Dansko Shoes

Nothing is worse than having your feet or back hurt, and one of the most important things to prevent this from happening is a pair of quality shoes. Dansko shoes provides state of the art shoes that are guaranteed to be comfortable with their 60 day total satisfaction guarantee. Visit today to see why Dansko shoes makes shoe shopping easy.

Cheap Term Life Insurance

No one wants to imagine what will happen should something horrible and unexpected occur. But you’ve committed to taking care of your family while alive, and it’s important that you make the commitment to make sure they are financially secure when you aren’t. But how can you find cheap term life insurance and know you are getting what your family needs? Visit today to compare quotes and find what is right for you.

Microsoft and Yahoo

I read with interest the business deal that Microsoft and Yahoo have come up with. I’ve unfortunately not had the chance to check out the new search engine, but speaking with those who have, I think it will be able to rival Google’s search platform.

I’ve always used Yahoo, since 1998 it has been my choice of email, calendar, stock watcher, and many other services. I’ve tried changing a few times, but within days always returned.

But what happens now, when a company known for free products that work great merges with a company known for expensive products that don’t work? Sadly, “meeting in the middle” will probably not make anyone happy.

In Microsoft’s defense, I won’t say that everything they put out stinks. Their game studio produces some of the best titles on the market and I’ve spent many hours playing a variety of their games.

But..... I best stop.... as everyone also knows about the red ring of death.

Vegas Vacation Reservations

Taking one of many Vegas vacations is a dream that many have had, and many have followed. Vegas is the city that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides the best in gambling and other attractions that you’ll find nowhere else on the planet. Visit today to find specials on everything you need and book your next Vegas vacation. You’ll be surprised at how little it will cost getting to have a lot of fun.

The Beer Summit

Well, the Beer Summit has come and gone, and I think we learned a lot as both individuals, and a country.

What did it teach us?

The obvious is that four guys of three different races and different social status can’t agree on anything, not even which beer to share.

How many times have you been invited over to someone’s home, only to have the beer they have in the fridge served to you? For me, I can’t think of a single time I’ve gone to visit with a group of friends, yet everyone gets their own brew.

The idea behind bonding is when you go visit and get offered a beer, you pop open and drink what the plop down in front of you. That is how men bond.

I think this summit has taken us back decades in race relations.

And if I ever get invited to the White House, would I be offered a Guinness?

Moving to New York?

Until the time comes you have your dream home, everyone moves around a few times during their lives. Even if you start off purchasing a home, you still have to get there, or maybe you need an office moved from one location to another. And with New York being the financial capital of the world, you might relocate there from as far away as California. That is why it’s best to check out long haul moving companies New York to get you there.

Sonia Sotomayor

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nomination of federal judge Sonia Sotomayor. This means the Supreme Court will have it’s first Hispanic member, and another female justice on the bench.

I watched much of the confirmation hearings while I worked at home, and from the start I was quite disgusted with the entire procedure.

Instead of really getting into the qualifications of whether or not Judge Sotomayor should sit on the Supreme Court, the panel instead did as they usually do and spent the majority of the hearing on their soap boxes, speaking little to things that will really help the country.

300 million people will never agree on one person who is the best for a position. But if a candidate that we elected selects someone, unless there is gross negligence in the appointment, that person should not only be approved but be respected in the process.

I feel it should be this way for both parties, not just the one I support. While I might not like a nominee, that is no way, shape, or form takes away from their qualifications, which should be all that matters. If I’m concerned about an appointee supporting my stances on the issues, then I should do everything in my power to elect a candidate that will appoint someone I should be satisfied with.

MyNewPlace

Our lease was up this month so we decided to shop around to see what we could find. We started by driving through neighborhoods, but trying to visit so many places when our time is limited was very unproductive. Next we signed up for an apartment locator, but they seemed to give us places THEY were interested in, not places we liked. Finally we searched online but it was so difficult having to try to print all the pages or sign in from my phones browser.

Then we downloaded this wonderful iphone apartment app and found that it really fit our needs. We were able to search for a new apartment while driving around and visiting. And our favorite places we were able to mark and create a short list in no time.

I highly recommend this application for anyone who is considering a new apartment.

We Saved HOW MUCH?

I took Annie Lou shopping at DSW (Discount Shoe Warehouse??). She was looking for a wallet or coin bag for her sister. After she opened one of them, I heard her laughing, so I asked what was so funny. So she handed me the wallet.



It didn't take me long to figure it out.

OUR PRICE: $19.95
COMPARE AT: $20.00

Wow! What a savings!



We know in today's economy that every penny counts. But.... come on..... a nickel? We drove to the discount warehouse for a N_I_C_K_E_L?



If we buy just five more items, we'd saved enough for a Coke.

Light Bulbs Online

Today’s light bulbs are different than the ones of the past. For too long they hogged electricity, didn’t light effectively, and were harmful to the environment. But today it is different, and light bulbs can not only make your home or office more comfortable and enjoyable, they can also do it with minimal impact to our beautiful planet. Visit today to find a great assortment of bulbs for all of your needs.

Philippines Flight 2006

This is a mix of notes I wrote on the plane in February 2006, and memories I have of the flight....

Left this morning at 4am after a two hour nap. Not many other ways to prepare yourself for 25 hours worth of flying on three different airplanes. You simply stay awake as much as possible and hope that you can sleep on the plane. But sleeping on a plane is almost like sleeping in the hospital. There are just too many people doing too many things that do not want you to get any rest. In the hospital, that is usually nurses. On the plane: Flight attendents.

Check-in was uneventful, almost. First I arrived TOO early, and had to wait nearly 45 minutes before the check-in counter was open. Then once it was open, afte two customers passed through, the computers went down, and it took nearly 45 minutes to get them going again. For me, it wasn't too bad, I was hours early for my flight. But some people behind me, who were scheduled to take off within the hour, they were in panic. Of course I let them go in front of me, since I wasn't in a hurry. It made my wait a little longer, but maybe somewhere down the line I might need someone to let me pass through.

After checking in and getting my boarding pass for both DFW and San Francisco, I ran over and ate breakfast at McDonald's before getting ready to board the plane. After boarding, the pilot introduced himself and he was hilarious. Much too energetic and happy for the time of morning. Something obviously had to be wrong with this fella. Hahaha. As the jet sped down the runway, all we could hear over the intercom was "heading to San Francisco, like it or not.....".

I have a window seat on the right side of the plane, just above the wing. I hate these seats. Not just because it obstructs your view, but because of that Twilight Zone (or whatever show it was) where the man kept seeing the monster on the wing of the airplane (wasn't that William Shatner?).... Anyway, I hate the wing seat. I swear I think I saw one of those monsters. Twice.

The feature movie was Pride and Prejudice. Not a movie I'd normally watch, but a decent chick-flick that might make time go by faster. It didn't. It was as horrible as I imagined, and I am just thankful that the plane was so noisy I could barely hear any of the dialog. I suffered through as much as I could, but finally had to turn it off and decided to read. But, I got enough of it watched that I can officially and honestly say I watched it, which should get me some good brownie points in the sensitivity catagory.

The flight was nice, on my side of the plane was three seats, the middle one empty. The other occupied seat was taken by a young... ahem... attractive Japanese girl, who spent the majority of the flight slumped over sleeping in the middle seat. But, between naps she and I talked a little, as well as we could at least, with her broken English. But it did make time go by a little faster, and made the flight a lot more pleasant instead of just sitting there looking a TV or having my nose buried in a book.

In front of me sat a 6'1'' Thai girl and her mama. Yes, 6'1'', possibly taller. Okay, I knew the plane was high up, but we'd made it to heaven? Wow. Did I mention the 6'1'' Thai girl? Whew.

Breakfast was excellent, except for the breakfast bar. But, I noticed my seat-mate chomping down on hers like they were going out of style. So of course I didn't hesitate to offer her mine. It was the least I could do.

Now 3/4 of the way through the flight, I can say this has been wonderful. Only about 10 minutes of the flight has been covered in clouds, the rest has been crystal clear and giving me a great view of the fields of west Texas, mountains, and every other beautiful thing you can imagine inbetween. Calling them beautiful is an understatement.

There is no closer feeling to being God-like than when you are flying high over creation. It almost makes you believe we have some sort of "control" over it all. But instead it controls us. Sometimes I think tragedies happen to remind us where we really stand. But the risks do not bring fear. Instead it brings a peaceful feeling that if today is my day to go, short of sitting with my children and Annie Lou, there is no other place on earth I'd rather take my final breath.

We are now circling the Bay Bridge, what an awesome sight it is, and the airport perched in the middle of the mountains like someone used a giant ice cream scoop to clear the area. Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.

Now, an hour and a half later, we are about to depart. As the stairwell nudged against the plane, something happened to bump it and knock it out of place. So we've sat here for over an hour, waiting for them to get it fixed. Hopefully I can make my next flight on time. I must run, and I mean literally.

Heart Shaped Jewelry

It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to give your loved one some heart jewelry as a gift. Birthdays, anniversaries, or just to say I love you, heart shaped jewelry shows you love them and care, and that they are in your thoughts and heart. Visit today to find a wide variety of heart shaped jewelry for your next gift purchase.

Dallas Stars 2009-2010 Schedule Announced

The Dallas Stars will start their first game this season at home on October 3rd against the Nashville Predators. The season is a perfect split of home and away games, 41 each, and has plenty of weekend and matinees for those that are unable to attend the weekday games.

The Stars have been busy in the off season, making some trades and not so surprisingly, a coaching change as well.

We'll see how they do under the leadership of General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk. Hopefully they will have an entire season like a couple of good runs they had last year.

Light Fixtures

One of the things everyone remembers about a nice house is the beautiful light fixtures such as a chandelier hanging in a living area or entryway. Having beautiful fixtures can really add to the appeal of your home and it doesn’t have to cost as much as you might anticipate if you shop in the right place. Visit today to see a large variety and save money by buying online.

My Outlook on Life

Many of my friends know my "story", and how I got to where I am at this point in my life. And while it is interesting, I'm trying to live my life moving forward now, not linger on negative things from that past. So I'll try to avoid going into details of my past, unless things come up where it would make sense to explain a little more.

I've led an interesting life, to say the least. I've done a lot, but had to sacrifice a lot in return. Until the last few years, I just had things backwards. I sacrificed the things that are really good in life for a chance to pursue the things that aren't so good. But I do not act that way now, nor will I ever do it again. Instead, the sacrifices I make now better myself, my family, and those around me. Of course these sacrifices will never make us rich or famous, but I don't want either of those things. Instead, what we do now will better us physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

When the day comes it is time for me to leave this world, I want to know I did what really matters. I also want to pass along this code and lifestyle to my children as well, so they in turn will hopefully start out doing the right things in life, and continue to do so as they get older. I don't want them making the same mistakes as I made.

So what does really matter in life? The size of my house? How expensive of a car I own? The value of the rugs in my home? No. To me, these things do not matter. At least they won't matter until the day someone shows me a hearse pulling a Uhaul.

Of course I believe that everyone should provide for their family, and give them a good, safe home. And yes, sometimes even a little "extra" is nice. So my personal opinion is there is nothing wrong with buying the kids (or yourself, LOL) a Playstation. But does a person really need a Playstation, a Gamecube, AND an Xbox? Why not buy one of the three, then use the money for the other two to feed hungry children for a year? Or give it to your local library? Or donate it to a church's food pantry?

And if by chance, by some stretch of the imagination, you do actually have enough free time to sit around and play 3 different video game consoles, then why not take some of that time and volunteer at a church, or a school, or another charity that helps those less fortunate? Or take your kids to the park, not for 30 minutes, but for 3 hours? Believe me when I say you'll feel better, both physically and spiritually.

That is my outlook on life. I'm not trying to save the world, I'm just trying to do the right thing today and hopefully in the process make someone else's life better. And tomorrow do it yet again. And then the next day......

In return for what I give, I become a better man, a better father, and a better husband. And I also found the meaning of true love when I met Annie Lou, an unconditional love that wants nothing more than to be loved in return.

Annie already lives what I hope to one day achieve on a consistent basis. She is happy and feels blessed with all that she has, even though sometimes that might not be a lot by some people's standards. But she has what she needs, she's loved, so she's happy. The term she uses is "content". Content with what God has given, and thankful to get what she needs.

Nespresso Machines

There’s nothing like a nice cup of espresso in the morning, especially on cold winter days. But getting that coffee shop quality in your home has been difficult over the years, until now. The Nespresso coffee machine will let you make super tasting espresso right in your own home. The special capsules ensure a quality cup each and every time, because it remains fresh.

World's Crazy Weather Patterns

In a week the Philippines have been hit by a typhoon, an earthquake, a tornado, and they have a volcano on their heals about to erupt (in Indonesia). And because of this and the relentless heat, they've had widespread blackouts, deaths, mudslides, capsized boats, and other horrible things happen.

Not long ago my American friends and I had a debate about our opinions on the strange weather patterns and disasters that the earth seems to be tossing our way.

The questions were:

1) Do you think there is a true increase in natural disasters worldwide, or do you believe that we just hear about them more because of the speed of worldwide news?

2) If you do think there is an increase, do you think it is a natural cycle of the earth, or do you believe it is brought on by some higher power/being? (eg- God)

3) If you believe it is being done deliberately by a higher being, why do you think this being is doing it? Revenge? Punishment? Cleansing of the earth? Boredom?

4) Do you believe we should avoid disrupting disasters, since they are naturally occurring, and instead focus on early warning systems that will save more lives when one occurs? (In other words, they are trying to learn to lower ocean temp so it will stump a hurricane, but is that a good idea, even if it worked?)

5) Do you think we are near a catastrophic extinction level event that will wipe humans out for eternity, such as a meteor hitting the earth, a major viral pendemic, or something else really cool like that? (Hey, if there is going to be a doomsday, I want it to be spectacular and I want front row seats!)

That's it! Share your thoughts!

North Carolina Insurance

There’s a lot of talk these days about health care reform, and some changes are good and coming. But until then, and even if the current plan goes along as planned, you need good health insurance to provide your family the security they deserve. With bcbsnc you can feel secure knowing years of experience and trust are on your side to help you get the care you need.

Diet Pill Reviews Online

With all the junk and worthless diet pills out on the market today, there’s a good chance you’ll spend your money on something that isn’t as effective as what you need, or doesn’t work at all. That is why it is imperative you do your research and get a diet pill that is right for you. Read reviews and ratings and find out how you can save on the best.

Annie Lou- Last House Pictures

Annie Lou poses for a few pics before we move out of the house.

AED

Everyone has watched the doctor shows on TV where they shock a patient who is experiencing a heart attack or heart has stopped for other reasons. Now these lifesaving Automatic Defibillators, also know as an AED, are available for home, office, and businesses that want to go a step further in saving someone’s life. They don’t cost as much as you’d think, and the results can be lifesaving, literally.

Long Movies

Not so long ago, movies were an average of 80 to 90 minutes. Occassionally one would run long, going into the 1:45 range, or the "extended" movie of 2:00.

Now it seems that movies are getting longer, and longer, and longer, and the two or three hour movie is becoming the rule instead of the exception. Even children's animated movies are getting longer. I can't remember which one it was I watched not too long ago, but it was over 1:45. It was too long for me, and definitely too long for little kids.

A few long movies that come to mind: The Da Vinci code, Titanic, Munich, etc.

So I have two questions:

1) Are movies really getting longer, or is it my imagination?

2) How do movie theaters feel about these long(er) movies?

For question number two, I'm hoping someone in the business can answer, because I really am curious. My first thought is the theater would hate them, since only a minimal number of people go for second helpings at the concession area. Its seems it would be better for the theater to be able to show a shorter movie an additional number of times.

That's it, my nightly rant! Now its time for me to go sit down and watch a couple more chapters of Munich....

Treadmills

Taking a stroll outside in the evenings is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy what nature, and your neighborhood, have to offer. But what about those days where you don’t feel like getting dressed to walk around, or the weather doesn’t permit outdoor activities? You don’t want to let your exercise routine rest for a moment, and treadmills are a great way to get the exercise you need.

$12 per WHAT?

I had heard America is becoming the "New India", because our salaries are dropping so low that countries in Europe are beginning to outsource to us, like we do to India.

After goofing off for a little while on HotJobs, I see it's worse than I thought.

Tuxedos

Tuxedos are an important element of your dress when you must dress formally. Everyone thinks of weddings when they think of a tuxedo, but there are a lot of other occasions as well. Maybe you are attending a reunion? Or maybe an awards banquet? Tuxedos aren’t just for weddings. But you don’t want to spend more than you have to. Visit today to find great bargains at prices you can afford.

Filipino Milkfish

One of my favorite fish that Annie Lou prepares is fried Milk Fish imported from the Philippines. We pick it up from one of the three largest Asian markets in our area, the "Hong Kong Market", "Saigon-Taipei Grocery", or "Nguyen Loi Oriental Supermarket".

Milk Fish is the national fish of the Philippines, and once you have it you'll understand why. Its easy to cook, clean, and is absolutely delicious.

The one I like the best is when its already marinated with vinegar and deboned so you don't have to fight the bones while you're trying to enjoy it. She will take it out and fry it slowly, and in the end it is so delicious and tender. The grease also seems to disappear so its never soggy or simply greasy tasting.


I mix a small dish of Silver Swan soy sauce with vinegar, about a 4 to 1 mix, then put a little on my bed of rice and toss the fish on top.

That, along with a stir fry medley of fresh veggies is a delight at supper time.

Black Friday

Everyone has heard of Black Friday, and more recently, Cyber Monday. This Friday after Thanksgiving, and the Monday after that, allow shoppers to find the best deals because the merchants know that people will be buying in mass, which lets them lower prices and save you money. Join in the frenzy this year and save a bundle on your holiday shopping.

Buying Books Online

A lot of people are purchasing online now, trying to make their dollar purchase as much as possible. But while you may know that you can get great deals on electronics, computers, and even cars, you might not know that Buy.com also sells a great variety of books that can be shipped right to your front door. Visit today to see what is available and read about free shipping offers.

Massage Chair Ummmmm

Annie and I went to look at some new furniture at Havertys, when a large massage chair caught her eye. So she sat down, got comfortable, and told me to turn it on.





I still haven't quite figured out this reaction.

Accident Injury

If you’ve ever been injured at work, in a traffic accident, or at a place of business, you want what is owed to you and to make sure your family and medical bills are taken care of. There’s only one way to protect your rights, and that is to hire an attorney, such as the Rochester personal injury lawyer that will make sure you are not taken advantage of.

Baby Safety Compromised

Most states, for the safety of newborn babies, have laws where newborns can be dropped off at a police station, fire department, or hospital, and no questions will be asked. Of course, the babies can't just be dumped, but if the mother feels they are unable to care for the child, they can turn it over to the authorities.

This law was adopted quite simply, to prevent babies from showing up in dumpsters when their mothers felt they had nowhere else to turn. And so far, with the support of nearly everyone, the laws have been doing as they intended- saving the lives of innocent babies.

Yet in steps our media, and instead of keeping this safe, yet tragic experience private, they feel the need to report on it and let everyone know what is going on. Of course, in their own defense, they state they never release the name of the mother. However, I've heard them give somewhat of the following description:

"A young Latino woman, approximately 16 years old, dressed in a red tshirt with blue jeans, with long black hair, dropped her baby off at Fix You Methodist Hospital at approximately 8:30 p.m. The girl, probably a neighborhood teen, since she wasn't driving a car, was escorted by a young man who is apparently the father. The young man, still wearing his Thrown Rod Auto Repair uniform, cried as the couple departed and walked north toward Main Street. To keep this young couple's identity anonymous, we will not say that they went into the fourth house down on the right."

Now, do these morons not know that by releasing so much information about the incident, that they are virtually giving away the mother's identity, and making others that might make the same decision to hesitate out of fear of exposure?

I am all for the free press, but with freedom comes responsibility. Unfortunately our newscasters have forgotten this.

Quinny Buzz Stroller

As a parent of five children, I know the importance of a great stroller. You need something that is sturdy and dependable, yet light and easy to open and push around. But what a lot of parents forget about is the comfort of their child. Don’t forget- if they don’t like it, you won’t either!

Visit today to read about the quinny buzz and purchase one from this authorized dealer.

What?

The other night I had a horrific nightmare and woke up trembling and sweaty. My wife, knowing what probably happened, asked me what it was about.

"You were cheating on me!" I told her. "You were eating dinner with some other man, and was flirting with him."

She looked at me and I began to feel a comfort as I waited for her to tell me I'm the only man for her, and how much she loves me, etc.

Instead, without missing a beat, she asked, "Hum, what was I having?"

Grrrrrrr!

Chrome Accessories

Chrome can give your vehicle a dynamic look. And when those chrome accessories are crafted by experts specializing in chrome, they will make your vehicle look great.

Chrome makes a great trim for any vehicle, and can be installed in minutes. Visit today to see how much you can save, and don’t let the word “chrome” fool you. You can make your vehicle shine, literally.

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

Weight Loss Pills Review

You’ve seen all the weight loss advertisements on TV and passed the section of pills in your pharmacy and grocery store a thousand times, but how do you know what works and what doesn’t? How do they compare to each other? What’s the difference?

Now you can know, and order what is best for you by reading these weight loss pill reviews online. You’ll be able to buy what works and save money on your order. It’s a win-win in your battle against the extra pounds.