Facebook and Pinterest Hilarity

I'm not sure the internet ever entertained me quite as much as it does now. Sure, in the 90's I was more than thrilled to hear that weird connection sound as my phone line and modem connected me to AOL. "You've Got Mail!" were some exciting words back then. But we've moved past that. Well past that. Today, we have an internet filled with hilarious photographs that will sometimes literally make me laugh until I cry. From Grumpy Cat to People of Walmart, I often find myself straying from my work and delving deeper into the world of hilarious photographs. Oh, but I don't settle for just ANY humor. The raunchier and meaner, the better. For example...

Looks on the bright side, burns his retina? Hilarious! Or how about...
Sure, I'll admit that this one is disturbing. BUT, it shows a side of people that we may not have known existed prior to Facebook and Pinterest. Are we better off for seeing this? Most likely, NO. Honestly, it kind of freaks me out to know that people are doing weird things like this in random places across America. Will I keep searching for or looking at these types of pictures? Absolutely not! Last but not least we have the funny kid pics...

Does it even get any better than penis scissors? These are just three MILD examples of the hilarity that is to be found on Facebook and Pinterest. Sure, I know there are better uses for these two social media outlets, but ask me do I care? My life sucks hard core. I have nothing to offer, so I will press on and laugh at the stupidity of others.

Amba Towel Warmers: Ultimate Bathroom Luxury

There is only one thing that can make the wonderful feeling of emerging from a hot shower or bath even better, and that would be wrapping yourself in a warm towel. Amba towel warmers provide this luxury, and can easily be installed in any home. They are also an excellent option for hotel owners who wish to provide amenities that go above and beyond what competing hotels provide.

Many of the new models offer the attractive look of stainless steel. Not only will they warm towels, they also serve the dual purpose of a space heater. Designed to operate using very little electricity, there is no concern over energy usage. Additionally, if you know what time you shower each day, the unit can be programmed to warm the towels at the exact time you wish. Each unit does meet child safety standards and will include an automatic cut-off.

Amba towel warmers come in many different sizes and several different styles. Hotels, spas, and more have the option to select a size that will hold a larger quantity of towels. For home use, a smaller size can be opted for. Though considered the ultimate bathroom luxury item, towel warmers are now making an appearance in other rooms such as the kitchen, in craft rooms, and outdoor pool rooms.

The Search for the Best Brooklyn Properties

Modern day Brooklyn properties range from beautiful brownstones to unique apartments. The history of the area alone is enough to make one want to live there. Though Brooklyn has been featured in many movies, most highlight the Brooklyn of the past and do little to reflect what it has become today. Today visitors will find a blend of history, charm, and style.

Similar to much of New York City, finding a place to live in Brooklyn will require the assistance of a real estate agent. Whether searching for an apartment or home, it is wise to work with an agent that knows the area and is familiar with the best properties that are available. Price is a consideration for most. Therefore, agents can assist you in finding a property to fit within your budget.

The search for the best Brooklyn properties can be daunting if you attempt to go it alone. Consider starting your search online and connecting with a qualified agent. Clearly, much has changed about Brooklyn over the years. If you haven't consider the area as a place to live, now is the time to give it another look.

Think You Know Uniform Scrubs? Think Again

Over the past decade uniform scrubs have undergone drastic changes. Yes, they still provide the same comfort and appearance of professionalism that they always have. However, they are now created in many different colors and may feature any of a plethora of patterns. These new options work to help patients feel more comfortable in a hospital of doctor's office environment.

Another notable difference is the introduction of new sizes. Small, medium, and large only are a thing of the past. Today, petite and tall varieties are also available. A host of different brands now produce uniform scrubs. This development now provides consumers with more options than ever. It has also had an effect on pricing, driving prices lower as business competition has increased.

Individual pieces may now be purchased, eliminating the need to purchase a new set when only one piece needs to be replaced. Options are also no longer limited to uniform scrubs only. Skirts, dresses, jackets and more are now available. These are available in basic white, as well as many other colors.

Health Management Tools: Cardiocheck Blood Testing Device

Long gone are the days in which a trip to the doctor's office was required in order to receive important health related information. Though regular check-ups will always be important, the Cardiocheck blood testing device can be used to monitor cholesterol, HDL levels, triglycerides, glucose levels and more from anywhere. The device is currently available in two versions, with both being FDA approved.

Unfortunately, heart disease is far too common. However, it is possible to manage the condition and lower risks if the correct lifestyle changes are implemented. A large part of controlling this disease is knowing what your cholesterol levels are. This is where the Cardiocheck blood testing device can be a vital instrument in the management of your diet. Numbers are everything, as they can quickly tell you whether or not changes need to be made.

Only a small sample is needed in order to receive an accurate reading. Results are made available in approximately two minutes. The unit is small enough to fit easily into your hand and can easily fit into a pocket or purse. The digital readout is large, making for easy reading. Internal memory allows the last thirty readings to remained stored within the unit. This information can then be provided to your physician if need be.

Additional features of the Cardiocheck blood testing device include the ability to display six different languages, full calibration is already completed, and the unit comes with a carrying case. Never has it been easier to learn vital information in regard to your health. Instead of worrying over your levels, consider owning your own blood testing unit for your own peace of mind.

Seca 769 Digital Medical Scales with BMI

What the Seca 769 offers is a method of determining much more than simply weight. Many now consider BMI to be a much better indicator of overall health than total pounds. This scale offers an accurate BMI reading that can be used to determine whether or not action needs to be taken on the part of the patient.

Battery operated and portable, the Seca 769 can easily be transported from location to location. The scale comes equipped with castors that allow it to easily be rolled throughout any home or facility. A "hold" function is also included. This function allows the reading to held until it can be read and noted.

Total weight reading capacity is 440 pounds. Weight can also be measured in kilograms. Battery operation will require four AA batteries. However, those who wish to leave the scale stationary do have the option to plug in into a wall outlet using an AC adapter. Power consumption is minimal using either power method.

Though perfect for use in medical offices, the Seca 769 is also appropriate for home use. The need to be as educated as possible in regard to BMI readings and current weight is ever present. Lower quality scales are simply not always capable of offering accurate readings, and few offer BMI measuring capability. What this unit offers is exceptional functionality and quality in a light-weight and portable scale.

Earring Love At First Sight

If there's one thing I've learned, it's never too early to think about gift-giving. It can take months sometimes to visualize and find the perfect gift. And sometimes the old standbys, like department store gift cards, just won't do.

If there's a woman on your list of a certain age and she wears earrings, there's a resource you need to know about. It's a store called JCEarrings and it specializes in light, carefree, nature-inspired jewelry for women. JCEarrings carries Jody Coyote jewelry and has recently added the Adajio by Sienna Sky collection to its repertoire.

Adajio by Sienna Sky is a luxurious range designed by Colorado native Barbara MacCambridge, who runs a completely U.S.-owned and operated business. That's something to cheer about in these days of China-outsourcing. Not only is all the jewelry designed and crafted in the United States, but beads and findings are sourced from American companies as well.

The Adajio earrings are fantastically gorgeous and guaranteed to make a woman feel beautiful, because she will be. Many styles are set with pearl flatback cabochons, which gives a 3-dimensional look. Natural themes such as leaves and flowers figure prominently, as well as a series of Chinese character (Tranquility, Joy, Good Luck) earrings. And Adajio won't empty your wallet. Most sterling silver or 14k gold-filled styles are about $25.

A few examples...

Reducing the Stress of Moving

Few things rank as highly on the stress chart as moving. Some people move only a few times in their life, while others move many times. Regardless of how many times you move, there are ways in which to reduce stress and eliminate the risk of injury. A reliable company such as Maplewood Movers New Jersey will offer complete services ranging from packing, loading, transporting, and unloading.

Moving services are available not only for home to home moves, but for offices moves as well. Items can also be transported into storage facilities for you. Why allow someone else to tackle these tasks for you? Some opt to enlist the help of a moving service simply because they do not have the time to do it themselves. Others may not be physically able to lift heavy items, or are not willing to risk the common injuries that can occur when doing so. These are just a few of the reasons a moving company is a valuable asset.

Determining the cost of hiring Maplewood Movers New Jersey is easy. Free quotes are available at all times. Quotes are available online as well as by phone. Coupons may also be available to help reduce the cost of moving. Each move is unique, therefore pricing for your specific move will be needed. In many cases, the cost of hiring a moving company will not be much higher than had you decided to purchase the materials, rent a truck, pay for gas, and do it yourself.

Whether moving to a larger home or office, or downsizing to a more affordable home or apartment, Maplewood Movers New Jersey can help. For many, the very thought of moving can cause anxiety. There is simply no reason to allow moving to be anything other than exciting and fun. Consider allowing moving professionals to take care of the hard work while you handle the fun aspects of setting up your new home or office.

Revenge of the Slip 'n Slide

Instead of working all day yesterday I decide to allow myself some fun. This consisted of heading to a small cookout. Nothing fancy, just some food and beer. Oh yeah, and a Slip 'n Slide. My nephew was the only child there, but I knew right away that there would be nothing stopping us adults from using it as well. After all, if it was tons of fun as a kid, it must still be fun as an adult, right?

Look at it. It looks innocent enough:

Now consider the events that followed:

1st attempt: It was positioned on an incline making it impossible for the built-in sprinklers to wet the top. I run, try to slide, fall hard and stop dead in my tracks. Everyone laughs. I laugh. No harm done. We'll just use the hosepipe to wet the top next time.

2nd attempt: Hosepipe did the trick. As soon as my feet hit the slippery surface they come flying out from under me. My rotund butt hits first, followed by my head smacking the ground with a loud thump. I'm seeing stars, but am determined to get up quickly and not act as if I am dying. I'm positive I have a concussion so I quickly retreat to my folding chair to regroup.

3rd attempt: Never one to give up, I put a motorcycle helmet on and decide to give it another go. I go for the side slide to protect my noggin. I slide down relatively gracefully, get to my knees, and then throw two fists in the air to signal that I have defeated the Slip 'n Slide! Yay me!

4th attempt: With the 3rd attempt being a success, I decide to keep my helmet on and go again. Slide how now been covered with liquid dish soap. Yippee! I'll go even faster. I decide to go for the side slide again. As soon as I hit plastic - feet fly out and I come crashing down on my hip. Yes, I slide on down, but there is no victory celebration. Again, I retreat. This time admitting total defeat.

Today I feel as if I was run over by a herd of cattle. Stiff neck, swollen hip, headache, you name it. Moral of the story. Some of the things that were fun at 10 years old are not all that fun once you hit your 40's. Next time I will suggest a rousing game of Uno instead.

How To Guide For Buying Cars with Bad Credit

The number of people in the United States that currently have bad credit is staggering. The recession has certainly added to what was already a large part of the population that can no longer be approved for traditional loans. Car ownership is required in most areas of the country. Public transportation is not widespread, and even in areas where it exists, it is certainly not convenient. For these reasons and more, many people are now wondering how to buy a car with bad credit.

It is possible to obtain an auto loan despite a past bankruptcy of repossession. A low interest rate, no down payment, and flexible terms may also be offered with bad credit loans. Many assume that if they are approved they must select a used car. This is not always the case. Loans can indeed be used to purchase brand new cars as well. The same perks that go to those with excellent credit can be had by those who have had some problems in the past.

At this point you may be wondering, how can this be? When lenders exclude the millions of individuals who now have a poor credit score, they lose out on lots of business. Certain lenders have decide to embrace these same people, provide them with a second change, treat them fairly, and reap the rewards of being able to do business with virtually anyone. This allows both the lender and the loan seeker to benefit.

These lenders also know that many of those who have a poor credit score may have found themselves in this position due to circumstances beyond their control. Medical emergencies, divorce, death of a spouse or partner and more can create a situation in which bill simply cannot be paid as agreed.

Now you know the why, so let's move on to the how. Select a lender that makes it completely clear that they do offer bad credit car loans. The internet will be a great resource for connecting you to such a lender. Online you will be able to read about what is being offered in great detail. This will allow you to make an educated decision.

Ever since the invention of the automobile humans have been in love with cars. Not only do they get us where we need to go, they simply draw us in because they are so attractive and interesting. If you have bad credit, there is no need to do without. You too can own an excellent car.

Fantasy Baseball for Dummies

No, I'm not going to give you fantasy baseball in a nutshell. Why? Because each game differs. In some you set a lineup for the week using the players you drafted before the season even started. In others, you get the chance to select an entirely new lineup each and every day (within the allotted salary cap). There are millions of stats and projections to consider, with each website possibly offering entirely different information.

The secret that most people do not know it this: there is a lot of luck involved in fantasy baseball.

You can spend hours pouring over all of the information provided online, submit your lineup, feel like you are golden, and still lose.

Though luck plays a major role, here are some easy planning tips that may help you set your lineup:

1. Make sure that your players are actually playing. I've been stupid enough to make this mistake several times. Just because one of your players is not injury prone does not mean that he will not be given the night off. There are several daily lineup sources online. Pick one and check it just before your lineup officially goes in.

2. Beware of bargain pitchers. There will be days in which excellent, low dollar pitchers will be available. Go with your gut. If you do not feel good about them, spend the money to get a good pitcher. Pitchers account for the majority of points in most leagues. Do not overlook this fact.

3. Who's hot? Determining this can be tricky. Some websites will tell you what the batting average is for each player against the pitcher that he is facing that night. It can be easy to look at these stats and assume that a player is fantasy baseball gold if he is hitting over .400 against a certain pitcher. Before plugging him into the lineup, check ESPN or another website that offers stats to see what he has done in the last week. If he is hitting .122 over the last seven days, chances are he won't do much REGARDLESS of his average against the pitcher.

Take it from someone who has learned much about fantasy baseball the hard way. All is not what it seems. Don't stat yourself to death or lose your day job over spending hours on the internet comparing stats. Know who is hot and who is not. Pick a pitcher that should do well. Set it, and forget it.

Love For Older Gaming Systems

Am I the only one who has a passion for older gaming systems? I think not. Surely I cannot be the only person who gets excited at the sight of an Atari cartridge! Upon a recent visit to a thrift store and 2nd & Charles, I stood staring at old games. Many of them brought back memories of good times.

One example was E.T. for Atari. I still remember the Christmas when my parents assured me that our family could NOT afford an expensive gaming system. Christmas morning my siblings and I ascended the stairs only to hear a foreign sound. The sound was the E.T. game intro playing in a shiny new Atari. We played that game for hours, never getting bored, ignoring all our other gifts. Sure, there were some fights over who got to go next, but still, good times.

After that was the Nintendo and Super Mario Brothers. Hours were spent trying to complete that game, siblings by my side, trying to see who was best. I will freely admit that I was never the best, but I certainly did have a lot of fun trying to get Mario to do what I wanted him to do!

Sega Genesis. Oh, how I love thee! So many games, so little time. Skitchin', a roller blade game in which the player took risks that would have surely killed them in real life was one of my favorites. I saw this game in the thrift store and was tempted to buy it despite the fact that I no longer own a Sega Genesis. Our cable company even offered a Sega Channel that cycled games each month and allowed you to play games without the need to own them. Man, those were the days.

Other gaming systems would follow once I was a "grown up." I married at a young age. One of my husbands friends introduced us to the Sega Dreamcast. This system was completely overlooked. Maybe Sega did not market it correctly, because the graphics were and are awesome. My 20 year old son still owns one of these systems. I hope he keeps it forever.

Playstation and Playstation 2 changed the game. By this time I had kids. I purchased Rugrats Golf for my son, and could not wait for him to get on the school bus so that I could play it. Once the PS2 came along, I was once again reconnected with my siblings through various sports games, ATV racing, Guitar Hero and more. As adults, the same competitive spirit still exists. It never ends, and I would not want it to.

Today, my brother and sister both own the most modern systems - PS3, Wii, and Xbox 360. I will freely admit that interactive gaming is a lot of fun (despite the fact that one of the Olympics games blew my knee out). Still, nothing will ever take the place of the old systems. I fully plan to repurchase a number of older gaming systems and use them as much as possible. No, they will not offer state of the art graphics and game play, but they will offer me a way to reconnect to some of the best times in my life.

What Elements Make For the Best Baby Sling?

There was a time when the best baby sling was any type that held the baby in order to allow the parent to carry him or her easily. As with most products, slings have changed over the years, and there are now new options to consider. In addition to new safety features, there are now many different styles to consider. Solid colors are certainly no longer the only option. Patterns and prints are now being used to create slings that are as attractive as they are versatile.

The materials used in production have also changed. Though cotton varieties are still a popular choice, linen and silk are also available. One of the most notable differences is the creation of different sizes that are appropriate for babies of different ages and weights. The "one size fits all" approach is no longer viable. The lack of sizing options is one of the main reasons that slings fell out of favor with parents for a time before coming roaring back.

Modern baby care products are designed specifically with both safety and style in mind. As a parent, it will be up to you to choose the products that you feel will be most beneficial. Reducing the strain of carrying a baby can easily be accomplished by purchasing the correct baby sling and using it each time you and baby go out.

What if They Let YOU Run the Hubble?

It is probably the dream of any amateur astronomer to be able to be the boss of one of the great multi million dollar telescopes even if it was just for one hour or for a few shots. Sure, we can have a lot of fun with our binoculars. And as we improve our personal equipment set, we get better and better at pinpointing what we want to see in the sky.

But there is only so far we can go within the constraints of a family budget in building the perfect telescopic operation. Probably the next level then is to work together with others in your astronomy club. By pooling our resources, we can make more progress both in acquiring much more sophisticated equipment and in synchronizing our telescopic operations.

All of this is good and its fun to tweak it and play with it always finding improvements. But when we are sitting back and dreaming, it’s those big institutional size telescopes that really grab our interest. Maybe you have had a chance to visit one at Kitt Peak, Arizona, Mauna Kea, Hawaii, Palomar Mountain, California or Mt. Locke, Texas to name just a few and as you walked around jaw dropped to your shoes, you thought, maybe if I could just run it for an hour, how awesome would that be?

The good news is that while these huge observatories are not going to let you come in and turn the gears of the mightiest telescopes yourself, many of them will perform specific observations for you and allow you to “see through their eyes” via the internet for that short observation. This is a powerful option for an amateur astronomer and one you want to prepare for carefully. Here is what you do…

1. Begin compiling a list of the great telescopes of the world, their locations and how to contact them. Google will help you with finding lists of these observatories to contact by pointing you to specific directory sites like The World's Largest Telescopes

2. You can start by submitting your request to a specific observatory. Now here is where you have to do your homework. If you have a specific celestial event you wish to observe, there will be particular telescopes around the globe that will be in the best position to get those shots for you. So study up and find just the right telescope and when the perfect moment for that observation would occur. Get out ahead of this homework as you need to submit your request in plenty of time for it to go through approval and for them to get back to you and to interact with you to nail down what you are going to have them look at.

3. There are two ways you can direct the operators of the telescopes. You can give them specific coordinates to focus on and a specific time frame to perform the observation. The other way is to give them a star, a planet or a particular star system to observe and let them figure out the coordinates. That might be easier because you know what you want to see.

4. Now you sit back and wait for the email that the observation is done. You will not be able to watch them do the observation dynamically. That would be nice but it just isn’t possible yet. These are telescopes, not web cams. But they will post the pictures from your observation on a particular web location and email the results to you for study.

It’s pretty cool, free and customized to what you requested. And you can brag to your friends as you make color copies of your shots that you had Kitt Peak do these up for you personally. And you would not be lying.

Different Methods of Crowd Control

Wherever there is a need for order, crowd control will need to be considered. The easiest method of accomplishing order is through the use of products that will assist guests in knowing where to stand, and where they should be entering and exiting. Your individual needs may be based on the type of facility, as well as the type of business or events that take place. Additionally, whether the guests will be indoors or outdoors will make a difference.

Stanchions, which are retractable belts or ropes are an excellent product for both indoor and outdoor use. These can be used in many different locations, and can even be personalized with the name of the business, or any other message you wish to convey. Velvet rope adds a touch of class, and will work well in restaurants, hotels, theaters, and more.

For events that may need a higher level of security, barricades should be considered. These can be used inside or outside of a location, and work well in settings such as concerts, sports events, clubs, or any other place where a focus on security is needed. These can also be used to help direct traffic, which is often a concern when a large number of people will be gathering in one place.

These are just a few of the products that can be used for crowd control. If you have special needs for your business or facility, there will be one or more products that can help you retain order at all times. Knowing what your options are is the key to ensuring safe operations.

Top 5 Online Survey Websites

Online surveys are an excellent method of generating income. Surveys can pay anywhere from $0.50 up to a few dollars. There should never be a cost associated with registering to take online surveys. There are some websites that will try to charge you for accessing the same information that I am about to provide you with for free. Avoid these at all costs. Though they are not scams, there is simply no reason to pay for this information.

The following five online survey websites are certainly not the only ones you can use. They are simply the ones that I have been using for years to bring in extra money. Each has paid me more than once, and I consider these five to be completely reliable. In order to generate more income, I recommend registering with all of them. The more you belong to, the more surveys you will receive.

There is never an obligation to complete surveys. You can indeed pick and choose just those that you wish to devote your time to. Some surveys are quite a lot of fun, while others are not. Of course which are, or are not, is simply a matter of your interests and personal preferences.

Having a PayPal account will be helpful if you wish to get paid faster. However, you can choose to have a check mailed to you if you prefer. Check with each of these websites to see what the payout level is. Many will pay you after you have earned as little as $10. Some will not offer cash, but gift cards or merchandise instead.

1. Harris Poll Online - Become a member of the Harris Poll Online. You will earn Harris Poll Online Rewards where you can redeem points for your opinions. Earn rewards that include a variety of merchandise and gift certificates. The banner below is for United States residents. Canadian residents will need to sign up here.

2. Consumer Opinion - Consumer Opinion is one of the most trusted names in market research. Join today to earn money while helping shape the future of products.

3. Global Test Market - GlobalTestMarket is an global market research panel powered by GMI (Global Market Insite, Inc.). GlobalTestMarket is an industry leader in online research panels, where members are invited to participate in online surveys on numerous topics, and in return are eligible for cash or regular and frequent entry into sweepstakes. Membership is free and the registration process is quick and easy.





4. Mindfield - MindField Online is your solution for earning extra cash, work from anywhere you have internet access. All you have to do is participate in a wide variety of interesting opinion research surveys. Open to residents of the United States and Canada.

5. Permission Research - Join for a chance at $100,000. Then participate in surveys and earn additional rewards.

For more information on how to earn with surveys, read the following articles:

Top 5 Legitimate Online Survey Sites

Survey Club Free Paid Online Surveys Review

Cash Paid Surveys: Exactly What Are They?

Top 10 Online Coupon Websites

Coupons may not be redeemed for cash, yet they are just as good as cash. Each coupon used allows you to keep money in your pocket. Money that can be used for bills, entertainment, gas, and more. If you are interested in taking it to the "extreme", read the following articles:

How to Become an Extreme Couponer

Extreme Couponing - How to Build Your Grocery Hoard Quickly

Of course there is no need to be an extreme couponer in order to save $100 or more off your grocery bill each month. The following websites will provide you with coupons that you can print directly from your computer. Note that you do not need to have a top of the line printer, and can print in black or white. So long as the coupon is legible, you should have no problems.

1. Countless Coupons - Here you will find coupons not only for groceries, but restaurant coupons as well. Click the banner below to get started.

2. Freeflys - Offering coupons and free samples of many products. Join for free by clicking the banner below and completing the free registration.

3. RawCoupon - This is actually a toolbar that can be downloaded. Download the RawCoupon toolbar and print daily deals and coupons from your computer. Get daily deals at your fingertips.

4. Kellogg's Coupons - Expired


5. The Freebie Fix - Are you a sucker for FREE SAMPLES, BIG DISCOUNTS and CASH-SAVING COUPONS? Sign-Up for a free newsletter packed with special offers. Click here to get started.


6. SavingStar - Introducing a new way to save on groceries. Nothing to clip, nothing to print. Get grocery store coupons for your favorite brands on your shopper loyalty rewards card! Sign up and link your loyalty card today.

7. Save With Coupons Now - Using coupons on a regular basis will save you hundreds of dollars each year. Print UNLIMITED coupons. Browse this massive coupon system by entering your email address.

8. DropDownDeals - DropDownDeals is a FREE and SAFE downloadable plug-in that recognizes what website you’re on and delivers you deals and coupons via a drop down window.

9. Coupons.com - With hundreds of free printable coupons from familiar consumer brands, Coupons.com is the undisputed leader in providing print-at-home coupons to consumers looking for savings. Coupons.com works with well-known companies such as General Mills, Kimberly-Clark, Johnson & Johnson, and Unilever.




10. Quality Health - Consumers can submit an email address or complete a short registration form to receive free samples, discount cards, recipes, brand name products, etc.

Dirty Car No More- Buy a Car Cover from EmpireCovers.com!

Are you looking for an easy way to keep your car clean? Have you considered buying a car cover? Car covers protect from dust, dirt, wind, rain, snow, tree sap and pollen- all elements that can damage your vehicle. High quality car covers, such as the American Armor Car Cover from Empire Covers, repels sun and rain while keeping your paint job pristine. The cover is 100% waterproof, ultra lightweight and soft, and stands up to strong UV rays and heavy rain. The durable and reliable cover is breathable, preventing mold and mildew. The American Armor Car Cover is an all-american product, and is exclusive to EmpireCovers.com. It has a five year warranty and includes a free mesh storage bag and gust guard kit.

Save yourself from car washes and detail shops- invest in a car cover today!

Congrats, Vincent Yellow Jackets!

I've never been a big basketball fan. However, I was recently drawn into a high school basketball tournament due to the fact that the Vincent team my brother coaches had made it in. I have do idea that I would become completely immersed in the games, and leave each one feeling completely drained!

Each game this team defeated teams that were seemingly much better than them, only to finally give up the ghost in the championship game. I think I am now a basketball fan, and will certainly be a Vincent Yellow Jacket fan from here on out. I actually feel foolish for missing out on the fun all these years.

A few photos from this fun little ride...

A Page From Betty Crocker’s Cookbook

Recently, while sitting in my chair drinking the last of my breakfast coffee, a thought staggered into my mind. I must confess most thoughts are quite lonely once they enter my mind, but this one had a nagging element to it.

Experience has taught me I should never give in to these strange trespassers. Every time I entertain any of them, I’m the one getting burnt.

This time was different. Don’t ask me how it was different, or how I knew it was different, it just was. Of course, looking back I could have been wrong.

The thought: why not surprise my wife by baking her a cake?

I know what you’re thinking. I thought the same thing when this suggested itself to me. But, the more I thought about it, the more delightfully delicious it sounded. How can anything go wrong if I am doing it for my wife?

The only question I needed to answer was what kind of cake should I bake.

After a long period of ruminating, I settled on a lemon sponge cake with peanut butter icing. This was going to be the best surprise my wife has ever received from me.

Sitting in a prominent place in the kitchen is my wife’s Betty Crocker Cookbook. I don’t know how long she has had that book, it’s been in our kitchen for as long as I can remember — which really may not be that long when I come to think of it.

I took the book, sat in my favorite chair and opened it. How do you read a cookbook? As I leafed through it, it did not have any rhyme or reason to me. In musing on the book I said to myself, how important is it to follow directions?

Placing the book back in its revered spot, I concluded that since this was my cake, I didn’t need help from anybody else, particularly Betty Crocker. This is the difference between men and women. Women need a lot of directions, while men enjoy the liberty of doing their own thing.

I knew exactly what I wanted. A lemon sponge cake, with peanut butter icing. What could be simpler?

Retrieving a large mixing bowl, I assembled all the ingredients I needed; flour, sugar, eggs, milk and baking powder. Everyone knows you cannot bake without baking powder.

I have no idea what baking powder is, except when you bake you use baking powder.

I put everything in the mixing bowl. The only thing I wasn’t quite sure of was the measure, but how hard could that be anyway? Betty Crocker mentioned a cup of this and a cup of that, but never defined what she meant by a cup.

I went to the cupboard and looked at all the cups. There were all kinds and sizes of cups and I did not know which one to use. I eyed a large coffee cup and said to myself, this will do just fine.

I dumped 6 or 8 cups of flour into the mixing bowl, I can’t remember how many. Then I cracked a dozen eggs and put that into the mixing bowl as well. Pouring a quart of milk into the mixing bowl, I whipped everything into a nice batter.

This was to be a lemon sponge cake but I could find nothing marked lemon in the cupboard. I opened the refrigerator, and as luck would have it, I found a quart of lemonade.

I poured this concoction into the largest cake pan I could find. As I was about to put it into the oven, I remembered the baking powder. How is this cake going to bake if it doesn’t have the baking powder?

Setting the cake pan down, I grabbed the baking powder and liberally sprinkled it on top of my batter. I have no idea what baking powder does but I put enough on my cake so it would do a good job.

Into the oven the cake went, and with a flick of the wrist I turned the temperature to 450 degrees. Remembering this was a big cake, I readjusted the temperature to 650.

The bigger the cake the hotter the oven, is what I always say.

Now all I needed to do was wait for my cake to bake. As I was waiting, I heard rumblings coming from the oven but just chalked that up to a good cake baking.

I guess I fell asleep, because the next thing I knew there was a strange odor permeating the air. It smelled a little smoky and then it dawned on me. My cake, it’s done.

What I pulled out of the oven did not resemble any cake I had ever seen. It looked like a burnt pancake, twice the size of the cake pan, with some kind of disease on the surface.

No amount of peanut butter icing in the world could camouflage this disaster.

It was about this time I began reassessing the idea of reading directions. Maybe instructions have a purpose after all.

To live right without getting burnt you need the right directions.