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Friday, November 30, 2007

Good Humor...Love It!


Keeping with this weeks theme...




One thing that is always free is good humor. Laughing is healthy and keeps you young.




Here are some clean humor links...




AhaJokes.Com




Thousands of clean jokes, funny pictures, cartoons, funny audio, funny videos, and more. Search for humor by keyword, by topic, or even by date! Plus, sign up to get humor in your e-mail three times a week!




Example:


"Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? A: Frostbite. "






The Joke Yard




Clean Jokes: Collection of super clean jokes that everyone can enjoy. Note: Be careful, because the list is selectively "clean".




Example:


"Ol' Fred had been a religious man who was in the hospital, near death.




The family called their preacher to stand with them.




As the preacher stood next to the bed, Ol' Fred's condition appeared to deteriorate and he motioned frantically for something to write on.


The pastor lovingly handed him a pen and a piece of paper, and Ol' Fred used his last bit of energy to scribble a note, then he died.


The preacher thought it best not to look at the note at that time, so he placed it in his jacket pocket.




At the funeral, as he was finishing the message, he realised that he was wearing the same jacket that he was wearing when Ol' Fred died.




He said, "You know, Ol' Fred handed me a note just before he died. I haven't looked at it, but knowing Fred, I'm sure there's a word of inspiration there for us all."




He opened the note, and read out loud, "Hey, you're standing on my oxygen tube?"




A Joke A Day
http://www.ajokeaday.com/


"Since 1995 www.AJokeAday.com been the number one full time, professionally-maintained, humorous joke site! Score big at your next gathering, cocktail or sales appointment with politically-correct jokes. The best and freshest clean jokes in the world! A Joke a Day guarantees to keep all jokes and humor clean."



Example:


"Betty's psychiatrist convinced her that she had 120 different personalities.


Then billed her insurance company for Group therapy!"



So, give a little laugh to yourself or others and you'll enjoy it too.



Have a great Friday night!


Thursday, November 29, 2007

Give The Gift of Service


This week's theme of giving gifts from the heart instead of just from the wallet...


The following are some great websites I've stumbled upon with some great ideas for Christmas gift giving.


Helping the Needy for Christmas



Making gifts for needy leaves stitchers with a warm feeling..."Hugs and Stitches"



Adopt an Angel VOLUNTEER PAIRS GIFTS, NEEDY KIDS



Other service gift giving ideas may be...


...visit a senior center/retirement home and read or play games with those living there.


...volunteer at a home for the physically handicapped to read and/or play games.


...take cookies and a homemade card to one of your neighbors that you may have never met, or who you rarely interact with.


Don't forget Hanukkah. You may use these same ideas for other celebrations as well.


I hope that these ideas add to your enjoyment of the holiday season.


Have a fabulous day!



****************************************************************


Blogging Joke of the Day



We've all been passed by motorists on the road going much faster than we were.

But you can imagine my shock at recently being passed by a speeding lady going down the middle of the road's dotted line at a truly breakneck speed (at least 100 mph, on only a two lane road)!


The danger she proposed was high, so you can imagine my relief when I passed her later on down the road parked in front of a car with whirling lights.


Their conversation went something like this...

"License and Registration please," the officer asked.

"It's okay, Officer, I have a special license that allows me to do this," said the lady, smiling.

"Yeah, right!" he replied, "I've never heard of such a license."

The lady reached into her purse and handed him her license.

"Just as I suspected," the officer said, "this is an ordinary license, and I see nothing here that would allow you special consideration."

But the lady, still smiling, pointed to the bottom of the license.

"See? It says so right here: 'Tear Along The Dotted Line.'"


Wednesday, November 28, 2007

"Gift"...Defined.


This week's theme of giving gifts from the heart instead of just from the wallet...

What is the true definition of a gift? A source I love to quote from, and encourage people to donate to is Wikipedia. Here is a portion of their definition of the word "gift", along with the link so that you can read more on the topic.

"A gift or present is the transfer of something, without the need for compensation that is involved in trade. A gift is a voluntary act which does not require anything in return. Even though it involves possibly a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power, a gift is meant to be free....

By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other more happy or less sad, especially as a favour, including forgiveness and kindness (even when the other is not kind)."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift

More great gift ideas:

The Gift Of Safety...
Safety Basket Gift Idea
http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/saftybas.html
"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) suggests giving the gift of safety for a loved one this year for a birthday or any special occasion. If you know a child or an adult that rides a bike, scooter, skate board or uses in-line skates, give them something they really need. Instead of using a basket to hold gifts and goodies, make a basket out of a bike helmet. To be sure your bike helmet meets CPSC’s standard, look for the CPSC sticker inside the helmet."

A Gift Of Groceries...
Commissary Gift Certificates
http://www.commissaries.com/certificheck/index.cfm
"Commissary Gift Certificates are a fast, easy and convenient way for anyone, service member and civilian alike, to support our troops by “Giving the Gift of Groceries”, which can be redeemed at any commissary.

Commissary Gift Certificates can be purchased by either:
Ordering for A Special Patron
Ordering is a considerate way to personally give an authorized patron a commissary gift certificate.
Donating to Support Our Troops
If you don't know a specific service member, donating to your choice of one of five non-profit organizations is an ideal way to support our troops."

Give A Gift In Honor Of Someone...
Gifts of peace and justice -food, shelter, trees, water, medicines- around the world since 1986.
https://www.alternativegifts.org/
Alternative Gifts International
"The global mission of AGI is to send authentic, life-giving gifts to a needy world--gifts that build a partnership with people in crisis and that protect and preserve the earth's endangered environment--to nourish and sustain a more equitable and peaceful global community.AGI is a nonprofit, interfaith agency. AGI provides education for people of all ages about global needs and raises funds each year in its Alternative Gift Markets and from individual donors to respond to those needs. Designated grants then are sent to the established international projects of several reputable nonprofit agencies for relief and development."


I am truly enjoying the research for this gift-giving season. There are so many thoughtful options and opportunities.

Have a wonderful evening!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Holiday Gifts...Think About It


Wallets are bound to be much tighter and lighter this season, or at least in many cases they should be at least tighter. Therefore, this week I've decided to make the theme of my blog revolve around giving from the heart, instead of so much from the wallet.

I've found many great resources for gift giving this season, that for my family will come in handy due to our unemployment situation.

Two original ideas...

...put together a small scrapbook for a close relative that you have spent a great deal of time with. This will mean so much when they realize that you have cherished the time with them and have taken your time to share the memories.

...give a computer-printed gift certificate (not from a store or restaurant) for a candlelight dinner for two, homemade at their home, with you cleaning up afterward. The dinner could be for your parents, grand-parents, siblings and their spouses, etc. Place the certificate in an envelope and then into a shirt-box with tissue and wrap it. They'll love that you want them to have time together and that you are willing to do the work to make it happen.

Here are some great sites with awesome ideas that fit into most budgets and are more personal than many gifts given during the season.

Alternatives...buy nothing christmas...
http://www.buynothingchristmas.org/alternatives/index.html

Inexpensive, Creative and Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas
http://www.newdream.org/holiday/giftideastaff.php

Not Sold In Stores; Ways to Save Money, Protect the Planet, and Spread Cheer
http://www.newdream.org/newsletter/notsold.php

I hope that the above links give you some ideas to make this Christmas easier on your wallet, more personal for those receiving your gifts, and more rewarding in your giving experience.

Have a great day!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Today...A Development Day

Today I have no article, as it has been a development day.

As you may notice, I have tweeked my weblog template a bit, as well as my advertising. I am learning what works and what I like.

Additionally, I have started another blog dedicated to the blogging adventure, with updates on items like networking, widgets, advertising, and technologies that can help you to maximize your blogging experience.

If you would like to take an opportunity to view that site, please click on this link.

http://maxyourping.blogspot.com/


I look forward to providing consistent articles on this site regarding important issues.

Thank you for your readership and comments.

Have a great evening.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Unexpressed Gratitude Equals Unopened Gift


What a great country we live in, this great United States of America, that we have the freedom to practice our religion.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Sunday is a day of rest from our weekly schedule of work. Today is a day that we reserve for worshipping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

My thoughts for today are to give you inspiring words from both The Holy Bible and from The Book of Mormon as inspiration for this, the conclusion to the week of the U.S. Thanksgiving Holiday celebration.

Short Summary: Gratitude, unless outwardly expressed, is like an unopened gift (possibly one that's been hidden away and not even given).
*********************************************

The Holy Bible
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE
THESSALONIANS
CHAPTER 5, Verse 18

"18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."


The Book of Mormon
THE SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI
CHAPTER 9, Verse 52


"52 Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice"
*********************************************

More spiritual thoughts on gratitude of note come from so many priceless resources. However, here are some quotations that embrace the importance of gratitude.

"If children pray for their parents, it makes them more appreciative of their parents, and as they pray for one another, they feel closer to one another and part of each other, especially as they realize that they are talking to their Father in heaven while on their knees."
-N. Eldon Tanner


"Gratitude is an ennobling quality in man; and he in whose soul it has no place is [defective]....Gratitude is twin sister to humility; pride is a foe to both. The man who has come into close communion with God cannot fail to be thankful; for he feels, he knows, that for all he has and all he is, he is indebted to the Supreme Giver; and one would think that there is no need of commandment in the matter of thanksgiving."
-James E. Talmage


I know that when we give we receive and that to keep that circle of energy constant we must outwardly give gratitude to those who have given.

I also believe that I must thank my Heavenly Father throughout the day, in prayer, for everything I have, for everything I am. Without him, I would not be here on Earth to learn and to meet others along this same journey.

May we take this attitude of gratitude with us throughout the year and use it daily (many times throughout the day) in affirmations, in prayer, openly to those who give, and in our general attitude.

Have a great day!

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Spouses...Together, Sharing, or Sparring, They're Darling

This week's theme...Thankfulness and Giving...

Today, I want to write about spouses. Yes, divorce rates are sky-high and some couples decide to refuse to "tie-the-knot" all together. However, if you look closely at your spouse and then at yourself and remember why you came together in the first place, it's pretty darn special.

Alfred Adler said,
"We only regard those unions as real examples of love and real marriages in which a fixed and unalterable decision has been taken. If men or women contemplate an escape, they do not collect all their powers for the task. In none of the serious and important tasks of life do we arrange such a "getaway." We cannot love and be limited."

My husband and I are unusual in that we rarely argue. Maybe we are a couple who talk together so often that there isn't much left to argue about.

Additionally, we agreed before marriage, that we each had our little quirks and annoyances and that those petty little things could not possibly get in the way of our relationship. That still holds true today, after two children, ages 10 and 7 with special needs (the children have high functioning Asperger's Syndrome and Anxiety disorders), who we enjoy parenting together.

My husband is my best friend. If I am excited about something new, even minute, he will listen and get excited with me. He watches my shows with me and I watch his with him. We enjoy each other's company and enjoy family time with the children and parenting them together.

The Bible States,
"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
-I Corinthians 13:4-8

Are we the perfect couple? No. No one has the perfect relationship. I do know, however, that I am grateful for him and that we chose to be together. I also know that if we continue to court that relationship that it will last forever. If we stop talking, stop interacting, start dividing our interests and ignoring each other's needs, our relationship will go the way of the staggering trends.

Marriage and divorce statistics are at the links here...

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/divorce.htm

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/peo_div_rat-people-divorce-rate

http://www.divorcerate.org/

As great contrast, here are some articles that express great appreciation for spouses. I really appreciate these writers to take the time and energy to write about something positive regarding their spouse in this time of divorce and betrayal being broadcast by the media.

http://www.msmaze.com/emotional-issues/my-spouse-my-caregiver/

http://fantasticmarriage.com/
http://digg.com/health/Learning_The_Language_Of_Love (origin of the above link)

http://coolpositive.blogspot.com/2007/11/definition-of-true-love-and-orignal.html
http://digg.com/world_news/true_love_and_orignal_love_is_this_pls_read_and_remember_yr_love_one (origin of the above link)

Spouses are a wonderful thing. I am so grateful for mine.

Have a fantastic evening and weekend!

*************************************************************
For further tips and information regarding maximizing your weblog experience (as I have had in past posts), please see my newly dedicated blog location for that topic at...

http://www.myspace.com/maxoping

Friday, November 23, 2007

Children...Priceless Treasures, Naughty & Nice

This week's theme...Being Thankful

Keeping with my theme this week, I've decided to focus on the next generation...our children.

"Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home."
-Phyllis Diller

As I know from experience, children are priceless treasures, naughty and nice. I wouldn't feel that life was living without my kids. Sure, sometimes I desire my alone time, like right now while I am blogging, trying to keep a thought, they are running around playing not-so-quiet "spy games" (as they are calling them tonight). I just hope that they get their excess energy let out so that they sleep well and wake up as the angels they usually are (because mine, like all of your children are usually angels).

"Children are the only form of immortality that we can be sure of."
-Peter Ustinov (1921 - 2004)

Age does wonders for relaxing my nerves (not that 37 is old by any stretch). I find that, since my husband and I started having children later, and since my kids are both in elementary school (I miss them during the day...that is the truth, not sarcasm), that I love having them run around the house with their friends, love having conversations with them, love listening to what they feel about the future, etc. I appreciate my kids a great deal.

"Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes they forgive them."
-Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900), The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1891

I wonder if other parents worry like I do, whether I am doing a good job, teaching my kids the right things, showing a good example, etc. Will my kids look back at me and be happy that I was a good parent? I know I only have control over my own actions. As a parent I know that it is my responsibility to nurture my children into adults that can contribute something meaningful to society and, at the same time, have self-satisfying lives. Everyday is a new beginning for me to nurture and re-nurture my children and, hopefully, they will forgive me for my mistakes.

I am thankful for my children.

Here are some links to some articles (just a few) that I found fun, and interesting in researching for this article...

"Having Lots of Kids Helps Dads Live To 100"
http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=610076

"No Wonder Some Animals Eat Their Own Young"
http://www.themishmash.com/2007/11/no-wonder-allig.html

"Snooze Or Lose"
http://nymag.com/news/features/38951/?imw=Y

"Children Quotes"
...quotations to inspire, challenge, and humor
http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_children.html

Foster Care....Foster Club
http://www.fosterclub.com/grownups/statistics.cfm


There are so many reasons to be thankful. Even if it weren't the week we celebrate Thanksgiving, I would be counting my blessings. Shouldn't every day be a day we are thankful for? Shouldn't we all treasure our children...naughty and nice?


Thursday, November 22, 2007

Why Give Aid To Those In Need? To Give Thanks For What You Have.


Thanksgiving Day.


This day is one which should not be different from any other. In that statement, I mean that we should always be thankful.


Additionally, the holidays should not be any different than any other time of year. In that statement, I mean that if we have substance when the world around us needs help (not just a hand out), why shouldn't we always give to those in need? Shouldn't that be natural as giving thanks for what we have been blessed with?


Here are some examples of current needs...


CNN.com

"Struggle to help cyclone survivors in Bangladesh...PURBA SARALIA, Bangladesh (AP) -- Overburdened relief centers scrambled to help tens of thousands of cyclone survivors Wednesday, and fist fights broke out among victims waiting for rice at a food distribution center."




Impact Your World (CNN) ... These are links to ways you can help...




Red Cross

"Did you know that the American Red Cross gives disaster assistance to people in need ... free of charge ... every single day." Here is their link...




"SERVICE TO THE ARMED FORCES-The American Red Cross is a lifeline for deployed military members, allowing them to communicate to loved ones back home during emergencies. We also provide social services, emergency travel, financial assistance and mental health support for our returning troops and their families. You can help the Red Cross help military families with a gift to Red Cross Services to Armed Forces."


LDS

"People in Need Helping Others in Need Latter-day Saints respond to Mexican flooding"...




"...Church leaders have been working with government agencies to provide support where needed.
Over 40 tons of relief supplies were sent from Mexico City to Villahermosa on 2 November. This aid included food, water, milk, diapers, cookies and personal hygiene supplies. Local Latter-day Saints worked alongside neighbors and friends to assemble the supplies and distribute them to needy families. ..."


***********************

For links on issues that you are passionate about giving to, here is a great site that rates the major charities according to category, along with giving links to their particular sites...




"The mission categories below list charities which get high grades (just like school A+, A, A-, B, etc.) from AIP (American Institute of Philanthropy) for putting 75% or more towards program cost while generally spending $25 or less to raise $100. These groups also receive an “open book” credit from AIP for willingly sending the financial documents we request."


********************************************************************

On Giving
An excerpt from "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran, written in 1923


"...Then said a rich man, "Speak to us of Giving."And he answered:

"You give but little when you give of your possessions.

It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?

And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the overprudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?

And what is fear of need but need itself? Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, the thirst that is unquenchable?
There are those who give little of the much which they have-and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.

And there are those who have little and give it all.

These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.

There are those who give with joy, and their joy is their reward.

And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.

And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue: They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.

Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.
It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding: And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving. And is there aught your would withhold? All you have shall some day be given: Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors`.


You often say,"I would give, but only to the deserving."The trees in your orchard say not so,nor the flocks in your pasture.

They give that they may live, for to with-hold is to perish.

Surely he who is worthy to receive his days and nights, is worthy of all else from you.

And he who has deserved to drink from the ocean of life deserves to fill his cup from your little stream.

And what desert greater shall there be,than that, which lies in the courage and the confidence, nay the charity, of receiving?

And who are you that men should rend their bosom and unveil their pride, that you may see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?

See first that you yourself deserve to bea giver,and an instrument of giving.


For in truth it is life that gives unto life-while you, who deem yourself a giver are but a witness.
And you receivers- and you are all receivers- assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon he who gives.

Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings:

For to be overmindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity who has the free-hearted earth for mother,and God for father."

***************************************************************************

May we all give thanks this Thanksgiving day and remember how blessed we are and give to those less fortunate than us, even if in just a compliment, a smile, a positive thought.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Networking Your Blog...Maximize Your Blog...(reprint from yesterday-had problem with public receipt)


When starting a venture into weblogging, many bloggers wish to share their weblogs with the Internet Universe.

How do you get your blog past your immediate friends and family members?

Of course, Digg is a great site for networking. However, the following are other sites that have given me a plethora of additional information to add to my networking collection.

First, here is a site with a ranking list of networking locations for your weblogs.

Second, here are some more networking opportunities to maximize your blog coverage.
Technorati
http://www.technorati.com/

Yahoo Publisher (Beta)
http://publisher.yahoo.com/

Alexa
http://www.alexa.com/
http://www.alexa.com/browse/general/?&CategoryID=1422529

Google
http://blogsearch.google.com/blogsearch?hl=en&q=data+network&ie=utf-8

MSN Spaces
http://home.services.spaces.live.com/


In addition to the sites listed above, today I read articles from the following locations regarding maximizing weblog coverage and monetizing your blog.

If your like me, you really feel like your writing is an output of your reading (or other hobby or trade) and you're learning the weblog technology as an creative outlet.

The monetizing will be "icing-on-the-cake", so to speak.


My real goal, is to consistently improve my writing skills and to create a network of others with the same interests to gather writing material from and to present my writing material to. (This, in addition to my competitive nature of watching the numbers increase of those reading my materials on my site and constantly trying to maximize that number:)


Here are the articles of interest from today's research into maximizing my weblog.


I will place them on Digg later tonight. I hope they help someone else who may have some of the same questions and/or curiosities as I have had.



Creating a New Blog Network - Hiring Bloggers


http://www.sohaibthiab.com/index.php/archives/129



Blogging Done Right


http://www.paolomendoza.com/2007/11/blogging-done-right.html


http://blog.icalvyn.com/freedomain



Many Titles from this location...


http://www.problogger.net/



Obviously, there is much information out there, and there are many different styles for each blogger.


The lessons I am learning are many, including some of these simple ones...


...pay attention to the quality and content of your writing


...pay attention to the comments from readers, as it is a signal of your writing content and quality needing improvement or change


...pay attention to your ads and their content, daily, along with the traffic they are bringing to see when you may need to adjust them to bring in more revenue


...pay attention to the traffic flow to your weblog and use daily time to network your site


...pay attention that you balance your investment in time that it does not take your passion away from your writing and/or from the topic(s) you wish to share.


For this week of Thanksgiving, I thank all of those who have been so brilliant in creating the technology so that I can meet a network of great and generous minds on a global scale.


Without the work of the technologically savvy, I would not be able to get to know such great people as I am now able to interact with.


Thank you for reading my articles and for being a part of this journey. I hope that this information is helping you as much as it is helping me.


I will be writing about other subjects, however, as you know if you are a blogger, development takes up a bit of time. Research is important. Since I've invested some time into research, I thought I'd share my results to save some of you the time.


Have a great evening!





Monday, November 19, 2007

Digg...Ten Articles I Appreciate

This week, I am concentrating on giving.

Today, I'd like to point you in the direction of a site I use for networking, Digg.

My network of friends who have submitted articles of merit on Digg deserve some appreciation.

Forgive me if this blog's writing isn't fabulous, as I should be taking a "sick day". But again, there are so many who are less fortunate that I feel a drive to move forward and to give you a message this week, about the importance of giving.

There have been a few (and many I have not had an opportunity to read) articles on Digg that I appreciate in the past few days, and that I think are helpful and uplifting from different perspectives.

Here they are (in no particular order)...

Can Chocolate Save the Environment?
A rather unique solution to rainforest preservation through the introduction of Cocoa trees that shows that many Latin Americans are taking tropical deforestation seriously... and doing something about it! Excellent article.
http://digg.com/environment/Can_Chocolate_Save_the_Environment
How Chocolate Can Save the Planetby Joanne Silberner
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16354380


The Building Blocks of Success in Blogging and Photography
time and content - the two high ranked factors to success in almost any web related activity. Brian also mentions networking and kindness to others as key factors)
http://digg.com/design/The_Building_Blocks_of_Success_in_Blogging_and_Photography
The Building Blocks of Success in Blogging and Photography
http://blog.epicedits.com/2007/11/19/the-building-blocks-of-success-in-blogging-and-photography/


10 Easy Ways to Save Money Without Much Effort
It seems the methods for earning money tend to take more effort than saving money. This is why most people will tell you that it’s not what you earn but what you spend. In fact, it’s both. Earning more will be more of an obstacle for most people while saving more is easily controllable. I say do both...
http://digg.com/business_finance/10_Easy_Ways_to_Save_Money_Without_Much_Effort


Why you have no need of an eBook about Google AdSense secrets
If you have a site with AdSense to monetize your traffic but you are not satisfied for the obtained results (in terms of revenues), you have not to fall in the temptation to buy an eBook about Google AdSense secrets...
http://digg.com/tech_deals/Why_you_have_not_need_of_an_eBook_about_Google_AdSense_secrets


Help Save Lives This Holiday Season
Drive Safer Sunday is a new microsite created in order to raise awareness about the the dangers in holiday driving. Please take a look and pass along to loved ones.
http://digg.com/world_news/Help_Save_Lives_This_Holiday_Season
http://www.drivesafersunday.org/


What to do if your house is flooded
Handy guide on what to do should disaster strike this festive season
There's water everywhere - what should I do?
http://digg.com/business_finance/What_to_do_if_your_house_is_flooded


Earn As you Write
www.resourceschool.com is an article submission site which allows you to insert your adsense code within the article. This way you can write article and earn money through adsense through natural ways. With ResourceSchool.com you can earn as you write. We at Resourceschool.com allow you to place your ADSENSE CODE within the article.
http://digg.com/tech_news/Earn_As_you_Write
Welcome to Resource School - There are now 123 Excellent Articles in our Database from 56 Authors
http://www.resourceschool.com/


Take Action and help Bangladesh!
An estimated 15,000 people died in Bangladesh from the powerful cyclone Sidr. Though you may not be able to be there to help, donate toward one of eight organizations and impact your world.
http://digg.com/offbeat_news/Take_Action_and_help_Bangladesh


Serendipity 3 Popular NYC Restaurant Has Rodents
Serendipity 3, the high end restaurant that was just in the news for featuring a $25,000 dessert delight has been shut down due to an infestation of rodents.
http://digg.com/world_news/Serendipity_3_Popular_NYC_Restaurant_Has_Rodents


A Better Alternative to Monetizing your Blog
Get paid to blog is not easy as others may claim. That is especially if you are considering this on a full time basis as your primary source of income. You need to have the basic writing skills, a good blogging platform, plenty of time to spare optimizing your blog, and most of all an excellent blog advertising partner.
http://digg.com/business_finance/A_Better_Alternative_to_Monetizing_your_Blog


I have appreciated all of my network who have read my articles and given feedback to me. I hope that my site and my writing improve because of their contributions. There will not be a joke of the day (as I feel kind of like I'm it...ha, ha), but I hope to continue that tomorrow.

Have a great start to a Thanksgiving week and remember to keep giving.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Give. Serving Our Fellow Men...Equivalent To Serving Our God

What a great country we live in, this great United States of America, that we have the freedom to practice our religion.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Sunday is a day of rest from our weekly schedule of work. Today is a day that we reserve for worshipping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

My thoughts for today are to give you inspiring words from both The Holy Bible and from The Book of Mormon as inspiration for this, the week of the U.S. Thanksgiving Holiday celebration.

Short Summary: Serving our fellow men is equivalent to serving our God.

****************************************************

The Holy Bible
Mathew 25:34-40

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

******************

The Book of Mormon
Mosiah 2:16-17

King Benjamin, quoted by Mormon

16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

***************************************************

Short Summary: Serving our fellow men is equivalent to serving our God.

My Goal this week is to keep these inspiring words with me in my thoughts and actions, no matter my own circumstances.

If I don't have substance to give to others, I will give a hug, give a compliment, give a smile, give a thoughtful prayer for their well being. There is always something to give. There is always someone in need of receiving. I am blessed by giving.

May you be blessed this Thanksgiving Holiday and have that you may give to others of your substance or of yourself selflessly as there are so many in need of receiving this holiday season.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Blogging for Public Consumption...Writers Must Have "Thick Skin"


Learning the ropes of writing for public consumption comes at the cost of a writer's self-esteem if they are not able to stand behind their writing and have a "thick skin".

Writing a weblog and publicizing it can be risky for anyone, but especially for those who utilize their own opinion in their writing.

Be prepared for comments from readers that range from complimentary to deranged.

The public has complete freedom to give their comments and personal anecdotes regarding your writing content, style, and even your profile picture.

My blog is an example of a writer using her right to state her opinion via the Internet. It's a risk, but I feel a bond with my readers, as well as a strong passion for the topics I write about.

With strong subject matter, I expect and accept strong criticism and place it where it belongs. At times, it may change my opinion or open my views on the subject matter I choose to write about.

The creative process is a beautiful process. Most of us, who start writing for public consumption, write because of passion.

The passion may or may not be for writing itself. We may write instead because we have a passion for a certain subject matter and want to share our passion with others.

Whatever the passion, when strong criticism is given from a consumer, a weblog writer must return to the passion, to the feelings of why they began writing and sharing in the first place.

Stay in the game. If your passion is strong enough and if you are regimented enough, which equals...

...Consistency in writing
...Consistency in advertising
...Consistency in publicizing
...Consistency in reading and researching
(in no particular order)

...your invested time will pay off and your self-esteem will thrive in the process.

As a weblogger, I am learning the skills of writing, advertising, publicizing and researching and appreciate my readers' patience and sharing my development journey.

I greatly appreciate the network of bloggers I am creating and the tools that have been created to gather them.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Friday, November 16, 2007

Joke of My Day




Fourteenth Amendment...Congress aiding enemies of the U.S.


The Los Angeles Times reported today, problems with Congress agreeing (I know, it's hard to believe) on an emergency spending bill for military operations in Iraq.

Noam Levey did a superb job of capturing the emotion, importance, and frustration of passing this bill in his article.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-warvote17nov17,0,2402186.story?coll=la-home-center

It's time that the Senate (Upper House) and House of Representatives actually represent our country, instead of squabbling like a group of preschoolers.

Men and women are serving our country and are in need of a resolution so that they have the support and provisions they need and deserve.

Levey writes, "WASHINGTON -- Congress prepared to leave for its two-week Thanksgiving recess deadlocked over how to pay for the war in Iraq, as the Senate could not to agree today on an emergency spending bill to fund military operations there.

As they have all year, Senate Democrats failed to muster the votes to consider a proposal to condition a $50-billion war-spending bill on a timeline for withdrawing troops, which narrowly passed the House on Wednesday."

Who are the experts on the war?

Shouldn't the timeline be met according to the needs as seen by those who are experts and those who are really in Iraq...

...rather than those with Business and Law backgrounds and/or degrees, spending their time debating because of their own opinion, instead of because of facts from the field?

Does this issue fall under the Fourteenth Amendment?

"Furthermore, under the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, any federal or state officer who takes the requisite oath to support the Constitution, but later engages in rebellion or aids the enemies of the United States, is disqualified from becoming a senator. "

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Congress

"The House Democratic proposal, drawn up by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and her lieutenants, would have allocated only enough money to fund the wars for about four more months. The Bush administration had sought nearly four times as much.", writes Levey, latimes.com

Isn't it interesting that President Bush...

...has the advisers to tell him exactly what is needed in Iraq
...has the advantage of access to commanders on the ground in Iraq
...has the advantage of experts on the situation in Iraq

Isn't it interesting the Nancy Pelosi...

...does not have access to the advisers that the President of the United States has
...does not have authority to do things like say, go on a diplomatic mission to the Middle-East (just thought I'd throw that one in there)
...does not have the advantage of access to commanders on the ground in Iraq with the same clearance as the President of the U.S.

Studying the history regarding Congress and the forming of the responsibilities of the Speaker, I found that Wikipedia.org was extremely helpful, as always.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speaker_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives

Here is a bit of the education I received.

"The Speaker does not normally personally preside over debates, instead delegating the duty to other members of Congress of the same political party. Aside from duties relating to heading the House and the majority political party, the Speaker also performs administrative and procedural functions, and remains the Representative of his or her congressional district."

"The Constitution does not spell out the political role of the Speaker. As the office has developed historically, however, it has taken on a clearly partisan cast, very different from the speakership of the British House of Commons, which is scrupulously non-partisan."

"The Speaker is responsible for ensuring that the House passes legislation supported by the majority party. In pursuing this goal, the Speaker may utilize his or her power to determine when each bill reaches the floor. He or she also chairs the majority party's House steering committee."

"When the Speaker and the President belong to the same party, the Speaker normally plays a less prominent role as the leader of the majority party.—For example, Speaker Dennis Hastert played a very low-key role during the presidency of fellow Republican George W. Bush. On the other hand, when the Speaker and the President belong to opposite parties, the public role and influence of the Speaker tend to increase. The Speaker is the highest-ranking member of the opposition party and is normally the chief public opponent of the President's agenda. "

If the U.S. is going to continue to enjoy its remaining constitutional values, Nancy Pelosi needs to bring the parties to a consensus on the importance of certain bills and their value to our society, as a whole.

One valuable power she has as the Speaker is that of the Chairman for the United States House Committee on Rules. Again, Wikipedia is such a valuable resource for this. Here is a brief description regarding the Committee on Rules.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._House_Committee_on_Rules


"The Committee on Rules, or (more commonly) Rules Committee, is a committee of the United States House of Representatives. Rather than being responsible for a specific area of policy, as most other committees are, it is in charge of determining under what rule other bills will come to the floor. As such, it is one of the most powerful committees, and often described as "an arm of the leadership" and as the "traffic cop" of Congress. A rule is a simple resolution of the House of Representatives, usually reported by the Committee on Rules, to permit the immediate consideration of a legislative measure, notwithstanding the usual order of business, and to prescribe conditions for its debate and amendment"

It's time for Congress to come together, stop aiding the enemy, and pass a bill to provide our troops with their provisions.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-warvote17nov17,0,2402186.story?coll=la-home-center

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Blogging Joke of the Day

The Ant and the Grasshopper

CLASSIC VERSION:

The ant...

works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper...

thinks he's a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.

Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.

The grasshopper has no food or shelter so he dies out in the cold.


MODERN VERSION:

The ant...

works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper...thinks he's a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.


Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.


CBS, NBC and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.


America is stunned by the sharp contrast.


How can it be that, in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?


Then a representative of the NAAGB (National Association of Green Bugs) shows up on Nightline and charges the ant with "green bias," and makes the case that the grasshopper is the victim of 30 million years of greenism.


Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper, and everybody cries when he sings "It's Not Easy Being Green."


Bill and Hillary Clinton make a special guest appearance on the CBS Evening News to tell a concerned Dan Rather that they will do everything they can for the grasshopper who has been denied the prosperity he deserves by those who benefited unfairly during the Reagan summers, or as Bill refers to it, the "Temperatures of the 80's."


Richard Gephardt exclaims in an interview with Peter Jennings that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and calls for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his "fair share."


Finally, the EEOC drafts the "Economic Equity and Anti-Greenism Act" retroactive to the beginning of the summer.


The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the, government.


Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that Bill appointed from a list of single parent welfare moms who can only hear cases on Thursday's between 1:30 and 3pm when there are no talkshows scheduled.


The ant loses the case.


The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he's in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him since he doesn't know how to maintain it.


The ant has disappeared in the snow.


And on the TV, which the grasshopper bought by selling most of the ant's food, they are showing Bill Clinton standing before a wildly applauding group of politicians announcing that a new era of "fairness" has dawned in America.

Ignorant Columnists...make heehaw out of knowledge of International Relations

A writer for the Los Angeles Times wrote today about Musharaff and Bush being friends and how it made her feel betrayed...as she stated, "Oh, George. Why do you you hate America?".

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-brooks15nov15,0,7992029.column?coll=la-home-commentary

I love the Freedom of Speech and the Freedom of the Press!

Such great U.S. Constitutional rights!

Look at what people can write! Isn't it amazing what buffoons they can make of themselves, giving half-truths, being a "Bush-Basher"? Amazing!

Regarding the content of the article, Bush almost certainly would not have known key international political figures during his campaign.

"What were you thinking, George?"

"Back on the presidential campaign trail in 2000, you couldn't even come up with Pervez Musharraf's name when some smarty-pants reporter gave you a pop news quiz. Those were the days!", says Brooks.

Government 101: Being a Governor is much different than being The President of the United States of America. International politics are usually not necessary in that position.

Regarding what President Bush is doing about the situation in Pakistan, Brooks says,

"Osama thanks you."

"And what are you doing about all this? Nothing!"

"You're not calling on Musharraf to step down and hold elections, you're not threatening to pull the plug on any U.S. military aid, you're not opening up links to the grass-roots democratic opposition. Which means there's little chance that we'll get what we say we want -- and what most Pakistanis want: a moderate, democratic Pakistani government. Instead, our policies will continue to inspire and strengthen Islamic extremism."

Aside from the fact the President Bush is President of the United States of America and is not in charge of politics in Pakistan, multiple sources report him taking action earlier this month, and again yesterday. (One source, MSNBC.MSN.com is linked here)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21675162/

"President Bush, personally intervening in the political crisis in Pakistan, told President Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday he must hold parliamentary elections soon and step down as army leader.", stating that Musharraf cannot be the president and the head of the military at the same time.

Another source states (linked here newsday.com)

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/world/ny-wopaki155461660nov15,0,6434158.story


"...the White House is trying to distance itself from him (Musharraf) and build connections to other Pakistanis. Increasingly, "the general view, I think, is that we're in the end game," said Marvin Weinbaum, who monitors U.S. policy toward Pakistan at Washington's Middle East Institute."

"Backing away from Musharraf requires delicate diplomacy that will fall this weekend to Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte..."

"Washington also is thought likely to be quietly advancing a message to Pakistani leaders that it is ready to look beyond the Musharraf era and to work with the general's successors. "I think that message already is being delivered through third parties," Weinbaum said."

Those are just two, out of numerous sources, with reliable information regarding the situation in Pakistan and how it is, in actuality, being handled.

Additionally, if you were a political power, as the United States is, do you really think that you would be divulging everything to the U.S. media? Look at our media! Look what they do with the information!

Would it be better to have Hillary in power?

Let me remind everyone where we are with good ole boy Hillary.

If Hillary were in power, we'd have a whole lot of Hill-ta-pay...

...socialist programs...raising all taxes by 40% (not exact figure...may be higher than that)
yes, giving everyone a certain amount of money at anytime is socialism
yes, her health care plan is socialism
yes, there are more and they all add to our taxes...just take a look at the mistakes done by the French and the one thing they are doing right at this time...fixing their socialist economy.

...ties to China...campaign finance reform?

...all of the "blah, blah, blah" that Hillary shoots out of her mouth...would have to go through Congress like it has to with every other President and she probably wouldn't fulfill most of her promises anyway.

...etc., etc., etc.

(see link provided to Hillary's campaign site)

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/

We need to take information from reliable sources, instead of listen to opinions like those from Brooks' article at

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-brooks15nov15,0,7992029.column?coll=la-home-commentary

which reveals her own Freudian angst, venting toward the President of the United States, without knowing all of the crucial details...making a heehaw out of her knowledge of International Relations.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Blogging Joke of the Day




Bulletin Bloopers


At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?"
Come early and listen to our choir practice.


Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church.
Please use the large double door at the side entrance.

Bush Dowded...Another form of terrorism?


It's one thing to doubt that The President of the United States of America...President Bush...is doing his job well.

It is quite another to campaign against him...especially when you are the former political strategist and former Bush advisor, Matthew Dowd.

Los Angeles Times (latimes.com, please see link http://www.latimes.com/), provides quite an insight into Matthew Dowd and his ventures to change the global view regarding President Bush and his administration.

What Matthew Dowd leaves out is that The President of the United States, no matter who it is, is always going to be the "fall guy" for the people working for him.

For example, let's take the story I posted last night.

If Congress tries to push through a bill with a bunch of extra spending ("pork") attached to it and it is necessary to, let's just say, get the military the money they need...the President is going to be inclined to sign it.

Congress has the President "hog-tied" with their "pork fat".

Who do you think is going to be the "fall-guy" when the administration is complete and found it pertinent to pass through certain bills to make critical things possible?

President Bush!...President Bush's Administration!

Isn't that insane?

Of course, becoming The President of the United States of America, Bush knows that he'll be blamed for anything that goes wrong and not given credit for much that goes right.

That is the nature of being the president of a country.

That is the nature of being a leader.

Dowd's self-esteem is seemingly affecting his every relationship based on how he is conducting himself. Matthew Dowd needs to turn the tables inward and redistribute the wealth of the blame.

Dowd needs to stop terrorizing the current administration, people he used to advise, used to have a person-to-person connection with.

Campaigning against President Bush and his administration? ...

Another form of terrorism? ...

Of course...YES!

Would you want the responsibility of being President, Mr. Dowd?

If not...try to open your eyes and shut your mouth (or stop typing).
Being a leader means leading people...even if the leader has people like Matthew Dowd on their staff who are willing to stab them in the back at their first opportunity to make a buck.
Link:

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Blogging Joke of the Day


"What time does the library open?", the voice on the phone asked.

“Nine A.M.”, came the reply.

"And what is the idea of calling me at home in the middle of the night to ask such a question?", asked the librarian.

“Not until nine A.M.?”, the man asked, in a disappointed voice.

“No, not till nine A.M..!” the librarian said, “Why do you want to get in before nine A.M.?”

“Who said I wanted to get in?", The man sighed sadly. “I want to get out.”

Congress - vs - President Bush...Battle Over Porky Bill

LA Times.com published an article today, stating that Bush vetoed a $606-billion education and health appropriations bill.

Were his reasons justifiable?
  • nearly $10 billion over the President's request

  • filled with 2,000 earmarks

In essence, it is a bill filled with a bunch of "pork", or a lot of spending for stuff that has nothing to do with what the bill is really about.

Bush did sign, however, the $471 billion Pentagon appropriations bill, which also included some unnecessary items of spending. The difference is in the amount of "pork fat" included in the bill and that the military needs the funds during this time of war.

Is this a usual thing for Congress to try to put through bills with "pork"?

Yes. This is nothing new.

Sometimes the irritants about this matter come when there is a very great and necessary bill being pushed through Congress, and because of the special interest groups getting involved in getting their "pork" put into the bill, the good bills get vetoed.


Additionally, higher spending becomes necessary in order to push through an important bill because of the unnecessary "pork".

This is when I'd like to replace the letter "p" in pork with a "c" and give it to the special interest groups.


The political system at its finest!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Veteran's Day...An Honor

In honor of Veteran's Day I show a photo of my Grandfather, who I adore, who served in WWII (for more information about WWII, please click on the link provided...Wikipedia).

My Grandpa hasn't expected much in the way of praise for his service to our country. He just seems to feel that he did his duty.

Without men of honor like my Grandfather, (men serving in the past and men serving today) under what circumstances would we find our freedoms...our basic rights?

Shouldn't we take pride in our men and women who take it upon themselves to put their lives on the line for what they believe in?

Even if you or Joe Smoe down the street don't believe in a certain war or cause in which the U.S. military are fighting, isn't the reason they enlist (to selflessly protect and serve our country) enough to warrant extraordinary respect?

They don't pick and choose who they fight or who the United States goes to war against.

Those who serve in the military firmly believe that we have freedoms...a constitution...basic human rights and that those rights warrant defense.

Many of these freedoms, constitutional and basic human rights are concepts other countries don't understand...don't fathom...and concepts many Americans take for granted.

Before you decide to place judgement on someone in the military
...before you decide to place blame for your plight in life
...before you put another wounded soldier in a V.A. hospital
...that is a hospital known to be run down with filth and decay...

Remember who are fighting for your freedoms.
Remember who volunteer to be on the front lines facing enemy fire.
Remember who volunteer to help others less fortunate than yourself.

People wish to immigrate here from other countries for a reason.

Are you willing to go on the front lines for them?

America the Beautiful (please see link...scout songs)
Words by Katharine Lee Bates, Melody by Samuel Ward

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stem impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice, for man's avail
Men lavished precious life!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!