<!– /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} p {mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –>

If you are from the south you know that without air conditioning you really suffer in the heat.  Maybe it's time for you to visit Discount AC Parts.com and get the parts to get it fixed.  You probably will have to take the car to a mechanic to get the work done but if you can provide the parts for less than he would charge you then you are money ahead.

The air conditioning compressor is probably where the problem is and that is really a pain.  It is not inexpensive to get repaired and when you have to add the high cost of a dealership providing the parts it gets even worse.  So take a look and see if they have what you need.

If you drive a BMW or Mercedes and your BMW or Mercedes AC compressor is out you know that the bill is not going to be small.  Check out the site and see if it doesn't make sense to get the replacement part here.<img src="http://tinyurl.com/4enc6e" />

If you have gotten so you don't answer the phone because you know it will be someone trying to collect money from you and you haven't got it to pay them, if you stopped opening your mail because you know it will be some bill or other demanding payment then you may want to check into credit counseling .

It may not even be that bad yet, but you know it's coming, so you need to have some help deciding which method of handling the program will work best for you and your family. 

There are a number of different options, counseling, debt settlement, debt management and of course bankruptcy, but if you follow the advice of a counseling service that actually helps you it may not be too late to impact the future.

Going to a credit counseling service will show up on your credit report, but, let's face it.  If your having problems getting credit it may actually help to show that you have taken steps to correct the problem.  It won't look at bad as bankruptcy and doesn't impact your credit for as long.

There are services that are free that you can do if you have the will power to go it alone, but if you need some direction then check for those that have a charge that is reasonable, around $50 first fee and then a small monthly fee.

Patience and fiscal responsibility are critical in managing your debt load.  You won't be going out and buying expensive toys and not paying your utility bills.  You will need to have a budget and stick to it.  If you don't know how to do a budget then the counseling service will help you.  Some of the things that you wanted to have will just have to wait while the priorities are taken care of.  Hard to face, but it's the way it is.

When a business goes through a change it is often for the best, some may not agree, but what is best for the business is the necessity for success.  We have made a number of changes to our business plan and moving forward.  All of them are for the benefit of the company and will continue to be "tweeked" as is necessary.

We met with a gal last night that had also done some major changes to her company.  She agrees that there are times when the same ol', same ol' just doesn't work anymore and change is necessary.  Her business increased dramatically when she made the changes she did and encouraged us to continue with the changes that we have made.  That was reassuring, knowing that we weren't nuts.

We have spent years developing our business, working to make it the best we can and getting the positive results we hoped for from our readers.  Now, onward and upward!

The conventions are over, the speeches have been given and now it is down to just two months of the media having something to cover before there will be a need for something new.

Although I don't think that McCain was the most articulate speaker I ever heard I certainly agreed with 90% of what he said.  It is time to get Washington DC back to serving the citizens of the country rather than themselves.  It is time to get government out of the healthcare business (just ask those that have to deal with the idiocy of how the government runs the things they are involved in now!).  It is time to lower taxes to stimulate the economy.  Lower business taxes always stimulates the economy, why would anyone want to stay in business when everything they work for goes to support governmental programs that don't work, are too expensive and unnecessary?  Why can't the business owner keep a larger portion of the money they make?  They are the ones that are out there, fighting to get every sale, to make the services good so that people with come back to them and on and on and yet, the harder they work the more the government penalizes them with higher taxes.  Heck of a way to run a country, punish those that make the money to fund your stupid programs.

I know that with us, the more money we made the more we paid our staff, gave them greater benefits and bonuses.  Then taxes took over and they no longer could get the things we wanted to provide, too many taxes and not enough money left over to treat staff properly (or ourselves either!)

Like I said, he wasn't the most eloquent speaker, but his message was from the heart, strong to his beliefs and I believe in the right direction for the country.  I sincerely hope he wins; it scares the crap out of me to think of the alternative.

 

Sometimes it is just good to take a break from work and walk outside, there may be something that is so cute waiting to say "HI".  The ground squirrel is around quite often but I have never had the camera with me when it's there.  Today it waited for me to get it so I could share.  The minute I tried to get closer he took off, but thank goodness zoom works so I got him anyway.

Gotta bring a smile to your face when you see something so cute backed by the mountains. 

So they asked me to write about the most humourous vacation I've ever had, the list could be endless but since they also require you to take one of the cities they list it limited it somewhat.  That means that I will be writing about a trip to Chicago not too long ago.  We went in for the weekend to meet some college friends of my husband for dinner and drinks.  We arrived a day early so we would have time to visit some of the clubs (at least one) and hear some great jazz and blues.

We went by cab to a club that we thought opened up at 8.  We were wrong, it was 9 so we had an hour to kill.  We walked down to a little park right next to the Children's Research Hospital.  The park was so charming, lots of statues, benches and a fountain.  The perfect place to sit and visit while we waited for the club to open.

As we were sitting there I said to my husband, I thought I just saw a ground squirrel run across the sidewalk.  After all, it's a park, it's clean and so what else could it be?  Not so trusting small town person!  It was a rat.  Now, we aren't talking about just one rat we are talking about a bunch of rats running from one side of the sidewalk to the other.  As I sat with my feet up on the bench we watched the procession.

There was a guy sitting on another bench who had his trusty bottle of beer in the ever so not  noticeable brown paper bag.  He announced to my husband that he couldn't have any (which broke both of us up since my husband really hates beer.)  After being assured that he wouldn't be required to share his beer he went back to whatever world he was living in at the time.  He spilled some of his beer and whoosh, here came the rat to drink the beer!

We truly were ready to go to the club when it opened but I couldn't help asking my husband if he thought the lab rats had gotten out of the hospital and we were watching the procession of escapees as they migrated to the "big city" from the confinement of the lab.

You probably won't get a chance to sit in the park where we did on a tour but you probably will see other things in Chicago when you take the Trusted Tours and Attractions.

Top of the Rock  is another opportunity for you to see something different.  You may want to check it out.

If you are interested in receiving more information you can get their newsletter.  You can also check out their online travel guides for other ideas.

 

The move to Arizona was one that we had been discussing for some time; now that we are here we can admit that it was a good move.  There are things that keep us busy all the time, mostly work related but some just for sheer joy.

Last night we went to the dog races, didn't stay long, just long enough to enjoy them and win 4 out of 5 wagers (of course, that still didn't amount to much because we don't bet much!)  In fact, we didn't win enough to cover our dinner cost which was only $14 so you can see that gambling isn't a strong suit with us, but we do enjoy watching the races.  The dogs are so pretty and they put on quite a show before the race and after as they mix with each other and the handlers.  It appears that they are well taken care of and like the people they are around.  That is a good thing; otherwise I wouldn't be able to attend.

We are working on many projects now, it's fun to develop new things and continue to work on the old.  The work load is rather overwhelming but we just keep plugging away and gaining a little.

This afternoon is orientation for Rotary.  I'm looking forward to finding out what this club is involved in for projects.  It seems like they are super involved in things with kids and with the community.  At the last meeting they decided to have a fundraiser called "Cow Pie Bingo."  I'm not sure how it all comes together but obviously everyone there knew and thought it was a great idea.  Should be fun.

I haven't seen my grandson that lives here in Tucson for ages.  He and his parents need to come on over, guess I'll have to call and see if that will work.  Miss them all.  We are going to go see our birthday girl in September.  Excited about that and seeing how the kids and the new one on the way (Pete) are doing.  We will probably be making that trip more often now that we are "kind of" settled in the house.

It's great to have the other daughter so close, we have gotten together for "coffee" a few times and just being able to drop in (after calling to make sure it's ok) has been a delight.

The bird bath is now in the backyard.  It went in this morning so it will be interesting to see how long it takes for the birds to find it…if there is any interest.

Now it's time to make some calls.  Have a great day!

 

My question is, when 2042 arrives and the whites are the minority in the US, will they be given the same minority advantages that have been put in place for the other minority population?  Will it be required that businesses and government have English for those that don't speak Spanish?  Now, I understand all the advantages of offering minorities an equal footing, I just wonder if whites will get the same.  Will there be advantages to being a white?  Will schools be required to have the diversity that was implemented in the 60's for minorities? 

Looking at the demographics of the US Congress is an interesting wake up call for those that think the Congress is comprised of stuffy old white men, take a look, it's really interesting and a good measurement of the demographics of our melting pot country.  We live in a country that has accepted it's residents from all over the world, it's the way it's supposed to be here.  What has made this country work is that very interesting mix of ideas, cultures, beliefs and determination.

Not too many years ago the Irish were considered the lowest form of life, forbidden to own property in certain areas of a community (Des Moines is one of them..the South Side even had it in it's home ownership documents that a house could not be sold to a person of color or an Irishman.)  So, what made the difference?  Time.  The US will emerge from the changes now taking place a strong and viable country just as it did when the majority of the people were of European decent. 

The leadership needs to be aware that there are challenges in this country, not just internationally.  The new president must keep his eye on the home court as well as the international court.  It needs strong, dedicated leadership.  It needs stability, it needs vision, it needs consistancy, it needs honor and trustworthyness.  It will require someone that BELIEVES in the US, it what it stands for and what it can accomplish.  The future of our country will be interesting, decisions will need to be made, adjustments in attitude will need to be made and honor and honesty needs to be a priority.  Do you think that can happen?  An honest, honorable, proud to be an American leadership?  Let's hope so.

This is the kit that can be obtained for the capture of stem cells from the menstrual cycle.  The purpose is to put the stem cells in storage, at a low temperature, for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future.  Since stem cells are self-renewing the ability for them to be used for diseases that could inflict damage in later life gives them the ability to help your body to heal.

Stem cell research has been going on for a long time with both positive and negative reviews.  The talk of taking the stem cells from the fetus of aborted babies caused a huge outcry against the practice.  I can't say I disagree with that, just too sad for me to grasp.  But the ability to use your own stem cells to heal your own body seems to me to make sense and since the menstrual cycle provides stem cells, which is about the only good thing I can think of concerning the menstrual cycle, then perhaps there is a good reason for it.

With the company offering their product at a discounted price and then providing another set for you to give to someone you care about that wouldn't be grossed out with the concept of using it there could be a benefit to obtaining one.

The stem cells can also be used for other family members when the need arises for diseases such as osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.  The life altering heartache that all of these diseases cause is difficult not only for the one suffering but also for those that love them.  Watching a healthy person fall apart when there isn't a need (if the stem cell can repair it) is something that could be a real blessing.  Think about the person suffering from a stroke, not being able to talk or walk or do the normal things they were capable of doing just the day before the stroke, or about the loving, active caring person that is robbed from you with the tragedy of Alzheimer's, or the damage that a heart attack causes or the sadness of Parkinson's disease taking the ability to function away from someone so talented and gifted and make them unable to continue with their profession.  Not that there is anything wrong with the mind, in that case, just the body not being able to continue.

If having stem cells available would be able to cure these horrid problems and all it requires is the capture of some of the stem cells from the menstrual cycle then it appears to me that some good could be accomplished without any of the negatives so often associated with stem cell work.

C'elle Client Testimonial

 Go to their site, read what they have to say and make the decision for yourself as to whether this is something you want to do or not.  It is a personal choice and a personal decision that could, maybe, save your life or the life of someone you love.  Might be worth the read to just find out, then do some more research, check the blogs, read the medical reports and decide what is right for you.

 

Since there aren't any horse tracks around here we decided to go to the dog track last night.  Actually, it was rather fun.  When we first pulled up all we could think was that it was in pretty worn out shape, then walking inside we got the giggles (at least I did) because it reminded me of Puerto Rico, the smells, the design, the 3rd world environment, worn out but still functional.  Interesting. 

We commented on how some people we know would have a heart attack going into this type of environment and then thinking about his parents we knew they would be just as comfortable as we were.  Think that comes from some of the traveling we have done because I can guarantee you that 15 years ago I would have been taken back, now, it really seemed kind of normal.

We walked around outside and talked to some people to get a feel for what was going on.  Now, talking to some people means the two that were sitting in the smoking section, two of the, perhaps, 10 people outside, most of whom were staff.  In other words, there wasn't a huge crowd.

We walked over to where they keep the dogs, it was actually rather interesting, the vet is there, there is a walking bridge that we assume the dogs walk up prior to the races for the vet to check them over (didn't see that happen, but since there were more than one in separate rooms it made sense.)  It was clean, if basic.

When we went into the "Clubhouse" for the dinner and watching the races we were among, perhaps, 30 people in the facility that would hold 250.  There were more people outside by this time but still, not Prairie Meadows.  The dinner was actually pretty good and very reasonable.  $8.99 for Black Angus, baked potato and salad.  The steak was good and big enough so I couldn't eat it all.

When the dogs and the walkers came out on the track we paid close attention to how the handlers were with them.. One of the things I noticed was the way one of the handlers was unconsciously stroking the dogs ears.  Just petting and petting, the others were inclined to run their hands down the dogs head and back but this one guy was doing the unconscious action, so natural.

At the end of the race the dogs all ran to the edge of the track and got a treat, then went right to their handler.  Didn't appear to me that there was any mistreatment, at least I sure hope not, since it was really fun.

The General Manager/CFO of the track came over and visited with us a few minutes.  His name is Tom, nice guy.  Been with the track for 10 years.

Anyway, it was fun.  Flashbacks of the places we have visited in the past in other parts of the world.  Just makes me want to travel again, great experiences and super people.