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Get Some Netiquette!

 

Netiquette, for those of you who have never heard this word, means the rules of etiquette that apply when communicating over computer networks, esp. the Internet.

 

Yes, there are rules. You can find them at The Core Rules of Netiquette.

I really have some serious pet peeves when it comes to online interaction with other people, especially since Facebook and other social mediums have been introduced. In the old days of only chat rooms and forums, you could ignore people who bothered you or kick them out of the room. These days it’s not so easy to get rid of bad behavior. The same goes for email, and even though it’s the oldest form of interaction on the net, the same bad behavior keeps on keepin’ on.

Email. When I write someone an email, I expect an answer in a reasonable amount of time. I think waiting weeks or months for a reply from snail mail might be reasonable (somewhat), but with technology being what it is today and the sending and receiving is done literally in seconds, a quick reply should be easy enough, forgoing any technical difficulties of course. 

Another problem I have with email is forwarding. Some people forward every forward they get, that has been forwarded and forwarded so many times that it takes minutes to get to the bottom and read the original message. If you must forward, clean it up. Just highlight and delete all unnecessary email addresses at the top. Also, consider if the person you are sending the forward to will actually be interested in what you are sending. 

Chain letters… ugh! I remember being in school and getting chain letters. I tossed them in the nearest garbage bin. Needless to say, I didn’t die a horrifying death (not yet anyway), nor did I have bad luck for 10 years (well, maybe a little bad luck here and there, but I really have my doubts that it came from a chain letter). I think I’ve gotten the same twenty chain emails at least two thousand times each in the past 15 years. Don’t send them people, no one wants them, honest!

Chat. I don’t venture into chat rooms much anymore. I used to prefer Yahoo to others, but since Facebook, Netlog and others have come into being, regular chat rooms, Yahoo, MSN, IRC, etc. are pretty empty and not as much fun as they used to be.

However, I do use my messenger a lot. I keep in touch with my family, who live far away from me, and friends this way. One thing that really gets my goat is when I say hi to someone, they reply, then I ask “how have you been?'” (or some other conversational expression) and they take a good three minutes to answer. By the time they do I may have forgotten that I had even messaged them in the first place. Well, I go on in this way for a few minutes and then they disappear or or I say goodbye and they just leave the conversation.

OK, I know, sometimes connection is a problem, or maybe they’re busy. It’s ok to say, “Hey, I’m busy right now, can I catch you later?” Rather than ignoring someone. I think it’s just downright rude and bad behavior. Treat the person online as you would treat them face to face. When I see people that have done this to me on a regular basis, they should not expect me to reply to them or pay them any attention while talking to me in person, seriously. My philosophy is, first time shame on you, second time shame on me.

Social networks. You do know that every single person on your friend’s list can see every thing you write, don’t you? Also, depending on your privacy settings other people may be able to see your posts and see them if they Google you. Your employer, school, and even your grandma! Have a little class.

No one wants to see your foul (very uncool) language or your lovemaking all over their Facebook feed. I don’t understand why people feel the need to advertise either that they are really stupid and like to show it using ignorant language or that they know how to purrr to their sweetheart. That’s all I have to say on that subject. Seriously!

Don’t spam the feed. Posting the same thing again and again and again! It’s just ridiculous and unnecessary. Also, be careful what you click. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, then it is. Also, don’t be a perv and click links that want to show “what her father posted to her wall made her kill herself” or “OMG! Miley doing hot stuff on live cam in front of her parents”. 

Really?

This is my rant for today, thanks for putting up with it. Oh, and do unto others as you would have them do unto you!

Have a great day!

The Best Chocolate Cookie Ever!

I love to cook. Baking is "ok" in my book, I’m not really that fond of it, but when I do bake, I bake well. My daughter, however, loves baking. She's my future chef and likes it all, baking, cooking, grilling, and anything else to do with cooking… immensely. One night we were bored and craving chocolate and cookies, so we did a search online for a chocolate cookie recipe. We wanted something that looked like it was really chocolaty. Then I came across this, Miss Paula Deen's Top Secret Chocolate Cookies. The amount of cocoa powder in it alone is chocolate enough, but we added about 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips. I promise you, if you make these once, you will make them again and again. They are absolutely the best chocolate cookie I have ever made! We didn't put the extra sanding sugar as a garnish, because neither of us like that much, but they still turned out great. Can anyone not like anything Miss Paula makes? I don't think so.

I just had to share this.

Enjoy! 

Home Alone: Elderly Loneliness During the Holiday Season

With all the hustle and bustle during the holiday season, sometimes thinking about the elderly people in our lives, and how they are holding up during the holidays, can easily slip our minds or be put on a back burner, with the thought that they're alright and probably busy, too.

The fact of the matter is that many older people often don't open up about their feelings during the holidays, not wanting to be a burden. Also, many people live far away from their parents or grandparents and sometimes it's hard to travel, especially these days when the economical situation is so bad. If people are able to travel to visit, they usually arrive a day or two before the holiday and have to leave soon after, because of work. These highs and lows can be devastating to a lonely person.

"Unfortunately, many seniors get in the habit of watching a lot of TV and TV is one-way communication so it's not as helpful and can keep the elderly person in isolation." - Right Health. I think this is probably even more true during the holidays, when most TV commercials, shows and movies are focused on the holidays and families being together. Even if they are around people, such as in an elderly care facility or belong to a group, they might still feel lonely, missing their own family.

"Loneliness can cause depression and illness, especially in the later years of life. Studies have found that loneliness may have a factor in Alzheimer's, and an increase in the cases of pneumonia." - Mental Help. Although these are deeper issues, but nonetheless intensified during the holiday season, there are things we can do to perhaps alleviate some of the feelings of loneliness in our older relatives and friends.

Keeping in touch on a daily basis is a start. When you have to be far from them, the least you can do is call and make sure they're alright. Letting them know that you care does wonders and that's true for any person, not only the elderly. Also, let them know you also feel sad and lonely without them. This may open the subject for discussion and allow them to express their what they are feeling, therefore relieving some of the sadness. Encourage them to decorate the house and a tree, even if they will be alone or if family will be visiting at a later time. The decorations and the actual feeling of  celebrating the holidays can lift their spirit and make them feel better. People who are active and feel like they are working towards a goal always feel much better than if they were idle.

These are just a few suggestions, but I'm sure they would help immensely. Whatever you do this holiday season, don't forget the elderly family and neighbors and think about what you can do to make their day, week or even year a little bit brighter. I'd like to hear your comments or suggestions.

Offers from Amazon:

A Christmas Story Fleece Throw Blanket 

 Santa Cuddle up Wrap Christmas Fleece Warm Blanket

SOFT SANTA CHRISTMAS BLANKET FLEECE THROW 130 X 160

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Beware: Men Buying Wives Gifts

Here we go again! This holiday what do you WANT for Christmas? Yes, want, not need. Men are often confused by the meaning of these two words, especially when it comes to buying their wives gifts. So, this is for any man reading this:

Want: is a verb (used with object) and it means to feel a desire for; wish for: “Oh, I want a new ring.” or “Those are such pretty flowers, I want some.”

In other words, it’s a luxury, not in the sense that it’s expensive, but in the sense that it’s something you can live without. An extra, something that would make me feel joy and happiness.

Need: is a verb (used with object) it means to have need of; require: “I need money to buy food.” or “I need a blender to make your favorite soup.”

Here, we have the difference. You will die if you can’t buy food to eat, so you need money to get it. Also, you can’t clean carpet well without a good vacuum cleaner, so you need one in order to get up that dirt, otherwise the carpet will be dirty and full of “stuff”.

When a woman tells you she needs such and such a thing, for example, household appliances, it doesn’t necessarily mean she wants it, it’s just that it would make life at home easier for all who live there.

BUT! When she says she wants something (and most women don’t come right out and say ‘want’, you have to watch for signals, key words, long stares), that means she would like to own that certain item for her own pleasure. Trust me, a vacuum cleaner, blender or dishwasher do not give pleasure. A diamond necklace or a Prada handbag do. Yes, I know those are top notch things, but you get my meaning, a similar gift according to your price range would be just as acceptable. I have a couple of videos that are perfect examples of what can happen on that wonderful holiday morning, when she opens her gift and finds… a need!

We only have major gift giving a couple times a year, so doesn’t the person who cooks, raises your children, cleans your house, washes your clothes, holds down an extra job to pay bills, and generally puts up with you, deserve something she wants, wishes for or desires? Of course she does!

Have anything to add or an opinion? Leave a comment!
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Alternative Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas

I had a lot of people tell me they liked the home made gift ideas in my last post, so I thought that this one could compliment it with some alternative gift wrapping ideas. Some that I found can be a frugal alternative to spending on gift wrapping. Sometimes the wrapping paper can cost more than the gift inside. You can do some pretty nice things without breaking the bank as far as making your own gift wrap or using simple ready made items. Also, if you’re going green, a lot of these are environment friendly.

Other ideas that I have posted may not be so frugal, but I had to post them because they just caught my eye. That’s the objective in creating festive gift wrapping, isn’t it? After all, the gifts under the Christmas tree are just as much a part of the holiday decorations as the tree or lights, until they’re ripped open on Christmas morning, that is.

Click on the picture to go to the site. Have fun!

Reusable fabric bags are a good idea. They can be used again and again and can be made with a sewing machine or by hand.

Silk scarves or any other kind of fabric scarf can be used and serve a double purpose.

Fabric is versatile and you can experiment with different ways of wrapping. The ideas are endless and you don't have to worry about the paper ripping.

Use colored tape and craft paper. Let your imagination take over. Add some candy canes or other holiday favorites to dress it up even further.

A pillow box made from left over corrugated cardboard from a shipping package, tied with a festive ribbon, can hold small, hard to wrap items. This site offers a printable template

More pillow boxes. These are perfect for accessories, barrettes, or other hard to wrap, small items. This site offers a printable template, also. 

Gift bags made from recycled newspaper or magazines. During the holiday season, many newspapers have colorful pages that might be perfect for this.

Let the kids have fun with craft paper and stamps made from sponges, rubber erasers, or wood blocks. You might even let the little ones finger paint their own gift wrap. Remember, it's not just for kids.

Chalkboard jars are sure to be a favorite and they're great for giving crafting items, sweet treats or art supplies. The directions are on the site.

HP offers tons of free printables. This gift box is just one of many. They also offer free printable gift tags and decorations.

Wrap up a patterned tin, after putting in some holiday cookies or treats, with ribbon and holiday ornaments.

Fabric rolled and tied is a unique way to present someone with a favorite bottle or two of someone's favorite drink.

A small potted flower or plant just might make someone's Christmas morning wrapped in crepe paper ribbons.

You might think about using paper bags, cardboard boxes, crepe paper, and twine to create many different looks. Martha Stewart has loads of ideas for this.

These gift wallets are great and easy to make for giving gift cards or money.
Another example of this wallet can be seen by clicking here.

Watch this video for another neat gift wrapping idea.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think.  Do you have any ideas that other readers might find interesting? Tell us about them!

Note: The picture shown are not mine and are used here as a link back to the original site and to show what it offers.

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Home Made Christmas (or anytime) Gifts

These days everyone's trying to pinch pennies wherever they can. Now that Christmas is coming some people may feel a lot of pressure when it comes to gift shopping. It might not be economically possible for some to even buy gifts this Christmas. Personally, I feel like most people are pushed into thinking they 'have to' buy, buy buy! That's commercialism whispering those sweet, meaningless words into the ears of many and like many others, I feel that it's really gone too far. 

Anyone can buy a gift, wrap it up pretty and give it to someone they love, but does it say the same thing that a home made gift would? Don't get me wrong, the thought of someone even thinking about me enough to go out and personally select a gift just for me is appreciated. I love it just as much as the next person, but a hand made gift is another thing.

Just to think that someone thought about me enough to sit and painstakingly, cut, sew, glue, knit, crochet or any other methods used, make a special gift for me is just so much more personal. Mothers love it when their little ones make their first ceramics in grade school, or the apron their daughter makes them in home economics. Hand made gifts are treasured for a lifetime. I have things in boxes that my children, students and others have made me over the years and I cherish them.

There are literally thousands, if not millions of craft and gift making sites on the Internet, you can get lost in searching because there are so many. I've found a few sites that I thought were really precious ideas, easy, economical and wonderful gifts to make for a special person in your life. Check them out and tell me what you think. I've tried to gather a few of the best in the sense that they wouldn't be too difficult or strap you economically. Click on the the picture to go to the site for instructions. Enjoy!

Zipper Bracelet - This bracelet would be the perfect gift for teens. Depending on the decorations and size of zipper, they could be for both him or her.

Marble Magnets – These could be made with Christmas images as shown here or with pictures of children, grandchildren or family pictures.

Pretty Lights – There are countless, different glass containers that could be used for these pretty lights, and they could be made for him or her, depending on the decoration.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix in a Jar  - Just about any nice glass container could be used for this and you decorate it as you like. A little card tag attached has the cooking directions on it. I’ve also seen these made with brownie mix, bean soup mix and many others. The ideas are endless!

Herb Infused Olive Oil – Simple as can be! You can use a single herb or you can mix herbs together for a unique flavor. This is a good gift for someone who loves to cook or just loves olive oil, period!

Gift Baskets – Who doesn’t love getting one of these? You can make them for a special person, filling it with some of their favorite things, whether it be snacks, foods or bath items. How about filling one up for dad with all his favorite football watching snacks!

A Home Made Trinket Box – These can be made for men or women, boys or girls. Everyone can always use a trinket box to keep their treasures in.

Home Made Salt Pouches – Easy to make and a great gift. Fill them with scented bath salts, sew them up either by hand or machine and put them in a pretty container.

Magazine Beads – These can be made for either sex. Make bracelets, necklaces, earrings or key chains, it’s all up to your imagination.

DIY Journal Cover – Decorate a journal for someone you know who keeps a diary. Again, this can be done for him or her.

Note: The pictures shown here are not my property, they belong to the site linked with them.They are displayed here to show what they offer and as a back link to the original site.

What do you mean you're going outside to play?

In the digital age, we rarely see many kids outside, playing physical games. Most of the time they're glued to computers, the TV, or hand held devices. Now, game makers have come up with the Wii and kids can actually burn a few calories on that, BUT!, does it really take the place of going outside, running around in the grass, getting dirty and breathing fresh air? I don't think so. I'm sure the Wii is fun and kids can work up a sweat, but seriously, I don't think it's a replacement for 'real' exercise.

I see a lot of overweight, unhealthy kids. A lot more than when I was young. Some studies have shown that playing an interactive video game can burn as much as 60-70 calories an hour, but real playing of an actual sport can be as much as up to four times that amount. Also, I have to wonder about the mental wellness of a kid who plays virtual games all of the time. It seems to me that illusion and reality might become confused, especially in younger kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kids perform 60 minutes of physical activity daily to keep healthy. An hour a day! 

I remember as a child being outdoors not for an hour, but hours! We did everything we could, we foraged the forest, made forts, built tree houses, dug big holes that we could fit into, built things from wood scraps, and endlessly chased each other around trying to get that hit in after being hit. Kids' stuff, without elaborate, expensive toys. No matter what, we found something to do. We went inside at night, as filthy as pigs that had been rolling around in mud, but we were healthy and washable.

I really feel sorry for the kids these days. They really are missing out on a lot of fun and they are getting sick. Obesity, diabetes, digestive and kidney diseases are running rampant in children. 

Thankfully, I don't have a problem getting my kids out of the house, but I do have friends and neighbors that do. As I sit here writing this now, the PS-3 is sitting here on the floor, in a corner and the boys are out playing soccer (they have their own, private teams in the neighborhood). They would rather go out than play video games. Don't get me wrong, they still love them, time is just limited.

What are some things that parents can do to reverse this? I limit time on the Internet for my boys. They're allowed an hour, but they usually don't even use that. They'd rather talk to their friends face to face rather than through a chat client. TV is not a big deal in our house. We have some favorite shows, but I don't care if I miss them, except for the news or a Lakers game. They have some favorite shows, too, but like me, if something better comes along they go for that.

One of my friends has a son who is morbidly obese. I've known this child since he was two. He and my son grew up together and now in their teen years they're best buddies, more like brothers. Well, because of his obesity he has a hard time walking and going up and down stairs (old? No, he's 17). I live on the 4th floor and we don't have an elevator because it's an old building. He climbs slowly up, then they sit around for a while and play some games. Then I tell them to go outside and play. This kid does not want to do that! He will try to get out of that in any way, but it doesn't work with me. This has happened a number of times, and sadly, he doesn't come over any more. 

People can blame who they want to, but it comes down to the parent. No excuses, no buts. Everyone's so afraid of making someone angry, but the truth has to be told. You are the teacher of your child. I am in no way perfect and I have made tons of mistakes as far as parenting goes, but keeping my child healthy has never been an option that I would opt out of. The next time you or anyone hands that overweight child a bag of Doritos or a Pepsi, think... Would you feed a diabetic a bowl of sugar? Would you let your child play with a loaded gun? Someone has to start taking responsibility for these kids or we won't have any left.

That's my opinion, what's yours? 

Boys out playing soccer

Do they ever learn?

Today's post was going to be something lighthearted since it is my first on this new blog, but I hope this one will make some people think. Ever since the car has been invented there have been accidents, and too many of them result in the loss of life. My post today is about that last point hitting close to home!

My youngest son was sitting next to me a couple days ago. He kept looking at me like he wanted to say something and then going back to watching TV. I asked him what he was thinking about and then he asked me if I had heard about the boy that lived close to his house dying in an accident. I told him I'd heard something about it. He said that the car was full of all of his friends and he was supposed to go with them, but he decided not to because he was tired and just wanted to go home. Then he proceeded to tell me what happened and how thankful he was that he didn't go with them. (Me too!)

The thing is this: why? Why do people speed at all? I don't get it and I never have. Is there anything in the world that's so important that you would risk your life for? I'm not talking about emergency situations here, just leave those on the side. I'm talking about people afraid of being late for work, wanting to get to the mall or store before it closes or just trying to impress someone with your driving skills. Seriously?

The boys that were in the car, five of them, were between the ages of fifteen and seventeen. The boy  driving was seventeen years old. The boy that was killed, also seventeen, was sitting in back on the passenger side. They said the driver was going 200 KPH (about 124 MPH)! They skidded out of control and went off the road shaving off palm trees and whatever else got in the way. Finally, they hit a big one and that stopped them, and that's what killed the young man in the back seat.

 I can't know what that mother felt, but just imagining it brought tears to my eyes and a bawling fit that lasted a good few minutes. The boys were both sitting here staring at me. "Do you get it?", I asked them, "Can you imagine what all of us, me, your father and your siblings, would feel if something like that happened to one of you?" I made them promise me never to drive like that (for the thousandth time), and they promised, but where is the guarantee? When will kids finally listen to their parents? When will people stop jeopardizing the lives of others? Will they ever learn?

Nuff said?