Saturday, June 8, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Thought for the Day
Before opportunity crowns you with great success, it usually tests your mettle through adversity.
Adversity provides the resistance necessary to develop the strength to overcome great obstacles. This strength consists of self-confidence, perseverance, and, very importantly, self-knowledge. For if you do encounter a setback, it is a clue to a personal weakness. You may have been hasty in judging a competitor, or you may have been too timid in your vision of what needed to be done. Let adversity be your guide to understanding where you mis-stepped and which qualities you need to cultivate. No one rejoices in disappointment, but if you are success-conscious, you can turn the situation into a chance for improving your character, an opportunity you otherwise would have missed.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Spring Outdoor Home Hints
Mulch with old newspapers to stop weeds. Wet the sheets and put the layers around plants and garden beds, covering with soil as you go. Weeds won't be able to pierce the wet newspaper layers. You know how kids eat things that aren't good for them? Ants do, too. If you have an ant problem, put small piles of polenta where you see ants; they'll gobble it up, return 'home' and won't be able to digest it. Your ant problem will soon be gone. Use this homemade cleaning formula to scrub your decks: one cup of powdered laundry detergent, a gallon of hot water, and 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach (to kill moss or mildew). Check shrubs and trees for winter damage and prune accordingly. Remove dead wood or broken branches. Replant any shrubs that have heaved out of the soil before the roots dry out. Check your garden hoses for cracks and leaks and examine the washers at the connectors.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
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Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
WD - 40 WOW...CHECK OUT WHAT IT CAN DO!
A lady got up very early one morning and went outside to pickup the Sunday paper she noticed someone had sprayed red paint all around the sides of the neighbors brand new beige truck. She went over and woke him up and gave him the bad news. He was, of course extremely upset.
And they stood there trying to figure out what could be done about the problem. They decided there wasn't much recourse but to wait until Monday, since nothing was open. Just then another neighbor came out of his house, surveyed the situation and immediately went to get his WD-40 out and cleaned the red paint off with it. Guess What! It cleaned up that paint without harming the original paint on the truck! I'm impressed!!
Water Displacement #40. The product began from a search for A rust preventative solvent and de greaser to protect Missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three Technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.
Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you...' IT IS MADE FROM FISH OIL' . When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It is a miracle! Then try it on your stovetop... It is now shinier than it has ever been before.
1) Protects silver from tarnishing.
2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4) Gives floors that `just-waxed` sheen without making it slippery.
5) Keeps flies off cows.
6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7) Removes lipstick stains.
8) Loosens stubborn zippers.
9) Untangles jewelry chains.
10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes
18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car. Removed quickly, with WD-40!
20) It gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21) Lubricates gear shift on lawn mowers.
22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, well as vinyl bumpers.
26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31) Removes splattered grease on stove.
32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35) Removes all traces of duct tape.
36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain
37) Florida 's favorite use 'Cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38) Protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time.
40) Ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42) If you've washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and Presto! Lipstick is gone!
43) If you spray WD-40 on the distributor cap, it will displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
Keep a can of WD-40 in your kitchen cabinet. It is good for oven burns or any other type of burn. It takes the burned feeling away and heals with NO scarring.
Remember, the basic ingredient is FISH OIL
And they stood there trying to figure out what could be done about the problem. They decided there wasn't much recourse but to wait until Monday, since nothing was open. Just then another neighbor came out of his house, surveyed the situation and immediately went to get his WD-40 out and cleaned the red paint off with it. Guess What! It cleaned up that paint without harming the original paint on the truck! I'm impressed!!
Water Displacement #40. The product began from a search for A rust preventative solvent and de greaser to protect Missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three Technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.
Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you...' IT IS MADE FROM FISH OIL' . When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It is a miracle! Then try it on your stovetop... It is now shinier than it has ever been before.
1) Protects silver from tarnishing.
2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4) Gives floors that `just-waxed` sheen without making it slippery.
5) Keeps flies off cows.
6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7) Removes lipstick stains.
8) Loosens stubborn zippers.
9) Untangles jewelry chains.
10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes
18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car. Removed quickly, with WD-40!
20) It gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21) Lubricates gear shift on lawn mowers.
22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, well as vinyl bumpers.
26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31) Removes splattered grease on stove.
32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35) Removes all traces of duct tape.
36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain
37) Florida 's favorite use 'Cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38) Protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time.
40) Ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42) If you've washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and Presto! Lipstick is gone!
43) If you spray WD-40 on the distributor cap, it will displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
Keep a can of WD-40 in your kitchen cabinet. It is good for oven burns or any other type of burn. It takes the burned feeling away and heals with NO scarring.
Remember, the basic ingredient is FISH OIL
Thursday, April 25, 2013
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Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Awesome Father & Musical Son
Take time to watch this video from beginning to end.
I guarantee that this phenomenal young man will put you in a better frame of mind today!
And -- what an incredible father!
After viewing this video -- you will be so much more appreciative of your life!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg
I guarantee that this phenomenal young man will put you in a better frame of mind today!
And -- what an incredible father!
After viewing this video -- you will be so much more appreciative of your life!
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg
Monday, April 22, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Parade of Homes
Please visit us during The Parade of Homes this weekend (April 20 & 21) and next weekend (April 27 & 28). We will have all of the homes we have available open during the day on both Saturdays and on Sunday afternoons. Hope to see you then!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Villaggio Restaurant to open @ Ross Bridge Today 4/11/13
Below is the annoucement from the Villaggio Restaurant:
"The Villaggio Restaurant & Bar at Ross Bridge is proud to announce that we will celebrate our first day of business tomorrow, Thursday, April 11 beginning at 5 pm. If you would like to be one of the first to dine at Villaggio please make reservations by calling 205.290.4343. We will launch with a pre-selected menu during this inaugural weekend and dinner hours from 5-9 pm. We will keep you posted when our hours change and the full menu is available. Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TheVillaggio and LIKE our Facebook page at The Villaggio Ross Bridge to stay up to date.
If you know of anyone interested in employment please have them contact our GM Jasmine Reyes at (205) 201-9994 or via email at jrcaliente@hotmail.com.
We cannot tell you how excited we are to serve you and your family memorable meals for years to come. Keep in mind that we have a private quaint dining room as well as a larger dining room for your special events. Our spectacular bar seats 20 guests along with floor seating in the bar area, and the patio outside is a great place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful view offered at Ross Bridge.
We look forward to meeting you and hope to see you at Villaggio real soon! Ciao!"
"The Villaggio Restaurant & Bar at Ross Bridge is proud to announce that we will celebrate our first day of business tomorrow, Thursday, April 11 beginning at 5 pm. If you would like to be one of the first to dine at Villaggio please make reservations by calling 205.290.4343. We will launch with a pre-selected menu during this inaugural weekend and dinner hours from 5-9 pm. We will keep you posted when our hours change and the full menu is available. Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TheVillaggio and LIKE our Facebook page at The Villaggio Ross Bridge to stay up to date.
If you know of anyone interested in employment please have them contact our GM Jasmine Reyes at (205) 201-9994 or via email at jrcaliente@hotmail.com.
We cannot tell you how excited we are to serve you and your family memorable meals for years to come. Keep in mind that we have a private quaint dining room as well as a larger dining room for your special events. Our spectacular bar seats 20 guests along with floor seating in the bar area, and the patio outside is a great place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful view offered at Ross Bridge.
We look forward to meeting you and hope to see you at Villaggio real soon! Ciao!"
Monday, April 8, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Saturday, March 23, 2013
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Monday, March 18, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Black Eyed Peas "The Real Story"
If you grew up in the south or southwestern parts of this country, then you can relate. Black Eyed Peas "The Real Story," is much more interesting and has gone untold in fear that feelings would be hurt. It’s a story of war, the most brutal and bloody war in US history. Military might and power pushed upon civilians, women, children and elderly. Never seen as a war crime, this was the policy of the greatest nation on earth trying to maintain that status at all costs.
An unhealed wound remains in the hearts of some people of the southern states even today; on the other hand, the policy of slavery has been an open wound that has also been slow to heal but is okay to talk about.
The story of *THE BLACK EYED PEA* being considered good luck relates directly back to Sherman's Bloody March to the Sea in late 1864. It was called The Savannah Campaign and was led by Major General William T. Sherman. The Civil War campaign began on Nov. 15, 1864, when Sherman's' troops marched from the captured city of Atlanta, Georgia and ended at the port of Savannah on 12/22/1864. When the smoke cleared, the southerners who had survived the onslaught came out of hiding. They found that the blue-belly aggressors had looted and stolen everything of value, and everything you could eat, including all livestock.
Death and destruction were everywhere. While in hiding, few had enough to eat, and starvation was now upon the survivors. There was no international aid, no Red Cross meal trucks. The Northern army had taken everything they could carry and eaten everything they could eat. But they couldn’t take it all.
The devastated people of the south found for some unknown reason that Sherman's bloodthirsty troops had left silos full of black eyed peas. At the time in the north, the lowly black eyed pea was only used to feed stock. The northern troops saw it as the thing of least value. Taking grain for their horses and livestock and other crops to feed themselves, they just couldn’t take everything. So they left the black eyed peas in great quantities, assuming it would be of no use to the survivors, since all the livestock it could feed had either been taken or eaten.
Southerners awoke to face a new year in this devastation and were facing massive starvation if not for the good luck of having the black eyed peas to eat.
From New Years Day 1866 forward, the tradition grew to eat black eyed peas on New Year’s Day for good luck.
An unhealed wound remains in the hearts of some people of the southern states even today; on the other hand, the policy of slavery has been an open wound that has also been slow to heal but is okay to talk about.
The story of *THE BLACK EYED PEA* being considered good luck relates directly back to Sherman's Bloody March to the Sea in late 1864. It was called The Savannah Campaign and was led by Major General William T. Sherman. The Civil War campaign began on Nov. 15, 1864, when Sherman's' troops marched from the captured city of Atlanta, Georgia and ended at the port of Savannah on 12/22/1864. When the smoke cleared, the southerners who had survived the onslaught came out of hiding. They found that the blue-belly aggressors had looted and stolen everything of value, and everything you could eat, including all livestock.
Death and destruction were everywhere. While in hiding, few had enough to eat, and starvation was now upon the survivors. There was no international aid, no Red Cross meal trucks. The Northern army had taken everything they could carry and eaten everything they could eat. But they couldn’t take it all.
The devastated people of the south found for some unknown reason that Sherman's bloodthirsty troops had left silos full of black eyed peas. At the time in the north, the lowly black eyed pea was only used to feed stock. The northern troops saw it as the thing of least value. Taking grain for their horses and livestock and other crops to feed themselves, they just couldn’t take everything. So they left the black eyed peas in great quantities, assuming it would be of no use to the survivors, since all the livestock it could feed had either been taken or eaten.
Southerners awoke to face a new year in this devastation and were facing massive starvation if not for the good luck of having the black eyed peas to eat.
From New Years Day 1866 forward, the tradition grew to eat black eyed peas on New Year’s Day for good luck.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Your mental attitude is the most dependable key to your personality.
Your view of yourself will greatly influence how others perceive you. If you are a confident, cheerful, positive person, your co-workers, friends, and family will be attracted to your personality. If you are unhappy, negative, and always complaining about your situation, others will be repelled. Even when at times you don’t feel very happy, by forcing yourself to behave in a positive fashion, you will find that you soon feel genuinely upbeat, because your subconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between an artificial emotion and the real thing. When you behave positively, you will positively influence everyone around you — including yourself.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When adversity overtakes you, it pays to be thankful it was not worse instead of worrying over your misfortune.
There are few things in life that are as bad as they seem at first. Dealing with adversity begins with analyzing and accepting your situation for what it is. When you realize that things are not nearly as bad as they might have been, you have taken the first step toward working your way through the problem. It is a truism that you will never be asked to carry a heavier load than you can bear, but it sometimes helps you better appreciate that fact if you volunteer some of your time to help those who are less fortunate than you are.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
MOVING PUZZLE
****MOVING PUZZLE****
If you can put this puzzle together. You can say goodbye to Alzheimer's!
This is really clever and a bit challenging. As we older people are concerned with Alzheimer's disease, this puzzle may help dispel some fear.
It's easy to put together if you are not affected by Alzheimer's disease, but impossible to do for someone with the disease.
Give it a try. If this puzzle is particularly difficult for you, then your physician can offer you additional testing to check you for Alzheimer's.
Just remember, if you can put this puzzle together you do not have to fear Alzheimer's!
A really neat puzzle!!
http://www.brl.ntt.co.jp/people/hara/fly.swf
Monday, February 18, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
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Saturday, February 9, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Monday, February 4, 2013
HISTORICAL TRIVIA
HISTORICAL TRIVIA
Did you know the saying "God willing and the Creek don't rise" was in reference to the Creek Indians and not a body of water? It was written by Benjamin Hawkins in the late 18th century. He was a politician and Indian diplomat. While in the south, Hawkins was requested by the President of the U.S. to return to Washington. In his response, he was said to write, "God willing and the Creek don't rise." Because he capitalized the word "Creek" it is deduced that he was referring to the Creek Indian tribe and not a body of water.
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In George Washington's days, there were no cameras. One's image was either sculpted or painted. Some paintings of George Washington showed him standing behind a desk with one arm behind his back while others showed both legs and both arms. Prices charged by painters were not based on how many people were to be painted, but by how many limbs were to be painted. Arms and legs are 'limbs,' therefore painting them would cost the buyer more. Hence the expression, 'Okay, but it'll cost you an arm and a leg.' (Artists know hands and arms are more difficult to paint)
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As incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only twice a year (May and October) Women kept their hair covered, while men shaved their heads (because of lice and bugs) and wore wigs. Wealthy men could afford good wigs made from wool. They couldn't wash the wigs, so to clean them they would carve out a loaf of bread, put the wig in the shell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would make the wig big and fluffy, hence the term 'big wig...' Today we often use the term 'here comes the Big Wig' because someone appears to be or is powerful and wealthy.
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In the late 1700's, many houses consisted of a large room with only one chair. Commonly, a long wide board folded down from the wall, and was used for dining. The 'head of the household' always sat in the chair while everyone else ate sitting on the floor. Occasionally a guest, who was usually a man, would be invited to sit in this chair during a meal. To sit in the chair meant you were important and in charge. They called the one sitting in the chair the 'chair man.' Today in business, we use the expression or title 'Chairman' or 'Chairman of the Board.'
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Personal hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told, 'mind your own bee's wax.' Should the woman smile, the wax would crack, hence the term 'crack a smile'. In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt ...therefore, the expression 'losing face.'
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Ladies wore corsets, which would lace up in the front. A proper and dignified woman, as in 'straight laced' wore a tightly tied lace.
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Early politicians required feedback from the public to determine what the people considered important. Since there were no telephones, TV's or radios, the politicians sent their assistants to local taverns, pubs and bars. They were told to 'go sip some Ale and listen to people's conversations and political concerns. Many assistants were dispatched at different times. 'You go sip here' and 'You go sip there.' The two words 'go sip' were eventually combined when referring to the local opinion and, thus we have the term 'gossip.'
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At local taverns, pubs, and bars, people drank from pint and quart-sized containers. A bar maid's job was to keep an eye on the customers and keep the drinks coming. She had to pay close attention and remember who was drinking in 'pints' and who was drinking in 'quarts,' hence the phrase 'minding your 'P's and Q's'.
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One more: bet you didn't know this!
In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried iron cannons. Those cannons fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a good supply near the cannon. However, how to prevent them from rolling about the deck? The best storage method devised was a square-based pyramid with one ball on top, resting on four resting on nine, which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right next to the cannon. There was only one problem....how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding or rolling from under the others. The solution was a metal plate called a 'Monkey' with 16 round indentations. However, if this plate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make 'Brass Monkeys.' Few landlubbers realize that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannon balls would come right off the monkey. Thus, it was quite literally, 'Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey.' (All this time, you thought that was an improper expression, didn't you?)
Friday, February 1, 2013
Saturday 2/2/13 Ground Hog Day
What will unpredicatable Punxsutawney Phil forecast???http://www.groundhog.org/
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
There are many reasons you may need to replace or upgrade your pre-existing electronic equipment and devices. What do you do with the components you just replaced? You can’t simply throw them away in the trash. You may be fined and the components of those leftover devices contain metals not suitable for a standard landfill. Let’s discuss just a few options available to properly and safely dispose your outdated electronic equipment.
Amazon
You can sell your device to Amazon for Amazon credit, even if you did not buy it from their website. Amazon calls this feature the ‘trade-in’ service and it can be used for cameras, cell phones, calculators, tablets, laptops, etc. Shipping is free and they offer competitive prices for newer electronics. The Amazon credit you receive can be used for any future purchases made on their website. If you make frequent purchases on Amazon, their trade-in system is definitely worth your time.
Donation
You can donate your older equipment to a charitable organization and the donations you make to these organizations are tax deductible. Some organizations will even pick up your equipment from you. Schedule a pick-up online, leave your electronics on your doorstep and they will take them away for you. Feel good knowing your devices are going to a good home and about the money saved!
eBay
If you’re replacing a broken device, you might be able to sell it for parts on eBay. eBay is a community online auction website, which makes money through listing and sales fees. Making an account and browsing active listings on eBay is free and easy. You can look up your device you plan to sell and see its current value, list the item and ship the device to the auction’s winner. The majority of monetary transactions on eBay utilize PayPal services so will have to create a PayPal account if you do not already have one.
Craigslist
You can use craigslist’s local ‘for sale’ section to post a description and a picture of your device. Potential buyers will contact you through a randomly generated email address (Keeping your personal information hidden). The benefits of using craigslist are convenience and anonymity. There are no fees for listings and you can keep the sale local. This is an excellent way to sell broken electronics, as many people are willing to buy the device for replacement parts.
Retail Stores
Many retail stores such as Best Buy, Office Depot and Radio Shack offer electronic waste recycling services. This service is the easiest, allowing you to simply walk into the store and drop it off. There is no need for an appointment or an explanation. This is the closest you will get to ‘tossing out’ your old electronics, so do not expect any reimbursement from the retailers. This is especially useful if you don’t want to schedule an appointment, register an account, create a listing or ship a package.
Amazon
You can sell your device to Amazon for Amazon credit, even if you did not buy it from their website. Amazon calls this feature the ‘trade-in’ service and it can be used for cameras, cell phones, calculators, tablets, laptops, etc. Shipping is free and they offer competitive prices for newer electronics. The Amazon credit you receive can be used for any future purchases made on their website. If you make frequent purchases on Amazon, their trade-in system is definitely worth your time.
Donation
You can donate your older equipment to a charitable organization and the donations you make to these organizations are tax deductible. Some organizations will even pick up your equipment from you. Schedule a pick-up online, leave your electronics on your doorstep and they will take them away for you. Feel good knowing your devices are going to a good home and about the money saved!
eBay
If you’re replacing a broken device, you might be able to sell it for parts on eBay. eBay is a community online auction website, which makes money through listing and sales fees. Making an account and browsing active listings on eBay is free and easy. You can look up your device you plan to sell and see its current value, list the item and ship the device to the auction’s winner. The majority of monetary transactions on eBay utilize PayPal services so will have to create a PayPal account if you do not already have one.
Craigslist
You can use craigslist’s local ‘for sale’ section to post a description and a picture of your device. Potential buyers will contact you through a randomly generated email address (Keeping your personal information hidden). The benefits of using craigslist are convenience and anonymity. There are no fees for listings and you can keep the sale local. This is an excellent way to sell broken electronics, as many people are willing to buy the device for replacement parts.
Retail Stores
Many retail stores such as Best Buy, Office Depot and Radio Shack offer electronic waste recycling services. This service is the easiest, allowing you to simply walk into the store and drop it off. There is no need for an appointment or an explanation. This is the closest you will get to ‘tossing out’ your old electronics, so do not expect any reimbursement from the retailers. This is especially useful if you don’t want to schedule an appointment, register an account, create a listing or ship a package.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - You are more apt to “rust” out your brain from disuse than you are to wear it out from use.
Unlike a mechanical device that eventually wears out and must be replaced if it is used continually and consistently, the mind grows only stronger when it is active. The more you exercise and stretch your brain, the more proficient it becomes. Disuse, however, will have the same effect upon your mind as it will upon a machine. The most intricate, most powerful machine in the world and the greatest minds will rust away unless they are used. Unless you manage your schedule to permit time for study and learning, it is easy to yield to the temptation to spend your free time in thoughtless, mind-numbing, escapist pastimes. Relaxation is important, but so is gaining new knowledge. Make sure your daily schedule includes an allotment of time for both.
Monday, January 21, 2013
1/21/13 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
One of my favorite quotes by Martin Luther King Jr...."Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase"
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Martin Luther King Jr - 1/21/13
REMINDER
All banks will be closed
Monday, January, 21, 2013
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Why not BANK on your new home at
Ross Bridge?
Come be a part of the
Classic American Resort Town.
What are you waiting for?
Start living the dream….
Call today for your appointment!
Ross Bridge Sales Team
Butler Springs, Bellevue & Glasscott
Margie Brown & Petra Pryor
205-942-8440
mbrown@danielhomes.net
pproy@danielhomes.net
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Thought for the Day
Remember the mind grows strong through use. Struggle makes power.
Napoleon Hill liked to tell a story about his grandfather, a wagon builder in North Carolina. When the old man cleared the land for cultivation, he always left a few oak trees in the middle of the field at the mercy of the elements, unsheltered by other trees in the forest. It was from those trees that his grandfather made the wagons’ wheels. Because they were forced to struggle against the fury of nature, they grew strong enough to bear the heaviest load. Welcome difficult challenges, for the greatest opportunities will come from challenges that force you to expand your mind as you search for creative solutions. During life’s bleakest hours, take solace in the face that you are strengthening yourself through struggle so that in the future you will be prepared to take on even greater challenges. Like the old oak tree, you grow strong only when you are forced to struggle.
Napoleon Hill liked to tell a story about his grandfather, a wagon builder in North Carolina. When the old man cleared the land for cultivation, he always left a few oak trees in the middle of the field at the mercy of the elements, unsheltered by other trees in the forest. It was from those trees that his grandfather made the wagons’ wheels. Because they were forced to struggle against the fury of nature, they grew strong enough to bear the heaviest load. Welcome difficult challenges, for the greatest opportunities will come from challenges that force you to expand your mind as you search for creative solutions. During life’s bleakest hours, take solace in the face that you are strengthening yourself through struggle so that in the future you will be prepared to take on even greater challenges. Like the old oak tree, you grow strong only when you are forced to struggle.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Interesting Christmas Trivia
Did you know that the State of Alabama was the first to recognize Christmas as an official Holiday? Enjoy these other fun facts....TLC Family "Christmas Trivia Quiz"
Friday, December 7, 2012
"Out of the BLUE and into the BLACK"
Enjoy these new views of the Earth at night...Spectacular !!!http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/IntotheBlack/
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
"The Law of Success - Give to Get..." by Napoleon Hill
Your most preciously valued possessions and your greatest powers are often necessarily invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You and you alone can share them.
The more you share, the more you will have.
Now if you doubt this, you can prove it to yourself by giving: a smile to everyone you meet; a kind word; a pleasant response; appreciation with warmth from the heart; cheer; encouragement; hope; honor, credit, and applause; good thoughts; evidence of love for your fellowmen; happiness; a prayer for the godless and the godly; and time for a worthy cause with eagerness.
If you do experiment by giving any one of the above, you will also prove to yourself what we have found is one of the most difficult principles to teach those who need it most: how to cause desirable actions within yourself. Until you do learn, you will fail to realize that what is left with you when you share it with others will multiply and grow; and what you withhold from others will diminish and decrease. There, share that which is good and desirable and withhold that which is bad and undesirable.
The more you share, the more you will have.
Now if you doubt this, you can prove it to yourself by giving: a smile to everyone you meet; a kind word; a pleasant response; appreciation with warmth from the heart; cheer; encouragement; hope; honor, credit, and applause; good thoughts; evidence of love for your fellowmen; happiness; a prayer for the godless and the godly; and time for a worthy cause with eagerness.
If you do experiment by giving any one of the above, you will also prove to yourself what we have found is one of the most difficult principles to teach those who need it most: how to cause desirable actions within yourself. Until you do learn, you will fail to realize that what is left with you when you share it with others will multiply and grow; and what you withhold from others will diminish and decrease. There, share that which is good and desirable and withhold that which is bad and undesirable.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Thought for the Day "Attitude"
Success comes to those who become success-conscious. Failure comes to those who indifferently allow themselves to become failure-conscious.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
I'm Thankful for You
Thanksgiving is the appointed time for focusing on the good in our lives.
In each of our days, we can find small blessings, but too often we overlook them,
choosing instead to spend our time paying attention to problems.
We give our energy to those who cause us trouble instead of those who bring peace.
Starting now, let's be on the lookout for the bits of pleasure in each hour, and appreciate the people who bring love and light to everyone who is blessed to know them.
You are one of those people.
On Thanksgiving,
I'm thankful for you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
By Joanna Fuchs
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
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Friday, November 9, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Sound character is our greatest asset because it provides the power with which we may ride the emergencies of life instead of going down under them.
Without Positive Mental Attitude, life might be described as long periods of uncertainty punctuated by occasional emergencies that shake you to the very core of your being. The emergencies may be financial, personal, or health related, but each must be dealt with separately and swiftly. The surest way to deal with any crisis is to focus on solutions, not on the probable cause of the problem or who should be blamed for it. Conduct a quick damage assessment, take the time to think through the alternatives and their consequences, and then act to implement the best solution. If you deal with life’s emergencies as they occur — on your own terms — you will be a stronger, better person for having looked them in the eye and conquered them.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
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Monday, October 29, 2012
Effort
When you begin to think and grow rich, you will observe that riches begin with a state of mind, with definiteness of purpose, with little or no hard work.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Those who create good fellowship among others will never be short of friends.
If you have a friend who goes out of his way to help cement friendships between others, consider yourself fortunate indeed. In today’s frantic, mobile, throwaway society, such individuals are exceedingly rare. With the demands placed upon us by our careers, our families, and the hectic pace of daily life, most of us have little time for ourselves, and even less for our friends. Yet we know that friendship freely given and gratefully received is one of life’s greatest gifts.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Who Am I?
I am your constant companion.
I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am completely at your command.
Half the things you do, you might just as well turn over to me, and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.
I am easily managed; you must merely be firm with me.
Show me exactly how you want something done, and after a few lessons I will do it automatically.
I am the servant of all great men.
And, alas, of all failures as well.
Those who are great, I have made great.
I am not a machine, though I work with all the precision of a machine.
Plus, the intelligence of man.
You may run me for profit, or run me for ruin; it makes no difference to me.
Take me, train me, be firm with me and I will put the world at your feet.
Be easy with me, and I will destroy you.
Who am I?
I am a *HABIT* !!!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Letter by a Florida Teacher
LETTER BY A
FLORIDA TEACHER
A TEACHER SPEAKS OUT
This is a Subject close to my heart. Do you know that we have
adult students at the school where I teach who are NOT
U.S. Citizens and who get the PELL Grant, which is a federal grant (no
payback required) plus other federal grants to go to school?
One student from the Dominican Republic
told me that she didn't want me to find a job for her
after she finished my program, because she was getting
housing from our housing department and
she was getting a PELL Grant which paid for her total
tuition and books, plus money left over.
She Was looking into WAIT which gives students a CREDIT
CARD for gas to come to school, and into CARIBE which
Is a special program (check it out - I did) for Immigrants and
it pays for child care and all sorts of needs while they go to
school or training. The one student I just mentioned
told me she was not going to be a U.S. Citizen because
she plans to return to the Dominican Republic someday
and that she 'loves HER country.'
I asked her If she felt guilty taking what the U.S. Is giving her
and then not even bothering to become a citizen and
she told me that it doesn't bother her, because that
is what the money is there for!
I asked the CARIBE administration about their program
and if you ARE a U.S. Citizen, you don't qualify for their
program. And all the while, I am working a full day,
my son-in-law works more than 60 hours a week, and
everyone in my family works and pays for our Education.
Something is wrong here. I am Sorry, but after hearing that
they want to sing the National Anthem in Spanish – enough
is enough. That's a real slap in the face. It was written by
Francis Scott Key and should be sung word for word the way
it was written. The news broadcasts even gave the translation
-- not even close.
I don't Care whether this offends someone or not but this is
MY COUNTRY. IF IT IS YOUR COUNTRY SPEAK UP – please
pass this along. I am not against immigration -- I just expect
immigrants to come through like everyone else. Get a sponsor;
have a place to lay your head; have a job; pay your taxes, live
by the rules AND LEARN THE LANGUAGE as all other
immigrants have in the past -- and GOD BLESS AMERICA !
PART OF THE PROBLEM - Think about this: If you
don't want to share this for fear of offending
someone - YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM! It
is time for America to speak up!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
LAMBEAU FIELD
Those who attended the game said it was extremely emotional to see the entire bowl of the stadium turn red, white and blue. It took 90 workers two weeks to get all of the colored card boards mounted under each seat. Each piece of card board had eye slits in them so the fans could hold up the colored sheet and still see through the eye slits. Every seat had to have the proper card, with no mistakes, to make this happen.
This is what ESPN failed to show you Monday night,
Apparently, they thought their commercials were more important than showing
this scene for about 5 seconds.
Share this with as many people as you can so that they can see this incredible
display!
This is what ESPN failed to show you Monday night,
Apparently, they thought their commercials were more important than showing
this scene for about 5 seconds.
Share this with as many people as you can so that they can see this incredible
display!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
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Monday, October 8, 2012
October Home Hints
October means it's about to get cold (if it hasn't already) and brings with it lots of homeowner tasks. Among other things, remember to:
- Check the roof for loose, cracked or missing shingles.
- Trim tree limbs away from the roof and windows.
- Check weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows and repair or replace as necessary.
- Store paints, caulks and liquid materials in warmer areas or remove from unheated areas and sheds.
- Detach and store hoses.
- Clean gutters after most of the leaves have fallen and make sure downspouts and gutter extensions are in good repair.
- Set thermostats and automatic sprinklers for winter.
- Reverse fan blades for winter settings.
- Ensure that gauges on home fire extinguishers indicate a full charge. Replace if necessary.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Our Thought For The Day
Success attracts success and failure attracts failure because of the law of harmonious attraction.
In physics, positives attract negatives and vice versa, but in human relationships the opposite is true. Negative people attract only other negative people, while positive thinkers attract like-minded individuals. You will find that when you begin to achieve success more successes will follow. This is the law of harmonious attraction. When riches begin to come your way, you’ll be amazed how quickly they accumulate. Train your mind to visualize yourself acquiring a specific amount of wealth or achieving a certain goal — whatever you most desire. Then use self-suggestion to persuade your subconscious mind that you can achieve your goal, and put your plan into action. When you use the tools that you have at your disposal to prepare yourself for success and visualize yourself as having already reached your objective, you can achieve any reasonable goal that you set for yourself.
In physics, positives attract negatives and vice versa, but in human relationships the opposite is true. Negative people attract only other negative people, while positive thinkers attract like-minded individuals. You will find that when you begin to achieve success more successes will follow. This is the law of harmonious attraction. When riches begin to come your way, you’ll be amazed how quickly they accumulate. Train your mind to visualize yourself acquiring a specific amount of wealth or achieving a certain goal — whatever you most desire. Then use self-suggestion to persuade your subconscious mind that you can achieve your goal, and put your plan into action. When you use the tools that you have at your disposal to prepare yourself for success and visualize yourself as having already reached your objective, you can achieve any reasonable goal that you set for yourself.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Thought for the day - Knowledge
Knowledge is only potential power. It becomes power only when, and if, it is organized into definite plans of action and directed to a definite end.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Good Luck Mr. Gorsky - story about Neil Armstrong.
FOLLOWING THE ANNOUNCMENT OF THE DEATH OF NEIL ARMSTRONG A FEW WEEKS AGO, THIS LITTLE BIT OF TRIVIA IS QUITE INTERESTING.
ON JULY 20, 1969, AS COMMANDER OF THE APOLLO 11 LUNAR MODULE, NEIL ARMSTRONG WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO SET FOOT ON THE MOON.
HIS FIRST WORDS AFTER STEPPING ON THE MOON, "THAT'S ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND," WERE TELEVISED TO EARTH AND HEARD BY MILLIONS.*
BUT JUST BEFORE HE RE-ENTERED THE LANDER, HE MADE THE ENIGMATIC REMARK - "GOOD LUCK, MR. GORSKY".
MANY PEOPLE AT NASA THOUGHT IT WAS A CASUAL REMARK CONCERNING SOME RIVAL SOVIET COSMONAUT. HOWEVER, UPON CHECKING, THERE WAS NO GORSKY IN EITHER THE RUSSIAN OR AMERICAN SPACE PROGRAMS.
OVER THE YEARS, MANY PEOPLE QUESTIONED ARMSTRONG AS TO WHAT THE - 'GOOD LUCK, MR. GORSKY' STATEMENT MEANT, BUT ARMSTRONG ALWAYS JUST SMILED.
ON JULY 5, 1995, IN TAMPA BAY , F LORI DA , WHILE ANSWERING QUESTIONS FOLLOWING A SPEECH, A REPORTER BROUGHT UP THE 26-YEAR-OLD QUESTION TO ARMSTRONG. THIS TIME HE FINALLY RESPONDED.
MR. GORSKY HAD DIED, SO NEIL ARMSTRONG FELT HE COULD NOW ANSWER THE QUESTION.
IN 1938, WHEN HE WAS A KID IN A SMALL MID-WESTERN TOWN, HE WAS PLAYING BASEBALL WITH A FRIEND IN THE BACKYARD. HIS FRIEND HIT THE BALL, WHICH LANDED IN HIS NEIGHBOR'S YARD BY THEIR BEDROOM WINDOW.
HIS NEIGHBORS WERE MR AND MRS GORSKY. AS HE LEANED DOWN TO PICK UP THE BALL, YOUNG ARMSTRONG HEARD MRS. GORSKY SHOUTING AT MR. GORSKY, "SEX! YOU WANT SEX?! YOU'LL GET SEX WHEN THE KID NEXT DOOR WALKS ON THE MOON!"
TRUE STORY. It broke the place up.
ON JULY 20, 1969, AS COMMANDER OF THE APOLLO 11 LUNAR MODULE, NEIL ARMSTRONG WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO SET FOOT ON THE MOON.
HIS FIRST WORDS AFTER STEPPING ON THE MOON, "THAT'S ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND," WERE TELEVISED TO EARTH AND HEARD BY MILLIONS.*
BUT JUST BEFORE HE RE-ENTERED THE LANDER, HE MADE THE ENIGMATIC REMARK - "GOOD LUCK, MR. GORSKY".
MANY PEOPLE AT NASA THOUGHT IT WAS A CASUAL REMARK CONCERNING SOME RIVAL SOVIET COSMONAUT. HOWEVER, UPON CHECKING, THERE WAS NO GORSKY IN EITHER THE RUSSIAN OR AMERICAN SPACE PROGRAMS.
OVER THE YEARS, MANY PEOPLE QUESTIONED ARMSTRONG AS TO WHAT THE - 'GOOD LUCK, MR. GORSKY' STATEMENT MEANT, BUT ARMSTRONG ALWAYS JUST SMILED.
ON JULY 5, 1995, IN TAMPA BAY , F LORI DA , WHILE ANSWERING QUESTIONS FOLLOWING A SPEECH, A REPORTER BROUGHT UP THE 26-YEAR-OLD QUESTION TO ARMSTRONG. THIS TIME HE FINALLY RESPONDED.
MR. GORSKY HAD DIED, SO NEIL ARMSTRONG FELT HE COULD NOW ANSWER THE QUESTION.
IN 1938, WHEN HE WAS A KID IN A SMALL MID-WESTERN TOWN, HE WAS PLAYING BASEBALL WITH A FRIEND IN THE BACKYARD. HIS FRIEND HIT THE BALL, WHICH LANDED IN HIS NEIGHBOR'S YARD BY THEIR BEDROOM WINDOW.
HIS NEIGHBORS WERE MR AND MRS GORSKY. AS HE LEANED DOWN TO PICK UP THE BALL, YOUNG ARMSTRONG HEARD MRS. GORSKY SHOUTING AT MR. GORSKY, "SEX! YOU WANT SEX?! YOU'LL GET SEX WHEN THE KID NEXT DOOR WALKS ON THE MOON!"
TRUE STORY. It broke the place up.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Leave it to Maxine to come up with a solution for the mess that America is now in economically.
I bought a bird feeder. I hung it on my back porch and filled it with seed.
What a beauty of a bird feeder it was! I filled it lovingly with seed.
Within a week we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of the continuous flow of free and easily accessible food.
To my horror, the birds started building nests in the boards of the patio, above the table and next to the barbecue.
Then came the poop...it was everywhere: on the patio tile, the chairs, the table...
Everywhere!
Then some of the birds turned mean. They would dive bomb me and try to peck me even though I had fed them out of my own pocket.
Some of the brds were boisterous and loud. They sat on the feeder and squawked and screamed at all hours of the day and night and demanded that I fill it when it got low on food.
After a while, I couldn't even sit on my own back porch anymore.
I had to take down the bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone.
I cleaned up their mess and took down the many nests they had built all over the patio.
Soon, the back yard was like tt used to be .... Quiet, serene.....And no one demanding their rights to a free meal.
Now let's see. Our government gives out free food, subsidized housing, free medical care and free education. They allow anyone born here to be an automatic citizen.
Then the illegal's came by the tens of thousands. Suddenly our taxes went up to pay for free services; small apartments are housing 5 families; you have to wait 6 hours to be seen by an emergency room doctor; your child's second grade class is behind other schools because over half the class doesn't speak English.
Corn Flakes now come in a bilingual box; I have to 'press one ' to hear my bank talk to me in English and people waving flags other than 'Old Glory' are squawking and screaming in the streets, demanding more rights and free liberties.
Just my opinion, but maybe it's time for the government to take down the bird feeder!
What a beauty of a bird feeder it was! I filled it lovingly with seed.
Within a week we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of the continuous flow of free and easily accessible food.
To my horror, the birds started building nests in the boards of the patio, above the table and next to the barbecue.
Then came the poop...it was everywhere: on the patio tile, the chairs, the table...
Everywhere!
Then some of the birds turned mean. They would dive bomb me and try to peck me even though I had fed them out of my own pocket.
Some of the brds were boisterous and loud. They sat on the feeder and squawked and screamed at all hours of the day and night and demanded that I fill it when it got low on food.
After a while, I couldn't even sit on my own back porch anymore.
I had to take down the bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone.
I cleaned up their mess and took down the many nests they had built all over the patio.
Soon, the back yard was like tt used to be .... Quiet, serene.....And no one demanding their rights to a free meal.
Now let's see. Our government gives out free food, subsidized housing, free medical care and free education. They allow anyone born here to be an automatic citizen.
Then the illegal's came by the tens of thousands. Suddenly our taxes went up to pay for free services; small apartments are housing 5 families; you have to wait 6 hours to be seen by an emergency room doctor; your child's second grade class is behind other schools because over half the class doesn't speak English.
Corn Flakes now come in a bilingual box; I have to 'press one ' to hear my bank talk to me in English and people waving flags other than 'Old Glory' are squawking and screaming in the streets, demanding more rights and free liberties.
Just my opinion, but maybe it's time for the government to take down the bird feeder!
Monday, September 17, 2012
The richest persons are those who give most in service to others.
Financial wealth is only one measure of success. The truly happy and successful individual is the man or woman who is healthy, financially secure, challenged in his or her career, and is making a difference in the lives of others. It isn’t always easy to render service to others. The world is a cynical and dangerous place where others are likely to mistrust your motives. They can be convinced only by consistent, sustained, outstanding service that is enthusiastically and cheerfully offered. In time, even the most cynical individual will come to accept your willingness to go the extra mile if you are sincere in your offers of assistance and in the service you provide.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Electro Tour of Bellevue Custom Home
http://www.electrotours.com/2321
Check out this beautiful Custom Home in the Bellevue Neighobrhood at Ross Bridge, staged and ready for your viewing pleasure.
Check out this beautiful Custom Home in the Bellevue Neighobrhood at Ross Bridge, staged and ready for your viewing pleasure.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Your progress in life begins in your own mind and ends in the same place.
Every great accomplishment began with the germ of an idea in the mind of a great person, then was shaped for practical usefulness and finally transformed into reality. Make your mind a fertile ground for ideas through constant study and learning, and condition through constant practice to discipline yourself to follow through on your good ideas. The most brilliant concept in the world is only a dream unless you take action. Even a mediocre idea that is put into practice is far more valuable than a flash of genius that languishes in a fallow, undisciplined mind.
Monday, September 10, 2012
September Home Tasks
Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns.
Check the heating system (include filters, pilot lights and burners) and have it serviced by a qualified professional.
Inspect storm windows for deterioration and repair as necessary.
While it's still warm enough to leave the windows open, it's a good time to paint indoor rooms and shampoo or replace carpets.
If you have window air-conditioning units, remove and store them. If they are not removable, cover them to protect them over the winter.
Check to make sure that soil around the foundation slopes four to six inches for a distance of three feet out from the foundation.
There are often year-end close-out sales on lawn and garden equipment in the fall. Look for a few bargains.
Check the heating system (include filters, pilot lights and burners) and have it serviced by a qualified professional.
Inspect storm windows for deterioration and repair as necessary.
While it's still warm enough to leave the windows open, it's a good time to paint indoor rooms and shampoo or replace carpets.
If you have window air-conditioning units, remove and store them. If they are not removable, cover them to protect them over the winter.
Check to make sure that soil around the foundation slopes four to six inches for a distance of three feet out from the foundation.
There are often year-end close-out sales on lawn and garden equipment in the fall. Look for a few bargains.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Our Thought For The Day
"Everyone is what they are because of the dominating thoughts which they permit to occupy their mind."
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Tips for a Stress-Free School Year
Field trips, packed lunches and permission slips—school means much more than just homework. With these extra activities come all sorts of organizational challenges.
Stock up on supplies. Anticipate last-minute school project needs by stockpiling supplies. Buy in bulk or wait for back-to-school sales. Get markers, index cards, poster board and other items that will come in handy throughout the school year.
Choose outfits ahead of time. Deciding what the kids will wear shouldn't be left to the morning rush. On Sunday night, pick out clothes for each day of the week and set them aside.
Simplify lunch packing. Use clear containers in the fridge and pantry for lunchbox supplies. When it's time to pack lunches (see below), you won't have to search for them.
Consolidate meal making. Prepare lunches for the following day while you're making dinner. You'll be able to cross off one more item from the morning checklist and have one cleanup instead of two.
Touch papers once. Take a time management tip from the business world - if a task will take you a few minutes or less, tackle it immediately. So when your child brings home a permission slip, read it, sign it, add the event to your calendar (see below) and put it in his or her backpack.
Use a whiteboard. A functional calendar that everyone can update is essential to manage multiple schedules. Buy a large whiteboard calendar, hang it in a conspicuous spot (e.g., the kitchen) and use it to track practices, games, recitals and appointments.
File school papers. Use a cabinet drawer or file box to store and organize your children's school materials. Each subject should have its own tab and folder; kids can unload weekly papers to save for later.
Color-code your bags. Use colored tote bags, one for each activity, to store equipment and supplies. Stow them in the same place every day, ideally near the door. That way, you can easily grab the right bag on your way out without having to empty and refill a single bag.
Stock up on supplies. Anticipate last-minute school project needs by stockpiling supplies. Buy in bulk or wait for back-to-school sales. Get markers, index cards, poster board and other items that will come in handy throughout the school year.
Choose outfits ahead of time. Deciding what the kids will wear shouldn't be left to the morning rush. On Sunday night, pick out clothes for each day of the week and set them aside.
Simplify lunch packing. Use clear containers in the fridge and pantry for lunchbox supplies. When it's time to pack lunches (see below), you won't have to search for them.
Consolidate meal making. Prepare lunches for the following day while you're making dinner. You'll be able to cross off one more item from the morning checklist and have one cleanup instead of two.
Touch papers once. Take a time management tip from the business world - if a task will take you a few minutes or less, tackle it immediately. So when your child brings home a permission slip, read it, sign it, add the event to your calendar (see below) and put it in his or her backpack.
Use a whiteboard. A functional calendar that everyone can update is essential to manage multiple schedules. Buy a large whiteboard calendar, hang it in a conspicuous spot (e.g., the kitchen) and use it to track practices, games, recitals and appointments.
File school papers. Use a cabinet drawer or file box to store and organize your children's school materials. Each subject should have its own tab and folder; kids can unload weekly papers to save for later.
Color-code your bags. Use colored tote bags, one for each activity, to store equipment and supplies. Stow them in the same place every day, ideally near the door. That way, you can easily grab the right bag on your way out without having to empty and refill a single bag.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
"Once in a Blue Moon"
Do you know where the expression came from???? Check this out...2 full moons in 1 month...not again until 2015 !!!http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bluemoon1.html/
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Keep Your Home Safe While You Vacation
Summer vacation — for most people, this phrase conjures images of sandy beaches, amusement parks, lakeside cabins, or family road trips.
For burglars, summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to take advantage of unoccupied homes and garages. In fact, property crimes spike during summer months, peaking in July and August.
Here are a few tips for protecting your home while you’re gone this summer:
Stay secure.
Before you leave, double check that all doors and windows are locked. Don’t forget the upstairs windows: AC units, ladders, nearby trees, and even garbage cans can give thieves access to those windows. Trim or remove shrubs that offer easy hiding places. Don’t leave spare keys outside; thieves know where to look, too.
Privacy matters.
Don’t post vacation plans on social media sites. You can’t completely control who sees your updates, regardless of your privacy settings. Have a trusted friend periodically check your home, but resist the temptation to announce your departure on the Internet.
Leave the light on.
Make it appear you haven’t left home at all. Stop your mail, or have a friend or neighbor collect it. Have someone mow your lawn if you’ll be away for a longer period of time. Set timers for inside lights or even a television. Don’t leave a porch light on continuously, though, as that could signal that you’re not home. Instead, install motion-sensing floodlights, even on the sides of your home. Many homeowners light up the front and back of their houses, but leave the sides dark, making it more inviting to burglars.
Don’t forget tiny invaders.
Bugs can also take advantage of empty homes. Before you leave, make sure all trashcans are emptied and cleaned. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, and wipe any stray crumbs from kitchen countertops. Many bugs come inside in search of water, so fix any leaks before you leave.
For burglars, summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to take advantage of unoccupied homes and garages. In fact, property crimes spike during summer months, peaking in July and August.
Here are a few tips for protecting your home while you’re gone this summer:
Stay secure.
Before you leave, double check that all doors and windows are locked. Don’t forget the upstairs windows: AC units, ladders, nearby trees, and even garbage cans can give thieves access to those windows. Trim or remove shrubs that offer easy hiding places. Don’t leave spare keys outside; thieves know where to look, too.
Privacy matters.
Don’t post vacation plans on social media sites. You can’t completely control who sees your updates, regardless of your privacy settings. Have a trusted friend periodically check your home, but resist the temptation to announce your departure on the Internet.
Leave the light on.
Make it appear you haven’t left home at all. Stop your mail, or have a friend or neighbor collect it. Have someone mow your lawn if you’ll be away for a longer period of time. Set timers for inside lights or even a television. Don’t leave a porch light on continuously, though, as that could signal that you’re not home. Instead, install motion-sensing floodlights, even on the sides of your home. Many homeowners light up the front and back of their houses, but leave the sides dark, making it more inviting to burglars.
Don’t forget tiny invaders.
Bugs can also take advantage of empty homes. Before you leave, make sure all trashcans are emptied and cleaned. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, and wipe any stray crumbs from kitchen countertops. Many bugs come inside in search of water, so fix any leaks before you leave.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Protecting and Caring for Your New Laptop or Tablet
August is the best time of year to purchase a new laptop or tablet due to back-to-school sales in stores as well as on computer manufacturers’ websites. As a business professional, you’ll want to take care of your new technology investments by keeping them clean and stored safely as you travel. The Tech Helpline has researched the best options to extend the life of your new device as well as how to keep it clean without damaging the bezel or screen.
Storage and travel: The first thing worth purchasing is a bag or case for your laptop or tablet. It's important to look into the options on the website from which you are purchasing your device, or from the store you are in, so you can be sure the case or bag and the device fit each other. You may want a bag as well as a case to store extra batteries and a mouse or power cable. It's also not a bad idea to purchase an extra battery for extended use on the road, but be absolutely sure the battery you purchase is directly from the manufacturer to avoid future issues that may occur with a cheaper, generic model.
Cleaning tips: The best item you can buy to store in your carry bag is a good quality micro fiber cloth. This will help you wipe finger smudges as well as light dirt from a screen or the bezel of your unit without scratching or needing liquids. For the bezel you may also consider using rubbing alcohol and a paper towel for tougher soiling. Follow this with the microfiber to remove the residue from the paper towel to have the bezel looking brand new. Be sure the device is completely off and unplugged before using any liquids to clean its screen or bezel.
Safety and extended life: With laptops you want to avoid soft surfaces like a bed or pillow, as it may block the vents causing it to overheat and lowering the life of the unit over time. Avoid drinks or liquids near your laptop or tablet; spilling these on your device could damage it to the point of being unable to use it, or void its warranty. You also want to avoid shocks or rapid motions when holding a laptop as the spinning hard drive inside could become damaged. Be sure the laptop is completely off before putting it in your case or bag; the movement can damage the spinning hard drive, which may lower its life expectancy, or cause the hard drive to fail or lose data. Additionally, if it’s not completely off, it will continue to generate heat if it's just in sleep mode. Finally, it’s best to avoid leaving a tablet or laptop in a hot car, especially during these summer months.
Contributions to this article were made by Allen Williams, Tech Helpline Technical Analyst.
Storage and travel: The first thing worth purchasing is a bag or case for your laptop or tablet. It's important to look into the options on the website from which you are purchasing your device, or from the store you are in, so you can be sure the case or bag and the device fit each other. You may want a bag as well as a case to store extra batteries and a mouse or power cable. It's also not a bad idea to purchase an extra battery for extended use on the road, but be absolutely sure the battery you purchase is directly from the manufacturer to avoid future issues that may occur with a cheaper, generic model.
Cleaning tips: The best item you can buy to store in your carry bag is a good quality micro fiber cloth. This will help you wipe finger smudges as well as light dirt from a screen or the bezel of your unit without scratching or needing liquids. For the bezel you may also consider using rubbing alcohol and a paper towel for tougher soiling. Follow this with the microfiber to remove the residue from the paper towel to have the bezel looking brand new. Be sure the device is completely off and unplugged before using any liquids to clean its screen or bezel.
Safety and extended life: With laptops you want to avoid soft surfaces like a bed or pillow, as it may block the vents causing it to overheat and lowering the life of the unit over time. Avoid drinks or liquids near your laptop or tablet; spilling these on your device could damage it to the point of being unable to use it, or void its warranty. You also want to avoid shocks or rapid motions when holding a laptop as the spinning hard drive inside could become damaged. Be sure the laptop is completely off before putting it in your case or bag; the movement can damage the spinning hard drive, which may lower its life expectancy, or cause the hard drive to fail or lose data. Additionally, if it’s not completely off, it will continue to generate heat if it's just in sleep mode. Finally, it’s best to avoid leaving a tablet or laptop in a hot car, especially during these summer months.
Contributions to this article were made by Allen Williams, Tech Helpline Technical Analyst.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Rules of Thumb for Water Use on Lawns
How much water does a lawn need? In general, turf grasses need about 3/4 to 1 inch of water per week to maintain green color and active growth. However, during certain times in the summer when high temperatures are the norm, you should allow lawns to naturally slow down in growth. You can let the lawn go almost completely dormant in hot weather. In hot weather you may need an inch of water only about every three days.
In general, water as infrequently as possible. When you do water, water thoroughly so that moisture soaks down to the roots. One deep watering is much better than watering several times lightly. Watering to a depth of 4 to 6 inches encourages deeper, healthier root development. It also allows longer periods between watering. Early morning or night is the best time for watering, as less evaporation will occur at these cooler times.
How much water does a lawn need? In general, turf grasses need about 3/4 to 1 inch of water per week to maintain green color and active growth. However, during certain times in the summer when high temperatures are the norm, you should allow lawns to naturally slow down in growth. You can let the lawn go almost completely dormant in hot weather. In hot weather you may need an inch of water only about every three days.
In general, water as infrequently as possible. When you do water, water thoroughly so that moisture soaks down to the roots. One deep watering is much better than watering several times lightly. Watering to a depth of 4 to 6 inches encourages deeper, healthier root development. It also allows longer periods between watering. Early morning or night is the best time for watering, as less evaporation will occur at these cooler times.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Saturday, June 30, 2012
The Greater Birmingham Association of Homebuilders Report
GBAHB Mission Statement
Providing the voice of the housing industry, advocating for quality-built homes and promoting the highest level of professionalism.
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Don't Believe the Latest Internet Rumor
The Facts on that Rumored 3.8% Sales Tax on Homes
Among the most common tax and housing policy questions we field here at NAHB is whether a 3.8% sales tax will hit home sales in 2013.
The answer is no.
Unfortunately, we’ve been tracking a set of emails that falsely claim that the 2010 health care reform legislation (which contained a burdensome 1099 reporting requirement, now repealed) imposed a 3.8% sales tax or transfer fee on all home sales in 2013. There is an element of fact underlying this rumor, but for the most part this claim is false.
The new tax added by the health care reform law is an add-on to existing taxes on capital gains and other ”unearned income” (dividends, rents, and interest). The new 3.8% tax is often referred to as a Medicare tax because its revenues will be dedicated to the Medicare Trust Fund.
For capital gains, presently taxed at a 15% rate, the gains rate would rise an additional 3.8 percentage points for high-income taxpayers, those with adjusted gross incomes (AGI) above $250,000 ($200,000 if filing a “single” return). Capital gains arise with the sale of capital assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate.
But importantly for home sales, the existing $500,000 / $250,000 gain exclusion for a seller of a principal residence continues to apply, so most principal residences sales will not be affected. Some second home sellers with high incomes may have to pay some additional capital gains tax to the extent that their AGI exceeds $250,000, but only on that portion of the gain that causes the taxpayer’s AGI to exceed $250,000 and only for the realized capital gain - not the actual sales price.
Consider the following, typical example. Suppose a married couple sells their principal residence for $500,000, after having purchased the home for $200,000. Suppose the capital gain on the sale is $300,000. The couple is allowed (under Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code) to exclude from all tax (including the standard capital gains tax and the new 3.8% tax) up to $500,000 of gain, so there is no tax on the realized $300,000 gain from the home sale.
To be clear, the 3.8% tax is not in any way a sales tax paid against the sales price of the home for either the home seller or home buyer. Nor is it an additional business income tax for home builders selling a new home out of inventory.
The housing market has enough policy uncertainties today. We hope this false rumor concerning a 3.8% sales tax on home sales is not among them.
Providing the voice of the housing industry, advocating for quality-built homes and promoting the highest level of professionalism.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't Believe the Latest Internet Rumor
The Facts on that Rumored 3.8% Sales Tax on Homes
Among the most common tax and housing policy questions we field here at NAHB is whether a 3.8% sales tax will hit home sales in 2013.
The answer is no.
Unfortunately, we’ve been tracking a set of emails that falsely claim that the 2010 health care reform legislation (which contained a burdensome 1099 reporting requirement, now repealed) imposed a 3.8% sales tax or transfer fee on all home sales in 2013. There is an element of fact underlying this rumor, but for the most part this claim is false.
The new tax added by the health care reform law is an add-on to existing taxes on capital gains and other ”unearned income” (dividends, rents, and interest). The new 3.8% tax is often referred to as a Medicare tax because its revenues will be dedicated to the Medicare Trust Fund.
For capital gains, presently taxed at a 15% rate, the gains rate would rise an additional 3.8 percentage points for high-income taxpayers, those with adjusted gross incomes (AGI) above $250,000 ($200,000 if filing a “single” return). Capital gains arise with the sale of capital assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate.
But importantly for home sales, the existing $500,000 / $250,000 gain exclusion for a seller of a principal residence continues to apply, so most principal residences sales will not be affected. Some second home sellers with high incomes may have to pay some additional capital gains tax to the extent that their AGI exceeds $250,000, but only on that portion of the gain that causes the taxpayer’s AGI to exceed $250,000 and only for the realized capital gain - not the actual sales price.
Consider the following, typical example. Suppose a married couple sells their principal residence for $500,000, after having purchased the home for $200,000. Suppose the capital gain on the sale is $300,000. The couple is allowed (under Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code) to exclude from all tax (including the standard capital gains tax and the new 3.8% tax) up to $500,000 of gain, so there is no tax on the realized $300,000 gain from the home sale.
To be clear, the 3.8% tax is not in any way a sales tax paid against the sales price of the home for either the home seller or home buyer. Nor is it an additional business income tax for home builders selling a new home out of inventory.
The housing market has enough policy uncertainties today. We hope this false rumor concerning a 3.8% sales tax on home sales is not among them.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
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