Bloggin' 4 Doughnuts

Blog closing down.....

2011-11-01T18:19:00.002-06:00

For anyone that uses my blog to hop to other blogs please update your bookmarks as I am closing down my blogger blog.
Apparently there is spam comments all over it and I havnt logged in in FOREVER :-)

Does a tea bag absorb sugar?

2010-09-28T18:17:00.000-06:00

My wife and I seem to have a difference of opinion on this. I always brew my tea, then take out the tea bag after it steeps, then add sugar (actually Twin) then drink.

She, on the other hand is crazy, she brews her tea then adds sugar (Twin) then may (or may not) take the tea bag out.

Number 1 - that is gross its like you are drinking tea with a sheet of looseleaf in your cup - it is paper!!
Number 2 - I am certain that the tea bag sucks up some of your sugar!!!

I googled it and she is lucky I couldn't find any good solid evidence of it absorbing the sugar (other then some people on Facebook....might not be super reputable...one was probably me). But am I alone on this? Its paper in your cup its gross and sucking out your sugar????

Thanks for all the help Microsoft!!!! NOT!!

2010-09-25T14:08:00.000-06:00

Well after about another hour of scouring the internet I finally hit gold on how to get my M$ Wireless Gaming Receiver installed on Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. What a pain. And Microsoft's website and forums were basically useless.

For anyone wondering - this fancy little device lets you use your Wireless Xbox 360 Controller (which I already have) on your PC as your PC's gamepad in games.

Now that I finally have it set up and working it is GREAT, but check out the craziness to get it installed!

Found the below on a forum last night....this person was having the EXACT same problems as me, and his/her solution worked PERFECTLY!!!! See Below.

-----------

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller will not connect to PC

I got an Xbox 360 wireless receiver for windows. I have Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit. When I plugged the receiver in, windows couldn't find a driver. So I installed the driver software from the CD that came with it, but I still had an "Unknown Device" in Device Manager. So I tried the latest one from the Microsoft Site (version 1.20.146.0). Still the same. At this point I also tried pairing my controller with my receiver, but it would just have a connection error and flash constantly. I tried a number of methods to update the driver using the files I downloaded from the above Microsoft site, to no avail. My Vista 64 just wouldn't recognize the driver files. So here is the exact process that worked for me:

Uninstall any drivers you've tried to install already - go to device manager and uninstall the driver for the "unknown device" (which is just uninstalling the device really, seeing there is no driver) and also uninstall any driver software through control panel. LEAVE THE DEVICE PLUGGED IN.
Restart PC.
Download and install the latest driver from the Microsoft Site.
Restart PC.
Go to device manager - you'll notice it still shows up as an unknown device. Right click on it and go Update Driver.
Click "Browse my computer for software".
Click "Let me pick from a list of drivers on my computer".
The list will take a while to load. Select Microsoft, then on the right, select Xbox Wireless Receiver for Windows (there might be multiple versions, go with what looks like the most recent one - mine was 2.1.0.1349) and click next. It will warn you about possible incompatibility, install it anyway.
It will ask you to restart. Do it.
Once restarted, go to device manager and you should notice a new slot - "Microsoft Common Controller for Windows Class", and under it, "Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows". Yay!
Now try pairing your controller with the receiver. Click the button on the receiver, then hold the big xbox button on the controller until it turns on and press the very small "connect" button on the forward side of the controller (the side with the triggers), while the receiver light is still flashing. Your controller light should spin for a fraction of a second and then Sync up and the first quadrant should stay lit. Yay! (if not, some people have had success by unplugging their USB devices and restarting and plugging in just the receiver first, then it syncs, then try their other USB devices again).

Hope I just did what Microsoft can't - help you :)

Whats Better then a Mercedes with a V12 loaded with Apple products?

2010-09-13T12:30:00.004-06:00

The Answer - ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
I have to thank my boss for sending me this info as I had never seen or heard of this. I have to assume that he was at a Mercedes dealer because he was pricing one out to buy for me :-)

Check out the pics and the info below:

The “iBusiness” represents the world debut of an absolutely unique luxury sedan that combines the latest Apple components with a powerful Brabus engine. The four-seater based on the Mercedes-Benz S600 reaches a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph). It is powered by a BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 12-cylinder engine with a rated power output of 750 hp (740 bhp) / 552 kW and a peak torque of 1,350 Nm (995 lb-ft). The designers from BRABUS combine this engine with an innovative multimedia system that features the latest Apple components. Two iPads in the rear compartment not only play movies, music and Internet content, they also control all functions of the S-Class COMAND system.

The BRABUS “iBusiness” stands for more than just peak performance. It stands foremost for innovative multimedia technology for which the BRABUS electronics specialists integrate state-of-the-art Apple components into the vehicle electronics of a Mercedes for the very first time. The BRABUS upholstery shop creates the perfect luxurious surroundings. The elegant fully leather interior is masterfully crafted from a two-tone combination of high-quality BRABUS leather that is especially soft, breathable and highly durable.

The entire BRABUS multimedia system is controlled from the passenger seat or the rear compartment by two iPads that also control the car’s standard COMAND system with all functions such as radio, navigation system and telephone.

Power-operated curtains provide privacy for the rear passengers and together with an innovative color-changing interior lighting system create a serene atmosphere. The BRABUS fully leather interior creates an exclusive ambiance further augmented by the new BRABUS Yachting wood trim package. It lends the interior of the luxury sedan a maritime feel that is reminiscent of classic Italian sport boats. All wood trim elements of the S-Class are painstakingly created by hand from hundreds of individual pieces and have the look and feel of a miniature ship veneer. The wood inlays have a high-gloss finish and meet the latest automotive quality and safety guidelines.

These extraordinary power specs make the “iBusiness” with BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine the most powerful and the fastest luxury sedan in the world. 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.9 seconds are just as impressive as the electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).

****THIS IS A SCHEDULED POST FOR MONDAY @ 12:30 PM****

Apple Peel 520 - what an awesome name!!!

2010-08-17T09:06:00.002-06:00

Found this article on CNN this morning....very cool idea!!!

Chinese iPod gadget aims to skin Apple

By Lara Farrar, for CNN

August 16, 2010 8:52 a.m. EDT | Filed under: Mobile

The "Apple Peel 520" -- a converted iPod Touch that makes calls -- is an example of China's growing "shanzhai" market.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Gadget from China turns iPods into iPhones
Developed by 22-year-old from Chinese city of Shenzhen
Example of "shanzhai", booming market for copycat and black market tech

(CNN) -- Have you ever wished that your iPod Touch was an iPhone? Now it can be, thanks to a new device called the "Apple Peel 520" and created by a Chinese company.

Invented by a 22-year-old programmer who lives in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, the gadget is comprised of a case that fits around the outside of Apple's iPod Touch, a popular media player and Wi-Fi-enabled pocket computer with e-mail, maps and other applications.

The Apple Peel 520 case contains a battery, dock connector and SIM card that allows voice calls. Users will also have to install special software to enable a text messaging function, and to allow the device to properly work with the iPod Touch (users will have to break into the software of the iPod in order to download the necessary applications).

Once installed, the Apple Peel gets around five hours of talk time and 120 hours on standby, according to a review posted on Dailytech.com.

I developed it because I love the iPhone, but it's too expensive in China.
--'Maxpy', developer of Apple Peel 520

When asked why he created the Apple Peel, Maxpy said it boiled down to economics: "Because I love the iPhone, but it's too expensive in China."

Maxpy said he began building the device last April, revealing the final product online about a month ago via a company he started called Yosion Technology.

The iPhone, which was officially launched on the mainland last October, more than two years after its debut in the US, costs between $588 - $740 while an iPod Touch is around $235. The Apple Peel sells for $57.

Most of Apple's factories are in China, so it is not like China cannot make high-quality products
--Benjamin Joffe, Internet Consultant

RELATED TOPICS

Whether or not the Apple Peel 520 will appeal to Chinese consumers or have any impact on iPhone sales in the country remains to be seen. So far, according to Maxpy, only around 150 of the devices have been pre-sold on Taobao.com, a popular Chinese e-commerce site. Two were sent to technology websites for review.

While there are plans to mass manufacture the gadget in the future, Maxpy says those plans are on hold until the company can ensure there are no intellectual property right violations.

"We have no detailed plans," he said. "But of course we want to make a profit from it."

Maxpy also said they want to check on Apple's policy on "outside devices" as well as try to reach the company to see if they have any interest in the gadget, asking CNN whether we could put him in touch with Apple CEO Steve Jobs. We could not.

CNN did try to reach Apple representatives in Beijing and Hong Kong. No one was available for comment.

There are also a few technical glitches to be worked out. According to a Chinese review translated into English on M.I.C. Gadget, the Apple Peel does not support 3G, there's a small lag time when calls are made from the iPod Touch and deleting and forwarding text messages is not available, among other minor complaints.

Nevertheless, many say they are impressed with the functionality of the device.

"It is the first time there has been a hardware application that has changed the functionality in such a key way," said Tai-Pan (a pseudonym), editor of the Taiwan-based Shanzai.com. "It is very cheap for someone with an iPod Touch, so there is some kind of value proposition for people who want to save money."

What's more is the Apple Peel also illustrates the evolution of China's massive "shanzhai," or black market, phone industry. Based mostly in Shenzhen, it is an industry characterized by the massive production of copycat mobile phones and other devices, which are sold at lower prices and often with more localized functionality than global brands.

Every year, millions of shanzhai phones are sold throughout China and exported to developing countries, resulting in a major dent in the sales of mainstream manufacturers in those markets, according to the research firm Gartner.

"People are already or will soon be buying not just China-made but China-owned products," said Benjamin Joffe, founder of the Beijing-based mobile and Internet consulting firm Plus8Star.

"Most of Apple's factories are in China, so it is not like China cannot make high-quality products," he said.

"The issue remaining to go up the value chain has been design, marketing and distribution. Chinese companies are learning, acquiring talent and buying what is missing."

original full article can be found on cnn here

**THIS IS A SCHEDULED POST**

Deannes "new" Crackberry :-)

2010-07-19T13:30:00.000-06:00

Well I have been scoping out some deals on phones for the last month for my wife. My main requirement was to get her a phone with a QWERTY keyboard, and preferably PINK because that is her color. Technically it is more for my benefit because she used to have a Motorola Razr (Pink of course) and when I texed her it was a 10 minute wait to get a 4 word response because it was so crappy to text on :-)

I have always wanted to mess around with a Blackberry because I like learning about new things and new operating systems, etc. That is why one day I would LOVE to own a MAC (preferable a Mac Airbook or some type of MAC Laptop). Anyway I started reasearching AFFORDABLE Blackberrys that would work with my wifes Pay As You Go account. I realize that I wouldnt be able to use all of the Blackberrys features...but all I was really getting it for was Texting anyway.

Enter the PINK BlackBerry Curve 8310. I picked this up from a girl on Kijiji for $65.....The exact same phone sells on Ebay for about $120. The Pink is a bit harder to find, and therefore a bit pricier in the used market. I went out Saturday morning. The girl had bought it a couple years back for approx ~$500 with NO CONTRACT at all.

So I took it home and suprised Deanne - she is pretty happy with it :-)

The one (and close to ONLY) good thing with Rogers is how easy it is to switch cell phones. Popped Deannes Sim Card out of the Razr and popped it into the Crackberry. The Crackberry told me "hey their are a bunch of Contacts stored on your sim card - do you want to copy these to your Blackberry device" Well yes I do. Done and Done. Tested phone calls and Txting and it works like a champ.

I also saw that Walmart had a 4GB Kodak Micro SD Card (with SD Card Adapter included) for $9.95.....That looked like a steal of a deal so I picked that up and installed it in Deannes new BB.

Even got the BB synced with BB Desktop Manager to sync Ringtones, Pictures, Videos, etc. I installed some new Blackberry Apps. I am very impressed.

I am actually quite impressed with all the features this phone has....It even has some things that my iPhone 3G does not (eg. 2.0 Megapixel Camera WITH LED FLASH, Standard Video Recording right out of the box, and of course with Blackberrys you can add in a Micro SD Card for storage, also you can change the battery EASILY anytime you need to....have fun with that on an iPhone...I hope I dont have to replace my iPhone battery any). It also has a GPS Built In, full automated voice activated dialing, etc etc.

I am now looking at some offline map options for the Blackberry. Unfortunately their is NO FREE Co-Pilot Live Directions for BB to have offline mapping (or I can't find it if their is...) So, I was playing around with, and installed the WeTravel app (Java based application) which is an opensource mapping program that you can store OSM (Open Street Map) maps OFFLINE onto your micro sd card. That is my next project. Deanne probably wont use it since we have a TomTom, but hey, it is fun for me :-)

Anyway I gotta say I am pretty impressed with the Crackberry. And like I said, I love learning about new and different things, so this was pretty fun. Now I should let Deanne use it :-)

**Scheduled Post for 1:30pm**

iPhone 4 - Duct Tape Solution? Really?

2010-07-14T12:58:00.000-06:00

Yes thats right - my first blog post in about 2 months - LOL :-)

Gotta love Steve Jobs comment on this issue...."Just avoid holding it in that way," he wrote.

From CNN.com

(CNN) -- Has it really come to this?

The most talked-about phone in the U.S. -- Apple's iPhone 4 -- has a design flaw that's best fixed with a sliver of duct tape, according to Consumer Reports.

"It may not be pretty, but it works," writes Mike Gikas on that nonprofit consumer group's electronics blog.

The patch -- which sounds like it'd be more appropriate for kitchen plumbing than for a phone that retails for $200 to $300, plus an AT&T contract -- is supposed to correct an apparent problem with the iPhone 4's metal antenna.

In a controlled test, Consumer Reports found that people who hold the iPhone 4 in a way that covers up an antenna connector on the phone's lower left side will experience poorer reception and possibly dropped calls.

But if you slap a piece of duct tape over that antenna connection, the reception problems go away, the group says.

"When your finger or hand touches a spot on the phone's lower left side -- an easy thing, especially for lefties -- the signal can significantly degrade enough to cause you to lose your connection altogether if you're in an area with a weak signal," Consumer Reports says.

Video: Consumer Reports won't back iPhone

Video: Consumer Reports pans iPhone 4 glitch

RELATED TOPICS

"Due to this problem, we can't recommend the iPhone 4."

Many others are testing the phone, too, and coming up with wacky solutions for the apparent reception problems.

Justin Horn, of the site WhenWillApple.com, suggests iPhone 4 users should wear a type of oven mitt called the "Ove Glove" when they need to make calls. The thick glove prevents dropped calls, he says.

"This test produced the best results with zero signal loss, even trumping the results I got with the bumper earlier!" he writes, referring to the "bumper" iPhone 4 cases Apple sells on its site for $29.

"Another plus, the Ove Glove is half the price of the bumper."

Apple did not respond to a CNN request for comment on this story.

On July 2, the company posted a public letter about the iPhone 4, in which it said reception problems were perceived, not real, and that a software update would fix the problem. Essentially, Apple said the formula used to calculate signal strength was flawed, so the number of reception-indicating "bars" on its phones did not correspond with actual phone reception.

"Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place," the Cupertino, California, company said in the post.

Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, was more blunt in an e-mailed response to a concerned iPhone 4 owner.

"Just avoid holding it in that way," he wrote.

When Jobs unveiled the iPhone 4 at an event in San Francisco, California, he said the phone's new antenna design was "really cool engineering."

In its letter about the phone, the company also says this illusion of reception trouble exists on all models of the iPhone, a point that Consumer Reports disputes, saying the reception troubles are limited specifically to the iPhone 4.

All of the fuss has led some tech pundits to say Apple should recall the phone.

"I know Apple's selling new iPhones like Rocket Pops on the 4th of July, but this is the kind of issue that's melting into the mainstream, fast, and it's going to leave a stain," writes Molly Wood of the technology site CNET. "When Consumer Reports starts advising mainstream consumer electronics customers against buying your product, you've got a problem, and it's time to address it."

Cult of Mac quotes public-relations experts who say a recall is inevitable.

And the tech blog Gizmodo has started a petition asking Apple to give out free cases to people who have purchased the iPhone 4.

"The bumpers will negate the iPhone's beautiful design, one of its major selling points, but at least we won't have signals dropping," the blog says.

Even so, these reception woes -- duct tape, oven mitts and all -- haven't seemed to stem demand for a smartphone that has been called the world's best.

As of June 26, Apple had sold 1.7 million of the new phones; the company called the iPhone 4's release the "most successful product launch in Apple's history."

Even Consumer Reports, which does not recommend consumers buy the phone with the apparent design flaw, rates the smartphone as the best on the market based on its features alone.

But despite the high-resolution screen, high-quality video camera and other standout features of the iPhone 4, "if you want an iPhone that works well without a masking-tape fix, we continue to recommend an older model, the 3GS," the model that pre-dates the iPhone 4, Consumer Reports says.

You can buy that phone on Apple's site for $99 with a contract. Hosts of other smartphones -- including the Droid and HTC Evo on the rival Android platform -- are, of course, also available.

Those may not be the trendiest phones on the market right now. But you won't need to wear oven mitts in July -- or risk getting duct tape stuck to your face.

Stephen King is losing a fan!!!

2010-05-12T12:30:00.008-06:00

Well first off I apologize that I haven't blogged in forever. I have been quite busy with work, and with making out back yard nice and pretty, and ripping out an old deck, and now helping to build a new deck :-)

DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU PLAN ON READING Stephen Kings "Dark Tower Series"

I am on the 6th book of Stephen Kings "Dark Tower Series" (this is a 7 collection series of books that he wrote with the first book written in think the early 80's and the 7th and last book written in the mid 1990's)

Anyway, the first couple books were a bit dry....but by the 3rd, 4th, and 5th books I was really really getting into all the characters and the story line. I was thinking this might be the BEST book series I ever read......

BUT - then along comes the 6th book - Song of Susanah - I am about 3/4 done this book and Stephen King has made himself a CHARACTER in his own book. Stephen King is and always will be weird, but I just find this RIDICULOUS and unnecessary. The characters name in the book is "Stephen King" and he even goes on to describe himself and his wife - and this is all exactly true details about him and his wife. The character "Stephen King" in the book is even refered to as "Mid Worlds God".....like really? Are you kidding me? I thought I had a bit of an ego, but OMG this is just fricken ridiculous.

I have no idea why this bugs me so much, but I just think it is plain STUPID. I told my wife about it and she says "well thats Stephen King for you, he's a weird duck"......That might be true, but honestly I quit reading yesterday because it was just making me mad.

Considering I have read 6.5 books at about 600 pages each, I will be finishing it just to see how mad it makes me.

PS - Their is a character that they have been talking about since about the second book called "The Crimson King" (we still do NOT know who this actually is), if that turns out to be Stephen King I think I am going to burn all the books in my fireplace!!!! Its a good thing that I have read almost every other Stephen King book out there, because honestly, if this series ends the way I think it is going to end (with Stephen Kings character being some almighty God and ruler of the Dark Tower) I will NEVER EVER read another Stephen King book again. Dean Koontz here I come!!! Plus Dean has a way better name :-)

**Scheduled Post for 12:30PM**

Big Props to Keurig

2010-02-26T17:45:00.000-06:00

Well, as most people know, because I have been going around raving about Keurigs Customer Service, I am VERY VERY impressed with Keurig. I received a Keurig personal brewer from my lovely wife for Christmas. About 1 and a half months later the brewer was not functioning properly (it would brew one cup and then could not suck water up the resoviour and would turn it off). I figured out a work around it to take the water tank off it and put it back on and it works fine. It is kind of a pisser though that you spend $130 on a product and it doesn't function correctly.

I sent off an email to Keurig on I think a Saturday just explaining the problem I was having (after some google searching, it appears to be a very common problem with this model) and on Monday I received an email back from Keurig that they are shipping me out a BRAND NEW replacement brewer. They let me know they will include an 18 pack variety pack of Keurig K-Cups (the coffee you brew) and they told me to keep my original brewer for my troubles.

Really? That is AMAZING. So about 1 week and a half later sure enough I received my replacement brewer and K-Cups for absolutely NO CHARGE. Needless to say I am very very impressed.

I used the new replacement brewer last night, and it appears that Keurig has done something about the problem. The new brewer appears to have a very high power pump in it because it sounds much stonger (and LOUDER) then my original brewer. Hopefully that was the issue, as most people on the internet suspect it was.

Years ago my work sent me to a Customer Service conference, and the gentleman that ran that conference said that the best Customer Service is to 1) Respond Quickly and 2) Respond "MASSIVELY". In my opinion Keurig has done both, and I am very impressed.

It sucks that their original product was an inferior product, but at least they appear to be resolving it. Considering each K-Cup sells for about $0.70 cents....I assume they want you to have a functioning brewer.

Anyway - good work Keurig. It is nice to see a company respond to an issue and resolve an issue so quickly and painlessly to the end customer. That is the way I try to treat the clients I deal with......but most of the time when I have a problem and need it resolved, nothing seems to ever go this smooth.

Expect BIG Changes - Read this post!!!

2010-02-25T14:00:00.000-06:00

I have officially succeeded in my making money blogging project, and therefore I am resigning from my "sponsored posts"

From now on you will only see real, relevant posts on my blog.

When I have some time I am going to do some formatting and layout changes, but there will be no more "garbage posts"

My final total was over $180 USD which isnt too bad at all.

Unfortunately with my day job and running my Accounting Business I dont have time to write garbage :-) LOL

Stay posted for upcoming formatting changes and real posts by Derek :-)

Thanks to my faithful followers - all 6 of you :-)

**Scheduled Post for 2:00pm***

Doughnut Money Update

2010-01-16T15:22:00.001-06:00

Things slowed down a bit over Christmas in the blog land. But the total doughnut money is at $172.43 USD!!!!

Not bad!!!

Like I say, its Better then a kick in the junk :-)

Addicted To Pods!!!!

2010-01-07T12:15:00.002-06:00

Well my lovely wife bought me the best thing EVER - a Keurig Coffee Station!!!!!!

It is the FREEKIN BEST THING IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!! I love it!!!!!

There are over 200 different pods (aka K-Cups) available for my brewing pleasure....Their are a zillion different coffee types including flavored coffees, flavored teas, cappachinos, cocoa, hot chocolates, etc

I actually just ordered some fun flavored coffee (hard to find in stores) last night from Keurigs website....Here is my order

Kahlua Original Coffee by Timothys
Flavored Coffee Variety Box by Gloria Jeans
Cinnamon Pastry Coffee by Timothys
Raspberry Chocolate Truffle Coffee by Van Houtte

And I also got a "My K-Cup" which is essentially a FAKE Pod (K-Cup) that you can brew your OWN coffee in......That is pretty slick (and a whole lot cheaper)...

If you are interested in all the K-Cup flavors available you can go here or download the PDF here

Here is what the My K-Cup looks like:

They even make fancy pod holders....Hmm what flavor do I feel like today.... :-)

****This is a Scheduled Post for 12:15 PM****

ONE MORE SLEEP!!!!!!

2009-12-24T12:12:00.003-06:00

ONLY ONE MORE SLEEP TILL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!! YIIIPPPPEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
I cant wait!!!! I sure hope I get my fancy new coffee maker in my stocking :-)

I cant believe it!!!

2009-12-16T12:15:00.001-06:00

I can hardly believe that Christmas is only 9 days away!!!

That is crazy!!! My wife and I have a very busy Christmas Season planned with lots of friends and family and eating and drinking!!!! My wife and I BOTH absolutely LOVE Christmas so it is an awesome time of year!!!

Plus everyone that you talk to is in such good moods....That is GREAT :-)

Gotta run

***Scheduled Post for 12:15pm***

Doughnut Update

2009-12-10T21:49:00.003-06:00

Doughnut Update - $163.50

Pretty soon I am thinking of franchising with all this cashola...What do you think of McDonut??

It is going to combine the tasty meat patties with the sweet donut sensation.......My Mom would probably eat it....and like it :-) LOL

15 Days Till Christmas according to my iPhone app!

2009-12-10T16:45:00.000-06:00

I cant believe that their are only 15 days till Christmas. And I am COMPLETELY DONE Xmas shopping for my lovely wife. Some (one!) of my co-workers thinks I am crazy, and I wont be done till the 27th cause I keep on thinking or finding stuff....but seriously I have finished....unless I run into somthing that is like 90% off that is....then how can you pass it up, right?

I LOVE Christmas shopping, because I LOVE getting deals....Its one of my favorite times of the year!!!!

Anyway now I have to wait 15 days to give all my sweet presents away :-)

Oh but remember kids - Christmas is NOT about the gifts :-)

Win a sweet NESCAFE Dolce Gusto

2009-12-10T12:45:00.002-06:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NESCAFE. All opinions are 100% mine.

Ever wanted to visit Coffee Heaven? Now is your big chance to win a NESCAFE Dolce Gusto machine

I have actually been hounding my wife for one of these machines for Xmas, so I am really really hoping that I get one :-) They are super aweseome!!!!

And now you have a chance to win 1 of 6 NESCAFE Dolce Gusto machines by entering the contest online at Sweetspot.ca!

(FYI - The contest runs from November 2, 2009 to December 20, 2009 so hurry up and enter now!!!!)

The reason I would LOVE a NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto, is because it is such a fancy, stylish, multi-coffee capsule system. You can brew your favorite coffee in such a SHORT time, and it is also great for entertaining friends and family. And since it is Xmas it is a great gift for anyone on your Holiday shopping list that has been a good boy or girl!!! Or maybe even if they havn't - everyone deserves a nice cup of joe, right?

Here are also some key features that make the NESCAFE Dolce Gusto machine UNIQUE:
• It is the only single serve coffee machine designed with a 15-bar pressure system – comparable to coffeehouse machines – to create the all-important crema layer and a frothy milk.
• Innovative, proprietary technology of NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto’s capsule system ensures a perfect cup, made-to-order every time.
• Produces both hot and cold coffeehouse quality beverages. Perfect for entertaining all year round!
• All 7 coffee varieties are made with a premium blend of 100% roast and ground Arabica beans: Caffè Lungo, Espresso, Americano, Latte Macchiato, Cappuccino, Iced Cappucino, Café Mocha...even Chococino (hot chocolate) for the kids.
• The Custom Control Lever, which optimizes extraction pressure, allows for easy customization of froth, heat, and coffee strength.
• Sleek, funky, and easy to use, the NESCAFE Dolce Gusto coffee machine by KRUPS comes in three colours with chrome detailing: candy-apple red, creamy white and sophisticated black.
• Two models now available: Krups, $199 and T-Fal, $179.

Personally, I prefer the Krups :-)

***This is a scheduled post for 12:45pm***

Randy Moss sent home from practice :-(

2009-12-10T12:15:00.001-06:00

From CNNSI.com

Report: Randy Moss, three Patriots LBs sent home for being late

Story Highlights
Randy Moss, three linebackers were not at practice Wednesday

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- Tom Brady wants his teammates to prepare harder to keep a playoff berth from slipping away. On Wednesday, Randy Moss and three key defensive players didn't even make it to practice.

Coach Bill Belichick declined to elaborate on their absence from the first practice since the New England Patriots' lead in the AFC East dropped to one game. Moss and linebackers Adalius Thomas, Gary Guyton and Derrick Burgess were sent home after showing up late for an 8 a.m. team meeting, according to the Web site of the Providence Journal.

"That's coach's decision," said Brady, who made it to work despite a moderate snowfall that caused traffic snarls. "I've got to do my job. I've got plenty of things to do. Like I said, I've got to show up every day and bring whatever I have -- the energy and the leadership that I have -- to this team, because that's what all those guys (do). That's what our job is."

He probably won't change much for Sunday's home game against the Carolina Panthers (5-7) just because Moss and the linebackers missed practice. All were listed on the practice report as missing the session for reasons not related to injury.

Moss has been listed on the Wednesday report several times this season with that designation.

Belichick declined to discuss their absence.

"Anything that happens with discipline on the team stays between me and the players on the team," he said.

***Scheduled Post for 12:15pm***

U Gotta C This - GREAT CONTEST!!

2009-12-09T20:30:00.004-06:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Incendia Health. All opinions are 100% mine.

Today I want to discuss a great new contest going on.....It is called the iLASIK Video Contest

Abbott Medical Optics Inc. (AMO), a global leader in laser vision correction, wants to know how better vision could improve — or has improved — people’s lives.

Their is a new contest called “You Gotta See This” which allows entrants to make a video showing the impact of their improved vision, for a chance to win COLD HARD cash and GR8 prizes.

There are already a bunch of videos submitted by people....Some people have got very creative and submitted original music videos , videos about the improvements they have made with their vision in sports such as boxing and swimming and also videos that just show how their daily lives would or have improved!

Now lets get to the GOOD STUFF - The Prizes !!!! :-)

Grand Prize - $5,000 in Cash-a-rooni!!

First Prize (one in each video category):
An HDTV package — which is a $2,500 value

Second Prize (one in each video category):
The Flip UltraHD™ camcorder — a $199.99 value

The Details
1. Submit A Video
You make and submit a video in one of the following categories:
• “My contacts are getting in the way of my good time”
• “My favorite sport or activity would be so much cooler with better vision”
• “You should see life after the iLASIK® Procedure”

2. Tell all your Friends To Vote - even if they aren't your friend tell them to vote anyway!!
Once you submit a video, your friends can vote on it. And votes are one of the key factors in determining which videos win a prize!!!!!!

You can submit videos, view and vote on all entries at www.GottaSeeThisNow.com

So weather or not you have had iLasik surgery - you can still enter this contest. If you currently have glasses and or contacts you can still enter. Think of all the reasons why you could enter and why iLasik surgery would help. If you are like me you probably hate it when you go outside in the winter and you come back inside and your glasses completely fog up. Man that is ANNOYING!! Or what about putting your contacts in EVERY SINGLE MORNING, morning after morning....Or what about buying those expensive monthly contacts, and only 1 week into your month you rip one in half taking it out of your eye or putting it into your eye....I know I have personally done that on a few occassions. I think it would be great to have iLasic surgery and someday I will probably get it.....But anyway now is your chance to enter a great contest and win a great prize or some sweet cashola!!!! How can you go wrong??? I dont think you can!!

Well everyone enjoy the rest of your day, and remember it is almost the WEEKEND!!!

D-Out!!

Get off the field and go work for GQ or something you FRUITCAKE!!!

2009-12-08T20:47:00.001-06:00

Just looking at his SH7T EATING grin is enough to make me BARF!!!!

I just wanted to put it out there that Tom Brady is the most overrated quarterback in the NFL.

I think he is a complete bum and overrated.

I think the 65 year old Brett Farve is actually better then Brady....and Farve is out there using his cane and walker!!!

I completely blame Brady 100% fully for the Patriots loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

I wish the Patriots would have released Brady (which would have saved a S77TLOAD of Cash) and kept Matt Cassell......At least by the end of 2008 Cassell finally learnt how to throw the DEEP BALL to MOSS.....something Brady STILL CAN NOT DO REGULARLY

You got the best F77KING receiver in the NFL and you dont get him the ball....Unbelievable!!

Stupid Brady!

D-Out....And mad at Brady!!

Bidding and Charity - EVERYONE WINS

2009-12-08T15:24:00.004-06:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bidazzled. All opinions are 100% mine.

Bidazzled (great name btw!) launched in early November 2009. Bidazzled.com is a really, unique and cool site that is redefining the online auction market by offering savings of up to 90% on name brand merchandise ALL while funding a charity!!!! How cool is that?

Bids for Bidazzled are purchased in advance and then used to bid on merchandise. The price increases a few cents with each bid placed and a few seconds are added to the countdown clock to give others a chance to bid. The auction ends when no other bids are placed. So if a new laptop ends at just a dollar, then you win the laptop for a dollar!

In my opinion, the best part of Bidazzled is that it was designed and created to fund a lung cancer charity (The Ruch Foundation: www.ruchfoundation.com)

There are more benefits to Bidazzled then just funding a charity (although to me that is the #1 best reason)....Some other great things are:

-Auction winners usually save over 80% off retail.
-If you don't win, you receive up to 50 Bonus Bids as a thank you for participating, and you can purchase the auction item less the investment you had in the auction.
-If you DO win, Bidazzled typically make an offer to buy the item back for either a) cash via paypal or check b) cash and bids or c) bids

Just a quick example, in 2 users first month, they have won Nintendo Wii's who just their 5 free bids!!!!!

This is a Bloggin' 4 Doughnuts EXCLUSIVE OFFER for all my faithful followers:

You will receive 15 Additional Bids if you use this code (valid until January 15th 2010)

All you have to do is enter it on the registration page :-)

BBP1202A

FYI - Bids cost $1 at Bidazzled and are available for purchase in bid packs as low as $25. You also receive bonus bids when you purchase a bid pack. The highest cost of a bid when you dilute the cost with the bonus bids you receive is only $.67 per bid and often much lower.

Ok one last thing that I want to make you aware of is that Bidazzled has a lucrative Viral (in this case Viral is a GOOD think!!! LOL) Referral program.

If:

Person A refers B. A receives 5 Bonus Bids
Person B refers C. A receives 4 Bonus Bids
Person C refers D. A receives 3 Bonus Bids
Person D refers E. A receives 2 Bonus Bids
Person E refers F. A receives 1 Bonus Bid.

I am a Business Owner :-)

2009-12-03T12:00:00.000-06:00

Well it has been QUITE some time since my last post. Not too much news, just busy with work and running my part time Accounting/Bookkeeping business. Thats right I said business :-)

The big news is that I am now a recognized, registered Business :-)

This is pretty exciting news for me, and basically I have just done it for tax purposes only. Their are alot of benefits to registering as a business IF you are comfortable with putting the work in to track all your expenses and do everything PROPERLY and ACCURATELY and keep all your records/logs. Since I am very detail oriented and love numbers, that is actually FUN for me, believe it or not.

Anyway that is my big news.

Hope my loyal 6 followers are doing good!!!!

**Scheduled Post for 12:00pm Thurday**

50 gets his tats removed!!??!!! Say What!!!

2009-11-19T20:24:00.003-06:00

50 cent aka Curtis Jackson aka the BEST Rapper Ever according to Derek has gotton his arm tatoos removed!!!!

I guess when you are a gangsta used to getting shot 9 times and once in the mouth, that pain is relative.....when you are a little wimpy, office workin, dont get your hands dirty kinda guy like me I think it would HURT LIKE HE77!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Notice anything different about 50 Cent's arms??

The rapper has removed all of his tattoos!!

Ouch!!!!

With 50's acting career expanding, he quickly grew tired of the time-consuming tattoo-covering process!

"I’ve been on a few acting projects and they been making me get up… My call time is four hours before the regular acting talent because of the tattoos," says the rapper.

50's currently filming a boxing movie with Nic Cage, and realized "it doesn't look real" when you're playing a fighter with a load of makeup applied to your arms.

Seriously! "

Doughnut Money Update

2009-11-16T19:15:00.002-06:00

Just an update....The doughnut money has slowed down a little bit as of late.....but my current total is up to $135.47 USD.

I'm definately not complaining that is for sure :-)

FYI - The doughnuts frying symbolizes my upcoming doughnut money breakththrough...

Hey PS, did you know that lots of people spell doughnuts as donuts????? Is that like zee and zed (Z!)

Have a good night everyone :-)

You could Win a NESCAFE Dolce Gusto machine!!!

2009-11-16T18:12:00.003-06:00

There is a great contest going down right now to win a NESCAFE Dolce Gusto machine

I have always wanted one of these fancy coffee capsule machines, but I have always been too cheap to fork out the cash, so winning one would be the ultimate one to get one, right?

Well right now you have a chance to win one of 6, thats right, SIX NESCAFE Dolce Gusto machines

These are a very stylish capsule coffee machines that would make a super sweet Christmas gift, or a great compliment to anyones stylish kitchen!!!

And get this - you can probably make better coffee then any coffee place could because it has a 15-bar pressure system to create the all-important crema layer and a frothy milk :-)

And you can even make HOT or COLD drinks with it, therefore it is great for the coffee lover in both summer OR winter!!! Is it an expresso you prefer, or maybe hot chocolate, or maybe you would like a fancy cappachino, or maybe its hot out and you prefer an ice cap.....well no worries cause these machines do ALL THE ABOVE!!!! Wowzers!!

Head on over now to sweetspot.ca and enter for your chance to win!!!! The contest runs from November 2, 2009 to December 20, 2009. They will contact the winners ono Dec 21!!! What a great Christmas gift this could be for you or yours!!!!

D-Out