Sleep Journal

Have you ever been asleep, dreaming the awesome dreams that I'm sure we all do, when you're awakened suddenly and feel the need to record your dream for all to see? This would be a Sleep Journal, which is the title of the blog written by Alex (aka Xryth) in which he speculates about the nature of the dream state and reality, as well as records his lucid sleep experiences.

Alex/Xryth doesn't have much down so far, and has only started this project recently. The power that rocketed it to one of the top spots in my blog reading list, though, is visible in a post entitled 'Dreams: The Blueprints of Reality.' In it, he makes such points as:

"I first thought of the definition of 'real' being 'something that is tangible, and solid.' If that is your definition of real, then certainly your waking life is not real, as per the fact that you only perceive objects in your mind."

     -Alex (Xryth) of Sleep Journal

While much of his philosophy is nothing new (see Descartes and his 'evil daemon'), it is thought-provoking, and is refreshing to the mind. Xryth can get this information into an understandable, impressive  packet of a post for those of us who do not want to read books upon books for one such idea. This is a layman's deep philosophy.

Work your mind at Sleep Journal, unless you don't believe the mind is real enough to be worked out.

Wallpapers, and Wallpapers!

Today we have a particularly interesting article on our hands - a double-blog review! One is of 'Wallpapers' and the other of 'Wallpapers!'

Why, you ask, have I chosen to do two blogs in one review? Well, the answer is simple: they're pretty much the same thing. They're both blogs in which posts are made (almost) daily, and in each post is - you guessed it - wallpapers. Usually, a blog that isn't really unique would get poor scores from critics like myself, but they both exhibit quality content that really delivers on their niche.

The wallpapers themselves are simply wonderful. They are all of amazing quality, and look professional. It's not your typical dull, Windows-esque backgrounds that come default on your PC, but rather those that have been harvested from the series of tubes that is the internet and compiled in these two blogs with great consistency.

Though the content is definitely enjoyable, the blogs are a bit simple, and could use a bit of work. Another oddity that these blogs exhibit that separates them from other blogs I feature are that they aren't really perfected in the actual blog style. If it weren't for all of the wonderful wallpapers they post, I don't think they'd be really all that remarkable.

The author of 'Wallpapers!', aka Jordan, even links the other blog, 'Wallpapers', written by Wolf, on her site. Though it seems that Wolf hasn't returned the favor, it doesn't seem to be too hostile of a move. Most likely, Wolf hasn't even noticed. There's something my readers could do - comment on Wolf's blog that we here at Blogographer think he should return the favor to Jordan for the link on her page.

At any rate, there's no reason you shouldn't pimp out your desktop (yes, I did just say that) with the wallpapers on 'Wallpapers!' and 'Wallpapers.'

Birthday Time

Today was my birthday!

Unfortunately, that means I will not be posting any blog reviews. Sorry. Updates will continue as normal next Wednesday, so just keep your pants on until then.

Hasta miercoles ('Until Wednesday' for those of us who are espanol-illiterate),
Randall A.

The Kingston Lounge

"Guerrilla preservation and urban archaeology. Brooklyn and beyond."

Many of us who live in the city don't really get curious about those cordoned off, abandoned buildings, or the condemned structures just outside of town. We routinely pass them by, not even sparing a glance in their direction; to us, they are just another spacewaster that need not take up room in our thoughts. For a small few, however, these locations are almost irresistible.

It's somewhat well known by the name of 'urban exploring.' This type of exploration involves finding old, abandoned, condemned, or otherwise interesting and relatively recent man-made structures, and exploring them like one would a cave. Often, it is a personal hobby, and pleasure comes only to those willing to physically seek it. Once in a blue moon, though, the rest of us get lucky to find people like Richard Nickel, Jr., the writer and photographer of The Kingston Lounge.

"The gantry crane at sunset..." -Richard Nickel, Jr.

Mr. Richard Nickel likes to rediscover those urban settings that have so recently been lost to us. He captures images of these places with stunning, yet subtle, precision and artistic prowess. These are not just the Kodak disposable-camera pictures of a hobbyist, but rather the incredibly professional and beautiful captures of a seasoned photographer.

The big question that seems to arise in the comments section of this blog is just how he garnered the permission to enter into these usually prohibited sections of the world. Two thoughts come to mind: he is either an exceedingly good talker, or he's an menacingly sneaky photographer. Regardless, the work Nickel produces is sure to pique your curiosity, and intrigue all the way to the last paragraph.

Interested yet in seeing a part of your world that you didn't even know was there? Then check out The Kingston Lounge, and see just what you've been missing out on.

Template Faerie

"Blog add-ons and advice for hobbyists"

Most 'web surfers' (a phrase I'm sure is outdated even now) have at least read a blog. Many of them have made one, as well, even if it was unsuccessful. There's so many blogs out there about this topic, or that -- but what about a blog that helps you make your blog?

Surely it's not the only blog of this kind out there. In fact, a cursory Google search will net you quite a few. So, for Sarah, the writer of Template Faerie, the blog is not about a perfectly unique niche, but rather about perfecting it. Sarah strives not only for a well-done blog about blogging; she adds her own (sometimes abrasive) flavor to her posts.

Everybody knows a little controversy here and a little controversy there can go a long way for readership, especially in the Internet Age when we're all so jaded that it has become our sustenance. This leads many writers to think that they must curry the favor of their disloyal readers with offerings of tasteful dissatisfaction, and Sarah makes it clear that she is often dissatisfied with the blogging world.

Whether that attracts you, or scares you, is obviously up to you -- sometimes it's a fresh read from those overly nice writers that praise everything they can without acknowledging the bad (a trait I, myself, have been guilty of once upon a time). However, there's more to Template Faerie than just abrasiveness, of course; there's helpful information.

If you're not a blog writer, you won't find this particular blog particularly useful. If you are, though, you'll discover that there's quite a few useful add-ons and bits of advice. From "5 Reasons Why I Won't Read Your Blog" to "How to Feed your Blog to Twitter", there's much help to be had.

There's no reason your blog shouldn't make the grade, so why not get some advice from Template Faerie?