Happy New Years Everyone!
New Years Day Video by U2
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2010 Laws Target Texting, Smoking, Cooking
2010 Laws Target Texting, Smoking, Cooking
Cash-Strapped States Clamp Down on Texting while Driving, Smoking in Public and Cooking with Trans Fats
(AP) Texting while driving, smoking in public and cooking with artery-clogging trans fats will be that much harder under a bevy of state laws set to take effect around the country on Friday.
Faced with huge budget shortfalls and little extra money to throw around, state lawmakers exercised their (inexpensive) power to clamp down on impolite, unhealthy and sometimes dangerous behaviors in 2009.
Even toy guns were targeted.
Among the most surprising new laws set to take effect in 2010 is a smoking ban for bars and restaurants in North Carolina, the country's largest tobacco producer that has a history steeped in tradition around the golden leaf.
Starting Saturday - stragglers get a one-day reprieve to puff away after their New Year's Day meals - smokers will no longer be allowed to light up in North Carolina bars and restaurants. There are exceptions for country clubs, Elks lodges and the like, but the change is a dramatic one for North Carolina, whose tax coffers long depended on Big Tobacco.
Virginia approved a similar law that took effect Dec. 1, but it's more accommodating to smokers because it allows establishments to offer areas in which to light up as long as they have separate ventilating systems.
Not including Virginia and its partial ban, smoking will be banned in restaurants in 29 states and in bars in 25, according to the American Lung Association.
And 12 more states - including Florida, Michigan and Arkansas - have passed laws requiring manufacturers to make their cigarettes less likely to start fires, leaving Wyoming as the only state without such laws, according to the Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes.
America's roads should be safer in 2010, as bans on texting while driving go into effect in New Hampshire, Oregon and Illinois. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, that will make 19 states that have outlawed the practice, not including six states that prohibit using hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel.
"This legislation is important and will make our roads safer. No driver has any business text messaging while they are driving," said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, whose office regulates drivers.
Tina Derby, 42, of Warner, N.H., said she has no intention to stop texting while driving, despite the possible $100 fine she could receive.
"I'd better start saving my money," Derby said.
A new Arkansas law prohibits retailers from selling toy guns that look like they real thing. But it may not have that big of an effect.
Imitation guns used for theater productions and other events are exempted, as are replicas of firearms produced before 1898, BB guns, paintball or pellet guns.
Major retailers in the state also say they don't expect any major changes from the new ban. Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says it already follows similar federal restrictions prohibiting the sale of realistic-looking toy guns.
California will be the first state to partially ban the use of artificial trans fats in restaurants in 2010, following several major cities and fast-food chains that have erased the notorious artery-clogger from menus.
Starting Friday, the state's restaurants, bakeries and other retail food establishments will no longer be allowed to use products with trans fats in spreads or for frying. Restaurants will still be allowed to use trans fats to deep-fry yeast dough and in cake batter until Jan. 1, 2011.
And a new anti-paparazzi law is set to take effect Friday in the state with the movie star governor that will make it easier for celebrities to sue media outlets claiming invasion of privacy.
Fans of dog races will have to find another form of entertainment in Massachusetts, as the 75-year-old tradition has been outlawed starting Friday.
In New Hampshire, a new gay marriage law will replace a law that allows civil unions, which already provided gay couples with all the rights and responsibilities of marriage.
Starting Friday, a gay couple in a civil union can get a marriage license and have a new ceremony, if they choose. They also can convert their civil union into marriage without going through another ceremony. Couples who do nothing will have their civil unions automatically converted to marriages in 2011. Conservatives are seeking to repeal the law.
In Wisconsin, both same-sex and unwed opposite-sex domestic partners who work for the state and University of Wisconsin can sign up to receive health insurance benefits. A law that allowed same-sex partners to sign a registry to receive other benefits similar to what married couples get took effect in August.
Some other laws set to take effect:
• Teenagers going to a tanning bed in Texas will have to be accompanied by an adult.
• Oregon employers are prohibited from restricting employees from wearing religious clothing on the job, taking time off for holy days or participating in a religious observance or practice.
• The sale of "novelty" lighters - devices designed to look like cartoon characters, toys or guns or that play musical notes or have flashing lights - are banned in Nevada and Louisiana.
"They're cute, they're little, but they can be deadly," said the Nevada bill's co-sponsor, Assembly Majority Floor Leader John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas.
Cash-Strapped States Clamp Down on Texting while Driving, Smoking in Public and Cooking with Trans Fats
(AP) Texting while driving, smoking in public and cooking with artery-clogging trans fats will be that much harder under a bevy of state laws set to take effect around the country on Friday.
Faced with huge budget shortfalls and little extra money to throw around, state lawmakers exercised their (inexpensive) power to clamp down on impolite, unhealthy and sometimes dangerous behaviors in 2009.
Even toy guns were targeted.
Among the most surprising new laws set to take effect in 2010 is a smoking ban for bars and restaurants in North Carolina, the country's largest tobacco producer that has a history steeped in tradition around the golden leaf.
Starting Saturday - stragglers get a one-day reprieve to puff away after their New Year's Day meals - smokers will no longer be allowed to light up in North Carolina bars and restaurants. There are exceptions for country clubs, Elks lodges and the like, but the change is a dramatic one for North Carolina, whose tax coffers long depended on Big Tobacco.
Virginia approved a similar law that took effect Dec. 1, but it's more accommodating to smokers because it allows establishments to offer areas in which to light up as long as they have separate ventilating systems.
Not including Virginia and its partial ban, smoking will be banned in restaurants in 29 states and in bars in 25, according to the American Lung Association.
And 12 more states - including Florida, Michigan and Arkansas - have passed laws requiring manufacturers to make their cigarettes less likely to start fires, leaving Wyoming as the only state without such laws, according to the Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes.
America's roads should be safer in 2010, as bans on texting while driving go into effect in New Hampshire, Oregon and Illinois. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, that will make 19 states that have outlawed the practice, not including six states that prohibit using hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel.
"This legislation is important and will make our roads safer. No driver has any business text messaging while they are driving," said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, whose office regulates drivers.
Tina Derby, 42, of Warner, N.H., said she has no intention to stop texting while driving, despite the possible $100 fine she could receive.
"I'd better start saving my money," Derby said.
A new Arkansas law prohibits retailers from selling toy guns that look like they real thing. But it may not have that big of an effect.
Imitation guns used for theater productions and other events are exempted, as are replicas of firearms produced before 1898, BB guns, paintball or pellet guns.
Major retailers in the state also say they don't expect any major changes from the new ban. Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says it already follows similar federal restrictions prohibiting the sale of realistic-looking toy guns.
California will be the first state to partially ban the use of artificial trans fats in restaurants in 2010, following several major cities and fast-food chains that have erased the notorious artery-clogger from menus.
Starting Friday, the state's restaurants, bakeries and other retail food establishments will no longer be allowed to use products with trans fats in spreads or for frying. Restaurants will still be allowed to use trans fats to deep-fry yeast dough and in cake batter until Jan. 1, 2011.
And a new anti-paparazzi law is set to take effect Friday in the state with the movie star governor that will make it easier for celebrities to sue media outlets claiming invasion of privacy.
Fans of dog races will have to find another form of entertainment in Massachusetts, as the 75-year-old tradition has been outlawed starting Friday.
In New Hampshire, a new gay marriage law will replace a law that allows civil unions, which already provided gay couples with all the rights and responsibilities of marriage.
Starting Friday, a gay couple in a civil union can get a marriage license and have a new ceremony, if they choose. They also can convert their civil union into marriage without going through another ceremony. Couples who do nothing will have their civil unions automatically converted to marriages in 2011. Conservatives are seeking to repeal the law.
In Wisconsin, both same-sex and unwed opposite-sex domestic partners who work for the state and University of Wisconsin can sign up to receive health insurance benefits. A law that allowed same-sex partners to sign a registry to receive other benefits similar to what married couples get took effect in August.
Some other laws set to take effect:
• Teenagers going to a tanning bed in Texas will have to be accompanied by an adult.
• Oregon employers are prohibited from restricting employees from wearing religious clothing on the job, taking time off for holy days or participating in a religious observance or practice.
• The sale of "novelty" lighters - devices designed to look like cartoon characters, toys or guns or that play musical notes or have flashing lights - are banned in Nevada and Louisiana.
"They're cute, they're little, but they can be deadly," said the Nevada bill's co-sponsor, Assembly Majority Floor Leader John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas.
Reuse Your Christmas Tree as a Garden Insulator
Reuse Your Christmas Tree as a Garden Insulator
If you haven't already recycled or curbed your holiday tree, This Old House has some crafty ideas on getting some use out of its broken-down parts. If your winter involves snow, for instance, its parts make great garden boosters.
There are a few non-garden uses suggested among the 10 uses, arranged in a lightly aggravating gallery format. Assuming you don't think of a tree trunk slice as an ideal coaster, you'll be mostly interested in how any tree can be broken down into pieces that arrange and protect an outdoor garden:
Insulate Perennials: Cut off boughs and lay them over perennial beds to protect them from snow and reduce frost heaving.
Edge Your Borders: Cut the trunk into 2-inch discs and set them into the soil to edge flower beds or walkways.
How have you put a spruce, fir, or other holiday tree to good use after its intended time is done? Share the recycling tips in the comments.
10 Uses for Your Christmas Tree [This Old House]
If you haven't already recycled or curbed your holiday tree, This Old House has some crafty ideas on getting some use out of its broken-down parts. If your winter involves snow, for instance, its parts make great garden boosters.
There are a few non-garden uses suggested among the 10 uses, arranged in a lightly aggravating gallery format. Assuming you don't think of a tree trunk slice as an ideal coaster, you'll be mostly interested in how any tree can be broken down into pieces that arrange and protect an outdoor garden:
Insulate Perennials: Cut off boughs and lay them over perennial beds to protect them from snow and reduce frost heaving.
Edge Your Borders: Cut the trunk into 2-inch discs and set them into the soil to edge flower beds or walkways.
How have you put a spruce, fir, or other holiday tree to good use after its intended time is done? Share the recycling tips in the comments.
10 Uses for Your Christmas Tree [This Old House]
SAWYER BROWN - THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND
Since it is the New Year, My wish for everyone is to stop and take a little time...
Everybody's busy with their own situation
Everybody's lost in their own little world
Bottled up, hurry it up trying to make a dream come true
Everybody's living like there ain't no tomorrow
Maybe we should stop and take a little time
Cause you never really know what your neighbor's going through
Lyrics
A mother riding on a city bus
Kids are yelling kicking up a fuss
Everybody's staring not knowing what she's going through
Somebody said don't you even care?
Do you let 'em do that everywhere?
She slowly turned around, looked up and stared
She said Please forgive them
But they've been up all night
Their father struggled but he finally lost his fight
He went to heaven
In the middle of the night
So please forgive my children
(They don't understand)
Everybody's busy with their own situation
Everybody's lost in their own little world
Bottled up, hurry it up trying to make a dream come true
(They don't understand)
Everybody's living like there ain't no tomorrow
Maybe we should stop and take a little time
Cause you never really know what your neighbor's going through
(They don't understand)
A man driving on the interstate
Slowing down traffic making everybody late
Everybody's staring not knowing what he's going through
Somebody honked from the passing lane
Yellin' out the window, I ain't got all day
The old man looked around and he caught his eye
He said please forgive me
You know it's been a long life
My wife has passed away and my kids don't have the time
I've been left all alone
And its getting hard to drive
So please forgive me children
(They don't understand)
Everybody's busy with their own situation
Everybody's lost in their own little world
Bottled up, hurry it up trying to make a dream come true
(They don't understand)
Everybody's living like there ain't no tomorrow
Maybe we should stop and take a little time
Cause you never really know what your neighbor's going through
(They don't understand)
A man hanging on a wooden cross
Giving everything to save the lost
Everybody's starin' not knowin' what he's going through
Somebody said you don't have a prayer
If you were king, come down from there
The man just turned his head looked up and stared
He said please forgive them
For they have not seen the light
They'll come to know me when I come back to life
Go to heaven, to make everything all right
So please forgive your children
(They don't understand)
Everybody's busy with their own situation
Everybody's lost in their own little world
Bottled up, hurry it up trying to make a dream come true
(They don't understand)
Everybody's living like there ain't no tomorrow
Maybe we should stop and take a little time
Cause you never really know what your neighbor's going through
(They don't understand)
A mother riding on a city bus
Kids are yelling kicking up a fuss
Everybody's staring not knowing what she's going through
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Playing around in the cold again. I went to go get what should be *fingers crossed* *gulp* our last packs of cigarettes forever and gas for Shawn's car.There is a button you have to push to get the dumb door open. In the cold, that is just one more step and inconvenient, since I wasn't smart enough to push it before getting out of the car.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
I am so happy to be in bed before 3am!!! For the first time in a week since winter vacation. It is so quiet. My ears are ringing, but I feel more calm and at ease instead of anxious, which is what it has been for the past month. Right now I am making a list of my resolutions for the new year. I know it sounds so cliche, but it's true. I have been thinking about this for a few months now and really have thought them through carefully. so now the next part on acting on them is to write them down and then prepare to be able to follow through on them beginning Thursday/Friday. i
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
VIDEO: Prince spends night on the streets
VIDEO: Prince spends night on the streets
I think this is great that Prince William is creating awareness, not only for the Centrepoint Non-Profit Organization, but for the Homeless everywhere. He was right when he said "I hope that by deepening my understanding of the issue, I can help do my bit to help the most vulnerable on our streets" after his night time escapade.
"I cannot, after one night, even begin to imagine what it must be like to sleep rough on London's streets night after night" the prince said.
I'm sure this is an experience he will always remember.
~"There is no amount of money in the world that will make you comfortable if you are not comfortable with yourself." -Stuart Wilde
It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich or poor according to what he is, not according to what he has.” -Henry Ward Beecher
I think this is great that Prince William is creating awareness, not only for the Centrepoint Non-Profit Organization, but for the Homeless everywhere. He was right when he said "I hope that by deepening my understanding of the issue, I can help do my bit to help the most vulnerable on our streets" after his night time escapade.
"I cannot, after one night, even begin to imagine what it must be like to sleep rough on London's streets night after night" the prince said.
I'm sure this is an experience he will always remember.
~"There is no amount of money in the world that will make you comfortable if you are not comfortable with yourself." -Stuart Wilde
It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich or poor according to what he is, not according to what he has.” -Henry Ward Beecher
Susan Sarandon's Dogs Like Famous People (VIDEO)
I saw this on David Letterman last night. She was funny and I thought that was a cute idea.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
Looking to know the name of the Charity that Prince William works with...
Looking to know the name of the Charity that Prince William works with...I know it is Centerpoint. But was hoping to find the Official Link to Centerpoint.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tonight at 7pm the U.S. Senate candidates debate. You can watch it LIVE at http://ping.fm/4ca1a or on TV this Sunday morning at 8am...or wherever else they are broadcasting.
Christmas Shoes - New Song
This is a Favorite Christmas Song of mine...gotta tell you, every now and then, it makes my eyes teary. Consider yourself warned. :D
Monday, December 21, 2009
I had to restore my Facebook account?!
I was on my facebook account earlier and there was no signs of anything strange. A few hours later, I go to log on to my facebook and it is asking me to verify and reset my account password. I don't know if any of my friends have been affected by any "strange" activity from me, but I think they think everything I do is strange, so how would they be able to tell? lol
Anyways, this is what I needed to do, if anyone is curious:
Keep me logged in Forgot your password?
Step 1
Security Check
Step 2
Verify Account
Step 3
Change Password
Step 4
Additional Contact Info
Step 5
Restore Account
Thanks TooheyMomster - you've successfully restored your account
Account Safety Tips
Use a different password for each of your online accounts
If you click a link to get to Facebook, check the website address when you arrive to make sure it's www.facebook.com (not www.facebook.othersite.com, for example)
Always upgrade to the most current version of your web browser and keep your anti-virus software up-to-date
Check out the Help Center for more tips to help you keep your account safe in the future.
Become a fan of the Facebook Security page to stay on top of the latest information related to account safety.
Facebook © 2009 English (US)
Anyways, this is what I needed to do, if anyone is curious:
Keep me logged in Forgot your password?
Step 1
Security Check
Step 2
Verify Account
Step 3
Change Password
Step 4
Additional Contact Info
Step 5
Restore Account
Thanks TooheyMomster - you've successfully restored your account
Account Safety Tips
Use a different password for each of your online accounts
If you click a link to get to Facebook, check the website address when you arrive to make sure it's www.facebook.com (not www.facebook.othersite.com, for example)
Always upgrade to the most current version of your web browser and keep your anti-virus software up-to-date
Check out the Help Center for more tips to help you keep your account safe in the future.
Become a fan of the Facebook Security page to stay on top of the latest information related to account safety.
Facebook © 2009 English (US)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Google Apps; To Protect" or not to "Protect"
By this time, most of you have cell phones and now with smartphones being all the rage, apps are becoming the fad of phones. I, myself have the HTC Google Android G1 phone that my husband gave me for Christmas last year.
I have been to the Android Market thousands of times and have downloaded more than my share of apps, for free, of course. Only to have downloaded so much, that I eventually get that lovely "Low On Space" notification on the top of my phone in the notification pull down menu.
After factory resetting my phone a few times and 2 new replacement phones that were thankfully covered by HTC, I had to learn to not get attached to my data saved in my apps. Until I found out about the Astro and App Manager apps, which backup your downloaded apps and stores them in my Micro SD card in my phone.
This is when I discovered that some apps are "protected", meaning that they can not be backed up on your Micro SD card. You have the choice of leaving it installed on your phone or to delete it.
I am curious as to why someone would choose to "protect" an app and furthermore, why on a Google phone, when, to my understanding, it is all "open source"?
In the meantime of finding that out, I will share the "protected" apps with you all and then free them off my phone, forever.
I was at : 233-235 Chalmers St, Springfield, MA 01118,
I have been to the Android Market thousands of times and have downloaded more than my share of apps, for free, of course. Only to have downloaded so much, that I eventually get that lovely "Low On Space" notification on the top of my phone in the notification pull down menu.
After factory resetting my phone a few times and 2 new replacement phones that were thankfully covered by HTC, I had to learn to not get attached to my data saved in my apps. Until I found out about the Astro and App Manager apps, which backup your downloaded apps and stores them in my Micro SD card in my phone.
This is when I discovered that some apps are "protected", meaning that they can not be backed up on your Micro SD card. You have the choice of leaving it installed on your phone or to delete it.
I am curious as to why someone would choose to "protect" an app and furthermore, why on a Google phone, when, to my understanding, it is all "open source"?
In the meantime of finding that out, I will share the "protected" apps with you all and then free them off my phone, forever.
I was at : 233-235 Chalmers St, Springfield, MA 01118,
Gmail - The GrandCentral website is shutting down - GrandCentral is now Google Voice.
Gmail - The GrandCentral website is shutting down - GrandCentral is now Google Voice.
Dear GrandCentral User:
We're writing to let you know that we will be closing down the GrandCentral website as of December 31, 2009.
All GrandCentral accounts were upgraded to Google Voice earlier this year, but since that time, you've still been able to log-in to your GrandCentral account and listen to old messages there. You will no longer be able to log-in to your GrandCentral account after December 31. Because of this, we strongly suggest downloading any messages or contacts that you want to keep before December 31.
We suggest you take action now to download any information you want to keep.
- The Google Voice Team
You've received this mandatory service announcement email to update you about important changes to your GrandCentral account.
Google Inc. - 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043
Dear GrandCentral User:
We're writing to let you know that we will be closing down the GrandCentral website as of December 31, 2009.
All GrandCentral accounts were upgraded to Google Voice earlier this year, but since that time, you've still been able to log-in to your GrandCentral account and listen to old messages there. You will no longer be able to log-in to your GrandCentral account after December 31. Because of this, we strongly suggest downloading any messages or contacts that you want to keep before December 31.
We suggest you take action now to download any information you want to keep.
- The Google Voice Team
You've received this mandatory service announcement email to update you about important changes to your GrandCentral account.
Google Inc. - 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Attention: Springfield Public Schools is holding an H1N1 Vaccination Clinic for Elementary aged students this Wednesday, Dec 9, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. at the High School Of Commerce.
If you would like your child take part in this vaccination, you must pre-register by calling 413-787-6508 by 4pm Tuesday, Dec 8, 2009 (Tomorrow)
Quantities are unlimited and will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
If you would like your child take part in this vaccination, you must pre-register by calling 413-787-6508 by 4pm Tuesday, Dec 8, 2009 (Tomorrow)
Quantities are unlimited and will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
Pennies for Peace gives you the tools to open your world and empower communities through education in Pakistan and Afghanistan! By participating in Pennies for Peace you make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time. While a penny is virtually worthless, in impoverished countries a penny buys a pencil and opens the door to literacy. Join Pennies for Peace and give lasting hope to children half a world away!
http://ping.fm/C0zO6
http://ping.fm/C0zO6
All girls are valuable. Invest in a Girl and she will do the rest. It's no big deal. Just the future of humanity. It's called...The Girl Effect.
The Girl Effect, n.The powerful social and economic change brought about when girls have the opportunity to participate in their society.
http://ping.fm/QdxP5
The Girl Effect, n.The powerful social and economic change brought about when girls have the opportunity to participate in their society.
http://ping.fm/QdxP5
It turns out Progressive was not the cheapest for vehicle insurance. Sorry for whoever was rooting for Progressive. We called 4 companies. Progressive, Geico, AllState and USAA. Progressive was almost $400 more per year than the others, AllState wouldn't do business with us at all, Geico and Progressive wanted (2) - 6 month payments. USAA Won! They were about $2 more per month than Geico, but we also get to make the usual monthly payments (month to month) instead of the 2 times a year payments. Which is EXACTLY what we need, especially 2 weeks before xmas.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thank You Everyone, for sharing your birthday wishes for me and sharing my Birthday with me. It really means alot to me and does brighten the day. I am just going through the Daily Grind right now, going in the shower right now after dropping my TooheyBugs off to school, then taking my friend to the dentist this morning and then checking all my Social Networking Sites...especially a shoutout to @Facebook, @Twitter and @My Blog! I am taking it slow today, just trying to enjoy the day and soak in every moment and lesson that life has to teach and especially enjoying the Record High Temp, a nice warm 66 Degrees and Sunny here in New England. This Birthday is certainly different than any other I have experienced in my past 30 years. I don't know what is planned for my Birthday for later, but that is just all part of the "surprise" of a birthday. I have always preferred to have surprises than to be told first. I guess that is the true Sagittarius in me shining through! :o)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The FTC and Social Compliance
Today, Dec. 1, the FTC’s new Endorsement Guidelines officially go into effect. If you’re a marketer tapping into the power of social media, word of mouth or advocacy programs, this isn’t something to be taken lightly.
http://ping.fm/kqbga
Today, Dec. 1, the FTC’s new Endorsement Guidelines officially go into effect. If you’re a marketer tapping into the power of social media, word of mouth or advocacy programs, this isn’t something to be taken lightly.
http://ping.fm/kqbga
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