co-ops, co-ops everywhere!

I love the idea of co-ops. In an ideal world, I'd like to live in a co-op. I like to shop in co-ops. We had one of the best co-op stores in Bloomington...and I always loved shopping there. I even like banking co-op style...using credit unions over regular ol' banks. I just think the whole idea of co-ops are fascinating.

I was reading recently about a college that works as a co-op. At first, my initial thought was...umm, what does that mean? I didn't see how being a co-op could lead itself to a college setting. So, I clicked on the link and started reading. The school is Kettering University in Flint, Michigan (you know the place where Michael Moore's movie Roger and Me was based upon).



So, what does it mean? Well, Kettering has engineering co-op programs. They place students starting in their freshman year with different companies and rotate them in order to get training and on the job experience. I think a program like that is fan-freakin-tastic! You not only get the education in the classroom, but you get practical experience in your field from your freshman year on. There are so many benefits to that. One, you get to truly know if the field is for you...and know pretty early on. A lot of school require an internship in your senior year, but what if you do your internship...months away from graduation...only to realize that it isn't the right field for you. Two, you get to apply all the stuff you are learning in a practical setting from day one. And three, you get on the job experience...which we know is so beneficial in getting a job after graduation. I imagine a lot of these companies end up hiring someone who has worked for them in their "co-op" experience. I know that the job I am currently in...started as an internship and now I am a full time, paid employee. I imagine that happens all the time there.

When I was getting my degree in social work, if there was a school who had this co-op philosophy, let me tell you, I would have signed up in 2 seconds flat. The ability to get practical experience and on the job training as part of my degree...I would consider that invaluable.

So, check them out...Kettering University...a co-op institution. Who knows, maybe it'll be the wave of the future.

Oyster Joke...and some seriousness too!

People at my office love cheesy jokes...we seem to not be able to get enough of them. One of my co-workers...just told me this joke the other day...get ready...cause it's so corny and cheesy...it's so pathetic, I think that is what makes it funny:

A female oyster walks into a bar and sees a cute, male oyster eyeing her up and down. She walks over and says, "Is that a pearl in your shell or are you just happy to see me?"

Yep...that's the kind of jokes we like people. We're sad. We're pathetic. Welcome to our world.

And now...since I am a vegetarian and all...I'd thought I share some of the dangers of eating raw oysters. I know the reputation...and "why" people eat them. I don't eat oysters anyways...being veggie and all, but for certain people who have high-risk conditions, it can be really risky. Gulf oysters which are eaten raw can be dangerous for people with diabetes, liver disease, cancer, stomach problems, etc. I was surprised to hear about the diabetes. I have diabetics all throughout my family. My mom was a diabetic, my dad is a diabetic, my aunt is a diabetic. I guess it can lead to infections and serious illness from a bacteria that is in the oysters. They say the bacteria is killed when it is cooked, but if you eat it raw...not so much.

So, I know raw oysters are supposed to help people get into the MOOD and all...but think about it next time and order something else off the menu!

Weight Loss sometimes equals hair loss...

As it is obvious by more than half of my posts here, I've been working a weight loss program for about 6 months. Well, 6 months this time, but weight management is something that has been a goal of mine since...well...since forever.

This is the most successful I have ever been...evidenced by losing 77 pounds to date. Let me tell you, there are some negative side effects to losing weight. One, you have to spend money on clothes since many of your favorite outfits can no longer be favorites because they don't fit. Two, you end up spending more money on food at times because the quality of the food you put into your body becomes more important than the price tag. Another negative is that since I have lost tons of weight, my hair has actually thinned some. The research tends to say that this happens at about the 40 lbs. lost mark. I guess your body realizes that it is losing a good chunk of it's mass, so it concerns itself less with maintaining non-essential things like hair. Luckily, I have a lot of hair and it is thick...so the thinning isn't very noticeable. It's noticeable to me...but it's not some of the horror stories I have read on the internet. I have read about people having bald spots while losing weight, etc. Mine is just a thinner ponytail. And, the good news is that once you stop losing weight...the original thickness of your hair comes back...not overnight, but it does come back.

Anyways, I was lucky enough to get a free sample of this shampoo and conditioner from Naked Naturals and got the chance to try it out. Here is the kind they sent me...



Now, I am usually very picky about shampoo and conditioner that I will use. One of the main reasons is for moral reasons. I won't use any shampoo or conditioner that is tested on animals or made with any animal products. Being the vegetarian that I am, that's probably not much of a shock. Now what is often surprising is how many types of hair care products I cannot use. I can't just buy a new type of product, I have to research it. The first thing I did when I got this sample is head to naked naturals website and check it out. I am happy to report that it contains no animal products and it is not tested on animals.

Secondly, I like products that don't just make my hair smell pretty, but also does something for it. Now, this product does smell great...the lavender scent is wonderful. I have it in my hair right now...and it smells amazing. What I love even more than it smelling like a bouquet of flowers is that it is helping my hair stay strong and healthy...especially given the hit it has taken due to the weight loss. The website advertises that is has 7X the protein of normal products. That is a huge benefit...because it is strengthening my hair each and every time I use it. I have only used it a couple of times, so I haven't noticed a huge difference...but I did see less hair around the drain the last time I took a nice, hot shower. I LOVED LOVED LOVED the free sample and I am definitely going to buy the product. They have some other amazing scents too...I saw a citrus one that looks scrumdiddlyumptious.

If you ever see some of this stuff at the store or at your salon, pick some up. I swear, you won't be disappointed. It's good for your hair. It's good for the environment...and it's good for those cute little animals.

Revenge sometimes is sweet!

I sometimes love Tim Burton movies...and sometimes I think he's just a tad too crazy. I love love love Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands. I thought Big Fish was really interesting...and thought Corpse Bride was pretty great too. Now, I will admit...I loathed Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I thought it was just too Tim Burtonish if that makes any sense.

Tim has a new movie coming out. I am actually really excited by it. It's another remake, but I think it could be amazing. Of course, it is starring Johnny Depp since Burton seems to have man crush on the guy...and puts him in everything he does. What movie is it? Sweeney Todd. I spent some time on the website and it looks really great. Don't believe me? Well...spend some time and
visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site or visit Sweeney Todd on MySpace.

Now...one of the main themes of Sweeney Todd is venting and getting revenge. If you know the story of Sweeney Todd...you know the sick and twisted way that Sweeney gets his revenge. Now...have you ever been the meaner side of yourself? Have you ever gotten revenge on someone? I would like to be the bigger person and say that I have not, but it would be a lie.

Wanna hear a story of when I got revenge on someone? Of course you do. Here goes:

Okay, I was in college....and this girl and I just didn't get along. She was mean and bitchy and she often was mean to other people, including myself. She just thought she was the best thing ever. I had a job on campus as a computer lab monitor. One of our jobs is to troubleshoot for students and help if we can. Bitchy girl comes into the lab and sits down. I saw her and grumbled under my breath what a evil thing she was. I saw her log on, put a disk in and it looked like she was getting ready to print something. It was finals time...so it was probably a paper. So, I logged onto the printer cues...and low and behold, she was sending something to the printer. I then became evil Shelley. I logged onto the cues and deleted her print job. So, bitchy girl walks over to the printer...and nothing comes out. She goes back and prints it again. I delete it again. She then looks at the computer lab desk...hoping to get some help. She sees me...knows we don't get along and decides to go into the other computer room in hopes that her paper will print on that printer. So, I watched the printer cues like a hawk...and when her job popped up, I deleted it. I could hear her starting to panic in the other room. I am sure her paper was due any minute. She finally came in and sheeply told me that her paper would not print and asked for my help. I spent like 5 minutes fiddling around on my computer looking like I was doing something important. Then, I got up and went over...pulled up her paper, pressed print...and went and got it off the printer. I handed it to her. She thanked me over and over again for saving her. So, not only did I mess with the girl for close to a half an hour, but well...I made her thank me after it was all done.

Yes, I know...be afraid, be very afraid. Or at least learn the lesson not to get on my bad side, eh? Now isn't confessing your sins kind of fun? I liked it. If you wanna tell your own story of being mean and getting revenge, you can do it on one of the Sweeney Todd websites. I don't think anyone should get revenge like Sweeney Todd did, but messing with a mean college girl for a while...that is just fun!

I hate dentists even if they make my smile pretty!

I was talking with a co-worker today about how much I hate...no wait, how afraid I am of dentists. I have been afraid of dentists since I was a little girl. I got a cavity in 3rd grade...and when I got it filled, it hurt like heck. So, I have stayed away from dentists for the past few years until I actually grew up...and got in there and got some work done.

Because of my bad behavior when it comes to going to the dentist as scheduled...I have had problems and sensitive teeth. For a while, my teeth were really sensitive to cold and hot. If I drank an iced tea...I would be in quite a bit of pain. It was not a happy picture. I didn't have dental insurance...so I sucked it up, dealt with it and swore off cold drinks and ice cream for a while. I should have bought some of that sensitive toothpaste, but I didn't even think about it.

Actually, my teeth have been more sensitive to cold lately than they have in a while. I recently got a root canal re-done with my dentist and a crown put on the tooth. It looks nice and healthy, but when I drink my cold water and those icy protein shakes of mine...my teeth sometimes revolt. Ouch.

I had some sensitive toothpaste...and gave it a shot. I figured, it can't hurt right? I used some Biotene sensitive toothpaste and it did help. I have only been using it for a few days, so I wasn't sure if it was making a difference until I drank my icy protein shake this evening. I slurped it down and realized that my teeth weren't screaming at me. Whoo hoo! Biotene...or at least the package...says that it helps with immediate pain, but also works to solve the problem. It says it also reduces saliva...and with less saliva, it can reduce mouth pain. Who knew? I didn't. So far, so good. I am liking this sensitive toothpaste and will continue to use it in the future...whenever I have to visit that evil dentist of mine. (which I don't have to do again until February...phew!)

Freez It is just too cool for words....

I wrote about Freeze It Gel a while ago. I got a free sample...and after checking it out, I posted that I thought it was fan freakin' tastic. I used it on a crick in my neck and it really worked.

I wish my mom had gotten a hold of this stuff because I think it would have worked wonders. She suffered from diabetes for 15 years or so...maybe longer. She had a lot of health related problems because of the diabetes. She had bad circulation and therefore had a lot of infections and surgeries on her toes.

One of the last symptoms she got was the pain in her legs. She had bad circulation and myopathy in her legs. She said they hurt all the time and if she put much on them, it would often get infected. She would wear leggings because they said it should help, but it didn't really do the trick. I can't imagine a constant lagging pain in my legs. Ouch. I think this stuff would have done the trick...no doubt. One, it isn't greasy and it isn't lotiony. The lotions often bothered her skin. And, the pain relief is intense and starts almost immediately.

Here is one of my fav pics of me and Mom.....it was from the diabetes walk in 2006. We both hated having our picture taken, so finding a good one of both of us...is like striking gold.



Let me tell you, I wish I could buy stock in the Freez It stuff. You can use it for back pain, sore muscles, knee pain, arthritis, etc. You know what, I have a muscle aching at me in my lower calf right now...I am going to go lather it up with some Freez It. I got 3 or 4 packets in the mail when I tried it out...and I still have some in the medicine cabinet. Freez It here I come!

Here is an ad for the stuff...check it out and all its coolness yourself:

Mmm....peanut butter frosting!

I signed up to bring a bunch of things to church dinner next month...they need fixin's for a ham dinner and also a bunch of pies and cakes. My mom used to make those things all the time. She was great at them. I can make a cake, but don't have the flare that my mom did. One of the many things she taught me to make was a scrummdiddlyumptious peanut butter frosting to put on top of a cake. I always find it surprising that you can't buy peanut butter frosting in the store. I wonder why that is...you can buy almost any other type of frosting. Hmm...anyone have an answer for that? I am learning how to make lots of different things that my mom used to make and peanut butter frosting is just one of them.

Oh well, doesn't matter because I can make a killer, sweet, fluffy peanut butter frosting because well, my mommy taught me. And it's easy too! So easy, that I know you can make it too.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons milk, or as needed
2 cups confectioners' sugar

Items You Will Need:
Measuring Cups,
Hamilton Beach® Mixer


Directions:

Place the butter and peanut butter into a medium bowl, and beat with an electric mixer. Add the milk and mix again. Now add the sugar in slowly and continue to beat it with a hand mixer until all of the sugar is mixed in and the frosting is thick and spreadable. Beat for at least 3 minutes for it to get good and fluffy.

My mom bought me a hand mixer years ago and I never used it. Something like an Eclectrics® Mixer. They are so nice because it doesn't make a huge mess and you have a lot more control. My mom had a huge mixer contraption, but I like the hand held ones better. Plus, with a Hamilton Beach® Mixer, you don't have to find all this space on your kitchen counter. I can remember my mom lugging her mixer in and out of the kitchen when she went to make something, but not with this. I am so glad I have one...and plan on using it this winter to make mom's famous fudge too.

It's so simple...and some of the best frosting I have ever had. I made it last year and put it on top of a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. It's the first cake I made by myself since my mom died....and let me tell you, it was a huge success. My mom would have been proud.

thank god I have a dentist now...

I went to the dentist a couple of weeks ago. I hate the dentist, well...I take that back. I am afraid of all dentists, even though my dentist is amazing. I was at the dentist finishing off the last round of re-doing a root canal that my last dentist didn't do too well.

You know, I have had years where I didn't go to the dentist because I was terrified of them and stayed away. And there are also years I did not go to the dentist when I wanted to, but I didn't have dental insurance. The one main job I had in Indiana was a great job, but I worked for a small, non-profit organization, so they could not provide health or dental insurance for their employees.

The tooth that got fixed the other week, when it started to go bad...I didn't have health insurance. Even with health insurance, I had to pay in the hundreds of dollars in order to get it fixed. I can't imagine how much it would have cost me if I didn't have any coverage. When I first got back to NY is when the tooth first started acting up...it was hurting and a filling fell out, so there was a hole there. I wasn't able to get to a dentist right away...because well, to be honest, I could not afford it. So, I went to the store and bought some Dentemp OS. Dentemp is that stuff that you put in your mouth for temporary dental repair. Let me tell you, the stuff is wonderful. I used it for longer than you are supposed to. I had to survive for a few months until I had a job with dental insurance and could get it taken care of, but I digress. The stuff is amazing. It fills the filling...and it isn't messy at all. Plus, it has some pain medicine in it, so it fills the filling area and also adds some pain relief. I have bought more of those little tubs than I want to admit. So, I will say...if you ever have a dental issue and can't get to your dentist right away...buy this stuff. I swear, it's like gold to us, you know the people who used to be poor and not have health insurance.

Stephen King is movie GOLD!

I absolutely love Stephen King....I think his books and the movie adaptations are amazing. He just has a way with words...and can think of some amazing twists to stories. Both of my parents grew up in Maine, so we also have some loyalty to King...who is a Maine native. Plus, he's a rabid Red Sox fan. How could I not like him?

My dad had all the Stephen King novels in the house...so, I think I have read all of the classics. I haven't kept up on the new novels, but the oldie, but goodies have all been read. Yes, I have read each and every page of The Stand!

So, what is my favorite Stephen King movie? Well...my favorite overall is an easy one to pick, it is the Shawshank Redemption. Tim Robbins...genius. Morgan Freeman...amazing. I just love that movie. It is on TV all the time and whenever I come across it, I have to stay and watch it to the end. Can you believe that movie is based on a short story? I read the story when I was in high school and thought it was great. Of course, King's short stories are always a little longer than the standard short story, but then again...he has always been a wordy fella.

Now, which movie is my favorite Stephen King thriller?? Is it Misery? Pet Sematary? Carrie? Christine? Well...those are all good choices, but not my choice. My favorite scary movie by King is 'It.' That movie absolutely terrifies me. One, I am incredibly afraid of clowns (I happen to believe I might be afraid of clowns because of the movie...). The movie just chills you to the core...and scares you on every single level. And, I have to ask...have you read the book? Because if you think the movie is scary, you should read the book. It makes the movie look like a walk in the park. I couldn't believe how afraid I was when reading the book. I worked at a video store for 2 years...and whenever someone asked me what the scariest movie in the store was my answer was always...always...It!

And while I am on having this complete lovefest, I should mention there is a new movie coming out based on one of his novels. The Mist by Stephen King is coming out on November 21, 2007...just in time to go with the family for Thanksgiving. Hey, if your family isn't scary enough, take them to see a King flik! The movie is about a freak storm in Maine which causes this mist to take over the town. Of course, these creepy and horrible creatures live within the mist...and the town residents have to battle the evil in order to survive. It definitely looks interesting...and I am willing to see anything that is attached to King's name. Check out the site and the trailer. Oh, and leave me a comment about which Stephen King movie or novel is your favorite!

And as always...have fun at the movies!

Gifts that make a difference!

I am just beginning to do all of my Christmas shopping. I usually always wait until the very last minute, but this year I am trying to be better. I do a lot of my shopping online because it is just simpler than going from store to store...in hopes of finding what you are looking for.

I was talking with my dad last weekend and we were talking about the possible recession and the price of gas, etc...and how it might all effect holiday gift shopping. He said he watched a news story and they said people would probably buy just as much, but where they will penny pinch is with charitable giving. That is such a shame to me.

Well, there is a solution. You can shop for gifts at charitable sites. That way, you are getting a nice gift and also helping a great cause. A great example is the Alzheimer's Foundation of America eStore.



You can buy some really nice, beautiful jewelry while giving money to a great cause. I can remember doing that when I was in college. I bought my mom a bracelet that also donated money to an AIDS organization. I loved the bracelet, but I also loved that my gift was more than just jewelry.

There are so many worthy organizations to give to this holiday season and Alzheimer's is definitely one of them. I can't imagine suffering with this disease...and not remembering important things or people in my life. It is also heart breaking for the families of those afflicted as well. I can't imagine. You know, research and finding a cure for the disease is important, no doubt. However, what is also important is helping people who currently have the disease with treatment and care. I have a friend who used to work in a nursing home and she would often tell stories of Alzheimer's patients which were in her care.

So, if you like the jewelry and feel inclined, buy one or two or a dozen for a good cause. Remember, all the proceeds go to support the Alzheimer's Foundation! Make your Christmas gifts have an impact beyond the 20 minutes it takes to open them all up!! Hugs!!!

Making alternative energy research a competition!!

I just think this is the coolest thing ever. BP is sponsoring something called a BP Solar Decathlon. BP is partnering with the US Department of Energy to sponsor a contest where 20 university teams from across the country compete to design and build completely usable homes that function solely on solar power. The competition takes place every two years and the next competition is coming right up the week of October 11-19. There is a weeklong competition that each team participates in held in Washington, DC.

I know that BP is an energy company and that they make their money selling oil, but I think it is awesome that they are sponsoring something so environmentally friendly. They are encouraging Universities and the next generation of bright thinkers to be thinking about alternative energies. I can't wait for a day when all homes are powered by renewable energy. It seems like something so far away, but it is well within my lifetime, if the research is supported and funded.

Check out their site throughout the week because there are having each team blog about their successes and challenges throughout the week of competition.

Oh yeah...and if you get the opportunity, choose to go GREEN!

I *heart* NY!

I miss the Big Apple...seriously, I do. When I was in high school and even a little when I was in college, I used to go to NYC quite a bit. I would go down to the city and see a broadway show or maybe go and do some Christmas shopping. I won a trip to NYC my freshman year in college. I got to stay in a nice hotel and see all the site, including a Broadway show. It was such a great trip. I can't believe I haven't been to NYC since 9/11. I don't think my roommate has ever been to NYC, which of course is a shame.

The next time I go to the city, I might want to take one of those bus tours. They pick you up, bring you down, give you lots of info of places to go, etc. I think the transportation is one of the real highlights. I could take the train, but if a bus will bring me...all the better. I would never and I mean NEVER take my own car into the city. I can barely find a parking place here when I am downtown...so, I am not going to even try to find parking in NYC. New York Tours seems like a great way to see the city again.

If you have been to NYC, where would you tell people that they have to see??? For me, it would be some of the museums, of course the Broadway Shows and Lennon's Park in Central Park. I have heard there are Sex and The City tours and I think those would be fun too...if they aren't just chuck full of cheese.

I gotta start planning a trip to NYC....not that I have the $$$ right now with the trips to see Kevin Smith and the John Mellencamp concert, but a girl can dream right!!

What's the most # of points MJ got in a single game???

I am a sports fan...not nearly the sports fan that I used to be, but still...I love a great game. When I was in high school and college, I live and breathed by NBA basketball season. I can remember not going to events at a conference I was going to because the NBA finals were on. Oh...and if you came in and watched with me, I would not accept you rooting for the other team or breathing for the matter. lol

And, I consider myself an average Boston Red Sox fan. I am not completely crazy, but I am enough of a fan to hate the Yankees! And what I love just as much as sports, if not more is trivia. I am a complete trivia nut. I love learning little facts or tidbits of knowledge. So, do you love sports trivia? Are you a sports junkie? Do you know how many years Boston went without a title? Do you know how many titles Andre Agassi won? Hey...if I keep reading this useless, but entertaining sports info...I might be able to rock one of those trivia nights!

P.S. The answer to the question in the title is 69 points and it was against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1990...just in case you were curious!

finances and homes

Hmm, with the reduction in interest rates, I wonder how it is going to effect the housing market. Maybe loans won't be so hard to come by, etc. I feel so conflicted about loans these days. I think they should be available for people because owning a home is so important, but I also think that banks should not put people in houses with loans that they cannot afford. That is why there are so many people going into foreclosure, etc. I have been reading the paper around here and there are always foreclosure and tax auctions. Who knows, I might get a house someday out of one of those poor people's situations.

Of course, maybe I should start looking for a house in Florida. There is a site where people can find a Miami flat fee mls, I could probably find a cheap house there. The site also helps people save their houses. I would hate the idea of buying a house and then losing it. It would be so devastating. If I could, I would love to live in Florida. Actually, there are things I wouldn't like about it..you know, the constant heat and the sun. I am basically an albino so the sun and I don't get along.

Let me tell you, if I ever get a house...I am going to make sure I am never going to lose it.

Dude, I so got a Dell!!!

I posted a while ago about getting my new laptop...which is flippin' sweet man. I bought it from Dell. They have some great deals on laptops and desktops and LCD monitors, etc. I have consistently been impressed with their computers...what they offer and the price. I ended up with an Inspiron 1501 laptop. And you know what the coolest thing was for me, they would install Windows XP on it instead of Vista. I haven't heard good things about Vista, so I wanted an OP that I knew...and loved.

So, if you are looking for a new computer, check Dell out. I promise you won't be sorry!

what are you investing in?

I am constantly blogging about money on this site. I have made such attempts to learn everything I can about money management, savings, and investments. I have gotten books from the library, read stuff from the internet, etc. I don't want to make all those financial mistakes that I often see friends making.

One area I still really need to learn more about is investing and retirement. I know that money needs to be put away, but I don't know all the rules and the tips, etc. I also know that if you don't know what you are doing, it is much more likely for you to lose your shirt. Should I invest in real estate? Should I invest in technology? Should I invest in medicine? Should my portfolio be aggressive, conservative? At this point, I know what I hear other people saying, but I don't really know what the right answer is.

So, I have been reading more and more about investing. I got a book from the library and read about women and investing. I also read over MyWallSt.net. Heck, it's nice to have a place where people talk about stocks and what the options are...and that these people aren't making a commission based upon which choice I make. That makes it easier for me to trust the information I am getting.

I am slowly, but surely getting more investment savvy...so hopefully I won't be a homeless shlub when I retire. Wish me luck, so that I can retire and sit a top a mountain of money.

scholarships for school

You know, it wasn't a million years ago that I was in college, but sometimes it feels like it. One thing that I know is different now in terms of college is how financial aid and scholarships worked. I mean, we still have to fill out the FAFSA, but other than that, it's a whole new ball of wax.

I can remember searching for scholarships and grants for college when I was in high school. You went to the guidance office and got this packet full of local scholarships. You also went through the gigantic book which was published in 1983 of all of national scholarships out there. With the internet, scholarships are a completely different game. When I was college aged, you had to get one from the school you were going to, the one you were graduating from or be lucky and get one from the community. I can tell you...other than the money the school I was going to gave me, I wasn't very lucky..and all in all, I was a pretty bright kid.

CollegeNET has an interesting concept when it comes to giving away scholarships for school. It's called scholarship election and it works by having people sign up at their website and then they need to compete to win the scholarship. They have discussion forms on their site and if you like what the person has to say, you vote for them. In the end, the people with the top 4 votes get scholarships for school. They aren't huge scholarships, but they are decent. The top 4 win $5000, $3750, $2500 and $1250 respectively. It's not going to give you a free ride, but it'll definitely help to pay room and board.

So...check out their site. If you're college aged, sign up and try to win. And if you are not college aged, sign up for a voter account and help some kids pay for college.

if only politics were this easy....

I was watching Good Morning America last week before heading to work...as per usual. They were interviewing Fred Thompson because he has just decided to actually declare that he is running for President. Well, it's about time...not because I will vote for him, but because I am sick of him declaring that sometime in the near future he will declare that he is running for President. *rolls eyes*

Now, what would I like to see as the result of the 2008 Presidential election?

Does this give you a clue?



Go Hillary...and if not Hillary, Go Obama!


Isn't that cool. It's a morphed pic. I made it using Morpheus Photo-Morpher. It's a program where you put two pictures into the software and if it is edited correctly, it makes one image change to the other. WORD OF WARNING: If you download the software, there are 2 other software applications that attempt to download with it. One is a toolbar and I don't remember what the other one is. In the download process...it gives you an option to not download those programs, so if you don't want them...make sure to click no.

Morphed pics reminds me of the Michael Jackson video "Black or White." Just forget that MJ and Macaulay Culkin were in that video and that Mac was a little boy for a bit, mkay? I loved watching the people morph into one another in that video. I would watch it over and over again...seeing if I could see new and different things every time.

pimptastic!

You know, I have seen a lot of really nice blogs and a lot of really crappy blogs. I happen to think my blog is middle of the roads. I think I have done well in terms of adding things on sidebars, etc...however I still hate that my blog is one of the standard blogger templates. I just don't know enough yet about blog design to change it and I haven't been motivated to pay someone to make it look nice and pretty.

I did get a myspace page last year. I mainly got it to catch up with friends and what not. I didn't know anything about myspace when I first signed up, but I am slowly learning. I got a template and everything, but I haven't added songs or videos or anything like that. I want to figure out how to do it well before I get started. I have seen too many people make overloaded crappy myspace pages...chuck full of videos and junk that take a million years to load, etc.

One site I am going to check out is pagefetti.com. It's a website which has layouts, backgrounds, music generators, etc for a bunch of different blog types. It obviously looks like it works with myspace, but the site also says it works with different types of blogs, including blogger.

So, while I am too poor or unwilling to pay someone to "pimp my blog"...I might take a look at their site and see if I can change things up on the cheap. If you're like me and you want a pretty blog, but really have no idea about design...check em out!

adding traffic to your site!

I have been blogging since 2001 or 2002...I can remember when I started and didn't know what I was doing, at all. I learned some tricks of the trade while I was trucking along. I gained some blog friends...some daily readers, etc. I added myself to some search engines, blog directories, listserves, etc. I slowly got my blog out there is the world wide web. In the last year, especially since I have been doing paid posts...I have been working hard on getting my blog listed on different site and in different directories. Alive is a blog directory where you can submit your blog under whatever category fits best, etc. There are a million free directories out there and I am not sure what benefit there is to a paid directory, but information sharing is key these days, eh?