What does Dad want for Father's Day?
You know it's not another tie. Sure you can get him some electronics or tools but that's not very creative. Why not get him a gift that he'll use every night and will also please Mom and the other females in the house? The Johnny Light is a practical, small, green night light for the toilet bowl. It's easy on the eyes and ends the need for disturbing overhead lights, reduces constant commode clean-ups and warns unsuspecting victims against those dreaded late-night or lights-out "splashdowns" that embarrass, enrage and humiliate so many who prefer to be seated -- particularly women.
Co--inventor Bill Bradford says sales of the Johnny Light always increase around Father's Day. 'It preserves dignity and creates household peace. You can't monogram or engrave it, but it will be an unforgettable and unique gift."
Friday, June 13, 2008
Gifts for dads
CHEAP, FUN FATHER'S DAY GIFTS
(Bankrate.com)
Tell Dad to take a hike -- with you! Strap on those backpacks (or fannypacks) and take in the wonders of nature, whether it's the wilds of the woods or the greenery of your city park. Cap the day by hoisting a glass or a mug -- your treat, please -- at a cafe or coffee shop.
Give father an al fresco feast: What's more fun than a fancy meal in a four-star restaurant? Why, a picnic, of course. It doesn't have to be a big production and you don't have to travel far. Got a backyard? Spread out a tablecloth or even a big beach towel, bring out a batch of Dad's favorite treats and dig in.
Get jumpin' at the gym: The popster could probably use a little more exercise, but few of us respond well to nagging, and sweating solo can be lonely. How's about you and Dad bonding and deep-knee bending a deux at the local Y? Check around and find one with a swimming pool, sauna or whirlpool.
Remind him of the little boy still inside: Go through the family archives, and find a photo of Dad as a tyke or as a schoolboy. Frame it and enclose a note, perhaps saying "Forever young at heart." Or, heh-heh, "You haven't aged a day!"
Show him your smiling face gazing up at him every day: Take a plain glass paperweight. Trim a photo of yourself so that it's slightly smaller than the weight's base. Affix the photo (face-up, of course) to the weight with clear tape around its borders. An added piece of ribbon can help cover up the tape.
Make him a memorabilia book: Corral all those old photos, ticket stubs, matchbook covers and bits of flotsam of a family life well-lived and arrange them in a scrapbook or photo album. Don't forget little captions, jokes and other personalizing touches.
Give him words to live by: Is there a poem, song lyric or religious verse he finds especially uplifting? Recreate it in needlepoint or cross-stitch or have a calligrapher letter it on heavy-stock paper, then laminate or frame it.
Here's an 'extra, extra' nice gift: A subscription to his hometown newspaper or to a publication dedicated to one of the passions in his life. To find some of the more obscure periodicals he may not even be familiar with, check out titles at your nearest book superstore or do some research online.
Be charitable: Does Dad love his four-footed friends? Consider a contribution in his name to a humane organization or to any other pet (no pun intended, honest) projects. He will be especially touched if you haven't previously shared his enthusiasms.
Put on a show: Have a "family night" with different family members showing off their performing skills, or lack thereof (it's the spirit behind it). Perhaps a little basement karaoke?
Ask Dad to teach you: No matter how old the old man's gotten, he's still better than you at something, whether it's throwing a ball, fishing or golfing. Ask him to teach you his special skills. His self-esteem will soar, and you'll have a terrific bonding experience.
Spend a dollar -- and give him the dream: Yep, we're talking a lottery ticket, or two or 10. Perhaps enclose a note reading, "You helped me fulfill my dreams. Hope this helps with yours." And remember, if he wins, it's all his!
Spend a dollar -- and give him the goods: Have you checked out the discount stores? Many of them are loaded with things that look like they cost dollars more.
Play it again, Sam: Call the disc jockey at dad's favorite radio station and request he play Pop's favorite song, along with your very special dedication. Make sure you call in advance, then visit daddy-o to listen in or take him for a long drive with the radio tuned to the station.
Free for you and me! The digital age has led to a world of free online greeting cards. You can send one of these, or if you go to TheFreeSite.com, click on "Seasonal Freebies," then "Father's Day Freebies," you'll find access to digital Father's-Day-themed greeting cards, postcards, desktop wallpaper and graphics you can use -- all free, free, free. Wheee!
(Bankrate.com)
Tell Dad to take a hike -- with you! Strap on those backpacks (or fannypacks) and take in the wonders of nature, whether it's the wilds of the woods or the greenery of your city park. Cap the day by hoisting a glass or a mug -- your treat, please -- at a cafe or coffee shop.
Give father an al fresco feast: What's more fun than a fancy meal in a four-star restaurant? Why, a picnic, of course. It doesn't have to be a big production and you don't have to travel far. Got a backyard? Spread out a tablecloth or even a big beach towel, bring out a batch of Dad's favorite treats and dig in.
Get jumpin' at the gym: The popster could probably use a little more exercise, but few of us respond well to nagging, and sweating solo can be lonely. How's about you and Dad bonding and deep-knee bending a deux at the local Y? Check around and find one with a swimming pool, sauna or whirlpool.
Remind him of the little boy still inside: Go through the family archives, and find a photo of Dad as a tyke or as a schoolboy. Frame it and enclose a note, perhaps saying "Forever young at heart." Or, heh-heh, "You haven't aged a day!"
Show him your smiling face gazing up at him every day: Take a plain glass paperweight. Trim a photo of yourself so that it's slightly smaller than the weight's base. Affix the photo (face-up, of course) to the weight with clear tape around its borders. An added piece of ribbon can help cover up the tape.
Make him a memorabilia book: Corral all those old photos, ticket stubs, matchbook covers and bits of flotsam of a family life well-lived and arrange them in a scrapbook or photo album. Don't forget little captions, jokes and other personalizing touches.
Give him words to live by: Is there a poem, song lyric or religious verse he finds especially uplifting? Recreate it in needlepoint or cross-stitch or have a calligrapher letter it on heavy-stock paper, then laminate or frame it.
Here's an 'extra, extra' nice gift: A subscription to his hometown newspaper or to a publication dedicated to one of the passions in his life. To find some of the more obscure periodicals he may not even be familiar with, check out titles at your nearest book superstore or do some research online.
Be charitable: Does Dad love his four-footed friends? Consider a contribution in his name to a humane organization or to any other pet (no pun intended, honest) projects. He will be especially touched if you haven't previously shared his enthusiasms.
Put on a show: Have a "family night" with different family members showing off their performing skills, or lack thereof (it's the spirit behind it). Perhaps a little basement karaoke?
Ask Dad to teach you: No matter how old the old man's gotten, he's still better than you at something, whether it's throwing a ball, fishing or golfing. Ask him to teach you his special skills. His self-esteem will soar, and you'll have a terrific bonding experience.
Spend a dollar -- and give him the dream: Yep, we're talking a lottery ticket, or two or 10. Perhaps enclose a note reading, "You helped me fulfill my dreams. Hope this helps with yours." And remember, if he wins, it's all his!
Spend a dollar -- and give him the goods: Have you checked out the discount stores? Many of them are loaded with things that look like they cost dollars more.
Play it again, Sam: Call the disc jockey at dad's favorite radio station and request he play Pop's favorite song, along with your very special dedication. Make sure you call in advance, then visit daddy-o to listen in or take him for a long drive with the radio tuned to the station.
Free for you and me! The digital age has led to a world of free online greeting cards. You can send one of these, or if you go to TheFreeSite.com, click on "Seasonal Freebies," then "Father's Day Freebies," you'll find access to digital Father's-Day-themed greeting cards, postcards, desktop wallpaper and graphics you can use -- all free, free, free. Wheee!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Tomatoe recipes
Florida agricultural leaders say the federal government has cleared the state's tomatoes of being the cause of a national food poisoning scare.
Amid a salmonella outbreak linked to raw tomatoes, many fast-food chains and grocery stores had stopped selling them altogether.
State Agriculture Department spokeswoman Liz Compton said Tuesday a lot of economic damage has been done to growers, grocers and restaurateurs, but re-emphasized that Florida's tomatoes are safe.
So, let put tomatoes on our grocery list and make something yummy for dinner. Here are some recipes.
Amid a salmonella outbreak linked to raw tomatoes, many fast-food chains and grocery stores had stopped selling them altogether.
State Agriculture Department spokeswoman Liz Compton said Tuesday a lot of economic damage has been done to growers, grocers and restaurateurs, but re-emphasized that Florida's tomatoes are safe.
So, let put tomatoes on our grocery list and make something yummy for dinner. Here are some recipes.
Chart your salary
An inside look at companies from those who know them best.
See company ratings, reviews, and salaries. Membership is free at glassdoor.com.
The site also posts anonymous reviews written by current and past workers. There is a catch though....to see the juiciest info, you have to post your own salaries and feelings about your boss.
See company ratings, reviews, and salaries. Membership is free at glassdoor.com.
The site also posts anonymous reviews written by current and past workers. There is a catch though....to see the juiciest info, you have to post your own salaries and feelings about your boss.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Shine up your tiara
Quinceañera is one of the most celebrated milestones in your life. It is an event filled with magical moments shared with family and special friends. The memories you make will last a lifetime. Uniquely Quince™ wishes you a Quinceañera filled with wonder and beauty, that highlights your unique style and personality. From tiaras and jewelry to themes and decorations, our products are designed to make your Quinceañera a fairy tale dream come true.
Make it fancy with Martha
Take an ordinary kids party and make it fancy.
1. Turn a plain sandwich into fancy tea sandwiches with flower-shaped cookie cutters.
2. Turn plain lemonade into fancy lemonade by adding fancy ice cubes with edible flowers and a fancy straw. To make the ice cubes, fill an ice cube tray halfway with bottled water. Put one edible flower in each cube and freeze. Take the ice tray out the freezer and fill to the top with bottled water. Refreeze and serve. (Note: It is safe to eat homegrown flowers specifically grown for eating. Plants grown for the garden (and not for eating) from your local florist or garden center should never be eaten because of the chemicals that are approved for use on garden plants (which are not approved for food plants). Some of the most common and best-tasting edible flowers are nasturtiums, pansies, Johnny-jump-ups, violets, roses, forget-me-nots, scented geraniums, borage, and calendula. Flowers can be toxic, so properly identifying them is crucial. Lilies of the valley, hyacinths, and some hydrangea are just a few examples of poisonous varieties. Pesticides also can be toxic, so you should avoid flowers found by the side of the road.)
3. Turn a plain cake stand into a fancy one by tying a ribbon around the base of the cake stand and using double-sided tape to attach a scalloped ribbon to the rim.
4. Turn a plain favor bag into a fancy one by writing the recipient's name in glitter, adding a personalized Martha Stewart Kodak Gallery sticker to it, and folding the top of the bag over a feathered pen.
1. Turn a plain sandwich into fancy tea sandwiches with flower-shaped cookie cutters.
2. Turn plain lemonade into fancy lemonade by adding fancy ice cubes with edible flowers and a fancy straw. To make the ice cubes, fill an ice cube tray halfway with bottled water. Put one edible flower in each cube and freeze. Take the ice tray out the freezer and fill to the top with bottled water. Refreeze and serve. (Note: It is safe to eat homegrown flowers specifically grown for eating. Plants grown for the garden (and not for eating) from your local florist or garden center should never be eaten because of the chemicals that are approved for use on garden plants (which are not approved for food plants). Some of the most common and best-tasting edible flowers are nasturtiums, pansies, Johnny-jump-ups, violets, roses, forget-me-nots, scented geraniums, borage, and calendula. Flowers can be toxic, so properly identifying them is crucial. Lilies of the valley, hyacinths, and some hydrangea are just a few examples of poisonous varieties. Pesticides also can be toxic, so you should avoid flowers found by the side of the road.)
3. Turn a plain cake stand into a fancy one by tying a ribbon around the base of the cake stand and using double-sided tape to attach a scalloped ribbon to the rim.
4. Turn a plain favor bag into a fancy one by writing the recipient's name in glitter, adding a personalized Martha Stewart Kodak Gallery sticker to it, and folding the top of the bag over a feathered pen.
Top ten parties for kids
1) Princess Party
2) Pirate Party Ideas
3) Sweet 16 Party
4) Tropical Luau Party
5) Scavenger Hunt
6) Sleep-over Party
7) Tea Party Theme
8) Fear Factor Ideas
9) Dora the Explorer
10)Beach Party Ideas
2) Pirate Party Ideas
3) Sweet 16 Party
4) Tropical Luau Party
5) Scavenger Hunt
6) Sleep-over Party
7) Tea Party Theme
8) Fear Factor Ideas
9) Dora the Explorer
10)Beach Party Ideas
Cheap party tips
Throw a memorable party without breaking the bank
(MSN)
Have the event at your house. Holding a party at an outside venue can bump up the cost significantly and limit what you can and can't do. Some parks, for instance, prohibit piñatas and music.
Set up areas for arts and crafts. Kids love the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating things, Newman said. Have the kids make clay dinosaurs or paint their own favor bags or placemats. Set up a make-your-own ice-cream sundae bar or have kids decorate their own cookies or cupcakes.
Keep favors and decorations simple. You don't have to have Curious George on every plate cup and balloon. Make some decorations out of construction paper and have someone dress in head-to-toe yellow to pose as the man in the yellow hat. Get creative. Load goody bags with candy and cheap rubber balls. Even at huge parties like Ryder's, those items are a big winner.
Bake that cake! (Or decorate one yourself.) This is where parents can create a lasting memory for a child, Newman said. Use different sized pans to create a cake in the shape of something the child is fascinated with. Sometimes, she said, the goofier it looks, the more memorable it is. If you don't have the time, or if you are all thumbs in the kitchen, check out the cakes at your local warehouse club. You can often get a larger cake for half the price of most supermarket or bakery cakes. Customize it yourself with plastic figures, ready-made frosting and other decorations.
Keep the party moving. A good party has enough entertainment to keep little ones busy. That doesn't mean hiring jugglers or a six-foot-tall Elmo for the kids. Old-fashioned games like tug-of-war, limbo or an egg race or beanbag toss work well and don't cost a lot. Ryder suggests having a couple of activities going at once, so if kids don't like one or can't do one thing, they can still have fun. Instead of paying for expensive entertainers, she suggests hiring local teenagers to run the games and paint faces.
(MSN)
Have the event at your house. Holding a party at an outside venue can bump up the cost significantly and limit what you can and can't do. Some parks, for instance, prohibit piñatas and music.
Set up areas for arts and crafts. Kids love the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating things, Newman said. Have the kids make clay dinosaurs or paint their own favor bags or placemats. Set up a make-your-own ice-cream sundae bar or have kids decorate their own cookies or cupcakes.
Keep favors and decorations simple. You don't have to have Curious George on every plate cup and balloon. Make some decorations out of construction paper and have someone dress in head-to-toe yellow to pose as the man in the yellow hat. Get creative. Load goody bags with candy and cheap rubber balls. Even at huge parties like Ryder's, those items are a big winner.
Bake that cake! (Or decorate one yourself.) This is where parents can create a lasting memory for a child, Newman said. Use different sized pans to create a cake in the shape of something the child is fascinated with. Sometimes, she said, the goofier it looks, the more memorable it is. If you don't have the time, or if you are all thumbs in the kitchen, check out the cakes at your local warehouse club. You can often get a larger cake for half the price of most supermarket or bakery cakes. Customize it yourself with plastic figures, ready-made frosting and other decorations.
Keep the party moving. A good party has enough entertainment to keep little ones busy. That doesn't mean hiring jugglers or a six-foot-tall Elmo for the kids. Old-fashioned games like tug-of-war, limbo or an egg race or beanbag toss work well and don't cost a lot. Ryder suggests having a couple of activities going at once, so if kids don't like one or can't do one thing, they can still have fun. Instead of paying for expensive entertainers, she suggests hiring local teenagers to run the games and paint faces.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Man in hit and run
(AP)
Police released audio tapes of two 911 calls made shortly after a 78-year-old man was struck by a car and then left in a Hartford, Connecticut, street by passing motorists and pedestrians.
The tapes were released two days after police Chief Daryl Roberts publicized a surveillance video of a car striking Angel Arce Torres and leaving him paralyzed in the busy street.
The video showed cars zooming past and bystanders staring at Torres from the sidewalk.
No one in the video stepped forward to help Torres, prompting Roberts to declare, "We no longer have a moral compass."
City officials later acknowledged that police received four 911 calls immediately after the accident. They released portions of two calls on Friday.
"Send an ambulance quick, quick, quick, he's bleeding hard," one man implores a 911 operator.
Torres, a retired forklift operator, was struck in the two-way street after buying milk at a grocery. He was hospitalized Friday in critical condition.
The video shows two cars veer across the center line and one of the cars striking Torres. Both cars then dart down a side street.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Friday offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the motorists involved in the accident.
Police released audio tapes of two 911 calls made shortly after a 78-year-old man was struck by a car and then left in a Hartford, Connecticut, street by passing motorists and pedestrians.
The tapes were released two days after police Chief Daryl Roberts publicized a surveillance video of a car striking Angel Arce Torres and leaving him paralyzed in the busy street.
The video showed cars zooming past and bystanders staring at Torres from the sidewalk.
No one in the video stepped forward to help Torres, prompting Roberts to declare, "We no longer have a moral compass."
City officials later acknowledged that police received four 911 calls immediately after the accident. They released portions of two calls on Friday.
"Send an ambulance quick, quick, quick, he's bleeding hard," one man implores a 911 operator.
Torres, a retired forklift operator, was struck in the two-way street after buying milk at a grocery. He was hospitalized Friday in critical condition.
The video shows two cars veer across the center line and one of the cars striking Torres. Both cars then dart down a side street.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Friday offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the motorists involved in the accident.
Random acts of kindness
If you saw the man in the hit and run accident in Connecticut, you may wonder if there are any good Samaritan's out there. Check out this site for ways to help others and acts of kindness.
Be nice, it comes back two fold.
Be nice, it comes back two fold.
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