The greatest contribution you can make to this world is to better yourself. God works directly through you, so his work is an outcome of the person you make yourself out to be.
Marianne Williams
Friday, July 31, 2009
Grow a Pair, Obama
Larry Flynt, the notorious publisher of Hustler magazine, tells the president to toughen up, keep his campaign promises, and start whacking the Republicans.
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Subway Worker Wins $133 Million Jackpot
Millions of New Yorkers are green with envy. The New York Post reports that Aubrey Boyce has received his $133 million dollar check as winner of the second-richest Mega Millions lottery in city history. Boyce, who works retrieving money from the New York subway ticket machines, plans to retire at age 49, take a deep-sea fishing vacation, and buy a car, "but not something too flashy." Boyce opted for an $82.7 million lump-sum payment, or $56.7 million after taxes.
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We are rolling out some great new rates for the New York City area!

If you live in NY, I can help you save money on your utility bills. Email me for details.
ConEd – New York
Gas
Term: 2 months
Price: $0.5927 per therm
ETF: $75
ConEd – New York
Electric
Term: 2 months
Price: $0.1134 per kWh
ETF: $75
ConEd – Westchester
Electric
Term: 2 months
Price: $0.0914 per kWh
ETF: $75
These are aggressive and competitive rates for the New York area. These rates are for a limited time only, so don't delay.
'Seinfeld' reunion arrives, courtesy of HBO
......there would be a "Seinfeld" reunion of sorts. As Alan Sepinwall notes in this piece, the TV version of Larry David will agree to stage a reunion of the iconic comedy. "All four 'Seinfeld' castmembers -- Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Michael Richards -- will play themselves in multiple episodes, and the season finale will feature extensive snippets of the show-within-the-show," ....
"In Treatment" may return, but there's no official word yet.
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"In Treatment" may return, but there's no official word yet.
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Free Download of Let the Great World Spin

On Monday, August 3, 2009, Random House will offer Colum McCann's new novel, Let the Great World Spin, as a free download for 48 hours exclusively on Oprah.com. The book will be available for download from 11 a.m. ET Monday until 10:59 a.m. ET Wednesday August 5, 2009.
The Rise of Gonzo Porn Is the Latest Sign of America's Cultural Apocalypse
A culture that cannot distinguish between reality and illusion dies. A visit to a Las Vegas porn convention reveals we are dying now.
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10 Things Your Eye Doctor Won't Tell You
Continuing its series of dirty little secrets of various industries, Smart Money now focuses on eye doctors. They report on unneeded tests, less expensive eyeglass alternatives, and more.
The Italian Confession
An elderly Italian man, who lived on the outskirts of Rimini, Italy, went to the local church to make confession last month. When the priest slid opens the panel in the confessional, the old man said: 'Father. During World War II, a beautiful Jewish woman from our neighbourhood knocked urgently on my door and asked me to hide her from the Nazis. So, I hid her in my attic.'
The priest replied: 'That was a wonderful thing you did, and you have no need to confess that.'
'There is more to tell, Father... She started to repay me with sexual favors. This happened several times a week, and sometimes twice on Sundays.'
The priest said, 'That was a long time ago and by doing what you did, you placed the two of you in great danger, but two people under those circumstances can easily succumb to the weakness of the flesh'.
However, my son, if you are truly sorry for your actions, you are indeed forgiven.'
'Thank you, Father. That's a great load off my mind, but I do have one more question', the man said.
'And what is that, my son?' asked the priest.
'Should I tell her the war is over?''
The priest replied: 'That was a wonderful thing you did, and you have no need to confess that.'
'There is more to tell, Father... She started to repay me with sexual favors. This happened several times a week, and sometimes twice on Sundays.'
The priest said, 'That was a long time ago and by doing what you did, you placed the two of you in great danger, but two people under those circumstances can easily succumb to the weakness of the flesh'.
However, my son, if you are truly sorry for your actions, you are indeed forgiven.'
'Thank you, Father. That's a great load off my mind, but I do have one more question', the man said.
'And what is that, my son?' asked the priest.
'Should I tell her the war is over?''
Here's The Joke
I was depressed last night so I called Lifeline...
Got a freakin' call center that turned out to be in Pakistan .
I told them I was suicidal.
They got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck.
I know you're laughin'
Got a freakin' call center that turned out to be in Pakistan .
I told them I was suicidal.
They got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck.
I know you're laughin'
Suryia and Roscoe - Friends at First Sight
This is video footage of Suryia the orangutan and Roscoe the dog who became best friends upon meeting each other. Both Suryia and (now) Roscoe live at The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species in Myrtle Beach, SC. This story will be featured this fall on National Geographic Channel's show "Odd Couples"
Why are HDMI Cables for HDTVs So Expensive?
It really is quite a racket. You buy a new HDTV and it may not come with the appropriate cable to connect it to your cable box. Why is that? It is done so the retailer can sell you a VERY expensive cable. And you, maybe not knowing better, might fall for the ploy. Here's why you should not pay huge amounts like over $100 for fancy HDMI cables.
Are big insurance discounts for healthy behavior unfair?
Employers and health insurers could give larger discounts to employees who lose weight or lower their cholesterol under one health care overhaul proposal that's moving through Congress.
However, the AARP, the American Heart Association and other groups think it's unfair and fear it could result in higher premiums for people who don't achieve those fitness goals.
Read more
However, the AARP, the American Heart Association and other groups think it's unfair and fear it could result in higher premiums for people who don't achieve those fitness goals.
Read more
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Today's Quote
"Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd; a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more."
A. Lou Vickery
A. Lou Vickery
Cash for clunkers on the ropes
The Obama administration is telling lawmakers that just a week after it took effect, its $1 billion "cash-for-clunkers" program is already running out of money and will be suspended Thursday night, according to three Senate aides familiar with the discussions.
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13 Trash-to-Craft Ideas
Creative ways to reuse garbage: from plastic bag dispensers to — no kidding — a backyard mini-golf course.
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Obesity costs U.S. health system $147 billion: study
Obesity-related diseases account for nearly 10 percent of all medical spending in the United States or an estimated $147 billion a year, U.S. researchers said Monday.
They said obese people spend 40 percent more -- or $1,429 more per year -- in healthcare costs than people of normal weight.
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They said obese people spend 40 percent more -- or $1,429 more per year -- in healthcare costs than people of normal weight.
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Disbelief greets terrorism charges against 7 in N.C.
To those they lived among, seven men accused of an intricate terrorism plot lived simply, quietly and kindly.
To neighbors and friends, Daniel Boyd was a father who stopped his work at noon each day for prayer. Dylan Boyd, Daniel's son, was a college student at N.C. State University who until last year worked as a clinical services technician at WakeMed Raleigh Campus. Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan was a newlywed; his father owns a Raleigh car dealership.
To federal authorities, these men and four others plotted to kill themselves and others in the name of Islam. Their activities, tracked by FBI agents over three years and detailed in federal indictments released Monday, tell of an elaborate scheme hatched in a quiet Johnston County neighborhood and nondescript apartment complexes across Raleigh and Cary.
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To neighbors and friends, Daniel Boyd was a father who stopped his work at noon each day for prayer. Dylan Boyd, Daniel's son, was a college student at N.C. State University who until last year worked as a clinical services technician at WakeMed Raleigh Campus. Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan was a newlywed; his father owns a Raleigh car dealership.
To federal authorities, these men and four others plotted to kill themselves and others in the name of Islam. Their activities, tracked by FBI agents over three years and detailed in federal indictments released Monday, tell of an elaborate scheme hatched in a quiet Johnston County neighborhood and nondescript apartment complexes across Raleigh and Cary.
Read more
Racism Is the Prime Cause for Debunked Obama Birth Certificate Conspiracy Theory
The "birther" conspiracy has been utterly debunked, yet more GOP establishment figures have embraced the transparently racist cause.
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More stories
So What If Obama Was Foreign?
and more.....
House Passes Anti-Birther Resolution
Read more
More stories
So What If Obama Was Foreign?
and more.....
House Passes Anti-Birther Resolution
Website of the Day - Did I Say That?
Hilarious roundup of celebrity foot-in-mouth quotations courtesy of the “Did I Say That?” column in the U.K.’s Guardian.
False Euthanasia Claims
The claim that the House health care bill pushes suicide is nonsense.
On former Sen. Fred Thompson’s radio show, former lieutenant governor of New York Betsy McCaughey said that the House’s proposed health care bill contained a provision that would institute mandatory counseling sessions telling seniors how "to do what’s in society’s best interest … and cut your life short." House Minority Leader John Boehner made a slightly more measured statement, warning that the same provision "may start us down a treacherous path toward government-encouraged euthanasia if enacted into law."
In truth, that section of the bill would require Medicare to pay for voluntary counseling sessions helping seniors to plan for end-of-life medical care, including designating a health care proxy, choosing a hospice and making decisions about life-sustaining treatment. It would not require doctors to counsel that their patients refuse medical intervention.
Note: This is a summary only. The full article with analysis, images and citations may be viewed at FactCheck.org
On former Sen. Fred Thompson’s radio show, former lieutenant governor of New York Betsy McCaughey said that the House’s proposed health care bill contained a provision that would institute mandatory counseling sessions telling seniors how "to do what’s in society’s best interest … and cut your life short." House Minority Leader John Boehner made a slightly more measured statement, warning that the same provision "may start us down a treacherous path toward government-encouraged euthanasia if enacted into law."
In truth, that section of the bill would require Medicare to pay for voluntary counseling sessions helping seniors to plan for end-of-life medical care, including designating a health care proxy, choosing a hospice and making decisions about life-sustaining treatment. It would not require doctors to counsel that their patients refuse medical intervention.
Note: This is a summary only. The full article with analysis, images and citations may be viewed at FactCheck.org
Apple poised to change the world —again
Only Apple can top news about Apple.
The iPhone is big enough without any competition, but news of this Apple tablet is gaining steam - especially after the Financial Times picked up on it on Monday and "confirmed" a September launch (just in time for the holiday season).
"Enjoy your 15 minutes, Kindle." That's what I wrote months ago when the latest Kindle was introduced. I talked of a flat nearly invisible pane of glass that takes sexy electronics to a new level - something everyone will beat down the door to have.
And now, as I would expect, other major news sites are starting to point out the troubles the Kindle might have. Sadly, there's no attribution to me, but that's how it goes in this business. Anyhow, rumors were flying that Apple was working on creating its own bookstore. I think any news about an Apple tablet with electronic books would be enough for Amazon to freak out. Maybe that's what the purchase last week of Zappos was all about - if this electronic book thing doesn't work out, there's always ... shoes. I mean, Apple's not going to get involved in shoes.
Not yet. Give 'em time.
The iPhone is big enough without any competition, but news of this Apple tablet is gaining steam - especially after the Financial Times picked up on it on Monday and "confirmed" a September launch (just in time for the holiday season).
"Enjoy your 15 minutes, Kindle." That's what I wrote months ago when the latest Kindle was introduced. I talked of a flat nearly invisible pane of glass that takes sexy electronics to a new level - something everyone will beat down the door to have.
And now, as I would expect, other major news sites are starting to point out the troubles the Kindle might have. Sadly, there's no attribution to me, but that's how it goes in this business. Anyhow, rumors were flying that Apple was working on creating its own bookstore. I think any news about an Apple tablet with electronic books would be enough for Amazon to freak out. Maybe that's what the purchase last week of Zappos was all about - if this electronic book thing doesn't work out, there's always ... shoes. I mean, Apple's not going to get involved in shoes.
Not yet. Give 'em time.
Be Still
Be still.
Just for a moment.
Listen to the world around you. Feel your breath coming in and going out. Listen to your thoughts. See the details of your surroundings.
Be at peace with being still.
In this modern world, activity and movement are the default modes, if not with our bodies then at least with our minds, with our attention. We rush around all day, doing things, talking, emailing, sending and reading messages, clicking from browser tab to the next, one link to the next.
We are always on, always connected, always thinking, always talking. There is no time for stillness — and sitting in front of a frenetic computer all day, and then in front of the hyperactive television, doesn’t count as stillness.
This comes at a cost: we lose that time for contemplation, for observing and listening. We lose peace.
Read more
Just for a moment.
Listen to the world around you. Feel your breath coming in and going out. Listen to your thoughts. See the details of your surroundings.
Be at peace with being still.
In this modern world, activity and movement are the default modes, if not with our bodies then at least with our minds, with our attention. We rush around all day, doing things, talking, emailing, sending and reading messages, clicking from browser tab to the next, one link to the next.
We are always on, always connected, always thinking, always talking. There is no time for stillness — and sitting in front of a frenetic computer all day, and then in front of the hyperactive television, doesn’t count as stillness.
This comes at a cost: we lose that time for contemplation, for observing and listening. We lose peace.
Read more
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Today's Quote
Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed on an equal or greater benefit.
~ Napoleon Hill
~ Napoleon Hill
Action Item - Email CNN
Thanks to your amazing response, we have already gathered more than 15,000 signatures calling on CNN to credibly address Lou Dobbs' frequent promotion of fringe conspiracies about President Obama's birth certificate. Unfortunately, CNN president Jon Klein has resorted to not telling the truth in order to defend Dobbs. Yesterday, Klein told TV reporters that Dobbs' coverage of the issue has been "all about the phenomenon of doubters" -- with Klein suggesting that Dobbs has done nothing more than host discussions of why "some people doubt" that Obama is a U.S.-born citizen.
Dobbs has done far more than simply ask why there are still people who doubt Obama's citizenship. He has legitimized their conspiracy theories by demanding that Obama produce documentation -- to prove something that Klein himself acknowledges is beyond doubt. Rather than misleading the public, he should credibly address CNN's still growing Dobbs problem by simply telling the truth.
It's time to contact Klein directly and demand a definitive explanation on whether he finds it appropriate for one of his premier hosts to promote discredited, racially charged conspiracy theories on his network. So, please email CNN president Jon Klein and let him know that mainstreaming fringe conspiracy theories is not acceptable. Visit our special website and take action today: dobbsconspiracy.com
It is no secret that the birther movement is tinged with racism. [1] By legitimizing birther conspiracy theorists, CNN is doing more than simply pushing a baseless story and harming its journalistic credibility. It is also empowering bigotry, xenophobia, and hate. Is this what "the most trusted name in news" has come to represent?
Dobbs' promotion of the birther movement is hardly the first time he has tarnished CNN's reputation by giving voice to outlandish, racially charged conspiracy theories on the network. He promoted the idea that the Bush administration was attempting to form a "North American Union" between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and fear-mongered over the supposed "reconquista movement" by which Mexicans were planning to take over the American Southwest. In 2005, he suggested that immigrants were responsible for a spike in leprosy cases in the U.S. -- even though the purported spike was based on false reports and had never actually occurred. Despite being debunked repeatedly, Dobbs defended his leprosy report publicly before being forced to offer a correction.
It's the same story all over again. It needs to stop. So please email Klein today and let him know that mainstreaming fringe conspiracy theories is not acceptable no matter how he spins it: dobbsconspiracy.com
Dobbs' promotion of the birthers puts him at odds with many of his CNN colleagues, as well as far-right media figures like Fox News' Bill O'Reilly, who called the story "absurd," and conservative pundit Ann Coulter, who dismissed Dobbs as "wrong." But it does align Dobbs, Klein, and the entire network with deeply controversial figures within the birther community. Such people include Andy Martin, who has made anti-Semitic and racially charged comments; convicted felon G. Gordon Liddy, who plotted but never followed through on murders and bombings; 9-11 "Truther" Philip Berg; perennial candidate for public office Alan Keyes, who has reportedly accused Obama of taking the "slaveholder's position" on abortion; a pastor who has prayed for Obama's death; and the discredited right-wing website WorldNetDaily.
It's time for CNN to stop dredging up this kind of filth and to start acting like "The Most Trusted Name In News." Join us in pressuring CNN president Jon Klein today: dobbsconspiracy.com
Thank you for your continued help in holding CNN accountable.
Eric Burns
President,
Media Matters for America
Dobbs has done far more than simply ask why there are still people who doubt Obama's citizenship. He has legitimized their conspiracy theories by demanding that Obama produce documentation -- to prove something that Klein himself acknowledges is beyond doubt. Rather than misleading the public, he should credibly address CNN's still growing Dobbs problem by simply telling the truth.
It's time to contact Klein directly and demand a definitive explanation on whether he finds it appropriate for one of his premier hosts to promote discredited, racially charged conspiracy theories on his network. So, please email CNN president Jon Klein and let him know that mainstreaming fringe conspiracy theories is not acceptable. Visit our special website and take action today: dobbsconspiracy.com
It is no secret that the birther movement is tinged with racism. [1] By legitimizing birther conspiracy theorists, CNN is doing more than simply pushing a baseless story and harming its journalistic credibility. It is also empowering bigotry, xenophobia, and hate. Is this what "the most trusted name in news" has come to represent?
Dobbs' promotion of the birther movement is hardly the first time he has tarnished CNN's reputation by giving voice to outlandish, racially charged conspiracy theories on the network. He promoted the idea that the Bush administration was attempting to form a "North American Union" between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and fear-mongered over the supposed "reconquista movement" by which Mexicans were planning to take over the American Southwest. In 2005, he suggested that immigrants were responsible for a spike in leprosy cases in the U.S. -- even though the purported spike was based on false reports and had never actually occurred. Despite being debunked repeatedly, Dobbs defended his leprosy report publicly before being forced to offer a correction.
It's the same story all over again. It needs to stop. So please email Klein today and let him know that mainstreaming fringe conspiracy theories is not acceptable no matter how he spins it: dobbsconspiracy.com
Dobbs' promotion of the birthers puts him at odds with many of his CNN colleagues, as well as far-right media figures like Fox News' Bill O'Reilly, who called the story "absurd," and conservative pundit Ann Coulter, who dismissed Dobbs as "wrong." But it does align Dobbs, Klein, and the entire network with deeply controversial figures within the birther community. Such people include Andy Martin, who has made anti-Semitic and racially charged comments; convicted felon G. Gordon Liddy, who plotted but never followed through on murders and bombings; 9-11 "Truther" Philip Berg; perennial candidate for public office Alan Keyes, who has reportedly accused Obama of taking the "slaveholder's position" on abortion; a pastor who has prayed for Obama's death; and the discredited right-wing website WorldNetDaily.
It's time for CNN to stop dredging up this kind of filth and to start acting like "The Most Trusted Name In News." Join us in pressuring CNN president Jon Klein today: dobbsconspiracy.com
Thank you for your continued help in holding CNN accountable.
Eric Burns
President,
Media Matters for America
U.S. says it's willing to send young Afghan detainee home
The Obama administration on Wednesday said it plans to release a young Guantanamo detainee after military and civilian judges banned almost all evidence against him that they ruled was extracted through torture.
Government attorneys, however, reserved the right to file new charges in federal court against Mohammed Jawad if they find evidence against him before he's freed.
The Justice Department asked U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle to grant them 22 days to release Jawad — seven days to notify Congress of the release plans, as current law requires, and then 15 days until a cooling off period mandated by law expires.
If no new charges are filed during that time, the government said it would promptly release Jawad. The Justice Department didn't specify where it would send him, but his lawyers say they expect he'd be returned to his native Afghanistan.
In a separate decision, another federal judge ordered a second detainee released late Wednesday because the government didn't have enough evidence against him.
Read more
Government attorneys, however, reserved the right to file new charges in federal court against Mohammed Jawad if they find evidence against him before he's freed.
The Justice Department asked U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle to grant them 22 days to release Jawad — seven days to notify Congress of the release plans, as current law requires, and then 15 days until a cooling off period mandated by law expires.
If no new charges are filed during that time, the government said it would promptly release Jawad. The Justice Department didn't specify where it would send him, but his lawyers say they expect he'd be returned to his native Afghanistan.
In a separate decision, another federal judge ordered a second detainee released late Wednesday because the government didn't have enough evidence against him.
Read more
Here's The Joke
John was a salesman's delight when it came to any kind of unusual
gimmick. His wife Marsha had long ago given up trying to get him to
change.
One day John came home with another one of his unusual purchases. It
was a robot that John claimed was actually a lie detector.
It was about 5:30 that afternoon when Tommy, their 11 year old son,
returned home from school.
Tommy was over 2 hours late.
'Where have you been? Why are you over 2 hours late getting home?'
asked John.
'Several of us went to the library to work on an extra credit project,'
said Tommy.
The robot then walked around the table and slapped Tommy, knocking
him completely out of his chair.
'Son,' said John, 'this robot is a lie detector, now tell us where you
really were after school .'
'We went to Bobby's house and watched a movie.' said Tommy.
'What did you watch?' asked Marsha.
'The Ten Commandments.' answered Tommy.
The robot went around to Tommy and once again slapped him, knocking
him off his chair once more.
With his lip quivering, Tommy got up, sat down and said, 'I am sorry I
lied. We really watched a tape called Sex Queen.'
'I am ashamed of you son,' said John. 'When I was your age, I never
lied to my parents.'
The robot then walked around to John and delivered a whack that
nearly knocked him out of his chair.
Marsha doubled over in laughter, almost in tears and said, 'Boy, did
you ever ask for that one! You can't be too mad with Tommy, after all,
he is your son!'
With that the robot immediately walked around to Marsha and knocked
her out of her chair
gimmick. His wife Marsha had long ago given up trying to get him to
change.
One day John came home with another one of his unusual purchases. It
was a robot that John claimed was actually a lie detector.
It was about 5:30 that afternoon when Tommy, their 11 year old son,
returned home from school.
Tommy was over 2 hours late.
'Where have you been? Why are you over 2 hours late getting home?'
asked John.
'Several of us went to the library to work on an extra credit project,'
said Tommy.
The robot then walked around the table and slapped Tommy, knocking
him completely out of his chair.
'Son,' said John, 'this robot is a lie detector, now tell us where you
really were after school .'
'We went to Bobby's house and watched a movie.' said Tommy.
'What did you watch?' asked Marsha.
'The Ten Commandments.' answered Tommy.
The robot went around to Tommy and once again slapped him, knocking
him off his chair once more.
With his lip quivering, Tommy got up, sat down and said, 'I am sorry I
lied. We really watched a tape called Sex Queen.'
'I am ashamed of you son,' said John. 'When I was your age, I never
lied to my parents.'
The robot then walked around to John and delivered a whack that
nearly knocked him out of his chair.
Marsha doubled over in laughter, almost in tears and said, 'Boy, did
you ever ask for that one! You can't be too mad with Tommy, after all,
he is your son!'
With that the robot immediately walked around to Marsha and knocked
her out of her chair
Catering to Obama Haters
Lunatic right-wing “birthers” have gotten a toehold on CNN and Fox News, and even the McCain campaign investigated their claims. Paul Campos on why the media kowtows to the far-right fringe.
World Will Warm Faster Than Predicted in Next Five Years, Study Warns
New estimate based on the forthcoming upturn in solar activity and El Niño southern oscillation cycles is expected to silence global warming sceptics
Read more
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Saving Your Social Life Without Hurting Your Savings
Saving money during the summer can be tough if you have an active social life or like to travel on the weekends. Here are some great tips for inexpensive outings to help both your social life and your budget.
• Go out on a picnic: Picnics are much less expensive than dining out and can be an all-day or afternoon activity. Invite friends to play Frisbee or touch football after you eat. If you are planning a date, make it more romantic by going somewhere with a lot of natural beauty to enjoy.
• Visit a museum or historic building: Visiting a museum or historic building isn’t just for tourists and admission prices are usually reasonable. You can also look for free, reduced price or “pay what you want” days or evenings.
• Spend the evening at your place: An underrated way to spend time is to have everyone over to your house. Ask everyone to bring ingredients for a dish to cook together and rent a movie to end the night.
• Take advantage of the summer weather: Grab a couple of friends or your significant other and head to the beach. Enjoy the entire day in the water or on the sand without spending a lot of money. When it gets dark walk into the local town for dinner or ice cream.
Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips.
• Go out on a picnic: Picnics are much less expensive than dining out and can be an all-day or afternoon activity. Invite friends to play Frisbee or touch football after you eat. If you are planning a date, make it more romantic by going somewhere with a lot of natural beauty to enjoy.
• Visit a museum or historic building: Visiting a museum or historic building isn’t just for tourists and admission prices are usually reasonable. You can also look for free, reduced price or “pay what you want” days or evenings.
• Spend the evening at your place: An underrated way to spend time is to have everyone over to your house. Ask everyone to bring ingredients for a dish to cook together and rent a movie to end the night.
• Take advantage of the summer weather: Grab a couple of friends or your significant other and head to the beach. Enjoy the entire day in the water or on the sand without spending a lot of money. When it gets dark walk into the local town for dinner or ice cream.
Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips.
100 Things Your Kids May Never Know About
There are some things in this world that will never be forgotten, this week’s 40th anniversary of the moon landing for one. But Moore’s Law and our ever-increasing quest for simpler, smaller, faster and better widgets and thingamabobs will always ensure that some of the technology we grew up with will not be passed down the line to the next generation of geeks.
That is, of course, unless we tell them all about the good old days of modems and typewriters, slide rules and encyclopedias …
# Typewriters.
# Putting film in your camera: 35mm may have some life still, but what about APS or disk?
# Sending that film away to be processed.
# Having physical prints of photographs come back to you.
# Taking turns picking a radio station, or selecting a tape, for everyone to listen to during a long drive.
# Remembering someone’s phone number.
# Not knowing who was calling you on the phone.
# Actually going down to a Blockbuster store to rent a movie.
# Toys actually being suitable for the under-3s.
# LEGO just being square blocks of various sizes, with the odd wheel, window or door.
See entire list
That is, of course, unless we tell them all about the good old days of modems and typewriters, slide rules and encyclopedias …
# Typewriters.
# Putting film in your camera: 35mm may have some life still, but what about APS or disk?
# Sending that film away to be processed.
# Having physical prints of photographs come back to you.
# Taking turns picking a radio station, or selecting a tape, for everyone to listen to during a long drive.
# Remembering someone’s phone number.
# Not knowing who was calling you on the phone.
# Actually going down to a Blockbuster store to rent a movie.
# Toys actually being suitable for the under-3s.
# LEGO just being square blocks of various sizes, with the odd wheel, window or door.
See entire list
Blue Dog Bozos
It's not the Republicans who pose the biggest threat to Obama's agenda but the infuriating Blue Dog Democrats.
Read more
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World Builder
This absolutely stunning short film tells the story of a man who creates an entire holographic world for the woman he loves—with a beautiful, though bittersweet, conclusion.
World Builder from Bruce Branit on Vimeo.
Website of the Day - SERRV International
SERRV International has a wealth of high quality goods created by artisans and farmers around the world. When you buy jewelry, holiday décor and home goods from SERRV, you’re helping to give someone else a better life.
How the Government Helps Crooks Steal Your ID
The key to your financial life is your social security number. And despite all your efforts to keep it private, some local government agencies are making it available for all to see (and steal). On top of that, new research suggests that at least the first five digits of your social security number can be relatively easily discerned.
Heaven Cake

INGREDIENTS
* 1 cup cream cheese
* 3 item sticks Margarine or butter
* 3 cup sugar
* 6 item eggs
* 3 cup plain flour
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1 teaspoon salt
PREPARATION
* Oven Temp: 325°
* Pan Type: 10 inch tube pan
* Soften margarine and cream cheese. Cream together well.
* Add sugar and continue to cream.
* Add eggs one at a time. Cream together good.
* Add flour slowly to the mixture.
* When mixed well add the vanilla and salt. Mix well.
* Pour into prepared pan and bake until knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Careful not to over bake.
* Frosting: Use a bit of orange juice and confectionery sugar.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Today's Quote
Correcting oneself is correcting the whole world. The sun is simply bright. It does not correct anyone. Because it shines, the whole world is full of light. Transforming yourself is a means of giving light to the whole world.
~ Ramana Maharishi
~ Ramana Maharishi
Here's The Joke
The 3 Goldberg brothers, Norman, Hiram, and Max, invented and
developed the first automobile air-conditioner.
On July 17, 1946, the temperature in Detroit was 97 degrees. The
3 brothers walked into old man Henry Ford's office and sweet-talked
his secretary into telling him that 3 gentlemen were there with the
most exciting innovation in the auto industry since the electric
starter. Henry was curious and invited them into his office. They
refused and instead asked that he come out to the parking lot to their
car. They persuaded him to get into the car which was about 130
degrees - turned on the air conditioner and cooled the car off
immediately.
The old man got very excited and invited them back to the
office, where he offered them $3 million for the patent. The brothers
refused, saying they would settle for $2 million, but they wanted the
recognition by having a label, "The Goldberg Air-Conditioner," on the
dashboard of each car that it was installed in.
Now old man Ford was more than just a little anti-Semitic, and there
was no way he was going to put the Goldberg's name on 2 million Fords.
They haggled back and forth for about 2 hours and finally agreed on
$4 million, and that just their first names would be shown. And so to
this day, all Ford air conditioners show Norm, Hi and Max on the
controls.
developed the first automobile air-conditioner.
On July 17, 1946, the temperature in Detroit was 97 degrees. The
3 brothers walked into old man Henry Ford's office and sweet-talked
his secretary into telling him that 3 gentlemen were there with the
most exciting innovation in the auto industry since the electric
starter. Henry was curious and invited them into his office. They
refused and instead asked that he come out to the parking lot to their
car. They persuaded him to get into the car which was about 130
degrees - turned on the air conditioner and cooled the car off
immediately.
The old man got very excited and invited them back to the
office, where he offered them $3 million for the patent. The brothers
refused, saying they would settle for $2 million, but they wanted the
recognition by having a label, "The Goldberg Air-Conditioner," on the
dashboard of each car that it was installed in.
Now old man Ford was more than just a little anti-Semitic, and there
was no way he was going to put the Goldberg's name on 2 million Fords.
They haggled back and forth for about 2 hours and finally agreed on
$4 million, and that just their first names would be shown. And so to
this day, all Ford air conditioners show Norm, Hi and Max on the
controls.
Here's The Joke
A man was lying in bed with his new girlfriend.
After having great sex, she spent the next hour just rubbing his testicles - something she loved to do.
As he was enjoying it, he turned and asked her, "Why do you love doing that?"
"Because," she replied, "I miss mine."
Kinda brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it?
After having great sex, she spent the next hour just rubbing his testicles - something she loved to do.
As he was enjoying it, he turned and asked her, "Why do you love doing that?"
"Because," she replied, "I miss mine."
Kinda brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it?
Accept What Is — Don’t Judge as Good or Bad
There is nothing either good or bad,
but thinking makes it so.”
- William Shakespeare, “Hamlet”
One of the greatest sources of unhappiness, in my experience, is the difficulty we have in accepting things as they are.
Without judgment, without wishing for otherwise.
When we see something we don’t like, we wish it could be different — we cry out for something better. That may be human nature, or perhaps it’s something that’s ingrained in our culture.
The root of the unhappiness isn’t necessarily that we want things to be different, however: it’s that we decided we didn’t like it in the first place. We’ve judged it as bad, rather than saying, “It’s not bad or good, it just is.”
Read more
but thinking makes it so.”
- William Shakespeare, “Hamlet”
One of the greatest sources of unhappiness, in my experience, is the difficulty we have in accepting things as they are.
Without judgment, without wishing for otherwise.
When we see something we don’t like, we wish it could be different — we cry out for something better. That may be human nature, or perhaps it’s something that’s ingrained in our culture.
The root of the unhappiness isn’t necessarily that we want things to be different, however: it’s that we decided we didn’t like it in the first place. We’ve judged it as bad, rather than saying, “It’s not bad or good, it just is.”
Read more
Apricot Mango BBQ Ribs

COOK TIME
5 Hours 35 Minutes
INGREDIENTS
* 1 ½ tablespoon ancho chili powder
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1 teaspoon organic garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon cumin
* ½ teaspoon ground thyme
* 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
* 2 item slabs baby back ribs
* ½ cup medium diced canned apricots, drained
* ½ cup medium diced fresh or jarred mangoes, drained
* 1 item (4-ounce) can mild chipotle chiles
* 2 tablespoon dark brown sugar
* 2 item whole garlic cloves
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
* 2 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
* 2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
PREPARATION
For the rib seasoning, combine the chili powder, salt, garlic powder, cumin, thyme and olive oil in a bowl and mix well to make a paste. Rub evenly over the ribs. Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or up to overnight. For the sauce, combine the apricots, mangoes, chipotle chiles, brown sugar, garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, vanilla extract, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, salt and cayenne pepper in a blender container and purée. Store in the refrigerator.
To bake the ribs, preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Unwrap the ribs and place on a rimmed baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 1 ½ hours. Brush the sauce generously over the ribs. Bake for an additional 45 minutes or until the sauce caramelizes. To grill the ribs, unwrap the ribs and place on a grill rack. Grill over indirect low heat for 1 ½ hours. Brush the sauce generously over the ribs. Grill for an additional ½ hour. Place the ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cover with foil and let stand for 20 minutes. Successful grilling or baking of ribs occurs when ribs cook slowly over low temperatures.
YIELD
4 Servings
Monday, July 27, 2009
Today's Quote
The reason to turn brick walls into motivating forces is that if we don't, they become excuses as to why we can't accomplish things. We can all do much more than we think, once we decide to do it.
It's very hard to find meaning in ones's life. It's much easier to find meaning in one's actions - so look for someone who could use your help, and help them in any way you can. If your actions all have meaning I suspect your life will begin to as well.
The one thing I wish we'd all think about right now - and forgive me for being mundane - is this: If you have kids, review your life insurance, because most people don't carry enough. More broadly, we should think about the fact that life is a zero-win game. Things we spend time on inherently take time away from other things. So constantly ask, Is this the best and biggest use of my time?
Randy Pausch
It's very hard to find meaning in ones's life. It's much easier to find meaning in one's actions - so look for someone who could use your help, and help them in any way you can. If your actions all have meaning I suspect your life will begin to as well.
The one thing I wish we'd all think about right now - and forgive me for being mundane - is this: If you have kids, review your life insurance, because most people don't carry enough. More broadly, we should think about the fact that life is a zero-win game. Things we spend time on inherently take time away from other things. So constantly ask, Is this the best and biggest use of my time?
Randy Pausch
Quick Roast Chicken & Potatoes
SERVES: 4
TIME: 1 hour
1 3 to 4 pound chicken, washed and dried
1 lemon, cut in half
6 garlic cloves, peeled
a few sprigs each fresh rosemary, sage and thyme
coarse salt
freshly ground black pepper
about 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 dozen fingerling potatoes (or any small potato), peeled
Preheat the oven to 450ºF (on convection if possible).
Using a pair of sharp kitchen shears, remove and discard the backbone of the chicken (or save it for making stock). With a sharp pairing knife, remove the thigh bones — simply follow the bone and let your knife do the work for you. You can also ask your butcher to do this.
Lay the chicken, breast side up, in a roasting tray and press down with your hands so that it flattens. Squeeze over the lemon, getting the juice on and around the entire chicken, and throw the lemon halves into the tray. Toss in the garlic cloves, being sure to tuck a few underneath the bird along with the fresh herbs. Liberally salt and pepper the chicken and drizzle over enough olive oil to coat — about 3 tablespoons.
Meanwhile bring a saucepan of water to a boil and season with a few pinches of salt. Boil the potatoes for 8 minutes. Drain the potatoes, put them back in the pot with the lid on and shake vigorously to ‘fluff’ their exteriors. Put the potatoes in the tray with the chicken and drizzle with olive oil to coat (about another 3 tablespoons) and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cover the tray with tinfoil, roast for 20 minutes, remove the tinfoil and baste with the juices that have collected on the bottom. Roast for an additional 20 minutes, uncovered, or until a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers at least 165ºF and the skin is browned.
TIME: 1 hour
1 3 to 4 pound chicken, washed and dried
1 lemon, cut in half
6 garlic cloves, peeled
a few sprigs each fresh rosemary, sage and thyme
coarse salt
freshly ground black pepper
about 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 dozen fingerling potatoes (or any small potato), peeled
Preheat the oven to 450ºF (on convection if possible).
Using a pair of sharp kitchen shears, remove and discard the backbone of the chicken (or save it for making stock). With a sharp pairing knife, remove the thigh bones — simply follow the bone and let your knife do the work for you. You can also ask your butcher to do this.
Lay the chicken, breast side up, in a roasting tray and press down with your hands so that it flattens. Squeeze over the lemon, getting the juice on and around the entire chicken, and throw the lemon halves into the tray. Toss in the garlic cloves, being sure to tuck a few underneath the bird along with the fresh herbs. Liberally salt and pepper the chicken and drizzle over enough olive oil to coat — about 3 tablespoons.
Meanwhile bring a saucepan of water to a boil and season with a few pinches of salt. Boil the potatoes for 8 minutes. Drain the potatoes, put them back in the pot with the lid on and shake vigorously to ‘fluff’ their exteriors. Put the potatoes in the tray with the chicken and drizzle with olive oil to coat (about another 3 tablespoons) and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cover the tray with tinfoil, roast for 20 minutes, remove the tinfoil and baste with the juices that have collected on the bottom. Roast for an additional 20 minutes, uncovered, or until a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers at least 165ºF and the skin is browned.
What Matters Most
I lifted this from Oprah.com
The average person spends:
* 100 hours a year commuting to work, compared to 80 hours of vacation time.
* 91 hours a week at work for dual-career couples with kids under 18.
* 1.8 hours a day doing household activities.
* 2.6 hours a day watching TV.
* 8.6 hours a day sleeping
Time is a non-renewable resource. Once it's used up, you can't get it back.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
1. Stop and think…then make a list of what matters most to you.
2. Create a list of how you currently spend your time each week.
3. Organize your list of weekly activities and identify activities that are required and those that are optional or that waste time.
4. Take steps to rearrange your schedule or reduce the optional activities so that you can spend more time doing what matters most.
5. Don't waste time.
YOU MATTER
What really matters most to you? Your relationships with family, friends and children? Helping others? Passions? Faith? Security? Health? At the end of each year, don't you want to look back and see that you made a difference? That you matter?
Today is the start of a new year for your life. Start it off by making a difference in you, in your life, and in the lives of those you love. This is your opportunity. Time spent on What Matters Most is never wasted time.
The average person spends:
* 100 hours a year commuting to work, compared to 80 hours of vacation time.
* 91 hours a week at work for dual-career couples with kids under 18.
* 1.8 hours a day doing household activities.
* 2.6 hours a day watching TV.
* 8.6 hours a day sleeping
Time is a non-renewable resource. Once it's used up, you can't get it back.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
1. Stop and think…then make a list of what matters most to you.
2. Create a list of how you currently spend your time each week.
3. Organize your list of weekly activities and identify activities that are required and those that are optional or that waste time.
4. Take steps to rearrange your schedule or reduce the optional activities so that you can spend more time doing what matters most.
5. Don't waste time.
YOU MATTER
What really matters most to you? Your relationships with family, friends and children? Helping others? Passions? Faith? Security? Health? At the end of each year, don't you want to look back and see that you made a difference? That you matter?
Today is the start of a new year for your life. Start it off by making a difference in you, in your life, and in the lives of those you love. This is your opportunity. Time spent on What Matters Most is never wasted time.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
House Hunting - Again!
I'm going to go look at four properties today. The link is imbeded in the photo's so you can have a tour of them if you'd like. After that I'm off to the Jazz and Rib Fest to enjoy some ribs and to see Mindi Abair






Saturday, July 25, 2009
Today's Quote
"In every success story, you find someone who has made a courageous decision."
Peter F. Drucker
Management Consultant and Author
Peter F. Drucker
Management Consultant and Author
Here's The Joke
A little boy goes to his dad and asks, 'What is Politics?'
Dad says, 'Well son, let me try to explain it this way: I am the head of the family, so call me The President. Your mother is the administrator of the money, so! we call her the Government. We are here to take care of your needs, so we will call you the People. The nanny, we will consider her the Working Class. And your baby brother, we will call him the Future. Now think about that and see if it makes sense.'
So the little boy! Goes off to bed thinking about what Dad has said.
Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him. He finds that the baby has severely soiled his diaper. So the little boy goes to his parents' room and finds his mother asleep. Not w anting to wake her, he goes to the nanny's room Finding the door locked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father in bed with the nanny. He gives up and goes back to bed.
The next morning, the little boy says to his father, 'Dad, I think I understand the concept of politics now.'
The father says, 'Good, son, tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about.'
The little boy replies, 'The President is screwing the Working Class while the Government is sound asleep. The People are being ignored and the Future is in deep shit
Dad says, 'Well son, let me try to explain it this way: I am the head of the family, so call me The President. Your mother is the administrator of the money, so! we call her the Government. We are here to take care of your needs, so we will call you the People. The nanny, we will consider her the Working Class. And your baby brother, we will call him the Future. Now think about that and see if it makes sense.'
So the little boy! Goes off to bed thinking about what Dad has said.
Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him. He finds that the baby has severely soiled his diaper. So the little boy goes to his parents' room and finds his mother asleep. Not w anting to wake her, he goes to the nanny's room Finding the door locked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father in bed with the nanny. He gives up and goes back to bed.
The next morning, the little boy says to his father, 'Dad, I think I understand the concept of politics now.'
The father says, 'Good, son, tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about.'
The little boy replies, 'The President is screwing the Working Class while the Government is sound asleep. The People are being ignored and the Future is in deep shit
Right-sizing Your Air Conditioner
Here is an interactive calculator from Consumer Reports to help you buy the right size room air conditioner. Keep in mind that one with too large a capacity will cool without properly dehumidifying, while a unit too small will run forever and not do the job. Also note that CR's calculations (in my view) underestimate the size of the unit you really need. Here also are tips on buying a central air system.
thirtysomething is FINALLY coming to DVD

From The TV Squad:
thirtysomething was an influential, award-winning drama about a group of baby boomers dealing with life and responsibilities in the late '80s and early '90s. It garnered critical praise, a cult following and 10 Emmys during its four-year run.
Factory is releasing the first season on DVD, and just in time too (I turned 31 in March)! The six-disc set will be available August 25
7 (More!) Environmental Problems That Are Worse Than We Thought
From Earth First
How have humans managed to royally screw up the world? Let us count the ways. We already covered mammal extinction, the ocean dead zones, collapsing fish stock, destruction of the rainforest, polar sea ice loss, rising CO2 levels and the fact that there’s way too many of us in the first place. But those certainly aren’t the only pressing environmental problems facing the earth – here are seven more. And yes, most of them are our own damn fault.
Read more
How have humans managed to royally screw up the world? Let us count the ways. We already covered mammal extinction, the ocean dead zones, collapsing fish stock, destruction of the rainforest, polar sea ice loss, rising CO2 levels and the fact that there’s way too many of us in the first place. But those certainly aren’t the only pressing environmental problems facing the earth – here are seven more. And yes, most of them are our own damn fault.
Read more
The Begining of Wisdom
By Alexander Green
Our greatest inhibitor, of course, is fear of failure.
Consciously or not, it can paralyze us, keeping us from applying for the promotion, taking the risk, meeting the girl, asking for the order, experiencing the unknown.
It's always easier to stick with the safe, the comfortable, the familiar.
Yet every time we choose safety we reinforce fear. We nurture it. Only when we overcome this debilitating emotion do we really begin to live.
"He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life," said Ralph Waldo Emerson.
How is fear conquered? By doing what we think you can't do, again and again.
Read entire article
Our greatest inhibitor, of course, is fear of failure.
Consciously or not, it can paralyze us, keeping us from applying for the promotion, taking the risk, meeting the girl, asking for the order, experiencing the unknown.
It's always easier to stick with the safe, the comfortable, the familiar.
Yet every time we choose safety we reinforce fear. We nurture it. Only when we overcome this debilitating emotion do we really begin to live.
"He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life," said Ralph Waldo Emerson.
How is fear conquered? By doing what we think you can't do, again and again.
Read entire article
How to Make Authentic Indian Chai
For EACH person you will serve chai to, do the following:
Place 1 teacup of water into a saucepan.
Add 1 heaping teaspoon of loose black tea leaves into the cold water. (Some Indians like to mix Lipton Red Label tea and Lipton Green Label tea. The mixture does provide a nice blend of flavor.)
Bring the water to a boil, and add in 1 teaspoon of sugar, and boil for 1 minute.
Add in one teacup of milk, and heat to boiling. Allow to boil for about 30 seconds, stirring so it doesn't boil over.
Strain and serve.
Notice that for one serving of chai I have 1 teacup of water, 1 heaping teaspoon of loose black tea, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teacup of milk. This provides more than one cup of chai per person! I do it this way for a couple of reasons. First of all, some of the water evaporates while boiling, Secondly, some people may want a second cup of chai. If I prepare chai in the way described above, I generally have just the right amount for all present, and everybody is happy.
Notice there are no spices in the above recipe. If you want to add spices to your chai, traditionally you will want to use a small piece of finely minced fresh ginger root in the winter or if making chai for someone with a cold, or a crushed cardamom pod or two in the summer. You may also use a powdered chai masala found in Indian grocery stores if you prefer a greater variety of spices, but add just a pinch for about four servings of chai. I like to add the spices in the cold water at the same time I add the tea leaves so the spices have time to infuse the water with flavor.
Place 1 teacup of water into a saucepan.
Add 1 heaping teaspoon of loose black tea leaves into the cold water. (Some Indians like to mix Lipton Red Label tea and Lipton Green Label tea. The mixture does provide a nice blend of flavor.)
Bring the water to a boil, and add in 1 teaspoon of sugar, and boil for 1 minute.
Add in one teacup of milk, and heat to boiling. Allow to boil for about 30 seconds, stirring so it doesn't boil over.
Strain and serve.
Notice that for one serving of chai I have 1 teacup of water, 1 heaping teaspoon of loose black tea, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teacup of milk. This provides more than one cup of chai per person! I do it this way for a couple of reasons. First of all, some of the water evaporates while boiling, Secondly, some people may want a second cup of chai. If I prepare chai in the way described above, I generally have just the right amount for all present, and everybody is happy.
Notice there are no spices in the above recipe. If you want to add spices to your chai, traditionally you will want to use a small piece of finely minced fresh ginger root in the winter or if making chai for someone with a cold, or a crushed cardamom pod or two in the summer. You may also use a powdered chai masala found in Indian grocery stores if you prefer a greater variety of spices, but add just a pinch for about four servings of chai. I like to add the spices in the cold water at the same time I add the tea leaves so the spices have time to infuse the water with flavor.
Ten Little Tips to Feel Happier Right Now
By Jonathan Lockwood Huie
www.DreamThisDay.com
1. Smile. Raise the corners of your mouth. Pretty soon the smile will become genuine.
2. Breathe deeply and slowly. Focus your entire attention on each in-breath and out-breath.
3. Take a walk by yourself. Focus on each step and on your breathing.
4. Count your blessings. Make a gratitude list. Everyone has thousands of things to be thankful for.
5. Be thankful for those who serve you. Make a list of those you depend upon. Everyone has many people who help along the way. Don't forget those who grow and deliver your food, keep your electricity and telephone running, provide emergency medical care, and protect the safety of your community and your nation.
6. Forgive someone for something right now. Release the resentment and anger. This practice is for you to become happier. Telling the other person is a bonus.
7. Stretch your body. Do yoga, do qigong, or just stand and stretch.
8. Turn on happy music and dance. Don't stop 'til you're tired. Maybe join a Latin Fitness Dance group. Maybe dance all by yourself. Choose music that makes you want to move and keep moving.
9. Be of service. Find someone who has worse troubles than you and do something nice for them today.
10. Have a conversation with God (or whatever you call your Higher Power).
www.DreamThisDay.com
1. Smile. Raise the corners of your mouth. Pretty soon the smile will become genuine.
2. Breathe deeply and slowly. Focus your entire attention on each in-breath and out-breath.
3. Take a walk by yourself. Focus on each step and on your breathing.
4. Count your blessings. Make a gratitude list. Everyone has thousands of things to be thankful for.
5. Be thankful for those who serve you. Make a list of those you depend upon. Everyone has many people who help along the way. Don't forget those who grow and deliver your food, keep your electricity and telephone running, provide emergency medical care, and protect the safety of your community and your nation.
6. Forgive someone for something right now. Release the resentment and anger. This practice is for you to become happier. Telling the other person is a bonus.
7. Stretch your body. Do yoga, do qigong, or just stand and stretch.
8. Turn on happy music and dance. Don't stop 'til you're tired. Maybe join a Latin Fitness Dance group. Maybe dance all by yourself. Choose music that makes you want to move and keep moving.
9. Be of service. Find someone who has worse troubles than you and do something nice for them today.
10. Have a conversation with God (or whatever you call your Higher Power).
The Secret GOP Sex Diary
Hot on the heels of the Sanford and Ensign scandals comes the adulterous tale of Chip Pickering. Max Blumenthal on why Republicans don’t want the former congressman’s diary released.
Read more
Read more
Friday, July 24, 2009
Today's Quote
"All mankind's inner feelings eventually manifest themselves as an outer reality."
— Stuart Wilde: Author and lecturer on consciousness and awareness
— Stuart Wilde: Author and lecturer on consciousness and awareness
JK Wedding Entrance Dance
This is WAYYYYYYYYYY Cool and made me smile!
Our wedding entrance dance to Forever...yeah, forever.
It took place at a Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Our wedding entrance dance to Forever...yeah, forever.
It took place at a Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Wonton Fruit Cups

Prep Time:25 min
Start to Finish:45 min
makes:12 servings
24 wonton wrappers
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/3 cup strawberry all-fruit spread
1 cup (8 ounces) low-fat lemon yogurt
1 1/4 cups fresh blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Using a 12-cup muffin pan or two 6-cup muffin pans, line each cup with a wonton wrapper. Brush wonton wrappers with a little butter. Place a second wrapper diagonally on top of each of the first ones, making sure that the points of the wrappers make sides to the cup. Brush second wrapper with a little butter. Bake 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool. Remove from pan.
3. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of all-fruit spread into each wonton shell.
4. Place yogurt in a medium bowl. Fold in 1 cup berries. Spoon yogurt mixture evenly into wonton shells. Top with remaining 1/4 cup berries.
Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 120 (Calories from Fat 20)
Florida
Note: If you're not a resident of FLORIDA or never have lived in hot, humid Florida, you may not understand the weight of this blessing!
Bless this house, oh Lord, we cry. Please keep it cool in mid-July. Bless the walls where termites dine , While ants and roaches march in time.
Bless our yard where spiders pass and fire ants build castles in the grass. Bless the garage, a home to please for Carpenter beetles, ticks and fleas.
Bless the love bugs, two by two, The gnats and mosquitoes that feed on you. Millions of creatures that fly or crawl, In FLORIDA, Lord, you've put them all!
But this is home, and here we'll stay, So thank you Lord, for insect spray.
HOLD IT............there's more............
____________________________________________________
YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN FLORIDA IN JULY WHEN. . .
The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
The trees are whistling for the dogs.
The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
Hot water now comes out of both taps.
You can make sun tea instantly.
You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron!
The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.
You discover that in July it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.
You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.
You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.
Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is... "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"
You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
The potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull
one out and add butter, salt and pepper.
Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to
keep them from laying hard boiled eggs.
The cows are giving evaporated milk.
Bless this house, oh Lord, we cry. Please keep it cool in mid-July. Bless the walls where termites dine , While ants and roaches march in time.
Bless our yard where spiders pass and fire ants build castles in the grass. Bless the garage, a home to please for Carpenter beetles, ticks and fleas.
Bless the love bugs, two by two, The gnats and mosquitoes that feed on you. Millions of creatures that fly or crawl, In FLORIDA, Lord, you've put them all!
But this is home, and here we'll stay, So thank you Lord, for insect spray.
HOLD IT............there's more............
____________________________________________________
YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN FLORIDA IN JULY WHEN. . .
The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
The trees are whistling for the dogs.
The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
Hot water now comes out of both taps.
You can make sun tea instantly.
You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron!
The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.
You discover that in July it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.
You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.
You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.
Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is... "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"
You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
The potatoes cook underground, so all you have to do is pull
one out and add butter, salt and pepper.
Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to
keep them from laying hard boiled eggs.
The cows are giving evaporated milk.
Here's The Joke
This guy was watching TV as his wife was out cutting the
grass during the hot summer. He finally worked up the energy
to go out and ask his wife what was for supper.
Well, his missus was quite irritated about him sitting in
the air conditioned house all day while she did all the
work, so she scolded him. "I can't believe you're aking me
about supper right now! Imagine I'm out of town, go inside
and figure dinner out yourself."
So he went back in the house and fixed himself a big steak,
with potatoes, garlic bread and tall glass of iced tea.
The wife finally walked in about the time he was finishing
up and asked him, "You fixed something to eat? So where is
mine?"
"Huh? I thought you were out of town."
grass during the hot summer. He finally worked up the energy
to go out and ask his wife what was for supper.
Well, his missus was quite irritated about him sitting in
the air conditioned house all day while she did all the
work, so she scolded him. "I can't believe you're aking me
about supper right now! Imagine I'm out of town, go inside
and figure dinner out yourself."
So he went back in the house and fixed himself a big steak,
with potatoes, garlic bread and tall glass of iced tea.
The wife finally walked in about the time he was finishing
up and asked him, "You fixed something to eat? So where is
mine?"
"Huh? I thought you were out of town."
How to Get a Steal on Stolen Goods
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Thursday, July 23, 2009
Today's Quote
It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of someone elses life with perfection.
~ from the Bhagavad Gita
~ from the Bhagavad Gita
Amazon.com agrees to buy online shoe site Zappos for about $850 million
One can never have too many shoes.
Amazon.com Inc. is putting that shopper's mantra to the test. The Web retailer said Wednesday it has agreed to buy Zappos.com Inc., a privately held online shoe store, in a deal worth about $850 million.
The deal, Amazon's biggest acquisition yet, calls for Amazon to pay for the shoe, apparel and accessories company with about 10 million shares of stock. Amazon values that at roughly $807 million, based on its average closing price in the 45 days that ended July 17.
Read more
Amazon.com Inc. is putting that shopper's mantra to the test. The Web retailer said Wednesday it has agreed to buy Zappos.com Inc., a privately held online shoe store, in a deal worth about $850 million.
The deal, Amazon's biggest acquisition yet, calls for Amazon to pay for the shoe, apparel and accessories company with about 10 million shares of stock. Amazon values that at roughly $807 million, based on its average closing price in the 45 days that ended July 17.
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