Welcome to my site. I'll be writing about a variety of different topics so please feel free to comment and leave any feed back. We're hoping to have some fun here! Thanks

Researchers in Europe say that they have developed a birth control pill for men. A combination of high blood pressure medication and a medication used to treat schizophrenia, the pill temporarily prevents sperm from being released during sex. A man must take it a few hours before sex, and it will last for twenty-four, at which point everything goes back to normal. Sound too good to be true?

Probably.

First, this system would depend on men being reliable enough to remember to take the pill. Let's face it ladies and yes, gents, men are not the most reliable creatures on the planet when it comes to memory. I'm not certain I would want to leave something so important in the hands of a person who can't remember to put the toilet seat down. I would likely want to use a secondary form of birth control just in case.

Second, it would also depend on men wanting to use it in the first place. There are a lot of men out there who believe that birth control is a problem for women and won't be interested in this pill. There are others that will lie and say they have it when they don't.

Finally, this pill would not prevent sexually transmitted diseases, so a condom would still be necessary.

Though this pill won't be available for four or five years, it's existance is simply trouble in the making. How many pregnancies will result in misuse of this drug? How many people will become infected with a disease simply because they don't have the foresight to think of that little detail, focusing instead on unwanted pregnancy? Full information should be available before this drug is widely distributed.

Winter is again upon us. Many of us are thinking of the coming holiday, worrying about presents and decorations. What some of us neglect to think of are the unexpected situations that can arise with the coming freezing weather.

The recent storm in the Midwest is a perfect example of what can happen if we are not prepared. For example, would you be prepared to keep your house warm should the electricity suddenly go out? Would you have flashlights and extra batteries just in case? What about food? Would you have food that could be easily kept under those circumstances? What about the health ramifications? Do you know what to look for to identify hypothermia or frostbite? Do you know what to do should these symptoms arise? If you answered no to any or all of these questions, then you are not prepared.

In order to help in that regard, I've done some research. According to the Center for Disease Control there are several things you can do to prepare for extreme winter weather.

Emergency Supplies

Several things you should be sure you have on hand:
1)Another way to heat your home during a power failure, ie. woodburning stove or kerosene heater.
2)Fuel for this heating source.
3)Blankets
4)Matches
5)First Aid Kit
6)Flashlight, battery powered radio, and battery powered lantern plus extra batteries.
7)Non-electric can opener
8)Plus special needs items such as diapers, medications, etc.
9)Water stored in clean containers.
10)Food that needs no cooking such as crackers, cereal, canned fruits, and formula if you have young children.

Safety during the storm

There are safety measures that should be taken as well. Make certain that you have plenty of ventilation for your alternate heating source. Do not burn coal or anything else without ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never leave candles unattended. Use battery powered flashlights instead.

Outdoor Safety

If you must go outdoors, use caution and follow these tips.

1) Wear enough clothing. Wear a hat, scarf, mittens (they are warmer than gloves), water resistant boots and coat, and several layers of clothing.
2)If you must work outside, then work slowly. Working in cold conditions puts a strain on your heart. Take your time.

Serious cold related health conditions

Hypothermia

Signs and sypmtoms

1)Shivering, exhaustion
2)Confusion,memory loss
3)Slurred speech, fumbling hands
4)Drowsiness

If any of these symptoms occur, and the person's body temp is below 95 degrees, then get medical help immediately. If it is not available, then get the victim warm. Remove wet clothing. Warm the person using electric blankets or skin to skin contact. Warm beverages or broth should be given if the victim is conscious, but do NOT give alcoholic beverages. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Frostbite

Signs and symptoms

1)White or grayish-yellow skin area
2)Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
3)Numbness

If these sign occur, AND there is no sign of hypothermia, then:

1)Get the person to a warm place.
2)Immerse the effected area in warm, not hot water.
3)Do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes as it increases the damage.
4)Do not massage the area as it could increase the damage.
5)Do not use a heating lamp, stove, or fire to warm the area. It is numb and the victim may not be aware that they are burning.

The main point is to be prepared. Expect the unexpected. Be ready for a blizzard, even if it doesn't come. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Artist: Sarah McLachlan
Album: Afterglow
Title: World On Fire


Hearts are worn in these dark ages
You're not alone in this story's pages
Night has fallen amongst the living and the dying
And I try to hold it in, yeah I try to hold it in

[Chorus]

The world's on fire and
It's more than I can handle
I dive into the water
(I try to pull my ship)
I try to bring more
More than I can handle
(Bring it to the table)
Bring what I am able

I watch the heavens and I find a calling
Something I can do to change this moment
Stay close to me while the sky is falling
Don't wanna be left alone, don't wanna be alone

[Chorus]

Hearts break, hearts mend
Love still hurts
Visions clash, planes crash
Still there's talk of
Saving souls, still the cold
Is closing in on us

We part the veil on Archille's sun
Stray from the straight line on this short run
The more we take, the less we become
A fortune of one that means less for some

[Chorus X2]

From my family to yours....

Fiddling around again and came up with something that I think is pretty special...

If you're a mom, then you know how hard it is coming up with things to keep the kids occupied. It's especially hard coming up with activities for...say a party. Here's a recipe I found on Hersheys.com that is both quick and kid friendly...not to mention delicious!

Choco-Scotch Banana Bites

Ingredients:

4 medium-size bananas
Plastic straws, cut into 2-inch pieces, or lollipop sticks
1 cup HERSHEY'S Butterscotch Chips, divided
1 cup HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or HERSHEY'S
MINI CHIPS Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, divided
4 teaspoons shortening(do not use butter, margarine, spread or oil), divided

Directions:

1. Cover tray with wax paper. Peel bananas; cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces. Place straw piece halfway into each banana piece. Place on prepared tray; cover and freeze until firm.

2. Coarsely chop 1/2 cup butterscotch chips; set aside in small bowl. Coarsely chop 1/2 cup chocolate chips; set aside in separate small bowl.

3. Place remaining 1/2 cup butterscotch chips and 2 teaspoons shortening in small microwave-safe bowl.. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 minute; stir. Continue heating 15 seconds at a time or until mixture is melted and smooth when stirred. Dip half of banana pieces into butterscotch mixture, covering each banana piece completely; roll in chopped chocolate chips. Place back on prepared tray. Cover; return to freezer until set.

4. Repeat melting procedure with remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips and remaining 2 teaspoons shortening. Coat remaining banana pieces; roll in chopped butterscotch chips. Cover; return to freezer. About 1-1/2 dozen snacks.

As a parent, it is easy to sit around and say, "If this ever happened to my child, then I would..." and insert whatever horrible consequence you could think of. As a parent, you can say these things and mean them at the time, but when faced with the reality of a situation beyond your control, would you have the strength to act on what you've said? Would you, in fact, be able to deal with the unthinkable?

I often wondered what went through my father's mind the day he came home and was told that someone had touched his twelve year old daughter inappropriately. I was never told what he thought or felt. He was angry enough to go to the school principal. He was angry enough to confront the boy's parents and inform them of what had happened. Beyond that, I don't know. I was dealing with my own problems at the time, and I was too young to really understand.

No one really understands what goes through a parent's head until they become a parent. Only then, can an individual truly comprehend what it is like to have that unconditional love for a child, and be willing to do anything to keep them safe. But there is only so much that parents can do. We cannot be with them 24/7. They go to school. They have extracurricular activities. They hang out with their friends. Sometimes, they ride the bus with kids that think there's nothing wrong with touching other children.

"If that ever happened to my kid, I would..."

Statistics show that in recent years there has been a dramatic rise in instances of child molestation. Some blame the Internet and the prevalence of pornography floating around like slime in a bog. Others lay blame with the parents themselves, stating that if they didn’t work so much, were more involved, etc. that this would never have happened. I don't believe that there has been so much a rise in the incidents as there has been an increase in the focus of authorities on the problem. I remember my mother telling me later in my life that she'd had a similar incident with an uncle, and friends who suffered the same from cousins or family friends and never said a word.

Which brings us to another major problem. Many times, children say nothing, do nothing to stop it out of fear. They fear that the molester will harm their family. They are terrified that their parents will be mad at them for what has happened to them. They are afraid that the monster will hurt them if he/she finds out that the child told. The most prevalent though is the thought that they did something to warrant the behavior from their attacker. That they were somehow responsible for it. So they say nothing, hoping that it will eventually stop, and all the while they are suffering under the untrue belief that they are at fault.

This is the greatest tragedy of all. We, as parents, can say that we would do this or do that should anything like this happen to our children, but parents sometimes forget that it is the child that has to deal with the horrible aftermath of their attack. They are the ones that are left with the images and guilt, the fear and worry. They are the ones that this happened to, and though the parents may feel guilt that they were not there to protect the child, they sometimes forget that the child feels the same.

One piece of advice that I can give to parents is to reiterate the fact that this is not the child's fault. Make certain that you keep an open communication with the child. Let them rant and rave. Let them get angry. Let them cry and don't tell them to hush. They have the right to be angry. They have the need to let out the emotions that they have built in them. Just be there to tell them that this was not their fault. They did nothing wrong. That it was all the fault of the attacker. Make certain that they understand that you still love them, no matter what. You will always be there. It may take years before the memories start to fade. It may take outside intervention such as a family therapist to help the family deal with it, but it will eventually happen so long as the parent sticks to what they say. The parents cannot allow their own feelings of personal guilt to interfere with what is best for the child.

I now have a nine year old son, and every day, I worry when he walks out the door, But I can't be there for him 24/7. I can't be there when he rides the bus. I can't be there when he's in school. I can't hang out with his buddies or go to his practices. He needs to find the freedom to be his own person. But I do my best every day to make him aware that, should anything happen, I am here to listen to him. To be there for him if the unthinkable happens. I can sit here and say, "If that ever happens to my kid, then I would...", but when push comes to shove, I would do what is best for my son.

And that is all that any parent can be expected to do.

I just found a great website that I wanted to share. friendsEAT is a place where you can go to get and give reviews on restaurants, share stories with others, blog about food, and meet great people who share the same love...FOOD! Going on a trip to New York? Find the best places to eat for any occasion, be it business or pleasure, from people who have been there. It's free to join, and the benefits are excellent. Once you've become a member, you can spout off about the best (or worst) place to eat in your area. You can blog about your favorite or least favorite food. They even have contests that you can win actual prizes just for talking about...you guessed it...FOOD...lol! If you love food, eating out, or want to see what people have to say about your favorite restaurant, then check it out. It's worth it.

*This is a paid post.

Just got the new Crossfade CD "Falling Away" for my birthday, and let me tell you it ROCKS!!!! Usually when I get a CD and listen to it, I like maybe three songs on the whole thing and that's it, but this one is great from beginning to end.

You bought a car...or a boat, or any sort of item that you've been wanting forever. The deal sounded good at the time, but after two days, everything that could go wrong did. Now you're stuck with this lemon of a vehicle...right? Not really. There are ways to deal with problems of this nature. Every state in the nation has a lemon law, and Ohio's in one of the most strict. The lemon law protects consumers from just this sort if problem. And, better yet, there are lawyers that deal exclusively with this. By clicking on the links above, you can get the latest information about Ohio's lemon law and find an attorney to represent you should the need arise. These are experienced attorneys, who know this law to the letter. They can help you. If you live in Ohio, they can represent you and get you the recompense you deserve. If you live in another state, they can refer you to an attorney in your area that can help you. Just click on one of the links, and it will take you directly to the help you need. Don't suffer with a lemon one moment longer.

lemon law

*this is a paid post

Online dating can be fun. But don’t neglect safety and common sense when you try to hook up with a mate. At minimum, take caution in the following areas. Protect Your Computer Take care of your equipment and systems before you head out into the Internet realm. You need to have a firewall and anti-virus protection for your email and for when you search websites and interact online. At the bare minimum, you may want these two solutions that are offered at no charge to home computer users (i.e. not for commercial use): Free Firewall Download: ZoneAlarm www.zonelabs.com Free Anti-Virus Download: AVG Anti-Virus www.grisoft.com Protect Yourself Take care of yourself, too, by choosing appropriate dating sites. Seek and choose a reputable online dating service. How? Begin by asking around with friends, neighbors, co-workers and others you may know who have tried online dating, and see which places they recommend. In addition, search “online dating services” and keep a notebook of their URLs or website links, the fees, rules and regulations, complete contact information of each and any other useful information that spikes your interest. Then compare each place. Try only those places where you feel safe. Avoid the others. So take care. Arm your computer – and yourself- with the correct tools and knowledge!

Let's face it. There is a lot of talent out there that never gets recognized in favor of bands that are already "established". It's like there are blinders on the music industry that only sees one thing. Money. The problem is, this attitude overlooks bands and artists that could hit the charts with more than a bang. That is where Trip-Hop Artists comes in. This site is amazing for bringing to the fore unsigned bands and artists. Getting their names out there along with the amazing sounds that will move you, shake you, or just make chills go up your spine. They feature every genre including grunge, rock, country and even hip hop. Check them out and see what they have for you. Just click on the link above or below and get ready to rock!

Trip-Hop Artists

*this is a paid post.

MySpace is a wonderful place to meet new people, get back in touch with old friends, find amazing music and watch videos. Unfortunately, is is also a breeding ground for the bottom feeders of the world to gather and spawn. Recently, I was hacked on MySpace and messages were sent to some people both on my friend's list, and on the lists of others...Under my name. I discovered this, changed my password, deleted a crapload of suspicious people and can only now try to do damage control. It just pisses me off to no end to have this done. That is a place where I keep in touch with friends that have moved and a place to store pictures of my son so that his relatives in other states can see him. If the person who did this ever sees this blog, I want you to know that I am not someone to mess with. Take this as a threat, a warning, whatever you want, just know that you've got my attention, and that was the biggest mistake you ever made.

Just to let everyone know, there is a site out now for blogging awards. Bloggerschoiceawards.com is a place where bloggers can go and vote for their favorite blog. Categories include but are not limited to..."Best Educational Blog", "Best Video Blog", "Most Obnoxious Blogger", and "Best Photography Blog". Want to read the latest blog by your favorite celebrity? Have a blog that is just out of this world? See if you've been nominated! Need a laugh? Check out the best humor blogs. Need parenting advice? Then just check out the best of the parenting blogs.

If you want to nominate a blog or vote on your favorites, just sign up. It's free to sign up, and from there on in, it's absolute fun! Invite your friends to join you in checking out the best of the best in blogs. See if you agree with what others think. Leave comments, suggestions, and...your vote. Winners will be announced at PostieCon in Orlando, FL on June second, and the winners will be posted on the website. Just click on the link above or below, and check it out. See how your favorite blogs are doing! It's well worth the time to read some of the best writing out there!

blogging awards

*

As an average person, I really have no idea of the pressures that celebrities go through every day. Until recently, I never really thought about it. I mean, what could be so hard about living in a mansion on a hill, having money to burn, going to exotic places whenever you want?

Then I got to thinking about it...I mean REALLY thinking, and decided that it can't be that great. So I came up with my own personal list of why I wouldn't want to be a celebrity.

1. I like my privacy. I like it a lot. When I don't want to talk to anyone, or see anyone, I just go home and there you have it. Celebrities done't have that luxury all the time. Personally, I don't blame them for getting pissed when the paparazzi crowd their car or climb the privacy fence. I'd want to hit the bastards too. And they do this for what? So that all of us can have a picture of how crappy this person looks without makeup? Puh-leeze.

2. I like to eat in a restaurant without someone harassing me. I don't like to talk while I eat. I don't want to have to make small talk while I'm enjoying my steak. Celebrities don't have that enjoyment either. Can you imagine how many times...say...Tom Cruise has sat in a restaurant and had some schmoe come up to him asking for an autograph? How annoying would that be?

3. I have a kid. I love my son more than life itself, and if I saw some photographer taking pictures of him in the park, I'd probably call 911 to report a pedophile. Celebrities are no different I would expect. They would want to protect their kids from any harm. Photographers, I'm sure, hound them from the moment they leave their houses, until they can catch them out, just to get a picture of their kids. Personally, I would rather my child be known for his own accomplishments rather than mine.

4. Personally, I would prefer it if the entire world did NOT know when I've gained a few pounds. I would really like to just keep that between myself and my jeans. And God forbid that a celebrity gain any weight when they're pregnant, or have trouble getting it off after the baby's born.

5. And last, but not least by any means...Dating. If a celebrity is dating, suddenly it's fodder for every supermarket tabloid out there. When love is new, you really just want to enjoy it...But how can you with every Tom, Dick, and Harriet watching your life unfold through the biased eyes of the media? It's damn hard, I would think. I wouldn't want my first kiss with a new beau splashed all over the newspapers, the airwaves, and the internet.

And that, dear friends, is why I would never, ever want to be a celebrity. It takes a strong person to do so, and, knowing my limitations, I am not one of them...

Looking for some Beautiful 3D Icons?

Just found this global search engine that provides quick and free access to company profiles, contact information, and descriptions of products and services from more than 45 million companies in 75 countries. Its called masterseek and it allows you to search in your own country or worldwide and find business partners, sales opportunities and new avenues to expand your business and showcase your products and services to the global community.

Many people nowadays are very much conscious about their own health and fitness. In addition to that, these people, and many others as well, are now having that desire to sculpt their bodies to ahieve that magazine-cover look. As a result, gyms, health spas and other fitness centers have proliferated all over to cater to the needs of the fitness buffs and afficionados. Even on television exercise machines, weight loss products, and other paraphernalia to improve fitness have more or less gained control over the airwaves and made their way into the households. But exerise is not the only way to build that body beautiful. It also entails certain amount of responsibility on the foods one chooses to eat. Being healthy and fit requires one to observe diet fitness. Diet fitness is as essential as exercise itself. Diet for fitness provides the essential nutrition one needs to restore worn-out muscles and for healthy growth. Diet fitness should never be taken for granted. With the popularity of keeping fit, many different views, methods, programs and dieting strategies have been formulated by many professionals. Among these are high carb diets and high fat diets. Whih one is more effective and which one should one choose to follow? First thing to know would be the fundamental differences between these two diet approaches. As the name implies, high carb diets concentrates on taking in carbohydrate-rich foods while high fat diets endorses fat-rich foods. High carb diets are utilized to glycogen stored in the liver and muscles. Glycogen is a glucose complex that provides large amounts of energy ready for use in anaerobic exercises. Fats, on the other hand, is well-nown for being the richest source of calories. It actually contains 2.5 times more calories than carbohydrates and proteins alike. Studies also show that it takes the body 24 calories to metabolize carbohydrates while it only takes 3 to burn down fat. So which one to follow? A person can follow a high carb and low fat fitness diet or the other way around. It is absolutely not recommended to follow both at the same time; unless of course if you want to gain body fat. But then diet fitness is not all about losing fat, one must also consider his diet in order to keep fat away. Research shows that sustainable loss of weight can only be achieved on a diet which suits the individual food preferences, lifestyle, medical profile and satiety signals. Diet programs all over can help you shed off excess pounds, but only one diet can help you stay sexy, and it is the one that satisfies you most. Other important aspects of having a fit diet are moderation, balance and variation. One must be careful not to leave out important nutrients and other substances necessary for healthy body functioning. health organizations are clear about the amounts of nutrients an individual should have in the body. Low fat high carbs, high carbs low fat; the question is not which diet program will work out but which is it that will work for you. Striving for a sexy and healthy body does not have to burden an individual, diet fitness does not have to mean sticking to the same kind of food for life. One may even try to be adventurous and try out new foods out there. Who knows? one may even discover spinach interesting.

It pretty much drives me nuts to see these spoiled little brats who think they can do whatever they want to do, just because their parents have money. Paris Hilton...prime example. She's picked up on suspicion of DUI, has her license suspended, then is picked up twice more for driving under a suspended license. Where in this scenario does she think that she'll NOT have to do jail time? Any other regular schmoe in the country that is caught like this would have been in jail already. But she, in her spoiled brat mentality, thinks that just because she has this powerful lawyer, she won't have to live like other people. Wake up, chicky. Throwing a tantrum did not get you out of your just punishment. Just take it, and move on for the love of God. Maybe next time, you'll think before you get behind the wheel intoxicated. You could have killed someone and then where would you be? In PRISON, instead of county lockup.

Why is it that every time I turn around, someone is trying to destroy the constitutionally given rights that we enjoy? I would really like to understand this.

I read in an article Report: Parents wary of media violence by Alan Fram that certain conservative elements in this country are...yet again...trying to restrict our freedoms and limit our rights because of some threat they percieve to the children of this country. Through television and movies.

When are we all going to wake up? What these people are doing is wrong. Wrong for the same reasons that killing someone is wrong. If something on television offends you, then don't watch it. If you think that something there could possibly be a bad influence on your child, then don't let them watch it. It is as simple and clear cut as that. Everyone in this country has the right to tell whatever story they like. It is then up to the listener, the veiwer, the audience to make the decision whether or not to take that story in. That too is a choice that these people are trying to take from us. The right to decide for ourselves what we want to view.

I realize that these groups are trying to protect children, and I do understand that. As a parent, I understand wholeheartedly the need to protect my child from the bad things this world can offer. But in doing what they are doing, they are trying to take away my parental rights to decide what is in my child's best interest, and that I do not countenance. As a parent, it is my decision what on TV and movies is inappropriate content for my son. Again, if I don't like it, then I turn the channel. As simple as that.

We cannot allow these facist views to continue to dominate our society in the name of decency. Because what happens next? They will move from TV, radio, and movies to books and newspapers. I'm sure that everyone remembers the infamous book burnings in the 1940's in Germany? No? Well, perhaps soon, we'll see it all first hand. If that happenes, then I weep for the future.

Like most Americans, I too am addicted to celebrity gossip. I like to know what my favorite stars are reading, saying, doing. And I found a great site to feed my addiction. www.celebritygossip.com has all the latest in celebrity news, photos, and links to sites that have all the latest on what our favorite stars are doing. Search out by celebrity name, or by the names of selected gossipers. Comment on the posts that you read and read the comments of others. Now, as this is a brand new site, not every celebrity may be listed, but give them time. For now however, this is one of the best sites I've found that carries all the latest in celebrity news.

*this is a paid post

It's amazing today how many people do not have medical insurance. This is an age where cancer can be cured, and people can live to ages that were unheard of in earlier times. But these medical breakthroughs have a price and not everyone can pay it.

The Young Invincibles by David Amsden states that the younger generation, namely those between the ages of 20 to 35 routinely do not have insurance. Most of the people he interviewed state that it's a choice between paying the rent, or getting insurance, so they gamble...hoping that they won't need a doctor's care. Worrying about getting sick, or hurt. Curbing activities that may get them into accidents.

It is a sad state of affairs in this country of "plenty" when people have to choose...a roof over your head, or health insurance. Much of the older generation doesn't understand how hard it is to find a decent job that offers such benefits. They are scarce in this day and age where insurance is not routinely offered through the company.

So, what does one do when they are uninsured and ill or injured? Does the government care that people avoid doctors and hospitals because they do not have insurance? They say they do, but the solutions they come up with are either impractical, or skewed to a point where those that really need the help would not recieve it. They officials in the government seem to only care about their own pockets, and how things would effect them.

So the cycle will continue until some practical solution can be reached. More and more people will go uninsured because of monetary reasons, and more and more people will get substandard care simply because they are uninsured. A sad commentary of living in America.

Photographs. Generally, they're used to promote products or services, to enhance life, to save memories, or to simply radiate beauty. Not many people think of the ramifications of stealing photographs, especially in the computer generation where theft of such intellectual property is simply a click or two away. Not many people think of the ramifications should a personal photo from someone's site be posted all over the net.

I know the arguments. If the person did not want the photo to be seen or taken by anyone, then they should have set it for private viewing. Photos on the web that are not specifically copyrighted are public domain and are therefore free to be taken.

Those arguments are wrong.

According to copyright law, anything posted by the author, photographer, or artist on a website is protected by copyright law. Now, certain images or works relating to "fanfiction" or "fanart" are sometimes ignored by the owners of those copyrights because of the free publicity that comes with them, but this is no guarantee that they will not take you to court. Also, just because a photo is posted for all the world to see, does not mean that it is public domain...even photos of celebrities. These pictures are the work of others and therefore protected. The only way that they can legally be used for any purpose is to ask the author, photographer or artist.

Then there is the ethical standard that is being violated here. Recently a photo of a celebrity was posted on a website. This photo was sent to the person who posted it, on the condition that it not be posted anywhere else. That agreement was violated, and the photo distributed anyway. This picture contained images of the celebrity and his family including a minor. The same argument came into play. He posted it on his site, therefore it was public domain. He didn't post it as private, therefore it's ok to take it.

The fact is, it was not only a violation of copyright law, but also unethical to take that photo and post it elsewhere. That is someone's family who's privacy is being violated. They did not agree to have their picture all over the web. They had no idea. Just because a celebrity was involved however it had somehow become "OK" to violate their rights. It wasn't, isn't and never will be "OK".

Just because you can do something, doesn't mean that you should. Just because it is extremely easy to take a photo from a website without asking, doesn't mean that you should. Just because it is a celebrity involved, doesn't mean that people's rights can be violated in such a manner. They cannot. Think about this...How would you feel if you suddenly found that your child's photo was being bandied about on a website without your permission? How would you feel if your family photos were being used for no other reason than that one person in them was "hot"? Would you appreciate it? Would you think that it was "OK"? I sincerely doubt it.

Across the planet there are literally thousands of different belief systems, religions if you will. There are thousands of different beliefs that drive people day after day in a quest for the spiritual enlightenment that every human being craves...needs in order to fulfill themselves. A friend asked me once what religious belief I believed was right. Which one is the way to true spiritual growth?

All of them are.

Each religion on this planet has it's own set of rules, it's own dogma. Christianity believes that the only true path is through Jesus Christ. Muslim belief differs by calling their god Allah and in the belief that Mohammad is His prophet. Buddhism, Hinuism, Pagan...all have their own system of beliefs that, in some cases vastly differ. But the main theme is there. The BELIEF in a god or gods and/or goddesses is the similar theme. But which one is right?

This is what I view as the truth. Any belief, be it Christianity, Pagan, or otherwise is right so long as the practitioner believes it. If a person is happy in their belief, has found peace and a greater understanding of their spiritual growth, then the path they are on is the right one for them. There isn't a soul on earth that can pinpoint the "true" path for anyone. Not a soul on earth knows the mind of God (or gods). The leaders of religious groups may say that "this" is the way, and the only way, or say that "that" is wrong and you will burn in hell for it. But do they truly know? Do they see into the mind of their god and know, without any doubt, that this is what IS? Of course not. They use their sacred texts as a guide to tell them what is the true path...for them. But neither they nor anyone else has the right, or the power to tell anyone else what the true way is.

The only way to true spiritual growth, is for each person to look within themselves and decide what it is they truly believe. This has nothing to do with the church you go to, or the way you grew up, this has to do with your own set of beliefs. This is an honesty that you can only find within yourself. This is looking within and finding the answer to the question...

What do I beleve?

You know how you always here in the news about someone winning a lawsuit, what they don't tell you is that getting that money that was awarded to you can take awhile, a few months to a year in some cases. While your waiting for that money to come in you can lose everything especially if you was injured and unable to work. Banks and mortgage companies will work with as much as possible but they too can only hold off for so long.
Don't give up all hope if you find yourself in this situation, here are places that will give you a loan. These Lawsuit Loans are offered to individuals with pending lawsuit settlements. Most lawsuit cases are applicable for a lawsuit loan including, personal injury cases, automobile cases, and slip and fall lawsuit settlement cases. Many other cases are applicable for a lawsuit loan. So there is light at the end of the tunnel and you don't have to lose everything you have worked so hard for.

All right, had some technical difficulties with the site so I was off for a while. I also had some technical difficulties with my computer and needed a new hard drive. Was off line for about three weeks for that all by itself. Gotta LOVE technology!!! Anyway, to make a long rant short, everything is up and running again, with some degree of accuracy, so I'll be blogging again in not time. Just to let everyone know, there will be a small change in some of my blogs. I'm starting a little history series, kinda outlining why I think history is repeating itself, and why I think people in power refuse to learn from the mistakes of others. Just a personal rant of my own, I guess you could say. Cheers, Krissy

Parenting is not always fun and games. Kids get sick. They drive you nuts with fighting and crying. They decide that it's a good idea to stick a peanut butter sandwich into the VCR or paint a pretty picture across the television screen. They put the cat in the dryer just to see it throw up when it comes out. Kids can be a trial.

But parenting is also one of the most rewarding things that anyone can do. Teaching a child to ride a bike and seeing their face when they get it. Helping with homework and having them look at you like you know everything in the world. Cuddling on the couch when watching the scary movie. The rewards are all in your heart, but that's the place that really counts.

So what I want to know, is what the hell some of these people are thinking when they put their kids in danger simply so they can go get a tan. Yeah, you all know who the hell I'm talking about. She ignored the judge's order and lost her kids. What? Did she think that because of who she is that the rules didn't apply to her? Did she think that because of who she is that she could just say, "Oh, well", go on her merry way, and no one would say a word?

Well, she's got a wake up call now doesn't she?

Kids don't care if mommy is the greatest thing in the music biz. They don't care if mommy is adored by millions. They care about mommy. Period. And mommy should care about those kids first, and the public second. In that order, no exceptions. Having kids is not something you just do cuz it seems fun at the time. It's a full time, 24-7, rest of your life commitment.

Something I think that some people may have forgotten in their quest for fame and fortune.

Can anyone tell my why it is not possible for a ten year old boy to keep track of one pair of football pants? And can anyone tell me why he believes that it is my sole responsibility to know where his football pants are at any given moment? Especially since he likes to take them to his dad's house at any given moment, and leaves them there? If anyone can solve these mysteries, then I would greatly love to know the answers.

I'm looking for a new job. I know, I know, everyone says they hate their job, but I REALLY hate my job. I don't want to work for a company that will cheat their employees, the people they depend on, in order to keep their bottom line in the black. Any company worth a crap wouldn't have to do that.

So, what I'm looking for here are people to tell me their work horror stories. Give me the nitty gritty, the hard core crap that you've all had to go through in order to work at a horrible job. If you don't want to give the name of the company, that's fine, but it would help with my research. If you don't want me to publish the company name, then tell me, and I'll keep it out of the article.

Ok, let me have it!!!!

Last school year, my son got a staph infection while at school. He was pushed down, got a minor scratch on his face from a bolt on the seat of a desk, and came home feeling fine. Twenty four hours later, he had a fever, his face near the scratch had swollen nearly to twice its size, and he couldn't eat without pain. The hospital gave him augmentin for the infection and ordered ibuprofen for the fever. Luckily, the antibiotic worked and my son was fine.

Not everyone is so lucky.

According to By LINDSEY TANNER, AP Medical Writer in Staph fatalities may exceed AIDS deaths, this sort of infection is more deadly than I even realized. The article examines the infections mostly found in hospitals and outlines how many deaths occur each year from deadly strains of staphoccocous.

My son was lucky. The staph that invaded his body was one that would respond to antibiotics. But what if it hadn't been.

The staph bacteria can be found on everything. Even our own skin. Good hygiene practices generally take care of the problem of infection. But at a school, where cleaning practices are not in parents' hands and are assumed to be ok, what is there to do when those practices are suddenly not good enough? How can we protect our children from a deadly bug when we have no control?

It needs to be known that this kind of infection is not only a hospital problem, it's an everywhere problem. Take a tour of the shool your children go to, ask about cleaning procedures, take stock of what measures they keep on hand to combat infection.

Better to do it now, than regret it later.

Starting a business is not easy. There are considerations that must be seen to before the doors even open. What sort of business do you want to run? A corporation? LLC? A partnership? What kind of licenses do you need? What are the tax liabilities? All of these things should be first and foremost in your unlimited list of things to do.



There are sites on the web that can help those wanting to start a business. One such site, www.incparadise.com offers free corporate forms for those seeking to set up a corporation or LLC. The site is easy to use and has pages devoted to helping you set up your business. They offer forms for business, corporate kits,forms for getting your tax ID, and a great FAQ section so you understand the difference between a corporation and an LLC.



Based out of Nevada, the site offers advice not only for that state, but for every state in the US, with affordable fees for all. They also offer payroll advice, accounting services, and advice for asset protection. The directors of this site make something stressful less so because of the information available. The site owners are also extremely accessible by email if you have a question you want answered that could not be found in the FAQ section.

This site is a good place to start if you want to open your own business. It can help take the hassle out of your dream.

*this is a paid post

One of the most valuable investments anyone can make is in their education. There are thousands of colleges and universities in the United States offering majors for nearly every interest under the sun. The problem most people run into is how to fund their future.

Scholarships.com can help you with that. This site is perfect for finding the student scholarships to further your educational goals. It offeres free access to lists of college scholarships and grants with help through the process of applying for them. There is a Resource page for information, information on student loans, and is recognized by thousands of high schools and universities across the country. This is an excellent place to start if you or your child are interested in going to college.

*this is a paid post

Got into a conversation today about the various Dating sites on the web and what each of them have to offer. I think its important they offer great profiling options and Live Chat. I find it easier to get to know someone a little better after you Chat with them online rather than just looking at profiles.

I'm curious to see what others have to say and what sites they are using or have used. Please post a response to this in the comments section.

Many people associate Halloween with evil. With death. With spooky happenings that cannot be explained by conventional scientific means. What most people don't realize is that Halloween is the "Christianized" version of a much older feast day.

Halloween didn't come into being until Christianity came to the British Isles. Up until that time, October 31 was known as Samhain (pronounced sow-in or sah-vin). In a Celtic year, everything is cyclical. Birth inevitably leads to death and in turn leads again to rebirth. A sacred circle so to speak. Samhain is the beginning and end of the year. A day when the harvest is finished, the leaves are turning to golds and reds preparing the trees for their "death". It is a sacred day where the spirits of ancestors are remembered and honored.

Ancestors were very important to ancient Celtic people. They believed that the spirits of their ancestors watched over them from the Otherworld, and aided them in times of need. So Samhain was a day set aside not only to celebrate a good harvest, but to honor the spirits of their ancestors for their help during the year.

Bonfires were lit across the countryside, and nuts and berries were burned in the fire as offerings to the gods. This was also a perfect time to consult with the local seers as this is also a time when the veil between this world and the next is thin. A time when the honored ancestors can in effect walk among the living. This is what probably gave rise to the folk tales of ghosts walking most actively on Halloween.

Another traditional Samhain ritual was to leave either a place setting at the dinner table, or to leave offerings outside the door for these spirits. Anyone who did not, would anger the spirits by not showing the proper respect for their ancestors, bringing bad luck to them for the coming year. Likely this is where the "trick-or-treat" tradition came into being. Early Christian priests from other lands would not have understood this tradition and would believe they were leaving food outside for pranksters or children.

Christians were the first to call this feast day "Halloween" or All Hallow's Eve. Wanting to convert the pagans of the land to their religion, it was easier to acclimate their feast days into the Christian religion rather than alienate them altogether by forbidding them.

So the next time you're told that Halloween is an "evil" holiday, or that it goes against the Christian tradition, tell them that it was Christians who set the holiday up in the first place.

Most people like digital cameras for two reasons...a)there is an instant gratification of seeing your picture immediately. It saves time and money to know what you have before wasting all that with processing on film that isn't worth anything. And b) the cameras are easy to use and require no more than a computer or a place for you to get those all important prints. Hundreds of stores now have the kiosks that will allow you to simply print out your pics from the memory card of your camera. Simple. Easy. Quick.

Some of us, however, like digital cameras for another reason. The professional photographer is especially aided by this little piece of technology. Again, it saves time and money, and brings in more business as the customer can view their photos almost instantaneously. It's a valuable tool for those of us who are professionals.

I own a Kodak Easy Share Z700 4.1 MP with 5x zoom lens. It's not the best on the market, but I happen to love it. My pictures are crystal clear, can be printed beautifully and edited to whatever ends I choose, and sharing them is as easy as touching a button. I love it! I also do photo shoots for people when I have time in my schedule. Anything from sports pictures to portraits, artsy to candid. It works well for all of them.



As much as I love my camera though, there is one that I've got my eyes open for. I want a professional grade digital SLR of at least 10 MP. Now those aren't cheap. Not by a long shot, but I want one anyway. Now how to find one? That shouldn't be too hard. I found a site that has every digital camera imaginable at good prices. I actually bookmarked the site. Canon camera carries not only cameras for the amateur, but for those of us who are professionals too. Christmas is coming up, and with it, you'll have family events you'll want to capture so you can laugh or cry about them later. Get the digital camera you want today on Canon camera I know I'm going here when I'm ready to get my SLR, that's for certain.

*this is a sponsored post