A Country Music Star is Born

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

Dumbass News Is Going to YouTube!

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!

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

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

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

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

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!!!

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!

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!!! .

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

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

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

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!

         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!

Everybody's Workin' for the Weekend!

                        Because I Can. 
                                   :)                            
                                
                                 
                         LOVERBOY

                   

                                                                       

                                                                                     

Welcome MishMawshandOtherthings to the TexNetMaine Family!!!

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!

             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

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

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!

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!

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!!!

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!!!

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

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.

Number 1 With a Bullet UPDATED: Scroll Down

Success!

It's been a wild week here at the TexNetMaine Headquarters, better known as my living room, and I have reached the point of physical and mental exhaustion. But it's a good kind of exhaustion. The kind of exhaustion you get when you've taken your kids out to do something special, like a carnival or fair. When you get done, you are dead ass tired, but in a good way. That's how I feel today. Tired, but gratified. As you'll recall, a couple of days ago, I told you of some new writing opportunties I have. I have been steady at that plus doing all the Daddy things that are a part of daily life.

I am still in the process of trying to get some loot for giveaways on all my blogs, but I am sad to report that no company wants to play nice. Still, I sally forth in a valiant effort to secure booty (not that kind of booty, I am a married man) for you, my dear friends and readers. That's just how I roll. Besides, what ever free shit I get for you guys, I get some too! is my way of saying "thank you" for your unwavering support.

I would once again like to remind you that if you'd like to write something for any of my blogs, I will be more than happy to review your submission and post it where applicable. Please just make sure you keep it to my usual low standards and feel free to use "colorful metaphors" liberally. I do have a reputation to live down.

I also wanted pass along some blog stats to you. Take a look at this:

• Three States Plus One  is now read in seventy-four countries, all 50 states and Washington, DC.
• Dumbass News is showing remarkable growth. It has followers from seventy-one countries around the globe, all 50 states and the nation's Capital.
• Because Toby Said So is gaining readership every week and is now read in nineteen countries, 42 states and Washington, DC.

As you can see, I have big dreams for the TexNetMaine Blogging Network and with your support, those dreams will be realized. Thank you all for making this a labor love.

UPDATE: I am a dumbass, which many of you already knew, but I forgot to give you my email address for your Guest Blogger submissions. It's TexNetMaine AT gmail DOT com.

My Blogging and Writing Empire Extends Its Reach to Other Venues!

Writer's Block

In my last post I made a point of telling letting you know how well all of my blogs are doing. And doing well they are. Several of my posts have gone viral, meaning that they have been shared and have become very popular on the web. Other than writing the posts, I had nothing to do with them going viral. The credit for that belongs with you, the reader. Let me say how grateful I am that you would stop by to read what I write, much less make the effort to send it out to your friends and family. Thank you.

Over the last few days I have been looking around the internet for other forums in which to "showcase" my writing. Yesterday, I signed up with a couple of them that pay me to write stuff for them. As a matter of fact, I wrote my first piece for one of them last night. If you are so inclined, go on over and give it a read and even rate it if you like. I am always the optimist, so I know that these new opportunities will, at the very least, be beneficial to me and my family. FYI, the things I'll write about on these new (to me) sites, will be quite a bit different than what you read on my blogs. The new stuff will be <GASP> a little more serious in nature. I think I can handle it though.  :)

I am still looking for some cooperative companies to trade out some giveaway merchandise for free ad space on one or more of my blogs. Wish me luck on that. I have a couple of ideas on how to make this work and I'll be checking on them later today.

Here's a list of all the sites, including my blogs, that am writing for and the Pen Name I use:

• Helium.com - Toby Shoemaker
• Seed.com - Toby Shoemaker
• Technorati.com - Toby Shoemaker
• HubPages.com - FishFearMe
• ConstantContent.com - Toby Dillon
• Three States Plus One
• Dumbass News
• Because Toby Said So

I haven't published to all the new sites yet, so you might want to give me a day or two to get up to snuff with them. Please keep in mind that I am doing all of this by myself, so I've got my plate full every day. This would be a good time to remind you that if you want to write a guest post for one of my blogs, just drop me a line at TexNetMaine AT gmail DOT com, and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible.

Thanks to all of you for making what I do worthy of doing. God bless and take care.


Toby, Blog Administrator
Three States Plus One
Dumbass News
Because Toby Said So

A Message From Me to You

Things continue to go well at all the TexNetMaine affiliated blogs, with all of them becoming more well-known with each passing day. I'd like to remind you that you can subscribe to the RSS Feed for each blog. It's FREE and just takes a few seconds to do.

You'll also notice a button linked to PayPal where you can make a donation to me for all the work I put in on making the TexNetMaine affiliates a daily must read for you. I cover that subject here. I know the economy is hitting everyone pretty hard, me included, but any amount you want to donate would be greatly appreciated. I bring up this subject for a couple of reasons:

• 1) Although blogging is not a "traditional" way to make a living, I keep writing my blogs in hopes of at least making enough money to help pay my monthly household bills and to help me in providing for my two little girls who are 8 years old and 4 years old.
• 2) My health is at a point to where I am not able to get a "traditional" job anymore. I'm not gonna keel over or anything, it's just that the worsening arthritis along with fibromyalgia, are plotting against me in doing "normal" work and daily life activities. You'll see why I have the "Donate" buttons on each page of all three of my blogs when you click this link. Things will then be a bit more clear concerning this matter.

I am not asking for any sympathy, I am, however, asking for your support if and only if you find what you read on my blogs entertaining, informative, thought provoking or even irritating as hell. Regardless, your patronage is a gift and I am humbled by it.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to visit one of the TexNetMaine Affiliates. Tell your friends and family about us. We'll treat them so many ways, they're bound to like one of them.  :)

God bless you and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Toby, Blog Administrator
Three States Plus One
Dumbass  News
Because Toby Said So

A Blessed Event in Colorado!

TexNetMaine would like to send congratulations to Aubrey and Darcy Jollotta of Colorado, on the birth of their son, Aubrey II, at 7:20pm MST, 2/4/2011!!! Mother and baby are doing well.

Best Wishes,
Toby, Admin., TexNetMaine

Daily TexNetMaine Blog Roundup

Here at TexNetMaine's Headquarters in lovely Augusta, Maine, we are getting slammed with a major snow storm. By the time it's all said and done, we could end up with a couple of feet of snow. That's a typical Wednesday in New England and we here at TexNetMaine fear no storm! We fear our wives, but we ain't scared of a silly little blizzard! Take that, Mother Nature! Further proof of our due diligence is presented to you below in the form a TexNetMaine Affiliate Round Up!

• Over at Three States Plus One, you'll find a post on Groundhog Armadillo Day! February 2 done Texas Style with chili and Bee Cave Bob, the Spring Predicting Armadillo. And, no, the chili is not armadillo chili. Any Texan worth his salt knows that armadillos are not suitable to use in chili. Possums on the other hand....
• The Dumbasss of the Day comes from out of the woodwork by ordering illegal cockroaches on the internet! Dumbass News has the creepy crawly details for you.
• As many of you already know, a major winter storm is pound the Northeast with up to two feet of snow. This is the same storm that has blasted or will blast an area from Texas to Maine and points in between. Because Toby Said So has more info for you.

When you click over to one of the blogs listed above, be sure to look in the right sidebar for a link to become a follower of that particular blog. I will never share your name, email address or any other personal information about you with anyone, ever! End of story. You can also sign up for the feeds to the blogs and sync them with your current feed reader or Google Reader. Stay warm and safe.

Adios y'all,
Toby

What's Shakin' on TexNetMaine Today?

Here's what going on today on TexNetMaine:


Three States Plus One - Join me for a special occasion! It's my baby girl's 4th birthday!

Look out, World, here I come!

Dumbass News - A dumbass is home free after being on the lam for almost 30 years! He gets busted when he was caught pissing in public! It's easy to see why he's the Dumbass of the Day.

Another Famous Dumbass Criminal

Because Toby Said So - I live in New England and for the past three Wednesdays in a row, we have had heavy snowfall totaling about six feet. See what's in store for us tomorrow. Because Toby said so.

Sidewalk  Awaits More Snowfall

HubPages - If you can still stand to absorb more of my musings, head on over to HubPages and look around my place. I think you'll enjoy the ride.

That's what you'll find at all the TexNetMaine affiliates today. I may be back here later with weather updates if the need arises. Until next time!

Adios, y'all!

Makin' Plans for the Future

What's in the box?

Howdy, y'all! Here's a brief note to let you know what I am working on for all my blogs. I am in the process of contacting some folks in order to get some giveaways. This is my first time to do this, so I'm taking a little extra time to make sure I am doing things the right way, dotting "i"s and crossing "t"s and all that. I guess I should include the fact that I have to find some willing sponsors who'll help a brutha out.  :)

I have some other things up my sleeve which are just ideas right now and I'm going over them time and again, looking at them this way then looking at them that way to see if I can make a good idea even better.

I want all of my blogs to be successful. Success, to me, means providing you with a product that once you've tried it, you'd have no qualms about trying it again. There is no success unless your audience is happy. I want you to be happy. If I'm doing my job, it's a win-win situation for all of us.

I digress. Regarding the giveaways. I will be awarding the gifts to only registered readers. If you haven't signed up to be a member of any of the three blogs, please register so you will be eligible to win something cool. If you don't sign up that's cool, I'd just like to see you have a chance to win a cool prize. When you register with any of my blogs, I will never pass your information on to anybody for any reason whatsoever. Having said all that, I still have to find a service to do all the heavy lifting for me in regards to picking a winner for any particular prize. Long story short, they do stuff I have no idea how to do...for now.

I'll keep you on top of things as the unfold or unravel, whichever the case may be. One thing I am very confident in is you, the readers. Your support has been unwavering and I am in debt to you for it. Thank you.

Adios,
Toby

TexNetMaine Update

A Maine Condo

You are missing out on some great stories and a near-blizzard in Maine on my other blogs today! On Three States Plus One, I discovered someone else who likes to check out some of the towns in Texas that have unusual names. There are links there that will keep you occupied for a while with some seriously funny town names. Dumbass News has a surprise ending that has me depressed and Because Toby Said So has a story about the near-blizzard that is pounding Maine today.

See? All three blogs offer you a smorgasboard of stuff that could keep you busy until the end of your work day. It is Friday after all. <hint hint>  Have a great weekend and be safe on the roads, we like having you around.  :)

Adios,
Toby, Blog Bossman

Wanna Be a Guest Blogger? Take 2

Now that I have a "Home Base" from which to operate, I have more freedom to address some issues that have been nagging at me for a while. One thing I'd like to take a look at is reader participation. Since I know so many of on a personal basis, I know I can count on you for an unvarnished response. That's exactly what I need to make an informed decision, even if the truth is ugly. I can take it. Really. So, fire away!

I mentioned this idea a few weeks back and it went over like green turd in a punch bowl, but I think I'll toss it up again and see what comes down with it. I would seriously like to have some of you, the readers, write some stuff that I can post on any/all of my blogs. For those of you from around the world who just recently discovered one/all of my blogs, feel free to make a submission to my "corporate" (I just had to say "corporate") email address, which I'll post in a minute. Even if English is not your first language, don't be shy. Send in something you'd like to see on the internet, I'll look at it, make fun of your English edit it and before you know know you'll be as famous as I am. I am known and admired by ones of people around the neighborhood from all over the world! You don't have to possess Shakespearian writing skills to put together something that is blogworthy. Hell, if you can write above a second grade level, you're in like Flynn. The proof is in the pudding. I'm just sayin'. It's not a paying gig (yet), but it is a chance to polish up on your writing skills and share some kind of stupid shit with the Human Race, except Liberals, who are a species unto themselves. Kind of like cockroaches. Again, I digress.

I am always open to suggestions, so feel free to make them at any time you'd like. My email is open 24/7. And don't forget to write up a guest blogger post and send it to me.

• Contact info: email - texnetmaine AT gmail DOT com.

• TexNetMaine Blog Affiliates      

                Three States Plus One
                Dumbass News
                Because Toby Said So

TexNetMaine: An Empire-In-Waiting Is Born!

Welcome to TexNetMaine! TexNetMaine is a network of blogs that, as of this writing, consists of three blogs, which I'll list later in this post, with more blogs under development. I don't want you to get the wrong idea, TexNetMaine  is not some high falutin multi-national conglomerate. The network has exactly one employee, and that is me; I am the Administrator as well as the chief cook, bottle washer, janitor and all around nice guy, the opinion of my ex-wives and some ladies that would have made outstanding ex-wives, notwithstanding.

A little history: I am still relatively new to blogging having started my first blog, Three States Plus One, June 14, 2010 followed on September 19 by Dumbass News and finally, Because Toby Said So debuted on November 12, 2010. On Three States Plus One, I write about the history, people, culture and, once in a while, a post about some personal experience while living in one of the "Big Three".  These three states are near and dear to me - Texas (born & bred), Colorado (I lived there for many years off & on) and Maine (where I finally hung hat almost 5 years ago). The Plus One part of the title refers to an occasional post about another state in the Union. Dumbass News brings The Dumbass on a daily basis and Because Toby Said So is a cousin to Dumbass News, except that I'll cover current events from time to time.

I write because it's a hoot to put something funny on "paper" and I think that humor is a great way to get people to think about what I have written. I don't try to change minds, I simply put food for thought out there and hope somebody eats it. It would be rather presumptuous of me to consider myself a professional writer, so I don't. I'm just a guy who writes stuff and hopes tons of people will give it a look, like it and re-visit my sites. Sometimes I use adult language, but only when I feel it's necessary to the plot. And given the plot in some of my writings, a little cussin' certainly can't take away from something when there's nothing there. But, you'll find that out on your own soon enough, when if you stop by one of my places.
 
Personal: I am married to Heather; Dad to Trey, Toby, Isabella and Bailey. They range in age from 31 all the way down to 3 years old. I'm also a proud Grandpa to five aewsome grandkids, 3 boys, 2 girls.

I am a Native of Texas now living in Maine. I'll tell you about it sometime. It's a long story, so don't ask.  :)  I am a helluva fisherman, if I do say so myself (and I just did...Fish. Fear. Me.) and an avid gardener. I love all the major sports except soccer. I just don't get soccer.

I think I covered what I needed to be covered, but I will certainly entertain any questions you might have. Ask in the comment section of any post or drop me an email at texnetmaine AT gmail DOT com. Any and all email will be read and answered; 99% of the time on the same day it was sent. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Adios,
Toby, Administrator
CEO
BGOC
COO
CFO
FBI
CIA
YOU
BYOB
CYA
and
AAGG (All Around Good Guy)

Under Construction!

The TexNetMaine homepage is currently being put together. We'll be going live very soon. Come back and visit us to see the progress we are making.

Thanks!
Toby, Administartor, TexNetMaine

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