The Orange County and Orlando, Florida area is a very popular tourist destination for both American and international travelers. After all, Walt Disney World is there, along with the companion theme parks owned by Disney or other major entertainment interests. However, before Walt Disney World opened in 1971, Orlando and Orange County were a very different place.

Orange County itself was named after vast citrus groves that were central to the area economy. Sadly, these have all been destroyed due to commercial and residential development. Cattle ranching was also popular in the county. The city of Orlando itself dates back to 1875.

However, that world is long gone. Today Orlando is the second most popular tourist city in America. No one can dispute why it has become so popular, given that it is the home of “The Happiest Place on Earth”, which brings in about 50 million tourists each year. The only question you really need to as is which Orlando hotel you should stay in once you get there. There are, of course, more than a few good choices in every price range that you can imagine.

In the Orlando/Orange County area, hotels can be found at decent prices that wonÂ’t break your budget, and Orlando vacations can be an excellent choice for almost any individual or any family. You too can have fun in Orlando, staying at one of the great Orlando Hotels. And you can find great values at http://orlandoescape.com/ !

Posted by: Greg at 06:07 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 246 words, total size 2 kb.

I don't know about you, but I enjoy good jokes every now and then. And certainly there are lots of places to find jokes on the internet. You can find lots of funny jokes at LotsOfJokes.com, categorized by type. Some are funny, some are groaners, and some are a bit on the dicey side -- but hey, a good joke is always worth it.

I especially enjoyed this one, which contains more than a grain of truth about my profession.

As a new school principal, Mr. Mitchell was checking over his school on the first day. Passing the stockroom, he was startled to see the door wide open and teachers bustling in and out, carrying off books and supplies in preparation for the arrival of students the next day. The school where he had been a Principal the previous year had used a check-out system only slightly less elaborate than that at Fort Knox. Cautiously, he asked the school's long time Custodian, "Do you think it's wise to keep the stock room unlocked and to let the teachers take things without requisitions?" The Custodian looked at him gravely... "We trust them with the children, don't we?"

Posted by: Greg at 06:24 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 198 words, total size 1 kb.

How can folks help their local schools and student organizations raise money? By participating in easy school fundraisers -- including those where all school fundraising supporters do is purchase things — whether online or otherwise — using their credit card. You can also dedicate a portion of it for your church or an organization of your choosing.

So far, folks participating in the program offered by SchoolPop.com have contributed over $200 million to such organization. You can even contribute by just paying your student loans through them!

Sounds like a great way to raise money for worthy causes, doing things you would do anyway.

Posted by: Greg at 03:30 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 106 words, total size 1 kb.

Unlike other countries, in the United States you have to get your own health insurance. Often times that insurance comes through your employer, but not always. And there are many people who for a variety of reasons donÂ’t find themselves with employer-provided health insurance.

Of course, self-employed individuals, part-time employees, students, singles, and families all have different needs. Their lifestyles lead to different needs in a health insurance plan.

CVTY-HealthInsurance.com® gives access to the best rates from Coventry Health Care. This makes getting health insurance simple and affordable as they are an authorized independent agent of Coventry Health Care, Inc. (Coventry).

If you donÂ’t have group health insurance, Coventry offers a suite of health plans called CoventryOneSM,. It is ideal for self-employed individuals, part-time employees, students, singles and families.

For insurance plans in Georgia, visit Coventry Health Care Georgia.

Posted by: Greg at 01:50 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 143 words, total size 1 kb.

If you are like my wife and I, your pets are a part of the family. Indeed, for us our dog actually is our family, since we have no kids. She even wrote this yearÂ’s holiday missive to friends and family members around the country.

But when your pet is family, it can be frustrating to travel. Many hotels do not allow pets. That limits your travel options. But instead of staying at home or traveling without your beloved pet, you can check out the list of Pet Friendly Hotels at OfficialPetHotels.com. This way you can travel with your furry four-legged friend or family member, and not feel guilty about having to leave that precious pet behind. Trust me – your pet will prefer traveling with you to staying behind in a kennel.

Posted by: Greg at 06:42 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 135 words, total size 1 kb.

Yes, there are many good blogging platforms out there. That includes a number that have the distinct advantage of being free, and therefore not costing you a penny. Well, I've recently come across a new one that appears sort of interesting to me at http://www.thoughts.com/.

Yes, that's right -- Thoughts.com offers you a free blog with many great features, including participation in a free blog community. And it is much more than that. For example, they recognize that many bloggers like to have a lot of graphics and photos on their websites, so you get great, high-speed uploading of your photos and other graphics files as a part of the free service. And in addition, you can also upload video and host it right from your own site – no more relying on YouTube and hoping that the code works right and the video isn’t removed. Even better, you have podcasting capabilities available through Thoughts.com, too. You also have the ability to create friends lists like on other big-name social networking sites. Good grief! What more could you ask for as a novice blogger – or even an experienced one?

Now all of that is in addition to all of the regular features we have come to expect. So what are you waiting for? If you are interested in trying your hand at blogging, check out Thoughts.com "!

Posted by: Greg at 03:07 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 230 words, total size 1 kb.

WouldnÂ’t it be great to be on a cruise trip sipping your favorite wine, dining on fine foods and dancing the night away with the one you love? WouldnÂ’t it be a wonderful experience to spend your day, soaking up the beautiful scenery and warm sun on a tropical beach? Imagine getting away to someplace without daily grind of work schedules, mundane daily tasks, or day-to-day drudgery in order to have a spectacular vacation. Doesn't it sound heavenly?

Holiday Travel of America can make those dreams happen, helping to ensure that you have the best vacation ever. Their mission? “Lower your overall marketing cost, increase the value of incentive offered, increase your store’s foot traffic and more importantly increase your sales revenue.”

This great company was established in 1988 and they have earned a reputation of giving full satisfaction to all their clients and customers. The staff is prompt, courteous and professional in assisting and accommodating their clientsÂ’ needs according to their many satisfied customers. Simply by filling out the form on their website will allow their representatives to answer your questions about your proposed travel plans during normal business hours.

Are there advantages to booking your trips early? Of course there are! We all know that early birds often catch some of the best available deals, meaning you save more money and be able to do more on your holiday. And with many of the most popular destinations in high demand, its not always easy to be fulfill your dreams for a perfect vacation without thinking and planning in advance. Also, the more flexible you are, the greater your chances of grabbing cheap tickets and low room rates.

Holiday Travel of America has received multiple awards and accolades from its satisfied customers. It is certainly to your advantage to consider http://www.holidayways.com when you want to book a trip to an exotic locale for your vacation getaway!

Posted by: Greg at 06:49 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 325 words, total size 2 kb.

It is becoming more and more common for you to be able to access web based media on your mobile phone. That is true of many telephones, but you probably hear the most about it with the iPhone and the iPod Touch.

But like it was back in the bad old days of 9600 BPS dial =-up modems, web based video delivered to cell phones can be really slow to download results in poor quality and long delays when playing the video while downloading.
IÂ’m getting a new mobile phone with web capabilities and IÂ’m excited to hear about the Avot mV video delivery platform by Avot Media.

Avot mV seems to be the first solution that gives mobile users unlimited access to any web-based video. Once installed on your mobile device, it enables you to quickly and easily search, personalize and play videos from around the internet.

You can download Avot mV directly to your mobile phone by pointing your mobile browser to the Avot mV Product Site. On the other hand, using your computer you can simply visit the Corporate Site to learn more. You can also download a copy of Avot mV to your desktop while you are there. Then youÂ’ll need to hook up your mobile device to your computer to upload the program to your mobile device.

I suspect youÂ’ll enjoy using Avot mV. It features intelligent search capabilities that can be customized to your personal preferences, which should make searching for videos across the internet quick and easy. This will be great for political junkies out there who want all of the latest news on the 2008 elections, on the national, state, and even local levels. And they even have separate Republican and Democrat channels, so you can focus in on the candidates you are most interested in.

One great feature of Avot mV is that you can simply point and click on videos that you’re interested in instead of typing URLs. And when you’ve done that, the Avot mV platform transfers the content to your mobile device in just seconds -- much faster than previous programs. And that means you’ll be able to play the video in near real time and without grainy video quality, delays or stutters. After all, we know that none of the candidates sound like Max Headroom when they speak in person – why should they on your phone?

You can even maximize the size and clarity of the video! Sounds great to me, especially with all the great political coverage weÂ’ll be getting in 2008.

If you are interested in the Avot mV platform visit the website to learn more about it and you can also visit the Avot Media Official Blog to see the latest Avot mV platform news.

Posted by: Greg at 06:21 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 472 words, total size 3 kb.

I’ve been talking a lot about LED Christmas lights this year, especially since the National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC is using them instead of traditional lights. They save energy and give off less heat so that makes them great for home use, too. After all, who doesn’t like to save money – and with the lower cost and lower heat, you can leave that tree going 24/7. There are also other types of LED lights, too! Imagine lighting the way to your door or the edge of your yard with LED rope lighting. Frankly, I’m impressed with all the options in LED decorative lights that are available.

Posted by: Greg at 06:03 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 114 words, total size 1 kb.

Looking to start a business? Well, you need to make sure you have the cash you need to begin and stay operational. Often this involves getting involved in some sort of credit agreement to ensure you have the cash you need.

One way to get fast business cash is to borrow against sales. Owners can get cash now and repay later, after customers have paid you. One option is to get a small business cash advance to tide you through the rough spots in business. At MeritCapitalAdvance.com, you can get cash advances based upon the sales you make using masterCard and Visa. Approval is quick and easy, too.

Posted by: Greg at 11:57 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 110 words, total size 1 kb.

Growing up in Southern California, my mother got used to wearing sunglasses much of the time. They weren't a fashion statement -- they were a necessity. Now in her 70s, Mom still wears them much of the time when she goes out -- though today she wears prescription designer eyeglasses with a tint to her preferred level. They are really great.

Now there are many places you can get good designer eyeglasses. One of those is at GlassesEtc.com, a fine online establishment that sells you great glasses at great prices. Best of all, they sell only authentic designer frames and offer free return shipping if you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason. But I'm sure you won't be unhappy.

Posted by: Greg at 11:40 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 123 words, total size 1 kb.

Now I'll be the first to agree with the idea that positive thinking has a power all its own. But how far does that power extend? Does it project beyond the thinker, making changes in the course of the universe itself? That is a key question for many people who are interested in psychic phenomenon.

One group interested in this question is the Institute of Noetic Sciences. It is a non-profit research and education institution that seeks to advance the science of consciousness and human experience in order to bring about individual and collective transformation. Their Shift In Action offers an opportunity to connect with leaders in their field at a relatively low cost to the participants. I'd encourage you to check out their program if you have an interest in the issue.

Posted by: Greg at 06:58 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 139 words, total size 1 kb.

Iraq funding passes.

The Senate last night approved a $555 billion omnibus spending bill to fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year, shortly after bowing to President Bush's demand for $70 billion in unrestricted funds for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Democrats had vowed only weeks ago to withhold any Iraq-specific money unless strict timelines for troop withdrawal were established, but they instead chose, on a 70 to 25 vote, to remove what appeared to be the final obstacle to sending the spending bill to the White House, where Bush has indicated he will sign it. Senators then passed the omnibus bill, 76 to 17.

The House still must approve the spending, but will really have no choice but to do so. And if they get into a budget showdown with the President, they lose -- just as the GOP did when they went toe-to-toe with Bill Clinton. History has repeatedly shown that a president who stands firm wins in such cases -- and this president has absolutely nothing to lose by standing firm against a Congress that is even less popular than he is.

Posted by: Greg at 11:18 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 196 words, total size 1 kb.

With Christmas coming, I am put in mind of one of our older relatives, now passed on, who used to send us big fruit baskets every year. I always looked forward to the exotic apples and pears, and my parents loved the oranges. And I was particularly amused the year the basket included a pineapple! I miss those days.

The Fruit Company delivers premium fruit baskets to friends, loved ones, and business associate. They offer a variety of pears, apples, peaches, and cherries, and also have desserts and confections to choose from as well. So choose a gift of something healthy – or something decadent – for those on your holiday shopping list.

Posted by: Greg at 11:10 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 121 words, total size 1 kb.

Who doesn’t love free stuff. You know you do – and you always try to get your hands on promotional products being given away at conventions and other events. It’s just plain fun to walk away with a couple of bags of swag, even if it does just clutter up your desk drawers or go home for the kids to play with. But you know, that swag does bring in customers.

And you know what? Promotional products are proven to work – if it is done right.

For example, my teacher’s organization gave us calendars and highlights – and it reminds me to check up on news updates and special bulletins for members. It has also reminded me to call them once or twice when issues have arisen on campus. And that pen from a local garage in my car caused me to have the car towed there when it broke down a couple of years ago,
Looking to market your company through giveaway items? The check out Gimmes.com.

Posted by: Greg at 11:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 171 words, total size 1 kb.

It hasn't been that long since the big scare about Bird Flu -- folks were expecting a world-wide epidemic to bring widespread death around the world. Fortunately, it hasn't happened quite that way, but that does not mean that avian flu is not a threat. And it is important that we not forget about the existance of this disease and take appropriate precautions regarding it. After all, the World Health Organization has recently reported outbreaks of the illness in Pakistan and Burma. And it is even possible that we have had human-to-human transmission of the disease, which is one of the things with which health officials have been quite concerned. The folks at DrugDelivery.ca have an ebook on Bird Flu if you want to learn more about the disease and its threat to the human population.

Posted by: Greg at 06:44 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 140 words, total size 1 kb.

Drug addiction and alcoholism. They are terrible to have to face. And in my professional life – as a teacher in ministry, and in social services – I have seen them devastate the lives of any number of wonderful individuals and their families and friends. Addiction is something that will literally eat a person alive, destroying them and leaving a zone of wreckage around them as they spiral down into the depths of a near-bottomless pit of despair and dependency.

Ad yet, it is possible to stop the free-fall. It is possible to get help – counseling and treatment – so that an individual can be saved and his or her life brought back into a functional state. It takes a commitment on the part of that individual, support by loved ones, and a staff of individuals who are trained to help those with chemical dependency issues learn to follow new patterns of behavior and adopt a new set of lifestyle choices that will be healthy for them.

Many fine programs and facilities exist for this purpose. One of these is Chapman House, located in Southern California. They offer a wide range of programs for individuals who need assistance with various self-destructive behaviors, including intervention, detox, and treatment. They offer alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs for adults based upon a Twelve-Step model, as well as alcohol and drug rehab programs for adolescents. In addition, there is even an executive alcohol and drug treatment program so that men and women in business can stay connected with their offices and clients while seeking treatment for their addictions.

One other service offered by Chapman House is drug and alcohol testing. Such testing is much more reliable than home tests available in stores or over the internet, and so the results (positive or negative) can be much more safely relied upon by parents, employers, and the individuals themselves.

I hope you never need the services of a treatment facility like Chapman House – but it is good to know it is there for you or a loved one.

Posted by: Greg at 11:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 348 words, total size 2 kb.

As I've mentioned once before, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have teamed up to bring Sweeney Todd to the big screen starting Friday. I can't wait, not the least because of the fact that Johnny Depp has grown into one of the most accomplished and versatile actors of his generation. And I have to laugh at that, due to some of the roles heÂ’s played and scenes that stick in my mind.

Consider when we first really got a glimpse of Depp in A Nightmare on Elm Street nearly 25 years ago. I won’t for get that – and will always go back to my favorite scene, where his character, Glen Lantz, is trying to get to sleep while his two friends are taking the time for a more personal interlude. I loved his line – “Morality sucks.” I guess I sort of related, having had to put up with such scenarios with a college roommate and his insatiable girlfriend.

And then there is my favorite line in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. After Charlie asks Wonka if they can eat the grass, Wilie Wonka responds with one of my favorite movie lines: “Of course you can! Everything in this room is eatable, even *I'm* eatable! But that is called ‘cannibalism,’ my dear children, and is in fact frowned upon in most societies.” That line, of course, jibes with the somewhat offbeat sense of humor you see around this site, and so it will always be one that I remember.

Still, I think that the line from the earlier role is my favorite, though the latter film is much dearer in my heart due to the empathy I feel for the lonely and vulnerable boy grown (not quite) to be a lonely and vulnerable man who finally finds love and acceptance. But I think that the role of Sweeney Todd may surpass that one, due to the incredible material he has to work with – and he sings, too!

Want to learn more about the new movie? Then visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site ! And you can visit Sweeney Todd on MySpace, too.

Posted by: Greg at 10:10 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 365 words, total size 3 kb.

Thousands of new businesses are started are started by enterprising entrepreneurs each year. Eighty percent of those businesses fail, for a variety of different reasons. One of the main reasons for such failures is the lack of finances. A proper assessment of the financial needs of the business was not made, and the much-needed cash was not sought out before the business was started. As a result, many businesses begin facing great debt right from the very beginning. To give your business a real chance at surviving the first few rough years, you need to be realistic about business funding and finances, including start-up costs and cash-flow. One way to get off to the right start is buy receiving financial aid from an entrepreneurial oriented lending institution like the Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank. They offer special services for start-up businesses, including start-up advice, start-up financing, business deposit accounts and a business builder current account. There are many services and features associated with these and their other available accounts.

One great policy is that new businesses receive two free years of business banking. Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank wants to make certain that it is assisting your business to become a success. They ensure that your business funds in your business deposit accounts are working very hard. And their wide range of business bank accounts, services and other products represent some of the available best business banking. Best of all, all the products and services offered by Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank can be tailored to fit the needs of your businesss, depending upon its size and type.
Starting a new business is always challenging, and there are many difficulties to be faced. However starting with your finances in order puts you at an advantage compared to other new businesses. And let’s be honest – you are going to need every advantage to succeed.

Posted by: Greg at 09:36 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
Post contains 324 words, total size 2 kb.

You know, signage can be important in any business. For example, many homes or sold and clients attracted through the real estate signs on the front lawns of houses. BuildASign.com has great values on real estate signs and other signs (including magnetic signs) at their website. Stop in and look at their great values.

Posted by: Greg at 06:48 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 56 words, total size 1 kb.

I really struggle at the grocery store some days. It always seems to cost me more than I expect – and it always seems to be going up. And since I’m the shopper in the family, I really do notice in a way that many guys don’t. And while I might be able to save a little bit more by driving across the bridge to the SuperCenter, I’d rather go to the grocer that is about three minutes from my house rather than fight the traffic and the lines in that other place.

I’ve started to try to use more coupons when I shop, but I really hate to have to wade through the coupon section of the paper in order to find just the right ones. It just seems to be an inefficient use of time. Still, grocery coupons could very helpful to me if I could zero in on just the ones I wanted – and maybe even a few that are on line. And I’ve found some good ones at MySavings.com. And not only can I find the coupons I need for food there, I can also find internet coupon codes and free samples there as well, so my savings extend beyond the grocery store and onto the internet and into the mailbox.

Posted by: Greg at 11:40 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 218 words, total size 1 kb.

Did you know that you can get qualified professionals online to provide Algebra Tutoring or home schooling, assistance with ADD and preparation for standardized tests. Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services is an affordable tutoring program where tutors give one-on-one instruction in the comfort and security of home.

Club Z! serves all ages, pre-kindergarten through adult with tutoring is available in all core subjects, as well as study skills, foreign languages, standardized test prep, assessment testing such as ACT and SAT, music lessons, and much more.

Posted by: Greg at 11:32 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 89 words, total size 1 kb.

If you are thinking about purchasing your own domain so that you can establish a blog where you have full control or a web presence for your business, you need to be looking for the web hosting services that meet your needs, not one that controls your content. After all, while you can design a spectacular website and have it tucked away on your hard drive, it doesnÂ’t make a bit of difference until you have your site on a server where people will be able to access it.

That is where the question of Web Hosting Services comes into the picture. You pay a set fee (either monthly or annually) to a company to host all of your online content for you -- web pages, images, e-mail, and all the rest. This is not something you can depend on with a free host -- indeed, your only real option in most cases is to find a web host that you can afford so that you have complete control over your web content. As IÂ’ve noted in the past, wading through the thousands of web hosts can be confusing. Network Solutions is one of the leaders in the field of web hosting, and I would encourage you to take a close look at their services and prices when you try to find a web host.

Posted by: Greg at 11:23 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 229 words, total size 1 kb.

Do you need a guide for web hosting sites? If you do, then visit http://www.webhostingchoice.com. The site is free of advertisement, so you wonÂ’t have to deal with pop-ups or other annoying ads while you try to find the right web host for your site. And if you know nothing about web hosting, they also provide helpful explanations and a list of scams that you need to avoid when you choose a web hosting company. Their host directory also lists many different web hosting companies and their specific packages and costs. This is quite a service, and the site is wonderfully easy to use. Check it out if you need a new host.

Posted by: Greg at 06:04 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 123 words, total size 1 kb.

Vacations and getaways are necessary for most people just to refresh the mind and provide energy. They also help us to learn about new places and acquire new experiences. Taking a bit of time from the busy work schedule to spend time with those we love is also an important value. And with the advent of the internet, people can book holiday tours by logging in to various websites which provides tour packages. One great website that provides several flexible facilities for holiday tour is pontins.com – and it also provides business holiday tour packages also.

Spending the holidays in U.K with the assistance of pontins.com can be quite luxurious and exciting. You can find yourself great beach holidays or other types of family holidays through the website – and you can be certain that you will enjoy the trip. These packages provide all kinds of facilities and make holiday touring pleasurable and memorable. The site also provides special discount options for children and aged people. Accommodations can be booked according to travelers choice, such as half boarding, self catering, discount offers on accommodations for large parties and discount tickets for entertainment shows visits to amusement parks, various restaurants, sight seeing and many other options besides.

Posted by: Greg at 06:31 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 210 words, total size 1 kb.

It is that time of year. The holidays are nigh upon us and shopping is frenzied – and potentially expensive. I have been doing some of my shopping online this year and have saved quite a bit of cash by using coupon codes and promotions. Take this Kohl's coupon and this Dell coupon, for example, which can save you bucks while allowing you to shop from the comfort of your home. And if you browse through the site for a bit you will find some great offers like these Dell coupons & discounts. You will be amazed at the true power of savings to help you stretch your holiday dollar a bit further.

Posted by: Greg at 03:03 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 115 words, total size 1 kb.

Is your credit poor? Do you need credit but canÂ’t find get a credit card? DonÂ’t despair, you can qualify for one of the credit cards for fair credit. If you have a limited credit history or a score that may need some improvement, online sites can provide the choices for you. It is even possible for you to get low annual fees or no annual fees, low balance transfer fees, cash back or miles, and more.

There are many of the cards feature a 0% introductory APR, and some even offer an instant decision. Take a look at these cards to see the details. And look at the siteÂ’s resources regarding ways to restore, repair, and improve your credit.

Posted by: Greg at 02:56 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 122 words, total size 1 kb.

Are you interested in a career in nursing? Do you live in the Cincinnati area? The Hondros College School of Nursing may be the right choice for you.

Are you in the Dayton or Columbus areas of Ohio? If so, then Hondros College is looking for staff in your area and may be an option for you as well in the very near future.

Posted by: Greg at 06:45 PM | Comments (80) | Add Comment
Post contains 74 words, total size 1 kb.

I guess I live in a really sheltered world. I really wasn't aware of phone chat services like this one that offers free chat services on their chat lines. Of course, there is a membership fee involved if you want to use the free local phone number for this service, so you will probably be calling a long distance number for that "free chat". Still, with unlimited nights and weekend minutes on cell phone plans and unlimited long distance plans on land lines, i suppose you can use such a service for free. Personally, though, I'm more concerned about screening out kids my students' age (the site says it is for adults only) and protecting users from the unscrupulous and the predatory.

Posted by: Greg at 11:32 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 126 words, total size 1 kb.

My wife and I would love to get away for the holiday season – you know, to someplace that has seasons and, most importantly, snow. That could mean a trip to the Great White North – Canada! There are plenty of great deals out there for flights to Canada if you look for them.

That is where DialAFlight comes into play, if you are living in the UK and need a UK Travel Agent. Not only do they offer you cheap prices on great flights, but you can also save even more by booking flights and hotels together. Whether you want great deals on flights to Australia, flights to India or flights to Canada, DialAFlight.com can get you there at a great price. DialAFlight.com lets you find flights, hotels, spa holidays or car hire when and where you want it.

Posted by: Greg at 11:25 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 142 words, total size 1 kb.

PureSafety.com is a great website related to industrial safety needs. It offers over 450 web-based safety training courses, including Driver Safety, Environmental Resources, Emergency Preparedness, Construction, and many more.

They have the online training tools that can help to protect your company's employees. And let’s be honest – nothing is more important than the safety of your employees. These courses are both interesting and interactive, and have been shown to help increase safety awareness, prevent injuries, and save lives.

PureSafety.com has an online construction safety course that can be accessed by your employees anywhere – from the office, the job site, or even home!

Posted by: Greg at 11:15 PM | Comments (30) | Add Comment
Post contains 108 words, total size 1 kb.

One of the realities of the current credit crunch is that some folks are going to see their credit rankings tank. They will need to act responsibly to repair and reestablish that credit rating. As such, they may find themselves turning to bad credit loans and other offers designed to help them build a new, more appealing credit rating. If you are one of these folks, visit BadCreditOffers.com for details.

Posted by: Greg at 06:36 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 76 words, total size 1 kb.

I have been trying to keep all of my wife's graphics stored someplace safe so that we never have another disaster like last year. That means a lot of blank media is required -- media that has to be good quality but not too expensive. I found exactly that at SuperMediaStore.com. The website offers a great many discounted products from quality brands, and at prices that are much cheaper than what one would get at your local retail outlet.

SuperMediaStore.com also has cheap ink cartridges and a lot of other products for your computer. That includes flash memory, accessories, duplication hardware, CD/DVD burners, hard drives, and a great deal more.

Posted by: Greg at 11:09 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 112 words, total size 1 kb.

As Christmas break approaches, this teacher finds himself more and more stressed out. I'll be honest -- I need those days off to rest, relax, recharge, and maybe catch up on a bit of reading. But I wouldn't mind a neat trip to someplace unusual.

I've started looking around, just to see if there is anything out there that would be reasonable in cost and exotic in scope. One of the places I've seen mentioned is Cyprus. And for cheap flights to Cyprus, one of the best available sources is HolidayHypermarket.com -- if you are flying from the UK. For that matter, they have great prices going almost anywhere in Europe.

Posted by: Greg at 11:02 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 117 words, total size 1 kb.

I remember the first scanner I ever saw. It was huge, and the resolution was crap. Not only that, but all scanned images were in black and white. And prices, like for any new device, were sky high. Today, however, you can get a good color scanner for a low price, so most serious computer users and virtually all businesses have scanners. Indeed, now you can get them combined with a printer, too!

I scan documents, and also a lot of photos. When I do that, I know that the copy will last for as long as I want it. I know that my documents and pictures are safe digitally so if anything happens to the hard copy, I have the scanned copies in a safe place.

One great development is duplex scanners, which are probably the best way to go for certain purposes. It scans both sides of the scanned document simultaneously, so it may so be used to scan business cards, plastic ID cards, and documents up to legal size. Newer models now have a USB 2.0 standard interface, so there is no external power needed. Best of all, they are very light weight, so you can carry them anywhere you will need it.

Posted by: Greg at 06:34 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 210 words, total size 1 kb.

The sun sure does beat down on the house here in Texas. You need to keep the light and heat out when it does. I'm thinking that maybe some Custom Blinds like these blackout Roman shades may be the solution to the energy costs associated with all that light and heat, and would be a good decorating solution as well. And the price sure is right.

Not only is the price right, but so is the quality. If you doubt me, look at the bamboo shades and other sorts of blinds they hang when next you watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They provide the blinds and shades for the show.

Posted by: Greg at 10:47 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 116 words, total size 1 kb.

My wife grew up in western Pennsylvania, about two or three hours from Niagara Falls. She visited the falls a number of times when she was a kid. On the other hand, my single experience was a visit to the Falls when I was about eleven – something that I didn’t particularly enjoy. But I did get a chance to go back when Paula and I were preparing for our wedding – we drove up for a day and saw the falls, shopped a bit, and then went home to her mother. Money was really tight at that point in our lives, and so we didn’t do much of the touristy stuff.

But you know, I sure would love to go back for a visit. I think that at this point in my life, a guided tour might be the best way to go. You know, shepherding us around so that we get to the Maid of the Mist for the journey behind the falls, a visit to the whirlpools, and a trip to the top of Skylon Tower would be the way to go. No parking hassles, no navigating our way through unfamiliar streets – just a day of relaxation and sightseeing. I could concentrate on taking care of Paula.

If you are looking for such tours, sign up for the Trusted Travel eNewsletter. Trusted Tours has tours of Niagara Falls and many other cities. They can get you through the highlights if you are in town for a short visit, or guarantee that you see all the sights if you have a bit longer.

And when you sign up for that nesletter, all new subscribers will be automatically entered into a drawing for an iPod Nano!

Posted by: Greg at 10:34 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
Post contains 292 words, total size 2 kb.

Are you planning a getaway before 29th February next year ? Well, if you are, you may well be interesting in the special offer currently being run some hotels & bed and breakfasts on Amelia Island in Florida.

If youÂ’ve not been there before, click on the Lodging Special link. YouÂ’ll find out that Amelia Island is in the northeast corner of the state, just a bit off the coast. It is right there, by the Georgia border.

The offer itself is not that difficult to understand. When you book three consecutive nights, you only pay for two! You’ll have to check out that link to find out which places are a part of this great offer. And while you are scoping out the deal, take a look at the attractions that are listed. Don’t they make you want to go there even more? For example, over the next two weeks you’ll find that Santa is throwing a story book party and a showing of “It’s A Wonderful Life” in an outdoor cinema.

And if you are into history like me, then make sure you look at the many changes this island has seen in its history, which has included no less than 8 different flags having flown over the island, including Spain, Britain, Mexico and France. That makes for some neat history right there.

Posted by: Greg at 06:04 PM | Comments (13) | Add Comment
Post contains 229 words, total size 1 kb.

Christmas is coming! Preparations are underway for the holiday, as we do our decorating and shop for gifts for a needy child. It is also time to get started on the Christmas cards. We are doing our “he said/she said” letter again this year, and may do a photo card.

Unlike my wife, I am not a big fan of greeting cards. Christmas is the exception. I love Christmas cards. I especially love the ones that beautifully represent the holy reason for the season, and find that such Christmas cards really do add to the season.

I also love

You get the opportunity to customize these cards with the picture of your choice, and to make sure it is just right before you finalize the order. From start to finish, the decisions are yours, making these cards fully personalized.

These may not be the cheapest personalized cards, but they sure are beautiful. They are certainly wonderful for those of us who are not artistically inclined, or for who don't have the time to create something spectacular. But what you spend in cash will be appreciated by the recipients all the more, because of the great quality.

Posted by: Greg at 06:07 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 234 words, total size 2 kb.

When we first moved into the area where we live, we joined a local church. Among the many special people we met there were an older couple I’ll call George and Eliza. It was always fun to sit with these folks, who had been married right after the war in 1945. George would tell stories about his time in the navy, and later stories of his time working at NASA – imagine my shock at realizing who he meant during a conversation about the Apollo program when he referred to a conversation with Neil and Buzz. Those conversations stopped a couple of years ago, not long after the doctors diagnosed George as having Alzheimer's disease. Now his ability to keep his train of thought long enough to tell such a story is gone. That is a part of the Dementia that comes from the brain damage associated with Alzheimer's, damage caused by the irreversible destruction of brain cells. I miss my old friend very much.

I'm amazed to watch Eliza deal with the daily struggle that is a part of their life today. Gone is the man she has loved for over six decades, replaced with a sometime-stranger who has problems with his temper and his personal needs. I know that she suffers from this disease every bit as much as he does – perhaps more, because he does not always realize that here is anything wrong. And it is really grueling, for George needs constant care and supervision, only part of which is done by their visiting nurse and part-time housekeeper. And as much as she tries to understand that this is but one part of the disease, I am sure that the lapses of memory, anger, and stubbornness that are a part of the disease leave her discouraged. And yet she still cares for him, just as he nursed her through several serious illnesses in the years right before the onset of this disease.

But how do you learn to deal with such a disease? What resources are there for friends and loved ones of those suffering from Alzheimer's? Well, there is a DVD available called "A Time To Care". It is an informative video that presents answer and strategies to viewers in a motivational, easy-to-understand style. It is a four-part program that addresses the core issues related to care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Sadly, you may know someone who is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. If you do, this DVD may be a truly considerate and compassionate holiday gift for them. There are other items available at the same site.

Posted by: Greg at 02:33 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 444 words, total size 3 kb.