Blogging and Security

Wuzzup, Fam? This is Michaelito.

Alright, I mentioned to mom the other day that I wasn't too keen on sharing a whole lot of personal information regarding our family with the world. I took a look at their security features and was somewhat disappointed. We can lock it down, but as with any security measure, it usually makes things a bit more cumbersome. This is certainly the case with the options I'm seeing available right now. Invitees can view using a month-long guest account (Permanent guest account available? Doesn't look like it.), or the blog can be made to where only the blog authors can see it. Of course, Google account holders can be given access as well. It's at least currently set to not be indexed by search engines, which helps.

Looks like our best option would be to "continue as guest." However, it looks like the invitation is very likely to expire after a month or so. For now I'll leave the blog public. I'm addicted to RSS feeds at the moment. =) Maybe I can find a way to use it with the increased security. I'm using FeedDemon, and it's nice since it syncs up on both my laptop and desktop using an account on their server. Apparently it's as good, if not better in many respects compared to Bloglines or even Google Reader. I'm always going from one machine to another, so I wanted my feeds saved to a centralized server. It would be nice if it would do the same for all my bookmarks, too! I'd like to feel comfortable posting my Xmas wishlist here, but I'm more likely to e-mail it.



P.S.: in case you're wondering how I'm making these sweet screenshots, I'm using a program called Jing. It's pretty slick. When it asks for an e-mail address and other garbage, just put in bogus info. and you'll be good. It's Mac and PC compatible. And above all, it's free!

MBD in DC

The clouds were crying that cold December night. It was Tuesday, and it was dark. I rushed home, frenzied. Walk quickly, I thought. I was to pick up two of my roommates and head into the night to the other side of town. Across the district we crawled, the bright red eyes of the vehicle-demons splotchy in my windshield. There were hundreds of them there. No, thousands. At a snail's pace we crawled, changing lanes at the drop of a hat, yet never seeming to go very far. Finally, we arrived at the Rock n Roll Hotel. The rain still came down in cacophonous sheets of wetness and chill. The street was lined with cars, cooling off in the ebony end of day. I slowly drove past the doors of the hotel. James! There he was, entering the building. We called his name, he looked up. He presented me with a piece of paper designed to keep my ticket-free while we remained at the hotel.

Okay, I can't keep this up. Here's how it happened, people. Kristen, Bridget and I came in on the last of Shara's sound check. We chatted it up, hugged it out, and decided to meet up at the coffee shop next door so K, B and I could get dinner. Shara met up with us at the coffee shop. We talked, we laughed, we caught up. Then we went back to the venue and hung out in the green room with the other band members. It was such fun! We told stories, we shared greasy bar food. The show started a bit late, and every minute of it was gold. Clare & The Reasons are divine. I'm listening to their CD The Movie right now. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Shara and I danced in the audience as they played "Rodi." Then Shara came out and put on a show to impress the dullest of the attendees. We danced, we swayed, we cheered. She trilled, jived, and serenaded. Glorious. My roommates were quite impressed. James did an excellent job manning the CD/goodies table. Then he did an excellent job in the final number of the set when the puppet show took place. Amazing. It brought a tear to my eye. Good song. Great show.

So then we hugged it out, said "See you in a couple weeks" and walked into the night again to return to 925. We all loved every minute of it. (Oh, by the way I didn't end the night ticket free. Don't worry, I'm contesting it.)

My Brightest Diamond-Washington, D.C.

Well, Gilliburger, you'll have to give us a blog re: the show tonight and your take on the musical event.

Lovin' ya
AK

Christmas family photo

Hi Everyone,

One of our varied plans for the family holiday gathering is a family photo with Grandma at a location TBA. We are requesting that everyone's attire be blue jeans with a black top and/or a red top, if black is not in your wardrobe. This will be a "casual" photo, first one in a long time with Granny, our 98 year old.

Looking forward to lots of good times with all!

KR and SB

P.S. Gillian, please convey this message to your cousin this evening. I'm not sure she is able to access the family blog on the road. Thanks.

Photo

Okay, I have one photo of the Ryan bunch. Let's see if I can add one from the Wright bunch.

Grandma's birthday

Sis and I are asking that family members prepare for a birthday party/gift for Grandma on Christmas evening. The thought is to share a song, skit, something funny, dance, whatever you would like to do for Grandma as a "gift" for her birthday. As you all know, she will be most pleased to be entertained by her children and grandchildren.

Per Sis, the Ryan's will sing, "Mary had a Baby Boy" and a duet will be sung by S&K. Beyond that, the program is yours. Thanks for your thoughtful consideration in advance.

Love,
AK