So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Saturday, January 17, 2009

The Auto Industry Bail Out

By LJ James

I ask what is going on here in the USA? I am not a financial genius and I could be wrong but this is the way I see it. First we bailed out the banks because they gave out too many bad loans. These people who are financial geniuses gave out loans to people who could not afford them, hoping things would get better and the people could pay their Bills. Basically what they did was gambling. Its like me going to Las Vegas betting over and over on red figuring it will come up eventually and when it never does and I lose all my Money. I then go and ask for all of it back plus more! The Banks who gave the Mortgages where given a bail out of around 600 Billion Dollars so they could stay in business. Now as I have read for around half of that the Government could have paid off all those bad loans and helped poor American Families keep their homes. If all the bad loans where paid then would not that take care of all the Banks problems? Instead they gave super rich bankers who mad bad choices lots of Money so they can continue to make the same decisions that failed before and live their incredible lives that most of us can only dream about.

Now we have the same thing going on with the Auto industry. I do not understand why we would bail them out. It seems to me that if you run a business and you fail, well then you fail. Aren't these the same auto makers who over charge us for their cars? I can not believe none these manufactures can make a car that will last much longer and run on less gas or some other type of cheaper fuel. The Auto industry and the men who run it have been a major controlling factor in the world for many years. Aren't these the same Auto Tycoons that we have heard stories about them keeping all the new smaller car companies from starting up or "buying up" any competitor who comes up with a better Motor Vehicle for over the last half century? The story of Tucker and his dream of making a better car for hard working Americans, Was that not a true Story?

If these Auto Companies where left to go out of Business many Americans who work at these Companies factories would lose their jobs. I do care and understand that it would be very hard on them. Right now is a tough time for all Americans. But I believe that before the dust could even settle from these companies collapse, We would have many small car manufactures starting up making much better cars at lower prices. These cars would last many years longer then the current ones we drive and I can only guess would run much further on a gallon of gas or some other cheaper fuel source. I would bet that fuel would be much better for the environment. Soon after with the huge super powerful big Three of the auto industry no longer in control and maybe crushing any small start up auto manufacturers, We would have hundreds of small car companies all across the Country and soon many more jobs for everyone along with much better automobiles to drive around in that burn cleaner fuels. Who knows maybe we could even get those dam flying cars we where all promised as Kids!

This is a hard time for this country. I think it is evident in the choices the American people have made as of recent, that we now know we can no longer have the same people in power making the same mistakes. These companies and the people that have been controlling this Country have lead us down this road. It looks to me that now that we have reached the end of the road and there is a cliff. Those that have been leading us are now asking us all to trust them and jump off that cliff and fill in the gap so they can walk over us and allow them to continue leading the way !

The idea of this country has always been if you can build a better Mouse trap you can become a Millionaire.What it looks like to me is these people did not allow any one else to build a better Mouse trap. Then they sold the only traps available making them so they would last only a short time, While charging a real high price for them. It has got to the point where the people can not afford to buy new Mouse traps when the old ones brake and have decided they will either try to fix the old ones or just live with the mice. They need their money for other things more important then new Mouse Traps. Now like in the case of the auto Companies they are asking the Government to give them the Money the people can no longer afford to spend on their products.

Now is not the Money they are asking to be given the hard earned Money the Government has taken from the same people in Taxes who can no longer afford to buy these products! These Companies are getting the hard earned Money of the American People who can no longer afford to buy these over priced Vehicles, That last a much shorter time then the ones made 50 years ago. Now our Government who has been over taxing us for years is thinking about giving away 15 Billion dollars of our money.

What charities and programs are we going to have to cut so these Auto tycoons who have houses all over the world, Their own private Jets and pretty much anything they have ever wanted continue to get richer? Will this money come from our Schools? What about the Hungry Children of the USA? What about all those people who are out of work and those that are going to lose their homes the banks are foreclosing on? I bet 15 Billion dollars could really help them out.

America is the land of dreams. It is the Country where a man can be poor one day and rich the next if he has a good idea. There is nothing that says if you have a great Idea and then you make a Mistake and lose everything the Government will bail you out! We are not helping the poor Auto factory workers here, They most likely will loose his jobs any way. We are only helping the Rich Auto Tycoons to be able to pay for all their many luxuries! Do I think our Government will bail them out? Well to that all I have to say is take a look at who funded many of today's politicians campaign and then you will have your answer?

Again I am not a financial Genius and I may have this all wrong I am only Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com

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Baby Shower Games - Essential Activities for the Most Fun

By Edie Mindell

Some of the most important and memorable experiences of a baby shower are the baby-themed games that are characteristic of the American baby shower. Games and activities make up a big part of the fun and excitement in the celebration that will welcome your new coming baby into the world. When it comes to picking the right games for your shower, be sure to center your activities on the overall theme of the party. Consider the number of guests that have been invited, your budget, and the location of the baby shower, in order to choose the games that will be best suited for your event. Creating a combination of traditional, timeless games and new, original activities is always a good way to go to add festivity to the segment of the shower whereby Mom opens up all the newborn gifts.

Games can be classic and general, or more specific and tied to your theme. One of the most universal baby shower games that everyone seems to love is called "Dont Say Baby." At the beginning of the baby shower, each guest is given a string with a pacifier on it, which he or she ties on his or her neck as a necklace. Throughout the course of the baby shower, nobody is allowed to say the word, "baby." Whoever slips and says "baby," risks losing their pacifier; any person who hears someone say the forbidden word is entitled to take their pacifier and add it to their necklace. Even when she opens up a newborn baby gift, no one can exclaim how neat the baby gift is. At the end of the baby shower, whoever collects the most pacifiers on their necklace is the winner of the game.

Another good classic activity is "Guess Mommys Belly Size." For this game, you will need yarn or string, and a pair of scissors. Each guest proceeds to pull and cut the yarn or string to the size they believe that the mommys tummy is. After everyone has estimated the size of the mommy-to-bes stomach, measure the actual size of the belly, and cut the string or yarn to match that length. The person whose string is the closest in size to the string that was cut to mommys real tummy measurement is the winner.

A fun and amusing game that is always a hit in baby showers is a "Blindfolded Baby Food Race." In this game, you will need a few volunteers to act as the "mommies" in this game, and matching pairs to act as "babies." Mommies will be blindfolded and the babies will sit on their laps. When the clock starts, the blindfolded mommies have to feed the babies as quickly and efficiently as they can. To make the activity more pleasant for the "baby" volunteers, it is important to purchase yummy, fruit-flavored baby foods. Otherwise, your guests will be making funny faces as they try to gulp down peas and asparagus flavored puree. The mommy-and-baby team that finishes the fastest is the winning pair.

Games add fun, spirit, and laughs to your celebration that are sure to make lifetime memories that will never be forgotten. Be sure to get small gifts for the winners of the games with anticipation. The prizes that you buy for the event are completely up to you, depending on your shower theme and budget. Whatever the case may be, be sure to make the game-planning and prize-choosing process enjoyable and fun! The whole event, including games, food and opening all the unique baby gifts for the new little prince should be a memorable one for everyone.

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Overview of Lionel Trains - Model Trains

By Eugene Rizzo

Like some of lifes tremendous inventions, the model train was found in a easy way. The finder was a guy by the name of Josh Lionel Cowen. You guessed it, the name of the famous Lionel Trains. It was nothing fantastic merely a very simplex half train car that he motorized. That's all it required to begin a passion for the avid train fans by way of becoming collectors.

The model train business is not a moderate industry by any means. It is very favourited throughout America, Australia and Europe as well. It cannot be forgot that at the time of Joshs innovation, not every home even had electricity. The introductory electric trains as they were promoted , were actually battery functioned. In comparing to what we call model trains now, the originals were much larger by comparison.

At about the same time that Lionel trains were being manufactured there were others getting into the industry and producing various styles, scales and gauges. The model train industry was off and running. Josh being the astute business man that he was, presently recognise that if all the manufacturers used the identical gauge, it would be to all their advantage. The gauge is referring to the space between the rails of the train tracks.

To get everybody to comply to his way of reasoning Josh not only utilized his personal name, but his business name as well. To do this he simply called the gauge the Lionel Standard. . If we were to compare this gauge to the models of now, it would be the G scale. This really wouldnt have a practical use in the home because they are extremely too large to set up decently.

By 1915, electricity had became a everyday commodity in most home. This signified that today the model trains could be powered by this source. There we have it. The starting of the personal home use model trains. Unnecessary to say, the industry expanded from that time on and for many years to come.

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Flower Delivery To Austin Made Easy

By Justtin Scots

When you want flower delivery to Austin, Texas, you can pick from many different containers that are used to hold flower arrangements. From teapots to vases, there is something for everyone. Any good florist can make an arrangement in just about any type of container. Select from the containers available when seeking flower delivery to Austin.

One of the most well-known containers for flower arrangement is the teapot kind. Primary reason and a practical one to boot is that the teapot can actually be used after the flowers have reached their full-bloom beauty. Some of these containers when you request for flower delivery to Austin can very well be used as actual teapots, utilized for serving good hot tea to friends.

Flower delivery to Austin, Texas will also be made more beautiful with the use of a vase container. Although most commonly associated with a less formal flower arrangement, there are nevertheless expensive looking vases, from glass to crystal. What's even better is that vases can also be used over again.

When considering a flower delivery to Austin, Texas, an additional option is ceramic containers that are the most flexible in terms of color and design. It's not surprising therefore that this is also a popular choice for flower arrangement. Ceramic flower holders can either be painted or in a solid color. When painted, ceramics can suit anyone's creativity as they can easily match any kind of design. This sure is fun especially if you wish to reflect your recipient's bubbly, adventurous or romantic personality on the ceramic container of your choice.

There are so many different containers from which to choose when you are seeking flower delivery to Austin, Texas. You can choose from these described above or from others that are featured online. Some containers will be specialty items such as those for new babies. Others are just ordinary containers that can be stored for use later on by the recipient.

Shopping online for a flower delivery in Austin, Texas is truly a rewarding experience. You will make a loved one smile and you will make yourself smile too while browsing through the perfect flowers and the perfect containers. You might even consider sending flowers to yourself. Not a bad idea. Go ahead and experiment with all teapot, vase and ceramic containers for maximum flower power!

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4 Great Tips For Choosing The Best Bathroom Mirrors

By William Scott

If you are in the process of redecorating your bathroom, consider adding new bathroom mirrors to your list of bathroom decorating ideas.

Mirrors Reflect Light - This Can Be Used To Your Advantage

Everyone knows the major, most important, role of a bathroom mirror - to see your reflection while going about your ablutions - but most people forget another important role of mirrors that can be used to great effect when doing renovations or redecorating. Mirrors that are correctly positioned reflect light to create the illusion of more space. Mirrors reflect light, both natural and artificial, which can add a certain sparkle or vibrancy to any bathroom. Be sure to arrange your mirrors in such a way that they reflect the major sources of light entering or emanating from your bathroom, i.e. natural light from outside and artificial light from the bathroom light fixtures.

Shape And Size Can Make A Big Difference

To design the bathroom of your dreams, you need to take the shape and size of the mirrors into consideration. Different shapes and sizes create different effects.

Oval shaped mirrors create a soft, feminine atmosphere in your bathroom. Square mirrors give off a stronger, more masculine feel. To create the impression of more space, it is advised to use rectangular bathroom wall mirrors.

Your Mirrors Must Complement Your Overall Bathroom Design

There is nothing worse than only realizing afterwards that the mirrors that you have bought clash with the rest of your bathroom fixtures. It is very important to buy mirrors that complement your bathroom decor.

If you used the services of a contractor to redesign your bathroom, you may want to ask him or her to pick out the right mirrors for your bathroom decor. The good thing about asking the contractor to pick out the shape and size of the mirrors is that he or she will know if they will go well with the overall design.

If you revamped your bathroom by yourself, take time to look over your design plans to find the shape and size that best suits the overall motif of your bathroom.

There Are No Boundaries - Be Creative

There are no limits as to the shapes, sizes, and colors of bathroom mirrors that can be used. Try out various ideas. The market is full of exciting options and possibilities that can be used to good effect. Let your mind wander! Design the bathroom that reflects your personality!

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Getting a Stylish, Compact GPS Navigation System

By Joseph Aaron

The Garmin Nuvi 350 Pocket GPS navigator is certainly one of the smallest GPS systems available. The Garmin Nuvi 350 Pocket GPS is still chock full of features which give you the ability to find yourself and your end points with ease. This item is also relatively inexpensive compared to various GPS navigation systems.

Features

The touch screen is an excellent benefit that is always included on Nuvi GPS systems. You do not need to worry about getting maps, either, because the Nuvi 350 Pocket system can be fully loaded with cities in North America and Europe. You can easily take your Nuvi 350 Pocket system with you since it is small enough to fit into a standard pocket or your purse.

All that you need to do to begin using your Nuvi 350 Pocket GPS system is to key in your beginning address and that of your end point. The system will show you the simplest route and a few other interesting stops you might find on the way.

The travel kit also comes with your Nuvi 350 Pocket GPS tool. You can get extra options by looking at the company website, which allows you country-specific guides and updated maps.

Updating and Adding Maps

Your Garmin Nuvi 350 Portable GPS Navigator System will need to be prepared with maps before you use it in foreign countries. You can achieve this simply by linking your Nuvi 350 to a computer through the USB cord that comes with your unit. The company website offers clear guidance on loading the most current maps into your navigator.

Product Design

The Nuvi 350 Pocket GPS Navigator gives you a thin, compact design that weighs in at just five ounces. The touch screen is relatively generous for the small unit, measuring nearly four inches wide and nearly three inches high. The 320 by 240 pixel screen resolution gives you a quality image.

Extra Features

You can make use of a memory card if you want to use the GPS system as an MP3 player. The navigator is set to break into your song to help you easily hear the instructions being given.

The sleek navigator will stay charged without an outside power source for as many as eight hours, making it perfect to take along on an all-day hiking trip. You can charge your Nuvi 350 Pocket GPS navigation system by using a standard wall charger or with a cigarette lighter adaptor.

Installing Your Nuvi 350

Your Nuvi 350 Pocket navigator will arrive with a suction cup that allows you to easily place and take down your system on the dashboard of your truck. You can remove the screen and take the GPS system with you anywhere you want to go.

The system is also installed on a ball and socket structure so even the roughest roads will not make it hard to read.

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From Old To Modern: The Chevy Monte

By Gabriel

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo Lt models remind us of sedans, coupes and of course sports models. The Monte Carlo sports models went on win a lot of races at the NASCAR events. These models have evolved and changed according to customer tastes beginning in the 1970s all the way until 2007.

All models of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Lt are two-door luxury V8 coupes. It has traversed six generations after being introduced in 1970 following the style of the contemporary mid-sized sedans. The models included Super Sport editions as well.

Designers aimed to introduce the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Lt as a stylish package keeping in mind comfort and performance. It came across as a sporty rear-drive coupe. Initially, in 1969, when designers Elliot M. Estes and Dave Holls of Chevrolet designed the Monte Carlo Lt they based it on the Cadillac Eldorado. They made changes by adding new front-end sheet metal, rear fenders, etc.

In the 1980s the Monte Carlo Lts body was restyled with a smoother profile based on GMs mid-size formal coupes. Chevrolet also introduced a Super Sport model in 1984 and went on to win several races, thus becoming popular with the racing teams. It also caught the publics attention with increasing popularity.

In 1995, it was replaced by a Lumina coupe changing over to a V6 engine with a carryover front-wheel-drive platform, changing from the rear-drive sport coupe in 1988.

However, the current coupe made its debut in 2000 evolving ever since. These models are styled based on the Impala sedan adding more style to the vehicles. Styles have been changing as per customer demand bringing about modifications in exterior and interior styling that offer a contemporary appearance.

These models inspire designs from the old Monte Carlo models as well as GM Motorsports. They have stylized wheel flares and rear bumpers along with vertically oriented tail lamps. Since 2000 Monte Carlo designs carried a Knight badge with a full gage cluster. There are several pace car editions including trim level editions of LS, LT, and SS. The SS uses a 3.4 L OHV V6. The 2006 Monte Carlo (and Impala sedan) was introduced in 2005. Its base engine was a 3.5 L V6 producing 210 horsepower, with little change in the interior design.

However, the production of Monte Carlo Lt was ceased at the Oshawa Car Assembly Plant #1 in June 2007, with General Motors formal announcement. With regard to Monte Carlos future, there has been no further initiative to continue production elsewhere after production was ceased at the Oshawa plant. The revival of Monte Carlo is said to depend on the sales of the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, GMs economic position in the current financial crisis of 2008, as we as the proposed changes to the CAF standard.

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Grill Info - Using Gas Grills

By Doris Mahrer

The act of Barbequing or Grilling has been around as long as humans. Cavemen quickly realized that food tasted good after it was cooked over an open fire. Barbequing has become a standard American tradition for families. The reasons as clear as to why, not only does the food that comes from barbequing have a taste that is unmatched by other cooking methods, but barbequing presents a reason for families to gather together.

Gas grills work by a hint igniting a gas inside of a grill. Gas grills typically have a doorknob or symbol in which we push, which in spin activates a tiny hammer. A produce hit's a tip of an ignition crystal. Afterwards a burner mixes a gas with oxygen as well as spreads it all over an in progress surface.

Gas grills come in all shapes and sizes, which makes then ideal for just about any type of barbequing party. Smaller gas grills give you the portability needed to plan barbeque parties away from home. Larger gas grills are handy and efficient for cooking larger amounts of food quickly, and without the mess of other types of grills. So after deciding that you indeed are in the market for a barbeque grill, there are several factors that you must consider when you purchase your first gas grill.

Gas grills literally come in all shapes and sizes. The type of grill you get should really depend on what you plan on using the grill for. If you foresee camping trips, barbeques at the beach or tailgate parties, you may want to consider getting a smaller gas grill. Smaller gas grills can range from anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds. Portable gas containers are also available for these types of grills. If your plans are move focused on home cooking, then larger grills should suit you fine.

Gas grills, unlike some of the other grills types, have the ability to come with many different types of cooking surfaces. These different cooking surfaces include a BBQ surface, a flat grill, and a ribbed grill. Some grills even offer these types of surfaces as none stick, which allow you to cook a whole array of foods that you would not be healthy to cook on a grill otherwise. You will be healthy to cook your whole meal, including side dishes if you plan correctly. Some gas grills even contain a Wok type surface for cooking pasta and rise dishes, or a full rotisserie set that allows you to cook rotisserie chicken.

Similar to weight, you should consider the amount of cooking surface area you will need, depending on the situations you will be in. If you will only be cooking for yourself or you and one other, you will want a gas grill with a smaller surface area, as it will be easier to clean. If you plan on holding parties or cooking for a larger family, then you will want to consider a gas grill with a larger surface area. This surface area may also include different types of cooking surfaces. Look for the type that suits you best, or is interchangeable.

Gas grills are typically on the higher end of the cost scale, as they require more mechanical parts then other grills. You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 for a smaller grill up to $400+ for a large stationary grill. You also have to remember that you must also purchase the gas for your grill.

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