Site news
Please contribute to Peoria Pundit/The Blog Peoria Project
It’s that time again: Pledge Day. Any donations made go toward costs incurred, such as annual domain renewal, two site hosting accounts, professional support and high speed Internet. You can use the PayPal donate button on this page. You can use any major credit card OR a PayPal account. It is not necessary to HAVE a... »
New blog registrations simplified
I have turned off the “captchas” feature that was supposed to stop all the spam blog creation. It wasn’t really working anyway. So I decided to instead just limit blog registrations to the following email domains: sbcglobal.net comcast.net gmail.com yahoo.com bradley.edu hotmail.com peoriapundit.com blogpeoria.com msn.com att.net aol.com »
No more Buddy Press, alas …
I deactivated the Buddy Press plugin and all the site issues went away. So, I won’t be re-activating Buddy Press. And it’s just as well, since it wasn’t used much. »
All plugins are temporarily disabled
This is a step I took to help be figure out what is causing the problem with members blogs switching themes, settings with other member blogs. I notice that it seems to have alleviated the problem. But I’ve been fooled before. I’ll leave them all off for a while. »
Celebrate Blogger’s birthday by moving to the Blog Peoria Project
Sunday is the 10th anniversary of Blogger, the little company started by Pyra Labs that opened the floodgates for blogging and citizen journalism. This free service let people go to a Web site, write someone in an empty form field, his a “publish” button, and those words magically appeared on a Website. No hand-coding... »
Blog Peoria Project adopts new, better form of spam protection
Akismet doesn’t work. Too many spam comments find their way through. Too many legitimate comments find themselves sent to the spam filter. I long ago dumped Akismet on Peoria Pundit and my other blogs. I switched to a plugin called Wp Spam Filter. And all the problems with spam and false spam positives vanished.... »
Site restore complete (almost) UPDATE: Finally completed
As I promised, I tried to upgrade to the latest version of the WordPress Mu software that powers Blog Peoria. It failed. I caused date from one blog to be stored on others. Posts were lost and themes were switched. We had to revert back to the original version of WPMu and reinstall a database. All... »
WPMU 2.8.1 is in Beta
We won’t upgrade until it’s out of beta version, but this post says that will happen soon. »
Twitter, Facebook widgets available for your sidebar
I’ve added widgets to display Facebook and Twitter information in members; sidebars. Just drag them over to any sidebar your themes uses and sill out the appropriate account information. You DO know you have to be using Facebook or Twitter to use either one, right? »
ALERT! Contact page is down
I’m having issues with all pages at the front page to Blog Peoria. I’m not aware of any member site having problems. I’m having WPWebhost take a look at it. In the mean time, use the pundit.blogpeoria.com contact page. »
BuddyPress avatars are fixed, please link to other BPP
I couldn’t get many of BPP members to adopt Gravatars (Globally recognized avatars). But I am hoping more will make use of BuddyPress to upload their own avatars. They will show up in comments sections and in the global comment and global updated blogs widgets (which I also hope more members will start to use). Seriously... »
New homepage theme
I’m not quite done tinkering with it yet, but the front page of the Blog Peoria Project has a new look. It’s a hack of the Edublogs Clean Lime theme. For the time being, members might see it in the list of themes available for member blogs. I wouldn’t use it, as it will... »
Site migration is now complete and no site issues remain (that I know of)
It took some time, some trouble tickets and some cussin,’ but the move to the new host is complete. I am not now aware of any site that has issues with error messages or missing pictures. The issues were caused by what was described to me as a permissions issue on the Apache server and... »
Please contribute to BlogPeoria/Peoria Pundit
The Blog Peoria Project is a place where central Illinois residents can blog in a networked environment. There is no charge to use or read any Blog Peoria blog. And while some sites accept advertising, the costs of operating on a VPS (a virtual private server) with paid techical support are not currently being... »
Site news: Keep readers informed of new Blog Peoria member posts and comments
I am very, very excited about two new widgets that every single Blog Peoria Project member blogger can use. Global Recent Posts widget works like the “recent posts” widget many of you already use. But it displays recent posts from every single Blog Peoria Project blog. Global Recent Comments widget does the same thing... »
Site News: Get rid of those annoying monster avatars
The Blog Peoria Network now supports uploadable user avatars and blog avatars. What are they? An uploaded user avatar appears when you make a comment on any other Blog Peoria Project member blog. An uploaded blog avatar can be placed on your blog’s sidebar by using a widget. Upload a user avatar by clicking... »
Site News: IP address ban
I just banned access to anyone from IP Address 81.94.26.191. Someone from this IP has been dumping a bunch of spam blogs onto blogpeoria.com and it had to come to an end. It is the only IP address being banned right now. Any complaints should be directed at me. Somehow, I don’t think they... »
Site News: Introducing WordPress instructional videos
This is the first in a series of videos that will show how to use your Word Press blog. This one is an introductory video that is designed to give new users an overview in how to use their spiffy new blog. As I download and post more of them, we’ll get into how to... »
Site news: A new direction for default
If you previously were using the WordPress Mu Default Theme you may have already noticed some changes. The WPMu Default was, in fact, the default theme on this site. Today, I changed the default theme to a slightly modified version of “White as Milk,” which I think is a prettier theme and more more... »
Site News: New registrations closed
We got hit with close to 800 spam user and blog registrations overnight. I spent an hour this morning cleaning them out. I banned the email domain being used by the spammer. But I am leaving new registrations disabled for the next few days just to be safe. »
Site News: Happy belated Peoria blogoversaries
I have been remiss in my duties. Blogs having birthdays this month include: * 1: Peoria Rocks! (2007) * 2: NameThisPeoriaLandmark (2006) * 17: Polly Peoria (2005) Send me an email if you blog isn’t listed here. »
Site news: Buddy Press is no more
I deleted BuddyPress today. It was a fine idea. But it lacked in execution. The plugins were buggy and support was not as professional as I have come to expect from the WordPress Mu community. I also expect all member sites to load quicker. »
Site News: It’s time to firm up plans for Blogger Bash!
The fifth Tuesday of each month is traditionally set aside for Blogger Bash, because there’s usually not much going in the way of public meetings and hearings and such. These are social events, with some drinking and goings-on, but not big blow-outs. There was a fifth Tuesday in December, but there wasn’t a bash because... »
Site news: Upgrade tonight (UPDATE: Completed)
UPDATE: The upgrade is completed without any major problems. The following is an update I sent out via email to Blog Peoria members: If you’re getting this update, it’s because you have signed up for a blog, make frequent comments on or have registered with the Blog Peoria Project. Sometime this evening, I’m going to be upgrading... »
Re-open for business
The Blog Peoria Project is open for business. New and existing users can create their own blogs. I decided to reopen in advance of the imminent WPMu 2.7 upgrade. After the ungrade and the installation of BuddyPress, I’ll do a mass mailing to encourage new signups and migrations from Blog*spot. »
New blogger is part of the family
My nephew Neil Johnson wanted to revive his blog, Good Evening, Godless Sodomites, so naturally he came to The Blog Peoria Project for help. Soon, we’ll be exporting his posts from BlogSpot and onto BlogPeoria. He’s gonna be blogging about sports, and he’sgoing to be making some comments about Woodruff High School as well. »
New theme solves ‘looping’ problem, new YouTube videos
I’m using a different theme on the Blog Peoria homepage. There was a glitch somewhere that was causing individual posts to not load properly, putting a huge strain on the servers. Right now, I’m using a variation of the default Kubrick-style theme. You will notice embedded YouTube videos to the right. Right now, all relate... »
Site News: Migration is 100 percent complete
That’s the word from the system administrator at the Idaho Web Company, the new server host company for the Blog Peoria Network. The migration is 100 percent complete. Frankly folks, I could not ask for more hands-on service than that being provided by owner Richard Paul, who also happens to operate on online news service... »
A couple more online news orgs
We have FaceTheState from Colorado and BlogNetNews from here in Illinois. Both are for profit ventures. »
Site News: The new server project proceeds …
I made the plunge and bought the server space on a managed virtual private server (VPS) today. I’m going to want until I’m more familiar with the differences between this kind of server and the shared servers I’ve been using. I will say one thing: I’ve uploaded some files and it is much speedier. I’m hoping... »
Site News: Some spiffy new themes for your consideration
There are some themes that have recently been made available: Evening Sun, Sacred Blue, Clockwork 2, Colored Paper and Grassland. Prospective bloggers can check out the themes here. »
Site News: A brief Bleg to support the Blog Peoria Project
bleg: To beg for money on a blog. Beg + blog == bleg. (Urban Dictionary) This weekend, I’m signing up for a new server. I’m getting an account with these guys, who come highly recommended. I’ll be signing up for the VPS768 account. The features of the account include: * Intel Dual Xeon Harpertown * 768MB... »
Emergency downtime tonight
Via an email: We would like to notify you and the contacts of your account of the following Emergency Maintenance Action: Scheduled Maintenance Window Wednesday, November 26 2008 @ 10:00 PM – Thursday, November 27, 2008 @ 4:00 AM Pacific Time To see when this window will occur in your time zone please click here Estimated Impact per customer:... »
A look into the future of the Blog Peoria Network
As I have announced previously, I am waiting for the fine folks at Buddy Press to complete work on a series of plugins and updates that will add social network functionality to Wordpress MultiUser sites like this one. I have even signed up for a free blog here to give it a test. Basically,... »
Site news: Blog Peoria follows the trends
I’ve created a Twitter account for the Blog Peoria Network. If you already use Twitter, just visit this site, click on the word follow, and you get a tweet (a single Twitter post) every time I add news and information to the front page. This is the avatar I’ve been using: And what is Twitter? Basically,... »
Site news: Go on, sign out of Blog Peoria
Sign out. Then sign back in. You’ll notice something new — this logo: It doesn’t affect usability in the slightest. It’s just some branding. I might make a larger version of it, and slap it on a T-shirt. »
Blog Peoria conquers more territory
Also, Joe at Peoria.com took pity on the Blog Peoria Network and included this site on “Blogs Around Peoria.” When I post a new article here, it magically appears over there. This is good news, because I don’t post here very often. This way, I’ll get more people reading this page for news and... »
Site news: ‘American Guesser’ back from the dead
I resurrected a blog that I started several years ago: The American Guesser. I used it to post anonymously about Third Party politics. At the time, I was concerned that if I blogged under my own name, it might hurt my ability to get Democrats and Republicans to open up with me. I never... »
New Peoria blogger
Cameron is a frequent commenter, and he’s started to blog at Get The Stink Off. »
Posts on BlogPeoria
Neglecting this blog
It's come to my attention recently that I've been neglecting this blog. I probably should do something about that. It's not like I've stopped writing or anything. So, I'll try to remember that I actually like writing here and go forward from there.In All Things #15 (Gabrielle)
Today I am thankful for the Church. Yessiree, that there Body of Christ is one wacky bunch. I have been in the church my entire life and I still don't get how it works. Somehow this collection of losers, sinners, arrogant fools, freaks and weirdos all get lumped together and made into something beau
Today I am thankful for clean laundry. It happens so infrequently around here that most of the laundry in the house is cleanish or at least not scattered on anyone's floor that I get really excited when I think it might happen. It never actually happens, of course, because all of the people in this
Today I am thankful for Flyleaf's new album Memento Mori. Their first album was excellent, but they have topped themselves with their second. It's kind of music that makes me want to dance and sing and cry. They understand life and sing about it in song-sized chunks. Pain, fear, glory, Heaven. The lWarriors 3 to be part of new Thor movie
Via Cinematical: The ranks of Asgard are just about full! Marvel Studios reports that the Warriors Three will be joining Thor in all of his frosty battles, and as usual, Kenneth Branagh has done a bang up job with the casting. Stuart Townsend, Tadanobu Asano, and Ray Stevenson have joined the cas
Good lists from io9: 15 Dumbest Superhero Retcons and 7 Superhero Stories Too Big For Movies. Good reading.326
Peoria Landmark #326
Today I am thankful for late night talks with Seth and Crystal. It seems like some of our best conversations have happened at mumble-thirty or later. Most of the time I'm stupid tired the next day, but I'm usually emotionally settled and back on track to do what I'm here for. Thank you, Seth and
This weekend didn't go quite the way I was expecting. We had a busy couple of days scheduled with Night of the Burning Plum and family coming in from out of town. Crystal and I were gearing up for stashing six more people someplace in this house and then feeding them repeatedly. The Lansberrys were
The Azeroth Chronicles, B2, Ch.1, pt.3
It is early morning, and the smoldering embers from the fires of the night before still warm those that sleep. Korrock is preparing his horse for the long ride out of this cursed land. You can smell the aromas of fall in the crisp chilly air. It's a good morning for a warrio
Talk on BlogPeoria
Hi Everyone - Another memory -- this one of Miss Cassidy and Gary Johnson...it was probably fifth or sixth grade and Gary raised his hand and said "Miss Cassidy, Sophie just called me a queer" and Miss Cassidy put her hand on her hip and said back, "Truth hurts, don't it, Johnson." We were shocked (More)
well yeah.. but then we'd pretend where we'd spend our share of the 'loot'. (More)
Hey guys, was it something I said? No one is writing. I need my blog fix at least once a day. Oh, Joe, where are you? I need you to make me laugh. I hope everyone is OK, I'm kinda lost without you guys. SOMEBODY WRITE!! Love you all, Julia (More)
Soledad O’Brien is such a phony. In April 2008, Reverend Jeremiah Wright gave a speech in Detroit to the NAACP. One of the things that he said in this speech was that black and white children learn with different parts of their brain, and then gave an "unflattering imitation of the way white (More)
Dingeldine Hall at Bradley. Had to "google street map" this to be sure. (More)
That pipeline was built to transport petroleum products from barges to the Amoco and Mobile Oil tank farms built in that area in 1947-1948. (More)
This is why I think that in the new heavens and the new earth we will all be naked. There's no way dirty laundry can exist in a perfect world. (More)