BlogDay has arrived!

Barefoot Blogger
Originally uploaded by nicholasjon.

Today is BlogDay--one day set aside for bloggers from around the world to spread the word about five sites they have discovered in their travels through the blogosphere. Created by Israeli blogger Nir Ofir--founder of Israel's first commercial weblog service--BlogDay gives folks an opportunity to put the word out about cool sites they've come across and encourage others to check them out as well.

Although I could easily have doubled or tripled the list, I tried to choose blogs representing a range of countries and themes. Nevertheless, my personal interests in writing, outrageous and opinionated humor, blogging issues, and mental illness are amply represented here.

And here they are...

Tiny Voices in my Head: Straight from "Bumfuck Nowhere, Pennsylvania, USA" comes this hilarious and entertaining site featuring bizarre blogtech issues, drunken mayhem, psycho stalkers, spammer freaks, and more. I think Webmiztris puts it best herself: "What you read here will be generally unrefined, sarcastic, and humorous (if you are easily amused). If you are easily offended and masochistic, you've come to the right place." Now, that's my kind of blogger babe!

The Y Logs: French blogger, graphic designer and tech writer Yzabel's blog was recently feaatured as part of The Blog Herald's highly coveted 100 Blogs in 100 Days Project. Her excellent site tackles the "woes of the writer" as well as the "secret art of blogging," among other topics. In addition, the Y Logs boasts a clean, elegant, and super-readable format, which definitely doesn't hurt.

ProBlogger: Darren Rowse from Melbourne, Australia turned his blogging passion into a full time, very lucrative gig. This site--one of 16 odd ones Darren has created--is "dedicated to helping other bloggers learn the skills, share their own experiences, and promote the blogging medium." There is a wealth of information here for those who aspire to generate income from blogging--as well as the personal blogger who just wants to enhance and improve their site's exposure and traffic--including the series "31 Days to Building a Better Blog." Well worth checking out.

Hailing from Texas, USA, The Sarcastic Journalist found herself on the front page of the Washington Post after being fired for blogging last year. With one baby and another on the way, TSC's writings are divided into numerous categories, including baby mama drama, mindless rants, potentially offensive material, pure sarcasm, and this writer's life. Here is her caveat: "If you want a good recipe for chicken pot pie, I suggest you look elsewhere. But? If you want to see someone tell it like it is, use sarcasm and just talk of life openly, you've come to the right place." Feels like home to me!

Been Broken: From the UK comes this frank, moving and thought provoking blog which deals with mental illness from a personal and societal perspective. "Broke" tackles the struggles of dealing with a bewildering and sometimes terrifying health care system, shame and stigma, and knotty issues such as free will and choice as it relates to mental health issues. Broke, who has struggled with his illness for 30 years, eventually earned a Ph.D. and at long last landed a job he loves--but not before enduring "prolonged periods of homelessness, trouble with the police, repeated breakdowns," and substance abuse issues. A fascinating and inspiring read.