Posted December 2nd, 2008 by admin
On Nov. 30, Robert Garcia announced a little blog tag contest that looks very interesting and inspiring. I was tagged by my son, Brian Mark, who set the mark quite high for an inspiring wish list. But here goes.
My 1st wish: Peace in our families. Our Nebraska legislature a while back passed a Safe Haven Law. The intent was great - allow babies who were unwanted to be dropped off at a hospital without penalty, rather than having them dumped in a garbage can or left in a Rest Stop restroom somewhere. However, they failed to specify “babies.” So people were driving many hours bringing teenagers hundreds of miles from several states away to drop them off at Nebraska hospitals claiming they could no longer take care of them. One father dropped off seven children. It deeply saddens me to think what life must be like for families like this, and all the others where abuse and neglect and ongoing conflict are a way of life. Peace in families is a huge need, and would be my 1st Christmas wish. That would help to bring about my 2nd wish.
2nd wish: Peace in our communities. I can’t help but think that much of the cause of the robberies, assaults, and murders in our local communities is brought about by unhappiness in families. If someone is unhappy at home, it seems only natural that they will be unhappy elsewhere. Even in early gradeschool, children have learned that the way to solve problems is to fight. That breaks my heart. Smaller communities, especially, used to be considered a safe place to live. That has changed, and I really don’t like the prospects for what my grandchildren will have to live with some day given the direction we are headed. We need peace in our communities, which would certainly help with my 3rd wish.
3rd wish: Peace among nations. I grew up in the time when people were scared of Nuclear War. People talked about building bomb shelters, and buildings were marked if they had a bomb shelter. Then things calmed down a bit, at least until 9/11. Now the threat seems to be growing again. We are being warned of a possible terrorist nuclear attack in the U.S. within the next few years. We are all beginning to live a little on edge, wondering when and where the next attack will be. We are living in barbaric times only with more sofisticated weapons and the ability to attack anwhere in the world, not just the village across the valley. I don’t like living scared. I would like to see our nations at peace.
Well, lest everyone thinks I’m trying to write a speech for the Miss America pagant, I’ll change my direction.
4th wish: Success for Brian Mark’s Church website venture. This wish is a little selfish, because I am going to be helping him with some of the leg work on this project. I believe that the peace I talked about in my first three wishes can only come when the peace of God resides in our hearts. Helping people find a church in their communities where they feel at home and can find God’s peace for their lives will go a long way to bringing peace in their families and communities.
5th wish: An end to our recession/depression. I remember my grandfather talking about the great depression, and how tough times were back then. I don’t want us to get to that again. I am retired, and as I watch my retirement fund shrink smaller and smaller every week, my only comfort is that we’re all in the same boat. Somehow we’ll make it, because God will provide. I pray that the leaders of our country will use the wisdom God has given them to find a good solution to the financial mess we’re in.
There you have it - my big tall Chrismas wishes. Now as part of the rules, I get to tag someone. I’ll tag David Brown at neo1seo.com. If you want to join in without waiting for a tag, you certainly can. Make your Christmas wish list.
Tags: Chrismas wishes, contest
Posted November 8th, 2008 by admin
Most everyone who has a home or office computer knows what it feels like when electrical power fails, whether it is a blackout, brownout, surge or spike. Unless you are prepared for these possible situations, any one of them could result in your computer shutting down instantly.
Then, all you can do is hold your breath while you restart your computer, hoping your hardware wasn’t damaged. If your computer starts back up alright, you again hold your breath while you open the last documents you were working on, hoping you didn’t loose too much data. All the while you are kicking yourself for not listening to the sound advice, “Save, and save often!” and trying to remember the last time you backed up your files.
All this is to say, we don’t often stop to think about how vulnerable our data and computers are to the electrical current. What we don’t realize is that the voltage of our electrical current can go through drops or surges for a variety of reasons, and that affects our computer systems.
There is a solution to this breath-holding experience. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can provide a continuous electrical current. If the voltage spikes, drops, or fails completely, the UPS can identify the problem almost instantly and intervene on behalf of your computer’s power supply and prevent the sizable deviations in the voltage which could cause damage to your computer or data.
Two Basic Types of UPS: For home and small business computers, there are two primary types of uninterruptible supplies: standby and continuous.
- Standby or Offline UPS: A standby UPS allows your PC to receive power directly from your utility company. If there’s an electrical problem, the UPS almost instantaneously intervenes and launches a power inverter to deliver a sustainable current from the UPS’s internal battery. The power inverter changes the battery’s DC power into AC power. Read on for a possible problem with the “almost instantaneous” intervention just mentioned.
- Continuous or Online UPS: A continuous UPS maintains a constant connection to your PC by supplying an unbroken current from its battery. While doing so, the UPS’s battery is constantly recharged by the utility power. If the utility power becomes unavailable, the UPS continues to seamlessly supply a current to the computer using a power inverter to change DC power into AC. While this type of UPS usually costs more and is less energy-efficient, its reliability is an important factor for many business critical applications.
Is one of these styles better than the other?A recent discussion about UPS Battery Backups with Brian Mark, the CTO of Toolbarn.com
led to an important observation, the value of the Continuous, or On-line style of UPS.
ToolBarn’s building has had some momentary power sags lately causing some of their computers to go down, while others in the same offices were not affected. Upon investigating the commonalities between those that went down and those that didn’t, Brian discovered that they were using two types of UPS devices. The computers which were using an on-line (continuous) UPS continued to run. Those using the off-line (standby) style were victims of the “almost instantaneous” switch over. It took just long enough for that “almost instantaneous” switch over that a slight “power sag” was still occurring causing their computers to blink off. The end result was that some of their monitors were burned out in the process.
So from their experience, it would seem that the best type of UPS Battery Backup is the on-line type, which continuously uses the battery power with the utility power keeping the battery charged. That way, if there is a power sag, you are still on full power. This would be especially important if you are running data centers or hosting your own servers.
There is another great feature available on many UPS models to consider. Some models offer software which will save your data and slowly shut down your computer’s running programs if the battery is running low before utility power is restored.
So, do we need a battery backup, or UPS? The answer is that it would be a good idea to have at least an inexpensive off-line UPS running on our home systems just from the standpoint of protecting our computer equipment. Small businesses would probably be wise to invest in a little more reliable on-line system to protect any data or servers.
Here are a couple of UPS devices to consider: (Or go to Honest Bargain Stores for some great discount deals on UPS devices.)
APC Back-UPS ES 8 Outlet 550VA 120V
Priced around $70.00.
The Back-UPS ES offers affordable battery backup and surge protection for home computers. With enough power outlets to protect your entire system, built-in phone/fax/modem line (DSL compatible) protection and easy-to-install safe system shutdown software all make this power protection solution the best value for home and home office computers.
CyberPower CP1000AVRLCD UPS - 1000VA/600W Intelligent LCD Diagnostic Display
Priced around $145.00
The CyberPower Systems CP1000AVRLCD UPS, designed for mid to high-end computer systems, features dynamic line conditioning and an Intelligent LCD diagnostic display. Real-time system vitals can be viewed from this display and the unit can be conveniently mounted in a workstation cabinet or directly on the desktop. The CP1000AVRLCD also guards against surges/spikes, and also offers battery backup in the event of brownouts or total power loss.
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Sources: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Gehler http://EzineArticles.com/?Personal-Computers-and-Uninterruptible-Power-Supplies&id=1329756
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Gehler http://EzineArticles.com/?4-Types-of-Uninterruptible-Power-Supply-Solutions&id=1507898
Tags: UPS Battery Backups
Posted October 6th, 2008 by admin
This DeWALT DC759KA Heavy-Duty 1/2″ 18 Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit is a super deal. A special pricing “while supplies last” at $129.99 saves you a whopping $253.69. That’s over 66% off. And shipping is just a PENNY!
I own one of these DeWALT18V Cordless Drills. It works great. There is always plenty of power with the long-lasting Ni-Cad battery. It’s made for rough and tough work.
I used my DeWalt Cordless Drill this summer as a cordless screwdriver while building an addition on our deck. I used one drill for drilling pilot holes, and then my DeWalt Cordless Drill for driving the screws to attach the brackets and boards. The Torque setting is adjustable, so I didn’t drive the screws right through the wood. It has enough power to do that.
I even use my DeWALT Cordless Drill to rotate the tires on my Jeep. Once I’ve loosened the lug nuts, it works great for quickly removing the lug nuts. After I’ve exchanged the wheel, it’s a breeze to zip the lug nuts back on again. I just need to do a little hand tightening to make sure they are tight enough, and I’m ready to roll. It sure beats using those lug wrenches that come with the vehicle.
Based on my own personal use, I highly recommend this kit. Check out the features:
* Compact Size: Fits into the Tightest Conditions
* High Performance Motor Delivers 450 in.-lbs. of Maximum Torque
* Lightweight Design (5.2 lbs.) Minimizes User Fatigue
* 1/2″ Single Sleeve Keyless Ratcheting Chuck for Tighter Bit Grip
* Dual Speed Range: 0-450 / 0-1,500 RPM Delivers Optimal Performance
* Maximum Durability and Reliability Withstands Job-Site Conditions
With the savings on both the Cordless Drill Kit and the shipping, you can’t beat this deal. Better order one now while supplies last. You can order on online at Toolbarn.com.
Or visit HonestBargain.com/DeWalt Cordless to see the original post for this DeWALT DC759KA Heavy-Duty 1/2″ 18 Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit, HonestBargain.com/tools, or HonestBargain.com for bargains and discount deals of all kinds.
Tags: 18V Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit, 18v cordless dewalt, cordless screwdriver, DC 759 KA, dewalt 18v drill, dewalt cordless, dewalt dc 18v drill, DeWalt DC759, DEWALT-DC759KA
Posted September 23rd, 2008 by admin
Halloween is a fun time for kids. Just ask any kid coming home with a bag full of candy. The excitement builds for days, even weeks as they try on their costumes, unless you are smart enough to not tell them about their costume until the day before. They pretend to be their favorite superhero or fairy princess. The magical world of make-believe comes to life for Halloween. Check out children’s Halloween costumes at Halloween Express.
But Halloween isn’t just for kids. Adults can live in the magic world of make-believe as well. Why not get a group together and have a Halloween party! You can find adult Halloween costumes of all kinds, Halloween costumes for couples, and group Halloween costumes.
Imagine the fun you could have developing a theme for a Halloween party. You could announce a pirate theme and have everyone dress the part. Aaarg!
Or go with a 60’s or 70’s theme. Give prizes for the most creative, the most original, the cutest, the most realistic costume. Use your imagination and have some fun. But get started now. Halloween is just around the corner. Order your costumes now at Halloween Express.
For more costume ideas, visit HonestBargain Stores.
Tags: Halloween, holidays
Posted September 19th, 2008 by admin
Last fall, I substituted on a tennis group. One of the players mentioned he was interested in one of the Weed Zone 35 Tennis Raquets, but he was having trouble finding one. I told him I thought I could locate one for him. When I found a source for him, he bought one. I could tell he really liked it because he started talking about these tennis raquets to the other players on the group. The next time I subbed on that group, three more players had purchased one of the Weed Zone 35 Tennis Raquets.
These Weed Zone 35 Tennis Raquets boast a huge 135 Sq. inch head, called a super-oversize frame. It is the largest of the legal tennis raquets. The Weed Zone 35 tennis raquets give a player maximum maneuverability, increased power and extra reach. They make great tennis raquets for doubles and provide maximum net coverage. Just think what they could do for you singles!
Why not use one of the tennis raquets that will give you the maximum advantage against your opponents! Order yours now and gain that advantage you’ve been seeking. Your opponents will think you’ve been taking lessons. Weed Zone 35 Tennis Raquet.
Check here for the original offer on HonestBargain.com.
Tags: tennis racquets, tennis raquets, weed zone rackets
Posted September 12th, 2008 by admin
I used an electric weed eater trimmer as my main lawn trimmer for years. It worked well, but it was a nuisance always dragging the long extension cord around the yard, untangling it from the bushes, routing it around the trees, pulling it around the house, and then wrapping it all up again. Even through I wrapped it up carefully, it would never unwrap as neatly as I had wrapped it up and eventually I would end up with knots in it again. And it didn’t work very well as a lawn edger for making a nice straight, smooth edge along my driveway.
Then I learned about the Cordless Black & Decker CST1000 12V 9″ Automatic Feed Lawn Trimmer/Edger. I bought one and have been extremely happy with it. This cordless lawn trimmer/weed eater trimmer/cordless edger is so easy to use. Here are some of its great features:
- Cordless: Since it is cordless, I am never tangled up in an extension cord. It comes with a charger which is connected to a wall-mount. When the trimmer is fully charged, it goes into maintenance mode so it is always freshly charged and ready to go. And the charge easily lasts long enough for me to do all my lawn trimming and edging on a single charge.
- Automatic Feed Spool: This lawn trimmer has an Automatic Feed Spool using centrifugal force to automatically feed the line as it gets shorter. No more banging it on the ground to try to feed more string out like I had to do with my electric weed eater trimmer.
- Groom N’ Edge: The head rotates easily with just the push of a button, allowing it to turn 180 degrees turning it into a great cordless edger. How simple is that!
Other features include a flip-down edge guide for precise lawn trimming, a spool which replaces easily, a hassle free trigger start, and an auxiliary handle which is adjustable to the user’s height.
Since this is a cordless trimmer, it works great to take across town where we have a garden, where it works amazingly well as one of the best garden trimmers I’ve ever seen.
The price is also great. It retails for $117.90, You can get it at Toolbarn.com for just $49.99 while supplies last. I highly recommend this Cordless Black & Decker lawn trimmer based on my personal experience.
Another post about the Cordless Black & Decker Lawn Trimmer/Edger at Organizational Tips
Original post at HonestBargain.com.
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Tags: cordless edger, cordless trimmers, garden trimmers, lawn trimmer, weed eater trimmer
