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2008-09-30T09:16:00.002-04:00

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Turbocharge Your Ride!

2008-09-24T17:04:00.002-04:00

Need to sweeten your ride? Want your car to be a chick magnet or do you want a car that people stop and stare at? Then visit www.turbochargerpros.com and give your ride a sweet makeover. No matter what make or model, Turbochargers Pro will have just what you need at competitive prices. They have turbo chargers, superchargers and nose covers in stock for any make or model ready to ship to you. And all orders get UPS shipping for FREE! How cool is FREE shipping? So whether you need replacement parts or are just starting to soup up your ride for the first time, considering visiting www.turbochargerpros.com to get started on the right foot!

Trojan Horses

2008-09-24T16:48:00.003-04:00

I am infuriated! My laptop has been infected with a virus, introduced by a trojan horse. Who do the creators of these things thing they are? Now every thirty seconds I get a pop-up telling me I have a "Security Problem" and then several other pop-ups follow. And my system is slower than a snail - it literally takes five minutes to check my mail. Again I say, who do these people think they are? I mean what's the point beyond slowing me down and jacking up my system? I have basic security on my laptop, but also only use it for basic stuff. It just pisses me off because now I have to scan and troubleshoot to figure out how to get rid of the virus.

The Sugar Thing, Pt. 3 - The Challenges

2008-09-24T11:40:00.002-04:00

I definitely inherited a sweet tooth. All my life, there was always dessert after dinner. This has created my biggest challenge - after dinner cravings for something sweet. It's like I am not done until I get the dessert. So, my first focus was cutting out the after dinner food - specifically the sugar It wasn't easy by any stretch of the imagination. But 30 lbs. later and still losing, it has been worth it. I have broken the habit - though I will admit to the occasional post-dinner craving. When they occur, I try to0 find something else - an activity, a book or a show - that holds my attention and takes my mind off food. It almost always works! Almost...

My Legs Are Stuck to the Seat!

2008-09-24T11:23:00.002-04:00

Yuck! Summer in Ohio are hot and humid and getting sweaty and sticking to your leather seats is a common occurrence if you don't have good a/c in your car. If your a/c compressor isn't cooling like it used to, it is time to visit www.discountacparts.com. Here you will find all the auto a/c parts you need. Discount AC Parts offers a full range of ac compressors for all makes and models, including a BMW AC compressor. Best part, all compressors come with a full lifetime warranty and FREE SHIPPING! So if you're riding around, breaking a sweat, maybe it is time to do yourself and your passengers a big favor and go to www.discountacparts.com and get that car sub-arctic!

Divorce

2008-09-24T11:07:00.002-04:00

I am getting a divorce - and it sucks. I mean it was necessary but that fact doesn't make it any easier. We have 1 son and, of course, the biggest concern is how a divorce would affect him. Which is worse, the constant fighting and unhappiness or a divorce? Ultimately, I decided the divorce would be better. So, after a discovery and an ensuing fight, my husband was told to get out of the house, and the divorce was filed 2 months later. I tried to be fair and considerate, but that was not necessarily reciprocated. It definitely got nasty, usually regarding money. Mt husband still has no understanding that he got out easy - he got to walk away with only what he wanted and no responsibility of what was left. I had our son, a house falling down around me, 3 dogs, and all the bills. Then my husband has the nerve to bitch about me needing money - he tells me I am taking everything. Oh, but he had enough to buy an XBox and God only knows what else. So there was a lot of anger. Is a lot of anger over that behavior. Things have gotten better and we are working on our friendship. Our son has adjusted well to where I relocated us, and has a lot of friends. I hope we continue to improve our situation and are good parents.

Trusted Interent - A Real Possibility

2008-09-23T16:34:00.003-04:00

Comodo offers services that help keep the Internet safe, such as firewalls and digital certificates that allow businesses to operate securely. This has led Comodo to introduce the idea of a "Trusted Internet" - an Internet that is secure and safe for all users all the time. I myself, love to shop online. If not for the fear of becoming a hermit, I think I would happily do all my shopping online. I am a sucker for better prices and have found that by searching around on the Internet, usually the best price can be found there versus a brick and mortar establishment. But, there is always that concern as I enter my credit card number, that "what if" feeling. What if this site isn't secure? What if it is being hacked right now? What if they get my card number? And that worry is there every single time. I would love to see a company, like Comodo, take the lead and head towards a positively secure Internet for businesses and consumers alike.

Press Release:

The information in this press release is for the blogger's background and not required in the post.

COMODO DELIVERS COMPREHENSIVE VISION FOR THE CREATION OF A NEW STATE: THE TRUSTED INTERNET
In 2008, the Comodo companies have continuously innovated and introduced authentication and security technologies to build the foundation of a Trusted Internet.
Jersey City, NJ, August 27, 2008 - "We contend daily with the challenge of figuring out who and what to trust online," said CEO and Chief Security Architect of Comodo CA, Melih Abdulhayoglu. "The Internet has yet to achieve its full potential because we cannot tell the fraudsters from our friends. In 2008, Comodo has worked hard to combat this problem."

The Comodo companies announced their vision and the solutions they have developed for the architecture of the "Trusted Internet", a state that provides everyone increased online safety by introducing trust into every online interaction. The Trusted Internet depends on both authentication and security technologies to protect digital assets and transactions through mutual, real-time trust. Comodo's vision of the Trusted Internet is backed by a fast-growing and diverse team of innovators that deliver new solutions to the market at a faster pace than many other companies in the segment. In 2008 alone, the Comodo companies have introduced at least one new technology a month in the security and authentication categories, bringing the Trusted Internet state closer to all online users and businesses.

The Trusted Internet
The Trusted Internet vision incorporates a variety of authentication and security technologies needed to provide mutual authentication between sites and visitors. Within a Trusted Internet, Comodo empowers users to verify site content, verify site identity, and verify business practices of a site, all while staying safe using a holistic security system that incorporates malware detection, prevention, and removal services. The architecture of a Trusted Internet includes:

Authentication layer
Multi-layered security solutions
A) The Authentication Layer
The core technology model for the Trusted Internet is the Comodo Authentication Layer. This architecture incorporates patent-pending technologies with both centralized and distributed authentication processes. This capability harnesses Comodo CA's core competency in PKI for centralized authentication and innovations in creating platforms for harnessing user generated verification intelligence within a distributed authentication structure. Together, this provides for a balanced authentication infrastructure that addresses a diverse set of needs.

Comodo Centralized Authentication Solutions:

EV SSL for improved online business identity verification
Code Signing Certificates for verification of code publishers
SecureEmail
Two Factor Authentication
Content Verification Certificates
VerificationEngine for content verification (patent-pending, free license)
PCI Vulnerability Management
Comodo Distributed Authentication Solutions:

UserTrust, a free feedback platform for eMerchants
TestmyPC, a free resource to assess the efficacy of a PC's security system
B) Multi-layered prevention, detection and remediation security solutions
Comodo Security Solutions has developed efficient security technologies for businesses and end users to address evolving multi-layered threats. The security architecture integrates prevention, detection and remediation technologies critical for effective security. The solutions within this area include:

TRUSTIX Enterprise Firewall (free license)
Comodo Firewall Pro (free license)
Comodo BackUp (free license)
TrustConnect, encryption services for wireless online sessions
Comodo Firewall Pro PLUS, PC maintenance and remediation service
"In an environment of increasing threats, we must empower all stakeholders within the Internet with tools to deliver the right authentication information quickly at the point of need to protect users and critical assets," said Abdulhayoglu. "The Trusted Internet initiative addresses the industry's and public's most pressing needs for trusted online interactions. It introduces new security and authentication technologies to increase the power of the Internet to improve the lives of millions of people."

The Comodo companies' 2008 Innovations
August - Free Secure Email for Consumers
July - Two-factor authentication for Microsoft SharePoint and Outlook Web Access applications
July - Painless PCI Compliance Program
July - Trustix Enterprise Firewall (V4.81)
June - Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)
May - TrustConnect
April - Automated Provisioning Tools for SSL Deployment
March - TestmyPCSecurity.com
March - Trustix Enterprise Firewall
February - AVSmart™ Warranty
February - Firewall Pro (V3.0.1.6.295)
January - UserTrust

To learn more about the Trusted Internet, please visit the Comodo Manifesto at http://www.comodo.com/corporate/manifesto.html.

About Comodo
The Comodo companies provide the infrastructure that is essential in enabling e-merchants, other Internet-connected companies, software companies, and individual consumers to interact and conduct business via the Internet safely and securely. The Comodo companies offer PKI SSL, Code Signing, Content Verification and E-Mail Certificates; award winning PC security software; vulnerability scanning services for PCI Compliance; secure e-mail and fax services.

Continual innovation, a core competence in PKI, and a commitment to reversing the growth of Internet-crime distinguish the Comodo companies as vital players in the Internet's ongoing development. Comodo secures and authenticates online transactions and communications for over 200,000 business customers and 3,000,000 users of our desktop security products.

For additional information on Comodo - Creating Trust Online™ visit http://www.comodo.com/

The sugar thing, Pt. 2

2008-09-23T15:40:00.002-04:00

So I gave up sugar and lost some weight. But why? Well, obviously I was overweight. Really overweight. Its a family trait, actually. Of myself, my mother and my aunt, someone is always dieting or planning a diet or giving up on a diet. And the sugar things goes along with the whole "diets don't work" idea. And now I agree. By giving up sugar, I made a full lifestyle change. I took a major component and just deleted it. I am not saying its easy - it isn't. I like chocolate and cake and milkshakes like everyone else, but it was time to be drastic. I am looking at Diabetes from my dad's side and hypertension from my mom's side. Lucky me. Hopefully, by making this change now, in my early 30's, I will at least be setting myself up to have control over both of those diseases. I would love to say I won't be inflicted by them, but the history is pretty strong. but I know I have made a good choice and the sacrifices are well worth it.

A Sweet Supercharged Ride

2008-09-23T15:22:00.005-04:00

I come from a car family - my father worked for Ford for 36 years. I definitely have an appreciation of a sweet ride, especially a souped up turbo-charged ride. I found a great place to help out with the process of souping up you ride, be it a Nissan, a Chevrolet or a sweet Ford supercharger - www.superchargerpros.com will help you supercharger your car. If you are needing superchargers, turbochargers or nose covers, they can help! If you are new to souping up cars, there is even a great section on how the air induction system of a car works and how it can create a "charged" effect when altered. There are links to help you get started, such as Buick supercharger, Mercedes supercharger and Pontiac supercharger - each section giving an overview and also a product search mechanism for your ride. The pricing is extremely competitive and is sure to make this site one of your favorites. And the best part? FREE SHIPPING!! Now you got to love free shipping! The customer service links are easy to find, not hidden like some sites. So take a step toward sweetening your ride!

The Sugar Thing

2008-09-23T08:13:00.004-04:00

I love when people ask if I have lost weight - "Why yes, I've lost 30 pounds," I say. And I have. Thirty lbs. in about 3 months. How? People always immediately want to know how. I gave up sugar. Simple. Most people are in total disbelief - they cannot fathom giving up sugar. Well, when the idea was brought up to me, I was certain it was beyond my will power to stop the sweet stuff. But here I am, down 30 lbs. and not missing them. Well, okay, that's a lie, I do occasionally want a piece of hot fudge cake or cookies and cream ice cream, but I can usually muster the will to not give in. Also, I have found that when I do allow myself a treat (treat being defined as anything with more than 3 grams of sugar per serving) I have found my tolerance is very low - 2-3 bites is typically all I can handle. So, I am happy to say, I conquered sugar! I was addicted - now I read labels and it is amazing the amount of sugar I took in. I am no longer a slave to food and never will be again.

Great Vacation in Jersey

2008-09-18T08:20:00.012-04:00

My family always went to beaches for vacations, but my parents always chose beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. Two years ago I started thinking of taking a family beach vacation to the Jersey shore, specifically to historic Cape May. I knew it would be different from what I was used to, but I loved it! A few things the Jersey shore offers that I had never experienced elsewhere - lighthouses (awesome!), boardwalks (the place to see and be seen) and dunes (great for exploring). A friend had recommended the Cape May area for its historic value, and if you are in to historic buildings, bed & breakfasts or gorgeous architecture, Cape May is definitely your place! It was beautiful. Not only amazing stretches of sand and ocean, but a day inland is rewarded with beautiful old homes, meticulously maintained and finely manicured lawns and landscaping.

New Jersey amusement parks

As is out tradition on beach vacation, wee had to find a waterpark. We went to a great place called Morey's Piers. It had EVERYTHING!! Not only were ther 2 waterparks, but also an amusement park with a ton of rides. We spent most of our day at the Raging Waters themed waterpark because my son loved the pirate ship play area. The waterpark was safe and clean and easy to recommend. I also found Morey's to be very affordable, a far cry from the larger amusement parks. We loved the laid-back atmosphere and the short ride lines. Never once did we feel crowded. Morey's Piers is a great place for a New Jersey vacation. If you think you may be interested, be sure to check out www.moreyspiers.com/magicalmondays.html for some additional savings!

Glasses under $20? No, really!!

2008-09-18T08:20:00.010-04:00

I am never happy with my glasses but usually pay so much that I am stuck with them until next year. But I found a great site, www.ZenniOptical.com, that offers whatever you may need in the way of glasses, starting an $8. I am not joking - frames with single vision lenses start at just $8 with several options and extras under $20. This means you don't have to be in love and totally committed to your glasses for a whole year! Nor do you have to pay $300 for those glasses that are really just okay. They care frames for men, women, children as well as rimless frames and goggles. The frames are very stylish and in keeping with all the latest trends. Lens options include single vision, bifocal and progressive lenses. Some upgrades available are photochromic (gets darker in brighter situations), anti-reflective coating(great if you sit at a computer all day) and 7 different color coat options. Always FREE are anti-scratch and UV coating! I spent easily 45 minutes looking at the different frame styles and recognized many to be identical to over-priced designer models. There is also a great little general information section that helps you through making sure you get the right fit for your glasses. So if your current glasses are scratched up or keep sliding down your nose and are about to drive you nuts, remember $ 8 Zenni Optical Rx Eyeglasses - you will be thrilled at the savings you will find!

The Bandit Show

2008-09-18T08:20:00.006-04:00

The Bandit Show is a Swinger radio show ran by a local(Cincinnati-area) couple, Scorpion and Ms. Kitty. The show runs weekly on Mondays, from 7pm to 9pm. Their show discusses the ins and outs of the Swinging lifestyle, rules, etiquette, discusses the different tri-state swing clubs, etc. I never paid much attention until I met Scorpion and Ms. Kitty at a swing club in Dayton and found them to be a very cool and fun couple to hang with. They also have a great website that give some great Swinging facts and tips: http://www.thebanditshow.com/. You'll find a lot of info, some links, bios and an event calendar.

Hording During Emergencies

2008-09-17T14:00:00.003-04:00

Ok, for real, we had an episode of hurricane force winds in the Greater Cincinnati area and it left a lot of people without power. I understand that there is a certain amount of panic involved and I can accept that to a certain extent. But a lot of people just go way too far. Why do people think they need to buy every single pack of size D batteries? Didn't you count how many you would actually need? Why not get what you need and leave some for the next guy? Wal-Mart is still going to be here tomorrow - if all your flashlights die at the same time, you can come back. Or did you really need to buy 6 cases of bottled water? I mean, 1 case is more than your drink in a week and we're only looking at 5 days max of power being out. Please people, get a grip!! Now, I do understand things get magnified when people are in groups - human group behavior is basic animal behavior. So when the guy next to you is buying up batteries or water or toilet paper or whatever, it is obviously something YOU need also. So you horde. And for the next 2 years you have a fine stockpile of whatever it was you couldn't live without for that moment in time. All I'm saying is try to keep your head about these things. We're blessed to live in a place where there is plenty of everything. You don't need all of it.

Consolidate Your Debt - The Best Way!

2008-09-17T11:38:00.002-04:00

In the current economic environment, it has becaqome a priority to have household cash flow under control. For many of us, that may mean consolidating some or all of our debts. There are, of course, many options to consolidate debt, from loans to credit counseling, from debt settlement to mortgage refinancing. There are so many choices and so many differences, it can all be a little overwhelming.

I went to Bills.com and found they have a whole section on debt help consolidate debt. There are clear and concise explanations as to each option you may have to take control of your debt in their Debt Consolidation Glossary. Not every option will fit your situation, so it is important to know the different choices. There is an easy free quote process to help you decide what option might be best for you and your situation. It takes into account your credit status (because maybe your credit is still under control and you want to keep it that way) and whether you own a home or rent.

My favorite option is Credit Counseling. Having a reputable company work on your behalf to lower interest rates and fees plus getting set up on a monthly plan suits my household the best. By knowing exactly what I pay for my debt each month, I am better able to plan for the necessities of gas and groceries. With gas prices soaring, not worrying about additional fees is a huge plus.

Hurricane in Ohio?

2008-09-17T11:10:00.002-04:00

I'm serious, there actually kind of was a hurricane here in Ohio. And Kentucky. And Indiana. It seems Hurricane Ike just couldn't let go after wreaking havoc on the Gulf states. Of course, when it had moved inland 100 miles from the gulf and was still rating as a tropical storm, that should have been a big red flag. Anyway, without any warning from the local newspersons, the Cincinnati area got slammed with 90-100 mph winds. Dare I say, the Midwest was not prepared. At first it was neat, stuff flying around everywhere. But then it just kept going on, hour after hour. When shingles and siding from peoples' homes started flying around, it ceased to be funny. And then the power went out. As of Sunday evening, Duke Energy reported 90% the Greater Cincinnati area was without power. Besides homes, traffic and streetlights, stores and restaurants, hospitals and emergency response teams were all without power. People descended on the stores, hording batteries and bottled water and any non-perishable foodstuffs. Gas stations with power boasted lines out into the roads or signs stating they were out of gas. Today is Wednesday and I am happy to say that the the hospitals and emergency responders are back online, as well as any homes on those grids. However, several are still without power. My parents, for example, are at my house, showering and doing laundry. Many schools are still not in session, dealing not only with heating/cooling issues, but also spoiled food issues. Obviously, what we got was just a small piece of what the people in the Gulf states deal with yearly, but it was more than enough for me. I can empathize, to a degree, with people who weather hurricanes each year and can't help but to wonder why they go back each time.

3rd Party Candidate for President

2008-08-04T00:41:00.000-04:00

This is a test of the...

2008-06-25T00:40:00.001-04:00

This is a test of the Bluetooth headset to see how well it picks up for me. Right now, I'm still adjusting to happiness things stocked in my ear. I never really like this sort of device. Hate ear bud headphones but it's ____ comfortable than those ____ and it seems to be a little more stable. How I wish this have the over the ear feature where I feel... listen Powered by Jott

Hey, second Jott an...

2008-05-08T16:51:00.001-04:00

Hey, second Jott an attempt to my Blogger account. Just wanted to see if it works first time I don't like the blank spaces etc, etc. But it is a pretty cool feature if they include a link to download the audio version. I don't know we will just keep playing with it perhaps ____ make a more update here, Right, talk to you later. Bye. listen Powered by Jott

Hey up there. I am just...

2008-05-07T22:48:00.001-04:00

Hey up there. I am just testing using my blogger account from jott.com. might be able to make some more posts and updates. If I am able to just do this one whenever I get a ____ called in. So, let me what you think of it. Alright ____. listen Powered by Jott

Indiana Jones Teaser Trailer

2008-02-14T11:04:00.002-05:00

This is what I've been waiting for....

Dropping my Hat into the Race for the Next Term

2007-11-07T08:49:00.000-05:00

If you have been reading my blog for any period of time you probably know that I have been critical of things going on in my local community of Lockland, Ohio. Yesterday we had elections for two seats on the council, and two seats for the school board.

For the school board there were four choices. Mark Morrissey, Misty Cromer, Colleen Carter, and Janiece Mason. Of these four Colleen Carter and Janiece Mason were incumbents. If you have read any of my previous posts I believe that they were part of a corrupt school board that needs radical change. As such they will never get my vote. I voted for Misty Cromer because she and my wife became friends while my wife was involved with the PTO. She has several children going to school in Lockland right now, and she is also a graduate of Lockland High school. I feel that because of this she has a high desire to see the school succeed. Personally I still feel that the school should be incorporated into a larger district such as the Princeton School District, but I will give people the chance to save their alma matter if they can do it without blindly throwing money at the problem. This leads me to the final choice who received my vote Mark Morrissey. I voted for him for one reason, and one reason only. He has made a campaign promise to not ask for money for the school until other things are done to solve problems that exist there. This struck me as very odd because he also ran under the Democrat ticket. What a Democrat who has promised to NOT ask for money? Has Hell frozen over? I'll give him one term to see what he is able to accomplish for the schools.

Now the Council seats. I feel that this election was a little suspect. We were only allowed to vote for two seats, however there were three incumbents. Ron Johnson has been a councilman for years, and while he is also a Democrat I believe that he has done alot of good for the community. I voted for him for this reason. I also voted for Donnie Schilling because he is not a Democrat and believes that changes are needed to help Lockland become a community that can attract young people back. I agree with this because I'm watching the community literally die around me as life long Lockland Residents are dying in their homes. The community is becoming a collection of rentals run by scum lords who care nothing about the area. The people they rent to have no ties to the area because they are only renting. This is bad for the area, and I believe it needs to be changed. The third person involved in this election was Adam Raby. He was not up for election specifically because he took over his father's seat because of failing health. The reason he ran was to attempt to drive Donnie Schilling out of Council. They did succeed in this, but I have some questions now. Doesn't this actually mean that there is a third seat available? The fourth member running was Greg Strole, and he was attempting to run along side of Donnie Schilling to help make some changes in our community, but he came in at a distant fourth.

I feel that the Democrats were able to run a good campaign because you did not hear one name without the other. They were able to brand themselves as a pair, and they were part of an organized Democrat campaign. I feel that Donnie Schilling and Greg Strole were not as successful because they did not brand themselves in such a way as to be able to fight the way the Democrats branded themselves. They both ran independent campaigns as Independent Candidates. I agree with them, but in order to 'win some things must change.

I have offered my time and effort to help Donnie Schilling in any way that I am capable. However, I am planning to make a run for a seat when the time comes, and here are some things I am planning on doing differently. I will not run as an Independent, but I will also not run as a Republican. I plan on running as a Reagan Conservative. This branding fits my ideas better than any other, and I feel that it fills a void that exists in Lockland right now. Some people will not vote for anything other than their party, and the only organized party in the area is the Democrat Party. These people will only support Democrat candidates not matter what. That leave open those people who are looking for change. I believe that this group of people will take a refreshing look at my branding as a Reagan Conservative. I also feel that I must start much earlier than others and organize community meetings so that I can learn exactly what people are looking for, and also let them know what some of my ideas are so that they get to know me better.

I believe that we must bring in more businesses into Lockland, and offer them tax incentives for employing residents of Lockland. I believe that the size of Government must remain small and not impact the daily lives of the people. I believe that a successful government will fund the services that are required for the people (Fire, Police, Water, Trash), but also not be noticed by the people. If people are aware of Government, then that Government is probably grown too large and bloated to be effective for the community.

I am looking for people (both inside and outside of Lockland) to post ideas of what they are looking for when electing people for City Council Seats, Mayorship, or any other local community office. Do you believe some of the same ideas I'm giving here, or am I missing the point? I feel that I can be an effective official, but right now I lack experience and that can both be a good and bad thing. I never want to be viewed as a government insider. I always want to actually serve the people, and I'm willing to lose my job to do that. What else makes an effective elected official? Please comment and provide your insights here.

National Memory Screening Day

2007-11-01T11:05:00.000-04:00

You may or may not be aware that in the month of November is National Memory Screening Day. This is a day to have your memory checked in order to facilitate the early detection of Alzheimer's Disease. If Alzheimer's Disease is detected early there are more treatments available to help slow the progression of the disease.

As I have had the opportunity to watch my wife's grandfather suffer from the disease I can personally say that it is a horrible experience for both the family and the person who has the disease. Both her grandfather and grandmother were very good at covering up the disease and hid it from the family until there was no option but to put them in a home. While the family was able to find a very good place for them, it was also very frustrating because at that point there was really nothing left to do but watch as he progressed to the point where he started to forget his own children. He knew that he should know who they were, but was not able to remember and this just caused him extra pain in addition to the regular problems with again.

In order to help families to not have to go through this horrible process the Alzheimer's Foundation of America has named November 13th National Memory Screening Day. Please go and find a screening site in your area for your parents or grandparents. It is free, and if nothing else will help provide piece of mind for you and your family. If something is detected you are able to start treatments to help slow the progression of the disease and start educating yourself in what you may expect to help in dealing with the disease.

Hopefully a cure for this terrible disease will be found soon, but we must also be sure to provide the best care possible for those who are currently suffering. If you are able a donation made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America will help ensure that people will be provided with the best possible cure while the cure is being sought.

Bomb was a dud

2007-11-01T11:04:00.000-04:00

Ok, another story for my local neighborhood of Lockland, Ohio in the Cincinnati area. This time a pipe bomb was found in an area between I-75, a major highway. It was also located very close to the Lockland School, and while I have no love for the school district as you may know if you are a regular reader of my blog, I would not wish anything bad like that to happen to them. My wife and I feel that it is probably some kids who made the device because there was no explosive in it. They probably got everything together, but were not able to obtain any explosives to make it work.

I will continue to follow this storuy, and post any further updates as they become available.

Pipe bomb discovery shuts Interstate 75 for two hours

Police here shut down Interstate 75 for more than two hours Wednesday to investigate what was later verified by the Hamilton County Bomb Squad as a pipe bomb found near the interstate.

The bomb squad used a robot to disrupt the device electronically, said Lockland Police Chief James Toles. It was "very sophisticated," but contained no explosives, Toles said.

The metal 6- to 8-inch pipe with wires, a battery pack and an LED light was found behind S.A.T. Trucking Co., between the north and southbound split on I-75 in Lockland near Brown Street and Shepherd Lane.

Toles decided to close the highway between Shepherd Lane and Galbraith Road because of its proximity to the object just after 1 p.m. Lockland High School and Lockland Elementary School were evacuated at about 1:30 p.m., along with about 20 homes and a handful of businesses.

The decision to close the highway resulted in a massive traffic jam. The road reopened around 3:30 p.m.

Village Administrator Dave Krings said he supports Toles' decision to shut down the highway.

"You always have to put human life first. I think he made the right decision," Krings said.

S.A.T. co-owner Karen DeBord said she found the device around 11 a.m.

"I thought it looked suspiciously like a pipe bomb," DeBord said. "It had Scotch tape on it and looked sort of hokey, but we decided to call the police." Her business partner, Greg Larimer, said he thought it may have been thrown from the interstate.

Toles said Lockland Police will lead the investigation into determining who built the pipe bomb and how it came to be in the back of S.A.T. Police have the device in their possession. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on the scene to report to the Department of Homeland Security, Toles said.

During the standstill on I-75, ARTIMIS traffic operators scrambled to keep the unexpected snag under control.

"We've dealt with this many, many times before, but it's not like with weather when we can expect it," said Ahmad Saleh, traffic operator. Extra staff members were called in.

Metro had five bus routes affected by the traffic jam, spokeswoman Sallie Hilvers said, and rerouted them.

Vice-President Cheney and Barack Obama Related

2007-10-17T13:48:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure how much I believe this one, but hey I'm supposed to be a descendant of Robin Hood. I guess that anything's possible.

Though they may spar across the political aisle, Vice President Dick Cheney is close enough to Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama to call him "cousin."

Eighth cousin, that is.

Lynne Cheney, the vice president's wife, revealed this tantalizing bit of political trivia during a television interview Tuesday. She said she uncovered the long-ago ties between the two while researching her ancestry for her latest book, "Blue Skies, No Fences," a memoir about growing up in Wyoming.

"This is such an amazing American story that one ancestor ... could be responsible down the family lines for lives that have taken such different and varied paths as Dick's and Barack Obama ," Lynne Cheney told MSNBC.

According to her spokeswoman, Sen. Obama , D-Ill., is a descendent of Mareen Duvall. This French Huguenot's son married the granddaughter of a Richard Cheney, who arrived in Maryland in the late 1650's from England, said Ginny Justice, a spokeswoman for Lynne Cheney. The vice president's full name is Richard B. Cheney.

A spokesman for Obama, who wants to be the first black U.S. president, offered a tongue-in-cheek response.

"Every family has a black sheep," said spokesman Bill Burton.

Lynne Cheney did not reference the ancestral ties between her husband and Obama in the book.