Ending 2010

As we jump into the 11th year of this new millennium, I figure I'll post one more update to close out the 10th. The following additions will the be last for 2010 and in adding these few, we will have the final list of blogs to be included in the NL Bloggers Choice award.  Details of such will come in the New Year, but for now please take the time to welcome these newbies to the listings!

Island Girl
http://jennabarnable.wordpress.com/

M. Paterson's Class Blog
http://grade4beachycove.blogspot.com/

The Fighting Newfoundlander
http://thefightingnewf.blogspot.com/

Progressive Tory
http://progressive-tory.blogspot.com/

Designing Home
http://www.designinghome.blogspot.com/

Port aux Basques
http://portauxbasques.blogspot.com/

Two Hundred and Ten Thoughts For 2010/11
http://blockader.wordpress.com/


Happy New Year everyone.  I wish you all the best in 2011, and by the best I mean all the peace, love and happiness that you can find! 

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Categories Complete: Next!

Okay, so having a minor case of OCD isn't a bad thing when you want to get things done. I sat down and really focused over the past 24 hours and my reward is that I now have all the mini blogrolls for each category listed. You can check them out on the right hand sidebar. I hope you enjoy!

Oh, and to those listed here; if you happen to see your blog in category you feel it doesn't fit, please don't hesitate to let me know and I'll change it.

So, what's next for this ol' place?  Well, it's probably easiest to show my to do list:

• Scrap the current NL Bloggers Choice award and announce how things will progress starting early 2011. As a hint, the main focus now will be on awards for each of these new categories and will also feature more involvement with fellow members of the BlogRoll.
• Return to posting Blog of the Weeks and try really really hard to do so more consistently, you know like every week... considering the title of this initiative.
• Continue to try and find ways to help cross promote each other, something we've lost with the BlogRolling software being down.
• Search for possible willing participants to be Guest Bloggers for this ol' hub here.
• Do some general cleanup of the roll, removing blogs which have not been posted; normal stuff every year.

As you can see, there's still lots tickin' in this brain of mine and lots more to come to this BlogRoll of ours.  With the holiday season here however, a lot will have to wait until the New Year. 2011 is shaping up to be pretty exciting around these parts though.  Stay tuned!


Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Creating Categories

As I previously mentioned, one main focus of mine in this new re-development of the BlogRoll is the creation of categories for the listings. It's actually something I've wanted to do for years, but never found the motivation until recently. It was forced motivation perhaps, but BlogRolling's shutdown has certainly lit a fire under my butt to get it done... and I'm getting closer as each day passes.

At this point I have all 180+ blogs organized into categories that I feel they fit best and believe me, this was no easy task at times. As I visited each blog over the past few days, one thing I noticed (beyond how awesome this collection of blogs is) was that each space is so unique to itself and finding a common theme for many was difficult. Luckily however, in my days within the blogosphere I've come to learn of the term 'Mixed Bag' but I really tried to refrain from using that label unless absolutely necessary. I wanted to put the blogs in a category that I felt they fit best, what the main theme was. A Mixed Bag blog to me, has to hit several different topics in their posting, never knowing what will come the next time, which some of the blogs do.

Looks like we'll have about 15 different categories at this point though, which is pretty neat-o if you ask me. In the coming days and weeks, I'll be adding mini blogrolls to the right hand side of this blog; one for each of these categories.  Like the main roll, newly updated blogs will bump to the top of each of these lists.  The idea is to give visitors a better browsing experience by giving them a way for topical reading.

Beyond that however, the NL Bloggers Choice award will soon be updated as well. It will soon not be about the Blog of the Weeks any longer, but instead it will be about these categories. You'll have to stay tuned for that though.  Give me a chance b'y!  :)


Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Next Step: Newbies

Now that I have all the oldbies added to the main roll, it's time to add all those people who have been waiting (some of them) months to be added to our beloved list here.  I do very much apologize for the wait.  I've had a busy / crazy half a year... 

Regardless, the wait is over; behold, the newbies! Be sure to visit every single one of them and say hello for me!

This and That, but Mostly the Other Thing
http://mostlytheotherthing.blogspot.com/

The Penny-Roach’s
http://blog.canadianparents.com/pennyroach/

thenewfoundlandjournalist
http://thenewfoundlandjournalist.blogspot.com/

Knix Hand Knit
http://www.knixhandknit.blogspot.com/

travelling infinity
http://travellinginfinity.wordpress.com/

Sedna Photography Blog
http://sednaphotography.wordpress.com/

365 Project Blog
http://project3three6sixty5five.wordpress.com/

Technological Affair
http://technologicalaffair.blogspot.com/

Trevor Dean Photography
http://trevordeanphotography.blogspot.com/

BLARM!
http://blarmcast.com/

The Owlette
http://www.theowlerychronicles.wordpress.com/

Sorcha's Haven
http://anunquietspirit.wordpress.com/

Charlotte Morgan
http://www.charlottemorgan.com/site/

Brain Droppings
ringkeeper.blogspot.com/

24 Hours to Midnight: The Blog!
http://24hourstomidnight.wordpress.com/

Matthew Barter
http://matthewbarter.wordpress.com/

Danielle's World
http://daniellepercy.wordpress.com/

Crysto'
http://cryst0.blogspot.com/

St. John's Mom
http://stjohnsmom.blogspot.com/

that girl from around the bay
http://baygirl32.blogspot.com/

kim Vazquez.com
http://www.kimvazquez.com

Da View From Here...

http://daviewfromhere.blogspot.com/

Now that that's done, next up on my list of things to do is the development of the Categories.  Stay tuned!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Reconstructing

If you haven't noticed, things are a little different around these parts.  If it's your first time here, well I just finished updating the template a little.  While I still have a long way to go to get everything I have planned in order, having some progression feels good.

I've decided to move on completely (for now) from finding a widget or gadget to applet or whatever to host our blogroll in a way that we can all have the list easily.  There is just nothing else that does what blogrolling did.  Not in any realm which I've searched anyway.  So, in moving on I have begun using the blogroll widget here within blogger which does indeed bump updated blogs to the top of the list.  You can see this list to the left. Ain't it pretty?  I plan on creating several more of these for a variety of categories in the future as well, each displaying 5 of the most recently updated blogs in that topic.  I already have the nearly 200 blogs categorized and now I just have to add them.  First up is finalizing the main list however, which includes an addition of many new faces that have been waiting a very long time to be added.

As I said, there's a long way to go but, things are moving along.  Check back soon for more updates!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Minor Setback

Some sad news to share as I continue redeveloping things around these parts; it appears that the new system I found doesn't quite do everything we were used to. I can indeed create a list that with a little code we can all share, but this list does not update as new entries are posted. It seems that BlogRolling was the only system out there that does this or all that I can find anyway. It's a sad day in Stephen land...

Having said that, I will continue to collect the list in the new software and provide for sharing soon. It'll be in alphabetical form but, a great list none the less. I'll also continue looking for alternatives and please let me know if you come across any on your net journeys.

I'm also going to continue developing the categories idea I have and organize things a little better with these in mind. This will also be the start of the evolution of the Bloggers Choices Awards...

Not all is lost, but BlogRolling continues to be a service that is sorely missed. 

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Plan of Attack

So you know, I am busy trying to get everything back up and running again. I've been spending any chance I have as of late adding all the links (over 190 of them) to the new system I spoke of in the previous post. As soon as I have that done, I'll reveal it and pass along the new code for everyone to add to their sites.  This is of course in attempt to reconnect our beautiful network of Newfoundland and Labrador Blogs.

It doesn't end there though. I'm also visiting each page and categorizing each link this time around. I plan on adding more navigation sections throughout (like mini blogrolls for each category for example) to the site and also intend on redesigning the NL Bloggers Choice award to be now about winners for each of these categories. I'll have far more details in the future, but things are movin' in my mind and my available time is being spent getting things in order.

Oh, and to all those who have requested to join the blogroll in the past few months, you will definitely be added to this new system.

Bare with me but, I'll be sure to let you know as things progress!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Well Holy Crap

It looks like I may have found a solution that fits pretty much every need (so far as I can tell right now) that we have.  I won't get into the details right now, but it looks like we may be able to keep this thing going as it was.  You're still going to have to bare with me as I get all the links listed in this new location, but so far I'm pretty excited about things.  Motivated.

In the meantime, as I do that, be sure to remove the current BlogRolling code that you have on your websites if you haven't already (but you can keep the image and link to this place if you want).  The service is officially dead.  I'll have some new code to provide the the coming days (weeks... umm, maybe months because of the busy season) so be sure to keep an eye out. 

Stay tuned!

Just so you know...

... the blog IS being reworked.  I have some ideas that I'm working on in my spare time and am constantly searching for alternatives to BlogRolling.  I have a couple to test, but nothing solid as of yet.  I do have a remodeling idea for this whole thing though, so if all else fails, I'm going with that.  Bare with me.

BlogRolling Security Warnings

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am well aware of the security warnings that people are getting when visiting your site... and so is BlogRolling.   Before I get into the bad news, the good news is that there is no threat as you can see in the message below.  

The bad news?  Well, it appears BR will be shutting down soon, meaning our lovely blog collection (in this software) will die with it.   I'm scrambling to look for some solutions or alternate systems, but I'm doubtful in finding something as good as what BR is (or was).  If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

Stay tuned.  In the meantime, here's that update from BlogRolling:

Update on BlogRolling
We’re aware that there is an issue with BlogRolling blogrolls causing some browsers to display a security warning.

There’s nothing really wrong with BlogRolling itself but the way we connect your blog to the sites in your blogroll makes some security algorithms think there is.
If you find yourself in this situation, we recommend you remove the Blogrolling code from your site.

We’re probably going to be shutting the service down soon.  We’ll post more information here and on our Twitter account (@blogrolling) as we decide on next steps.
We’re hoping we can give you enough time to get any data you need out of your blogrolling account before we shut down, but if you really need that data, you might want to get it now just in case.

Why aren’t we just fixing it and letting you continue using the service?

BlogRolling has largely been on auto-pilot for the last six months or so. The people who built it for us don’t work for us anymore. Even though it doesn’t make us any money, we wanted to keep it running because we know folks like it.  But we’re not really comfortable with the code causing security warnings and that means it’s probably time for the service to end.

Thanks for your support. Stay tuned for more details in the next few days.

Don't Worry...

...It's coming back.

To all those waiting to be added, you'll get there.

Stay tuned...   :)

Approaching Two Hundred

With the addition of the new blogs below, we stand at 192 blogs on the BlogRoll.  Outstanding!

Please take the time to check out the new additions and be sure to say hello.

Meadowsweet Organics

http://www.meadowsweetorganics.blogspot.com/

The Bellevue Guy - Bryan
http://thebellevueguy-bryan.blogspot.com/

Stephen Rowsell Photography
http://srowsell.wordpress.com/

RONiN photography
http://roninphoto.blogspot.com/

Birding Newfoundland
http://birdingnewfoundland.blogspot.com/

JeffPower.ca
http://jeffpower.ca/


Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 05/16 - 05/22 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of May 16th to May 22nd 2010 is "Newfoundland Labrador Travel Blog".  With summer fast approaching, so is the tourism season and I figured this was a good a time as any to select this space for promotion.  The blog is a subsection of NewfoundlandLabrador.com which in itself is a wonderful tool to help plan your trip to our beautiful province.  The blog itself focuses on things you can do while you are here and features pictures, videos and articles of many activities, sights and sounds of our beloved province.   It's well worth the visit and more importantly, its something to share with non Newfoundland and Labradorians as they start planning their vacations.   We love visitors!  

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 05/09 - 05/15 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of May 9th to May 15th 2010 is "K. Bruce Lane - Photo of the Day".  It's been a while since I've selected a photo blog for this initiative and with so many of this type on the roll, I figure it's about time I did.  K. Bruce's blog is particularly unique due to the frequency of posting.  For several years now, he has posted a beautiful original photo (or many most times) each and every day.  It takes dedication to keep this sort of thing going and I commend him fully for doing so, especially considering how wonderful all the pictures are.  I highly suggest a visit and no matter what day you choose to do so, you're in for something new.  Get going!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Unforgettables

There's a couple of reminders I've been meaning to make for quite some time now and as I mentioned in my last post, I've reserved this week to do just that.  I can't believe how fast Wednesday has come actually....

Adding the BlogRoll List to Your Blog


I can't stress the importance enough of adding the actual blogroll to your own blogs.  The reason why this whole thing works so well is because it's a targeted (the main topic of course being Newfoundland and Labrador) interconnected list of blogs.  A portion of your traffic is most definitely coming from other blog owners who have the list on their site and the more that have the list, the more the traffic everyone will receive.  Without the connection, nobody is finding anyone and we certainly don't want that, right? 

Adding the code is very easy if your familiar with using your blogging software at all.  You just have to grab the code (which is here) and put it wherever you want on your site.  There's a couple of different display options for you to chose from as well.

I encourage everyone listed on the BlogRoll to do this.  There's a link about this on the main menu up top for future reference as well.

PING Your Blog


I should actually put this topic first in the post, but now that I'm on a roll here I'm going to keep rolling on...

It is highly, extremely, incredibly important to take the time and ping your blog; but not only pinging it using free services like pingoat.net/ or pingomatic.com/, but also BlogRolling itself.  This is the service that is hosting the BlogRoll and often times is not listed on those aforementioned free ping sites.

The key thing to keep in mind here is that, by doing this, you will bump your blog up to the top of the list letting everyone know that you've updated.  I'm sure you can see why this is a handy thing to do.  It's honestly the first thing I do when I hit submit on a new post.  Keep in mind that there are over 180 blogs listed here and at least half have the BlogRoll added to the page.  Pinging is important...

... and to close by return, you can now fully understand why adding the list to your own site is as well quite important.  The community thrives on it.

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

New Blogs But No Blog of the Week

I've decided to postpone the Blog of the Week selection for this week,  mainly because I have a number of posts that I wanted to write that I've yet to have time for.  I figured I'd use this week to do just that and not risk bumping the Blog of the Week selection too far down the page as I do so.

In the meantime, please take the time to check out these 6 new blogs I just added to the roll.  That should keep you busy for a bit...

Rock Solid Politics
http://rocksolidpolitics.blogspot.com/

It's A Cabana Life
http://its-a-cabana-life.blogspot.com/

Creating Health
http://healthwithmax.wordpress.com/

Torbay Today
http://torbaytoday.blogspot.com/

Pyro Pat's Newfoundland Fireworks
http://pyropatsnewfoundlandfireworks.blogspot.com/

Little Green Room
http://littlegreenroom.blogspot.com/

Check back next Sunday for the selection that week and be sure to tune in during the week as well as I have a number of this to discuss.  Until then, be well!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 04/25 - 05/01 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of April 25th to May 1st 2010 is "Rattling Books Blog" which is run by the Canadian audio book publisher based in Newfoundland and Labrador with the same name.  The blog is updated in a semi frequent fashion with posts featuring the latest news, information on upcoming related events, background info on authors and books and even has some excerpts from said books to sit back and enjoy.  All in all, it's a nice little space from a well known publishing company in the province and well worth the visit... so get goin'!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Nearly a Dozen New Blogs

It's been a while since I've had a chance to add any new blogs to the roll and as you can see below, I've had a lot of requests; 11 new additions in fact!

Please welcome them on board by way of a friendly visit.  I'm sure they'll enjoy the company!

Florabirdie's Nest
http://florabirdie.blogspot.com/

Exposing The Truth On The RocK
http://www.exposingthetruthontherock.blogspot.com/

Readily a Parent
http://www.readilyaparent.com/

My Newfoundland Adventures
http://mynewfoundland.blogspot.com/

Snow Kiting in Newfoundland
http://snowkite.ca/

Humber Valley Resort
http://humbervalleyresort.blogspot.com/

Norton’s Cove Studio
http://www.nortonscovestudio.blogspot.com/

Norton's Cove Cards & Mini-Prints
http://www.cardsandminis.blogspot.com/

Bonavista North Museum & Gallery
http://www.bonavistanorth.blogspot.com/

Cupids Cove Chatter
http://cupidscovechatter.com/

At Home on the Rock
http://www.athomeontherock.blogspot.com/


Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 04/18 - 04/24 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of April 18th to April 24th 2010 is "The Grumpy Goat Gallery"; an extremely colorful blog out of Upper Island Cove, Newfoundland.   This space is the online presence for 2 artists (Cara and Pam) from the area and features a collection of beautiful work from these two.  With images and descriptions of many of their incredible pieces, this is the one stop shop for a collection of wonderful artwork from local artists.   I highly recommend visiting to check them all out for yourself!  Click the pic and away you go!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 04/11 - 04/17 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of April 11th to April 17th 2010 is "Canadians For 9/11 Truth"; a blog out of St. John's which has been a member of the roll since the beginning.  The site focuses on the events of September 11th 2001, but more specifically on the tireless efforts of many people in Canada who have an overwhelming drive to expose the realities and truths about that fateful day.  This is the central hub for dozens of 9/11 Truth Groups across our great country and a place you can not only find out what people are doing to spread information, but also discover the very information that is being spread.  With many articles posted, a discussion forum available and over 60 videos on the topic embedded on the site, this blog is one that could keep you busy for quite some time.  I encourage you to check it out.

NOTE:

With today being Truth Action Day for April ('Every 11th of Every Month Until Justice') I could not pass up joining in the efforts by selecting this space as the Blog of the Week this time around.  

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 04/04 - 04/10 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of April 04th to April 10th 2010 is "Rand and Roar"; a blog by John Meany who is freelance cartoonist (amoung many other things as noted in his bio) out of St. John's.  The blog has little writing and is very plain but I actually enjoy it that way as it helps accentuate what the blog is actually about; the cartoons.  There are tonnes of them posted at nearly daily offerings and every single one of them is great.  John has had many of his cartoons published in the past and rightfully so I say as he does indeed have a great talent.  Go check them out for yourself and I'm sure you'll agree!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 03/28 - 04/03 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of March 28th to April 3rd 2010 is "Eastern Health - Discovery Needs Assessment".   This particular blog is dedicated to discussing and developing a health needs assessment in the region and provides a great way for locals to communicate and further take part in the process of doing just that.  With all the news as of late regarding Eastern Health, I figured this blog was a good one to highlight this week.  There is plenty of information on Eastern Health and their challenges and I highly suggest anyone interested in the topic to check it out.  Click the pic to take you there!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Clean Up Time is a Sad Time

I took a peak at all the links in the list tonight and weeded out any dead and inactive ones, and by that I mean in this case a non poster for about 8 months.  As always, if you're blog is listed below and you get back on the go, please let me know.

I didn't mean to do that; that rhyme thing.

I do plan on going back and looking through all the blogs that I've removed since we started so many moons ago... when I find the time.  I'll get there.  In the meantime, below are the ones we wave so long to for now:


Journeys in Eternity
http://journeysineternity.wordpress.com/
Last Post: July 3rd 2009

Handmade Naturals
http://handmadenaturals.blogspot.com/
Open to invited readers only

flip or fantasy
http://fliporfantasy.blogspot.com/
Last Post: July 8th 2009

Scenes and Things
http://www.beothic.blogspot.com/
Last Post: May 11th 2009

THE ASSOCIATION OF DISAFFILIATED ARTISTS
http://www.tadanl.blogspot.com/
Last Post: March 30th 2009

Hightone Cafe
http://hightonecafe.blogspot.com/
Last Post: APRIL 26, 2009

Nook and Cranny
http://nfldnookandcranny.blogspot.com/
Does not exist anymore

You will marry your true love and be happy
http://steffmckenzie.blogspot.com/
Last Post: June 16, 2009

POP CULTURE REFERENCE
http://bagofhats.blogspot.com/
Last Post: JANUARY 15, 2009

REDEFiNE iT
http://redefineit.blogspot.com/
Last Post: MAY 10, 2009

life as i know it...
http://skylarkd.blogspot.com/
Last Post: July 07, 2009

Canadian Politico
http://canadianpolitico.blogspot.com/
Last Post July 14, 2008

Newfoundland News of Note
http://nnofn.blogspot.com/
Opened to invited readers only

Comical Hell Sin
http://mcanagram.blogspot.com/
Last Post: JULY 27, 2009

MoneyGrubbingLawyer
http://moneygrubbinglawyer.com/
Closed

Labrador Power
http://www.labradorpower.blogspot.com/
Last post: JANUARY 24, 2009

Expatriate Games
http://koreangoldfish.blogspot.com/

Cameron Inquiry | Breast Cancer | Blog
http://www.cameroninquiry.ca/
Last Post: March 1st 2009

The Awake
http://theawake.blogspot.com/
Last Post: MAY 27, 2009

TRUTH&FICTION
http://nltriction.blogspot.com/
Last Post: JUNE 26, 2009

TOWNIE EATS
http://www.townieeats.blogspot.com/
Last Post: JULY 24, 2009


Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Donna O'Rielly Found

In reference to a post from a couple weeks back, some fellow bloggers may be interested to know this.  Updates on the situation can be found on CBC's site but I am happy to report that she is alive and in good health.

Blog of the Week : 03/21 - 03/27 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of March 21st to March 27th 2010 is 'The Other Side of Sixty'.  This space from 'Wisewebwoman' (who is an Irish born Newfoundlander) features 'random thoughts from an older perspective' and her posts are be focused on just about anything; spirituality, climate change, knitting, movies, books, organic gardening and so on.  Like I said, just about anything.  Her perspective on such things is an important one as it provides insight into our past in relation to now.   Her posts are fun to read and very informative so I highly suggest you check it out.  Go on!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

No Cleanup but a Few Newbies

I didn't get a chance to clean up the blog this week (so if you haven't posted in a while and are listed, be sure to get something on there to show you're still active) BUT I do have some New Blogs to share which I've listed today.


This Rock Rocks
http://www.thisrockrocks.com/php_blog/

Baby Names Research
http://babynamesresearch.com/blog/

Lost and Found
http://lostandnewfound.blogspot.com/

ViewPoint 2010
http://2010viewpoint.blogspot.com/


Go say hello!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

NO BOTW This Week

If you came here looking for the Blog of the Week for this week, I have to apologize, there will be no selection this time around.  It's been a busy day and I've had minimal access to the PC until now.   Please come back next week and see who the selection is.

Also, as a heads up,  I plan on doing some cleanup this week and removing any blogs that have not been active... and add a couple new ones in the process.

Stay tuned...

Blog of the Week : 03/07 - 03/13 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of March 7th to March 13th 2010 is 'Newfoundland Hockey Talk'; "the definitive fan site for minor and senior hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador."  With the Olympics just ending (and Canada winning Gold!!), the NHL pushing it's way to the playoffs and any other hockey organization perhaps doing the same, I figure this was a great time to select this blog.  The site has been around since 2005 (with the blog being added in 2007) and boasts as being the largest fan site for this topic... and I wouldn't doubt that one bit.  It has a lovely design and many articles for anyone interested in local hockey and beyond.   So, don't waste time reading what I have to say, go check it out for yourself!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Newfoundland Woman Missing From Moncton

Steve at Oh Me Nerves gave me the heads up on this.  If anyone reading this happens to know anything, please contact the appropriate people.  Help find Donna O’Reilly.

On Friday February 26 at 8 pm, Donna O’Reilly, 54, disappeared as she was leaving her job in Highfield Square in Moncton.  She was seen leaving the building but never made it to her car just a few metres from the door. 

Donna, a native of Isle aux Morts, Newfoundland, is five-foot-three, 130 pounds, and has green eyes and shoulder length hair.  According to CBC.ca, her family believes the only possible explanation for her disappearance is abduction.

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 02/28 - 03/06 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of Feb 28th to March 6th 2010 is 'Adventures of Canadian Post Secondary Education'; a blog from Dale Kirby who is an assistant professor of Post Secondary education studies at MUN.  This space from Dale is described as "devoted to the identification and discussion of major issues, policies, practices, problems and research in post-secondary education in Canada and elsewhere."  It has been around for a number of years and is a wealth of information for anyone interested in education; students, teachers and the general public as a whole.  Check it out!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 02/21 - 02/27 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of Feb 21st to Feb 28th 2010 is 'The Ocean View Hotel'; a blog out of western Newfoundland and used mainly as a way to promote this hotel in Battle Harbour.  The blog is not solely about self promotion however; there is plenty of information by way of articles and videos that promote Newfoundland and Labrador as a whole, but specifically the majestic Gros Morne National Park.  With travel information, special packages and plenty of info on this beautiful park, it's a one stop spot for your wilderness travelling needs.  Go on and check it out!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Newly Listed

I've been wanting to get to this for quite a while, but just have not had the time.  As you can see below, there were quite a few new blogs waiting to be listed... and finally, they are!  Please take the time to visit.

Tickling Bight
http://ticklingbight.blogspot.com/

Newfoundland & Labrador-”As I see it”
http://maverick1966.wordpress.com/

Dolce
http://candishop.net/dolce/

#Goodtimes
http://goodtimesblog.ca/

All Things Newfoundland
http://allthingsnewfoundland.blogspot.com/

Handmade Naturals
http://www.handmadenaturals.blogspot.com/

I'se the B'y
http://isetheby.org/

Donna Ramsay Photography
http://www.donnaramsay.blogspot.com 

Newfoundland and Labrador 9/11 Truth
http://nl911truth.blogspot.com/

NOTE: This last one is another one of mine and it was part of the roll in the past.  It is returning now because I've once again found the light inside to tackle this topic head on.




Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 02/14 - 02/20 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of Feb 14th to Feb 20th 2010 is 'NewfoundlandPhotographer.ca' which is a photo blog by the lovely and talented Kim Goodyear.  Kim describers herself as a 'self confessed people photographer' and as you scroll through her many posts of pics, it's clearly evident that she has a knack for capturing subjects beautifully.  From baby pictures to wedding snaps, Kim has a bevy of delightful pictures to peruse and even has information on how she can be hired to take your snaps.  So,no need to waste any further time here, go check it out!


Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 02/07 - 02/13 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of Feb 7th to Feb 13th 2010 is 'Polemic & Paradox'.  This frequently updated blog from Peter L. Whittle is a long time member of the BlogRoll and features a variety of topics from every aspect of life, both in and beyond our Province.  Though often political in his discussions, Peter does not limit himself to just analyzing every move the Premier or Prime Minister make.  As you scroll down through the posts you can find anything from UFO sighting information to random funny videos on just about anything with a mix of cartoon panels posted throughout.  It's a great addition to your blog travels, so if you haven't been there yet, there is now no excuse.  Go!  Click the pic.


Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 01/31 - 02/06 2010

The 'Blog of the Week' for the week of Jan 31st to Feb 6th 2010 is 'Signal - The St. John's Blog', which is a fairly new addition to the roll but equally worthy of this designation.  The space is self described as "more than just a blog about St. John’s - Signal is the St. John’s blog." and whether or not this declaration is universal truth, this blog does have a bounty of discussions surrounding the capitol city.  With contributors to the site being local writers, musicians, filmmakers and many others, it certainly is "A celebration of – and infatuation with -  everything unique and wonderful that this city has to offer".  That's their words... and I completely agree with it!

Take the time to pop on by and be sure to tell them that the NL BlogRoll sent ya!  Click the pic and away you go.


Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Rollin' Some New Blogs

Here's a few more new blogs for ya'll to chew on.  Go say hello!

Pop Goes The Rock
http://popgoestherock.blogspot.com/


Eastern Health - Discovery Needs Assessment
http://www.discoveryneedsassessment.blogspot.com/


Clarenville Campus Life
http://www.clarenvillecampus.blogspot.com/


St. Mary's Anglican Church Clarenville
http://unofficialstmarysanglicanchurch.blogspot.com/


Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Blog of the Week : 01/24 - 01/30 2010

After a long hiatus from posting here, followed by a crazy two weeks of voting for the NL Bloggers Choice award, The 'Blog of the Week' returns for round 2 of the newest of initiatives.  So, without further delay the blog of choice for the week of Jan 24th to Jan 30th 2010 is 'A Wicked Scoff'.   Besides the "recipes, photographs, anecdotes, reviews and other insights on everything food related" that this blog brings, what's equally delightful to me is that the blog owner is giving us a Newfoundlanders perspective as he lives in New England, USA.  The blog itself is self described as a "fusion of both Newfoundland and New England perspectives of the culinary world" and for that, it's a must visit for any food lover... and who isn't right?  So get going... unless of course you're on some sort of New Year's Diet.  Then, I'd probably stay away. :)

Click the pic to check it out! 

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

We Begin Again

In late 2008, as a way to further help promote the blogs in our community here, we started a Blog of the Week initiative.  While this little adventure was a huge success in itself, it was decided that to  build the community further, something else was needed and voila; the NL Bloggers Choice was born... and with resounding success!

Before tomorrow and the start of a new round of Blog of the Weeks, I just wanted to recap the first ever Bloggers Choice awards which clued up just last week:

• Due to heavy promotion by the blog owners in the first round, an explosion of traffic came to this site resulting in thousands of votes.  It was complete madness, in fact.  With over 550 comments posted in the vote thread and 4800 votes cast via the Poll, I was completely blown away by the response. 

• 'The Maintream Media' caught wind of the initiative and thought it interesting enough to talk about.  I was on the Morning Show with Jeff Gilhooly, had a wonderful article by Kerri Breen  published in The Telegram and was interviewed by Angela Antle of CBC's Weekend Arts Magazine who provided me with a link to a podcast of our talk.
  

• And of course two blogs won and those are again John Gushue... Dot, Dot, Dot and Bitstop.  Congrats!  Bravo.
  

Also, as a heads up, I did learn a few things from this initial round of the NL Bloggers Choice.  I kind of now consider it a beta test for an ongoing project.  The response to this whole thing has not only rejuvinated my drive to keep this place updated but also awakened my mind to thoughts of bettering it.  So, here's what I've been thinking.

• Instead of 10 blogs per round, I will up the total to 16.  I did not want to saturate everything by going every 2 and a half months, PLUS I wanted to give more exposure to those that are voted the winners each round.
  

• With that thought, I'll also be inviting the winners to add exclusive content monthly to the hub here, with links back to their blogs of course.  This is in effort to add a little more value to the NL Bloggers Choice Award.
  

• Voting will change as well.  Instead of just a 2 fold system of poll votes and comment votes, I'm going to add further complexity to it all.  The poll votes will remain the same, but the change comes with regards to how comments are valued.   It'll now be a 3 fold system within itself:
• Anonymous posting will be worth 1 vote.
  

• Non (those with profiles or links to them) will be worth 2 votes.

• AND, in effort to further develop our community here, fellow NL Bloggers will be worth 5 votes.  One vote only and distinguished with a link back to their blog in their comment.

As I stop here and look at this now, I come to the realization that I perhaps put entirely too much thought into all this.  Then again, you should see what I do as the commish for fantasy hockey league.  Now that is obsessive compulsive.  This is nothing!

So stay tuned for tomorrows blog because it all begins again.  With these first round behind us and with what I believe to be improvements put in place, it's sure to be a fun ride!  Let's see what happens shall we...

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

First and Foremost - New Blogs!

Before I do anything else here (ie: recap the last couple of weeks), I really have to take the time to add the new blogs that sprung up recently.  While I'm at it, here's an invite to the rest of you to go visit.  In other words...

10 New Blogs!!  Go say hi.

Ramblings from Afar
http://baygirl-ramblingsfromafar.blogspot.com/

Greg's Real Estate Blog
http://activerain.com/blogs/rgosmond

Nate Gates' Blog
http://www.nategates.com/theblog/

What you see in here, stays in here
http://www.vickielinegar.blogspot.com/

My Yellow Apple
http://myyellowapple.blogspot.com/

Don't Know Much About Photography
http://aurorastears.blogspot.com/

Model Citizens
http://modelcitizensvintage.blogspot.com/

Judy Cooper Textile Designs
http://judycooper.blogspot.com/

A Newfoundland Blog
http://nfldblog1.blogspot.com/

Coastal Cruising in a Pathfinder
http://buildingpathfinder.blogspot.com/


Did you visit them all?  Nice wha'?!

Please, as this list grows, remember to PING YOUR BLOG each time you post something new as this will bump your blog to the top of the list, letting everyone else know to check it out!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

And the Winner is...

After a whirlwind of a couple of weeks for myself and this blog which followed a response that completely blindsided me, this day came pretty quick. It seems like the contest just started, but now the votes have been cast and counted for our first ever NL Bloggers Choice award.  It's now the moment we've all been waiting for; Announcing the winners!  Let's get right to it shall we?

As you may have read, there are 2 winners for this award with those being the top 2 blogs out of the 24 listed with the most votes (by way of a Poll worth 1 point and Comments worth 2).  The two winners this time around did a brilliant job at getting out the vote and truly commanded the lead in votes by doing so.  In the end though, there is only one top winner and for this round, nobody got out a vote like John Gushue did.  With that, his blog is declared the first place choice NL Blogger.

NL Bloggers Choice Award - Top Winner

John Gushue... Dot, Dot, Dot

2722 Points

NL Bloggers Choice Award - 2nd Place Winner

Bitstop

1774 Points

Congratulations to both of you.  It is well deserved!

Besides the 2 winners, I'd like to share some love to the 5 blogs who were runners up in the contest.  They are as listed below.  Please take the time to visit and say hello.

• Rock Recipies 
• Missing the Rock 
• NL Running 
• Kayaking Dreamin' 
• Gas and Oil

This was all very exciting folks.  I have a recap of everything this week and also a couple of annoucements on some changes that'll come to the contest for the next round.   For now, please take the time to not only the 2 wonderful winners and the 5 runners up but also all the blogs on the NL BlogRoll.  It's a wonderful ride.  Trust me.

Until next time, congratulations to all once again!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Final Push

Before you do anything else, 
GO HERE to VOTE for your choice NL Blogger!

The final push for votes is on with just over 12 hours to go until everything ceases and the counting begins.  As it currently stands, we have 4513 votes in the poll and 513 comments in the vote post which is a massively unexpected amount.

And you know what, it's just now dawning on me that... I have to count all those...

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

Two Days Remain

As per normal as of late, if you have yet to do so, before you do anything else, 
GO HERE to VOTE for your choice NL Blogger!

With only 2 days remaining for the vote process, we now have 3916 votes in the poll and 471 comments in the vote thread.  The turnout continues to impress the heck out of me and what's best is that it's not over yet.  Lots of votes can come in just over 48 hours, so keep the votes comin'!

In other news...
For those waiting to be added to the list (or have something updated), please be patient.  I'll be getting to that next week, among a few other things I'd like to knock off my To-Do list.

Related to that, if anyone knows anyone who owns a blog that is not on this list, that SHOULD be on this list, please have them contact me so that they're included.  Our family here can never be too big, so be sure to pass the link on.

Not much else to share beyond that right now, but please remember  to GO VOTE for your favorite NL Blogger!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

5 Days and Counting

If you have yet to do so, before you do anything else, 
GO HERE to VOTE for your choice NL Blogger!

As of right now there are 2338 votes in the poll and 278 comments posted in the vote thread.  Wowzers!

In other news, the wonderful Angela Antle provided me with a link to the podcast of our chit chat we had the other day regarding the Blogroll, which was aired on Sunday morning during CBC's Weekend Arts Magazine.  You should all go check it out.  Don't laugh at me though!

AND I'm sure if anyone caught it, but a wonderful article by Kerri Breen was published in The Telegram today.  It was very lovely meeting Kerri and just wanna take this time to say thanks a billion!

Oh and I almost forgot (because I'm not used to such early mornings) I was on the Morning Show with Jeff Gilhooly today as well.  Thanks Jeff and everyone over at CBC Radio.

All in all, this is fantastic promotion for all the blogs here and blogging in Newfoundland, generally speaking.  Thanks to everyone for participating so fully that this much attention was made aware of us.  It's all very overwhelming at this point...

But there are still 5 days and counting, so as I end this, please remember to GO VOTE!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

One Week Left to Vote!

I've refrained from posting over the past week to try and keep the Voting post as visible as possible.  SO, if you're reading this and you haven't done so yet, GO VOTE for the your Choce Blogger.  You can pop back to read this post after that's done... or visa versa I s'pose, as long as you remember to cast your vote!

With one week left to voting it's time however, I do some talking.  I'll make it quick.

-- As of right now there are 1,450 votes in the poll and 159 comments.  The response has been overwhelmingly incredible, something I'll discuss heavily later on.  Don't let that stop you from getting more out to vote though.  Let's keep it going!

-- If you're up between 6 and 9 tomorrow morning, turn on CBC radio and tune into WAM with the lovely Angela Antle.  She was kind enough to give the Blogroll and the contest some air time, something that completely blindsided me, by the way.   I had no idea the response would be this crazy but in the end, it was great meeting Angela and it was a really fun interview, so be sure to tune in!

-- Voting for the contest closes at 11:59pm Saturday January 16th, 2010.  I'll announce the winners the next morning.

-- The Blog of the Week will return the following Sunday.

-- For those waiting to get on the roll, I promise that I'll get to you.  Just let this contest die down first, okay?  I'll get there!

-- For those NOT on the BlogRoll yet:  We don't bite, Join us!

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll

VOTE NOW! - NL Bloggers Choice Award

Voting is now CLOSED for our first ever 
NL Bloggers Choice Award!  Thank you all for voting!

--
I've decided to put all 24 blogs together for voting purposes instead of in a number of waves (as I originally intended).  With this, I'll be leaving the polls open for two weeks instead of the usual one that will come every 10 Blog of the Weeks in the future.  ALSO, the top TWO blogs will get an Award this time around!

Remember, votes via comments to THIS post are worth more (2 points for 1 comment) and I encourage everyone to share what they like about the blog they choose.

There is also a Poll in the sidebar as well.   For more information on what's going on here, check out the introduction post for the NL Bloggers Choice Award.

NL Bloggers Choice Award

PLEASE NOTE: The NL BlogRoll site is currently under a revamping stage.  One major element which will be revamped is the Bloggers Choice award that is discussed below.  Details on such changes will come in 2011, but if you are curious feel free to read how it was done in the past.

---------------------

The newest initiative to hit the Newfoundland and Labrador BlogRoll is the 'NL Bloggers Choice Award', which quite simply is a blog most voted upon by fellow blog owners and other visitors to our hub here. It's sort of like a people's choice award that happens every couple of months. The imitative stated in January 2010 and will continue for however long I and/or this blog survives.

Here's how it works:

Every TEN 'Blog of the Weeks' will be listed and available for visitors to vote apon for one full week. Voting can occur in two ways. First, by way of a simple poll which will be located in the sidebar and secondly (and perhaps most importantly) by way of comments added in the voting post. I'll be adding a higher weight to votes cast by way of comments (a 2 for 1 ratio) to help entice voters to share reasons why they voted the way they did.

SO, for example, if Blog A gets 10 votes in the poll but Blog B gets 6 comments in the thread, Blog B will be rewarded the NL Bloggers Choice award.

The Award:

The choice blogger will be rewarded with some free advertising here on the NL BlogRoll Blog. This will be by way of a 125by125 clickable snapshot (or pic of your choice) hosted on the site for at least 2 and a half months (which is the time it takes for 10 blogs to be featured). 

As always, comments and suggestions are always welcome!

New Year Newbies

It seems that in my absence from updates to this blog, bloggers have been clamoring to get listed with the rest of us.  Well, not clamoring, but requesting and before I get into anything new (as I mentioned in a recent email) I figured we should get these new friends added.  

Please take the time to visit these wonderful new additions!

That’s Tangly
http://angryredhead.wordpress.com/

Hey! What's up with That!
http://heywhatsupwiththatstuff.blogspot.com/

The Ocean View Hotel
http://oceanviewexperience.com/

Little Poems and Pretty Pictures
http://littlepoemsandprettypictures.blogspot.com/

lowercasestudio.com
http://www.lowercasestudio.com/

Labrador Moving
http://labradormoving.blogspot.com/

Virtual High School Meanderings
http://virtualschooling.wordpress.com/

My Blog. My Rules.
http://worstblogevernewfoundland.blogspot.com/

My Husband's Cancer RCC
http://www.myhusbandskidneycancer.com/

St. John's Daily Weather Forecast
http://stjohnsweatherforecast.blogspot.com/


Go play nice everyone!!  Stay tuned for more in the coming days.

Newfoundland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, BlogRoll