Happy Holidays

Seems long time since we posted. Been busy learning about geocaching which is a good way to integrate computer with exercise.

Thinking about going for upgrade to program. Need to consult with co-writer.

Craighill Keeper’s bLog

Craighill Keeper’s bLog is a little glimpse of a Maryland lighthouse keeper. Always had a fantasy about living in a lighthouse - follow along.

Friends of Libraries U.S.A.

Friends of Libraries U.S.A. is a clearing house sort of site for libraries and friends groups.

I'm a "friend" of my local library - are you a friend of a library?

Long Summer

It was a long hot summer with electrical problems so avoided use of computer. Hope to get back into the posting. Notice some of my friends are again active.

Geocaching has my interest at moment along with genealogy research (this progresses slowly) so kept busy.

PRIVACY ARTICLE REGARDING IRS

This link will take you to an important article regarding IRS allowing sale of your information by tax preparers.

http://money.cnn.com/2006/03/17/commentary/everyday/sahadi/index.htm?cnn=yes

If you are concerned about your personal information being sold upping chances of identity theft or additional spam this article is for you.

BEWARE SHARPER IMAGE REFURBISHED PRODUCTS

Beware when ordering refurbished products from Sharper Image. Professional Quadra arrived worked less than 2 weeks then just quit. I purchased a new one and found it extremely helpful. Website indicates refurbished are like new. However, neither of the refurbished units had the extra attachment either internally or externally which boost the air quality. Was willing to believe the little wires attached to back of front panel did the job. Never did but figured for the price would keep. First one started slowing up, then one quit and then second one stopped.

Not a pleasant chore to have to box, cart many miles to UPS then pay to return. Had to pay for shipment out as free shipping does not apply to refurbished goods. Guarantee you can return within 30 days for full refund. We shall see. Expect reimbursement of additional shipping caused by failure of product. Going to alert credit card company plus send letter to Sharper Image corporate.

President's Aide Scam

Well now I have heard it all. This guy made $161,000.00 a year and was stealing from department stores. Like who pays for these thefts. Regular folks who go and honestly put up money for merchandise. I can only imagine Bush will grant him a presidential pardon for past and future thefts.

Guess when you are the majority in power anything goes. Are there any honest Republicans left in this country? How about light in the loafers Senator from South Carolina. Does he consider himself honest?

At least the jerk got caught like a common thief which he certainly was. Wonder if he tried to use Presidential influence to get himself out of trouble.

MARY SECOLE

How many people know anything about this lady? Never heard of her? Well you need to take a look at the website and find out what a grand lady from Jamaica did to help her contemprary soldiers.

http://www.maryseacole.com/maryseacole/pages/

JAVA

One of my favorite websites is java.com. Many fun games. New features weekly. Have added button for folks who do not already have this installed.

Lots of companies use for spiffing up their sites. Go see what there is to offer.

Negative Savings

Negative savings is a big deal in this century. Carry over from last. If you spend it all what do you do upon retirement. Government is slashing benefits. Start talking to your children instead of constantly filling their rooms with gadgets that are not appreciated.
Link to article lays out the statistics.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/03/03/business/main1367222.shtml?CMP=OTC-RSSFeed&source=RSS&attr=Business_1367222

Roger Fenton Crimean War Photos

On a lighter note here is link to some photos and information which I found interesting. Wonderful the photos and information now available because of internet.

http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/coll/251_fen.html

Congressional Corruption

So disappointed to find a war hero who sinks to solicitation money for influence. Why are we surprised payola has been going on for centuries. Seems most disappointment arises from religious right who keep trying to portray themselves as "the good ones" when no group is completely good or evil.

Local joke: successful Republicans have 2 ex-wives and a long standing mistress on the side. Guess they are just trying to keep up with the Democrats who are less economically positioned so unable to afford so many ex-wives.

Not really concerned with their private lives. Just wish they would do a better job of running the country. Oil prices are bankrupting too many hard working people. Katrina Hurricane victims don't need to hear about millions in bribes when need home, job plus food on the table. Recentl release of video tape is a disgrace for the entire country. Let us go to the top for responsibility instead of trying to blame those with no power to change .

Daylight Savings Time

Here is link for the U. S. Naval Observatory for latest on the time change for US. Presents an interesting history of changes over the years.

http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/daylight_time.html

Came to mind because I was offered an Australian update to my computer. Also find use of atomic clock to keep system on time has proven helpful.

U.S. FEDERAL GRANTS

Article from Washington Post which explains how government is allegedly simplifying grant applications. Should note only Microsoft users can make use of system. Company doing work was part of IBM (which has now been purchased by Chinese firm) located in Canada.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/12/AR2006021200942.html?referrer=email (this is corrected version)

(note link will be good for 14 days then article goes into Archives of newspaper)

Now we ask what about keeping jobs in this country? With automotive plants closed and folks being retrained why send the possible work outside of the country?

Noticed the trend for non US goods as far back as 1991 when government agencies were obtaining goods from China and other countries. No wonder there are so many unemployed and under employed.

NASHVILLE

Linn arrived safely which is more important than you realize. Her wonky back and Libby breaking ankle are only the latest in a series of misadventures.

Their fans have positive thoughts for the rest of the year. Seems some years just do not provide good vibes.

Big snow in the East will not impact Nashville show. Most folks arrived early and are safely tucked up.

Good luck to all in showing off new goodies.

BIRD FLU

Just keeps spreading into every country without a pause. What are health officials doing? Talking as usual without any progress. Should not the wealthy countries help the poorer to accomplish protection of all people? Guess the old help thy neighbor is on hold. Perhaps if folks spent more time helping each other there would be less time for bad acts.

Keep a positive outlook bird flu will be contained on all contients without a massive outbreak.

SUPER BOWL SADNESS

Truly disappointed in outcome and have finally rallied enough to face the world. Had a hope the Seahawks would not be jinked by odds makers. So much for that hope.

Knew at end of first half outcome so started watching a poker marathon for distraction. Poker is the in thing today like pet rocks one wonders how long it will last.

Danish embassies and people are getting a bum rap over some cartoon that appeared over 5 months ago. Guess some folks would rather fight than accept an apology.

20 YEAR WAR PROGRAM

Why is Rumsfeld setting forth a 20 year war program? Does the economy need the boost? I find this unsettling to say the least.

This year is not starting out with an optimistic look. Life has been good to myself and friends thus far. However thought of ongoing war program is not healthy. I thought we had a victory several years ago.

Anyway weather is great. Traffic picked up with weathr visitors who will be going home a little late this year because groundhogs saw their shadows.

Wind No More

No more wind for a few days which is a welcome change. Decided to trade in dog for a cat. Walking out in weather just too much effort.

Seems everywhere I look someone is breaching secure site and stealing credit cards. Enough already let us have a bit of free trade without thieves.

Photo Detective Blog

Found a very interesting blog while reading Ancestry.com newsletter today. Photo Detective blog not only has goodies on site but good links.

Are you looking for photos of ancestors? Will you be able to identify any of the people? Here is link which I will be adding to my site.

http://www.photodetective.com/

BLACKBERRY

Why would the US Supreme Court want to hamper business communication in the US and cost employers (already under monetary stress) hundreds of thousands of dollars. Let us consider who would benefit from such an outlay. How about a big business donor to Republican campaigns?

If you have the answer let me know. Just seems strange how everything seems to be profiting certain chums of the administration.

KINKY FRIEDMAN

Now here is a fellow who knows how to get attention. One is tempted to move to Texas and vote. Just imagine a governor who is not bound to special interests. Wonder if that was what founders were thinking.

Time we had a few more independent politicians so raising money would not be the only qualification for office. Don't agree with all of his ideas yet that is the way of our country. We are given a right not to agree on all matters.

At least he will give the parties something to think about. Maybe he could get the lady ex governor to run with him. For a Texan she seemed down to earth. Better yet what about Molly newspaper lady from Austin? Probably too much truth for Texas.

GENEALOGY

Trying to decide on a computer program to record family history. There are one or two popular programs both with connection to ancestry.com. Question then becomes how deeply will one become engaged in the projects.

Friend just found picture of 2x great grandfather after searching for 14 years. That is a dedicated genealogist who is to be congratulated.

Any advice or comments on which program might prove most worthwhile for a mediocre researcher?

Another clear, breezy, cool day in the land of dirt.

FDA TURNS ITSELF INTO JUDGE AND JURY

In the latest assault on personal rights the FDA is saying they have a right to decide whether drug companies should be held accountable.

Link is to article in Washington Post which clearly states an FDA position contrary to patients rights when injured by bad drugs. Everyone should be concerned by agency grabs of judicial decisions which should be left to juries or judges with personal knowledge of each individual case.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/18/AR2006011802320.html

Modem Crashed

Seems the modem has crashed and leads me to cable company this morning for check. Dial up is a drag but the continued cable problems are getting to be a bad habit. Especially when you consider the extra charge.

Latest news in this area power company is seeking 25% rate increase for entire state. Now we are still paying for Enron rip off so this will just about drive lower income and seniors into the grave. Power or food is not a good choice.

TEAM SPORTS

TEAM SPORTS

Whatever happened to fun team sports for young people. Looks more like a try out for killer of the decade when watching team sports these days.

Guess I have become an old fuddy but it was more fun playing stick ball with old stick and yarn ball.

Did some shopping today. Limit on what purchase at Wallie World these days. Decided would rather pay more than contribute to abuse of workers. I miss the local business where you could go in and know the staff. Seems they were well informed on their products which I do not find with the new system of mass marketing.

WINDY DAY

Another windy day in dirtville. Still trying for a color combination which is easy on the eyes while provides a bit of uplift to plain stuff.

Probably go for plainer background to speed up load so more photos less type.

Located some fun plug-ins for Photoshop so will be off experimenting this afternoon.

HANDLE ON LIGHTING

Working with photos taken yesterday and believe I have a better handle on library lighting. Took awhile to figure out what problem was cause of tinge. Adjusted out with simple color adjustment. Thanks to Libby for her assistance in steering in correct direction.

LOOK FOR COLOR

Was looking for the color chart to select writing color and finally realized was in Compse not Edit. Live and learn. Not sure use of color does anything for the page but does brighten day.

BUSTED PROGRAM

Program was a bust yesterday at library. Meeting was good yet only one parent and child appeared for program. Group has Grandmother and Granddaughter who attend so at least there were 2 young people to enjoy setting up a family tree.

Guess area was more interested in SCORE (dirt raceing) annual event. No wonder children are rated so low against other countries.

In restoration of page have noticed some bloggers have relocated or left the scene. Guess there were others on vacation.

LIBRARY DAY

Library is a fun place in this area. Lots of programs for all ages plus ability to get almost any book ever published.

This morning going to a family type genealogy presentation. Should prove interesting to those of us who are just getting toes into the area.

All those old family secrets no one ever talked about would be lots of fun to explore.

Linn is the expert in the area and has over the years given me much good advice. She has also provided some exceptional reading material. Linn is more than Blackwork Stitcher pro.

FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH

FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH

HAS ARRIVED WITH NO DIRE CONSEQUENCES AS OF THIS HOUR. MAYBE WE JUST GOT LUCKY THIS YEAR.

Seems in past we always lose something when a 13th Friday shows but luckily today found some things misplaced earlier.

Friends are happily farming in TN and KS so I am considering trying my gardening again next month.

Finally back in business after a rather long time away. Busy with digital camera, visitors and just plain fun. Will be posting some fun time links in the next few weeks for people interested in romping over the internet.