TexNetMaine

A Country Music Star is Born

2011-05-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

This young man is headed for stardom and he's only 17. Astounding.

Dumbass News Is Going to YouTube!

2011-05-11T10:18:00.000-07:00

I am so busy with several projects that I hardly have time to do them all and be a Dad and Husband too. However, the hard work will be worth it when everthing falls into place.

My wife, Heather, has a new YouTube Channel that features recipes and other stuff. She's a natural on camera and that makes her videos extra special. It's worth your time to pay her a visit.

Here's another Big Deal in the works: I am going to start my own YouTube Channel featuring Dumbass News! i believe this will be a great way to tell you about the dumbassery going on around the world in my own dumbass way. I promise you it will be hilarious and slicker than greased owl shit on a glass door knob. Keep up to date with all the details you'll need to get to the channel and laugh your ass off.

That ought to do it for now, but I will have more information on everything very soon! take care, y'all!

Adios,
Toby

The Internet Radio Show Test Run Was a Hoot!

2011-05-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Last night's test run of our TexNetMaine Internet radio Show went very well overall. The expected "bugs" appeared but they were small bugs that can be exterminated with relative ease. If I had done a little more studying, things would have been fine, so the blame for the technical issues we experienced lie squarely on my shoulders. But, that's why it was a "test run", right? On the next show, this won't be a problem.

Heather and I were glad to welcome to the show from Louisiana, my long-time friend, James Ott. It was great to hear from James after so many years. Thanks for the call, James! Heather also heard from one of her friends (via Facebook) now living in Pennsylvania, Bobbie Jo. I also introduced my little girls to the world and they did a great job of co-hosting!

I hope you had a chance ot catch the show, but if you didn't, you can listen to it from the archives we have set up at BlogTalkRadio. Just remember, there were some microphone problems, but it shouldn't take away from the fun we obviously had doing the show.

I'll be scheduling another TexNetMaine Internet Radio Show in the next day or two and I'll certainly make it well-known when I do. Be ready, because things can only get better as time goes on!

See you next time!

Tonight's the Night! UPDATED

2011-04-30T05:50:00.000-07:00

We've finally made it to the Big Day! Tonight at 6:30 pm EDT Heather and I will have a brief (15 minute) test run of the TexNetRadio Internet Radio Talk Show on BlogTalkRadio. Once there, use the search term "TexNetMaine" and you should be where you need to be to listen to the show. Simply follow the prompts and it should all be good. If you'd like to help us out, you can call in at (626) 414-3522.

You can expect things to be a little rough around the edges, as with any new endeavor, so sit back and enjoy the potential bloopers. It's going to be a ton of fun and Heather and I are looking forward to it. After the show, I'll schedule another one for sometime next week and we'll have a little more time together to visit and discuss what's on your mind.

Join us tonight at 6:30 pm EDT! We "see" you then!

UPDATE!!! What a blast the show was! I am still not sure if everything was technically OK or not, it's a bit hard to deduce. Thank you for listening to us tonight and a special thanks to my good friend James Ott for taking the time to call in and visit with us. I'll keep you posted as to what time our next show will air so be looking for that soon.

Test Internet Radio Set for Late This Week UPDATED 4/27

2011-04-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

I have almost got things in order for the TexNetMaine Blogging Empire Internet Talk Radio Show. I will work on it some more today and hopefully be ready for a test run late this week. I'll fill you in on the details as I have more to tell you. I can, however, tell you that I am really stoked about it.

Something I haven't told you so far is that my wife, Heather, VP of the TexNetMaine Blogging Empire will be my co-host! That'll give you and her a chance to get to know one another a little bit.

The format of the show will be a work in progress at the beginning at least, so no subject will be off the table. Keep an eye glued to this blog and my Facebook page for further updates!

Adios,
Toby

UPDATE: It's On!!! The test run show of the TexNetMaine Internet Radio has been scheduled for Saturday, April 30 at 6:30 pm, EDT. It's going to be only a 15 minute test run, but we would like to take a few phone calls, so we can get the feel of how things work. This setup is quite a bit different than the old radio studios I am used to, so it's going to be a bit of a learning curve for me, but I think I can handle it. :) The phone number for you to call in to the show is (626) 414-3522. Navigate to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ and that should get you to where you need to be. Search for the show and BINGO!, it's all good. Jot that down or bookmark this page so you'll have it handy Saturday night's dressed rehearsal. If you have any questions or comments, post on my Facebook Page or in the comment section below.

See you Saturday!

Internet Radio Show/Podcast Finally back on the Radar

2011-04-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Image © blogtalkradio

Howdy from a very windy Augusta, Maine where we are getting wind gusts up to 50 mph! No matter the wind speed, it has had no effect on the TexNetMaine Blogging Empire. Our foundation is sound and, though they have been delayed by my medical issues, our plans to diversify the Network are still very much a part of our future.

A few weeks ago I wrote of wanting to put a podcast/internet radio show together so we could share ideas, thoughts and stories about what content you'd like to see or have seen on the Empire. Or if you wanna, we can just chew the fat about what is happening in your life, re-connecting with old friends or issues that affect the country. It'll be very interesting to hear what's on your mind. The technical aspects of the podcast aren't too daunting, so I should be able to handle them. Just remember that the podcast will be a work in progress until I decide what form it will finally take.

I guess this a good time to tell you that when the podcast is set to go we will have a phone line for you to call in on! That's what I mean by re-connecting with old friends, etc. I do, however, have a small favor to ask of you. What night of the week would be the best for you to participate in a podcast/internet radio show? I know many of you attend church on Wednesday as well as Sunday, so that's not an ideal day for many of you. And since my aim is to get as many people as possibly to listen live and call in, it's not too good for me either. Tuesday ain't so hot either because my oldest daughter has Girl Scouts. So Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday are out. Given that, what day would be good for you? You can let me know in the comments or drop me an email at texnetmaine AT gmail DOT com.

That's it for today! I look forward to hearing from you as I try to get the podcast/internet radio show ready to rock!

Thanks,
Toby

Things Are So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades

2011-04-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

The Blogging Empire Moves Upwards

When I was a radio many years ago, I was humbled by the dedication displayed by fans regarding my radio show, especially oddly enough, Little Old Ladies. With a Total Survey Area involving 21 radio stations (I think), I won the Little Old Lady demographic by a landslide. I had more Little Old Ladies listening to me than the other twenty radio stations in the TSA. I guess they loved the Rebel in me and the rowdy country music I played. They were part of my Rowdy Friends audience. (Apologies to Hank, Jr) My point is that every time I went on the air, I had an audience that was very diversified and very loyal. Which brings me to you. I know you are all not Little Old Ladies, but your loyalty to me and my blogs has been overwhelming. Remember last week when I said that we had over 5000 page views for all the blogs? If the current trend of page hits continues for the month, we are on our way to over six thousand page views for Dumbass News alone! That's about five times the page views we were getting just a couple of months ago. It's not my brilliant opinion and commentary that keep you coming back. You come back again and again because you are a sick, twisted psychotic dumbass! Don't get your undies in a wad, I say that with love in my heart. Really I do. :) I can't thank you enough for ~~being a dumbass~~ your continued support. This type of post here may be like a broken record to you, but to me it is a heartfelt "thank you". Your time is valuable and for you to check in on my blogs every day is something I appreciate and do not take for granted.

I am too lazy to do the math right now, but we are read by people in at least ninety countries around the globe, plus all 50 states and the District of Dumbasses, I mean District of Columbia. That's not too bad considering that ten moths ago I was thrilled to get twenty page views a day, total from both Dumbass News and Three States Plus One. These blogs are now my radio show and my words are the music you hear.Or the noise you hear, depending on your point of view. :)

Whether you read my stuff because you like it or you read it just to get pissed off at me (I am looking at you Liberals), your time and readership does not go unnoticed. Thank you.

TexNetMaine News ALERT!!! Hello, Texas!!! Hell Yes!!!

2011-04-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

I have something to tell you all that I just learned a few hours ago. When I heard it, I nearly had "The Big One" on the spot. Elizabeth was waiting for me. ( <----gratuitous Fred Sanford reference) Before I tell you The Big News ©, sit your ass down if you ain't sittin' right now.

Heather and I have made a major decision regarding not only our lives, but the lives of our children as well. We are going to relocate the TexNetMaine Blogging Empire World Headquarters from Maine to wait. for. it. TEXAS!!! Things are not exactly set in stone as to when this is going to happen (for reasons I'd rather not make public, but they are good reasons), but it is going to happen. I have been waiting for this to happen for a number of years and when Heather told me earlier today that she was ready to make a move, I damn near fell over. My health is a major concern and the weather back home will be more conducive to me leading a more active lifestyle that will benefit me health wise. Like I said earlier in the post, we are just waiting for some things to fall into place, we just don't know when that will be. Will it be a few weeks? Two months? A year? I'll let you know when I know. :)

We just had a talk about all this with our 8 year old and she's all for it. DING! DING! DING! We have a winner! With that "Yea" vote, the decision is unanimous. Excitement here is at a fevered pitch as we are all ready to get packing right now! But, as they say, patience is a virtue, and I am nothing if not patient.

I am looking forward to establishing new friendships and rekindling old ones when I get home, but none more important than shaking the hand of my dear friend, Bob Zeller. And margaritas. Don't forget the margaritas. I don't drink by choice, but I imagine I can slam down a 'rita or two....or three. :)

That's The Big News © and we couldn't be happier. I'll keep you posted as events warrant, so stay tuned for further info.

God bless you,every one and may God continue to bless Texas.

Good News for My Blogging Empire!

2011-04-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

Maybe Another Day

Howdy, y'all! It's been a while since our last visit, hasn't it? Well, today I am the bearer of good news!

The growth of the TexNetMaine Blogging Empire is astonishing. Last month The Empire recorded over five thousand page hits! I was blown away, to say the least, when I saw the report. All this growth and success can be attributed to one thing and one thing only. YOU! Your continued support gives me the energy and drive to post every day, and I thank you for it. I'll keep on posting stuff in my usual No Holds Barred way and point out dumbassery where ever it's found. As the Head Dumbass it's my solemn duty to do so.

Another thing...regarding the post about the possibility of getting some Dumbass T-shirts printed up...I think that's an idea for another day and time. So I'll keep working on ideas for Dumbass Merchandise and run it by you when I come up with a good one. I may even work up some sort of giveaway where you can win some Dumbass Goodies.

Once again, thank you for tremendous support you have shown me. It's much appreciated and humbling.

Adios for now,
Toby, Head Dumbass and TexNetMaine Blogging Empire Big Cheese and Head Honcho

Wanna Buy a Dumbass T-Shirt? UPDATE!!! .

2011-03-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

Would You Buy This Shirt?

Howdy, y'all! I have thinking of ways to make my blogs more appealing to the readers. The are growing in leaps and bounds so I wanted spread the word in an offline kind of way for people who don't know about my blogs or those who don't read blogs at all, hoping to steer some of them my way. One way I was thinking about doing this is to sell some blog specific premiums. You know, stuff like t-shirts and coffee mugs.

My question to you is, would you be willing to buy something like that to show that you actually read the drivel I write? I'd love to see what you have to say because your response would be the key factor in my decision lay out some cash flow getting an inventory of goodies. They would of course be for sale and I would get a cut of the profits. I don't know all the particulars yet, I just wanted to run the idea by you before I made such an investment. Please keep in mind that the design on the shirt above is just a preliminary one and is bound to change, but you get the idea.

In the sidebar to the right, you'll see a poll with the obvious choices of "Yes" or "No" and "Maybe". Please take just a second to let me know what you think.

Thanks!
Toby

UPDATE!!! I just put up a view of the back of our proposed Dumbass T-shirts. Like the El Reverse-o (tm) look? What do you expect out of a dumbass like me? I'd like to know your opinion on the El reverse-o (tm) Design above. Vote in the poll on top of the right sidebar. It only takes a second to do and your Dumbass opinion matters to me. I say that with love in my heart. Dumbass.

Deleting a Friend

2011-03-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

I've been tweaking and adjusting and all kinds of stuff about the TexNetMaine Empire over the last few weeks and I have come to a point where I must make some tough decisions regarding the blogs that are part of the Empire. I have picked up some outside writing jobs that will consume much of my time, including time away from my family. As difficult as it is, there is only one logical choice for me to make. So I am , as of today, removing Because Toby Said So from my plans to monopolize the internet. As much as I hate to do it, it is the only choice I can make. It has been, for a few months, the "step child" of the TexNetMaine family of blogs. Believe it or not, it takes me about two hours a day to put together one post, so I am foregoing that blog to dedicate the time I spend on it to some paying opportunities. I really hate to do it, but it is the right thing to do.

Confession time: the arthritis and fibromyalgia from which I suffer are starting to affect my daily life and my ability to be a father and husband as well as a provider. I ask for no sympathy and expect none. It's simply the right time for me to make the necessary changes that benefit me and my brood. I will still flaunt my brilliance for the world to see on Three States Plus One and Dumbass News, plus, of course, the paid writing gigs that I'll be doing. I'll certainly link to them so you can be dumbfounded by the sheer profundity of my insight and bullshit. :) I won't be getting rich, but the income I make will be welcomed and needed

I will also take this opportunity to remind you that a "Donate" button is on the home page of each blog. It's a secure link to PayPal, so don't hesitate to show me a little cash flow love if you are so inclined. Donate early and donate often! :)

Adios, Because Toby Said So.

Because Toby said so.

Weekly Update on the TexNetMaine Member Blogs; UPDATED SUNDAY 3/20/11

2011-03-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Last night I was checking out some podcast and internet radio sites in search of a place to create podcasts and to do web radio hosting. I found some pretty good sites, but I am still not sold on any of them yet. I'll be doing the same today and should have a decision as to which site to use by tonight. One more thing, Heather and I have decided to do a radio as many times a week as the hosting site's rules allow. I'll have more on that tonight too, I hope. End of update.

I have been learning some stuff about setting up a podcast and doing an internet radio show. They are both fairly simple processes and I hope to have one or both operational in the next few weeks. "But", you ask, "if it's so easy to do, why wait?" I am looking into buying a new laptop that is a bit more "media friendly" than my current one. I currently have an IBM ThinkPad and I love it (I have an IBM desktop also)but it's lacking in some features that will allow me to get real serious about doing some heavy duty media stuff. On the other hand, Heather has an Asus desktop that's pretty loaded with bells and whistles, and I could use it for media stuff. However, I don't want to have all my media files and podcasts on her computer. I might not be able to access it as readily as I want to. After all, it is her computer. i could use my Google Voice account, but I'm not sure how to set it up to handle multiple calls at once, like a conference call. I'll check into that. I also have some friends who run a couple real good blogs, The Blogmocracy and The Diary of Daedalus. One of the Administrators there reads my blogs regularly so I'll contact her to get some of the skinny.

That's what's cookin' with the TexNetMaine Blog Family. As soon as I decide about laying out almost a grand on a new laptop or trying to wing it with this one, I'll make an announcement on the TexNetMaine Network.

Again, I'd like to thank you for the incredible support you have shown me. I appreciate it very much. With each page view, I am getting one step closer to my goal of taking over the internet. :)

My blogs:Three States Plus One, Dumbass News, Because Toby Said So

Notes

2011-03-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

This is another "Thank you for letting the TexNetMaine Blogging Network occupy some of your valuable time" posts. I'll never tire of doing these types of posts, because when I do them, it means good news for the dedicated, professional and otherwise Dumbass Staff (that would be me) at TexNetMaine.

The first 2 1/2 months of 2011 have been a time of some pretty impressive figures for all of the TexNetMaine member blogs. Day by day we are seeing more and more new readers at least stop by to take a peek at Three States Plus One, Dumbass News and Because Toby Said So. Thank you. I am humbled.

If you read a story that you like, please pass it on to your friends and family. Heather and I are working on a podcast and a live internet radio show where you can call in and we could talk about anything you like. You can bet the farm that I'll let you know about it in advance.

I have so many ideas for the TexNetMaine Blogging Family that I am working on in addition to the podcast, that I can't even begin to tell you about. I want to make TexNetMaine your alternative to the media you watch and listen to. Some of you reading this have already heard me on the radio, so I feel fairly confident that I can put something good online that you'll want to hear at your convenience, live or podcast. Also, as I have said many times, I'd love to have you write a Guest Post for any of my blogs. Just shoot me an email at texnetmaine AT gmail DOT com.

Thanks, y'all!

Adios,
Toby

Big TexNetMaine Announcement!

2011-03-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

TexNetMaine Video Channel

This weekend as I did my Blog Stuff and Daddy Duty, I decided that I wanted to hear from old music. So, I put my YouTube Fu to good use by picking out some music I hadn't heard in a while.I YouTube Fu'd up some Loverboy from the 80's then I went way back to the 60s and found some of my favorite tunes from one of my favorite groups of All Time. The Beach Boys. The problem is that I really didn't have blog to put them on. they were kind of Homeless Hits. I ended up putting them on this blog which was OK, but I felt like I was using this blog for something that I didn't want to do. I know it's no biggie, but like I said yesterday, I don't want this blog to end up like the drawer in your kitchen that has stuff in it for everything else in the world, but nothing for the kitchen! I then did what any sane person would do under similar circumstances. I started a new blog! It's I named it the TexNetMaine Video Channel. Clever, huh? I think I'll end up changing the name of it.

It's your page to post damn near anything you want to. Except for adult content! REPEAT: NO PORN! PERIOD! If you have to ask yourself if it's porn, do not post it! I would also ask to label as such anything that is not safe for work. I don't want for anyone to lose their job due to clicking the wrong link at the wrong time. Other than that, fire away!

One More Thing: Please keep posts to videos or maybe even a political cartoon-type thing. Thanks!

Toby

A 6 Pack of the Beach Boys!

2011-03-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

Everybody's Workin' for the Weekend!

2011-03-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

Because I Can.
   :)


                         LOVERBOY

Welcome MishMawshandOtherthings to the TexNetMaine Family!!!

2011-03-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

I have a Major Announcement for you today! After talking to my wife about some blogging plans and such, we have jointly decided to put her blog under the Big Tent of TexNetMaine! Heather and I felt that by putting her blog, MishMawsh and Other things, under the auspices of TexNetMaine, we could expose the blog to more eyeballs.

MishMawshandOtherthings will still be the same great site it always has been, with Heather posting more of the great recipes you've grown used to. BTW, today's chocogasm recipe is the real deal. You've gotta give it a try it when you get the time. You can also check out the archives of MishMawshandOtherthings for even more great food ideas. Just scroll down the page and they'll be in the side bar on the right side of the page.

For newer readers, I'll give you a list of all the blogs that are a part of the TexNetMaine family. We've got some good stuff in any of them you decide to look at. And, once again, let's welcome Heather and MishMawshandOtherthings into our burgeoning media empire.

The TexNetMaine Blogging Empire to Be: :)

Three States Plus One - Mostly dedicated to the history of Texas, Maine and Colorado
Dumbass News - We get Dumbass News from the antics of your local dumbass population.
Because Toby Said So - God only knows what I'll post here, but it's always good.
MishMawshandOtherthings - Heather is full of cooking knowledge and recipes for a healthy lifestyle.
Because Issy Said So - This blogs is where you'll find my 8 year old daughter's take on life and stuff.
TexNetMaine - Here we talk about our blogs and just about anything blog related.

There you have it. A quick look at what TexNetMaine has to offer. I'll even give you a chance to become a TexNetMaine Guest Blogger! Simply write a post, put it in an email and send it to texnetmaine AT gmail DOT com. You don't have to be a pro to submit something, hell, I am just a key with a keyboard and an opinion. Don't be shy! One more thing, you've got to be 18 Years Old or older to submit a post for any of the blogs except Because Issy Said So. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Adios,
Toby

Coming Up: Issy Does a Guest Blog!

2011-02-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

Because Issy Said So

As you know, I have been running a basically constant ~~plea~~ ad for guest bloggers. I finally found one. My eight year old little girl. The child has her own blog, and now she wants to move on up to the Eastside. Or as it's known in our house, one of Daddy's blogs. And it's all good. I bring this to your attention because I am trying to shame you into doing something that you (and I) know you can do. When you write something as my guest blogger, I ain't a Grammar Nazi looking for the smallest mistake. Hell, look at most of the shit I write. Shakespeare it ain't.

If you want to be upstaged by an eight year old, there's no shame in that. Not much shame anyway. Issy's post will be up later today, so when you get a chance, take a peek at it. And, if you want to contribute to the betterment of Mankind, throw something together and email it to me at TexNetMaine AT gmail DOT com. Write about anything you want to, I ain't picky, but bring teh funnay. Teh funnay sells. Like sex. However, if your sex life brings teh funnay, I recommend viagra or counseling. I'm not a doctor for God's sake, but I do charge $125 an hour for sex problem consultations. Bring photos and/or video. :)

I'll put up Issy's post when she gets it written. You'll know her post when you see it, it'll be the one that actually makes sense. The others are mine.

The End of the Month Review

2011-02-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

Herman, Official Accountant of TexNetMaine

The shortest month of the year has been the biggest month so far for the TexNetMaine Blogging Family. You have been so kind as to share our websites with friends and family, thus sending our total number of visitors through the roof! Judging from the statistics I have seen, our readership has grown by more than 25% and I see that trend continuing on for a long time. I thank you for your support. I could write Pulitzer-worthy content, but if nobody's there to read it, it's just a bunch of words in the ether with no eyes seeing them. Thank you for using your eyes to view what I write. The thousands of words that I type every day would be very lonely without them. :)

In the coming week, I'll have a lot more Texas History as we count down the days to the fall of the Alamo, then move on to the battle at San Jacinto that gave Texas her independence. It's an honest to goodness, great learning or re-learning tool for Texans who need a refreshment course in our history, like me, and for non-Texans who can appreciate the sacrifices great men have made in the name of Freedom and Liberty. In the name of Texas. God bless Texas!

We have also seen extraordinary growth in Dumbass News over the past several weeks. This makes sense to me because everybody wants to learn of some dumbass somewhere in the world who's stoopider and has more problems than he does. Soon, I hope to have some t-shirts made that say "I'm a Dumbass" or I'm With the Dumbass ---->" Maybe even some coffee mugs that say "This is MY Coffee, Dumbass". I am open for suggestions.

The Because Toby Said So blog has finally caught fire and moving "up the charts" as I was hoping it would. Thank you.

The bottom line once again is that I am humbled by each and every visit that you or someone else makes to one of the TexNetMaine Affiliate Blogs.

Gracias,
Toby, El Jefe

The Week That Was - The Alamo, An Egyptian Dumbass and Smoothies

2011-02-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy month!

It's been quite a week around the ole TexNetMaine blogging family. We've been busy covering Texas History as it happened in 1836, excoriating dumbasses all over the world, including our first Egyptian dumbass, I remembered the best friend a man could ever have and the cherry on top of the whipped cream is that my 8 year old daughter started her very own blog! Besides all that, my plate has been full with family stuff, doctor stuff and just plain old stuff. I almost forgot something! Thanks to you, the TexNetMaine Family of Blogs has seen several posts go viral! For those who may not know what "going viral" means, here's definition for you, "The adjective or adverb viral and the noun virality may refer to any viral phenomenon, that is, an object or pattern that is able to induce some agents to replicate it, resulting in many copies being produced and spread around." Having read that, you can see why I am so excited about it.

Here's a quick recap of the week:

Three States Plus One - On Tuesday I began a series of posts that have given us a bird's eye view of the Texas Revolution. Even though the conflict had been going on for a few months, the nitty gritty started with the Battle of the Alamo. This is perhaps the most famous thirteen days of warfare known to man. You can read days two and three here and here. The Day 2 link features Colonel William B. Travis' famous letter seeking reenforcements for the Battle of the Alamo. It's a very stirring letter, especially for us that call Texas "Home".
Over at Dumbass News, we (by "we" I mean my friend Tim Freestone and me) celebrated our first Egyptian dumbass! A truly monumental event in blogging history. It further proves that at Dumbass News we do not discriminate. We'll ridicule dumbasses the world over regardless of race, creed, color, religious affiliation, sex (or lack thereof) or national origin. Except my Mother. She's off limits. Your Mother? Not so much.
Meanwhile, at that blogging clusterfuck we call Because Toby Said So, we revealed the Super Sekrit Real Names of some dipshit celebrities. But the Biggest News of the Week was made by an 8 year old, my oldest little girl, Isabella. She created (with an assist by Dear Old Dad) her very own blog! That was large news when it happened as Issy had well over one hundred page views! That's a great start for any blog. But Issy's thoughts on her mama's smoothies, over 100 hits has got to be some kind of record for first posts on smoothies!

You're Invited to be a Guest Blogger!

2011-02-22T15:16:00.000-08:00

This could be you!***

I want to issue another invitation for you (yes you!) to become a participating member of the TexNetMaine blogging family! I am currently looking for somebody who would like to be a Guest Blogger for one of our affiliated blogs. I know many of you personally, and it goes without saying that you are flat funny, so man up! Or woman up! As the case may be.

If you are a History buff, then you might want to consider Three States Plus One as place to show off your writing skills. Write about Texas, Maine, Colorado or any other state in the country. I'd love to learn more about your state.

Maybe your style is a bit more of the comedic kind. If that's the case , then you'll fit right in at Dumbass News. There is no lack of material in the Dumbass Department, so you'll never be without ready-made content.The posts almost write themselves.

Over at Because Toby Said So things are little less formal, as far as a definitive set of content rules. It's more of an open forum where you can let it all hang out on just about any subject. Pick one and send in your stuff. Because Toby said so.

If you'd like to put pen to paper as it were, don't be shy and send me a sample of what you've got to offer. My email address is TexNetMaine AT gmail DOT com. I look forward to hearing from you!

***Cartoon by Brad Fitzpatrick

The Empire Continues to Grow!

2011-02-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

Your World Wide Leader in Dumbassery

Wow! It's been quite a week at the TexNetMaine Affiliates. First of all, let me thank you for your continued readership and suppport, without which I would be floating aimlessly on the Sea of Forgotten Blogs. As it turns out, I have received several offers to spread my brilliant commentary and observations of the human condition around the internet through more outlets than I am currently capable of doing on my own. Some of these offers are legit, others I am not so sure about. I have been too busy to do much than taking care of business on the four blogs I oversee now and attempting to have some sort of family life. I am a one man operation, but dammit, I am a One Man Anthill getting shit done.

Once again, I am humbled by your continued support. Thank you.

Adios,
Toby, Blog Administrator and Resident Dumbass

Issy Launches Blog on Sunday!!!

2011-02-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

Grand Opening Tomorrow!

A couple of days ago, I wrote this piece about a big announcement to take place soon on TexNetMaine. The big news is that my 8 year old daughter will be blogging on her very own site starting tomorrow (Sunday, 2/20/2011) !!! I am very excited to welcome her into the TexNetMaine family, even though I see her every day at home. :) I will, of course, monitor everything that has to do with the blog, Because Issy Said So. Let me assure you that I will be very diligent in monitoring the blog, so that my child and your children will not exposed to any material that is not suitable for kids. I am the only person that has the password and control of all tools, especially the security tools, that are used to make the blog appropriate for all kids.

Let's have fun together and enjoy the posts that Issy writes and some of the future feartures that will be added as time goes by. As always, please feel free to comment on the blog. ayour feedback can only help us improve things. See you tomorrow!

Because ~~TobyI~~ Issy said so.

A REALLY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

2011-02-17T05:48:00.000-08:00

I am adding yet another blog to the TexNetMaine Blogging Network! Read on for all the details!

Following in Daddy's Footsteps

I was talking to my eight year old daughter this morning as she was geting ready for school and I came up with a brilliant idea. A little info first: Isabella (my 8 year old) is a very smart little girl. She is a leader when it comes to her class at school. She works and studies diligently and is always bringing home some sort of Classroom Award for the school work she does. Her mother and I are very proud of her. Issy also a very creative child. She's constantly drawing or writing a story, usually about her family. :) It's her creativity that that I think will serve her well a she grows up and in fact one day it's that creative streak in her that could make her very successful in whatever she chooses to do in life.

THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Issy is going to have her own blog! I am going ro put it together for her over the next day or two and then Issy is on her own to write about whatever she wants to. I think it will a great tool in developing her writing skills as well as honing the tremendous gift of her creative abilities. Also, I think it will be a great way for adults to see what an eight year old mind observes in the world around her, and maybe those parents who read Issy's blog will talk to their own children about the subject of that particular day. It's a win-win situation for everybody. The subject matter of Issy's blog will vary from day to day, thus offering a variety of things for kids to read and maybe even learn from.

IMPORTANT STUFF FOR PARENT TO READ: I am going to supervise every key stroke that Issy is posting to her blog. I understand the potential dangers a child could face on the internet, so I'll be like a duck on a June Bug when it comes to making sure that Issy is safe from these potential dangers. Therefore, by extension, your child will be safe in reading the stories Issy posts. My child and yours are the number 1 concern when it comes to internet safety. Rest assured that what is posted on Issy's blog will be closely monitored personally by me. Issy won't even have the password to her blog, so there's one safety measure in place right there. I'll also set the blog to be family friendly with certain filters that will block any material unsuitable for children. The bottom line is that I am asking for your trust in me that your child will be 100% safe when reading Issy's blog.

I guess that's about it. Be looking for a big announcement when Issy's blog goes live! now it's off to Blog Design Land!

Adios,
Toby

There's a Break in the Action

2011-02-14T11:25:00.000-08:00

My Next Course of Treatment

The Chairman of the Board, CEO and Head TexNetMaine Dude (that's me) is taking the day off. I am not being lazy, it's just that I went to the Doctor today and we are adjusting my meds, so it may be a day or two before i get back to "normal'. "Normal". bwahahahahaahaha

For real, I 'll have some new stuff for you tomorrow when the World is a little more stable for me. Thanks for your support and understanding.

Toby, Head Bottle Washer and Administrator for the TexNetMaine Blogging Empire. LLC, CYA. FBI, MSRP, KMA and Ya Mama.