Bookworm

Doesn't our little great grandson look like he is ready to read his books? He is the neatest little guy. He has a personality like his dad's and can be so funny most of the time. He is rapidly learning all kinds of new things. And he is definitely a delight to his parents with his funny antics. Always smiling, he steals your heart away. Since we don't have all that responsibility of raising him, we can enjoy him more . Like they say, with grandchildren, you get to send them home with their parents.

National Sporting Events in Branson, Missouri

Now is a wonderful time for all us sports lovers to make our reservations at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. Coming in March is the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament and the Walmart FLW Bass Tournament also. Reservations are available at the HIlton Branson Convention Center Hotel too. Both hotels are conveniently located in the center of all the attractions in wonderful Branson. They are both beautiful hotels with all the amenities you enjoy. And the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and Hilton Convention Center Hotels both have special packages. Check them out before you go.

We have stayed in Branson many times and taken in Silver Dollar City with all its arts and crafts and entertainment. You must not miss out on the Presleys, one of the first music shows along with the Baldknobbers. We just love Jim Stafford's show and YAKOV will have you laughing from beginning to end of their shows. Inbetween the basketball games and golf, be sure to see the Titanic and Shepard of the Hills. Check out the Hilton Hotels special rates and plan 2 weeks of exciting games plus m any of the fine music shows available. Mickey Gilley can really tickle the ivory on his piano and Deno, as well.

With rooms at the Hilton Hotels, you will be right there in the center of the excitement and entertainment. It is not too early to make your reservations now so start making out your itinerary to see the shows, as well as, the basketball tournaments and Bass Tournment. And be sure and take your family as it is definitely a family center of entertainment.

Europeans Back Sweeping Financial Rules

Monday news out of Berlin Germany, said that European leaders mounted a united front against the global financial crisis Sunday. They are proposing sweeping new market regulations. However, it remains unclear whether economic giants such as the United States and China will go along with this. Heads of government and finance ministers from Europe's largest economies joined German Chancellor Angela Merkel to lay the groundwork for a common European position on economic reforms before an April 2 summit of the Group of 20 nations in London. Leaders agreed to press for sanctions on tax havens caps for managers' bonus payments and a stronger role and increased funding for the International Monetary Fund. This will all bear watching.

Even the global crisis and a change of administration may not be enough to convince the United States to hand over its autonomy. Robert Brusca of New York-based Fact and Opinion Economics said, "I see the U.S. as wary of giving away powers of oversight and regulation." However, financial industry leaders may have lost too much credibility in the current crisis to fight off heavy restrictions on their practices. British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown called for a "global New Deal" to be adopted to help right the world economy, saying international financial institutions need some $500 billion to do the job. Just where is all this money coming from? We cannot keep printing money like we are doing now. We can still see visions of people in Germany during an inflationary period years ago, taking wheelbarrows of their paper money to the store just to buy a loaf of bread.

Otoscope

No matter whether you are looking for a heart monitor, blood pressure monitor or an otoscope, you will find it here. This company has been in business since l996 and has expanded to include more medical products for maternity and baby supplies, outdoor gear and exercise equipment.

When it comes to medical equipment, they have it. They are the largest retailer in the United States for life enhancing products. Do you have a good first aid kit in your home? If not, you should have, and this is the website to order it from. Need diabetic supplies? They have those too. Check them out. Over a million customers get their medical supplies from them.

30 Die in Bombing at Funeral in Pakistan

What a sad happening! A suicide bomber blew himself up at a funeral for a slain Shiite leader in northwest Pakistan. Thirty people were killed and more than 60 were wounded. Three other people were killed sectarian rioting sparked by the attack. Although no one claimed responsibility, the blast bore the hallmarks of Sunni extremists blamed for a string of other bloody strikes against Pakistan's Shiite minority in recent months.

Dow and S&P 500 Levels Not Seen Since '97

It would appear that Wall Street has turned the clock back to 1997. This is not good, not good at all. Investors unable to extinguish their worries about a recession that has no end in sight, dumped stocks again on Monday. The Dow Jones industrial average tumbled 251 points to its lowest close since May 7, 1997. The Standard & Poor's 500 index logged its lowest finish since April 11, 1997.

Both indexes lost half their value since hitting record highs in October 2007. Government agencies, led by the Treasury Department, said they would launch a revamped bank rescue program this week. But in spite of this, investors pounded most financial stocks. Thee isn't much optimism anywhere.

All Inclusive Vacation Packages

That is the way I like to go on vacation. I like to have everything included in one place so that I can really relax and enjoy myself. I love to lay out on a luxurious white sand beach and that is what they have at the Riviera Maya. All I need is a reservation at one of the beautiful Karisma Hotels for one of their all inclusive vacation packages. The El Dorado Royale Resort would be my first choice and I would be complete pampered and fed the finest of foods and enjoy the beautiful beaches in a setting of 450 acres of rain forest. What more could I ask for?

Hormel Foods Profit Falls 8 Percent

Thursday, Hormel Foods Corp. said that its fiscal first-quarter profit fell 8 percent. Part of this was because of higher than expected hog costs. But the showing easily beat analyst estimates. The sales of brands such as Spam, Dinty Moore stews and Hormel chili rose as consumers focus on value in the recession. We are all trying to stretch meals any way we can. The company, based in Austin, Minnesota earned $81.4 million, or 60 cents per share. This was down from $88.2 million, or 64 cents per share a year ago. Analysts were expecting profit of 51 cents per share on sales of $1.73 billion. It could have been worse.

Minnesota Twins stop Cincinnati Reds, 7-4

Michah Owings used his first opportunity to show Cincinnati he can pitch as well as he hits by working three scoreless innings to a 10-4 loss to the Minnesota twins. This was the final opener at Ed Smith Stadium for the Reds. After being acquired by the Reds on Sept. 12, Owings was limited to pinch-hitting duties because of a sore shoulder. He is regarded as one of the top hitting pitchers in the game and he is trying to win the fifth starter's spot after struggling in 2009. He gave up only two hits. He said it felt good to go out there and compete and after all the rehab, unsure thoughts were in his head. Brian Buscher hit a two-run homer, and Brock Peterson added a grand slam for Minnesota. Craig Breslow, Matt Guerrier, and Nick Blackburn held the Reds without a hit over the first four innings. It was quite a game.

Silver Coin

As long as you have been saving up your silver coin you should really spend it on a fine vacation on the white sand beaches of Riviera Maya. There you will find five of the most luxurious hotels anywhere. They have gourmet cooks to delight your pallet and fine wines to go with it. They have all the amenities you could ever wish for. And if you are planning a wedding, why not get married there on the beach. They will help you arrange everything for an outstanding honeymoon. Check in and see all they have to offer. You will be delighted with everything they have to offer you.

Sciatic Nerve Pain

Have you ever had bad sciatic nerve pain? If you have, then you know what real pain is. My husband has been suffering with it in his left hip and leg for some time now. Today he went to the hospital to radiology and they shot cortizone all around his sciatic nerve in hopes of helping the pain. They are going to check in with us next week to see how it is doing. I sure hope it works because it bothers him so much, he can hardly stand to drive 5 miles without a great deal of pain or sit on any type of straight chair.

Hollywood Moms Discover Beaute de Maman Beauty Products

Today, when you are expecting a baby, there are all kinds of rules to follow to assure that you have a fine healthy baby. No more aspirin, coffee, caffeine, alcohol and various other directives are given to you by your doctor as they cannot pinpoint what may cause birth defects. Along with having a baby, you find your abdomen is stretched so much, the skin becomes quite dry and uncomfortable, and stretch marks can be commonly found after the baby arrives. Not only that, but many women experience what I have heard described as "pregnancy mask" which can be breaking out of the skin on the face, redness and more. This company's facial scrubs, nipple gell and stretch mark creams are composed of only herbal and natural ingredients so you can feel healthy and comfortable during your pregnancy.

However, there are a great many creams on the market that are supposed to alleviate these problems, but are they safe for your developing baby? Many of today's Hollywood moms have discovered Beaute de Maman, the safe and natural way to relieve these changes to their bodies. For example, Charlie Sheen's wife, Brooke, as well as Tim Allen's wife, Jane Hajduk are just two of the many who are using this unique line of beauty and health products. They were specifically developed by a board-certified obstetrician especially for pregnant moms.

It is very important that hormonal and physiological changes in pregnancy be treated by those beauty products that are known to be safe for your baby. Check out their website and order now to receive the products you need and you will receive FREE shipping on domestic orders of $25.

Iran Slows Uranium Enrichment

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran's efforts to expand its uranium enrichment program has slowed. The report, however, did not suggest a reason. Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei said earlier that he thought the reason appeared to be political. This may indicate that Iran may be waiting for conciliatory signals from the new United States administration. The new administration has said it is ready to talk directly with Iran on nuclear and other disputes. I hope they will be able to do this and come to a reasonable solution to this ongoing problem.

Tuxedos

I believe more than ever, men are wearing tuxedos to more varying events. It will soon be Prom time and we often see so many young men dressed up with their dates in their beautiful dresses. They all go out to dinner first and it is a pleasure to see them dressed so nicely. I know a tuxedo can be expensive but this website has a line of discount shirts and jackets that are very handsome. You are sure to find just what you are looking for here online and save money too.

Here Comes the Rain

We were really hoping it would not rain but would be snow right away today. That may sound funny to you, however, rain freezes on everything. If you get enough accumulation, the lines start coming down and you find yourself quickly without heat or lights. It can be a life threatening situation.

They have us under a winter storm warning and we are really fed up with them this winter. It has been up and down now for a couple years, both winter and summer. You get a few nice days and then it turns on you and you get bad weather days. We hope the rain will quickly change to snow so we do not get a layer of ice under everything. Getting snow on top of ice is more dangerous than just the snow itself. Many people suddenly find themselves in ditches and accidents. It is not good so hope this rain changes over to snow quickly.

Pizza, Chicken or Mexican?

Which is your favorite or do you love them all? We went out for Pizza last night and they also have a great salad bar on Tuesdays and Thursdays along with hot soup and broasted chicken and potatoes. Chicken fingers are good too and macaroni and cheese for the kids. Oh yes, I forgot the mashed potatoes and chicken gravy and a vegetable too. They are always good. The cheese bread sticks are always a big hit too. You never go away hungry and they make us a special apple dessert pizza every time we go there.

Tonight we are going to Mexican. It is hard to decide what to get but I like variety so I seldom have the same food each time. I am thinking Taco Salad tonight. I don't know what my husband will choose. He likes the enchiladas and also the crisp hard shelled tacos are great. No matter what we get, we know it will be good.

Storm Warning Again

They tell us we are under another winter storm warning. It seems we get one a week at least. Just about the time you think the snow is going to finally disappear, we get a whole new batch. Last night we had freezing rain for just long enough to make everything slippery this morning. It was hard on people going to work as you want to stay out of the ditches.

It is only about 20 plus days till the first day of Spring but I bet we will see snow storms all through March. Every time there is a State wrestling meet or the girls and boys basketball tournaments, there is a snow storm. You can set your calendar by it. We had a terrific blizzard Saturday, the last day of wrestling tournaments and hopefully, everyone got home safely. Most people plan to stay overnight in the capital city and that is a good idea in this weather. Today it is over 40 and snow is melting but that is all going to change tonight and temperatures are going to dip again once more. Spring - where are you?

Discount Lighting Fixture

If you are planning to do a little remodeling in your home without spending a great deal of money, there is an easy way to do it. That is to look in to a discount lighting fixture. Nothing spruces up rooms like new lighting. It can change the whole mood of your home for the better. They not only offer you free shipping on orders over $75 but there is no sales tax outside New York. They have guaranteed lowest prices and fast shipping. Spend some time shopping through their marvelous inventory of beautiful fixtures.

Food Poisoning

The next time you have a case of diarrhea that lasts a day or more, chances are better than 1 in 3 that it was food poisoning. It is amazing to learn that as many as a quarter of Americans suffer a food borne illness each year. However, only a fraction of those cases get linked to high-profile outbreaks like the recent salmonella peanut scare.

Dr. Robert Tauze, from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, is an expert on the subject of food poisoning. He says outbreaks are dramatic instances. But they do highlight a health threat that many people exaggerate and misunderstand according to some experts.

The U.S. food supply is still considered to be one of the safest in the world. I heard on the news the other night that it can take up to 3 days before something you ate can make you sick. You rarely get sick immediately.

Jewelry

When it comes to giving a fine gift, I always think of jewelry first. I guess almost all women love fine jewelry and this company has a wide assortment of everything you could desire, whether it is for yourself or for someone else. On a budget? They have a large enough inventory of lovely items that will fit any budget. Not only that but if you order $85 or more, they will provide free shipping right to your door. None of their items are sold in retail stores, so you will not meet yourself on the street wearing the same jewelry wardrobe. Their sparkling rings will have you and your friends believing they are diamonds, but you won't have to spend as much to own the same beautifully designed rings. Check them out for your fashion accessories.

New Mexican Restaurant

We have a lovely new Mexican restaurant in town. They have really decorated it very nicely and the whole interior is very attractive. They have a lot of booths as well as tables and can seat quite a few. People love Mexican and there hasn't really been any good Mexican food in town so they are flocking to the new place.

They have a very large menu. Not only do they have lunch specials at great prices, but also dinners too. And if you can't find something you like on their menu, then you aren't looking. You can also get great side orders for those who aren't so hungry for a larger meal. I really hope everyone continues to patronize them so they stay in town. We really need more restaurants here.

Modern Design Solar Shades

We are in an important time of conserving energy in the world. Protecting your furniture and carpets is one of the many ways of saving on waste. By visiting The Shade Store, you will learn that solar shades are a wonderful way to do this. They are both beautiful and practical and a way to assist you in lowering your energy bills, both in summer and winter. Let me tell you how.

Solar shades help keep out the UV rays that fade your carpets and furniture. In this way, you are not needing to replace them as soon, thus cutting back on the landfills which are full of just such articles. We have had solar shades for many years over two large windows in our living room that got the full brunt of the sun both summer and winter. In summer, they cut down immensely on the heat so that our air conditioning system did not need to work so hard, thus saving a great deal of energy. This helped lower our energy bill considerably in the hot summer days.

In the wintertime, the solar shades let in plenty of light but kept out the UV rays that would have done damage to our furniture and carpets. They also assisted in keeping out some of the cold, yet warming the room so that our furnace did not need to run as much, also saving quite a lot of energy and lowering our heat bills.

Our living room was so hot in summer that we could not stand to spend much time in it until we discovered solar shades. What a difference they made and they are good looking too and fit any decor. They are easy to operate also. You can choose from the style and color of your choice. They are easy to install and they will be happy to help you with the measurements. And FREE shipping is also provided.

Hospitals

Hospitals are a good place to be when you need them. But they are no place to try and get any rest. They give you a sleeping pill and then they wake you up every 3 or 4 hours to give you a pill or take your blood pressure or something. Our brother-in-law has been in the hospital now for nearly 3 weeks and he is totally worn out. He wants to go home so he can catch up on his rest. When we tried to visit with him he kept falling asleep and said he was awakened so many times during the night, he felt like he had not had any sleep yet. I hope he gets well soon and is able to get out of there and go home.

Gas Tankless Water Heater

If you are in need of a new water heater, now is the time to look into a gas tankless water heater . They are not only energy efficient but they could save you as much as $300 on your Federal Income Tax for 2009 if you get one installed this year. They have whole house tankless models or point of use models, as well.

You can save a great deal of space by having one of these installed in your home. Depending on your home or business, you may want to get more than one. I would love to save some money on both my taxes and energy bill. They have a number of them on sale and there is FREE shipping which will save you even more money. They not only have gas models, but electric and propane models as well.

Brazil Plane Crash

A plane crashed in a muddy river in the Amazon. Four people in the rear of the plane managed to open an emergency door and swim to safety as the aircraft sank. However, as it sank, it dragged 24 others to their death. Most victims were members of a single family that had chartered the plane to travel to a birthday party. Seven children died.

It all happened very fast and the plane sank very fast. Brenda Moraes, age 21, told Brazil's GloboNews TV that they only had a chance because they were sitting in the last rows and could open the emergency door. Divers on Sunday recovered two dozen bodies from the twin turboprop plane that plunged into the Manacapura river in a heavy rainstorm the day before. After all the crew and passengers were accounted for the rescue operations were ended. The pilot had contacted air controllers to report driving rain, but did not mention engine trouble.

Pet Dogs

We have always loved Boston Terriers and have had several throughout our lives. Right now we have little Holly who is 10 years old and has been the best pet yet. Our son is a breeder and has had several various breeds over the years. While raising Boston Terriers, they got so attached to "Emmy" that they kept her as a permanent part of their family.

When our last little dog died we asked our son to find us a Boston Terrier, if he could, as he was not raising them anymore. He found Holly for us while we were away on a trip. She has an entirely white face, one brown and one blue eye. So although she was AKC, she would never have been able to be a show dog but we really love her and have enjoyed her so much. Above is a picture of "Emmy".

Snowstorms

We have a snow storm pending in our area. It is in Nebraska now and they are having a real blizzard. Schools are all closed again, just when you began to feel Spring was near. But February can be brutal in the Midwest. Omaha, Nebraska is really getting the heavy snow and much of their state. It is headed for Des Moines and southern Iowa now and will creeping north until it gets to us. We are only supposed to get an inch but I heard 5 inches south of us so you never know. It is still over a month until it is officially Spring so there is no use getting too excited yet. We could have lots of cold weather and snow between now and then. Just so we don't get any freezing rain. That is the worst when it takes down trees and power lines.

Economy - We are Saving More, Buying Less

Americans are hunkering down and saving more. I know we are trying to do just that. For a recession battered economy, it could not be happening at a worse time. That is tough, but when people are out of work or don't know when they will be laid off, they are going to hang onto every cent they can. That is the smart thing to do, not go out and spend and spend.

Economists call it the "paradox of thrift." What is good for individuals, spending less and saving more, is bad for the economy when everyone does it. Last Friday, the government reported Americans' savings rate, as a percentage of after-tax incomes, rose to 2.9 percent in the last three months of 2008. That is up sharply from 1.2 percent in the third quarter and less than 1 percent a year ago. It is like a teeter-totter when the savings rate rises, spending falls. The spending accounts for about 70 percent of economic activity. When consumers refuse to spend, companies cut back, layoffs rise, people pinch pennies even more and the recession deepens.

Buy Fragrance Online in UK

Both men and women love to buy various fragrances to enhance their own self image. Everyone loves to receive compliments on the perfume they are wearing. It is not always so easy to find your favorite fragrance in just any store so it is great to shop in the convenience of your own home online.

Although your favorite perfume may not be a cheap perfume you would like to save money when you buy it. That is why this online website makes it so convenient for you to choose from a huge selection of name brand fragrances. I know my favorite is quite expensive but now that I have found one I really like, I want to continue to use it as I have received so any compliments on it.

Now you can get online and find the designer perfume you have been searching for at great prices. You will be delighted at all the money you can save here online. You can even get 10% off your next order by just answering their short survey.

In Vitro Fertilization

What do you think of the young woman without a husband and 6 kids having 8 more babies all at once? I think she is a mental case and I think they better go after the doctors who did this. She was single when they implanted In Vitro 6 embryos and she had 6 children. She lives in a 3 bedroom home of her parents and they take care of the 6 children all under 7.

Now she has had 8 more babies all at once and they are all doing well. Companies that would normally give her diapers for a year and stuff like that are completely turned off by the situation and are not going to help her out. Her folks are angry as they do not have the money to support themselves, the mother and 6 children, let alone another 8. I think she should adopt them all out to loving parents who want a child so bad and can't have any. Something will have to be done one way or another. You have to feel sorry for the little babies. It isn't their fault.

Alaska Volcano

Geologists have been monitoring Alaska's Mount Redoubt. The say the volcano is rumbling and emitting steam but has shown no dramatic burst of energy in the last 24 hours. However, today it is still emitting steam. Geologist Tina Neal at the Alaska Volcano Observatory said no flyovers were planned for today unless activity increases significantly. I haven't heard whether they have decided to flyover it.

The area is just below a dome that formed the last time Redoubt erupted in l990. The activity adds to concerns that it is close to an eruption and I heard they think it will be huge if it does erupt. An eruption in December l989 sent an ash cloud 150 miles that flamed out the jet engines of a KLM flight carrying 231 passengers on its way to Anchorage. That must have been scary indeed.

Holmes Goes From Drug Dealer to Super Bowl MVP

It is hard to believe that Santonio Holmes once sold drugs on the street corner. Now he is MVP of the most remarkable Super Bowl. He overcame his rough childhood in rural south Florida and made a brilliant catch with 35 seconds left to give the Pittsburgh Steelers their record sixth Super Bowl title. It was a 27 - 23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday night. But the Cardinals fought hard right up to the end.

After a pass to the left corner went through Holmes' hands, Ben Roethlisberger lofted the ball toward the right corner, over the hands of not one, not two, but three Arizona defenders. Holmes leaped to get it and somehow managed to drag both feet in bounds, his toes barely scraping the grass before he tumbled out of bounds. It was an amazing sight to watch. This game will go down as one of the greatest in Super Bowl history.

Online College Courses

If there was ever any doubt in your mind as to where to take online college courses, check out this website for a fully accredited, online university. It was founded in l993 and offers 15 certificate programs and 111 graduate and undergraduate specializations. You should have no problem finding the course you which to study. Click on their website and check out their courses. You can even make your application right there online. A University Guide would be helpful and you can order one there also, plus you can reach them on their toll-free phone number or email them for more information. Many fine students have graduated from here, among them Jeannie McGuire who earned her Masters Degree in human services and went on to win the Sunny Andrews award.

This post is based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.

Economy Worries Cause Stocks to Fall

Two glaring signs that the economy remains in a deep slump sent stocks reeling Thursday. News that unemployment claims reached a record high and that new home sales hit a record low, forced the major stock indexes to give back all of Wednesday's gains, and then some. The Dow Jones industrial average sank 226 points, or 2.7 percent, while other indicators tumbled more than 3 percent.

You can drive through our town and see all the For Sale signs sitting almost under snow and nothing is moving. People want to sell their older homes and buy the beautiful new ones that are already built here and ready to move into near the high school. People are watching their 401k funds shrink almost daily and it looks really bad, especially if you are nearing retirement. Local employers have been laying off or cutting hours so much it has really hurt the economy here too.

Victorinox Swiss Army Watches

This online website has the largest selection of Victorinox Swiss Army watches and they have the lowest prices, as well. They will beat anyone's price so you can't go wrong here, can you? They have a wonderful selection of both men's and women's watches and they offer you free shipping. I found a number of beautiful watches that have been marked way down in price so if you are looking to save some extra money, check through their large inventory of fine Swiss Army watches.

Army Suicides Rose Again Last Year

This is a very sad report to read and hear about on the news. What is happening with our soldiers? Suicides among United States soldiers rose last year to the highest level in decades. The Army announced this on Thursday. At least 128 soldiers killed themselves in 2008. They feel the final count is likely to be considerably higher because 15 more suspicious deaths are still being investigated and could also turn out to be self-inflicted.

A new training and prevention effort will start this week. Col. Elspeth Ritchie, a psychiatric consultant to the Army surgeon general, made a plea for more United States mental health professionals to sign on to work for the military. That sounds like a good idea. Something has to be done before more men kill themselves.

There were 115 suicides in 2007 and 102 in 2006, so this new suicide figure is the highest since record keeping began in l980. Officials calculate the deaths at a rate of roughly 20.2 per 100,000 soldiers. This is higher than the adjusted civilian rate for the first time since the Vietnam War. This was reported by officials to a Pentagon news conference.

How is Your Weather?

Our weather is absolutely rotten this winter. We have snow banks as high as an elephant's eye and the roads are snow packed, or icy or slick almost all the time. When they are cleared off, everyone runs to the store for groceries before they get snowed in again. Our temperatures are down in the single digits and below zero at night and a 30 degree day feels like Spring.

Oh to live in Arizona where it is 80 degrees today. Our neighbors left in November and are enjoying a wonderful winter in Arizona. In fact, she has decided to put up a house and move there permanently. We should be looking into Arizona real estate. There are so many lovely places to live and you can rent a beautiful condo and spend a nice warm winter there instead of shoveling snow back here in the midwest. In checking for rentals I found many wonderful places. Who wouldn't want to live in Arizona where it is nice and warm and it is so cold here. I know it gets quite hot in summer, but you have air conditioning and swimming pools so what more could you ask?

I am being paid for this post.