The Oceangram Blog

What's the Most Important Thing in Your Life?

2011-04-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Oceangram found 4/9/2011

..........................................

What's the most important thing in your life?
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my family
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my bed
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The puke bucket.
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Well, besides all of the above I have to say my friends! Food is a good one too!
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Getting up in the morning
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God, family, friends.
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weed
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so many things I can't list them all
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MY LOVE AND MY FAMILY
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Knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. God is first, husband second, family next. That's the formula for a fulfilled life.
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my dark soul
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my message in a bottle
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My retirement check, my boat and happy hour!
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My God
My husband
My self-esteem

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family, friends, good health
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God, family, friends... 09-11-07
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My Boyfriend Chance, and being able to go to UNC

I Like Rum

2010-06-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

I like RUM
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why is all the rum gone?

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I like VODKA. :-D
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i like pie :)
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Gin and Russchian- try it...you won't regret it.....
---
Mom's Rum Cake recipe

Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil 1
/2 cup rum
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Glaze:
3 tablespoons butter (or margarine)
1/4 cup water
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup rum

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour one 10 inch tube pan.
Combine cake mix and pudding mix.
In another bowl beat eggs, water, oil and rum until frothy. Add cake mix/pudding mixture and beat until well mixed. Spread pecans evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan and pour batter over pecans.
Bake cake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out dry when inserted in the center. Allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes and remove from pan. Place in serving dish immediately, right side up. (Pecans should be on the bottom)

To Make Glaze: During the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking time, combine butter or margarine, water and sugar in a sauce pan and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and boil rapidly until it's very thick and syrupy stirring very frequently. The syrup must be reduced quite a bit and very thick otherwise it will make the cake mushy. Remove from heat and add rum.
While cake is still hot, poke holes all over top of cake with a toothpick and spoon glaze over top of cake.

Allow cake to sit at room temperature for one day then refrigerate.

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Ooooo .... that's tasty!

...........................
From Oceangram.com - views are those of anonymous Oceangrammers

Age-old Debate: Science and Religion

2010-06-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Oceangram found 6/13/2010

The views are those of anonymous posters to Oceangram.com

God is imaginary.

---
架空の物だとしても、心の支えにするのは良いことだと思うよ。**

JPN Nov, 6, 2009

**Google translate says: "Even fictional ones, the emotional support that I think is a good thing."

---
I don't believe in atheists

--- God

God is indeed imaginary.

---
Всем привет))11.04.2010

---
That hs got to be the world's most unscientific and unintellectual position to take on God. To deny the existence of a knowable God, simply because YOU don't know Him, is to suggest that there can be no reality beyond the range of your own personal discovery. The vast majority of known reality has never entered your mind, such as the realm of God which is unknown to you. If you're looking for scientific proof, the Second Law of Thermodynamics proves there is a God, since it contradicts the First Law of Thermodynamics, but you don't know anything about that, either, do you? The being who created the material universe would be definition be separate from that universe; thus, it would defy the attempts of man to discover Him by natural scientific methods. Yet, He he has left sufficient evidence of His genius in the intricately-designed cosmos, which any unprejudiced person can see. Consider the order of the universe, or the eye, or the human brain. Design in nature proves the existence of a Designer/Creator. Children can write what they wish. They can write that they don't believe the sun will rise in the East and set in the West tomorrow, but they only prove another one of the designs in nature. Oswald - Oregon - USA - April 15, 2010 -

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cor blimey that is heavy you need to relax and dibb

debs2028 uk

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"That which can be asserted without evidence, can also be dismissed without evidence."

- Christopher Hitchens

"The world holds two classes of men - intelligent men without religion, and religious men without intelligence."

– Abu Ala Al-Maarri

"Calling Atheism a religion is like calling bald a hair color."

--Don Hirschberg

"An atheist is a man who has no invisible means of support."

-- John Buchan

Nature of God "It is said that men may not be the dreams of the Gods, but rather that the Gods are the dreams of men." - Carl Sagan

"It may be that our role on this planet is not to worship God, but to create him." - Arthur C. Clarke

"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony

"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?"
- Epicurus

Procrastination

2010-05-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Oceangram found on 5.29.2010
...............................................

Why do you always do totally pointless things when you got so mutch other stuff to do?
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never say never
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Procrastination! The King of all activities.
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I know!! Totally wasted day!

EB 19/10/09
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The thing is, you can never know what is "pointless" at the time. Do you know why computers have a selection of fonts with proper spacing? Because Steve Jobs dropped out of college and took a calligraphy class.

Somebody who is so self-important that they always have to do "important" things will never do anything worthwhile, because they are slaves to an artificial idea of what is high and worthy and what is trivial.
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It's just this amazing humanity

Best Place to Travel

2009-03-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

Oceangram found 3/10/09

What is your favorite travel destination and why?
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I loooooove Las Vegas. I used to go there 5-6 times a year, but less now. It's great just to relax, there's always something to do, or someplace to go there, as long as you don't get carried away with the gambling, which I hardly do anyway. ~ Craig, Honolulu, Hawaii 4/25/08
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I only get as far as greggs

MNing all over the sea
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My own back yard. I can relax. I don't have to pack or deal with TSA. I don't even have to shower if I don't feel like it. ;)
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I love Vegas too but its been a while. Mexico was a one time trip. Canada is nice. But one day I'd love to go to Europe, preferably Italy.
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my best vacation, is home to ontario back to see all my family and friends
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almost any mountain creek is good day fer me.

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The Outer Banks Of North Carolina, Hatteras and Ocracoke in particular. I want to live there someday.
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vacation??? what's that??? haha!!! last year we went camping with the kiddos and that was fun --- hot dogs over an open fire and roasted marshmallows, all after a day of playing in the river --- fun!!!
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heron island set on the great barrier reef australia june 27/08
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I have been to a few destinations, but not too many. I love Rocky Point, Mexico (the old port)...the locals are very nice and the food is *amazing*!! (Mickey's restaurant is sooo good! *free tequila!*) Almost tied for Rocky Point is Savannah, Georgia....great historical town, beautiful gardens and the nicest people you'll ever meet!!
Buffalo, NY 7/7/08
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You Yanks need to travel to mor far away places to see the beauty thjis world has to offer.

I love Cyprus right now. In September the temperature is bearable, the sea is warm and the people are friendly.

Prettorus is the place to go.

12th July, 2008.
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それよりラーメンの話しようぜ
---
yahhh holiday whooooooooo!!!

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The dollar is so weak now that it wouldn't pay to go overseas unless you're rich and don't care.
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anywhere new and different...8/23/08
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I knoe. My neighborsare well known for having a campout every Friday and Saturday night during the summer. It's ridiculous because we live in the middle of a beautiful area and they'd rather stay safe and sound at home. You won't find me doing tha!
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everywhere and anywhere
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I'm saving my money for bus fare so I can go fishing among other things with the Canada Kid
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I love Hong Kong. The hustle, the bustle, the liveliness. It's a really vibrant place. Asia at its best.
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I enjoy anywhere that partakes in lentil weaving
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anywhere away from mumsnet
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Somewhere far, far away from memories...
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Love the beach.
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I agree, Las Vegas is the place to be, but Hawaii is nice too. Penna. 12/3/08
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Loved St.Louis, MO...Boston, MA was real nice too...Any place where there is history is good for me...Merry Christmas from NJ, USA, 12/15/08
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Right now i dont have one. im trying to forget about anything that involves my family.... im going on a three week long trip with my boyfriend this summer, so i hope to make wherever he takes me a new favorite place......
Jess, Mckeesport, Pennsylvania. 2.4.09
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the places that I have been and would like to go back too are: Las Vegas. Cozumel, West Virgina, Glennwood Springs Colorado, Key West Florida, Los Angels California, Guadalupe River San Antonio TX.
The places I want to go to that I haven been are: Ayustralia, Italy, Scotland, New Zealand, Oregon, Bealize, Fiji, Bahama's.
Where is my travel agent?
Have a great day
~diver~
02-18-09
Dallas TX

Who are Your Heroes?

2008-11-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

Nov. 8, 2008

Who is your hero and why? My hero is my friend Klare because she has been through so much and is still peppy and an awesome friend!
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i have three heros, victoria beckham, sir alan sugar and gok wan. VB because she is so lovely and i admire everything shes done, Sir Alan cos hes just so rich, and Gok Wan becuse he is marvelous and i love him so much! England 6/7/08
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Yes and he loves everyone else....
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Spideman and Batman
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My grandma because at 85 she is the most loving and open person I know. She has no predjudices and loves everybody equally. She is a really classy lady!
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my hero is my dad the doctor
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My hero is my daughter who just went through every day for seven weeks, of cancer treatment. She is only 32 and has three young babies to bring up.

It was a nightmare, but she has now got the all clear and has won her battle.

Please wish my family a happy future.

12th October, 2008 .
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May your family be doubly blessed in the future. The tough times do pull us closer and remind us what is important.

My sister is my hero. She is smart, strong and loving even through many trials in life.

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God bless all of you and bless your heros too!

Friends Oceangram

2008-11-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

November 7, 2008

Friends Oceangram

enjoy life :D oh and forgive your family always-whatever they do.

also
trust your friends and if you can't they are not good friends. find good friends-you can trust real friends. are you a real friend? i hope so...
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A real friend will rejoice when something good happens to you, even when it will not benefit them at all.
A real friend will not envy you for your home, your possessions, your husband or your children.
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ahhuh
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ok
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A real friend always has your back whether you're right or wrong. Family will leave you out in the cold.
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(▼▼メ)ナンダトォ
---
a friend is someone who catches you when you fall off your tightrope

Political Oceangram

2008-11-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

An Obama Oceangram - November 7, 2008

OBAMA RULES!!! PRESIDENT OBAMA, BABY!!!
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NOWAY...........................
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Obama will lead to the death of the USA.
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So true....Obama is so wrong for the
U.S.A.
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Obama is actually a Lizard from the planet Zargon 9, David Icke told me so it must be true...
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Nobody likes politicians ;)
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Change is good and he will be apositive role model for many young black American men.
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This is the second time I've gotten this bottle... how creepy!
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America having a black president would be cool, but obama aint black, he is the new breed of wolf in sheeps clothing. a black man with white elitist attitudes and ambitions. black white red or green he is one of them and will never represent his creed.
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Most of the rest of the world longs to see a Democrat in charge for a change. Obama would probably be great for America after the facist, right wing Dubya. And he would definitely be the best choice to make for a safer planet.
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まさかToLoveるに能登がでるとは思わなかったわ
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そんなことよりもっと建設的な話しようぜ。
たとえばハルヒ二期とか。
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らき☆すた　は？
---
よう、おまえら
アニメの話やめて
ラーメンの話しようぜ
以下、ラーメンボトルメール
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I have voted in the presidential election every year since I turned 18 (ironicly an election year). Last election proved to me that it doesn't matter what the *people* vote for, the governmet will put in whoever they darn well please. I'm not going to bother this year.
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恩！说的很对！
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McCain!
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I honestly don't think the rednecks will vote for him.
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No one in the US will have heard of David Icke!!!!!!

***** Google translation of Japanese

Noto is in the ToLove I did not do that
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More constructive than I'll try to talk.
For example, or the second phase of Haruhi.
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Lucky ☆ SUTA?
---
, You were
Stop talking animated
Let's talk about ramen
The following RAMENBOTORUMERU

The Chinese: "You've got that right!"

Oceangram Around the World

2008-11-07T17:16:00.000-08:00

Oceangram found 11-7-08

hello from aberdeen scotland
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5/14/08
hello from Las Pinas, Philippines known for the Bamboo Organ that still plays during masses and the annual festival. -john
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Waving hello from a charming suburb of Buffalo, NY 5/31/08
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Hello from South East England.

4th June, 2008.
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Hello, from sunny Athens. Vana
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helloooo.
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Oakwood, GA here! June 17, 2008
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Hello from Finland.

Aina on hyvä päivä kun posti tuo uuden Soundin, paras lehti ikinä
(miksei kukaan maksa mulle palkkaa tästä mainostuksesta...?)

kirahvikoira
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hello from brisbane australia good morning to you all today is sunday 29th june 2008
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Back in Sout East England here. My arm is aching from all the waving.

29th Jund, 2008.
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hello from Japan :)
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washington dc here
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hello from Tokyo,Japan!!!!!!
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22nd August 2008
Hi from Birmingham. West Midlands, England, UK

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hello from São Mateus - ES - Brazil.
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hello, from China^_^
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hey from N.Ireland
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Hello from Portsmouth, England! Thursday 2nd October 2008, 10.03pm - all the best everyone x
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oct. 18, 2008

HI from Northwest Georgia
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Hi from taunton, somerset!

"I'm 27 and I still don't know what I want to do with my life"

2008-11-06T01:14:00.000-08:00

Oceangram 11-5-2008

I'm 27 and I still don't know what I want to do with my life (careerwise)...
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best get on the ball cause being a professional student doesn't pay at all.
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OK...
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True. If you're 27, get out and make your own life.
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I'd say try and do something that you know you'll enjoy and won't bore you ( assumimg that money isn't an issue and you can actually choose for yourself and not be herded).
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Become a God by eating 5 pineapples every day.
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its not pineapples its plums hehe
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27 and you still don't know what to do with your life? Jeez, it's all downhill from here...
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27 is a wonderful age to be. Do what makes you happy, be true to yourself at all times and you will find life will be true to you in return
---
Pick your favorite hobby. Do that. :D

Age, Occupation, Kids?

2008-11-05T23:30:00.000-08:00

Oceangram found 11-5-08

Answer these questions:
Age - 53
Married? No, divorced..was married 30 years
Kids? Yes.....3
Occupation? Dental Assistant
Where do you live? So. California
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Age - 42
Married? yes
Kids? Yes.....2
Occupation? Teaching assistant
Where do you live? bedfordshire, England
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Age - 32
Married? No
Kids? No
Occupation? Human
Where do you live? Chiang Mai, Thailand
---
age: 53
Married: yes...very happily! 18 years!!
Kids: 5 here...2 in heaven
Occupation: MOM...LOL!
Location: Apple Valley, California, USA
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age-29
married- yes, very recently
kids- trying for our first
occupation- South Wales
---
Age - 32
Married - 4 years. Together 14 years.
Kids - Can't have them.
Occupation - Drifter, dunno what to do!
Live - London, UK

Age ain't nothin' but a number

2008-10-01T03:23:00.000-07:00

How old is "old?"---
Old is when you or something has reached 85of its average lifespan. That being said, the average American lives to be 78 now so roughly 67 is old. I heard the other day if you can make it to 63 without any problems, chances are your going to be around for a while---
Well when I was in kindergarten the children in elemantary school seemed very old from my point of view. Now I am 34, and I would say old people are the ones above 70. But I know some old people who are young at mind and heart, much much younger than some people my age. ---Age is in the mind.---
You're only ever as old as you think you are.---
Age ain't nothin' but a number!---
Physical age is different than mental age.---
Age is just mind over matter---
If you don't mind --It don't matter---from an 81 yr old.. wheeeee !!!---
I love your spunk last poster

~Oceangram found on Oct. 1, 2008

Pay It Forward Oceangram

2008-06-11T23:58:00.001-07:00

This is to thank the man who -
in the early 1970's - stopped and
helped me get my car going.
It happened on Mannheim Road
in DesPlaines Illinois. It was around
midnight and my car died. It was also
around zero degrees. He worked
on my engine (hood up) and then
came around and put the car in park.
It then started fine. I just want him
to know I had borrowed that car and
was used to driving a stick shift and
therfore thought all cars started in
neutral.
Once again - Thank you - You really
did save me. I would have frozen.
You are a hero to me - even until
this day.

---
Ah, that's nice....
---
I hope someday in heaven I'll get a chance to thank everyone who did me a kindness. Many times people don't realize how big a small kindness can figure in the other person's life.
---
pay it forward..help someone too in your own way.
---
If everyone was that kind the world would be a better place
---
I have a similar story. Just a few weeks ago I was in a car going from Chicago Illinois toward DeKalb. It was snowing very heavily, and we hit an icy patch and slid off the road. We were driving a little sedan and were stuck (unharmed, thankfully) in a ditch waiting for a tow truck, which we'd been warned might take a while. Luckily, a man with a pickup truck came along and pulled us out. He was so nice - he even got down on his knees in the snow to attach the cables. I don't know his name, but I will never forget his kindness.
---
wow. that is really nice of him. hopefully more and more ppl will stop to help others and make the world a better place :-)
---
Of all the bad things we hear constantly.. It's so good to hear of the good things that people do for one another. If we help one another with kindness, this would be a better place to live.
---
im nauseous

---
People used to do that often in the "good old days".
---
People STILL do. It's only the bad stuff you hear about, thanks to the news organizations credo, "if it bleeds, it leads"..........
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What goes around comes around.
---
Pay it forward! 09 May 2008
---
to the poster who said I'm nauseous - too effin' bad , get over it !!!
---
**
---
good only comes to those who deserve it, as the good pay it forward to get it back
---
This is to thank the very kind man who helped me when i had my bag snatched on the beach in 2004 when i was there with my young daughter. A very kind man stopped the theif and my bag was returned. thankyou.
---
this is a lovely bottle - full of hope and faith in human kind.
---
I wish I could keep this bottle to read every time I get depressed over the news. See, humanity isn't all that bad!
---
tossing back to last poster so they can keep it

Oceangram found June 11, 2008

Paint Your Wagon

2008-06-11T09:35:00.001-07:00

WHATS YOU'RE ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE????
---
I don't like movies. I prefer live musical theatre. I think my favourite is the sound of music. Hey that's a film too, so not too far off track!
---
hmm.. I love Sponge BOB! ahaha.. i know thats not really a movie but a animated show.. but i still like it! :)

but movie wise i like comedy movies anything that makes me laugh.. would work! :)
---
Gone With The Wind, Terms Of Endearment, Thelma and Louise.
---
a sound of thunder
---
anything =] quite like atonement tbh
---
Jaws
---
Grace of my heart, specially the song 'God, give me strenght'
---
Love me if you dare.
Amelie.
Winter, spring, summer.
Azumi..and other good movies.
---
Mighty Aphrodite
---
Dead Again. Or maybe Shawshank Redemption.
---
All Of Me - Steve Martin and Lilly Tomlinson - A good, funny love story!
---
Slackers
---
Platoon of course is there another
41
---
Tekis mieli sanoo Kummelin Kultakuume mutta kun ei se oikeesti ees oo hyvä leffa...

Some movies I like (I have no certain favourite):
Koti-ikävä (Homesickness) was very disturbing movie but I kinda like it.

Pirates of the Caribbean, who wouldn't like them?

Latest good movies I've seen are Raiders of the Lost Ark and Lord of War

kirahvikoira
---
Paris Je Taime is amazing.

---
Willy wonka and the chocolate factory and Sound of Music.
---
Sound of Music.
---
In a League of their own, Sound of Music, Grease, The Game Plan
---
Paint Your Wagon!
---
All time favorite - say anything with john cusack. and notting hill with julia roberts.

Oceangram found June 11, 2008

I Want Your Mum

2008-06-08T12:07:00.001-07:00

I want your mum
---
I don't give my chrysanthemums to just anybody.
---
LOL!!!!!!!!!!
---
12.19.07
Haha XD That was weird.
-Darley, NV
---
yup it wus
---
Thank you! Where do I send her? She's 86 and becoming impossible.
---
If I sent her, she would take the "function" out of "dysfuntional family"
---
your mean
---
I cannot send my Mum. She is too dear to me.
Pennsylvania, USA Jan 10, 2008
---
°_°
---
Mine passed away about 13 years ago...what do you want her for?
---
I know what he wants her for, so am gonna go dig my mother up and send her to him.
I could explain but it would be dead boring. lol
(rev)
---
I don't want anyone's mom, i wand your dad, lalala
---
you can't have mine. She is too precious to this family.. 80 yrs old and the strength in the family. Her wisdom is something we all need.
---
my mom wouldn't have you
---
you aint man enough. get lost boy.
---
Then who would wash my laundry? Cook for me? Go shopping? Clean the house? I don't have money to hire a servant so I'm not sending her

kirahvikoira
---
Even if she could swim, I would'nt send her.
But on second thought,
it would be her choice, would'nt it.
I'll see.....wait there..don't go away

OK here's the deal,
She want's to know, are you rich?
---
hahaha, i love that one
---
I'm only 13, i kinda need my mom...
zipper dually on 4/25/08
---
My mum is my best friend so you cannot have her!
---
I'll be glad to send you mine. You can have her. Trust me, after two days YOU won't be able to send her back quick enough! 5/9/2008
---
How about I send you both my Mom and Dad, as a bit of a BOGOF!
---
I want your mum-snet <snurk>
---
you can have netmums
---
Are you willing to provide the best health care possible, a late-model sports car with ample insurance, a hefty living allowance, unlimited airmiles to visit her grandkids whenever she wants, a personal assistant, maid, cook, and chauffer?
If not, forgetaboutit.
---
Typical, kirahvikoira does nothing round the house, her Mum has to do everything. Get your lazy body up from the computer and earn your keep!

Oceangram found on 07.08.09

Favorite City in the World and Why

2008-06-07T17:07:00.001-07:00

Favourite city in the world and why?
Mine's is New York - it has everything. Shops, landmarks, excitement, entertainment and friendly people...
Joy, Scotland 19.02.08
---
tokio
---
Santa Cruz, California between San Franscisco and Monterey, and south of Monterey is Big Sur my favorite vacation spot. Google it
---
Hands down of all the places I've traveled to my absolute favorite is London. I loved how friendly everyone was, and the beauty of absolutely everything including the architecture. I even loved the underground. I found it very easy to navigate, and getting off at Westminster... Wow! The first thing you see is Parliament, and Big Ben! I really want to go back and visit!

Angie PA, USA 3/20/08
---
my favorite city is Chicago, I have lived there my whole life. I have been to other cities but not out of the country, i want to go to Rome, and Venice, but so far Chicago is the best city, there is just so much to do, and the people here are awesome. Its a party town with a sports problem...lets go sox!!!
---
Hmmm...Tauranga , New Zealand.....love it, nice and close to the beach :)
---
Worcester- as it's where I grew up
---
you should come to the next worcester mn meet up!
---
CAT me with the details of the next MN meet,
---
Can we get over this crap about MN, please.
---
True, above. I'm starting to retire all their posts. Hope they're happy...

Oceangram found on 06.07.08

Be Happy

2008-06-06T00:52:00.001-07:00

“The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be”
---
There is alot of truth in that.
---
what

---
енвш
---
VERY true!
---
It's true
---
That's true
---
To examine the past, you must drag it into the present. To project the future, you must use up the present moment creating a "what-if" dream that may never come to pass. So which of the three, past-present-future, has a greater reality?
---
Now.
---
The present.
---
The present, and I totally agree with the OP as well
---
Love is all around.
---
OP: I love what you wrote...I have to really be careful to not look back all the time and to focus on the here and now. Thank you for the reminder!

Peace and Love from BC, Canada
April 9, 2008
---
you are cazzy man.australia
---
the present is always here.
---
load of tosh, sorry!
have a nice day :-)
---
We're all dead to the past, blind for tomorrow.
All we can do is enjoy this moment we have right now.

Ja tämä syvällinen ajatus sai alkunsa Reflexionin uusimman levyn nimestä.
Ihan niinku ketään kiinnostais.

kirahvikoira

(Google translator says:
"And this in-depth idea stems from the Reflexionin latest album's name.
Just like anyone kiinnostais.")

kirahvikoira

Oceangram found June 6, 2008

Remember Your Mother Today

2008-05-07T09:39:00.001-07:00

Blue Sky, originally uploaded by serakatie.

Oceangram found by Sera

Dear Mom.
Now it's almost 8 months since you died. I am still heartbroken and I guess that is the way I am going to be for the rest of my life. I am getting along but everyday I miss you and wish you were near me. I came home from work today thinking about calling you and telling what my day was like..but then remembered again God I wish you were alive. I Love you mom and I feel so empty without you..((HUGs)) xoxo
your daughter lcm
---
((((())))))))
---
mums are the most special ppl in the world .. I love my mum to bits .. she is my best friend .. my kids special friend .. to all who meet her, love her. Treasure your mum while she is with you ..
---
im sorry
---
Hello-
It is 2 years today that my Mom died and I still pick up the phone to call her. Keep her memories and know she is watching over you and loves you very much.
---
SPARTAAAA!!!!!
---
Sorry from Sweden
---
I lost my MOM 29 years ago.. I still miss her ... and you always will. The bond between a Mother and
Daughter is special .. On my web site I have a tribute to my MOM. My best to you...You must remember that your MOM is in a special place...be strong.....make her proud of your accomplishments.
---
прикольно но непонятно
---
Treasure that relationship. Talk to her through prayer and dreams.
---
i wish i could tell my mom that i love her, but everytime i think of doing it, the words won't come out. my family is pretty messed up, but i really hope she knows that i love her... i'm very sorry for your lost.
---
im really sorry-sabrina
---
iiim very sorry for you, adn im sorri taht i carnt wrte abut how i feel for u, just im only starting 2 learn englsih
---
I think the comment above should say, "I love to BS."
Sorry for the pain of the loss of your mom. Share the love you have with a senior or a child that needs it.
---
Aww thats so sad, but i guess everyone has to go through it at some point
---
another (((((((()))))))))
---
{{{{HUG}}}} from me too. I lost my mum and dad in 1997. I do think it gets easier to live with. But 8 months is no time at all. Take as long as you need, but the time comes when you do stop forgetting that they've gone. When it feels normal that they're not there, it does hurt a lot less. Sometimes it still hurts, but mostly I'm ok now. I'm sure you will be too. Warm wishes.

Twins

2007-10-24T12:43:00.001-07:00

4 in a Million - A, B, C & D, originally uploaded by AIMEEBELLE.

The following is a found Oceangram
....................................................................

Hi,
I am in Virginia Beach, Va. and where might you be on this fine day? My brothers had a true life experience with a note they put in a river. My brothers are twins and they received a note stating the person who found their bottle was also a twin. They finally got to meet and it was so exciting.

Across the Waters - - -
---
**привет ты говоришь по русский
---
Wow, that's incredible. Sometimes fate just has a way.
- maiko, ido
---
God has a plan in all of our lives. If we pray for his guidance, the right person will be where we will meet and fall in love with them. Follow God's guidance! God Bless You! Indiana USA October 12, 2007

...................................
**Translation: Regards to those of you who speak Russian

Full Bloom

2007-09-29T12:18:00.001-07:00

Full Bloom, originally uploaded by serakatie.

Loss and Grief

2007-09-08T15:21:00.001-07:00

Lighten Up!, originally uploaded by lorenzodom.

An Oceangram
................................................

I lost 4 people dear to me this year. My mother, my father, my aunt and a very close friend. I wish everyone would just let me be sad and miss them. I know they mean well when they say, "You'll see them again" or "They are in a better place." I know that, and I appreciate it, but sometimes I just want someone to agree with me that it is just so painful.
---
I can't even imagine how painful this must be. We all have to face tragedy at some point. It's part of life. And so is grief. However, I'm sure if they could speak to you now, they would want you to hold onto life stronger than ever and remember the good times you had together with a smile on your face.

---
This person has a point, that it's best not to try to help grief. When I was a little girl and my father died, nice ladies would come up to me and say, "Don't feel bad dear, your father will always be in your heart." It took everything I had not to reply, "Yeah, but just try to call him on the phone."

Oh Danny Boy

2007-09-05T05:37:00.001-07:00

Hi Danny Boy,
Can you tell us how you are and what happened?
We love you.
MMJD
Who ever opens this please put it back in the bottle and send it on.
Thank you,
Oct24/06 Canada
---
Hey Danny Boy, I don't even know you, never mind love you, but I'd like to know what happened too!!!!!
---
wish you find your true love....

from China..
---
Hi Danny Boy sending bottle back into the ocean and hope you receive it soon.
---
I know a Danny Boy in California but I'm sure he's not the one you are looking for. I hope you find your Danny Boy.
---
My son is a Danny Boy and we live in Manitoba Canada.

If he's the one. He's cool and no worries mate!

Nov 20/06
---
WHAT HAPPENED
---
the pipes are calling!
---
Hi MamaJeanD,
I am sorry but I have been out on the west coast all these years. I just could not face you and Papa and tell you the truth. I am ashamed to say I am gay. I am so sorry Mama, I know how much you wanted grandchildren and I cannot face being excommunicated. I can't come home. I am so sorry and I hope you are tracking this.
Love,
Your Danny Boy
---
aww how sweet.......
---
yeah so.... out in the "ocean" you go little bottle
~indiana, USA
---
sending back... =)
---
wow how cool is that if that really is 'Danny Boy'

wow LOVE LOVE LOVE kiddos.

xx

One Wish....

2007-07-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

If you had one wish, only to be used on yourself, what would it be and why?
---
That every time I reached into my pocket, there would be money there. I'm tired of having to scrimp for pennies.
---
I think my wish would be that I could've been a famous singer. I love singing and I'm ok ish at it, but nowhere near good enough to do anything with it. Oh well, at least I can annoy my neighbours with my bad karaoke.

Nice question and I think it's clever how you did it so we wouldn't do the 'world peace' wish - which would always be my first wish, but you made me have to think again :o)

LUK
---
To have countless wishes!
---
I guess I have to go along with the neverending wishes, but the coins are good also.

Oceangram found by Sera

Oceangrammers

2007-06-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

New Oceangram fans?

Explosm.net

A Girl from China

2007-05-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

A map of mars, originally uploaded by ༺lifemage༻.

Oceangram found May 26, 2007

I am a girl from China.
I wish my life make some different. Because I like chanllenge and constantly changing. Now, there is a huge gap between reality and hope. Maybe the only thing I can do is waiting and this is the real life.
Wish all people happy and health.
祝愿所有的人幸福健康
Sep-30th-2006
---
Everyone can make a difference.
---
hope is the magic word keep at it and be positive coz it will come if you wish to make it real fro you regards from wellington new zealand
---
Life is not measured by the breaths we take...but by the moments that take our breath away!
Don't miss them!!!(~.~)
My best to YOU! NewYork
---
------
I am sure your life will make a difference. The fact you want it , it will.***** We can do no great things; only small things with great love.
Mother Teresa*****
All the best from Canada.
Oct. 5/2006.
-----------
---
you've already made a decision. You can get what you need.
---
Good luck on your journey through life. It is what you make it to be.
Always be happy!
Oklahoma
10/12/06
---
I'm from Canada and I'm sure you can chage your life just by the choices you make. Pray, think positive. All the Best.
---
These are lovely thoughts. However, the reality is that she will have your job next week. Or maybe next month. She, and your job, will make a difference. And I suspect you still think Walmart is the best deal in town.
VM
Virginia Beach VA USA
October 14, 2006
---
finally a realist on the board..well done
---
Best 1st message, and best follow up messages I've read so far on Oceangrams. Thank you all for wonderful outlook, insightfulness, and advise. Minnesota 10.24.06
---
-------

I have a feeling that her goal is not to work at Walmart.
---
We all make a difference. Sometimes the difference we make just isn't so obvious to us. Blessings to all!
---
Good Luck
---
Makes such a nice change for the bottle not to be full of religious ramblings.
---
Maybe she'd be a nicer and a better person to work at Walmart than the person above who is worried that a chinese girl will take a job from someone. Chinese girl, if you want to come to Canada, I have a job for you. I work at this place and I am white and the white blokes we have hired were lazy and quit cause they couldn't handle a little hard work. Oh yes, bring a big heavy duty coat, it's cold out here and it's snowing like crazy today.
Manitoba, Canada
Nov 28, 2006
Manitoba, Canada
---
Good luck as you go through life. To those who think she will take your job I feel sorry for you. Maybe if you changed your attitude you wouldn't have to worry about someone taking your job.
Florida, USA 12/12/06
---
I can't say it better than those before me, you have already made a difference by causing us all to stop and think about how we can all make a difference in other's lives.
---
See, people from all over the world are rooting you on. Hang in there.

And frankly, the way this day is going, she can HAVE my job. ;)
---
its up to us to make our own destiny and make our life happy or bad,
amanda from australia

Bloggers Wanted.

2007-05-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Oceangrammers!

Send me an email if you'd like to write about Oceangramming or post an interesting Oceangram on this blog.

You can reach me at oceangramstories at yahoo.

Take care,

Sera

Here's an Oceangram for you:

Patience is virtue. One generation plants trees, and the next enjoys the shade. Maga - Ohio - 11/04/06
---
Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician. Sylvia - Washington - 11/11/06
---
Good grief! This thing floated around for 7 days before coming ashore, again? Where do these bottles get stuck?
---
Wisdom is supposed to come with age, but sometimes - age comes alone.
---
Add to this my personal favorite:

Growing old is mandatory. Growing UP is optional :0D
---
dude wotz with all the quotes heres a new zealand saying sup bow?
---
well, i am neither old or wise. time wounds all heels
---
I am old and wise. My heels are foine .
I gotta quote...
The greatest human quest is to know what one must do in order to become a human being.
Kant
---
sometimes you feel like a quote, sometimes you dont!
---
i'm a dragon
i'm on this island and i want off. I've heard nasty rumours in the waves that I no longer exist.
I feel strongly that this is untrue, as i contintinue to see my reflection in each pool that i pass.
---
If there is no wind row.
---Latin Proverb
---
An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.

ok..one more for the road...

You can lead a horticulture but you can't make her think.
---
Only dead fish go with the flow
---
Oh gawd.
---
A wise monkey never monkeys around with another monkeys monkey.
---
Too many cooks spoil the broth
---
Fail to honor people
They fail to honor you.
-- Lao Tze
---
Ham and eggs. A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T00:14:00.001-07:00

Standing out above the crowd, originally uploaded by serakatie.

~Sera : )

Under Construction

2007-03-20T11:17:00.001-07:00

I'm currently fiddling with the design of this blog. In the meantime, consider joining the Oceangram Flickr group and adding a picture to the group pool.
I have some plans for Flickr projects. If you'd like to contribute, please join and say hi.

Also, don't forget about the following Oceangram groups:

Oceangram Stories Yahoo

BottleParty

Take care,

Sera

Oceangramstories [at] yahoo [dot] com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/serakate/

www.flickr.com

More photos in Message in a Bottle: Oceangram

www.flickr.com

Message iN a bottLe

2007-02-27T12:34:00.001-08:00

Message iN a bottLe, originally uploaded by Andhang.

Oceangram found by Sera:

Why, do you think, are you SO addicted to Oceangram (if you are)?
---
I am NOT addicted - I CAN control this
---
boredom!
---
deffo boredom!!!!!!!
---
I think it's the nicotine. It also doesn't help that my wife just died... I need something to fill the empty void that is now my soul.
---
lol it is fun btyee x
---
I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad that you can at least occupy yourself here to take your mind off your troubles.
---
Kinda nice knowing that you're anonymously sending something out into the yoner.
---
passes the time when Im bored. Kinda cool to see what people say
---
uhhhhhh not addicted... just find an urge to come check on it during every waking moment. That's not addiction is it?
---
I like the anonymity and that u can say whatever u want and throw it out into the universe, sort of like spring cleaning the soulWhy, do you think, are you SO addicted to Oceangram (if you are)?
---
I am NOT addicted - I CAN control this
---
boredom!
---
deffo boredom!!!!!!!
---
I think it's the nicotine. It also doesn't help that my wife just died... I need something to fill the empty void that is now my soul.
---
lol it is fun btyee x
---
I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad that you can at least occupy yourself here to take your mind off your troubles.
---
Kinda nice knowing that you're anonymously sending something out into the yoner.
---
passes the time when Im bored. Kinda cool to see what people say
---
uhhhhhh not addicted... just find an urge to come check on it during every waking moment. That's not addiction is it?
---
I like the anonymity and that u can say whatever u want and throw it out into the universe, sort of like spring cleaning the soul
LB Vic. Australia 26/09/06
---
I like that you realize that you're more similar to everyone than what you might have thought.
LB Vic. Australia 26/09/06
---
I like that you realize that you're more similar to everyone than what you might have thought.
---
i think its fun to see what people have to say.. it's kinda nice
---
something to do..mind numbing.
AUSTRALIA 10TH OCTOBER 2006 (My sons 11th Birthday)
---
seeing other problems in life, make me realize mine aren't so bad...
Oct. 14,2006 Noble, Ok.
---
24Oct06 All my friends began playing games instead of chatting, so this way I can chat (sorta). When my husband passed away 5 yrs ago, chatting on the pc helped to keep me from losing my mind. So, you keep posting on Oceangram, sir and condolences to you. I now am remarried to a wonderful man who lost his wife and we are very happy! Nita Florida USA
---
not sure why...
---
It's interesting. You don't get instant gratification, but with a little patience something comes along.
---
No time to talk I need to do some more bottling.
UK
---
from California.....I'm new to this site.........interesting to hear from other folks.....11/3/06
---
Just a nice little break in the day.
---
It is still new to me, and therefore interesting. Not addicted though.
---
I'm not addicted...but I am multi-tasking person...so I like to keep busy, doing several things....I'm playing cards, listening to the radio...talking to my children before bedtime...and answering this! Just like the person above....why I like it...the anonymity and u can say whatever that's on your mind....and throw it to the sea!
---
good morning
16-11-2006
09.30 am
addicted to internet
---
I'm not addicted,I quit several times a day.
---
it is habitual
---
It's a habbit I have now. I like to read what others have to say! Even if some are so stupid that I have to throw them back or retire them. Plus I love to say what I am really feeling without getting blamed for anything. It is definately soul clensing!
---
This is only my second message but it has so far filled time in between other things. It's abit like opening a fortune cookie, I guess. Except you don't eat the cookie.
---
I throw back a few a day as long as it doesn't interfer with my happy hour attendance.
---
I keep checking bottles to see if one of mine comes back. Once that happens, I'll be done with this site.
---
I love to see where people are from and what they have to say
---
Procrastination - because I'm doing this to put off doing what I'm supposed to be doing - hoping to find some motivation to get myself in gear - Maine, USA 12 DEC 06
---
:kiss: :xsman: 555 OPFC :xsman: :kiss:
---
i haven't done this in a while

Happy Valentines Day

2007-02-14T12:26:00.001-08:00

Red Dress in a Window
Originally uploaded by serakatie.

Some Oceangrams and posts about love and happiness:

Professions of Love and Proposals of Marriage

Your Happiest Day

Finding Love

Men and Women

Are you in Love?

Loved Ones

Happiness

Spread the Love

I hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day, whether you've found the love of your life or you're still looking.

Sera : )

Professor Martin's Predictions: A Cooperative Story

2007-02-01T00:26:00.000-08:00

Professor Martin Tarr stood at the front of the auditorium addressing
a crowd of over 1000 people. "The data does not lie," he said, "When
you look at the linear progression on these charts, it becomes
obvious that within 10 years, we will all...
---
be living off of mushrooms. The ice age will return and we will all
be living in the bottom of the ocean eating specially treated
mushrooms!

---
Our poop will float to the top and will eventually melt the ice and
then we will again....
---
be going North in the winter months to stay warm. Michigan will
become the # 1 state for snowbirds.
---
"Bullshit," said a voice from the audience.
---
"Yeah! What a load of crap" comes another cry from the audience
---
...Mr. Tarr becomes very angry about such statements.
"I'm right, believe me. Good old Europe may be the first country, who
has nothing than ice."
---
"What about global warming?!" comes a shout from the crowd.
---
Mr. Tarr states: "Global warming is bullshit. Al Gore is an idiot.
President Bush is the best president ever."
---
"But didn't Bush kill all the dinosaurs?" asked someone. "Isn't he
also the cause of crotch itchiness and currently growing carbon
dioxide levels?"
---
Commercial break...he,he
---
"Beer and pretzels, anyone/"
On with the show>>>>>

---
Hold on, I gotta pee first.
---
To get back to the story:

Proffesor Tarr decided to get his class back on track. "I'm sorry
about my previous statement, the increasing CO2 levels, acid rain and
dependence on oil and other limited resources has deteriorated my
brain tissue that I tend to say ridiculous things. What I really
wanted this conversation to be about is that Rhode Island, neither
Road nor Island...discuss."
---
In the meantime, I will visit the facilities down the hall.

Several minutes later...

Taking up where we left off, let us approach the data from a
different perspective. With a gentle whirrr, a large marker board
dropped from the ceiling. It was covered from top to bottom with
complicated and nearly indecipherable equations. Professor Tarr
continued, "If you follow the probability curve, cube it and divide
by 2, you see something disturbing and not a little discombobulating.
I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but
---
in another year the sky will no longer be blue. It will be lime
green".

"No way!", one of the students yelled.

"You're lying!", yelled another.

Professor Tarr stared at his students for a long while. Then he
shouted, "you're right. I'm just kiddin'. The sky isn't going to turn
green. But...

---
..we are all apt to turn purple which will be a most horrific
experience

Purple People (3gs)
Originally uploaded by imagepeace.

for then we will be invaded...class...are you ready for
this? When we turn purple every person will be on their on as we are
invaded by an army of, one eyed...one horn, flying purple people
eaters...I believe that will be THE END! (of us all)
---
Not so, as up in the Ice Fishing shack Captain Canada is working on a
syrum,syram, serium ah shit a concoction that will save the world.
Batman and Robin have been up fishing with him and will deliver the
life saving drug to the people in their Batsnowmobile. Superman
refused to help cause the bible thumpers got to him and said it was
gods will. The recipe people were busy writing purple people recipes
and the morons were enthralled reading this. Orson Wells is to be
charged for causing mass hysteria. at his trial he said .......
Canada Kid 12/27/06
---
"This is ridiculous! Everybody knows that Martians attacked the
earth but the Air Force and the CIA have covered it all up and made
up this preposterous story about me causing a panic. Your Honor,
throw this case out of court!!"
To which the judge replied . . . .

Bewigged
Originally uploaded by Ronald Hackston.

Found by Sunny

.....................

Feel free to finish the story in comments. : )
~Sera

Bottle Tossers Confess

2006-12-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

How many bottles have you thrown in total so far? Do you have any idea?
---
Maybe 20
---
only about four.
---
I've started between 5 and 10, but I've commented on over a hundred.
---
I don't know...didn't keep count...didn't realize there would be a quiz. ;-)
---
Oh, I'd say about 15 or so.
---
- - -
Three
- - -
---
Maybe 20 or more new bottles (not a reply)
jakarta, indonesia
10-10-2006
---
only two
---
maybe it's three
---
52145

10-17-2006
---
hmm..maybe about 10
---
dunno dint count them dint know we had to...
---
loads of the blooming things nandi bbot
---
Many manage to crack several of the nasty ones
---
too many to count
-the grinch
---
About two a day.
Hi Nandi you Slade Lover.
Hopper UK©
---
i am new here just 30 min i think 8 bottles
---
HUNDREDS!!!
If you got an idiotic message or something that made no sense at all. It was me! It's fun to make people confused.
***edited***
---
Don't know.
---
Thats a good question but i am not sure how many i have thrown in because i have so much to write about!
---
this is my first reply, just sent my first message about 2 mins ago!
Rhona ingleton, UK
---
New here about 10
---
0 sent today.Revenge Ohio is just responding today.11-8-06
---
25-30. I try to make them interesting. But so far I seem to be getting a lot of love letters back.
---
I have 5 bottles I started but as for the ones i have gotten I have no idea...lots though
---
I only just got here, but this is neat...so I'll prolly send a bunch!!

---
I think 8 - 15 today I send 1 :D

GER <3 --- Wow, I really don't have any ideal - Lots. --- Lots.... I need help. Seriously. --- too many to count i would say. this is addicting tj

***Blog administrator edited rude comment in Greek***

Pigs with Wings

2006-12-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

Has anyone seen the flying pig? Just wondered if he's still out there on the virtual ocean.

~Sera : )

Would you Care to Dance?

2006-12-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

Would you care to dance with me?
~Wyld nz
---
I would love to, wait your not in a mosh pit are ya?
---
Those are nearly the first words I said to my wife over 19 years ago.

"Would you care to dance" and she said yes and it has been together
ever since. Best woman in the world. In 19 years we have NEVER had
an argument, loud words a couple times but no arguments and both
times it was how to split our wills vrs her 2 and my 3 kids. Out of
the 5 only 2 of mine need anything, the other 3 have more money than
God. I finally agreed an even split as she wanted and there hasn't
been a loud word in 12 years.

Hope your marrage is as good. (Both our first marriages were
shitty. Her's liked little girls and mine liked sex with everyone
except me.)

No matter where you go there you are.

---
Sorry, I don't know how
---
???
---
thnx 4 da advice
---
Have always wanted to dance but don't know how - too shy to learn
---
my 1st oceangram ,huh!
---
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I'd LOVE to dance with you - I've not danced since
my wooden knee wa put in (it's not really wooden but Titanium) cc
detroit, MI USA 10.20.06
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
---
ok
---
No Dance but this.......

Subject: What Do Retired People
Do

Working people frequently ask retired people what
they do to make their days interesting.

Well for example, the other day Marilyn and I went
into town and went into a shop. We were only in there for about 5
minutes.
When we came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket. We
went up
to him and said, "Come on man, how about giving a senior citizen a
break?"
He ignored us and continued writing the ticket. I called him a Nazi
turd.
He
glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn tires.

So Marilyn called him a @#$head. He finished the second ticket and
put it

on the windshield with the first. Then he started writing a third
ticket.
This went on for about 20 minutes. The more we abused
him, the more tickets he wrote.

Personally, we didn't care. we came into town by
bus.

We try to have a little fun each day now that we are retired. It's
important at our age.
---
I have been married twice and never danced at my own weddings...
---
Sorry no can do, I've got two left feet :D
UK
---
i'm not great at it but i'll give it a go ....
---
---
So, going back to the dancing 19 years ago thing, where were you? And
how is it possible that you have never had an argument? Thats neither
natural or possible! So, you agree on absolutely everything else? AND
how much money does God have anyway? How do you know? Sorry, shall
cease to analyse pedantically now...
Charley
---
yes, some of us have danced, and some of us haven't but the real
question is....

"You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?"
---
Hi I'm Sarah I'm 8yrs old and I just asked Santa for a Bella Pop Star
Studio for Christmas. I LOVE TO DANCE !!!! AR 11/10/06

---
back again to the 19 years ago thing. NO WONDER you have never had
an arguement if people in your family have so much money. Must be
lovely not to have money worries.
---
As of today my bride and I have bee married 31 years. In that time
we've had 2 houses, 8 cars, 5 dogs, and maybe 2 fights. We don't have
a lot of money but we don't buy things we can't afford. We pay off
all our credit cards (only really use one) at the end of he month.
Don't buy a car until we can pay cash. We did take a mortgage but had
about 50to put as a downpayment. Live simply within you means and
you'd be surprised at all the things you CAN afford. We've traveled
overseas every couple of years, eat well, don't feel deprived at all.
South MN, 11/15/2006
---
I would love to dance with you. I hope to have a wonderful second
marriage as well. Just waiting for the time to come.

~The above Oceangram was found by Sunny on Dec. 6, 2006~

Ho, ho, ho!!

2006-12-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

The Story of Oceangram

2006-11-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

Screenshot of the 499,999th Oceangram found on August 12, 2006.

Current number of "bottles delivered" is approaching 4 million!

Excerpts from Chat with Shawn Kashou of Oceangram.com

On Nov. 28th, Oceangrammers chatted with Shawn Kashou in the Oceangram chatroom. Oceangrammers were able to ask questions about Oceangram and talk about the new features.

Other group chats will be scheduled in the future.
Times and dates will be posted on the blog.

Oceangram: hello, from the bottom of the ocean

...

Oceangram: Hello oceangrammers

Jenn: Hi Shawn

Oceangram: Shawn here

Sera: Glad you could make it Shawn

paramansb102276: hi Shawn

Hopper: Hi Shawn

SanJ (Guest31): hi Shawn

Lynne (Guest52): Hello, and thank you shawn for creating oceangram!!!

Oceangram: thank you.. I am glad to be here

...

Oceangram: I'll start with me, then the evolution of the oceangram idea

Sera: By the way, the overwhelming majority of comments about the new design are positive
They seem to like it.
Go ahead :)

Oceangram: great.. I am glad
I am an architect.. gradutated in 1994
I was always fascinated with computers
When I was in college, I lived next door to a bookstop
I bought my first computer, and learnt how to do computer graphics
whenever I got stuck, i used to walk over to the bookstop, read about the problem, then come back and continue
well it paid off.. I was the first student to do my thesis project on the computer

...

Oceangram: The architects mind is always working.. and mine was always thinking what can I do with the computer

Sera: Welcome...Shawn is telling us about himself

Oceangram: hello

Sera: and how he came up with Oceangram

Star: cool I'll listen

Oceangram: I designed a few websites
then at the beginning of this year, I was trying to find an idea for a website that can be used as an escape

...

Oceangram: I have my own office in the company I work for, and don't get to interact much with people
so afte a few days the message in a bottle idea poped in my head..

Sera: Many oceangrammers use the site at work...off and on

Oceangram: my wife likes to tell people that I thought of it while i was in the bathroom

Sera: LOL

Jenn: lol

Lynne (Guest52): hee hee

paramansb102276: lmao

Oceangram: well there is some truth to that
the light bulb did go on while in there.. but it has been brewing for a while
so the challenge was to figure out how to do it

Sera: I think you've found a great way

Jenn: indeed.

Oceangram: so back to the books.. learned flash, databases.. and the first oceangram got online on May 1

The entire chat transcript can be found here.

We hope you can join us for the next Oceangrammers Chat. Stay tuned for times and dates!

~Sera : )

Chat with Creator of Oceangram on Tuesday, November 28th, 8:00pm U.S./Central Time

2006-11-26T00:59:00.000-08:00

Come Join Us in the Oceangram Chat Room!

Shawn Kashou, the creator of Oceangram, will join us for a live chat in the Oceangram chat room.

What: Chat with Shawn Kashou
When: Tuesday, November 28th
What Time:

6:00 pm Pacific Time (Seattle)
7:00 pm Mountain Time (Denver)
8:00 pm Central Time (Dallas)
9:00 pm Eastern Time (New York City)

A morning chat (US/Central time) will be scheduled for next weekend to give all time zones an opportunity for chat with Shawn Kashou.

For more information on time zones, see links below:

WORLD TIMES

And here is a map of world time zones provided by www.time.gov.

If you want to know what time it is in Russia, or Finland, or New Zealand, or wherever the person your chatting with is from, check out the
World Sunlight Map. Images update every half hour.

If you want the time converted for you, try this time zone converter.

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T01:49:00.000-08:00

I made my very first homemade apple pies today, nothing store bought, all from scratch - inspired by the picture on this blog. Yumm! I followed the directions she gave, and the pies look pretty good, I must say! We shall see how they taste.

To those Americans who are enjoying dinner and the company of friends and family today, I want to say Happy Thanksgiving! : )

Check back for an announcement about a scheduled online chat with Oceangram's creator, Shawn Kashou. The chat is scheduled for next Tuesday. I will add more details later. Meanwhile, I hope you are all enjoying the new Oceangram graphics and features. Take care and...

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera : )

Oceangram Version 2.0

2006-11-21T00:11:00.000-08:00

The new Oceangram version has been released.

Here's the announcement about the new version from the "Lighthouse Report."

We are glad to announce the release of the new Oceangram, featuring enhanced graphics of a new beach for your enjoyment. You should see the new Oceangram on your computer automatically as you load the oceangram homepage at www.oceangram.com.

If you are new to Oceangram, we invite you to join the thousands of users around the world who are enjoying this exciting free service. Click here to learn how to use Oceangram.

As for the existing fans, here are the new features in this release in addition to the new beach. The option to discard a message has been replaced by the 'retire' feature. The 'retire' feature requires 3 users who receive the message to retire it before it is removed from the system permanently. This will ensure the message is not removed unfairly by mistake. The option to report an abusive message is also added. Oceangram's blogger Sera has added a chat feature that oceangrammers can use, besides all the other useful and fun information that she has arranged in her blog for the enjoyment of Oceangram's fans.

We want to thank all of you for using Oceangram, and we hope you will enjoy using it as much as we enjoyed creating it. Remember that you can tell your friends about Oceangram by sending them a Target Oceangram.

Oceangram is a free service that is totally maintained by the advertisements on this website and from the sale of message in a bottle Oceangrams at the Oceangram Store. You can support Oceangram by considering these merchants for your next purchase.

If you are not sure if you are using the new or old version of Oceangram, look for the version number that appears on the left side of the Oceangram graphics screen under the rocks, if you see v2.0 then you are using the new version. If you don't see the version number at all, press the refresh button on your browser to load the updated version. You may have to empty the cache of your browser if the new version does not load with a simple refresh. Please check the FAQ page to see how to empty the cache.

Regards,

The Oceangram Team

So, what do you think of the new Oceangram features? Feel free to comment here. I, for one, am excited about the "retire" button replacing the "delete" button. I think this will prevent a lot of needless deletes. You may want to start tracking Oceangrams again and see if it works.

Also, "report abuse" will be an option for those really abusive messages. I wanted a button to vote for "best of" Oceangrams, but maybe that will be in the next version. : )

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera

Here is a screenshot of the new Oceangram Store. Maybe a good place to consider for Christmas gifts, hm?

The NEW Oceangram is on it's Way!

2006-11-20T16:03:00.000-08:00

Look for some new features and awesome graphics in the NEW Oceangram, to be released very soon!

Join Oceangrammers in the new Chat Room or join the Oceangram Stories Yahoo Group to talk about the changes with other Oceangrammers.

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera

From a Kuwaiti Oceangrammer

2006-11-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

~Oceangram found by Sera, translated with an online translator~

Men and Women

2006-11-13T06:50:00.000-08:00

Besides the physical, what's the greatest difference between men and women?
---
wo
---
Not much, both play to many games.
---
go and read a book
---
Women are intelligent...men are not
---
Everything. Men and women are wired completely differently.
---
men and women both have different trates about them.
---

Men think logically and women think emotinally......at least that's what my husband says!!
---

I agree as with the above comment. Generally speaking, men are more logical and women more emotional. In extreme situations this creates a man that can't say "I Love You" and a woman that can't balance a check book.
- Before you blast me, I said extreme situations. I do believe there is a women out there somewhere that can keep the checkbook balanced. :)
Like the book says "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus".

---
Yes, I think that if your question is serious (whatever "serious" means in the context of messages in a virtual bottle) then the book mentioned by the last writer is a good place to Start. It is not entirely accurate but it will suggest some of the right questions and who to ask.
---
Women use the left side of the brain and Men the right unless you are gay.
UK
---
men and women are created equal with equal differences so as to be a complete human when they come together in marriage. unfortunately we tend to miss interpret and distort these traits, blurring reality.
---
On your way little bottle..... sh
---
I am constantly surprised at how alike men and women really are, and it is hard to paint them all with the same brush. However, I heard recently that men have an area in the brain that rules sexual pursuit and it is twice as large as the corresponding area in a woman's brain.
I also think women are trained from childhood to share rather than compete. If we say, "that same thing happened to me," it's because we want to show empathy with the other woman, whereas when men say it, it might be to "top" the other account with a better story.
---
Bottle story love story miraculous story

~Oceangram found by Sera~

Are You In Love?

2006-11-12T04:05:00.000-08:00

Are you in Love?
---
Yes, I am very much in love. I have a wonderful husband and the sweetest

daughter. I have been so blessed to have such wonderful people to call my

family.
---
Yes, I am in love - and I'm a newlywed, just 25 and 1/2 years and it keeps

getting better all the time. Most of it is in the attitude and the

commitment.
---
I'm madly in love with my sexy soldier!
And my 2 beautiful kids!
---
uh huh in missouri ussa
---
Yes I am with the same wonderful guy for the last 35 yrs.
---
Yup I'm deffo in love, been with him 5yrs in march..getting married in

18mths... TDL UK
---
coollllllllllllll
---
I'm in love.
---
I'm in love with my best friend, been married 3 years. It really does get

better with time! Can't wait to enjoy the rest of my life with him :)

PL, California 9/9/06
---
Yes!!!
I'm living in the very south of Germany near the Austrian border and she

lives in the very north of Germany near the Danish border. It's a distance

of about 1000 km. Now I'm looking for a job there in the north.
10 Sep 06 ZB
---
yeeah i'm in love too!i live in europe and he lives in the states!but we

can't see our lives without each other!love is great!
---

Yep, married for 25 years and still in love.
---
I wish.... I was, she wasn't, oh well....
---
Fall in lovewith yourself first and you'll always be happy :)
---
Yes I am, been married for 11 yrs and we have 2 wonderful children, a girl

and a boy.
---
I'm madly in love with a married man...wicked i know, but i didnt ask to

fall in love, it just happened....3yrs ago. I have no idea what is to

become of us. I have fallen out of love with my partner of 22yrs, we are

more like bother
---
no i'm not. :( :( :( :(

any offers??
---
I'm in love, and have been married for 2 years. Marriage is not always

easy, but it is much more long lasting than the bozos who said they loved

me before!
---
i love my bf so much and i miss him so much
---
love? what's that?
---
Yes, I am. Everyone should with someone.
---
Some days more than others.
---
Pass
---
---
love it is beautiful!!!
---
---
While I very much love my wife, I fear that our marriage is crumbling due

in great part to my resistance to intimacy.
---
Hi,Do you live in California??

---
hope you are all happy, 10/01/06
---
Yes! Yes! Yes!
---
Well its my 4 year wedding anniversary tomorrow! Although there are days I

could just throttle him, he is my best bud and I do love him. Hope we are

still going strong in another 50!
---
yes and I have been faithfull to my husband for 16 years
---
I see there are alot of love birds out there, good luck always darlings.

Some of us will never have that love thing going for us, just wasn't

mean't to be.
---
how do you know if you are really in love, or you just think you are?
---
If you have to ask that then you have never been in love.
---
Still in love after 13 years. Maybe not as fiery as in the beginning, but

better somehow. Like the comfort zone but with still some spark, very

nice indeed!
---
Completely crazy about my husband of 12 yrs! Bd
---
yes, I'm in love... and isn't it wonderful to see so many ppl in love

also!
---
********************
I'm in love with Nancy's husband. I can have him sexually but that is the

only way. boo hoo
********************

---
No. and I never want to be. I have to much other stuff going on and Im

VERY happy!
---
Yes, to my husband of almost 28 years!! as/tn
---
Yes I am in love with that great man of mine BUT I don't think he loves me

back the way I need to be....Chula Vista, CA 10/29/06
---
No, but thanks for asking.
---
No. Used to be, but fell out of love with my husband. a few years ago.

We're still together for the kids. Congratulations to all of you who have

managed to keep that lovin' feelin' going.
---
LOVE?AHHH YES!!
11/11/06

~Oceangram found by Sera~

Chat about Oceangram!

2006-11-10T23:25:00.000-08:00

UPDATE *** Chat is temporarily unavailable***

The Oceangram chatroom is officially open!

You are signed in as a "guest" as soon as you enter the page. You can begin chatting by writing in the blue box at the bottom of the chat box. It's best to schedule a chat to make sure you have a chat buddy or two. Good luck!

***Check back soon for the Oceangram chat site.***

Use the comments to this post to invite others to chat.

See you there!

What SHOULD you be doing instead of Oceangramming?

2006-11-10T23:06:00.000-08:00

What are you supposed to be doing now?
---
Think of a nice reply, but I'm stymied. (BTW: I GoT the creeps from that foghorn.)
---
I'm supposed to be cleaning house, but am actually rewatching the US Big Brother finale. Bad enough, to waste one hour, but to watch it t w i c e ? :( 913/06 CA, USA
---
no waiiiii
---
Cleaning, and washing my hair, and cooking, I am doing this in between, LOL, very addictive!!!! Ohio 9-17
---
Getting ready to go for my Flu shot,had to check my email first and of course the Oceangram
next. Exciting it is not.I'm dreading the shot.
Florida--9-20-06---
---
relaxing! and I am!
---
doing the dishes then going to bed - am putting it off as I am too tired to be bothered doing dishes - but won't let myself go to bed without them done....... tick..... tick ....... getting later - getting tireder.
---
Doing this when I should be asleep!
9-22-06 South Carolina Coast
---
dong the laundry and watching the ball game... and this.
---
Very little, been awake since 2.30am(now 7.30am) having a raspberry smoothie
uk 26th sept
---
Whatever I choose. Was a cat in my past life...
---
supposed to be doing my lab report which is due tomorrow, really cant be bothered. tuz.
---
Nothing, waiting for my sister to arrive.

AUSTRALIA SUNDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2006. 9.10AM
---
Going to bed. Last bottle. I promise! 'Night! from NC
---
nothing. i am single and relaxing
---
i'm working!! all the fun!! afc
---
Nothing :) Just spending a while on the computer before heading for bed.

*AP in Finland*

Oct 16th, 2006
---
It's Friday night! No work! I do whatever I want. TGIF!

=^..^=
---
Nuttin! It's saturday evening and I can do whatever I want to . Probably I'll do laundry and watch Lawrence Welk.
---
Working. Im killing time.
---
Homework :D
---
I should be working too!
---
saturday evening...having a beer..cheers!
---
I need to get dinner started!
---
working!! SO much for that!
---
it is 0248 in the morning, at work and it is boring. nothing going on here
---
Lawrence Welk???? Are you stuck in a 50s time warp?

Oceangram found by Sera

Oceangram Announcement

2006-11-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed that Oceangram is down.

Don't be sad!

The Oceangram Team is on it!

They hope to have the server back up very soon (hopefully within a few hours).

Meanwhile, feel free to browse the archives:

Oceangram Archives

Or find new Oceangram friends by joining an Oceangram forum:

Or use the new chat room:

Oceangram Chat Room

Click on "search for chatrooms" and you should see "Oceangram" first. If not, search for Oceangram. You may chat in other rooms as well.

~Sera : )

Beloved Pets

2006-10-26T02:33:00.000-07:00

My dog was diagnosed with cancer about a month ago. She's been feeling ok so far, but last night I could tell she's finally starting to feel some pain. I think she only has a few days left before I will have to kill her. I've had her for over 10 years and she's been my best little buddy. I'm going to miss her so much.
---

have her put to sleep and stay with her until the end. That's so often the price of love......
so sorry...
I think our animal companions are one of our best sources of comfort
---
We went through that a few years ago. My son had to have his cat who was almost 23 years old put to sleep. It was hard and we were in mourning for awhile. We still miss him, but it was something we had to do because he was suffering.
Good luck to you and sorry for your loss.
---
I am so sorry that you are going through this. Please don't look at it as "killing her" - you are removing her misery and making it possible for her to chase frisbees and stick her head out the car window in heaven. (Yes, dogs go to heaven. It wouldn't be heaven WITHOUT them!)

---
She never passes away. She is living in your heart permenantly.
---
Yes, it is a very hard thing. I have ahd 3 cats who I have had to put to sleep. They were all very sick in the end. It broke my heart every time, but it was the only thing too do. Here is a poem that hopefully helps!

A.D.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown

---
When God had made the earth and sky,
the flowers and the trees,
He then made all the animals
the fish, the birds and bees
And when at last He'd finished
not one was quite the same.
He said I'll walk this world of mine
and give each one a name.
And so He travelled far and wide
and everywhere He went,
a little creature followed Him
until its strength was spent.
When all were named upon the earth
and in the Sky and Sea,
the little creature said "Dear Lord,
there's no name left for me."
Kindly the Father said to him
"I've left you to the end.
I've turned my own name back to front
And called you DOG, my friend".

---
Losing a beloved pet is very hard. But you have loved and shared your life with them, the best thing to do at the end is to be with them and let them go. The love never stops, it just moves further into your heart. Thank you for not letting him suffer. Safe journey doggie, may you never suffer pain again.
---
Wow! I loved the God name turned backward to Dog! I had a beautiful golden lab named Russell. He used to smile and say "I Love You" - I loved that dog with my heart and soul! He chased a squirrel into the road one day and got hit by a car. He was alive when they brought him to the animal hospital. I couldnt bring myself to go down there to say goodbye to him - I just wanted them to put him out of his agonizing pain. It was horrible. That was 20 years ago and I am still welling up thinking about him. I know how bad you are feeling. May your beloved animal RIP.
---
loosing a pet is never easy. we had a dog with cancer we had to put down as well. just think of it as ending the pain and suffering not killing .
---
That´s all so sad.
My beautiful cats are 5 years and 6 months...I love them so much and can´t imagine life without them. I´m so sorry for you but I think stopping her pain is the best thing you can do.

---
You won't be killing her! Just sending her to a better place where you can meet her later on and carry on your journey together, X
---

~Oceangram found by Sera on October 26, 2006~

Think Pink: For a Little Girl with Cancer

2006-10-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

Think Pink. My friend's 4 year old daughter has a form of cancer that only children get and she will be in a self induced coma for another 8 weeks while recieving chemo treatments. She has a 50/50 chance of living. Pink is her favorite color so think pink! Thanks
---
:( My thoughts and prayers go out to her.
---
thoughts
---
I'm thinking as pink as possible! All the best wishes for the child and her family!
---
Good luck to the little lady
---
how sad I hope everything goes well
---
~*~ Thinking pink in Hamilton NZ! Thoughts and prayers for the little one :)
---
poor little girl - I love Alberta Beef - j, Sep 24/06
---
No other color on my mind today......God bless.....9-25-06
---
Thinking Pink and praying to St Peregrine...
---
My heart and prayers go out to the little girl with cancer. Pink it is for her.
Get well. Arnold, MO
---
PINK IN SHANGHAI! CHINA! ALL THE BEST.
06OCT2006 APOLLO
---
pink is all over england with love from Emma,15, Brstol, England on the 15th october 2006
---
"What is your name?"
Sir Lancelot of Camelot!
What is your quest?
To Think Pink!
"What is your favorite colour?"
"Pink, naturally!"

"Right, go on ahead!"

~Oceangram found by Sera on October 21, 2006~

Cooperative Story a'la Oceangram: Is this the Best One Yet?

2006-10-14T03:20:00.000-07:00

This story was written, as all Oceangrams are, by many different contributing Oceangrammers. The "bottle" containing the story was found on a virtual beach by Kayla Shay, and posted in theOceangram Stories Group.

See if you think it's the best cooperative story Oceangram you have read.

The story is "unfinished." Feel free to add your own endings to the comment section of this blog. If you are tracking this Oceangram and would like to contribute "the rest of the story," please email me.

Enjoy!

~Sera Kate
Oceangram Stories

Once upon a time there was:

---
a little boy standing on the beach...
---

He watched as the dolphins play, away off in the
distance, and wished he could be swimming among them.
---

Then all of a sudden, he saw this bottle come floating
by. He said look, it has a message inside
---
He picked up the bottle, pulled out the cork, took the
paper out and unrolled it. The message read:

Just then out of the
corner of his eye, the boy saw something mesmerising.
unbelievably it was a...
mermaid. Always thought to be fiction...there she
was, her tail glistening in the water as she jumped up
and dove in the water. Then....
---
The child wished to become a merman and "POOF" the
genie in the bottle made it happen. The child so
happily jumped in the water and swam after the
mermaid. Then...
---
----
He realised that he no longer had his two legs, that
they had been replaced by a single tail. In his panic
he....
---
swam in frantic circles trying to figure out what to
do....
---
eat for lunch as all this swimming was making him
hungry. So he decided........
---
..to go to his favorite burger stand on the beach..
but wait.. he couldn't walk.. Was he never to taste
another juicy burger?? Was this what he wanted??
Would he ever see his family again??
---
Then suddenly he remembered the mermaids and his
hunger changed into something else...
CUF
---
juicy mermaids he thought and swam out to find them.
the mermaids will cook me a feed sure as eggs he
thought. just when he had almost reached the
mermaids....
---
a fishing vessel spread its large net and he was
caught along with other

---
merpeople! No no, they all cried. Except it turns
out that they spoke merspeach, so it came out sounding
a bit like a bunch of seals. The fishermen said - OH
NO, NOT MERMAIDS AGAIN!
---

So that their haul wasn't a complete waste, they took
all the mermaids and merman to the circus in town,
where ...
---
they were sold to the circus to be put on display. But
to their amazement,
---
the circus wasn't doing very well and soon closed.
Luckily the kindly owner....
---
was filthy rich so he built an aquarium for all the
merpeople. they weren't very happy put on display like
that, so they...
---
decided to do something about it. One night when the
circus owner was putting food in the aquarium they
swam up and asked him if they could please go free.
The man saw the error of his ways and decided that
even though they were very beautiful merpeople, and
looked great in an aquarium, they would be much
happier back in the ocean. No sooner as the man had
agreed on this, a...
---
bullet hit him in the back and he died instantly. The
wealthy dead mans servants decided to cash in on the
unusual inhabitants of the pool and put them all in a
hot tub and transported them to another circus where
they were put on show and were very unhappy so they
all killed themselvs.
The end
---
one was the little boy though, and just before he died
he called out his wish for them all to be
reincarnated, and as there was still a wish
remaining...
---
he brought all the other merpersons back and they all
were transfered to regular people. The realized they
had a great sound so became the new group, Water
people. after the 1st 12 # 1 hits....
---
their lives fell into the inevitable downward spiral
of booze, drugs, and fast women. Their spirit.......
---
Their spirits suffered terribly as they forgot who
they were and where they had come from while under the
haze of a drug-induced fog. But the human spirit, in
some, cannot be extinguished that easily. The boy
always lived inside the grown merman, and fought to
remind him of the day he stood on the seashore
watching the dolphins play...
---

and he wondered "what happened to my mother?" After
his stint on stage that night he left the theater and
headed home to the last place he remembered his mother
living. When he arrived he saw.............
---
a ramshackle cottage sitting in a yard of overgrown
grass and weeds. Yet there was a dim light...
---
He struggled through the neglected garden reached the
frount door.Before he knocked he peeped in at the
window and saw....
---
an elderly man sitting in front of a dwindling fire.
He had a long beard, a blue captain’s overcoat and an
ancient pipe was perched between his cracked lips.
There was an eye patch over one eye and a wooden peg
protruding from his left pants leg. As if sensing the
boy was there, the wizened man turn toward the window
and said, “Hello son.”

It was then that the boy remembered what that long
letter in a bottle had said, “Do not be sad child,
your father was an ancient mariner beloved by all
things aquatic, your salty tears bond you to him
eternally."

He felt a drop of water run down is face from his eye
and it landed on his lips. Unconsciously, he licked
his lips and realized his tears tasted of salt, just
like the ocean, just like the note had said. He looked
sharply at the man in the cottage and said,

Monday Notes: New Projects, Old Posts

2006-10-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Oceangrammers!

I just wanted to let you know that I won't be updating this site for about a week or so. I need to concentrate on a few other projects and on some redesign I'm doing. If all goes well, I'll be moving the site to Blogger Beta (with catagories) so things will be easier to find. I will still check my email and comments, and post Oceangrams to the archives. I will also be posting to and reading the Oceangram Stories Group. (Feel free to join us there :)

Oceangram Archives

Oceangram Archive #1: -original archives

Oceangram Archive #2: -*NEW* with catagories

Where to Find Oceangrammers

Current

Past

How to Participate in "Oceangram Stories"

Send us your Oceangrams: email Sera Kate, or post them in the Oceangram Stories Group

Give us suggestions: send email to Sera Kate

Comment on Oceangrams or blog posts: tell us what you think about them

Add to Oceangrams: if you see an Oceangram that you want to "participate" in, leave a comment! : )

Note:
*To email Sera Kate, see the link on the sidebar of this blog
*Blog posts are moderated (meaning I must approve them first to prevent spam), but it's easy to comment, and I accept anonymous comments.

Sera Kate's Latest Project

I'm working to help children and teachers use Oceangram as a tool for understanding people and cultures around the world. Please email me with your comments and suggestions. I'd love to hear them!

In the meantime...

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera Kate : )

From the Forums

2006-10-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

Man Enough to Cry

I'm including this because I was the last poster. ~Sera : )

via BBOT

All is Well...Except For

via The Retreat Forum

Time Travel

via BottleParty

Fear Death or Live Life?

via via ame.dip.jp

Loving and Letting Go

via BottleParty

Look out for that Pirate Ship!

2006-09-30T03:43:00.000-07:00

"I saw a ship go sailing by, go sailing by, go sailing by.I waved and waved, but I couldn't get their attention. I'm still marooned on this beautiful island. But the bottles keep floating in." ~Anonymous Oceangram Stories reader

These are responses to my post "Hey! There's something new in the ocean!" ~Sera

"The pirate ship advertising costumes for halloween? If so I saw it." ~Muleshoe, Texas 09-29-06

"Do you mean the ship? I saw it when I first logged on but haven't seen it since. I'd like a few dolpins or whales if anyone is listening......." ~Anon.

"Just saw the ship tonight!! Neat!!" ~Anon.

"I seen the ship and tried to click on it, but alas it just went by.. My sons sit and stare at the screen hoping for it to come back." ~Anon.

Jenn from South Carolina wrote:

Hi Sera, In response to, "There's something new on Oceangram". I just saw the ship pass by on my screen for the first time, and like you, no one told me about this either. :) I think its a wonderful addition to the Oceangram website. I hope its a permanent addition. I'm glad it was added. :) ... Are you the one that put together the oceangram website? If so, I enjoy it so much. Its very addictive.

My answer to Jenn:

Hello Jenn,

Yes, you are right! I was talking about the ships : )

In answer to your question, I'm not the one who created Oceangram. The creator and the head of Oceangram.com is Shawn Kashou from Texas. He has promised to give us "the story of Oceangram" soon, but he and his team are pretty busy innovating and keeping up with the demands of the site at the moment. Look for more great surprises in the future!

Thanks for your comments and your email. : )

As for me, I'm the "president" of the Oceangram "fan club" you could say. I discovered Oceangram.com just like everyone else. When I found it, in the beginning of August, it was only a couple of months old. At the time there were less than 40,000 "bottles delivered" (and, as of right this moment, there are now 3,141,280!)

I created a blog called "Professional Time Waster" where I first posted about Oceangram. I eventually decided to see how many Oceangrams I could post in a two-day period and created Oceangram Stories to have a place where people could find Oceangrams and comment on them.

When Oceangram went down in mid-August, I discussed the situation with Shawn Kashou and posted the latest news about it so people were informed. Oceangram Stories then became the "official blog" of Oceangram. It is now an online community where Oceangrammers come together to find messages and find out about Oceangramming and about each other.

When I first found Oceangram, being a teacher, I was very excited about the educational possibilities of the site. Just as teachers use "Where's George?" to track the travel of currency with their classes, Oceangram could be used in a number of ways to help students learn. As it is yet unmoderated, Oceangram isn't ready for children to use by themselves. In the meantime, I am working on another blog that will help teachers, parents, and homeschoolers use Oceangram's virtual "Message in a Bottle" for school projects and in other fun ways. What a perfect way for students to interact with each other and learn about the world!

Anyway, I'm glad you all enjoyed seeing the ships, as I did. : )

Take care and Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera Kate

Hey! There's something new in the ocean!

2006-09-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

I just noticed it.

~Sera

Oceangramming Popular in China?

2006-09-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

你好吗?
受欢迎的访客从瓷.
我的名字是清液.
我是美国人.
我了解一点汉语.

Welcome to recent Chinese visitors!

"Simplicity" Puzzle

2006-09-28T02:33:00.001-07:00

I mentioned this puzzle in an oceangram. You can try it if you want. Good luck!

~Sera

Oceangram Stories: Monday Notes

2006-09-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Oceangrammers!

Are you enjoying tracking your oceangrams?

Oceangram is a way of sending a virtual, anonymous "message in a bottle" to people around the world. A new development is that you can now see what replies your oceangrams have gathered, (you can "track" them).

Now that you can track oceangrams, you must have some great ones to share! We would love to hear from you. There are a few ways you can share your oceangrams with us.

Join Oceangram Stories Group and post them there.

Post them in the comments section of the Oceangram Stories blog or the Oceangram Archives blog.

Email Sera Kate (use the link to the above right).

You can submit your oceangrams anonymously or with a name. Whatever name you sign your email with is the name I will post with the oceangram unless you tell me otherwise.

Trouble Using Oceangram?

One of the main problems people have while accessing oceangram is using the wrong URL. You must include "www" in the oceangram URL. In other words, use this address:

http://www.oceangram.com

Do not use this address:

http://oceangram.com

.
Unfortunately, the second URL will work for a while but then you get wiggly corks and other problems.

If you are having other usage issues, please read the Oceangram technical help section first and the FAQ.

I am happy to help with anything about oceangram, but I don't have much information about the technical side. If all else fails, feel free to contact Oceangram using the form that can be found on the technical help page.

Tabbed Browsing

Are you finding it difficult to manage all of those windows you have open for oceangramming?

Let's see, you need one window for Oceangram Stories (smile), at least four windows open for www.oceangram.com, then you need one window for your email, one window to input your tracking numbers, and two or three other windows to do the w-o-r-k your boss THINKS you're doing. (Don't worry, *I* won't tell! : )

Well, I can't do your work for you, but I can at least help make things a little simpler. You HAVE to have tabbed browsing! Get Firefox. I don't know how I managed before tabbed browsing. Really!

If you want to know more about Firefox and tabbed browsing, click on the Firefox link above my email link.

In the meantime...

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera : )

Languages of Oceangram

2006-09-25T04:48:00.000-07:00

People Who Visit Oceangram Stories

Click Map for a Closeup View from Wikimedia

Languages of Oceangram Visitors

English

Dutch

German

Finnish

Slovenian

French

Turkish

Portuguese

Spanish

Chinese

Japanese

Fijian

Language Samples via Language Museum

Get more language information from Enthologue Language Museum

Where to Find Oceangrammers

2006-09-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

Forums Only About Oceangramming

Oceangram Stories Group

BottleParty

Forums Newly Addicted

Found Utopia dot Com (c.u.f.): you must join to view this forum.

Mothering Forums

Bad Mothers Club (BMC)

Baby Center

Win Stuff/Save Cash Forums

Bob's Free Stuff

Craft/Scrapbooking Forums

2Peas in a Bucket: NSBR (non-scrapbooking related) (Peas)

MISC Topic Forums

Circle of Friends

CourtTV > Open Court > Message in a Bottle (CTV)

The Portal Forum (The Loons)

Pure Pandemonium

Big Brother Off Topic (BBOT): This forum has staying power even though their forum gods keep deleting the MIAB (Message in a Bottle) topic. If this link doesn't work, try going directly to the "Off Topic" forum.

Weight Watchers

Home Talk Entertainment (HTE)

Foreign Language Forums

VIPers: this is a Japese site I know nothing about. It seems to be a group of people who like to create ASCII art. I have seen some VIP signed oceangrams with ASCII art.

Buchticket (German)

Forums You Must Join to Read

IDOB.org: this is a forum for mothers.

Oceangrams from the Forums

What is BBOT?

via BBOT

Where are You My Love?

via Circle of Friends

Wearing a Rainbow Wig and Packing Heat

viaIDOB

One of Your Happiest Days

via c.u.f.

Shocking Costume

via HTE

Go Home

2006-09-22T22:24:00.000-07:00

from an anonymous oceangram~

Haven't seen my father in four years, because I ran away, but I don't want to go back because he wouldn't judge me. He would take me back with open arms and I don't think I can live with that.
---

Go home. Talk to your father. Tell him what you can and can't live without and how you feel. And, listen to his side of the story too. Parents often offer unconditional love.The key is go home and talk, talk, talk. If something happens to your dad before you see him again, can you live with that?
---
Call your Dad now, then get home as quickly as possible! I can't even imagine what it would have been like if my daughter had ran away. We do talk a lot now and she told me she had planned to run away from home. We have a really good relationship now and can talk about anything. Please, please go home!!
---
I as a parent, can't imagine not knowing what has happened to my child.In the least, let them know you're okay, that you wish to continue your relationship, but maybe not on the same level.Not knowing is an terrible feeling, as I'm sure you recognize, that not knowing what's up in his life is bothering you as well.
Hope this bottle makes it back to you, and you make it back home.
RedSodaPop Florida, USA - 08/29/2006

Oceangram found By Lynn 8/29/06 5:56 pm eastern time

National Runaway Switchboard
"Call 1-800-RUNAWAY if you are a teenager who is thinking of running from home, if you have a friend who has run and is looking for help, or if you are a runaway ready to go home through our Home Free program. Call if you are a teacher looking for information to pass along to your students about alternatives to running from home. Call if you care about a youth and want information on how you can help someone who may be at risk of running from home."

Now I Can Track My Oceangrams!

2006-09-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

Yippeee!!!

It's What We've all Been Waiting for:
Oceangram Tracking!

We send our bottles off into the virtual ocean like little children, not knowing where they might end up or how they might grow. Now you can find out what happened with them! Unfortunately, it's only good for your new Oceangrams. But it's great, nonetheless. : )

Here are important links:

Oceangram: Click on a bottle to write a message and begin tracking it! Your email is safe and is only used to track the message.

Oceangram Tracking Number Input: Use this page after you have your tracking number (from your email). Be patient. I know, it's difficult! It takes time for your Oceangram to drift around the world and gather responses.

Oceangram Tracking Information Page: You can read a question and answer page about tracking your oceangrams.

Good luck and have fun tracking those Oceangrams!

~Sera

Oceangrams for Steve Irwin

2006-09-20T19:05:00.000-07:00

Irwins, Fans Gather to Honor 'Croc Hunter

Oceangrammers mourned Steve Irwin:

---
I live in SouthEast Queensland Australia - the home of Steve Irwin... RIP m8
---

Rest In Peace Steve Irwin. God's creepiest creatures have been blessed to have you as their advocate.
---

Indeed! (P2P)(TM)

---

5 sep - Brisbane Australia - RIP Steve Irwin. EBEr

---

The best thing to ever happen to conservation SUPERBITSH

---

RIP Steve IrwinKrystal {EBer} Aus---

---

Rest In Peace Steve.

---

Why do bad things happen to good people? You were a good people, Steve.

---

We all gotta go someday and Steve went out doing something he loved.

---

A good man is gone. He lived life to the fullest.

---

Yes our best goes out to his family

---

The second one..
RIP Steve
jakarta, indonesia13-9-2006

---

RIP Steve and became an angel.

---

Steve will be missed by many

Happy Birthday, Ma

2006-09-20T03:04:00.000-07:00

Ma.
Happy Birthday. We all are missing you so much. Jacob is having a real hard time with this. He wants his Nanny badly. Dad isn't doing well without you but we are doing what we can for him. We will always love you Ma and try to get comfort from the fact that you're no longer in pain. Jacob wants just more hug. so do I.
---
Love ya Ma

Hugs for you all :(
---
I wish I knew where you are to come give you hugs. I am a 70 year old grandma and your message made me cry. I am praying for you, for Jacob and for your dad. Ma is probably watching you from heaven. Sorry you are missing her so much! Big hug for you all.
A Grandmama in USA
---
She loves u still.
---
She is right there beside you and someday you will see her again.
---
Hugs from New Zealand
---
Hugs to you and yours from me and mine in Akron, Ohio, USA!
---
oooooooooooooooooooo
---
I once got told that passing from one life to the other side is just like taking off your coat,that the soul lives on.Ma will still be watching over you all and will hear you when you talk to her and will visit you in dreams.Big cyber {{{{HUGS}}}} to you all.
---
I pray for you all
---
Peace to you and your family. I bet if you watch for them, you will see signs that your Ma is looking out for all of you and sending her love to comfort you.
---
hugs and kisses for your family
---
hugs to you all.
---
I feel your pain, lost my mom 6 yrs ago......still find it hard to even talk about........lost my lil brother 4 yrs ago as well, that is just as hard.
Much love to you all and lots of HUGS...9/13/06
------------------
---
Hugs From Sydney.No one can know what you are feeling right now.But trust me..we think we do so take comfort in all of us giving you hugs...easy to know where they have come from...yes your ma sent them via us all....when i lost my mum i thought the world would end.But you know
in your heart she is better off.I know mum is watching me as my Joan is watching the kids and me.
Robert.
---
your family is in my prayers. i lost my cousin this year and i no what it feels like to loos a loved 1. Hugs and Kisses to yall... <3
---
You are all in my prayers. Your mom is watching all of you from above. Think of all the good times and laughter ya'll have shared. She is where she needs to be. Ya'll will meet again, but only when it is time. Take comfort in the love you have all shared. Hugs to you all.

Louisiana, USA
---
Hugs to you and your family. Sorry for your loss of your Ma. but she is there watchin over you and your dad and Jacob. 9/18/06 CO USA aig
---
Hugs and prayers to everyone who is grieving. Think of your loved ones often, talk to them, honour their memory - then they will always be with you.
---
My mum died 10 years ago, her birthday would have been on Sunday, and I still miss her like crazy.....the only consolation is knowing our mums aren't in pain anymore....best of love to you, Jacob

Oceangram found by Sera at 6:14 pm, 9/19/06

Five Millionth Bottle Guess Contest

2006-09-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

Number of Oceangrams as of September 19, 2006

2:15 pm GMT:

Number people via Stupid Random and Hilarious

Five Millionth Bottle Guess Contestants

Solocurious of Carlsbad, California

October 12, 2006 at 14:42 GMT

Brenndi

December 29, 2006 at 10:29 GMT

Karyn Jaekal, Oceangram Stories Group

November 12, 2006 at 05:33 GMT

Happy Camper

October 2, 2006 at 06:25 GMT

Sunlight, Oceangram Stories Group

October 31, 2006 at 18:47 GMT

Smoo

September 24, 2006 at 16:34 GMT

Lelo, Essential Baby Forum (EB)

September 24, 2006 at 16:34 GMT

Hiddie-Ho, St. Louis, MO

October 9, 2006 at 01:15:15 GMT

Kayla Shay, Oceangram Stories Group

October 1, 2006 at 10:00 GMT

Where to Find Oceangrammers: New Forums for Sept. 16th

2006-09-16T02:12:00.000-07:00

New Oceangram Forums

Foreign Language Forums

Oceangram - послание в бутылке (Russian)
K-Jarve (Russian)

(If you know of any other foreign-language forums that talk about oceangramming, please email me)

Where to Find Oceangrammers

~this is the permanent list of forums who love oceangram. I will update it with the "new" forums once a week.

Don't forget to guess when the five millionth oceangram will arrive!

You can post your answers here (by commenting) if you want to. Just be sure to include a time and time zone with your guess!

The deadline is whenever I get around to posting the answers sometime between midnight tonight (Saturday) and tomorrow morning. I would say get your answer in by midnight if you want to be sure. : )

Next week will be foreign language week. If you can help me with information about any foreign language, but especially the following, please email me. Thank you!

Japanese
Russian
Portuguese
Spanish
German
Chinese
Greek

I will be looking for the following kinds of information.

What is the word for your language in your language?
What are some good online translators for your language?
Are there forums in your language where Oceangrammers talk and post Oceangrams?
Is there a website that you recommend where a beginner can learn more about your language?
What are a few simple words in your language? Such as:

Hello
Welcome
Thank you
Good-bye

If you can answer any of the above questions, feel free to email me. Thanks!

Forum Feature: Oceangram Stories Group

2006-09-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

The second forum to be featured on this blog is our very own,
Oceangram Stories Yahoo Group.
It was created on August 5th. On August 7th, Anna from Finland was brave enough to be the first poster. She posted many of her oceangrams and since then we have had 190 people join. They are a diverse group of people from age 15 to 60. While many members are from the U.S.A., we also have members from Finland, Australia, England, Romania, Holland, Canada, and Singapore and invite members from all countries to join us.

There is a great group of people who regularly post, and I can count on the group to give me their honest opinion about ideas I have for the blog, etc. Often, oceangrams for the Oceangram Archive site are found by group members and are first posted in the group.

Quotes from the group:

..........................................
My name is Pat and I live in Wisconsin. This is an awesome site and its very addicting as well. Thank you so much Sera for the super job you do to keep it so great.

Pat
..........................................
Paducah, Kentucky, USA
"Quilt City, USA"

and next door to Metropolis, Illinois "Home of Superman"

Kayla Shay

..........................................

When I first began to visit Oceangram, there had been
around 1400 bottles delivered. Last time I looked,
there's been nearly two and a half million! This site
is a great way to pass time; I find it relaxing with
an unexpected laugh every now and again. Kudos to the
folks that started the site! And Happy Bottling to
the Oceangram Stories Group.

~seeker/Sydney-sider in Singapore
............................................

My name is Robin & I live in Madison, MS. USA
Here's my quote for the day- 9/10/06-9:30 am.

Doubt vs Faith

Doubt sees the obstacles
Faith sees the way.
Doubt sees the darkest night
Faith sees the day.
Doubt dreads to take a step
Faith soars on high.
Doubt questions 'Who believes?'
Faith answers, 'I.'

- Author Unknown

Talking about Oceangramming...

"It's amazingly fast to go around the world in one msg. in a bottle floating along the eternal destinations of the internet sea!"

"Oceangram is like random IMs"

"I love this site! It's a great way to to put some sweetness and Light out into the world."

"Started this on 8/1/06. They can't make me stop until they pry the bottles from my cold, dead fingers :) "

Here are some recent Oceangrams found by members of the group:

I am Natsuka--found by Lingly

Psychic Abilities--found by Kayla Shay

Global Drinking Party--found by Lingly

Around the World and Back Again--found by bigalsbrat

The Night was Cold and Dreary--found by caframont

Oh, and there was the Stupid Bat Story oceangram shared by Caframont, which I didn't repost because it's an internet classic already, but it was funny. ; )

I want to thank the Oceangram Stories Group (OGS) for being my guinea pigs sometimes and letting me test ideas out on them and also for letting me repost their Oceangrams. They are an understanding group. If you would like to join the group, please click on this link and follow instructions, or find the "join" button in the sidebar of this blog and enter your email address there. We look forward to meeting you.

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera

Don't forget to make your guess about the Five Millionth Oceangram!
The deadline is coming up on Saturday. Try to win the "Blue Ribbon" and the "Forum Cup" by making the closest guess.

It is not illegal to talk in your forums about your guesses before you officially enter. By the way, you don't have to have a "forum affiliation" to enter. You can be a "free agent" or join "Oceangram Stories Group."

Good Luck!

Monday Notes: Finding Your Oceangrams and Contest Number Two

2006-09-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'll admit it! I've been working on these two things for a little while now, but I just couldn't seem to "git 'er dun," as they say. I wanted to redesign everything when I introduced this new blog and I'm NOT a programmer/designer so I've been looking at new templates, obsessing, messing with CSS and xHTML, experimenting, deleting, experimenting some more, etc. In the end I've stuck with something simple, though I haven't given up on the idea of redesign yet. But anyway, here it is for now:

"Where in the World is My Oceangram?"

Everyone has been saying they want to find Oceangrams that they themselves have started. I'd like to do that myself. We all wonder how people have answered our questions or continued the poem or story that we started. So this blog is dedicated to finding your oceangram. It's called "Where in the World is My Oceangram?" or "witwimo" for short.

This is just a temporary measure until Oceangram is able to track our oceangrams for us(as they have promised). After that, I will continue to post my own oceangrams at WITWIMO, and others that would like to have a place can post theirs there as well.

To kick off the party, I have come up with another contest...

Contest #2: It Was a Dark and Stormy Night...

Rules: The idea is to come up with the best Oceangram starter. The judging will be based on how provocative the question or problem is (using this definition of the word):

"tending to provoke or stimulate.'

I'm talking intellect here, ok people? ; ) Intelligent, interesting, and/or fun - those are the key words. How much does it make you think and, especially, want to "join in?" You know you've seen and thought up some great ones, so come on and think of some more good beginnings!

Deadline for Submitting Your Entry: I'll give you fair warning.

How to Submit Your Entry:

Comment on this post, or, if you don't want others to see your post...

Email Sera Kate (see the link on this page). Please include "Unique Oceangram Starters" in the subject of the email.

You may copy the following and submit your answers in this format if you like:

Name: Include your name, forum ID, or nickname as you would like it to be posted.

Forum: You may list your forum affiliation if you like.

Website or Blog (optional): Here you can put a link to your personal website, blog, or profile. If I have time and it is appropriate, I will link your name to it.

Oceangram Starter Question or statement: If the idea is not completely yours, please give credit where credit is due.

Judging: Initial judging will be done be me and the Oceangram Stories Group. We will narrow the entries down to a managable number. The final entries will be posted on the Oceangram Stories blog and a poll of blog readers will determine the ultimate winner or winners.

All entries judged half-way decent will be given WITWIMO numbers, posted on the WITWIMO blog, and set adrift on the virtual sea.

One entry per person, please.

Good Luck!

Don't forget about Contest #1! Answers must be received by next Saturday. I will be coming around to your respective forums (some of them) to bug you. : ) It is not cheating to make guesses on your forums and come up with "strategies" to win the Forum Cup. May the best forum win!

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera : )

Where to Find Oceangrammers #7

2006-09-09T05:52:00.000-07:00

New Forums will be posted weekly on the blog and then added to this list after the week is over.

Forums That Can Be Read by Non-members

Foreign Language Forums

Buchticket (German)
Choo Livedoor (Japanese)
+occhiali di libellula+ (Japanese)
Hatena Bookmark (Japanese)
Unsleepable (Korean)

The following groups have popular oceangram threads which non-members can not read:

Notes:

I will update this list every Friday to post on Saturday .
Please help me keep the list up to date by telling me if a thread is closed or deleted.
If there is a problem with links, please comment here.
If you would like your forum listed, please comment here.
Please give as much detail as possible, such as if you must become a member to read the forum thread, etc.
If non-members can read the thread, please give a link that goes all the way to the thread or else tell me exactly the path to lead to the thread (ex. Forums>Off Topic>Time Wasters>Message in a Bottle).
Please tell me if I have miscatagorized your forum.

Post comments here for corrections and additions to the list. I look here when I update the list. Thank you!

Forum Features

There will be a regular forum feature on Oceangram Stories.

BottleParty was the first forum featured.
Oceangram Stories Group was the second.
I will choose the next forum to be featured from forums with active and lively Oceangram threads. If you think your forum qualifies, please post here to recommend it.

Battle of the Forums

Don't forget to join the "Battle of the Forums" competition and try to win the "Forum Cup" for your team!
Winning forums get bragging rights until the next contest! : )

Thanks for your help in finding forums and threads where Oceangrammers chat.

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera

Contest #1: Battle of the Forums!

2006-09-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

When Will the Five Millionth Oceangram be Delivered?

Ok, Oceangrammers, here's your chance to win one for the team! The goal is to guess when the five millionth Oceangram will be delivered. The "bottle count" right now as I write this is 2,343,460. You can find the count of "bottles delivered" underneath the lighthouse on the beach at Oceangram. The question is, on what day and at what time will message number 5,000,000 be delivered?

Contest Rules

Contest: Guess the time and date when the 5,000,000th oceangram will be delivered.

Deadline for Submitting Your Guess: Saturday, September 16th at 12:00 noon(GMT)

How to Submit Your Guess:

Comment on this post, or, if you don't want others to see your guess...

Email Sera Kate (see the link on this page). Please include "Guess Five Millionth Bottle" in the subject of the email.

In order for your guess to be official, you must copy the following and submit your answers in this format:

Name: Include your name, forum ID, or nickname as you would like it to be posted.

Forum: List one forum with which you identify (it must have an oceangram thread) or you can write "free agent."

Website or Blog (optional): Here you can put a link to your personal website, blog, or profile. If I have time and it is appropriate, I will link your name to it.

Date: Include day and month. We will assume the year is 2006

Time: Please convert this time to GMT. For help with this, see the "time zone converter" in the links on this blog. Guesses without a time or time zone will not be posted.

Everyone is allowed one guess.

The "Blue Ribbon" goes to the person with the closest guess. Good luck!

How to Win the "Forum Cup"

The "Forum Cup" will be awarded to the forum or group with at least 5 guessers, whose guesses are closest to the true time and date.

There will also be an award for the forum with the most contest participants.

Good luck to all forums and "free agents"!

Contest #2 will be announced soon. I'm still working on "witwimo." Check back soon.

Enjoy!

~Sera : )

Forum Feature: Message in a BottleParty

2006-09-05T05:21:00.000-07:00

This is our first forum feature. I'm excited to present to you, Bottleparty, a forum created exclusively for Oceangrammers on August 1, 2006 when the Oceangram bottle count was only 19,000! I am a member myself and enjoy reading and posting in the forum. Here is a challenge for you. Go to the forum and see if you can find out what "jaggin" is. ; )

The following was written by Bottlewriter, the creator of the Bottleparty forum.

Enjoy!

~Sera

The Bottleparty is a private forum created when I discovered Oceangram through the German internet TV show Ehrensenf. The forum is non-commercial and just for fun, a place where people from around the world can share bottle messages and thoughts. There is free forum membership, which gives access to some additional areas and opportunities for developing an even closer feeling of community.

We have a diverse group who run the forum, with participants from America (bk725 and Alliesmom), New Zealand (budget_NZD) and Germany (Bottlewriter), all who met through the Oceangram bottles shortly after the forum started. Our basic languages at the start were German and English, with most of the guests and members now using English. Because the bottles are an international phenomena, it has been enjoyable for all of us to have such cross-cultural cooperation and friendships. To get an idea, just have a look at all the warm and clever messages our moderators post. :-)

We are organized so anyone can post copies of interesting messages, discuss ideas they find thought provoking ("Bottletalk"), meet and make friends with other people ("Introduction" and "Smalltalk"), and we have some interesting resources both on and off-topic (e.g. a little link list - "Between Bottles").

Since some parts of a message may be in an unknown language, we have created a section that lists on-line translation resources and identifies members who have offered to do translations of different languages ("Babeltalk"). Other enhancements are in progress, and we are always open to suggestions that will improve and expand everyone's enjoyment.

We recently unveiled a Languages section ("International Party") for those who do not read and/or write English, or simply would prefer to use their own language. We have started forum areas for German and Spanish, work has begun for Japanese in cooperation with the Japanese Oceangram Blog, and we will start others as soon as we have volunteers to moderate them.

We would like to extend an invitation to everyone to come by and have a look around. If you like what you see, please feel free to join us. You are welcome! :-)

Bottlewriter
Bottleparty Site Administrator

Monday Notes: September 4, 2006

2006-09-04T04:07:00.000-07:00

Hello Oceangrammers!

Oceangramming Forums

The new "Where to Find Oceangrammers : Update #6" is finished. Welcome to our new forums and thank you to everyone who provided a link. Be sure to get your own forum listed by commenting on that post. Remember to provide as much detail as possible. I will update the list by next Friday and publish on Saturday.

Also, the first Oceangram forum to be featured on this blog will be Bottle Party tomorrow. Next week, the Oceangram Stories Group will be featured. If you would like to nominate your forum to be the next in line, please comment here or drop me an email. I will choose forums to feature based on the number of Oceangrammers that participate and the interest level of the group. Oceangrammers are a diverse group of people! It's fun to see the forums that get "hooked" every week. : )

Oceangram Archives Website

Don't forget to visit the Oceangram Archives. The best way to search the archives is using Blogger's search tool "search this blog" which can be found at the top of the blog on the grey navbar. It works quite well if you're looking for particular keywords in oceangrams. Or you can browse the archives by viewing "recent post" titles in the drop-down menu.

Our archivers Sunny and Lynn, post oceangrams there regularly as do I. If you are interested in being an archiver, you must be an active member of Oceangram Stories yahoo group first. Just shoot me an email if you meet the qualifications and are interested.

Oceangram Stories Foreign Language Visitors

Here are some recent site stats for this blog. I was surprised and delighted by the number of foreign language blog visitors we have! Of course, English-language visitors make up the largest portion of our readers, but 21% of visitors are foreign-language speaking. Ten percent are Russian-speaking. Здравствулте! (I hope that says hello in Russian. : )

Welcome to all of our foreign language visitors!

Foreign Language Blogs and Forums

This is a request for help from any foreign-language speaking Oceangrammers out there. I would like to start a blog in each of the above languages, but the blog must be run by a native-speaker. If you are interested, please contact me. I am especially looking for Japanese and Russian speakers right now, but I'm interested in all language groups.

Also, Bottlewriter from Bottle Party is looking for foreign-language forum moderators as well. She and I will be collaborating on this project. Please email either of us for information or comment here.

Language Features

I will be doing a regular language feature for the blog, also. The feature will give tips on how to recognize and translate the various languages you might see in Oceangrams. Since Japanese seems to be the most prevalent lately, this will be the first language featured. I will use my limited knowledge of the language as well as resources from the internet, but speakers of the language and translators are invited to email me with input. (PLEASE! ; )

Contest Coming Soon!

On Wednesday, I will announce two "contests" and some new features I've come up with for Oceangrammers. The key word is "witwimo." Stay tuned!

If you have a story to share about Oceangramming, feel free to submit it by email to Oceangram or Oceangram Stories.

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera

Where to Find Oceangrammers: Update #6

2006-09-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

**Click here for current update**

New Additions This Week

Foreign Language Forums

Buchticket (German)
Choo Livedoor (Japanese)
+occhiali di libellula+ (Japanese)
Hatena Bookmark (Japanese)
Unsleepable (Korean)

Forums That Can Be Read by Non-members

The following groups have popular oceangram threads which non-members can not read:

Notes:

I will update this list every Friday to post on Saturday ***(Sorry, I was a little late. Family in town : )***
Please help me keep the list up to date by telling me if a thread is closed or deleted.
If you would like your forum listed, please comment on this post.
Give as much detail as possible, such as if you must become a member to read the forum thread, etc.
If non-members can read the thread, please give a link that goes all the way to the thread or else tell me exactly the path to lead to the thread (ex. Forums>Off Topic>Time Wasters>Message in a Bottle).
Please tell me if I have miscatagorized your forum.

Please post comments here on this post for corrections and additions to the list.

I will begin "profiling" forums soon. ***First profile on Tuesday*** Please let me know if you would like to submit your forum to be profiled. Thanks for your help in finding forums and threads where Oceangrammers chat.

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera

Bookcrossing Day

2006-09-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hi Oceangrammers!

Today is "Bookcrossing Day" on the ocean. Many Bookcrossers are sending out oceangrams. If you get one of these, try this:

Take the Bookcrossing "book number," and add it to this URL:

www.bookcrossing.com/journal/

example:

www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1234567

You will be led to your new book.

Good luck!

~Sera

Stories From Believers: Aunt Mar I Miss You

2006-09-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share this story ...My aunt died about 2 years ago, and I've been missing her like crazy. So I put in a bottle, Aunt Mar I miss you and love you. I minimized the screen and left the computer...5 minutes later a bottle was sitting at the shore and this was the message I got back. Its the last 5 words that mean the most to me:

i know you must be a lovely person, so go out and show it!!!! life is short, live it to your fullest.... good luck with life, wonder if i know you?

Thank you for this website...I know I may just be reaching for contact with my aunt...but this meant the world to me right now.

This story was sent to Oceangram on August 4, 2006

Archives From the Sea...

Why do you cry?---i cry because im sad. my little brother died recently and i cry alot at the moment---I am sorry to hear that your brother died.---Saying a prayer for your little brother. *hug*

In loving memory of my best friend Janice. Miss you!------Oh , I can relate I lost my best friend to agressive breast ca, she was just 41. I miss her so very much.---My sister died of cancer too.
She was very gentle but fought this horrid disease with everything she had.

Carolyn, You must've known I was remembering Johnny recently.---We recognized his death anniversary of 9 years now. Thank you for thinking of me.

Professions of Love and Proposals of Marriage

2006-08-29T01:11:00.000-07:00

"Love is....waking up next to someone"--, giving them a kiss on the cheek and feeling like the luckiest bad-mum alive.Sparkles.XXX

"My husband is wonderful. I adore him."--That is great news! My boyfriend is a great person too. I hope one day we will be married and have such a wonderful life together.

"I am deeply and genuinely in love with you."--You are my true soul mate, without question. I wish I could tell you how deeply I care about you and how you have stolen my heart. I wish the years between us would not have to matter.

"How do you know when you have met 'the one'?"--You won't be able to think about much of anything else. This won't go away over time.

"Dear Johnny, Where are you now?"--You were, and still are, such a special person, but the circumstances just weren't right ...

Mark Loves Kelly--joanie loves chachi!
Batman loves Robin!Romeo loves Juliet. Tristan loves ISolde.

"Ang Zechman, I know you are out there somewhere"--I love you, it is just a pity we don't talk anymore and there is such a big ocean between us xxx.

Did Morra Say Yes?--Nicco ** is going to ask Morra ** to marry him. Will she say yes? August 16th, 10:30 am on the corner of 6th Ave. and 55th St. in New York City, at the LOVE sculpture. Be there!

Will Chris Say Yes?--Chris, Marry me! Jennifer

What do you think about Nicco and Morra?

I hope you have enjoyed this selection of Lovegrams. If you have more "Marriage Proposals" and "Love Declarations", feel free to comment here and link to them, or send me an email and I will post them in the archives for their intended target to discover someday.

~Sera

Monday Notes: August 28, 2006

2006-08-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Oceangrammers!

Oceangramming Forums

Have you seen the new forums listed on "Where to Find Oceangrammers?" Be sure to get your own forum listed by commenting on that post. Remember to provide as much detail as possible. I will update the list next Friday.

Also, the first Oceangram forum to be featured on this blog will be Bottle Party. If you would like to have your forum be the next in line, please comment here or drop me an email.

Oceangram Archives Website

Be sure and visit the Oceangram Archives. I post oceangrams there daily, and we now have two new archivers, Sunny and Lynn, from the Oceangram Yahoo group. They will be posting oceangrams as well. (Thanks for volunteering!)

I hope to begin sorting the archives soon with technorati tags or other category labels which will enable better browsing. However, if you are searching for something in particular, Blogger's search tool "search this blog" which can be found at the top of the blog on the grey navbar, works quite well. It works best if the posts are a few days old (giving google time to crawl the website and record the entries in its cache).

Oceangram Stories Japan

I have started a blog for Japanese Oceangrammers. I'm hoping that a native Japanese speaker will be able to take the blog over. I started it in hopes of facilitating exchange of ideas and translation of Oceangrams between Japanese and English speakers. I began with Japanese because it's the language, besides English, that is most seen on oceangrams recently. Sometime this week I will be talking about online translation tools for Japanese and give some background about the language. Any Japanese speakers (native or not) are welcome to email me with input and advice.

Stories from Believers

If you have a story to share about Oceangramming, feel free to submit it by email to Oceangram or Oceangram Stories.

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera

Where to Find Oceangrammers

2006-08-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

New Additions This Week

· JJR Friendly Forum

· Whirlpool Forums Australia

· ENC Today (Eastern North Carolina)

· Bad Mothers Club (Eastern North Carolina)

· Mums Net

· TES Staff Room

Foreign Language Forums

· Buchticket (German)

· Choo Livedoor (Japanese)

· +occhiali di libellula+ (Japanese)

Forums That Can Be Read by Non-members

The following groups have popular oceangram threads which non-members can not read:

Notes:

I will update this list every Friday to post on Saturday.
Please help me keep the list up to date by telling me if a thread is closed or deleted.
If you would like your forum listed, please comment on this post.
Give as much detail as possible, such as if you must become a member to read the forum thread, etc.
If non-members can read the thread, please give a link that goes all the way to the thread or else tell me exactly the path to lead to the thread (ex. Forums>Off Topic>Time Wasters>Message in a Bottle).
Please tell me if I have miscatagorized your forum.

Please post comments here on this post for corrections and additions to the list.

I will begin "profiling" forums soon. Please let me know if you would like your forum to be first the first. Thanks for your help in finding forums and threads where Oceangrammers chat.

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera

Dude It's Blank: Rules for the Ocean?

2006-08-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

When I first opened this oceangram, I was somewhat shocked. "What?" I said to myself. "Someone sent a blank oceangram?" And I thought of all of those times I had sat at my virtual beach waiting patiently for an oceangram that contained maybe a humorous story, a clever poem, or the Great American Novel, only to get nothing but "HEY!" or "aahahh" or "eat more chicken." And I thought, "This tops it all! Blank! What are people thinking?"

But the response was classic. "Dude it's blank"

And I couldn't stop laughing!

I sometimes test out ideas I have for this blog in the Oceangram Stories Yahoo group. I had been wanting to come up with a kind of "netiquette" for Oceangrammers, and I asked the group what they thought. I got some great responses. Here is a selection:

April says:

"Jazz up a boring message... Don't feel compelled to respond in kind with those who have already added a message to the bottle you received... Feel free to take the message in your own direction.

I think there is a curiosity factor... it's kind of neat to get a snapshot of someone's life... even if it is just what they had for breakfast... LOL."

Barbara says:

"I like the creativity of being able to write whatever you want. By far, most are great. If someone starts it with "Aaahhhhh!," so what? People after them
might be very creative in their answers. Making a bunch of rules will spoil the openness of the medium, IMO!"

Harold thinks a date and general location should be on each message.

Sunny says:

"If an oceangram contains something offensive, and I mean OFFENSIVE, then discard it. Other than that, let's be tolerant of the way others choose to express themselves. I think that's a lot of the fun of oceangrams. I'd hate to see a lot of 'do this, don't do that' rules."

So yes, while your first reaction to a boring or silly message may not be positive, get creative, work a little, and (as I have written in a few oceangrams), "BE the change you wish to see in the oceangram" (advice adapted from Mahatma Gandhi).

About date, time, and location checks, YES you may be tired of them, but some people have just started oceangramming and seeing where the grams come from is pretty amazing! Add a little more to the message it if it bothers you, or don't put YOUR location if you don't want to. That's the beauty of it, no one's forcing you to do anything.

Having said that, there is an expectation that we will keep it safe and clean.
It's your ocean. Enjoy!

~Sera

Another Angel: Remembering Destiny Ann Norton

2006-08-24T04:51:00.000-07:00

This Oceangram, written in tribute to Destiny Ann Norton, found its way back to the original sender, a close friend of the family, after gathering condolences and sympathy from Oceangrammers along the way. She provided it to me to post here in remembrance of this young girl.

~Sera

In memory of Destiny Ann Norton, 5 years old. Born Nov. 30, 2000;
abducted and murdered by a neighbor in Salt Lake City, Utah on July
16. 2006. She was a happy and caring little girl and deserves to be
remembered.
-sc

---
Sleep tight princess.
mn
---
Bless you little one, you are safe now.
---
Sleep in heavenly peace little angel. DD
---
Peace to you and your family little lamb...
DC
---
So sad. :(
---
That is so sad, I'm so sorry for your loss:O(

I originally sent this message out! I wish I could say thank you to
the people who have added their comments - they are all kind and
gentle ones. I can say thank you to those who get this bottle from
now on, however. So thank you for your sincere additions and
even more for sending this on so that others will be aware of this
little girl whose life was so brief but so sweet. Salt Lake City,
Utah 8/23/06
-sc

Bunny

This oceangram message returned to Bunny, the original sender, on 8/23/06. She added the last comment and sent back into the ocean.

Stories from Believers: Angels in Bottles

2006-08-23T04:10:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I have to share this...

For 2 days "Time in a bottle" by Jim Croce for
no reason, I thought then, kept looping into my head. I had not
picked it up from the radio...and I had not heard it in decades. It
just somehow rooted itself into my head. As I'm a firm believer
that nothing happens for no reason I kept trying to see how that song
applied to me at that moment.

After 3 weeks in a coma this winter I must tell
you that my life has been changed forever by that near death
experience. I knew, before that, that life and time were precious but now I try even more to make the most of every second. Mind you that I have my ups and downs. Lately I must admit it had been kind of rough
riding.

Anyway the song kept bringing me back in the
moment...the only place to be...
focusing on what is positive letting go of whatever
is negative. At one point surfing on the net checking on
popurls.com, Message in a Bottle caught my eyes. By the hour Google
seems to spring up with new links to you...the word is getting around. ;)

I ended up on oceangram.com...pure Oxygen to me.
That was Sunday afternoon, I must say it turned my life around.
Convalescing I have a lot of free time on my hands. Now, ever since
Sunday, when I'm on the net I a have a window to the sea. I could not go to the beach, the sea came to me. I could not go to the people around the world...they now come to me! The bottles...addictive connection to the world, so refreshing so so so gooooood!

I know that oceangram is just a baby I don't know where it will take
us all but one thing I know is that it is making a difference in this world for a lot of people. Oceangrammers are a new breed. Love,
laughter and understanding now are there for the taking.

Freedom comes with it. To feel connected around the world is such a great
feeling. So far I have not encountered too much pollution in that sea
of love. Lets keep it that way. Thanks a million for you behind this miracle tool. Cheers to Oceangram and Oceangrammers of the world.

Love,

“ItheSheWe"

p.s. Heaven/miracle came to me even though I'm not of any religion. Angels seems to be popping out of the bottles...
;)

For the lyrics I suggest you Google it...it's
well worth your time!

This message was sent to Oceangram.com on August 9, 2006.

Technorati tags: stories from believers

"Where is my right shoe Emily?

2006-08-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

Cooperative Poetry a la Oceangram

2006-08-22T06:37:00.000-07:00

Ocean Sounds! Seagulls and Waves...

2006-08-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

Have you found it yet? Go to Oceangram.com and click on the cork!

Where to Find Oceangrammers

Oceangram Archive

Monday Notes

2006-08-21T01:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Oceangrammers!

I have a few notes for you this morning:

First I want to ask you for suggestions for this site. I would like to make it fun and useful for you.

Here are some things that I plan to keep doing:

"Where to find Oceangrammers" updates: Please help me keep track of the forums that talk about Oceangramming. If a thread is lost or moved, you can comment on the current "Where to Find Oceangrammers" post and I will add that information to my update.

Archive Oceangrams: I will be posting oceangrams on the Oceangram Archive blog and linking to them from here. If your forum is one that closes threads often and even deletes threads (heaven forbid!), and you don't want your favorite oceangrams to disappear, please email me and I will be happy to "archive" them here for you.

Incorporate "Stories from Believers" into the Oceangram Stories blog: There are some great stories that were sent to Oceangram.com. I will be reposting them and posting new ones that are sent in to Oceangram.

Here are some things I'm considering:

A regular feature on forums that "oceangram." I would pick one forum a week to talk about. If you are a forum regular and would like your forum to be the first "featured," email me.

A regular feature on countries with a large percentage of oceangrammers.This would be dependant on me finding bilingual oceangrammers that can tell me a bit about their "oceangram" experience. If you are such a person and are interested, email me.

I also plan to talk more about language tools available on the web, create an "acronyms of Oceangram" page, and talk a little about oceangramming for "newbies."

Please feel free to comment on any of these things or send me your ideas. You can use the email link on the front page of Oceangram Stories.

I wanted to say thanks to all who participated in the "Millionth Oceangram Guess" Game. A great time was had by all. I should say that no one "won" the contest. We really can't confirm where the one millionth oceangram arrived because we never found a screenshot of it. We did, however, get a screenshot of the 1,000,001st oceangram, which is pretty darn close! Thanks again to Amy of Connecticut for that.

(Amy, just so you know, Bottlewriter, of the Bottle Party forum has conferred upon you the honorary title of "Bottle Millionaire" should you choose to accept it. Go check that out. : )

On to our story: We can deduce that the one millionth oceangram would have come probably seconds before the million and first which arrived at 1:52 am (GMT) on Sunday, August 20th.

Donna Piranha guessed that the message would arrive in Canada on Saturday, but she did not specify which time zone she was speaking of. (It was Saturday night in America, so she could have been "right" :)

Bottlewriter said it would come on Sunday afternon, but also didn't specify where.

I said it would come on Sunday at 6 pm GMT.

Shawn Kashou, of Oceangram, guessed that it would arrive in Germany (unconfirmed).

~~Well, we were all close so runner-up prizes all around!~~

Last but not least, here are some oceangrams from the Oceangram Gallery.

Enjoy!

~Sera

Приди, дай руку мне, и вместе потанцуем на песке"Arrive, give hand to me, and let us dance together in the sand."

大学の食堂で国際情勢のニュースを見るたびに"At each time you look at the news of international situation with the dining room of the university"

"Spread the love people, too much hate in the world today"

"This is really cool!"

"HELLO from Kam and mkm"

"Please send me energy for willpower to eat healthier and lose weight"

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright."

"I need a nap!"

"Hello, anyone out there? If so please respond. Thanks!!!""Annie, a lonely girl from Moscow"

"Voting Republican means lower taxes, and more security."

Where to Find Oceangrammers

1,000,001st Bottle Message found in Connecticut!

2006-08-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Congratulations and a great big thanks to Amy, a DISer from Connecticut for this screen capture of the 1,000,001st bottle message!

Amy, a reader of the DIS (Disney) message board, says the message arrived in Connecticut at 8:52 EST. EST is 5 hours behind GMT, so that time is 1:52 am (GMT) on Sunday, August 20th.

Here is the complete text of the message pictured:

Travel is only glamorous in retrospect.
-Paul Theroux

~Where would you like to go?
---
anywhere but here

---
HAWAII BABY!
---
DISNEY WORLD ÂºoÂº
---
sending on

1,000,001st message...
Found by Amy at 1:52 am (GMT)

**If anyone out there has a screen capture of the 1 millionth message, please let me know!**

Thanks!

~Sera

One Millionth Bottle Guesses

2006-08-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

Bottlewriter thinks the one millionth bottle will come on Sunday afternoon.

Donna Piranha thinks it will come on Saturday, August 19th, in Canada.

Shawn Kashou thinks it will wash up in Germany.

And I think it will come at around 10:00 am Pacific Time (6:00 pm GMT) on Sunday, August 20th, and it will arrive in the U.S.

~Sera

If you have a guess, comment here.

Where to Find Oceangrammers

2006-08-19T03:17:00.000-07:00

Forums That Can Be Read by Non-members

The following groups have popular oceangram threads which non-members can not read:

Notes:

I will update this list every Friday to post on Saturday.

Please help me keep the list up to date by telling me if a thread is closed.

Please give as much detail as possible if you want your forum thread listed.

Tell me if you must join to read the forum thread.

If non-members can read the thread, please give a link that goes all the way to the thread or else tell me exactly the path to lead to the thread (ex. Forums>Off Topic>Time Wasters>Message in a Bottle).

Please tell me if I have miscatagorized your forum.

Please post comments here for corrections and additions to this list.

It's really difficult for me to find Oceangram threads sometimes if there are many forums and topics and the name of the thread is not obvious.

Thanks so much for your help!

~Sera

..............................................................
When will the 1 millionth Oceangram be sent?

Please answer with a time, timezone, and date. You can also guess where it will be, though we may not ever know if no one gets a screenshot. Send your answer to oceangramstories at yahoo dot com or post the answer here on comments.
...............................................................
.

Happy Friday, Oceangrammers!

2006-08-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

Just a few notes for you on this beautiful Friday. I just wanted to let you know that we are now the official blog of Oceangram.com. So please let us know what we can do to make your oceangramming experience better!

The first order of business is to repost the links and blogs from Oceangram.com. We will soon be doing a redesign of the blog and we will incorporate the links into the design, but in the meantime, here is a list:

Blogs:

Portable Essentials

What Donna Learned Today

Tragic Beautiful

Time Wasters

Earth

2006-08-16T23:51:00.000-07:00

Here is another great website to view the earth in sun and shadow. I love these things!

ONE MILLIONTH OCEANGRAM CONTEST

OK...I'm extending the "contest" until I get some good guesses in. You still have a chance! Comment here or send me an email at oceangramstories at yahoo dot com.

When do you think the one millionth oceangram will arrive, and on whose beach? Give me your guesses before August 18, 2006 at 1:00 pm GMT, and I will post your guess on this blog. Please let me know the name or ID you want me to use when you guess, and tell me where you are from.

If you need helping converting your time to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), use this Time Zone Converter or Time Zone Map.

Right now, my Oceangram beach shows 806,045 bottles delivered. What does yours say?

And what is your guess?

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera

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** WHERE TO FIND OCEANGRAMMERS **
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One Millionth Oceangram "Contest": Guess before August 18th at 1:00 pm GMT

2006-08-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

When do you think the one millionth oceangram will arrive, and on whose beach? Give me your guesses before August 18, 2006 at 1:00 pm GMT, and I will post your guess on this blog. Please let me know the name or ID you want me to use when you guess, and tell me where you are from. Send your guesses to oceangramstories at yahoo dot com.

You may ask, "What prize will I receive?" Well, I'll publish the winner on my blog! Wooohooo!!

(Sorry, no cash prize here. I'm just a poor blogger who has not yet won the lottery.) : )

If you need helping converting your time to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), use this Time Zone Converter or Time Zone Map.

Right now, my Oceangram beach shows 742,363 bottles delivered. What does your say?

And what is your guess?

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera

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** WHERE TO FIND OCEANGRAMMERS **

"hi from uk"

2006-08-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

o .. o

____

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hi from uk
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Hi from Illinois
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hi from WV
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Hi from Oklahoma City
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Hi from Chicago, IL
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Hi, from Yorkshire and Rhynern, Germany

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Hi from Pa USA 8/14/06 :)
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hi from pittsburgh pa
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Hi from WV.
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Hi from Bethesda, MD
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Hello from Mesa, AZ, USA.

(And hello to anyone IN Oil City, PA who might get this)
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Hi from Belgium xxxxx
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hi from Alberta Canada

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FY NYC
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hi from Cumbria, England
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hello everyone! - Phoenix, AZ
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Hi from Leeds, England
Gorummer Dibble x

Found by Sera at 4:31 pm

"Hi jazz let me know if you get this"

2006-08-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

Hi jazz let me know if you get this..........others please throw it back...me and my friend are doing a little experiment
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back it goes!
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mse eagle lobbing it back at ya :)
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Cr*p shot Eagle! See if I can do any better ... MSE Eels
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Winging its way.
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tossin back
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flying bck to where it came from
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Tossing it back.
a PEA, 8.16.06, 2:33 pm est
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Throwing this back...hope it makes it to your friend.

VA
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Back you go!
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*waves* to eagle and eels - and throwing it back!
MSE dormy
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So far none of mine have reached my friends but good luck to you. LA in MA
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Hi, Jazz! With a little luck and pixie dust, this will reach you!
~nd DISer
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still hasnt gotten to jazz... throwin it back in.
---
mms1

Found by Sera at 4:27 pm

"Aug. 14, 2006 greetings from Florida"

2006-08-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

Aug. 14, 2006 greetings from Florida
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Greetings from England

mse uni
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Greetings from the DIS (and S. California)!.
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hellooo from edinburgh!
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GOOD MORNING FROM KENTUCKY USA
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Hallaballa from Norway!
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Greeting from Pittsburgh! Go Steelers!
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hi from maryland
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good afternoon from Dubuque Iowa (USA)
8/16/06
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hi from uk
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Another DISer here from NH!
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Howdy from Houston, Texas 8-16-06
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ahoy from the Chesapeake Bay afloat on a boat
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Hi from the Isle of Man uk (ddflirt)
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Crisscrossing the world. Hello from Chandler, AZ.
8/16/06
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hello from Denver Co USA

Found by Sera at 4:19 pm

"A is for Alligator"

2006-08-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

A is for Alligator

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B is for Beach Club---dis ;)
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C is for college, which starts this week.
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D is for the darling dog sitting by my side
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E is for EPCOT :D
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F is for heheheh- Frivilous frolicking on the farm.
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G is for good homecooked meals with family.
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H is for hippo (dont kno how to spell the whole thing)
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I is for Imagination - what a wonderful thing!!
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J is for Jukebox
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K is for Knitting my new fav hobby
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L is for Love. What could be more important than that?
DIS-er IL
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M is for money....

Dolly uk
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N is for nougat - anything sweet!

Andi :>))
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O is for Office, which is where I sit, wishing i could escape to a beach somewhere....
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P is for pirate which was my college mascot. GO EAST CAROLINA (ECU)!!!!
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Q is for Queen.

Which I am Queen of everything! lol

J in NY:)
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R is for ripples in the water..drip drip
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S is for Salvation
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T is for TEXAS - yee haw baby!!!

mommara - TX
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U is for Umberella - cos it rains a lot here, lol

DD Pinks. UK 16/8/06 9:32pm
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V is for venom - msek

Found by Sera at 3:28 pm

"New Zealand"

2006-08-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

New Zealand
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and??
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??????
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oxford uk..
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Sydney is great
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Cornwall, England
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Idaho- USA

SNC06
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Southern Oregon, USA
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brazil
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Dallas, TX
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canada is great ???
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iowa,usa
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Colorado, USA. (And yes, Canada is great!)
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Leicester, England.
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Dublin, Ireland.
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WOW ~ and now found its way to the Beautiful "Hamptons" Long Island!!
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hey boob from "hamptons" some dont know where that is so might be nice to put state and country sigh ...hamptonesse might have money but no sense
any ways waving hello from pennsylvania usa 8/16/2006
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Happy Hump Day!
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Florida USA
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ct
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Overland Park
Kansas
Mid-West
North America
Northern Hemisphere
Western Hemisphere
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the bathroom
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Hey, "boob" from Pennsylvania. You don't rule the seas. Be nice!

Found by Sera at 2:53 pm

"To my dear daughter Bella-Aniela (beautiful angel)"

2006-08-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

To my dear daughter Bella-Aniela (beautiful angel)
born on the 19th june 06
I have been waiting all my life to have a lovely daughter who i will treasure,love and adore.Hence i was over the moon with joy and happiness when i found out i was carrying you my first child, i feel so blessed to have you, thankyou so much for coming in to my life Bella,i love you and will always love you, i will always do my very best for you Bella, i really do belive you are my gift from above.
"Please help me lord, i pray to thee, with thankful heart on bended knee, to raise this child that she might be, a happy child because of me."
MY DEAR DEAR BELLA, I LOVE YOU
MUMMY XXXXXXXXXX
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That is very beautiful, if only every child in the world was half as loved as Bella our world would be a better place. Love is the answer.
---

Found by Sera at 2:47 pm

Wiggly Cork Problems?

2006-08-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

Please go back to using this URL:

www.oceangram.com

Here is more information from the website:

Thank you for your support and patience
In the past couple of weeks Oceangram had to go through service expansion to accommodate our new users. Though some of you had experienced trouble accessing the site from time to time, we have tried to minimize the down time while we expand and update our system. Thank you for your patience and support. If you have been redirected to our ip address during this transition period (this means you see a number in the address bar instead of our name: www.oceangram.com), you need to switch back to the regular name by typing the website address, or by clicking on this link:

http://www.oceangram.com

If you continue to use the ip address you will get wiggly stuck corks and your messages will not be sent. Thanks again and have fun.

Wiggly Cork?

If you have a wiggly cork that refuses to open, it is possible that the internet is congested in your area that is delaying the communication with our servers. This should clear up and things will go back to normal after a short while. Simply close your browser and try again in a few minutes. If the problem occurs repeatedly over a span of few hours, please make sure that the whole address appears in the address field at the top of the browser, including the www:

http://www.oceangram.com

If the address appears correct but you still cannot open the bottles, try this address:

http://www.oceangram.com/index.html

continued...

-->More information on the Oceangram website<--

"Keep my son in your prayers. He deploys for Iraq Aug. 26th"

2006-08-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

Keep my son in your prayers. He deploys for Iraq Aug. 26th and will be there a year.
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Will certainly do. I wish him the very best - hopefully, those 12 months will go by quickly. Positive thoughts go out to you and your family as well! :)
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I will pray for him, and the rest of your family as well.

-Lady Silverwings
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I will pray for him. Thank you so much for his sacrifice and for yours.
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mms1
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Your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers.
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I will be thinking of him too.
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BBC MamaL
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May he come home safely.Robin~8.15.06
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I pray for him and your family that he returns to you safely
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I dont pray, but my wishes are with him
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Thank him for me for protecting our country with his life. He is a hero!

Sherry
East Lyme, CT
USA
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Tell him thank you for protecting our country...and will be thinking of him.

Nancy (Florida)

Found by Sera at 10:11 pm

Where to Find Oceangrammers NEW

2006-08-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

**Update here**

Oceangramming is the new internet addiction du jour. Some people HAVE to send Oceangrams, and then they HAVE to talk about it. In a lot of cases, these people were MDCs, OLSers, or MUAs before they were "Oceangrammers." Someone started a "Message in a Bottle" thread or forum on their board and they were off and running with the addiction.

Forums That Can Be Read by Non-members

Big Brother Of Topic (BBOT) It seems these topics tend to be deleted, so no promises here

Money Saving Expert Forum (MSE)

DVDTalk Forum

DIS Boards (Disney)

Nesties

Pure Pandemonium: Message in a Bottle

2Peas: NSBR Board

Oceangram Stories Group

Bottle Party

Court TV Forum

Snopes

OLS

Nordinho.net:

MotherDotCommune (MDC) This is not a direct link to the thread. If anyone has that info., please email me. Thanks, ~Sera

The following groups have popular oceangram threads which non-members can not read:

Beautiful Brides and Beyond

IDOB.org

New Zealand Dating

Makeup Alley

Again, please let me know if I've left anyone out.

Happy Oceangramming!

~Sera

Oceangram's Clustr Map is Populated

2006-08-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

Oceangramming is popular all over the world!
..................................................................................
NOTE:
If you can't access Oceangram.com right now, use the IP address.
See this post.

Good Luck!

~Sera

The Oceangram Blog

What's the Most Important Thing in Your Life?

I Like Rum

Age-old Debate: Science and Religion

Procrastination

Best Place to Travel

Who are Your Heroes?

Friends Oceangram

Political Oceangram

Oceangram Around the World

"I'm 27 and I still don't know what I want to do with my life"

Age, Occupation, Kids?

Age ain't nothin' but a number

Pay It Forward Oceangram

Paint Your Wagon

I Want Your Mum

Favorite City in the World and Why

Be Happy

Remember Your Mother Today

Twins

Full Bloom

Loss and Grief

Oh Danny Boy

One Wish....

Oceangrammers

A Girl from China

Bloggers Wanted.

Happy Easter!

Under Construction

Message iN a bottLe

Happy Valentines Day

Professor Martin's Predictions: A Cooperative Story

Bottle Tossers Confess

Pigs with Wings

Would you Care to Dance?

Ho, ho, ho!!

The Story of Oceangram

Excerpts from Chat with Shawn Kashou of Oceangram.com

Chat with Creator of Oceangram on Tuesday, November 28th, 8:00pm U.S./Central Time

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oceangram Version 2.0

The NEW Oceangram is on it's Way!

From a Kuwaiti Oceangrammer

Men and Women

Are You In Love?

Chat about Oceangram!

What SHOULD you be doing instead of Oceangramming?

Oceangram Announcement

Beloved Pets

Think Pink: For a Little Girl with Cancer

Cooperative Story a'la Oceangram: Is this the Best One Yet?

Monday Notes: New Projects, Old Posts

Popular Stories

Oceangram Archives

Where to Find Oceangrammers

How to Participate in "Oceangram Stories"

Sera Kate's Latest Project

From the Forums

Man Enough to Cry

via BBOT

All is Well...Except For

via The Retreat Forum

Time Travel

via BottleParty

Fear Death or Live Life?

via via ame.dip.jp

Loving and Letting Go

via BottleParty

Look out for that Pirate Ship!

Hey! There's something new in the ocean!

Oceangramming Popular in China?

"Simplicity" Puzzle

Oceangram Stories: Monday Notes

Trouble Using Oceangram?

Tabbed Browsing

Languages of Oceangram

People Who Visit Oceangram Stories

Click Map for a Closeup View from Wikimedia

Languages of Oceangram Visitors

Languages of Oceangram Visitors

It's What We've all Been Waiting for:
Oceangram Tracking!