Avatars

Today, I learned to make my own avatar and I also made a talking "greeter" (Charlie).  Hopefully, I'll remember how to do this.  My first avatar (headshot) was made in http://avatars.yahoo.com/.  The talking cat was designed in http://www.voki.com/.  I copied my avatars and embedded them as gadgets in my blogs.
1/22/12: To expand on what I did at Voki.com:  1) select create:  pick a character, select a background for your character, then give your character a voice.  At each step click Done.  To add a voice, select the 2nd icon so that you can type what you want your character to say.  Select the language and person you wish to do the speaking.  When all is done, click Publish.  2) On the right side of your completed character, copy the embed code.
Back on your blog design (after sign in), select Layout and on right side, select "Add a Gadget".  Select HTML/Javacript to add your Voki character.  Give a title and paste the embed code from Voki.  Save arrangement.  Now you have a talking greeter for your blog.