A Special Announcement Concerning A New Blog. Trina.

Let's face it. Blogging isn't what it used to be. What I mean is that the interaction with people is not what it used to me. Twitter is really where it's at for that.

And back in the day I used to promote blogs if I really liked them. Long time readers know this.

Well guess what? My favorite person on Twitter that cracks me up daily just started a blog. I kind of encouraged her to do it. I've done that to a few people that I think are really funny or interesting.

Her name is Trina. You may know her from this blog post the other week. Or this blog post about the Phantom of the Opera mask.

Well, the bottom line is that she cracks me up everyday. So follow her blog and tell her Zibbs sent you. Her blog is: trinalikeswine.blogspot.com . Go ahead. Give it a click!

Rock and Roll High School. The Ramones. School Fire.

The TBY Friday Send Off Song is one day late because lightening knocked out my Verizon yesterday. My house was the only one effected...and affected.

(shakes fist at sky) "This better not be a sign Lord"

So the dedication this week goes to Miss Alex from Fonzie Sox that wrote this great post about me yesterday. I'll bet you anything she loves this Ramones song Rock and Roll High School because she's from New York and she's a rock and roll chick.

And I also want to give a shout out to Sybil Law and Debbie from the blog Suburban Sanity for leaving comments this week. Thanks.

Does anyone remember seeing this when it came out?



238 followers following TBY.

Want To Make Me A Blog Header? Contest Alert. Graphic Designers Needed.

I'm getting sick of my blog header. In case you're wondering, that's a picture of my deck and the racket is an electric tennis racket I use to kill wasps.

Anyways, I need a new header. Whenever I see great headers like on Avitable's blog or Whiskey Marie's blog (she changes it every few weeks) or Lilu's blog I get really jealous.

So how would YOU like to design my new header. If you want to, here's what to do:

- Design it and make sure it says "THAT BLUE YAK" clearly.

- Make sure that you save it in a format that's easy for me to open AND easy for me to put on my blog.

- And here's the great part - (talking like Ted Knight from Caddyshack): And why don't you just put "blog header designed by 'Your blog name here'" up there on the header too? hmmmm? Hmmmm? This way you'll get some advertising for your blog.

- I will leave the header up for at least two weeks! But I get kind of lazy so I may leave it up for months! Can you imagine?

- For the super lazy, just leave your header idea in the comments section. I encourage readers to steal the ideas and make them into a That Blue Yak noble creation.

And for the losers, you can post your losing header on your blog and I'll write a special post linking to it. Who knows, maybe I'll eventually use them all.

How about we say the deadline is Saturday (May 30) 5:00 PM - Eastern time. My email is in my profile. Just make sure to write "TBY header contest" in the subject line and the name of your blog in the subject.

And one more thing, make sure it's something that can be viewed by people at work. No naked people. I do have the right to say there are no winners you know. If you have any questions, ask me in the comments section.

And ready....go!

Various Blog Things.Twitter. Facebook. Snapvine. Me.

And now a little hodgepodge of blog related stuff:

- Don't forget that you can follow me on Twitter. See sidebar Twitter info and click to join. And I'm new to Twitter. If anyone has any good tips, please leave them in the comments area. That means you Lilu - with your 500 plus followers. I'd like to know how much it's helped your blog and any insight you can give.

- I'd like to be your Facebook friend. Go to Facebook and search for me. My name is Jim Zibbs.

- Look at that Snapvine recorder on my sidebar. Nobody has left a message in a while. Click play to hear some of the great messages. To leave me a message, you just dial the number listed from your phone! It's that easy. Go ahead. I'd love to hear from you. (please - no gay stuff)

- And now, the very funny blogger Cameron has interviewed me - with his focus being on me and chicks. To read the interview, click here.

Collectible Dollar Bill From Chester County May Be Headed for Smithsonian.

OK this is really weird. Last week, in another shameless attempt to promote my blog, I wrote,

Google this: THAT BLUE YAK

on three or four dollar bills. I mean...uh....I didn't do it because it's against the law - I saw someone else do it. Yeah that's what happened...

So anyways, my sister calls me this weekend and said her son (my nephew) received a tip at the Country Club he works at, saw the command to Google THAT BLUE YAK, saw the post I wrote about the Downingtown Farmer's Market and realized it was my blog because he's heard the story before.

What are the odds of that happening?

And to my nephew: STOP READING MY BLOG.

And to everyone else, let me know if you can write this phrase on a few bills this morning. Also, is it REALLY illegal to deface money? Has there ever been a case of someone being prosecuted? My one minute Google search is very unclear on this. Maybe one of my readers that has nothing important to do can find this out for me. (That's right, turn off The View and get to work!)

And if you do see a bill labeled this way, please do not try to sell it to the Smithsonian, or a collector or frame it. I'd really like to keep them in circulation as long as possible.

Blogs, Link Love, And How To Make Friends In The Blog World.

I've been blogging for a while. And I've always made it a point to write posts about other blogs that I like. Most people that have been reading my blog for a while know that I've been really generous when it comes to the amount of bloggers that I link to in posts.

And it's not just so they'll link back to me. Even though they do. I really do love to watch a blog that has nobody reading it start to grow. And even though I write all this crazy stuff, I love the people that are writing these posts. It's such a part of my life now. Nothing like being out and around and having a bunch of comments to read on my blackberry.

It took me ages to have people read my blog. If you look at the early days of my blog - nobody was reading it. Nobody. I'd write a post then ask, "What do you think?" (cricket, cricket) But all it really took was to start commenting on other blogs.

So here's a post from Candy that really made me feel great. Really great. To view it, click here.

And on a related note. Are you a lurker or someone that hasn't left a comment in a while? Go ahead, leave one now.

Various Things About Bloggers That Read TBY. Link Love.

Here are some random things about some bloggers that read my blog. Maybe I'll make this a regular feature. Please visit their blogs and tell them Zibbs sent you. Remember, the more we mention each other's blogs, the more popular our blogs become. But of course it makes much more sense to mention a blog like mine - because it's a famous one. Choose wisely.

- Wendy B is a sweetheart and I love her smile. And she's a great jewelry designer.

- Earl and Slyde are two dudes that are as close to my group of real life guy friends that I know in my blogosphere.

- Ask Alice - is someone that has been absent on TBY for ages but I'm glad she's back. It kind of bums me out the number of people that have dropped out since last fall. I hope she's back for good.

- Jill from Caffeine Court is a long time reader. We're the same age and she went to a neighboring high school. I'd be surprised if we didn't meet within the next year. She lives in the same neighborhood as Springsteen you know.

- I think Scandalous Housewife is sexy. I'm glad that she decided to finally comment on my blog after I guilted her into it.

- I'm offering to help Shawn with her saggy boob issues. Except it's going to be really hard to help without seeing them. I'm a doctor damn it. Maybe she could do one of those construction paper silhouette deals that 1st graders do of their big ass heads. At least it would be a starting point for my diagnosis.

So are any of you fans of any of these bloggers? Also, do you want to be like me? Why don't YOU write a blog post about some other bloggers. Might as well start with highlighting me..just in case you're nervous and all.....

Some People Like To Savor My Blog. How Do YOU Read It?

A curious thing has been happening by my blog reader and blog friend Fancy Schmancy*. For the last several weeks, she's been commenting on That Blue Yak blogs posts that are over a week old. She's slowly catching up to the current posts.

My guess is that she's trying to savor all of the bloggy goodness. Like if you were deserted on an island and some Hershey Kisses or a case of Hop Devil washed up. You wouldn't consume everything all at once would you? Of course not.

What are your reading habits of my blog? Do you cry when you're done? - Wishing that there were more? And everyone stays out of your way because then you go into a rage? Do you read a bit and come back later for the rest? Or perhaps you read it then have someone read it back to you so you can really get your mind around the posts.

Given my huge readership, the odds are also very high that some families read it aloud as part of their routine. And perform scene studies if you will. Oh and I will. Dinner then Jeopardy then TBY reading. I'm glad to be such an important part of your family memories. I really am.

So please share with others some of your TBY reading rituals.

*Some of you may know her as Farty Four Eyes. And also, she's thinking about ending her blog. I hope she doesn't because I really like it. She had the courage to reach out to me via email months ago despite how intimidating it must have been given that I'm so famous and all. I mean...seriously, it's probably scary for anyone. Kind of like when the OZ gang had to walk up and see the Wizard. But she realized that I'm just like everyone else. Except much, much cooler.

How You Can Thank Me For All I've Done To Make Your Life Better. Shopping.

Look at all of the lives that I've changed with this blog. Including yours. Admit it.

Now there are some ads that I can't mention by contract on That Blue Yak but I can mention the Amazon ads over there on right. You see, if you click and don't buy I get nothing but if you click and then buy ANYTHING on Amazon I get a teensy tiny bit. And I deserve it.

So if you'd like to thank me - indirectly with money, please start your Amazon search here next time you need to buy something and I will appreciate it. You might want to tell all of your friends too. I'm worth it don't you think? Yeah. I am.

And whoever bought the Jesus lunchbox a few weeks ago thanks! Email me if it's you and I'll write a post about you. I appreciate it friend. And if it wasn't you don't email me and pretend it was you. I'll find out.

So by a show of hands, how many of you think you will use That Blue Yak as a portal for your Amazon buying? If your hand is not up, take a moment to reflect.

I May Stop Reading Your Crappy Blog. Knitting Suggestion.

I will get right to the point. I was talking to my blogger friend Falwless the other day and we were talking about how many crappy blogs there are. Honestly, there are some real boring blogs clogging up the world wide world of the internets. And one might be yours.

Now I'm not saying that all blogs have to be as great as mine. Or like mine. That would be impossible. You also need to find your own style. But take a look and ask yourself, "Should I end my blog and maybe find another hobby? Like knitting?" Be honest with yourselves. Step back and really take a look. And don't ask friends for help. They'll lie to you.

(Take 5 minutes for honest reflection then continue reading).

I'm just saying that personally, I'm reading way too many blogs and some of them are just terrible. Terrible boring waste of my time. And I feel guilty by not reading your blog so it might be easier for me if you just end it now. But please continue to read my blog. Which is one of the really good ones - as you know.

Also, if you have some great blogs that you can tell me about please - leave the name in the comments section. It might mean I'll stop reading your blog but thems the breaks.

On a related subject, don't think that just because I don't comment on your blog doesn't mean I'm not reading it. I've really cut back on commenting over the last few weeks. And there are some blogs that you would never guess I'm reading. Some of you have even said that you think your own blog is crappy but I still like it. But if you look within your heart and think it's really crappy, please stop. Just to be safe.

And to finalize my rambling about this, does anyone else go through their Google reader and sometimes just click through some of the unimportant blogs without reading them and you wonder why you don't just delete them once and for all? God I wish my heart wasn't so big!

And on the subject of blog, a really good one that I found recently is called Retro Space. To read it, click here.

Blogging Doesn't Take That Much Time You A-hole! Message to Jerk Non Bloggers.

I'm tired of non blogging people saying to me,

"You have a blog? Looks like you have a lot of time on your hands."

I'm so sick of that statement because here is my procedure:

1) I have lists of things to post. Half of the ideas I come up with while I'm driving or lying in bed. When I think of the idea - I write the subject down.

2) Then I sit and write the post. Most posts take from 2 minutes to 20 minutes to write. I'm not lying - I have the idea and I write it as fast as I'd write an email to a friend. You can probably tell by some of my errors. After the post is written, I look for a photo. I go to Google Images and it takes no more than 1 minutes. Ever.

3) If I have to add links, that sometimes takes a few more minutes especially if I have to get links from certain posts from blogs.

4) I also am always prepared for posting by having some Youtube videos saved as well as various pictures on my computer that I want to blog about. And I usually have a few half written posts set up in blogger so I'm ready to go.

Honestly, the most time consuming part of blogging for me is commenting on other's blogs. Do these non bloggers ever watch TV or play golf? Those things take time. What's the difference? At least I'm creating something that's making people laugh. And maybe saving lives. Stupid jerks!

So what's your procedure. And for all of my non blogging judgemental readers/friends - Kiss My Grits!

Who Wants To Interview Me? I'd Like To Find Three Bloggers.

Do you want to interview me - Dr Zibbs? Here are the steps:

1) Calm down.

2) If you're interested - email me telling me that you want to. Write, "Interview Zibbs" in the subject line. You can find my email address in my profile. Don't forget to tell me the name of your blog.

3) After I get three bloggers that want to interview me, I will write "The lines are now closed" in the comments section. So before you email me - make sure that the lines aren't closed.

4) The three winners can then write their interview questions and email them to me. Ask me 5 - 10 questions. You can then write a post that should be posted on Tuesday of this week. The post will show the "interview" that we've had. And you can add any other stuff you want to in the post as well.

5) I will write a post on THAT BLUE YAK with links to your blog that feature the interviews. You will get tons of traffic. We'll all be winners*.

That's about it. Note that there may be some questions that I won't answer. You'll just have to live with that.

*except for the losers that waited to email me.

Facebook, Blogs, Twitter And People I Don't Want To Be Friends With.

Here are some of my thoughts on Facebook, Blogs and Twitter. I've put them in list form for ease of reading and memorization.

1. Almost all of my Facebook friends are bloggers.

2. The few real life friends I have on Facebook are friends that won't blow my cover. And believe me, I have shitload of real life friends. I'm not some loser.

3. My real last name isn't Zibbs but real friends are slowly finding me and requesting to be friends. Some I want to be friends with but most I don't want to because I'm afraid they'll blow my cover. Like mentioning my name in a blog comment.

4. I also don't want to be Facebook friends with people that I haven't seen in years that I never really liked much anyway.

5. There are real life friends of friends that I want to write posts about but I would never be able to if these people become Facebook friends of mine. What am I supposed to do? Mentally keep track of what stories I can't tell? And do you realize I haven't even scratched the surface of things to post about? I've got years of true life stuff that I haven't even touched on yet and I'm already feeling stifled because my sister's now read my blog. Once in a while.

6. I don't have the desire to share my entire life with everyone anyway on Facebook. "Oh you couldn't make it to my party because you were sick huh? Then why do you have those pictures of yourself in Philly on Facebook?" I don't need that crap.

7. Who the hell uses Twitter? More importantly, who gives a crap about what people are doing every minute of the day? Unless of course it's coming from me. Remember about when I was looking at that bird last week? Do people EVER post anything interesting on Twitter? I don't get it. Unless someone has been kidnapped or there's a burgler in their house - Twitter is boring. "OH MY GOD - HE'S COMING UP THE STEPS!"

8. How to you post a link on Facebook so I can do it and promote my blog more? I'm sure it's easy to figure out but I don't feel like figuring it out.

9. I've been debating putting pictures of myself on Facebook because honestly, I'd be frustrated as hell if I read someones blog for a year but had no idea what they looked like. On the other hand, I kind of like the mystery. I just can't decide. If you're a regular reader and would like to be my Facebook friend, send me a request. If you're a real life friend that wants to be my Facebook friend get in line. Then you'll be ready if and when I reveal myelf. And honestly, it's less about keeping the mystery and more about people finding out who I am as I start to write some amazing real life stories. Stories that will make me look like an a-hole, a crazy person or get me in big trouble with people.

10. I am tempted to have an additional Facebook with real friends because I have so many different friends and lots of people that I'd like to get back in touch with. The downside is that I'm sure I'd get lots of people wanting to "get together" when there's no way in hell I want to see them. I had a guy from high school call me out of the blue a few weeks ago and wanted to get together. I never called him back because I'm sure he'd ask "When are you free?" and I really can't say, "I have an opening in 50 years" so I'd probably end up meeting with him.

11. The bottom line of all of this is that I've really stopped telling real life friends about my blog because if it ever gets to the point that I can't write what I want to write because it might hurt my career or I know that someone's going to read it and get pissed - I'd have to just shut down my blog. Imagine the suicides. I can't live with that.

12. And one more thing about my blog. I like to write THAT BLUE YAK the same way I would talk to a bunch of friends at a party. Hey we're at a party. Everyone is hanging out and laughing. Then all of a sudden - here come a few of my friend's "Christian friends" or uptight, fat ass sister. Now the party is ruined. That's what I don't want to happen. That's why I keep things private.

Idea For The Best Blog Ever - Stalker Style

OK. So here's my idea for what would be a great blog. (By reading further you're agreeing not to steal this idea).

- I find a person to stalk.

- I find about 200 people that are willing to take pictures and blog about this person. (You guys. If you agree to relocate to Chester County, PA).

- We write about about and take photos of everything this sad sack does.

So let's say his name is Fred Sweeny. Some of the bloggers live near him, others drive the same route to work as him, others work with him. But someone in every area of this life is stalking him.

Then what happens is people write every detail about him. Almost like the scrutiny that a celebrity gets.

"So, Fred usually gets the farmer's breakfast at the DK Diner. For some reason he only got pancakes today. Is her worried about his weight?"

"Fred usually chooses stall two at work but today he went for stall three. And according to an insider - who pretended to leave the bathroom after washing his hands - it looks like Mr Sweeny likes to sing while he's taking a dump. But sing, 'It's Raining Men?' - Whatever."

"Driving behind Fred today on Boot Road near Phoenixville Pike one must wonder, can he afford tissues? I guess not, given the display I saw. Puul-ease!"

Once I get 199 people to agree to this, I'm totally considering doing this. Yeah. I am.

Blog Questions, Spam, Slow Loading Pages and More

And now, some serious questions about blogs.

- Why in Google Analytics does it often say that the total time a reader viewed my blog was zero seconds even though the person left a comment?

- If someone is reading my blog in Google readers, does the visit show up in Google Analytics?

- Why does it sometimes take 2 minutes for my posts to show up in Google Reader and other times it takes 6 hours?

- I like to keep many posts visible on my main blog page. Does anyone have a problem with slow loading of my page (hillbillies with telegraphed rigged Internet connection need not answer).

- I just received 30 plus identical spam comments. I've deleted them all. Is this because I turned off my word verification? I've since turned it back on. I think I know the answer to this one.

- And please add any websites, templates or applications that you use for your blogs.

Thanks.

My Friend Sass - The Blog Fundraiser

I will now have a fund raiser for one of my favorite bloggers: Sass. Her blog is called Are you Satisfied? We all know that visits, comments and followers are the currency in the land of blogs. So in an effort to help each other increase the number of followers, I'm asking all of you to go to her blog and click, "FOLLOW THIS BLOG" on her sidebar. It's as simple as that. I'm sure you'll find her really interesting. I do.

The great thing about following a blog is that the posts will automatically be updated in your reader so you never miss a precious post. It's also good advertising for your blog because people will see that you follow a blog and then will check out your blog. I do it all the time and look how famous I am.

So go ahead, go to Sass's blog and add her as a follower. She's one cool chick. Thanks friend.

I Swear I'm Not Researching Hookers. I Swear.

So I'm at the library the other day. It's about 6:30 and someone from my wife's book club approaches.

Book Club Lady: Oh my God Zibbs. Funny to see you here.

Me: Hey - how you doin'? Do you come to the West Chester library often?

Book Club Lady: Once in a while. I just dropped my son of at guitar lessons so I have about an hour to kill. What are you working? (She glances down at my laptop).

Me: No - I was. I'm finished now. I'm just goofin' off.

Book Club Lady: OK. Well see you later.

She walks away and I look down at the blog I had been reading*. The title of the blog that is now almost flashing like a neon sign reads.......

"HOOKERS ON PARADE"

Stupid! I wanted to yell, "I SWEAR I'M NOT RESEARCHING HOOKERS! I SWEAR...LOOK..IT'S JUST THE TITLE OF A BLOG!!" - but didn't.

*The blog I was reading was Catherinette's - but I forget the name of her blog so chime in if you know it.

Here's A Blog That You Should Add To Your Reader

I have over 100 blogs in my Google reader. I need to delete some because I don't have time to read them all. One that I won't be deleting is Fonzie Sox. Most of the posts are a cool, weird or quirky picture followed by a few sentences. A nice relief from some of the novels that some bloggers - including me - post. Quick reading and always entertaining.

Go check it out and tell her Zibbs sent ya'.

West Chester PA Sure Does Know How To Cook

This is just a random picture I found on my computer of a rib eye steak and some fried eggs. I think that's some buffalo mozzarella on top of the steak. It's not a super food glam shot like I see on some food sites but what are you going to do?

If you're looking for some great food related sites here are two that happen to be West Chester based:

KimDec - Kimmie mixes in recipes with her regular posts. Her recipes are great and the photos are so good they could be in Gourmet Magazine. I made a variation of her Chiles Rellenos recipe after seeing the pics on her site.

Barbeque Bachelor - BBQ Bachelor is also a West Chester based food blogger. The next time you want to BBQ anything you really have to use his site for reference. I cook all of the time and visit many food websites when I want to try a new recipe but his is the first place I go when I need a new BBQ recipe. His blog could be made into a best selling BBQ book. Great recipes. Great pictures. Great instructions.

When you visit them, make sure to tell them that I sent you.

IRL Friend Send Message To Blogger

Do you know what Friends IRL means? It means friends in real life. Don't feel stupid. I just found out myself a few weeks ago. Anyway, my friend Calhoun who is my friend IRL has the hots for Gwen the blogger. He left a message on his dart board while we were watching the Phillies last week - see picture above.

And on the subject of Gwen the blogger, she just announced she's taking a vacation from blogging for a while because of lack of enthusiasm and some other stuff. I wish she weren't but everyone needs a break now and again. Hopefully I'll keep up my pace of blogging at least once a day. My IRL friends always ask where I find the time to blog. What those dummies don't know is that it doesn't take that long. Here are some of the things I do so blogging doesn't take up tons of time:

1) I keep a few small notebooks around so I can jot down ideas when I think of them.

2) When I see an article in the paper I tear it out and put it on my desk.

3) I keep pictures that are post worthy in a file on my computer called Pics to Blog.

4) I have various videos to blog on my playlist in YouTube.

5) I look at Google Trends for the hot news stories.

6) I look at blogs you guys don't read and copy and paste the posts word for word. Then, I cleverly change one word with another. Like if the blogger was writing a post about Ted, my post is about Charlie.

7) I start several posts so I have a few that are ready to go.

So there are a few tips. What do you guys do?

Now I will throw out a few writing assignments. Anyone who wants to write a post on any of the following topics, let me know in the comments section of this post by midnight Thursday and I'll add a link to your post.

Here are some topics:

- A time you saw an old or fat person fall down the steps or break a chair.

- A time you saw someone faint.

- A time where someone put their foot in their mouth.

- Worst throw up story.

- Funny story of someone quitting their job.

- Craziest concert story.

There you go.