The Pakistani Spectator

Would you please tell us something about you and your site?
Smashed Frog was born out of my frustration with Florida’s then-Governor J.E.B. Bush. One hot summer day, I noticed a frog, a very dead frog, had been smashed against the windshield of my car. Stuck and melted. It’s eyes were as flat as Orphan Annie’s. The image stuck with me.

In my view, the current political climate, whether local, state, or federal, smashes us all against the proverbial windshield. With Jeb as our governor and big brother George as President–a double dose of Bush–I felt as flat as that frog.

Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?
Definitely. The great writers give that advice–Keep Writing. The more one writes, the better one gets….but it’s important to me because disciplined writing introduces you to the voice inside your head. The more the two get to know each other, the sooner the two merge into one.

I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?
Well, I blog anonymously but have connected with other bloggers across the state. I’ve actually met many through a different venue and it’s weird that I hold the secret of my identity while I’m in their midst. It’s sort of like I’m invisible. I’m not certain how even the most progressive of progressives feel about some of my subject matter, so it’s best to blog from beneath the privacy of the lily pad.

What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?
I am a member of the Florida Progressive Coalition,a network of Blog Florida Blue Democrats that aspire to take our state and our country back, one post at a time. I am also a member of the bipartisan Political Grind,The Crone Speaks and a new site, If I’m President,technically still in works, working out the bugs. I’m in touch with kindred spirits–a lot.

What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?
Honestly, I think YouTube has the ability to make–or break–candidates faster than any technology out there. It’s visual and easy to embed on almost any Internet site–blog, social network, email–it’s amazing…and extremely effective.

Do you think that these new technologies are effective in making people more responsive?
Absolutely. A well-crafted video is like a canvas of words we can see. The response is visceral.

What do you think sets Your site apart from others?
Oh boy, sometimes I wonder. I think the concept of a smashed frog is a bit different! But to answer your question–I react on Smashed Frog. I say what I want to say–what you get is the real me. Although I network with others, I’m no joiner. I’ve always been that way.Fiercely independent. Readers often say they don’t agree with a word I write, but they keep coming back. Maybe it’s because I view politics for the absurdity it is? Also, many readers love the pictures I post. (That’s the fun part).

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
Persistence.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
In his last stages of Alzheimers, my grandfather no longer recognized his family. I drove from Florida to Alabama to visit him because I knew intuitively, that he was living his last days. He was seated in his wheelchair in a common area, with others like him, just sitting and waiting for whatever synapse of memory might happen their way. My kids walked over to him, my mother and my grandmother–he hugged them all back, almost an involuntary reponse. I was last. I said “Hello, Papaw!” and his blue eyes lit up, for just a moment and I knew, he recognized me, if only for just the briefest moment. Then he was
gone. I was his first born granddaughter and that connection somehow tunneled forward through the mystery of his brain, so we could celebrate that relationship one last time. He died six months later. The memory brings me to tears twin feelings–sheer happiness and vast loss.

Do you think [the use of Twitter and other social networking tools by politicians] is bandwagon jumping or what?
Actually, those sites have definitely increased the Smashed Frog readership. I’m happy to be part of any networking tool that can sail my voice along to the masses. I’ve “met” a lot of interesting people that I would have never crossed paths with. I’ve always liked the idea of communicating with someone you will never meet who is living in a place you’ll never go but for a brief breath of time, you both are connected via a bandwidth of common intellect.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?
Belfast, Northern Ireland–I want to help walk Protestant and Catholic children to school. Then afterwards, I want to party in Dublin, just for the weekend.
Paris, France–Shopping…I want to shop and shop and shop. And eat.
Roswell, New Mexico–I’m an X-Files nut. Maybe the truth is out west?

What is your favorite book and why?
To Kill a Mockingbird written by Harper Lee. Why? Because I’m the embodiment of Scout, the narrator in the story. She is I. (I was also born in Alabama).

What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
Their body language. I’m a people watcher.

Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?
Not one person. Teachers always told me I could write. While a freshman in college, I wrote a term paper on the Holocaust. I guess it was well-received as after the teacher talked it up, all the Jewish students wanted to take a read.

How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
I wish I knew. I’m currently blogging on a site which promises eventual pay but I’m not quitting my day job any time soon. The Internet is way too much like a giant pyramid scheme to me…but bloggers have been plucked from the masses to make a living, such as Glenn Greenwald, who now writes for Salon. Bloggers never know who is reading their work, so those who are looking to gain financially, that’s a reason to keep writing–but, you’ve got to love writing and project your inner voice or your work will reflect otherwise.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?
Well, any successful pursuit takes commitment on the part of the pursuer, which in turn takes time. I think the success of a blog is everyday quality writing so readers keep coming back. I happen to have more time at this time in my life, but when I was running around in my earlier days–juggling fifteen or so balls in the air–I always found time to follow my dreams in the little bit of time I had to do so.

What are your thoughts on corporate blogs and what do you think the biggest advantages and disadvantages are?
Sometimes I think that’s when blogging sort of “jumped the shark”, when “The Man” picked up the weapon of the underground to command his own corporate course, so to speak. But to each his own. Just because it’s a blog, doesn’t mean they will come.

What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?
Tell the truth. Expose the truth. Pass the truth forward.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers?
I knew you’d ask that! I wish I could give you some lofty type blogger types, but I’m just a home girl.

You’ve interviewed one–Great Satan’s Girlfriend
http://greatsatansgirlfriend.blogspot.com/

Tampa’s Back Door Ways
http://tampasbackdoor.blogspot.com/

Talk to Me
http://www.floridatoday.com/blogs/talktome/

Glenn Greenwald
http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/

Skippy
http://xnerg.blogspot.com/

Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?
Seems like “John Walsh Promotes Anal Implants” appeals to a wide readership. Ha ha.

http://smashedfrog.blogspot.com/2006/07/john-walsh-promotes-anal-implants.html

What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?
Bravery is the first word association that comes to mind. Plus, I wonder if it must be hard to live there.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?
Every day I come across a blogger with a unique voice that otherwise would have been relegated to a “Letter to the Editor”, that is, if the editor decided to publish the opinion.

What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?
Ah, the developed countries are merely better at creating the illusion of development.

What is the future of blogging?
I think it may become harder to blog anonymously. The USA has totally tread on our privacy rights, so it’s just a matter of time before Congress can wrap their minds around a way to make anonymous blogging illegal–or profitable for themselves…at that time,I’ll be blogging on Internet 2!

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
I’m up at 5:00 AM, to blog and also try to blog when no one is home, so I can actually interact with those I care about. Professionally, my writing skills are kept razor-sharp. Sometimes, I check the Frog at work and I really shouldn’t do that.

What are your future plans?
My son graduates from college this year, so currently, I am a proud mom, busting with pride, enjoying this time in our lives. I think of leaving Florida all the time, to find a free state to live, like Vermont–but it is so cold! I want to write a column professionally, so if anyone out there wants to give me a shout, contact me through Smashed Frog.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
Don’t believe much that the American media has to say;in fact, I get the best perspectives about my own country from the foreign press. Also, our people want our government to change, in the absolute worst way.We have a chance with Barack Obama, but as you have recently witnessed, the Big Girl–Hillary Clinton–will fight tooth and nail to keep America polarized against one another. Don’t give up on us.In my humble opinion, the world is watching a new American Revolution.

Last 5 posts by The Pakistani Spectator

• Radovan Karadzic : Killer of .3 Million of Muslims Arrested - July 24th, 2008
• Interview with Blogger Lillian Devin - July 24th, 2008
• Interview with Blogger Ned Resnikoff - July 23rd, 2008
• Interview with Blogger Saptarshi Roy Chaudhury - July 22nd, 2008
• Interview with Blogger Richard Sung - July 22nd, 2008