tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-143267362024-03-07T01:58:22.253-07:00On A Journey...Thoughts, mumblings, rantings on my journey through life...Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-52223028551243846732008-12-10T22:45:00.002-07:002008-12-10T22:48:24.992-07:00More HP Magic... Gear Live has a 2nd contestSo many chances to win, so little time!<br /><br />(Deadline on this one is Dec. 11) <a href="http://059.qlnk.net/">Gear Live</a>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-69875353602095132812008-09-28T14:12:00.003-07:002008-09-28T14:35:16.195-07:00Changing the Car Oil, Er... Transmision Fluid?My husband the electrician (a very good one actually) has only minimal experience working on cars. He's eager to learn though and hopefully save a few dollars in the long-run as a result. The first task to learn of course is changing the oil. Easy, right?<br /><br />First was my aging, quickly disintegrating Saturn. Oil changed - no problem. Then enters my relatively new (to me), beloved Passat. This is its first oil change since we purchased it this summer. My husband crawled under the carriage and drained a plug he was sure was the oil. Changed the oil, changed the filter, and put it all back together. Done. Right? Sure...<br /><br />As I took the car out to run errands, I quickly noticed that the gears weren't quite engaging. You know, like when you first learn to drive a stick shift car and don't quite get it into first or second gear? It would rev up but not move forward. Then it would engage and be fine for a bit before repeating. Baffled, my husband thought maybe we were using the wrong type oil. We checked the manual and online forums and decided that we needed to be using a synthetic oil. So this morning, he purchased some of that (more expensive of course) along with a new oil filter, just in case that contributed to the cause.<br /><br />This time, after the oil change, the car was even worse - it wouldn't go into any gear at all. Really baffled. He tried to drain the oil a third time and noticed that hardly any came out, even when he added more up top. Online forums were talking about sludge problems resulting in replacement of the oil pump and even the engine. Scared of impending repair bills (and grateful we had bought an extended warranty from the used car dealer) we decided a call to a friend who works as a mechanic was in order.<br /><br />Thank goodness for Max! He came over on his day off, crawled under the car and promptly announced that we had drained the <span style="font-style: italic;">transmission fluid</span> NOT the oil! OMG. On one hand, I'm a bit frustrated that we now have to tow the car to the dealership tomorrow to get new transmision fluid pumped in (you can't do it yourself on these newer cars). On the other hand, I'm relieved that it won't be the huge repair bill I was afraid of.<br /><br />And, on the bright side - I have something new to hold over my husband's head and tease him about. This will buy me a get-out-of-jail-free card for at least a month or so. :)<br /><br />Lesson learned. Weekend and car saved. A few laughs had. Thanks Max for saving our day!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >Have you checked out my Business blog? I post there more often and talk about the latest trends in technology and online business. Check it out at <a href="http://creativeassistants.blogspot.com/">http://creativeassistants.blogspot.com/</a>!</span>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-56925793191056934802008-08-31T15:28:00.000-07:002008-08-31T15:28:29.528-07:00Obama-mania sweeps Africa - The Denver Post<a href="http://www.denverpost.com/ci_10350829?source=rss">Obama-mania sweeps Africa - The Denver Post</a>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-35245991781198643682008-06-14T18:45:00.009-07:002008-06-14T19:24:36.784-07:00My Sister Gets Married!My <a href="http://web.mac.com/dejo/OurWedding/Photo_Sampler.html">sister Pam married Robert DeJong </a>at 5:00 pm on 6-7-08 in <a href="http://www.estesnet.com/">Estes Park, CO.</a> (Yes, they intentionally set it to be 5-6-7-8. LOL)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t4mgo1c78NT7YwQmOyAn18UbNkP65QUPIjGd-oW-tmNXd6c8s2AqK8FPuwTDu0TuN1zDZcjoXy6FWWzhjMeP283JjPrJC_GzUWnJpTkZLPvbpj0dRZ3_07zsKJY18KxW1jCn/s1600-h/Pictures+Pam+Dejo3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t4mgo1c78NT7YwQmOyAn18UbNkP65QUPIjGd-oW-tmNXd6c8s2AqK8FPuwTDu0TuN1zDZcjoXy6FWWzhjMeP283JjPrJC_GzUWnJpTkZLPvbpj0dRZ3_07zsKJY18KxW1jCn/s320/Pictures+Pam+Dejo3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211919341634056258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuoa4fDndWDlSZyjRu7G9HC7lpDg7LIkR8H442XgkUoqAVrHb9ZIgmNNi9ID3xqrJHR6SPJve7mv3UAjqN_zCFkDdwPJUmSyQS1WMIygNIm9M4rR9lXTzIBAqpkRBrJud4zwZ/s1600-h/Pam+Dejo+in+Spot+kiss.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuoa4fDndWDlSZyjRu7G9HC7lpDg7LIkR8H442XgkUoqAVrHb9ZIgmNNi9ID3xqrJHR6SPJve7mv3UAjqN_zCFkDdwPJUmSyQS1WMIygNIm9M4rR9lXTzIBAqpkRBrJud4zwZ/s320/Pam+Dejo+in+Spot+kiss.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211919742282992898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And yes, that IS my sister's <a href="http://www.smartusa.com/">Smart Car</a> they're in - she's odd like that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dpMkMruICG9qxI7noSwf6sp9trPSZWAb3xFTZCHIrXM7Key5SonLbb_IvpcFeZ1n4ZG8nF_W9Cwuvmp9OeWSXhnOFKbOzKjapF8Bx70ScFkLhut-WV8W-ouPX5LoFXiC_cnb/s1600-h/Pictures+Nuss+family2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dpMkMruICG9qxI7noSwf6sp9trPSZWAb3xFTZCHIrXM7Key5SonLbb_IvpcFeZ1n4ZG8nF_W9Cwuvmp9OeWSXhnOFKbOzKjapF8Bx70ScFkLhut-WV8W-ouPX5LoFXiC_cnb/s320/Pictures+Nuss+family2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211921417500144802" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybZT5zDS39vehncsJyF6dvkxS8hiqz3P3_7d7IxpHdQdQUr5p7FqIfw1CmG2dP_0tSiW-j5ai41l8cSbFb6IOFGnTb3dTEUX-8J-c-pqczcDv6cDkJrnZ_eL5_yNDkBW28tFY/s1600-h/Pictures+Cindy+Sara.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybZT5zDS39vehncsJyF6dvkxS8hiqz3P3_7d7IxpHdQdQUr5p7FqIfw1CmG2dP_0tSiW-j5ai41l8cSbFb6IOFGnTb3dTEUX-8J-c-pqczcDv6cDkJrnZ_eL5_yNDkBW28tFY/s320/Pictures+Cindy+Sara.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211920623328407170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.nussbaumers.net/">family</a> and the bridesmaids...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8rPgByXuz8ekjt_yilVcvUlr2-4iVsuC7GmZ1uBM26ign0yJFsxnqbAh_9gjkyFC_Rvn1gUbI3o5IfJ6M6slSQSM0RClmBaV7ZUUVO9B0aDw7RBnAgiqF8Kem1mOHbgkoke6/s1600-h/Reception+pipe+band3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8rPgByXuz8ekjt_yilVcvUlr2-4iVsuC7GmZ1uBM26ign0yJFsxnqbAh_9gjkyFC_Rvn1gUbI3o5IfJ6M6slSQSM0RClmBaV7ZUUVO9B0aDw7RBnAgiqF8Kem1mOHbgkoke6/s320/Reception+pipe+band3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211922087926147522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And don't forget the <a href="http://www.isleofmull-pipeband.org/">Isle of Mull Pipe Band</a>. Bet you've never seen this done before! (If you knew my sister, you'd understand. Totally her.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-6985816133218936882008-06-11T19:37:00.000-07:002008-06-11T19:38:01.596-07:00Do you Twitter?I feel a bit behind the curve on this one, but I've finally joined the masses who can be seen on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/">Twitter</a>. It's a platform called "Micro-Blogging" and is a bit of Instant Messaging combined with a bit of Blogging.<br /><br />For purely social networking motives, users post throughout the day what they're doing, what they're thinking, reply and comment on other's posts, and post pictures.<br /><br />For more business-related motives, users post new products, links to useful websites, ask business related questions and respond to other's questions. Here's an article on how large companies like Dell & Zappos are using it: <a href="http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/digital/e3i1751753614c1db770be4a2c72bf89721">Brands Turn to Micro-Blogging</a><br /><br />I admit I was a bit skeptical, but after using it for a week or so can definitely see some benefits and advantages. If you're brave enough to give it a try, look me up under <a href="http://twitter.com/copong">copong</a>!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1704607525744171992007-08-04T17:18:00.000-07:002007-08-04T17:40:49.623-07:00Idioms and culturesEvery once in a while I say something to my husband and get an instant quizzical look. That's when I realize - he has no idea what I'm talking about. You see, he's from Ghana and I'm from Colorado. And sometimes the idioms I use just haven't crossed the ocean to become general knowledge in Africa.<br /><br />An example: "Elbow Grease". He was complaining about cleaning a tough stain on the stove and said, "Well, just put more elbow grease into it!". Then it came. That quizzical look. He had no clue what that meant.<br /><br />The most recent example came the other night. A popular car commercial is putting words to the melody of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. I mentioned the source and immediately got that look again. "Who's that?" he asked. I couldn't believe it - he didn't know of Beethoven, Mozart, or any of the great classical composers!<br /><br />After I recovered from my shock (I was a music major, after all - I lived & breathed classical for 4 years), I realized that not everyone in the world was brought up like I was. They don't listen to the European classical composers in the villages of Ghana. I don't know why I expected them to, but apparantly I did.<br /><br />It's a great reminder that we all have our own experiences and shouldn't assume that others have had the same ones. After all, I had never heard of Plantains before I met him...Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-49054897163031178272007-07-12T18:49:00.000-07:002007-07-13T11:10:08.219-07:00My First Business Newsletter!The first newsletter for Creative Assistants is published! You can view and also sign up for the newsletter at:<br /><a href="http://creativeassistants.icontact.com/">http://creativeassistants.icontact.com/</a><br /><br />Take a look and let me know your feedback!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-85697807446720184002007-07-03T21:03:00.000-07:002007-07-03T21:05:16.196-07:00Pictures!We just got back from a nice (but short!) vacation to California - San Diego and LA. See the pictures at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51691381@N00/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/51691381@N00/</a>... (other pics there too)Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-29055378510342039042007-05-01T13:18:00.000-07:002007-05-01T13:34:46.130-07:00Baha'i House of Worship voted 1 of 7 Wonders of Illinois<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059692314452105186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px" height="286" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWZ1YbjvNBMgmA-SUEi_9_tSE_7uYEJ9xgKVeMsZHDBJRGnOrQnOpeHjFiR2enwTETtS5kckuoBPFBCGU-_Fm6rid7caMIU0spUeexOpfOheZaqtEcYg8HMq4T2A1Xn28VWfe/s320/HOWTrees6.JPG" width="194" border="0" /><a href="http://www.bahai.us/node/208">It’s official! Baha'i House of Worship voted 1 of 7 Wonders of Illinois </a><br /><div><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5VANdeZjbGAWDEZafcfz547ELHgJtMQW2Mg1Y_6yTXMGa81vMCzEj_3mfTDQMhcCrdSKrWJVP6pJ1d9LoliEYb1VyBaxpJwHlmXTKKT1dnzR0vLDpfydp5qQX5EyRaH6V704/s1600-h/HOWTrees3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059691983739623362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px" height="259" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5VANdeZjbGAWDEZafcfz547ELHgJtMQW2Mg1Y_6yTXMGa81vMCzEj_3mfTDQMhcCrdSKrWJVP6pJ1d9LoliEYb1VyBaxpJwHlmXTKKT1dnzR0vLDpfydp5qQX5EyRaH6V704/s320/HOWTrees3.JPG" width="185" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div>I've been to the House of Worship 3 times now and am in awe each time. This is a beautiful building to visit and the gardens are a welcome respite from the city bustle. Regardless of your religious beliefs you will find the gardens and temple the pefect place for meditation, prayer and getting closer to God.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Also check out these media coverage links:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.enjoyillinois.com/sevenwonders/">http://www.enjoyillinois.com/sevenwonders/</a> (play the video!)<br /><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/yozjc2">http://tinyurl.com/yozjc2</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cbs2chicago.com/local/local_story_120184119.html">http://cbs2chicago.com/local/local_story_120184119.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfoxchicago.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=3067162&version=1&locale=ENUS&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=5.2.1">http://www.myfoxchicago.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=3067162&version=1&locale=ENUS&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=5.2.1</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-ap-il-sevenwonders,1,1600798.story?coll=chi-news-ed&ctrack=1&cset=true">http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-ap-il-sevenwonders,1,1600798.story?coll=chi-news-ed&ctrack=1&cset=true</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.enjoyillinois.com/sevenwonders/chicagoland.html">http://www.enjoyillinois.com/sevenwonders/chicagoland.html</a></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059693237870073874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="157" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrWMIs90x3R-QQN3sNfv6_K7ts46_jMZ4iybUR7lOP0eAA7PU3FIi39bMwvdKwna8QvU92v4Qifqs6sOSV_JbLuAo6j9eGzukZpGH_XsueYqPCBUHRcpAzJASKXgjvglAqHa-/s320/IMG_0812.JPG" width="240" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-69615096891042971572007-04-22T20:40:00.000-07:002007-04-22T20:42:45.316-07:00A Daily Puppy!<div>Need a pick-me-up? It's impossible not to smile when you visit <a href="http://dailypuppy.com/">The Daily Puppy</a>...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1Icq8HxclYo0y9L2TrCzVHCGfNUn2Fcx5zaQMpLFDHxXF7B8oUkX5GrWJqUvtT42bXBWgETi6fbErQk6gjUjHY1D9cRMQP8aUbFctADWk-iXdyZv9_KiDNigMtQXyvBogYCi/s1600-h/ranger_labshep02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056463841821467010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1Icq8HxclYo0y9L2TrCzVHCGfNUn2Fcx5zaQMpLFDHxXF7B8oUkX5GrWJqUvtT42bXBWgETi6fbErQk6gjUjHY1D9cRMQP8aUbFctADWk-iXdyZv9_KiDNigMtQXyvBogYCi/s320/ranger_labshep02.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQpEOk73-YpXP_r8JpKnLceRJ8IgPd5QvjpWgdiHmojaBm-TCnBH4xNXfQxx_dRswOe5XYywQ1AROdxedoyc7KWxaTyLmpHmrf2frhWwA-I1kWik8aRM0v_0xpL5ZsfhjN0Ew/s1600-h/ranger_labshep02.jpg"></a></div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-40538191127264134012007-02-02T12:16:00.000-07:002007-02-02T12:17:36.989-07:00Important Outlook Update - Daylight Savings Time!Did you know that the start & stop dates for Daylight Savings Time are changing beginning this year? I had forgotten myself!<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">DST begins March 11 this year</span> and<strong> if you're using Microsoft Outlook</strong>, you need to follow the steps below to make sure your calendar doesn't go haywire!<br /><br />1. Manually run Windows Update and install the optional update labeled KB928388.<br />- Open Internet Explorer. Go to Tools, Windows Updates, Click the "Custom" button, wait for it to do it's thing, click on "Software-Optional" on the left side of the screen, look for and check the box next to "Update for Windows XP (KB928388)". Click "Install Updates"on the upper left side of the window, then click the "Install Updates" button near the center-top of the window. It may take a few minutes.<br /><br />2) Then you'll need to download and install the Outlook Time Zone Update Tool available at <a title="http://tinyurl.com/29q344" href="http://tinyurl.com/29q344">http://tinyurl.com/29q344</a> (if you neglect this step, you'll find all meetings from March 11 through April 1 are off by an hour!)<br /><br />Here's a link to the Microsoft article for detailed information. It is highly recommended that you read this article. <a title="http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=" href="http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=931667">http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=931667</a>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1164808733686897022006-11-29T06:58:00.000-07:002006-11-29T06:58:53.813-07:00Congress, U.N. committee condemn Iran’s persecution of Baha’isMany thanks to all the Senators and Congressmen who helped pass these 2 bills!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bahai.us/node/163">Congress, U.N. committee condemn Iran’s persecution of Baha’is</a>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1164144317278943362006-11-21T14:25:00.000-07:002006-11-21T14:28:00.423-07:00Unique Gifts - or just a chuckle for your day!Yep, it's that time of year again. Time to search for that ever-eluding perfect gift for a family member or friend. While scouring the internet for ideas, here's a fun site that offers some ideas that could be perfect for some of my unique loved ones:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp">Perpetual Kid - Unique Gifts to Entertain Your Inner Child</a>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1143831352732435462006-03-31T11:55:00.000-07:002006-03-31T11:55:52.783-07:00Times Online: Baha'is face yet more persecution in IranHow sad that in this, the 21st century, freedom of religion isn't yet a universal concept. Whether or not one agrees with someone else's beliefs, it should have no bearing on acknowledging their rights as human beings to practice those beliefs without persecution. Especially if you are religious already. What <em>would</em> Jesus do? Would he ignore the fact that God's children in Iran are being denied an education, fired from their jobs, jailed, and even killed because of their beliefs? I don't think so. He'd stand up for their rights.<br /><br />So the question is - what do you stand for? What will you do to bring attention to the plight of your fellow human beings across the world?<br /><br /><a href="http://timescolumns.typepad.com/gledhill/2006/03/on_the_site_of_.html#more">Weblog - Times Online: Baha'is face yet more persecution in Iran</a>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1143581418310746212006-03-28T14:30:00.000-07:002006-03-28T14:30:18.310-07:00Beat up your PC!Frustrated with your computer? Relieve some of that stress with this game!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.funny-games.biz/beatup-pc.html">Beat up your PC - use your fists to smash your computer to pieces</a>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1143475112248558322006-03-27T08:58:00.000-07:002006-03-27T08:58:32.313-07:00Beagles and Goldens and Mutts...oh my!If you're into the animal thing or the charity thing, check this out: <a href="http://www.workwood.us/Mumblings/2006_Mar_23_FurryScurry.htm">Beagles and Goldens and Mutts...oh my!</a>. My big sister is walking in the Denver Furry Scurry and needs donations. Go Sya!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1142979738363308252006-03-21T15:07:00.000-07:002006-03-21T15:22:18.380-07:00And we have a Winner!I never win anything. Ok, there was the time in college when I won a gift basket from 9News for filling out a survey on the new StarTrek exhibit at the museum. (no, I'm not <em>too</em> embarrased to have been a Trekkie in my former life!) But other than that... My sister has always been the lucky one for things like that. We used to exchange scratch lottery tickets at Christmas. The 10 tickets I bought her invariably ended up netting her $30 or more. The 10 tickets I received netted... $3. And if I had bought 10 tickets for myself, I'd have the same result. Just last year, my big sister won a fabulous trip through her work to the Caribbean. I just don't have that kind of luck.<br /><br />But this week was different. I won where it counts - exposure to my business. A few months ago, I joined yet another online networking group - <a href="http://www.worldwit.org/">WorldWIT</a> (Women, Insights, Technology). I'd known some other VAs who were involved and had success with the group, so I decided to give it a try. Shortly after joining, I placed their logo and link on the home page of <a href="http://www.creativeassistants.com">my website</a> alongside several others. I had forgotten about it entirely. Until I received a phone call last week from the National office for WorldWIT. They'd had a contest running and out of all the members <em>nationwide</em> who linked to them, I won their contest! Woo-hoo! I never win!<br /><br />They had several prizes to choose from, and frankly, I would have been happy with either the iPod Shuffle or the free marketing exposure through the WorldWIT newsletter. But I chose to take the free registration for <a href="http://www.worldwit.org/Camp.aspx">Camp WorldWIT</a>, their national conference coming up in May. I love conferences and know how much they can help with networking and promoting my business, in addition to giving me a big boost of energy to work on my business when I get home.<br /><br />It's not quite to the level of winning the lottery (I'd have to buy a ticket to get that, anyway!), but it's certainly more beneficial to my business. Thank you, WorldWIT (and my local group, RockyWIT!), for supporting women in business. I look forward to meeting you all at the conference in May!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1142216256893055952006-03-12T19:17:00.000-07:002006-03-12T19:17:36.940-07:00Could you get fired for blogging?Here's another twist in the free speech debate: bloggers posting anonymously (on personal time) get fired for their comments. <a href="http://news.com.com/2061-10788_3-6048772.html?part=rss&tag=6048772&subj=news">CNet.com - Bloggers: Use caution</a>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1141851866053073332006-03-08T14:04:00.000-07:002006-03-08T14:04:26.116-07:00Religion in the Military - Church vs. StateTo what extent does the first ammendment protect our religious freedom? Does it protect an individual from being forced to listen to proselytizing from superiors who hold careers in their hands?<br /><br />Mikey Weinstein is brave enough to take on this volitile issue. Now the question is, do you agree or disagree? And what are you going to do about it?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.csindy.com/csindy/2006-03-02/cover.html">CSIndy: Mikey's Mission (March 2, 2006)</a>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1137550389295264512006-01-17T18:11:00.000-07:002006-01-17T19:13:09.353-07:00Wal-Mart withholds photosAfter our recent wedding, I took a CD of photos to the self-serve kiosk at Wal-Mart to print copies for inclusion in our thank-you notes. Imagine my surprise when, after spending 20 minutes printing the pictures I wanted, the worker printing out my bill refused to let me take home my pictures! I was informed that some of the pictures were obviously taken by a professional and I needed a written copyright release on the photographer's letterhead. I left my pictures and my future business at the Wal-Mart photo counter. I was later able to print my photos without incident at both Target and WalGreens.<br /><br />On further research, I discovered that this is nothing new. It seems that after a large company or two got sued by photographers for copyright infringement, companies such as Wal-Mart instituted tougher policies on printing digital photographs. Check out these links for more information:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/computing/personaltech/20050530-9999-mz1b30snap.html">Signs on San Diego article</a><br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-06-16-digital-picture-problems_x.htm">USA Today article</a><br /><a href="http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00CVE6">http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00CVE6</a><br /><br />The digital world makes the copyright issue complicated. I don't have a problem with companies protecting themselves against being sued. I don't have a problem with photographers sueing to protect their copyrights. I just want my pictures and a uniform policy to count on. My solution to my problem above? I would gladly have signed a legal form stating that I own the copyrights to my photos and I alone am responsible for any copyright infringement. This way, the companies won't be sued and the photographer's can still protect their rights.<br /><br />Are you an above-average photographer? Get a lucky shot once in a while? Don't go to Wal-Mart. They won't let you print it.Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1133822966266294352005-12-05T15:43:00.000-07:002005-12-05T15:49:26.276-07:00Christmas fun!Take a break from work and enjoy this <a href="http://corp.efnet.net/~vx0/xmaslights.html">Christmas light show</a>! Created by a retired engineer, perhaps?Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1133588232298960912005-12-02T22:08:00.000-07:002005-12-02T22:52:17.766-07:00Christmas GiftsAs a child, one of the best times of the Christmas season began a few days after Thanksgiving. I couldn't wait until Mom posted that piece of paper on the fridge - a blank sheet divided into 4 sections with each family member's name in one of the quadrants. The gift list. Helpful of course to know what I should get Mom or Dad (they were always good about posting something in my budget!). But the best part was writing down, for all to see, my wants, wishes, hopes and desires. Some were outrageous, some surprising, some predictable. I added to the list as ideas popped into my head, sometimes trying to do so only a few days before the big day!<br /><br />As the years progress, it gets harder and harder to make list - when I need something, I buy it for myself! But as the family continues to ask, here are a few ideas for this year...<br /><br />- Items from my bridal registry at <a href="37285">Bed, Bath & Beyond</a> is, of course, always a sure bet. Gift certificates for this store as well.<br /><br />- Good maps of Colorado Springs - laminated folding version as well as a spiral detailed area by area version.<br /><br />- Uncle Jimmy's new book!<br /><br />- DVDs: MASH season 9, Oprah 20th anniversary<br /><br />- PC Magazine subscription<br /><br />- Gift certificates: Kohl's, Best Buy, Office Depot/Max<br /><br />- Sweaters<br /><br />- Charity Donations: Marion Medical, Red Cross, Cancer Society<br /><br />- Storage space? :)Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1132529465935271132005-11-20T16:22:00.000-07:002005-11-20T16:31:05.936-07:00Pilgrimage thoughtsIt's amusing to me that everyone asks, "How was it?". There's no answer other than "fabulous!", although that doesn't even begin to describe it. Until you've been through such an experience, it's difficult to really understand the knowledge and insight gained, the spiritual level achieved, or the depth of emotion discovered. As anxious as I was by the end to get home and see family and friends, I am now equally excited to return. There's a magnetic force in the Holy Land that can't be explained and it calls my soul to return.<br /><br />If you aren't already on the waiting list, take a moment right now and <a href="http://pilgrimage.bahai.org/">apply</a>. It took me 7 years from my application to actually getting there. It's worth it, I promise.Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1132528948016609622005-11-20T16:15:00.000-07:002005-11-20T17:40:51.966-07:00Tuesday - Final Day! Monument Gardens, Bahji<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2404/1293/1600/MonumentsNavaabMihdi.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2404/1293/200/MonumentsNavaabMihdi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Although there was no scheduled programme on this final day, I was up early to pack and check out of the hotel before taking one last visit to Bahji. I took a quick peek into the Monument Gardens, then a group of us took a Sherut to Bahji. A last visit like this is bitter-sweet. Enjoying the time and surroundings, while knowing I won't come back for a number of years. We spent several hours here before heading back to Haifa where I went to the Shrine of the Bab one last time for prayers. Then I met up one final time with Zac who (again!) brought me dinner and some gifts (for myself and for others back home). While the rest of the Pilgrims were preparing for the evening Pilgrim Farewell program, a small group of us with early flights called a sherut to the airport and said our goodbyes.<br /><br />I was lucky enough to be chosen at the airport for a fine-tooth comb inspection but had left plenty of time to catch my flight. Unfortuantely, in a foreign country they apparantly don't care that you've selected a seat on the plane prior to arrival. I received a lovely middle seat near the rear of the aircraft. Well, I made it to NYC without incident where I discovered a nasty cold had taken hold of my body. I slept for 2 days, came home to Colorado on Friday and slept another 2!Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14326736.post-1132528493384633062005-11-20T16:04:00.000-07:002005-11-20T17:37:45.956-07:00Monday - Arc Tour, Cemetary, Cave of Elijah<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2404/1293/1600/ArchivesShrine.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2404/1293/200/ArchivesShrine.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The final organized programme of my Pilgrimage was Monday morning when we toured the Arc, which is the series of buildings on the hill near the Shrine of the Bab. These beautiful buildings house offices and facilities for the staff of the International Teaching Centre, the Universal House of Justice, and the Center for the Study of the Texts. Following a short tour of each building, we walked to the new Visitor's Information Center under the terrace that extends over Hatzionut St. We finished with prayers at the Western Pilgrim House and an impromtu group photo.<br /><br />Having the rest of the day free, I walked down to Ben Gurion St. for lunch (via the street sidewalks, not the stairs!). I planned on making my way to the cemetary which was further down Allenby St. Not knowing exactly how far it was, I began by walking there.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2404/1293/1600/ElijahCave3.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2404/1293/200/ElijahCave3.jpg" border="0" /></a> By the time I decided it was too far to really walk to, I was almost there so completed my hike! The Baha'i Cemetary is not very big, but as with all the Baha'i properties, is surrounded by gardens and flowers, blocking the noise of the nearby streets. I meet up here with a friend from my group and we walk together across the street and up to the lower Cave of Elijah. After spending a week at Baha'i Holy places, it was somewhat of a shock to enter this holy spot amid peddlers, trash, and dirty surroundings. You really couldn't see much of the cave, but it's nice to know where it likely was.<br /><br />Having gotten my exercise for the day, I took a taxi to the top of the mountain where I completed my tourist-y shopping. I met up with Josephine and Ishmael at the PRC and we went back to Joe's flat for a dinner she prepared. Others joined us later in the evening and it was a nice time.Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489210164862366862noreply@blogger.com0