My Opinion Counts

My Mom got home to Indiana from her winter stay in Arizona. I think she is wondering if she came home too soon. It was 35 degrees here yesterday. On her way home she had trouble finding hotels that let her bring her sweet dog Suzi in with her. I found just the place if she ever visits Carmel, California. The Doris Day Inn welcomes pets and their owners. Doris Day is an advocate for The Doris Day Animal Foundation. Many of us have our pets with us when we travel. I hope more places will allow pets. Our dogs are our babies and they are clean and well mannered. I suppose there are those who would abuse the hotel and let their dogs tear things up. Many hotels charge a deposit to your credit card and then when they see that the room is ok they credit the charge. Enough of my push for puppies in hotels. Enjoy your day everyone!

Not a sponsored post.

A long time ago, we began investing in a life insurance policy because we had different circumstances than we do now. We knew we needed life insurance because we had small children. Knowing that their needs would be met if something happened to us was important. Most of us like to think we are invincible but, we never know when we will meet our maker. It is better to be prepared. We have invested quite a bit of money in that policy. Our children have left the nest and now that we no longer need the life insurance, we would like to find a way to cash in that policy.

I found a website with the means to help us with what is called a life settlement. Life/Viatical Settlements are managed by The Life Settle Company of America to help life insurance policyholders who no longer want or need their coverage. They will help sell our life policy to an investment bank. A viatical settlement is the same as a life settlement, except that the insured has a catastrophic or life-threatening illness or condition with a life expectancy of 24 months or less.

We thought we would have to settle for the surrender value. The surrender value is nothing to shake a fist at but, we are glad to find out we can to do better. This post is sponsored by Life Settle Company of America.

My son just got his college class ring in the mail. Oh my goodness, it is gorgeous. I guess I should have gone to college! He deserves it because he has really worked hard over the last 4 years. Besides being president of his fraternity, he has volunteered at men's shelters and food banks. I'm so proud of him. Now, if he gets a job it will be even better!

I made a mistake. I showed my husband a website that allows him to practice day trading. Ever since our neighbor got him interested in day trading, he has been checking out stock symbols online and watching the market. He has started receiving the Wallstreet Journal because it gives a larger stock listing than our local paper. At FX Solutions, he has seen how interesting it is to buy and sell currency. The interest rates fluctuate so much on that type of trading so one needs to be on top of what is going on to deal in that market. That means he is hogging the computer! He has been playing with the practice account they offered. Then he saw their offer to Register now for a free practice trading account and he downloaded their, very easy to install, software. This my non-techie husband! He is explaining to me how it is a 24 hour, global market and is currently the fastest growing trading/investment vehicle in the world. I checked them out and they do look knowledgeable in the investment field. Their website says they are located in Saddleback, NJ, and that they are a recognized leader in online retail foreign exchange, enabling clients with a combination of world-class customer service and an exclusive trading platform. I’m impressed. I hope he earns enough quickly so he can get his own laptop and I can get back to surfing the web! This post is sponsored by FX Solutions. (I really don’t mind that he found them. He is having fun and making money!)

My Mom's dog likes to look out the window of her car. When Suzi looks out, her paw touches the automatic lock button. Yep, she locked herself in the car. Hubby is over there helping to unlock the car. They might have to call a locksmith. Silly dog!

Kaiser is one of the leading insurance providers in the country. Kaiser Quotes policies for individual healthcare, family plans, small group plans and large group plans. Kaiser Permanente is the leading HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) in California and in the United States. If you want a health insurance provider who offers quality coverage at affordable prices, you need to have them quote a plan for you. They focus on preventative medicine as well. Their goal is to get you well and keep you well. This post is sponsored by Kaiserquotes.com.

A man jumped of a cruise ship but was rescued. What do they mean rescued? Maybe he didn't want to be rescued. The article said he jumped. It didn't say he fell overboard. Of course he was intoxicated. What is with these people? If you want to commit suicide, don't pay $1000 for a cruise to do it. Why ruin everyone else's vacation?

I am always looking for great deals on cell phones. Cell phones are always changing. It seems like, just as I get the one I think I like, they come out with one that has more features. Features like cameras, and web access made me want a new phone the past two times. I forgot, the last time I got a new phone was because I saw that cute, skinny Razr phone. I love that phone. It is so sleek that when I put it in my pocket I forget it is there. When it rings it scares me to death! I need to quit looking at all my friends cell phones and stay satisfied with my pretty Razr. I think I need to concentrate on finding a good cell phone plan. I have been asking my friends how much their bills run and I think I am paying too much. Wirefly has a website where I can check out all the services offered in different company's plans and make a comparison. Before I choose, I want to find a plan that fits my type of calling. Their Wireless Wizard tool helps me narrow down my choices. By plugging in my needs I find the companies who can meet those needs. I need a lot of available minutes on the weekends. I don't want to have to worry about roaming charges. I want to find a plan from a company who has a lot of towers in my area so I don't have any dead zones when I try to make a call. I can find out all of that information at Wirefly. If you are ready to save money, be sure to check them out when you are ready to find your next cell phone plan. Sponsored by Wirefly.

A friend and I were talking about how things have changed so much since we were little. I think it had to do with telling a story and her daughter couldn't believe what had happened because in todays times we all have cell phones so a lot of difficult and dangerous situations are averted.

My kids barely know what a 45 rpm record is. I saw this article online and it shows how close the future is.

Microsoft Corp. Wednesday said its Live online service, which has attracted 6 million Xbox 360 console gamers, will be open in May to PC gamers who use its new Windows Vista operating system.

The move comes nearly a year after Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said the company's vision was for "anywhere" gaming that would link video game consoles, cell phones and computers, and is a key step toward reaching that goal.

Pingo is a prepaid calling card that saves you loads of money on long distance calling. Their international calling card service coverage includes 35 countries. Pingo cards make Dominica Republic calling card rates the best value. Check out these Brazil calling card rates. Their reliable service is one you can count on. Pingo also has what they call, RateWatcher. This program is constantly watching for ways to lower their costs and in return save their customers money. Pingo gives you the best rates possible no matter where you are calling. This post is sponsored by Pingo.

I hadn't watched Grey's Anatomy for a few weeks so I was pretty lost during tonight's episode. I didn't catch all the meanings behind phrases. Izzy has me puzzled. I didn't even know that George got married. His wife is wealthy? I thought she lived in the basement of the hospital. I thought one of the characters was going to become the new chief of staff. I have got to stay home on Thursdays more often!

The saying is There is Someone For Everyone. Well, sometimes we need help finding that someone. We all look for someone to hook up our single friend. We don't consider much about religion, employment or interracial dating. Our search is based on character. We want to find someone who makes our friend happy. Have your friend register at this great dating site! Sponsored post.

Andy Rooney said on "60 Minutes" a few weeks back:

I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except
numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory
are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black
Entertainment Television, and Miss Black America. Try to have things
like the UnitedCaucasianCollege Fund, Cloud Magazine, White
Entertainment Television, or Miss White America; and see what
happens...Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.

Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You
can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying to
ban you from driving to the ball game.

I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason, that is why there
are no girls allowed. Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! ARE YOU LISTENING
MARTHA BURKE?

I think that if you feel homosexuality is wrong, it is not a phobia, it
is an opinion.

I have the right "NOT" to be tolerant of others because they are
different, weird, or tick me off.

When 70% of the people who get arrested are black, in cities where 70%
of the population is black, that is not racial profiling, it is the Law
of Probability.

I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes,
a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of
fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak
English!

My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the
countries you were born in to come over and disrespect ours.

I think the police should have every right to shoot your sorry ass if
you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand
the word "freeze" or "stop" in English, see the above lines.

I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are
qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans
or tax breaks, etc., so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket
store, or any other business.

We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives
in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come
over here and tell us our constitution is a living document; and open to
their interpretations.

I don't hate the rich I don't pity the poor

I know pro wrestling is fake, but so are movies and television. That
doesn't stop you from watching them.

I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and
continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next
operating system that's better, and put your name on the building.

It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take
a parent to stand up to the kid; and smack their little behinds when
necessary, and say "NO!"

I think tattoos and piercing are fine if you want them, but please don't
pretend they are a political statement. And, please, stay home until
that new lip ring heals. I don't want to look at your ugly infected
mouth as you serve me French fries!

I am sick of "Political Correctness." I know a lot of black people, and
not a single one of them was born in Africa; so how can they be
"African-Americans"? Besides, Africa is a continent. I don't go around
saying I am a European-American because my great, great, great, great,
great, great grandfather was from Europe. I am proud to be from America
and nowhere else

And if you don't like my point of view, tough...

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO
THE REPUBLIC, FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE,
WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

I was asked to send this on if I agree or delete if I don't. It is said
that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore I have a very hard time
understanding why there is such a problem in having "In God We Trust" on
our money and having "God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. Why don't we
just tell the 14% to Shut Up and BE QUIET!!!


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I think we are being taken advantage of by the brick and mortar banking industry. Most of the banks in our area have downsized to smaller facilities. Online banking has allowed the financial institutions to streamline their facilities and personnel. I don't think they have passed the savings onto the consumer. Compare online banking, find a savings account or checking account and earn more interest today with SavingsAccounts.com. To get a better interest rate I am going to have to use a different venue than I have used for the past 40 years. I do everything else online. I need to check out SavingsAccounts.com and see how much better they treat me and my money. Post sponsored by SavingsAccounts.com.

One thing I love about summer is that I can exercise without actually exercising. I love to push the mower and build up a sweat. I like to dig through the flower beds. All of that tugging and pulling gives me a great workout. Twisting and turning is really good for my waistline. There are a lot of mornings where I can barely crawl out of bed because I worked in the yard the day before. It is just so much more interesting than walking on the treadmill. At www.goodhousekeeping.com/ I can check out their calorie counter and see how many calories are used while gardening. I can also check out calories lost by dancing, bicycling and my favorite, shopping!



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The first thing I look for when we receive a business brochure to a conference is the information about the location. When the brochure has a detailed map it is so helpful. We have an atlas but when we need something more detailed that brochure is like our Bible. Maps for Business and Pleasure are made at Location Maps. They have online digital maps and printed maps. Many businesses in the commerce, finance & industry, education and the health service fields have used their services to optimize their brochures and newsletters.

Location Maps has gained a reputation for innovative design, together with first class services utilising a logical mapping process maintaining a constant focus on the clients’ location.

For over 10 years, Location Maps, has been printing high quality maps. They can design and print a comprehensive range of printed matter. Your presentation to your clients begins when you invite them to your offices. A Location Map is based upon our unique patented system using a sequence of maps that increases in scale size leading your client seamlessly to your door. They strive for quality and clearness and base their reputation on individual skills and presentation.

Once your map has been created they can produce for you a one-off map for your office wall. Printed on 10mm clear acrylic and fitted proud from the wall, their acrylic wall maps give a truly outstanding 3 dimentional appearance that will catch the eye of the passer by.

The digital aspect of Location Maps allows you to use their maps on your website without all of the ads that so traditionally accompany this type of product.

Whether it is a 3 dimensional artists impression or high quality re-drawn mapping from accurate Ordinance Survey data or the ultimate in website mappings, as the leading company in mapping for the education industry they have the reputation of being excellent in the field.
Sponsored by Location Maps.

Starbucks certainly has its share of troubles. Starbucks
The Forbidden City is trying to uphold its history of not allowing such establishments in its shopping district. I wonder how this will play out.

I don't think there are many people who can save enough money to pay cash for a home. Therefore, when you are interested in buying a home you need to study about how to choose a lender. Mortgage Loans are issued from many types of businesses. At Creditloan.com you can get invaluable information to help make an informed decision. For instance, they talk about the dilemma of whether a solid and consistent fixed-rate mortgage is better than a more affordable variable rate mortgage. Creditloan.com was founded in 1998 and was designed to help educate consumers about various personal finance issues. You don't have to make these decisions alone. They have information to help you. This post is sponsored by Creditloan.com.

he top U.S. military officer, Gen. Peter Pace, said Tuesday he should have focused more on military policy and less on his own opinion when he told a newspaper homosexual acts are immoral.

Pace also told the paper, "I believe that homosexual acts between individuals are immoral, and that we should not condone immoral acts.

"So the 'don't ask, don't tell' [policy] allows an individual to serve the country ... if we know about immoral acts, regardless of committed by who, then we have a responsibility.

"I do not believe that the armed forces are well served by saying through our policies that it's OK to be immoral in any way, not just with regards to homosexual acts," the Joint Chiefs chairman said.

"So from that standpoint, saying that gays should serve openly in the military to me says that we, by policy, would be condoning what I believe is immoral activity," he added.

I agree. We may all have to look the other way when immoral acts are committed because they are accepted by society but as individuals we do not have to condone those acts.



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I don't want this blog to become a safety information blog entirely but I do want to let others know when I find things that I think are helpful in keeping their children safe on the Internet. Spector.com has keylogger software. Keyloggers can be used to record anything ranging from web sites they visit to recording passwords. I know that we all want to trust our children but we also need to be on top of what is going on in their lives. What they think won't hurt them is something we know different. As a parent it is my job to keep my child safe. Keylogger software does the job that I don't always have time to do. It makes it possible for me to see where my child has been on the Internet. That just makes good sense. This post sponsored by Spector.com. They make it possible for you to know everything your child is doing online.

There is a new Internet club, called Club Penguin, that parents are probably finding their kids visiting. Club Penguin is a website where kids live second lives masquerading as chubby aquatic birds. With the fear of adults posing as penguins, they should still monitor their child's online activities. Club Penguin does have sophisticated safety features that filter anything that looks like an E-mail address, phone number, or profanity out of the children's chats. In fact, a Canada-based consulting firm that trains police about child safety on the Web uses Club Penguin as a positive model and the Better Business Bureau awarded the site a kids' privacy seal of approval. The monitoring of activity on the Web is still stressed. Just the hours of activity a child can spend on the Internet affects how they interact in their daily life. They need to limit their time so they have time to read books, play with other children and interact with the rest of the family. Hmmm, I think I need to take this advice!

Information gathered from the March 19, 2007 issue of U.S. News & World Report.

When I first read about spying on people by what they do on the computer, I was aghast that someone would think of doing that. By the time I read on though, I could understand when spy software would be a necessity. If I were responsible for a preteen through the young adult age child, I would want to know what they were doing on the Internet. I would need to know that they were using the Internet wisely and not using sites that could harm their innocence. I would rather be the one to teach them about the seedier side of life and show them that those things exist but we deal with them in a healthy manner. Spy Software can be used to record anything ranging from web sites they visit to recording passwords. I just think it is a smart thing for a parent to do. This post is sponsored by eblaster.com.

I cannot remember ever being affected so much by Daylight Savings Time. This hour difference has kicked my butt. I don't want to go to bed earlier because I hate it when I wake up and lie there because I can't sleep. So, I got to bed at 11 pm and then I can hardly drag myself out of bed in the morning. Stacy is going to get me in an exercise plan starting tonight. Last night we started eating healthy. I guess, I really started yesterday at lunch since I ate a big salad. Last evening, my wonderful daughter, made chicken on the grill, zuchinni and aspargus and potatoes all cooked in foil on the grill. It looked like something Emeril would prepare. I took a picture but had to use the regular camera since my digital's battery died. If I don't post tomorrow, you will know she killed me on the weight bench.

Today the temperature was in the high 60's! There is hope that winter is over. I am itching to pick out some reef flip flops from Active Sandals.com. Their prices are great and they have so many styles and colors to choose from. In fact, they pride themselves in carrying the largest in-stock selection of sandals on the Internet. They offer a 100% guarantee on unworn sandals that are purchased but don't meet your expectations. Check them out and get ready for more warm weather! Let your tootsies breathe. Sponsored post.

Last night we watched the Marie Antoinette movie. It was such an interesting version of the story of a girl who was forced to marry at age 14 and then be a queen. It showed the life as teenager who had all the wealth and indulgence afforded to her. The movie didn't go on to show the political side except that she was forced to take her children and protect them by leaving their home. It didn't go into the accusations of treason. Therefore it didn't get into the whole guillotine thing. It was just a nice story of how she coped. The music chosen just cracked me up. My daughter bought the soundtrack today. It wasn't what you would think would be used for a movie showing that era. The music chosen was for a purpose. You will see the purpose when you watch the movie. The clothes were absolutely gorgeous. The colors were chosen for special reasons. Be sure to watch the bonus features to see why things were done. It was so interesting. The one thing I didn't like was that they portrayed Marie as having a sexual affair with a man. The man did exist but from what I could find on the Internet, it was never proven that such a rendezvous took place. The children were adorable. I recommend this movie highly.

When it comes time to pick out those new sunglasses or prescription eyewear, you need to remember to check out OpticsPlanet. The have a huge selection of brand name eyewear. Telescopes are what introduced us to this great site. Now, with summer approaching we are looking at their amazing selection of, lowest price guaranteed, sunglasses. They have fashionable glasses or just plain ones. They offer polarized sunglasses, aviator sunglasses, sun glasses with interchangeable lenses, designer sunglasses. Tennis, Golf sunglasses and other sport sunglasses are available with cutting edge lens technology in the latest frame styles. Free UPS on all order above $29.95, and their customer service department is very knowledgeable. They can direct you to the product you are searching for. Their secure website is easy to maneuver. Just type in the product you are looking for. You will be blown away by the selection Sponsored post.

We had a wonderful day today. Our son is interning at the statehouse as part of his last semester of college. We enjoyed the tour of the statehouse so much. Our tour guide was especially knowledgeable about the historical aspects of many features of the building. I got my walk in while going up and down all of the marble steps. We were supposed to sit in on the legislative session this afternoon but we had to pick up some tile and run errands so we skipped that part. We found out we were to have our picture taken with our district representative. I feel like a bum for causing Greg to miss that opportunity. Not to dwell on that though, it was a fun day. We had lunch at a place that, although it was just a tavern, probably had heard a lot of political conversation about our state.

We are still working on the new room. We have the walls stained and the electric is in. It is beginning to look like a lodge. We wired it for the hot tub and have been talking with friends to see what they like in a hot tub. Hot Tubs come in so many types that I've been checking the web for the kind that will fit in with the theme of our room. I am so excited! I love these Cedar Hot tubs by Northern Lights. Hubby is excited with the style and the Hot Tub Assembly sounds easy enough, that he can put it together himself. We checked out the Sauna Gallery and see a couple different ones we like. These saunas are being hand built in Canada. I checked out the specifications for how the tubs are constructed and what types of material are used. They use the best quality cedar and 304L grade stainless steel straps and screws to eliminates any rust or oxidization with optional brushed stainless steel. These sound just like what we've been looking for. Sponsored post.

There is a softer side of Simon Cowell. I always figured that his gruffness was to get people to watch the show, American Idol. They waited to see what he would say next. He's no dummy. He is a producer. He knows how to get people to watch by creating controversy.

I see an article from ABC stating that Simon Cowell has a softer side. Well Duh!