Reviews and Articles

Please Help Our Troops Through This

2013-02-05T02:48:00.000-06:00

Please send Care Packages to our Military Stationed in Afghanistan.

In case you all haven't heard, the U.S. President (Obama) finally decided to make some "spending changes".

Now, the intelligent American would assume these spending cuts would be changes that would actually benefit Americans (like stop sending our money and food to other Countries. Especially the ones who want to kill us.)

Or maybe even other good changes like stop giving away free Healthcare and our Social Security to Illegal Immigrants.

But no, neither of those crossed his mind. Instead, you know those American men and women (Military/Troops/Soldiers) who are out there in other Countries defending our Country and our freedom? Well, Obama decided they no longer need breakfast. They only need two meals a day, according to him.

These men and women need their strength and nutrition. Some are writing letters home asking for care packages with breakfast bars, etc.

I bet that Obama, Michelle and all of Congress gets 3 meals a day. And they aren't out physically defending our Country. (No, they are too busy deciding which pair of shoes to wear to play golf in, where to buy a new wig, and stuffing their faces with $100 meals while our Military has to skip meals and go hungry.

I beg each and every American, contact your local Red Cross or any legitimate Company/Businesses and let's all start sending our true heroes (in Afghanistan) care packages with breakfast bars, peanuts, etc.

Thank You So Much. GOD BLESS!

Beware of Kred

2013-01-25T20:29:00.000-06:00

Beware of Kred. They claim to be similar to Klout, but they are not.

They claim you can connect/merge facebook and twitter accounts, to get a social activity score.

But when I tried to merge my fb and twitter, they connected my facebook to someone else's twitter!

I have sent them messages on: twitter (no reply), facebook (directed me to email support, which I had already done) and email (Jana replied, supposedly "support" team. Ha. Didn't fix a thing)

Do not sign up with #kred.

Since they connected my facebook with someone else's account (a vulgar foul-mouth person) her score went from 494 to 691. So I sure helped her.

I recommend klout and not @kred. Klout is legit.

Extra Steps For Protecting Your Oral Health From Gum Disease

2013-01-08T22:33:00.000-06:00

Oral health problems affect a large portion of society with an estimated three quarters of adults developing some form of gum disease. However, if you understand a little about your oral health and how to protect it from infection and decay, then you can easily enjoy a high level of dental health throughout your adult life. Gum disease is a condition that is caused by a build-up of bacteria, plaque and tartar in the mouth that irritates the gums and cause infection of the gum tissue. There are a number of things that you can do to prevent gum disease from occurring at all or, if you have already developed some level of gum disease, reverse it and restore your oral health more quickly.

Follow an oral health routine

It is essential to protect your oral health that you are following a daily dental hygiene routine. This should include brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush at least twice a day, flossing and using a mouthwash. Each of these three steps is vital for removing plaque and bacteria from your mouth, both of which accumulate daily and for preventing the formation of tartar.

Ingestion of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is very good at reducing inflamed tissue, which commonly occurs when you develop gum disease. It can relieve a lot of the pain and discomfort that people experience with this condition and can reduce the irritation that is being experienced. You get most of your vitamin D intake from sunlight, but can also get it from sources such as cod liver oil and eggs.

Increase intake of Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps to restore your gum health in two main ways – through helping gum tissue to regenerate and through fighting off bacteria. Vitamin C has strong anti-oxidant properties and it is also an important part of encouraging immune system function. You need to consume foods that contain this nutrient every day as your body is unable to keep it stored away. Citrus fruits, broccoli and mango are high in vitamin C or you can take it as part of a multivitamin supplement.

Stress reduction

Stress is a major problem for your overall health with it being identified as one of the main causes of illness in the body. Reducing stress is necessary for gum disease prevention since it is proven that stress contributes to gingivitis and periodontal gum disease by affecting your immune system function.

Select oral products carefully

An electric toothbrush with an oscillating head is very useful for removing as much bacteria and plaque as possible each time that you brush. If you cannot purchase a toothbrush like this, then you should use a soft-bristled brush as medium and hard bristles can harm sensitive gum tissue. Try to choose dental products that do not contain fluoride, alcohol or sodium lauryl sulphate as these can potentially harm sensitive gum tissue too. OraMD Solution is a wonderful natural choice to be used as a toothpaste, breath freshener and mouthwash.

Find OraMD on Facebook

The Best, Most Accurate Site Stats Checker (Free)

2013-01-03T20:00:00.000-06:00

Website owners and authors frequently check their site statistics. After all, site statistics are very important. We (bloggers/authors) need to know where we stand.

Unfortunately, Google Pagerank only updates the toolbar rank once every 3 to 9 months. And Alexa falls up to 3+ months behind.

So how can you get the most accurate, up-to-date information for your website or blog?

The majority of people go by MozRank now days, since it is more accurate and updated more often than Google Pagerank. To learn more about MozRank, (also Page Authority and Domain Authority) click here

Out of the dozens of seo websites that I have tried, there are two sites that update your site stats monthly. (Much better than the other sites) Those sites are:
1. Open Site Explorer
2. Check-Domains

Also, if you would like to get your Real Pagerank (and learn more about Real Pagerank) Click here

Definition of "Real Pagerank" according to Seomastering, "There is no secret that Google shows not real pr. Current PR is usually lower than must be. It could be because your site is young or you are selling links. You can also violate some google rules without knowing about existence of these norms. Therefore, generally, Real PR must be higher than current pagerank on your google toolbar. Our Pagerank prediction tool shows Real PR without any Google's reducing factors."

Coming Soon: Contests and Giveaways

2012-12-31T14:06:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and that you have a Happy New Year!

I also wanted to let you all know of what to expect (from this blog) within the next week or so.

There will become a nice little addition to the site: Contests and Giveaways. Doesn't that sound exciting?

I am still in the process of working out all the little details and fine print.

Also, how would you like to win some free advertising for your site? Recommend a Product Sponsor to me. If that business/individual Sponsors a contest, (Minimum Retail Value $25) I will give you 3 months of side link advertising! (125x125 button or text link)

To get an idea of my site statistics, (or to email me with your questions/comments) please visit my "Contact Me" page.

Thanks for visiting and Happy New Year!

Read a Blog Before You Judge

2012-12-30T22:42:00.001-06:00

As any other blogger, I have been looking for ways to get my blog "out there." I use social media, occasional commenting on other blogs, and I also use a few blog directories/communities. (Check out my post on Bloggers.com, they are the best!

Now, I can understand the need for human edited blog directories, with all the junk and spam out there. But there is one major problem with human edited blog directories as well...

If the individuals who are "running" these type of sites actually browse through your blog, that is great. They will get an idea of what your blog is about, etc.

However, if they get to your site, see just the last post or two and decline you... That is a problem, they have "pre-judged" your site. Whether it's because they were in a hurry or because your blog just bored them, whatever the reason, it's wrong.

And if you have reviews on your site (like me), Some directories (like blogcatalog) will not even take the time to read your "Disclaimer" page. (Thanks Google Analytics) They just turn you down. (Assuming you are paid, a splog, whatever.)

Anyway, their loss; not mine. I know what my blog is about, they don't. There are more fish in the sea.

Wrist Wallets: Convenient and Cute

2012-12-26T21:56:00.000-06:00

I ordered several wrist wallets for Christmas gifts this year and one for myself.

There are times that a woman doesn't necessarily need her purse at every stop. (Especially if yours is like mine: big, bulky, like carrying a bag of bricks)

If I'm just stopping to get gasoline in my car, or just making a quick run into the store for one item, the wrist wallet is really all I need. It holds my keys and money. (May not fit if you have alot of keys on your keyring)

It has an adjustable band, sure to fit most wrist sizes. And they are very inexpensive.

Keep this in mind for any female for any holiday or occasion.

I am not advertising for any particular brand or business. Many are listed online, I would just recommend to compare prices.

Best Bath Soap/Body Wash for Sensitive Skin

2012-12-21T00:07:00.000-06:00

When my daughter was an infant, I used Johnson & Johnson Baby Soap and Shampoo on her.

However, when she got old enough to use regular soap, I would just buy her the same brand of soap that I used.

Unfortunately, the soap I used gave her a rash. I tried a couple of other brands, they also gave her a rash and caused her to itch. (Although I won't mention brand names, I will say that these brands did claim to be "for sensitive skin")

At her next doctor appointment, I explained her allergy to soaps and asked him what could I do?
He said "Try Dove."

That was probably one of the only soaps left on the market that I had never tried. I actually didn't even know it was for sensitive skin.

We tried it, and I was impressed. She had no rash or itching after bathing. We switched to Dove Soap immediately. That has been the only bath soap we have used in my household for many years.

Top Ten Best General Christmas Gifts

2012-12-20T08:13:00.000-06:00

While most of us look forward to Christmas time, some people dread the thought of having to get out and shop. And others just aren't sure of what they should buy for their family or friends.

Here is a list of great last minute Christmas Gift ideas for both men and women.

And for those who dread fighting the Holiday crowds and traffic, most of these items can be purchased online at your favorite retailers. (I also recommend checking Overstock.com for great savings on lots of items)

Top Ten best general Christmas gifts for men

1. Jacket/Clothing
2. Cologne
3. Toolset/Toolbox
4. Sunglasses
5. Knife (pocket, hunting)
6. Hat
7. Watch
8. Jewelry
9. CD/DVD
10. Cash/Gift Card

Top Ten best general Christmas gifts for ladies

1. Jewelry
2. Candles/Fragrance gift sets
3. Shoes/house shoes
4. Photo album/Scrap book
5. Hair/Makeup/Nail accessories
6. Clothing
7. Purse/Wallet
8. CD/DVD
9. Perfume
10. Cash/Gift Card

Mental Health: Helping Others

2012-12-15T13:23:00.000-06:00

It's a sad situation when an individual cannot control his or her anger or emotions, thus leading to violence and even death.

It leads everyone to believe that the individual was never disciplined for bad or inappropriate behavior as a child/teen.

As someone else stated in another article: "Sometimes parents would rather be 'friends' with their children, instead of being their authority figure."

Parents need to realize that by choosing friendship over authority, they are causing future problems.

Why do so many people not want to seek help for themselves or their loved one? Some people use the excuse: they cannot afford mental health. However, most cities/states have programs for people in the lower income bracket. So that is not a legitimate excuse. (There are also state-funded facilities. All it takes is a few calls to get you on track to someone who will help)

But finances aren't always the case. Some people have the funds but refuse to seek help for their family, or "assume" things will get better eventually.

Each town should start holding regular meetings to inform everyone of the warning signs to watch for in family members, friends, and neighbors.

And it should not have to be only a spouse or parent's responsibility to get their loved one help.

The saying "it takes a community to raise a child" can be applied here. Each community should look out for one another; report to the proper authorities the individuals whom they suspect are in need of evaluating.

The proper authorities -Department of Human Services- should take it from there.

It would seem, if several witnesses (neighbors, friends, family) report one individual numerous times, that individual should have no choice but to undergo evaluation.

It will not be mean or cruel to report these individuals to authorities. It will actually be showing an act of love for humanity by assisting that person with receiving the mental help they need, and potentially saving the lives of others.

Our Country does an amazing job at pulling together during tragedies (9-11, etc), Holidays (Christmas), WHY can't we pull together ALL THE TIME?

Just Kidding

2012-12-14T00:01:00.000-06:00

One of the best and funniest shows on television today! A good, clean family show in which children perform funny pranks on unsuspecting adults.

Hosted by YouTube practical prankster, Zach Fox. (Yes, the "right people" spotted Zach on Youtube and approached him to host this new Disney sitcom.)

Zach does an awesome job hosting and his crew is great child actors and actresses. They will have you laughing the entire episode.

Better than Candid Camera or any other similiar shows, in my opinion. (Not including Impractical Jokers, of course.)

iPhone vs Samsung Galaxy

2012-12-13T18:39:00.001-06:00

Based on my experiences with IPhone and Samsung Galaxy

iPhone Pros

* Produced by Apple
* Anti-Viral
* HD phone; talking audio/call audio
* HD best camera

iPhone Cons

* Shatter and break easily
* Cannot purchase more memory
* Cannot set a song as the ringtone unless you purchase the song
* Displays text messages on the lock screen for everyone to see

What iPhone has that Samsung Galaxy does not

* HD quality camera
* Anti-Viral
* HD quality sound audio
* Longer battery life

Samsung Galaxy Pros

* Can purchase more memory
* Can set/download free music as ringtone
* Very strong screen

Samsung Galaxy Cons

* Not Anti-Viral
* Short Battery life

What Samsung Galaxy has that iPhone does not

* Difficult to break/shatter/crack
* Can purchase more memory
* Easier to "operate"

"Free Stuff" Sites Share Your Information

2012-12-08T07:27:00.000-06:00

Everyone loves free stuff. But do you know what happens when you sign up for these websites that offer "free stuff"? They share your personal information (rather you want them to or not) with annoying telemarketers.

I had managed to get rid of the annoying telemarketers back several years ago.

However, recently I signed up with "freeflys" and "bsavings". Within 24 hours I started getting calls from telemarketers.

This was one call: "Hello, my name is ___ and I'm calling from ___. You recently filled out a form online stating that a member of your household suffers from ___."

After that paragraph, I'm sure all she heard on the other line was silence, because I hit the "end call" button on my cell phone.

If she was using a landline phone, she may have eventually heard, "If you'd like to make a call, please check the number and try again."

But, everyone is right. It's not nearly as much fun hitting the "end call" button as it use to be by slamming the phone down on someone. Sometimes I miss my landline phone. (Not often, though.)

The only reason I put my REAL phone number (and not an old disconnected number, like I usually do) is because they were also including me in drawings for money and prizes. I definitely want to be contacted if I win something, but it's disrespectful for them to share your number and info with annoying telemarketers.

So, for those of you who wonder how these telemarketers get your phone number, now you know.

Impractical Jokers Review

2012-12-02T20:59:00.000-06:00

The Impractical Jokers is a very entertaining hidden-camera practical joke television show on TRU TV.

This show stars Q, Murr, Joe, and Sal, as they are known. These four friends are possibly the most creative practical jokers on the planet. Any of the four could pull off any practical joke and make anything funny. Also, all four of them have a humorous personality in each of their own unique ways: this makes the show even better.

However, this isn't your normal practical joke television show. This show is different than other hidden camera practical joke television shows, in this fashion: whichever one of the four hosts performing the practical joke does not know the details of the joke until it comes down to the time to perform it. And he must do whatever any of his 3 friends tells him to do, via an earpiece.

This is a clean show, but I would recommend it more for the 17 years of age and older people. If you are looking for a clean, humorous show to watch; or if you love watching people get pranked, this is definitely the show for you.
Satisfaction guaranteed.

School Bullies: Not all teachers defend the victims

2012-11-30T19:50:00.000-06:00

What's worse than a child being bullied or harassed at school by another student? The fact that some teachers "don't want to hear it."

Most teachers at our local school systems reprimand the victims, saying they are "tattle tales." While the bullies do not get in trouble, therefore continuing their bully ways.

No fighting allowed, but you cannot report to the teacher if someone hits or hurts you. And you are not allowed to strike back at them or you will be the one to get in trouble.

It's not just teenagers or high school. I have 2 children in Elementary School, (youngest in second grade) who have to deal with this on a daily basis.

It's no wonder so many parents pull their children out of the public school system and send them to private schools or homeschool them.

But there are working parents out there that don't really have the time to homeschool, and parents that can't afford private schools. These people shouldn't be forced to just "accept" the way the teachers behave on these matters.

As parents, we send our children to school, trusting they will be safe. If the teachers cannot enforce the school rules to all students equally (reprimand the bullies and stop calling the victims "tattle tales") then that teacher should find a different occupation.

The school board should step in and correct these issues. And they just may, if enough parents make complaints on these cold hearted teachers. Please report all issues to your school board administration. It's up to US, as parents, to protect our children.

Charlie Sheen Defends Angus T. Jones

2012-11-30T16:08:00.000-06:00

Angus T. Jones, the half on Two and a Half Men, also realizes how bad the show sucks.

After a video outburst calling the show "filth" and encouraging viewers to stop watching the show, he later apologized to cast and crew.

Charlie Sheen, former star of Two and a Half Men, stated that the show is cursed (this is easy to believe) and offered for Angus T. Jones to make an appearance on his FX show "Anger Management" anytime.

However, Angus isn't going to quit the show immediately. He is going to finish the season, but will not re-new his contract.

Some people are questioning the true motives of Angus T. Jones, and if it is really his new religion that is swaying him away from the show.

Does it really matter? If he doesn't like starring on "Two and a Half Men" and no longer wants to appear on the show, it's his own business and rights. He doesn't have to answer to anyone or give excuses why.

And a big "kudo" to Charlie Sheen for defending Angus.

Charlie Sheen vs Ashton Kutcher

2012-11-29T00:30:00.000-06:00

At one time I use to watch and enjoy the sitcom "Two and Half Men". That is, when it starred Charlie Sheen.

I'm not saying that I agree with his life style, but in my opinion, he is one of the best actors of all times.

However, if we just want to focus on addictions and life styles, I (personally) also did not/do not approve of the life styles of Elvis, Johnny Depp, Jamie Lee Curtis, Drew Barrymore and many others. But they are/were talented individuals with millions of fans.

So, what is worse than the producers kicking Charlie off the show? How about the fact that they replaced him with Ashton Kutcher, of all people on Earth.

Ashton Kutcher, the star of Punk'd. An estimated 1/3 of Americans suffer from high blood pressure, and Ashton tries to push people over the edge. His hyperactivity on "Punk'd" makes one wonder if he is on drugs. And the pleasure he gets from others fear and anger is just pure evil.

However, I did watch the new "Two and a Half Men" a couple of times, just to give the show (and Ashton) a chance. But as I suspected, it sucked. It is not the same without Charlie.

Bloggers!

2012-11-27T00:07:00.000-06:00

I have to share with you, the best place to list your blog and make friends with fellow bloggers.

Bloggers.com
Once you sign up and add your blog, you will begin getting friend requests, it is a very friendly community. (Of course, you can send out some friends requests also)

You can browse the blog directory by Category, Tags, Bloggers, Countries, etc. Follow friends blogs, most will follow yours in return.

There is a discussion board where you can communicate with other bloggers. Ask questions, read tips, exchange links/stumbles, and so much more.

Vote for others and review their blogs. This community is very active; the more you give, the more you will get in return.

In all honesty, this is the best blogger directory/community that I have found so far. I have recieved more traffic from Bloggers.com than I have from facebook and twitter combined.

Give it a try. After all, you have nothing to lose. Be sure to add me as a friend once you sign up.

Marvin Marvin Review

2012-11-25T00:47:00.002-06:00

Seriously, what is Nickelodeon thinking?

Geared towards teens and tweens, I watched this new episode with my children. No one was impressed to say the least.

Marvin (played by Lucas Cruikshank) is an alien who can transform himself into a human boy. He resides on Earth with a human family. He has ears in his butt, his finger glows and can heat/cool things. He can't stop himself from dancing any time he hears music.

Lucas Cruikshank is the boy who played in "Fred" the movie and has played/appeared in other movies and sitcoms.

Although he may not have the high pitched squealing voice in "Marvin Marvin" as he has had in all the other sitcoms he has played in, I still can't make myself like him as an actor.

If this sitcom ever makes it to season two or beyond, it will surprise me.

Goodbye iCarly

2012-11-24T16:57:00.001-06:00

I have three children under 18, who are all disappointed this weekend. It seems as though we may have seen the last of iCarly, last nights episode on Nickelodeon was iGoodbye.

One good thing is they are having a sweepstakes on the Nick website. While it would be nice to win some of the items they have used on stage, my kids kind of dread only getting to watch re-runs of iCarly from here on out.

Miranda Cosgrove is an amazing teen actress. My children also watched her on "Drake and Josh" for years. I guess she is growing up, (even tho we may not want her to) and we look forward to any future sitcoms or movies in which she will star or make an appearance.

Goodbye iCarly.

The Best Medicine for Acid Reflux/Acid Indigestion

2012-11-19T16:55:00.001-06:00

Over the years, I have tried many over the counter medications for Acid Indigestion and Acid Reflux.
I have had different Doctors recommend Prilosec, Prevacid and Pepcid AC. Of course, they also inform you "some of these medications can take weeks to get into your system".

I tried those recommended medications for 6-8 weeks each. They provided absolutely no relief for me whatsoever. (Neither did Tums or Rolaids.)

In 2011, a friend recommended "zantac". I figured it would be like the others and take weeks.

HOWEVER, about an hour or so after taking that first pill, I felt 100% better! I was shocked to say the least. I had never had an Acid Reflux/Acid Indigestion medicine work for me prior to that.

And what is even better, is that I can once again eat the foods that I had to avoid for years.

Youtube Pop Up Ads Review

2012-11-11T17:12:00.000-06:00

So it seems since Advertisers weren't getting enough clicks or sales from the typical text/banner links, someone came up with the bright idea to force these ads in our faces via Pop up Video Ads.

I recently did a review on a Facebook Game App "Songpop". Now I will tell you about some other facebook games I have tried a couple times, won't play anymore and why.

"Draw Something" and "Words with Friends"

Even though these games are fun, They participate in the annoying pop up advertising.

And when you are on Android or Iphone attempting to play these games, (or any other site/app) it causes your phone to FREEZE, sometimes "force close", and you must re-boot. It's not worth it. I stay away from the sites that uses that type of forceful advertisement.

Review of Songpop (Facebook App)

2012-11-04T01:22:00.001-05:00

Pro's and Con's of Songpop

This is by far the most fun and addictive game that I have ever played online.
For those of you who do not know about Songpop, you must guess the Artist Name or Title of Song (multiple choice) from a short clip of the song. You can play against facebook friends or random players. You score points for correct answers and earn "coins" to "purchase new categories".

The Pro's

* Can play from your cell (Android, Iphone, etc.)
* Long list of Genres/Categories to choose from
* Great sound quality
* Play with random people, make new friends
* Can play up to 20 people (on the free version) Or up to 80 people (on the paid version)

Now, the Con's..

* It does use "ads" (but atleast not the annoying youtube ads like I've seen on other games)
* It uses an extreme amount of data. I would highly recommend using a data counter to keep up with your data usage.

I have seen similar games online, but nothing compares to Songpop. Even with its Con's, its still the best Music Guessing Game, in my opinion.

Cspire is not recommended

2012-10-29T04:35:00.000-05:00

Cspire wireless has to have the most dishonest and rude employees of all times.

Rather you are looking for new cellular service, or even if you are a long time customer of cspire (use to be cellular south before the name change), you will most definitely be lied to and lured in by their Representatives.

They will tell you all of the great and positive information, and that is all. They will not tell you things that are in itty, bitty, tiny, fine print, that they know NO one reads.

They do this on purpose, to "mislead" people into thinking they are getting a better than expected product and/or plan.

It doesnt end there, by no means.

Whenever you do have a problem or need assistance, do NOT use textcs. These people are evidently trained to be rude and heartless, so it seems.

I was making inquires about UPGRADING my plan and the textcs was rude to me.

Guess who will be leaving cspire?

I am in the process of doing research on other cellular carriers now, such as Sprint, Verizon, Tmobile.

Anyone who has any information on cell carriers, please feel free to post in the comments section below.

Who honestly likes Twitter?

2009-08-15T09:43:00.000-05:00

I originally had a different post ready to make about Twitter, and the title was “What’s the Big Deal with Twitter?”

Fortunately, I decided to do a search for that sentence first. I was amazed at how many results I received from that!

So I took it a step further and searched for:
“Why is Twitter so popular?”
“Twitter is Stupid”

And last but not least, “Twitter is Dumb”

It is AMAZING at how many other people online have the same thoughts as I do. There are dozens, if not hundreds of posts/topics that include these sentences!

So why does the majority of Internet Users think that Twitter is so great or special? Why is always advertised all over the television, radio and internet?

At least with Facebook and Myspace, there are so many more things to! You have applications, tags… you have FUN.

What is FUN about twitter?

“I am scratching my nose”

“I am surfing the internet”

“I am sitting here drinking a glass of coca cola”

“I am walking out of my house”

“I am getting into my car”

“I am on my way to the Grocery Store”

SO? There are so many things I can be doing INSTEAD of just telling people what I am doing every hour!