EAGLERIDER

Motorcycling has come a long way from the days of stereotypical riders to the present where riding motorcycles is for everyone. But not everyone who wants to ride wants to purchase a motorcycle. That is why EagleRider is in business.....the business of making the adventurous dreams of motorcycle riders and vacationers come true.

The cost of ownership can be significant so EagleRider has put together many different rental plans and programs. They have a huge selection of motorcycles to choose from including BMW, Harley Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Ninja and Yamaha. In addition, they also rent trailers, snow mobiles, All Terrain Vehicles and watercraft (jet skis). In addition to providing the motorcycles to rent, they also offer guided or self-guided tours ranging from touring Yosemite National Park in the winter on a snowmobile to an off-road adventure tour of private Montana land. They offer motorcycle adventures of all kinds to suit all different kinds of riders.

If you are an enthusiast but have not yet purchased the motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile or watercraft of your dreams, then click on the above link and consider renting any or all of the above. That adventure you have been thinking about and dreaming of is right around the corner with EagleRider.

ECONOMIC TRENDS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Today is the half-way mark for businesses on the calendar year. It's a time to look back and see the results, make judgments about the results and then take action based on the results. Below are 10 economic trends noted in the Philippines and it is very easy to make logical judgments about them.

1. Prices are rising rapidly (mainly food and oil).
2. Large numbers of jobs are being lost (agriculture sector actually grew 46,000 jobs).
3. Domestic production and overall income have slowed down across the board (manufacturing and public construction slowed way down).
4. Personal consumption spending slowed down dramatically (obviously).
5. Fixed investment has rebounded (private construction and durable equipment led the good news).
6. Foreign direct investments dropped steeply (nervous foreigners).
7. Government has reduced its spending (except salaries).
8. Exports have reversed dramatically (export growth last year offset by this year's export drop).
9. Growth in net income inflows remained high (only because outflows dropped so much).
10. Gross international reserves grew by nearly half (also good news, reserves are now at $36.2 billion).

Filipinos were obviously better off last year than this and the second half of 2008 holds no promises either. Although the above 10 could apply to many different countries, we should all pray for our families and friends in the Philippines. Hope is ahead.

LEARNING NETWORK TECHNOLOGY

Cisco is a giant in the computer industry providing hardware, software, and service offerings that are most often used to create the Internet solutions that make networks possible. This company currently employs more than 65,000 people worldwide and is one of the most innovative corporations in the world. For IT professionals, knowing Cisco and Cisco systems is mandatory. Cisco offers a variety of certifications including:

• Routing & Switching
• Design
• Security
• Service Provider
• Storage Networking
• Voice
• Wireless

In addition to the above, there are certifications in areas such as security, IP telephony, and wireless. A Cisco certification such as those above, will give any IT professional or anyone interested in knowing more about computers and computer system, a distinct advantage and a step ahead of the competition. A Cisco certification will give anyone the advantage they need in the IT world. Even if you are not in the IT world at present but are considering a career or a career change, be sure to check out Cisco's website on the link above. The IT world is growing by leaps and bounds and as technology changes, so do the certification demands to keep up with the technology. Cisco offers these programs to add credibility and bring valuable, measurable rewards to networking professionals, their managers, and the organizations that employ them.

Just click on the above link and you will see Cisco's learning website which outlines their certification programs. You will also find career advice and guidance to those wishing to enter this field. I would highly recommend the certification programs as a way to either start or advance your career in the in-demand world of computers and computer systems.

DISASTER IN ATLANTA

Six Flags Over Georgia is one of many amusement parks in the Six Flags franchise all over this country. Accidents happen every day but this one is the worst. A teenager in Atlanta, GA was decapitated when he climbed a fence into a restricted area to retrieve his hat. He was killed instantly when the coaster struck him. By the way, he was visiting Six Flags with his church group from South Carolina and his parents were in the park at the time.

AUTO BODY LA

One of the worst things in the world is having car trouble and even worse is when you are in a car accident. No matter who is at fault you need someone you can trust to make the repairs to your automobile and make it look just like it did before the accident. At auto body la you will find qualified collision repair experts you can trust with your auto. Just click the above link, peruse their website and locate a collision repair expert you can trust.

THE REAL MCCAIN?

Will the real John McCain PLEASE stand up? Can we hear from you some consistent policy or will we just have to tolerate the back and forth, lick your finger and stick it in the air politics if you become President? Will you pander to special interests, wear out poll takers and enrage your fellow party members just to make them squirm like you did as a senator all these years?

John McCain is a war hero. No one can take that away and no one in public life can really match his sacrifice for this country. Strong on military - national defense - very high regards for John McCain in this area. Also, he is a fiscal conservative which means he is not a money waster. HOWEVER, he spearheaded the McCain-Kennedy immigration bill, which included amnesty for illegal aliens. Maybe because his State (Arizona) is over-run with illegal aliens and he needed their votes? Even more controversial was McCain-Feingold, a disastrously wrongheaded attempt at correcting so-called campaign finance abuses which ended up threatening core First Amendment free-speech rights of many organizations and individuals. Double ouch!

He is conservative and liberal. He is both Republican and Democrat. Independent is more suited for him as the conservative facade sometimes gets old. As I stated in the Obama post, we truly have no good choices for President of the United States this year.

SOCIALSPARK LOVES MOMMY BLOGGERS

SocialSpark is a great website devoted to advertisers and bloggers. From a blogging standpoint, it is great because it is a great way to earn income for your blogging. And for advertisers, they often look to the medium of blogging to quickly spread the word about their product or service because there are so many blogs and so many bloggers looking to make a part-time income. For a small price advertisers can gain links and exposure to their main product or service. And as a stay at home Mommy, this is perfect for me.

I have lots of friends who had been blogging for a while and encouraged me to do the same. Bloggers are all over the world and what better way to network with like-minded people from this country and others than to blog. And what better way to make a stay at home income than to sign up for SocialSpark. I have found Mommies just like myself who want to be with their children but also want to earn some extra income for whatever the reason and SocialSpark provides that avenue for me. In addition to making good friends, I have made a good part-time income.

If you are a stay at home Mom or you already work part-time or are looking for some way to make an extra income, you should click on the above link and sign up for SocialSpark. Be sure to sign up for their free newsletter as well. SocialSpark loves Mommies and as a Mommy myself, I sure love SocialSpark. Sign up today!

HALF MILLION FILIPINOS - GONE

More than 500,000 Filipino workers said goodbye to their loved ones and headed off to other countries to find greener pastures in the first 5 months of this year. Very simply, they left behind their families to work for their families. Korea has called the Philippines the "Best Practices Country" from an OFW standpoint. The Philippines is the most efficient in sending their people away to work. That's because they have goals to meet and exceed.

It is a new and disturbing concept I recently grasped and that is this - the Philippine government has goals for the number of people they send off to other countries so that those workers can send back to the Philippines a good portion of what they earn. They have goals for the amount of remittances as well. Why does the "government" have goals for remittances when it is the individuals money he/she is earning and sending back to their families? I guess because the local economy is stimulated when the families receive the money and buy goods and services and the government of the Philippines doesn't know how to create that economic stimulus themselves.

Sorry I am slow to learn and fully understand the system. I keep thinking there needs to be a nucleus of devoted people who will, no matter what the cost, stay in the Philippines with one goal...change. Not the Obama "change" which is nothing but political jargon......but real, honest, hard working, gut wrenching, sacrificial change that starts in the heart and ends in the body. A tireless, never-give-up attitude. I often wonder what I would do...............

THE PERFECT ESCAPE

Perfect Escapes is the perfect escape - for those who are looking for.....a perfect escape. This site will show you the world's best hotels and destinations and help you get there. And what better escape is there than Wynn Las Vegas? Las Vegas is the city famous for staying open 24 hours a day. And right now Perfect Escapes is having a sweepstakes that can take you to Las Vegas for FREE! And if you join their mailing list you will be entered for a chance to win a Las Vegas vacation! With all the shows and casinos and entertainment, it would be an incredible time. Just click on either of the above links and see for yourself today! And while there please sign up for their Perfect 10 Newsletter.

A FIL-AM RESCUE EFFORT

Filipino divers and U.S. military personnel gather beside the sunken ferry, Princess of the Stars, during search and rescue operations in Sibuyan Island. Hundreds of corpses are believed trapped in the ferry, which flipped over with 865 passengers and crew on board during the recent typhoon. I am very proud to see a Fil-Am effort in recovering the bodies.

SPACIFY YOUR BATHROOM

Making sure your bathroom looks its best is key for any home. The above photo is just one example from Spacify on how to add beauty and class to a very important room in your house. From BATHROOM CABINETS and vanities to sink and tub faucets they have it all. Just click on the above link and see for yourself modern and contemporary bathroom furniture Spacify can offer your home.

BILL GATES TO RETIRE FROM MICROSOFT

Bill Gates is a legend and always will be. He stepped away from managing Microsoft's day-to-day operations and became their Chief Software Architect (isn't Vista somewhat of a flop?) not too long ago. And now he is stepping away for good. Yes, he will remain their largest shareholder and be on their Board of Directors but his involvement in Microsoft will be limited to attending Board meetings and voting. He and his wife will devote themselves full-time to their charity. Here's the full story.

GOODBULBS FROM HOLLAND

In addition to roses, tulips are my favorite flower. They are a bulb and the best way to produce the most beautiful tulips is to have access to the best bulbs. Goodbulbs is a company that can ship tulip bulbs of all kinds straight to your door. The best time to order bulbs is early so you have access to a variety of different kinds of bulbs and also because they are at the peak of their freshness. Just click on the above link and you will be taken to the Goodbulbs website where you will find not only the best variety of tulip bulbs, but their new Tulip Gardener Starter Kit as well. Check them out today!

SHAME, SHAME, SHAME ON SHAQ

Dear Shaq, Grow up. Your rap was stupid and childish. Your language was profane and filled with self pity. You are rich yet you are so poor. You are strong and yet you are so weak. You have everything and yet you really have nothing. Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were only joking. My bad.

Shaq will lose his special deputy’s badge in Maricopa County because of language he used in this rap video. He will also lose the respect of "whitey" as well as other people he so gleefully "dissed (?)" in his rap. Oh well, maybe he will hurry up and retire. How old is he again?

THE POWER OF CISCO

I think everyone has heard of Cisco. They are a giant in the computer industry providing hardware, software, and service offerings that are used to create the Internet solutions that make networks possible. Today, they employ more than 65,000 people worldwide and are one of the most innovative companies in the world.

For IT professionals, knowing Cisco and Cisco systems is imperative. Cisco offers a variety of certifications including:

• Routing & Switching
• Design
• Security
• Service Provider
• Storage Networking
• Voice
• Wireless

And there are many more. In addition to the above, there are certifications in technologies such as security, IP telephony, and wireless. A Cisco certification such as those above, will give any IT professional or anyone interested in knowing more about computers and computer system, a step ahead of the competition. A Cisco certification will give anyone an advantage in the IT world. Even if you are not in the IT world at present but are considering a career or a career change, be sure to check out Cisco's website on the link above. The IT world is growing by leaps and bounds and as technology changes, so do the certification demands to keep up with the technology. Cisco offers these programs to add credibility and bring valuable, measurable rewards to networking professionals, their managers, and the organizations that employ them.

By clicking on the above link, you will see Cisco's learning website which outlines their certification programs. You will also find career advice and guidance to those wishing to enter this field. I would highly recommend the certification programs as a way to either start or advance a career in the in-demand world of computers and computer systems.

OUR DANIEL UPDATE

Here's an update on our little Daniel Gerald. He turned 4 months old recently and is growing so fast right before our eyes. He is eating his first solid food!

He loves to play now so much! We posted more pics of him on the right hand column so we hope you enjoy them. Happy blogging everyone!

THE PARS INSTITUTE

At the Pars Institute in California, their Board Certified surgeons specialize in a wide range of plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Their specialty covers such procedures as breast augmentation, lift and reduction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction. Their practice is devoted to the patient in providing a comfortable and clean office environment, excellent customer service and a quick and safe procedure. They have 4 convenient locations in California to serve you so whether your interest is in breast enlargement San Bernardino or liposuction in Beverly Hills, they have locations to meet your medical needs. Click on the above link and see for yourself that the Pars Institute is the number one choice for plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

AWAY WITH SULU?

There was an editorial written recently proposing the Philippines abandon Sulu. All non-militant residents of Sulu would be given assistance to relocate to another part of the Philippines but get out of Sulu and let the terrorists have it.

"Yes, Congress should enact a law giving Sulu its independence and cut the rebels off forever.........in cutting Sulu off, these terrorists would lose a big chunk of their income –ransom."

Well said but what are the chances? It makes sense so maybe that is why it won't work....know what I mean? What about Tawi Tawi...caught between Malaysia and Sulu? Here's the editorial - we are extremely interested in your comments.

GET THE ADVANTAGE

People rent cars for a variety of reasons. When your car is in need of repairs, when you go on vacation, when you fly somewhere and need transportation - there are many reasons to rent. And there is one company that seeks to be the best and most dynamic car rental business and that is Advantage Rent a Car. Right now at Advantage, there are many special offers including one which is an offer of up to a 50% discount on Luxury and Convertible car rentals. If you are in need of a rental car and are looking for not only the best car but the best service, then click on any of the above links and see why Advantage is the best.

GLORIA WELCOMED TO US

The US Government has warmly welcomed President Arroyo to Washington DC where she will engage in talks with President Bush over the next couple of days. She arrived in San Fransisco on Sunday with her husband and others for her 10-day stay (some reports say only 7 days). You can read her message and the US's welcome message here.

THE WINDY CITY

There are tons of things to do in Chicago. Chicago is by far one of my most favorite cities to visit and is one of the more memorable vacations we have taken. We had a long list of things to do so when we landed, we hit the ground running. I knew I wanted to see the Billy Graham Museum so we went there first. Also, great landmarks such as the Sears Tower, Wrigley Field and the Moody Bible Institute were on our list and we managed to see them all in our short time there. We also rode along Lake Shore Dr. and enjoyed the beautiful view of Lake Michigan. In all, it was an action packed time where we were more tired coming home than we were going, but it was well worth it.

When planning your next vacation I would recommend using Trusted Tours & Attractions. They can plan your vacation from A to Z. From the early planning stages of deciding on a destination and getting the plane tickets to making hotel and car rental reservations, they can do it all. Also, they can provide a variety of online travel guides for a variety of cities other than Chicago. For example, they can provide a list of things to do in Orlando. Or maybe you want to see the Metropolitan museum of art. Just click over to their website on any of the above links and you will see the many services they offer. Also, if you register for their newsletter, you will be entered with a chance to win a handheld GPS. Check out their website now!

FERRY CAPSIZES IN PHILIPPINES

Two men who struggled to shore after escaping from a passenger ferry that capsized during Typhoon Fengshen said Sunday hundreds of people may have died when they were trapped inside the ship. Another sad chapter in the Philippines wet weather saga. President Arroyo scolded Coast Guard officials for even allowing the ferry to leave during the storm. You can view a slide show of the disaster and read more of the story here.

REMAIN ACTIVE

More and more people are using walkin tubs these days for a variety of reasons. They are safe, they are easy, they are convenient and they are very therapeutic. And Remain Active is a company dedicated to providing the best walk-in tubs available today. Their premier walkin tub is called the Hydro Elite Bath Tub which has all the ergonomic features that provide the best bathtub experience for people of all ages. In particular, their tubs provide for a deep bathtub, a warm soak bathtub, invigorating hydrotherapy, and the gentle swirl of air massage. If you or someone you know is in the market for a walkin bathtub, just click on the above link and see why Remain Active has the best quality product at the best price.

HEALTHCARE PAYS FOR SUICIDE BUT NOT MEDICINE

File this one under crazy government programs...in the state of Oregon. Barbara Wagner has cancer and needs chemotherapy. The Oregon Health Plan has offered to pay for an assisted suicide but will not pay for her medication and chemotherapy. Stupid! Here is what their decision was saying..."Barbara, it will be too expensive to pay for your medications and chemo treatments because they will prolong your life. It will cost too much for you to live. Rather, we want you to consider killing yourself, with our help of course. We will pay for it." Anyone who thinks government controlled health care is good for our nation is either uninformed or just plain tanga! Here's the story.

CAVENAUGH AUTOMOTIVE

Bruce Cavenaugh is the premier used auto dealer in Wilmington, North Caroline. In his auto superstore, he has a broad selection of vehicles including Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Buick, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Suzuki, Mercedes, BMW, Mazda, Acura and many more. Coupled with the best used auto selection is the best car-buying experience as clients are treated like family and friends. Both cars and trucks are in inventory and ready to be searched on his website. If you are in the market for used cars Wilmington NC, or in the I-95 vicinity, then click on the above link and check out the largest selection of used automobiles anywhere east of I-95 today!

COURT OVERTURNS PARENTAL DECISION

A father in Canada grounded his daughter from a school trip because she disobeyed his orders to stay off the Internet, but a court overturned the punishment. What?? The daughter was chatting on websites the father had tried to block and also she was posting inappropriate pictures of herself on the Internet. So the father took action and grounded her. However, the daughter appealed to the courts and Justice Suzanne Tessier in a Quebec Superior Court ordered the grounding for the girl lifted. By the way, the daughter is 12 years old.

Here are my questions:

• How does a 12 year old girl know how to use the court system in her favor?
• What pathetic lawyer helped a 12 year old girl get her complaint to a judge?
• Where does a 12 year old girl get the courage to fight her parents so boldly?
• Where is the outrage in Canada?

A reasonable punishment for continuous disobedience to a parent is to ground the child. Now the parents of Canada have to worry about the courts stepping in and overturning their parental decisions. Sad state. Here's the story.

THERMAGE CHICAGO

Lakeview Dermatology in Chicago, Illinois is a leading dermatology clinic specializing in such treatments as hair removal treatment, Restylane treatment, laser acne treatment and other skin care treatments. Many people these days are also seeking treatment for wrinkles and sagging skin. Thermage Chicago is noninvasive and proven to be very effective. Dr. Eugene Mandrea and Dr. Steven Mandrea lead the way at Lakeview Dermatology helping people achieve better skin for a healthier life.

CELTIC FAN BEATEN IN LA

Gabriel Mendivil was beaten up in Los Angeles. Below is the video. He was beaten up because he wore his Boston Celtics jersey to the Celtics-Lakers game in Los Angeles. Just goes to show you how wonderful some Laker fans are. Many in Boston showed their sympathy by flying him and his little girl to Boston for the celebration parade. He arrived in a limo and was treated to a free room at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. Nice consolation.

HISTORY'S MYSTERIES

CRISS ANGEL Believe is currently playing at Luxor Las Vegas. Criss Angel is most famous as a master magician and illusionist and now uses his talents in this show which delves deep into his mind and his creative abilities. Angel is a huge fan of another magician, Harry Houdini, whom he named his show after. Houdini was a magician famous for being an escape artist and also exposing phony mediums claiming to speak to the dead. Before Houdini died, he gave his wife a code word. He said there will be many who claimed to speak with him after he was dead and if they used this code word, then they were legitimate. The code word was "Believe." None used the word. But now, Criss Angel has chosen this word as the title of his new show.

When you click on the above link you can watch videos of Criss being run over by a cement roller, performing mind-boggling card tricks, being suspended in thin air and walking on water. Of course these are just illusions but they appear so believable which distinguishes him from other illusionists and magicians. In his show Criss Angel Believe, he stars as a Victorian Noble who encounters Kayala and Crimson and others as the audience is given a dark look into his mind and creativity.

Interested in attending the show? There is a Text Message contest where all you need to do is simply text 'Believe' to 22122 to win 2 tickets to 'CRISS ANGEL Believe.' Be sure to click the above link and enter the fascinating and mystical world of master magician and illusionists Criss Angel.

DEAD MONEY

They sit on the sidelines and make millions of dollars in the process. They are a team owner's worst nightmare. The money spent on them is called dead money. They are the bench warmers of professional sports. Here is a list of top earners who are paid to be ready just in case they might play.

• Dave Roberts - San Fransisco Giants $6.5 million
• Jacques Jones - Florida Marlins $6.3 million
• Jay Payton - Baltimore Orioles $5 million
• Dmitri Young - Washington Nationals $5 million
• Frank Catalanotto - Texas Rangers $4 million.
• Chad Pennington - New York Jets $7 million
• Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila - Green Bay Packers $6.6 million

Nice job. Most of them at one time were great and now they are struggling but tied to their contracts. If you want to read more and see a slide show of these athletes, just click here.

COUPON NINJA

Coupon Ninja is a great website that can help you save money on most of your online purchases. With gas prices still on the rise, shipping costs are also increasing. The best way to offset that cost is through the use of the coupons found on this site. Virtually any merchant you can think of will have a coupon for saving money on Coupon Ninja. Some of the merchants with coupons on this site are Target, Papa Johns, Old Navy, Office Max, Petco, Macy's and Walmart. Promo Codes, coupon codes and discounts for any of your online purchases adds up to major costs savings. Just click on the above link and check out their website to see all the great cost savings for any of your online purchases today!

TIGER GONE FOR NOW

Playing through the pain was his motto for the week of the US Open and now, as a result, he will have to sit out for the rest of the year. Tiger Woods defied doctor's orders and played in the US Open last week and he actually won, which isn't the most amazing part. It was his 14th major victory so we are used to him winning. What is truly amazing is that he played in pain just weeks after knee surgery. Now, as a result, he will need more surgery on his left knee and will miss the rest of the year. Here's the whole story.

THE BEST WEB HOSTS

Many bloggers and website owners are looking for a good web hosting company. Rather than using the free hosting that is often available but limited, many choose to link their domain up to a quality web host where the capabilities are more vast. The only question is which host is the best for your blog or website. Their is a great website called Web Hosting Geeks that does web hosting comparisons and web hosting rating so you can easily compare and contrast the various web hosting services available. Also they show web hosting award recipients, web hosting reviews and have a dedicated section for webmasters. If you are looking at making a change in your web host or seeking more information about implementing a web host service for your site, please click on any of the above links and you will have access to the best information available on the top web hosts so you can make the best decision for your blog or site. Give them a look today!