Sleeping With a Partner Makes You Stupid!

WOW -- can you believe this? Research reveals that sleeping with a partner makes you stupid!

This has got to be one of the dumbest studies I have ever seen. A University of Vienna study, published today in New Scientist, showed that men suffer temporary mental setbacks if they share their bed because their sleep is always disturbed whether they make love to their partners or not.The researchers interviewed eight unmarried couples in their 20s who were asked to spend 10 nights with their partners, and 10 nights alone. Read the full article here.

I don't know about you, but personally, I prefer to sleep with my wife. If for some reason I sleep alone, I have a hard time falling asleep and toss and turn much more than when we are sleeping together!

I'd love to hear from others on this subject. Please leave a comment.

Why Do You Blog?

Why Do You Blog?

There are blogs about sex, drugs and rock & roll. You can find mommy blogs, daddy blogs, gay blogs, Christian blogs, and blogs about blogging!

I've seen blogs about dogs, cats, and even turtle blogs. You name it, and I'm sure you can find a blog about it somewhere. My question to you is, "Why do you blog?"

Please leave a comment and tell me why you blog. Here are a few reasons people blog, what's your reason?

• I blog because I am bored
• I blog because it gives me a chance to express myself
• I blog because I like to talk about me
• I blog to meet other bloggers
• I blog to make money
• I blog because I like to write

For me...I blog because I like to write, also I have discovered that it is possible to earn a little money from my blogs. Oh, that reminds me, if you like the image on this post visit my online shop for blog addicts, you can get unique t-shirts, coffee mugs, mouse pads and much more!

Please leave a comment and tell me why you blog.

Is This Thing On?

Is This Thing On?

You would think that after being in the public eye for several years one would get used to checking to see if anyone was watching. Well, Mr. Bush the microphone was turned on while you were chatting with Mr. Blair and the whole world heard your comments!

" See the irony is that what they need to do is get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this s--- and it's over," Bush told Blair as he chewed on a buttered roll.

I'm actually a big fan of President Bush, so I am not knocking him here. I think it's rather funny, and Mr. Bush just rolled his eyes when he was told about the blooper.

The unscripted comments came during a lunch at the Group of Eight summit.The world leaders clearly did not realize that a live microphone was picking up their uncensored comments.

Another Idol Gets Record Contract

Another Idol Gets Record Contract

There are no losers on "American Idol". Kellie Pickler may have got the boot from the show, but she just landed a record contract with 19 Recordings/BNA Records, a label under the SONY BMG Music Entertainment umbrella in Nashville. The Southern sweetheart from last season's "American Idol" is remembered for not only her singing talent, but also her bubbly personality and heavy Southern accent!

Pickler is due to have a country song ready for the radio by September and an album to be released in November this year. The 20-year-old North Carolinian is the latest "also ran" from the 5th season show to sign a record deal. Earlier this year, Katharine McPhee and Chris Daughtry also inked recording contracts.

I love country music, and of course being from North Carolina myself, I voted for Kellie on "American Idol". I can't wait to hear her debut album.

Need to Rekindle Your Romance?

Need to Rekindle Your Romance?

Here's a great idea to light a spark in your romance! Try a weekend getaway at an area Bed & Breakfast. It doesn't matter where you live, there is sure to be a romantic Bed & Breakfast not too far away. Click Here for a list of Bed & Breakfasts in your area.

Make it a surprise -- just tell your significant other that you are taking them someplace special for the weekend. Visit my other blog, "Bed & Breakfast Experiences" for more information on Bed & Breakfasts in your area. There is a list of the top 10 most Romantic Bed & Breakfasts there also. You can even pick up a gift certificate at the top of my Bed & Breakfast Blog.

Most of the folks who manage the Bed & Breakfasts are very friendly and helpful. If you call ahead they will be happy to tell you about romantic things to do in the area or hook you up with flowers and candy on the bed, etc. Many also have special romantic packages available.

If you know about a GREAT Bed and Breakfast that you have visited leave a comment on my Bed & Breakfast Experiences blog or send me an e-mail, if use your story on my blog I will send you 25 BE Credits. (This offer only good if you are a Blog Explosion member.) If you are not a member -- join up for FREE! Just click on the Blog Explosion logo below and register.

Article Writing Secrets

Article Writing Secrets

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Do You Believe in Angels?

Do You Believe in Angels? I certainly do. Following is a true story, this happened to me many years ago when I was around 8-years old. An edited version of this story was published in the Jan./Feb 2004 issue of "Angels on Earth Magazine".

Please respond to this post.

Skating on Thin Ice By: Mike Marinaro

The Oil Mill Pond was a large pond not far from our house. On one end was a dam, which was a truly beautiful site in the winter as the waterfall glistened in the sunlight and the rocks far below were covered in a sheet of ice. It wasn’t safe to skate too close to the dam because the water was constantly running there and the ice was very thin. I was about to discover just how thin the ice was and how very deep and cold the water was at this end of the pond!

I loved to look down at the ice as I glided across the smooth and glassy surface. In some spots I could see how thick the ice actually was. There were cracks and bubbles that formed interesting patterns underneath. It seemed as if everyone was crowded in the center of the pond where a hockey game was being played so I headed off towards the dam. I enjoyed the feeling of the wind blowing in my face as I picked up speed and raced across the ice.

Before too long it started to snow, just light flurries, but enough to lay a beautiful coat of white over the ice. I could skate around in circles and see the tracks in the snow from my skates. It was fun to make figure eights and other intricate patterns. The sounds of the crowd soon faded away, and the only thing I could hear was the scraping noise my skates made cutting into the ice.

Suddenly, there was another noise that sent shivers down my spine, a loud cracking sound! I looked up and realized that I had not been paying attention and had ventured too close to the dam. The ice was cracking beneath me; I could feel it giving way right under my feet!

I turned and tried to skate towards shore but it was too late! My world exploded violently as the ice opened and swallowed me! It was a real shock as my body hit the freezing cold water and I sank like a rock to the bottom of the pond!

That was over forty-five years ago but I can still remember it vividly like it was only yesterday! I will never forget that feeling of helplessness as I looked up towards the surface and could not see the hole I had fallen through! Time seemed to slow down and run in slow motion as I sank to the bottom of the pond.

I looked up and at first I could see the circle of broken ice with the sun shining through. But as I went down deeper the circle became smaller and smaller and the sunlight faded into a tiny beam of light. Then there was only darkness! Everything was pitch-black!

I felt my feet hit the muddy bottom and I prayed for help. My instinct was to start swimming and hope that I could find the opening again. I could feel my body getting numb from the cold, my ears felt like they were made of ice and would shatter if I touched them! I was wearing a pair of gloves but they were soaked through and I could hardly move my fingers at all! I held my breath as long as I could but my lungs felt like they were about to burst!

Just then when I thought I wouldn’t last another second, I felt someone tapping me on the shoulder and heard a soft voice saying, “Don’t panic Mike, everything is going to be alright.” I spun around to see who was there but could see nobody at all. “Don’t try to swim, or you will lose your way. Just push your feet into the bottom and you will shoot straight up to the surface”, said the mysterious voice.

I pushed myself upward with all of my might and hoped that I would indeed find the hole, which seemed miles above me. “Trust me, I am here to help you”, I heard as I shot up from the bottom. Then a flash of bright light blinded me and I broke through to the surface gasping for air!

I splashed around and tried to yell out for help but nothing would come out. I couldn’t believe that no one had seen me fall through the ice. What was I going to do now; every time I tried to pull myself up onto the ice another piece would break away. I thrashed around in the bone-chilling water for what seemed like an eternity. My situation was getting worse as I neared exhaustion. Then for the second time that day a miracle happened.

I was being lifted out of the icy cold water and helped onto the ice by someone I could not see! I can only assume that this was an angel sent to watch over me in my time of need. I tried to talk but still could not get any words to come out. I crawled to the shore and just laid there for awhile shivering and trying to recuperate. Again I heard a voice softly whispering in my ear, “I will go and find someone to help you”. The next thing I know, there was a crowd of people standing around me covering me with coats and asking me what had happened. Everything started to spin around and get blurry, and then I must have passed out.

I am absolutely positively sure about what happened that day and I believe without a doubt that it was an angel who pulled me from the icy water and saved my life! Looking back on that near-death experience I noticed that I became more self-confident and less shy after that day. Up until then I had always been an introvert and did not make friends very easily. However, I now had a new found sense of well being and felt like I could handle any situation! After all, I had my very own angel to watch over me!

I was only eight years old when this happened but it is still fresh in my mind. Many times since then I have thought about that day and wondered if it was only another person who pulled me out of the water, or if it was really an angel. After decades of pondering this question I am convinced that it was indeed an angel who rescued me. There is no way that someone could have crawled out on that thin ice without also falling through!

The amazing thing about that fateful day that still sends shivers up and down my spine every time I recall it is that there were no other footprints in the freshly fallen snow. Just one set of skate tracks leading to the hole in the ice! Do I believe in angels – you bet I do!

Your comments are always welcome.

Do You Have What it Takes?

Do You Have What it Takes?

Could you be the next "AMERICAN IDOL"? Auditions begin for the next singing superstar in 7 cities across the United States starting this August!

You must be 16-28 years old and elegible to work in the United States to audition. For a complete list of rules Click Here.

Here is the schedule for audition locations.

Los Angeles, CA - Aug 8
San Antonio, TX - Aug 11
New York, NY - Aug 14
Birmingham, AL - Aug 21
Memphis, TN - Sep 3
Minneapolis, MN - Sep 8
Seattle, WA - Sep 19

So warm up those vocal chords and head on out to one of the above locations if you think you have what it takes!

Chris Daughtry Signs Record Deal

Chris Daughtry Signs Record Deal

America voted and Chris Daughtry was sent home from American Idol! However, he did not fade away...last month Chris turned down a deal to join the rock band Fuel. Now he has just signed a record deal with 19 Recordings/RCA Records. According to RCA Daughtry will form a band and work with high-profile collaborators to record self and co-written songs. Look for his first album to be relased later this year.

Many people were shocked when the bald-headed, North Carolina native was eliminated from the fifth season show. But as history has already proven, just because you get booted doesn't mean you can't be a star! Just look at Clay Aiken, you hear more about him than the winner Ruben Studdard.

Daughtry is busy right now performing on the sold out American Idol Live Tour, and work has already begun on his first album. Watch out Taylor Hicks, the battle isn't over yet!

I voted for Taylor, and I think if he can monopolize on his unique talent and style he will do great.

Please leave your comments.

Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest

Pirates of the Caribbean
Dead Man's Chest

We went to see the 2nd installment of "Pirates of the Caribbean" this weekend (so did everybody else in town) many of the showtimes were sold out; the theater was really packed!

Actually, I liked the first one better but this one was also very good. Although I would think twice about bringing young kids to the movie, the bad guys are really gross looking and pretty scary! The make-up artists did an awesome job.

Make sure you stay and read the credits after the movie because there is a secret scene at the end of the credits.

China has banned "Dead Man's Chest" due to its violent and supernatural content. There is no rating system for movies in China, but they will usually reject sex and violence.

Elsewhere,the film broke box office records. Opening day on Friday, the film set the record for the single-day box office gross by collecting $55.5 million then added an estimated $44.7 million on Saturday to become the first film in history to break the $100 million mark in two days!

In this follow-up to the original block-buster, Captian Jack Sparrow is trying to save himself from eternal damnation due to a blood debt he owes to Davy Jones. Depp is reunited with Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley as they team up once again.

The movie has plenty of action and comedy and ends in true cliff-hanger fashion paving the way for a third installment. I enjoyed it, but still liked the first one better. Of course, I will end up buying the DVD when it comes out to add to my collection.

Please leave your comments.

Superman Returns

Superman Returns

We went to see "Superman Returns" over the holiday weekend. I'm glad we went to the discounted matinee and didn't pay full price for the tickets! The movie was long and drawn out, two hours and thirty four minutes. There were a couple of good action scenes with great special effects, but they were few and far between!

Brandon Routh just did not do it for me as Superman; however, he did bear some resemblance to Christopher Reeves, especially his voice. I was not impressed with Lois Lane either, played by Kate Bosworth, her character was boring. There was no chemistry between her and superman. The best actor in the movie was Kevin Spacey who did a great job as Lex Luthor. He potrayed a very devious bad-guy!

Overall, the movie was boring and bland. What I did find interesting though was the way that I noticed there were many similarities between Superman and Christ.

Here are the metaphors I found. Clark Kent is sent to earth by his Father. Clark's name is Ka-El his father's name is Jor-El. The El part of the name in Hebrew means God the Father. Superman is beaten and suffers a stab wound very similar to the wound inflicted on Christ by the spear of a Roman soldier. We then see Superman posing with his arms outstretched as though he had been crucified.

Lois Lane has a line that goes like this, "The world doesn't need a saviour...and neither do I."

Also the ghost of Jor-El says,"For this reason, I have sent them you, my only son."

Superman says to Lois, " I'm always around."

I don't think you have to be a Bible scholar to notice the way Superman is potrayed as Christ-like in this movie. It is not forced on you, but it's there just the same. Perhaps the one saving grace for this movie?

When all is said and done, the movie is making money. Superman pulled in $74 million over the long fourth of July weekend and more than $106 million its first seven days!

Your comments are welcome.

Blogging for Profits

Blogging for Profits

I have been blogging since September 2005, all of that time with Blog Explosion. I have been using Google Adsense since July 2005 on my blogs and many of the websites that I design for clients. Both the website business and blogging started out just for fun, but now I am making money from them. I'm not ready to quit my day job yet, but there is money to be made by blogging.

Check out the e-book, "Bloggers Guide to Profits". If you are serious about blogging, this book will be very helpful to you. Download it today and put your blog to work for you!

If you would like to learn more about AdSense or blogging for profits, send me an email and I will be glad to share information with you.

Your comments are welcome. If you know of an affiliate program that works well or have some tips for making money on the Internet, please share them.

AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!

AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!

Starring as the leading lady in her second "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie, Keira Knightley is looking good! The Oscar nominated actress plays Elizabeth Swann in "Dead Man's Chest", where Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) ends up interrupting her wedding to Will Turner (Orlando Bloom).

Keira had a bit-part as Queen Amidala's (Natalie Portman) decoy in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace." Knightley was also a soccer-loving high-schooler Jules in "Bend It Like Beckham." She also played Lara in a BBC TV movie of "Doctor Zhivago". The 21-year-old actress also was in "Love Actually", "King Arthur", "Domino," and "Pride & Prejudice."Keira is a bit of a tomboy, but very elegant and sexy and she has played a variety of different roles, looking awesome in all of them!

I can't wait to see her in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest." Please leave a comment and tell me if you think Keira is hot or not.

The Ten Commandments Can Stay

The Ten Commandments Can Stay

Here is a follow-up to a previous post. (Utenzi pointed out in comments that I was in need of an update, thanks Utenzi.) The government of the District of Columbia this week decided to allow a religious group to keep a monument of the Ten Commandments that had been erected in a front yard across the street from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Read the full story here.

Do you think we should be allowed to have a monument such as this one displaying the 10 Commandments ? I see nothing wrong with this. Please leave a comment and tell me how you feel about this.

Why all the Cartoon Pictures?

Why all the Cartoon Pictures?

OK, here's a post that should get quite a few comments, and perhaps some choice words! Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that most of the women's blogs now have cartoon characters instead of real pictures? What's up with that?

Are the ladies embarrassed of their own pictures and bodies, so they have to show a cartoon picture instead? I'll admit some of the cartoon pictures are very sexy...but come on now, I'd much rather see a real photo!

Can someone please explain this new trend in blog designs to me please. Your comments are welcome.

David Hasselhoff Undergoes Surgery from Shaving Accident

David Hasselhoff Has Surgery from Shaving Accident

We've all heard this before, "It's nothing, I just cut myself shaving." Well, for actor David Hasselhoff of "Baywatch" fame, his shaving accident required surgery! The actor severed a tendon in his right arm while shaving in the bathroom of a gym in the Sanderson Hotel in London.

Hasselhoff's reps said that he bumped his head on a chandelier, which showered his arm with broken glass! The 53 year old actor spent one night at a London hospital. His reps went on to say that he is fine now and will be resuming filming of the ad campaign he is working on for a British Internet company.

Flag Burning Bill Fizzles Out

Flag Burning Bill Fizzles Out

OK...if you want to get me pissed off, go ahead and burn an American Flag in front of me! I was proud to serve my country way back in the day during the Vietnam War, and I still honor the American Flag and what it stands for. I can't believe that the Senate failed to pass a bill against Flag Burning! This, just before the Fourth of July which is a holiday celebrating our freedom...what were they thinking?

They say the issue is freedom of speech. Well, I believe in freedom of speech just as much as the next guy; but burning the flag is not freedom of speech...it is desecration of the very symbol of freedom that makes The United States of America the great country that it is.

Let me hear your comments on this subject.

Save The Ten Commandments

Save The Ten Commandments

Faith and Action, America’s only Christian outreach located across the street from the U.S. Supreme Court, has launched a national petition drive in support of its display of the Ten Commandments. The Government of the District of Columbia has ordered the display to be removed from the organization’s garden in front of its property.

Click Here for full story from The Christian NewsWire.

I believe this country was founded on Christian principles and I do not see how anyone has the right to tell us what we can or cannot display on our property. Please leave a comment with your thoughts on this matter.

Which Desperate Housewife?

Which Desperate Houswife?

Since hot women have been getting lots of comments on my blog, I will continue this topic for a little while longer. One of these days I will get back to serious blogging.

Here's the question: If you could have one of the stars from "Desperate Houswives", who would you want?

I have the sexy ladies pictured here, but if its the carpenter you desire then vote for him. Please leave a comment and tell me who and why.

It's a tough choice for me, I'm torn between Terri Hatcher and Marsha Cross. I really think Terri is sexy, but she has lost too much weight. I guess I would have to select Bree! Redheads Rule!

Can Somebody Please Explain This to Me?

Can somebody please explain this to me?

What does Heather Locklear see in David Spade? I think David is a funny guy...but that's it! I don't see anything sexy about him at all. (of course I'm a guy and really don't find any guys sexy!) So maybe some of you ladies can tell me what is so hot about Spade?

Now Heather, that's another story, I will give her a 10 even though I usually don't like blondes. She is very sexy...I loved her way back when on T.J. Hooker (probably many of you younger bloggers never even heard of that show).



Some stories I read say David Spade wants to get married to Heather. Other stories say Locklear denies that the two are dating even after all the photos of them together! So what's the deal...are they or aren't they? If they are -- what is the attraction, does Heather need glasses?

Somebody please leave me a comment and tell me what is hot about David Spade. I know Heather's hot, but feel free to comment about her also!

Catherine or Jessica?

Catherine or Jessica?

OK...since pretty girls seem to get lots of comments on my blog, I will try another post with some pretty girl pictures.

Who do you like better as Daisy Duke; Catherine Bach or Jessica Simpson? You can vote on acting ability if you want...but I know most of you will be looking at other criteria.

My vote goes to Catherine Bach. I happen to prefer brunettes over blonds! Oh yeah, just in case my wife reads this...redheads are the best!!! I'm just posting this to get comments honey, I'm not really looking at the pictures.

Strange Place for a Nest

Strange Place for a Nest

This is the second year in a row that birds have made a nest in our hanging basket on our patio. We spotted 3 eggs in the nest on May 21st. below are some photos that tell the story. One of the eggs didn't hatch, but now we have two baby birds.


Last year the baby birds disappeared when they were very small. I don't know what happened? This year they have grown much larger...I hope they survive. We have several generations of birds in our yard, it is so beautiful to wake up every morning and hear all the birds singing!

Please Comment

Please Leave a Comment

OK...what's it gonna take to get some comments on my blog. Lately, it seems that nobody is commenting on my articles. Perhaps a little bit of Catherine Zeta Jones will do the trick?

I thought I had interesting articles about current events that would attract some comments...but maybe I just need a sexy woman on my blog? If I don't get any comments on this post, I will just have to give up blogging!

Please tell me what you think about Catherine Zeta Jones.

Nestle and Jenny Craig in Bed Together!

Nestle and Jenny Craig in Bed Together!

OK...here is an interesting merger. Nestle (famous for it's chocolate) is going to buy Jenny Craig (famous for it's weight loss program).

Nestles is putting up $600 million for Jenny Craig and just last month the chocolate-maker purchased Uncle Tobys (an Australian maker of nutritional cereals and snacks). Nestle is the world's largest food and drinks company and also makes baby formulas, nutrition foods and drinks to aid weight loss as well as the Lean Cuisine food line.

Now you can buy chocolate, eat all you want, get fat, and then join a weight loss program all from the same company!

So what do you think of this deal -- what's next -- cigarette makers selling cancer preventing drugs?

Please leave a comment.

When I'm Sixty-Four

When I'm Sixty-Four

It was a long time ago when Sir Paul McCartney wrote the words, "Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm sixty-four?" Paul wrote the song, When I'm Sixty-Four when he was a teenager as a tribute to his father, Jim McCartney. but it wasn't released until 1967 on the album Sgt. Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Today, McCartney turns sixty-four and plans to celebrate with his family. He is not losing his hair, nor does he have to scrimp and save as the lyrics state; Paul does have grandchildren, though none of them are named Vera, Chuck or Dave. Due to his recent break up with his second wife, I don't know who will be feeding Paul when he turns sixty-four but I'm sure he will land on his feet!

Paul McCartney is one of the greatest musicians of all time and The Beatles are by far the best band ever! You go Paul!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIR PAUL McCARTNEY

Bill Gates Stepping Down

Bill Gates Stepping Down

I've always said that retirement has nothing to do with age...it's all about having enough money to retire! In Bill Gates' case, money is no problem for the 50-year old. Gates has been named the richest man in the world for several years now. He has an estimated net worth of about $50 billion. Not too bad for a college dropout!

Microsoft Corp. says Bill Gates is not leaving the company, he is just stepping down from his day-to-day responsibilities there. In July 2008 Gates will officially step down and Ray Ozzie, the developer of Lotus Notes, will be one of the people to step up to the plate.

Bill Gates will then have more time to spend with his philanthropic foundation, the world’s largest.The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation started in 2000 has helped some of the world’s greatest problems, such as global health and education. The foundation is now the world’s largest philanthropy, with assets totaling $29.1 billion.The fondation has helped in the fight against HIV, malaria and tuberculosis around the world. In the United States Gates has used the fondation to help with education reform.

What will all this mean to Microsoft? I think the company will continue to prosper and lead the way in technology. Gates has surrounded himself with great people over the years and they will carry on and keep Microsoft going strong.

Please leave your comments.

GREAT FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEA

Here's a GREAT GIFT IDEA for Dad on Father's Day! Forget about the usual necktie or dinner; this year give him a real treat. It's not too late to check out the Bed & Breakfasts in your area and book a weekend for Dad. Many B&Bs offer special Father's Day packages.

Click Here to locate a Bed & Breakfast in your area.

If you have a favorite Bed & Breakfast, leave a comment and send the link here so I can feature it on my Bed & Breadfast Experiences Blog.

Daryl Hannah Spends 23 Days Up A Tree

Daryl Hannah Spends 23 Days Up A Tree

After three-weeks of protesting to save a community garden in Los Angeles, Daryl Hannah was arrested.

The police had to use chain saws to cut away branches and firemen brought in a cherry-picker crane to help remove the protestors. Other activists such as Joan Baez, Willie Nelson,Leonardo DiCaprio, Ed Harris, Danny Glover and Martin Sheen have also helped in the effort to save the garden.

The owner wants to reclaim the land to build a warehouse. Hannah was charged with trespassing after refusing to come down from the walnut tree in the 14-acre urban garden.

The garden is said to be the largest urban farm in the country and there are about many farmers who work the land to feed the 350 families that it feeds. Owner and developer Ralph Horowitz said he would sell the land to the farmers for $16 million, but so far they have not been able to raise the money. The farm has been an oasis in the middle of Los Angeles for over ten years.

Please leave a comment

Are You Too Busy to Take a Lunch Break?

Are you too busy to take a lunch break?

In a lunchtime survey of 1,013 adults 20 and older, conducted in May, KFC came up with the following results.





62.7% of workers consider the 60-minute lunch hour the biggest myth in office life.
57.9% eat lunch at their desk while continuing to work.
55.6% multitask during lunch (28.9% eat and run errands, 26.7% eat and e-mail or shop online).
51.8% take 30 minutes or less for lunch.
21.9% eat at a restaurant or other eatery.
20.2% eat in the company cafeteria.

I usually run to Wendy's and pick up a Spinach Chicken Salad; that takes about 10 minutes, and then I return to my desk to eat lunch while I work. How about you, do you take a full hour for lunch or do you work at your desk or run errands during lunch?

Please leave a comment.

How to Make Money on the Internet

How to Make Money on the Internet

Like many before me, one of the very first things I tried on the Internet was an online store selling products I bought at wholesale and sold for a profit. This worked well for me at flea markets and via mail order in the past so I figured it would do great on the Internet. WRONG!

There are so many competitors out there on the web my store didn't stand a chance. Unless you have a really unique product that is a tough way to make money.

Next I tried E-Bay but didn't do very well there either. Some people are succesful at E-Bay, but it just wasn't for me. So I put on my thinking cap and decided that I had to find a niche market. I already had designed websites for a couple of churches (for free) and thought that maybe I could turn that into a business.

I set up a website for myself with a catchy domain name, Webdesign4Him and I was in business. It cost me about $9.95 a year for a domain name and $3.95 a month for webhosting. I use Go Daddy for domain names and webhosting, they have GREAT prices. I printed up my own business cards and I was good to go.

Now to find some customers. No problem, there are churches everywhere. The easiest and most cost effective way to contact them was with a phone call. However, I hate the telephone so I had to come up with another plan. I did research on the Internet and found many places where there lists of churches in my area, a good place to start. Many of them already had websites, so I eliminated them.

Next I contacted the ones with an email address listed but no website. This didn't cost me anything. I picked up a couple of customers and they recommended me to other churches. I was on a roll.

The moral of this story is -- you can make money on the Internet, just find a niche market and you are off to a good start. I will continue in future posts. Please check back soon and feel free to leave a comment.

Coming soon: How to make money with Google AdSense and Affiliate programs that really work.

What Do You Think About Taylor Hicks?

What Do You Think About Taylor Hicks?

The newest American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks pulled in 36.4 million votes in the show's season finale! I guess there are a few people out there who like him! I am one of those people; however, I was not able to get through on the phone lines to vote in the finale. I tried unsuccessfully for several hours.

Taylor recently signed a multi-million dollar record deal! He is hoping to get his album on store shelves by the end of this year. He will have two songs available in stores on June 13th. "Do I make you proud", which he sang in the show's finale; and his own version of The Doobie Brother's classic, "Takin' it to the streets" will be his first release.

There were many talented singers in this year's competition, but I was pulling for Taylor right from the start of the season. I like Taylor because first of all he has grey hair like me, and it's nice to see an older guy win a competition that usually favors the younger generation! Hicks is 29 years old, practically a dinosaur compared to the other contestants!

He is from Birmingham, Alabama; another great talent from the south! I live in North Carolina so I always pull for the contestents from the south. I can't say much for his dancing skills, but he does have a lot of fun when he is performing which adds to his charm! When I look at him he reminds me of a cross between Elvis and George Clooney! Taylor also impressed me with his harmonica playing.

Please leave your comments and let me know if you are a Taylor Hicks fan or if you thought someone else should have won.

Big Brother is Watching You

Big Brother is Watching You!

According to a new study, about a third of big companies in the United States and Britain hire employees to read and analyze outbound e-mail as they seek to guard against legal, financial or regulatory risk. Click Here to read full story.

Be careful what you are doing with your e-mail because chances are it is being read by more people than you realize. The company I used to work for was always firing people for e-mail violations or for using the computer to surf the Internet when they were supposed to be working. I hope no one from my current job is reading this...because I do spend a lot of time during working hours blogging or surfing the Internet!

Please leave a comment and tell me how much time you spend during working hours surfing the Internet, blogging, playing computer games, chatting online, or sending personal e-mails.

(I promise I won't tell your boss.)

It's Not Fair

It's Not Fair

The other day while my wife was driving home from work she had a car wreck! Thank God, nobody in either car was injured. Here is what happened, please leave a comment and tell me if it seems fair to you.

She came to a full stop at an intersection where she had a stop sign. There were no cars coming so she pulled out and then crash! A van had suddenly come speeding over the top of the hill and she hit the van broadside as she was pulling out!

In my opinion, the driver of the van was at fault because he was travelling at a high rate of speed coming up on a blind intersection. The State Trooper did not agree, he issued a ticket to my wife. His explanation was that she failed to yield. I argued that there was nothing to yield to when she pulled out there were no cars coming. The driver of the van was speeding and should get a ticket also. The Trooper said it didn't matter how fast the other guy was going, the person at the stop sign has to yield to oncoming traffic. (In other words it is okay to speed while you are coming over a hill and approaching a blind intersection.)

Does this seem fair to you? Please leave a comment. We are not paying the ticket, but will go to court and talk to the District Attorney about this. It is a 3-point penalty on your driver's license and God only knows how much the car insurance will go up!

What Do You Really Think About This Blog?

What Do You Really Think ?

OKAY -- I've been blogging since Sept. 2005 and it's time to find out what you really think about "Ramblings and Rhetoric". Please take a few minutes and leave your comments.

• Tell me if you like the design of my blog
• Do you find the content interesting or boring
• Are you a regular reader or first time visitor
• Have you checked out my other blogs; 3 is the Charm and Bed & Breakfast Experiences
  
• Have you ever clicked on any of the ads in my blog
  

Thanks and have a GREAT DAY.

Let's Remember the real reason for Memorial Day

Memorial Day has for a long time been remembered as the beginning of Summer. A long three-day weekend filled with picnics, beach trips and parties and the Indianapolis 500! Let's take a moment to remember the real meaning of Memorial Day.



Memorial Day is really a time to commemorate U.S. men and women who died in military service for their country. Originally known as Decoration Day, it first honored Union Soldiers who died in The Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include all wars or military actions.

It is traditional to fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff from dawn to noon. We used to celebrate Memorial Day on May 30th, but somewhere along the line the date was changed to the last Monday in May to insure a long weekend.

If you want to go out and party this weekend -- that's fine -- but please take a moment to reflect on the real meaning of the holiday and give thanks for all of those brave men and women who have given their lives for this great country that we live in!

This would also be a good time to pray for the folks that are currently serving in our military.

Have a GREAT HOLIDAY!

Please leave a comment.

Still Lost After Finale

OKAY -- what did we learn from the Lost finale? Are viewers more lost now than ever? Here is what I discovered. Please leave your comments and share your theories.

Desmond

• He got his sailboat from Libby
• He may have caused the crash of Oceanic Flight 815 because he didn't enter the numbers in time
• His lost love Penelope, who has a lot of money may play a bigger role in all of this
• He has the failsafe key and the courage to use it
  

Locke

• Actually breaks down and starts to cry
• Doesn't push the button -- but he was wrong -- the button is real
• We do not know his fate -- he was last seen in the hatch when the system failed
  

The Others

• The real leader is Henry
• Their camp was a fake to impress Michael, even their hatch was fake
• What the heck was the giant statue with four toes all about
• They say they are the good guys -- hmmmm

Hurley is set free with the task of telling the rest of the survivors not to try to find The Others. Michael is reunited with Walt and they are giving directions on how to leave the island. Jack, Sawyer and Kate are still held captive by The Others. We don't know what happened to Syad, Locke or Mr. Eko.

The producers say that next season we will learn more about The Others. I think the season went out with a big bang! Can't wait till next year.

Please leave your comments.

No Rest for Jack Bauer

WOW--if you watch 24 you know what I am talking about! What a GREAT finale for this season. Just when you think Jack is going to get a little rest...well, I don't want to spoil it if you haven't seen the last episode yet.



My favorite character on 24 (besides Jack of course) has got to be Chloe! She is so smart, an has a real attitude! I loved the episode where she is working on her laptop in a bar and keeps getting hit on by some drunk. She zaps him with a tazer and never misses a stroke on her keyboard.

I'm very sad to see the season end...don't know what I will do on Monday nights now. It's going to be a long wait until January 2007! I guess I can pick up the other seasons on DVD and watch them -- actually I never saw season 1 or 2.

Please leave a comment...and tell me who your favorite 24 character is.

Taylor or Katharine?

Tonight Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee will sing their hearts out for the title of American Idol! My vote goes to Taylor, I think he really has fun up there on stage and gives a wonderful performance. Of course, Katharine does a great job also, and she sure is beautiful!

If you look at the past American Idols, you will see that it is time for a white, male to win...so odds are it will be Taylor this time.

We shall see...it's up to the viewers to vote. I think the talent this time around has been the best ever! It has been a great season, and there really are no losers. There will be offers for all of the young men and women who sang their hearts out this year.

Please leave a comment and tell me who you think will win.

Vacation Time

It's that time again...the weather is getting really nice and thoughts of wonderful vacations begin to fill our heads! Be sure to check out my other blog, Bed & Breakfast Experiences , for great tips on vacations and out of the ordinary places to stay.

Also click on the Travelocity link if you want to save money and customize a trip. This is a great site for vacation planning!

Wherever you go...HAVE A GREAT TIME, and drive safe.

Cell Phones

What did we ever do before the invention of cell phones? I never thought I needed a cell phone but since I finally have one of my own I must admit I am lost without it! If I leave home and forget my cell phone, I will have to turn around and go back to get it!

I do have a few pet peeves about cell phones though so here are the Top Ten:

People talking on cell phones in a restaurant.

Hearing someone’s cell phone ring in the movie theater, or worse yet someone answering their cell phone during a movie!

Talking on the cell phone while driving and not paying attention to the road.

Cell phones ringing during meetings.

Cell phones ringing at church.

Talking on a regular phone and a cell phone at the same time.

Stupid rings that people download for their cell phones.

Why do I need a phone at home if my wife and I both have cell phones?

Where do all my unused minutes go to?

How the heck do I get my messages off of my cell phone anyway?

However, after all is said and done, cell phones are a great invention, especially for traveling and for emergencies. I never leave home without my cell phone.

I have had several different cell phone carriers: Verizon, AT&T, Cingular Wireless and SunCom. Here is what I have discovered. I dropped them all, and went to Wal-Mart to pick up a TracFone; I now have a pay-as-you-go plan with no contracts involved and I am very happy! When I need more minutes, I simply go on line and buy more minutes; and the reception is better than I had with the other major carriers I have tried.

The other phones I had (which were much more expensive) would never work in the small town where I live and I could not get any reception at all in my house! This cheap phone works fantastic, even in my house and in all the places I could not get a signal before! I love it!

If you have any great cell phone stories, rants or raves...please leave a comment.

Do You Like FREE things?

Do you like to save money? Would you like FREE business cards? Click on the image below and check out the offer there. I use this company all the time for my printing needs. It's quick and easy and they have great deals! Their products are high quality and I recommend checking this site out. You will be glad that you did.

How was your Mother's Day?

I know there are many Mommy bloggers out there...I would like to hear what was the best thing and the worst thing (if any) about your Mother's Day. Please leave a comment. What did you love about Mother's Day, and what sucked?

I cooked breakfast for my wife, we sat on the patio outside and watched the hummingbirds and other birds as we ate. Then we went to church. After church we went out to brunch where we were joined by my wife's daughter, our niece and her husband, my wife's sister and her husband and my wife's best friend. We enjoyed a our brunch at an Italian restaurant. They had a singer there and the food was great.

It was nice to be with our family who are in this area and we exchanged gifts and flowers for all the Mom's at lunch. Then we went home and relaxed the rest of the day. My wife received a gift certificate for a Swedish Massage at a local SPA.

Please share your day with us.

How Many Shoes Do You Need?

WOW -- I was trying to find something in our closet the other morning and I had to dig through piles of shoes! Not my shoes, I only have a pair of black dress shoes; a pair of brown dress shoes; a pair of sneekers and a pair of cowboy boots.

The piles of shoes belong to my wife; I did not have time to count them but I'm sure there are over 100 pairs of shoes in our closet alone! Now if you were to look in my wife's car, you would find at least 5 or 6 more pairs of shoes!

This prompted me to start asking other people how many pairs of shoes they owned. I asked everyone at work and here's what I found out.

The women all said the same thing, they had no idea how many shoes they owned. Most of them said over 100 pair easily. The men on the other hand replied they only had 4-5 pair of shoes.

Why do women need so many pairs of shoes? Of course if there were a special occasion coming up a man would wear what he already has in the closet, but not a woman...she will have to run out and get a new outfit and a new pair of shoes to match! What's up with that?

Please leave a comment and tell me how many pairs of shoes you own. If you feel the need to purchase more shoes, check out this website, they offer GREAT DEALS!

Mother's Day at a Bed & Breakfast

Here's a GREAT IDEA for Mother's Day:

Still haven't figured out what to do for that special someone on Mother's Day? How about a weekend at a cozy Bed & Breakfast?

Check this link for a Bed & Breakfast in your area.

Many Bed & Breakfasts will offer a Mother's Day Special. If you really want to surprise her this year, find a baby sitter for the kids and spend a romantic weekend together at a Bed & Breakfast. It will be a weekend to remember.

Be sure to check out my other blog, Bed & Breakfast Experiences.

If you have a favorite Bed & Breakfast, please leave a comment and share it with us. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Lost is Back with a Bang!

OKAY...just when I was about to give up on Lost, they come back with a bang! This week's episode was really awesome!

Do you think that Ana-Lucia and Libby were shot because the producers are trying to send a message? Don't Drive Drunk!

According to an article in tvguideonline the answer is NO. The producers say that Michelle Rodriquiz only wanted to do one season of Lost right from the get-go. They had planned to kill her off anyway, and it had nothing to do with the DUI. Either way, it was quite a shocking episode, I really didn't see that coming!

I wonder if Michael has gone over to the Others or if he is just doing whatever it takes to get his son back? I liked Ana-Lucia, I'm sad to see her go. Can't wait till next week to see what happens next.

Please leave your comments.