Blog-scraping, Camp Baby, and a hayride

blog scraping = Random, unauthored sites stealing content, in whole or in part, with or without linkage, with no apparent rhyme or reason, except to put words on a page with ads.  They typically leave a “ping” in the comments for the original blog’s commenters to click through, but WordPress (hear this, blog scrapers) is really good about marking those as spam and not letting them through.  No reputable blog (read = one with an author, regularly written content, etc.) is typically accused of blog scraping; these are fly-by-night jobs that are often shut down as quickly as they are started; they only want click-throughs and eyeballs to earn them ad money.

You’ll see a new tagline on my posts for a while in an attempt to cut down on blog scraping; adding this really worked for the DC Metro Moms site, and I’m willing to try it, because I’m tired of my personal content appearing on random pseudo-sites without authors, rhyme or reason.  And no, I’m not linking to an example.

The Johnson & Johnson Camp Baby fiasco continues to unravel, despite the quick action by the organizers and their apologies at City Mama’s and Mothergoosemouse’s blogs.  As it turns, out both Firemom and Sweet|Salty Kate were disinvited because of nursing babies as well.  Check out a professional’s opinion over at Susan Getgood’s Marketing Roadmaps.

Oh, and yes, we went out again today, on a rollicking and boisterous playdate:  A springtime hayride, in 40 mph winds.  We dithered back and forth about whether to go, but, in the end, Widget and I went, and it was wonderful.  Widget climbed into the very front of the wagon, ignored the hay, and proceeded to watch the tractor roll for the entire duration of the hayride while his little friends shivered and snuggled into the hay in back, occasionally looking around at the odd bunny-esque displays that popped up along the bunny trail wagon route.  The only one that really got Widget’s attention was the parade of chocolate bunnies.  Um.  Guess I have to put the chocolate bunny in the basket this weekend after all.  Wonder whether his Daddy or I will nibble the ears?  But the hayride itself was wonderful. He asked me how the tractor goes, and I explained (Sort of.  I mean, I don’t know how an engine works, but he didn’t ask that, now, did he?).  I pointed out the engine, and told him that it makes the axles turn.  Then I pointed out the axle and explained how it turns the wheels.  He was fascinated.

And then, when we came to a stop, he was all business, hopping out and running off to play in the wooden train and castle.  When “Princess C.” left the castle for the super slides, he went running after her, telling me, “Mommy, I want to find Princess C again.  Because I love her.”

And so it begins.

But, blogfriends, it doesn’t end there.  As I was running to the drugstore tonight, Widget climbed into my lap and said, “Mommy, I want to go with you to the store. Because I love you.”  Yeah. 

Little boy, your Mommy loves you too.

Eleven – fifteen

Eleven days ago, I was in chemo.  Fifteen days from now, I’ll be in surgery.  But tonight, I had a break from thinking about all that.  I kissed my boys goodbye, climbed into my friend Stimey’s minivan, and went out for the night. 

In fact, all across the DC metro area (and a little beyond), blogging moms donned Baby Brewing t-shirts (thanks, Kristen!), put on a little makeup, and hi-tailed it down to meet each other at a local, um, drinking establishment.  We danced around the canapes (and some of us even mentioned Canape!).  We had cocktails (and some of us even wore shirts to that effect!).  We talked about trips to Petroville, to Parentopia, and how odd it was to just be away from the little monkeys for a night.  We talked about tweeting and meeting in Second Life.  We talked about day jobs and night jobs and dirty jobs and, well, potty training, which has to rank right up there with the dirtiest of jobs.  We cooked up some good ideas for saving the world … or at least helping moms with little ones stay or return to work when they’re ready.  We didn’t read, but we did snag swag from the lovely Devra, who shared copies of her book on Mommy Guilt, and Graco, who sponsored the evening’s refreshments and slippers to take home and relax in.  We had a fabulous time with some fun-loving friends, checked out a new Graco product, and marveled when they sent a pregnant blogger home with the amazing new Sweetpeace soothing center (it’s like a bouncer on steroids, people!).  We were not so well behaved.  Well, okay, we were actually very well behaved, but maybe that’s because we had a Gunfighter there with us.  We chronicled the night with mental notes, pictures galore, and promises to meet up again before BlogHer.  What a great night.

Many thanks to PunditMom for organizing the party!  We had a blast!

Check out the shirt, people — you’ll see it again! 

Oh, and one more thing.

-Because I want to have more fun going-out nights like tonight.

Smiles!

Edited: now, with winners! 

This is my new favorite award.  The smile award.  And not just because Midwestern Mommy, who bestew it upon me while I was out of town last week, and I just figured out right this minute that we are actually RELATED.

No kidding.  For reals, people.  There are several “-in-law”’s involved, but related nonetheless.  I am, for once, verklempt. 

I’ll pass on the award as soon as I recover from the shock.

…

I’m not sure I’m really recovered, but here goes.  These are some people who make me smile, today and nearly every day!

First, to Robbin, at My Level of Awareness.  Because although we’ve been blog-friends for over a year now, and she’s always one of my favorite reads, we just discovered that we too know each other, through two degrees of separation.  (Her husband and I grew up within spittin’ distance of one another, and undoubtedly have friends in common.  We’re still figuring out who.)

Then, to Stimey, at (where else?) Stimeyland.  Because her stories about Sam, Jack, and Quinn make me giggle.  And they have for years.  I’m just so tickled that she is sharing them with all of us, now, and exercising her writing muscles as well.  Isn’t she a fun read?

Then to MB at Cootie Chronicles.  I haven’t met her yet, but I want to.  I love reading about her little Marielle, and her precious pictures always make me smile!  Check out her little octopus-baby, practicing for Halloween!

Robin Elise.  Robin Elise!  Did you know that Robin Elise has published a BOOK?  Head on over to Do You Not Know What Causes That? and check out the Library Journal review of her pregnancy book!  Way to go, Robin Elise!  I only wish I’d known to read it when I was pregnant….

Candygirlflies at I Can Fly, Just Not Up ALWAYS makes me giggle.  And she’s such a dear to keep me company over here every day as well.

The Hotfessional.  Because I like her name.  And her blog tagline.  And today — today, my friends, she is taking some action for breast cancer awareness.  That doesn’t just make me giggle, it makes me swell with pride.

Kelly at Magneto Bold Too .  Again, just the title of her blog makes me smile.  But what I like most is knowing I have a friend in Australia wearing her daughter’s pink converse, rooting for me as I root for her, and her stories about her kids make me smile. 

Cheese Whiz and Mustard.  Click over today to see a history of haircuts and a bad bangs expose!

Oh, the Joys.  Just because I can’t help myself.  I know everyone and their sister will be choosing Jessica, but there’s a reason why.  She is hy-sterical.  Every. Single. Day.

JJ at Gaining Balance.  Overdue.  Love her.  She makes me laugh, starting at her “about me” blurb, and it just goes on from there.

And Chicken and Cheese.  Because her new digs  (and of course her writing and the Poo) make me smile. 

Now go forth and spread the love — which 10 blogs make you smile?