What Is Happening Today On Gather - Friday...

Welcome! I am so glad you made it here today. I am also glad that Friday has finally arrived. The weekend is sure to be a good one. March is so unpredictable when it comes to the weather. The rain is moving into our area. What is going on in your part of the world? I have just put some coal on the fire and it is nice, warm and cozy. I thought we would just sit in the reading nook today, since it is just you and me. I already have your mug of hot chocolate and a piece of pumpkin Cheesecake ready for you. It is time to chat!

I was reading the transcript of the live chat with John Trostle, that occurred Thursday at noon. I missed the chat, but the information on the transcript is wonderful. I had left a question for John to answer and Julia Schrenkler submitted my question to him. I saw so many wonderful questions submitted to him. I think any homeowner would benefit from this transcript of the chat. Thank You John for all the wonderful information and Thank you Julia for doing such a wonderful job hosting it.

Austin Texas - Here We Come! What do you mean, you forgot to buy the tickets? Well, maybe we wont be able to go after all. I have to admit something. . . I had never heard of South by Southwest (SXSW). Jennifer Hodge said that it is one of the largest music festivals in the United States. How sheltered have I been from the rest of the world? Well, now I am going to be checking out all the articles on SXSW beginning with Jennifer's article. Did you know that there is a SXSW group on Gather? Well, there is and it proves to to be "THE PLACE TO BE." You will be able to view videos of SXSW music festival, thanks to Gather's own Tom Gerace & Jason Keaveny. They will keep us all up on the happenings from the 13th to the 15th. It is better than having a front row seat because you can save your $650.00 that your week long badge would cost you. So lets get into the music - at the SXSW Group on Gather!

Do you remember the live chat the Jessie Voigts had with Chef Jill? If you missed it, you can still read the transcript of the chat here. Chef Jill is now sharing her popular recipes for cooking with kids. I bet you and your kids would love to make Raisin Soda Bread together. You can find her recipe here. Irish Soda Bread is a traditional Irish food. What a great recipe to make for St Patrick's Day. Don't forget to wear your "Green".

Have you voted today? There are just a few more days to vote before the first round comes to an end on the 17th. Sharifah has posted an article with the top 25 songs as of 3 PM March 13. Is your song on the list? Check and see who is on top as the time gets closer to enter the second round. So remember to do your duty and vote. Remember, you can vote once each day.

Just listening to the news is enough to depress just about anyone. Lately with all the recalls of everything from food to toys, we are left feeling helpless. We now hear many commercials for prescription medicine on TV and the radio. "What to believe?" is the question on many of our minds. Medical news can be frightening as well. Harvard Health Publications has published an article titled "Understanding Medical News." This is a must read article - for anyone who is confused about medical related alerts on the news.

I am proud of those brave men and women who have and who still do serve in the military. The photo is of one of my cousins who is currently serving in the Navy. They give so much of themselves - to keep each us in the United States - safe. I personally am very thankful for each and everyone of them. I don't feel that they get the respect or gratitude they deserve. I strongly urge you to visit the Support Veterans Group on Gather. Read the articles and show your support.

Currently, Liz G has an article published about the book "LETTERS ON THE WALL." Ten Gather members will receive a copy of the book just for commenting on the article. You must respond by March 21, 2008 to be eligible.