WEBSITES WITH THE MOST HITS

I thought you might be interested......there is a report called Hit Wise that calculates which websites are getting the most hits. Take a look at the Top 10 News and Media Category Websites with the most hits and their respective market share.

1. Yahoo! News http://www.news.yahoo.com/ 7.48%
2. CNN.com http://www.cnn.com/ 3.97%
3. MSNBC http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ 3 .14%
4. The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/ 2.69%
5. Google News http://www.news.google.com/ 2.43%
6. Drudge Report http://www.drudgereport.com/ 2.31%
7. The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/ 1.99%
8. Fox News http://www.foxnews.com/ 1.98%
9. People Magazine http://www.people.com/ 1.51%
10. Yahoo! Weather http://www.weather.yahoo.com/ 1.14%

ROBERT ALLEN FABRICS

Interior design has always been an interest of mine. I confess I don't know a lot of brand names when it comes to decorating - usually I just look at something and know if I like it or not. My husband leaves it to me. But as I shop for curtains and such for our home, I am finding one brand that stands out not only for quality and design, but for price as well. Robert Allen Fabrics are a high quality line of fabrics but also a quality name for window treatments, bedding and pillows, covers, window hardware, furniture, trimmings and much more. They have a devotion to quality and are backed by the industry's highest standard of service.

As mentioned above, Robert Allen also sells custom window treatments. They have natural woven shades, Roman shades, drapery panels, valances and swages, cornices, table skirts, roller shades, shower curtains and more. Their line of products is second to none and they offer everything on their website http://www.fabricsandhome.com/. Their prices are competitive and their quality is superior. Robert Allen Fabrics is a name you can trust and rely on . Just click either of the above links and you will see for yourself the beautiful and high quality fabrics and more by Robert Allen.

FILIPINO ECONOMIC MAYHEM

Opposition Senator Francis Escudero on Friday urged the government to buy locally-made products as supply and materials for its construction projects in order to protect and promote the country's labor and manufacturing sectors in the face of the global economic meltdown.

I continue to be confused by the way the Filipino economy operates. Why, just now, is the government being urged to buy locally made products and supplies? I know times are tough and that promotes economic growth for the Philippines...of course... but why just now is the Senator calling for this? Why hasn't this been strict policy all along?? Am I missing something here?

Excuse me while I rant - "Hey Philippines government, ALWAYS buy locally made materials and supplies. ALWAYS protect your labor supply and seek it's growth (NOT JUST OFW's!!!)! ALWAYS invest in your own manufacturing sectors instead of buying from other nations! If you don't have the product locally, figure out a way to manufacture it or make life work without it. Grow your own economy and stop prospering other nations!! Who's running the country anyway??" End rant.

This article blows my mind. It helps me understand better and better why this beautiful country called the Philippines, not just now, but has for years and years been in their own economic meltdown. I am convinced of the following as pure truth - the highest leaders of the Philippines want their country to REMAIN a third world nation. This is how they prosper....while the rest suffer. Tell me what's wrong with this picture - the President of the Philippines has a net worth similar to that of the President of the United States. Look it up.............except the US President doesn't have to hide his net worth in Switzerland.

TROUBLING TIMES

News story after news story is filled with how bad things are with our economy. Foreclosures, bailouts, and business failures have sent an atmosphere of panic over many households. Many households struggle with how to make ends meet month after month after suffering job losses or an unexpected financial crunch. Getting good advice and help is necessary during tough times and New York bankruptcy lawyer Richard S. Feinsilver, has been specializing in this kind of help for years. He specializes in both bankruptcy and real estate law and has set up a user-friendly website to assist consumers in gaining the knowledge they need to make the next steps in their financial life.

By clicking the above link you will be taken to Feinlawyer.com where you can learn everything you need to know about the bankruptcy and real estate process. It pays to be informed and this is a great website with tons of information that can help.

ORACLE AND THE PHILIPPINES

The Department of Education and business software giant Oracle signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last week to strengthen their ties in rolling out Oracle Education Foundation’s ThinkQuest technology program to 500 schools in the Philippines.

I was so proud to read this. Oracle has been such a good friend to the Philippines. The spread of technology is a huge factor in the future "prosperity" of the Philippines. I am not talking about more cell phones so there can be more texting. That's of no profit at all. I am referring to the "understanding" and "usage" of technology to the point where new products are birthed, new businesses are born and new jobs are created. The more technology (not cell phones) is integrated into the life of every business (large and small) in the Philippines, the more industry will rise and over time, the more poverty rates will fall. The meaning of this article is huge...........if Filipinos will only take full advantage of this great gift. Targetted initially to school age kids, hopefully this will cause many Filipinos to dream big dreams for the future of their great country!

INTRODUCING THE BOP-A-LOTS

The Bop-a-Lots are an Award-winning educational DVD series created by two gentlemen that were writers, directors and producers of cartoons for Hollywood studios. The DVD's focus on teaching kids how to think instead of what to think. Our son Daniel couldn't take his eyes off of the screen while showing him the video samples and he even started dancing! This is a must-have for our home this Christmas. All parents should click the above link and "sample" the Bop-a-Lots - Huggy-Bop, Sugar-Bop and Silly-Bop!!

POLL MANIA

Real clear? Anyway, how many polls have you seen lately? Who was winning and by how much? Here's a sample of just some of the polls out there:

• FOX News - Obama +3
• Rasmussen Reports - Obama +5
• Gallup - Obama +5
• Gallup (Expanded) - Obama +7
• Diageo/Hotline - Obama +6
• Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby - Obama +7
• ABC News/Wash Post - Obama +8
• CBS News/NY Times - Obama +11
• IBD/TIPP - Obama +4
• GWU/Battleground - Obama +3

For some these polls are good news and for others it's pretty bleak Obama seems to be leading in all the above polls. But............are they accurate? Are they current? Looking above you can see both liberal and conservative sources so it's pretty safe to say at this point Obama is leading. Just a few more days and..........no more polls.

THE YOUTUBE EXPERIMENT

YouTube has been around for a couple of years now and has grown by leaps and bounds. From the beginning many have seen this as a great way to share videos about themselves or even to make money. This avenue of social media will continue to grow and many will realize there is income potential in it. Viral videos are making money, but how do you make one, and how does that earn income? Yovia is a business that can help us understand. They are currently offering a free 6 month course on YouTube on how to make a viral video.

Yovia is a vibrant community of more than 5200 of the world’s top bloggers. Yovia helps advertisers create meaningful dialogue with consumers and in return, advertisers are funding the growth of a giant community of people exchanging ideas and opinions. The result is that people all over the world are earning extra money as they share their thoughts on news, politics, fashion, entertainment, health and finances. Want to join? Just click either of the above links and you will learn more about how to make viral videos and more importantly, how to earn money from them. Space is limited so if you are interested, please sign up soon. Bloggers interested in making more money should educate themselves on the communication medium of YouTube and how to profit from it.

SCHOOLED!!

In this video, NBA star Devon Harris is shown "a thing or two" by a British streetballer. Amateur versus professional. Just goes to show you with a little practice..........anyway, I was impressed with Harris' response to the whole matter. He is obviously a humble man even though the student taught the teacher. Good job to both of them.

CUSTOM CALENDARS

VistaPrint has been a leader in the printing and custom printing field for a long time and now, more than ever, they have separated themselves from the field with their wide variety and selection of products, their competitive pricing and the excellent customer service they offer their customers.

VistaPrint offers business cards, rubber stamps, letterhead, invitations and announcements, marketing materials, wall decals, sticky notes, caricature products, T-Shirts and much, much more. One of my favorite products they offer are their Custom Calendars. With the holiday season fast approaching, custom calendars are a perfect gift for loved ones that live far away. They can make wall calendars, desk calendars, poster calendars, wallet calendars and even calendar cards. Just send them pictures of you and your family and VistaPrint will turn an ordinary calendar into a treasure of lasting memories for your extended family.

There are many templates to choose from to help get you started - both business and personal. This holiday season, why not visit Vista Print and see all the great photo calendars they offer. Just click the above link and check them out today!

A FEW BRAIN TEASERS

Late at night is the perfect time to do these brain bashers. You think you see one thing and then realize you see another. Give them a try then..........go to bed!

Look closely and what do you see?

How many shelves - 3 or 4? Careful........

See anything?

A lovely vase or....?

Are these two lines the same length? Of course they are!

A UNIQUE HOLIDAY GIFT

Helmet cameras are a kind of technology that not many know about. First of all, a helmet camera is just like it sounds.....a camera on top of a helmet. Why would someone need or want this? First of all, it's a great concept. Think about mountain climbing and photographing or video taping the entire thing hands free! What about an underwater helmet camera where you could video tape and photograph all the beautiful coral on a scuba diving session. Also, think about parachuting out of a plane, or flying in a single engine capturing the beauty of the earth beneath you. Helmet cameras can most efficiently capture it all.

Helmet cameras have been a round a while and Helmet Camera Central is a website that has everything you need for such a hobby. They offer a huge selection that includes ATC5K helmet cam, the VholdR made by Twenty20, the POV.1 from VIO, the GoPro Helmet Hero 3 Helmet Camera and many more. For each helmet camera you will find a detailed review of its features and uses. This unique piece of technology is perfect for someone you want to surprise or the hard to shop for person on your Christmas list. I would encourage you to look over to their website by clicking the above link. You are sure to be surprised and intrigued by Helmet Camera Central.

MAKE IT ALL GO AWAY

This comic says it all. Just make it all end! The political season is wearisome and I am tired of the botcalls, the polls and predictions, the promises and the lies. Both candidates are probably exhausted from it all as well. Where will we be one week from today? I know one thing for sure - we will get what we deserve.

Whoever is in office has a cruel road ahead. The media will take aim in their typical hyper-critical fashion if McCain is elected even crying racism (which would be a lie). And if Obama is elected, Republicans will point out how slow the economy is turning around under his leadership and why aren't his programs working. What we need is a viable third party to sucker punch the other two parties in the gut. We truly have no good choices this year.

THAT'S SHARP

I have been intrigued by knives since I was a child. The knife shown here is called the Talwar Folder Knife and is my favorite. Obviously it folds making it safe to carry but it also has the draw cut versus a straight edge. This is more effective for cleaning the catch of the day when out on the lake! For a great selection of knives like this one, I would recommend a site called Thompson Outdoor Supply. They have a large selection of quality outdoor products. Just click the above link and check them out today!

HUMOR ME

I thought I would post of couple of photos to bring a smile to your face. As we near election day and the country is so serious, it pays to take a breather and just smile. Believe it or not, our lives will go on no matter who is elected and I will say again, we determine, along with our God, our own destinies not any political party. Enjoy.

This is why I love kittens, but not cats.

It's OK Daniel!! No, that's NOT our son...although it sure looks like him....a little bit.

Can anyone help me get "a head" in life? (hehe)

Just a little snack, huh? See what microwaving popcorn for too long will do?

BIRD WATCHING 101

One of my favorite things to do on a lazy weekend afternoon is to bird watch. There is something about watching a bird.....the way they hunt, the way they gather, the way they build. To us it's a carefree life but for them, it's business as usual. That's why we have bird feeders in our back yard. To attract all kinds of birds and watch them eat. I found a website called Birdfeeders.com that offers many different kinds of feeders for all kinds of birds.

The site offers hummingbird feeders, wild bird feeders, Oriole feeders, and all kinds of accessories like bird baths, bird houses, feeder settings and various foods. I have to say my favorite of the feeders is the one pictured above. It is the hummingbird feeder. They amaze me how fast their wings go and how efficiently they eat. If you see one, there are sure to be many more on their way.

If you are inclined to enjoy watching birds as they feed or desire to attract more bird life to your back yard, the surest way is to purchase a bird feeder and the appropriate food. This is sure to provide a lot of good times for the whole family. By the way, Birdfeeders.com also offers squirrel baffles. I would encourage you to click the above link and check out their website and get started on the fascinating hobby of bird watching and bird feeding.

THE FILIPINO MIDDLE CLASS

Tony Lopez wrote an article on the new Filipino middle class. I have always said that one of the problems of the Philippines is their lack of a strong middle class voice. It's either the rich and the political bribery and corruption or the poor and their loud voice that seems to fade too fast. Where's the middle class? Lopez draws a monetary threshold to be called middle class but then stops short. He doesn't elaborate on the power of the middle class to shape elections and have a real voice in shaping the political landscape of the country. Truth be told - the middle class is the most powerful of all classes in leading change. The article again reinforces the dependence the Philippines has on OFW's and those ever important remittances. The article is actually quite good and I would recommend reading it - especially if you are Filipino. But the article ends up being more of the same. Life goes on. Change is ALWAYS born of need, not want.

PROMISES

Promises Treatment Centers having been helping people for more than 20 years. They specialize in leading people to sobriety and aiding them in the achievement of lifetime dreams. If you know someone who struggles with alcohol or another kind of addiction, or have co ocurring disorders, then Promises is the place for them to be. They have provided restorative and compassionate care for multitudes of people that can testify to the power of overcoming. I would encourage you to click the above link and learn more about this wonderful organization and how they help many to overcome and have a better life.

AH POLITICS

Here we have a mannequin of Sarah Palin that is being hung. Represents death right? Well, according to Chad Michael Morisette, it's not. It represents "art". By the way, here is a sure sign of a moron - they paint or sculpt or draw or make something obscene and offensive and controversial and then call it "art". They are just wimping out under the First Amendment. In politics, on both sides of the aisle, there is this continuous mud-slinging. Accusation after accusation. Before you know it, Republican and Democrats alike are riled up and doing stupid things like physically beating up the other side or depicting death to one of the candidates. Both parties should be ashamed and so should the hyper-supporters. Here's the story.

ONE HOUR TRANSLATION

As we continue to live in a much more diverse country, the need for translation services increases more and more every day. With the onset of more and more online businesses, they are no longer confined to just the States but rather business is now done all around the world. With that also comes the need for translation services. And there is a company called One Hour Translation (OneHourTranslation.com) that is there to help both individuals and businesses with all their translation needs.

OneHourTranslation is the premier human translation service on the market today. And they are the fastest as well. The process is simple:

1. Submit your translation order.
2. Your request is appropriately forwarded for processing.
3. Your text is translated and forwarded to you upon completion

They simply connect your job with an available translator within their database of thousands of language professionals throughout 117 countries worldwide. It is a vast network of translation professional working together to deliver the best, the fastest and the most accurate translation. You get a rapid turn-around, complete privacy, premium quality, and a complete money back guarantee. To read more or to submit a translation job, simply click on either of the above links and let OneHourTranslation handle all of your translation needs today.

MCDONALD'S HAPPIER MEAL?

I read today that McDonald's posted an 11% rise in their third quarter profits. Bored with financial news? Don't be because there is great meaning in it all.

First of all, good for McDonald's. Impressive it is to post a profit with such a horrible economy.

But.............haven't we been hit in the head with $4.00 per gallon gasoline in the last couple of months (although recently it went way down)? Haven't we heard so much complaining about losing our homes and our jobs and getting behind on bills, etc....? Haven't the politicians been telling us how miserable times are? Just like the malls in the Philippines are still crowded and giving the owners great profits, in spite of "tough" economic times (cough, cough), we here in the States are the same. We take a bite of a Big Mac and then complain (food still in mouth) about how tough times are. We are an out of shape, ungrateful and lazy nation. Good for McDonald's making a profit. Shame on people who complain how tough times are and then turn around and eat out instead of spending less money on groceries and enjoying a simple meal with their families at home. I told you - financial news is actually very interesting.

COMMITTED TO YOUR PRIVACY

Spam, junk mail and sales calls. Fun, right? How many times do you open your email and find 22 new messages waiting only to find 21 spam emails? How many times do you go to the mail box and see 5 envelopes and find out the all 5 are credit card offers? And how many times do you answer the phone only to hear a recorded sales message or worse yet, a live sales person on the other end? It's a frustrating situation for most people and sadly, there are many who get ripped off by all three. But luckily, there is an organization called the Privacy Council. The Privacy Council is an organization devoted to helping individuals put an end to spam, junk mail and sales calls.

There are major Do Not Call, Do Not Email and Do Not Mail lists. These are intended to protect consumers and individuals from spam, junk mail and sales calls. You register your information on these lists and the problem goes away. Except one thing - how do you find the lists so you can be added to it? The Privacy Council does the work for you. They contact all the major Don Not Call, Do Not Email and Do Not Mail lists on your behalf and you are instantly added to each of the lists. This is an invaluable service that can truly end the nightmare of this unwanted solicitation. Simply click the above link and you will be taken to their website where you can read more about the service as well as take the next step in having your privacy restored!

AFTERNOON SNACK

Here you see a giant spider eating a bird. Look closely - it's a golden orb weaver eating a a chestnut-breasted mannikin. It happened in Australia and this picture has found it's way around the world as everyone is amazed to see a spider eating a bird. The picture was taken in the backyard of an Australian resident. Hope he doesn't have kids. Here's the story.

A HALLOWEEN LOVE STORY

Watch Music Video - that's what you should do.

Have you ever seen a video that portrays a Halloween love story? I haven't until I watched the above video. It seemed strange at first but you find yourself listening and watching through the whole video. The song and video were written and produced by the band Codavita. The band consists of two individuals who actually hated each other for years until they discovered their mutual love for the same kind of music. You can read more about them on their website - http://www.codavita.com/. Simply click either link in this post and enjoy the group Codavita and their music.

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?

Jigsaw.........Halloween..........could only mean one thing. The next chapter of the great Saw series. To recap - John Kramer is dying of cancer. All around him are ungrateful healthy people. To illustrate why they should be more thankful for their lives, Kramer sets us elaborate schemes to "assist" them in realizing how great their lives really are. But don't forget, this movie is classified as horror. "People are so ungrateful." Agreed! Saw Part V will release tomorrow. The ungrateful should beware. Let the games begin...........

FREE JEWELRY CLUB

Have you heard of the free silver jewelry club? Jewelry Club 925 is just that. The place to get free jewelry. This free jewelry club is offering sterling silver jewelry for free - you only pay for shipping. JewelryClub925.com is a silver jewelry club offering this special promotion to introduce their newest website, gain exposure and to receive feedback from their valued customers about their jewelry. Without expensive showrooms and other overhead costs, Jewelry Club 925 can offer their customers Sterling Silver jewelry completely FREE! Best of all, just a few simple clicks will bring your free sterling silver jewelry right to your door, automatically, every single month. It's easy and best of all, it's free.

When you click any of the above links and read about their promotion, you will see there are no gimmicks or tricks, no upselling or hooks....just a quality product sent you for merely the cost of shipping. They can offer this to you as a result of their low overhead. Next time you look for jewelry, think about how much of the cost is due to the fancy building and showroom. Jewelry Club 925 has none of the above except for the quality jewelry. Click over to their site and view their beautiful selection and sign up today for their silver jewelry club today!

NAZI POPE?

The picture to the left was recently published on a website by supporters of Israel's leading political party. I am very pro-Israel but I am also pro-Catholic Church so I need to research more about why this happened. The article I read purports - The incident comes amid a row with the Vatican over Israeli claims that the late Pope Pius XII could have done more to prevent the Holocaust. True or not, it is hugely disrespectful toward the Pope and the Catholic faith. By the way, the Israeli party leader ordered the picture taken off the the website it was posted on. Good for them. Here's the whole story.

IDERMA FOR YOUR SKIN

iDerma is a company founded by Dr. Gregory Nikolaidis of Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in Austin, Texas. They offer a line of skin care products that normally you can only find in a Dermatology office. Mineral Makeup is a good example of this. In addition, these products are made with the very finest ingredients which ensures you are getting a quality skin care treatment program. Skin is the largest of our body's organs and requires care just like any other part of the body. I would encourage you to click the above link and check out the quality line of skin care products offered by iDerma.

15 POUND HAMBURGER

Brad Sciullo of Uniontown, Pa., is shown here smiling but several hours later he was not smiling. This is before he attempted to eat a 15-pound cheese burger with five-pounds of toppings including bun, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, mild banana peppers and a cup each of ketchup, mustard, relish, and mayonnaise. Sciullo finished the "burger" in 4 hours and 39 minutes. The first words out of his mouth after finishing were, "Does anyone know where the bathroom is?"

Martin Sands

Sands Brothers is an asset management company founded by Martin Sands. He and his brother formed this company which grew rapidly to more than 400 employees. They focus on wealthy clients giving them a reliable alternative to the large brokerage houses. Lately, he has focused more on pursuing various business ventures in a variety of industries including investment banking, venture capital, private equity and real estate. To read more about Mr. Sands and to be inspired by his business savvy and success, just click the above link!

ABORTED BUT STILL ALIVE

This is a very important video. Jill Stanek is an RN that recounts some horrible things that happened in the hospital where she worked. This is obviously a controversial topic and there are a variety of opinions, but when you hear what she faced, your heart will melt. Many think that the issue of abortion should be "hands off" and left up to the individual. Others think our country's policies on abortion show where we are on the moral barameter. Can't wait to read your opinions.

COMMUNICATIONS AT THE NEXT LEVEL

More and more businesses today are using a medium of technical communications called video conferencing. Video conferencing is simply what is says - to hold a conference by way of video. It could be a conference with co-workers, business associates, clients and potential clients and even your own family. Video conferencing works even when the ones you are speaking with are on the other side of the world. All over your computer. There are many business benefits of desktop video conferencing. The obvious is the cost savings. You save money by reducing or even eliminating the cost of travel. Not only does that save money but it benefits the environment as well. Another benefit is the time savings. Imagine eliminating not only the cost of traveling but the time involved in traveling. This allows for more productive and beneficial meetings.

There is a website called WiredRed Software that provides not only the means to video conference (referring to the software) but the training and education as well. WiredRed is a leader in real-time communications and they are experts in the area of video conferencing. The technology is easy to obtain and very easy to use. I would encourage you to click over to their website using the above link and read more about the benefits and ease of using video conferencing for your business.

ELDERLY WOMAN ARRESTED

Poor Edna Jester. This 89-year-old Ohio woman faces a charge of petty theft because neighborhood children say she refused to give back their football. Evidently the neighborhood kids play football frequently and the ball ends up in her yard quite often. She finally got tired of the kids running on her yard to retrieve the ball so one time she got the ball before they did......and she kept it. The parents even got involved by complaining against her to the police. Here are some questions:

• What about private property rights?
• Should she just take it easy and let the kids come on her lawn anytime the football goes there?
• Shouldn't the parents teach their kids to respect other's property?
• Isn't there somewhere else to play football?

Here is something noteworthy and quite funny - Ms. Jester told the police to handcuff her when they arrested her but they declined. Good for them......good for her! Here's the rest of the story.

Memo to the kids running on her yard.....and their parents - RESPECT YOUR ELDERS!

FREE CELL PHONE OFFERS

Communication with cell phones today is as common as any other form of communication. Not that long ago not everyone had a cellphone and there weren't as many choices as you find today. The styles of cell phones as well as the technology has evolved over the years into something that is easily accessible to almost anyone and the costs have come way down as well. For example, where can you go to get free Sprint phones? Well, there is a website called iFree Cell Phones where you can get - you guessed it - free cellphones. They have a wide variety of offers that include even free T-mobile phones. They carry every major brand of cell phones all for free when you sign up for a service plan. The savings over the major retailers is obvious once you begin to compare. Their offers even include free at&t cell phones!

iFree Cell Phones makes switching carriers easy as well and their online order system is 100% secure and they have a satisfaction guaranteed policy. All of their cell phones are brand new and come with full warranties. Wish you could have free Verizon phones? Just click any of the above links and iFree Cell Phones will show you how!

EIGHT MONTH OLD DANIEL

Daniel recently turned eight months old and as you can see he is growing so fast. He loves to stand up anywhere he can grip his hands. I clocked him crawling at 13 MPH so he is super fast.

One of his favorite things to do is teeter totter.

Gwapo na!

Still sucking his thumb? Just for medicinal purposes...teething!

Practicing his grip!

Sitting in his Daddy's baby chair!