FIL-AM ICON

Alberto S. Bacani, pictured here, works on the ninth floor of the Environmental Protection Agency building in Alexandria, Virginia. At 97, (yes you read that correct) this Filipino is probably the oldest person working in any federal agency. Until he was 95, Bacani was working full time -- eight hours a day, five days a week.

He is known at work as an agency icon but I would like to elevate him to Fil-Am icon status. Here are some more details of his life...........

• Bacani put all five of his children through college.
• He is a published author of textbooks.
• He’s been married to the same woman for 70 years.
• Bacani survived a Japanese prisoner camp in World War II.
• He dodged death threats after exposing corruption by his co-workers.
• He weathered the transition when he migrated to the United States from the Philippines.
• He overcame grief over the death of two of his children.

This is a fascinating man I would absolutely LOVE to sit down and talk to. He has seen it all and at age 97, he continues to live life.......I want to be just like him! Here's more of his life story.

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM

Now that it's summer we are all thinking about keeping cool as the weather turns hot. One of the best ways to keep cool is to enjoy cold, refreshing ice cream. People of all ages love ice cream from the oldest to the youngest and one of the best kinds of ice cream comes from Cold Stone Creamery. And right now they are holding a contest. This is an unbelievable contest and chance to win a lot of money for anyone ages 13-19. It's the Awesome Cold Stone Contest or the iMix America Contest where someone will win $30,000. This is a national ice cream contest where you are called upon to invent an ice cream creation that others will buy.

Cold Stone Creamery specializes in everything from unique ice cream creations to smoothies, cakes and shakes. They are the leader in quality ice cream products and are taking business to the next level by putting their next product in your hands to create. This contest is their way of engaging the customer to find out what we like. If you are between the ages of 13 and 19, or know someone in that age range, I would strongly consider entering this contest or getting them to enter and put their skills to the test. Their next ice cream creation is in our hands! Just click the above link for more information and contest rules.

REMOTE TRIBE PHOTOGRAPHED

This is a dramatic photo taken from a plane flying over a remote Amazonian tribe that has never before been contacted. You can click the photo to enlarge it but it is obvious they reacted with fear and anger. They began shooting arrows at the plane which is a hopeless defense but I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for the tribe as I am sure they felt shocked and attacked. It is very interesting to hear about and study and see pictures of these kinds of things but on the other hand....just leave them alone. For more photos and the story you can click here.

WITNESS PROTECTION

USA Network's new original series In Plain Sight is a great new drama that revolves around the Federal Witness Protection Program and those who are overseeing it as well as those who are in it. Being in the program would be a scary and difficult proposition but that is what is faced by those who witness serious crimes and have to testify against the criminals. Their lives are in danger as a result and they are put in this protection program which involves relocating to a different place away from those who may seek their revenge. That is what In Plain Sight is all about.

If I witnessed a crime and had to be put in the Witness Protection Program, I would want to relocate to a large city in the northeast. Probably New York City. The larger the city, the more anonymous I could remain. Settling in a smaller town is appealing as well but people in small towns tend to ask a lot of questions of strangers versus in the large city where "no one cares."

I am looking forward to this new series and by clicking the above link you can visit their website and read more about the actors and actresses and the storyline behind this great new show.

RACHAEL RAY - TERRORIST SUPPORTER?

Believe it or not, Dunkin' Donuts pulled this ad of Rachael Ray promoting their products because the scarf she is wearing is similar to scarfs worn by those supporting Muslim extremism and terrorism. It's true! Outcries to the company over this scarf led them to make the decision to not run the ad. Understandably they didn't want any misperception.

But, I ask - is Rachael Ray sending a secret message to some sleeper cell here in the States through this commercial that it's "go time?" Is Dunkin' Donuts the real mastermind behind terrorism here in the States? Why 30 Minute Meals and not the old fashion 60 minute meals made by my Mom? I smell a conspiracy and will be watching Rachael Ray with a different mindset from now on. (sarcasm) Here's the story.

CHANCE TO WIN iPOD NANO

Development Dimensions International (DDI) is conducting a survey. The survey is targeted toward health care executives as a way of gathering important information to be used in the overall improvement of health care. They are especially looking for human resource executives in a hospital or health care delivery system. I, myself, work in health care and I can concur that our health care system is in dire need of repair. From health insurance companies to hospitals and clinics, there are major issues we all face whether we are a patient or a doctor or work within the industry. This survey provides critical information that goes toward the rehabilitation of the health care industry. And best of all, DDI is offering a chance to win an iPod nano if you fill out the brief survey. To take the survey, click here.

PATENT THIS

A patent is a legal way of protecting something you invent. If you invent something that has potential value and you want to protect your rights to the invention so no one steals it from you, then you apply for a patent. I was reading today about some of the craziest patents that exist and wanted to share the list with you:

1. Pair of Fake Sideburns for Sunglasses - Patented in 1996 and perfect for a Halloween costume.
2. Jewelry for Animals - A patent issued in 1982 provides for personalized earrings for animals with two decorative sides and interchangeable ‘add on' decorative parts.
3. Cheese Filter Cigarette - For adults, there is a patent issued in 1966 for a cigarette with grated Parmesan cheese in the filter.
4. Drug Awareness Game and Method for Playing - On rainy days, your children can play this board game where players assume the identities of police officers and fight the war against crack cocaine.
5. Apparatus for Facilitating the Birth of a Child by Centrifugal Force - With this invention, the mother-to-be is strapped down to a table that is then is spun to allow centrifugal force to take its course and aid in childbirth. This invention by a husband and wife team was patented in 1965.

Enough! We get the idea! People will patent anything they feel has value....anything!

INFRARED BODY WRAPS

Infrared Wraps are state of the art in the world of massage and spa therapy. They are used for such things as body contouring and inch loss. Another popular usage is to improve the appearance of cellulite. Infrared therapy also does a lot to improve blood flow and bring pain relief to various parts of your body as well. There are many useful ways to incorporate infrared wrap therapy into your life to bring not only improvement but relief. Just click the above link to learn more.

FILIPINO ARTIST WINS CONTEST

Filipino artist, Joe Datuin, who is from Dagupan, Pangasinan has won the grand prize for the sculpture category of the Olympic Sports and Art Contest of the International Olympic Committee and his works will be on display at the Olympic Expo in Beijing. Mr Datuin beat other artists from 36 countries and regions for his masterpiece entitled "Dancing Rings." He is pictured here with his winning work. Nice job! Here's the whole story.

IN PLAIN SIGHT

USA Network's new original series In Plain Sight is a brand new crime drama starring Mary McCormack as Mary Shannon, a U.S. Marshal who works closely with the highly secretive Federal Witness Protection Program. This drama is based in New Mexico and features this and other characters who work with federal witnesses protecting and managing them in the course of rebuilding their lives after witnessing criminal acts. The show premieres on June 1 and promises to be one of the better show offerings this summer. Just click the above link and you will find a review of the program and a complete look at the entire cast of this great new show. Be sure to mark your calendars and watch the premiere of this great new show.

DADDY'S CORNER

{Start Copy Here}

I seldom do the tags, but this time, I won't let this tag pass by...I am thankful to Anne, and Sheng for tagging me this Daddy tag.

Started by Mitchteryosa

Rules:

1) Copy from {Start Copy Here} to {End Copy Here}.

2) Blog/Brag about your husband - yes, the father of your child/ren. As I’ve said singles may also join by bragging about their own fathers, or even grandfathers. It doesn’t matter! Of course, Daddy bloggers themselves may also join, but you have to blog about your fathers and not about yourselves, deal? Okay. Good.

3) Add your blog in the master list below linking to the post that you just made. Or if you wish, do it as how I’ve done it in my other blog by adding a new page.

4) Leave your comment here and don't forget to leave your link so you can be added on the masterlist. Yup. Here . Thanks!5) Let’s not forget Peppermint Creative for the corner border I used for the badge.

Masterlist

1. When Silence Speaks

2. Everything About Deye

3. Etc Atbp

4. Pinay Mommy Online

5. Coffee Cup Princess

6. Pinaymama's Dairy

7. A Mother of Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

8. Everything that has Breathe Praise the Lord

9. Kate Ashley

10. Top Form Secrets

11. Marilyn

12. Anything and Everything in Between

13. Can of Thoughts1

14. No Place Like Home

15. Sheng's Simple Thoughts . . .

16. Bisdak Footprints

17. A Fil-Am Journey

{End Copy Here}

I've read a lot of bloggers how they brag about their husbands being a great father to their kids, and its now my turn to say something about my husband. Dana is not a first time father, but his excitement is very evident when we found out we're having a baby. Daniel wasn't born yet, but he was already loved greatly by his Daddy by caressing my tummy everyday, talking to him, whispering to him how much he loves him and that he can't wait to hold him in his arms. When we saw Daniel for the first time through the 4D sonogram, and we were told our baby's a "boy", I saw the tears in his eyes.. He kept telling me, he's very happy and that he couldn't thank me enough for making him a daddy again. I saw the same tears when we were at the hospital and I was in labor, trying to push hard for Daniel to come out. He was my strength when I was getting weak.....And more tears fell the very moment his eyes laid on our precious little boy... I always knew, even before Daniel, that he's a great father... With Dana, life is great and perfect. Daniel and I are truly blessed.. Our son fits in Dana's loving and protective arms perfectly. He is giving Daniel the best start of his life, he reads children's books to him since he was a week old, he sings the nursery rhymes to him all the time, he plays with him, he changes his diapers, he feeds him, and there's more... At night time, my heart is so touched how Dana prays with Daniel... I feel it everyday that he's a great Daddy. One thing that makes me soooooo deeply moved is that he keeps telling our son the words, " I love you so much anak ko " and " I love your Mommy so much ". He wanted to instill in Daniel's heart and mind how much he loves me so he feels secure all the time, and when he grows up, he'll know what true love is. Being the most wonderful husband to me, and being the best Daddy to Daniel, my heart is filled with so much joy and appreciation. Thank you so much Lord for our Dana.

I would like to tag Sheila, Cathy, Mira, and Amor. Let's talk about our beloved husbands being a father to our kid/kids...

DREAM ESSENTIALS

I have been a light sleeper for a long time. I have tried many things from the kind of bed we sleep on to a better pillow to over-the-counter sleep aids but one thing remains the same.....I wake up a lot during the night. It can be very frustrating but I read of a company called Dream Essentials that offers a variety of products to help you get a great night's sleep. Their products range from white noise machines and sleeping masks to special pillows and ear plugs. They offer quality products and their prices a quite reasonable. I would recommend clicking the above link and checking out their wide range of products all targeted toward those interested in getting a better night's sleep.

WORLD RECORD BROKEN

Did you hear about this one? Kevin Whittaker and Cory Jens of San Francisco made a bid for the world record by shaking hands for 9 1/2 hours - which appears to shatter the previous record by 30 minutes. "I looked up what some of the weakest records were," Whittaker said. "I'm not going to break the 100-meter dash record, but I thought I could break this record." One of my motto's over the last several years has been that I hate to waste time. And once again find myself torn between finding this a colossal waste of time and a pretty neat achievement. To be in the Guinness Book of World Records would be incredible but then again, why would it matter. A world record for shaking hands......who keeps track of this? Someone either has too much time on their hands or they have a pretty good job. By the way, is there still a rice shortage?

KNOWING IS BETTER

STD testing has always been a sensitive subject and quite embarrassing for many. Now there is a company that specializes in this and their main goal is your privacy. tSTD is a company of experience professionals that guarantee and protect your privacy every step of the way. Feel free to click the above link and learn more about this important service they provide for your protection......as their logo says, "Knowing is Better."

PINOY SPOTLIGHT

Artemio Murakami from Manila, Philippines has qualified to this year's United States Open. He normally plays on the Asian Tour - you can see his winnings and a short history of his playing career if you click here. If you are not acquainted with the golf tour here in the States, the US Open is one of only 4 major championships. If you qualify and do well, you can earn a spot on the US Tour which is extremely lucrative and probably the goal of every foreign golfer. The US Open is in July and you can believe I will be posting about that tournament all four days....just like I did back in April with The Masters! Three cheers for this Pinoy qualifier!

ADVERTISERS WANTED

SocialSpark.com is a website that offers advertisers the chance to sponsor bloggers who, in turn, write about their product or service. This type of connection between advertisers and bloggers is relatively young and there is still a wide open market and plenty of room for growth....both on the bloggers side and on the advertisers side.

Advertisers range from individuals marketing themselves to businesses wanted to get the word out about their product or service. One of my favorite advertisers thus far has been 1800flowers.com. They are a quality company that treats their customers fairly and honestly.

I would love to see a wider variety of advertisers come to the table and get involved with bloggers. Large corporations like Red Bull and other energy drinks would do well with this advertising medium. Most sophisticated companies like IBM, Microsoft and GE could also benefit as most bloggers may not realize we use and touch their products and services in one way or another every day. Other than large scale advertising on TV, why not use bloggers to get the word out about their products? I also think companies like Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble could increase their market share by simply allowing bloggers to post about what they sell....imagine posting about a new release by a popular author...their sites would increase the number of hits exponentially.

Overall, there is a great untapped market of consumers who not only blog themselves, but read other blogs as well. Companies with large market shares could become even more profitable, through sponsoring our posts and our blogs.

10 THINGS ABOUT US

Thank you Joanne for this tag. Here are random things about us...

Rules:
1. Each blogger starts with 10 random facts/habits about themselves.
2. Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their 10 things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 10 people to get tagged and list their breads.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged and to read your blog.

About us:
1. Dana, my husband, was adopted.
2. Dana loves golf, basketball, and bowling... He got a golf and basketball scholarship in college. Most people don't know that he's very good in billiards...
3. He's a "cum laude" graduate in college... (I'm so proud of him!)
4. His favorite food? What else but...eggs...whether its boiled, pouched, omellet, anything....
5. I, (Debbie) was a working student since I was in gradeschool. I made fans,( my aunt's business ) and also worked at Jollibee.
6. I dreamed of Dana (his face) even before we had met...I knew he's the "right one" for me...
7. I was a registered teacher in the Philippines...
8. Aside from our love of children, Dana and I love the elderly. We visit nursing homes and make them happy.
9. Dana and I just love being together, we love playing with Daniel...
10. Our favorite kind of movie is....horror films, hehe!

We would like to know know more about you guys...Ate Gigi, Cathy, Sheila, Borski, Jenn.

TICKETS FOR FREE!!

Free Ticket Exchange is an excellent website where you can buy or sell tickets. It works very nicely and the site is...best of all....free! Here is how it works. Let's say you have tickets to an event....baseball game, theater production or even a concert....and you can't use them. Something comes up which prevents you from attending so what do you do with those tickets? At Free Ticket Exchange you simply post your tickets and wait for someone to bid on them. Once you have a satisfactory bid, you contact the buyer and make delivery arrangements. In exchange you receive "tokens" which allow you to buy other tickets.

The benefits of this website are many. Some of us at one time or another have faced that same problem...getting stuck with tickets we can't use. For example, Filipinos love Manny Pacquiao and the sport of boxing. Suppose you had tickets to the event but something came up and you couldn't attend. This website would allow you to post those tickets with no high fees. You could sell the tickets to a mutual "Pacman" lover and get your money back. You are able to choose with whom you do business, and you can name your own price. I would encourage you to visit their site and look around at all the tickets currently for sale. They are neatly divided up in these categories:

1. Sports
2. Concerts
3. Theater
4. Community

If you are in the market or regularly buy tickets to any of these kinds of events, I would encourage to you visit their site and utilize them to both buy and sell tickets. And remember it's free!

TAGGED

Got this tag from Che. Thank you sis! Here are some random facts about me...Enjoy reading!Participants: Tere-Blessing in Life 2.Yen- Me and Mine 3.Aggie - Pink and Brown Diaries. 4. Mich - Random Thoughts 5. Vannie - FunFierceFab 6. Jane - My Charmed Life. 7. Abie – Women Xplore 8. Jody - In This Game of Life 9. Eds – Just Me. 10. something purple 11.vanity kit 12. em's detour 13. mind bubbles 14. In Demand Opinions 15. Sweet Lullaby 16. MJ's Hurrah17. Buzzing Around 18. Tasteful Voyage 19. A Mom's Note 20. Cheerful 20. A Fil-Am Journey

1. What do you want for your birthday?
Anything, especially if it was given by my husband and our son, Daniel.
Also, traffic for our online magazine, " Fil-Am Today "

2. Who will be your next kiss?
My handsome asawa... :)

3. When was the last time you went to the mall?
Yesterday..

4. Are you wearing socks right now?
Oh no, its already warm here...

5. How did you spend your summer?
Went to a lot of places around GA with my husband. ( while I was pregnant )

6. Have you been to the cinema in the last 5 days?
Oh my...NO....not yet, we have to wait until Daniel is bigger...

7. What was the last thing you had to drink?
Water...sake...lol...JK!!!

8. What are you wearing right now?
Nursing gown, hehe...

9. What was your last purchase?
Skin care products from Bath and Body Works...

10. What was the last food you ate?
Spaghetti with cream of mushroom soup...super yummy!

11. Who would be the person you would call if you were up in the middle of the night and couldn’t sleep?
Sorry, I won't call anyone...I'll just wake up my husband (Dana) and tell him I couldn't sleep...hhhmmm...

12. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?
Nope...

13. Do you have a pet?
None anymore...

14. What made you laugh in the last 5 days?
Alot.... Dana and Daniel makes me laugh all the time...

15. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
In a hearbeat... Manaoag, Pangasinan, Philippines.... to where my Mommy is....Miss her alot!

16. What is the last thing you purchased online?
Can't remember...I think its our glossy business cards...

17. One thing you hate about yourself?
Sometimes, i'm hard headed....

18. Do you miss anyone?
Yeah, Mommy...

19. What are your plans for the day?
Aside from blog hopping and doing the tags, hubby and I plan to visit the church later on, come back home, then start to grill..

20. Last person you msg’d?
I can't even remember....oh I think my sister, sent her offlines @ YM...

21. Ever went to a camp?
Yes, when I was in grade school, I used to be a Girl Scout...

22. Are you a good student in school?
I think so.... don't have many accomplishments but I know I was good enough... (without bragging here please..)

23. What do you know about the (your) future?
I know and I am very positive that Dana and I are settled in the Philippines together with our kids,having a blissful life...

24. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?
At this moment? No... But I prefer cologne from Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works...

25. Where is/are your best friend/s right now?
My # 1 bestfriend is my wonderful husband, Dana, he's at home right now.
And Kat, my bestfriend for years is now in Taytay, Rizal...


Let me tag... Borski, Jenn, ate Gigi, Sheila, and Cathy.

LA POLICE GEAR

This picture shows the headquarters of LA Police Gear. L.A. Police Gear, Inc. was founded by Los Angeles area Police Officers and although their business has changed over the years, they still offer a great product and service to the public. They offer everything from rifle slings and flashlights to boots and tactical watches. They have it all. Just click the above link to visit their website and see all the great gear they have available.

HONORING OUR MILITARY

I am a big believer in the military. They selflessly take orders, whether they agree or not, and defend our nation no matter the cost. On this Memorial Day, I remember my father who served in the military during World War II, helping to defend not only the United States but protecting the Philippines as well. At 3:00 pm today, life will momentarily stop here in the States to observe a moment of silence for our fallen heroes. It's worth remembering and it's worth our respect.

I BLOG FOR SOCIALSPARK

This is a screen shot from Social Spark. From the creators of PayPerPost now comes a great new website.....but actually it's more than just a website. It is a social network. It is an opportunity for bloggers to earn money. It is an opportunity for advertisers to create "buzz" about their product or service.

Social Spark is a social networking site that incorporates all the great features you look for in a quality social network. You have the opportunity to add friends, network with other bloggers, leave comments not only for other bloggers but for the advertisers as well. When you sign in, on your home page will be featured blogs, featured opportunities and you can see comments from other bloggers about opportunities as well as comments left for you.

SocialSpark also gives bloggers the opportunity to earn from their blogs. If you look closely at the above picture, it is actually a screen shot of this opportunity. All the details are laid out for you and they give you 12 hours to complete the post. You are still competing for the opportunities as in other sites, but it seems to be easier to get them.

Lastly, SocialSpark is an avenue for advertisers to create buzz. More and more businesses are realizing the value of bloggers in reaching a wider audience with their message. Paying bloggers to advertise for you as a business has a huge return on investment and it is a smart business practice to do so.

I also want to mention that Social Spark is an honorable company. While there are always frustrations on our end as bloggers, they strive as a company to conduct business with a high sense of ethics as shown here:

• 100% Audit-able In-Post Disclosure
• 100% Transparency
• 100% Real Opinions
• 100% Search Engine Friendly

If you are a blogger, I would advise clicking any of the above links and research more about this great opportunity to earn an income from your blog. Nothing ventured, nothing gained and with Social Spark, you have a lot to gain. If you are an advertiser...same goes for you - click on any of the above links and find out exactly how profitable this venue of advertising can be for your business.

THE WEEKEND IN PICTURES

On Friday we took some pictures of our growing baby boy!

On Saturday, we took some pictures of our growing baby boy (is there an echo in here?).

Also, on Saturday we cooked our world famous meatloaf (with chopped broccoli and ham on the inside) - masarap!

On Sunday, I preached at an assisted living home for some of the sweetest folks on God's earth.

Also on Sunday, we took timeout to treat ourselves to a meal at one of our favorite restaurants.

We will post more pictures of our Memorial Day weekend tomorrow as we have plans to just chill and grill!! Have a great Memorial Day!

HONORING OUR DECEASED LOVED ONES

Gravesite Masters is doing a tremendous job of making sure the grave sites of our loved ones are beautiful and stay beautiful. I am a big believer in honoring those who have gone before us and one of the ways to do that is to make sure their grave site is the best it can be. This company specializes in this at several levels offering a variety of products and services for grave site care. They specialize in the obvious like flowers (fresh and artificial), floral arrangement and delivery, to the not-so-obvious like cemetery products, sympathy gifts, and stone care, including cleaning and restoration. Making grave sites beautiful nationwide is what they do best.

One of the more fascinating and important services Gravesite Masters offers is their stone care. A grave stone in a large way, tells a story of the deceased love one. Typically it will tell their full name and the dates of their birth and death. Some even have little sayings or even Bible verses. This is something that is always visible to the public and in my opinion, the central feature of a grave site. So keeping it clean is especially important. Weather will take its toll over time on a gravestone and this company can restore to original beauty any gravestone no matter how old. Want to see examples? Click here to watch an amazing transformation of an old worn gravestone transformed into a beautiful contemporary looking stone. This is one of the more amazing services they offer.

Feel free to click on any of the above links to check out their website and become familiar with the very important service they provide of beautifying our loved ones grave site.

HOT ROD GRANDMA

A 96-year-old great-great-grandmother got to blaze around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 180 miles per hour in a race car driven by a veteran Indy racer. "Oh, that was fun!" said Edith Pittenger of Muncie, who has been attending the Indianapolis 500 race during Memorial Day weekend since 1965.

I'm impressed. If this was my great-great- grandmother I would have tried to stop her. But then again, I would have realized that she deserved the chance to do whatever she wanted to at her age. I think she earned that right. Nice job grandma!

BOAT SAFE AND BOAT SMART

It's Memorial Day weekend and that means the grand opening of the Summer season! Not only are people getting their grills fired up, but many will be getting their boats back into the water. Boating is a wonderful water sport that can be enjoyed by not only adults but kids as well. But there are also dangers. Boating Education is needed by anyone seeking to drive or even be on a boat. One of the worst things that happens each year are alcohol related boating accidents. Below are two videos related to Boating Operating Under the Influence and Boating Education Online.






While the above relate to Arizona Boating the essential are true everywhere. No one should operate a boat under the influence and boating safety should be first and foremost in the minds of those operating a boat. Especially during this holiday season.

TRUE FRIENDSHIP

For two Vietnam veterans from Queens, N.Y., this upcoming Memorial Day is even more meaningful than years past. Not only do William Kelly and James Donahue share a friendship that has lasted for more than 20 years — the two men are now bound by a true gift of life. I love these kinds of stories. These guys are not family but ex-Marines who maintained a close friendship over the years. Recently Donahue was in desperate need of a kidney. His friend William stepped forward and said, "Take mine." Both are doing fine after the surgery. It reminds me of what Jesus said, "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Here's the story.

IDENTITY PROTECTION

I have never actually been the victim of identity theft but I have known people who have. It is a horrible mess that takes a long time to sort out. Imagine your identity stolen and used for the illegal purchase of goods only to find that you are getting the bill for what someone else stole...in your name! LifeLock is a company that can help prevent such a mess from happening. They take preventive steps to ensure that your identity and your credit is as protected as can be. When there are alerts on your identity, lifelock will notify you right away. All along, they will continue to monitor to make sure your identity is secure. Just click the above link and check out this great measure of protection against one of the fastest growing crimes...identity theft. It's a small price to pay for such a large amount of protection!

CHILD FOR SALE ON EBAY

BERLIN — Authorities in southern Germany have taken custody of a 7-month-old boy after his parents posted an ad on eBay offering to sell him for one euro, or about $1.60. The ad for the baby only stayed on eBay for about 2 hours as many who saw it alerted the police right away. The couple claims it was just a joke but authorities are treating it as a possible human trafficking incident. Imagine the conversation that took place between the husband and wife as they decided to put their child up for sale on the world's most public auction site. Some joke. Here's the story.

PHOTOFIDDLE

Photofiddle.com is a great website where you can let your artistic side shine. On this site you can take a real photo and turn it into a custom piece of art. And now, readers of this blog can claim a prize - a free stretched canvas - simply by registering at their website. Photofiddle made the Oprah Olist and has been featured on The Today Show as well as USA Today. I would recommend checking out their website, claiming your free prize and also turning a favorite photo into a custom piece of art!

FUN FACT FRIDAY

5 QUICK PIECES OF TRIVIA

1. Antarctica gets very little snow, so why is there snow on the ground there? Because the snow that does fall on the continent never melts.


2. John Tyler, the 10th president, had the most children of any president- 15.


3. Researchers believe that herring communicate with one another in a way humans would find repulsive; by passing gas.


4. The runner-up in career NBA assists is held by a player with the initials M.J., but surprisingly, it’s neither Magic Johnson nor Michael Jordan. The playmaker in question is Mark Jackson.


5. Ironically the only member of ZZ Top without a beard has the last name Beard.

Now we can all sleep better tonight. Have a great weekend!

HOST MY POST

There's a great new website called Host My Post. It is an article management system that has appeal both to advertisers and publishers. If you are an advertiser looking for buzz and getting noticed with more inbound links or you have a product or service campaign, then their site would be beneficial to you. If you are a publisher such as a blogger looking for relevant articles to post, then this service is worth checking into as well. In essence, this is a form of article advertisement where, as a blogger, you would post articles on your site written by the advertisers. The articles are original and matched for relevance to your site and can be changed at the discretion of the advertiser. It's a win-win situation as the advertiser gains links and buzz for their company and the blogger gains points that can be converted into money or used in other ways at Host My Post. The articles are also search engine friendly which can positively effect a blog's page ranking. They have a great new concept and whether you are an advertiser or a blogger, it is worth clicking the above link to check out their website.