Nothing much really. Been trying to get a business up and running. Open a online shop at www.hicksandwells.com. Got a couple of pages up for people to start buying stuff. At my paranormal site at www.parastudies.com i have some dragons, incense, candles, and oil burners. Depending on how much you buy you can receive a FREE Gift Card to are special Gift Card only site.
I am trying to write a vampire book. Slowly but surely. Let you know about that in the future.
Still working at the local Game Retail Store. Part time, maybe once or twice a week. The money from that is going into my business untill the business picks up and starts paying for itself.
Hubby bought me a DS Lite, I have been playing with that. I have Brain Age 2 and My French. Would like to get My Word and My Spanish. Also would like to get Flash Focus and Brain Age one.
I am still streaming for APSR Network (www.apsrradio.com) in their Pal Talk chat room. As for my group, we have not done much. We get hits, set up meetings, speak with them in person, and when we set up a time to investigate their place, they cancel on us and when we try to set up another time, they ignore us.
Bruce is playing Star Wars Galaxies. I am still playing World of WarCraft. Waiting on Conan online to come out and play that.
I am also re-reading the Anne Rice Vampire Books.
Other then that, nothing much is going on. I would love to learn how to make some of the pictures you see on the site. Specially the 3D looking ones.
I started my Weight lost program two weeks ago. Feb. 4th, By Feb 11th I lost three pounds and today I lost three more pounds.
The First Week I used the Alli Program. Second Week I used "I have bronchitis" Program. Still have a touch of the Bronchitits though. But I started back on the Alli Program today. I need to loose 55 more pounds. I have all year to do it though. Going at this rate though I can loose the 55 pounds by or around July of this year. Just in time for my Birthday in August. If this happens that means new clothes. Which means heading to Hot Topic.
Work side though. They have me working one day and that is Tuesday from 10am to 1:45 pm. I am trying to find a night job so I can stay working at EB Games but hubby is saying no to gas stations and bill toasty. I tried Manpower to see if I can get on at GSI either here in town or Assumption, IL (which is were hubby works) but nope.
I started a weight lost program. I am planning on loosing 61 pounds this year. I would like to get a tattoo once I reached my goal. I will also get my belly button peirced as well.
The tattoo I am wanting to get the tattoo in the middle of my back but lower. I think you all know where I am talking about. Where most women get tattoos at.
I was wondering what kind of art work would look good. Any suggestions?
A Message From Phil French: Stop the Insanity
Category: News and Politics
Well, it is a New Year and 'our' government is stomping out yet another of our rights. When you buy your tobacco products I am sure you have taken notice of the infamous 'tax stamp' discreetly located. It is my opinion, as well as all smokers and non-smokers I have talked to, that by paying that ridiculously high tax, that we have a "Right" to use tobacco products. It is not a privilege like those 'smoke-free' proponents want you to believe.
It was stated recently in the local paper that 80% of the people of this state are non-smokers. I would like to know how this number was established! Even if smokers do make up only 20% is it fair that we should be kicked to the curb like a common criminal?
I was curious on what was behind the 'secondhand smoke' scare so I did some very simple research and was not totally shocked by what I was able to find in about 10 minutes. Ask yourself a simple question. What kind of factual medical or scientific studies have actually been conducted on secondhand smoke? Do a Google search on Dr. Stan Glantz. You will find some rather startling information. Dr. Glantz is a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics and Engineering Economic Systems. He is the Director for the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education at the University of California, San Francisco. It is also important to note that her is funded by the Federal Government to attack the tobacco industry. The National Cancer Institute gave Dr. Glantz $600,000.00 to 'study' tobacco industry lobbying on the state level.
Now if I wanted to control the outcome of a research project wouldn't contributing large sums of money achieve the results I have paid for? But let's not kid ourselves; smoking is a health risk, but only to the sucker on the end of that cigarette. Secondhand smoke is as dangerous as any other activity involving breathing. Certain organizations and special interest groups have grossly exaggerated the risk of secondhand smoke believing the 'End justifies the means'! This is misleading the public through what can be described as nothing short of brainwashing the public. Ask your doctor if he can test you for secondhand smoke exposure. I'll about bet you that he gets a confused look on his face. There is no solid way to medically test a person for secondhand smoke except to ask smoking related questions and then guessing at a diagnosis based on your answers.
If our government wishes to impose socialist style laws then the least they can do is to base it on real scientific and medical facts and not epidemiological perspectives.
Now let's take a look at the LAW itself, otherwise known as Public Act 095-0017 or Smoke Free Illinois Act. Everything I have put in quotes below are extracts from the law itself!
"The General Assembly finds that tobacco smoke is a harmful and dangerous carcinogen." This is not rocket science here, but what scientific and medical qualifications does our General Assembly have to make any findings relating to smoking. Did you notice they did not mention secondhand smoke?
It goes on to state 'secondhand smoke causes at least 65,000 deaths each year from heart disease and lung cancer according to the "National Cancer Institute". Sounds like money well spent. Maybe we should elect Dr. Glantz as our next Surgeon General! So what kind of tests were conducted on these poor 65,000 souls to determine that we smokers killed them? Are we liable for their deaths? There are many causes for heart disease and lung cancer, but with no valid medical test to run, is it fair to blame their deaths on the smoking population? What factors are considered when determining cause of death as secondhand smoke exposure?
It also states in this law that an "estimated 2900 Illinois citizens" die each year "from exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke" "Secondhand tobacco smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States." But it doesn't even mention who conducted the test to determine this 'fact'. What are the first 2 leading causes of preventable death in the United States and are they being attacked with the same vigor?
Whoa! Don't stop reading yet! There is more about this law that will affect even non smokers. Yup, they are changing your life style too!!!
The law also claims "ventilating buildings cannot eliminate secondhand smoke exposure; smoke-free workplace policies are effective in reducing secondhand smoke exposure" Is this like comparing apples to oranges?
"Smoke-free workplace policies do not have an adverse economic impact on the hospitality industry." I hope all you customer based businesses take note of this fact. It doesn't matter what your books show it is what the government says! The law list specific definitions of words or phrases used in the text of this law. One of these we really need to look at a bit closer as it doesn't appear a great deal of foresight was brought to bear. " "Smoke" or "smoking" means the carrying, smoking, burning, inhaling, or exhaling of any kind of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, hookah, weed, herbs, or any other lighted smoking equipment." Now my take on this is that if I carry my cigarettes and/or lighter into an establishment is a violation of this law. Also, pyrotechnics from a concert or pro-wrestling match is outlawed. There goes the shock and awe of those venues. Burning incense is also outlawed in a public place where smoking is now prohibited.
Now this next section just completely blows my mind. Talk about politician ruling as dictators! Section 55 of this law states "Discrimination prohibited. No individual may be discriminated against in any manner because of the exercise of any rights afforded by this act." Wow!!! Isn't this whole "ACT" bold, outright discrimination? This statement comes right out and says that smokers do not have any rights under this law. HOGWASH!!! I am a citizen, taxpayer and voter and demand that my rights be protected!
Here are some articles you may want to peruse concerning secondhand smoke: 'Secondhand Smoke Scam' by Steven Milloy published October 17, 2003 on http://www.Foxnews.com
In closing you may want to consider how the State of Illinois is going to replace the lost income from decreased tobacco sales. Non-smokers had better get their wallets out because you will have to help offset this loss as Sec. 8.31 clearly states, "Notwithstanding sections 6 and 8 of this act, no reimbursement by the State is required for the implementation of any mandate created by this amendatory Act of the 95th General Assembly." Translated means your taxes are going up!
Now are we just going to sit on our couches and do nothing or shall we just wait and see what 'They" take from us next? I for one say it is time to "Stop the Insanity" and start questioning every law that is passed. Force our politicians to represent the real people of this state and not just special interest groups and lobbyist!
Phil French, MM, voter, citizen and USMC (Everybody else uses a bunch of titles after their name)
Bruce got a book on Ninjas and a Halo 3 Sling bag.
Tracie got a Alien baby hot lamp, a Logitech cam, Halo 3 trading cards, The Assassins by Bernard Lewis, Secret Socities from John Lawrence Reynolds, Lost Scriptures by Bart D. Ehrman, and The Apocrypha by Edgar J. Goodspeed, Halo 3 Mt dew shirt and she got to see her family this past Sunday.
We got World of Warcraft Battlechest and seen Alien Vs. Preditor Requiem,
Well George's Candy Shop cut my hour down to 2 hours a week. I only work one day next week and that is 11:30 to 1:30. That does not pay the bills. busniess is slow.
So I went out and found another job. It is at EB Games. It is only seasonal but if I do a good job they might keep me on after the holiday season. They are going to give me 15 to 20 hours and I was hoping for the same at George's Candy shop. That does not seem to be happening. Oh well. that's life.
Would love to have my own book store, but untill the bills are caught up and the finaces are set that will not be happening. And I do not see that happening soon either.
Rest In Peace Tenchu
Current mood: sad
Category: Pets and Animals
Tenchu was a unique cat. He would lay on Bruce's chest all the time. He would rub his head on Bruce's goatee. Him and Lu became the best of friends.
We notice that Tenchu was no longer eating and not going to the bathroom. He would try to drink some milk or water. Today he was having problems walking. When Bruce took me to work for the second part of shift, he took Tenchu to the vet. We were hoping it was something simple and he would be in for a few days and then he would be home. This was not to be. He had fatty liver disease. It would cost over a $1000.00 in four days and with treat ments there was no way of knowing if he would still survive.
Bruce called me at work and we made the discsion to put him down. I knew by looking in his eyes he wanted to be home. He didn't want to die there at the vets office but at home. But they put him to sleep, Bruce told him how much I loved him and gave him a kiss for me.
It was hard at work but I got through. Now I am at home and crying my eyes out. If writing this I am crying.
Strange thing is, chief looks so much like Tenchu. So Bruce changed his name from Chief to Tenchu Jr.
He was born in late 2002 and we got him in 2003 after he was able to leave his mommy. He will be missed in this house.
The follow-up to the worldwide hit "Alien vs. Predator," the iconic monsters from two of the scariest film franchises ever, wage their most brutal battle yet in an unsuspecting Colorado town.
This past Sunday Bruce and I went to see Halloween. I have seen the orginal Halloween and I have to say I found this new one funny. I was laughing all the way through it. Okay, at the begining I was head banging to Kiss, but the rest was funny.
We bought BloodRayne 2: Delieverence and Blade the series (House of Cathon). Blood Rayne 2 did live up to what I hope. There was no bloodlust, there was no reverenced to the first one. It really was not that all action pack. One thing though. I have seen worst. As for Blade the series it was just the two first episodes. I was upset about that. I was hoping for the full season. But for all you guys out there, there are boobie shots
Yes folks, Halloween is just around the corner and so is Christmans according to Wal-mart.
My husband and I got married on Halloween in 2004, but this year Halloween falls on a Wednesday. So we are having a Halloween/Anniversary Party on the Oct. 27th.
With the release ALIENS VS. PREDATOR—REQUIEM still several months away (Christmas Day, in fact, from Fox), first-time directors Colin and Greg Strause have their hands full with everything from putting the finishing touches on the movie to a looming press schedule. Within the last few weeks, they've released a red-band trailer (meaning it can only be attached to films with an R rating—or you can see it here) and fan reaction has been predictably divided. There are factions who believe the film will be redemption for the sins of the past franchise entry; others have suggested that they might have been fooled once with the original AVP, but they won't be fooled again. Still others believe that the truth, as it often does, lies somewhere in the middle.
The trailer itself is stunning, however; action, creatures and blood and gore abound and the atmosphere is dark, moody, and menacing. Hope now runs high for the film, and trust of the Brothers Strause is growing on-line every day. Having spent some time with them on set during principal photography, Fango has maintained contact with the up-and-coming filmmakers, and recently an e-mail came in from Greg Strause, who was kind enough to answer some questions which should do much to silence any remaining dissent from the world of fandom.
"We definitely felt that we had to make this film stand apart from the last one," Strause tells us. "These two franchises were known for being intense, so that was high on our list. The bottom line was we wanted to make a good movie."
Given the amount of gore in the new trailer, one has to wonder whether any problems were encountered with the MPAA—and how much will be shown in subsequent previews. "Well, we got our R rating," Greg says. "We were confident that we'd get that. One trailer is approved red-band and the other is approved green," meaning it can be shown to general audiences.
Recently, Greg attended a Fango Weekend of Horrors convention, where he confirmed that a "crossbreed" or hybrid creature indeed appears in the film and, in fact, plays a pretty major role in the storytelling. "She's in the trailer: the Pred-Alien," Strause explains. "Her nickname is Chet, but that's our inside joke. It's not an official name."
Hmmm…intensity, a solid story, an obvious hard R rating and the long-awaited appearance of a Pred-Alien… So far, so good. But what about the worry that everything that's cool about the new film has already been shown or suggested in that coming attraction? Strause puts those concerns to rest: "Not true. There's lots of stuff still unseen—complete scenes that are not in the trailer." Then he lets loose the juiciest of tidbits: "A new world perhaps…"
Might this be the film that finally offers a glimpse of either creature's home world? Only time will tell.
The last order of business involves a statement made by the brothers during production, when they noted that they were shooting the film as if it was unrated, and would let the MPAA decide what should be removed. The idea of an unrated DVD is thus a mouthwatering possibility. As Strause signs off, he has time to drop one more hint for buffs to salivate over. "We'll start editing again in about a week or so. There are some cool scenes that we'll be adding back in…"
I hate being sick
Current mood: sick
Category: Life
I hate being sick.
It all started Friday.
Breakfest was Mcdonalds, was a little sick after words. I was at work afterwords and I was in the bathroom for about 15 mins or so. This was before noon.
Ate at work, had a pickle, Italin beef, and ice cream
We were slow Friday night and I left work early. Walked to the Hobby Horse to find Bruce and then we went to Arby's. I had a 3 combo meal. Then we went to Family Video and then I got sick. Came home and ended up being in the bathroom all night and most of the day today. I was unable to go to work, which I was looking forward to. I am still stuck in the bathroom off and on.
Bruce went to Wal-mart and bought me some Pepto-Bespol.
I hate being sick. I hate my tummy hurting. I was also running a small fever.
Did I mentioned I hate being sick.
lol
Hope you all had a great weekend and that you didn't drown during the rain.
For 30 days every winter, the isolated town of Barrow, Alaska is plunged into complete darkness. This winter bloodthirsty vampires appear ready to feed. Visit www.30DaysOfNight.com. 30 DAYS OF NIGHT - in theaters 0ctober 19th.
sad
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