Welcome to the new LiP Site!
Yes, as I promised on Friday of last week, I am delivering today on the change that I was talking about! Change to the LiP (Live in the Philippines) site, that is! I didn’t really let anybody know that I was planning a redesign until just a few days ago, so it was kind of a surprise to everybody, I think. However, this has indeed been in the plans for some time now. As I said on Friday, it’s been a year (more than a year, actually) since I have updated the looks of the site, so I think the time has come.
The site is not yet 100% complete, but the remaining touches are not too major, so you should be able to enjoy the site, and have a good idea of the final look. Actually, you won’t see many differences in the look as I make a few more changes over the next few days, as they are mostly functionality type things.
Be sure to visit the Home Page by clicking “Home” in the menu bar at the top of the site to see the biggest changes! Give the Image Gallery time to load so that you can see a rotation of our latest featured stories anytim you visit the site. It should load pretty quickly anyway.
In addition to the new looks of the site, we also have a new author! Rusty Ferguson has joined us, and I think he will be a great addition to the site. Rusty is an American expat living on the Island of Cebu, up north in Bogo City, which is up at the norther tip of Cebu Island. I met Rusty just a few weeks ago when I found his site, and I think that he will make a real nice new contributor for LiP! Welcome aboard, Rusty! I hope that you will enjoy your stay at LiP and stay with us for a long time so that we can all learn about your experiences in Cebu!
Again, welcome everybody to the new LiP site! Be patient while I work out any kinks that pop up along the way, and enjoy!
Hi Bob- I’m very impressed with the new layout well done.
Regards.
Jim.
@Jim Cunningham: thanks, Jim. I’m glad that you like it!
Bob, I like your new site. What is a “gravatar”
Bob, I already signed on a free gravatar account. Have a good day
A big improvement… It is easier to navigate around. Keep up the good work you are doing for it gives us a lot of information and good reading here in California. Some day I would like to visit Mindanao specially Davao & Samal. Thank you and have a wondeful day.
Hello Bob,
I like the new look and it is easier use, well done.
Steven
Hi Steven- I’m glad to hear that you like it and find it easier to use!
Hi David B Katague- A Gravatar is a picture of you which will show up next to your comment. I’m glad to hear that you signed up. So are, I didn’t see the pic show up though, but perhaps it is delayed!
Hi Bob - Is this where I put my comment? I think I’ve navigated correctly but I’d better ask just to make sure!
Seriously - WHAT A GREAT LAYOUT!
Hi Boyet S- thank you very much, and I am happy to know that the site is easier to navigate for you! If you do make it to Davao, be sure to let me know!
Morning Bob,
Certainly a new look. I’m interested to see how the Gravatar works. Does it reference my email address or the “name” I have entered here? See what happens now as I have signed up for one.
Hi Paul- I’m glad that you like the layout! Indeed, you found the right spot for a comment!
Hi AussieLee- I think that the Gravatar is recognized by your e-mail address, since more than one person could use the same name. Glad you signed up for one! It’s nice to put a face with a name!
Yes Bob, it is definitely on the email address because AussieLee was already taken as a name so I had to use something else. Yes, I agree, it must feel a tad strange communicating with people over time and having no idea what they look like!
Well, Bob, I feel adventurous now that I’m turning into a keyboard wizard! Let’s try a Gravatar - Asawa-ko & me.
Hi AussieLee- You know, I am just to used to communicating with commenters on my various blogs, that not knowing what they look like is just second nature. This new look on LiP is the first time that I’ve used Gravatars, and I find that I really like it! Seeing a face with a name adds a little bit of an extra dimension, and I didn’t expect that. I am betting that a lot of readers are also going to enjoy seeing what everybody looks like when they comment too, so I encourage all readers to get a Gravatar if they will be commenting!
Hi Paul- I’ll be looking forward to seeing that!
Hi Paul- I just checked your Gravatar and it looks great. I must say, though… I am thinking of removing the Gravatars from the site…. all you good looking guys are making me look ugly on the site!
Just kidding, I like the Gravatars and don’t plan on removing them! 
Hi Bob, great new layout - I like it. Just a question on gravatar - will it create any spam mails? Oh yeah, what’s the difference between avatar and gravatar?
Oh no! where are the smileys?
Thanks, Bob - I have many more solo pics to use that are quite ugly. Having Emy in the frame with me saves this one from the “ugh” category!
Found out that I had to change my RSS reader (and MS Outlook) - an invisible benefit of the new layout is having all articles coming in on one RSS subscription.
(See, I’m on a roll with this here komputur stuff!)
Hi Ellen- You should not get any spam by having a gravatar. I’ve had a gravatar for over a year and haven’t seen any spam related to it. A gravatar is just a “brand name” of an avatar. I believe gravatar is now owned by WordPress, although I could be mistaken on that one.
Sorry about the smilies. The plug-in that put the smiley faces there interfered with another plug-in that I considered more important this time, they conflicted with each other. You can still put smilies in manually, though:
“:wink:” will give you 
“:shock:” will give you 
“:smile:” will give you
and lots of others….
Hi Paul- Yes indeed, all authors are now rolled into a single RSS feed, unlike before.
You really are on top of the game, my friend!
Great job, Bob! One question though, are those featured articles in the animation (front page) supposed to link to the actual article? I tried clicking them but nothing happened. Is it because I use a Firefox and am on a Mac?
Hi Bob! Congratulations on your new fabulous design. Now I officially envy you.
By the way, cool gravatar. funny thing, i didn’t know i had an account already.
Hi mia- Yes, they do link, but you have to put your mouse near the center of the image. If you mouse-over the image and see a light bulb in the center, that is a place where you can click and go to the article. If you click on the right or left of the image, it will instantly bring up the next or previous image.
Hi Cathy- No need for envy! I’m glad that you like the site!
Hi Cathy- Ha ha… funny how that happened with the gravatar! Maybe you have an avatar registered with WordPress.com? If so, I believe that it automatically is on gravatar too, since they are WP owned.
Maayong Buntag Bob
I like the new design. It is good to have some changes to shake things up every now and then.
I read about a bad fire in Davao. Anyone you know effected? Sad to see that many people become homeless.
Hi Larry- Thanks for your kind words! I do like to shake things up a bit from time to time, and I am especially enjoying these Gravatars - seeing what you guys look like!
I did hear that there was a fire over the weekend, but didn’t hear the details yet, even exactly where it happened. I’ve been so busy working on the site design, I hardly came up for air!
Bob
Your work over the week end paid off. The site seems to be working very smooth.
Hi Larry- Thanks for that! I am still working on a few minor details, but I agree the site is humming along now! I like it!
Bob
These changes look really good, a new feel but very easy to navigate around, so it feels different but with all the old features.
I think like you the picture idea is great, even if someone wants to choose a disguised ID then they can, but as you know me well i have no chance of putting one of Brad P or Hugh grant or one of those good looking guys on, so, had to rely on annika to brighten up my picture…she sure is brightening up our lives, great work Bob
Fortunately I had read your blog about the website being shut down for upgrade prior to the change so when I tried it at various times yesterday it was no surprise that it did not come up on my screen. From this end it looks like it was a smooth transision. Eventually I’ll find a pic for an avitar. It looks like this site now incorporates some of the format from Mindanao.com with some of the former format of LIP, Nice Job Bob !
nice work on the new design, Bob. this site keeps getting better & better.
i”ve frequented other expat sites ( a few from mexico) & yours ranks up there.
Hi Bob,
I like what you’ve done with the place (lol). The navigation is easy and smooth. Nice work!
-Henry
Hi rick b- Thank you, I’m glad that you are happy with the changes! I like your Gravatar, nice seeing the baby!
Hi Bob New York- Thank you so much. I didn’t really intend to make this similar to Mindanao.com in any way, I guess it just worked out that way!
Actually, I will be reworking that site next!
Hi mackyp- Thanks! I appreciate your comment, Macky! I am happy to know that my site ranks well for you.
Hi Henry- Thank you very much, Henry! Nice gravatar - you look just like a guy I met here in Davao last year!!!
Hi Bob, Boy, was I surprised to see six new entries in my RSS Reader for LiP this morning! That’s pretty cool having the Reader download all new entries. Saves having multiple feeds. By the way, your new site is great, and the Gravatars are a nice touch too! Don’t know where you get time to do everything - must be the laid-back Philippine lifestyle.
Hi John in Austria- Nice to get a visual of you! I’m glad that the feeds worked out good for you too!
Love the new site….It is easy to move around. Thanks for making it easier for people like me. (computer illiterates)
Nice redesign Bob, looks a bit more concise and you’ve added a few more “toys” hahaha.
Hi Tyleen- Thanks! I’m glad that you like it. It’s funny, because I actually thought the navigation of this site was not quite as good as the old one!
But, everybody is saying the same thing, so I won’t argue with praise! 
Hi BrSpiritus- I’m glad that you like it! Yeah, a few more toys, and I’m actually trying to add a few more too…
Hey Bob, GREAT site!!!! i better leave a comment so i can show my face too…hehehe…sweet! Good Job Bob!!!!
Hey Bob,how come my photo didn’t show up..ows!!
Hi Berlin Austin- Thanks, I’m glad that you like it. To make your picture show up on your comment, you need to go register for a Gravatar, as the instructions show near the comment box.
Hi BOB, my friend, also as part of LiP I wish to congratulate you and Feyma for this excellent redesign. LiP is already very well known, as i learned from many people around the globe. The new design will make it more known. It’s a pleasure and honour to be with you… . See you Thursday… Take care… KLAUS
Hi Klaus- Happy to know that you like it!
Hi Bob- I noticed Bethany had disappeared from you blog roll so I entered under my name, hope this is OK.
Regards.
Jim.
Hi Jim Cunningham- I am sorry for my oversight, I forgot to add Bethany to the Blogroll. I will add it right away. No problem on putting the link on your name too! That’s what it’s there for!
cool…
Hi brian- I assume that means you like it? I hope so!
Hi Bob, Although I missed already the old format, but this one is cool and easier to navigate. Well done Bob!
And finally, I’ve signed to gravatar will not faceless anymore when I give a comment to every writer’s blog.
Cheers!
Hi Teng- Yeah, I loved that old site too, but I like this one a lot as well.
Hey, I’m happy to see your face, and I also showed Feyma, and she smiled when she saw you.
Hi Bob- thanks your a star.
Regards.
Jim.
I was wondering why my avatar image took so long. I guess i put my other e-mail address. I change it this time. Let us see if it works..
Hi Jim Cunningham- Happy to help!
Hi David B Katague- I was wondering about that myself! You had said that you registered, but when I checked, I didn’t see your face! I’m happy to see it now, so that we all know what you look like, David!
Bob, I love the design. It’s very easy to navigate.
Hi Lea- I’m glad to know that you like it!
Well, I’m not on top of the game today! My RSS reader seems to be picking up the new articles from all authors on each of the old feeds: individual author feeds, podcast feeds, etc. Each old feed contains the same (approx) six entries.
It’s hard not to slip from the top!
Hey, I like it! And it loads a lot faster too, which is really nice!
After four months living out of suitcases, we are settled in CA for a couple of months, and are enjoying it.
Hi Paul- I have an idea what is causing that problem, I’ll see if I can make an adjustment today. Thanks for letting me know.
Hi AmericanLola- Nice to hear from you! I am glad to hear that you have settled in - but not for too long, OK? We want you back here again!
Love the new site look…is very good Bob… Salamat!!!
Hi Danny- I’m glad that you like it! Walay sapayan.
Hi Bob! Yes, ur new site seemed faster to navigate. The window content rolls down faster. I think I’m interested w/ that gravatar too. This has been my favorite blog. I miss the Phil and the blog provides me ways to assuage my nostalgia.
Hi roy- I’m so happy to know that you like it, and I am happy that we can bring you a little piece of your homeland every day. I look forward to the day that we can sit down for a cup of coffee right here in Davao City!
ok Bob…thanks
Hi Berlin Austin- I see that you got your Gravatar! Looks nice! I’m happy to see your face and see who I am talking to!
That would be a pleasure, Bob!
Hi roy- I’ll be looking forward to it!
Bob,
Again I am late in making a comment, been restoring my computer from scratch because of a bad virus attack.
The site looks nice but I guess it will take a while to sink in.
Keep up the good work as you always do.
Hi Bruce- I hope that you got your computer all squared away! I hate those kind of problems!
Bob,
It is working again and now just trying to get all my programs back on. Saw Zafar today and he told me he signed up with you. Thank you for taking good care of him. Will keep you in mind if anyone else needs marketing connections.
Hi Bruce- Glad to know that it is up again! Yes, I saw Zafar yesterday, and Feyma met him too.
Bob,
I am working on one of Brian’s templates currently - they are nice. Any way you can just have one photo for each writer’s block rather than a photo for each story.
cheers,
Michael
Hi Michael- Yeah, Brian does really beautiful work. I had to debate whether I should buy this template, since Brian is going Open Source/GPL, but I loved it so much, I decided to go for it. I didn’t use it straight “out of the box” I hacked it pretty heavily, but it was worth the work that I put into it, I think.
I suppose that it should be possible to go with one image instead of one per story in each section, but I like it the way it is now. I’d have to sit down and do some figuring on how to do that if I wanted to move in that direction, but I’m sure it can be done.
Good luck with your work on your sites!