Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Here's a website I have been a fan of for quite some time now. In these troubled economic times it's more important than ever to make your money go as far as it possibly can and here are tons of tips on how to do it. I've also been subscribed to their weekly newsletter for a few years now and I find all kinds of neat money saving tips whenever I get time to catch up on reading it...
The Dollar Stretcher
The Dollar Stretcher
Sunday, November 23, 2008
As part of my "day job" as a Plant Maintenance Man at American Airlines my co-workers and I occasionally have to replace the flexible material in the expansion joints in the building and outside on the walkways. This is usually a latex based material that goes in as a liquid and cures over time to a rubber like consistency. We usually try to schedule this kind of work on Sundays or late in the evening so as to impact as few people as possible. So today started out as a usual Sunday. We needed to replace an expansion joint on the second floor walkway between the building and the parking garage so we went up there and put up a nice, bright yellow caution sign and began cutting the old material out with utility knives and taping the edges off with bright blue painters tape. The mix we are using today is a product called Deck-O-Seal which is popularly used around the edges of swimming pools between the coping stones and plaster.
I already had my reservations about this because ordinarily this stuff cures in temperatures of 77 degrees and above and today's high was 67 but mine is not to question why mine is just to do or die as they say so we're out there mixing this goop up and nicely and neatly pouring it into the squeeze bottle to apply it. Everything is going fairly smoothly except for this one sinkhole that keeps needing to be refilled on one edge. We're not sure if the sealant is somehow working it's way past the batting underneath or if there is just a big air pocket below but after we manage to get the entire gap filled we move our work cart and a nearby disposal can over the area to join the nice bright caution sign and the bright blue painters tape.
Okay? So I'm trying to paint the picture here that the area is pretty well marked that something is going on around here so you might want to watch your step. We've even had a couple people come by while we were working and they even stepped over the 2 inch gap of grey goop on their way to the revolving doors like any sensible person would so I figure we're fairly safe. We go down below to the first floor to examine the area and see if perhaps some of the material had been leaking through causing the indentation we experienced above. No sign of leakage so that's good but what is that sound we're hearing from above?
Is that the sound of two people pushing a shopping cart across the walkway overhead? The walkway we just put fresh Deck-O-Seal down on? Surely not! Not on a Sunday! Why would anyone be out here on a Sunday pushing a shopping cart across the second level walkway. Well even if that is what's going on surely the people would have the sharpness of mind and consideration to see all the signage and see the fresh grey liquid, not to mention the smell of the stuff, and have the good sense to lift the wheels of the cart while going across the area right?
So up we go to see what has transpired and not only are there two nice rows of tire tracks leading from the expansion joints across the concrete and into the carpet in front of the doors but one of them even managed to stick their big clodhopper of a foot into the middle of it and track it all over the place as well.
Seriously. How dense does one have to be not to see so many signs that there is something going on here so it might be wise to watch your step? So I did what I should have done in the first place. I use caution tape and completely block off both ends of the walkway so no one can use it, unless of course they choose to break the caution tape. This of course inconveniences anyone who might want to use the second floor walkway but what other choice do I have? I tried giving people the benefit of the doubt that they might exercise some common sense and common decency and now I have a big mess to clean up later after the stuff has cured and I am able to scrape it off the concrete with a razor scraper.
A little consideration can go a long way folks. Not only do you inconvenience the person whose work you just messed up by doing such things but you also inconvenience others by causing precautionary measures to have to be taken to prevent further damage caused by carelessness.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Don't forget to go down to Ancient Traditions tonight for game night, or every Friday Night for Drum Jam or next Saturday for the Rummage Sale!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
PROTONJOE - Protons kill Cancer not People. I hope this information helps you, or someone you love. Joe is a co-worker of mine at American Airlines and he has personally undergone Proton Beam therapy to kill his prostate cancer. Now he wants to spread the word about this life saving therapy so others can benefit too. Go see the videos he has posted on his site for some real eye-opening information.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I've been putting in some major updates for one of my client's sites. Eagle Solar Screens. I know the owner, Tommy Sparks, personally and he's a good, honest, hard working man. He deals with everyone with a handshake and unyielding integrity. I highly recommend getting solar screens to help lower the summertime electric bills in your house and of course you should get them from:
EAGLE SOLAR SCREENS:
* Lower your utility bills
* Block up to 90% of the sun's heat
* Protect your furniture
* Increase comfort in your home
* Increase daytime privacy
* A variety of colors to choose from
* Custom grid work available
* Window washing available
EAGLE SOLAR SCREENS:
* Lower your utility bills
* Block up to 90% of the sun's heat
* Protect your furniture
* Increase comfort in your home
* Increase daytime privacy
* A variety of colors to choose from
* Custom grid work available
* Window washing available
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
TroyForge
TroyForge: "I do some freelance web design and internet promotion work these days for small, usually locally owned businesses, individuals and organizations. You might be surprised at how affordable it can be to get your small business an established internet presence and drive customers to your site. Most of my clients' websites cost $29.95 per month. Not only does that cover hosting and domain but I even build and maintain a website as well as help promote my clients' businesses by posting ads for them with links to their site in places like Craig's List and other promotional places online that are appropriate for their particular business. But this involves ABSOLUTELY NO SPAMMING! Like most people who have had their email boxes bombarded with junk, I hate spammers with a passion."
Monday, November 17, 2008
How to really start the Kitchen Garden:
First of all, draw a plan (to a scale) of the ground at your disposal. Make allowances for paths, borders, etc. It's fascinatingly interesting after you get started. Next, take inventory of your likes and dislikes in vegetables. Put down on paper every vegetable you wish to grow. Then go back to your plan and mark out a definite space or number of rows for the different vegetables. Select early, midseason and late sorts of these vegetables, which you like best. This will give you a constant supply of them. When garden operations start, be sure to follow your plan. A disregard of your carefully planned program may easily spoil results. I can not lay too much emphasis upon this point, since most gardens fail to yield satisfactory crops for lack of adherence to the original plan."
More from Backyard Gardener.com
First of all, draw a plan (to a scale) of the ground at your disposal. Make allowances for paths, borders, etc. It's fascinatingly interesting after you get started. Next, take inventory of your likes and dislikes in vegetables. Put down on paper every vegetable you wish to grow. Then go back to your plan and mark out a definite space or number of rows for the different vegetables. Select early, midseason and late sorts of these vegetables, which you like best. This will give you a constant supply of them. When garden operations start, be sure to follow your plan. A disregard of your carefully planned program may easily spoil results. I can not lay too much emphasis upon this point, since most gardens fail to yield satisfactory crops for lack of adherence to the original plan."
More from Backyard Gardener.com
Living a virtuous life in Hardships: - PaganSpace.net:
"Do we show each of these in our life: wisdom, piety, vision, courage, integrity, perseverance, hospitality, moderation or fertility? Do we live them in the good times and hardships?"
"Do we show each of these in our life: wisdom, piety, vision, courage, integrity, perseverance, hospitality, moderation or fertility? Do we live them in the good times and hardships?"
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Container Gardens-The City Dwellers Guide to Fresh & Healthy Home-grown FoodThe best gardening teachers are gardeners themselves. Many people in inner-city areas have come from other areas where they had farming or gardening as part of their heritage. Look for these people to be part of the core group of initiators when starting a community garden.
Any group of people can create a community garden. Senior groups, youth groups, women's and men's clubs, civic associations, or just an informal group of friends, neighbors or relatives.
MORE
Urban Food Gardening: Anna Bee is an urban farmer - and has been for the past 13 years. She is not self sufficient, but grows a lot of her own veg out the back in a fairly tiny space. This blog is the story of how she does it, what grows, and how she uses it. Urban farming/city gardening is great for lots of reasons - not the least of which is the delicious and healthy food that you can produce for yourself & your friends & neighbours. If only a few people reading this blog are inspired to trade flowers or grass for vegetables, then she will be happy.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
November 1st at 1101 N Carrier Suites C&D in Grand Prairie, Ancient Traditions will be opening it's doors.
All day Saturday day and evening will be an open house and chance for you to come check out the new center, meet the staff and some of the teachers, sign up for classes and get a membership if you like!
The following weeknights ( will be for class sign up and also meet the teacher/staff, and classes will begin the following Monday (11/10) and going forward. Our Website with class descriptions and more information is at http://ancient-traditions.org .
You can send an email request to bethanystretch@sbcglobal.net and she will add you to the Yahoo group too so you can get the announcements direct if you would like!
Ancient Traditions Membership Fees and Basic Information
Single - $25 month
Family (limited to 2 adults and children living in same household) - $35 month
***We will not be offering any discounts for prepaying for a quarter or year yet but will visit this idea again after we hit our year mark!***
What does membership include?
* Access to the lending/resource library
* Access to on site exercise equipment and massage therapists sign up list
* Half price on all center sponsored classes and events – special events, seminars and outside classes not included but may be discounted as well
* Free admittance to Friday night drum circles
* Breaking news on events and classes – you get it first!
* A say in what we do at the center! You have a voice and we want your feedback!
* Access to clubs/groups being formed – we are looking into a re-enactors group, a brewers group, a gun club, a reading and/or poetry group, a travel group, and possibly a singles group….
* Performance troupes – we will be growing our current Belly dance troupe into several specialized areas including a ritual dance troupe, a kids dance troupe, a tribal BD group, an ethnic dance group, etc. We will also be growing our current drum troupe and expanding it to include other instruments… We would also like to create a performing re-enacting group, a ritual performance group, and a musical/choral group.
* Ability to be a “vendor” at the 5th Saturday Rummage sales (details below)
Event schedule – first draft!
* Friday nights – 8 – 12 Drum and Dance circle $5 for non members, free to members, starts 11/7/08
* Saturday nights –
o First Weekend each month : TBA
o Second Weekend each month: HAFLA – come party with the dancers! OUR FIRST HAFLA WILL BE HELD ON 11/15 SO AS NOT TO INTERFERE WITH THE DALLAS WITCHES BALL
o Third Weekend each month: Game Night – poker, darts, backgammon, chess, other card games and whatever else we want to throw into the mix!
o Fourth Weekend each month: Theme Party – we will begin choosing themes and will dress up the center to match the theme and hope you join us dressed to match! Have a suggestion for a theme? Email it to us!
o Fifth Weekend (4 a year): These Saturdays will be reserved for a full day rummage sale open to all members to sell/resell their stuff to help clear the clutter out of their lives.
Sale dates will be advertised in Thrifty Nickel, Craig’s list and via other email lists… Imagine… no more weather permitting garage sales and money in your pocket!
* Rituals will be scheduled among/around weekly/monthly events.
* Saturdays from 12 - 4 we will be setting up seminars of all types, so watch your email or the website when it gets on line to find out what is happening!
Class Schedule
* Mondays 7- 8 PM American Raks Sharki Bellydance with Candy
* Tuesday 6 – 7 PM Beginner Stretch Class (open to all levels of health, age and weight)
* Tuesday 7 – 8 PM Basic Bellydance with Sukayna
* Tuesday 8 – 9 PM Tarot Class
* Wednesday 7 – 8 PM Beginning Drumming with George
* Wednesday 8 – 9 PM Intermed/Advanced drumming with George (this will feed the drum troupe!)
* Thursday 6 – 7 PM Stretch 2 class – higher level/more intense workout
* Thursday 7 – 8 PM Advanced Belly dance with Tahiya
* Friday 6:30 – 7:30 – Druidery class
* Saturday 3 AM (yes! A third shift class offering!)Basicbell y dance and/or stretch class
* Saturday 4 PM – Kids Belly dance with Lami – 5 yr and up
* Sunday 12 – 2 PM Drum troupe rehearsal - troupe members only
* Sunday 2 – 5 PM Dance troupe rehearsal - troupe members only
* Sunday 5:30 – 6:30 PM Craft class
Most classes are $10 at the door for non members, and half price for members. detailed info will be available at the open house and class sign u week. We will be getting descriptions of the classes, teacher info, etc. out to the group as well as up on the website ASAP. We are still looking for teachers for Tai Chi, Tribal BD, Yoga, and any other classes that people might be interested in. We are heavy on the drum/dance/exercise end of things because people have stepped up to teach the classes.
I would love to add some classes based on our beliefs, history, creative process, art, craft, numerology, divination, meditation, and other subjects I cannot think of yet! We have timeslots open on Monday nights 6 – 7, 8 – 9, and 9-10, Tues 9 -10, Wed 6 – 7 and 9 – 10, Thursday 9 – 10, Saturday 5 – 6, and Sunday 6:30 – 7:30 and 7:30 – 8:30 for ongoing classes… Saturday 12 – 4 will be reserved for seminars on various subjects as we book them!
We are also setting up a beautiful retail area with crafts and items from many local artisans, from clothing to jewelry, candles to music, swords to statues...you never know what you will find! Come check it out! Retail area will be open weeknights from 6 - 10 PM, Saturdays from 10 - event time (around 7) and Sundays 10-6...
COME HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Troupe will rehearse as planned at the center on Sunday from 2 - 5...
Wednesday when we have power (WOOHOO!) we will start getting organized, doing retail inventory and getting everything arranged, set up, put up, and decorated.
We got a couple of more trips done last night (Thank you Troy, Sharkbait, and Missy!) while George and Laurie worked on the plumbing and bookshelves, plus we got temporary curtains up in retail.
Thursday night I hope to get the last of the stuff moved up to the center from our house (can use help then too since we have a desk, PC, sound/lighting equipment, and exercise equipment) while George gets the sound system hooked up/speakers hung (if I can find the stereo!) , then do some final arranging and kick back and enjoy each others' company for a while on Friday night! Maybe order pizza or something unless we want to do something more organized...
Please contact bethanystretch@sbcglobal.net or 469-556-6204 (Sanjni Tara) if you would like to come out and lend a hand.
All day Saturday day and evening will be an open house and chance for you to come check out the new center, meet the staff and some of the teachers, sign up for classes and get a membership if you like!
The following weeknights ( will be for class sign up and also meet the teacher/staff, and classes will begin the following Monday (11/10) and going forward. Our Website with class descriptions and more information is at http://ancient-traditions.org .
You can send an email request to bethanystretch@sbcglobal.net and she will add you to the Yahoo group too so you can get the announcements direct if you would like!
Ancient Traditions Membership Fees and Basic Information
Single - $25 month
Family (limited to 2 adults and children living in same household) - $35 month
***We will not be offering any discounts for prepaying for a quarter or year yet but will visit this idea again after we hit our year mark!***
What does membership include?
* Access to the lending/resource library
* Access to on site exercise equipment and massage therapists sign up list
* Half price on all center sponsored classes and events – special events, seminars and outside classes not included but may be discounted as well
* Free admittance to Friday night drum circles
* Breaking news on events and classes – you get it first!
* A say in what we do at the center! You have a voice and we want your feedback!
* Access to clubs/groups being formed – we are looking into a re-enactors group, a brewers group, a gun club, a reading and/or poetry group, a travel group, and possibly a singles group….
* Performance troupes – we will be growing our current Belly dance troupe into several specialized areas including a ritual dance troupe, a kids dance troupe, a tribal BD group, an ethnic dance group, etc. We will also be growing our current drum troupe and expanding it to include other instruments… We would also like to create a performing re-enacting group, a ritual performance group, and a musical/choral group.
* Ability to be a “vendor” at the 5th Saturday Rummage sales (details below)
Event schedule – first draft!
* Friday nights – 8 – 12 Drum and Dance circle $5 for non members, free to members, starts 11/7/08
* Saturday nights –
o First Weekend each month : TBA
o Second Weekend each month: HAFLA – come party with the dancers! OUR FIRST HAFLA WILL BE HELD ON 11/15 SO AS NOT TO INTERFERE WITH THE DALLAS WITCHES BALL
o Third Weekend each month: Game Night – poker, darts, backgammon, chess, other card games and whatever else we want to throw into the mix!
o Fourth Weekend each month: Theme Party – we will begin choosing themes and will dress up the center to match the theme and hope you join us dressed to match! Have a suggestion for a theme? Email it to us!
o Fifth Weekend (4 a year): These Saturdays will be reserved for a full day rummage sale open to all members to sell/resell their stuff to help clear the clutter out of their lives.
Sale dates will be advertised in Thrifty Nickel, Craig’s list and via other email lists… Imagine… no more weather permitting garage sales and money in your pocket!
* Rituals will be scheduled among/around weekly/monthly events.
* Saturdays from 12 - 4 we will be setting up seminars of all types, so watch your email or the website when it gets on line to find out what is happening!
Class Schedule
* Mondays 7- 8 PM American Raks Sharki Bellydance with Candy
* Tuesday 6 – 7 PM Beginner Stretch Class (open to all levels of health, age and weight)
* Tuesday 7 – 8 PM Basic Bellydance with Sukayna
* Tuesday 8 – 9 PM Tarot Class
* Wednesday 7 – 8 PM Beginning Drumming with George
* Wednesday 8 – 9 PM Intermed/Advanced drumming with George (this will feed the drum troupe!)
* Thursday 6 – 7 PM Stretch 2 class – higher level/more intense workout
* Thursday 7 – 8 PM Advanced Belly dance with Tahiya
* Friday 6:30 – 7:30 – Druidery class
* Saturday 3 AM (yes! A third shift class offering!)Basicbell y dance and/or stretch class
* Saturday 4 PM – Kids Belly dance with Lami – 5 yr and up
* Sunday 12 – 2 PM Drum troupe rehearsal - troupe members only
* Sunday 2 – 5 PM Dance troupe rehearsal - troupe members only
* Sunday 5:30 – 6:30 PM Craft class
Most classes are $10 at the door for non members, and half price for members. detailed info will be available at the open house and class sign u week. We will be getting descriptions of the classes, teacher info, etc. out to the group as well as up on the website ASAP. We are still looking for teachers for Tai Chi, Tribal BD, Yoga, and any other classes that people might be interested in. We are heavy on the drum/dance/exercise end of things because people have stepped up to teach the classes.
I would love to add some classes based on our beliefs, history, creative process, art, craft, numerology, divination, meditation, and other subjects I cannot think of yet! We have timeslots open on Monday nights 6 – 7, 8 – 9, and 9-10, Tues 9 -10, Wed 6 – 7 and 9 – 10, Thursday 9 – 10, Saturday 5 – 6, and Sunday 6:30 – 7:30 and 7:30 – 8:30 for ongoing classes… Saturday 12 – 4 will be reserved for seminars on various subjects as we book them!
We are also setting up a beautiful retail area with crafts and items from many local artisans, from clothing to jewelry, candles to music, swords to statues...you never know what you will find! Come check it out! Retail area will be open weeknights from 6 - 10 PM, Saturdays from 10 - event time (around 7) and Sundays 10-6...
COME HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Troupe will rehearse as planned at the center on Sunday from 2 - 5...
Wednesday when we have power (WOOHOO!) we will start getting organized, doing retail inventory and getting everything arranged, set up, put up, and decorated.
We got a couple of more trips done last night (Thank you Troy, Sharkbait, and Missy!) while George and Laurie worked on the plumbing and bookshelves, plus we got temporary curtains up in retail.
Thursday night I hope to get the last of the stuff moved up to the center from our house (can use help then too since we have a desk, PC, sound/lighting equipment, and exercise equipment) while George gets the sound system hooked up/speakers hung (if I can find the stereo!) , then do some final arranging and kick back and enjoy each others' company for a while on Friday night! Maybe order pizza or something unless we want to do something more organized...
Please contact bethanystretch@sbcglobal.net or 469-556-6204 (Sanjni Tara) if you would like to come out and lend a hand.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Still loving Ubuntu. It's been more than two years now since I switched to using strictly Ubuntu Linux at home and after reading the following article on Digg I was reminded of how often these days when people ask me to help them fix their computers that have picked up trojan's, spyware and other nasties from places on the internet that I have to remind them that I am getting a little rusty at my skills of dealing with such problems as I haven't had the need to use them that much in awhile.
Ubuntu's Rising Revenue Makes A Small Dent In Microsoft
Ubuntu's Rising Revenue Makes A Small Dent In Microsoft
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Isn't this cute? I do a little freelance web design and internet promotion work on the side and the page on my personal site that I talk about that on is called TroyForge. It was just a kind of play on the name of the popular Open Source site SourceForge that I came up with so I would have some kind of moniker to stick on the endeavor. Well, someone apparently thinks I might decide to go big time and get a domain under the name so they went out and registered the name hoping I would eventually come along and buy it for an inflated price.
troyforge.com
Ha ha ha! I hope they don't hold their breath waiting...
By the way, here's a link to my real TroyForge page:
The Real TroyForge
And a banner I created to help spread the word...
troyforge.com
Ha ha ha! I hope they don't hold their breath waiting...
By the way, here's a link to my real TroyForge page:
The Real TroyForge
And a banner I created to help spread the word...
Friday, October 03, 2008
Sarah Palin, predator control, shooting wolves | Salon
For the life of me I can't see how I can be expected to vote for someone who would condone this:
Sarah Palin, predator control, shooting wolves | Salon
Sarah Palin, predator control, shooting wolves | Salon
Sunday, September 14, 2008
By the way, have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE hosting with DrakNet? For years whenever someone has asked me to build a website for them, or help them with a site they already have or just ask for advice on getting started I always send them to DrakNet for professional service, fantastic features and an eco-friendly ethic. Lately they are running a great introductory plan that offers web hosting with SoHoLaunch website building tools included for $36 per year!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
I've had it with Dell's shoddy computers. The last three Dell laptops in a row I have purchased have developed problems shortly after the 1 year warranty expires. The latest is my Dell Inspiron E1505N which I bought in June of 2007. It has a problem which a little digging around on the internet reveals is quite common and that Dell is doing nothing but paying lip service to help. My screen is filled with 1 pixel wide vertical lines of varying colors. At first there was just one of them, then another and another 'til now I have some 20 lines on the screen rendering the display more and more useless. Here are some links to articles about the problem:
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/22/dell_probes_inspiron_screen_problem/
http://forums.devshed.com/computer-hardware-103/single-pixel-lines-in-dell-inspiron-screen-382937.html
http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2007/06/19/17774.aspx
The first link has links for several other articles about the problem. Unfortunately the link for the http://www.dellverticalline.com/ is no longer active and it redirects you to the Dell Customer NoSupport site which asks for your Service Tag number then basically says YOUR WARRANTY IS EXPIRED! Nah-nah-nah-BOO BOO! Get out your wallet!
Oh, they admit to some of their models having the problem. But according to them, mine is not one of the affected models. Yeah, okay, these lines are just a figment of my imagination! Whatever!
Needless to say, I've bought my last Dell.
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/22/dell_probes_inspiron_screen_problem/
http://forums.devshed.com/computer-hardware-103/single-pixel-lines-in-dell-inspiron-screen-382937.html
http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2007/06/19/17774.aspx
The first link has links for several other articles about the problem. Unfortunately the link for the http://www.dellverticalline.com/ is no longer active and it redirects you to the Dell Customer NoSupport site which asks for your Service Tag number then basically says YOUR WARRANTY IS EXPIRED! Nah-nah-nah-BOO BOO! Get out your wallet!
Oh, they admit to some of their models having the problem. But according to them, mine is not one of the affected models. Yeah, okay, these lines are just a figment of my imagination! Whatever!
Needless to say, I've bought my last Dell.
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