It's Over! I'm Finished Blogging Here...GOODBYE FOREVER BLOGGER!

I've sat at my computer for hours on end posting to Blogger

I've put this decision off for a very long time because I wanted to be absolutely sure it was the right thing to do. As much as I love blogging, you just knew the time was gonna come for me to hang it all up, call it quits, and take this show elsewhere--and that's exactly what I'm doing today. See ya, adios, and so long Blogger!

You may recall my blog post from Friday when fellow low-carb blogger Regina Wilshire was the latest victim of Blogger's overaggressive robot identifying her blog as "spam." This follows just a few short months after my blog right here at Blogger was locked by the Blogger robots as a "spam blog" and all the frustration that came with that followed by a second locked blog just three weeks later. Doing this to good blogs is bad public relations and has ticked me off enough that I've decided I'm done with Blogger forever. They've done this to themselves and I am usually very loyal to companies over time (which is why I stood with them for as long as I have).

But today it is good riddance to them. Out with the old and in with the new! Does this mean I'm finished blogging about the healthy low-carb lifestyle? Not by a long shot! You can check out my new blogging home RIGHT NOW at LivinLaVidaLowCarb.wordpress.com. I worked all weekend on it to make it look as good as it possibly can and I am so thrilled with the way it turned out. All of your favorite posts and comments have been moved over to this new blog as well as some new bells and whistles that will bring a smile to your face.

A few of my testers have commented how much faster this page loads than the Blogger blog, so I am happy about that. Speed of loading was one of the major problems people complained about with this old blog. The new one is like lightning it's so fast! You'll also notice the layout is very clean and the look is much more precise than Blogger. My favorite feature of the new blog is the fact that you can click on "Next Page" at the bottom of each page and see the next set of blog posts. So now I only have to post 5 blog posts instead of 15-20. WOO HOO! Just click on that link and you'll get 5 more blog posts on the next page...SWEET!

Along the top of the blog are seven clickable links to important information. "Home" will always take you back to the front page of the blog. "Before & After Pics" shows my photos from 410 pounds, pictures from right after my 180-pound weight loss, as well as a new feature showing current photographs in the years since. "Contact" allows you to reach me with your questions and comments. "Disclaimer" explains I am not a doctor, so use the information at your own risk. "LLVLC Sites" lists the various web sites I am affiliated with. "Meet Jimmy" is a brief bio of who I am and why I started the blog. And finally, "Our Sponsors" is a grouping of all the companies that are lending their financial support to the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog so I can keep doing what I'm doing.

On the left-hand side panel, you'll see some more new additions: a Subscribe To Feed link, the most recent comments on the blog, the most popular clicked pages on the blog, some weight loss links, the full archives all the way back to April 2005, the MyBlogLog widget box, and the total traffic at the blog which I transferred the numbers from my Blogger account over these past 3+ years (currently at over 3.5 million pageviews!).

On the right-hand side panel, there's a link to my About page connected to a picture of me, a list of the latest blog posts, a link to my book, a link to my before and after photos, an RSS feed of my Low-Carb Menus blog, a list of "LLVLC Quicklinks" that will help you find what you need in a flash, my latest photographs on Flickr, a Meta list, and a link to audio podcasts of my blog posts courtesy of Odiogo.

Finally, in the upper right-hand side of the new WordPress blog is a search box that is unbelievably fast and accurate. If I have ever blogged about it, then you'll find it with this search box. It's located right beneath the blog logo and you should use it early and often to find what you need. Of course, if you need help, then I'm always happy to assist. :)

So this is it! My days at Blogger have come to an end and that's just too bad. I appreciate having them as my blogging tool for over three years, but it's time to move on to bigger and better things at my new WordPress blog. And I'm not alone: Regina Wilshire has also set up shop at WordPress at her new WeightOfTheEvidence.com blog. I'm sure many more current Blogger blog owners will be making the move soon...or they should lest the robots shut down their blog as "spam," too!

Don't forget to change all of your bookmarks to the new blog and resubscribe to the blog feed here so you'll never miss a single post at the all new and improved "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog at WordPress! THANK YOU so much for your support for the work I am doing over the years and I look forward to continuing this for many years to come over at the new blog.

Blogger Locks Another Low-Carb Blog As 'Spam': Let's Help Get It Unlocked

Now look at the low-carber who's been blocked as "spam"

I am livid right now with the hosting site of my blogs right now and it has forced me to make a decision I really hoped I wouldn't have to make. But Blogger has really forced the issue now and I don't feel like I have much of a choice in the matter all things considered. More about that in a moment.

As you know, my "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog was first identified by Blogger's robots as a "spam blog" back in April this year and it took nearly a week to get it back again. When your blog is locked by one of these computer robots automatically, you have to go through a rigorous waiting period until a real live human being can look at your blog and realize it is not "spam," but actually legitimate. Visitors coming to the blog wouldn't know that it's locked, but the owner is unable to make any new posts or changes until a Blogger representative bothers to take a look.

Adding insult to injury about my particular case is the fact that it was locked for a second time in less than a month AGAIN, although this time I got it to come back MUCH quicker because I had a Blogger employee name that I urged so many of you to write to. Thanks to the efforts of my faithful and dedicated supporters at my blog and on my other web sites, my "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog was restored in just two days.

Now we have yet another low-carb blogger who has been locked out of her popular blog. It's Regina Wilshire at the "Weight of the Evidence" blog who informed me today that she has been identified by Blogger as a "spam" blog. This would be hilarious if it wasn't dead serious because Regina's blog has been a longtime source for quality low-carb research information well before Jimmy Moore was even on the scene. It's such a travesty that genuinely good bloggers are forced to endure this kind of aggravation.

To make matters worse, my "30-in-30" Low-Carb Weight Loss Challenge blog was also locked today, so it looks like Blogger is on the rampage again with the trigger-happy robots. This is utterly stupid if you ask me and I would like to ask for your help yet again. As of the writing of this blog post, it's late on Friday afternoon. So nothing may come of this until Monday. But it's worth a shot for Regina's sake.

The last time I asked for your help with unlocking my blog, I gave you the name and e-mail address of the Blogger employee who was the first one to unlock my blog. His name is Mishka and his direct e-mail address is mishkablogger@yahoo.com. In your e-mail, kindly request that the URLs WeightOfTheEvidence.blogspot.com and 30-in-30.blogspot.com be unlocked since they are not "spam" blogs. Thank him for his prompt attention to this and express your personal experiences reading these sites. If all goes well, then Regina should be back up and running by Monday. And the same with my "30-in-30" blog.

THANK YOU again for your help everyone! You are the best!

So what am I contemplating doing? Right now I'm moving all of my posts from Blogger over the WordPress and will make a decision soon about making my new permanent blog home over there. You never hear about any issues like this over there, so it's looking more and more appealing by the moment. I'll let you know if and when that will happen, so don't worry. THANKS again for your support!

8-2-08 UPDATE: Well, YOU DID IT!!! Both my "30-in-30" blog and Regina's blog are now back...but neither of us is happy with Blogger right now. That's why we're moving to WordPress and you'll be hearing more about that soon. In the meantime, check out Regina's new address at WeightOfTheEvidence.com.

'Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show' Episode 138: Jennette Fulda Lost Over 200 Pounds On Her 'Half-Assed' Diet

Blogger Jennette Fulda shares about her 200+ pound weight loss

It's one thing to blog about losing weight for the entire world to see. But it's yet another thing to actually LOSE weight and cut your weight in half. That's exactly what popular weight loss blogger Jennette Fulda did on her way shedding not just triple digits, but over 200 pounds! And guess what? She did it following a lower-carb South Beach diet and exercise program. WOO HOO!!! Way to go, Jennette!

In Episode 138 of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore," you'll hear directly from Jennette who shares about what life was like for her when she weighed over 370 pounds, how she was able to overcome her old habits by implementing smarter diet and fitness choices into her routine, and how all of these dramatic changes increased her confidence so much so that she penned all about her experiences in her debut book release entitled Half-Assed: A Weight-Loss Memoir.

Click on the "LISTEN NOW" link below or download it to your iPod to hear Episode 138:

"The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore" Episode 138 [19:25m]: LISTEN NOW | Download

I gotta tell you, Jennette is a real trip! If you've never seen her "Half of Me" blog (which I first told you about in this blog interview from last year), then you are missing out on some of the best free entertainment on the Internet. This woman is an amazingly talented writer who has been on both sides of the fitness equation. She knows what it's like hearing the fast food calling out your name, but she also knows why you should resist the urge to splurge. Although that perky personality has always been there, losing weight has shone a bright light on this beautiful young lady as she provides hope and inspiration to others who struggle with obesity like she once did.

If you were watching NBC-TV's Today show on Sunday morning, then you probably already saw Lester Holt interview Jennette about her weight loss and new book. She did an amazing job on the show, although I thought it was funny they wouldn't allow her to say the same of her book because of the word "ass" in the title. In fact, when they showed the front cover, there were two stick figures where the "ss" was. Too funny! And Jennette, bless her heart, tried to get in as much of the title at the end of the interview as she could. Ironically, I've heard MUCH worse on NBC (but that's another story!).

Get inspired by weight loss successes like Jennette Fulda by:

1. Listening at the official web site
2. Calling (818) 688-2763 to listen via Podlinez
3. Subscribing to the RSS feed
4. Going to iTunes--Click here to subscribe!

Are you inspired in your weight loss efforts after hearing from Jennette Fulda today? Is there anything you'd like to tell Jennette about how her story has impacted you? Share what's on your mind in the show notes section of Episode 138. Don't forget to check out Jennette's incredible blog for before and after pictures like you've never seen before, inspiring and hilarious blog entries, and everything else you'd expect from someone who has so dramatically changed her life for the better.

I'd like to remind you of a new feature we now have available to the listeners of "The Livin' La Vida Low-Carb Show with Jimmy Moore." You can provide audio feedback for me anytime by dialing (206) 202-6516. We'd LOVE to hear from you with your questions, comments, rants, or whatever is on your mind. Just share and you may hear yourself on a future episode the podcast. Also, don't forget to sign up for you chance to win your own copy of the hit Canadian low-carb documentary called My Big Fat Diet simply by going to the show notes section of Episode 137 and sharing a brief essay explaining how a high-fat, low-carb diet has transformed and changed your life forever. We'll be announcing the THREE winners on Monday, so hurry and enter TODAY!

And the wait is almost over! Coming up on Monday is Part 1 of my highly-anticipated and very exciting interview with award-winning science writer and bestselling author of Good Calories, Bad Calories Gary Taubes. I met him in person at the 2008 ASBP/Nutrition & Metabolism conference in Phoenix last month and he sat down and shared quite a bit about what has happened since the release of his book last Fall and discusses what's coming next for him in our 45-minute interview. I really think you're gonna enjoy what Gary has to say, so join us for Part 1 on Monday and Part 2 of my interview next Thursday. THANKS so much for listening! I really appreciate it.

5-15-08 UPDATE: Jennette shared about this interview at her book web site today!

Cleochatra's Amazing Low-Carb 'Oopsie Rolls' Recipe Is To Die For

Nope, this ain't no Egg McMuffin. It's an Oopsie--seriously!

Some of the best food creations to come out of my kitchen have happened almost by accident. Just when you think you've totally messed up the perfect recipe and you're kicking yourself for not following it by the letter, along comes a pleasant surprise to totally blow you away. Of course, you really MEANT to do that, right? *wink wink*

Remember this low-carb "magic shell" recipe that sorta fell in my lap last Fall. I couldn't believe it when I saw it because all I was trying to do was come up with a nice chocolate syrup sauce for my low-carb ice cream. But lo and behold, looky what happened when I poured it on top of my ice cream--a sweet, delicious hardened topping just like that magic shell stuff. OH MY GOSH!!! What an amazing find that was--despite it being an "oops."

Well, today I have another "oops" recipe for you from a wonderful low-carb blogger I told you about on Monday (see #12 under this post) named Cleochatra who runs the fantabulous blog called "The Lighter Side Of Low-Carb." If you haven't already bookmarked this blog, then DO IT NOW! She is one incredibly funny and entertaining writer and a pretty awesome low-carb cook, too, if you like recipes (and who doesn't?!).

But even the best sometimes experience the trials and tribulations that hit our inner Paula Deen where we're a whole lot close to Paula Abdul instead! Ah, but never fear because fate always has a way of turning that lemon into lemonade and the birth of a new and exciting recipe awaits. Or, something like that.

In the case of Cleochatra, that lemon would be the appropriately named "Oopsie Rolls." It's obvious why she named them this because they were supposed to be one thing and ended up another. But the flexibility of these oh-so-yummy low-carb bread roll thingys is quite evident in a series of recipes I'll share in just a moment. First, let me show you this neat little recipe compliments of Cleochatra.

CLEOCHATRA'S BEST EVER REVOL-OOPSIE ROLLS

3 large eggs
1 packet of Splenda
A dash of salt
A pinch of cream of tartar
3 ounces cream cheese (not Tbsp!) Do not soften!

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Separate the eggs and add Splenda, salt, and cream cheese to the yolks. Use a mixer to combine the ingredients together. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff (if you're using the same mixer, mix the whites first and then the yolk mixture).

Using a spatula, gradually fold the egg yolk mixture into the white mixture, being careful not to break down the whites. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray and spoon the mixture onto the sheet, making 6 mounds. Flatten each mound slightly.

Bake for about 30 minutes (You want them slightly softer, not crumbly). Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes, and then remove to a rack and allow them to cool.

Storage and freezing:

I store them in a Ziplock bag with the bag open partially (this way they breathe and don't get too moist) and keep them in the fridge after the first day. Then, when you want to use them, take them out and set them on the counter for 15-30 minutes or until they are room temperature. This makes them more "dry" and less sticky.

As for freezing, I tried freezing and they do freeze. This time you want to close the Ziplock when storing (I only store two per bag). To thaw, let them rest on the counter until room temperature in the bag with the bag open. When they're close to room temperature, set them outside of the bag so that they can "dry" out slightly for use.

Makes 6 "Oopsie Rolls"
Calories 85 each
Carbs Less than 1g each (WOWee!!!)

So there you have it--the world-famous "Oopsie Rolls" (not to be confused with the high-carb copycat candy known as Tootsie Rolls). Oopsie mania is sweeping the nation now, so do you wanna see some fabulous recipes using the "Oopsie Roll" as the centerpiece? SURE YOU DO! Check these out:

Oopsie French Toast

Oopsie Waffles

Oopsie BLT and Pizzas

Oopsie Gourmet Valentine Pizza

Oopsie Panini

Oopsie Pita with Lamb Gyro with Tzatziki

Chocolate Almond Oopsies

Oopsie Almost Tiramisu

Oopsie Birthday Cake

Oopsie Boston Cream Napoleon

Oopsie Chocolate Eclaire Cake

Oopsie Cream Puffs

Oopsie Pizzelles and Canoli

Think you can come up with an "Oopsie" recipe to add to Cleochatra's collection? Post it in the comments section below and Cleo might just share your recipe with her readers at her blog in the very near future. "Oopsie" mania is running wild! AAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!

Help Support A Low-Carb Blogger In Upcoming March Of Dimes WalkAmerica

The March of Dimes sponsors WalkAmerica to combat birth defects

There are only a handful of truly remarkable non-profit organizations in the United States today that are doing an outstanding job of raising money for absolutely needy causes. One such organization is the March of Dimes and their amazing work to help save premature babies from being taken from this world as quickly as they entered it.

This is a rather personal issue for me because of my beautiful wife Christine. You see, she was born three months premature and weighed less than 2 pounds at birth back in the early 1970s. The doctors were trying so desperately to keep her alive in the early days of her life that they even gave her too much oxygen causing her to lose her eyesight completely in her left eye and some of her right eye before they caught it. But thank God she survived and would later become Mrs. Jimmy Moore. :)

Premature births is described by the March of Dimes as "the silent crisis" and the more attention we can draw to this worthy cause the better. That's why I am absolutely thrilled to tell you about one of my fellow low-carb bloggers who will be participating in the upcoming WalkAmerica event in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri on April 28, 2007 beginning at 8:00am.

It's 33-year old Amy Dungan (aka "Sparky's Girl") from the "Healthy Low-Carb Living" blog. This mother of two beautiful gifts from God had she calls "the biggest scare of our lives" with her daughter Rachel's birth back in 1998.

Here's the agony and pain that Amy shared about that experience:

"Her heart was not beating correctly. Many times the doctors feared it would stop completely. We spent six heartwrenching days in the hospital while they performed an EKG on her twice a day as well as many other tests. Wires from monitors were connected to Rachel's tiny little body and they seemed to be coming and going from everywhere. The doctors had no answers for us. I firmly believe in prayer and we believe that whatever the problem with Rachel's body was, God healed it."

WOW! Reading about Amy's living nightmare during Rachel's birth that could have ended tragically can certainly bring a tear to your eyes. But the sad reality is this scenario keeps happening day after day and sometimes these newborn babies are unable to receive any of the delicate and necessary tests that Rachel received. That's why what the March of Dimes is doing with their WalkAmerica campaign is so vitally important.

Amy and her sister Lana will be walking the six-mile hike in The Muny-St. Louis Forest Park in late April and they NEED YOUR HELP to raise money. While she has only set a modest goal of $200 to raise, I think the readers at the "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" blog can quite literally blow that number out of the water--by a long shot!

With nearly 200,000 visitors expected to visit my blog between now and the time Amy walks in this event, there's absolutely no reason why we couldn't raise $2,000, $20,000, or even $200,000 as our show of support behind what she is doing to help raise money for this noble endeavor to save these innocent children. It's well within our reach and I publicly challenge my readers to give generously.

Amy says she realizes Rachel's birth was a gift from God.

"But many are not so fortunate. I'm sure it was the research and funding from organizations like the March of Dimes that made the treatments and tests my daughter recieved possible. Please help us raise money for this very worthy cause. The very lives of many children will depend on it."

So here is the challenge. Go to Amy Dungan's WalkAmerica page and sponsor her with the best possible gift you can afford. If you can give $100 or more, then I know Amy will appreciate it so much. But even if the most you can afford is $1, $5, or $10, all of those gifts can and will add up.

It's mindboggling to think about, but if everyone who visits "Livin' La Vida Low-Carb" in the next two months simply gave $1 towards this effort, then we will have together raised around $200,000! WHOA that's some serious dough people! Can you imagine the possibilities if we all just band together behind this as a show of support for a fellow low-carb blogger?

I'm a big believer in miracles because I have experienced two of the best ones that have ever happened in my life--my 180+ pound weight loss and that gorgeous woman who I now call my wife. Will we see another miracle take place by the time April 28th rolls around? I sincerely hope so and urge you to give from the heart so that the Rachels and Christines of this world have a fighting chance to live.