Trying to find unique gifts for the people on your shopping list is not an easy task. Now with Christmas less than a month away we are all starting to feel the pressure.
Here are a few articles with several excellent, unique gift ideas to fit every budget.
Young Boys
This article has several ideas for gifts for young boys. These ideas are timeless and always popular.
The Do It Yourself Person
Here are some great ideas for those people on your list who are always fixing and/or creating unique things themselves.
From The Heart
Looking for some gift ideas that are a bit more personal than a store bought trinket? Here are some ideas perfect for that special lady in your life.
Unique Gifts For Everyone
Here are some great ideas for unique gifts that will work for everyone on your list.
When it comes to gift giving I believe that its not about how much money you spend but its the thought that goes into the gift that means the most.
How To Make Money Online With Article Marketing
I've been trying for some time now to come up with a way to make money online. I finally settled on article marketing. Slowly but surely I've been seeing some success and I'm convinced this will provide a steady stream of income over the long term.
Why Article Marketing
I personally, do most of my article marketing and publishing on Triond . They were where I first started publishing articles and though I've tried out other sites Triond has been the one that worked best for me - that's not to say another site will not work for you.
What Triond Offers
Successful article marketing is all about traffic. Traffic is the people coming to read your article. The more traffic you have reading your article the more exposure your potential, money making links will have.
This is how it works, I will use Triond because its the platform I know and like the best :
Your article is published and placed by Triond. If you have put an affiliate link in your article chances are some of the traffic will click through on your link - giving you a potential sale.
If you don't have any links in your article you can still make some money. Your article that has been published has advertising surrounding it. When traffic clicks on that advertising you will be paid.
It's all a numbers game. If you have a 10% CTR(click through rate) that would mean for every 100 visitors 10 clicked on an ad - or for every 1000 visitors 100 clicked on an ad. Your potential to make money goes up as you get more traffic. With that in mind here is a link to a traffic generating system that you may want to look into : My Traffic Strategy
Of course there is more to article marketing than can be covered in this short article (like SEO, keywords and traffic generation) but you get the idea.
Quick Review
Why Article Marketing
- article marketing is relatively easy
- requires no investment of money on your part
- you can write about what you are passionate about
- you can write short articles quickly
- once published they earn revenue indefinately
- choose your topic - pick a topic of interest to other people so someone will read it
- research your topic - make sure the statements in your article are accurate, check your facts!
- write the article - put your article down on paper (or computer), edit, rewrite and revise as necessary
- spell check - double check spelling and grammer (it makes a big difference)
- add relavent links - select a couple relevant links to include in your article (an affiliate link may work)
- a blog - preferably your blog
- article marketing directories - search on line, there are lots
- a website - preferably your own
I personally, do most of my article marketing and publishing on Triond . They were where I first started publishing articles and though I've tried out other sites Triond has been the one that worked best for me - that's not to say another site will not work for you.
What Triond Offers
- its free - you need to be a member but the membership is free
- statistics - they provide you with all kinds of stats on your articles and how they are earning you money
- easy - Triond is very user friendly
- privacy - they don't bombard you with emails and they don't pass on your email address
- article placement - Triond places your article on popular sites for maximum traffic
- they pay you - once a month with no minumum
Successful article marketing is all about traffic. Traffic is the people coming to read your article. The more traffic you have reading your article the more exposure your potential, money making links will have.
This is how it works, I will use Triond because its the platform I know and like the best :
Your article is published and placed by Triond. If you have put an affiliate link in your article chances are some of the traffic will click through on your link - giving you a potential sale.
If you don't have any links in your article you can still make some money. Your article that has been published has advertising surrounding it. When traffic clicks on that advertising you will be paid.
It's all a numbers game. If you have a 10% CTR(click through rate) that would mean for every 100 visitors 10 clicked on an ad - or for every 1000 visitors 100 clicked on an ad. Your potential to make money goes up as you get more traffic. With that in mind here is a link to a traffic generating system that you may want to look into : My Traffic Strategy
Of course there is more to article marketing than can be covered in this short article (like SEO, keywords and traffic generation) but you get the idea.
Quick Review
- Write a quality article of interest to other people
- Include a link to an affiliate offer
- Publish you article somewhere - like Triond
- Repeat from the top
Terrafugia Transition - The Flying Car!
Are you ready? Because it's here! The world's first flying car!
Seriously!
The 'flying car' has been classed as a Light Sport Aircraft. That means you will need a Sport Pilot license to fly it - which you can get with as little as 20 hours of training in a Transition specific course.
The Terrafugia Transition is planned to hit the market place in 2011. It will be available for approximately, $194,000.00.
Nothing can stop you now!
Seriously!
Have a look at Terrafugia's Transition.
This innovative new vehicle can transform from plane to car in less than 30 seconds - and the pilot/driver never has to leave the cab! The Transition can fly 450 miles at 115 miles per hour as well as travel on the ground at highway speeds. Best of all you can fill it up at the local fuel station because it runs on unleaded automative gasoline.
The Terrafugia Transition - or 'flying car' has passed its flight testing with great results. Its first flight was in March of 2009 with several more successful flights following.
The flying car has now moved into its second stage - the Beta Prototype.
The 'flying car' has been classed as a Light Sport Aircraft. That means you will need a Sport Pilot license to fly it - which you can get with as little as 20 hours of training in a Transition specific course.
The Terrafugia Transition is planned to hit the market place in 2011. It will be available for approximately, $194,000.00.
Nothing can stop you now!
The FloH Club To The Rescue
Are you feeling pressured to "join the 21st century" by your friends or family? Do you want to learn how to operate your computer or other electronic devices more effeciently (or at all!)? Are you embarrassed to ask your children for help on facebook or one of the many other media sites? Do you need your own personal teacher?
Believe it or not, you are not alone. There are thousands of people out there who want to join Facebook to keep up with family but don't know how. Many more have cell phones but don't know how to do more than make a phone call. Even more people who can't do the basic maintenance on their computers.
Don't dispare! Help has arrived in the form of The FloH Club.
The FloH Club is a unique source of computer help. Created by Florence Henderson, the FloH Club is designed to provide technical help for older adults or total beginners. Their technicians can help you with everything from shopping online and joining social media groups to setting up and installing external devices like MP3 players or printers. They will even help you back up your computer and preform security and maintenance functions to keep your computer up and running.
There is a fee to join The FloH Club but there are different membership plans available giving you a few options. Is it worth it? That's for you to decide. The staff is well trained and able to help people of any skill level - they can even access your computer (securely and with your permission of course!) to help you through difficult setups.
If you want to use your computer to its fullest but don't know exactly how then you should check out The FloH Club, it may save you a lot of frustration.
Believe it or not, you are not alone. There are thousands of people out there who want to join Facebook to keep up with family but don't know how. Many more have cell phones but don't know how to do more than make a phone call. Even more people who can't do the basic maintenance on their computers.
Don't dispare! Help has arrived in the form of The FloH Club.
The FloH Club is a unique source of computer help. Created by Florence Henderson, the FloH Club is designed to provide technical help for older adults or total beginners. Their technicians can help you with everything from shopping online and joining social media groups to setting up and installing external devices like MP3 players or printers. They will even help you back up your computer and preform security and maintenance functions to keep your computer up and running.
There is a fee to join The FloH Club but there are different membership plans available giving you a few options. Is it worth it? That's for you to decide. The staff is well trained and able to help people of any skill level - they can even access your computer (securely and with your permission of course!) to help you through difficult setups.
If you want to use your computer to its fullest but don't know exactly how then you should check out The FloH Club, it may save you a lot of frustration.
Wedding Rings : A Symbol Of Promise
Wedding rings - a symbol of eternal love, commitment to each other and fidelity.
They can take many different forms. Obviously round, but the metal they are constructed from and the type of stone (if any!) they contain is variable.
When it comes to the engagement ring, North Americian tradition has the man presenting a diamond studded ring to the woman when he proposes. Here lies the problem. Women often want to pick out their wedding rings. Who can blame them really, after all they will probably wear the rings for the rest of their lives.
So if you are a traditionalist what do you give your intended when you propose? How about a diamond solitaire? Its still a flashy ring and something she can wear anytime. It doesn't even have to be a diamond, any precious stone (maybe her birthstone) would show your intentions.
With your proposal accepted it's time to visit the jewelery store. A word of caution here, don't get hung up on the cost of the rings. Spend what you can afford to spend. Buy something you both like and remember his and her wedding bands don't have to match.
If you want to break from tradition a bit consider having custom wedding bands made for you. Design you own rings using whatever metal and precious stone hold some significance for you (or just design something you like.)
How you choose your wedding rings is not nearly as important as what they represent - love, commitment and fidelity. So wear your rings proudly and remember what they represent.
photo from : FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Unique Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List
What do you get the person who has everything? This is a question everyone asks at one point or another. Relax. Here are some ideas to help you pick out a truly unique gift perfect for that hard to buy for person on your list.
For the young and young at heart:
For the young and young at heart:
- Sea Monkeys. These little shrimp like creatures are available at most toy stores. They often come as a complete kit with food, eggs, and container to house them - there are also lots of accessories if you want to expand their environment. Sea Monkeys grow quickly (you can notice changes every day!)and are very easy to look after. The child receiving them will learn responsibilty by caring for them. Since they are fast growing and generally very active the child will always be looking for changes.
- Brain Games. Check out your local science center. There are experiments, posters, replicas, whirligigs and thing-a-ma-bobs galore. Something for everyone who has ever asked ‘why’!
- Carnivorous plants. These plants are great fun. Usually kept in a terrarium these bug eating plants are perfect for a mature (8yrs+) child. They will teach responsibility and demonstrate one of the mysteries of the natural world. How many kids could resist a plant that eats bugs?
- Something personal. For an extra special gift look closer to home. Make up a family tree, a scrapbook of their life, a family history or anything that will give them a sense of where they came from. The trick will be keeping your project secret but it will be well received and appreciated.
- Family Heirlooms. Are there special family heirlooms that are traditionally passed down through the generations? If you have something like this then consider giving it to the recipient before you die. By passing on an heirloom before you die you are letting the recipient know that you feel he/she is ready for the responsibility. Trust is a wonderful gift.
- Bonsai Tree. Do you need a gift for the avid gardner on your list? A bonsai tree is perfect for the person who loves greenery and has the patience to fuss over it. Buy a complete starter kit with the tree, container and instructions for growing and training the tree.
- Stock certificates. If you are an investor then this may be an option for you to consider. An individual may own as little as one share in a company but be aware of the fees associated with stocks. You might consider stocks as baby gifts, birthday gifts or Christmas gifts. You could even add to the stocks yearly.
- Local Museum. Stop by your local museum. Often they will have a gift store featuring local history books and/or crafts from local artists. The larger museums may even carry replicas of famous exhibits. The perfect gift for the history lover on your list.
- Dinner Triangle. A dinner triangle or dinner gong like you see on the old western movies might be just the thing for someone with a cabin or a farm.
Fish Roe
Roe, that is fish roe, are the eggs from a female fish. These eggs are encased in an ovarian membrane.
Fish roe has long been considered a delicacy among many people of the world. The most popular being sturgeon roe, otherwise known as caviar. However, roe from many salt water and fresh water fish species are readily consumed.
From a nutritional standpoint fish roe is a good source of Vitamin C, Thiamin and Folate, and a very good source of Protein, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Riboflavin, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus and Selenium. On the down side fish roe is very high in Cholesterol.
Fish roe is very versatile when it comes to preparation. It can be cooked in the ovarian membrane and sliced and eaten on toast or it can be frozen, thawed then eaten 'raw'. There are as many different ways of preparing fish roe as there are chefs. A point to bring to your attention is that some freshwater fish roe may contain the broad fish tapeworm parasite. The parasite is easily killed if the fish or roe is cooked properly or if it is frozen to -18 Celsius for at least 24 hours.
The fat content of fish roe is very high and therefore it spoils rather quickly. You should not store frozen roe in your freezer longer than a couple of months. Roe that has been thawed should be eaten immediately - don't keep it more than a day or two at the most.
Below this article is a link to a recipe for a simple roe appetizer. Below that is a widget that will allow you to search for the nutritional data associated with fish roe. Simply type fish roe into the top box and it will take you to the nutritional analysis page.
Fish roe has long been considered a delicacy among many people of the world. The most popular being sturgeon roe, otherwise known as caviar. However, roe from many salt water and fresh water fish species are readily consumed.
From a nutritional standpoint fish roe is a good source of Vitamin C, Thiamin and Folate, and a very good source of Protein, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Riboflavin, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus and Selenium. On the down side fish roe is very high in Cholesterol.
Fish roe is very versatile when it comes to preparation. It can be cooked in the ovarian membrane and sliced and eaten on toast or it can be frozen, thawed then eaten 'raw'. There are as many different ways of preparing fish roe as there are chefs. A point to bring to your attention is that some freshwater fish roe may contain the broad fish tapeworm parasite. The parasite is easily killed if the fish or roe is cooked properly or if it is frozen to -18 Celsius for at least 24 hours.
The fat content of fish roe is very high and therefore it spoils rather quickly. You should not store frozen roe in your freezer longer than a couple of months. Roe that has been thawed should be eaten immediately - don't keep it more than a day or two at the most.
Below this article is a link to a recipe for a simple roe appetizer. Below that is a widget that will allow you to search for the nutritional data associated with fish roe. Simply type fish roe into the top box and it will take you to the nutritional analysis page.
The Light Bulb Ban
Are the old incandescent light bulbs a thing of the past? In Europe and several other countries the answer is, yes.
As of Tuesday, Europe's light bulb ban will be in effect. That means retail stores won't be able to buy or import traditional light bulbs. The can however, sell their inventory.
What does this mean to the consumer? Probably a rush to the store to stock up on incandescent light bulbs while supplies last.
It's not all bad though. The compact fluorescent light bulbs use about 80% less energy and last many times longer than the traditional bulb - saving you money in the long run. The down side - the cost of the compact fluorescent light bulbs.
The light bulb ban, which will be phased in over the next couple of years, is only one of the ways Europe is trying to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Hopefully, reaching their goal of 20% less emissions by 2012.
Other countries already have similar light bulb bans in place. The USA is getting ready to launch a similar light bulb ban in 2012. With all the interest in compact fluorescent light bulbs the pressure is now on the manufacturers of these bulbs to come up with a more 'healthy' bulb that contains significantly less mercury.
I'm sure some people are quiet put out over this new environmentally friendly move forced on us by the governments. On the other hand, an awful lot of people jumped on the band wagon long before now. This new ban is just pushing the stragglers to catch-up.
If we want to clean up our environment everybody has to participate. I think this was a good move by the government. We all need to be part of the solution.
As of Tuesday, Europe's light bulb ban will be in effect. That means retail stores won't be able to buy or import traditional light bulbs. The can however, sell their inventory.
What does this mean to the consumer? Probably a rush to the store to stock up on incandescent light bulbs while supplies last.
It's not all bad though. The compact fluorescent light bulbs use about 80% less energy and last many times longer than the traditional bulb - saving you money in the long run. The down side - the cost of the compact fluorescent light bulbs.
The light bulb ban, which will be phased in over the next couple of years, is only one of the ways Europe is trying to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Hopefully, reaching their goal of 20% less emissions by 2012.
Other countries already have similar light bulb bans in place. The USA is getting ready to launch a similar light bulb ban in 2012. With all the interest in compact fluorescent light bulbs the pressure is now on the manufacturers of these bulbs to come up with a more 'healthy' bulb that contains significantly less mercury.
I'm sure some people are quiet put out over this new environmentally friendly move forced on us by the governments. On the other hand, an awful lot of people jumped on the band wagon long before now. This new ban is just pushing the stragglers to catch-up.
If we want to clean up our environment everybody has to participate. I think this was a good move by the government. We all need to be part of the solution.
Tween Dora
Summer is about over. Our kids are heading back to school. New friends and new adventures loom on the horizon and look who else is heading to school. The new and improved Dora Links doll.
It seems Dora the Explorer is growing up. Available in time for Christmas, the new Dora Links doll is targeting the 'tween' girls.
Dora Links is a little older and has a fashionable new wardrobe. She has new friends and her very own online games to play. The Dora Links doll is interactive, allowing young girls to play online adventure games with their Dora Links doll.
Nickelodeon says the new Dora will still solve mysteries related to the environment, school and wildlife but she will have the help of four new friends.
It seems Dora the Explorer is growing up. Available in time for Christmas, the new Dora Links doll is targeting the 'tween' girls.
Dora Links is a little older and has a fashionable new wardrobe. She has new friends and her very own online games to play. The Dora Links doll is interactive, allowing young girls to play online adventure games with their Dora Links doll.
Nickelodeon says the new Dora will still solve mysteries related to the environment, school and wildlife but she will have the help of four new friends.
Cash for Kitchen Clunkers
In July the US Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that almost $300 million dollars of funding was now available to help people replace their old energy-guzzling kitchen appliances with new efficient energy-star qualified appliances.
While this is a federally funded program each state can draw up its own rules concerning allocation of the funds. Its expected many of the US states will have the program up and running later this year or early next year.
Purchasing an energy-star rated appliance is a good, money wise investment however, they can be slightly more expensive than their energy-guzzling counterparts. Most people realize the long term benefits of an energy-star appliance but balk at the extra up-front costs.
The Government is hoping the cash back incentive will encourage people to upgrade their kitchens with the new, more efficient appliances now available thus saving energy and reducing pollution. Certainly a proactive step in reducing the carbon footprint of the people.
A word of warning though. Be aware of the tax implications of the rebates. People who participated in the Cash for Clunkers program have to pay tax on the rebates they received. Many people were not aware of this when they traded in their old vehicles. I don't expect this program to be much different.
Is taxes any reason to avoid the program? No. If you were already planning an appliance upgrade then take advantage of the rebate. Any taxes you may pay on the rebate will be less than the rebate itself and the money you will save with an energy-star rated appliance will certainly be worth it.
While this is a federally funded program each state can draw up its own rules concerning allocation of the funds. Its expected many of the US states will have the program up and running later this year or early next year.
Purchasing an energy-star rated appliance is a good, money wise investment however, they can be slightly more expensive than their energy-guzzling counterparts. Most people realize the long term benefits of an energy-star appliance but balk at the extra up-front costs.
The Government is hoping the cash back incentive will encourage people to upgrade their kitchens with the new, more efficient appliances now available thus saving energy and reducing pollution. Certainly a proactive step in reducing the carbon footprint of the people.
A word of warning though. Be aware of the tax implications of the rebates. People who participated in the Cash for Clunkers program have to pay tax on the rebates they received. Many people were not aware of this when they traded in their old vehicles. I don't expect this program to be much different.
Is taxes any reason to avoid the program? No. If you were already planning an appliance upgrade then take advantage of the rebate. Any taxes you may pay on the rebate will be less than the rebate itself and the money you will save with an energy-star rated appliance will certainly be worth it.
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
The forest Lawn memorial Park in Glendale, California is the final resting place of many publicly adored celebrities such as...
Gracie Allen, 1902-1964
Humphrey Bogart, 1899-1957
Nat King Cole, 1919-1965
Sammy Davis Jr, 1925-1990
Walter Disney, 1901-1966
Lois L'Amour, 1908-1988
Mary Pickford, 1892-1979
...to name only a few of the 1000+ famous people resting on the grounds. Now Michael Jackson lays among his peers in one of the most unique and beautiful cemeteries in the world.
Dr. Hubert Eaton is credited as the founder of the Forest Lawn Memorial Park more than a hundred years ago. His love of art and desire to share it with the world inspired him. More than that he believed a cemetery should be a celebration of life not "unsightly, depressing stoneyards." To this end I believe he has succeeded.
Combined, the six Forest Lawn Cemeteries contain close to 1500 statues, replicated European churches and many other works of art representing much of the world, its people and its history. Amazingly, Forest Lawn contains replications of all of Michelangelo's sculptures.
The museum houses various works of art with both permanent and special exhibits on display for the public. Forest Lawn also hosts educational programs for elementary children as well as other family orientated programs. They run a 'History Comes Alive' program that features actors reenacting famous people and events throughout history.
As a cemetery, Forest Lawn has over 250,000 people buried there. As a celebration of life, Forest Lawn has hosted over 60,000 weddings and has over 1 million visitors every year.
With so much to offer both the living and the dead it is easy to see why, given the choice, so many people choose Forest Lawn as their final resting place.
Gracie Allen, 1902-1964
Humphrey Bogart, 1899-1957
Nat King Cole, 1919-1965
Sammy Davis Jr, 1925-1990
Walter Disney, 1901-1966
Lois L'Amour, 1908-1988
Mary Pickford, 1892-1979
...to name only a few of the 1000+ famous people resting on the grounds. Now Michael Jackson lays among his peers in one of the most unique and beautiful cemeteries in the world.
Dr. Hubert Eaton is credited as the founder of the Forest Lawn Memorial Park more than a hundred years ago. His love of art and desire to share it with the world inspired him. More than that he believed a cemetery should be a celebration of life not "unsightly, depressing stoneyards." To this end I believe he has succeeded.
Combined, the six Forest Lawn Cemeteries contain close to 1500 statues, replicated European churches and many other works of art representing much of the world, its people and its history. Amazingly, Forest Lawn contains replications of all of Michelangelo's sculptures.
The museum houses various works of art with both permanent and special exhibits on display for the public. Forest Lawn also hosts educational programs for elementary children as well as other family orientated programs. They run a 'History Comes Alive' program that features actors reenacting famous people and events throughout history.
As a cemetery, Forest Lawn has over 250,000 people buried there. As a celebration of life, Forest Lawn has hosted over 60,000 weddings and has over 1 million visitors every year.
With so much to offer both the living and the dead it is easy to see why, given the choice, so many people choose Forest Lawn as their final resting place.
Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch
I was browsing the web for something interesting to add to my blog when I came upon the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, OR. I was immediately struck by the selfless dedication of the owners and volunteers that run the ranch.
So now you are probably wondering what the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is. Basically it is a rescue ranch for both horses and children. Started in 1995 by Troy and Kim Meeder the ranch now is home to between 25 and 30 horses that have been rescued from abusive situations.
More importantly the ranch and the horses offer a means of bringing families together. 80% of the kids that come to the ranch are disadvantaged either mentally, physically, socially or psychologically. The other 20% are healthy children that may not have been exposed to horses and wish to interact with them.
Each child at the ranch is paired with a horse and a volunteer. Together the child, horse and volunteer work together to meet the individual needs of the child. The horse provides the medium for the child to bond to and receives love and attention in return. The volunteer provides a safe environment and guidence for the child. Each session is 90 minutes long and the parents are required to stay and lounge in the tranquile setting and encourage their child.
While faith plays an important role in the lives of the owners Troy and Kim and the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is a faith based organization it is not affiliated with any particular religious congregation. On the ranch faith is lived not preached.
The most incrediable thing about the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is that it is free. You are still required to make an appointment but there is no fee. The ranch is a non-profit organization and is funded through grants and donations.
Visit the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch website and learn more about this worthwhile cause. Kim Meeder has also published 2 books recounting heart warming success stories from the ranch and has 2 more books in the works. Check them out while you are there.
So now you are probably wondering what the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is. Basically it is a rescue ranch for both horses and children. Started in 1995 by Troy and Kim Meeder the ranch now is home to between 25 and 30 horses that have been rescued from abusive situations.
More importantly the ranch and the horses offer a means of bringing families together. 80% of the kids that come to the ranch are disadvantaged either mentally, physically, socially or psychologically. The other 20% are healthy children that may not have been exposed to horses and wish to interact with them.
Each child at the ranch is paired with a horse and a volunteer. Together the child, horse and volunteer work together to meet the individual needs of the child. The horse provides the medium for the child to bond to and receives love and attention in return. The volunteer provides a safe environment and guidence for the child. Each session is 90 minutes long and the parents are required to stay and lounge in the tranquile setting and encourage their child.
While faith plays an important role in the lives of the owners Troy and Kim and the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is a faith based organization it is not affiliated with any particular religious congregation. On the ranch faith is lived not preached.
The most incrediable thing about the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is that it is free. You are still required to make an appointment but there is no fee. The ranch is a non-profit organization and is funded through grants and donations.
Visit the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch website and learn more about this worthwhile cause. Kim Meeder has also published 2 books recounting heart warming success stories from the ranch and has 2 more books in the works. Check them out while you are there.
The Secret - by Julie Garwood
The Secret by Julie Garwood, published by Pocket Books, 1992
Every once in a while I come across a Really good book. Now I'm a book reader and it's not uncommon for me to read 2-3 novels a week so when I say a book is 'really good' I comparing it to several of its contemporaries.
This historical romance novel, The Secret, has been at the top of my list for several years now. I've read it over and over again and it still has that 'something' that endures.
Julie Garwood is a master story teller. This story is set in the Scottish Highlands in a time and place as wild and untamed as her characters.
As in any novel, it's the characters that make the story and the characters here are wonderful. Julie Garwood skillfully plucks a proud, bold, naive Judith from the luxuries of England and drops her into a situation totally backwards to her way of thinking. This clash of cultures provides a hilarious backdrop of misunderstandings that is secondary only to the story itself.
What is a romance novel without a eye-popping hunk for a hero? Julie Garwood provided the perfect man here. Strong, bold and a leader of his clan, Iain, is the perfect hero for Judith. But no romance is without its problems and there are several, including 'the secret' itself.
Being in typical romance style - no mountain is too tall, no valley too deep ... you get the idea. All turns out as it should but hang on for the ride because its a wild one.
Every once in a while I come across a Really good book. Now I'm a book reader and it's not uncommon for me to read 2-3 novels a week so when I say a book is 'really good' I comparing it to several of its contemporaries.
This historical romance novel, The Secret, has been at the top of my list for several years now. I've read it over and over again and it still has that 'something' that endures.
Julie Garwood is a master story teller. This story is set in the Scottish Highlands in a time and place as wild and untamed as her characters.
As in any novel, it's the characters that make the story and the characters here are wonderful. Julie Garwood skillfully plucks a proud, bold, naive Judith from the luxuries of England and drops her into a situation totally backwards to her way of thinking. This clash of cultures provides a hilarious backdrop of misunderstandings that is secondary only to the story itself.
What is a romance novel without a eye-popping hunk for a hero? Julie Garwood provided the perfect man here. Strong, bold and a leader of his clan, Iain, is the perfect hero for Judith. But no romance is without its problems and there are several, including 'the secret' itself.
Being in typical romance style - no mountain is too tall, no valley too deep ... you get the idea. All turns out as it should but hang on for the ride because its a wild one.
Disney Buys Marvel
Walt Disney Co. offered to buy Marvel Entertainment for a staggering $4 Billion dollars. Technicalities aside it looks like a done deal.
Wow!
Disney will suddenly acquire 5000 more characters to add to their already extensive list. I can't wait to see what this will mean to the Disney theme parks.
I'm also excited about the potential for Marvel comic book characters making their screen debuts. I expect Disney will be quick to bring the popular comic book characters to life. Hopefully, Disney will live up to its high standards and won't rush production in order to recoup the $4 billion these characters cost.
However Disney decides to use their Marvel acquisitions they need to tread carefully. There are a lot of Disney fans out there that won't accept anything less than the best.
Wow!
Disney will suddenly acquire 5000 more characters to add to their already extensive list. I can't wait to see what this will mean to the Disney theme parks.
I'm also excited about the potential for Marvel comic book characters making their screen debuts. I expect Disney will be quick to bring the popular comic book characters to life. Hopefully, Disney will live up to its high standards and won't rush production in order to recoup the $4 billion these characters cost.
However Disney decides to use their Marvel acquisitions they need to tread carefully. There are a lot of Disney fans out there that won't accept anything less than the best.
2009 US Open Tennis
The US Tennis Open of 2009 is already underway and the eyes of tennis fans around the world are focused on the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, NY.
With players like Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro playing in the mens division, this year promises to be truely exciting.
In the womens division there are; sisters Serena and Venus Williams, Elena Dementieva, Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters, to name just a few of the players about to come head to head.
For tennis fans everywhere this is the tournament to see.
With players like Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro playing in the mens division, this year promises to be truely exciting.
In the womens division there are; sisters Serena and Venus Williams, Elena Dementieva, Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters, to name just a few of the players about to come head to head.
For tennis fans everywhere this is the tournament to see.
Horse Soldiers
Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of US Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan by Doug Stanton, 2009
If you are looking for an extraordinary, action packed, ture story of the undying drive to succeed in the most daunting conditions, then this may be just the book for you.
This unbelieveable but ture story follows not only the men who lived through the battles but also the families at home who supported them.
A must read for any war history buff (even if it wasn't that long ago.)
If you are looking for an extraordinary, action packed, ture story of the undying drive to succeed in the most daunting conditions, then this may be just the book for you.
This unbelieveable but ture story follows not only the men who lived through the battles but also the families at home who supported them.
A must read for any war history buff (even if it wasn't that long ago.)
Yelp Your Opinion
Want to know what other people think about a product or service? Just Yelp.
Better yet, do you have an opinion of a business or service you want to share? Just Yelp.
Yelp.com is a popular user review site with hundreds of reviews ( and growing daily) on businesses in the USA, Canada, Ireland and the UK. Chances are good someone will have an oinion on the business you're looking into.
So before you risk your time and money on a new business remember to Yelp.com first.
Better yet, do you have an opinion of a business or service you want to share? Just Yelp.
Yelp.com is a popular user review site with hundreds of reviews ( and growing daily) on businesses in the USA, Canada, Ireland and the UK. Chances are good someone will have an oinion on the business you're looking into.
So before you risk your time and money on a new business remember to Yelp.com first.
Zoey Zane Murderer Facing Charges
Emily Saunder, the 18 year old Butler Community College student had a secret. She was the porn model known as Zoey Zane.
On Nov 23, 2007 she was murdered.
The man accused of her murder is Israel Mireles. Mireles who fled to Mexica to avoid prosecution is back in the USA and appeared in court on Friday.
If he is found guilty he faces life in prison without parole.
On Nov 23, 2007 she was murdered.
The man accused of her murder is Israel Mireles. Mireles who fled to Mexica to avoid prosecution is back in the USA and appeared in court on Friday.
If he is found guilty he faces life in prison without parole.
The Joy Fit Club
Join the club. That is nutritionist Joy Bauer's club. Show the world that dedication and hard work can really make a difference.
Nutritionist Joy Bauer is a great source of inspiration and motivation for anyone ready to deal with their weight issues. As nutrition and health editor for TODAY and author of several books including, "Joy Bauer's Food Cures", Joy is a wealth of information.
Her website, JoyBauer.com is definitely worth a look.
Nutritionist Joy Bauer is a great source of inspiration and motivation for anyone ready to deal with their weight issues. As nutrition and health editor for TODAY and author of several books including, "Joy Bauer's Food Cures", Joy is a wealth of information.
Her website, JoyBauer.com is definitely worth a look.
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