Zhu Zhu pets: where you can buy them

Two days ago I didn't even know what a Zhu Zhu pet was. It's an item on my granddaughter's Christmas list. Those of you who know me, know I am not a shopper ...at all...I only do it when I absolutely have to. But I do love a good deal. So, I grabbed the Sunday intserts out of the recycle bin and started looking to for these Zhu Zhu pets. No Luck. I called the local Wal-marts and Targets ...they will be getting a shipment in...all of them!

So, I got online. Wal-mart, Target, ToysRUs -- all out of stock. I don't give up easy. I found the furry little critters at Amazon!

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Mr. Squiggles - Light Brown

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Pipsqueek - Yellow

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Num Nums



Zhu Zhu/Go Go Pets Hamster Funhouse (Hamsters Sold Separately)

I don't know how many Zhu Zhu pets there are, but Amazon has more and various accessories! So, if a Zhu Zhu pet is on your list, your friend or co-workers list... click these links and start shopping. They are in stock NOW, but who knows how long that will last.

Top 10 diet and weight loss books 2009 - with links

Top 10 diet and weight loss books 2009 - with links

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Katt Williams arrested on burglary charges in Georgia

Comedian Katt Williams best known for his slicked back hair and potty-mouth approach was picked up in Newnan, Georgia for trying to break into a home. Williams best known for The Pimp Chronicles, and his role on Nick Cannon's top-rated MTV improv show, Wild 'n Out. In addition, to packed performances at The Improv and The Comedy Club and frequent appearances on the BET Network in shows such as the Rip the Runway and Comic View - not to forget numerous movies and television shows.

According to hiphop.popcrunch.com, Williams was inspired by great comedians such as: Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Murhpy, Richard Pryor, Don Knotts, Bill Cosby, George Carlin, Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle. The Hip Hop community embraced him as one of their own, with Master P singing his praises as the next Richard Pryor and Snoop Dogg comparing his flamboyance, style, and spirit to both Richard Pryor and Red Foxx.

Recently, Williams has had some issues. In November 2008, Katt Williams was admitted a South Carolina medical center for a psychiatric evaluation due to unexplained incidents involving erratic behavior, including being briefly jailed in New York City after being stopped for driving without a license plate - three guns were found in the car. Weapons charges were later dropped. A publicist blamed a hectic tour schedule and "incredible" fatigue.

In this latest arrest, Williams was charged with burglary and criminal trespass. He is scheduled to appear before a magistrate Monday November 9th 4 p.m. ET. Eligibility for bond will be decided at that time.

Free online Thanksgiving coloring pages

Do you have children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other little rug-rats running around your house? It is now that time of the year. Cleaning, cooking, shopping on and offline, decorating, baking and generally getting ready for the upcoming holiday season includes important, time consuming tasks for you, but the little ones could care less. Vist this link and find over 200 free Thanksgiving coloring pages to keep them busy and happy, while you get some grown-up work done!

Election day November 3, 2009

This message is simple. People have suffered and died so you could have the right to vote. Make your voice heard. Don't just push levers...understand the candidates position and rely on your gut, common sense and the "real facts". Always look at both sides of the issues with an open mind. Stand up and be counted. If you don't vote, you don't COUNT!

Low-fat roasted pumpkin seeds recipe

Low-fat roasted pumpkin seeds recipe

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Free Pumpkin Carving Stencils Patterns and Templates

It's that time of year again! If you need FREE Pumpkin carving stencil patterns or templates, take advantage of this treat and click on this link to get great FREE Halloween website resources!

The Children's Place 15% off Coupon

If you have little ones, or will be buying for them this holiday season, jump on this great offer from The Children's Place. You can print the coupon and take it to your nearest The Children's Place store, or use the coupon to shop online. If you shop online, you need to use the Webcode listed to receive the discount. This offer is good now through November 16, 2009.

Don't let this offer pass. The Childrens' Place offers quality kids clothing and accessories at reasonable prices. All year long you can catch good sales and their customer service is great!

Click here to visit the site or get the coupon.

Philadelphia weight loss and fitness boot camp to sponsor Halloween workout and food drive

Philadelphia weight loss and fitness boot camp to sponsor Halloween workout and food drive

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Philadelphia Health Fair exposes the real deal

According to an article written by, Kia Gregory, an Inquirer Staff Writer, Robert Barchi,President of Thomas Jefferson University had this to say about African Americans, "One thing has to do with our lifestyles, the food we eat, the lack of exercise, the pressure we're under - all of that contributes to high blood pressure. Most people don't know they have elevated blood pressure, so they're not treating it. It doesn't present symptoms unless they're catastrophic. That's why it's called the silent killer."

At a corporate screening, Nakida Jones received a rude awakening. Her blood pressure reading was 176/110. She conveniently ignored the warning signs for far too long. A family history of hypertension, complacent inactivity, fried foods, takeout, processed and convenience foods was taking it's toll...read the entire article here. Get your self together...be aware...eat right...and LIVE!

Lose weight at home: exercise video game "The Biggest Loser" on shelves 10/06/2009

Lose weight at home: exercise video game "The Biggest Loser" on shelves 10/06/2009

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Curves offers free 30-day diet plan

Curves offers free 30-day diet plan

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Kanye West apologizes again on Jay Leno: Run this Town performance-Videos

He did it again! What is up with Kanye West acting out on award shows? I wonder if it had something to do with the Cognac he was passing around on the red carpet. Hmmmm. He apologized to Taylor Swift on his blog, but I think he needs to do a lot more than that. Maybe write a hit for her?

One thing I will give him. He was already scheduled to perform on the debut of "The Jay Leno Show" with fellow musicians, Rhianna and Jay-Z. He could have done a John McCain and cancelled - but he showed up and gave Leno a few minutes to conduct a short interview.

He seemed very sincere as he offered Swift another apology. West said, "It was rude, period." He also said that he wants to apologize to Swift in person, which I think is the right way to bring closure to the whole mess. I was amused when Leno asked him something like, at what point did you know messed up? And West replied that when he gave Swift back the microphone and the audience booed. He didn't realize what he was doing was obnoxious before that point? That Cognac must be some wicked stuff.

The most emotional part of the interview was when Leno asked Kanye if his late mother Donda would have been disappointed in his behavior toward Taylor Swift? Kanye winced and took a long pause. He was very remorseful as he answered that he needs to take some time off and reflect on how to live a better life in the future.

I wish him luck in getting it together.

View the entire apology here.

Watch Kanye West, Rhianna, and Jay-Z perform "Run this Town"

Patrick Swayze is dead at age 57 from Pancreatic cancer

On September 14, 2009, the world has lost another great entertainer. Patrick Swayze lost his 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. His publicist had this to say, "Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months."

Swayze was born on August 18, 1952 in Houston Texas. His mother Patsy Yvonne Helen was a choreographer, dancer and dance instructor. His father, Jessie Wayne Swayze was an engineering draftsman. Swayze lived in Houston until the age of 20. According to Wikipedia, he was involved in various, multiple athletic and artistic skills, such as acting in school plays, ice-skating, classical ballet and studying gymnastics. He moved to New York City in 1972 to complete his formal dance training at the Joffrey and Harkness Ballet Schools.

The roles Swayze is probably remembered the most for the movies Dirty Dancing and Ghost. I must have watched Dirty Dancing at least fifty times. Now Ghost is another story. It was a very good movie, but it made me cry too much.
I don't re-watch movies that make me cry. I want to be entertained, kept in suspense...anything but sad.

His last role was that of an undercover FBI agent on A&E drama series called The Beast. You could see that he was getting thin, but he did a great job with the role. I really enjoyed the show...action, suspense, drama. My kind of show...no tears. He completed one season while, taking treatments for his cancer. The world has lost another great, talented entertainer that shared his gifts with us. Condolences to his wife Lisa Niemi. Patrick Swayze may you rest in peace.

Take a few minutes and watch this great Dirty Dancing clip

Cheating required for losing weight on the 5-factor diet

Cheating required for losing weight on the 5-factor diet

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Labor Day Special: Free Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwich

Tired of eating hot dogs and hamburgers? This Labor day 9/07/09 after 10:30am, just show up wearing ANY team logo at Chick-Fil-A and in return, you will get a free chicken sandwich. Click here for more details about the promotion.

Smart Choices nutrition labeling added to General Mills products

Smart Choices nutrition labeling added to General Mills products

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Virtual weight loss website offers before and after images

Virtual weight loss website offers before and after images

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Weight Loss 101: How many calories are in a Philadelphia soft pretzel?

Weight Loss 101: How many calories are in a Philadelphia soft pretzel?

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Tiger Woods blows 'em away with a good fart

After missing the cut in the British Open, Tiger Woods is back to true Tiger form with his third Buick Open win. The win is his 69th PGA Tour victory. He won by three strokes and literally "blew away" the competition by shooting 20 under for the match...and sealing the deal with a good fart! Rumor has it that Woods also farted when he won the Arnold Palmer invitational last March.

Have you ever noticed how much he eats while playing? A banana here, an apple there, and of course of lot of liquid to stay hydrated. All that fiber has to go somewhere. What better place to let one rip than on the 18th hole to seal the whole deal?

Woods had this to say while being interviewed after the win, “I’ve played all around the world, and I’ve never seen a day like this.” “This event has always been special, but today was something else.” It sure was Tiger... and everyone is still talking about it!

Watch the Video Here

She did it again: Rachael Alexandra left the boys eating her dust

What a woman! 3-year-old filly Rachel Alexandra has beat the boys again at the 1.25 million Haskell Invitational, Monmouth Park in New Jersey. She was absolutely amazing. She has beaten the Kentucky Derby and Belmont stakes winners. What's next the Travers Stakes in hooty-tooty Saratoga?

Famous jockey Calvin Borel who rode Rachel in this race had this to say, "This filly is just unbelievable. I can't say how good she is"." I gave her a few taps at the 16th-pole, that's it. I just wanted to keep her focused with a couple of taps. She started looking around at the crowd, so I just wanted to keep her busy".

Borel rode Rachael Alexandra in the Preakness and she beat the fellows hands down. The filly has won 10 of 13 races. She recently races against other 3-year old fillies and won the Mother Goose and Oaks stakes by an impressive combined 39 1/2 lengths.

"We haven't reached the depth of her yet," co-owner Jess Jackson said. "She is just running to beat the competition, and I don't know if she will ever get to Secretariat's records."

Jackson purchased Rachel Alexandra after she won the Kentucky Oaks by 20 1-4 lengths on May 1, 2009 and said he wanted to run her against the boys. Now that she's beaten them twice, Jackson should be very pleased and may just may have the best filly - ever.

Rachel Alexandra joins Serena's Song as the only fillies to win the Haskell. The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro became the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness when she beat Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird by one length.

Rachel Alexandra--you go girl and make them eat eat your dust!

Buca di Beppo $10/20 purchase coupon

In an effort to share free offers and coupons that I find, If you like Italian food, you will love this offer from Buca di Beppo.

Click here for a $10 coupon off a purchase of $20 dollars or more. The coupon is good until August 9, 2009.

Click here to find the nearest Buca di Beppo. Enjoy!

Free breakfast at Phildelphia/NJ/DE Chick-Fil-A's

FREE is always good. So be sure to take advantage of this great offer.

Philadelphia Area/NJ/DE: Chick-Fil-A's are having FREE BREAKFAST Thursdays now through August 6th between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Be sure to call your local Chick-Fil-A to make sure they are participating!

Enjoy!

Walter Cronkite: another icon has passed

Being the news junkie that I am, and growing up in a news junkie house, Walter Cronkite was like one of the family. Walter Cronkite WAS the news. He was the CBS anchor from 1962 thru 1981. I was there with him. I don't remember him covering the Kennedy assassination, because I was only six. But I remember watching the funeral--sitting mesmerized in front of our black and white TV--watching over and over and over again the horse drawn carriage and John John's salute.

I watched the Civil Rights marches, the Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy funerals, battles of the Vietnam war, Neil Armstrong landing on the moon, Watergate and countless other 'Breaking News' events all reported by the most 'trusted man in the US', Walter Cronkite.

I remember being a young adult and not having a Friday night date. The girls at work would ask what I was going to do after work. My response would be that I had a date with Walter. No one ever knew that my date was with Walter Cronkite and the CBS Evening News.

Heaven is really jumping now: Farrah has taken over all greeting and hospitality functions -- making sure that everyone is safe, happy and well cared for. Michael is singing and dancing up a storm. The whole joint's been jumping since he arrived. And now Walter is keeping everyone up to date and informed. And that's the way it is--July 17, 2009.

Kesha Ni' Cole Nichols left at the altar by NBA star

Former New Jersey Net dancer/cheerleader Kesha Ni'Cole Nichols was literally left standing at the altar this weekend by NBA star Richardson Jefferson.

The couple was to be married on Saturday July 11, 2009 at the posh Mandarin Oriental in New York, but Jefferson ended his relationship with Nichols the week before the wedding. Nichols notified friends and family of the breakup, but Jefferson kept quite about the breakup until the day of the wedding and called only 2 hours before the ceremony was to take place. ( Gee, how thoughtful of him)

Due to the late notice, some guest had already arrived for the $2 million affair. Rumor has it that to make up to his friends for the inconvenience, Jefferson gave his best friend his black AMEX card to pay for a fun-filled night on the town. How generous. It takes a lot of guts to call of a wedding. I hope he did the right thing for the right reasons...because what goes around comes around and payback is a b--ch!

Sarah Palin: from maverick to quitter

Sarah Palin once again has the media world buzzing. I'm not sure if that was her intent though. She hastily called a press conference, on a Friday afternoon, before a holiday weekend. Hmmm. If the plan was for no one to notice - it back fired.

We all know that Sarah isn't the most articulate speaker, but I found it extremely hard to follow what the heck she was trying to say. I got the bottom line - she is not going to run for re-election and she is quitting - I mean - resigning her post at the end of this month.

Everything else was typical Palin fashion, words coming out of her mouth, that don't make much sense. She has 18 months left, why quit? I got the impression she felt she was doing Alaska a favor by not sticking around because she would be a lame duck. Well, I think she's doing them a favor, but not for that reason.

What about the people that elected her? The people that she always mentioned that she was so fiercely fighting for? I wonder how they feel. I would be pissed. She never really gave a reason why. She talked in circles and gave basketball analogies about a good point guard keeping her eye on the ball and passing off to win the game. I like and understand basketball, but without knowing what she plans to do, it made no sense.

She did say her family was in favor of the decision. Of course they would be, taking care of a family and being governor is not an easy job. How much time did she actually get to spend with her family? Duhh. Holding a political office is nothing to sneeze at. What would have happened if she was the Vice president?? 'Gee...things aren't what we thought they would be, I'm taking my family and moving back to Alaska'.

Well, maybe if McCain won, it would be different. Who knows. But I do know that self-proclaimed mavericks shouldn't be quitters - it's not good for the rep. If her plan is to position herself for 2012, she better have a plan B, because even though she has small portion of America under her spell, Americans generally don't like quitters.

Joe Jackson will you please sit down and shut up

I am tired of seeing Joe Jackson on the news, running his mouth and sounding stupid. It's not about you Joe. This is the time to celebrate Michael's life. It seems that Joe Jackson is determined to steal his 15 minutes of fame, once again, at Michael's expense.

Shameless, undignified and ignorant is the picture Joe Jackson is unwittingly painting for the media. He used, abused and exploited Michael during his life, to gain money and recognition. He is now trying to do the same thing with his death.

Blatantly plugging his new Ranch Records label while being interviewed at the BET Awards, by CNN anchor Don Lemon was shameless and insensitive. Even Lemon was speechless and tried to cover the blatant plug by redirecting the conversation back to Michael.

Check out the Video.

What goes around, comes around and I hope that Joe Jackson gets his sooner, rather than later. He so deserves it!!

Tevin Campbell: tribute to O'Jays on BET Awards

BET Awards night was dedicated to honor the memory of The King of Pop, Michael Jackson. But there were other highlights that happened during the show that kind of got lost in the moment.

The O'Jays were honored with the Life Time Achievement Award. Introduced by Soul Train's Don Cornelius, Tevin Campbell took the lead in paying tribute to the O'Jays. The five time Grammy nominated R&B artist, brought the house down with the O'Jays hit, "Forever Mine". You can watch the video here.

Along with Tyrese, Trev Songz and Johnny Gill, Campbell and the group also belted out "Back Stabbers", and "Stairway to Heaven".

It was great. Real music that you could understand, and it didn't have to be bleeped out. Real music with real singers singing notes--not talking in some sing-songy-- everything sounds the same rythm.

Most recently, Cambell was on Broadway in the cast of Hairspray. Now that the play has closed, maybe we'll being seing more of him. I hope so!

BET Awards honor Michael Jackson

The BET 2009 Awards show did a great job in dedicating the show as a tribute to Michael Jackson. Comedian Arsenio Hall was available on the red carpet to chat and remember Michael. He was adamant that this should be a celebration of Michael's life, and what better venue to celebrate the King of Pop, than the BET Awards.

The show was changed at the last minute to accommodate the tribute to Jackson. You would have never known. It was flawless. Everyone was so gracious and humble in accepting their awards and gave the King of Pop his due. They all acknowledged the success of their careers would not have been possible, if Michael had not paved the way.

The show was great. Naturally, I enjoyed all the R&B music. I just can't get into the Rap crap. Such a big deal was made of the segment with " Drake, Lil Wayne ( who I wanted to pull of the stage, throw him in a shower and put some clothes on him that fit) and somebody else
that I can't remember. I had no idea what they were say, most of Lil Wayne was bleeped out and they kept shouting Rest in peace to Michael.

I was actually offended. Michael Jackson was musical genius. This crap that they were spewing, while running around the stage was not music. Al Sharpton and Joe Jackson were in the audience. I was wondering what Sharpton was thinking, because at James Brown's funeral, he asked Michael to help him bring "real" music back to the black youth. Not this no-singing, demeaning, offensive, who-know-what-they-are-saying stuff. But the show was redeemed when Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo closed the show with "I'll Be There".

Before the show, CNN announced that a member of the Jackson family would be at the Awards show, but they didn't know who. I was surprised to see Joe Jackson. He and Michael were not the closest. Then when Janet made her appearance and said she was chosen to be the family spokesperson, I wasn't sure if that was a diss to the father, or it was planned that way so he didn't have to speak. He certainly is doing a lot of talking today. Time will tell.

Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson: I'm losing my childhood memories

I woke up today this morning feeling sorry for myself, because I was feeling bad, with another cold. It seems like I've had the same cold since October 2008. Made coffee, starting getting my writing notes organized and turned on the news, like I do any other morning. I'm not sure what time it was, but I heard that Farrah Fawcett died, I stopped cold in my tracks.

What do you mean she died? Ryan proposed, she accepted and they were going to get married. I knew she was very ill, but she was a fighter and fought her cancer with every strength of her being. She can't be dead. But it's true.

Farrah was my favorite Angel. There was just something about her smile that was so warm and genuine. She gave a new meaning to the "layered look" in hair styles. Anyone with long enough hair that could wear a Farrah "feathered" do, was strutting her stuff and then some.

She was not only beautiful, she was compassionate, intelligent and committed to her craft. I read an article Robert Greenwald wrote for the Huffington Post. He explained that he was so amazed by Farrah when they were shooting The Burning Bed. He had this to say," I was directing her for the first time and her fearless commitment to going to the darkest places emotionally never wavered. She never hesitated when I took her to battered women's shelters. To interview women with painful stories". "... and she never flinched when I described how we needed to take away her wonderful beauty and life force to make the film and role authentic. As I staged the brutal assaults, her physical guts and strength were a shining example for the whole cast".

I remember watching the movie The Burning Bed experiencing many different emotions and awed by Farrah's tremendous performance. The world will miss more than her beautiful smile. May she rest in peace.

Adding insult to injury, the news flashed "Breaking News" and I saw that Michael Jackson was hospitalized. He had cardiac arrest. Being the news junkie that I am. I know from Dr. Sanjay Gupta that cardiac arrest means the heart stops and quivers...it does not beat. Immediate intervention is needed for the patient to survive. He will be OK. I told myself.

Flashbacks took me to last summer when Bernie Mac and Issac Hayes died within days of each other. Two other people I felt close to. I grew up with Issac's music and related to Bernie's humor because we were the same age. The stuff he joked about, I also experienced. Michael was going to be OK, because I willed it to be so.

My sister was the first to tell me Michael died. I screamed out loud. No. She said she was now in mourning. I ran to the TV... at first CNN and MSNBC would not announce the death, because it was not confirmed. But when they finally did announce it, I felt apart of me also left with Michael, because his music was such an important part of my life from my teenage years thru adulthood. Michael was a musical genius.

I tried to think of my favorite Michael Jackson song, but I like too many to name. I managed to pick my 3 favorite albums:Off the Wall, Michael Jackson 25th Anniversary of Thriller and Bad.

They in no way, neatly package what I most liked about Michael's music, but I feel I need to pin something down. It hasn't completely sunk in yet. Maybe tomorrow it will. The King of Pop is gone. May he find peace and solitude. I will every time I hear his music.

Patty McCormak: The Bad Seed

The TV held a position of high esteem in our house, my mother likes old movies and both my parents like sports. So needless to say the TV was always on in my parents home. And as a family, we had a habit a giving nicknames to neighbors or the locals, often referring to the many movie or TV characters that we watched.

The Bad Seed was a movie our family most enjoyed. Originally released in 1956, by Warner Brothers. The movie told the story of Rhoda Penmark (Patty McCormack), a seemingly overly polite little girl, with blonde braids and a flashing smile that was so sweet, until she didn't get her way. Then, without batting an eyelash, she could kill another human and act like nothing ever happened.

Certainly not your Saturday afternoon with the kid’s movie, but our family can find humor in just about anything. See, we had a neighbor that we nicknamed the "bad seed". Now she didn't kill anyone (to my knowledge), but she fit the physical description to a T. Blonde braids and all. She was a spoiled, little brat that knew when to turn on the charm to keep herself out of trouble. Just like the character in the movie.

It seems that the original film is being shown this weekend at the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival in Palm Springs with the 63-year-old McCormack scheduled to appear. Like most of us, if you can't make that event, check out the DVD the The Bad Seed . Enjoy it at home and "watch out for those shoes."

Jada Pinkett Smith graces July cover of Redbook magazine

Young, gifted and black. Jada Pinkett Smith graces the cover of July, 2009 Redbook magazine. Jada talks about her husband Will Smith and how they keep their marriage and an exciting sex life going after being married for almost 11 years. Jada had this to say about their relationship.

"We're constant;y surprising each other," No matter what side of the scale one is on, the other will switch to keep the balance. We crack up about it all the time. We hardly every agree on anything, and we've learned to really respect that in our relationship. You might have an idea in your mind of what marriage is supposed to be, and you're driving, driving, driving , toward this ideal picture. But you have to be open to the fact that your relationship is meant to be something else."

Nothing makes me happier than to see a strong, committed relationship. With the debut of Jada's new series HawthoRNe on TNT network and Will's continued film accomplishments, these two have found the formula for personal, family and career success.

John Ensign--Cynthia Hampton affair: What goes around comes around

Here we go again. I try so hard to keep politics out of my post (yeah right), but for some reason the Republicans just won't let me. To be fair to Senator John Ensign and Cindy Hampton, I know and you know that Democrats cheat on their mates just as much as Republicans do. It doesn't make it right; it just makes it so. Any cheater in my book is a dog. But, for some reason, Republicans generally--I said generally, come off as the official high and mighty, family value, banish the gays, be of high morals or get banished to hell party. They sneer, smirk and judge others who have "screwed up".

Take Nevada Senator John Ensign for example, He was one of the first to denounce Clinton for his affair with Monica Lewinsky. You couldn't shut him up. He was so appalled that the President was a hypocrite and should not be allowed to finish his term. Ensign was also front and center calling for fellow Republican Sen. Larry Craig's head, when he got caught up in that whole embarrassing 2007 bathroom sex sting--thing. So, while Ensign is slamming Craig, he is also involved with the treasurer of his reelection campaign and leadership fund. 46-year old Cindy Hampton. The affair started in December 2007 and ended in August 2008, around four months after Cindy and her husband Doug left Ensign's staff.

Oh, yes. It gets better. Both Cindy Hampton and her Husband Doug Hampton worked for Ensign and rumor has it that Douglas Hampton tried to extort money from Ensign, which prompted Ensign to go public and fess up to his third affair. That's right. Mr. Righteous has had three affairs that he admitted to. His wife Darlene wasn't by his side, but according to a11news.com she made this lame statement, “Since we found out last year, we have worked through the situation, and we have come to a reconciliation. This has been difficult on both families. With the help of our family and close friends, our marriage has become stronger. I love my husband.”

Wake up Darlene. Even though you guys were actively involved in “Promise Keepers”, a Christian evangelical ministry that promotes strong families and marriages, John has failed three times; he will never pass.

I guess what you do in Vegas stays in Vegas, only if you don't get caught!

Philadelphia Weight Loss Examiner: Sexy, fit and over 40: Halle Berry and Jamie Foxx lock lips on Spike tv awards show

Philadelphia Weight Loss Examiner: Sexy, fit and over 40: Halle Berry and Jamie Foxx lock lips on Spike tv awards show

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Philadelphia Weight Loss Examiner: Gabrielle Union's easy diet and workout plan

Philadelphia Weight Loss Examiner: Gabrielle Union's easy diet and workout plan

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Philadelphia Weight Loss Examiner: Keep your kids fit this summer with Kids Bowl Free

Philadelphia Weight Loss Examiner: Keep your kids fit this summer with Kids Bowl Free

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Philadelphia Weight Loss Examiner: Lose more weight with 5 fat burning foods

Philadelphia Weight Loss Examiner: Lose more weight with 5 fat burning foods

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A Great Research Site For Any Niche Or Topic

If you are a writer, writer's block is bound to take it's toll sooner or later. Do you find yourself, going through the same old re-hashed information? Just can't decide how you want to approach a particular topic? Are you tired of using the same old sources that never seem to be updated? Well, regardless of your topic I have the 411 on the perfect FREE research site that is sitting right under your nose.

I can't take credit for this treasure. A member site I belong to shared this information with me and it is just too good to keep to myself. The site is http://google.books.com . All you have to do is to enter your keyword or phrase and....bam...you get a list of books...not articles, but well researched books on that word or topic.

Most of the books will have a limited preview link. You get to browse through sections of the book like the Table of Contents, or sections relating to your keyword search. You can't read the whole book, but you often see quite of chunk of it...enough to get your creative juices flowing and give you some ideas on what your next article or e-book might be.

Article Marketing: The Best Free Marketing Tool

If you have an online business, or a brick and mortar business that has an online presence, I'm sure you have heard the term " content is king". If you haven't, you will. It refers to the insatiable quest for knowledge and information; the main reason why we flock to the world wide web.

You can load your website with good quality, relevant information...the kind of information your target market wants to hear or learn more about. This sounds great, but it won't have people flocking to your site...you have to let them know that you are there.

There are quite a few ways to do that, but the most effective FREE way to draw people to your site is through article marketing. Helpful, informative, quality content delivered without hype or a sales pitch. People will read your article, like what you have to say, and want to know more about you and what you have to offer. It's a trust thing. You are giving them information they want without asking for anything in return. It works!

Of course it's not that cut and dry. There are such things as keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, but the bottom line is that you can write or have written an article pertaining to your line of business. Submit it to directories. If done correctly, people will read it, like it, and visit your website by following the link you are allowed in your by-line. No stress, no pressure, no hard sell. Just free traffic to gain maximum exposure for your product, service or business.

Article Writing: Free Tools To Help You Find What People Are Searching For

Writing articles for clients is basically cut and dry. They tell you what they want, you do the necessary research and write the article. Writing articles in your own name to be published, however can be quite another story.

You can write about topics that are always popular like finances, health, making money and relationships. People always want information on those topics. You just need to put a unique slant on information that hasn’t been sufficiently covered and you are own your way to producing a good article.

On the other hand, topics that are currently in the news,and considered "hot" will draw a lot of attention, but you have to jump on the information quickly, because as soon as it makes news, the 15 minutes of fame starts counting down. Here today and gone tomorrow.

Three great places to get free, accurate and timely information on the most current news events are: Google Trends, Yahoo! Buzz, and Yahoo!omg!.

Yahoo! omg! provides current (within hours) celebrity news and gossip. Yahoo!Buzz is great for finding out what is happening in the United States and around the world. It shows the top ten searches as well as adding commentary and helpful background info. It contains an Index Buzz, Up and Coming Buzz, and Top Buzz.

Google trends offers a look as which searches and queries Google users have been recently looking for. It gives you a great side by side comparison graph, so you can compare different keyword searches. Google Trends also offers Hot Trends which shows the top 100 searches people are checking out NOW.

An example of the "hot trends" as of thirty minutes ago are all related to the Super Bowl. People are searching on: How old is Bruce Springsteen, e street band, santonio holmes, macgruber....all things you saw or heard if you watched the game.

Free is always good and rarely found. So if you need a good idea for an interesting, current, newsworthy article or web content check out Google Trends and Yahoo! Buzz for updated , solid information.

Ghost Writing and WordTracker G Trends

Ghostwriting requires mastering tricks of the trade. Keywords are an important part of the ghost writing business and any available help is much appreciated. You may have heard of the free wordtracker tool to analyze keywords. I want you to know that there is an even more powerful tool to help you analyze the profit potential of keywords which provides way more value than listing keywords and long-tailed keywords.
Word Tracker G Trends will show you how many competitive sites have your keyword and how many visitors the site receives each day. The closer to less than 30 thousand sites and the potential for more than 100 visitors per day gives you the recipe for a profit producing website.
You may not reach the numbers exactly, but the closer you get….the better your chances for profit are expanded.
If your job is to provide keyword rich articles, then using Word Tracker G Trends will be your ticket to profitable keywords and phrases. The more information you have…the better you can write keyword rich profitable articles for maximum profit potential.

Obama Inauguration from A Writer's View

As a Middle-aged African-American woman, President Obama's Inauguration was truly a dream come true. I felt so full of pride and hope for this strong, articulate, intelligent, man that showed so much leadership, compassion and common sense throughout his adult life and during the never-ending election campaign.

From a writer's perspective, I was even more enthused with the quality, content and delivery of the speeches and prose. The poem Praise Song for The Day was so eloquently delivered by the author Elizabeth Alexander. The words, imagery and powerful descriptions left me sitting on the edge of the chair trying to envision what she saw, what she was saying, and relate it my world and life long experiences.

President Obama's speech was powerful, articulate, clear and to the point. No play on words here. He had a message that he wanted to convey...with no ambiguity...no question as to what he was trying to say...he said it loud and clear for all to hear. Whether you liked the speech or not, you have to admit, it was the speech of a strong leader...in control, not a follower.

Although Obama's speech touched me deeply, the Benediction given by Rev. Joseph E. Lowery put the icing on the cake. He started the speech with the fourth stanza of the Negro National Anthem. I realize that most folks don't know this, but if you were an active part of the Civil Rights movement, or like me, a student of Black History...you knew when he started what he was reciting. It brought chills to my spine and tears to my eyes. Rev. Lowery was there, marching side-by-side with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. As I watched this fragile, elderly man, and listened to his deep power filled, words of sweat, sacrifice and love, I was mesmerized, humbled and proud all at the same time, to be a witness to such a great moment in history.

Probably one of the more lighter sides of the day, was when Rev. Lowery ended his speech with, " ... we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right"...

Most people from other races didn't get it...some yelled the speech contained racist remarks, but African-Americans of age remember skipping rope and playing dodge ball to those words and reciting them...because they were the words of our day, our cause and our hope as a people to be treated as equals.....can I get an Amen!

Is Ghost Writing Recession Proof?

I've asked myself this question over the past couple weeks and still don't have a clear answer. In the freelance writing business, there are two things you can always count on: The first being Internet marketers "generally" think freelance writers are willing to work for practically nothing(until they figure out they can't do it themselves). The other being right before the holiday season, jobs are hard to come by, but pick up right before new year.

With all that being said I experienced the pre-holiday lull, but more interestingly, offers for a barter relationship and a partnership with a complimentary non- competitive online business. Times are tough, but so far freelance writing skills are still in demand, but some potential clients are thinking of creative ways to pay for the services. The next few months will be interesting to say the least....stay tuned.