Be aware, Be alert and Be Safe

Sex Offenders are very dangerous people. They are not to be trusted or even get acquinted with them. They may change in the long run and had paid what they have done but once a sex offender is always a sex offender. Good thing their are sectors that do exist nowadays that tracks sex offenders on their where about. And one website has provided a Sex Offender Lookup for everyone. By simply entering your zip code, you'll be able to view a complete list of all sexual predators that are living in your area. View photos, full names, check criminal history, get recent address information, all with one simple search. By obtaining updated sex offender reports, you'll get the information you need to assure you family's safety. We should all be aware of the risks that we are surrounded with, and with their detailed reports, you'll get access to information that does exactly this. I have tried their website and you will really get the report you have requested right infront of your computer. This is truly an amazing innovation that they made and saves so many lives by way of being vigilant and well informed with the people on your surroundings. Check out their website now and be aware, be alert and be safe.

Working!!!

Went to the church today because there's a delivery for some stuff. We also arrange some things there, setting up the new classroom for the kids during Sunday. I also did my task to produce copies of the sermon last Sunday. So I am pretty done with my assignment this week. Mom also told me that we will be at the church tomorrow. I don't exactly what we are going to do there but it's okay, I will help as long as I can.

Proven and effective process of Job hunting

I found a very interesting and informative website on the internet that talks about job hunting. We all know that job hunting is so tough and very disappointing especially if a certain company turned down our application for a job. I know exactly how it feel because I have been there and done that. But a certain website who offers help on job hunting need. This website is Lightship Research. They are well known Chicago based research and recruiting firm that has been helping corporate hiring authorities, executive recruiters, and individual job hunters for 27 years already. They have developed a proven and effective process on this field. They said that the greatest challenge in the search process is obtaining direct access to hiring authorities. Meaning, they penetrate target companies based on your requirements to identify the appropriate individual and the best way to reach them directly. This targeted research allows you to fill positions or change jobs more quickly and efficiently.That is awesome. I am so glad to know about this informative research because soon I'll be looking for a job that would fit me best and based on my qualifications. And with the kind of economy that we have right now, we really need a helping hand like Lightship Research.

Upset

My baby called today according to my mother in law. I was out to get some passport picture for my Adjustment of Status form. He said, he won't be home tomorrow because their crew change was pushed through. I am upset, I just want him home. Well, I guess I just have to wait. I know he wants to be home too.

Being healthy

Our colon is one of the most important part of our body. In order to maintain a good health, your body must effectively eliminate food and bodily waste. Colon is one of our body parts that works to eliminate certain waste in our body that we don't need that's why we have to take good care of our colon because it saves us from so many diseases that surrounds us. So colon cleansing is a must because you will never know what will happen to you if you neglect to take good care of your colon. I remember our neighbor, his colon was taken out because it puts risk on his part. The reason being is that, his colon is not functioning properly the way it should be. So he undergo to a major operation to take his colon out of his body. He is recovering right now but he said, it is a lot more different now that they took his colon out. It is really important to give our body the best treatment it deserve because we will neglect the day that we didn't take good care of it and the pay back is such a hard part to deal with.

My dog

My dog is so funny. He is being silly again..lol.. He went out to go potty and came back rushing and just jump directly to our bed and ready to go to sleep. He is being lazy today, he just lay around and sleep. This dog can sleep the whole day if you will let him. But I love him and his my little boy. He is so loving and sweet. Always gives me a hug and a kiss.

Blog of the day

Being featured in a blog directory is awesome! that's why I am working so hard on my website because I really wanted to be featured. It may be difficult to qualify but I will try my best to be part it and hopefully I will be. Join and be blog of the day too.

New Laptop

This is the laptop that I bought the other day:Front view:

• Compaq Presario Laptop with AMD Athlon™ X2 QL-60 Dual-Core Processor
• Lithium-ion battery
• AC power cable
• Software: HP Photosmart Essentials, DVD Play; Microsoft Works; muvee autoProducer; Cyberlink DVD Suite; Adobe Acrobat Reader and more
• Owner's manual

Features:

• AMD Athlon™ X2 QL-60 dual-core processor*
  Features HyperTransport™ and AMD PowerNow!™ technologies and Enhanced Virus Protection.**
• AMD dual-core technology
  Enables you to work or play with multiple programs without impacting performance; 1MB L2 cache for efficient system processing.
• 2GB DDR2 memory
  For multitasking power, expandable to 3GB.
• Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
  Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.
• 15.4" WXGA high-definition widescreen display
  With BrightView technology and 1280 x 800 resolution showcases your movies and games with stunning clarity.
• 160GB SATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
  Offers spacious storage options and fast read/write times.
• NVIDIA GeForce 8200M graphics
  With up to 895MB total available graphics memory. Built-in Altec Lansing speakers deliver rich sound.
• DVD Play controls
  Provide quick and easy access to your favorite DVD movies.
• 3 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
  For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
• Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g)
  Wirelessly connects to the Internet.
• Built-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet LAN
  With RJ-45 connector and high-speed 56 Kbps modem for flexible wired Web connectivity options.
• Weighs 6.4 lbs. and measures just 1.7" thin
  For portable power.
• Good battery life
  Of up t
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled
  Software package included with Photosmart Essentials; 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher edition also included.

• AMD, AMD Arrow logo, AMD Athlon, AMD PowerNow!, HyperTransport and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
  
  *This model number indicates relative software performance among this AMD processor family.
• **AMD's Enhanced Virus Protection provides additional protection against buffer overflow viruses. AMD and its partners strongly recommend you continue to use third-party anti-virus software as part of your total security solution.

Experience fast multitasking and rich visuals for DVD movies and gaming with this laptop. It features an AMD Athlon™ X2 dual-core processor for enhanced performance and a built-in double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW drive that lets you watch DVDs on the 15.4" widescreen

Dancing

So You Think You Can Dance? If so better get on your feet and start dancing. I love dancing ever since because it makes me feel I'm free and expresses myself through body movements. But did you know guys that dancing is a form of exercise too? Yes it is! It is a great way of exercise that keeps your body in shape and functional. There are so many different types of dancing such as hip hop, belly dance, salsa, tango and many more. I like hip hop because this is something that I am use to since I was 7 years old as well as belly dancing because it keeps me in shape. It's funny because whenever I hear the music play, I can't help myself but dance. Well,, that must be it, when you love to dance, you love music too.

Jamming with the music

It's a great day today. I woke up great and right now I am jamming with the music. I don't know what to do today yet but surely I will be busy again to finish things up. I haven't had my coffee yet because I am still in my room but will have it shortly. I just want to finish listening to my favorite songs then I am ready to face the world..lol.. Have a great day everyone.

Chat room for Seniors

My father and mother in law are on their 50's now but still can do things like they are on their 30's which amazes me most. They do things around the house, they clean, they cook, can drive the vehicle and very fond of computer. Yes, you will find infront of computer and playing games online during their spare time which they enjoy so much. I can still remember when I was still in the Philippines, my mother and father in law use to chat with me everyday. We chat before and after I go to bed. I like the way they enjoy things and as a favor I found a new recreation for them to enjoy. This is the Free Senior Chat Room where all seniors meet and chat around the world. For sure they will enjoy this because my father and mother in law are very friendly and always interested in trying new things. Through this they will meet their co seniors around the world and could chat as long as they want with web cam. I like them to try this because it's fun and most of all it's 100% free. In fact, I haven't told them yet but I will surely introduce this website to them so that they have something to look forward each day. I can't wait to tell them about this and teach them the step by step procedure to join the chat room.

Blogging world

Does blogging had helped you in so many ways? To me, it is. Blogging keeps me busy and eases my boredom. It gives me something to do each day and gives me the chance to say what's in my thoughts through writing. I always find it so amazing that I can write my own article and can share something to my visitors. Blogging also gives me the chance to meet different people around the world. That's awesome! Each day I always look forward to write something or do research for a topic that I can share. I hope blogging does help a lot for you too.

Auto Insurance

If you have a vehicle it is required to have an auto insurance. Here the States it is important that you have it. One day I came across this website and there is one auto insurance company that offers all types of insurance policies to a wide range of customers such as auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, health insurance and much more. Their rates are flexible and very affordable with an instant 24/7 insurance quote. They provide a wide range of options to help you determine which coverage is most suitable for you. This auto insurance company is Amica Insurance. Visit their website now and get your quote immediately. Just key in your zip code and you will be directed to what you need.

Sunday

It's Sunday night and I am really counting the days 'til my husband gets home. I am getting excited, I am getting anxious to see him. I miss him so much. We also went to the church today and the sermon was pretty good. Our preacher still talks about the Basic Disciplines for Disciples. It was a great service and it is always great to be in the house of the Lord and worship him. The sermon today was all about " submission". I have learn a lot and I praise God for what he has done for us.

Safety is top priority in choosing a diet pills

Effective and safe diet pills are always hard to find. We have to admit that most of the time we always end up buying the most expensive one but very ineffective and not safe to use. Waste of money and time isn't it? But this is the normal scenario when you wanted something done immediately and don't really take the time to do research and everything for the right product to use. There are things to consider especially now that some products are being banned because of it's side effect. Research says that some diet pills has notorious side effect and safety problems that's why FDA banned numerous diet pills for safety issue. But don't lose hope because there is always a solution to pick up the right product for you with the help of safedietpills.org. This website is the best place to learn about the safest diet pills that will be effective in helping you get rid of fat. Visit their website and experience the change of a lifetime.

Money matter

Money plays an important role to everyone. It is a necessity that everyone must have. But with our economy today, we may experience some difficulties to have enough for our needs and wants. Since I knew what money is, how important it is, how to earn it and how to spend it, it helps me develop my skills especially on budgeting. I know what my top priority is and how am I going to spend my money wisely. I grew up having everything that I want but, destiny decided that I must experience some difficulties in life. With this experiences, it thought me well to use and spend my money in a proper way. I will share some to you.

*I always have limitations on my spending. It's like I want something that I really can't afford to have, so I won't insist anymore to have it or maybe someday I can afford to buy it.

*I always set my priority before spending.

*I use my extra money to spend and the money that is allocate for something to be paid off.

*I just buy things that are necessary. It's like buy what you need first before thinking of buying what you want to have.

* Save as much as you can as a back up fund in case of emergency.

Those simple things that I have mentioned really help and thought me how to spend wisely. They use to tell me that I am so tight with money and I am not really fond of shopping but it's the reality that thought me what to do. We all have different style or different ways to spend our money but when do we start to spend wisely if everything is gone, if you are not earning anymore or worst if you are disabled. Money is really tough right now, so make the best out of it and spend properly.

Fast weight loss made easy

We always wanted to have a fast result as much as possible when we wanted to lose some weight. But sometimes it is so disappointing on our part when we found out that it is not the way we wanted to happened. Example you are expecting to lose weight in a couple of months but you end up losing nothing on your expected timeline. Isn't that disappointing and just wanted to give up? Well worry no more because fastweightloss.net is here to provide you the fast weight loss program you have ever wanted. Yes, they have the resources for those who wanted to lose weight fast. They will give you tips and recommendations to help you lose weight. And this is a free service that everyone who is serious about losing weight can enjoy. What makes them a reliable source is that, their team of experts are working hard to help you find the diet pill that is right for you and your needs.That is awesome! Check it out now!

Unemployment Rate

Year	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Annual
1999	4.3	4.4	4.2	4.3	4.2	4.3	4.3	4.2	4.2	4.1	4.1	4.0
2000	4.0	4.1	4.0	3.8	4.0	4.0	4.0	4.1	3.9	3.9	3.9	3.9
2001	4.2	4.2	4.3	4.4	4.3	4.5	4.6	4.9	5.0	5.3	5.5	5.7
2002	5.7	5.7	5.7	5.9	5.8	5.8	5.8	5.7	5.7	5.7	5.9	6.0
2003	5.8	5.9	5.9	6.0	6.1	6.3	6.2	6.1	6.1	6.0	5.8	5.7
2004	5.7	5.6	5.8	5.6	5.6	5.6	5.5	5.4	5.4	5.5	5.4	5.4
2005	5.2	5.4	5.2	5.2	5.1	5.1	5.0	4.9	5.0	5.0	5.0	4.8
2006	4.7	4.8	4.7	4.7	4.7	4.6	4.7	4.7	4.5	4.4	4.5	4.4
2007	4.6	4.5	4.4	4.5	4.5	4.6	4.7	4.7	4.7	4.8	4.7	4.9
2008	4.9	4.8	5.1	5.0	5.5	5.6	5.8	6.2	6.2	6.6	6.8	7.2
2009	7.6

As shown in the diagram, this is the current situation of unemployed individual. It is pretty obvious that it is increasing every month and reaches its down stream every year. This is very sad. Just imagine the families of this individual who are not employed. I just want to show this for us to know how tight how economy right now and let us always be thankful to God of what we have in our daily lives.

Guide to webhosting

Web hosting is the in demand product in the world of website today. But to have a full access to it, a lot of aspect has to be considered. It is important to know more info about web hosting and have the guidelines to begin with. So choose the right web host for you, whether for personal use or business use.

Three Ladies in a Sauna

This joke was sent to me by Aunt Bobbie. I can't help myself but laugh so hard as well as my husband. This is a story about the three ladies in a sauna:

THREE WOMEN, TWO YOUNGER, AND ONE SENIOR CITIZEN,
WERE SITTING IN A SAUNA. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A
BEEPING SOUND.
THE YOUNG WOMAN PRESSED HER FOREARM AND
TH E BEEP STOPPED. THE OTHERS LOOKED AT HER
QUESTIONINGLY. 'THAT WAS MY PAGER,' SHE SAID. I HAVE A
MICROCHIP
UNDER THE SKIN OF MY ARM.

A FEW MINUTES LATER, A PHONE RANG. THE SECOND YOUNG
WOMAN LIFTED HER PALM TO HER EAR. WHEN SHE FINISHED, SHE
EXPLAINED,
'THAT WAS MY MOBILE PHONE. I HAVE A MICROCHIP IN MY
HAND.'

THE OLDER WOMAN FELT VERY LOW -TECH. NOT TO BE OUT
DONE, SHE DECIDED SHE HAD TO DO SOMETHING JUST AS
IMPRESSIVE. SHE
STEPPED OUT OF THE SAUNA AND WENT TO
THE BATHROOM. SHE RETURNED WITH A PIECE OF TOILET
PAPER HANGING FROM HER REAR END.

THE OTHERS RAISED THEIR EYEBROWS AND STARED AT HER.
THE OLDER WOMAN FINALLY SAID.........WELL, WILL YOU
LOOK AT THAT....I'M GETTING A FAX!!

Married Chat City

I stay at home all the time and it is really boring for quite sometime if I am not doing anything. I chat with friends online if I get a hold of them. I chat with my family back in the Philippines if I get a hold of them and I chat with my husband when I get a hold of him. This is just the usual routine that I am used to and I want to be involve to something else that will not make me bored, that will not make me feel I am always tired and something that I can spend my time with and keeps myself busy. As I was browsing the web, I found Married Chat City where you can chat with married men and women for free. Where a load of married people from everywhere in the world come together in chats and enjoy themselves for 100% free! It is so amazing to found this website to where I could meet different people around the world. Awesome! The nice thing about it also is it's 100% free. So it is worry less and just gain friends online. Register now and start gaining friends around the world with married chat city.

SMS

Most people are texting nowadays or what we also call " short message sent " or sms. Since cell phones was built everyone was into texting as another way of communication. It is pretty helpful because aside from calling you can also send a message to your love ones wherever they are. My husband and I use to text a lot especially when his at work but we do we really know the history of texting or sms? To begin with SMS was created as part of the GSM Phase 1 standard in Europe. The first SMS message to be sent was determined to have occurred in 1992 from a PC to a Vodafone cellular phone on the GSM network in the United Kingdom. This was a one-way communication from the PC to the phone. The new application of this technology developed in the 1998-1999 timeframe is two-way SMS communication.
A new service offered by AT&T in 1996 was a key driver in wireless protocol development . AT&T Pocket-Net was an subscription based offering and only provided for one-way communication. The service was limited to specialized phones to retrieve online information (schedules, phone book, email and limited internet access). The service was not widely accepted, , however, the idea spurred development of key technology and protocols for wireless messaging. This research led wireless phone equipment manufacturers to develop Internet phones.
In 1999, the GSM association facilitated network to network messaging in the United Kingdom. This removed some of the current limitations that exist in the United States with network specific protocols and equipment. There is currently a GSM North American Association working to create cross network messaging feasible in the United States. "The addition of interworking between network operators who are competing in the same geographical market gives customers to both networks the opportunity to use SMS in the same way as they do voice. Just as they can make a voice call to each other's phones, so too can they send short messages to each other.

During October of the year 2000, AT&T completed 2 years of testing to allow two-way SMS messaging across their existing TDMA mobile network. AT&T is currently rolling out this service at low prices to gain market absorption and is beginning to target the young adult population as evidenced by Europe's trends in that demographic for this service. The growth rates noted in table 1 below are astounding and should provide AT&T and other wireless service providers in the United States strong optimism for the demand of 2-way SMS messages.

Easy Money

Our economy today is on it's downside and we will grab every opportunity just to earn money for our daily needs. Well, Indie Clothing is just one of the opportunity you can have for an easy money opportunity. Check it out!

Computer is out!

It's a sad day today because I had our computer check by a technician. I don't really know what happen last night but when I restarted it, all icons were gone on the desktop as well as the task bar. I can't even refresh it nor restore the system. It is totally down and I have no idea. Wheewww!.. So I am still waiting on their call. Hopefully it will be done soon.

Excellent Achievement of Laura Diaz

Being a new member to the community have lots of adjustment to make especially with the television shows that I am use to watch. It was hard for me at first because I have no idea about it but as time goes by I am starting to like some shows here in the States such as survivor series, amazing race, American Idol and most shows on CBS particularly the headline news at 5 in the afternoon. One of my favorite anchor is Laura Diaz. I like the way she deliver her news report. She really is the queen of broadcasting. But how did she reach this success? Here's some brief information about CBS Anchor Laura Diaz.

Laura Diaz was born in Santa Paula. Her parents were farm workers trying to build a life for their children. At the young age of four, Laura and her family moved to the Santa Clarita Valley. When they arrived her family spoke little English and Laura learned then what family and friends were all about. Laura's teachers were very supportive and enthusiastic about her teachings. Laura attended a much-less crowded William S. Hart High School. At the time Laura was in high school our small town began to ignite into what it is today. While at Hart Laura was on the cheerleading squad and took much interest in her schooling.

After graduating from Hart, Laura went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. And that is where her journey begins. While attending Cal Poly Laura took on an internship at IBM Communications and it was there that she realized what she was supposed to do. She loved to write and above all, she loved public speaking.

Diaz landed her first job in television at KSBY-TV in San Luis. Which later followed with a job as a reporter and a substitute anchor in Fresno for KFSN-TV. With a giant smile on her face she says, "It was the best of times and the worst of times. I was in charge of shooting every shot, writing my own stories, and editing them as well." All in a days work for a struggling reporter trying to make it to anchor position.

She's been anchor to different television network such as KSBY-TV in San Luis, a substitute anchor in Fresno for KFSN-TV and an a reporter for KABC-TV. Diaz Diaz has covered historical stories that have occurred in southern California over the years; Stories such as the First Interstate Bank fire, the Northridge earthquake and the Los Angeles Riots. Being an anchor since 1983 Laura Diaz pave her success as the first Hispanic woman to ever hold such a title. Not only that, she was given a big break on 2002 as she moved to CBS news. 'Til then her continued success were overflowing. She is truly a great example of achieving something in your life which always possible if you work hard on it just like what Laura Diaz did. To know more about her just visit Visit Anchor Laura Diaz Online.

Just Human

It was so funny. I'd come to check my blog and my gosh I've got lots of grammatical error, shame on me. Well, it really happens when you are in a hurry because you don't wanna miss something right. My apology to everyone especially for those who left some comments on my post. I will try my very best to correct it as much as I can

Auto Insurance

Protecting your family is not just giving them a better way of living, good food, clothing and some other needs. We also have to consider that having an auto insurance is also a necessity and another way of protecting your family from any form of danger. Auto insurance will help protect and secure your family from any accident or any unexpected circumstances that may occur. Auto insurance is your protective gear that will not only protect you but will also help you save some money. So, plan for the future and protection of your family by having an auto insurance.

Ten Tips for Starting and Running a Successful Small Business

I am really getting curious on how to start a small business here in the US. I know it will be so tough because of the economy but I know there's nothing impossible if you work hard for it. I don't really know what business yet and as a beginner I needed to know important points to start a small business.

Here's Ten Tips for Starting and Running a Successful Small Business:

1. Save up as much money as possible before starting. All too often, people go into business without any savings, exclusively using loan money from friends, banks, or the SBA. They except to be able to start paying the loans back right away with their profits. What these business owners don't realize is that it can take months or years to make a profit. And once a lender discovers a business isn't as profitable as expected, the lender is likely to call in the loan or refuse to renew it for another year. Often new business owners then have to take out home equity loans or use credit cards to pay off their loans (which puts their home and credit rating at risk).

A better plan is to save up as much of the needed investment money as possible, including your living expenses for the first year, or even two. Odds are that your business won't be profitable for one to two years. Even if you get plenty of business coming your way -- and your customers pay you on time, which isn't always a sure thing -- you'll want to be able to invest most of that money back in the business for space, equipment, advertising, and insurance needs.

2. Start on a shoestring. Think small. Don't rent premises if you can work somewhere else, and don't hire employees until you can keep them busy. (You can hire independent contractors or temps in the meantime.)

People who start their small business on the cheap, often in a garage, den, or some other scavenged space, and create their first goods or services with more sweat than cash, have the luxury of making their inevitable rookie mistakes on a small scale. And precisely because their early screw-ups don't bury them in debt, they are usually able to learn and recover from them.

3. Protect your personal assets. When you go into business for yourself, you are usually personally liable for all judgments and debts that the business incurs. This includes business loans, taxes, money owed to suppliers and landlords, and any judgments against the business as a result of a lawsuit. If you don't protect yourself, a creditor can go after your personal assets, such as your car and your house, to pay for these debts.

While you can protect yourself against lawsuits by buying business liability insurance, this won't help you with business debts. If you will be running up big debts, consider forming a corporation or limited liability company (LLC). Just one person can form either of these types of businesses.

4. Understand how -- and if -- you will make a profit. You should be able to state in just a few sentences how your business plans to make a substantial profit. For starters, you need to know your costs: how much you'll spend purchasing inventory, paying the rent, compensating any employees, and covering what is likely to be a surprisingly long list of other costs. Then you can figure out exactly how much you need to sell each month, for how many dollars, to cover those expenses and have an adequate profit besides. These numbers are all you need to create a "break-even analysis."

5. Make a business plan, no matter how short. Understanding your profit numbers and creating a break-even analysis is the first step in making a business plan. For most small companies, the key portions of a business plan are the break-even analysis, a profit-and-loss forecast, and a cash flow projection. (Projecting your cash flow is key and will make or break your company: Even if your business is getting plenty of work or selling its products, if you're not getting paid for 90-180 days, you're not going to survive unless you've planned for it.) With a cash flow spreadsheet in place, as well as a profit-and-loss forecast, you can tinker with your business idea and improve it before you start -- and continue to use them after you start.

Creating a business plan also allows you to determine what your projected start-up costs are (how much money you'll need to save) and what you marketing strategies are (how you'll reach customers to make sales). If you can't make the numbers work on paper, you won't be able to make them work in real life.

6. Get and keep a competitive edge. Building a competitive edge into the fabric of your business is crucially important to long-term success. Some ways to get this edge are by knowing more than your competitors, making a product that is hard or impossible to imitate, being able to produce or distribute your product more efficiently, having a better location, or offering superior customer service.

One way to hold on to your competitive edge is to protect your trade secrets -- confidential information that gives you a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Examples of trade secrets include customer lists, survey methods, marketing strategies, and manufacturing techniques. To protect your trade secrets under the law, you need to take steps to keep the information confidential. This includes marking documents "Confidential," using passwords to protect computer information, using nondisclosure and/or noncompete agreements, and limiting access to employees with a reasonable need to know the trade secrets.

Another way to keep your competitive edge is to react quickly to bad news. Once you see that your business faces some kind of adversity, you need to come up with a plan to deal with it immediately. This may involve moving your offices, introducing a new product or service, or developing a better way to reach customers.

AOS

Pretty busy day for me today because I needed to produce some copies of my Adjustment of Status ( AOS ) to be filed next month. Well, I am almost done though, I just need to have a file copy as our reference during interview. Been doing this for how many days now and finally few more steps to go and I'm done. Well, I guess that's it for now guys, I am just giving you some update. Have a day!

Special gift to someone special

When a special occasion is coming we always find some gifts. A gift that will truly make the occasion more special. Well, finding a gift is not a tough job because if you want to exert some effort to it, you will get it. And, there are so many gift ideas available for you to choose on what to get. We all know that the most common gift we give especially for men is aftershave but we can always do something about it for a change. To me, the sweetest thing I could give my husband is an ipod. Why? Because with this gadget I can always download his favorite songs, our favorite music or a make a video out of it telling him how much I love him and how special he is in my life. Through this, he will always remember the great memories that we have or you just spend time with each other while listening to the music on the ipod. Isn't that a great idea and a great way to express your love to someone who mean the world to you? To me, I will do every unique way I can do for someone I love.

Valentines gift from parents in law

I was surprised when my parents in law hand me a box and told me that it's my Valentines gift from them. Wow! I'm so glad about that. They gave me four pieces of wall decorations with humming bird designs. I know it will blend so well in our living room and I really can't wait to see the outcome of it. I'm not done arranging though and it will still take me few more days before things are in place. Well, I just have to work on that.

Televison Transformation

As time passes by many changes are made. We've been to manual processing, then computer processing and the latest is the digital process. It is truly amazing how our technology transformed into a more easy way and a more quickest way to get things done. One improvement that is going to happen this year is transforming all tvs into digital tv. This will be a whole lot better and a whole lot convenient to everyone. But choosing the right television for you for this transformation needs a lot of price comparison on the cheapest package you will get out of many choices from LCD TV, Plasma TV or Samsung. Price and quality are always considered the primary tool in buying a product particularly television. We always want the best deal to where we can save some money out of it. But to me, any brand will do as long as I can watch my show and get connected with my favorite pass time which is watching television. And I am really happy to hear this transformation because I can get a better picture of my all time favorite Survivor series, Amazing Race, American Idol, Sci Fi channel and HGTV. It is truly a new way of entertainment with a better technology on it which is digitalization.

Busy

Been a busy day once again. I have been working on this project for our living room decoration. Been doing this since yesterday and I did one, 2 more to go..Wheewww! My hands are still tired though from all the cutting of the ply wood and the bamboo but I am trying my best to finish all this. I already cut some ply wood and next will be bamboo for the second and third frame. I am just having a break right now but will be back to work shortly.

Diet pills - Nuphedragen

Since I got here in the states, I've been worried with my figure. Maybe because I see more food in here than what I was used to. I manage not to eat the whole day because I am body conscious. But because I am surrounded with different kinds of food that are very tempting, I started to follow the American way. My parents in law loves to cook and my husband loves to eat. So one way or another I also have to eat. They knew I am body conscious and they keep telling me that I am not fat and my body is just right. They kept feeding me. They always make it a point that I eat my meals everyday and I am getting use to it. The foods are really irresistible and I can't help it but eat. One day I just had a thought to know how much do I weight and to my surprise, I gained so much weight. I panic, I was discourage and don't know what to do with it. My family kept telling me that everything will be alright and I still don't look fat at all. But for me it has a huge impact. To ease my worry, I started to search online on what's the best pill I could use to eliminate the fat I gained and thank God I found nuphedragen. An amazing weight loss pill s product that can work for everyone. What's good about this pills is that, is has a Cocaine-Amphetamine-Regulatory-Transcript that is a neurotransmitter and tells your body to quit eating. It also tells you the feeling of satiety and fullness that tells you when you have eaten enough. This is great and I am truly amazed with the side effect of it. Now I am worry free and can be sexy again.

Scrabble

Scrabble is one of my favorite game. It is fun and at the same time you gain new words that you haven't encounter before. This is how it is played:

In SCRABBLE, players take turns creating words out of their seven letters. Each player places a word on the board on his or her turn. Words must connect to other words already on the board, either horizontally or vertically.

Each letter has a number that shows its point value. Your score is based on the point value of each letter in your word, multiplied by the premium squares on the board.

On your first turn, drag a word from your rack to the center of the board. Drag or type each letter separately, then click on a square to drop the letter.

Words you can play include:

• Two letters or more
• NO proper names or other capitalized words
• NO abbreviations

Your word can read across or down.

• Words must be readable from left to right (across) or from top to bottom (down).
• Words cannot be played from bottom to top, or from right to left.
• Words cannot be played diagonally.

The object of the game is to score more points than your opponent!

USB Adapter / Converter

USB Adapter / Converter is a huge help nowadays because it will make your work a whole lot easier. I remember before that I needed to download some pictures to my computer and I can't find my USB cord so I immediately bought a replacement. In the store, the sales associates suggest to use the USB Adapter / Converter because it will be more accurate and very user friendly. It's true and it made my work a lot easier and a lot faster. I am so glad that our technology nowadays is producing innovative gadgets for an easy way of living.

Chinese New Year

I have a Chinese blood and when I was still in the Philippines, we do celebrate Chinese New Year. But this year that I am here in the States now, I missed it. My mom use to buy some stuff that brings good luck to our family before the celebration. Chinese has so many beliefs and traditions. Some were applicable to some of us and some are not. But I do believe with their belief and tradition. But where does Chinese New year started and how it is celebrated. What are the traditions and beliefs that comes with it? When it is celebrated? Here's some preview of Chinese New year.

Chinese new year 2009 falls on 26th of January, 2009. The Chinese New Year is celebrated as the symbol of spring's celebration. In fact in China the Chinese New Year is still called the Spring festival. It is celebrated after the fall harvest and before the spring planting season. The date of the Chinese New Year is always changing and is dependant on the Chinese calendar. Emperor Huangdi in the year 2637 B.C.E invented the Chinese calendar.

The Chinese calendar is a combined solar/lunar calendar and is somewhat similar to the Chinese calendar. For the purpose of determining the dates of the Chinese New Year some astronomical calculations need to be taken care of. Firstly, we need to determine the dates for the new moon. The new moon is the black moon that is when the moon is in conjunction with the sun.
The date of the new moon is taken as the first day of the new month. Secondly those dates are determined when the sun's longitude is the multiple of 30 degrees. These dates are termed as Principal terms and are used for determining the number of each month.

Traditional Celebration of the Chinese New Year

Of all the traditional Chinese festivals, the new Year was perhaps the most elaborate, colorful, and important. This was a time for the Chinese to congratulate each other and themselves on having passed through another year, a time to finish out the old, and to welcome in the new year. Common expressions heard at this time are: GUONIAN to have made it through the old year, and BAINIAN to congratulate the new year.

Fireproof movie

A few days ago, we watched the movie "fireproof". It was an amazing and the casting are great. The story has really brought some lessons to the viewers of this movie. It is a combination love, faithfulness, dedication, honesty, loyalty and submission. The characters had portrait a very significant role on this movie. It will also remind us on how great God is in our lives. I truly recommend this movie to watch. It is a must and so worth it to watch. Here are some information about the movie "Fireproof"

Directed and produced by the Kendrick brothers of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga., “Fireproof” tells the inspiring story of a fireman and his struggle to save his faltering marriage from ending with his newfound faith and with the help of the “Love Dare,” a 40-day spiritual guide that utilizes Scripture to reveal what true love is.

With a budget five times larger than Sherwood Pictures’ last movie, “Facing the Giants,” “Fireproof” debuted over the Sept. 26-28 weekend at No. 4 with $6.5 million in ticket sales, marking the year’s second highest grossing opening weekend return of any film released on 1,000 screens or less.

The movie went on to rake in over $33 million in ticket sales on a $500,000 budget, making it the fifth highest grossing Christian film of all time behind “The Nativity Story.”

While the numbers may not be so impressive by Hollywood’s standards, what has been shining more brightly for the movie has been the testimonies that have come out from couples whose relationships and even faiths were rekindled or saved through the movie.

Harris Malcom, who plays John Holt, father of Caleb, said he and his on-screen and off-screen wife Cheryl were worshiping one evening at a church where the pastor made note of their attendance and their parts in the movie.

“This man came and said, ‘Thank you, my wife and I are back in church because of Fireproof,’” he said, recalling his meeting with one of the church attendees.

The movie also spawned a best-selling book that started as a plot device in the film until audiences repeatedly requested copies for themselves.

Both the movie and book have garnered the support of churchgoers and conservative moviegoers as well as several national groups, including Focus on the Family, Outreach, FamilyLife, The Marriage CoMission, America's Family Coaches, AMFM, Marriage Alive Communications, and MarriageToday. Influential figures such as marriage expert Gary Smalley and Bubba Cathy of Chick-fil-A have also worked to spread word of the movie.

Now, with “Fireproof” making its exit from theaters, attention has been turned to the upcoming DVD, which features a number of bonus features, including "Making of FIREPROOF: TV Special," Commentary from the Kendrick brothers, Fireproof in 60, Firegoofs, and Rescued Scenes.

There is also a Special Collector's Edition available exclusively through Christian stores and their online venues that has additional bonus material, including the music video for Casting Crowns' "Slow Fade" and a video blog that takes fans behind the scenes week-by-week during the shooting. The Special Collector's Edition DVD will also have dubbing in both Spanish and Portuguese, as well as captions in those languages as well as French, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Arabic, and English, making it a potential international ministry tool.

Get Away

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Super Bowl 43

What exactly is the SuperBowl Weekend?

Superbowl weekend is the largest party weekend in The United States for sport fans and party participants alike. Not only that but this year is going to return to the sunshine state of Florida in Tampa. It’s going to all go down for the first time in Tampa, Florida.

Be prepared for al all out assault of activities and celebrity parties that will occur all weekend You do not want to miss all the excitement as over 250,000 make there way to Tampa for the largest party get together in the country.

What happens at the superbowl?
There are all types of parties, activities, concerts, staged events and so much more that happen all weekend but you can stay on book4buy.com to watch the update about SuperBowl. Even, if you could care less about the game, the parties in Glendale for the Superbowl will be legendary.

How Much Does It Cost To Attend superbowl 2009?
Most of your cost will come down to getting a place to stay and getting around. Hotels typically raise prices during the weekend to meet the high demand. Depending on how close you want to be towards that action sets the standards on the pricing.

book4buy.com suggestion:
You can get tickets to Super Bowl 2009 on Ticketsnow.com or what ever up to you, You can make Reservation on Tampa, Florida Hotels if you wish and be carreful when you attent this superbowl 2009 (The 43rd Super Bowl (39th if you consider the post NFL era).

Rumors Super Bowl XLIII,super bowl 43, superbowl 2009?
Advertising costs are rumored to be around $3 million per commercial.
Confirmed advertisers include Anheuser-Busch, Pepsi and Doritos.

The day of hearts

It's the month of February and as we all know this month is the day of hearts. On February we observe the most romantic celebration for everyone which is the Valentine's Day. But come to think of it, where and how does Valentine's day started and what does it mean.

The History of Valentine's Day

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial — which probably occurred around 270 A.D — others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to 'christianize' celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

Touch screen

Our technology nowadays has really brought an innovative style of touch screen monitor.

HP L5006tm Touch Screen 15" LCD Monitor
One of the newest additions to HP’s line of flat panel monitors, the HP L5006t 15-inch Touchscreen Monitor is the only HP business monitor to feature touchscreen technology for easy onscreen interactivity in a variety of point-of-sale (POS), hospitality, educational, banking, manufacturing, and kiosk environments.

Features

• Innovative technology: Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) touch technology allows accurate input through a finger, gloved hand, or stylus. The glass screen offers a more durable, damage-resistant alternative to film-coated display screens that continues working even if scratched. The display's touchscreen input is designed not to drift for accurate, fast input responses.
• Sturdy design: The stable removable base is engineered for the physical demands of touchscreen use. The sturdy design helps foster intuitive operator entry and flexibility with a variety of applications to help reduce training time and costs and operational errors, and help increase employee productivity and customer satisfaction.
• Improved compatibility: USB and serial ports enable easy device connectivity with a variety of peripherals.
• Maximum technology investment: The touchscreen technology can help minimize hardware investment costs by offering an alternative to separate keyboard and mouse hardware devices.
• Environmental considerations: HP monitors meet stringent worldwide environmental, ecological and recycling standards as part of our ongoing commitment to growing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements.

scrap iron

This is the other side I do not write many of these post so I will throw one in to let you know some about me. One of the things I enjoy and am good at is scrap iron. It is a weird industry but one that has given me and my family spending money for many years. I have seen prices go from a little of nothing to sky high . It is frustrating to watch when prices are high the people who bring in scrap in a wasted state by that I mean I have seen people take an air conditioner and sell it for $6.00 when 20 minutes worth of work they could have made $40.00. But they are there for the easy way out and as weird as it may seem even with scrap iron you get out of it what you put in to it if you just want the quick gratification take it but if you are willing to put in just a little bit of work the rewards will always be there. Everything can be drawn back to life lessons and you can always look at the bad and ask for the other person to step up and do for you but remember just like everything else you will only get out of this life what you put into it so give your life its all and remember bad things happen but if you want to be happy it is your choice to make yourself that way.

Mardi Gras History

The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to Medival Europe, though we have no written record of how that really transformed into the current Mardi Gras of today. But the origins of the Mardi Gras we celebrate today -- with Kings, Mardi Gras colors, and brass bands -- are traced to New Orleans.

Although we can trace its history to the Romans, a French-Canadian explorer, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville, landed on a plot of ground 60 miles directly south of New Orleans in 1699 and called it "Pointe due Mardi Gras." He also established "Fort Louis de la Louisiane" (which is now Mobile) in 1702. In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated the very first Mardi Gras.

In 1704, Mobile established a secret society (Masque de la Mobile) ... similar to those who form our current Mardi Gras Krewes. It lasted until 1709. In 1710, the "Boeuf Graf Society" was formed and paraded from 1711 through 1861. The procession was held with a huge bull's head pushed alone on wheels by 16 men. This occurred on Fat Tuesday.

New Orleans was established in 1718 by Jean-Baptise Le Moyne. By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans.. but not in parade form. In the early 1740s, Louisiana's Governor The Marquis de Vaudreuil established elegant society balls -- the model for the New Orleans Mardi Gras balls of today.

The earliest reference to Mardi Gras "Carnival" appears in a 1781 report to the Spanish colonial governing body. That year, the Perseverance Benevolent & Mutual Aid Association is the first of hundreds of clubs and carnival organizations formed in New Orleans.

By the late 1830s, New Orleans held street processions of maskers with carriages and horseback to celebrate Mardi Gras. Newspapers began to announce Mardi Gras events in advance.

In 1871, Mardi Gras's second "Krewe" is formed, the Twelfth Night Reveler's, with the first account of Mardi Gras "throws."

1872 was the year that a group of businessmen invented a King of Carnival -- Rex -- to parade in the first daytime parade. They introduced the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold; the Mardi Gras song, and the Mardi Gras flag.

In 1873, the first floats were constructed entirely in New Orleans instead of France. In 1875, Governor Warmoth of Louisiana signs the "Mardi Gras Act" making it a legal holiday in Louisiana, which is still is.

Most Mardi Gras Krewes today developed from private social clubs that have restrictive membership policies. Since all of these parade organizations are completely funded by its members, we call it the "Greatest Free Show on Earth!"

TYPE ONLY 1 WORD... IT'S HARDER THEN YOU THINK!!!

1. Where is your cell phone? table
2.Your significant other? ady
3.Your hair? Brown
4. Your mother? opinionated
5. Your father? funny
6. Your favorite thing? ady
7. Your dream last night? nookie
8. Your goal? ady

9. The room you're in? LIVING
10. Your fear? UNLOVED
11. Where do you want to be in 6 years? PHILIPPINES
12. Where were you last night? recliner
13. What you're not? handsome

14. Muffins? blueberry
15. One of your wish list items? CHILDREN
16. Where you grew up? everywhere

17. The last thing you did? nookie

18. What are you wearing? ady

19. Your TV? OLD
20. You're pet? BUBBA
21. Your computer? laptop
22 Your life? HAPPY
23. Your mood? horny
24. Missing someone? ady
25. Your car? truck
26. Something you’re not wearing? underwear

27. Favorite Store? wendy's

28. Your summer? HOT
29. Your favorite color? BLACK
30. When is the last time you laughed? NOW
31. Last time you cried? SUNDAY
32. Who will/would re-post this? FRIENDS

33. FOUR PLACES I GO OVER AND OVER? work, home,work, BED ROOM:)
34. FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME: ady, spam, ebay, spam
35.FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS: lasagna,ady, ADOBO, LUMPIA
36. FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW: ady, BORACAY, PALAWAN, BOHOL

37. FOUR PEOPLE I THINK WILL RESPOND: none,none,none,none

Here's what you're supposed to do....and please don't spoil the fun....Hit 'forward,' delete my answers, type in your answers and send it to a bunch of people. Have fun.

Most Expensive Coffee in the World

The most expensive coffee in the world does not hail from Jamaica or Hawaii, but instead from Indonesia.

Kopi Luwak the most expensive coffee in the world does exist, and those who drink the expensive coffee insist that it is made from coffee beans eaten, partly digested and then excreted by the Common palm civet, a weasel-like animal.

“Kopi” the Indonesian word for coffee along with “luwak” is local name of this animal which eats the raw red coffee beans. The civet digests the soft outer part of the coffee cherry, but does not digest the inner beans and excretes them.

Apparently the internal digestion ends up adds a unique flavor to the beans, removing the bitter flavor, and then beans are then picked up by locals and sold. The most expensive coffee beans can cost up to $600 a pound, and up to $50 per cup, if you can get over the fact that you are drinking such a strange brew.

You would know if you drank the most expensive coffee in the world, because the quantities of it are tiny amounts.

A US Airways jet crashed

A US Airways jet crashed Thursday in the Hudson River in New York City after a flock of birds struck its engines, but everyone aboard survived.

Passengers were sent fleeing into the icy, 35 degree, waters when the Airbus 320 went down shortly after takeoff near 48th Street in Manhattan.

Two of the jet's engines were hit by a flock of birds, according to government officials. The Federal Aviation Administration said everyone on board survived and was off the plane.

Two of the jet's engines were hit by a flock of birds, according to government officials.

There were eyewitness reports the plane may have flown into a flock of birds," said FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown. "Right now we don't have any indication this was anything other than an accident."

An air traffic controllers union official said the pilot reported a "double bird strike" less than a minute after takeoff and was headed for an emergency landing in New Jersey when he ditched into the Hudson River.

National Air Traffic Controllers Union spokesman Doug Church says the plane reported the bird striked about 30 to 45 seconds after takeoff from New York's LaGuardia Airport and asked to return to the ground. As the controller began to turn the aircraft, the pilot radioed that he saw an airport below him and asked what it was.

Church said the controller in Westbury, N.Y., replied, "That's Teterboro." The pilot asked to land there. The last transmission between the pilot and controller was the controller's order to divert to Teterboro, N.J., for an emergency landing.

Doug Parker, chairman and chief executive officer of US Airways Group, would not speculate on what caused the incident, but said at a press conference that the company will fully cooperate with investigators.

Most of the passengers were held at the New York City ferry terminal at 42nd Street after the crash, though at least two were taken away on stretchers. The New York City Fire Department said 78 people were injured, but the extent of the injuries wasn't immediately known.

Flight 1549 had just taken off from New York's LaGuardia Airport at 3:26 p.m. Thursday when it went down. The flight had 150 passengers and five crew — two pilots and three flight attendants —on board, and was heading to Charlotte, N.C., said Parker, who was leaving for New York.

The plane was submerged in the icy waters up to the windows but remained completely intact. Rescue crews opened the door and pulled passengers in yellow life vests from the plane. Several boats — including commuter ferries — surrounded the plane, which appeared to be slowly sinking.

Passengers could be seen standing on the wings of the jet floating in the water immediately after the crash.

A number of Bank of America Corp. and Wells Fargo & Co. employees were on board the flight.

Wells Fargo spokeswoman Mary Eshet said three employees of the San Francisco-based bank were on US Airways Flight 1549, and all are safe.

At Charlotte-based Bank of America, spokeswoman Nicole Nastacie said the nation's largest bank was confirming the whereabouts of its employees and working with authorities to gather more information.

The U.S. Coast Guard said they are assessing the fuel situation on the plane, and working with several other agencies on a plan to salvage the plane.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security said terrorism wasn't suspected.

"There is no information at this time to indicate that this is a security-related incident," Homeland Security spokeswoman Laura Keehner said. "We continue to closely monitor the situation which at present is focused on search and rescue."

Witnesses said the plane's pilot appeared to guide the plane down.

"I see a commercial airliner coming down, looking like it's landing right in the water," said Bob Read, who saw it from his office at the television newsmagazine "Inside Edition." "This looked like a controlled descent."

New York City firefighters and the U.S. Coast Guard were responding to the crash.

"I saw what appeared to be a tail fin of a plane sticking out of the water," said Erica Schietinger, whose office windows at Chelsea Piers look out over the Hudson. "All the boats have sort of circled the area."

A team of US Airways employee volunteers are helping the passengers and crew who were affected, Parker said.

Martin Luther

Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 - February 18, 1546) was a Christian theologian and Augustinian monk whose teachings inspired the Protestant Reformation and deeply influenced the doctrines of Protestant and other Christian traditions. Martin Luther was born to Hans and Margaretha Luder on 10 November 1483 in Eisleben, Germany and was baptised the next day on the feast of St. Martin of Tours, after whom he was named. Luther’s call to the Church to return to the teachings of the Bible resulted in the formation of new traditions within Christianity and the Counter-Reformation in the Roman Catholic Church, culminating at the Council of Trent.

His translation of the Bible also helped to develop a standard version of the German language and added several principles to the art of translation. Luther's hymns sparked the development of congregational singing in Christianity. His marriage, on June 13, 1525, to Katharina von Bora, a former nun, began the tradition of clerical marriage within several Christian traditions.

Luther's Writings

The number of books attributed to Martin Luther is quite impressive. However, some Luther scholars contend that many of the works were at least drafted by some of his good friends like Philipp Melanchthon. Luther’s books explain the settings of the epistles and show the conformity of the books of the Bible to each other. Of special note would be his writings about the Epistle to the Galatians in which he compares himself to the Apostle Paul in his defense of the Gospel. Luther also wrote about church administration and wrote much about the Christian home.

Luther's work contains a number of statements that modern readers would consider rather crude. For example, Luther was know to advise people that they should literally “Tell the Devil he may kiss my ass.” It should be remembered that Luther received many communications from throughout Europe from people who could write anonymously, that is, without the specter of mass media making their communications known. No public figure today could write in the manner of the correspondences Luther received or in the way Luther responded to them. Luther was certainly a theologian of the middle-ages. He was an earthy man who enjoyed his beer, and was bold and often totally without tact in the blunt truth he vehemently preached. While this offended many, it endeared him all the more to others.

He was open with his frustrations and emotions, as well. Once, when asked if he truly loved God, Luther replied “Love God? Sometimes I hate Him!” Luther was also frustrated by the works-emphasis of the book of James, calling it “the Epistle of Straw, and questioning its canonicity. Also irritated with the complex symbolism of the Book of Revelation, he once said that it too, was not canon, and that it should be thrown into the river! He later retracted these statements, of course. Luther was a man who was easily misquoted or taken out of context. While a brilliant theologian, and a bold reformer, he would not have made a good politician. But then, he never aspired to any career in politics.

Martin Luther's Death

Martin Luther escaped martyrdom, and died of natural causes. His last written words were, "Know that no one can have indulged in the Holy Writers sufficiently, unless he has governed churches for a hundred years with the prophets, such as Elijah and Elisha, John the Baptist, Christ and the apostles... We are beggars: this is true."

Six Remodeling Mistakes To Avoid

Doing it yourself can save thousands of dollars. But making mistakes during your remodel can be costly and dangerous. The key is to plan ahead, use common sense and take some tips from the pros.

Here are a few common mistakes remodeling rookies make.

Failing to locate water cutoffs

Before you start any work, especially in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, you need to locate the water cutoff in the house and at the street. This way, if a disaster occurs, you know where to head to cut off the flood.

Not preparing to localize and minimize dust and debris

Demolition is messy. Minimize the impact on your house by containing the mess. Create a work zone and keep tools and supplies inside it. Buy large sheet plastic and heavy duty masking tape to completely screen off doorways and openings. At the end of every work session, use a shop vac to get rid of dust and debris. Then take 15 minutes to organize your tools and supplies. It’ll make it quicker to get started next time.

Getting in a hurry

Sure it’s appealing to rip that wall separating the kitchen and the family room right out, but safe demolition demands planning and forethought. First, turn off all the electricity and water to the demo area. Use a stud finder that is equipped to locate metal to determine where wire and pipes are running through the wall. Then, using a small dry wall saw, cut some investigative holes to see exactly what’s behind the wall. This way, you avoid ripping out most of a wall only to discover it contains a vent or pipe that will be costly to move.

Not protecting surfaces

Mask every finished surface and keep it masked as you work. This means cabinets, walls, baseboards, flooring, and moulding. Cover countertops with interlocking foam tiles to deflect the impact of dropped tools. There’s nothing more discouraging than having to replace, repaint or refinish because of damage, spills or splatters.

Not having a Plan B for plumbing

You may think you’ll get your plumbing done in a day, but jobs have a way of expanding. Supply yourself with end stop fittings to cap off open pipes so you can turn the water back on in mid-job. Home Depot’s end stops are called Sharks; Lowe’s offers a line named Gators. They come in ½”, ¾” and 1-inch sizes and it’s smart to have an assortment on hand. Follow the directions for use.

Not protecting floors when you move appliances

Even builders make this mistake. Put down carpet or masonite (sweep or vacuum thoroughly first to remove anything that could scratch the floor) to roll the appliances over as you are installing them. This will protect new tile or wood flooring from damage.