Looking for advice from veteran bloggers.

Being quite new at this, I'm looking for a little advice from those of you out there who've been blogging for a while. I'm experimenting with different ways to present photos with my travel stories. Previously I've just embedded them into the post for all too see, like this...


With cool underlining captions

but that system seriously limits the number of images I can include in a post before making my text seem like an afterthought.

So, on my last post I simply linked to the images in my text like this This method allows me to insert many, many more photos, but requires the reader to click a lot, in and out of my page, back and forth, which will eventually annoy the user into leaving forever. I've considered making the text links open up new windows, but that would probably be even more annoying. Nobody likes pop-ups. So my question to all you coding, designing bloggers extraordinare is, how can I effectively insert a bunch (let's say ten or so) photos into a five or six paragraph story without using enormous amounts of space, and without annoying my readers? I'm well versed with HTML and know the basics of CSS and JavaScript, but haven't gotten into any of the 2.0 technologies (AJAX, ect..) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a ton!

-Miles.

ENOUGH HAWAII ALREADY!

Again, many terrible apologies for my lacks-a-daysical blogging habits. The problem is, believe it or not, I'm sick and tired of writing about Hawaii. Every time I sit down to write, I go completely blank, and wind up hitting my StumbleUpon button for a few hours. I've completely exhausted my supply of words, expressions, and comparisons to describe green and beautiful. Maybe I'll finish the eight other stories I have planned some time in the future, but right now I'm just completely bored with the whole island. Besides I'm sure my adoring fan is more interested in what I've been up to more recently.

Since Hawaii I've only been on one trip. For the third time this year, I returned to Idaho, this time for a few days relaxation in Lava Hot Springs. Lava Hot Springs is a small resort town built around several naturally heated pools that are a nice temperature for bathing. Unfortunately, the outside air temperature makes going near hot water unbearable until after sunset. During the daytime hours, the best way to cool off is rent a tube and float down the Portneuf River, or plunge 32 feet into the Olympic sized swimming pool. If for some reason you feel like NOT being wet for a little while, take a short walk through the Hanging Gardens. On display is a dizzying array of biting insects. Stop to slap a couple thousand before heading back to the safety of the water. And that's about it. The rest of Lava Hot Springs is composed of a few hick bars (Moose Drool on tap!) a couple of cheap restaurants, and kitschy souvenir shops. I spent three days in a lethargic stupor but went home feeling surprisingly relaxed and refreshed.

Closer to home, like the rest of the world, I've been swept up in Harry Potter fever. First camping out for 18 hours in front of the local movie theater for the opening night showing of the Order of the Phoenix, then hooking up with a group of imposters at FYE at midnight before the release of the Deathly Hollows. I haven't read the whole book yet, seeing as how I actually have to work and stuff, but so far I'm loving it. I lied awake for two hours nearly crying last night, and that's only after the fifth chapter.

Upcoming on the travel slate is a quick day trip to San Fransisco, camping, and maybe Denver. Methinks I'm going to attempt the dreaded same-day passport office. I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes.

-Miles

Wonders

In high school one of my teachers once asked me to name the 7 Wonders of the World. My answer was something along the lines of; Um... the pyramids, and the uh, grand canyon, and erm, Rome.... right? Most people these days are only vaguely aware that there is such a thing as the 7 Wonders of the World, and very few know what they are. The main reason for this is only one of the original Wonders is still standing, the Pyramids at Giza. That's why the New7Wonders Foundation announced today (07-07-07) the NEW 7 Wonders of The World. And the winners are....

Chichen Itza, Mexico
Christ Redeemer, Brazil
The Great Wall, China
Machu Piccu, Peru
Petra, Jordan
The Roman Colosseum, Rome
The Taj Mahal, India

I personally am pleased as punch. I've always been a little disappointed at the fact that I'll never be able to say that I've seen all 7 Wonders of the World, but now that has changed. If you don't already know the story behind this amazing effort to find the best of the best of man's structures, go check out their website.

If you missed out on the opportunity to cast your vote for the New 7 Wonders, don't worry! It now looks like the New7Wonders Foundation is beginning to take nominations for the New7Wonders of Nature. Nominations will continue through 08-08-08 and then the top contenders will be voted on by humanity. Start racking your brains for the most beautiful, breathtaking, and awe-inspiring sites mother nature has blessed us with!

Miles