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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.

Vacation in Cardiff? Yes!

2007-10-17T11:19:00.000-04:00

Many of us plan winter vacations in the Caribbean, Mexico, or other warm climate areas. I have another idea for you. Try Cardiff in the UK. There are many different events you can enjoy in Cardiff this winter

The Wales Rally GB is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and Cardiff continues as the host city. Or enjoy Winter Wonderland where the city hall lawn is transformed into a fun and festive area with an open air ice rink, craft stalls and fairground rides. Viva La Diva brings together the talent of Prima ballerina Darcey Bussell CBE and international opera superstar, Katherine Jenkins to create a musical. Taking place at the Cardiff International Arena on Saturday 1st December 2007, an un-forgettable experience at Viva La Diva is guaranteed.

When you schedule your visit you will need to find Hotels in Cardiff, or you may want to consider Birmingham Hotels as it is easily in reach with high-speed Inter City trains or coaches. My point is that you can find wonderful deals to make your stay in any of the Cardiff Hotels memorable and affordable.

Two-alarm fire in Lockland

2007-10-17T11:12:00.000-04:00

I heard the sirens last night, but so often they are called in to other areas I had no idea the fire was in Lockland. If I had known I would have gone down to see if there was anything I could have done to help the people who were displaced by the fire. I hope that they are ok, and being taken care of properly.

Firefighters battled a two-alarm fire that broke out in an apartment building late Tuesday.

Around 11:30 p.m., fire officials received report of heavy smoke on Mulberry Court.

A second alarm was called several minutes later to battle the blaze.

There were no injuries, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, which dispatches for the Lockland Fire Department.

The fire is believed to have started in the kitchen. The cause of the fire and amount of damage were not immediately available as firefighters continued working past midnight.

The American Red Cross is helping the family displaced by the fire find temporary lodging.

Alternative Energy Solutions

2007-10-10T10:11:00.000-04:00

I have often thought about putting solar panels on my house to reduce my needs of using electricity supplied by the Electric Company. I do not think of doing this to be "green", but rather just to reduce my monthly bills that I have to pay. Of course the investment for this sort of item is currently a bit prohibitive.

Because of the current cost of adding solar panels I have thought about alternatives of creating power, but unfortunatly I am not as technical as I would like. Some of my ideas have included adding a power generator to my incoming water supply to the house that would operate as the power generators in dams. I have also thought about hooking two batteries up to my washer, and my dryer. One battery would provide power to operate the machinery, and the other would be getting a charge from the motion of the motors in the machinery. Of course this would probably not work because I think it would require more power to operate than could be generated.

I have also had really wild ideas of running water pipes through my walls for cooling and heating, that would be heated by the sun, and the running motion would operate another dam style power generator that would help pump the water. Then the cooled water could be used in the summer time to help cool the house, and the heated water could be used in the winter time to heat the house. It makes sense in my head, but I seriously doubt that is is a practical idea.

Along this vein of thought BP is sponsoring the BP Solar Decathlon where 20 universit teams from around the world are designing, building, and operating livable, energy-efficient, and completely solar-powered homes. In this event BP has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy to discover cost effective, clean energy solutions for everyday living. I hope that they are able to start making the existing technologies more efficient to be able to provide these solutions to the public at large, at affordable costs.

If you have had ideas on solutions to energy problems, please feel free to share them here so that we can all help explore alternatives.

Unclaimed Funds in Hamilton County Exceed $50 Million

2007-10-02T16:49:00.000-04:00

Ok, I have looked up my name and my great grand-mother has her name listed twice. I have researched this and to get together all the documentation that I am in fact related to her is not worth the amount of money that is in the account. I know this because I have confirmed that it is in fact under $100. If the amount was higher I would consider going further in the project.

Perhaps you'll have more luck.

There are 266,373 unclaimed accounts owed to Hamilton Countians, reaching a grand total of $58,950,095.82.

The Ohio Commerce Department's Division of Unclaimed Funds requested that Hamilton County Treasurer Robert A. Goering assist in tracing the unclaimed funds to the rightful owners. Seven sets of Unclaimed Funds Books containing the names and addresses of the Hamilton Countians who are owed money will be kept for reference in the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. One set will be permanently housed in the Information and Reference Department (located in the former Government and Business Department) on the second floor of the Main Library's South Building. There will also be a set at the Anderson, Green Township, and Symmes Township branch libraries. The remaining three sets will circulate at branch libraries for one week at a time.

Each branch location as well as the Main Library's Information and Reference Department currently provide unclaimed funds forms. A searchable list of unclaimed funds and instructions on the application process are available online at http://www.hamilton-co.org/treasurer/uncfnds.asp. For more information or to obtain necessary forms and instructions, call the Division of Unclaimed Funds' toll free number at 1-877-644-6832.

One set of Unclaimed Funds Books is permanently housed at the following Library locations:

Main Library, 800 Vine St., 369-6900 - 2nd Floor, Information & Reference Department

(located in the former Government & Business Department)

Anderson Branch Library, 7450 State Rd., 369-6030
Green Township Branch Library, 6525 Bridgetown Rd., 369-6095
Symmes Township Branch Library, 11850 East Enyart Rd., 369-6001

The remaining three sets of books will circulate through the Library system according to the following schedule:

October 1-5

Deer Park Branch Library, 3970 E. Galbraith Rd., 369-4450
Greenhills Branch Library, 7 Endicott St., 369-4441
West End Branch Library, 805 Ezzard Charles Dr., 369-6026

October 8-12

Norwood Branch Library, 4325 Montgomery Rd., 369-6037
Elmwood Place Branch Library, 6120 Vine St., 369-4452
Price Hill Branch Library, 3215 Warsaw Ave., 369-4490

October 15-19

Oakley Branch Library, 4033 Gilmore Ave., 369-6038
Clifton Branch Library, 351 Ludlow Ave., 369-4447
Delhi Township Branch Library, 5095 Foley Rd., 369-6019

October 22-26

Hyde Park Branch Library, 2747 Erie Ave., 369-4456
Corryville Branch Library, 2802 Vine St., 369-6034
Covedale Branch Library, 4980 Glenway Ave., 369-4460

Oct 29-Nov 2

Mt. Washington Branch Library, 2049 Beechmont Ave., 369-6033
Walnut Hills Branch Library, 2533 Kemper Ln., 369-6053
Westwood Branch Library, 3345 Epworth Ave., 369-4474

November 5-9

Mariemont Branch Library, 3810 Pocahontas Ave., 369-4467
Avondale Branch Library, 3566 Reading Rd., 369-4440
Cheviot Branch Library, 3711 Robb Ave., 369-6015

November 12-16

Madisonville Branch Library, 4830 Whetsel Ave., 369-6029
Wyoming Branch Library, 500 Springfield Pike, 369-6014
Miami Township Branch Library, 8 North Miami Ave., 369-6050

November 19-23

Madeira Branch Library, 7200 Miami Ave., 369-6028
Reading Branch Library, 9001 Reading Rd., 369-4465
Harrison Branch Library, 10398 New Haven Rd., 369-4442

November 26-30

Loveland Branch Library, 649 Loveland-Madeira Rd., 369-4476
Sharonville Branch Library, 10980 Thornview Dr., 369-6049
Monfort Heights Branch Library, 3825 West Fork Rd., 369-4472

December 3-7

Blue Ash Branch Library, 4911 Cooper Rd., 369-6051
St. Bernard Branch Library, 4803 Tower Ave., 369-4462
Groesbeck Branch Library, 2994 W. Galbraith Rd., 369-4454

December 10-14

Pleasant Ridge Branch Library, 6233 Montgomery Rd., 369-4488
Northside Branch Library, 4219 Hamilton Ave., 369-4449
College Hill Branch Library, 1400 W. North Bend Rd., 369-6036

December 17-21

North Central Branch Library, 11109 Hamilton Ave., 369-6068

Time to Exercise Better

2007-10-02T16:33:00.001-04:00

I am one of those Americans who is trying to lose weight (I guess I'm in the minority huh). I am adjusting my diet, I just quit smoking, and I'm trying to exercise more.

The question comes now, is the exercise I'm doing effective enough to help me lose weight. One way I can find out is by wearing a heart rate monitor. This will tell me if I'm getting my heart rate high enough for the exercise to be effective. This wll help ensure that my workout will help me lose weight. In addition to this a good workout will also help tone muscles, build endurnace, strengthen my heart, relieve stress, or simply maintain good health and fitness. These are all good reasons to make sure I'm getting a good exercise intensity.

Also, since I have very limited time I can wear a heart rate monitor to ensure a great heart rate training in the shortest amount of time available. Also, by wearing a monitor I can watch my health. If the heart rate is higher than I may expect during a normal workout I may be getting sick, or over-fatigued from training, or may be a signal of a more serious health problem. As you get into better shape it is a good idea to take all the clues your body gives you, and a heart rate monitor can be an excellent tool.

So as you train, whatever your reason may be, it may be a good idea to watch your heart rate to ensure you are getting the best workout you can in the most effective amount of time.

Duke Customers Get Incentive For Energy-Efficient Light

2007-10-02T12:46:00.001-04:00

I have been planning on buying these new Compact Florecent bulbs for some time, but now that the electric company is going to send us some coupons to help offset the cost I know that we will. The one concern that I have is that we live close to a railroad line, and I believe that small vibrations come in from this and cause our current old fashioned bulbs to burn out more quickly than they should. Will these last longer, or will I still have the same problem of them burning out faster than they should due to the vibrations?

Duke Energy Corp. customers in southwest Ohio will get coupons to encourage them to save energy with compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Duke, one of the nation's largest electric utilities, is trying out the promotion in connection with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and General Electric Co. with its 560,000 residential customers in this region. It hopes to eventually extend the promotion to all of its nearly 4 million customers in five states, James E. Rogers, Duke's chairman and chief executive, said Monday.

The Charlotte, N.C.-based utility has begun mailing coupons for $3 off the cost of a three-pack of GE compact fluorescent bulbs at Wal-Mart. CFLs use up to 75 percent less electricity than similar incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer.

The coupons will reduce the typical cost for three-packs from about $7.50 to $4.50, Duke spokesman Steve Brash said.

If the customer uses the coupons to buy 12 bulbs, it would reduce their electric use by about $80 annually, he said.

Last week, Duke and seven other electric utilities at former President Clinton's Global Initiative Conference in New York pledged to increase their spending on energy-efficiency programs.

Our Victorian Home

2007-10-02T12:28:00.000-04:00

My wife and I bought our first home 6 years ago. It was a little Victorian that was just so cute. It is 100+ years old, and had the original woodwork in it, and was just beautiful.

We did not realize the sort of work that such an old house would require. Also it is not just the work that is required, but the level of difficulty involved because nothing ever goes quite right.

We had a leak in our roof that came from some cracked siding. My wife and her mother are now experts to repair damaged plaster. They finished the inside job and it was beautiful. The problem is that we hired a fly by night contractor and we put up shingles over the damaged siding. That is bad, but the worst part of it is that he did not nail the dimensional shingles properly. Now they are falling down and make the house look so tacky.

I want to get up there, and tear down what he did, and also tear down the siding and have it done right. I am not so sure that I have the skills to get it done right so we are saving to have a professional finish the job for us. Maybe if I get the proper instruction I may attempt the job because knowledge is power.

'It’s a sloppy, nasty, dirty job'

2007-10-02T09:35:00.001-04:00

This is a story of one of those jobs that no one ever thinks about. Who get the city clean again after we trash it. One thinkg that is not mentioned in the article is if the city gets dirtier during a win or a loss. My personal guess is that it is a bigger mess if the Bengals win. What do you think?

When the Bengals game began Monday night, so did the cleanup.

As the players gathered on the field, four workers took to the parking lots surrounding Paul Brown Stadium and began a thankless task that would leave them worn out and reeking of stale beer and grilled meat: Picking up after tailgaters.

“It’s a sloppy, nasty, dirty job,” said Rodney Perry, a maintenance supervisor for Central Parking Systems.

Behind him was a truck dragging a trailer – the “garbage barge,” they call it – loaded with some of the broken bottles and crushed cans and the hot dogs, hamburgers and potato salad left over by thousands of football fans. Bags dripped unknown liquids as another worker, John Dickins, tossed them into a giant collection bin.

Tailgaters can produce as much as 8,000 pounds of garbage in a night, said Tim Downey, project manager for Central, which operates the lots for Hamilton County.

Some bag their trash and leave it for the cleanup crew; others have less tidy methods of disposal. As Downey drove through the largest riverfront parking lot Monday night, bottles popped beneath his tires.

Among the leftover debris were smoldering coals, thick bricks of ice and a shrimp ring scattered across a parking space, cocktail sauce included. There were plastic cups and candy wrappers and, under one car, a mountain of potato chips. But most of the trash was beer-related: beer cans, beer bottles, beer cartons, beer rivers flowing into beer puddles.

Workers clear most of the garbage by hand -- a third-party sweeper comes in to finish the job -- and face an unforgiving deadline: the morning.

Downtown employees start filling the lots at 6 a.m.

“It’s a challenge,” Perry said. “I’m glad there are only so many games a year.”

New Phone technology - Hosted iPBX

2007-10-02T09:21:00.000-04:00

In today's business world communication is essential to success. If your customers are not able to contact you, they will choose someone they can contact easily.

Communication in today's world also tends to cost alot of money. If you have several regional offices, how do you pay for the phone service for each?

Well, I have a new paradigm for you to look at. The Packet8 Virtual Office is a hosted iPBX solution that allows a pay as you grow option. This system allows you to add additional phones as your business grows, and at a reduced total cost of ownership due to minimal upfront equipment investments, and low monthly service fees. The system will work with any high-speed Internet connection providing all users access to the same PBX features regardless of their location anywhere in the world.

Since this system uses VoIP technology you are able to choose plans that will dramatically lower your monthly telephone bills because there are many plans that offer free in-network and inter-office calls. Also many of the plans can offer unlimited local and long distance services as the calls are placed on the Internet.

Please do yourself and your bottom line a favor and check out the services offered by Packet8.

Northern Ky. Has Booming Shrimp Industry

2007-09-25T12:16:00.001-04:00

I guess with all the anti-smoking campaigns going on it makes sense to have Kentucky farmers find crops other than tobacco. However, I had no idea that there were any local shrimp farms. My sons favorite sea food is shrimp. I wonder if these farms give tours to the public. That would be pretty cool to see.

Here's a Tri-state business we bet you didn't know was big - shrimp farming.

And it's one cash crop that's benefitting from our long and dry summer.

Bluegrass Shrimp Farm does business by the pound come late September, as people come from all over to fish out the shrimp.

By the time this harvest is over, Bluegrass Farms will have sold out of freshwater shrimp, also known as prawns.

They're all grown right in northern Kentucky.

This year's catch is especially good, thanks to dry days.

The Bluegrass Farm has three main ponds of shrimp, all of which have taken the warm weather so well, the farm harvested about 1,000 pounds this year.

It takes about four months before the prawns are ready to harvest.

Bluegrass Shrimp Farm has been in business over a decade. There are about 30 such farms in the state, and this "saltwater free" seafood has caught on big time.

What started out as a big experiment has taken off swimmingly.

Shrimp farming in the Tri-state started when the state of Kentucky's Department of Agriculture decided farmers needed to diversify, and find a replacement for the state's tobacco crop.

Playing Online Blackjack

2007-09-25T10:11:00.000-04:00

The game of Online Blackjack is mostly about knowing when to hit, and when to stand. It is a very easy game to understand, in that winning is achieved when a player gets a hand that is closest to 21, yet still beats the dealers cards. It is a game where the player is in direct competition with the dealer, and not the other players. Not only can the player beat the dealer by achieving a higher total card number that is closest to 21, the player can also win if the dealer goes over 21, and effectively busts.

Splitting is another strategy that can be used to bring you more victories, and more money. Splitting often gives a player more chance to win because at least one of your splits should be a strong hand. If the dealer is showing a low numbered card, then doubling is often a good strategy. Since the dealer may have a larger chance of breaking, this means that the player often has a larger chance of winning, especially if they possess a face card. You are effectively given two chances to win; by making a great card combination, or by the dealer breaking.

Splitting aces is always a great idea because aces offer a player a lot of options. If worse comes to worse, an ace can be used as a 1 to compensate for larger cards that you receive. On the other hand, if you have an ace, and a face card, you automatically hit Blackjack. Most players are inclined to split their aces regardless of what the dealer is showing.

When a player is experiencing a winning streak, they should consider a progressive betting strategy. Progressive betting often allows a player to maximize their wins, especially if they are experiencing a relatively large amount of wins. On the contrary, it is also a good idea to minimize your bets in times of large losing streaks. The game of gambling is a balance between learning how to maximize your wins, and minimize your losses.

The worst mistake any player can make is to chase losses. Many players loss all of their money trying to recover back a small amount of money that they lost If you are unable to win despite all of your strategies, then it may be time to call it quits for the day. The secret to winning at Blackjack is to play intelligently, be patient, and bet more aggressively when you feel you are on a winning streak.

Indiana Man Accused Of Stealing False Teeth Charged With Robbery

2007-09-25T09:48:00.001-04:00

I really don't know how to comment on this one. Why would you steal someone's false teeth? It is actually really gross to me, and I cannot imagine a reason to do it.

So the story says that the man who's teeth were stolen owed some money, but it said he went to pay his debt. It is just a really weird story.

A man accused of snatching another man's false teeth straight from his mouth during a fight has been charged with robbery.

Robert Henry Stahl, 62, was charged Thursday in Delaware Circuit Court with felony robbery and battery causing bodily injury, a misdemeanor.

If convicted of robbery, he could face two to eight years in prison.

Police and prosecutors said they did not know if Stahl had retained an attorney.

Billie Townsend, 56, told police he went to a bar on July 27 to pay Stahl money he owed him, then Stahl asked him to go outside and started punching him repeatedly. During the fight, Stahl allegedly put Townsend in a headlock and removed his false teeth.

"He said, 'You ain't getting these back,"' Townsend told police.

Stahl did not attend Thursday's hearing and prosecutors did not seek a warrant for his arrest. Another hearing was scheduled for Oct. 22. Stahl had no number in published listings for Yorktown or Muncie and he could not be reached for comment Friday.

Growing your Home-based Business

2007-09-25T09:25:00.000-04:00

Many of us today have ideas for starting our own home-based business, or maybe you have even started one. You have the perfect idea, and have all your materials and resources in place. Everything is ready for you to begin servicing customers. Now the biggest problem I have found is getting people to find you.

You have a website and try to get it indexed by Google. You have a dedicated phone/fax line to take requests. Perhaps you even have taken out ads in your local newspapers, or perhaps online services. You get out word of mouth with friends and family. Yet no one is finding you to use your services.

Well, how about a social networking site just for business networking? DirectMatches.com will allow you to put up your profile free of charge. Then you may join in groups that do work in similar areas as you, and pass each others information along to those who need work done. If others have work that they do not have the time or ability to do, that opens the perfect opportunity to grow your business with them.

Also with DirectMatches.com you get free advertising, free classifieds, and free networking. Join today and start meeting people who need work done by you.

Bar Association Calls For Ohio To Suspend Death Penalty System

2007-09-25T09:24:00.000-04:00

I guess that a review of the system is acceptable. However it must be taken into consideration that generally people who commit crimes are grouped together by similar backgrounds and economic conditions. That can explain why some regions have higher rates of crime. Also, it must be taken into consideration that people are tried by their peers, and different regions have differnt beliefs which may be why people in Cincinnati (a more conservative area) give more death sentances than Cleveland (a more liberal area). If they trial was fair the sentence should be carried out.

Ohio should temporarily suspend executions to allow a review of the state's capital punishment system because of several flaws, including racial and geographic imbalances, a team of lawyers concluded in a study to be released Monday.

Too many defendants don't get adequate legal help and ways to guard death row inmates' rights are missing from the system, such as failing to require that all DNA evidence from a case is preserved while an offender is on death row, according to a 30-month review of Ohio's death penalty system by the American Bar Association.

The ABA team called on Gov. Ted Strickland to halt executions to allow a review of the system.

"The state fails to provide adequate measures to protect defendants," ABA President William Neukom said in a statement. "Nobody should be executed until the problems identified by these experts are addressed, and we urge a temporary halt to executions until fairness and accuracy are assured."

Among other findings, the ABA concluded:

The state's system is flawed by racial disparities in death penalty sentencing, including a greater likelihood of defendants being sentenced to death if a victim is white.
There are major differences in how counties sentence death row cases, for example, a defendant in Hamilton County, which includes Cincinnati, is far more likely to receive a death sentence than a defendant in Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland.
Death sentences are being imposed and carried out on people with severe mental disabilities.
The state's appeals system does not allow for a meaningful comparison of cases to determine if a defendant deserves a death sentence based on other similar cases.

Strickland, a Democrat and death penalty supporter, has allowed two executions to proceed since taking office in January. A message was left seeking comment Monday morning. Ohio is the seventh of eight states being reviewed by the ABA. The other states: Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Arizona, Indiana and Tennessee. An ABA team is currently conducting a review in Pennsylvania.

Why Mobile Marketing Works

2007-09-14T10:41:00.001-04:00

Cellit Mobile Marketing is an excellent way for you to connect to your intended audience in an effective manner every time. There are several benefits to using this type of marketing and you may not realize the potential it creates for your business. Finding that all important target moment when it will strike the individual just right is the difference between effective advertising and a waste of your advertising dollar. Here are some things to consider about mobile marketing.

One of the many benefits that mobile marketing works well for is the simple fact that it is personal in nature. Consider the fact that instead of advertising on a huge billboard and hoping that those that drive by will see it, you are giving personal attention to the individual. Instead of hoping that the channels don't get changed when your commercial comes on, send it right to the individual and know that when they glance at their phone, they already have your message. This personal touch is quite powerful.

Another option is the immediacy of mobile marketing. You don't have to wait for them to act as many times they have the ability to click through the message to obtain information about your product or service right then. One of the hardest tasks in marketing is getting the message out and then making it stick. This method works well as the action can be taken immediately. That gets you immediate results for your advertising.

With hundreds of products coming online each day, it is hard to make one product or one service stand out against the rest. With mobile marketing, the audience you are targeting gets your message about who you are, what your business is and about what products are available immediately and they can then act on it. Mobile marketing is fast becoming the most successful type of marketing. Look for it to continue to grow as the world becomes even more mobile advanced.

Let's say for instance you run a sportsbar, or club. You can send out a direct message to your customer base to celebrate a big game, or happy hour reminders. Or if you are running a restaurant and have an overstock of a certain type in the kitchen you can send out a last minute special to your customers. CouponZap is a specific product that allows you to perform this sort of direct marketing, with very fast results, and effective coupon tracking.

Another great product is called House4Cell, which allows realtors to directly market to home buyers. How effective would it be to allow your customers subscribe to your service where you send them a text massage as new listings come online, and even send pictures of that listing. Another use of this service could be to send alerts when a price-drops occur in homes in the area. You would be remembered for your effective use of technology to keep your clients happy.

No WiFi for Cincinnati - for now

2007-09-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

I really had hoped that city-wide WiFi would become a reality, but the time is not right. I understand that this same problem is happening in other cities across the nation right now, but I hope everything gets back on track.

This is the exact sort of thing that needs to becoma a reality in order to enice young professionals to our city. Also, it is needed as we are lagging further and further behind other nations in our connectivety. If we cannot compete with their speeds, we need to compete with their numbers.

Cincinnati won’t soon be a wireless city after all.

The wireless broadband market is too unstable now, and similar projects have been canceled across the country, City Manager Milton Dohoney says. So he notified the mayor and city council members this week that his plan to explore citywide WiFi goes on hold.

To study the possibility, the city spent about $18,000, less than the $50,000 council set aside.

When Dohoney’s office announced in May that officials hoped the city would be wireless in three years, the idea drew praise. Ryan Rybolt, president and co-founder of Project Lilypad, a volunteer group that encourages the development of free wireless hot spots, said city WiFi would help draw young professionals to Cincinnati because it helps the city appear progressive.

Mayor Mark Mallory said he hoped to find a way to provide computers to low-income residents so they could use the wireless service, too.

Civitium, a Georgia company that has worked for Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas among others, was hired to advise local officials. According to the company’s blog, “capital-constrained muni WiFi operators have shifted their business models to require revenue commitments from local governments recently, as a condition for agreeing to build Wi-Fi networks.”

That was the problem for Cincinnati – too much money would likely be required from the city, said Meg Olberding, city spokeswoman. It was clear, Dohoney said in his memo, that the city likely would not get a favorable response if it issued a request for proposals to build a network. The projects can cost millions.

Among the problems elsewhere, the city manager said: leading provider Earthlink is restructuring, cutting staff and canceling projects in San Francisco, St. Petersburg, Fla., and New Orleans; Chicago canceled its plans after being unable to reach an agreement with providers after issuing a request for proposals.

The city plans to hold onto its research and wait for the market to change.

“It was a wise investment to do our due diligence,” Olberding said. “It gives us a good base to be ready when the timing is right.”

If a Blog Reports Facts, Is it Gossip?

2007-09-12T23:41:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, I use this blog to promote local happening in my community. One of the biggest things I recently promoted was the removal of Ralpf Jacobs as the principal of Locklan Elementary School. While my ultimate goal was his complete firing, I was satisfied when the board did remove him as the principal. I was also very happy to learn that a few friends in the local area were looking for information on this issue and Googled it. I learned that my blog was on the first page when they were looking for information, so I honestly believe that I helped get information out to the public so that they could also express their outrage with the entire situation.

I have recently learned that there is a new series starting called Gossip Girl on The CW. This show follows the lives of several young people in New York's Upper East Side. All while they try to live their lives, there is a blog run by "Gossip Girl", and she stirs the pot informing the world what is going on in the local scene and affects the lives of the main characters. I must say that these teen dramas have not appealed to me for a long time, but the premise of this one is interesting. I may give it a shot.

Chiquita execs cleared

2007-09-12T23:40:00.000-04:00

I have mixed feeling on this Chiquita case. On one hand I understand and support the governments ban on giving monies to any terrorist organization for any reason. On the other hand, Chiquita was doing what it felt was in the best interest for both business and employees.

I suppose that Chiquita could have used that same money however and purchased protection services from private security companies to support both business and employee protection. Because that is not an illegal activity, they would also be ahead financially becasue they would not have to pay the stiff Federal fines for violating the law.

The Justice Department said Tuesday it will not prosecute 10 Chiquita Brands International executives involved in the Cincinnati-based company's now-defunct payoff of Colombian terrorists protecting its most profitable banana-growing operation.

The government's long-awaited decision was part of a sentencing memo urging U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth to fine Chiquita $25 million and have the company serve five years probation for its illegal deals. The sentencing hearing in front of Lamberth is set for Sept. 17.

If accepted, the fine would mark the largest criminal penalty ever imposed under U.S. global terrorism sanctions laws.

Prosecutors dropped potential charges against the executives - most of whom have not been publicly identified - "based solely on the merits and the evidence" against them, said Justice Department spokesman Dean Boyd.

"The government gave serious consideration to bringing additional charges in this matter, but in the exercise of its prosecutorial discretion, has decided not to do so after an extensive investigation and after considering critical evidence and information that Chiquita provided," Boyd said.

Fernando Aguirre, Chiquita's chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement from its Cincinnati headquarters that the company was pleased with the decision.

"We believe this is the right decision and one that reflects the good faith efforts of the company - and its officers, directors and employees - to address a very difficult situation involving the lives and safety of our employees," Aguirre said.

Chiquita voluntarily alerted the Justice Department in April 2003 of the deals, which by that time had been ongoing for 15 years. The banana company admitted to paying about $1.7 million between 1997 and 2004 to the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, known as AUC for its Spanish initials.

The AUC has been responsible for some of the worst massacres in Colombia's civil conflict and for a sizable percentage of the country's cocaine exports. The U.S. government designated the AUC a terrorist group in September 2001. Additionally, Chiquita made payments to the National Liberation Army, or ELN, and the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, as control of the company's banana-growing area shifted.

Chiquita has said it was forced to make the payments and was acting only to ensure the safety of its workers.

Court documents list 10 unidentified company employees initially suspected of participating in the illegal deals and helped conceal them on company books. Prosecutors would not identity them or say whether they remain with Chiquita.

Former Chiquita general counsel Bob Olson has been identified as one of the 10. His lawyer, Robert Litt, said Olson helped in Chiquita's decision to report the deals to the Justice Department.

"No reasonable person could consider this criminal conduct," Litt said Tuesday.

He said Chiquita "was extorted by paramilitary terrorists who threatened the lives of its employees."

TrustedPlaces going Worldwide

2007-09-07T16:43:00.000-04:00

Finally there is a place for people to make recommendations (to either go to , or to avoid) on places in your local area.

Right now the site is mainly focused on London, but they are getting ready to open it up worldwide. You can go and rate your favorite bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, etc. For instance check this out for rating on a bar in london. Then if you are getting ready to travel to another area, you can look up and see what other people recommend for fun. How great is that to get recommendations on activities directly from the people that actually go there? I think that this will be an awesome service.

Missing Girl's Mother Named Suspect

2007-09-07T16:41:00.001-04:00

Having gone through something similar here in Cincinnati, Ohio with Marcus Feisel I fear that the girl is probably dead, and the parents are responsible. I hope I'm wrong, but after the local case here, it is very difficult to remain optimistic with these familiar circumstances.

In a shocking twist, the mother of a 4-year-old British girl missing since May was named a suspect and called in for questioning Friday by police along with the child's father, after traces of blood were found in their rental car.

The girl's aunt said police suggested Madeleine McCann might have been killed accidentally and offered the mother a plea deal if she confessed.

Kate McCann was questioned for more than four hours in a second straight day of interrogation into the disappearance of Madeleine in southern Portugal.

Her husband, Gerry McCann, followed her into the police station in the southern Portuguese town of Portimao for a separate round of questioning. Friends and relatives said the mother told them she had been named a formal suspect and was offered a deal if she confessed, and that Gerry McCann was told he would likely also be named a suspect.

"They tried to get her to confess to having accidentally killed Madeleine by offering her a deal through her lawyer - 'If you say you killed Madeleine by accident and then hid her and disposed of the body, then we can guarantee you a two-year jail sentence or even less,'" Gerry McCann's sister, Philomena, told ITV news.

A police spokesman, Olegario Sousa, confirmed to The Associated Press that police had named a new suspect, but would not say it was Mrs. McCann. He cited privacy laws in declining to comment further.

The couple strenuously professed their innocence Friday.

The day's developments marked a dramatic turn in a case that has pulled at the world's heartstrings for months, ever since Mrs. McCann ran screaming from a hotel room saying her daughter had disappeared. The McCanns, both doctors from central England, said they were dining at the time in a hotel restaurant, but returned frequently to check on Madeleine and her twin 2-year-old siblings.

Since then, the McCanns have toured Europe with photos of Madeleine and the child's stuffed animals and clothing, even meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. Celebrities including J.K. Rowling and David Beckham made public appeals that helped the family raise more than $2 million.

The money, controlled by an independent auditor, is meant for charities that aid in missing children cases.

Until Friday, suspicion had focused on a British man who lived near the hotel from which Madeleine disappeared and who was the only formal suspect. But police said new forensic tests done on evidence gathered months after the girl vanished found traces of blood in the couple's car, according to Justine McGuinness, a spokeswoman for the family.

The new evidence - including the traces of blood missed in earlier forensic tests - was uncovered by sniffer dogs brought from Britain.

McGuinness said the police allegations against Mrs. McCann didn't add up, since the rental car had not been acquired until 25 days after Madeleine's May 3 disappearance. Gerry McCann called the allegations against his wife "ludicrous."

"We will fight this all the way, and we will not stop looking for Madeleine," he wrote on the couple's Web site on Friday.

Even as public opinion reeled from the new allegations, there was fresh criticism of police for taking so long to build their case.

John Corner, a McCann family friend, told the British Broadcasting Corp. that the listing of Mrs. McCann as a suspect gave him "an uncomfortable feeling that the police are not looking outward" for Madeleine's abductor.

But Sonya Sceats, an international law analyst at London's Chatham House think tank, said police were allowing the evidence to lead their investigation.

"It's all turned on the DNA evidence. It only became available very recently, and they are moving in response to that," Sceats said by phone.

Under Portuguese law, formal suspects gain certain legal protections, but police also have more latitude to question them. Police also have to show suspects any evidence against them.

Clarence Mitchell, a family friend and former spokesman for the McCanns, said Friday after speaking with Mrs. McCann that she found the police questioning - which included an 11-hour session Thursday - "grueling."

"It's very intense, but she's remaining strong and determined to prove that they had nothing to do with their daughter's disappearance and they are innocent victims of the crime," he told the AP.

Asked about a plead deal, Mitchell said: "It is my understanding that during the police interview with Kate McCann, senior police officers told her lawyer that if she were to confess to killing Madeleine accidentally it would help her case when she came before the judges for sentencing and that they would probably consider a relatively short sentence of three to four years - in other words, a plea bargain."

The McCanns' cause, and the couple's apparent strength in the face of adversity, has hit a nerve among millions, who have followed their lives as they cared for their two other children and went to church in Praia da Luz, the seaside town where Madeleine disappeared, and where they have stayed ever since. Photographs of the bright-eyed, fair-haired girl have been posted throughout the world.

The publicity has helped lead to numerous reported sightings of the girl, from as far away as northern Europe and Morocco, amid speculation she might have been taken by an international pedophile ring.

Just after Mrs. McCann entered the police station Thursday, another family representative read out a statement from her appealing to what she called Madeleine's abductors to "do the right thing."

"It is not too late. Please let her go or call the police," she said.

The only formal suspect until now has been Robert Murat, who lives with his mother near the hotel from which the girl disappeared. He has always maintained his innocence. Sousa said Murat's status as a suspect had not changed.

Help, I've Fallen and Can't Get Up

2007-09-07T16:18:00.000-04:00

If your from my age group, you just chuckled when you read this headline, but as I get older I'm glad that this typw of service is back.

Now that I'm older and have a family, I see the benefits for a service such as this one. My wife has MS, and has had problems with vertigo as well. I have worried about her falling and not being able to get up. I have worried about her needing to get medical attention, but not being able to get ahold of anyone when she is home alone.

Now, there is the Panic Button. This is a device that may be worn as a watch, necklace, pendant, or belt. If you need help, you push the button and Direct Alert's Emergency Team is able to communicate with you via a two-way voice panel. They will contact all your emergency contacts, and help will be sent regardless of what is happening. Please check them out as their equipment and monitoring prices are very reasonable for the peace of mind they are able to provide.

A Great Year

2007-09-07T16:17:00.000-04:00

It has been a very good year for me. I have gotten a new job, and have tried many different ways to make money online.

My new job is wonderful, as I am finally offically a programmer. This is something I have wanted for a while now, and now I have it.

My other attempts at making extra money have also gone very well. TO this date I have made over $3500 online from various sources. These different sources helped pay for our vacation to Panama City Beach, Florida earlier this year. I must say that the best, and most reliable source of income has come from PayPerPost and my affiliate sites on Amazon.com. I will tell you that if you are looking for ways to make money, the easiest to start with is PayPerPost. If you want other recommendations, please feel free to contact me here.

Need Help Finding the Right Medical School?

2007-09-07T15:58:00.002-04:00

This was an oddly relevant find for me today. Two of my wife's friends are continuing their education in the medical field.

GuideToHealthCareSchools.com is an excellent resource for schools both online and in your local state. For instance if you are interested in a healthcare management degree, you can visit the site and it defaults to listing the online schools first, then a listing of each school available in each state in alpabetical order. You may also select your state from the list towards the top of the page to speed things up.

Once you find a school your interested in, just click on the "More Info" link, and you will be taken to a page specific for that school. This page also has a form that you may fill out to receive more information from the school, and financial aid programs available.

I suggest that people going into this field check it out and get as much info on your different options before commiting to a particular school.

No Overt Threats in New Bin Laden Video

2007-09-07T15:58:00.001-04:00

This is simply proof that he is still out there, and that we need to find him. Also, these people are very good at using technology to send hidden messages, and this could be a trigger message to look in another place. We all need to be sure that we are vigilant. These extremists want us all dead regardless of your political standings.

A new video of Osama bin Laden makes no overt threats against the United States and appears to have been made as recently as this summer, a government official said Friday.

The video includes references to current events in the war in Iraq, the official said. That would bolster the video's authenticity, which intelligence officials still are trying to confirm.

The new video of al-Qaida leader bin Laden - his first in three years - runs nearly 30 minutes long, said the government official who has seen a transcript of its contents and spoke on condition of anonymity because it has not been made public.

Bin Laden makes "no overt threat" in the video, the official said.

But he mentions Sept. 11 several times and says that while the United States is the greatest economic and military power in the world, the nation is unjust, the official said.

The video, which the U.S. government obtained only very recently, surfaced the week before the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Several intelligence agencies were analyzing the video Friday.

The Homeland Security Department said Friday it had no credible information warning of an imminent threat to the United States, and analysts noted that al-Qaida tends to mark the Sept. 11 anniversary with a slew of messages.

White House deputy press secretary Tony Fratto declined to comment on the video until it has been fully analyzed, except to say it was a reminder of the continuing terrorist threat.

"This is why we need to be more vigilant and more persistent in our pursuit of terrorists," Fratto said. "We will continue to pursue them. And it reminds us that we need to be certain that our intelligence professionals have all the tools they need to continue to disrupt their activities."

According to the transcript, a copy of which was obtained by ABC News, bin Laden says there are two ways to end the war.

"The first is from our side, and it is to continue to escalate the killing and fighting against you," bin Laden says. The second is to eliminate the American democratic system of government.

"It has now become clear to you and the entire world the impotence of the democratic system and how it plays with the interests of the peoples and their blood by sacrificing soldiers and populations to achieve the interests of the major corporations," he says.

The transcript also mentions French President Nicolas Sarkozy, political activist and author Noam Chomsky, global warming, and refers to the Aug. 6 anniversary of the World War 2 bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Several intelligence and counterterror officials said there was still a question about whether the video was authentic - whether it is, in fact, Osama bin Laden on the tape. But one intelligence official said there has never been one of these tapes that has proven not to be authentic.

The government also is looking at bin Laden's physical characteristics - in part, for clues about his health after unconfirmed rumors earlier this year that he had died of kidney disease.

Soon after word emerged that the United States had the video, Islamic militant Web sites that usually carry statements from al-Qaida went down and were inaccessible. The reason for the shutdown was not immediately known.

Evan H. Kohlmann, a terrorism expert at globalterroralert.com, said he suspected it was the work of al-Qaida itself, trying to find how the video leaked to U.S. officials.

"For them this is totally disruptive that the U.S. government could have a copy before their targeted audience does," he said. "They could be concerned and trying to plug the leak quickly."

The video ends bin Laden's longest period without a message. The al-Qaida leader has not appeared in new video footage since October 2004, and he has not put out a new audiotape in more than a year.

Al-Qaida's media arm, Al-Sahab, announced bin Laden's new message Thursday in a banner advertisement on an Islamic militant Web site that included a photo of him.

"Soon, God willing, a videotape from the lion sheik Osama bin Laden, God preserve him," the advertisement read, signed by Al-Sahab. Such announcements are usually put out one to three days before the video is posted on the Web.

One difference in bin Laden's appearance was immediately obvious. The announcement had a still photo from the coming video, showing bin Laden addressing the camera, his beard fully black. In his past videos, bin Laden's beard was almost entirely gray with dark streaks.

Bin Laden's beard appears to have been dyed, a popular practice among Arab leaders, said Rita Katz, director of the SITE Institute, a Washington-based group that monitors terror messages.

Katz said al-Qaida has consistently marked the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks as one of its biggest successes. In 2003, a videotape of bin Laden was released the day before the anniversary and last year al-Qaida released a documentary describing the planning of the attacks.

Videotapes of bin Laden are the group's most powerful propaganda tools, and they use them sparingly, Katz said, primarily because security concerns make access to the leader difficult. But also, she added, because al-Sahab wants to ensure that a new tape gets maximum play in the media.

Over the last few years, al-Qaida leaders appear to have gotten better at distributing their missives, one intelligence official said. They are using subtitles and different languages and using the Internet to distribute them, rather than depending on a particular television station or network.

Awesome CellFish Features

2007-09-06T13:28:00.001-04:00

I find myself going to CellFish more and more. I think it is going to take YouTube over for video, as it adds a social networking component that is missing there. In addition to that, you can share videos, pictures, and send messages via your cell phone.

Once you sign up, you can click on "My Account" at the top of any page, and select "Messages/Alerts" to customize what messages you receive and how to receive them. It is such an easy and intuitive interface to use. You'll love it!

I also uploaded one of my videos from our familiy vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida so that you can see how videos can be uploaded to the Site, and shared just as you can do with YouTube. But with this a person can also download the video to their cell phone to have and share with anyone at anytime. Tell me just how cool is that?

And if you want new Free Ringtones, this is a great place to look. Check out the other RingTones people have added to their account. If you find one that you dig, just click on the "Send to My Phone" button (as I pointed out in a previos post about Cell Fish), and the file for the Ring Tone will automatically be sent to your phone for use. Aother great thing about this is that as more people join the service and add their media the better it will get for everyone.

West Chester to White House

2007-09-06T13:22:00.000-04:00

I had to post this article because of the response that Karl Rove always gets, and the fact that his successor is from my area. If you know Cincinnati you should not be too surprised that he is from the West Chester area (unless your surprised that he is not from Indian Hill). I just hope he got out of West Chester before all these snobby people moved in. My wife and I go up there, and everyone is just so stuck up it's unbelieveable.

Former Boehner aide succeeds Karl Rove

West Chester native Barry Jackson is the new Karl Rove.

Rove left the White House last month. He had been in charge of the White House Political Office, where he essentially served as the president's top political strategist.

President Bush announced Tuesday that Jackson would take over Rove's duties and have the title assistant to the president for strategic initiatives and external affairs. That puts him in charge of overseeing the White House offices of Political Affairs, Public Liaison, Intergovernmental Affairs and Strategic Initiatives.

"Barry is a capable and trusted adviser who is widely respected for his sound judgment and strong ability to build consensus around initiatives that are important to all Americans," Bush said in a statement. "Throughout my administration, I have valued his advice and leadership. I appreciate his continued service."

Jackson had been Rove's longtime top deputy. Before joining the White House in 2002, Jackson served for 10 years as chief of staff to House Minority Leader John Boehner, another West Chester Republican.

"Barry has long been a loyal friend and dedicated public servant," Boehner said Wednesday. "I know he will continue to serve the White House and our nation with distinction, and I congratulate him and look forward to working with him in his new leadership role."

Besides Rove, other top White House staff who have left recently include Office of Management and Budget Director Rob Portman of Terrace Park, and White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, a Cincinnati native who announced last week that he'll depart later this month.

Private Ambulance Service

2007-09-04T13:21:00.000-04:00

Here is another company proving that private enterprise can get the job done better than the government. AeroCare is a worldwide air ambulance service offering 24 hour emergency and non-emergency ambulance services.

This company, and all their staff, has received full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems. Their flights are operated by R&M Aviation and other FAA certificated air carriers. R&M Aviation is a FAA Part 135 certificated Air Carrier and a wholly owned subsidiary of AeroCare Medical Transport System, Inc.

This company also worked with several hospitals in Chicago and Texas in the time leading up to Hurricane Rita in 2005. Several critical patients were moved out of the area at risk from the hurricane and critical care monitoring continued during all aspects of the transport.

Personally I would trust my life with a private company such as this than attempting to rely on the government to get the job done for me.

'This was just deliberate'

2007-09-04T13:10:00.000-04:00

Now I've heard of people getting mad before, and not liking cops, but this one is ridiculous. Someone dropped the bucket of a backhoe onto a police cruiser. Why would someone do this, because they just made it personal with the cops. The cops will not rest until they find who did this and throw the whole book at them.

Somebody crunched a cop car with the bucket of a backhoe, and police in this Clermont County community plan to crack down on the vandals.

The long arm of the lawbreaker’s excavator landed on the roof of a surplus cruiser parked near the Miami Township Civic Center, 6101 Meijer Drive.

The Hyundai backhoe had been parked on the adjacent property of Loveland Excavating, about 200 yards from the cruiser, Detective Nick Colliver said.

“They either thought they were being funny or were angry,” Colliver. “This was just deliberate. There’s no doubt about it. They drove it from Loveland Excavating straight up to the cruiser, dropped the bucket on it and crushed it.”

Nobody was in the car at the time of the incident, which police said occurred between 8 p.m. Aug. 27 and 7 a.m. Aug. 28.

Aside from part of the pavement that was cracked by the weight of the backhoe, nothing else was damaged, Colliver said.

The 1998 Ford Crown Victoria, valued at $3,000, was to be sold at auction or to another municipality before the act of vandalism, said Tim Pennington, community relations director for the township. Instead, the destroyed car was hauled away as scrap.

The cruiser had been used as a canine unit, but it was decommissioned and had been parked at the civic center for a couple of months.

Whoever operated the backhoe and its hydraulic arm had the keys, Colliver said. None were reported missing from Loveland Excavating.

“We’re pursuing several leads right now,” Colliver said. “Somebody knew what they were doing. The person certainly had experience in operating heavy equipment.”

Colliver encouraged anyone with information to call the Miami Township Police Department at 513-248-3721, or Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.

No More Overheating Servers

2007-09-02T10:09:00.000-04:00

I work for a company that hosts servers for large companies around the world, and we have had some problems with our Air Conditioning. I have found the perfect product for them.

The Temperature@lert USB Sensor with Email Alerts will monitor the temperature of an area, and if it falls below a value, or above a value, or outside a specified range it will send an email alert that the temperature has changed. We have had several occasions where our Air Conditioner failed in the middle of the night, and when we came in the next morning it was nearly 90 in the server room. This will prevent that from happening again.

A House Explodes in Ohio, Hear about it?

2007-09-02T10:04:00.000-04:00

Ok, I'm usually pretty good about following the news in Ohio, but I totally missed this one.

A house explodes in a small town in Ohio. It seems that the cable company was doing some work, and caused a gas leak. That gas leak later caused the house to explode, but of course none of this has been officially confirmed. Big business covering for each other?

Summer is Ending, enjoy the Sales!

2007-09-02T09:02:00.000-04:00

Summer is coming to a close. One thing I really like about the end of a season are the sales. I tend to never make any purchases at the beginning of a season unless I really have to because I always know that the end of the season sale is where the real savings are.

For instance, I have really wanted new Garden Hose Reels, but the price has just been too high. However, now I can get one that fits me just right for only $49.95. That's a saving of $10.00!

There tends to be an exception to my end of season sale, and that would be Halloween. This is my families favorite holiday. And since it is still about two months away you can get some good deals on Halloween Decorations as well!

So remember that summer is coming to an end, and now is the time to shop for next year!

Thinking About a Move to Hawaii?

2007-09-02T08:59:00.001-04:00

Hawaii is the Paradise of the Pacific and never fails to seduce even the most jaded of travelers. The islands beckon. Sun, sand, sea, music and good food - are amply complemented by the hospitality of the people of Hawaii. Today Hawaii is not merely a visitor's paradise. It is also becoming an iconic commercial hub in this side of the pacific.

Hawaii Real Estate

Hawaii real estate is a booming industry in the state too. It is not really surprising for people to clamor for a part of the state's real estates. Hawaii is beautiful and a very ideal place to live in. To be near in the vicinity of all those beaches, golden sunshine, plantations, and other delightful Hawaiian things is definitely worth to have a part of all the offered Hawaiian real estate. Indeed, people only not come to Hawaii for a short vacation but many are coming there to put up residences. Hawaii is becoming a commercial zone and Hawaii real estate is part of that fact.

Geography and Demography

Hawaii is ringed by the Pacific Ocean. The 132 islands in Hawaii make up the world's longest chain islands - running a combined length of 1523 miles. This is the only state that is not part of the northern American continent; but is located 2,400 miles southwest of the Continental United States.

Hawaii occupies 10,932 square miles: 6,432 square miles are land areas and 4,508 are land areas covered by water.

The 2005 census estimated a total state population of 1,275,194. Hawaii is home to a mix of people coming from the different parts of the globe.

Hawaii has 8 major islands: Hawaii, Honolulu, Kahoolawe, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, and Ni'ihau.

Industry

The economy of Hawaii is fueled by its tourism industry. Agriculture is the second largest industry.

The other industries in Hawaii are as follows:

Services
Retail trade
State and local governments
Construction

There are several public corporations - Amfac (food processing, merchandising and land development). Castle and Cooke, which owns DOLE and Bumble Bee food is into food product lines. There is Dillingham which has a hand in maritime industries and land development. Brewer provides the world with sugar and macadamia nuts.

High Spots in Hawaii:

Maui - the Magic Isle boast of spectacular beaches
Hawaii - The world's beautiful rainforest's can be seen in the Volcanoes National Parks
Honolulu - a busy seaport and is also the university belt
Kauai - One of the oldest islands is also called the Garden Isle have spectacular sunsets
Lanai - the archeologists' favorite haunt
Molokai - where the temples for human sacrifices still stand; also famous for its fishponds and expanses of pineapple fields
Kauai - famed for its surfing beaches, grottoes and golf courses
Big Island - takes pride in its arboretum, gardens and parks
Molokai - an island lost in time; here there are no tall buildings, only wonderful deserted beaches
Kahoolawe - has its beautiful deserted landscape; visits to this area is to be arranged
Ni'ihau - a rubber plantation owned by the Robinson Family; this is also called the Forbidden Island

Shopping for an Engagement Ring on a Budget

2007-08-30T09:58:00.001-04:00

If your budget is stretched to the point where a fast food meal would require you to take out a payday loan but you want to purchase Ultra Diamonds which make you look like a big spender--not to flaunt your net worth, but because you want something she will be proud to show off to her friends--there are some tips which you can use to make the engagement rings appear larger than they really are. These tips can save you hundreds of dollars in cost as well.

LARGER TABLE

The table of a gem stone is the top face of the stone. A stone that is perfectly cut will have a precise ratio of table to length of distance from the table to the girdle, which is the widest part of the stone. Another exact proportion states how the distance above the girdle relates to the distance below the girdle. These measurements are part of the engagement rings Cut determination. Engagement rings that are perfectly cut will have maximum sparkle and will have a higher price tag than engagement rings which have a larger table in proportion to their size. If you choose engagement rings with slightly less sparkle you will get engagement rings which cost significantly less money but look larger than the smaller stones which are perfect in their cut. There won't be enough difference between the two examples of engagement rings to be readily apparent to the naked eye and you will still have engagement rings with a beautiful appearance at a lot less money.

UNDERWEIGHT GEMS

If you choose engagement rings with gemstones which are slightly less than a full carat, such as a .8 or .9 carat instead of a 1 carat ring, or 1.9 carat engagement rings instead of 2 carats, it will be very hard to discern the difference visually, particularly if you take care with the setting that you use, but you can garner significant savings.

ALTERNATE GEMSTONE

Keep in mind that even solitaire-type engagement rings don't necessarily have to be diamond. Other gemstones which have been very successfully used as the center and featured stone include sapphire, blue topaz, and tourmaline. You can always flank the center stone with small diamonds, even diamond chips.

METAL

White gold is less expensive than platinum. You can also look at 18 carat gold in stead of 24 carat gold. Stainless steel is cheaper than gold.

USED RING

Antique engagement rings are beautiful and sometimes preferred over the more modern styles. Depending on where they are purchased, they can be much less expensive than one purchased directly from a new jewelry tray.

Relocation to Cincinnati

2007-08-30T09:40:00.001-04:00

If you have found yourself considering a move to Ohio, you might be remiss if you overlook the amazingly attractive options offered by Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. Why is Cincinnati so attractive? Well, that's an answer that will take a bit of time. For starters, Cincinnati is located along the beautiful Ohio River in the Ohio Valley. The beauty of this area is hard to beat anywhere in the world. These beautiful hills are home to some of Cincinnati's most luxurious homes which feature amazing views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Many aspects have contributed to Cincinnati's rise to popularity, but none more so than the excellent business environment that is based in the the fields of technology. The Cincinnati area has followed in the footsteps of Silicon Valley and has become known for its technology companies. This nexus of the technology industry has provided Cincinnati with a great atmosphere for growth and expansion while ensuring the stability of Cincinnati's economy and real estate sector.

Another great reason to consider relocation to Cincinnati is the phenomenal real estate values that are possessed by homes and properties in the Cincinnati area. In fact, homes in Cincinnati are priced approximately $50,000 less than the national median. This translates into great opportunity for prospective home buyers. If you need to get any mortgage quotes, there are plenty of options. Also, the homes that make up the real estate picture in Cincinnati are of excellent quality and it is possible to find some amazing heritage homes in the beautiful Victorian style that was popularized in the early 1900's. There is also a great selection of new and modern homes and amazing condos and lofts available in many price ranges. If you prefer to look for houses for rent while you familiarize yourself with the area, that can also be an option.

With such a stable real estate market, the services that are offered by Cincinnati have grown with the increased need. Cincinnati is home to great educational services and public utilities. All of these elements have combined to give Cincinnati the stable base required to show consist ant growth and stability in the real estate market.

Sleep Studies and Sleep Apnea

2007-08-27T09:41:00.001-04:00

So many people are dealing with the problem of not getting enough sleep. For a lot of them, they have no idea why they are not getting the sleep that they want so badly. They are wandering why they are so tired in the morning even when they are going to bed at a decent time. Having a sleep study at a reputable Sleep disorder center for sleep apnea will benefit ' the person as well as help the scientists get a closer look at this problem and how to do treatment.

A sleep study is when a group of researchers will watch over the patient, as they are asleep. There will be monitors and gadgets to keep track of the way that the patient is breathing and their movements while they are sleeping. This will allow the scientists to better understand the disorder and what it does to the person's body and ability to sleep.

For these people, they may have a disorder called sleep apnea. The best way to determine this problem is with a sleep study. For most people that have sleep apnea, they do not even know there is a problem like this occurring. They are unsure of the reason whey they are not getting enough rest and many times this problem goes undiscovered and untreated.

It can be hard to determine if a person needs to have a sleep study done. If a person snores, they may have sleep apnea. Lifestyle changes such as loosing weigh, sleeping on your side, and keeping a regular sleep schedule may reduce your snoring. If a person has symptoms of sleep apnea, the doctor may suggest a sleep study be done.

If a person knows that they have sleep apnea, there are ways to treat it. If a person has mild sleep apnea, treatments may not reduce your symptoms. If your sleep apnea is moderate to severe, treatment generally reduces symptoms of sleep apnea and may risk the increase of other complications.

These sleep studies are great for any person that is having a hard time sleeping and the problem is starting to affect their life. This problem can be devastating to their work and their relationships. Many people will have problems if they do not have the sleep apnea disorder taken treated. There are many doctors that would be very helpful to people in this type of situation and will use the sleep study to make the person feel better and get more sleep.

Read the Reviews Before You Buy

2007-08-27T09:33:00.000-04:00

Ok, so your email box gets flooded all the time with products from the net. Which ones work, which ones don't. I bet if you're like me you just assume that nothing that gets sent to you in an email (as spam generally) works. Although I will admit that I have been curious about a few of these products and have almost tried them.

Now I can recommend a site that lists reviews of these products from people who have actually used them. Trust Source gets reviews of actual people who have tried these products and shares them with you. Dont get ripped off, and buy those that work with confidence.

Wanted to try any of the products for hairloss? Turns out that Provillus is getting good reviews from customers, but Procerin is not as popular with the people who have tried it.

Are you getting hot flashes? Menopol is getting rave reviews from customers.

Have you thought about trying some cellulite cream? Try Avotone according to the people who have tried it, but save your money if you're looking at Cellulean.

Read the reviews and get the low down on the products that are out there from the people who have actually tried them.

Window Dressing

2007-08-24T13:30:00.002-04:00

We have had the same blinds in our house since we moved in 6 years ago. They are doing little to dress up the house now, and have just become really boring.

I started looking around today, and found something different. Vertical Blinds. I have seen them before in other homes, and they seem so much more classy to me than the traditional blinds in stores today.

It also seems that since these blinds, when fully closed, offer excellent privacy and strong protection from sunlight they could also help insulate the room from the temperature of sunlight coming into the room. Right now since it has been 100+ for the past three degrees I'm looking for anything that can help my air conditioning out.

If anyone has any experience with this style of blinds, please post a comment here and let me know what you think.

Little town, lots of tickets

2007-08-24T13:30:00.001-04:00

I live in Lockland, and I know for a fact that some of the idiots who drive between Arlington and Lockland need to slow down. I have seen many cars take off in front of my house and hit probably 40 to 45 miles per hour in a 25 zone. I have dogs, and a son who I try and keep in the back yard, but if they get out front the danger to them goes up immeasurably. I for one am glad that Lockland and Arlington are out there writing tickets. It seems that the only weant these people will learn if you hit them in the pocketbook.

Perhaps Arlington Heights’ motto should be, “Slow down.”

At a quarter-square mile, it’s the smallest community in Hamilton County. Yet the tiny village of 802 has the busiest mayor’s court in the region – and the seventh busiest in the entire state, according to state figures.

The reason? Traffic tickets.

Traffic cases accounted for 93 percent of the 3,596 cases that came through Arlington Heights’ mayor’s court last year. Such courts are used by more than 300 Ohio communities to handle traffic and misdemeanor cases.

To some nabbed by Arlington Heights’ police, the town is little more than a speed trap along I-75.

“I feel like they just want money,” said Travis Postway, 23, in mayor’s court recently for driving with no license.

But the town bristles at that characterization. Officers don’t hide in bushes or post lower speed limits along I-75 just to trap motorists, the police chief argues. Added the mayor: “If they wouldn’t be out there speeding, we wouldn’t be out there writing tickets.”

Concerns about the purpose and fairness of these types of courts have spurred attempts in the statehouse to get rid of them, a move that would devastate Arlington’s police department.

The chief justice of Ohio’s Supreme Court says it’s a conflict of interest for mayors and their appointees to preside over courts when the fines collected directly help fund their town. About 25 percent of Arlington’s Heights’ income comes from its mayor’s court – though most of that is negated by the cost of running the court.

Arlington Heights is tucked in the nook known as the “Lockland split,” between the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 75.

Founded in the late 1800s, the quaint village includes 418 modest, well-kept, single-family homes and apartments. It boasts its own police and fire departments, a handful of businesses, including the Meyer Dairy Co. Inc., and a new business park under construction.

But most people simply drive through Arlington Heights because of the 1.25 miles of highway .75 miles northbound, 0.5 miles southbound within its boundaries. Between 151,730 to 166,810 vehicles travel that stretch of highway daily, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The village’s three full-time and seven part-time officers write an average of 2,700 tickets a year, most of them for traffic violations.

Many cases end up in mayor’s court.

“It’s almost all speeding,” said Village Magistrate Massimino Ionna?. “Probably the majority of the tickets are off of the highway.”

Officers aren’t even required to patrol the highway, but can volunteer to do it for overtime pay.

In terms of the sheer volume of cases, Arlington’s court with 3,724 last year actually isn’t the busiest. It ranks fifth among the region’s 52 mayor’s courts, in caseload, according to the Supreme Court data. Reading tops the list with 9,066 cases last year.

But for a village of its population, Arlington Heights soars to the top of the list. Way to the top.

The court processed about 4 cases per capita last year compared to runners-up Addyston at 1.5 and Lockland at 1. (Reading logged 0.8 cases per capita). Arlington Heights is also well above the state average of 0.55 cases per capita. But is it a “speed trap?”

That depends on your definition.

Yes, village cruisers vigilantly patrol the interstate. Yes, they issue a lot of tickets. But the term “speed trap” has certain connotations that officials here say don’t describe Arlington.

“A speed trap is someone who hides behind bushes,” said Arlington Heights Police Chief Rob Lawson. “Everyone knows we’re out there.”

The National Motorists Association defines speed traps as places where the speed limit is lower than is reasonable for most drivers and where violators are aggressively pursued, said Jim Baxter, association president.

The term “speed trap” also insinuates excessive unnecessary ticketing to pad the city’s coffers. Among the more notorious of these types of speed traps was New Rome, Ohio, just outside of Columbus. The 60-person village raked in hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in ticket fines in mayor’s court, many for driving just a few miles above or below the speed limit. Years of complaints and internal corruption eventually spurred a state law that disbanded the town in 2004. The law, dubbed the “New Rome Bill” allows the state to dissolve villages of fewer than 150 people and less than two square miles if they aren’t run properly.

Greater Cincinnati’s mayor’s courts aren’t immune to problems either. Lockland’s mayor’s court is under review by the state auditor at the village’s request. A village employee resigned abruptly after being questioned about irregularities in the mayor’s court deposits, and village officials later found thousands of dollars and 92 unpaid traffic tickets in her desk. An isolated problem like that though, wouldn’t be grounds to disband a court.

Some people such as like Postway, the Arlington Heights’ mayor’s court defendant, might argue that the village is, indeed a speed trap. The village resident says he almost feels harassed by police. He’s been pulled over more than once for traffic infractions and says the fines are excessive.

Anderson Township resident Nancy Pater said she, too, has heard people claim the village is a likely place to get ticketed.

“More and more people I’ve talked to say that,” she recalled after her recent mayor’s court appearance for driving 74 miles per hour in a 55 mile-per-hour zone on I-75 through the village. “I guess they’re doing they’re jobs,” she said about the police.

Baxter, from the motorists association, said a large amount of ticketing typically indicates a speed trap.

“If they’re out there writing many, many tickets, it’s a red flag,” he said. He noted if that many people are speeding through Arlington Heights, perhaps the speed limit on that stretch of highway is too low. But “the fact they (the village) haven’t set the speed limit doesn’t absolve them from responsibility for exploiting the system,” he said.

Lawson argues his officers aren’t exploiting anything. They don’t go after the drivers doing just five or 10 miles over the speed limit.

“We write tickets that are 15 miles per hour or more over the speed limit. People need to get the message to slow down,” said Lawson. “I don’t buy the whole ‘speed trap’ thing.”

Mayor Joe Harper, a former police officer for the village, said the highway is curvy, and dangerous and accident-prone.

“I used to spend a lot of my time up on that highway taking accident reports,” he said.

The patrols are meant to keep people safe, rather than to harass drivers or bankroll the village, officials said. And it seems to be working.

Between 2004 and 2006, the Ohio Department of Transportation recorded 801 traffic crashes on the three-mile stretch of I-75 from Paddock Road to Lockland – which includes Arlington Heights. In contrast, the three-mile sections of highway to the north and to the south logged more accidents at 872 and 1,044, respectively.

“It’s greatly diminished the accidents with injuries and fatalities on the highway,” Lawson said of the patrols.

Caring for Loved Ones With Alzheimer's Disease

2007-08-24T10:10:00.000-04:00

If you find that your family is being affected by Alzheimer's disease what should you do? Here are several tips that I hope will help you as they helped my family when my wife's grandfather was diagnosed with the disease.

First the question should be asked, What exactly is Alzheimer's disease? Although there known genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the disease, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown. It is a degenerative disease of the brain that results in progressive dementia. This often begins with progressive memory loss, followed by increasingly disorganized thought and speech patterns. Due to the continual deterioration of the brain, the disease progresses to a point in which the person becomes helpless and can no longer care for themselves. It eventually results in death.

Next then we should ask, how do we help fight this disease? Become a team captain in a local Memory Walk. There are walks in over 600 communities, and are generally 2 to 3 miles long. The Memory Walk are being held on weekend mornings this fall, so join in and help fight this disease that is taking the life and dignity from our parent, grandparents, and friends.

If a parent is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to get a prompt diagnosis. You’ll want to find a family physician or a doctor familiar with the disease, preferably one specially trained in diseases of the elderly. Other doctors that may diagnosis Alzheimer’s include neurologists and psychologists. While there is no cure, there are many medications available that can help treat and slow down the progression of the disease.

It is also important so set up a support system for yourself as soon as you learn of the diagnosis. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is an overwhelming task. A good place to start is your local Alzheimer’s Association. They are extremely helpful and can offer advice on caring for your loved one and personal coping strategies. They can also direct you to local support groups and other helpful organizations. You may want to locate a place early on as well that can help with care if it becomes too much. We were luck, and my wife located a wonder facility for her grandfather in our area. They were very attentive to him, and made it a better experience for us all.

Brand New Parochial School Opens In Reading

2007-08-24T10:01:00.000-04:00

My son started school on Wednesday at a brand new school. I'm very excited to be a part of it, and I'm very happy to know that he will no longer be a part of the failing public school system known specifically in my area as the Lockland School District.

This is very late notice, but tonight at Keonig Park in Reading the school will be haing a family picnic night with food and games at very affordable prices. Also tonight at 10:30PM will be the drawing for the Corvette, so if you have not purchased your ticket come and join in the festivities.

It was the first day of school "ever" for the Sts. Peter and Paul Academy in Reading Wednesday.

Plans for the school started this winter when the Archdiocese of Cincinnati told parents and students their school would close.

So parents got together, raised money and created the new academy.

"This whole group has such great faith," said Reading Mayor Bo Bemmes. "I don't think there was ever a doubt."

"Every time a barrier or obstacle was put in the way, they just moved right through it and went on to the next day and the next barrier," said Bemmes.

Ninety-five students from kindergarten through 8th grade walked through the new school's doors Wednesday and then outside to pray, for the start of a new school year.

Parents estimate they received about $175,000 worth of labor, materials and time donated.

Try Freeze It, You'll Love It

2007-08-21T09:20:00.000-04:00

Recently I tried the Freeze It product. I often have muscle aches trying to keep up with a seven year old. We go to Kings Island, he has a trampoline, and we love to go swimming at his aunts house. Go figure that I feel like I've been hit by a Mack Truck some nights.

We were going to Kings Island the day after I received the product, and boy was I glad it came in. My neck and arms were so sore from walking around the park. I came home, and applied it, and it was like nothing I ever put on. First it goes on so light, and it is not greasy. It is more of a gel than anything else. And the best part was the smell. It was nothing like any of the other muscle rubs out there today that make you smell like an old person. This has a very nice menthol smell to it that also soothes the nostrils as well as the muscles it is applied to.

My wife suffers from MS, and she has spastic muscles that cause her alot of discomfort at times. The next time she tells me she hurts I'm going to have her try Freeze It. I really think that she will appreciate how it makes her feel.

Risky: Texting across tracks

2007-08-21T09:18:00.000-04:00

Maybe I'm just too jaded here, but DUH!

Now I'm waiting for local officials to say we need to make laws about text messaging, but is that really necessary? I am of the opinion that paying attention to your surroundings is common sense. If you are unable to do that, then (this may sound callus) the problem will correct itself.

Man hurt by train was messaging, witnesses say

Officials think that Zachariah Smith was so engrossed in sending a text message Monday that he didn't notice a train - until it hit him as he crossed tracks in Elmwood Place.

Smith, 18, was on Township Avenue about 10 a.m. Monday waiting to cross the tracks. The gates were down to allow a CSX train to continue its southbound route.

When that train passed, Smith, apparently too intent on texting, was hit by a northbound Norfolk Southern train that he didn't see coming from the other direction. He was thrown about 50 feet.

Smith was taken to University Hospital, where he was listed in serious condition.

"The only way the train could have missed him was if it could make a turn," Elmwood Place Mayor Richard Ellison said Monday. Ellison arrived at the scene moments after Smith was hit.

"There were five witnesses. I talked to three of them myself," Ellison said.

They told Ellison that Smith looked as if he was using his phone to send a text message and didn't see the onrushing train.

"The horn was blowing like mad, and the kid was text-messaging," Ellison said.

"The kid apparently was just daydreaming."

Officials suspect that Smith confused the horn and noise made by the oncoming train with that of the train that had just passed him heading south.

Deer Park's Mike Billups saw the train hit Smith, knocking him through the air and, at least at first, knocking him out.

"Initially, I thought he had cleared the train until I saw (Smith) from underneath the train lying on the ground," Billups said.

When Billups ran to Smith, he was unconscious, but soon regained consciousness.

Ellison said Smith appeared "a little roughed up" with a nose bleed, bump on the head and some scratches.

There had been "practically no" incidents at that railroad crossing Ellison said. The crossing is maintained by Norfolk Southern and had all gates and lights in working order, police said.

How to Finance a Used Car

2007-08-20T14:02:00.000-04:00

If insufficient finance is the reason for your inability to purchase a used car then stop worrying and look into used car loans. With used car loans you can easily get a good amount of money to purchase a used car.

Used car loans aim at providing financial help to people in order to purchase a used car.

Used car loans are available in two forms, secured and unsecured loans. To get a secured used car loan you’ll have to place a security against the loan amount. This can be any of your personal properties like home, car (that you’ll purchase), bank account, etc. On the other hand you don’t need to place any such security to get an unsecured used car loans. With cheap used car loans you can usually get an amount of up to $10,000. The loan amount depends upon many factors like your income, credit status; repayment ability etc. Secured used car loans carry lower rate of interest compared to unsecured used car loans. This is because lenders take risk by advancing loans without any guarantee. Lenders check your repayment ability, monthly income, credit status, etc before giving used car loans. Cheap used car loans can be used to purchase car less than 5 years old.

A used car loan cen be very beneficial for both tenants and homeowners because it is available in both secured and unsecured forms. If you want to find a used car loans at lower rates of interest go for secured personal car loans, but in case you don’t want to risk your property unsecured used car loans are best for you. Online availability of used car loans ensures faster and hassle free transaction. Even if you have a bad credit score due to arrears, defaults, bankruptcy, etc you can find used car loans, but you’ll have to pay a slightly higher rate of interest. With good research you can find a lender that offers used car loans at nominal interest rate.

With so many financial institutions, banks, and lending firms offering used car loans it’s difficult for a borrower to choose which one to go for. You can use the Internet to solve this problem. You can search for lenders providing used car loans and compare between them to choose the best one that suits your needs. To apply for a used car loan through Internet, you just have to fill up an online form. Lenders will then get back to you with their offers within few hours.

So even if you don’t have enough money to buy a brand new car, you can easily make your dream of having a car come true with the help of used car loans.

Federer lives up to billing

2007-08-20T13:57:00.000-04:00

I was surprised when I heard that top seed Andy Roddick was knocked out early at the Master Series Tournament here in Cincinnati. After hearing about his departure it was pretty much easy money that Federer was going to win another tournament.

Champ dispatches fan-favorite Blake in just 66 minutes

Imagine if Roger Federer had to dust off all his tennis trophies.

Wisely, the world's No. 1 player protects them in the office-sized trophy room of his residence in Oberwil, Switzerland.

"I got that problem solved by having them behind glass," Federer said, "so you don't have to dust them off all the time."

Federer collected a 50th ATP trophy to put behind glass Sunday in a 6-1, 6-4 victory against James Blake that took all of 66 minutes to complete the finals of the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters.

The match displayed the pinnacle of a transformation Federer underwent here in five matches at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

Federer used up a lot of breath in post-match interviews this week, telling reporters how difficult of a time he was having "reading" the court. Anyone could beat him here, Federer asserted. Lleyton Hewitt, Blake, Nicolas Almagro - they all had Federer shaking in his Nike tennis shoes.

"Look," Federer said Thursday afternoon following a two-set victory, "there's many good players in there who I feel I can lose to at any time."

Right. The 26-year-old has been No. 1 since Feb. 2, 2004, because he can lose to anybody at any time. But he insisted that was how he felt on the court.

"I was playing really worried in the first round this week," Federer said Sunday. "So obviously you're going to come into the press room saying . . . I mean, I won, which is great, but deep down I know I didn't feel good because every point I played I was worried that I was going to lose it."

By Sunday, the Federer who will enter the U.S. Open Aug. 27 as a favorite to win for the fourth straight year emerged here at Center Court in time to frustrate Blake.

With nine aces, 22 winners and a penchant for playing the most important points well, Federer made winning his 14th Masters Series title appear effortless.

"Today I felt I was going to win every point," Federer said. "And that's just a huge change of the . . . mental ability."

Federer was hardly perfect. On Sunday, he committed 13 unforced errors - some of them untimely. But it would have taken a style of tennis more opportunistic than what Blake played to prevent Federer from winning his second W&S Masters title. Blake responded with aggressive returns to Federer's second serves, but the Swiss star converted too well on his first serves to give Blake much optimism for a winning result.

"It might have taken the guy who could match him with serves that could hold easily and put more pressure on him than I did," Blake said. "I don't know. I think a lot of people have tried to say at times that he looks beatable, and then he goes out and shows that he's not beatable."

If there was a signature moment to Sunday's match, it occurred on match point when Federer delivered his first serve into the net. Blake figured to have a good chance to return the second serve. The American guessed wrong, though, and Federer sent a second-serve ace down the middle of the court.

The Blake-friendly crowd of 10,848 - a finals record here - stood and cheered with loud respect for the fifth-youngest player (26 years, 11 days) to achieve 50 ATP titles. The Waterford Crystal trophy will arrive soon after the tournament ships it to Federer's home. And it will be placed among the other 49, dust-free behind glass, affirmative evidence that some weeks Federer really is unbeatable.

Get your News from Thoof

2007-08-20T12:51:00.000-04:00

Recently I started using another news service that may be of use to many of you in your quest for personalized news.

Thoof is a new service that takes many of your usual sources of news and aggregates them together in one place for you to go. In addition to these usual sources there are also many user submitted stories from across the web, so the chances of finding something that interests you that you would not ordinarily find just went up many times over.

Since you are reading my local news blog I jusy did a quick search on Cincinnati. Hey one of my posts on the Lockland Elementary principal issue is there! I hope that that story gets more coverage and I should also start posing more about the horrible school board that we have here in Lockland. There are also stories that range from a professional surfer from HBO's John From Cincinnati to a Death Sentence being overturned here.

I for one was aware of HBO's John From Cincinnati show, but not what it was about, or that they actually brought in professional athletes to act in it, or about Kenny Richey case before the Sixth Circuit Federal Court of Appeal in Cincinnati (It took to long, but I'm glad to hear that his case was overturned), but as you can see from these examples they are not your everyday story that you would read in a blog (even one as colorful as mine).

When you submit a story it will get a ThoofRank which will indicate how the readers compare it to similar stories on the site. So if you like user submitted sites such as SlashDot or Digg, give Thoof a try because even after a story has been submitted it can be modified by the users of the system so that no story can be overtaken by mod mentality.

Hubby charged with Domestic Violence for 8th time

2007-08-20T12:33:00.000-04:00

Ok, if the wife doesn't want to testify I can understand that due to fear of abuse, but what about the law enformcement officials that come out to the scene? Couldn't they testify as to what they saw, and also to the fact that this is the eight time they came out? If nothing else this guy should have to pay for the time of the police and courts for dealing with his actions. He sounds like a real winner that should be removed from society at large.

A West Price Hill man with a history of arrests for beating his wife was in court again today, charged with hitting his wife with a water bottle and candle.

Gerald Wagner, 66, was arrested Saturday and charged with hitting his wife, Theresa Hendrix, in the eye with a plastic water bottle and in the eye with a candle.

Wagner was ordered held on a $2,000 bond.

This is at least the eighth domestic violence arrest for Wagner in which Hendrix was the accuser or victim. Most of those charges were dismissed or ignored by a grand jury, often when Hendrix didn’t show up to testify against him.

Wagner, who was in court today wearing a T-shirt that read “I have multiple personalities and none of them like you” just finished serving a jail sentence Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to domestic violence against Hendrix by throwing a water bottle at her and cutting her nose.

Wagner was arrested for domestic violence against Hendrix in 2006, 2004, 2002 and three times in 2003 but each of those charged were dropped or ignored by a grand jury.

In those cases, Wagner was accused of assaulting Hendrix either with lit cigarettes, hitting her in the head with a mug and hitting her on the arm with an ash tray leaving a baseball-sized bruise on her, court records note.

Trying out CellFish

2007-08-14T12:56:00.001-04:00

So as you all know social networking is all the rage right now.

I have used Digg, Twitter, Jaiku, Pownce, MySpace, and even Facebook. They each have been fun in their own ways, but one thing they seem to be missing is the ability to network and share media together via the web, and my cell phone. The one that has come close is twitter where I can IM from my phone to make a post to the web, but that lacks the ability to share media.

That is where CellFish comes in. Now you can take pictures on your camera phone, and send the picture as a MMS message to your CellFish account and it will automatically be posted and shared in your account. You can also upload your favorite pictures, or even video, from your computer and view them on your phone.

Also the social network portion allows you to view the media that other users have posted, and if you are viewing it online there will be a "send to my phone" feature that will appear in the corner of the content (try it below from my picture).

CellFish also gives users the ability to Download Ringtones, so sign up (its free!), and add me as a friend.

Killing won't end 'Peace Bowl'

2007-08-14T12:19:00.001-04:00

I think that this is a wonderful story about a local community in Cincinnati, attempting to overcome the viloence that surrounds it. People are getting tired of the crime, drugs, and murder around them. They are starting to organize to stop these activities. They are starting to work with troubled teens to show them other ways of living. They are working with local law enforcement to drive these evil forces out of their community.

I feel that more people should be involved in these sorts of activities. Once a community starts to come together, and show unity, people know that certain behaviors will not be tolerated. People who perpetuate those bad behaviors may attempt to fight it for a while, but once they see more people band together against them, they will move on. This will leave a safer community for those who remain.

Groups determined to continue mission

The young football players dropped to the ground as three gunshots were heard, and the Rev. Peterson Mingo took off running.

Mingo, a youth football coach and anti-gang and anti-violence advocate, dropped to the ground only long enough to slither under a 15-foot-high fence as the boys on the field lay still Sunday afternoon.

Mingo then raced to 19-year-old Earnest Crear.

Crear's pulse was faint, his eye fluttering as Mingo and two nursing home workers trained in CPR tried to save the youth, who had just been hit with two bullets, one in the head and one in the back.

The women from the nursing home, Mingo said, were there as volunteers for the youth football tournament to tend to players' sprains and scrapes.

But their efforts weren't enough for Crear's injury.

Crear died, and people nearby where the tournament was being played began to scream and cry.

The homicide, the 11th in Avondale this year and the 44th in the city, halted the football tournament that Mingo and others organized to promote peace and unity on the inner-city streets.

But Mingo and others say they won't be bullied by violence. On Monday, he spoke with other organizers of the "Peace Bowl" about plans for next year.

"This won't be our last," he said of the game.

Another group of community activists organized Monday in response to the shooting. Crear, witnesses said, was not involved in the youth league that attracted about 1,500 spectators throughout the day.

Police think his death was a retaliation.

Crear was seen up the hill from the ball fields with several people before the shooting. Police on Monday said they were still working on identifying three people seen running from the scene after the shooting.

"They are just marking time," Mingo said of the youths hanging out on Knott Street and Rockdale Avenue, uphill from the ball fields. He hopes the young football players will understand that message.

"I think it's a crying shame what's going on there," said 49-year-old Bill Wright of Avondale. "It's off the hook. They don't fistfight like they did when I was growing up. Now they just take out a gun and they shoot."

Wright and others who are fed up with crime plan to gather tonight to speak with one voice that the shootings must stop, said Amy Krings-Barnes, a community outreach coordinator for CeaseFire Cincinnati. The 10-month-old organization was created to protest shootings in Avondale and to offer outreach to the community.

"It's horrible and disgusting," Krings-Barnes said of Sunday's deadly shooting. "This has to stop. This has to stop now."

Halloween the movie

2007-08-08T18:06:00.001-04:00

Ok, the Halloween the movie is getting ready to come out, and who isn't excited about seeing this franchise starting back up?

A new vision for a classic. I'll be honest and say that it has been way too long since I have seen the original, but I think it is time for a trip to Blockbuster (or finally convince my wife that we need a basic Netflix subscription) and get a refresher on it.

I have not been impressed by Rob Zombie as a director as he has seemed to just be about blood, guts, and gore in his past few movies. This one finally looks like he has a real vision though. It seems that he is exploring the psycological side of terror more in this film, which makes for a much better, scarier expereince. It has even been said that Zombie does not care for violence in his movies unless it serves a purpose. I guess maybe he was just the director of the other movies and did not have as much of a hand in writing them. It has even been put out there that he was thinking about doing a western next (something has to be done to bring sanity back to the west after Broke Back Mountain, and maybe Zombies just the man).

My wife, son, and I all love scary movies, so I would not be surprised to see us there for Halloween the movie in the opening weekend.

It’s a record: 100 degrees

2007-08-08T17:52:00.000-04:00

Ok, let’s get one thing straight right now. I do NOT believe in man-made global warming. That being said I do believe that we are in a period of general global climate warming, that is natural in occurance. There has been evidence of these sort of changes in the past, and as we look on this decade/century at some point in the far future, anyone who claims that man caused it will be rightly laughed at (the world is flat sort of deal).

There is even evidence that Mars is under going a period of global warming, and the last time I checked there weren’t any big Oil companies building factories up there, or Rich yuppies driving SUVs. So the answer must lie elsewhere.

Today’s temperature reached a record 100 degrees at 3:34 p.m. at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

With the humidity, it felt like 105 degrees, said meteorologist Sam McNeil of the National Weather Service in Wilmington. The old record high was 99 degrees in 1941.

Thursday’s temperatures are expected to be in the upper 90s around the region.

Greater Cincinnatians are coping as best they can with the heat and humidity.

"I drink a lot of water, a lot of Gatorade," said Mike Meagher, a member of the street paving crew on Central Parkway near the District 1 police headquarters in the West End.

The hydration helps some, Meagher said, but it’s still uncomfortable working outside.

"I don’t think you get used to this," said the 50-year-old Norwood resident who works for Keesh Construction. "It’s miserable."

The St. Vincent de Paul Fan Drive (513-562-8841, ext. 225) is trying to make it more tolerable. The society’s goal is to collect 500 fans and 100 air conditioners by Aug. 12. Some two dozen people are the waiting list for air conditioners.

Sweat was visible on Jeremiah Tharp’s face as he delivered mail on Hamilton Avenue in Northside today.

"It’s a big deal," Tharp said of the heat. "I’ll have to drink at least four bottles of water or I’ll pass out."

And it’s not like Tharp doesn’t have experience working in extremely hot weather. The Army veteran did two tours in Iraq.

"It’s more of a wet heat here," he said.

Emily Corbin, pool manager at the Cincinnati Recreation Commission’s College Hill swimming pool on Belmont Avenue, says it’s been busy.

Many of the parents are joining their children in the water, she said. Pool employees are taking advantage of the water in order to cool off, Corbin said. "My staff is in there every time they get a break," she said.

The steamy hot weather has resulted an increase sales of fans, coolers and weather stripping, said Bill Dickhaus, owner of Ace Hardware in Northside. Furnace filters for air conditioning systems are also another hot-selling item, he said.

Electricity usage is up but Duke Energy should be able to keep up with the increased demand, spokeswoman Kathy Meinke said. "We aren’t anticipating any problems,’’ she said.

San Francisco Sightseeing

2007-08-06T15:18:00.001-04:00

San Francisco Sightseeing includes many grand gardens and parks to be explored. San Francisco is one of the biggest metropolitan cities in the world and it boasts eye-catching and sophisticated parks and gardens. From the seasonal open-air festivals of Yerba Buena Gardens to the biggest urban park around the world, one and all are bound to find the ideal spot to relax and enjoy nature.

Golden Gate Park is the best city landmark worth spending a glossy afternoon in or at the very least a turn through. It is larger than the New York City's Central Park; Golden Gate Park is about 1,000-acres of fields, gardens and made up of wooded paths. Whether you are chartering a row boat at Stow Lake or tentative the over 6,000 plant species at Strybing Arboretum and at the Botanical Garden, the park has something amazing for every nature lover. Highlights of the park comprise Shakespeare Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers as well as the Japanese Tea Garden.

The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park is residential in a recently renovated Victorian glass makeup and is touted as the oldest public greenhouse in the western hemisphere. The greenhouse is actually open on Tuesday till Sunday. A nominal fee is obligatory for admittance to the greenhouse, but it is waived for the first Tuesday of every month.

The elegantly countryside Japanese Tea Garden of Golden Gate Park is full with cherry trees, shrubs, bonsai and wonderful pools of water. The highlights of this section of the park contain the huge bronze Buddha dating back to 1790, a Buddhist wooden pagoda and the Wishing Bridge.

Another exclusive park space at San Francisco is the Presidio that passed from the U.S. Army to the National Park Service during 1994. The Presidio is one of an awfully few urban national parks to unite historical, architectural and natural world elements in one space. The nearly 1,500-acre park contains coastal dunes, prairie grasslands and other assorted rare plant and the bird life. Founded during 1776 as a military post under the Spanish, the Presidio was a military muscular hold for nearly 220 years before attractive one of San Francisco's most well-liked and historic attractions.

The city of San Francisco and its house have a strong link with nature and it shows with the city's various, one of a type park and gardens. Visitors must be sure to spend some time discovering these wonderful nature preserves.

I would recommend you subscribe to the Trusted Tours eNewsletter for updates for any sort of Tour you may be interested in. I would recommend the Go San Francisco Card 1 day for a single low price for general admission to over 45 top attractions, tours, parks and much more.

Principal moved, not fired

2007-08-06T15:17:00.000-04:00

So I was quoted in the newspaper last Thursday (to be fair the actual quote came from my wife, but it was tied to my email address so I was given credit for it). Well, in short the Lockland School Board (which should be under it's own investigation) decided to remove Ralph Jacobs as the principal of the elementary school.

Too little, too late. This man should be fired and never allowed to work with children again. He has no patience, and I think it is a mistake to put him in a position where no only will he be involved with kids, but special needs kids as well. Too many parent around here are just happy that he is not in their school now, but for me that is not good enough. He should be removed, and anytime Lockland is asked about him, they should be required to state why he was removed (all parent complaints should be given).

Now on to the board. This board is a disgrace. The level of nepotism with the Superintendent alone should be enough to raise suspicions. If my son still went to this school, If I didn't actively run for the board I would definatly be working hard to have many of these board members removed. As it is I will make the community acutly aware when they try to ram another "operating" levy down our throats.

He beat assault charge, board took action

The school board here voted Wednesday to move - rather than fire - a principal who'd recently been acquitted of an assault charge.

The board voted 3-to-1 to make Ralph Jacob a co-principal of the district alternative high school, Arlington Heights Academy.

Jacob, 50, has been on administrative leave from Lockland Elementary since early May, when he was arrested after a neighborhood dispute in which a woman accused him of punching her. A judge found him not guilty, saying the woman had blocked his way.

Jacob, who did not attend the special board meeting Wednesday night, will keep his salary of $68,900, said superintendent Donna Hubbard. The academy's current principal, Barb Griewe, will retain her job and title.

Arlington Heights Academy takes high school students from around the Cincinnati region with behavior problems or other difficulties. Enrollment is expected to be about 55 this year.

The board decision prompted mixed reactions from parents and residents of the district.

Misty Cromer, who helped collect 120 signatures in a petition against Jacob staying at Lockland Elementary, said he sets a bad example for small children, but she doesn't object to him working with high school students.

"I don't have any problem with him staying in the district," she said.

"I think they (parents) wanted him out of the elementary position for the simple fact that all the kids knew about" the incident.

For others, the board didn't go far enough.

"We feel that Ralph Jacob should not be put into any position involving any children," said Brandon Schenz, father of a former Lockland student.

"He had no patience with the elementary students, and I can't imagine that he will have patience for students with alternative needs."

Victoria Few, a Lockland resident and grandmother of two students, said Jacob helped her granddaughter with a conflict and he has always spoken highly of his staff.

"Mr. Jacob was always available to discuss problems and to bring students together for counseling," Few said.

The board was not unanimous.

Janiece Mason voted against the appointment, saying school officials are still investigating at last one complaint about his handling of students.

"I voted with my heart," she said. "My heart was telling me that this wasn't the right thing to do."

She said Jacob rejected the district's offer to buy him out of his contract.

Michele Kipp, formerly an assistant principal at Rapid Run Middle School in the Oak Hills district, will be interim principal at Lockland Elementary and make $75,000 a year.

Fell off the Wagon

2007-08-06T14:42:00.000-04:00

I have been doing really bad on my diet here lately. I have been lazy, and have not wanted to cook (let alone clean), so I fell off the calorie counter bandwagon.

I have been really lucky though that through all the fast food, and junk that I have eaten I have not gained anything that I lost using the free calorie counter at myfitnesspal.com. However, I do not feel that luck will continue.

I am vowing to start counting my calories again by next week, as losing about 2 pounds a week is nothing to sneeze at. I still have about 35 pounds to lose as well, as I am in terrible shape right now. Hopefully when I lose that I'll have more energy to do more of the work around the house I have been putting off.

What you Need in an Online Dating Site

2007-08-03T16:26:00.001-04:00

Free dating sites allow individuals to meet one another online, in the hopes of developing a romantic or sexual relationship, or sometimes even just good friends with common interests. Online dating sites provide matchmaking services that are unmonitored, through the use of computers, the Internet, and sometimes even cell phones.

The best personals sites allow individuals to create a profile about themselves, which will be available for others on the site to view. The profiles can include pictures, likes, dislikes, personality traits, and much more. This profile must contain as much information as possible, since this is how online daters will choose who they would like to learn more about. The best online dating sites consist of extensive profiles, making it much easier for members to find individuals they feel they will be compatible with.

Free online dating sites allow their users to browse through various profiles, so they can look for a potential relationship or a close match of the profile information to their own tastes. The best online dating sites will allow their users to search for potential relationships on a number of different aspects, including age, gender, and location. Age and location are extremely important, since this can determine how successful a relationship can be. Even though age is just a number, there is no reason for an older man who is looking for an older woman to browse through profiles of women who are in their twenties. By narrowing down the search by age, each individual using the search option will be able to pull of profiles that fit their specifications. Location is just as important as age, since most are not looking for a long distance relationship. Even though long distance relationships can work, it is much easier to develop a connection with someone that is close by and able to go out on physical dates.

Likes, dislikes, and personality traits are also very important for internet dating sites, because there would be no reason to browse profiles of individuals who would not be compatible. The best online dating sites offer a number of different options for finding mates, by matching them up through their different qualities. Some sites allow their members to search for potential mates on a number of different traits, including humor, religion, political views, and many more. Some sites even allow their members to include information on the type of mate they are looking for in their profile, which makes it easier to decide if they would be a good date.

Even though the best online dating sites are not guaranteed to find everyone a match, it makes it much easier. Members can browse through listings to find someone who they may think has potential for a relationship, and they can also post a profile to try and bring potential mates to them. Online dating is easy and fun, and can create relationships that will last forever. When searching for online dating services, make sure you choose one that allows you to browse by age, location, interests, likes, and dislikes, so you can be assured that you will be able to find someone who will fit your relationship needs.

Cool Tees Rule Forever

2007-08-03T13:49:00.000-04:00

The T-shirt trend never fades; it only gets newer and better with passing generations. The clothing for all seasons and all reasons, t-shirts are always the top-notch choice of apparel across all nations today. An interesting survey revealed that adults, especially Americans, wear tees about five times in seven days. And with the fashion biggies like Polo Ralph Lauren or Abercrombie & Fitch bringing out cool to cooler tee designs every year, no wonder that the world would have a lot to say for the tees and on the tees.

Well, although T Shirt Printing has been experimented worldwide mostly in this century, its existence can be traced back to the 1800s. For those who don’t know, t-shirts first came out as a kind of underwear for its softness. It soon won European admiration before moving to conquer the Americans during World War I. The US military men took heart to the tees in no time. By the next World War, Tshirt Printing has a unique niche in the clothing business, catering to huge demands.

The powerhouse production of the best-styled tees began thereafter. From Marlon Brando featuring across the chest to happening messages screaming at curious onlookers—the t-shirts had its share of all. Every cloth maker nursed their tee range in an attempt to make it more attractive and ‘kewl’ in terms of designs, cuts and materials. Rest assured, by then the world knew that t-shirts were there to stay.

Although statistics suggest that men own more tees than women, t-shirts have become quite a generic garment today. The most popular tees are those with logos on them. Graphic tees are a close second in people’s choice, with school/company name marked t-shirts toeing in as third. Youngsters love to flaunt their heroes on tees, while some may like only a bright-colored t-shirt with smart designs on them. Others would like to wear it in its original form—the white and indigenous. Yet some others would want to let their religion speak in their Christian t shirts, explicit with Christian images/messages.

With the Internet bringing in everything handy, tee-fans can never ask for more. Now they can even personalize their T-shirt Printing and order them online. You may have your own face, your pet’s photo, your sketch, etc. printed on your tee. You may also get a t-shirt graced with your own quotes or humorous anecdotes.

Fashion retailers and websites constantly work towards maintaining the tees’ popularity curve. That is one reason why the Christian shirts with their spiritual overtones are a success. These have been able to blend fashion and religion so well that it ought to have been a winner. But not just this, the t-shirt fever lives on in various forms and will rule the future with as much ardor as now.

Online Shopping for Inkjet Cartridges

2007-07-30T10:35:00.000-04:00

If in case you are using inkjet printer then you must be using inkjet printer cartridges as well, because inkjet printer cannot be used with inkjet cartridges. If you are holding a black and white copy printer then you require only one inkjet cartridges. It would hold the black ink, which your printer uses when printing a page. If in case you are holding color printer then you require two or more color inkjet cartridges. You can also keep the colors in separate cartridges it simply means that you only require to replace the color cartridge that has finish and it is cheaper than replacing them all.

Inkjet cartridge is normally small plastic container, which hold container for the ink that your printer uses. These are made up of individual sizes for the different makes and models of printers. When you purchase a replacement, you require making sure that you are purchasing the right inkjet cartridge for the inkjet printer you have. Manufacturers always suggest that you purchase their brand for their machines but you normally have the option of purchasing other brands that are compatible.

You could also shop online for inkjet cartridges. As most of the web sites provide convenient home deliveries, you could have them delivered to your office or home. This permits you to order the precise ones, which you require and forever have a supply on hand. You could as well store to have a substitute handy in case you run out of ink in the middle of a significant printing work.

If you believe purchasing ink cartridges online then you would see that the prices of the inkjet cartridges over the internet are comparatively less than the cost of purchasing ink cartridges from an office supply store. Once you have determined on the make of inkjet cartridges then you can simply compare prices. You would find that it is cheaper to order your inkjet cartridges online. If you select to reuse your old ink cartridge, then a refill kit might be the answer. It comes with easy to follow instructions and simple to use ink refill system.

Chabot works to keep mother in U.S.

2007-07-30T10:22:00.000-04:00

If you read my blog, I guess that you see that I am a bit biased to the conservative side, however I think that this may be viewed as being in contridiction to my expressed beliefs. However, this is a story of a familyt that has entered our country legally, and is trying to to get in line in the proper fashion. I believe that they should be allowed to stay here and be allowed to follow the process to legally aquire citizenship.

Maha Dakar's fight to keep her family together is headed to Congress.

The Green Township woman, who is facing deportation to Jordan without her family, would move a step closer to a reprieve next week when U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Westwood, introduces a "private bill" on her behalf.

The bill is an unusual piece of legislation that allows immigrants who otherwise would be deported to remain in the United States.

Congressional approval of private bills is rare - the previous Congress rejected every one it considered - but Chabot said he is optimistic Dakar's story will persuade his colleagues to make an exception. "It's really just a tragic situation," Chabot said. "As far as we can tell, the family has done nothing wrong. I just don't think they should be penalized."

Dakar's plight has stirred outrage among friends in Green Township and strangers who read about her story last week in The Enquirer. Dakar said the intense public support and Chabot's willingness to help may keep her family together.

"We are really so happy," Dakar said. "Without the community, without the support, we would not be at this point."

The private bill may be her last, best chance because she has exhausted her other options in court and with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

She is facing deportation to Jordan in October, but her husband, Bassam Garadah, cannot go with her. Her four young daughters, all American citizens, can stay with their father or leave with their mother.

The children cannot stay with both parents because of inflexible immigration laws.

Dakar and Garadah entered the United States legally in 1997, applied for asylum and were denied. They have remained here legally while appealing the rejection of their asylum request.

They have since applied for residency status, a first step toward citizenship, but the approval process could take five to seven years.

Dakar, a Palestinian, could be deported by then because she carries a Jordanian passport and can be sent to that country. Garadah, also a Palestinian, carries Egyptian travel papers and is considered "stateless."

Although he also has been deemed deportable, Garadah has no country to go to.

The couple is willing to move to another country, but they have found none willing to take the whole family.

They have tried Kuwait, where they both were born, Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian territories and Canada. They said Canada seems willing to take them, but the wait to process Dakar's application there also is about five years.

The family turned to Chabot and, more recently, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown for help in delaying Dakar's deportation. Both have expressed concern about the fate of Dakar's children, Basma, 9, Yasmine, 8, Rima, 7, and Dana, 5.

"This case has dramatic consequences for four young children," Brown wrote Friday in a letter to immigration officials.

Brown's letter urged ICE not to deport Dakar. A spokeswoman for the senator said he also is considering introducing a private bill in the Senate on her behalf.

Chabot, who first met the family two years ago, said he was moved to act because the parents entered the country legally, have broken no laws and have continued to report monthly to ICE officials in Columbus. It seems unfair, he said, to split a family that has done nothing wrong.

"The children deserve to be raised by their mother and father," Chabot said. "You've got well-educated people, hard-working people, law-abiding people. I think they should be allowed to stay."

Bargain Hunters Unite!

2007-07-30T09:54:00.001-04:00

It’s rare for us bargain hunters to find that one true bargain, especially one that can be called a "steal." It’s also rare that when there are bargains that the items sold are of good quality and relatively new on the market. Thanks god that rare find finally came and it came in the form of Wholesale Clothing. Wholesale Clothing is the United States’ online shop that sells such brand names as Sean John, Makaveli, Apple Bottoms, 7Seven Jeans, and many more at rock bottom prices. You’ve both heard both the words "good quality" and "new on the market," and now you’re wondering why?

When it comes to bargain shopping, bargain hunters always look for those two qualities in the items they buy, the items are in good condition and how much is it going to cost them, but when it come to clothes there’s a third factor, when is or was the item in fashion. Of course no one wants to wear clothes worn by our parents when they were young not unless you’re going to a blast from the past party but with Wholesale Clothing, you can choose from some of the freshest fashion and they all are 100% new and of good quality. That’s right the clothes that are on sale are what’s in now and you can be sure that you won’t be eyed as an out-of-date dresser. So to all the bargain hunters out there with a sense of fashion, what are you waiting for, get ready, set and go to Wholesale Clothing now at www.merchandizeliquidators.com.

It's just a pinch of this, another pinch of that

2007-07-30T09:53:00.000-04:00

I wanted to include this article here because I consider Chef De Stewart a friend of mine. I have done some work for his website ( http://www.herbsspice.com/), and have to get down to the market to actually see his store. He is a great guy, very easy to get along with, and he has an excellent sense of humor. Check out his site and get anything you need to help make you better in the kitchen.

Herbs & Spice a nice change of pace at the market

Expansion has been the seed that De Stewart has used to rapidly grow his herbs, spices and blends business.

Sticking to that recipe, the owner of Herbs & Spice and Everything Nice is in talks with another company about a project that would allow his business to offer customers a larger selection of pepper mills, salt mills and even pots and pans.

He hopes to have a deal signed by late this year or next spring that would allow the business to offer 1,000 to 1,200 extra items.

"It would be the kind of stuff that you need in the kitchen that is not food," Stewart says.

A former Kentucky TV food-show host, Stewart figures about $70,000 has been invested to boost the size of Herbs & Spice and Everything Nice since the business started in Union two years ago. He owns the business with his wife, Susan.

Initially operating the shop as a stand set up at local farmers' markets, carnivals and major events in Kentucky, Stewart opened his first store at Findlay Market in February 2006.

Instantly a smash at Cincinnati's historic market, the business moved into a larger space in January. That move allowed Herbs & Spice to begin offering organic items and to triple the size of its inventory.

Today, Herbs & Spice offers more than 400 bulk items featured in glass jars. Those goods include dry rubs, seasonings and herbal marinades.

The store's spices, blends and herbs can range from 24 cents an ounce for sea salt to just over $7 per gram for saffron spice.

It offers more than 100 organic spices and herbs.

"That business continues to grow because people are more health-conscious," Stewart says.

I've Been Thoof Ranked!

2007-07-27T10:50:00.000-04:00

I am trying out a new service to bring my smaller niche articles to a larger audience. The service is called Thoof, and it allows you to submit a story, with a brief description, and tags to help organize the story. It will provide a larger audience to find your own niche stories.

I am also using the service to watch for stories that I am interested in, and it has really helped me find sources that I would not have been able to previously. I just read a story that I found on Thoof, that told me that The Ohio State University has brought back on of it's best president in history, Gordon Gee (known for his bow ties).

Give the service a try to help you in your personalized news story searches.

This was one of the easiest services to sign up for, it took all of about two minutes (most of that was just waiting for the email to come in). Once you have signed up, it takes only seconds to submit a story to the site, and if it is your own story you may embed your ThoofRank badge into your site again in only seconds.

I believe that services like these will be the way of the future because we don't have the time to go out and hunt thousands or millions of different resources. The only thing that I see that is missing from this version (and perhaps I am just overlooking it right now), is a customized RSS feed of the sort of stories I am looking for.

Lockland principal's fate still undecided

2007-07-27T10:11:00.000-04:00

What school in America is willing to employ a principal with confirmed anger management issues, and who doesn't even like children? Well the answer is Lockland Public Schools, in Lockland, Ohio (a suburb of the greater cincinnati area). He was aquitted because the woman he attacked "blocked his way" so he could avoid the conflict. Last time I checked even if you are "forced" to confront someone, you didn't have to punch them. What sort of example is this for the children? Just more proof that liberal school policies do not work.

If you agree with me, please post a comment here and voice your opinion

In related news here in this article the school board is again in financial trouble. The district should have been forced to merge with another school years ago, but there are several issues with this. First, the board wants to protect their jobs so they keep putting levies up and people vote for them because noone in Lockland actually owns their property. It is a poor neighborhood so most people are renters. Second problem is that they have had talks with other school districts in the area, and they have basically been told you can join with us, but you keep your own trouble making kids there. No one wants to deal with Lockland because of the proplems these poor kids bring to the table. Oh and don't even get me starting on the nepotism that exists in the district.

Help me get the message to the school that we no longer want them to run it as they have been. Post a comment here, and I'll get it to Misty Cromer of Arlington Heights to give to the board, if you live in Lockland voice in LOUD voices that you will reject any further levies, also please consider sending your kids to alternative schools as I am doing.

I am sending my son to the Sts Peter & Paul Academy. He is going to get a very good education along with religion. I no longer have to worry about the public school system attempting to indoctrinate him with their liberal view point. I can count on the fact that he will get the truth in school and an excellent education. If you would like more information on this school, please vists: sppacademy.org

The school board here has not reached agreement on whether to continue to employ an elementary school principal acquitted of assault.

The board has scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday to discuss the matter. A formal agenda has not yet been drawn up.

Ralph Jacob, 50, was found not guilty last month of assault involving a neighborhood dispute in which he allegedly pushed down or punched a woman who lived next door to his friend.

The judge in the case acquitted him, saying the woman had blocked Jacob's way, preventing him from walking away from the conflict.

Jacob, who makes $68,900 a year as principal, has been on paid administrative leave since May. He did not return phone calls for comment and did not attend Wednesday night's board meeting.

A couple of parents at the meeting resubmitted a petition asking the district to fire him. Misty Cromer of Arlington Heights said she and other parents had collected about 120 signatures.

"There's 120 names to not bring him back. I haven't heard one person here ... petition on his behalf to bring him back," she said. She said later that many parents said they have concerns about his temper and wonder if he'll be a suitable example to young children.

Lockland Elementary has about 390 students. The combined junior and senior high next door has 320 students.

Last year the state ranked the elementary school in "continuous improvement," its middle of five rankings, while the district and secondary school each were rated "effective," the second-highest ranking. The state plans to issue new school report cards in mid-August.

Superintendent Donna Hubbard said the board has been meeting with the district's counsel to consider options, including a possible buyout of Jacob's one-year contract. Board President Kim Costanzo said the district and Jacob are not in agreement.

Lockland is scheduled to resume classes Aug. 23.

In an unrelated action, Lockland's board Wednesday voted unanimously for a new one-year contract with its teachers union, granting a 2 percent raise. Teachers get raises two ways: through an increase in base wages and by moving up "steps" of compensation based on years of experience and education.

Lockland's 50 or so teachers make between $31,412 and about $68,000, said Chuck Johnson, labor relations consultant with the Ohio Education Association. The high end of the range is the pay for a teacher with a master's degree and more than 27 years' experience.

Ohio Department of Education consultant Dean Horton told board members Wednesday that the district's wage structure is too extravagant. If the district doesn't cut personnel costs and other expenses, Lockland will run out of cash by 2010, he said.

Hubbard asked about a possible across-the-board pay cut and about setting up a two-tiered salary schedule. Costanzo asked about a possible operating levy.

Horton said Lockland's existing levy, which automatically renews, is already high, considering property and income levels in the district. He said the district would need to pass another levy by November 2008, at the latest, to avoid the deficit.

Johnson said Thursday that Lockland's teacher salaries are already near the bottom for Hamilton County. If voters in the district want to keep good teachers, they will have to pay them what other area districts pay, he said.

BP's Whiting, Indiana Refinery

2007-07-23T09:39:00.001-04:00

We Americans complain that our gas is too expensive, but we continue to buy foreign oil, support foreign economies, and not invest in our own resources. The simple fact is Oil prices are determined in the Middle East where they decide how many barrels they are going to provide to us, but what's more is, because of crazy environmentalists, even if more crude oil was produced we are not able to refine it into usable gasoline. We are at maximum capacity, and the laws over the companies that can refine oil into usable gasoline are so restrictive that it makes little to no sense for them to expand their capacity by upgrading their plants or building new ones.

Let's take BP's Whiting, Indiana refinery for example. They would like to invest $3 Billion dollars into the plant to modernize the equipment and process crude oil from Canada, a source we know to be secure and reliable. They are being blocked because people are saying that they will be dumping "sludge" into Lake Michigan. Who out there can possibly believe this to be true? How much oversight is there on these refinery's already by wacko environmentalists that anyone can possibly believe that anyone could get away with this? The only thing that will be released from the plant into Lake Michigan is treated water that is 99.9% pure water. All sludge is treated separately according to State and Federal requirements, and if these procedures were not followed everyone would be crying foul. No company could dream of getting away with this sort of atrocity today.

By blocking this expansion people are blocking BP from investing $150 Million to further enhance the plant's wastewater treatment facility. The plant has already reduced total suspended solids in it water discharge by 40% in the past four years, but instead of recognizing that, the plant is being accused of polluting.

And what of the economy? In the day where America is losing manufacturing jobs by the thousands and millions to other developing countries, BP is being blocked from adding an additional 2000 contract workers that would come from the local communities. BP is offering to add manufacturing jobs to a state that desperately needs them, but because a few people have a loud voice with misrepresented facts these people will never get the jobs.

While forming an opinion on this I would recommend you read BP's release on this issue, and make sure you have all the facts before sticking your neck out too far.

W&S title stays with Russians

2007-07-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

My son and I went to the first quarter final game on Friday evening and had a great time. Cincinnati is attempting to become a place where the women will want to come, like for the men currently. One way to help this happen is to attend these Tier III and Tier II events to show that we in Cincinnati support tennis, and want to see the big names come as well.

Chakvetadze easily wins final match

A quick scan of the women's tennis rankings shows that the game belongs to the Russians. Four in the top 10, six in the top 15, seven in the top 21.

Look closer at their ages, and it appears that their dominance displayed in Cincinnati the past two years could last awhile on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.

Twenty-year-old Russian Anna Chakvetadze won the Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open title Sunday, soundly defeating Japan's Akiko Morigami 6-1, 6-3. Chakvetadze became the second straight Russian to win here, following Vera Zvonareva's 2006 title.

"Russia is not like the U.S. or Japan financially," Morigami said, "but they come up with some great players. Maybe they're really hungry to win. I don't know, but I'd like to know too why that is."

Chakvetadze is a top-10 player, ranked No. 7 after Sunday's win, but her career doesn't yet compare with the likes of Russia's Maria Sharapova (No. 2), the current queen of Russian tennis. Sharapova, after all, has two Grand Slam titles at the age of 20. Chakvetadze hasn't experienced that success, winning five titles but none of them in Grand Slam tournaments, where she's yet to advance past the quarterfinals. Sunday's win was her third Tier III championship.

"I need to play better in bigger tournaments," Chakvetadze said. "When I started playing tennis, I never thought I'd become a top-10 player. Now I think I can win a Grand Slam just because I think I can."

With a $175,000 purse and a $25,840 check for the winner, the W&S Women's Open is hardly comparable to a Grand Slam. So maybe that's why Chakvetadze's reaction to winning Sunday was somewhat understated.

When Morigami hit the ball out of bounds on match point, Chakvetadze gave a light fist pump and politely waved to the crowd. But there was no emotional outpouring; not like in 2004, when she won her breakthrough match as a 17-year-old by beating Russia's top player, Anastasia Myskina, in the U.S. Open. Back then, Chakvetadze was stunned by the magnitude of her accomplishment. On Sunday, she was taken aback by the brevity of her victory.

"I'm happy to win," Chakvetadze said. "I just didn't expect it to be so easy."

It took only 59 minutes and might have been quicker had Chakvetadze served better. She made only 53 percent of her first serves, leaving a bit of an opening for Morigami to score some points. But Morigami could not overcome Chakvetadze's speed and angled shots once the players began rallies. Chakvetadze's court coverage kept Morigami fixed to the baseline, trying to return a variety of forehands and backhands.

"I got a couple good shots, and then she'd attack again," Morigami said. "I couldn't find any rhythm. She's very smart."

That is by design. Chakvetadze does not possess an overwhelming serve, so she aims for the lines and tries to keep opponents running. It worked well enough to win a title here. When the U.S. Open begins Aug. 27, however, Chakvetadze likely will have to serve more accurately than she did this week if she's to contend for a title. She complained often here that her up-and-down concentration levels made things harder than necessary.

Nevertheless, she won her fifth title in as many finals appearances and third of the year, more than any other Russian. At No. 7, she is the third-ranked Russian, behind only Sharapova and No. 4 Svetlana Kuznetsova - but ahead of the top American, No. 8 Serena Williams.

Chakvetadze grew up idolizing Russian Anna Kournikova, who won over cameras with sex appeal despite never winning a WTA tournament.

Chakvetadze has nowhere near that kind of name recognition (she said the French have the hardest time pronouncing her name). She still hears variations of her name at every tournament stop. It's the price of obscurity that for Russian women is best cured by a Grand Slam title.

"I hope I can," Chakvetadze said. "You need a lot of things to come together to win a Grand Slam. I've made the quarterfinals two times. I think I can do better."

Earning the Craftsman name

2007-07-19T09:43:00.001-04:00

Craftsman is not just a name. To consumers, it is assurance of quality and value that lets them know they can rely on the tools and other products.

But what does it take to bear the Craftsman name? How is a tool approved for the honor? The development of the Craftsman Twin Cutter saw is a good example.

It began more than two years ago, when the saw's inventor made a presentation to engineers at the Sears Quality Testing Lab.

"The inventor made a presentation on the saw and showed us a video," said Mike Weiby, tool engineering manager for Sears Craftsman Power Tools. "At first, we tried to compare it to an angle grinder or a cutoff wheel. Then we realized it was radical new technology worth recommending to the product development team."

The Craftsman Twin Cutter saw resembles a cross between a hand grinder and a circular saw; two blades run flush against one another and turn in opposite directions. The carbide-tipped blades cut almost any material - steel, aluminum, plastic, wood - in clean, precise cuts without the heat, kickback, or significant sparking associated with grinding wheels or circular saws.

The product development team, made up of experts from the merchandising and marketing 3 departments and engineers from the lab, evaluates new products and innovations to search out candidates for the sears craftsman power tool brand.

That committee also was enthusiastic about the new technology and began to establish specifications for a saw worthy to be labeled Craftsman.

The first working models of the future Twin Cutter were then delivered to the Craftsman lab for testing, refinement, and retesting.

The 33,000-square-fpot Craftsman lab at the Sears headquarters near Chicago is one of the largest private testing facilities in the country. It features soundproof booths, a freezer at 30 degrees below zero, a high-temperature and high-humidity oven, and practical-use areas. It even has its own machine shop.

"We test about 1,000 products each year - everything with the Craftsman name," said Weiby. "We test hand tools, power tools, lawn and garden equipment, even the new Craftsman shop phone. Our job is to ensure the tools are durable and will do the job our customers expect."

The testing of the Twin Cutter was rigorous.

"The first thing we did was to cut an eight-foot iron pipe into two-inch pieces," Weiby continued. "When the saw did that without any problems, then the real testing began."

The saw was dropped on a concrete floor from a height of six feet - a standard test for all Craftsman hand and electric tools - then frozen and dropped again. It was given a durability test, cycled under load for hours. Engineers then gave it a practical-use test, using the saw to cut everything from plastic to aluminum to wood embedded with nails.

"We were testing every aspect of the saw, the strength of the motor, the durability of the blades, how it felt to the user," Weiby said. "Along the way, we made adjustments in the safety guard to make it easier to use and added the auxiliary handle to give the saw more stability."

Once the final specifications were established, pre-production models of the final version were given the ultimate field test: a review by racing mechanics.

"We took prototype Twin Cutters to several of our Craftsman teams," said Henry Ferris, Craftsman brand director. "We often ask them to evaluate new tools because those guys don't pull any punches. With them, the products really do have to live up to Craftsman's 'Tough Tools' slogan."

Finally, after 30 months of development, the Twin Cutter officially became a Craftsman product and was introduced in February.

Thief took $65,000, lost it all

2007-07-19T09:36:00.000-04:00

I believe that casions are good for local economies, and that they can help the communities they are located in. But that good is often offset by the minority in our communities that form addictions. People need to be willing to say no to some, and to tell their friends and family they have a problem. If you know someone who cannot stop their actions it is part of your responsibility to get everyone together and do an intervention. The casions should not be held responsible for the actions of their customers, because even if the casinos were not there most of these people would have just found another outlet to satisy their addictive nature.

A judge allowed a thief to remain free on bond until she is sentenced next month, with the provision that the woman stay out of the region's casinos.

That's where she got in trouble in the first place, according to prosecutors, who say Melissa Kirk stole $65,000 from her bosses and blew it on one-armed bandits.

"From this day forward, you are ordered to stay out of these gambling places: Argosy, Belterra and the other ones," Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge William Mallory said.

The 47-year-old Westwood woman promised she would.

Kirk pleaded guilty Wednesday to theft.

"She was ripping off her employer to feed her gambling addiction," Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor Bill Anderson said.

Taking $300 or $400 at a time, Kirk slowly embezzled the money from Ace Cash Express Inc. on Montgomery Road in Silverton between Sept. 22, 2004, and Jan. 15, 2007, Anderson said.

And she didn't just run one scam, she slipped the money into her pocket every way she could, Anderson said.

Kirk made the thefts look like customers got loans they hadn't been approved for, took out loans in the names of her friends and family members and would simply write company checks that she would then cash, Anderson said.

Finally, a loan manager at the business noticed Kirk's paperwork was a mess, prompting an investigation.

Kirk was charged July 3, records show.

Garden decor trends toward 'anything goes' styling

2007-07-17T00:08:00.001-04:00

Home decor trends and a back-to-nature emphasis are reshaping what today's lawn and garden consumer is seeking beyond the traditional categories of live goods, tools and supplies. Like it or not, retailers must be in tune to fashion trends in gardening decor and outdoor living products to be successful in this niche.

The five hot areas were glass garden accents, water gardens or fountains, wind art, "critters" both in the form of statuary and wildlife feeding products, and whimsical garden decor that fall under a heading I like to call "anything goes."

Water gardening is still as hot as ever. It's a hugely popular area right now with lots of options.

From elaborate backyard ponds with waterfalls to ready-made birdbaths or decorative fountains, water features continue to drive sales. Another super-hot segment involves animal figurines and wildlife feeding. Demand keeps rising for bird-feeding products, which are be coming more decorative or upscale, while the single most popular critter in garden statuary is the frog.

Wind chimes, flags and spinners are another strong category, along with glass accents in garden decor, such as gazing globes and stakes. Under the "anything goes" category, items ranging from patio candles to unique garden sculptures are capturing the buyer's eye.

Retailers need to stay on top of decor trends and make their stores inviting and compelling in order to succeed against big-box chains. Savvy retailers also know that their target female consumer is highly sophisticated, wants quality but at a value and is willing to shop elsewhere if her needs aren't met. Smart retailers communicate with their shoppers through a Web site or e-mail, and work to sell a "whole garden" rather than individual products. That is one reason I would recommend Online Discount Mart for your garden needs, and also at this time you can get a 10% discount on all orders (no minimum). So go place your order now to make your garden the envy of the block.

Mom charged with leaving baby in road

2007-07-17T00:07:00.000-04:00

I love America and the freedoms we have here. However, as I read more and more stories such as this one I have to wonder if some sort of sanity test should be required of new parents. We are appaled by such stories, and I'm starting to feel for the sake of the children their parents should be evaluated before something like this happens in the first place....

Charges were filed today against a 29-year-old Lebanon woman for allegedly placing her 7-week-old child in the middle of a busy street on Saturday.

Charges against Shaunte R. Mitchell, of the 900 block of North Broadway Street, were filed today in Lebanon Municipal Court.

Police said over the weekend that Mitchell was found naked and wandering along the road. They said she was undergoing medical and psychological evaluations.

Police charged Mitchell with child endangering for allegedly placing the baby in the middle of Miller Road, creating "substantial risk of injury." The baby was uninjured.

Officer Travis O'Neill also filed a complaint charging Mitchell with disorderly conduct, saying Mitchell walked away from police and ignored their orders to stop, "while also shouting obscenities and walking in the middle of the roadway at Miller Road without clothing on her person."

The two charges are misdemeanors.

Mitchell also is charged with aggravated arson, a felony punishable by two to eight years in prison if she is convicted, for allegedly setting a fire in an apartment in the 900 block of North Broadway Street.

A passing motorist found Mitchell along the Miller Road extension shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. The motorist told police the woman said she was “taking the baby to Satan.”

Cash Advances: A Solution To Your Money Problems Or Not

2007-07-13T13:22:00.000-04:00

Stuck in a tricky financial situation? What do you do when you urgently need cash but don't have the time to go to the bank and apply for loan? Cash Advance might be the answer to your question.

Cash Advance Now is an online system of money lending. These companies lend you money in times of financial crisis. The best part about is that your loan is approved very quickly, sometimes as quick as 24 hours. This is very good for some of us who might be requiring cash for an emergency.

There is a "no credit check" policy in cash advance. Your financial history is not important to them, they are only concerned about your present and future capabilities; however, there are few criteria that have be met in order to be approved for a loan. One requirement that must be met to receive a Cash Advance Now loan, for example is the following: you must make at least $200 per week to ensure you are able to afford the type of loan you are taking out. You also have to pay a security deposit to Cash Advance Now of $250.

Though cash advance seems like a lucrative way to get short term loan, there are many conditions that have to be met. Yet cash advance could be the answer to your problems as long as you are capable of paying back the loan soon. Don't worry if you don't qualify with one company, there are other cash advance companies which could help you.

Now let us see as to under what situation cash advance would be your best bet.

Apply for pay day loans only when you are seriously short of cash and have no other alternative way to get it. Make very sure though that you are able to follow the repayment plan that has been decided by your cash advance company, because if you miss any of the monthly payments then you will have to pay very high interest, and it will also ruin your chance of getting money from any other cash advance company in future.

The interest on a cash advance increases every month leading up to the point where the entire loan is paid off. But, if you are in a financial situation which allows you to make all of the monthly payments on time, then a cash advance loan will probably be no problem for you to handle.

You should also take into account that a cash advance should be used as a last resort.

Do not take out a cash advance loan, as said before, if you cannot make the monthly payments. Even if you think you can make the monthly payments, also make sure you work the interest into your figuring. The interest on a cash advance loan, especially when paid off late, can get to be pretty hefty, which is why you should consider taking out a regular loan if you don't plan on paying off your cash advance in a reasonable amount of time.

If you need a cash loan, make sure you can meet the requirements of the payment structure before hand. You don't want to take a loan, not be able to pay it and then ruin your credibility for your entire future. For more information on cash advances please visit cashadvance-fast.com.

My Experience with MyFitnessPal

2007-07-12T09:55:00.001-04:00

I have been using MyFitnessPal for about a month now, and must say that it is easy to use. It has made me realize just how bad most of the food I eat is. I have started to make different choices on what I eat, and eat less of some stuff that I am not as willing to give up.

Also, what is rarely mentioned is that they are not just a calorie counter to track what you eat, but also track the calories you burn doing exercise. This feature has also helped motivate me to do more exercise. My family has a trampoline that we are using more to burn calories, and we go swimming more (that burns some mass calories in a relatively short amount of time). We are also going riding on our bikes several times a week.

I must say that as this is a newer site, there are some problems I have with it. Their food list is still a bit lacking, but you can add foods to it if you have the basic nutritional values. It seems that they are adding more, probably from the submission of other people. The same problem also exists for the exercise list.

Also, they do have message boards, but most people are not using them. I feel that if more people would use them it would help make a better community experience and you would be more likely to succeed as you can read the experiences of others.

This is a great site, and the price cannot be beat as it is free. If you need to lose a few pounds (who doesn't? I have lost nearly 5 in the month since I joined), I would really recommend you give it a shot. If you do stop by the message boards and drop me a line.

Lockland principal found not guilty

2007-07-11T12:48:00.000-04:00

There is a comment post here on my blog that Ralph Jacobs has been re-instated as principal of Lockland Elementary. I believe that this is a mistake, and provides a very bad message for the students (who are all aware of what has happened). I believe that there will be future problems from Ralph Jacobs because I have seen a level of anger and contempt for many of the students in his school. I do not know how a man who does not like children has gotten a job as the principal of an elementary school, but there will be future problems.

In the comment placed by a reader on one of my posts, they asked what I'm going to do now. I'm guessing that she meant it rhetorically, but I'm going to answer anyway. My son will not be going back to Lockland Elementary School. There is a Christian Academy right down the road from us, and it turns out that it is actually quite affordable. I encourage ALL parents of the Lockland School District to look at this option. If Lockland loses many students they will lose major state and federal money. Since the board will not listen to us, I think we should send a message they cannot ignore and take their money from them.

Judge rules he acted in self-defense

A municipal judge found the principal of Lockland Elementary School not guilty Wednesday of a misdemeanor assault charge that stemmed from a dispute over a shared driveway.

Ralph Jacob Jr., 50, was visibly relieved when Hamilton County Municipal Judge Melissa Powers announced her ruling. .

According to testimony, the driveway belonged to a friend of Jacob's whom he was visiting on May 8 when the dispute erupted.

"This was a situation between two neighbors who share a common drive and live in close proximity to each other," Powers said. "Unfortunately, all the witnesses and neighbors had to come in here to resolve this."

Powers said it came down to this question: Did Jacob intentionally punch Rhonda Holloway or did he push her out of the way trying to get to safety?

"What is very clear is that he did feel threatened," Powers said.

Jacob spoke out for the first time after the hearing saying, "It's been hard to have these allegations all over the news."

The charge stemmed from an ongoing dispute over a driveway on Eaton Drive that belongs to Holloway and Jacob's friend, Denise Crawley.

On May 8, Holloway confronted Jacob after he pulled into the driveway and parked behind Crawley's home.

Jacob said Holloway threatened to get a gun and kill him. As the two argued, Jacob hit Holloway, knocking her to the ground, thus prompting his arrest, according to testimony.

In court, Jacob's lawyer, William Bell, argued that Jacobs was acting in self-defense.

Assistant Cincinnati Prosecutor Marva Benjamin said Jacob wanted the confrontation and called Holloway to him.

After four hours of testimony, Powers determined thatHolloway trapped Jacob between the car and a wall, leaving him no choice but to go by Holloway to get to safety.

Jacob has been on paid administrative leave since May 9. He said he hopes to be reinstated and start the new school year with a "clean slate."

Importance Of Coupons

2007-07-09T09:55:00.000-04:00

Most of you might have heard about the existence of coupons for purchase of different commodities and services. However, only a few of you might have an adequate knowledge about their use and importance. Coupons were invented as a marketing strategy to help the consumers control their expenditure in times of increasing costs, and at the same time help the producer or retailer increase his sales.

Coupons were basically introduced to encourage consumers to try out a new brand or product. When a new product is introduced in the market, people might not directly go and buy it. This might be due to their doubts about the performance of the product or even its costs. Most products are priced high in the market today, so it is right for the people to have their own apprehensions before buying the product. The use of coupons in this case is that they provide certain discount on purchase of the specified product. By doing so, the retailer can market his product effectively and at the same time, the consumer will have a chance to try out the product at reduced prices. Even if he does not like the product, he will not stand to lose much money due to the discount offered.

Coupons were given earlier mainly in the magazines or as print ads in the newspapers. Finding a coupon for a product required by the consumer was difficult in this case, as he had to sort through a number of magazines and newspapers. But these days, coupons are being put up on the internet also. As you know, all kinds of stuff are advertised and sold on the internet today. So when a consumer wants a specific product, he can just go to the website selling the specified product, and print a discount coupon posted there. Hence, this method also increases the number of visitors to a website.

Online coupons, such as those offered by couponchief.com can save you a lot of money. Coupons can be found on the internet for auto parts and accessories such as AutoBarn coupons, travel such as Travelocity Deals, baby supplies, pet supplies and many more. These coupons can also be sent through email to your friends and relatives. You cannot buy all types of products with a single coupon. The specific item for which the coupon is valid is indicated on the coupon itself. Online coupons can either to used to increase your online sales or divert your online traffic to your offline store.

NASCAR driver arrested at Kings Island

2007-07-09T09:54:00.000-04:00

Here is a national story that is happening in Cincinnati. I do not follow NASCAR, but whenever something like this happens in my hometown, I tend to take notice. I will try to give them the benefit of the doubt and presume innocence. However the report does sound very suspicios, and who would imagine that one of these NASCAR drivers may have a drug problem.....

A NASCAR truck driver and his fiancée were arrested in the Kings Island parking lot Saturday and face charges of heroin possession, according to Mason police.

Aaron Fike, 24, who drives the No. 1 Toyota Tundra in NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series, and Cassandra Davidson, both of North Carolina, were taken to the Warren County Jail.

Mason police responded to a call just after 4 p.m. of two people engaged in suspicious activity inside a black Toyota Sequoia at the amusement park.

Police said they found drug paraphernalia and narcotics believed to be heroin inside the vehicle.

The case is under investigation pending a drug analysis at the Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory.

Mount Abu - The Paradise In The Rajasthan Desert

2007-07-08T22:34:00.000-04:00

Mount Abu is an oasis amongst the desert in the state of Rajasthan, India. Mt Abu is situated at the southern tip of the Aravali range and because of its foliage it has a cool climate. Mount Abu is considered a summer retreat but it also has a stunning array of attractions; the Delwara Marble Jain Temples, dating back 11th-13th centuries, makes it a popular pilgrimage center.

Mount Abu has an extensive religious history, having been home to many sages and saint.

The main sites in Mount Abu are:

Gaumukh Temple: The temple gets its name from a natural spring which flows through a sculpted cow's head. It is said that the yagna' of sage Vashishtha was performed here. A beautiful marble image of Nandi (the celestial bull rescued by Aebuada) is situated nearby.
Delwara Jain Temple: these temples were built between the 11th and 13th century. They are beautifully carved temples built from marble and dedicated to the jain Tirthankaras. The oldest temple is the Vimal Vasahi temple. Build in 1031AD, by Vimal Shah-a merchant and representative of then Gujarat ruler, is dedicated to the first Tirthankara. A superb example of temple architecture, the central shrine has an image of Rishabhdev and large courtyard with 52 small shrines. Each houses a beautiful statue of thirthankaras with 48 elegantly carved pillars form the entrance to the courtyard. Another finely crafted temple is the Lun Vasahi Temple. It was built in 1231AD by brothers Vastupal and Tejpal who were Ministers of Raja Vir Dhawal, a ruler of Gujarat which belonged to the Porwal Jain Community. The fine craftsmanship of the Lun Vasahi Temple includes beautiful door casings, pillars architraves and sculptures on the porticos.
Adhar Devi Temple: The Adhar Devi Temple is a favoured spot for tourists. You have to walk up a flight of 360 stairs to reach the temple chiseled out of a huge rock.
Sunset Point: At the sunset point you can watch the sun setting and covering the surrounding hills with a beautiful golden glow. A spectacular site. Honeymoon Point: Also known as Andra Point, it offers an enchanting view of the verdant plains and valleys. The place looks most beautiful during the dusk hours.
Shri Raghunathji Temple: Dedicated to Shri Raghunathji, this temple was built in the 14th century AD. It is situated near the Nakki Lake and contains beautiful sculpted work of the deity. It was built by famous Hindu preacher Shri Ramanand.
Gardens and Parks: throughout the hilly paradise of Mount Abu there are many beautifully laid parks and gardens. The more notable gardens include Ashok Vatika, Gandhi park, Municipal Park, Shaitan Singh Park and the Terrace Garden.
Nakki Lake: situated in the center of the city is the perfect location for a romantic evening.

Mount Abu is a popular destination for many reasons, both as a summer retreat and for tourists looking at taking in some of the history that this beautiful part of India has to offer. World-class tourist facilities are available at Mount Abu including star and heritage class Hotels and Restaurants. Use Insara.com to book Indian hotels for you vacation getaway.

Spielberg's Cincinnati

2007-07-08T22:25:00.000-04:00

I was not aware that Steve Spielberg was a product of Cincinnati. It must be of a long gone Cincinnati, as I cannot look araound ony place here in the town I call home and see any great minds springing up. I hope I am just being cynical and things are better than they seem, but I fear that people like Spielberg are a rare thing in these communities.

Director-producers' three years as a child here shaped his work

Steven Spielberg spent only about three years in Cincinnati, but it left a big impression on him.

On "Spielberg on Spielberg," a 90-minute interview premiering Monday (8 p.m., TCM), the Oscar-winning director-producer, born here on Dec. 18, 1946, recalls how he learned his numbers in Cincinnati.

"My grandmother taught English to Hungarian Holocaust survivors when I was only 3 years old, living in Cincinnati," he says, in the film while commenting on "Schindler’s List," his 1993 film about the Holocaust, which won seven Oscars, including best picture.

"I learned my numbers based on all the numbers that they had tattooed on their arms (from the concentration camps). And I had one man that used to say, ‘That’s a 2. That’s a 5,’ " says Spielberg, showing how the man pointed to the figures on his arm.

Spielberg was born to Cincinnati natives Arnold Spielberg, a Hughes High School graduate studying electrical engineering at the University of Cincinnati, and Leah Posner Spielberg Adler, a Walnut Hills High School graduate.

They married in 1945, and lived on Lexington Avenue in Avondale. They moved to New Jersey after Arnold graduated from UC in 1949. They divorced in 1966; each lives in the Los Angeles area.

TEACHING ENGLISH

Leah’s mother, Jennie Posner, taught English in her home to Holocaust survivors preparing for their citizenship tests, around the corner on Glenwood Avenue, says Arnold Spielberg, 90, from his California home.

"Each class was about eight people. around the big dining room table. I can still see it today," says Leah Spielberg Adler, 87, who operates the Milky Way restaurant in Los Angeles.

"Steven was just running wild as a child in their home. We spent most of our time there," Leah says.

Arnold Spielberg says that he and Leah "would visit her parents on Saturday, the Sabbath, for lunch and prayers, after I returned from half-day classes on Saturday at UC. At other times, the Posners would wheel Steven in his buggy to their home, where he met the survivors."

For Fay Postolski Siegel of Blue Ash, word of Spielberg’s comments confirmed a story frequently told by her mother, Etta Postolski, who died in March.

"Oh my gosh, isn’t that something?" says Siegel, a Covington city tax auditor. "She would tell us the story many times about Steven Spielberg’s grandmother teaching her English. My parents lived in Avondale at the time, " says Siegel, a Covington city tax auditor.

A ‘MAGIC TRICK’

In the documentary, Spielberg tells of the "magic trick" done by one of his grandmother’s students. A man would bend his arm up and down, turning the 6 upside down.

"He said, ‘This is a 6. And now it’s a 9.’ I’ll never forget that," Spielberg says. "I was a little kid, 3 or 4 years old. I’ll never forget that."

In a 1993 interview, Spielberg says the inspiration to make "Schindler’s List" came from his mother.

"I was very ashamed when I was a child of being Jewish. And this film has kind of come along with me on this journey from shame to honor," he told CBS’ Connie Chung. "My mother said to me one day, she said, ‘I really want to be able to see a movie that you make someday that’s sort of about us, and about, you know, who we are.’ This is it. This is for her."

After the film, Spielberg created the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, which has filmed 52,000 interviews with Holocaust survivors.

"In that respect, ‘Schindler’s List’ is the most important film I’ve ever made, and the Shoah Foundation, outside my family, is the most important work I’ve done."

Does Your Child Need A Math Tutor?

2007-07-06T10:37:00.000-04:00

Many students find math a challenging subject, and hiring math tutors can provide a great solution for trouble in the classroom. Difficulty with math is a widespread problem, particularly with the strong emphasis on testing for students in all grades. High stakes tests can create anxiety, especially for math students, and many students need outside help in order to gain confidence and adequately absorb the material. Tutors can access learning problems and devise a personalized instructional program.

Math tutors offer an opportunity for students to receive individualized instruction. Every student has different needs and no two pupils have the same learning style, but a large classroom setting can't always accommodate the individual student. Some otherwise strong students may need a tutor to get them over a difficult hump or to help them with a specific area, whereas other students can require on-going assistance with their math studies.

It is important to choose the right math tutors. Like a personal trainer, the tutor needs to be matched to the individual. The idea is to increase the student's confidence, reduce math anxiety and shore up skills. It is important to find a supportive tutor who can adjust his or her teaching style to the student.

Math tutors can be located by asking for personal recommendations from other families that have utilized tutors. The student's school may also have a list of tutors that they recommend. Local colleges often have job boards and lists of available tutors. Often, a graduate student or college math major may be the perfect choice for a high school age student. Retired teachers or teachers working part time while raising children may offer tutoring. There are also local and national tutoring firms that will match your student with a staff tutor.

It is important that the math tutor has professional training and expertise in the specific subject matter and grade level that the student needs to master. The math tutor's job is to teach key concepts and problem solving strategies. For young children simply helping with homework may be adequate, but in most cases you are looking for a tutor that can help the student approach problems in a new way so that they can master concepts they have been struggling with in the classroom. The tutor needs to construct a learning plan and adjust it as needed until the student can demonstrate mastery.

Math tutors need to help students with test taking, study skills and self-confidence. The tutor will provide a structure so the student gets the practice that math requires and develops a productive work routine. The tutor needs to bring math alive and make the experience as much fun as possible. Tutoring time should be viewed as positive and supportive. The tutor needs to be a good communicator that makes sure the student feels comfortable asking questions. The tutor needs to provide a balance between offering achievable goals that build confidence and challenging the student to take on increasing difficult material.