful of other concerned residents in the area to her home, and they summarily formed the "green" movement - "Heal the Bay".

At that time, the challenges were mind-boggling, but the spirited do-gooder was not deterred.

"We had a dead zone in the middle of Santa Monica Bay, we had bottom fish with tumors and 10-million-gallon sewage spills in the middle of a bright summer day. None of that occurs today," noted marine biologist - Mark Gold - triumphantly.

No, Sir!

Today, "Heal the Bay" is one of the largest non-profit organizations in Los Angeles (consisting at last count of fifteen thousand members strong).

"Heal" launched constructive ongoing "pollution" watches which continue to this day.

An annual "Beach Report Card" on water quality at California Beaches is published each year, for instance.

In addition, Dorothy Green founded and headed up sister projects such as the Los Angeles and San Gabriel River Watershed Councils dedicated to restoring and preserving the watershed in the lower mainland.


In tandem with this non-profit project, Ms. Green instituted the California Impact Network which focuses on the equitable use of public water.

The Chairman of the Board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California was emphatic about one thing.

"Ms. Green was quite unique in her generation," he beamed.

She took a step forward where no woman (or man) had gone before and effected real change.

Some say - when residents and tourists gaze out over the oceanfront beaches - and take in the glorious vistas which are healing to the eyes - that it is mainly due to Green's dedication to the cause that affords us the pleasure.

It is with sadness that I report that Ms. Green passed away into "spirit" earlier this week.

But her legacy remains with us.

And, we are much richer, for it!

Blog Action Day...I'm in, are you? Post a healing message on poverty October 15th...

Blogspot...congrats to baby arrivals!

According to the inside buzz - staff members at blogspot have brought three new additions - Ryan, Aditya, and Haley - into the world in recent months.

Although the wee tots have little to post just now, their adorable faces speak volumes.

Congrats to the team at blogspot!

"Sometimes", said Pooh, "the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."