Monday, April 30, 2012

It's Simple Math

    On a "quick" shopping trip to our local big box store I was reminded just how sales and marketing prey on us not paying attention and even worse, hoping we have lost our ability to use simple math. It all started in the first aisle while grabbing a bottle of mustard. The 16 oz. bottle at $1.38 and the 12 oz. bottle at a $1.52. Now this one was a little tricky because the smaller bottle did have a $.50 off of an additional Honey Mustard. So I guess for those extreme couponers that's a deal, but for us in a hurry people it means nothing. Now mind you, this store even has those handy little shelf labels that show you (in very fine print) what your cost per oz. is. So I quickly point this out to my son and we resume our shopping.  Almost to the end of our list and we have eggs. Now todays family usually consumes more eggs so they answer our needs with a dozen and a half eggs in one handy carton for the price of $2.48. Sounds great right? Well, next to that they offer a dozen for $1.19. Now I'm not the best at math (I'm being honest here) but I can quickly round that up in my head and figure I can get TWO dozen for $2.40. So again, I quickly point this out to my son and the funniest thing happens, the 4 people waiting to grab the 18 eggs carton put them back and gather behind me to see if I'm correct. I grin at my son and walk away telling him "it's simple math son". He never looked so proud, yet so embarrassed...

Friday, April 27, 2012

My how time flies

As parents we work and strive so hard to bring our children up to be happy, healthy, responsible adults that we sometimes get lost and before we know it they are crossing into adulthood. A day we long for, yet dread. It doesn't help that the most stressful time for most parents is the teen years. The phase that is full of power struggles and seemingly life changing choices keeps us on our toes and we tend to get so caught up in the mindset of "when you are grown" that we forget just how close that is. As I look at our daughter I am full of joy and bittersweet happiness as we prepare for her graduation. It seems not long ago we were walking the halls, meeting her kindergarten teacher with excitement and fear. Now we are about to enter a whole new phase of life, I'm reminded of the words my mother told me, "when you have a child of your own you will understand", oh my how she was so right.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Celeb o'the Day - Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II

Photo from Here

Insurance Quotes

Need good insurance at a fair price? Try Sunrise Finance Insurance.

A full-service economy store that has a specialty in insurance; they offer multiple policies for the average consumer. You can log on and get insurance quotes with no obligation and compare them to other companies, you'll find that they are extremely competitive.

Insurance quotes at sunrisefinance.com are simple to do; just fill out the forms and wait until they tell you what they can do for you and for how much.

Sunrise Finance Insurance
You won't find a cheaper online alternative with cross-country name-recognition like Sunrise Finance Insurance and you won't find a more helpful customer support staff this side of your parents. With a simple-to-use interface and the ability to use facebook, google+ or LinkedIn to connect, you should have no problems getting your insurance quotes.

They offer a wide range of types from auto to home to life and have the ability to compare rates to other carriers just to let you know what kind of deal you could get.

Stop by Sunrise Finance Insurance today (they also offer mortgage quotes and other services besides their top-notch insurance).

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Celeb o'the Day - Patricia Heaton

Patricia Heaton
Patricia Heaton - You go Ray

Photo from Here

Dick Clark

One of the longest and best voices of TV in a long time has passed away.
For a time in the 1980s, he had shows on all three networks and was listed among the Forbes 400 of wealthiest Americans. Clark also was part of radio as partner in the United Stations Radio Networks, which provided programs - including Clark's - to thousands of stations.
"There's hardly any segment of the population that doesn't see what I do," Clark told The Associated Press in a 1985 interview.
"It can be embarrassing. People come up to me and say, 'I love your show,' and I have no idea which one they're talking about."
The original "American Bandstand" was one of network TV's longest-running series as part of ABC's daytime lineup from 1957 to 1987. It later aired for a year in syndication and briefly on the USA Network. Over the years, it introduced stars ranging from Buddy Holly to Madonna. The show's status as an American cultural institution was solidified when Clark donated Bandstand's original podium and backdrop to the Smithsonian Institution.(link CBS)
I loved listening to this man on all his shows and will miss him. Prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends and anyone with an ear the last decade.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

American Idol

After last week, I told Lady that I wasn't going to watch any more Idol if Deandre was cut and then saved by the judges (as I figured would happen).
Diva-Andre

Jennifer Lopez told Brackensick that she was outvoted by Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson to use the judges' one-time-only ability to save him from dismissal.
"I only get one vote," said Lopez. "I'm sorry. We're not saving you tonight."(link)


Heh, I knew J-lo wanted him to stay and I thought Randy did. Good on ya Randy

Monday, April 2, 2012

Shooting

Shooting in California
Fox News is reporting a shooting at Oikos University in California (a Christian college)

At least one dead and six wounded. The shooter was described as heavily built (set?) Asian male.

Report from CBSNews (here)

Update:

Reported that at least 5 are dead and the shooter is in custody (headline alert so no link)

Energy

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) noted that before this February a new reactor hadn’t been built in the U.S. in more than 30 years. Now, in the past seven weeks, four reactors have been licensed.(link)
Finally we're going to start producing cheaper electricity in this country. Thirty years is way to long to use a proven source of power for the American people.

Travyon - Zimmerman

TAMPA - One of George Zimmerman's neighbors is speaking out, saying looks can be deceiving.
Despite booking video from the Sanford Police Department that many say shows George Zimmerman largely unscathed from his encounter with Trayvon Martin, the neighbor said he saw Zimmerman with obvious injuries.
The neighbor is talking for the first time about what he saw on George Zimmerman's face less than 24-hours after Zimmerman shot and killed Trayvon Martin.(link)
More twists and turns in this tragedy. While Sharpton (et al) call for violence and 'justice'; they should let the system play out and see if there is any there there.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Death

(One of) my uncle(s) passed away today; please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers.

Warzone

 Recently played a few games on Caldera (warzone) and then... Lots of luck in this one, but satisfying