Tuesday, April 8, 2008


Show your Appreciation...

Small and medium sized companies listen up...want to show your employees and customers how much they mean...want to share the wealth made through their hard work then give visa gift card just like the big companies. There great for employee milestones and recognition, meeting sales goals, client thank yous. Add your company logo and customize your own Visa gift card bring joy to the recipient and recognizing their contribution to your company success.



Saturday, April 5, 2008


Daily Walk...


On my walk today I can upon these three deer. These three deer actually approached me and stop roughly 40 feet away..it was truly awesome! We stared at each other for 5minutes and that was after a park ranger drove her patrol car down the path I was walking and came between me and them.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008


Save The Night Sky...

Several years ago I read an article in the USA Today about light pollution destroying the views of the heavens that man has enjoyed since the beginning of time...90% of all American live under skies that are "affected" by light pollution... while roughly half can not see the Milky Way from their homes. In fact from space you can see the entire outline of the United States and every major city and the interstates highways that connect them. The night sky on the rest of the world including Africa is facing the same light pollution issues. This is a shame. Mankind has throughout history looked to the stars to try to understand events around them. So I'm into anything that will help bring attention to this environmental pollution issue. Dark Sky Festival in Harmony Florida, is intended to celebrate and promote the benefits of a night-sky free from the effects of excessive artificial lighting is a step in the right direction where one can enjoy viewing the night skies through a variety of telescopes, enjoy lots of music (Rare Earth) and food, numerous specialty booths, an educational zone with presentations from astronomers and other scientists, nocturnal creatures, a Cosmic Kids Zone and so much more without the ever present light pollution.

Get Ready! This Year’s Dark Sky Festival is Out-of-this-World

HARMONY, FL – March 15, 2008 – The 5th Annual Dark Sky Festival at Harmony will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008. Sponsored by the Harmony Institute, the Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau, several astronomy clubs, the Osceola News Gazette and Florida Travel & Life Magazine, the event will kick off at 7pm in Harmony's Town Square.

“The Dark Sky Festival is intended to celebrate and promote the benefits of a night-sky free from the effects of excessive artificial lighting,” said Greg Golgowski, Harmony’s Conservation Director and a key member of the Dark Sky Festival Planning Committee. “Poor outdoor lighting not only washes out the splendor of the heavens, but also reduces visibility at night, wastes energy, and disturbs wildlife.”

As with the past four Dark Sky Festivals, attendees will be able to enjoy viewing the night skies through a variety of telescopes. There also be lots of music and food, numerous specialty booths, an educational zone with presentations from astronomers and other scientists, nocturnal creatures, a Cosmic Kids Zone and so much more.”

Local favorite, the Silver Clouds Orchestra, will start the entertainment portion of the evening at 7:00pm. This will be followed by a free concert by legendary recording artists, Rare Earth.

Rare Earth will take to Harmony’s outdoor amphitheatre stage at 8:00pm for a live concert chock full of their greatest hits including “Get Ready” and “I Just Want to Celebrate.”

“We are ecstatic to have Rare Earth performing at this year’s Festival,” said Shad Tome, president of Harmony Development Group. “We are encouraging everyone to wear comfortable shoes because Rare Earth is known for getting the whole audience up and dancing.”

The festival will be emceed by Magic 107.7’s afternoon drive on-air personality and program director Ken Payne.

The Festival is open to the general public. Over 3,500 people are expected to attend the event this year. The event will conclude around 11:00pm.

This date was selected because it falls on the heels of National Dark Sky week (March 29 – April 4); where people in the United States are encouraged to turn out their unnecessary outdoor lights in order to temporarily reduce light pollution.

For more information, please visit www.DarkSkyFestival.com or call 407-891-8358






POW*MIA

US Flag and MIA*POW Flag
You don't hear much from the National Media about the Missing or Captured American solders in Iraq...a country under the control of the U.S. Military. There are 4 brave U.S. Army servicemen listed as missing/captured in Iraq:

Staff Sergeant Keith M. Maupin - POW*MIA 16-Apr-2004
Ahmed Qusai al-Taei: Status - POW*MIA 23-Oct-2006
Spc. Alex R. Jimenez: Status - POW*MIA 12-May-2007
Pvt. Byron W. Fouty: Status - POW*MIA 12-May-2007

As we near the fourth anniversary of the capture of Staff Sergeant Keith M. Maupin let us not forget the sacrafice these men are enduring and pray for there speedy recovery.


Seafood...Be Oyster Aware..

What did the boy oyster say to the girl oyster?
Are you my sister?

Oysters are delicious little mollusks packing low calorie proteins, minerals, vitamins and healthful omega-3 fatty acids good things for the body in moderation.
However oysters when eaten undercooked, can pose serious health risks via...Vibrio Vulnificus bacteria. While not a serious threat to healthy individuals the risks are much worse for people with diabetes, liver disease and weak immune systems. If you have any of the above mentioned and consume raw oysters you can fall seriously ill and even die.

So what is one to do...well Gulf oysters are doing everything possible to make consuming raw oyster safe and one way is to educated the public on the benifits and risks of consuming Oysters. So, eat your oyster treats raw, steamed, fried, whatever your appetite desires, just BE OYSTER AWARE!



Saturday, March 15, 2008


PhotoHunt # 101: I Spy...

Shadow family cat spying on meWas having a difficult time coming up with something that would fit the bill for I Spy. I knew if I was patient something would come my way that would satisfy this weeks PhotoHunt. Shadow our family cat was awaken after I got excited about North Carolina's Basketball comeback win over Virginia Tech in this years ACC tournament.

Friday, March 14, 2008


Lets Play Fantasy Baseball...

It's that time of year when the snow melts, flowers bloom, and the sounds of wood hitting balls is in the air...that's right...baseball is back and so is fantasy baseball for all the people to prove they know more than the pros and if your good make money. Sports Prophet's technologically advanced Fantasy Sports Prophet - is a completely Web-based fantasy sports software system designed to deliver the ultimate in fantasy sports experience from anywhere..and its loaded...with a draft assistance tool that uses Artificial Intelligence, Predictive Analytics, and Data Mining concepts to create the most accurate Player Rankings...along with full season roster player management tool to help manage your roster through the season including updated mid-season projections via artificial intelligence. Their scientific team, which includes two PhD scientists, has used Fantasy Sports Prophet technology to create a model to accurately predict player performance. All stats, injury reports and major updates available from within the software. This web site is really, really loaded..full of information and visually helpful, easy to navigate and there is also a $10 off special for using promo code BMC200 if your into fantasy league baseball. Sports Prophet is the web site that will provide fantasy players with the ultimate competitive edge to make real money in a fantasy world.





Wednesday, March 12, 2008


Daily Walk...

Swan Creek, Oak Openings Metropark
It was 9 degrees when I went walking this morning...the crisp air and the frozen ground made my walk very enjoyable. Part of the trail I was on runs parallel with Swan Creek..and I managed to snap this shot of the frozen landscape.

Monday, March 10, 2008


Best Shampoo Ever...

I was selected to take part in a Naked Naturals sample pack and was pleasantly surprised with the product. Naked Naturals name was chosen to reflect their commitment to formulating hair care products using natural ingredients and is formulated to make your hair 7x stronger and when I was through applying it to my hair...it did feel thicker and refresher not to mention my hair smelled great. Made the safe choice Naked Naturals is the natural shampoo on the market and has no DEA or TEA, no animal By-products, no artificial colors, no harsh chemicals, naked naturals shampoo and conditioners are the best on the market. The secret to Naked Naturals is the key product Keravis. Keravis is a natural plant protein that is exclusive to Naked Naturals. Keravis works on the molecular level making your hair up to 7x thicker and stronger. At the same time, heavy Keravis molecules form a protective outer barrier strengthing and protecting your hair from the inside out. I used the sample shampoo and conditioner and like I said my hair felt refreshed and thicker...not to mention my hair smelled great. I will defently purchase this product at the local drug store and see the effect it has on my hair.



Sunday, March 9, 2008


Daily Walk...

Winter Landscape Oak Openings MetroparkI managed to walk this morning for the 15th straight day as part of my wellness plan to make me feel better and took this picture of the winter landscape. These daily walks are also helping me cope with my unemployment anxiety and I hope will give me the edge if and when I get an interview.

Saturday, March 8, 2008


Fabric Shower Curtains...

I have been remodeling my bathroom and one big problem is finding a shower curtain that is the perfect shower curtain to suit my taste and decor but also heavy duty able to stand up to kids and functional at keeping water in its place. Well cozyhomes.com has a Hugh collection of shower curtains that fit the bill. Their large selection of shower curtains do more than just keep the water from splashing all over the place, they add personality and I can tell you with free shipping their price is very good. My favorite is the Noonglow fabric shower curtain not your taste then check out the Bamboo Leaf Print or the Bloom Fabric shower curtain and they are heavy duty Poly/Cotton and while your at it don't forget the liner. Check this site out for some awesome ideas for that hard to decorate room.

Thursday, March 6, 2008


Calling All Veterans...

To all veterans of the United States Military if you have any medical issues that are not being addressed I would encourage to visit the following link: Veterans Affairs This link will help you in starting to understand the procedures required to help you to receive earned VA medical care. The most important issue to remember is to call or write your local VA Rep. and request parer work to process a medical claim. All major cities in the U.S. have VA clinics where veterans can go for immediate care for colds and flu that sort of thing. In Toledo Ohio the address is Toledo VA Outpatient Clinic 3333 Glendale Ave. phone number 419-259-2000. I encourage all veterans to take care of their bodies and seek preventive medical attention such as a check up, blood pressure, and all other issues.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008


Oysters Lovers Need to Know...

I like eating raw oysters and have done so on many occasions. Having said that..its been several years since I eaten them because of my concern of eating raw things out of the ever polluted ocean and the ever present Vibrio vulnificus. Gulf oysters are the best and I recently learned that Gulf Coast oyster processors have taken the lead in developing new technologies to ensure safer alternatives to traditional raw oysters for all consumers. Their technologies include individual quick freeze, Heat-cool pasteurization, or High pressurization processing all designed to reassure the consumer that consuming raw oysters is safe and healthy. Thanks to new technology I will eat raw oysters again!



Saturday, March 1, 2008


Natures Power..


Providence Dam Feb. 5thProvidence Dam Feb. 6th
Wednesday night we had several inches of rain in NW Ohio that melted the 5 inches of snow laying on the groung. The next day the Maumee River was at flood stage covering Providence Dam located in Grand Rapids, Ohio by 2 feet....awesome...the power of nature.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008


Web Car Prices...

When looking for a vehicle in today’s world the first place one heads to is the internet. But it can be confusing because you can have too much information..so what is one to do? CarsBlvd.com is here to help with a nice looking and easy to navigate web site for anyone checking out Car Prices. NEVER pay full price for a new car and with CarsBlvd.com you won't. Do your homework and let CarsBlvd.com be one tool to help you find that deal and make your money work for you.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008


Freedoms Cost...

Operation Iraqi Freedom U.S. Deaths Confirmed By The DoD as of today are 3947 Brave Americans have paid the ultimate cost of freedom in a war that seems to have no end in sight. Also 307 additional casualties from our allies for a total of 4254 brave men and women. These total don't include 753 coalition deaths -- 478 Americans killed in Afghanistan U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom. Slowly but surely they are bleeding us.


Its Up To You...Your Finances!

I have found over the years that when someone besides me plays with my money and personal finances...they play with my emotions...which is usually not good for me. These financial experiences have taught me to take responsibility and be fully aware of what is happening with my finances. One aspect of that is what is good debt and what is bad debt. Everyone needs a home and a car...try to get along without either...tough...so to me that is good debt...provided you stay within what you can afford. You don't need credit cards, store credit cards, gas cards...however try to get along without one...very tough...the business establishment has seen to that...they like the fees. So if your able..pay off the balance every month...or better yet…don't use it. Now usually people don’t wise up until they are older, in debt or both. Well don’t fret…Care One Credit Counseling credit card debt consolidation is here to help you clear away that debt and get you living a debt free life...sounds good to me! Knowledge is key to staying out of debt. Their collection of freedom from debt articles can help you understand your credit report, manage your money, and make smart financial choices. you can browse the library or search for a topic that interests you, you'll find tips and ideas to help you find debt relief, and more. Remember though that you are in charge of your finances and its up to you to ensure your money is working for you and Care One Credit Counseling is another tool with knowledge to share if your serious about getting and living debt free. My advice to anyone who will listen..time stands still for knowone...and it takes lots of money..save for that toy, vacation, furniture...whatever..you will enjoy it more knowing you worked hard and its payed for with cash. Make you money work for you...knowone else will!

Monday, February 4, 2008


Lake Kinney Cameron...

Landscape of Lake Kinney Cameron, Scotland County North Carolina.

Saturday, January 19, 2008


PhotoHunt # 93: Important

Providence Dam located on the Maumee River was built in 1838 to provide water for the Ohio and Erie canal and played an important role in the development of Ohio. When the canal opened it provided a way for farmers to get their crops to the world and help turn this region into a bread basket. Providence Dam played an important role in that event.


Need Cash Fast.....

In the world that we live in today many people have a need from time to time for short-term financial assistance and payday loans provide a viable solution. Cash Advance web site really educates you on the pro and cons of payday loans and offers many, many options to secure the right loan for you. Cash Advance 1500 web site has a "Featured Site" offering the best rates and fast approvals for unsecured loans up to $1500. If your a woman then there is the Woman's Payday Advance link...this site seems to understand women’s cash advance needs. In addition to all that there are several other links to secure fast cash depending on your situation. So let payday loans help you through a tough time and remember when used responsibly, pay day loans can solve to these short-term cash needs effectively.


Online help for Vets' Pension Program

I recently ran across an article about vets and how there is an easier way to apply for pension benefits. So I looked into it and this is what I found. Project VetAssist a private non-profit organization offering free on line service, guides vets and their survivors applying for the VA Improved Pension Program. The website provides forms to download and step-by-step advice to complete them and the approciate VA office to send your forms.
Financially limited veterans who are 65 or older or physically disabled...and had at least 90 days of service during World War II, Korea, Vietnam or Gulf wars....can apply for the pension program.

Friday, January 18, 2008


Valentine Day...money saving coupons!

Valentine Day is right around the corner and I don't know about you..but its either chocolates, flowers, or lingerie for me. Coupon Chief is a big help in that department because their online coupons are updated every day to save you money. A good site to visit is 1-800-flowers.com coupons buy 1 dozen roses, get 6 free or how about Bare Necessities coupons for those bare necessities for your loved one. Don't wait...Valentine Day will be here soon and you don't want to disappoint your someone special.


The money drain....college...

Three years ago I took an advanced Visual Basic programming course at The University of Toledo and was very surprised at what it cost to take one 4 hour class. Today I read that college costs have risen 48% faster than the consumer price index since 1983. According to Forbes the federal government is at least partly to blame, because of federal tax credits, grants, and deductions and government subsidized loans have soared 151% over the past 10 years after inflation to $94 billion. Forbes reports that success on that front may owe something to their investment on lobbying, where they've outspent the real estate and oil and gas industries over the last 10 years. My wallet tells me that the cost can't keep going up, it has to slow but then again I will pay almost any price for my childern to graduate college.


Refinance Now...!

Need help with your mortgage, considering a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage, looking for ways to save money on your existing mortgage, trying to consolidate your loans, need a auto loan, payday loan then Florida Refinance is here to help you. Complete one form to be matched up with 5 lenders..now that's free enterprise at work. Its powered by SecureRights so you know your information is safe and secure. This is your one stop mortgage web site and another tool to help you the consumer make wise choices when it comes to your money.


Intel Chips...getting smaller..

I recently read that Intel rolled out its newest generation of processors in November 2007, showcasing a sophisticated new process that crams up to 40% more transistors onto the company's chips. The most complex of the chips have 820 million transistors, compared with 582 million on chips using the current standard technology. Its difficult for me to perceive the smallness to the transistors and yet they keep getting smaller...awesome!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008


Detoxify your body...

I have seen info commercials on this product and wondered how its works and after visiting Oxy Powder web site have learned that Colon Cleansing is a good way of getting rid of toxin's in the body and a key to maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. Used to cleanse, refresh, and detoxify the colon by getting rid of waste clogging the colon Oxy Powder is good as it gets. I guess the other alternative is a good old-fashioned enema...those are not fun. If you suffer from bloating, bad breath, gas, and a weak immune system then give Oxy Powder a try and see if this product doesn't help alleviate these symptoms.




Freedoms Cost....


I read in the paper today that 3923 American Solders have died in combat operations in Iraq since the beginning of hostilities. The human sacrifice for this flag is very high. I pray its not in vain. God Bless This Flag.


Bad Credit Loans...

Lets face it...tough times are in America for a lot of good people. Easy money was to be had and like a drug its gone...now the bill is due what is one to do?bad credit loans may be an option to help get you back on your feet and financially sound. Its not easy but with their credit repair and debt relief program you can make a rebound go you can get into debt again....what a vicious cycle!

Sunday, January 13, 2008


Railroad Bridge Across The Maumee River


While walking the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath I came across this abandoned railroad bridge, thinking of my friend Greg who likes anything associated with the railroads I took this picture.

Saturday, January 12, 2008


PhotoHunt # 92: Skinny

Oak Openings Metropark Swanton, OhioIf you look hard enough you can find all PhotoHunt themes in nature. These pines were planted in the 30's and over the years have grown very tall and skinny. You should see them sway when the wind blows...incredible.


Internet Dating...

My daughter has started dating and that scares the the heck out of me. I trust my daughter and her judgement but she did tell me that she and her friends visit the Dating Site regularly. Several sites they have visited are eHarmony, matchmaker, and Perfect Match. They tell me its all the rage and everyone is online meeting people for fun and for serious relationships. These are certainly new times and with Prime Dating Sites resource tools you have all the top dating services available on one site with extensive reviews. Check this site out..it interesting and packed full of information to help you find a companion.


U.S. Army College Plan...Bachelor's Degree!

The United States Army plans to offer accredited college credit hours for its training programs with enough offerings that a soldier could retire with a bachelor's degree. The college of the American Soldier program is a recruitment tool as the Army seeks to expand its force. The Army is working with colleges to get its program accredited and hopes to have it running in February 08.
Under the plan, every recruit in basic training will have the option of obtaining a technical certificate in a skill such as welding or a potential 17 hours of college credit in leadership, first aid, and other areas. The idea being by the time your a staff sergent, somewhere between 6 and 10 years in the Army you're going to have your associate's degree. Those who continue in the service and retire as sergent or sergent major could earn a bachelor's degree. Along with the current educational incentives this will be the most educated Army in the world and a outstanding way to help service personal achieve goals that will last a life time.


Massage Chair for the home...

After a hard days work...most people want to get home and relax...kick off their shoes, grab a drink and kick back in their favorite recliner. Well now..how about doing that except...this time your relaxing in a Massage Chair by Human Touch. Human Touch engineers have developed an advanced Robotic Massage system that expertly replicate the hands and techniques of expert massage professionals along with a very appealing array of styles and colors to choose from. The HT 100, and the HT 7120 were the most appealing massage chairs to me. The 1659 style looked more like a traditional recliner very comfortable and inviting. All of these massage chairs with their three-dimension movements duplicate the techniques of the professionals helping sore and tired muscles feel rejuvenated. Human Touch massage chairs are quality health aid tools desiged to help you rejuvenate and feel good about yourself. So if your in the mrket for a recliner check out Human Touch massage chairs.


Veterans Medical Issues....

To all veterans of the United States Military if you have any medical issues that are not being addressed I would encourage to visit the following link: Veterans Affairs This link will help you in starting to understand the procedures required to help you to receive earned VA medical care. The most important issue to remember is to call or write your local VA Rep. and request parer work to process a medical claim. All major cities in the U.S. have VA clinics where veterans can go for immediate care for colds and flu that sort of thing. In Toledo Ohio the address is Toledo VA Outpatient Clinic 3333 Glendale Ave. phone number 419-259-2000. I encourage all veterans to take care of their bodies and seek preventive medical attention such as a check up, blood pressure, and all other issues.

Friday, January 11, 2008


$8 Prescription Eyeglasses...

If your in the market for spectacles (glasses) then you need to give Great Discovery: www.ZenniOptical.com a try for stylish prescription glasses online. They have it all bifocals, single lens, prescription tinted sunglasses, sun sensor glasses, along with a very large selection of frames. Zenni Optical secret is they sell their own manufactured frames...with no middleman and for $8 bucks what have you got to loose.




Morning Exercise...

8 point buck in local park


During lunch I went to the park and walked the trails and ran upon this beautiful creature. I counted 8 points! He stood there until I left which was perhaps 3 minutes. He is not frighten of people. I don't think that is a good idea on his part.

Thursday, January 10, 2008


Miracle Weight Loss...

If you are experiencing severe weight issue and have tried all the latest fads and pills then tampa weight loss Lap-Band surgery is for you. This miracle procedure will help you lose that weight and help you regain that zest for life. The LAP-BAND System is the safest, proven weight-loss surgery available today and is a miracle weight loss tool.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008


The cost of Freedom....

American Flag
As of Monday 3912 American Solders have died in combat operations in Iraq since the beginning of hostilities. The human sacrifice for this flag is very high. I pray its not in vain. God Bless This Flag.


Stuart Semple...Killer Artwork

A new artist that is taking the celebrity world by storm is Stuart Semple a contemporary English artist, based in London. He created an artwork that incorporate gigantic paintings including mix song lyrics with cartoons and slick fashion shoot style imagery...something along the lines of Andy Warhol. Visit www.StuartSemple.com and review this artist killer, bold, bright, in your face work. The colors are bold and the themes are thought provoking as demonstrated by tiny slice of the state of mind (2006) exhibit. A series of 9 images that are bold, provocative, and clearly intended to relay a message and a responce.



Saturday, January 5, 2008


PhotoHunt #91: Delicious

Everyone in my home loves candy especially chocolate. Now I don't know if you would call them delicious but they sure are good...and is my PhotoHunt entry for this week.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008


St. Andrews Presbyterian College...


I took this photo around 9:20am Christmas Eve. The conditions were perfect for this shot and my walk throught this Liberal Arts college. The grounds are ideal for walking and Lake Moore provides great landscapes in the early morning.


SSH Secure Connectivity

Pragma Systems, out of Austin Texas, is a leading provider of remote access and security software for Microsoft Windows and Windows Mobile devices. Pragma is an industry leader in SSH Telnet technology and offers the most popular SSH and TelnetServer for Windows. Pragma's secure connectivity product solutions are ideal for keeping you connected to that remote PC collecting value real time data. The company's end to end solutions of servers and clients on the desktop and mobile devices provide highly secure access to supply chain, distribution and warehouse applications over wireless, LAN, WAN, and mobile networks. If your looking for secure conectivity, secure and easy file transfer technology then Pragma Systems is a proven leader and one that must be considered.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008


New Years Day Walk.....2008

Ohio and Erie CanalOn New Years Day 2008 I walked the towpath of the restored Ohio & Erie Canal located in Grand Rapids Ohio. This portion of the restored canal starts at Providence Metropark and goes for about a mile ending at Kimble's Landing where starting in May the public can ride a restored canal boat. A very nice walk on a brisk cool day.