My Opinion Counts

We are attending an awards banquet for our son that will be held at the Ritz Charles. He has been voted by his university's alumni association as of the university's top 100 Outstanding Students. Students are chosen who have excelled in botrh academic performance and campus involvement. Nominations come from faculty, staff and students. At the dinner, they will announce the Top Ten Men and Women and the Most Outstanding Man and Woman. I'm so proud of our son.

I just started working out in the yard and sprayed off all the mud that was on my new white siding. I drug that daggone hose from the side of the house and pulled until I got it where it needed to be. I am going to get a no-crank hose reel. I refuse to spend all summer pulling on that hose and then dreading when I have to crank it back up. I don't like to leave the house out. The sun baking it tends to make it rot faster. I won't mention the time I forgot to crank it back up to the house and I ran over it with the mower! It just looks so much nicer to be in it's designated place. I am checking out the various designs of no-crank hoses. The prices vary but all are very reasonable. The no-crank hose is an ingenious product in that it is powered by water! I can flip a lever and let the power of water rewind the hose. No more back breaking winding for me. Sponsored post.

I am finally sewing. My friend is over and we are breathing fabric once again. It takes us forever to get our stuff sorted and back into the groove. That's why I don't like to clean up my messes only to drag it all back out.

We have always felt it was a good idea to have life insurance on me. If anything were to happen to me while our children were young, it would have been expensive for my husband to pay for childcare. Factors such as age are taken into consideration when calculating a life insurance rate. If you look at the way rates are figured on the chart for New Jersey Life Insurance and Washington Life Insurance, it will help you to understand the figures. To get the most experienced company to help guide you, be sure to get Life Insurance Quotes from Secure Insurance Quotes.com. They will consider all your needs and provide you with the assurance you need as you take care of those who are dear to you. Sponsored post.

Every spring I am reminded of the renewal of life. Springtime is when we can start fresh. I also want to remember to click on the Breast Cancer Site each day to help fund mammograms. Your click, along with others today, will fund free mammograms for women in need! Please click every day.

We have seen how things have taken off on the web. Wouldn't it be fun to be one of the first to take part on a new website? Sci-Edge is a social networking site for science hobbyists, technology and gadget geeks, and science fiction fans. It will be so much fun for people who are interested in these areas to have somewhere to go to talk to others with the same fascination. I love my Mom's website because I get tips on cleaning products and new recipes. The same will hold true for this new site. People will talk about conventions and shows. They might offer suggestions for a science fair project. Science fiction buffs can talk about that latest movie or book they were wild about. Members can also make money by blogging and posting links. The possiblities are endless. They will also have a quiz board, games, polls and chats. The site is new so there isn't much there yet. Be a part of this fun venture. It's free and the website looks awesome. This post is sponsored by Sci-Edge.

Wouldn't it just scare the bejeebus out of you if you were at a beach and a body washed up to the shore? That is what happened in Florida. About 100 migrants, apparently from Haiti were being treated for dehydration Wednesday after their dilapidated sailboat reached the Florida shore, officials said. At least one person died in the crossing.Migrants are going through so much to get to the US. I cannot imagine how bad it must be to live in a country where you barely have enough to eat. Yet they have the big tourist industry. I think that stinks. I would never go there for a vacation.

I found the most awesome website for finding out about every type of information you could ever want to know. Book releases, new clothing lines and more are using PRbuzz. I saw on a friends blog where she was talking about prbuzz.com so I checked it out. I will be checking it daily to see what is new. I'm going to write a buzz about my new book site just to find out exactly how the whole thing works. First of all, they are a FREE press release distribution site! Who wouldn't love that? Next, they have so many categories. I don't have to read through hundreds of pages to find what interests me. I can choose computer software or fashion. The list is extensive. Educational press releases containing new laws and new procedures are included. This is a great site for both the person or company wanting to get the word out. It is also great for people like me who like to be informed. I also like to know when new stores and such are opening!

Did you see where Wynonna Judd is suing her husband for divorce. That poor girl cannot catch a break. She is trying to keep her self esteem up and then gets knocked down again. I hope she doesn't blame herself for her husbands problem. I guess he has been in rehab for a drug and alcohol problem. Hugs for her and her family. I guess her children are from a previous marriage.

When looking for a software program do you know where to start? I would start with the fastest growing software provider, AIMpromote. They are experts in the software dealing with sales lead management. Lead management and website analytics software has all the features you would expect, like visitor tracking and web analytics, plus more. Their clients are very satisfied and often surprised by the plans available and for such a reasonable price. The different plans such as AIMpromote, Leads360 and LeadROI, contain different features. The innovative Lead Attention Meter™, shows when a lead needs attention. It shows how close the sale is to being lost due to a lack of response. This software will keep your administrative tasks to a minimum. That allows your sales staff to focus their attention on closing the next sale. AIMpromote is the perfect way for your sales team to manage prospects and follow-up with sales leads without wasting valuable time performing repetitive tasks. All plans are proven to make your business grow as fast as possible. Integrating their system into your business will provide the best lead management solution. Right now they are offering a free trial. Take advantage of this offer so you can see why so many businesses are choosing AIMpromote. Sponsored by AIMpromote.

Every year a certain person and I have a silent disagreement over the difference between daffodils and jonquils. I think I know the difference and will attempt to explain. Many etymologists refer to what the the American Daffodil Society calls the daffodil as the Narcissus. The yellow flower in the picture is a daffodil. The traditional daffodil has a golden yellow color all over. I always thought the white flower was a jonquil. Wipedia says they are the same. OMG! Could i be wrong??? shhhh don't tell her. By the way, daffodils are poisonous, and if eaten could result in death. I need to tell the dog that. He came to me yesterday with a bit of yellow in his mouth where he just pulled the flower off the stem and proceeded to eat it. Ai yi yi. He isn't even safe IN the house! He lifted his leg on my silk flowers. Anyone want a Shitzu?

Students face a lot of debt when they graduate from college. Student loan consolidation is going to be an important way for them to save money on the total amount owed. Every school year means a new loan at a different interest rate. Student loan consolidation can save students money by turning multiple high interest payments into a single low interest payment. Student Loan Consolidation Program is offered through many sources. One of the most qualified is Secure Loan Consolidation.com. They have the links to connect students with debt consolidation experts. These experts will be important in guiding these young adults as they become part of the working class.

Well, I just can't pick them. I thought for sure Shandy and her partner would be the first to be eliminated on Dancing with the Stars. She just looks so awkward. The people that got eliminated were pretty good. Paulina Porizkova and her partner were the first to go. Shows you how much I know. Heather Mills amazes me. I sure can't tell that she has an artificial leg. I love to watch Clyde Drexler. He is like a graceful swan.

Everyone knows that I LOVE to shop for furniture. My favorite thing to do is to dream of buying all new furniture and accessories for a whole new look. Furniture shopping is like being on a treasure hunt. I want to find the best quality furniture for the best price. I believe I have found my dream store! I can buy furniture online at Bestpricedfurniture.com! They have design styles ranging from contemporary to traditional! From the patio to the kids' rooms, they have every type of furniture I could want. I recognize many of their manufacturing sources. Bush, Powell and O'Sullivan are just a few of the top manufacturers of their quality products. They even have knowledgeable customer service representatives who will provide expert assistance to help with your selections. Staff at bestpricedfurniture.com are seriously committed to providing the best service and products.

Have you ever tried to get a picture of a dog? Brody is the most wiggly dog ever. He got his haircut today and I want to show you. I can't get a picture that is worth a darn. He looks adorable. Last time he got groomed, she barely trimmed him. Within a week he looked like I got my money's worth. I'll bet he feels better. The temperature today was 75 degrees. He had the equivalent of a winter coat on! I'll keep trying to get that picture!
Edited: finally some pictures of wiggle dog!

Pingo has the best global brand of virtual VOIP calling cards! Their rates are the most competitive of any long distance phone card. Being global, they are amazing when it comes to their international rates. As an incentive, Pingo is offering 4 hours of free International calls just for simply signing up for their discount calling card.

Pingo has no hidden fees. It will not be a shock when you use their card. When the kids left for college, we wanted them to have calling cards. They are the best for emergencies. Cell phones aren't always reliable and I just felt better knowing they could use their calling card to call home but not have to hold my breath waiting to hear how much it cost.

Over 90% of Pingo's customers re-order from them! That means that they have satisfied customers.

When Greg was in England and France this past summer he utilized international phone calling cards. The calling card rates for France were so much better than trying to use the hotel phone and paying astronomical fees and toll charges. His roommate had a bad experience trying to use cell phone telecom providers to call home. I'll bet Greg saved 90% or more on his call back to the states.

This post about Pingo phone cards, is sponsored by iBasis, a public company (NASDAQ: IBAS) and one of the largest carriers of international phone calls in the world.

We went to Home Depot to check on fencing for the yard. We had a pretty wood fence but it rotted. It was looking ok and you really couldn't tell that it was rotten until the carpenters needed to remove part of it when they added the room onto our house last fall. When they pushed on the posts they disinegrated. Now our little Brody likes to escape out of the lovely chicken wire we have up.

I really like the look of vinyl fencing. They have 6 ft by 6 ft sections for $116.00. I think we need 6 sections. Looks like we need to save for awhile. Why does everything have to be expensive?

I have told you before about my friend whose husband died before he could be diagnosed with a sleep disorder. I cannot stress enough how important it is to get tested for this condition. Lack of oxygen to the brain can cause damage and/or death. It is so crazy to let it go because it can be treated.

This man never felt like he was rested. He snored so much and so loud that his wife, my friend, chose to sleep in another room.

I think that lack of sleep can lead to other conditions. Driving while sleepy is so dangerous. It causes many wrecks on our highways. People who don't get enough sleep are often anxious and don't make good decisions. Their decisions cause problems in their lives. Problems lead to other stresses and it is a spiraling cycle.

OSA, obstructive sleep apnea, is the most common type of sleep apnea. There are millions suffering from OSA and not even knowing. Patients with OSA breathe normally, but the air is momentarily blocked from entering the lungs because the upper airway collapses during sleep. When you lay down to sleep, your muscles relax. With gravity at work, it’s natural that the airway narrows when you lie down, but in some people, it narrows too much. When the person breathes in, the air struggles to get through the narrowed passage and as it squeezes through, the air tube rattles. You guessed it. That is called snoring! There is HELP for this condition! A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is a wonderful tool. It forces the airways to remain open. Allowing for the oxygen that is needed, our bodies go into the deep REM sleep that is needed for a restful night.

An obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis might be the answer to many marriage problems. Grouchiness is just a minor condition compared to:
* High blood pressure
* Heart attack
* Stroke
* Impotence
* Irregular heartbeat
* Heart disease
How many of us snap at our loved ones when we are sleep deprived. We feel anxious and depressed when we get that way. Please, don't delay. Get yourself or your loved one tested. It could let you grow old together. There are videos available that show how the CPAP machine works. If inconvenience is the holdback, watch and see how easy it is to wear. I would think, for quality of life, it would be worth getting used to.

I know what they mean by cloudburst! Just a few seconds ago I was looking out the window and admiring how green the grass was. Kaboom it was raining cats and dogs. One minute it was clear the next it was pouring. I was telling hubby about it and he came in to the family room. He was soaked. He had walked down to get the newspaper. At least the pollen count is being pushed down. Yesterday, I had the headache from hades. It just wouldn't go away.

Have you ever heard of Second Life? Second Life is an Internet-based virtual world. Users are able to interact with each other through motional avatars. Many users working the project provide the advanced level of a social network. As the network grows it is called a metaverse (as in universe). Users, or what individuals call residents, socialize, participate in individual and group activities, create and trade items (virtual property) and services from one another. This fun phenomenon came to light via mainstream news media in late 2006 and early 2007. Developed by Linden Lab,it is a downloadable client program. Providing hours of fun, it reminds me of Sims, another virtual world popular in the late 90's to early 2000 when computers were a lot slower and not as accessible to the masses as they are today. Read more about how it works and how many are Second Life.

BackgammonMasters.com is promoting their skill game software in the online game market. Jean-Claude the animated tiger, is the #1 backgammon player at the BackgammonMasters. The game of backgammon is played across the board by players at multi-levels - from the amateur to the highly professional. As such, there are backgammon tips that apply to every skill level. You will be inspired by Jean Claude as he tells how he reached the pinnacle of his aspirations! This is the cutest video. Jean-Claude has a revolutionary approach to the game of backgammon as well as life! A cool cat who has inspired many, he will get you itching to learn about his favorite game, backgammon. This post is sponsored by Gammonish.com.

See this press release to find out more...
http://www.BackgammonMasters.com is using a ground-breaking and original approach to promote and establish their skill game software in the online game market. Introducing the #1 Player at BackgammonMasters, Jean-Claude the animated tiger. BackgammonMasters creates a new dimension in online backgammon branding in their 5 part interactive animation series titled 'Life According to Jean-Claude'. Jean Claude - Backgammon Masters Animated Tiger Movie BackgammonMasters brought this character to in a well-designed and cleverly scripted effort to illustrate to a wide audience the appeal of backgammon as a skill game truly loved and played by all people, from all walks of life from around the world. Jean Claude is BackgammonMasters' pioneering mascot who is setting a new standard in online game entertainment. Viewers win prizes for trivia questions after viewing, and are offered rewards for suggestion any script ideas used. Clips can be easily forwarded to friends who will create the viral marketing buzz that only a character like Jean-Claude is capable of generating. "BackgammonMasters creates a new dimension in online backgammon branding in their 5 part interactive animation series titled 'Life According to Jean-Claude'." In the series we are exposed to a hilarious explanation and comparison by Jean-Claude of how to succeed at everything from playing backgammon to chopping onions, to fulfilling ones dreams and make important life choices. In the opening clip we, find Jean-Claude, a tiger, humoristic, mafia type, dressed in 70's clothes (bell-bottoms and cream-colored shoes, a button-up shirt with a dice print and a large dollar sign chain around his neck) sitting in his trailer in the used junk car lot he manages. No, he doesn't feel pathetic or sad amidst the junk, on the contrary. He is full of street smarts obtained during his many years in the University of Life. BackgammonMasters has maintained a high profile in the news lately not only because of Jean-Claude, they also recently launched a 3-in-1 game lobby offering games such as Backgammon, Poker and Perudo (Liar's Dice), all in one download. To get a sneak peak at the animations go to: http://www.backgammonmasters.com/jc.html To download the BackgammonMasters 3-in-1 free software go to: www.backgammonmasters.com Report by Gammonish.com - online backgammon resource for news and information. To learn more about the backgammon game and online backgammon rules visit http://www.gammonish.com.

A friend sent me the following post about people who defend our freedom. They aren't always who you'd think. Since I have been posting about patriotism on my blog, I thought this was an interesting read...


> Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 at age 76, which is
> > odd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27)
> > His death reminded me of the following story,,,
> > Some people have been a bit offended that the actor, Lee Marvin, is
> > buried in a grave alongside 3 and 4 star generals at Arlington National
> > Cemetery . His marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC).
> > Nothing else. Here's a guy who was only a famous movie star who served
> > his time;
> > why the heck does he rate burial with these guys? Well, following is
the
> > amazing answer: I always liked Lee Marvin, but didn't know the extent
of
> > his Corps experiences.
> > In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the
armed
> > forces often in rear echelon posts, where they were carefully protected,
> > only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond
> > promotions,,, Lee Marvin was a genuine hero. He won the Navy Cross at
> > Iwo Jima There is only one higher Naval award... the Medal Of Honor
> > If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man,
> > he credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery. Dialog
> > from "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson": His guest was
> > Lee Marvin. Johnny said, "Lee, I'll bet a lot of people are unaware
that
> > you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima ...and that during
> > the course of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely
> > wounded."
> > "Yeah, yeah... I got shot square in the bottom and they gave me the
> > Cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi. Bad thing
about
> > getting shot up on a mountain is guys getting' shot hauling you down.
But,
> > Johnny, at Iwo I served under the bravest man I ever knew... We both got
> > the
> > cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made mine look cheap
in
> > comparison. That dumb guy actually stood up on Red beach and directed
his
> > troops to move forward and get the hell off the beach. Bullets flying
by,
> > with mortar rounds landing everywhere and he stood there as the main
> > target of gunfire so that he could get his men to safety. He did this on
> > more than one occasion because his men's safety was more important than
> > his own life. That Sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When
they
> > brought me off Suribachi we passed the Sergeant and he lit a smoke and
> > passed it to
> > me, lying on my belly on the litter and said, 'where'd they get you
Lee?'
> > Well Bob... if you make it home before me, tell Mom to sell the
outhouse!"
> > Johnny, I'm not lying, Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever
knew.
> > The Sergeant's name is Bob Keeshan. You and the world know him as
> > Captain Kangaroo."
> > On other note, there was this wimpy little man (who just passed away)
> > on PBS, gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least
> > suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth. But
> > Mr.Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat-proven in Vietnam, with over
> > twenty-five confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long-sleeved sweater
> > on TV, to
> > cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. He was a master in
> > small arms
> > and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat After
the
> > war Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister
> > and therefore a pacifist. Vowing to never harm another human and also
> > dedicating
> > the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path
in
> > life. He hid away the tattoos and his past life and won our hearts with
> > his quiet wit and charm. America's real heroes don't flaunt what they
> > did; they quietly go about their day-to-day lives, doing what they do
best
> > They earned our respect and the freedoms that we all enjoy. Look
around
> > and see if you can find one of those heroes in your
> > midst. Often, they are the ones you'd least suspect, but would most
> > like to have on your side if anything ever happened. Take the time
to
> > thank anyone that has fought for our freedom. With encouragement they
> > could be the next Captain Kangaroo or Mr. Rogers

Are you tired of the same old icons you've been using to adorn your web pages and newsletters? I know that some of them look like they are straight out of a 1960's newspaper. It is time to get into the 21st century! Vista Icons offer icons that are fresh and new. Feel free to download sample icons and get a good look at what you can expect. They have the most brilliant colors. These icons will attract your visitors to view what you have to say. You will notice the high quality of XP icons. They make XP and Vista icons. Their clients are mostly commercial software manufacturers so they are used to making high quality icons. They also love the individual customer like the blogger or church newsletter customer.

One of the reasons they continue to grow and have customers who return is that they have great support on hand to help you. They try to establish a friendly informal relation to each customer to maintain a warm working atmosphere.

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Look at these beautiful icons:

This is one the quilts Mom made this winter. She made quite a few scrap quilts for the church mission she helps.

Would you like to have a business web page that stands out from all of the rest? With flash templates you can achieve that goal. Flash Templates are pre-made web design products. They can easily be customized to fit your advertising style. When a customer sees your website they will recognize the same logo and style you use on your other types of ads like your truck logo and newspaper advertising. That helps them recognize that you are the person they are used to dealing with. However, they will be impressed with the styling a flash template gives to a website. Flash templates are available in Macromedia Flash format. The flash graphics are sure to catch your customers attention with their immediate attention grabbing power. They are designed to be trendy and classy. Showing your business off is FlashTrue.com's forte.

I think Florida must have a great basket ball team! They won today when the played Oregon. I'm not sure who won the other game so I don't yet know who they will be playing. I miss my daughter. She was keeping me updated on who was playing who and when the games were held.

Stacy made it to her new base with no problems. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she begins a new journey. She is so excited!

Hubby and I keep mulling over buying a car. Our car is getting pretty old and has quite a few miles on it. I checked out Classified Used Car Forum's Used Car Classifieds and had fun looking over the different models we have considered. I really like the Chrysler 300 and there are a couple of them in our price range. The one I am looking at is a 2006 model and only has 22,000 miles on it! Why would you buy a new car when you can save so much and get such a new model car? With only 22,000 miles on that car I'll bet it still has that new car smell!

On Classified Used Car Forum's website they have a free car loan calculator. I am punching in the numbers so I can see if I need to start bugging hubby about this. If it amounts to high payments, I think I will check out a smaller car like the Toyota Corolla. This website is awesome because it will save us a lot of leg work. This post is sponsored by the Classified Used Car Forum.

I just cannot understand how anyone would get close to the railing on a cruise ship. If I was drinking, I would make sure I was in an enclosed room and not wandering around the edge of a ship. Have people lost their minds? Read this and tell me how this happens.

Cruise line officials are trying to figure out how two passengers managed to fall at least 50 feet from a ship's balcony into the Gulf of Mexico Sunday, where they were rescued hours later.

"You cannot just fall off a ship," said Princess Lines' spokeswoman Julie Benson, describing the occurrence as "extremely rare ... this hasn't happened to Princess, that I can recall."

The 22-year-old man and 20-year-old woman -- who have not been identified publicly other than as Americans -- fell at about 1:30 a.m., 150 miles from Galveston, Benson said.

They were recovering Sunday with minor injuries in the medical center aboard the Grand Princess, a spokeswoman for Princess Cruises told CNN.

"They're being watched and treated for their injuries," which include hypothermia from the 71-degree water, Benson said.

In addition to being extremely rare, the outcome of the incident was "extremely lucky," Benson said.

Falling 50 to 60 feet into water is itself "rather treacherous," she said. The fact that the two fell into pitch-black water roiled by sea swells, current and wind made the incident even more dangerous, she said.

"It appears, at the moment, that it was just a terrible accident, and there was nothing sinister about it," she said, adding it was not clear whether the two had known each other prior to the voyage or how they both fell.

They were reported missing after their friends "heard screams" and discovered the two were missing, a passenger said the ship's captain had told him.

"When alerted to this, the ship stopped, initiated an emergency search operation, and returned to the position where the overboard incident was initially reported," Benson said, adding that the ship turned around and headed back within 10 minutes of getting word.

"Rescue boats were launched from Grand Princess, and the U.S. Coast Guard was notified," she said.

Capt. Ed Perrin, a Briton with some 20 years experience, "turned around rather immediately" and attempted to retrace his path, taking into account such variables as current and wind, Benson said.

At 5:30 a.m., after four hours in the water, the woman was found and pulled from the water by the crew of a rescue boat that had been lowered from the cruise liner; a half hour later, the man was rescued, she said.

Neither had been wearing a life jacket, she said.

The two passengers remained on board as the ship continued toward a scheduled stop Monday in Costa Maya, Mexico. The nearly five hours lost to the search were made up "just by increasing the speed," Benson said. "The ship will be maintaining its original schedule."

The Grand Princess, with 2,783 passengers and 1,122 crew, departed Galveston on Saturday afternoon for a week-long voyage through the western Caribbean.

If you need helpful information on managing your finances, you want to contact the right people. A blog that has studied the ever popular payday loan has information about debt and how to manage it. There is a blog called Payday Loan Lowdown. This blog is dedicated to finding information about payday loans, festival spending and other related topics. They are sponsoring a blog carnival to get the word out about this important subject. Mark this blog in your favorites. As you read the blog you see that they have looked at both sides of the issues they talk about. For instance, the pay day loan. This type of business as gotten a bad rap by those who accuse them of forcing people into debt. They look at the business as an opportunity for giving information on debt relief. They talk about how the pay day loan venues give credit counseling and try to help people. It is an interesting subject on finance and loans on an informative blog. This is a sponsored post.

PayPerPost's CEO Ted Murphy interviewed by Jason McCabe Calacanis at Project X headquarters live in the studio.

View Podcast by clicking this link

What did you think?
Are we trying to dupe people into reading our blogs but not telling them that some of our posts are ones we are paid for by companies wanting us to advertise for them?