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Lehigh Valley Gas Prices (Update)
2007-11-20 07:34:00
Can you believe the price of gas? I can't. A matter of fact, the price doesn't hit me until I see the ridiculous charges on my credit card statement each month. These prices hurt, especially when a good portion of my income goes towards gas and car maintenance. It's not easy, especially this time of year.Back on October 30th, I blogged about how gas prices were on the rise here in the Valley . I can't believe how fast they shot up. Here's a comparison:Back on October 30th, the price of gas was $2.79/g. at a gas station on Easton Ave. in Bethlehem. Today, that station is charging $3.03/g.What's worse is that prices will likely rise more over the upcoming days, especially with the holidays approaching as well as signs of a harsh winter. Although warmer weather is in the forecast for this week, precipitation will continue to fall. When that turns to snow, we're all in trouble!With that being said, I hope you've all e-mailed Sen. Roger Madigan requesting that he consider SB-651, ...
More About: Gas Prices , Update , Prices

Flaming Moe & Duff Beer A Reality (Almost)
2007-11-20 06:37:00
Hot Topic and Spencer's Gifts are my two favorite mall stores, and have been for years! They carry a lot of merchandise you can't find anywhere else, or couldn't at least until the Internet became so popular. So you can understand my excitement since they are now carrying Flaming Moe & Duff Bear Energy Drinks from The Simpsons!For those who aren't cool enough to watch The Simpsons, a Flaming Moe contains random drops of liquor and cough syrup. The drink is then set on fire to help enhance the flavor.Duff Beer is Homer's favorite alcoholic beverage. Although there are still no signs of actual Duff Beer, one can still keep their hopes up! And for the record, my excitement level now is about the same as when I first discovered that Buzz Cola had become a reality, too!
More About: Reality , Ality

Perfected: The Ann Coulter Song
2007-11-19 05:33:00
Normal posting will resume on Monday and/or Tuesday. My apologies for the slacking, but it's been a busy week and will continue to get busier with the approaching holidays, and other projects that must be completed.For now, enjoy a video mocking All Coulter, a woman whom I absolutely despise!
More About: Song , Ann Coulter

The Chinese Are At It Again!
2007-11-15 06:36:00
Back in August, I proceeded in my efforts of warning Americans that the Chinese are planning some type of world domination take-over. On Wednesday, I discovered more reason to believe those plans are continuing.If this were a fictional issue, which it is anything but, this would be the part where the plot thickens...In the past, I thought I had intercepted some secret messages, being passed through fortune cookies, that detail their plan. My theory has changed and I now believe those messages are meant for me! My reason for this theory is because I received the same fortune yesterday that I received in August!The message reads: "Attend to business today. Leave that street-side flower alone."I have not yet been able to decode the message. However, with the help of America's greatest minds (or lack thereof) I will reveal what someone has been so vigorously trying to tell me!I just hope it's not too late...

We All Need To Laugh A Little...
2007-11-13 03:37:00
Things have been heating up lately in the Pennsylvania Blogosphere. There seems to be more negative commenting than actual discussion. I'd like to encourage all of you to take a break and have a laugh. We all need to laugh a little bit for a change!
More About: Laugh

Senator Lisa Boscola Responds To E-Mails Concerning SB-651, Suggests E-Mail
2007-11-09 20:01:00
Since October 21st, I've been e-mailing Pennsylvania State Senat or Lisa Boscola about SB-651, a legislation that if passed will strengthen the existing law regarding snow and ice removal from all vehicles before driving.If passed and properly enforced, this stronger law will help ensure a safer drive during wintry conditions for all motorists. Although it is not encouraged that anyone drive in poor conditions, motorists do leave snow and ice on vehicles days after a snowstorm occurs. This is not only unacceptable, it's dangerous!I've been mentioning to Sen. Boscola that we deserve an update with the status of SB-651. Additionally, I was personally asking what I could do to promote the bill and its importance. After 3 e-mails, 2 blogs, and questioning her accessibility to the public, she has finally responded:"Senate Bill 651 is still pending in the Senate Transportation Committee. Unfortunately, I am not a member of this committee, but I would encourage you and others interested ...
More About: Mail , E-Mail

The Media's Election Night Recap (Links)
2007-11-07 18:26:00
So much happened yesterday in such a short amount of time. I figured I would put together a short list of random articles and blogs that recap Tuesday's election results:Peg Ferraro Returns To (NorCo) Council - by Sarah Cassi (Express-Times.) Clean Sweep for (Bethlehem) City Council - by Kurt Bresswein (Express-Times)Panto Returns to Lead Easton - by Edward Sieger (Express-Times)(Holland) Voted (Bethlehem) City Controller - by Nicole Radzievich (The Morning Call)Trio Win (Lehigh) County Judge Seats - by Debbie Garlicki (The Morning Call)Sifting Through The Rubble - by John L. Micek (Capitol Ideas) Voters Rage Against NorCo Dem Machine - by Bernie O'Hare (Lehigh Valley Ramblings)I'm sure there are many more articles and blogs available that I didn't link to. If you know of one worth reading, leave a comment and a link.
More About: Links , Night , Election , Recap

Make Sure You Vote On November 6
2007-11-06 04:47:00
I just wanted to drop a quick public service announcement type of message...Make sure you vote at your respected polls on November 6th. It's your right as an American Citizen. You have the ability to select your own government, a privilege that is not available in so many other countries. Our government is always changing, and although it's not always in your favor you still have a duty to perform!Take advantage of your American citizenship.Vote freely, vote smart, vote November 6th!

About The "God's Love We Deliver" Charity
2007-11-04 17:36:00
God's Love We Deli ver is a New York City based charity, but also serves Newark and Hudson County, New Jersey. They help provide meals and service to those suffering from HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses. Below is their mission statement, per their website:God's Love We Deliver's mission is to improve the health and well-being of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses by alleviating hunger and malnutrition. We prepare and deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to people who, because of their illness, are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves.We also provide illness-specific nutrition education and counseling to our clients, families, care providers and other service organizations.Their 14th Annual Race to Deliver will be on November 18th. The race takes place in Central Park and has raised nearly $8 million since its creation!For more information on the race, click here.For more information on God's Love ...
More About: Charity , Char , Hari

Vote Against Sam Bennett, Political Wannabe
2007-11-01 07:12:00
Josh Drobnyk, The Morning Call's Washington correspondent, recently blogged about Bennett 's campaign. He mentions how she only has about $33,000 in the bank, compared to Dent's account that holds over $450,000. He also mentions how Bennett shouldn't trash other Democrats if she wants their support.On his blog, Drobnyk refers to Bennett's lame interview on Firedoglake.com back on September 22nd. Sam is quoted in that interview saying some crazy things. But perhaps I only find them crazy because I seem to know more about Bennett than the idiots who support her.Bennett said something that seemed to pop-out more than her other remarks: "With the right kind of creativity and entrepreneurial problem-solving anything?s possible. Anything can be solved, That is a thread throughout my life. Right out of college I started buying dilapidated apartment buildings and renovating them, which led many years later to my non profit, Properties of Merit; anything is possible if you apply fresh th...
More About: Political , Vote , Politic

Lehigh Valley Gas Prices On The Rise
2007-10-30 19:18:00
I feel like crying every time the gas light illuminates on my dashboard. It's never a pleasant experience for me, or my wallet. Smelling like gas from filling-up my tank use to mean nothing to me except that I could drive pretty much anywhere I needed to with no worries, but now it's a fuming reminder that my wallet is doing the crying for me. It's a shame, really, considering my wallet has been losing a lot of weight lately.Today I was one of the lucky-unlucky drivers that could be seen filling up their tanks as gas prices around the country are on the rise:Lucky: The price was of gas was increasing to $2.85/g, but was still $2.79/g at the tank. One of the station workers was in the process of changing the price sign that faces the road. Their price for the highest grade gas was $3.05/g.Unlucky: It cost me $34.00 to fill-up my economy tank from empty. This is not always easy for a part-time working returning college student to afford. I fill-up my tank usually about three times ...
More About: Gas Prices , Rise , Valley , Prices

Boscola Doesn't Respond To E-mail
2007-10-29 21:46:00
Pennsylvania State Senator Lisa Boscola has not responded to my recent e-mail about concerns with ice and snow flying off of cars and trucks that is known to both injure and kill innocent motorists each year.I am not surprised she didn't respond, but I am angered. I am also upset at the lack of local response to the issue. However, a couple of good points were made by those who chose to comment.Sadly, common sense cannot prevail in Pennsylvania so a law is needed to help solve this problem. As far as I can remember, and correct me if I'm wrong, this November is suppose to be the month that SB651 is finally decided on. So why isn't Boscola updating us with the plan for her new and improved law?Since Boscola seems to be (or at least seemed to be) the head cheerleader of the above mentioned proposed law, I don't understand why she has chosen to ignore me. I'm (almost) certain that she has read the e-mail and even viewed the blog. Last week, there was a noticeable increase of Harri...
More About: Mail , E-Mail

A Better Me - An Informal Update
2007-10-29 21:02:00
My apologies for not updating you all with what?s been going on with A Better Me. I have a short list of reasons why and hopefully you all understand. First, I hurt my back. It?s been hurting for almost two weeks now. Secondly, I had a very busy schedule last week. Third, I?ve become over-dramatically ill, which also isn?t helping with the back pain and is making my busy schedule seem almost infinite at times. I have a simple cold and hopefully the cough goes away very soon.What I can tell you, however, is that I?ve been trying to eat breakfast a lot more. Even if it?s just a simple Cliff Bar, it?s something. I?ve been eating more organic foods, and have recently discovered the joys of Annie?s Organic Mac & Cheese! I suggest you all try it!Don?t expect an update this week, but hopefully by next Friday, Nov. 9th.
More About: Update , Formal

Flying Snow & Ice - An E-mail To Boscola
2007-10-21 07:29:00
The following is an e-mail that I've recently sent to Pennsylvania State Senator Lisa Boscola. It's concerning the frequent winter-season issue of snow and ice not being removed from automobiles and trucks after a storm, hence causing flying snow and/or ice that causes injuries and death.Sunday, October 21, 2007Subject: Flying Snow & IceDear Senator,I am writing to you today not as an angry blogger, but as a concerned citizen. Winter is approaching and I am already beginning to worry about what automobile disasters will be caused this season by inclement weather. Of course, I am relating this message to your proposal of ?stiffer fines? for motorists that allow snow and ice to accumulate on their automobiles.It?s no secret that I?m not a fan of yours, but I have always agreed with your logic of penalizing those who choose to drive dangerously by allowing snow and ice to remain on their automobiles, and I have always supported your personal thoughts on this issue. If anything, I bel...
More About: Mail , E-Mail

Joe Torre Leaves The New York Yankees
2007-10-19 00:18:00
(Now Former) New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre has rejected a $5 million, 1-year contract that would have allowed him to not only stay with the Yanks, but remain the highest paid manager in baseball.I am a huge Yankees fan, and I always will be. I am also a huge Joe Torre fan, and as a fan, am sad to see him leave. I also understand that it had to happen one day, but 12 years is a long time to wait for that one day.I have a post up at my Sports Blog. Read the post here.
More About: New York Yankees

If Ann Coulter Had Any Brains...
2007-10-16 04:01:00
Let me start by saying that I am not a Democrat, and I?m certainly not a Republican. I don?t necessarily disagree with the initial idea of party politics, however, it has been driving this country in a downward spiral lately. It seems as though people today vote more for those within their own political party, despite the issues-at-hand. This is a terrible happening, but it?s a reality.To top it all off, Ann Coulter isn?t helping any.Coulter has a new book out titled ?If Democrats Had Brains , They?d Be Republicans!? If Coulter had brains, she?d quit writing (and speaking.) For those that aren?t familiar with what Coulter has said in the past, or have simply forgotten, let me refresh your memory: "It would be a much better country if women did not vote. That is simply a fact. In fact, in every presidential election since 1950 - except Goldwater in '64 - the Republican would have won, if only the men had voted.? (2003)More recently, she said: "If we took away women's right to vote, ...

Cell Phone Ban Hoax "Not Funny" - It's Hilarious!
2007-10-12 17:43:00
An article published by The Express-Times today reviews an e-mail that was sent out to a large number of people regarding a ban on drivers using handheld cell phones.The e-mail turned out to be fake.I did not receive this e-mail, (or I did and didn't read it because I thought it was spam), but the article explains that it stated a ban would be in effect beginning November 10th and a $50 fine would be given to those violating the new law.Sen. Lisa Boscola and Rep. Jennifer Mann, both whom I consider political wannabes despite their respective titles, claim their offices have received large amounts of phone calls regarding the e-mail."I think someone put this out as a joke, but it's not funny," Boscola told the Express-Times.Boscola's right. It isn't funny - it's hilarious!This e-mail hoax is not a recent issue. This e-mail has been circulating for weeks! Boscola admits that she would be in favor of filing criminal charges against the e-mail's creator, if found. That is hilariou...
More About: Funny , Phone , Cell Phone , Hilarious , Cell

For Sale: Gibson Sebring SB-10 Electric Guitar
2007-10-11 03:25:00
I am currently selling a black Gibson Sebring SB-10 Electric Guitar . The guitar, pictured below, is in excellent condition for a used guitar. The strings have only been used a little bit and just need to be tuned. There is still a lot of life left in them. I'm also including the green guitar strap, and a three picks (each with a different feel). Suggested used "MSRP" is about $125 with strings & strap. I will entertain all offers if anyone is interested. I will also ship the guitar anywhere in the United States, at the buyers expense.To ask a question, request more pictures, or make an offer, please send me an e-mail. I can also make this guitar available on eBay for added security, if requested, though a face-to-face transaction is possible, if local. PayPal transactions are also acceptable. Feel free to ask any questions you might have, if interested.
More About: For Sale , Sale , Electric Guitar

Local Man Shows His Hairy In The Dairy
2007-10-09 06:12:00
James W. Turner (pictured left) of 4609 Steuben Road in Lower Nazareth Township was arrested Friday and charged with indecent exposure, open lewdness and disorderly conduct, according to The Morning Call. This douche bag is free on $5,000 bail.Turner is said to have flashed himself to a young girl in the dairy section of the Giant Supermarket, located at 3926 Linden St in Bethlehem Township. To top it all off, Turner wasn't wearing pants when police arrested him in his driveway.What can posses any person so do something so strange, immature, and very inappropriate is beyond me. It's no secret that there are people like this all over the world, but it is scary to think that these people are in your own neighborhood!I shop at this Giant often, so it's no surprise that I immediately recognized the picture above. It's one of the newer Giants in the area. It is a nice store that is usually very clean. However, I will be looking more closely for pubic remains from now on!For the brief...
More About: Local , Hairy , Dairy , Loca

A New Look...
2007-10-08 09:57:00
It's late at night (or early in the morning, depending on how you look at it) and I decided to do a little bit of re-designing to the blog. I've been blogging here for almost two years now and I thought a touch-up was well deserved.The following changes have been made:I've added an actual logo at the top of the page.The Google Ads at the top of the page have changed, and have been relocated.The width of this page has been widened.Posts done before this design change may look a bit odd due to the change in column size, but posts from here on out will be aligned properly.If this blog looks funky on any one's computer, please let me know in detail exactly how it looks so I can may the appropriate changes. I hope everyone enjoys the new look.(Also, if the graphic/logo doesn't load, please let me know as well. I'm experimenting with the Google Picasa tool outside of blogger, and it's a bit whacked out.)
More About: New Look

A Better Me (Weekly Update)
2007-10-08 04:30:00
I know I said that I would give a weight update (again), but I still haven't been to the gym. It was a beautiful week, so I did my share of walking outside instead of on the treadmill, including 20 holes on the golf course.I went to Crocodile Rock this weekend. If you were there on Saturday, you may have noticed an intoxicated idiot in the bar area. Well, I was standing next to him. (Sorry, "Malaipus"). It was a really fun night, but the not-drinking part was driving me crazy. I may have a beer or two this week when conversing with a past mentor. Besides, I think at least one is deserved.I don't have classes for a couple of days, but I'll still be working on assignments, in addition to my actual job. I'll try to get a couple posts up this week. I'm also planning on a visit to the gym both today (Monday) and Tuesday. I'll keep ya updated, and hopefully this week I won't be eating late at night (again.) Wish me luck!
More About: Update , Weekly

Voting For President Should Be Fun (Video)
2007-10-03 06:07:00
Below is a video of stand-up comedian Gabriel Iglesias from his newest 1-hour special Hot and Fluffy.Considering the amount of votes American Idol receives on a weekly basis, why couldn't it work for presidential elections, too?
More About: Video , President , Voting , Resident

$100k For Hookah Study - What A Waste!
2007-10-01 21:12:00
Before I start this post, I want to say kudos to Nick Falsone, the Bethlehem Editor of The Express-Times. He has recently stated his opinion on the $100k grant given to the Bethlehem Health Bureau to study the use of hookahs, or water pipes, among Arabs in the Lehigh Valley.The Bureau was given the grant money for this specific study, which leads me to believe that Stimpson J. Cat could have found a better way to spend the money.The study is being funded by the American Health Foundation, who also happen to be responsible for those lame "truth" commercials repeatedly seen on television. The grant money was collected from tobacco lawsuit settlements.As Falsone so bluntly puts it, "Do we really need a bunch of white coats blowing a hundred grand to find out if people know smoking hookahs is unhealthy?"The answer is no. I won't start making a list, but there is so much more the money (over $1 million before being divided up into separate grants) could have supported, such as multiple ...
More About: Study , Waste , Hook

No More Clintons, No More Bushs...
2007-09-28 18:18:00
It's obviously no secret that I don't want to see another Clinton, or Bush, in the White House ever again!I've mentioned (many times) before that our country needs a break from the Bushs and Clintons so that we may improve our nation, and not keep switching back-and-forth between policies and parties. Trust me folks, Hillary is not the answer to anything except continuing poor government and leadership!An article published today by the Associated Press basically summarizes how America may face up to 36 straight years of having a Bush or Clinton in the White House. How scary would that be?Another scary situation would be if George P. Bush found his way to the White House, as his family expects him to. George P. is the son of Jeb Bush. I won't get into the details, and I hope that citizens open their damn eyes by then!As Bernie O'Hare is encouraging us to vote NO on some appellate judge retentions, I encourage everyone to vote against Hillary (unless in the unfortunate event that...
More About: Linton

A Better Me (Weekly Update)
2007-09-28 17:48:00
With the exception of the frozen pizza I ate last night, my diet has been proceeding fairly well. I've been trying more to eat breakfast, which does help balance out other meals throughout the day. It's also been almost three weeks since my last alcoholic beverage. This hasn't been easy at all considering the amount of Jack Daniels I have in my house.This week was intended to be planned out, but plans don't always go as intended. My schedule was suppose to allow for some time at the gym, but meetings, school (and tests), work, etc., didn't allow for any extra time. The fact that I haven't blogged in almost a week can be used as an indicator of how busy I was. Some of the comments I left on other blogs this week can even be traced back to the computers at the campus library. Next week, I have a lighter work schedule and no scheduled tests. I have plans to be on the golf course at least once, but hopefully twice (weather permitting.) And most importantly, I WILL have time for th...
More About: Update , Weekly

John Edwards Speaks On Education
2007-09-22 08:16:00
John Edward s spoke on Friday about his plans to improve the education situation within the United States.One of his ideas is the reorganization of the No Child Left Behind Act, also known as the NCLB.Edwards had the following to say about the NCLB:"It's a combination of the way it was implemented and the administration's failure to fund it, failure to provide resources for schools ... and the failure to provide help to schools to turn them around, those things in combination have made it a problem."Edwards voted for the NCLB when he belonged to the North Carolina Senate when the act initially seemed like a good idea. But now Edwards is one among many who truly see the harm this program is causing to not only the schools, but to the students.As adults, it's our job to make sure kids are receiving the best education possible, but we can't do all the work. The parents need to take a more active role both socially with the school, and politically with the government. Remember, the m...
More About: Education , John Edwards , John

"A Better Me" Update
2007-09-22 08:00:00
This week was an off week. I understand that it's still early in my diet, but this week was crazy! I ate fairly well, which is an important part of my goal towards a "Better Me," but I didn't make it to the gym once. I tried, but couldn't fit it in my schedule.Next week is going to be a week full of work, tests, presentations, and meetings. However, most of the week is already planned out so I should be able to get to the gym at least twice. I will try to make it more if possible.Next week, I will be sure to have a more detailed update that includes my weight. I'm trying not to weigh myself that much to avoid discouragement. We'll see how it works. Expect an update on either Saturday or Sunday.
More About: Update

Easter Seals & Alex's Lemonade Stand
2007-09-20 18:58:00
I wanted to take a few minutes today and mention two charities I truly believe in. Sadly, there are a lot of ridiculous nonprofits popping up across the United States, but the two I'm about to mention are 100% legit!The first charity I want to mention is the Easter Seals nonprofit group that helps provide assistance to those with disabilities and special needs. One of their main focuses is on those who have autism. Below is a short paragraph from their website describing who they are and what they do:"Easter Seals offers help, hope and answers to more than a million children and adults living with autism and other disabilities or special needs and their families each year. Services and support are provided through a network of more than 550 sites in the U.S. and through Ability First Australia. Each center provides exceptional services that are individualized, innovative, family-focused and tailored to meet specific needs of the particular community served."Easter Seals ranks first...
More About: Lemonade , Lemonade Stand , Stand , Nade

Local Blogger Says, "No Child Left Behind Should Be Left To Die," And I Agr
2007-09-16 17:00:00
Local blogger Aphrodite's Daughter posted her take on the No Child Left Behind Act over at the Lehigh Valley Political Blog. As a former teacher who has experienced the effects of the NCLB act, it's worth taking a look at what she has to say.As a teacher-to-be hopeful, I have been paying much attention to the NCLB act. I do believe that the intentions of this act were good, but the results have actually proven to be for the worst. The NCLB act should be dropped from the books.Check out Aphrodite's Daughter's post here.
More About: Blogger , Local , No Child Left Behind

The Beginning Of A Better Me
2007-09-16 06:19:00
The great thing about a blog is that one day I can report and/or opinionate on an important news story, and the next day I can make it completely about me! And that's exactly what I'm about to do...Recently, my weight problem has gone from bad to worse. I hadn't gone to the gym in about three months and was amazed at how tight my cloths were beginning to fit. Physically, things were getting completely out of control. To make it perfectly clear, I haven't been in decent shape since I weighed about 230 lbs. a few years ago.Earlier this year, I began losing weight and getting in shape. However, I somehow (as people say) 'fell off the wagon' - and to make things worse, the wagon then ran me over and dragged me to the bar!I've avoided discussing my weight, my eating habits, and my drinking habits on my blog. However, I have been debating these issues over and over again with myself and have decided to post continuous updates about my diet and weight loss; Not only to help pressure...