Sponsored Post

We've been lucky that our dog has not had fleas. We've gone out of our way to make sure she is always treated with appropriate preventives. Because once your pet has fleas, human flea bites are not far behind, which is definitely not a good thing. If you want to learn about flea control, visit FleasContol.com for more information.

Posted by: Greg at 12:42 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 62 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

I think that by now I've made it pretty clear to folks that I am a football fan -- especially professional football. Maybe that comes from having grown up in the Washington DC area during the George Allen era, or maybe it just had to do with the fact that i could watch every game with my father when his ship was in port, something I couldn't do with baseball, basketball or any other sport. Heck, we were even season ticket holders for the Chicago Blitz during the USFL years. And yes, I like to place a bet on a game from time to time, though I am certainly not a big-time gambler.

But there are those who are much more serious about sports betting, especially during the NFL season. For those folks, having access to high quality tips is a very important part of the wagering process. And we all know that some tip services are better than others. Over at TodaysPicks.net, they had a 72% accuracy rating through the Super Bowl, offering picks in 6-10 games each week.

How does their service work? Well, they are an online, members only service that offers a season subscription for their NFL Picks Package. Each week they analyze the upcoming games and make their picks on the ones in which they have enough confidence to post. as mentioned above, that means 6-10 games a week. By 11:00 AM Eastern Time on game day, they have their picks up on their exclusive Members Only section. Members can then log in and make whatever use they choose of the picks.

Now here's where the financial end of things enters the picture. The NFL Picks Package usually will run you $435 for the season. However, if you sign up by August 1, you can get the entire season for $215 -- over half off the regular price! Taken through the pre-season, the regular season, and playoffs, that means you are really only paying around $10 for each week.

Posted by: Greg at 06:28 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 339 words, total size 2 kb.

Okay, we've got a problem. Where do we strike a balance between competing values? What are our priorities to be, and how are we to decide. Most importantly, are we prepared to live with the consequences of whatever choice that we make?

I'm talking, of course, about the balance between the competing values of energy independence from the Middle East and a clean environment. Why do those two values compete? Well, because the Canadian crude oil is different from the Middle Eastern variety, and requires a different refining process. In addition, it enters the US in different locations than the Middle Eastern oil, and so is best refined near those ports of entry.

BP has recently received permits to expand a refinery on Lake Michigan in Whiting, Indiana, and has been granted environmental waivers to allow an increase in pollutants from the current level. At first blush, that doesn't look good -- until one realizes that this leads to a decrease in dependence on Middle Eastern oil and the increases still keep the plant's discharges below the levels set by the EPA. Indeed, during the planning process BP repeatedly reduced the amount of planned emissions by incorporating new technologies to make the refinery more environmentally friendly. Indeed, given that there has not been a new refinery built in this country since the Cater administration, this expansion could set the standard for future refineries while also providing the opportunity to shut down or modernize existing refineries that emit greater levels of pollution -- something that I am all for, given my proximity to the petrochemical plants here in the Houston area.

Oh, by the way, what are we talking about when we discuss new pollutants. The Chicago Tribune offers the interesting statistic that the plant will be allowed to release 54 percent more ammonia and 35 percent more sludge into Lake Michigan each day. That sounds horrific -- until you look a little closer and see that this really means that the releases into the lake are 99.9% water and the sludge will be treated separately and not dumped into the lake at all -- and that the plant has in recent years reduced the emission of solids into Lake Michigan by 40%. Indeed, the major pollutant to be released -- ammonia -- will be released at less than half the level permitted under state and federal guidelines. Hardly sounds like the environmental catastrophe that some want to make it.

But what it really comes down to for me is that there will have to be additional refineries built. We are decades away from doing away with fossil fuels as the major source of our energy, an our refining infrastructure needs to be brought up to the needed capacity and higher environmental standards. that is what this plant does -- and with similar cooperation between government and industry, we could see improvements in our energy independence and environment in the process.

Posted by: Greg at 11:41 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 493 words, total size 3 kb.

Sponsored Post

Now here is someplace I would love to go, just out of my love for history -- the Canary Islands! A major port of call during the age of sail, the Canary Islands remain a popular tourist destination today. One way to make travel plans for a trip to the Canary Islands is to make your reservation with Alegria.com, a travel service that provides "real time" reservation services for hotels located there. A part of the respected NetReservas travel agency, Alegria.com is offers the widest array of hotels at low prices in the Canaries.

Alegria.com can book your vacation on any of the islands: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera & El Hierro. Not only that, but their services provide you with access to hotels, apartments, and bungalows on each island, allowing you to customize your vacation stay to meet your desired level of privacy and amenities. Not only that, but the staff of NetReservas has visited each of the participating hotels and negotiated fantastic prices for those who use their system. It would be quite difficult for you to find better prices anywhere.

So visit the Canary Islands. Bask in the sun. Explore the scenic sites. Enjoy the culture. Study the history. But whatever you choose, be sure to check out Alegria.com to find spectacular accommodations!

Posted by: Greg at 06:21 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 223 words, total size 2 kb.

Sponsored Post

There is just something about cedar. It is beautiful, and has that wonderful smell that is so intoxicating. And it is durable, too. That is why so many folks have cedar patio furniture.

Adams All Natural Cedar produces and sells a full line of natural, ha-crafted cedar wood outdoor furniture. This includes the traditional picnic table that many of us grew up with, as well as Adirondack chairs and chaise lounges. Using Western Red Cedar from managed forests with responsible harvesting and reforestation plan in place, Adams is an ecologically friendly company as well.

Consider some of the items available. There is a mission style porch swing that would be an asset in any setting. A simple garden bench would also be wonderful for enjoying the natural handiwork that graces your yard. You can also find arches and other great features for the yard as well, including storage units.

And then there are the dog houses. These range all the way from the simple, traditional design that Fido lived in when you were a kid to much more grand canine homesteads with optional insulation, heating and air conditioning units and even a front porch of Cujo’s very own! Wow – these sound like doggie heaven right here on earth. And don’t worry, there are such posh accommodations for the cat, too – including one designed with a side-by-side set-up for the two pets to live together as good neighbors.

Posted by: Greg at 09:42 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 244 words, total size 2 kb.

One of the things I love about the blogosphere and most forums is that they are open for discussion and debate. Among those of us on the Right, we tend to be pretty open about allowing comments from all points of views where comments are allowed. Even some of the more annoying parts of the Leftosphere are pretty open to diverse discussion.

That's why I find the RevLeft.com leftist discussion forums to be a really disturbing place. Not content to be a wedded to an anti-freedom, anti-human rights collectivist ideology (though in an attractive, neatly set up and easy to navigate forum), this place actually has its own Gulag set up to marginalize and silence anyone not sufficiently Leftist for them. They then claim that they are having "in-depth discussions" of political ideology and philosophy while shutting out anyone who might offer a dissenting view or perspective. If anything demonstrates the failings of the bankrupt ideology that they claim supports freedom, that would be it.

Posted by: Greg at 06:01 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
Post contains 170 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

OK -- you are looking for real estate in the UK or South Africa. Where do you turn? To RightMovez.co.uk, of course! They are better than rightmove or other websites in the field because they review those sites and link you through to them. So check them out if you want to buy or rent a home.

Posted by: Greg at 02:05 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 64 words, total size 1 kb.

When you love someone who suffers from chronic muscle and joint pain, you come to be very familiar with prescription and over the counter remedies for the pain and stiffness that make life almost unbearable for them. When you find such products, you cling to them and swear by them, because they help make life a little bit better for that loved one. And so the other day, when I had some samples fall out of an envelope, I was both intrigued and worried.

The samples were for a product called Freeze It, a fast-acting topical pain relief gel, and I decided to try them out with my wife later that evening when she asked for the old stand-by (AKA "the blue stuff") for her sore back. I told her I'd like to try something different, and opened one of the samples. She started feeling relief almost immediately, and within 15 minutes had a greater range of motion and less pain than at any point during the day. It was, at the risk of sounding overly dramatic, as close to miraculous as any product that we have ever used to help her deal with the osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease that cause her such pain. Indeed, my skeptical wife immediately wanted to send me out to buy her a supply, something that does not happen very often with new products. We are both sold on Freeze It after that experience and additional applications of the samples I received. We will be using it again, because Freeze It works!

Want more information on FreezeIt? Visit the official FreezeIt website --or just watch this commercial.

Posted by: Greg at 06:19 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 274 words, total size 2 kb.

Are you looking for a cellular phone in the UK? Are you trying to find the best deals on phones and service? Did you know that there are 12 months free line rental offers out there, often including a free phone, that will allow you to get your cellular phone service for nothing or mighty close to it!

Where can you find 12 months free line rental ? Well, you have to look closely at online mobile phone shops like FreeLineRentalMobiles.co.uk, which has all variety of deals that include free phones, free service, or heavy discounts. I’ll be honest – I wish that we Americans had the deals that you Brits have!

Posted by: Greg at 01:30 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 115 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

If you teach for very long down here in Texas, you are likely to either be assigned to a portable building or have colleagues who are. Why? Because enrollment is skyrocketing in many districts around the state, and it becomes a challenge to keep up with the need for classroom space. From what I hear from colleagues in a number of other states, this phenomenon is not confined to Texas alone. As a result, mobile building units become a necessity for schools. For that matter, they also can help solve other problems, such as was the case when the first school I taught at suffered an electrical fire that destroyed a quarter of the building, including the library several classrooms, and the administrative offices.

That is where Acton Mobile comes into the picture. As one of the leading providers of office trailers in the United States, Acton Mobile has portable buildings available to solve a business or school's need for office or classroom space that meets all applicable OSHA and ADA regulatory requirements, and have features making them fully handicapped accessible. Acton Mobile has buildings available for temporary or more permanent use, depending on the needs of the business or district in question.

Of course, the most common use of such buildings would be for business purposes, whether as construction trailers or temporary offices pending the completion of new or remodeled office space in a permanent building. As a result, Acton Mobile specializes in buildings that have all the necessary business amenities already in place. For example, some buildings come with built-in desks and file cabinets. Others have plan tables built in as well, and are therefore especially suited for construction site uses. Recognizing that comfort matters, heating and air conditioning units are also standard in the units provided by Acton Mobile. Most even have restrooms as well, though these require water and sewer connections to be functional.

If you need space and you need it now, Acton Mobile can provide for your needs with a unit customized to fit your business. Easy payment options are available, as are warranties and maintenance plans. This should make Acton Mobile your first choice for temporary building space.

Posted by: Greg at 06:09 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 369 words, total size 2 kb.

Sponsored Post

Until recently, I didn't have a laptop computer, and so taking files and programs with me involved making sure I saved to a floppy or a flash drive and taking them with me. Heaven help me if I forgot the media, messed failed to save correctly, or needed something other than what I expected.

That is where a service like RemotePC.com comes in handy. They provide you with remote access to your home or office computer so that you can retrieve any file or use any program just like you were sitting in front of it. And best of all, RemotPC.com can beat the price of that other remote access service – the one that advertises on all the big-time talk radio shows. You can even try RemotePC.com for free for 30 days.

Posted by: Greg at 12:17 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 136 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

I always find myself quite amused by celebrities who run around in fancy sunglasses to prove they are cool. That especially goes for rappers with butt-ugly jewel-encrusted monument-to-excess shades that look like a jeweler's work-room became ill on their face. If you want to wear sunglasses, great -- but a good pair of Ray-Bans will do you as well as one that costs you a bundle. After all, the secret to having money and class is to not flash the cash with conspicuous consumption.

Posted by: Greg at 12:06 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 88 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

So, how do you know that you are getting a good product at a good price when you shop on the internet? Use BizRate.com!

Let's say you want a pink dress for your dining room. At BizRate.com, you can find listings for many pink dresses in a variety of styles. BizRate.com lets you compare the products and their prices from across many sellers on the internet, because BizRate.com has already done the shopping for you.

So maybe you are trying to find the best price on your desired product. Maybe you are interested in the reliability of the seller (yeah -- we've all been burned before). Or maybe you need to find out the customer satisfaction with several products to help you make the right choice. Regardless, BizRate.com will help you out.

Posted by: Greg at 06:31 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 135 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

Small and medium business owners, you need to look into the Factoring services offered by AIM Business Capital. They can purchase your accounts receivables from you and turn them into instant cash to make sure that your business remains liquid while you keep your eye on the ball, delivering whatever goods or services you sell. With AIM Business Capital, you can find the creative business solutions you need to be profitable. Their rates and fees seem reasonable, and their site is very easy to navigate, with clear explanations of all their services. So if you need to ensure a steady flow of capital in your business, look to AIM Business Capital to meet your needs.

Posted by: Greg at 01:39 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 118 words, total size 1 kb.

At one point, my father decided that it would be a great thing to keep the family home in San Diego as a rental property when the Navy sent him to the East Coast. After all, he figured, it was quite likely that in a couple of years we would be back in California, and he was also looking towards retirement in the city where my mother's family lived and where they had met. It turned out to be a disaster at every turn.

It seemed like every month or two, we would get a call from our old neighbor, Dennis, about some problem or other with the tenants. The final straw, New years morning, came when we got the call about the fire. it seems that someone had left a pan on the stove New Years Eve with the burner turned on, causing a fire that decimated the kitchen and required serious money to fix up. Insurance covered most of the expenses, but that by Easter the house would be sold to a new family. My parents had decided that it would be less of a hassle to look for and buy a new house when/if we moved back to California (we never did).

Frankly, I think the problem was probably the tenants themselves. The first couple were a young couple, fresh out of college and not really stable. The same was true of the next set of renters, who burned the kitchen. But then again, that is what you get if you post a flier on the bulletin board at Safeway.

There is a better way to find renters. Rentals.com provides a database of 3 million potential renters to you, many in your area, and tools to help you connect with someone you are comfortable dealing with. After all, that property is an investment in your present and future -- you want to take care of by ensuring that you have quality tenants. Rentals.com makes it all very easy for you to do -- and at a reasonable price.

Posted by: Greg at 06:10 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 342 words, total size 2 kb.

Sponsored Post

I'll be honest -- I never thought much about mortgage before I bought my house. Yeah, I knew they were secured loans with the money guaranteed by the house itself, but never about what went into getting one. I hear too often today about too many folks who are not good credit risks who get unsuitable loans, and are losing their shirts because of adjustable rates or outrageous payments.

Frankly, I'm glad I'm not looking for a house today or seeking to refinance because I am locked in at a very good rate that I've found I cannot beat. However, I keep hearing about folks getting bad credit remortgages for debt consolidation at less than ideal rates Too many irresponsible borrowers and profit-hungry lenders have created a situation in which the market has become unstable, resulting in a temporary softness in the housing market. The big issue will be whether or not the lenders close off the flood of high-risk mortgages before they send the market into a tail-spin with increasing foreclosures.

Posted by: Greg at 06:26 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 175 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

OnlineDiscount Mart.com is the source for all your home and garden decor accessories. Well, Online Discount Mart is now having a 10% off sale. That's right -- 10% off all orders through the end of the summer. From solar lights to bedroom lamps, from bath accessories to birdbaths, they really have it all -- and now you can save more than usual on every online order through the end of summer, with no minimum purchase!

Posted by: Greg at 01:06 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 79 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

Most folks think of metal pegboard as an item for the garage, but I don't think I agree. I can imagine any number of household uses, including for storage in a kid's room or to hang pots, pans, and utensils in the kitchen. Heck, I'd love to get some of the powder coated metal pegboard for my classroom, where I could really use a place to hang certain items that I need out of the way but readily at hand.

Posted by: Greg at 06:43 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 84 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

Now I don't drink to any significant degree -- under a six-pack a year, to be honest? So why am I advertising an product called Mr Beer? Well, because in addition to their beer making kits, they also have a root beer kit -- something that my wife and I would really enjoy. After all, a frosty mug of root beer, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in it, would go down great most summer nights here in Texas. And if you have kids at home, this is a great hobby/project that you can share with them!

Posted by: Greg at 11:47 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 108 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

I love my doctor. She treats me well, and is the only reason my darling wife is still with me. I cannot say enough good about her, and the care she provides for us.about her.

But I'll be honest -- I hate trying to get an appointment with her. My doctor has a growing practice that includes a fair percentage of Medicaid patients, not to mention her chronically ill and Medicare patients who need a little bit of extra attention. And given her office hours, it can be a hassle tying to get in to see her. I wish there was a way to get the quality of medical care my wife and I receive in a way that was less of a hassle.

That is where a service like MDVIP would come in very handy. MDVIP is more than a concierge medical care service -- it is a network of top physicians with intentionally small practices who are devoted to preventive health care and building strong relationships with their patients, whether they are seeking treatment for acute or chronic illnesses. That means that you, as a patient, get improved personalized health care due to the doctor's ability to focus on your overall health -- you are one of fewer than 600 patients that the doctor treats. Patients are also able to access their doctor much easier, with the ability to get in contact 24-hours a day in the event a medical need arises. In a very real sense, this hearkens back to the days of the family doctor who knew his patients intimately and was therefore better able to care for them.

And let’s be honest about it – this approach is effective. As one examines rates of hospitalization for comparable MDVIP patients vs. non-MDVIP patients, the differences are staggering. Patients with Medicare are hospitalized at a rate 65% lower with MDVIP – and those with private insurance see a difference of some 80%! You really can’t argue with numbers like that, can you? This approach to medicine clear does benefit patients.

Posted by: Greg at 06:26 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 346 words, total size 2 kb.

Sponsored Post

OK, you guys know I am a history geek, given that I teach the subject for a living. Even so, I don't claim to know everything, and am always learning something new. That is especially true about the Caribbean region, which is often overlooked by most folks in their study of history.

Now we all know that the Caribbean was an area in which much piracy took place, but did you know that it was also a vital naval front during both the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars (including , for we Americans, the War of 1812)? The British and the French fought any number of naval battles in the region, and many of the islands changed hands repeatedly.

This helps explain the varied culture of the region, with its Spanish, French, Dutch, and British influences combined with both native and African cultures as well. And while most of the people of the region are Christian, there is also an interesting mix of religions that includes not only Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism, but also various Afro-Caribbean Creolized religions, including Rastafarianism.

Yes, the Caribbean is a very interesting place to study -- and to travel.

Posted by: Greg at 02:00 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 199 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

One interesting field of blogging is that has emerged is the law-related blog (or blawgs, as they are often called). They deal with a variety of legal issues, from constitutional law to legal education to answers to legal frequently asked questions.

In the latter category is Criminal Attorneys in Los Angeles: Frequently Asked Questions - Law Blog operated by the lawyers at the firm of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin. They take on common legal questions and offer general principles that the layman should follow when confronted with situations implicating criminal law. Among recent questions are the following:

Should I just go to court and plead guilty, with the help of the public defender, or just by representing myself?

If I am accused of stealing from the company I worked for, can I go to jail?

I have been falsely accused of a crime. Does that mean no charges will be filed, and I should speak to the police without an attorney? I have nothing to hide.

Can the police search you or your property without a search warrant? What happens if the search is illegal?

Needless to say, there is some good information available to the public at this site, and I'd encourage anyone interested in such legal issues to take a look. And if you need legal representation in Southern Califorina, the attorneys of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin are former LA prosecutors with over 50 years of courtroom experience between them.

Posted by: Greg at 01:43 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
Post contains 246 words, total size 2 kb.

Sponsored Post

I hope you never need a lawyer for any sort of criminal case. That means trouble, even if you are completely innocent of the offense with which you are charged. The US Constitution guarantees you the right to an attorney in such a situation, and you want to get the best one available when you exercise that right. And that is true of any sort of criminal case, including DUI cases.

If you are in Los Angeles, one of the best firms available is the firm of Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, which has been in business for over half a century. Recognized as among the preeminent lawyers in their field (rated a Top 5% U.S. Law Firm - Criminal & DUI Attorneys), they are available to you 24/7 if you find yourself in need of counsel.

Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin -- when you need legal representation in Los Angeles.

Posted by: Greg at 11:16 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 158 words, total size 1 kb.

You know, San Antonio is simply my wife's favorite place to go here in Texas. Really, it is. My first year down here we went for a trip over there when I was sent to attend a professional conference, and she just sort of tagged along with me. We had a cool hotel, right on the RiverWalk, and could even see the Alamo from our window. Really, we found San Antonio to be a neat city to visit, and so have been back several times. And while the city is within driving distance for us, there are plenty of Cheap Airlines to get you there.

But if you are going to go to San Antonio, you need to be aware of some things about San Antonio Hotels. Where you stay is really dependent upon where you want to go. After all, if you want to spend your time on the RiverWalk, browsing the neat shops and visiting the Alamo, then you do need to be right downtown. On the other hand, if you are looking to visit SeaWorld or Six Flags, then you might want to locate yourself outside of the heart of the city, for reasons of traffic and time. And, of course, there are dozens of historic sites related to the missions and the Spanish heritage of the city that you might choose to visit as well. Frankly, San Antonio is a cool place to visit.

Posted by: Greg at 06:38 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 242 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

You know, I've got lots of questions about Lap Band Surgery . I know that one of my colleagues underwent the procedure last year, and she certainly had great results, as shown by her dramatic weight loss and success in keeping the weight off. I've never really known, though, how it works and what the cost of the procedure is.

That is why part of why I find the concept behind MyLapBandSurgery.com to be interesting. This website, which has helped thousand of happy patients receive life-saving and lifestyle altering gastric bypass surgery to facilitate weight loss. Indeed, it is a real God-send for folks who don't have the sort of insurance coverage to get the surgery done under their health plan -- and I know that I don't now that my school district has changed providers.

Part of the secret to their low prices is to have the lap band surgery performed in Mexico. No, I'm not kidding -- -- you travel to Mexico and have the surgery done there at a fraction of the cost here in the US. This seriously reduces the cost of the procedure, and puts it within reach of many more patients seeking to lose that excess weight. Of course, many of you reading this might have some serious doubts about traveling to Mexico to get surgery done at an inexpensive price. But that does not mean that you are putting yourself at risk. MyLapBandSurgery.com is affiliated with a reputable hospital and works with licensed, certified physicians to see to it that every surgery is successful and has no problems. Indeed, the team has performed over 48,000 lapband and other gastric bypass surgeries with a success rate of over 98%.

How does it work? You fly into Mexico and are taken to the hospital for your surgery, You spend one night as an in-patient in a private room, and a second night in a local hotel before returning to you home. The staff with whom you work all speak English. All materials and procedures meet American standards for care. It is just that everything is so much less expensive in Mexico that you will save thousands of dollars, even with the travel.

So contact MyLapBandSurgery.com for more information, and look at their resource guide to what you can expect. Or call them at 1.866.309.0036 and talk to their staff about how you can have your lap band surgery performed safely and inexpensively in Mexico.

Posted by: Greg at 02:00 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 416 words, total size 3 kb.

Sponsored Post

I've mentioned the PAYjr Visa Buxx Card in the past, but it hasn't been open to the public. Well guess what? Today is the grand opening. Now you can put your child's allowance on a debit card, even doling it out based upon the completion of required tasks.

There is even a contest on their site -- just upload your design for your child's PAYjr Visa Buxx Card and you could win an Apple MacBook -- and earn royalties as other people choose to use your design.

Posted by: Greg at 06:19 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 95 words, total size 1 kb.

If you have ever slept on a water bed, you know what a wonderful night's sleep they can bring. Indeed, if they were more practical I believe they would have replaced the inner spring mattress years ago. I know that whenever I have slept in one, I have found relief from my back and neck pain.

But what if I told you that you can get many of the same benefits from a pillow? Yeah, you read that right -- a pillow that provides the comfort and support needed to relieve some of that back and neck pain. It is the mediflow pillow. Used for years in hospitals, it is now available to you for home use.

How does it work? Simply put, the Mediflow waterbase pillow has a pouch beneath a standard polyester filling. You then add water to your own comfort level, to provide a more comfortable, supportive sleeping surface beneath your head and neck.

Now you may wonder if this is a gimmick. I assure you it isn't. These pillows have actually been studied and shown to provide real benefits for improving sleep and relieving chronic neck pain. Given my wife's issues with chronic neck and back pain, I'm going to have to put a copy of the study in her hands. I suspect that means we will have be headed out to JC Penney or Target to get her one to help her improve her sleep.

Posted by: Greg at 01:03 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 243 words, total size 2 kb.

Sponsored Post

Like I've said in the past, seeking out credit and loans are a part of our society. There are simply some purchases that your average person can't make, like a car or a house. In those situations, are usually the only option out there, with the lender having a lien on your house or car. That seems to be a fair trade -- after all, they are, in a sense, the real owner of at least some portion of the property until you have fulfilled your end of the bargain, right?

Secured loans, though, are not the only sort of personal loans you might need. Many loans are unsecured -- especially as we look at credit card debt, which has run rampant in modern society as folks are extended credit well beyond their means to ever pay back. These folks often then find themselves taking out a debt consolidation loan in the hopes of lowering payments and interest rates, as well as extending the time one has to pay off the debt. This can be a great move -- provided one has the self-discipline to not run up additional debt while clearing up the old mess.

Other loans are personal secured loans, like car loans and mortgages. The item for which the loan is taken out is the security for the value of the loan, and can be taken in the event that the payments are not made.

My advice? Borrow only when you have to, and only to the degree that you can afford to pay back. Otherwise you face bankruptcy -- with all the credit and personal implications that implies.

Posted by: Greg at 07:29 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 275 words, total size 2 kb.

Sponsored Post

Do you want to spice up your home decorating with original artwork, not the same old prints from the big box store or the starving artist knock-offs that everybody has seen a dozen times? Do you want to turn your photos into real works of art If you do, PhotoFiddle.com is the site for you to visit. You can arrange to have your photo printed on canvas or print-quality paper -- and you can even have it done in over 50 different artistic styles. Personally, I'm fond of this Warhol effect.

Posted by: Greg at 06:10 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 94 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

Have you been looking for love in all the wrong places? You know, those same old dating sites full of skinny blonde girls who look like they would break in half if you gave them one good squeeze. If that's the case, then you might want to consider this bbw dating site where you will find a plethora of Rubenesque beauties and other real women who (like most women) don't fit into the Paris Hilton/Nicole Ritchie mold. So if you are looking for a href="http://www.bbwromance.com">bbw personals to try to find the perfect woman for you, then BBWRomance is the place for you. Oh, and ladies -- there are men there looking for you, too.

Posted by: Greg at 06:49 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 118 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

I'm a fair pool player when I get the chance to play. Unfortunately, that isn't nearly as often as I would like. For that to happen, I'd have to have a pool table in my house, so that I could play on a daily basis. But where can I find quality pool tables at reasonable prices? At BostonTables.com!

Why play pool? Because it is a game or sport (depending on how you look at it) that allows for more than competition. it allows for conversation. Too often, our activities today don't. Watching television? Folks complain when you talk? Video games? Those require complete attention. But pool? You can have a lively conversation while still participating in the game. Think about it -- you'll have something to do with your family that actually allows you to engage with them. And that may be the best thing about pool -- it is a game made for friends and family.

Posted by: Greg at 06:12 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 161 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

Now this strikes me as an interesting way of dealing with financial problems -- selling your house and then renting it back. That is the premise behind this company -- they buy and rent back houses and other real property to so that the owners can deal with serious financial needs.

Here's how it works. They buy the home from you for about 80-85% of market value, in exchange for agreeing to allow you to rent it back. Now they can't guarantee that you can rent the house forever (economic realities do intrude), but it seems pretty clear that there is the option of renting for an extended period of time. With this sell house rent back program you get the cash, you take care of the financial issue, and you keep on renting -- and there is even a buy back option if you choose.

Is this a deal for everyone? No -- but if you have financial issues and cannot refinance, it might be the most attractive option available to you.

Posted by: Greg at 06:52 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 179 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

My first year of teaching, I was put on a planning committee and got tasked with getting some banners printed for a school event. I hated it -- after all, where do you go to get good quality at reasonable prices?

I wish I had known about BigPosters.com, because they make good quality banners at reasonable prices (some of these cost less than what we paid over a decade ago). And not only do they do the printing, but they also have an array of related products to help you display the banners to your best advantage, like this banner stand. So if you need banners, think BigPosters.com!

Posted by: Greg at 03:15 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 112 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

Ever since my wife got her ears pierced this past December, I have been on the lookout for nice earrings for her. You know, something that she can wear when we dress up and go out. Indeed, she has even suggested that for the next big event to "surprise me with diamond stud earrings!"

Whiteflash.com has some truly beautiful earrings available at reasonable prices, along with lots of other diamond jewelry that the woman in your life would just love. They have everything from diamond studs to diamond necklaces to the all-important diamond engagement ring. So if you are in the market for anniverysary rings that rekindle or other diamond jewelry for her, consider WhiteFlash.com

Posted by: Greg at 06:29 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 118 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

One of the things I like about some credit cards is that they watch for fraud on your account. They flag unusual transactions or patterns and then contact you to see if there is a potential problem -- something that is even more helpful than checking your free credit report.

Consider my experience a it less than two years ago. Hurricane Rita was bearing down on the Houston area. Since I live just blocks from the bay, boarding up my house was a necessity (though in hindsight, given the predictions of a 25 ft storm surge and my home's elevation of 8 feet above sea level, maybe it wasn't all that necessary). I dutifully went out to Home Depot to get supplies, including a plywood and some new power tools that would be up to the job. Indeed, I ended up making about three trips, given that first my power saw and then my drill broke doing the job. Total expenses? Around $300 on one of my 0% credit cards. And before I pulled out of the parking lot after that third Home Depot run, my credit card company called -- was I aware of the unusual activity on my account, which usually got no more then $50 in gas charges a month. It made me feel good to know that my account really was being monitored.

Posted by: Greg at 02:00 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 231 words, total size 2 kb.

Sponsored Post

As you know, my wife and I are owned by a somewhat neurotic, highly affectionate mixed-breed dog who thinks that she is a person. We love her and feel we did a good job training her as a puppy, but recognize that we made a few mistakes in training her early on that we were never were able to correct her and were largely responsible for her separation anxiety. But unlike kids, puppies do come with instruction manuals, and you can find this puppy training online. After all, that adorable ball of fur is going to be a part of your life for years to come -- start her off right so that she is always a valued and valuable member of the family.

Posted by: Greg at 09:16 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 129 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

My wife and I have had the same furniture since for over a decade. I mean just about all of it -- dining room, living room, bedroom. It is getting a little worse for wear in some cases, though we have done our best to keep up with it. Still, we talk sometimes about what we would like our next house full of furniture to look like – and more than once I have taken the time to browse around an online furniture store just to get some ideas of what we might do when we do finally find ourselves ready to buy new furniture.

I mean, let's consider the living room furniture for a moment. We definitely need a new sofa -- and my wife would really like for us to go with a sectional sofa this time around, preferably one with a chaise. We are unlikely to go for a leather sofa, though, both due to aesthetics and the fact that we have an indoor dog that could damage the leather with her claws

And what about the bedroom furniture? Well, she might not want the sleigh bed any more because of some of the practical issues one would present in our home due to her mobility issues. Personally I'd like to get us a couple of twin or full beds so that my tossing and turning does not disrupt her sleep by setting off her ache and pains but still allows us to share the same bedroom.

There is definitely one non-negotiable aspect of our home office furniture. One piece has to stay -- Dad's old marble-top roll-top desk that he and mom bought in Asia 20 years ago. However, a new computer desk that harmonizes with that family piece, and some comfortable desk chairs would certainly be appreciated by both my darling wife and I.

Of course, I am talking about a pipe dream right now -- but someday, maybe sooner than I expect, we will make the change.

Posted by: Greg at 06:43 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 338 words, total size 2 kb.

Sponsored Post

We all know people who like to get stuff for free -- and maybe you are one of those folks. Well, you can get lots of Free Samples and SavingsFree Samples and Savings over at MySavings.com. And the site really does offer an interesting variety of free samples and savings for you if you take a few minutes and browse through what is there.

But the really interesting thing about MySavings.com is that they have tried to make it into a community, not just a website with Free Samples and Savings. They have also established an online community and forum with prizes for folks who post about free offers. In addition, there is a regularly updated entertainment blog. more...

Posted by: Greg at 06:16 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 517 words, total size 3 kb.

Sponsored Post

Frankly, I don't know how anyone can get by today without having credit cards packed away in their purse or wallet. Used responsibly, such little conveniences can be a life-saver in emergency situations. But how do you sort through the many credit cards out there? What you need is a site that lets you compare credit cards.

You often have a chance to transfer balances from one card to another. This can save you a wad of cash. If you have typical card with a 15% interest rate, it is possible to find opportunities to transfer the balance from that card to one of the many low-rate balance transfer credit cards that are available for a year or longer! Or maybe you can get an offer of a interest free credit cards which will allow you to make some of those purchases with no interest for an extended period of time. Either way, you save if you act responsibly with your credit.

Of course, you do need to behave responsibly with that credit. Never take out more than you can afford to pay back, or else you find yourself in a real jam.

Posted by: Greg at 06:40 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 198 words, total size 1 kb.

Sponsored Post

I've mentioned before that I live within four blocks of Galveston Bay in the Clear Lake area of the Houston metropolitan area. As such, I have lots of opportunities for using a boat, but unfortunately don't have the means to buy one.

Well, maybe I do, if I go for an inflatable boat. Such a watercraft might not be ideal for going too far out into the Bay itself, but most of the local bayous and lakes (even Clear Lake itself) would be navigable for purposes of fishing, which is what I'd be interested in doing. I like the idea of an inflatable pontoon boat for getting up close to shore or maneuvering into some of the close quarters out there, like around some of the structural supports in Taylor Lake. I suppose I could also try a zodiac inflatable boat, but I don't know that it would be as good for my purposes. On the other hand, a 2 person inflatable kayak is definitely not what I want or need -- aside from being impractical for a fishing trip, I am just too out of shape to paddle myself around these big bodies of water -- though I wish I had taken up that sport 20 years ago so that i would be in better shape.

One nice thing about inflatable boats -- they are easy to transport and much easier to afford than most other boats you would consider. Like I said, that means I might just be able to afford one some day.

Posted by: Greg at 03:28 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 260 words, total size 2 kb.