Patricia Appelquist

Vyou

2012-01-15T22:55:00.001-08:00

Really you must try this...honest last post

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

There is a lot of people I would like to thank for reading this blog and as it moves over to the next tab and I start video posting there is one thing that has surprised me the most...

Food.

Seriously people want to know about food from growing it to eating it. I am not a good foodie but there is one treat that always seems to catch people off guard after my whiney chicken...

Champagne and Popcorn

It is delicious together just like Chardonnay and Saltines ( no? ok I admit I have done that when I barely had anything else but I think you get my point)

I have made trying all sorts of champagne with popcorn an art form.

I am now fledgling to make popcorn pop more with black & red peppercorns and white truffle oil to be sprinkled with Pink Hawaiian Sea Salt....sounds delicious doesn't and trust me that would be good with say a Delamotte or even a J Chardonnay sparkling wine.

The biggest thing I am trying to figure out is why doesn't blue popcorn kernels turn blue popcorn? Trust me I was disappointed by the red ones not turning red.

Oh did I tell you about the garlic butter kettle corn popcorn experience it was actually very very very good then I opened the smoked salmon and had some rose barefoot champagne...yeah it was a bit too much but better than say a prosecco.

I have a thing for trying spanish sparkling wines and I have yet to find a reallty sweet one most are very strong forwards and zap your taste buds out with a lemongrass like flavor.

Of course, I could always try tequila and popcorn...uh oh...can you say trouble any faster?

So as you countdown do think about doing something different

Here is my last blog post...

Thanks to several people over the years

2011-12-29T07:13:00.001-08:00

If I could list out everyone who I should I would be sue for slander ...ok not totally true but there are a lot of people to whom I appreciate very much for reading this blog and to that end my sincere gratitude

Thank you.

The book?

2011-12-28T01:45:00.000-08:00

Yes, One Soapbox is complete so to speak.

After some handholding and such I finally submitted it and then I got a very nice bill.

To say the least the joy of self publishing is a good idea.

You will find the One Soapbox on this site ..next year.

So much for that resolution :)

Why blog and why post at all?

2011-12-27T01:59:00.000-08:00

In 2007 I started this blog as a platform for my campaign to spread the word of my ideas and plans for Campbell. I had a little hesitation because my family is private. I would be exposing part of my family to political world and I slowly recognized why my father didn't hold many public seats.

So I was asked why are you blogging at all? First, it is a soapbox simply put a virtual soapbox. Second, its a placemarker telling people I am indeed alive and well and somehow very important. Thirdly, a hobby. Yeah, I did not know blogging could be considered a hobby but apparently it is also an employment opportunity.

All the same I never proclaimed to be the best blogger out there and by far I never entered a lot of blogging items. The farther I went was adding AdSense and keywords. Not really a lot more than that on this blog.

It has come to my attention there are blogging events and blogging things to do which I may or may not do. It can be kinda difficult to flirt with blogging as an actual occupation but apparently you can get paid to blog.

I will look into it but so far ...last post is Saturday Dec 31, 2011....

Counting Down to the Countdown...

2011-12-26T14:02:00.000-08:00

It is kinda hard to believe I won't be here on the interwebs typing away at my keyboard some drivel to keep my family members off base to what is really going on in my life because I like the mystery of being me.

In all honesty, my life is really boring.

I thought about it this morning in the shower ...boring life...that is my pentenance.

So while others are planning monthly parties to celebrate the end of the Mayan Calendar ( sounds like so much fun ) I am planning the basic stuff like hooking up a camera, where to post a blog from, the usual sort of stuff.

I promise though ...nothing about the mayan calendar...really that is just plain ridiculousness

Christmas Morning w/ Dogs and horses

2011-12-25T01:37:00.000-08:00

I was and probably still am one of the first to get up on Christmas Morning in my family. I am considered the neurotic one about the whole holiday. I could not wait to see the presents under the tree and the goodies to eat. I did not understand what my parents meant to be quiet because they spent the entire night trying to fix a bike.

I remember the smells and sounds the glass pitcher with orange juice that always appeared on Christmas morning. My mom always found a set of morning buns to be noshed on.

The ribbon candies and the peppermint candy canes and oh how my stomach would ache.

These sights and sounds would be enhanced with extended family members from my brother in law to my nephews but the constant remains the family dog has a bow ontop of his head.

The horses of course had their Christmas too. We learned the hard way that horses like holiday decorations too so we had to cut that out ( Who knew a horse could eat a Christmas tree? ) but eventually they got hats and bows too and bales of hay.

After our mother past away my sisters and I inherited the task of keeping those traditions alive. My apartment literally looked like Christmas blew up and this was in the middle of July I had plates, decorations, cards, cd's ( I adore the Jimmy Buffett Holiday CD now more than ever ) along other airplane and horse items.

The world keep rotating and traditions keep evolving..and I hope you and yours are safe and happy.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Me to you!

2011-12-24T01:31:00.000-08:00

I hope you have a happy holiday to which ever you decide it be and don't forget to leave some cookies out just in case someone stops by including a few Secret Santas...check thise out!

Teresa Moreno was watching television from her faded green couch when Santa came calling wearing blue jeans and a bright smile.

Moreno, 81, couldn't believe her eyes. She was among those getting unexpected help at Christmastime, just as she had seen so many times on TV.

"Oh, my goodness, oh, my Lord, thank you, Lord," she repeated, burying her face into her wrinkled hands, happy, bewildered and embarrassed over the sudden spotlight.

The Phoenix resident, who raised five kids, still supports a daughter and two grandchildren, one with Down syndrome, on her fixed income. She's the kind of person who tries to get presents for her babies for Christmas from the dollar store even when her air-conditioning is out just to see the smiles on their faces.

Secret Santa in Phoenix

As she wiped away tears, so did her Secret Santa, who is part of a group of Valley residents who share their good fortune with others.

They are part of a national movement of anonymous donors who fan out in their communities to spread the message that people still care.

"You're going to make me cry," said one of Moreno's anonymous Santas.

Another sat on a nearby couch, tears welling, as he handed out $100 bills for each family member -- $600 total once the family dog was included.

Such emotions are worth the effort for Peoria residents Steve Chenoweth and Larry McCormick, who organized the Secret Santas as part of secretsantaworld.net.

Chenoweth and McCormick, retired FBI agents, were inspired by their friend Larry Stewart, a Kansas philanthropist who for 20 years randomly handed out $100 bills at Christmas. Stewart, who was once homeless but became wealthy as a telecommunications entrepreneur, never forgot one act of kindness when someone slipped him a $20 bill to pay for a meal he couldn't afford.

"We want to continue his legacy," McCormick said.

The pair have been organizing the Valley's Secret Santas for six years.

Stewart-inspired Secret Santa "sleigh rides" now happen across the country. Donors remain anonymous. They want the recipient to get all the attention.

Here in the Valley, the two-day sleigh ride in a white Chevy van gifted about $30,000 to about 80 people last week.

A Glendale police cruiser followed the van to provide security and to ensure traffic flowed smoothly during the random stops.

A surprised Nicole Williamson was walking her son, Jadyn, 8, home from school when the Secret Santas rolled up and gave her $200. She took home the message of helping others, especially in these difficult times.

"Hope sometimes dwindles," she said. "(But) there are still good people out there who are spreading the love of God."

Williamson said some of the money would go toward toys for her son and the rest would go to help someone else she knows who is in need.

Chenoweth said organizing this year's event was all worth it to see the happiness on the face of a Glendale Walmart shopper, who was approached by the Secret Santas and given $1,000. The man's sister had recently died and he was taking care of her three children on top of his four. He was struggling to make a meaningful Christmas.

Chenoweth said others tell the Secret Santas they don't need the money but ask if they can use it to help others.

"It's fantastic to see that sense of giving come alive," he said.

The small brigade of Secret Santas don't just hand out the money. They share Stewart's story to keep his spirit alive.

On Thursday, the Secret Santas made a stop at the Children First Academy in Phoenix to hand out candy canes, crayons and coloring books that told Stewart's story.

Santa and an elf read aloud from one of the coloring books and then asked the children if they would do anything nice for others.

"Yeah," about 35 third- and-fourth-graders replied in unison.

"Secret Santas" are finding creative ways to spread Christmas cheer throughout Great Falls this season.

An anonymous couple decided not to shower themselves with gifts for the holidays, and instead scoped out the aisles of Vans IGA to share the Christmas spirit with some unsuspecting shoppers, leading to a surprise at checkout.

Store manager Troy Siron said, "So when they came through, I was just asked to say, 'These are from Santa.'"

"Santa" bought the groceries for an older gentleman and a family of four.

Siron noted, "The kids were talking about Santa in the store and the 'Secret Santa' caught on to that, and thought it was a great opportunity for them to realize that maybe Santa is still there."

But that wasn't the only "Secret Santa" in Great Falls.

The Great Falls Rescue Mission had their own anonymous donor on Wednesday afternoon, delivering Subway sandwiches and chips to nearly 80 people, brightening the spirits of those in need.

Rescue Mission client Michelle said, "It's so good to know that people actually do care and actually do give during this kind of season."

Another client said, "I think it shows they have appreciation for what's in their lives...when they do something like that it reminds you they're a person and it's going to be okay, it's going to get better and somebody cares."

Even at KMart you can find a Secret Santa

Santa Claus is usually quite visible with his whitebeard and red suit, but a growing number of "Secret Santas" are spreading cheer from behind the scenes.Kmart has had its Secret Santa program for years, said Adam Jones, assistant manager for the store at 1003 W. Patrick St. in Frederick.
Secret Santas, who remain anonymous, pay off the layaway costs for those who are considered to have jobs that provide only a low income, Jones said Sunday.
"I've been in management here nine years, and we had one or two each year," he said of Secret Santas. "This year we had 16 or 17 in just the past few days. The need is really there and people are helping out."
Jones said Kmart personnel help choose layaways that have a lot of toys or where payments are late.
"It really is for the kids," Jones said. "We have had Secret Santas come in and pay off as much as $300 on a layaway."
Frederick resident Margaret Murray saw television reports of the outpouring of generosity toward strangers, and she thought it was a great idea and decided to participate. When she arrived at Kmart on West Patrick Street in Frederick on Saturday, she soon discovered other people had the same idea.
A couple in front of her at the Kmart layaway desk came to pay strangers' layaways, Murray said. The cashier said people had been coming in all day offering to pay peoples' balances.
"The lady at the counter had a stack of receipts from people who had paid off other people's layaway," Murray said. "It was a great feeling to see it wasn't just me."
Murray said she usually donates to charity. "But in this case, people who put things in layaway generally need a little help," she said.
Murray's $350 donation paid for several layaway orders with different balances, she said. Her donation went toward layaways with children's toys, clothing and games.
Within the half hour Murray was in the store, three people came to replicate the act, she said.
The beneficiaries are often overwhelmed. "The reactions are wonderful to see. It definitely helps them," Jones said of the recipients.
"We staple the receipt to the items, and they can see that the layaway has been paid down to the penny," Jones said.
Secret Santas can visit Kmart through Christmas Eve, Jones said.
"With all the bad news we see, it is great to see something good happening," Jones said.

The next four days... may you find peace and be blessed

2011-12-23T01:20:00.000-08:00

Today I am technically off from work but I am thinking about it still...while I am sure you are busy too here are a few recaps from the past years holidays

Dieting before Thanksgiving

So how is that Diet going?

Yes, the day before we stuff our faces with more turkey than a Presidential Debate in February I am going to type up about Dieting. You see in January because of some old antiquated hubris we simple farmers fast in order to lose weight or we join a gym or eat only grapefruit.

Well why wait till January when you can start today...I readily admit that I should be on a treadmill like a hamster but if I got that bored to start going in circles I'd be an elected official or a race car driver.
So what should I do ...invest in liposuction? maybe do what my sister did and invest in my weight loss....um...not really the betting person if you know what I mean.

Or maybe I should finally get that tooth taken care of and get my mouth wired shut. When I was beyond stressed out over a horrible situation I lost weight incredibly fast, but that may trigger something worst than weight loss.

So I can go back to fitday and I can try to remember to wake up early because I do love that and I can...try..because really..what else should I do.

Wait for January ?

Halloween 2010 should not have been scary except for the fact that I was already writing holiday cards

Happy Halloween Eat some candy for me :)

Did I tell you I have been having horrible nightmares of late. No. really its bad. Very vivid dreams that turn into the stuff that makes me scream out in my sleep and wake up housemates.

So, I hope you have a Happy Halloween.

I am signing holiday cards as I type this....that is scary thought isn't it.

Only 55 days till Christmas!

Saint Valentines Day always reminds me of this guy I met who was born on St. Valentines day

Some places could use a little heart!

While Saint Valentines Day is near I thought of a few places for you to use your love for...just because I adore them too...

Check out Everywun.com (www.everywun.com)

Care2.com is a great site you can make a difference (www.care2.com)

The Go Red Campaign is in full force so check it out (www.goredforwomen.org)

and on Saturday you can learn about a great school because Heffalump Preschool is havingin an Open House on Saturday, February 14, 2009, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM located at
3990 Ventura CtPalo Alto, CA 94306(650) 856-4321 for free

OPEN HOUSE FOR FALL 2009 ENROLLMENT:Come and have refreshments, do Valentine's Day crafts, and learn about Heffalump. Mark your calendar!

Lastly, give a little bit to The Health Trust which has great programs just for your heart!

Apparently I was having a Happy New Year...until I realized I was late...

Happy New Year's

2008 ....only 10 months and 3 days to go....Patricia For Campbell

I am ready to serve

I believe in Campbell

Campbell is my home

Sincere BEST WISHES for 2008!

12:18PM 2008 Jan 1, 2008

Gotta love it..21st Century....

UPDATE@@$$***&&^%!!!

Apparently even politicans don't sleep or the people who read this blog....

Gosh darn it all to hell...but it was actually 12:18 AM (are you happy now????!!!) and Yes it isn't technically 2008 until Hawaii turns over...best wishes to that Mayor of ess eff..gavin something or uther...it is now 12:49 AM Pacific Standard Time another three hours to go until Hawaii can say adidos to 2007 ...

Good Luck!

...and for the 3! Three people who told me I had the wrong time posted....sheesh!

Love Ya! thx!

I am 43 reviews shy of 500 on Yelp...let's see where I can go...

2011-12-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

Ok this is serious I am trying to get to X number on Twitter and now 500 Yelp reviews. I need to go to 43 places in the next 10 days...Help!

I am starting to think of reviewing all the Subways in town that would take just a few hours going up and down Homestead and Stevens Creek

Then I could do all the Starbucks in downtown San Francisco that is what three hours and 10 Starbucks in a four block radius ... can I include the ones in Barnes and Noble too?

After that I think I would have to do the Targets yeah ...There is a few I haven't been too and I have gas..

Oooh I could review my favorite gas stations too!

Then of course there is the Pacific ocean and shops on the wharf... oooohhh I have an excuse to go to Cole's Barbeque now ! Whoo HOOO!

Plus that is like 43 tweets too ...awesome !!!

I need medication...

Something to do after the New Year....

2011-12-21T01:44:00.000-08:00

One thing I actually liked about blogging is knowing about different events and places to go check out.

So for January 2012 and the last post of what to do and where to go ...here is some events you should know...

SJ Giants have Winter Clinics ...granted its only for 7 to 14 year olds but you know at one point Brian Wilson was 7 years old too..

San Jose Winter Clinics are a great opportunity for children to refine their baseball skills before the upcoming season begins and league tryouts are right around the corner. Players will be instructed by top San Jose Giants coaches and instructors, with special appearances by current and former San Jose Giants players. Participants will learn necessary tips on how they can perform at their best level this season, as clinics focus on the fundamentals of the game. Stations include hitting, fielding, pitching, catching and base running. Players will have the chance to play on the field of historic Municipal Stadium, the home to San Francisco Giants prospects for over 22 years. Participants will be grouped according to their age and ability level to create a more effective learning environment.

Participants Receive:

* San Jose Giants baseball camp t-shirt

* Individual player evaluations available upon request

Baseball Clinic Dates:

Saturday, January 7th 9am - 3pm

Sunday, January 8th 9am - 3pm

One thing to check out is Math...I wish I was more math aptitude than I am but overall the truth of the matter is that my nephews are going to be Math Wizards if they were here and went to the Tech Math event too

MathWorks is a bilingual Spanish program for children and their families. These math and science activities are designed to teach parents and families how to help reinforce math skills that are being taught in school. These basic skills have been identified as those needed in order to be successful in math and science. Snacks are provided for participants. Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Ok ENOUGH about Kids so you should check out Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore on Saturday Jan 14th

BBVD returns to the Bankhead with their irresistible live show and the aggressive, musically-perceptive approach that has made them a singular standout among the numerous bands that launched the Nineties swing revival. With a massively successful fusion of classic American sounds from jazz, swing, Dixieland and big-band music, they have built their own songbook of original dance tunes. Their latest album is a tribute to Cab Calloway that captures the essence of an American icon in a wild celebration of musicianship, mischief, street smarts and fun.

Because I think being single is only for Malt Scotch I tend to look for events where I can be completely uncomfortable and wish I was single again...so here is a Hurry Date Event I might go to if this whole " How about we...?" dating site experiment doesn't work out

What the heck is HurryDate? It's a party where you'll meet tons of new people with the guys rotating from woman to woman every 5 minutes. You'll indicate on a SCOREcard whether or not you'd like to see each person you meet again . . . and we'll match you up! You'll get in touch via our secure email system, and then it's up to you to decide if you want to go on a "real" date. Throw in a cool bar, great food and drink specials, and a fun, anything-goes vibe, and you've got yourself one hell of a night out after work!

January HurryDates Speed Dating Parties:

* 30-43 year olds - Wed, Jan 18th -- 7pm check in / 7:30pm start

Rudy's Pub, 117 University Ave, Palo Alto -- $5 appetizers, $3 beers, $3.50 well drinks

* 23-33 year olds - Thur, Jan 26th -- 7pm check in / 7:30pm start

Zen Lounge, 251 Castro St, Mountain View -- $2 beers, $3 featured cocktails

For info or to register:

* Visit my HurryDate link at http://hurrydate.com?img=13&kbid=3571

* Get a friend to sign up online and I'll give YOU free admission (makes it only $17.50 per person). After one of you registers/pays online, email me at HurryDatePaloAlto@gmai... with names, genders, ages, and emails and I'll sign YOU up for free.

Upcoming SPEED DATING PARTIES

Rudy's Pub - 117 University Ave, Palo Alto - 7pm check in / 7:30 start

$5 appetizers, $3 beers, $3.50 well drinks

Wednesdays

Feb 8th - 23-33 year olds

Mar 14 - 23-33 year olds

Zen Lounge - 251 Castro St, Mountain View - 7pm check in / 7:30 start

$2 select beers, $3 featured cocktails

Thursdays

Feb 23 - 30-43 year olds

Mar 22 - 30-43 year olds

- Join our Bay Area meetup group "Sweet, Sexy, Savvy, Singles' Speed Dating of San Francisco" for priority invitations to our speed dating parties.

- Want to fill in for last minute discounted/FREE spots!?!? Let me know and I'll add you to the email notification list.

Feeling a little unawares of late well check out the Free Event by the Commonwealth club at Santa Clara University on Wednesday Jan 18th

Are there "Catholic" positions on issues in American politics? What is the role of Catholic Church authorities and what is the role of the conscience of the individual Catholic in assessing and voting on these issues? Bishop Robert McElroy, one of the Auxiliary Bishops of the San Francisco Archdiocese, will offer his reflections on these crucial matters.

There is one reason I might go to school...San Francisco Wine School

2011-12-20T01:37:00.000-08:00

Its true, I have a thing for wine that was discovered in 1995 when I worked in security at a winery. Before then I was a strict White Zinfandel kind of girl. Now, you even whisper cabernet or fermented grapes my direction you are more likely to get a lecture on the specialities than any other thing in my life.

I am not sure how I did not know about San Francisco Wine School but I do now and that is very very dangerous ....like put someone on notice seriously... my liver commands it so..

Without futher ado here is what's up with San Francisco Wine School ...by the way can I borrow $700 I need to take a class here ...

The San Francisco Wine School is growing to bring all relevant credential programs under one roof and provide world-class training for professionals, collectors and consumers.

Exclusive Bay Area

Provider of French

Wine Scholar Program

and Exam (FWS)

Authorized Exam

provider for SWE’s

Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW)

SF Wine School’s own

California Wine

Appellation Specialist

(CWAS)TM including Napa Valley Rocks!

We strongly believe in continuing education and continuous improvement. Top industry credentialing programs need not compete, but rather share their student bases. Getting training under more than one system and being tested by organizations that focus on different areas only strengthens individuals moving up in the beverage world. Credentials offer employers confidence in whom they hire and elevate the professionalism throughout the wine and service industries.

San Francisco Wine School is the exclusive Bay Area provider for the French Wine Society (FWS), a credential program that is supported by the various grower/producer councils of France. We also are an approved provider of the Napa Valley Vintners’ Association’s “Napa Valley Rocks” program which is included in our own credential series, California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS). As of July 2011 we have been approved by the Society of Wine Educators (SWE) to conduct their Certified Specialist of Wine exams (CSW). Continuing education courses for restaurant and wine industry professionals are regularly offered to aid you on the job or prepare for higher level exams with Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Society of Wine Educators and others. More credential programs and partnerships will be coming soon!

San Francisco Wine School is the creation of David Glancy, 1 of only 12 people in the world to hold both the Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator credentials.

The team is rounded out by the amazing team of:

■Maureen Downey, DWS, CWE, FWS, CS (Founding Instructor/Partner)

■Zach Pace, DWS, CWE, FWS (Instructor)

■Catherine Fallis, MS, ACWP, FWS (Instructor)

■Fred Swan, CS, CWAS (Instructor) and

■Beth Kaiser, CS, CSW, FWS (Director of Operations)

Classes are held at the Oyster Point Embassy Suites in South San Francisco

I got a dog for christmas....a watch that is...

2011-12-19T01:33:00.000-08:00

As many of my family and friends are aware I miss having a dog to the point of an extreme where I may break down crying every time I mention Peanut, Paris, Pierce, Dallas, Pepper and all the other dogs in my short life.

So when local artist Sonya Paz has a sale...I headed that way and

got a dog or two or three.

I did need a watch and found a great one ...Barkley Bark he has a red collar ( a family must for any of our dogs ) and can tell me the time.

I guess this will tied me over till I get a dog...hopefully soon ...Dear Santa!

Long two weeks till the New Year

2011-12-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

If you have not noticed in exactly 14 days it will be 2012 ....and this blog will move over to another tab.

I am kinda bummed but at the same time I live in California where getting a sunburn in December is not unusual. Really...I have to go out and wear sunscreen today...I would call this Hawaii but then I don't go to Hawaii anymore.

So, a gift or two is sent and I have some wrapping to do and I am looking toward 2012 with the same absolute resolve I had in 2000. Yeah...its been a long trip now that I think about but I realize as I type the NYE in 2000 I had the same thinking...though completely different circumstances.

I wonder if I haven't changed because everything else did ?

Granted I did change, I went to school off and on, I have had relationships that in all reality I am kinda glad they are over.

But still two more weeks....

Let's Go

I did not forget ...here are more

2011-12-17T11:23:00.000-08:00

DPS Doggy Protection Services http://www.dpsrescue.org/

Horse Rescue http://horse.rescueme.org/California

Teddy Bears http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/99999999/NEWS11/111190315/Teddy-bears-needed-traumatized-kids-Monterey-County

RAFT http://www.raft.net/

Operation Care and Comfort http://www.occ-usa.org/

And many many more if you would like more or to find an organization you would like to know about that you haven't read about here please feel to contact me directly...leave a msg in the comments

Nonprofit Links are here

2011-12-16T01:55:00.000-08:00

Okay its been a week of nonprofits and I have a few links to share so I hope you will click below on the nonprofit and make a difference too

Tomorrow I will have more

The Health Trust

Samaritan House Home of San Mateo

2nd Harvest Food Bank

Muttville

City Lights Foundation ( Dog Rescue ) They have a facebook page but the email works too

Please see Samaritan House of San Mateo

2011-12-15T01:53:00.000-08:00

I admit I know a lot of people in two groups the Nonprofits and the Politics... I tend to support the nonprofits more

here is the blurb on Samaritan House

Samaritan House is a private nonprofit organization providing services to help meet the essential daily needs of more than 12,000 low-income people within San Mateo County, California. We provide an interim "safety net" for individuals and families in need while ultimately helping them move toward self sufficiency.

With the help of more than 2,000 volunteers, we provide food, clothing, shelter, health care, worker resources, and counseling services, all free of charge to our clients. Samaritan House is a community-supported organization with over 68% of our operating budget coming from private groups and individuals. Please read more about us, our programs, and success stories.

Check out The Health Trust please

2011-12-14T01:51:00.000-08:00

Please consider the Health Trust this year too

The vision of The Health Trust is to make Silicon Valley the healthiest region in America—a place where every resident can achieve optimal health throughout their lifetime, no matter their background, income, race, ethnicity or age. We believe that health care does not just take place in a doctor’s office and clinic or hospital. For everyone to achieve optimal health, the community itself must become a place that supports the health of all its residents.

Through our Healthy Living work, we aim to reduce obesity by creating changes in our environment to increasing residents’ access to nutrition and physical activity.
Through our Healthy Aging work, we help older adults spend more years in good health, engaged as vital members of their communities.
Through our Healthy Communities work, we aspire to achieve health equity, so that social and economic circumstances are not barriers to good health.

City Lights Foundation Dog Rescue

2011-12-14T01:40:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while I find out about a brand new nonprofit and City Lights Foundation is a dog rescue organization in Morgan Hill

We are a 501(c)(3) foundation, based in Morgan Hill California, formed for the purpose of helping animals in need.

Check out Bobby

Bobby is Lady's son and also a victim of eviction and some neglect. He is about 3 years old and is 34 lb. Bobby was never socialized so takes a few days to warm up, but we suspect that each time he meets new people it will be easier and faster. He has done very well in the foster home. He loves hot dogs and responds well to positive reinforcement training. Bobby is very sweet and gentle. He loves getting his belly rubbed and is very content to lay next to you while getting petted. Bobby is crate trained and does not bark a lot. We do not know how he is with cats but did well meeting an 8 old child. After one day of unsureness he came up to her for petting. Bobby did very well meeting other dogs and with a little time would probably be fine with another dog in a household, though we suspect he would love it if he were the only dog as he loves the attention (having had to compete with 4 other dogs in his former home). If you are looking for a quiet, sweet and gentle companion, then Bobby is the guy for you!

Keeping up with PACE

2011-12-13T01:37:00.001-08:00

This week I am highlighting the local nonprofits and I hope you will donate to them because each makes a difference... a real impact on the community

Connect Support Educate

Pacific Autism Center for Education

Haven't found that great gift for someone who has everything?

Why not skip the stores and celebrate Charitable Wednesday by making a donation to PACE in honor of a loved one! We'll make sure that he or she is made aware of your generosity. Your gift will impact our children and their families like John and his mom Stephanie, below, who rely on PACE 24/7, 365 days a year for our Residential services.

Donate online or call any time at 408.625.6175. Join the PACE Community in helping us reach our end of year campaign goal of $10,000!

P.S. Spread the PACE community movement: forward this email to your friends and family, andshare our Charitable Wednesday status on Facebook in the month of December! Together we can make a difference.

PACE provides high quality programs for individuals with Autism and associated developmental disabilities living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Your ongoing support and the support of our generous community allow PACE to provide outstanding service in all our programs: Early Intervention, PACE School, Adult Day and Residential Care. Thank you for helping us to connect, support and educate.

1880 Pruneridge Ave, Santa Clara CA 95050
Tel: 408.245.3400 I Fax: 408.260.7267
www.pacificautism.org

Mature Dogs are better than mature men

2011-12-12T01:41:00.000-08:00

This week I am highlighting nonprofits and cool places to volunteer so today Muttville because as much as I like older men older canines are better!

Dear Friends of Muttville,

It's been a bang-up year for Muttville, and we're celebrating all December long. Come join us!

Stop by our Holiday Adoption Center, open every weekend in December. Shop for cool doggie merch, meet adoptable mutts, and buy a $1 pooch-smooch at our senior dog kissing booth. Read more...
Comedy and Chinese food! The perfect holiday combo! Get both at Kung Pao Kosher Comedy. Partial proceeds benefit Muttville! Read more...
Join our 3rd Annual Fort Funston Christmas Mutt Walk. It's a tradition we've grown to love.Read more...

Come celebrate with Muttville! We'd love to see you!

MUTTVILLE HOLIDAY ADOPTION CENTER

Weekends in December, Muttville is hosting an open house adoption center in a donated storefront on Polk Street. We've got adorable, adoptable, Muttville mutts; lots of specially selected dog-friendly gift ideas from a bunch of cool vendors; and fun activities for all!

It's a festival of fun for humans and doggies alike!

Smooch a pooch at our Senior Dog Kissing Booth		Treat your mutt to a rub byHappy Hounds Massage	Get holiday boarding and dog-walking info from Small Club	Stock up on yummy dog treats from Paw Patch Pastries

	Enjoy a cup of hot cider fromPets Love Deals	Find your favorite designer dog duds fromWaghearted	Learn how we can all help save animals online fromSharingpet

Get a photo of you and your mutt on Santa's lap *	Check out cool doggie harnesses fromFrannie's Shop	Shop Muttville merch for everyone on your gift list		AND MORE!

* Photos on Santa's lap, in the kissing booth, and elsewhere around the center will be taken byChung Nguyen Photography, Nuena Photography, or Ruffles Art Studio, depending on the day.

Bring your dog! Or come meet ours and fall in love in time for the holidays!

WHEN
Every Saturday and Sunday in December except Sunday, December 25th
Noon to 3:00 p.m.

WHERE
1259 Polk Street at the corner of Bush Street map

Holiday Adoption Center photos courtesy of Chung Nguyen Photography.

KUNG-PAO KOSHER COMEDY BENEFIT

As fans of Woody Allen know, one of the great traditions of the holiday season is an evening of tasty Chinese food and great laughs!

This year, the Kung Pao Kosher Comedy Show stars comedians Elayne Boosler, Avi Liberman, Jeff Applebaum, and host Lisa Geduldig. With partial proceeds benefitting Muttville!

Two shows a night, dinner and cocktails.

WHEN

Friday, December 23rd		Shows at 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 24th		Shows at 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 25th		Shows at 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

WHERE
The New Asia Restaurant
772 Pacific Avenue (between Grant and Stockton Streets in Chinatown) map

Partial proceeds benefit Muttville! Order tickets here.

3RD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MUTT WALK

Our Christmas Day Mutt Walk along the trails of glorious Fort Funston has become one of the best events on the Muttville calendar all year. Weather permitting, the humans and dogs of the Muttville family will meet at the Skyline parking lot at 11:00 a.m. to take a gentle hike.

Wear your Muttville gear, but bring an extra layer for you and your senior mutts — it can get pretty windy out on the bluffs.

WHEN
Sunday, December 25th, Christmas Day
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Weather permitting

WHERE
Fort Funston, 500 Skyline Blvd map
We'll gather in the northwest corner of the Skyline parking lot
(near the Port-O-Potties) at 11:00 a.m.

From everyone at Muttville, we wish you and your family safe, warm, and wonderful holidays.

Woofs and Happy Holidays,
Sherri Franklin
Founder & Executive Director

December 8, 2011

DOUBLE YOUR DOLLARS WITH A YEAREND DONATION TO MUTTVILLE

From now until January 15, 2012, every tax-deductible dollar you donate to Muttville will be MATCHED dollar for dollar until we reach our goal of $100,000.

Your donations save the lives of wonderful senior dogs who have nowhere else to turn.
Please give what you can.

Double your impact and make a difference

2011-12-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

This week I am highlighting volunteer and nonprofits Today is 2nd Harvest Food Bank Please consider them today

Thanks to the Koret Foundation and a generous individual donor, all donations made in December will be matched $1 for $1, up to $100,000! Double your impact this month and feed twice as many people! People who want nothing more than a hot meal to warm their spirits.

I'm asking you to give what matters this holiday season – the gift of food – to help our neighbors when they have nowhere else to turn. In December, 1 out of every 10 of our neighbors will be turning to Second Harvest Food Bank for food. Many of our clients are hardworking families who simply can't make ends meet. Your donation makes it possible for them to eat.

Darleen, a former food bank client who is now a successful manager and Second Harvest supporter, understands first hand that nothing else matters when you're hungry:

"As a parent, I can tell you: whether it's milk, turkey, eggs, or fresh produce, being able to feed your kids is the greatest gift."

Double your donation today and feed success stories like Darleen's. Every $1 provides 4 meals in our community!

Plan Ahead for Next May!

2011-12-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

Hey, you knew this was bound to happen right? Ok so this week Saturday to Saturday I will promote somewhat manically a nonprofit or just something good for you to do!

Here is ONE Brick and they are going to New Orleans ...let's join em!

Dear One Brick Volunteers,

Six years ago we all watched in horror as first nature and then incompetence destroyed a community. Since then, 300 One Brick volunteers have made 22 week-long trips to help put people back in their homes.

It's hard to believe but, many thousands still live in FEMA trailers or sleep on couches. So.... we are going back again. And we'd like you to join us.

One Brick invites YOU to be part of the solution! We assure you that it’ll be an amazing and truly life-altering experience.

We charge a $200 fee to cover lodging and most food (see below). If, like many of us, you are short on funds then you may want to ask friends and family to help fund the trip in lieu ofa holiday present. It hard to imagine a more generous way to show how it's more blessed to give than receive.

Your $200 fee covers:

8 nights lodging from May 5th-13th
Sunday Welcome Dinner at the volunteer house
Breakfast and sack-lunch supplies
Not-to-be-missed Celebratory “Thank You” Dinner at a local restaurant

The fee does not cover:

Airfare
Rental Car (Many volunteers share use and expense of rental car to travel from MSY Airport to the volunteer house as well as traveling to and fromthe building site)
Out of pocket expenses - dinner in the city, rock-n-bowl (always a total blast!)

Further details are available on the event page and on the trip site.

Tickets need to be purchased on eventbrite to secure space in the volunteer house.

See you in New Orleans!

In the Mix

2011-12-09T21:45:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been having mix this and a mix of that from alcoholic beverages to snacks if its not mixed its not that great.

Just today I thought of putting my food in a blender or a bowl and stirring it up.

Granted I would just pick out the good parts the reality is that mixing things up can make like more exciting.

Only one slight problem ....Mint Oreo Yogurt and Chocolate / Vanilla swirl mixed ...still looks like gross stuff....

I tried to cover it with whipped cream....

It helped!

My sister photoshopped herself

2011-12-08T21:34:00.000-08:00

When you can barely get a word in edge wise with a sibling its very hard to understand the whole photoshopping of oneself to make them non recognizable.

I know ex wives will photo shop people out of photos but digitally altering your best features kinda weird.

Alas, I have to say ...she looks cool.

Now if she could just do the touches of smudge on her nose Im sure she'll look perfect...

Stepping out from my box

2011-12-07T21:54:00.000-08:00

Ending this blog is just as much inner turmoil as starting it. Going in front of the camera seems to be some natural progression but even as I type the webcam is unplugged.

I can forecast now the video blogging is going to be harder than imagined.

One thing that I sometimes hear about blogging is that it is hard to do the daily grind.

Yes, it is unless you live on a roller coaster or you have an undiagnosed mental illness or split personalities...there is enough material in that line alone to give me three months of blog posting everything to the historical nature of roller coasters to the likelihood everyone has a bipolar disorder of some sort.

Yet, I need to get out from behind the keyboard and post, chat and otherwise move forward...somehow someway.

Stay tuned

The long winter's nap

2011-12-06T21:45:00.000-08:00

Can you tell I am trying to convince a lot of people that nap rooms are important for workplace productivity.

I needed a nap today or at least a place I could have a really good cry.

Seriously napping and crying are two things I think I need to do with some sort of urgency.

My head is lost I cant find it ontop of my shoulders there are parties to go to and people to see and places to be but sometimes a nap with my favorite teddy bear sounds so much better it makes me want to cry.

The weekend is near I can see it.

Saying Hello and Saying Goodbye

2011-12-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

One thing about ending this blog is I have no real talking point ...also known as conversation starter.

Having a blog allows you a certain credential to start talking to people about what they are talking about because you can blog about it and that means you will tell a hundred more people too and that is outreach and when you can get free outreach people will just jabber away at you like its nobody's business unless they are in the Witness Protection Plan.

I will do the vYou and the BlogTV but overall I think the blog will be a very nice book, a nice chronicle of time spent in front of a computer screen yammering on about this and that and what I care about so much so that you should care about to.

I have been told that I am a great networker, that my networking skills rival Zig Ziglar but I can't sell Eskimos snow behind a computer screen.

I like dressing up way too much and going to meetings. Its a horrible affliction.

There is a lot to look forward to...2012 maybe something new or we all die.. who knows ...but all the same stay tuned!

What happened to nap time? Seriously, we need to take naps

2011-12-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

Today I found heaven and needed to be pinched.

The red rocket took me over the hill ( yes we think the Santa Cruz Mountain range is a hill - wait until the zombie apocalypse it won't be called a hill after that ). I found myself staring at the Pacific Ocean...I need every once in a while to make sure it is still there ( the Pacific Ocean that is ). As I traipsed along West Cliff Drive looking at Million dollar homes for sale that will eventually or next year fall into said ocean ( it is going to be 2012 next year ) I thought how odd it was there was no wind, I could see Moss Landing Power Station and Hawaii ( ok not Hawaii but the Monterey Harbor would be discernible with a telescope ) I figured this must be what Heaven is like. I can walk, smile at dogs and overall find some kind of peace with my thoughts just staring out into the ocean.

It got better as I found myself on the 2nd Story patio of Stagnaro's on the Wharf sipping a "skinny" Margarita, noshing on warm bread, diving into a cup of red clam chowder and lapping up fish taco's. I admit I am spoiled there is no way in the world anyone would leave California if they had the same experience I had. I went downstairs and into Marini's for my mother's favorite licorice all sorts and bridge mix, a candied apple ( hello! Dentist! ) and Salt Water Taffy ( you have to buy it otherwise people don't believe you went to Marini's its a rule ) then I tripped ( figuratively there wasn't that much tequila in the margarita ) over a sign that had Mimosa's for $6 ...I happen to have said $6...I needed a Mimosa ( I think it was because it was Sunday no really any other reason for such a proclamation )
There a lounged on a fainting couch ( that was what they were called in my time circa 72 ) sipping my Champagne and Orange juice ( though there is some updated version of a Mimosa with every possible variety of juice known to man apparently that I got confused by the assortment and said Orange juice please ). I stared out at the Capitola Harbor Light house where the Pacific Ocean and Santa Cruz boardwalk meet and I thought I was dreaming...I could have sat there all day waxing poetry, solving the Palestine - Israeli conflict, deciding the GOP winning candidate for the 2012 election, or just dreaming of someone wonderful to come join me ( heaven might not be lonely but I felt lonely all the same ). Refusing to literally drown my sorrows I walked back to the red rocket ready for the next part of my adventure.

You know what I wanted ( aside from gas )

a Nap.

I seriously needed to put the seat back and zonk out for hours.

Since I am afraid I will eventually end up sleeping in my car I forced myself awake to trace down something I think I needed.

In reality, I did not need a darn thing.

I knew that but I had to try anyway.

What else is the point of being "over the hill" if you don't have some kind of adventure.

It would only be later driving home that I realized that I was in 3rd gear that I would have my own adventure.

All the same I think I needed a home printer once must look for a printer/copier/fax thingy that is reasonably priced.

I found and I donated...I had food for a donation in my car for three days ( I know I know ! ) but it was at the mall I found two things...
A barrel to donate said food.

and the Santa Cruz SPCA.

I am totally a wuss I would have handed over my credit card and said " I will take all of them " Fortunately I just made a donation and wished I could bring home a little somebody.

Then the adventure to Cole's Barbecue started.

You have to realize I was born in Texas so meat is important to me and I swear Cole's must know their cows because these cows taste REALLY good!

Of Course I miss Peanut, Paris, Pierce, and all the dogs because I just left enough on the bones for them to gnaw on if they were there...

The sun was setting and the cold Pacific Ocean breeze found my nose so it was time to go.

The red rocket is an absolute champ even if I get lost going place to place to get out of 3rd Gear. ( Yes, I got lost on Morriessey Ave - this is something that perplexes even Santa Cruz residents...)

But I am home and all that I wish for today ...a nap...

I think that might solve everyone's problem

Weight gain and loss

2011-12-03T09:48:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I went to the doctor...shocking I know.

Well, I lost weight....30plus pounds to be exact. How? Well I also lost an inch in height too.

So here the whole time I thought I was x weight, instead I am not just x weight but I am in some kind of time warped health issue.

You see all the other signs say this one thing....but when final testing is done the signs point to another thing and its that other thing I don't want to bother with.

You see I am of the mindset we humans are here for a finite time ( till the zombies and aliens take over ) and life is much better spent doing wheelies in the middle of the intersection than running back and forth to the Doctors office to put off the inevitable demise of oneself.

Why however ethereal I sound in this diatribe sometimes its just that...me letting go of whatever worry I had and living my life.

Do I have regrets...absolutely Can I change them? that is left to someone else to judge.

Am I a total chickensh*t for not going to the doctor every week only to find out the same thing I knew when I started...well let's just say I still have to go to the Dentist too and we all know how much I like to do that!

Recap : Tenants / Landlords and just plain Rent's Due

2011-12-01T01:30:00.000-08:00

Here are a few Rent's Due columns I thought you might like to re-read for some insights, hope, fears, and just me being helpful.

Rent's Due : Finding Shelter

Welcome to Summer the time when fun in the sun sounds good unless you are homeless. Just like tourist traveling to Yosemite, the three months of summer (June, July, and August) is when you should not be having to look for shelter.

Why? First off, you are inbetween school semesters and usually after June there is a lot of vacacinies and prices drop moderately and the reverse is true right before Labor Day you will see an 100% increase in rents because landlords and property managers know that college kids will get their rent from the trust fund or tuition.

So, you should have been looking in April and found a place by May but, if you are like some you have to wait it out...that time frame of collecting money for a credit check, down payment and someone to help you move and then of course paying the actual monthly bill.
So, you collected all your dimes, nickels and pennies from the couch, the change drawer, your car dashboard to the coin machine over at Luckys and have about $34.10 toward your rent payment for your new place.

Lemme guess, you have been all over Craigslist.org and Rents.com and the college message board. Well, let's try a few other places to look for that elusive place to stay...

Meetup.com you may already be part of group...post a message you are looking for a place to live.
The Community board at Whole Foods or the Library.
Your neighbors...yes, the truism when you have a job you know how to find a job is the same as when you have a place to live you know of places to live.
Check the local shelters too. Yes, there is some places that only let current clients look and then there is the housing consortium.

Now you have gone here and you have gone there..now sit and realize where you want to live the neighborhood and go for a walk...you will find a "For Rent" sign bring your rental resume with you and your cell phone to call the numerous numbers.

It is a lot of leg work and tedious, but here is my story one day at Whole Foods...

I was in line at my favorite place and I knew the cashiers and the lady ahead of me asked the cashier if she could post a room for rent on their employee board. The cashier said yes, and I being gregarious jumped and waved my hands up and down. I got to sit down with the lady and find out the details that she had a room for rent for $600 a month with house priviledges. I gave her my number and my hopes were high.
Now that is just one scenario and I won't tell you the ending because I am sure you will find your own soon...
Good Luck

Rent's Due: Moving Sucks

One of the difficult problems with the entire scenario of finding shelter is the actual moving. I have tried it every which way possible now and aside from the morbid portion of the moving things from my mother's house I have to say hiring a company and having them come take it all away for you is the best.

And the most expensive.

Of course when I had to move exactly 30 feet to the left and 15 feet up I still did everythig by piece meal and only had minimal help lugging pieces of furniture up the one flight of stairs.

That took over three months to do...literarily.

So, the best methodology for moving is...

don't do it. Okay that is unrealistic. First off, decide to move and give notice or have a garage sale and then give notice. No wait, Give notice ...no, have the garage sale first. As you can gather there isn't a real first step aside from looking at the mass of stuff ad being overwhelmed by it.
I still wonder why I have an assortment of airline plateware.
So, the first step is the notice you have to move whether 30 days or 3 days you have to measure the time out.
I say getting a storage space is amazingly simple and helps clear up space faster than anything.
Next check the penny saver and/or community boards for moving /labor these are usually local people and after ten minutes will let you know if they can help you.
Now, small stuff can go into a bag/box.
I kid you not in one of my moves I utilized those Whole Foods bags for moving and an stryofoam ice chest that actually held a lot of stuff in it.
Next, look in the places you don't usually go, you know the bottom drawer in the bathroom, the cupboard above the refrigerator ad clean those out first. Next drawers you don't open and clothes that are not in use like winter gear. all this goes into a box or storage or somewhere you know you will be moving to.
Now, recruit facebook friends, twitter posts let people know you are moving and you need? help? someone to come buy it all whatever it is, let people know.
Next, say goodbye...
Yes, tha third odd mug you kept since the four years at that company that you got at a gift shop...say good bye to it.
Start the donation basket, grab the Hope Services postcard and put it out on the street or take it an that incomplete Brittania Encyclopedia collection down to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
Next, say goodbye while getting paid, you know that Wedding Dress you inherited put it up for Consignment along with that funky marble table you thought you could not live without because everytime you went to Grandma's house you saw it there. Take that lamp and the numerous other momentos to the consingment store.
Now for the fish tank that hasn't had fish in it for over a year and the odd math chemeistry set from your college days ...head to the local school or a teacher resource area and donate it away. this is the same thing you do when you bring your oil that has been changed to the gas station..not any different.
Now for the other 8000 pcs of furniture, clothes and video games paraphelnia start boxing and bagging.
Now, what you can't live with out is four plates, bowls and set of utensils, drink cups. a week's worth of clothes, a blanket and soap. Soap can double as hair cleaner and washing your mouth out with soap might be horrible but remember you are not exactly homeless you are just moving.
Now, check your utilities. Yes, those utilities need to be scheduled to return to the landlord or turned off because you won't be there and that includes the telephone, internet and cable. Make it at least 36 hours in advance because I forgot and guess what I got three months after I moved out ...the current residents cable bill -Yikes!

Okay moving day might be one day if you are lucky or two or three but try to manage the time of getting the stuff out and getting the stuff in.
If you do it piece by piece its a laborious process that is not only taxing and if you do it in one day with movers its expensive you have to find the happy middle and friends with trucks and strong backs.

Good Luck

Rent's Due- Tenant and Landlords

Well it is the first of the month and a first in a series I will be presenting. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get my ex landlord to participate so I will invite him one more time here.

In the meantime, I am going to try present both sides of the story - the Landlord and the tenant side.

So, it is the first of the month. You need to understand that I am not perfect but, neither is the landlord completely innocent.

Rent is usually due by the first of the month. So what do you do? Pay it advance right.

But as it turned out sometimes that wasn't helpful or convenient or the worse things in the world the mail isn't delivered.

So, I was fortunate to have a benevolent landlord who mostly communicated via email...

Usually on the 5th or 7th day

"I have not received your rent, did you send it. I am not angry just concerned I have not received your rent yet"

My lame attempt would be
"Oh My Gosh, I know I sent it over the past weekend. I get paid again this X day and will be able to catch up"

his response usually was
"I am not worried"

So end of story right? Basically right, but seriously

"I am not worried" usually meant that he was worried but the fact that he was "not worried" should I have been worried?

What is the usual process for late payment of rent?

Well, after an agreed period of time, and usually there are additional charges the renter must pay.
If the landlord is really in a bad mood or tight for cash or has a waiting list they will forgo a total of 60 day notice to evict and jump to the 3 Day Notice to Pay or Evict.
Both these notices are renters opportunity to 1) pay past due rent 2) renegotiate their rental agreement 3) vacate the premises or 4) Contact the Housing Assistance or Project Sentinel program in their area.

What the Landlord has to do is play by the rules-sorta. If the tenant so deserves the Landlord can have the water and electricity shut off to the unit to speed up the process though that tactic is not sanctioned but it does happen. The Landlord should be retaining legal assistance because nine times out of ten the landlord has to recoup a lot of lost money and time.

What the renter just have to avoid such a situation of despair...pay rent on time..

Next installment maybe I will find a landlord to join in.

Rent's Due and its Day of the Dead

Dear Renter,

Its Sunday, the day of the Lord and Day of the Dead and your rent is due today. Why is that relevant? Simply you have rent due whether its Saturday or a Holiday you gotta pay, this is especially true because New Year's Eve this year is on Thursday Night! Prime time for a four day weekend celebration in Las Vegas!

Yeah, if you didn't have to shell out enough money to leave you with change for a Bell Grande at Taco Bell.

This does suck, its a reality to live with and trust me even after I got hit by a car I still owed rent and that was a pain because I had not even been in my apartment a year.

Celebrate the Day of the and pay your rent... clean your room/ apartment/ house and hopefully get over that hangover from yesterday's partying because there is more to do today.

Recap some Job Hunting posts

2011-11-30T01:19:00.000-08:00

Hey here are some Job Hunting posts I thought were cool

Job Hunting Tip #82.5 those confusing job listing titles

Hey I give a hoot so I am going to help some 20 million people find a job by giving out great tips ever so infrequently ( kinda like a job interview but you don't have to submit your resume to get one ).

One of the most hardest things that happens in the job market is those pesky titles for jobs.

You think you are an Office Manager but somewhere in your Search you see that Discharge Coordinator is filed underneath. Now while I am sure you rather sit behind a desk in an office hanging out at the local county hospital filing release forms may be a bit more exciting!

What the hell is a Senior PPC Strategist you might ask, well that is a good question it is the one person who decides the PayPerClick campaigns in marketing and advertising from LinkedIN and Facebook even Yelp!

Yet, you think you are only suitable for an Office Manager well guess what that realtor looking for an Operations Manager is just the same thing but a different title ...its to throw out all those governmental statistics and pay rates made up in 1970.

So let's review : you think office manager should equal office manager but in reality the prospective employer may just have an Admin/AP Assistant position open ..don't fret you can change the job title eventually like to

Superhero?

Job Hunting Tip#19: Never pay for it...or work as an extra on a motion picture set.

How is your job search going? Are you starting to hear something similar to a cattle call? Do you think that just because the pundits say the recession is over that it is indeed over?

I am sorry dear job hunter..it the job hunt really never ends.

So today's post on job hunting is a reminder to you to NEVER PAY FOR YOUR JOB. I don't care if you do have the $29.95 or the $149.50 for said "lifetime opportunity". Whether you do have 101 contacts, family members and you think for ten seconds that "at least half" will sign up for whatever you are promoting ...

You are wrong, even Donald Trump sees a pryamid scheme before it steps foot in the lobby of his building. Heck I think he has a pryamid scheme of his own...along with Glen Beck or that guy from MAD Money...really.

I know we talked about saying good bye to the desk job and maybe AVON is hiring more reps in your area but the reality is if you have to fork over anything more than your solemon to goodness honest promise to sell snow to eskimos than get up and stop the interview and walk out.

Now here is something I literarly tripped over in my search for the 2nd season DVD of True Blood....
there are people that get paid to be an "EXTRA" yes, you too can join the beloved cast of nameless god fearing or loathing people on a variety of sets, plays, and all around cattle calls. This is like American Idol except you may get wet on purpose because the scene calls for rain.

here is a few websites and my honest to goodness reminder not to pay for anything more than what you have under your mattress (fyi lint does not count as currency )

http://www.extrasformovies.com/

http://freecastingcall.com/

http://castingscoop.blogspot.com/

Good Luck...I think

Job Hunting Tip # 10 Starting the process all over again

Congratulations, you got a job and for unknown number of days, hours and weeks you were working and off unemployment.

Congratulations you are back hunting for a job. I have stated previously finding the job you love and adore is like finding utopia behind a KMart, its not there and KMart is still in bankruptcy.

So, the first step of action is to collect every reference possible. Yes, I am serious this 2nd or 3rd go around, you gotta get those reference letters.

Second step of action, fill out that unemployment benefits information again, no really you have to do that too, I still have a pot of dirt from 2007 for my money tree and its not growing $100 bills.

Thirdly, LISTEN. Yes, I capitalized that LISTEN. Take a day to listen to what people are talking about, is it mobile technology or mentoring or making movies. Also LISTEN to people you are talking with i.e. former coworkers, neighbors, what are they doing NOW

Fourth, Remember that term that went around from some Congress members stating "people on unemployment are not motivated to find a job" they were right because the basic payout from unemployment is better than the most basic job people were applying for remember the hotel hiring for 50 positions receiving 1500 job applicants at its doorway. So to counter act that perception start practicing this word.

WILLING its an action that you are subconciously WiLLING to work. You are willing to do the housework and you Want to work.

The fifth step repeats the previously mentioned steps in my Job Hunting tips. from contacting 10 employment firms to having 5 resumes. Start that now.

The last part in start again is this. No one is going to come find you to give you a job. You have to go out and get that job. If someone tells you to send your resume to them...SEND IT! One of the most frustrating parts in looking for an employee for my employer was actually getting the recipients to 1) respond 2) send the requested information 3) show up.

It sounds easy, but sometimes its harder than it looks.

Okay, I wish you good luck and remember there are a lot of tips out there sometimes you should try some.

Job Hunting Tip : #342 Social Circles

On more than one occasion I meet someone looking for work and I ask if they have done the five steps? Guess what, they have employed every known tactic they wish and just are exhausted like me.

Great I am not alone. Alas, there is a proverbial job hunting skill that I adore. That is of Social Circles from book clubs to political clubs work the room and you might find yourself a new job.

First, do you know Yelp? Try it, look at Yelp events page and scroll down to an event you can afford to go to. Schedule the time and make the event. Remember bring along your resume with you.

Next, LinkedIn.com has events too, from Networking to Conferences, again scroll down the general events and plot and plan.

Thirdly, find you local business chamber, InfoBayArea, School Alumni event and plot and plan.

Wait, what do you do when you go to these events? Yes, quiet a quandary you have especially if you do not know anyone. Whatever you do, do not be a wall flower unless you are in a library, equally getting a drink and spilling it on someone is not a way to strike up a conversation - trust me I have tried that one.

Simply, breath, next what makes you want to speak with that person? Their shoes, you overhead them talking about the latest and greatest in cloud computing, whatever it is try not to stare or hover. Try asking a question, make eye contact and speak clearly.

Oh! if that little bit of flying spit comes out, try not to pay attention to it. I did that once and made a scene when the person I was speaking with did not even notice it - maybe he was looking at my shoes instead?

An introduction works too, "Hi, my name is XYZ and I am interested in what you were talking about ABC"

I admit, I am a horrible extrovert and anyone within a 2 mile radius of me gets an introduction, I even cattle call people. It is rather disproportionate to the average human so I am basically a freak of nature.

Another "social circle" try knitting, community events, business grand openings, and even the occasional parade works too.

Check out Meetup.com (www.meetup.com), Socializr, Business Times Events (back page) and localwineevents.com works too...

Good Luck!

a lot of posts ....a lot of stuff to sort ...and maybe something new afterall

2011-11-29T01:08:00.000-08:00

Wow I am coming to the end of my blog so to speak. The last few days will be mixed feelings but in a way its a relief. Daily blogging is hard especially if you try to carve out time during the day. I have gone from candidate to nearly homeless to employed and looking for a man. Along the way I have asked you my readers to donate, support and overall just rejoice in my laments and pronouncements or mispronouncements as some english teachers will point out.

I pulled my blog posts for the blurb book over 1,000 posts which for some reason concerns me a little bit but at the same time its not that hard to figure out I had a lot of time on my hands.

So the reality is that there are posts that were nonsensical and what's to become of the blogspot site well ...its in draft...

Thanks for reading....and stay tuned...you'll see

Somewhere over the rainbow is where I will eventually be.

Things that should not be admitted....(satricial version )

2011-11-28T01:15:00.000-08:00

What follows here is a list of things not to say in the office...

on Monday morning...

after a long weekend...

1. I worked on my resume and applied for several jobs in Texas

2. We went to Vegas then Reno then Cache Creek and we have $300 to show for it

3. I met him at Costco

4. I got two 35 inch televisions..

5. I am late because my car broke down in Los Angeles

6. I went skiing...this is especially bad if there is no snow reports

7. We got married at City Hall...holiday weekend...most likely not...

8. I thought everyone getting a tattoo would be a good idea...

I inherited my father's eyebrows

2011-11-27T01:58:00.000-08:00

My older sister would remark about our father's eyebrows often enough it became an inside joke. So when I looked in the mirror and noticed my eyebrows going in about twelve different directions I said outloud " I've inherited my father's eyebrows "

Its not a bad thing I just need a pair of glasses to gleam over and stare down anyone I feel I should bother with.

I do not mind inheriting my father's facial features but the constant reminders "you look tired" its really hard to explain that "nope this is my dad's face I inherited" While my older sister is looking more and more like our mother my oldest sister has more mom than dad now she is aging..

I guess there is worse things to look like....

though the family dog was kinda cute...

What to do and where to go next week or so...

2011-11-26T01:38:00.000-08:00

In all reality I think the one soapbox is going to be published soon intime for the holiday but just incase let's give you something more fun to do than read another lament of the whole writing process....

Next Friday December 2nd let's meet up at Montalvo Arts Center and drink Champagne

Champagne High Teas & Tours at Montalvo Villa

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 2, 3, & 4, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Champagne High Tea at Villa Montalvo has become a Yuletide tradition with our traditional English Tea menu, which includes delicate finger sandwiches, pastries, British tea and champagne, which will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 2, 3, & 4, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Tea Tickets are $45 per person
Tour Tickets are $7 (optional/made with Tea reservation)

For reservations, telephone: 408.961.5823 or email: msg@montalvoarts.org.

If you so choose check out the 8th Annual Gingerbread house competition at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay

Ok you competitive souls... here is your time to shine! Enter yourself in the Eighth Annual Gingerbread House Competition held at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay!

Beware... the competition could be fierce. Anyone can enter, from children to culinary professionals, and no one is limited to just "houses"... you want to make a castle? Do it! A cathedral? Why not! Might as well give it a go right??!
Many of the houses in the competition will be on display and up for a silent auction. All the proceeds go to Coastside Children's programs! What better reason to enter a competition!???

Winners will be revealed Sunday, December 10th at the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration. For extra info on entering the competition call (650) 712-7007. Early registration is required.

If Half Moon Bay is too far then head south to Gilroy and check out a great show at the Limelight

Limelight Actors Theater, Gilroy's Downtown Theater, returns to the Center for the Arts with "Sorry! Wrong Chimney!".. a Yuletide Farce by Jack Sharkey and Leo W. Sears. A lighthearted Christmas tale full of mistaken identities and zany foul ups, with a smattering of slapstick... What you see is what you get: A couple of hours of uncomplicated laughter and fun

David Tuttle is moonlighting as a department store Santa so that he can buy his wife a fur for Christmas. He tells her he's working late at the office, but she finds out he isn't at the office. A suspected other woman, hypnotism, the notorious Santa burglar Kris Kreigle and his gun toting fiancee, and a confused policeman add up to a rollicking tale that is hilarious Christmas entertainment.
This "Bring Your Own Dinner" show stars Heather Bass, Jonathan Bass, Kirsten Carr, Tina Elder, Dale Haluza, Lance LaShelle, and Kevin Heath as Kris Kreigle. Performing Fridays and Saturdays Nov 18 through Dec 10 at 8:00pm. Matinee Nov 27 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $18. Reservations 408-472-3292.

Somehow Saturday December 10th I think I know who is going to be running in Saratoga

Come join us in the beautiful redwood groves of the Santa Cruz Mountains! Tucked away just outside Silicon Valley, Sanborn County Park features miles of single-track trails dappled with filtered light through lush canopy.

Half Marathon and 10K runners will ascend to peaks offering spectacular views and all distances will include breathtaking single track trails.

Walkers/hikers and runners of all levels are welcome!

All finishers will receive custom finisher medals and custom shirts (cotton and tech shirts available). More info on shirts/awards page.

Road Runner Sports of Campbell is providing free shoes to the male and female winners of all three distances!

The Oakland Running Festival is providing free entry to the Oakland Marathon to the male and female winners of the half marathon race. An entry will also be raffled off to one runner and one volunteer at the race!

Age group awards will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in 5 year categories (less for the younger ages).

All races will be professionally timed.

The Half Marathon will start at 9:00am, the 10K at 9:10am and the 5K at 9:20 am.

Check out more and find out more and let me know if I missed any thing

Job Hunter : 3 Day weekend time to take a test !

2011-11-25T01:12:00.000-08:00

Taking test are never fun but if you do not have any money this weekend and really no where else to go but the computer screen ....take some tests.

Brainbench has free ones, on oDesk you can take tests and some job hunting sites have tests as well.

It won't hurt and if anything it will be a good way to find out what you need to know the next time you go into an interview

Thanksgiving with a horse....

2011-11-24T01:35:00.000-08:00

There is usually a ton of people to express sincere gratitude this year but because it is my last year blogging here I figure I should hold back some secrets and just related how from 1986-1998 my family spent Thanksgiving.

This is much different then the the 1976-1985 Thanksgivings spent in Maui, Hawaii...don't ask its not THAT great.

You see in October 1986 my father gave me a horse and really what happened was the horse adopted us as a family. Faye was an immediate presence at any family function and as the years passed by we spent a lot of time devising ways for said horse to join us at the dinner table.

Literally, the horse had a "special plate" and everything. When we had said horse in our backyard, we fed her first.

and she got dessert too ...apple and carrots and oats.

When the power went out and we couldn't heat the water...I got weatherstripping for her stall...I am not joking.

While the first Thanksgiving is about as eventful as we could make it, it would be the addition of Little Apple and PJ that I remember the most.

Little Apple had contracted Pigeon fever and I spent Thanksgiving not only eating a Swanson Tv Dinner but draining pus and ickystuff out of Little Apple.
This is while the rest of my family was in Seattle ( I think my dad was looking for a place to move to keep the herd there )

PJ was our surviving horse and colic on Thanksgiving so much so that she had to have fluids intravenous delivered for three days...THREE DAYS 24/ 7 a day. My parents and I spent a hearty portion not eating Thanksgiving dinner but making mush for PJ.
The vet even thought we were crazy and by the end of 72 hours when my father returned to his office the entire SEATAC airport was aware of PJ's status...why? From PJ's stall my father got defrosting syrup for the planes delivered so the flights would be able to leave on Thanksgiving weekend. ...People could hear the horse in the background whinny....

To say that Faye, PJ, and Little Apple were part of the family would be disingenuous these horses made our family whole as holiday planning revolved around what the horses could do. Many times there was an extra bag of carrots, apples for the horses that we donated to local charities that we said were from Faye, PJ and Little Apple.

So thank you for volunteering and donating and just remember not all Thanksgivings revolve around a turkey unless of course you are not going to make a plate for Faye she might actually kick ya....

Silly memories...great times..and family

Have a great Thanksgiving....

Happy Birthday Oldest Sister...you only are 50 years old !

2011-11-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

Wow! I think I need therapy upon realizing my oldest sibling is 50. This is actually quiet traumatic for me. She wants to go fishing ...in ...Oklahoma. Yeah...have fun...I am getting my drink on for ya!

No, seriously, my oldest sister making it to Fifty is amazing since she was diagnosed with MS over two decades ago and she still does what our father taught her ...drive that boat, fly the plan and overall be the alpha...its in our jeans we can't stop being alphas in our own home we wouldn't be daddy's girls.

So to the pilot in the family and such...

Have a great time fishing!

Best!

Why I am telling you about this is because you need to know....

2011-11-21T01:26:00.000-08:00

I am still going to end said blog on December 31st that to which is a great disservice to you my family members and potential employers who read said blog and find many spelling errors.

So before I do I absolutely must if not ensure the world rotation that I tell you about Five Mountain Tea, Tcho Chocolates and the world according to me or as I see it today.

First, you absolutely must try Five Mountain Tea it saved me from the worst cold making the rounds of the office than anything else. Even when I got stressed the tea ( much like french fries ) spared me a horrible fate of sniffles and cough and aches and pains.

Next, head down to Pier 17 to Tcho Chocolates and indulge where you can not indulge more or enough. Its a paradox you see there is chocolate for sipping, eating, smelling, and I bet there is some for you to put on your face but all the same you need to go here

ThinkGeek is where you need to do your holiday shopping. Seriously if you can not find a great gift here you need to get a new bunch of relatives and friends.

Lastly, Please give to OneBrick.org if only because I ask so nicely! and you know I will keep asking ...demanding...and well you get the point

Random Thoughts: Seriously do not take these seriously and if you do call me, k?

2011-11-20T01:31:00.000-08:00

A while back I started a blog post that was put in drafts and well now I have dusted it off.

I saved it only because the thoughts were beyond my own recognition of random and now when I read them there is some context.

Granted that context is a reflection of the randomness of life but I think you might like a few.

Also, I saw Twilight movie and now a little bummed out ...it sucked royally only a few Jane Austen and Shakespeare books should be in made into movies now....seriously.

1. When you are a zombie, brains will taste like hickory farms sharp cheddar cheese spread. There is no other way to explain it than why else would anyone serve up a hickory farms cheese spread or ball and think its good and have their guests eat it...but I did eat some of it and figured "this is what brains must taste like when you are undead"

2. The legal drinking age should be risen to 25, Why? Simply because when you turn just 18 and 36 months later you are legally eligible to drink you can't wait its like Christmas morning to a six year old the temptation is just too much plus how much has your liver developed?

3. Ice Cream in hot chocolate reminds me of being six.

4. Whip Cream makes a bad day better and French Fries really do cure everything.

5. The Red Rocket is my savior and my soul and an awesome car!

6. The President elections should be held at random times of year or by lottery. The RNC and DNC have both screwed up so incredibly badly they don't deserve the opportunity to campaign for 12 months or 6 months. I am seriously thinking the lottery would work a whole lot better.

7. I don't think my dental work was completed and I am concerned

8. I don't need toes I would rather have hooves or fins ...seriously why do we have a pinkie toe?

9. I am stopping this blogging thing because I really do embarrass my family more than I will ever know...

10. My horoscope says I will receive money and love but not love without money or money love to date I have really neither I think my horoscope is honestly trying to mess up my mojo.

Again complete random thoughts that don not need to be taken in a serious context.

I asked Mother Nature to make a great day for your birthday! Happy 48 LK !

2011-11-19T09:53:00.000-08:00

Hi,

This is probably my last embarrassing post wishing my older sibling Happy Birthday.

So I asked Mother Nature to make the clouds part and the blue sky shine bright just for you on your special day.

Have a great birthday and you do not look a day over 28 !

Hugs and kisses from afar!

Job Hunter : Go to the movies

2011-11-18T01:21:00.000-08:00

I spent the past week talking about how to get a job and the interview now it is Friday and you should go to the movies.

Seriously.

The movie industry employs hundreds of people. I know you are looking for an Office Administrative position or an drafting position with an Architecture firm. Guess what those credits at the end of the film are people who are looking for jobs too.

So seriously, go see Twillight Breaking Dawn or In Time or even an animation film.

Get out of your comfort zone too.

Every movie takes at least three months to shoot and do not forget pre production and post production.

Seriously, looke at the credits for any movie you will find at least 10 potential employers to research, maybe you will know how to be a location scout, or a gaffer or even a hair dresser. The point is you can get a job by going to the movies at the movie theater too.

There is the management, the maintenance and the technicians, accountants and even administrators.

What about who makes the screen, the seats the butter for the popcorn each of these have companies that provide this and each of these companies might be hiring.

Oh! Yes, go see the movie

Yes, when you go to the movie you need to watch the movie

and

relax.

While job hunting sometimes you wrap yourself up in such a tight ball you forget why you are job hunting. You need at least 90 minutes to enjoy a movie.

Hence as a thank you gift for reading my blog this week I am giving away a pair of movie tickets ( theater depending where you live ) so post a comment and I will pick at least two winners !

So good luck and post a comment !

Job Hunter : There is no office...being virtual is good and bad

2011-11-17T01:17:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned previously in your job search the online opportunities that exist.

This is a job no matter what your impression is. What is different about being virtual is you need to prove your work. So before you create your profile and even before you get the vision of sitting in your pajamas making thousands of dollars you need to understand that work is work whether you are online or in person.

Now, think about sitting and doing data entry for 8 hours straight, it gets very hard very fast.

Next, you need to make sure your system is up to date, you have all the proper software that includes what you know and what you don't know.

What? What I don't know? Yes, what you do not know. Why? You may know Quickbooks but you could get to know Peachtree or Budget Maestro or another financial software program. You should have some familiarity to it.
If you want to promote yourself as a Media wizard you better know the newest social media, if you do technical writing, you need to know the latest versions too.

Now, you go to oDesk ( its easy to sign up and get started ). Now you have social media tool built in to promote your profile and you see a lot of jobs listed.
How do you apply?
The exact same way you do with other companies. You address their need whether its data entry or drawing of planes you need to state why you want the job and how much you want to work for.
The difference is you need to decide the time and you will not have a long term relationship per se.
You can have several jobs because you work as much as you want to.
The trick is not to work yourself out of a job. Keep applying to jobs even when you get a job.
Try to do your best and do it very well. Keep in touch with the employer(s) and keep working.
This experience can be disheartening because its the time you compete on the world wide marketplace but that does not mean you have to undercut yourself you just need to be competitive.

Oh, and you need to be an expert like on Guru.

So to review being virtual you need to have a few steps in place.
1. Update your computer programs.
2. Prepare yourself for short jobs working long hours virtually
3. Understand the platform, Guru, oDesk, vWorker all have rules and regulations you need to be familiar with these
4. You need to understand the position is usually short term but that doesn't mean you can't find more jobs.
5. You probably won't have benefits
6. You need to understand your contracting benefits and tax information
7. You can have multiple employers
8. Do 110% of your best work, and learn to negotiate by keeping in touch with employers.

Working virtually is not for everyone but if you have tried everything you need to at least work on this at least once.

Tomorrow the job hunter goes to the movies

Job Hunter : Please give me an interview ! Wait not that one!

2011-11-16T03:14:00.000-08:00

Have you been wishing upon a star for an interview, even a crappy interview just for the experience of an interview because when you do get invited for one you get tongue tied or you tell them too much information.

You are not alone. I do not know how many times I related something that was nonsensical into the whole interview and thus didn't get the job.

First, Let me relate the other side of the interview process from the employer point of view. For the employer has a need for the right person for the right job. The employer will spend about 30 minutes to 2 hours going thru the process of posting an open position, reviewing applicants and scheduling appointments.

Sometimes the employer just hopes you don't have a tail and fangs.

I wish I was joking.

The reality is that when you show up for an interview you are probably interrupting the employer in the middle of a project or after the employer has interviewed six other people and just got a call from the spouse needing to pick up their offspring.
There is a few times that an employer, even an HR representative is not distracted in an interview, it is just the way it is.

You would think the employer would not be going thru the hassle of interviews if said employer was not serious about filling an open position.
The caveat is that the employer is going thru the hassle of interviews to abide by Employment rules and the employer may just hand the position to an internal employee but you do not know that, so this is your time to shine.

Now for your side, interviewee or applicant has an interview with XYZ company at 1pm on Thursday.
Congratulations, you got an interview now you can start panicking and infact, maybe you should just scream outloud now instead of at the interview.

Go ahead and scream, I will wait patiently.

Glad you got that out of your system, your next step is to get your interview clothes ready.

Yes, you need to do that now. You also need to think about your potential employer, is the place a machine shop? is it an office building? what you wear is going to be important too, so be sure to be ready to work or look like it in a matter of fashion.
Next, do your own Q and A, what are you really good at?
Where do you think you will be in 3 years?
What makes you special for the this company?
Do you like to work ?
What was your experience at so and so employer?
Also get at least three good questions about your potential employer ready i.e. "Are you going to attend XYZ event you sponsored again next year? " " What is the benefits here i.e. who is the medical provider ? " " Is there more offices in XYZ cities or countries "

Now the question and answers lead you to assume the whole interview process is easy and it should be.

Except the interview is the most nerve racking, gut clenching event and you can not remember your name more or less one of the three questions.

Hence you need to talk it out.

Yes, there I go again telling you to talk aloud to yourself again and this time I am asking you to have your resume and cover letter when you do it.

Look at the cover letter and resume you sent to the prospective employer. You will need two copies for your interview and for your mock interview you should have at least one.
Why do I need two copies? Simply because that way both you and the employer are looking at the same information.
Why do you need a copy of your resume for your mock interview, again because what is the employer going to ask you about?
Do you see any misspellings?
Do you see any mistakes or unusual wording?
It is when you may use unfamiliar terms in your resume that employers will pick up on and quiz you about.

For example " In this position I utilized and maintained the CRM for the sales team " That may be a common sentence and factual statement but CRM may mean a lot of different things to different industries.

So here is the question " What CRM program did you utilize previously ? "
Answer: " The Customer Relationship Management system I have experience with is SugarCRM"
Yes, the acronym can be used but let's say the prospective employer is an insurance company and CRM is composite risk management.

Another reason to take a copy and write all over it, from contacts for HR to addresses and telephone numbers because at some point you will be asked to fill out an application and an incomplete filled out application is not a good sign.

The second Interview scenario is the telephone interview where you don't get to see a person face to face and you have to pray your telephone service isn't going to stop mid sentence.

The telephone interview is the where best practice is to practice.
Next you need to make sure you are available at said time and date of interview without distractions as much as humanly possible.
If you need to go sit in a closet so no one bothers you for 15 minutes ...go sit in the closet but make sure to take the phone with you and the phone works.

Again with the telephone interview you will probably be talking to a distracted employer but you need to pay attention on how you breath.

Yeah, breathing into the telephone is probably a bad sign while the interviewer can not see you they may think you are a high risk asthmatic to hire.
How to you combat this? You are going to need to practice either with a friend or with a tape recorder.

During a telephone interview you need to ensure you are being succinct and direct and no attack of the um's
you know the "um I like to type at ...um ....forty words per minute ...um I mean I like Microsoft word "

You need to brush up on your listening skills too.
One way to do this is to actually listen to talk radio. I know this may mean you are sitting in your car that doesn't run and you have the radio on.
Pay attention to what is being said and what the question is and what the answer is.
NPR is great for this as the NPR style of radio is more Q and A. but let's say you listen to Hot Hot 86.5 and its the radio host that is droaning on about their life again, listen for the ums and the questions.

Now grab that tape recorder and record a conversation with someone you know and talk about football ( or whatever common hobby ) here is where you can pay attention to details like is your friend referring to the upcoming game or the previous game.
Why do this?
Simply because its a reference that only you would know because you are talking with your friend and guess what the telephone interview will have references to your experience and the potential employer.

Today everyone has mobile telephones so you need to make sure that you have enough battery life on the phone and as needed enough minutes to properly speak.

For either scenario you need to block out at least 30 minutes even a telephone interview. Yes, interviews should not exceed 30 minutes on average but, you need to arrive at least 10 minutes early for interview and be available 10 minutes prior to a telephone call.
Then after interview you need to give yourself 10 minutes.

For the in-person interview that you are exiting and waiting to hear back: go to the local McDonalds or Starbucks and take 10 minutes and congratulate yourself for completing said interview regardless of what went right or wrong.
You did it! You really did do the interview and you do not know if they will hire you, but you did do it.

But only allow yourself 10 minutes and then send your thank you card, yes, you still have to send a thank you card even for a telephone interview.
I can not say enough about thank you cards again its not going to hurt or harm you but it is the last nail in the coffin so to speak.
You applied, you interview and you thanked them.

Now, what about call backs and 2nd round. Those interviews usually are good indication you are in the running for a position with the company and remember you need to bring a copy of your resume, regardless if they have it, you might be meeting someone new and you may need to refer back to it.

Don't be afraid if the telephone or in-person interview takes longer than expected but remember try to be considerate of the person time and don't drag out the conversation.

Next, try your best to share your best attributes but don't be a superhero because you need to admit your foibles from enjoying John Hughes movies to forgetting to put toner in the copier.

Lastly, try to have one interview every two weeks it is rather hard and difficult but remember to ask for an interview too.

What? You ask for an interview?! Yup I did

I was at the Godiva shop at Valley Fair and saw the sign outside the store stating positions open, so I was with a friend and simply asked the person behind the counter the following
Me: " Is the open position still available or is that a leftover sign? "
Answer: "The position is still available"
Me: "Great! I love Godiva products may I have an application? "
Answer: "Im sorry I am out of applications"
Me: "That is okay, I forgot my resume anyway, but are you the store manager?"
Answer " Yes, I am "
Me: " I would really appreciate the opportunity to do a quick 10 minute interview, ( i look around the store and fortunately its empty ) could we do one now? "
Answer : " Um...yeah that will work "

Hence that is how I got an interview at Godiva chocolates. The best part was getting to sample a few select pieces and while I didn't get the job, I really learned a lot about what I wanted to do and what I was willing to do.

The technique will not work on most brick and mortar or Fortune 500 companies but retail it can work wonders.

So from in-person interviews and telephone you need to be active and I don't imply running but actively thinking and concentrating on who you are and what the position is and who you are talking to, have you a tendency to mix up names?
You can bring a pen to the interview too and take notes like the person who you are interviewing with name.

Now the worst case scenario you have done no practice you don't have a resume and you arrive for your interview 15 minutes late.

Guess what you still need to do it, you still need to sit there and grind out the interview. You still need to tell the employer why you want to work for them and you need to still hope you get the job.
Afterward, you still need to congratulate yourself too.
Yes, you do.
I showed up for a job interview 10 minutes late and I wasn't let in and I was gratiful yes you read that correctly. When I did arrive at XYZ company for said interview guess what it wasn't a job I wanted because it was a sketchy place and there was a really gawd awful smell about the place and maybe three employees were there.
But I did show up and I did my part and no I didn't send in a thank you card but I had one prepared just in case.

The fact is getting an interview is just 10% of the whole hiring process equation and you just need to practice.

Tomorrow I will address the Virtual opportunities and some are really spooky!

Job Hunter : Mirror Mirror on the Wall Why don't I have a Job?

2011-11-15T02:28:00.000-08:00

If we did live in a fairytale world we all could be Kings and Queens along with all the many of the people of the kingdom and not have to worry about a job.

Alas, that is not the case.

In reality there are personalities and budgets and that thing on your face, no its not a wort but something worse a really big nose.

Or you pencil in your eyebrows or you have a crooked smile or something but really nothing you can fix without said job.
The reality is that its not what you look like but how you look. That is why you need to talk to the mirror.

Yes, that does sound crazy but give me a minute to explain.

When you are speaking to someone do you unconsciously look off into the distance or twirl your hair or scratch your ears and how would you know especially if you can not see yourself do it hence you need to talk to the mirror.

Yes, we are our own worst critics and the experience can be depressing but the reality is ...you need to do it.
But don't just talk ...LOOK

It wasn't until I actually looked in a full length mirror did I realize what a mess I looked like and this was on my day off and I thought I looked hot.
I am not kidding, I thought I was wearing the cutest shoes with the best jeans and the hippiest shirt I owned and well, a bag lady had a better style than me at that moment.

Get your interview suit or clothes on, put up your hair, brush your teeth and
Look in the mirror.

Sometimes it is a small thing like your eyebrows are going in four different directions or sometimes it is a huge thing where you have a receding hair line and you have made it worse by over compensating for it with spray on hair ( and guys I have seen this on women so its' not exclusive )

First, DO NOT PANIC
Second, congratulate yourself ...you are part of the 10% of interviewees that will be successful because you did check the mirror,
Thirdly, now look at your clothes, are they ill fitting, if you are like most you have maybe one or two good sets of clothes specifically for interviews. Do not fret, but do not take your clothes for granted.
Fourth, do you need a hair cut? Get one, you can get a great hair cut via a beauty school Salon like one here in San Jose http://www.academyforsalonprofessionals.com/afsp_salon.html
Fifth, do you need better clothes? Go get them at Goodwill or Salvation Army stores. I found an Ann Taylor purse for $2 ( Two Dollars! ) I got a great skirt at Goodwill for $5. Dress for Success is a nonprofit that can help both men and women.
Sixth, your teeth, yellow crooked or chipped. 30% of the interview can be decided in the first impression so does that mean you need to spend $5K on teeth whitening ...NOPE! I adore the Dollar Tree most all new dental whitening items are there you just need to brush better, often and floss, sincerely flossing helps your smile there is also sometimes the Cologate Wisps which look pretty cool and can help freshen your breath. Just like the hair cut you can also go to a great dental school and get some dental work done literally. This is a good option.
Seventh, are you slouching when you look in the mirror. I double dog dare you to throw your shoulders back and point your nose up to the ceiling not your chin but your nose because when you do your chin should follow.
Eigth, Is your breathing short bursts of air are you breathing thru your mouth not your nose. Well look in the mirror. If you do breath thru your mouth try talking and you will see how you stop talking to take a breath one trick I learned ( yeah I breath thru my mouth occasionally ) is smiling it allows you to take a breath but not look like it. Next if you are breathing thru your nose watch the nostril flare it can be somewhat disconcerting to see so try breathing exercise where you breath in thru your nose and out your mouth as you speak . This is probably the most difficult step to do but it works.
Nine, your ears. You can't do anything about them whether they are lopsided or winnebago wide. Its is the ears that will catch people's eyes first and yet I have no clue as to why, but you need to look at those appendages too. If you are one of the new generation that has done extension on your ear lobes with enlarged inserts extending your ears and you think or thought you should take out the bright pink ones for the interview you are wrong. An extended earlobe is very distracting and you would be better of exchanging the bright pink for a simple clear globe.
Ten, Your speech. Yes, you do have to talk to mirror it is true and trust me you do sound like a crazy person when you do it but the reality is you need to know what you look like when you do.
Introduce yourself, tell the mirror about your experience and watch what happens
Do you start to perspire? Do you slouch? Do you stick your tongue out ? Does your voice go from loud to soft? Do you smack your lips?

Yes, there is ten items here you need to see in the mirror and you are probably thinking I am going to spend hours in the bathroom and I really hope you don't.
The whole exercise should take 15 to 30 minutes to do and you only need to "check in" with the mirror say weekly or the night before an interview or maybe after you have gotten a hair cut or a new pair of clothes.

Overall the Mirror is just a practice and you can always ask for a friend to do an check up with too.

Tomorrow I am going to address the dreaded interview ...especially the telephone one ....

Job Hunter : 10 Companies and applying to each of them

2011-11-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, yesterday I mentioned the setbacks, experiences, and chances then I mentioned my top 10 companies and how to get them to notice you. Well, I don't have just 10 companies really that would be ridiculous and pollyanna of me to believe that just these 10 companies are the ones I want to work for. What I did was I found my top 10 companies ....weekly.

Yes, weekly.

The first step is getting information because that is truly powerful. So I went to my resources which are surprisingly Newspapers. I live in SF Bay Area and each paper has an annual top 100 something of something featuring business. For me I go to San Francisco Chronicle's website SFGate.com and I literally go down the list from A - Z. I picked 10 companies ( yes, the first 10 are fine too ) and went to their websites then I checked Linkedin then I formulated my resume and cover letter and sent it in ( email, snail mail, walkin ).
While that appears to be a good plan, it won't get you a job.
Remember I am not writing a utopian blog here I am giving real advice. The next resource I go to, Chamber of Commerce website. Yes, your local Business Chamber organization is where to head next and ....repeat...find 10 companies go to their websites or storefronts armed with information and a resume.
Now, that should land you a job in No Time right?
Wrong.
What if you live in a small town and the only big city next to you is over 50 miles away. Your next step is the Virtual world, even on sites like oDesk and Guru you may find an employer needing your services "in person".
Again repeat the information search on said employer but the reality is Craigslist has been bombarded and there are fake employment ads showing up on every other site so you do need to spend at least 2-4 hours getting in your research and the best thing is the Library is a great resource too.

Ok, here is the 2nd part, how to get said employer(s) attention. Remember when I started this post I said I went A-Z down the list then I checked linkedin well let's get a said employers attention.
For this example I am using Adobe.

I have clicked on Adobe the basic information is there # of employees, loss gains, and a short blurb about the company. Here are the steps afterward
2. I click on the direct link to the company
3. At the company website I look at job postings and events
4. On a sheet of paper or document I start to formulate my cover letter ( address, name etc )
5. I check on LinkedIn at the company, I will follow them but I am also checking to see if I know anyone there.
6. I start to formulate my resume for an open position I want to apply for; meaning I am selecting my employment history that is best suited for the position.
7. I see that there is a public event in a month I research that event decipher if I can attend ( usually you can )
8. Back on the company website I go thru the sometimes arduous process of registrations and submitting my cover letter and resume for said open position.
9. I send in a hard copy as well to the company.
*** Please note at no time have I asked said potential connection for an introduction or even stated that I may know so-so *****
10. I organize my information and calendar in said public event.
11. After all the submitting and research I pat myself on the back. While I would appreciate an award or community recognition a simple acknowledgement I have submitted my resume is probably enough for now.
12. In two days I call Adobe and ask to speak to their HR to ensure receipt ( yes I did get the automatic reply but they don't need to know that because remember I sent in my hard copy as well ). 1 out of 2 times you will get voicemail, but sometimes you get a live human being, this is an opportunity to ask for a quick telephone interview regardless if its just the administrative assistant, just don't be forceful about it and explain you really are interested in Adobe products and company.
13. A week later you have gotten your automatic reply and probably a very nice postcard advising that your resume was not selected and they will keep it on record for 2 more weeks but you can't apply for another 6 months ( its not exact but that is what they would like you to think )
14. Now is when you connect w/ your linkedin connection a simple " I am interested in (said position ) do you know if that position has been filled " Don't be depressed if you do not get a response this happens but remember you still have that public event
15. Now you go to said public event with your resume but you don't waltz up right to the adobe personnel and hand them your resume and demand an interview on the spot..
You do wait your turn, see what the event is about Is it an celebration? Is it a product launch? Is it a convention ? Calmly approach when you see an opening, ask pertinent event questions i.e. " What is the additional software upgrade available ?" As you can ask the person about the culture and this is a great question opposed to asking if they are hiring but " Are you growing? " The answer is usually always positive so now you have an opening to hand over your resume and advise about the position you are interested in.

Hence the company has notice of you because 1) you already submitted your application 2) you telephoned 3) you in person attended an event and are well versed on the position and company.

Yes, there is a lot of steps to this process but can you imagine doing this for 10 Companies it would take just 8 hours to get all the research done...hence why they call job hunting a full time job.

Tomorrow I am going to address the mirror...yes, that mirror too

Hunting w/ a job hunter

2011-11-13T01:59:00.000-08:00

I am surprised that LinkedIn has such a bad rap of late. Especially as people are looking for work. So for the next few days I am going to pour out a lot of job hunting information and I do mean a lot of information. In past posts you seen me lament that way to network and the creation of resumes. The reality is that finding a job is incredibly hard and it is a full time job so you have to put 110% of your heart into it but before I get into that I feel i have to address the setbacks and chances and experiences.

First, setbacks.
There is not just one thing its getting out of the freaking bed. Taking a shower is incredibly hard going 3 or 4 days stretch. The short dismissal job refusal emails sent immediately after you send in your resume. These are just a sampling of setbacks so how do you combat these?

You become a duck. No, you don't go quacks, but you let the setback become like water on a ducks back you and let them slide right off. For every hair out of place when you meet someone for an interview. You let that go, breath it out, you find out what you did wrong and you let it go.

Second, Chances:
There is chance and taking a chance. Recently, I related how I would just walk into potential employers with my resume and ask for interviews. This is nerve racking for many people and it can make any potential employer uncomfortable but you can try it just to get over the whole interview. Another chance is going outside one's comfortable zone. I loved nonprofit world but there wasn't a fit so I went outside and back to retail but not just any retail : Sales garnering sales, walking around being outgoing and accepting rejection. ( Trust me that is harder than you really know ) to Media ( imagine point per click ) to someone working out of their garage.

The point is that each job you have ever had is a taking a chance. You learn, you grow and you may leave but when getting there you find a lot along the way and sometimes you need to take a chance.

Thirdly, Experiences:

Why is Experience different than Experiences simply because when you do a job its experience but when you work on a project you have experiences of absolute joy or absolute pain. In one position I was constantly undermined by poor quality control. I could not get over that experience and each time I had to relate the issue or item I would have a different Experience from complete and total disappointment to absolute joy and 100% customer satisfaction.

The take away is that yes, your previous job experience you wore many hats, but you had different experiences with each hat that you learned from.

Overall job hunting is not to be easy but if you make it harder for yourself by discrediting your experience, chances and not learning from setbacks you are the ant against the rubber tree plant.

Check in tomorrow about my top 10 companies and how to get them to notice you!

Cutting off the wrong appendage can be a bad idea...AFLAC will pay still

2011-11-12T00:06:00.000-08:00

Today's post has to do with a former issue I had as a sounding board. Now usually insurance doesn't come into play but when I was tasked with the task of being the voice of reason well....I remembered when I got Aflac insurance and saw how much my appendages was worth....apparently one arm and leg is actually valuable but I will get to my point...

Sometimes when you need to save money to "make money" you do the wrong thing like lose accreditation ...take for instance printers...there is about a couple dozen or so variety of printers out there and with variety of functions but you are trying to save money so you think you can go without a new printer and you keep trying to fix it and it keeps costing you money. In reality the printer can be easily replaced with an more efficient version of printer.
But let's say in order to save money you choose to cut off a limb because your left arm is worth about $14K so you do the math the operation and physical therapy to replace said limb is only $5K so you start to saw away at your left arm and file your claim awaiting your $14K check to come in the mail.

But the check never comes ...why? because you were trying to save money and because you cut off a completely good arm ( this is also very bad if you are left handed ) so now you are in real trouble and you can't put the appendage back on and you can't afford the replacement part which they forgot to tell you about the nerve surgery that is necessary to complete the arm surgery which is another $7K.

So what is the lesson here...do not be so quick to save money because in the long run you may need that arm afterall

Give Thanks because they served for you ! Veterans Day

2011-11-11T01:10:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick list of today's events

Veterans Day Ceremonies - 11am
markraymondchandler@comcast.net
Frank Ogawa Plaza
Oakland, CA
Bay Area
11
15th Annual Palm Springs Veterans Day

City of Sacramento Veterans Day Parade – “Honoring Our Heroes Past and Present” – 11am – 1pm
For parade entry info, please call
916-808-2344 or email
sacvetparade@cityofsacramento.org
Parade begins at 10AM
Program to follow on Capitol Mall 11AM to 1PM

Veterans Day Event – Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library – 10:30am
805-522-2977
http://www.reaganfoundation.org/events

REDONDO BEACH VETERANS DAY SERVICE & Elks BBQ – 1pm
Herb Masi, RB Veterans Task Force Chair - 310-993-4637 Pam Ament, City of Redondo - 310-372-1171 x4561 Karen Buchanan, Redondo Beach Elks - 208-473-6626

SENATOR TED GAINES - 3RD ANNUAL
SALUTE TO VETERANS PANCAKE BREAKFAST – 8:30 – 10AM

Good Stuff to do for Thanksgiving

2011-11-10T01:39:00.000-08:00

Hey, I would not be me without reminding you of a few helpful things you can do this Thanksgiving... so please check out

Silicon Valley Turkey Trot

The Applied Materials “Silicon Valley Turkey Trot” benefits three local charities (Second Harvest Food Bank, the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County and Santa Clara County Children’s Health Initiative) that help valley families meet their most basic needs for health, hope and a home.

Start Thanksgiving Day off on the right foot. Before the big games, the big meal, the parades and the pies why not get in a little exercise and a lot of fun while benefiting local charities? It’s an event the whole family will enjoy and it’s a great way to kick off Thanksgiving Day.

Check out Loaves and Fishes http://www.loavesfishes.org/

Holiday Programs:

Special holiday programs include a Easter meal the week prior to Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and Parent Shopping Day in December along with other celebrations throughout the year.

And BEFORE Thanksgiving check out Sacred Heart's program http://www.sacredheartcs.org/#

We rely on the community to help us meet the needs of impoverished families. Running a drive is a great way to help our neighbors meet their needs. Thank you so much for deciding to join our efforts in ending poverty in Santa Clara county!

Whether at school, work or with friends and families, if you follow these 4 easy steps you can organize a successful drive:

Motivate your group with the knowledge that together you can provide families the opportunity to rise above poverty.
Select an item to collect. We are always appreciative of any donation, but here’s a list of our most needed items. Pick a start and end date for the drive to let your friend, family or co-workers know when you are collecting items. Also, choose a drop off location that is convenient for most or ask donors to hold on to the items until a specific day. We can provide you with donation barrels to collect your items.
Challenge your group to set a goal for how many items you wish to collect - then go out and beat your goal! Think of what the appropriate contribution per individual would be ($10 per person), then multiply that by how many contributors you’ll reach out to ($10x100 = $1000) - and that’s your goal. Make sure to announce that the goal is based on 100% participation and that all donations, no matter how big or small, help to make a difference! Sacred Heart can help you spread the word with template letters, posters and brochures.
Celebrate your group’s achievement by gathering all the collected items together and bringing them to Sacred Heart!

Where to go for Winey Thanksgiving

2011-11-09T01:07:00.000-08:00

I adore wine and Thanksgiving is a great time to sit with a glass a good meal and relax...its also a time to get away....really far away...

Check out Yosemtie The Ahwanee Hotel Vinter's Series which includes some good choices to drink
As autumn gives way to winter, accentuate your Yosemite vacation with a touch of elegance as prominent winemakers showcase their vintages during Vintners’ Holidays at Yosemite.
Join us for Vintners’ Holidays as we celebate winemakers' fall harvests with our enlightening Yosemite wine tastings and seminars, a small private reception to meet winemakers in person, and a divine five-course gala dinner where each course is thoughtfully developed and prepared by Executive Chef Percy Whatley and The Ahwahnee Culinary Team to compliment the often rare or limited-release wines shared by the participating wineries

Or head up Oregon and check out a few Pinot Noirs straight from the wineries
http://www.oregonwinecountry.org/thanksgiving.php

During Thanksgiving weekend, Willamette Valley winemakers pour special vintages, conduct exclusive tastings and lead behind-the-scenes tours. Make a pilgrimage to Oregon Wine Country to enjoy special library wines, compare varietals from different vineyards and walk through barrel rooms to sip samples from unreleased wines. Delicious food pairings and live music accompany many of the festivities. If you're a fan of smaller Willamette Valley wineries that don't have tasting rooms, this is one of the few occasions when you can visit and sample their products.

We've gathered information on all the Willamette Valley Thanksgiving winery activities in one place, so it's easy for you to select those you're most interested in. See below for details about special events, tasting room hours, Willamette Valley winery locations and more. Check back here as your wine tasting trip draws nearer.

Information on this website was gathered from numerous sources. To the best of our knowledge the information is accurate, but it is not guaranteed. Price and other information are subject to change.

Of course to keep up somekind of Appelquist family tradition... I recommend going to the Kahala Resort in Hawaii

http://www.kahalaresort.com/media/docs/Holidays/2011/Hokus_ThanksgivingDinner.pdf

Hoku’s Thanksgiving Celebration
Wednesday, November 23 – Saturday, November 26, 2011
Amuse Bouche
SMOKED SALMON ON CROSTINI
with Caviar
  
First Course
SEARED FOIE GRAS
Pumpkin Spiced French Toast, Fig Jam
  
Second Course
HOKU’S CHOP SALAD WITH GARDEN FALL VEGETABLES
Cranberry Vinaigrette
  
Main Course
HERB ROASTED TURKEY
Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes, Chestnut Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce
Green Beans, Pan Gravy with Fresh Herbs
  
Dessert
CARAMELIZED FUJI APPLE GALETTE
Whipped Crème Fraiche, Sweet Spiced Cider Syrup
  

Turkey substitute ...not your neighbor's chicken

2011-11-08T01:46:00.000-08:00

Nava Atlas is my go to resource for everything Vegetarian check her out here at vegkitchen.com There is also a great book http://www.vegkitchen.com/navas-books/vegan-holiday-kitchen-2/

Now while Tofurky http://www.tofurky.com/ has a little bit of bad PR I have to say its not bad.

But just incase you think that vegetarians abhore Thanksgiving you would be sorely mistaken I have had some of my best holidays with vegetarians maybe because we are not under the L-tryptophan gaze that we actually do start to decorate the christmas tree.

Now, I know you know I love Cole's Barbeque and being a meat eater I could really use a shake up to Thanksgiving ....and hence why there is Duck! Salmon! Quail! and of course Chicken!

My dad traded a trip to Maui to Alaska in his later years and would go on a short expedition to Alaska hence one year the dinner after Thanksgiving was more special than the one on Thursday ...here is one recipe you might consider instead of turkey or cooking one of your relatives.

Captain Tony Hofstetter's "Thanksgiving" Salmon
(Whole Stuffed Salmon)
8-10lbs whole Salmon - cleaned

1/2 cup lemon juice
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon of basil
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 lemon thinly sliced
Dressing:
1 bag of herb seasoned stuffing cubes
2 cans of crabmeat
1 cup of grated carrots
1/2 cup of onion finely chopped
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. (May also be cooked in the Barbeque)

Make or buy an aluminum foil pan large enough to hold fish. Brush surface of the foil pan well with melted butter, margarine or oil. Cut head and tail from fish, if desired. Clean fish, rinse and pat dry with paper towels. Place fish on pan. Combine lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, prepared mustard, basil and salts and brush in cavity of fish.

Prepare dressing (stuffing) as directed on package except substitute 1/4 cup of lemon for 1/4 cup of broth. Add crabmeat, carrots and onions and mix well. Stuff prepared fish. Brush outside of fish generously with melted butter, margarine or oil. Overlap sliced onion and lemon slices down top of fish. Drizzle remaining lemon juice mixture evenly over fish. Cover pan, cook for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours or until thickest part of fish flakes easily with fork. Do not turn fish during cooking. Yield 8 -10 servings.
*If cooking in a barbeque, use meat thermometer to check temps. Dressing 180 degrees, fish 160 degrees.

Getting ready for Thanksgiving or Instead of a Swanson dinner I am going to cook.

2011-11-07T01:25:00.000-08:00

Ha! Most likelihood I will be ordering my Thanksgiving dinner from AG Ferrari but for the sake of conversation let's say I am going to cook this year. ( the fire department is on standby )
Remember how I told you about the Bon Appetit November 1999 where basically I was going to use that as my new cookbook right ( if not here are the recipes http://www.projectfoodie.com/recipes/bon-appetit/1999/november )

I figure I can adjust some of the recipes down for 1-2 servings. There is just a hiccup or two...

Its so much food ! I have a Costco Card and while the red rocket is graciously on sabbatical I foolishly went to purchase food there.

I do not know what I was thinking and infact I am willing to admit I may not have been thinking. So in case you need a recipe or two here are a few really good ones

Andouille Sausage and Corn Bread Stuffing
serves 10-12
Ingredients

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
1 pound andouille sausages,* cut into 1/3-inch pieces
1 12-ounce package breakfast-style bulk sausage
3 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups chopped red bell peppers
1 cup chopped green onions
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
12 ounces dry corn bread stuffing mix

1 1/2 cups (about) canned low-salt chicken broth

My 2nd favorite recipe includes mushrooms something my oldest sister does not like

Broccoli with Wild Mushrooms

serves 8-10

3/4 ounce dried porcini mushrooms*
1 cup hot water

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, thinly sliced
2/3 cup chopped shallots

2 1/2 pounds broccoli, cut into florets

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

So there you have it one way to start your Thanksgiving early... go grocery shopping.

In other news.. Oklahoma has earthquakes now ...

2011-11-06T01:07:00.000-07:00

This must be some weird fundraising for the state of California. Gov. Brown must have sold the rights to have earthquakes to Virginia and Oklahoma.

That must be the reason

It is the only one that makes a margin of sense...aside from the whole Oklahoma wanting to leave the union or Oklahoma a while back had a great plan to bring tourist to town was to be more gay friendly and now having earthquakes is the 2nd phase of that plan.

I wonder how much an Earthquake goes for... $2-3K ?

Really! Oklahoma Really?

Prayer misinterpeted

2011-11-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

Just the other day I was voicing my desire or need to "walk more". Low and behold the red rocket goes out of commission for about a week. I get back to my days of walking mile after mile weathering anything weather that is there and basically my inante ability to manage time like no body business.

I adore the opportunity but the timing reminds me that whenever I "plan" something I might as well shoot myself in the foot. I wish I could joke about it but the fates have a better sense of humor and I am the punchline which isn't bad...except they don't ask me first.

So for a while I will hear the mundane reminder...I saw you ...

Sometime I will learn my lesson but in the meantime I am wearing my mothers' gloves...its cold outside!

Whole Karma

2011-11-04T01:24:00.000-07:00

Folks, I was born on St. Patricks day where Shamrocks abound and luck is 2nd nature. So, you can see me going thru my days aimlessly trying to help or make it better somewhere somehow. On Paydays I give a dollar to the guy on the street. I donate my shoes, clothes, left over computers to charities, I ask people to volunteer till I get restraining orders. When I am in line at the place usually reserved for you to lose all your pennies, nickels, and entire paycheck I got an unexpected generous (albeit $14) gift. I was told I couldn't give my change and I can accept said gift. I was stunned until the magic words were spoken...its Karma.

So when I was more interested in doing one thing and not the other I was surprised someone paid me a compliment to which I had not acknowledged properly so I took the time and sat down and enjoyed a cup of tea with said person because it was the least I could do.

So while you can just care at the end of the day remember Karma is there waiting for you.

I love Dlisted...totally true and honest !

2011-11-03T01:54:00.000-07:00

If you do not read dlisted.com go over there NOW and I mean right NOW because just like what I have put below courtesy of Michael K its absolutely a slap upside your head that whatever your troubles are.. you can handle it baby..yes I called you my reader baby because I love you and I can't believe you do not already read dlisted.com Sincerely, life is hard as frak and there are days I even wished I had jumped off this crazy train at age 13 but I am still here and nearly 40 and no more wiser just not a virgin anymore... so please understand you might have it horrible right now. Yes, RIGHT now your life might be the vortex of a sh*t storm but its nothing compared to the crap ...sludge that exists in the world of dlisted.com your troubles will go away but some of the pics of the day or Quote of the day are burned into history for enternity... you got it down whatever it is you can handle it...but like michael was so nice to do he translated Kim Kardashians PR stunt properly ( technically that should be press release but I think you know I got my snark button on.. ) Enjoy!

****************

That probably sounded like nothing but ass lips slapping together to you, so allow me to translate:

"This is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to write, like literally. I mean, you try talking out the words for your assistant to type while sipping on aMidori beverage (sold wherever fine malt liquor is sold) during a first class flight to Australia. It's hard! Sydney, be-yotches!

I am totally reading all the different media reports, even the negatives ones, because I love reading about myself! DUH! First and foremost, I married for love of money and fame. Like a whole lot of money and fame! I can't believe I even have to defend this. I would not have spent so much time on something just for a TV show! I share so much of my life on a reality show, that contemplating whether to even film my wedding was an easy decision to make especially when they started throwing money at me. I love money! It's who I am! A money-grubbing fame whore! We filmed Kourtney giving birth, that big one getting married, break ups, makeups, our best moments and our worst moments. But I don't even know what real moments are anymore. That's what makes us who we are. We suck, we fuck, we take and we open our legs to anybody who shows us that camera! I love fame!

Everyone that knows me knows that I'm a heartless fame whore! I don't have a heart and I farted out my soul a long time ago. I want a family and babies so badly, but only because my mom tells me People Magazine pays like a whole ton of money for stuff like that and the pictures will be everywhere. I believed the money and the fame would force me to stay married to some asshole I don't love, but I just couldn't do it. He's gross! I got caught up with the hoopla and the filming of the TV show that when I probably should have ended my relationship, I didn't know how to because I'm a brainless dumb fuck and I didn't want E! to cancel that check they wrote me for the sham wedding.

I'm never honest and I don't even know what the word "respect" means, but my publicist said I should use it at least once so there you go. But I do know that I have to follow the cameras and they're not following whatshisname anymore. I never had the intention of doing anything other than making money and getting you stupid bloggers to write post after post about me. I accept zero responsibility for my actions and decisions.

There are also reports that I made millions of dollars off of the wedding. These reports are simply not true. I made TENS of millions of dollars off of the wedding. I'm so grateful to all you suckers who took the time to come to my fake wedding and I'll be donating the money for all of the gifts to the Dram Foundation, because let's face it, I need the tax write-off.

My dad always told me to follow my heart, but since I sold mine to a weird-looking man with horns on his head a long time ago, I am following the next best thing: dollar signs! And those dollar signs are telling me to tell you that during this difficult time, please show your support by wiping away your tears with Kardashian Kleenex sold exclusively at Kardashian Khaos in Las Vegas!"

Please Respect Kim Kartrashian's Courage To Be A Shameless Whore

Kim Kardashian released a letter to her fans about the end of her STUNT QUEEN marriage and it totally wasn't written by her publicist and doesn't smell like bull queef's at all. If you don't have the wet shits from Kardashian poisoning yet, read this mess at your own risk:

This is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write. I see all of the support and I am so thankful for my fans, friends and family who are helping me through this difficult time.
I am trying not to read all the different media reports but it’s hard not to see all the negative ones. First and foremost, I married for love. I can’t believe I even have to defend this. I would not have spent so much time on something just for a TV show! I share so much of my life on a reality show, that contemplating whether to even film my wedding was a tough decision to make, and maybe it turned out to not be the smartest decision. But it’s who I am! We filmed Kourtney giving birth, Khloe getting married, break ups, make ups, our best moments and our worst moments. These were all real moments. That’s what makes us who we are. We share, we give, we love and we are open!
Everyone that knows me knows that I’m a hopeless romantic! I love with all of my heart and soul. I want a family and babies and a real life so badly that maybe I rushed in to something too soon. I believed in love and the dream of what I wanted so badly. I felt like I was on a fast roller coaster and couldn’t get off when now I know I probably should have. I got caught up with the hoopla and the filming of the TV show that when I probably should have ended my relationship, I didn’t know how to and didn’t want to disappoint a lot of people.
I’m being honest here and I hope you respect my courage because this isn’t easy to go through. But I do know that I have to follow my heart. I never had the intention of hurting anybody and I accept full responsibility for my actions and decisions, and for taking everyone on this journey with me. It just didn’t turn out to be the fairy tale I had so badly hoped for.
There are also reports that I made millions of dollars off of the wedding. These reports are simply not true and it makes me so sad to have to even clarify this. I’m so grateful to everyone who took the time to come to my wedding and I’ll be donating the money for all the gifts to the Dream Foundation.
I’m sorry if I have hurt anyone, but my dad always told me to follow my heart and I believe now that I really am.

That probably sounded like nothing but ass lips slapping together to you, so allow me to translate:

Strange I don't blame my mother more than others do

2011-11-02T01:07:00.000-07:00

I will be honest, I totally should fault my parents for their dysfunctional life making my life dysfunctional.

I just do not do it. Seriously. When I got hit by a car and was really angry that I went to see a psychiatrist she told me I was angry because of my mother was an alcoholic which was so bizarre to be because she didn't pay attention when I told her that my mother was a recovering alcoholic I drove her to meetings, I witnessed her disappointment when upon completion she didn't get prize from the Governor or President which is totally warranted being she gave up cold turkey.

All the same I never saw the psychiatrist again because my anger was mine, not my mothers' I was mad that my neighbor hit me with his car and didn't get a ticket or a mark on his driving record or a warning sign tattooed on his forehead...albeit a small tattoo but here I was on crutches, taking public transit and the bloody insurance company was making obscene low offers to write off the whole incident.

I take responsibility for me and my choices and decisions so I do not blame my father for not teaching me economics or my mother for not putting my photo in the Sears shop afterall. Yet, I get so furious when I read articles where the author starts to blame or reference their way of life to their parents...really do you have no sense of free will, have you no sense of self?

So in the Atlantic Magazine article " All the Single Ladies " by Kate Bolick I read this passage
*********

Well, there was a lot I didn’t know 10 years ago. The decision to end a stable relationship for abstract rather than concrete reasons (“something was missing”), I see now, is in keeping with a post-Boomer ideology that values emotional fulfillment above all else. And the elevation of independence over coupling (“I wasn’t ready to settle down”) is a second-wave feminist idea I’d acquired from my mother, who had embraced it, in part, I suspect, to correct for her own choices.

I was her first and only recruit, marching off to third grade in tiny green or blue T-shirts declaring: A WOMAN WITHOUT A MAN IS LIKE A FISH WITHOUT A BICYCLE, or: A WOMAN’S PLACE IS IN THE HOUSE—AND THE SENATE, and bellowing along to Gloria Steinem & Co.’s feminist-minded children’s album, Free to Be … You and Me (released the same year Title IX was passed, also the year of my birth). Marlo Thomas and Alan Alda’s retelling of “Atalanta,” the ancient Greek myth about a fleet-footed princess who longs to travel the world before finding her prince, became the theme song of my life. Once, in high school, driving home from a family vacation, my mother turned to my boyfriend and me cuddling in the backseat and said, “Isn’t it time you two started seeing other people?” She adored Brian—he was invited on family vacations! But my future was to be one of limitless possibilities, where getting married was something I’d do when I was ready, to a man who was in every way my equal, and she didn’t want me to get tied down just yet.

******************

You might want to be careful around me throwing blame on your parental units might start a fire that you can not stop.

I made a choice albeit I can't tell you exact time and date not to have children. I am so upset with myself that I sometimes wish I just go ahead and make a baby. Yet I don't and its not for lack of trying...I am way too practical. There has to be three things in place before I consider a baby and one thing is a man. In fact five years ago I made such a decision with John Mush that if we were still together by NYE 06 I would make a baby with him.

PHEW ! I am so gratiful I missed out on that train wreck because sometime between the spring of 05' and Christmas I saw right thru John and hence didn't take the whole "baby" plunge with him.

Yes, I could be married right now...but to any of the guys I dated..I doubt it ..I'd be more likely married to an insurance salesman than half the louses I've met in my past.

Oddly, as I continue to read the article I get more its not just mommy's fault but society too...what men can't take any blame or have they been blamed enough and are on disability leave?

Back to John and me having a baby, one thing I knew is that John and I would have to have stable income lottery winnings would totally qualify but a job something because babies are not cheap and most health insurance plans do not cover babies or making babies. John lost his job and wouldn't just go out and get another one, he wouldn't continue with his painting or sell any, he would not "invest" in our relationship hence if he wanted a baby he had a chance and blew it.

I know I am strong willed outgoing and opinionated but if a guy can't take me as I am he is not worth the time of day.

So, yeah I could totally blame my parents but I would rather take responsibility for my actions and decisions its much better sense of self.

Rent's Due : Landlords need money too.

2011-11-01T01:25:00.000-07:00

Its nice when you have money and its even nicer when you can get the price you want for something you own.

Take for instance, you are renting your home. The housing market is atrocious literately its so stagnant that sludge asked it to move more. The renting market is so hot in one area that its near impossible to figure out why one city does better than an another till someone figures it out...

The landlords update their rents from say $600 to $800 then $1000 and its not like they don't deserve the money but its the actual cost of the expenses they have.

Suddenly the 1bedroom apartment that would go for $750 is priced over $1000. In less than you can say gouging the price jumps another $25.

How does a renter deal with it?

How does the landlord find the renter to deal with it?

You see I am trying to get this one place near my job its been on my wish list for the past six months. In June it was listed for $995 I was pretty sure I could swing it but I needed to have more than the lint in my pocket.
Today it is listed for $1125. So I asked why and in all honest I was not surprised.

The landlord has the property originally for supplemental income but when he was laid off last year it became his only income aside from a meager unemployment check. The first year he was able to make it and now well you guessed it, he needs the money to afford to live an maintain the property.

The breakdown is this

$250 monthly utilities bill
$140 groceries
$500 is the basic necessities a month for him
$275 for mortgage

As you can see the total amount is more than rent he is getting, so he is trying to get his social security but he is only 58 years old and will have to go on disability which means he could not get a job to make ends meet.

So the Landlord of one property ( its a duplex that got refinanced into a new mortgage because the first mortgage was defaulted when the bank was seized ) needs money.

So as you hunt for housing try to think of the other side of the coin too..landlords are human too..( at least the ones I have met )

Halloween is Here and only 54 more shopping days till Christmas...

2011-10-31T01:18:00.000-07:00

Its really scary thought that the year is almost over but you only have 54 more shopping days till Christmas....

Here is some other timely scary thoughts...

54 more days till all the Walmart workers get a day off

55 more days till Santa takes a day off

56 more days till you can have successfully regifted last years gift.

57 more days to take advantage of 75% off Martha Stewart Holiday items to use next year.

58 more days to figure out how much weight you actually lost ...dead weight is null

59 more days to donate to any worth 501c3 Charity for taxes.

60 more days till the end of this blog....

Hope you have lots of fun today.....

Execution its not just for death row.

2011-10-30T02:52:00.000-07:00

While its the eve of Halloween, let's take a minute and discuss the job state or the state of jobs...

What I am about to share with you does not reflect people I currently know but some people I use to know.

Its not bad but its important when in the market for employment or a job...you hunters might want to work on your execution.

and I am not talking about head hunters either.

The ability to speak is very important and being able to have a conversation monumental.

While you may just program all day and all night when you actually discuss something with someone you need to be more aware about how to deliver your speech than at any other time.

I have been credited with the innate ability and having the wisdom to take some speech classes; the now inherent ability to not only know what I am talking about but to sound like it too.

There is a huge difference between the following statements even though these are exactly the same information.

1. "Um, Hi Sheryl, um, did you know about the ...um..meeting this morning with ..um...Gerald?"

2. Hi! Sheryl, Do you have the presentation for the meeting with Gerald at 10am?"

In #1 the speaker is unsure about the event and even more unprofessional with dragging out the point of the question.

In #2 the speaker is direct and prepared, Sheryl isn't being imposed upon.

While we never consciously select to sound or speak like #1 in more often than not we do. I am so guilty of this as I will start half my conversations with " I apologize for interrupting " when in reality I am not doing anything but my job and a better way is to state "Excuse me, but Sheryl the meeting w/ Joan is in 5 minutes"

Another thing I noticed with execution is what are you doing when you are talking. This is very true when you are on the telephone. Are you drawing, typing, watching a video, if you are distracted you likely sound like it.

Here are a couple of tips.

To stop the ums..think about what you are talking about, what is the purpose of the conversation, why are you asking Sheryl about her meeting? Are you going to help ? Is there a conflict?

The snapping of a rubber band for every um is a good trick for about 3 minutes because in reality the snapping of the band is just as distracting to whom you are talking to but give it three minutes.

Take a speech class, grab a free webinar.

Lastly,

Do not worry...even the President does it on occasion.

Scary Halloween movies....remakes of originals.

2011-10-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure I made all of 10 minutes of the original Halloween movie or was it Friday the 13th? or well...I think you get the idea. I was trying to be all grown up and go see an R rated horror story.

Funny, after you turn 18, seeing an R rated film has lost all its allure, but when you are 14...its the COOLEST thing.

So here is a short list of scary movies I've been watching on Hulu

Halloween
Dusk to Dawn
The Thing
Dracula
Anything by Michael Moore ( hahaha made a funny there )
The Night of the Living Dead
and
American Horror Story...eeeck that is scary even Dillon McDermont nude scary...

Do for Halloween Costumes

2011-10-28T01:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, here is the flipside of costumes for Halloween...

1. Bloggers do wear their pajamas when typing...
2. An apron and chef's hat and broken accent : you are a Muppet but don't forget the chicken
3. Dress Up and wear a name tag " Hello my name is ...The 1% because I have a job. "
4. Don't show up to work ..doesn't make you a ghost...grab a garbage bag and call yourself a sanitation worker.
5. Wearing color coordinated clothes......Biggest Loser contestant
6. Stripes and Patterns and dark glasses ...visually impaired.
7. Voting for a Republican ...politically impaired
8. Voting for Democrat...politically blind
9. Voting for Tea Party....unemployed.
10. Pre-Zombie...have a nasty bruise, a full can of beer, walk slowly...

Halloween Costume don'ts

2011-10-27T01:23:00.000-07:00

First off, this is not official or unofficial this is just me taking up space on the internet spreading some words around...read them don't read them but don't say I did not warn you.

Next, I am sure whatever costume you decide it will be fine but here is just some basics...

1. Don't be the tail if the head has gas issues
2. Ghosts do not have pointy hats
3. Skull and Crossbones are way better than anything from Germany
4. Just because its on South Park does not mean its cool, nobody likes a poopie head.
5. If Prince Harry gets in trouble for it so will you so don't wear what Prince Harry wears.
6. Its not funny when your team is not in the World Series.
7. Umbrellas indoors are bad luck
8. Underwear if you have a Maxim or PlayGirl Body anything less is rather disgusting and against indencency laws.
9. Bringing a shovel to dig your own grave would require you to keep your mouth shut ...don't bother with either.
10. No White Pointed Ghost Hats...your not Rick Perry.

If you need an explanation for this....email me.

Not for the love of coffee : I agree

2011-10-26T01:14:00.000-07:00

Below is the article in The Economist about asking people to stop giving to political campaigns and while I abhor the idea of Starbucks selling wine and beer I do agree with him on this.

Starbucks CEO Schultz: Stop Giving to Political Campaigns Until There's a Better Debt Deal

By IBTimes Staff Reporter

Starbucks' (SBUX) Chief Executive Officer Howard Schultz has a solution for the nation's partisan political divide that's prevented (so far) a substantive, long-term plan to cut the budget deficit: boycott donating to political campaigns.

"I am asking that all of us forgo political contributions until the Congress and the president return to Washington and deliver a fiscally disciplined long-term debt and deficit plan to the American people," Schultz wrote in an e-mail sent to business leaders that was obtained by Bloomberg News.

Schultz encouraged fellow business leaders to "voice your perspective publicly" and said "businesses need to do all they can to accelerate job creation." Starbucks shares closed Monday up $1.06 to $28.42.

Currently, the United States is short about 14 million jobs, with an intractable 9.1 percent unemployment rate. The number of jobs needed to return the United States to full employment is actually close to 20 million jobs, if one includes part-time employees who want full-time work who can't find it.

The U.S. Congress passed and President Barack Obama recently signed a $2.4 trillion, 10-year debt deal that calls for about $900 billion in agreed-to deficit reduction, with about $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction project to be identified by Thanksgiving by Congress' new 12-member, bipartisan "super committee."

Despite the above modest first step on the debt, some in Wall Street, economics, and now corporate circles want more progress on debt reduction. For example, due to Tea Party faction pressure, the signed debt deal contains no revenue increases from tax code changes or outright tax increases. Some economists say the only way to eliminate the budget deficit and national debt in an enduring way is to include a tax increase; they say a better debt reduction program would call for at least $4 trillion in debt reduction over 10 years, including a revenue increase.

Political/Public Policy Analysis: Chances are the very conservative Tea Party faction of the Republican Party may cry foul, and accuse Schultz of siding with the Democrats. The reason? The Tea Party sacrificed very little in the debt deal talks --it essentially won the debate by getting most of their cuts -- without a tax increase. Its partisans may view Schultz's call as a back-door way to go after taxes.

That said, Schultz is on-the-mark with his request -- more should be done to cut the deficit -- and if it takes a cut-off in political contributions, so much the better

Spare Time : The New Yorker

2011-10-25T01:03:00.000-07:00

I adore print media but my heart is set on getting a Tablet PC from Sony I have been going and reading my favorite magazine online.

The New Yorker

From Blogs to Topics I can always find something, some aspect or point of view I did not understand or appreciate before...even a republican one.

There is past issues on Food and Big Story but I readily admit I will check out

the Caption Contest and do the Jigsaw puzzle readily

Maybe I want to go to New York and

maybe I will.

Immortality or just create a space on the Internet

2011-10-24T01:58:00.000-07:00

Since the passing of Steve Jobs, there has been a lot of discussion about legacy or being remembered.

I still think cremation is the way to go, but you may want something more permanent.

So, make your own wikipedia page.
Below from Wikipedia!
Start here
Wikipedia already has a lot of articles. Before creating an article you should search to check that there is no suitable article that already exists. If an article on the topic you want to create is there, but you think people are likely to look for it under some different name or spelling, learn how to add a redirect with that name; adding needed redirects is a good way to help Wikipedia too.

Consider adding your information to existing articles that might include information about the subject of the article you propose. For example, if you want to write an article about a band member, you might search for the band and then add information to that broader article about that band member. This is the best thing to do if the subject of the proposed article has only limited depth.

If no suitable articles already exist or the subject has enough depth for an article of its own then you need to start a new article.

In the search box near the top right of a page, type the title of the new article, then click Go. If the Search page reports "You may create the page" followed by the article name in red, then you can click the red article name to start editing the article.

The very first thing you should write in a new article is a list of the source(s) for the information in it. For now, just enter them like this (and they will automatically turn into links):

(1) http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/12/books/12vonnegut.html

(2) http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/space/space_shuttle.html

Later, you'll learn how to format them to appear as footnotes.

When you are done, press "Show preview" to take a look at how the page will appear. Try to fix any formatting errors, then press "Save page". Your article is now part of Wikipedia and may be edited by anyone.

Gather sources to the information for your article. To be worth including in the encyclopedia a subject must be sufficiently notable and that notability must be verifiable through references to reliable sources.

These sources should be reliable; that is, they should be sources that exercise some form of editorial control. Print sources (and web-based versions of those sources) tend to be the most reliable, though many web-only sources are also reliable. Some examples include (but are not limited to): books published by major publishing houses, newspapers, magazines, peer-reviewed scholarly journals, websites of any of the above, and other websites that meet the same basic requirements as any print-based source.

In general, sources with NO editorial control are not generally reliable. These include (but are also not limited to): books published by vanity presses, self-published zines, blogs, web forums, usenet discussions, BBSes, fan sites, and the like. Basically, if anyone at all can post information without anyone else checking that information, it is probably not reliable.

To put it simply, if there are reliable sources with enough information to write about a subject, then that subject is notable and those sources can verify the information in the Wikipedia article. If you cannot find reliable sources (such as newspapers, journals, or books) that provide information for an article, then the subject is not notable or verifiable and almost certainly will be deleted. So your first job is to find references.

Once you have references for your article, you can learn to place the references into the article by reading Wikipedia:Citing sources. But do not worry too much about formatting them properly. It would be great if you do that, but the main thing is to get references into the article even if they are not well formatted

Articles about yourself, your friends, your website, a band you're in, your teacher, a word you made up, or a story you wrote

If you are worthy of inclusion in the encyclopedia, let someone else add an article for you. Putting your friends in an encyclopedia may seem like a nice surprise or an amusing joke, but articles like this are likely to be removed. In this process, feelings may be hurt, which can be avoided by a little forethought on your part. So, just do not do it, please. The article might remain if you have enough humility to make it neutral and you really are notable, but even then it's best to submit a draft for approval and consensus of the community instead of just posting it up as unconscious biases may still exist of which you may not be aware.

Non-notable topics

People frequently add pages to Wikipedia without considering whether the topic is really notable enough to go into an encyclopedia. Because Wikipedia does not have the space limitations of paper-based encyclopedias, our notability policies and guidelines allow a wide range of articles – however, they do not allow every topic to be included. A particularly common special case of this is pages about people, companies or groups of people that do not assert the notability or importance of their subject, so we have decided that such pages may be speedily deleted under our WP:SPEEDY policy. This can offend – so please consider whether your chosen topic is notable enough for Wikipedia, and assert (or preferably show!) the notability or importance of your article's subject if you decide it is notable enough. Wikipedia is not a directory of everything in existence.

Advertising

Please do not try to promote your product or business. Please do not insert external links to your commercial website unless a neutral party would judge that the link truly belongs in the article; we do have articles about products like Kleenex or Sharpies, or notable businesses such as McDonald's, but if you are writing about a product or business be sure you write from a neutral point of view, that you have no conflict of interest, and that you are able to find references in reliable sources that are independent from the subject you are writing about.

Personal essays or original research

Wikipedia surveys existing human knowledge; it is not a place to publish new work. Do not write articles that present your own original theories, opinions, or insights, even if you can support them by reference to accepted work. A common mistake is to present a novel synthesis of ideas in an article. Remember, just because both Fact A and Fact B are true does NOT mean that A caused B, or vice-versa. If that is true, then reliable sources will report that connection, and you should cite those sources.

A single sentence or only a website link

Articles need to have real content of their own.

Copying things. Do not violate copyrights

To be safe, do not quote more than a couple of sentences of text from anywhere, and document any references you do use. You can copy material that you are sure is in the public domain, but even for public domain material you should still document your source. Also note that most Web pages are not in the public domain and most song lyrics are not either. In fact, most things written since January 1, 1978 in the United States are automatically under copyright even if they have no copyright notice or © symbol. If you think what you are contributing is in the public domain, say where you got it, either in the article or on the discussion page, and on the discussion page give the reason why you think it is in the public domain (e.g. "It was published in 1895...") If you think you are making "fair use" of copyrighted material, please put a note on the discussion page saying why you think so. For more information: Copyrights (including instructions for verifying permission to use previously published text) and our non-free content guidelines for text.

Good research and citing your sources

Articles written out of thin air are better than nothing, but they are hard to verify, which is an important part of building a trusted reference work. Please research with the best sources available and cite them properly. Doing this, along with not copying large amounts of the text, will help avoid any possibility of plagiarism.

Advocacy and controversial material

Please do not write articles that advocate one particular viewpoint on politics, religion, or anything else. Understand what we mean by a neutral point of view before tackling this sort of topic.

Extremely short articles that are just definitions

Dictionary definitions belong on Wiktionary. Try to write a good short paragraph that says something about the subject. We welcome good short articles, called "stubs", that can serve as launching pads from which others can take off. If you do not have enough material to write a good stub, you probably should not create the article. At the end of a stub, you should include a "stub template" like this: {{stub}}. (Other Wikipedians will appreciate it if you use a more specific stub template, like {{art-stub}}. See the list of stub types for a list of all specific stub templates.) Stubs help track articles that need expansion.

Local-interest articles

These are articles about places like schools, or streets that are of interest to a relatively small number of people such as alumni or people who live nearby. There is no consensus about such articles, but some will challenge them if they include nothing that shows how the place is special and different from tens of thousands of similar places. Photographs add interest. Try to give local-interest articles local colour. Third-party references are very useful to prove that the subject you are writing about is notable.

While an article is being constructedIf you know that your article will require multiple edits and/or a significant amount of time to properly list references and/or make presentable, it is recommended that you place the template {{newpage}} on top of the page to signify to other editors that it's a work in progress. Articles tagged with the new page template are still eligible for speedy deletion.

Another option if you plan to take time to construct a page is to start creating the new article in a subpage of your user page. This allows you to take as long as you need to complete a presentable article. When you feel it is good enough to not be deleted, you can then move it to the main article space.

How To : Holiday Entertain

2011-10-23T01:40:00.000-07:00

I am not Martha Stewart, I do not want to be like Martha Stewart, but maybe you do. So here is some great events on Entertaining ;

On Tuesday November 1st Check out PartiesThatCook!
Thanksgiving Appetizers (November 1st)

At this exciting interactive cooking class, guests will learn new cooking techniques that take the guesswork out of Thanksgiving appetizer preparation -- perfect for those looking to create a memorable Thanksgiving meal. Students will then apply these skills hands-on, working in small groups to prepare the evening's mouthwatering Small Plates menu. When the cooking is over, guests savor the 'fruits' of their labor hot from the oven!

This class features a Parties That Cook custom Small Plates Menu and classic hands-on group cooking event experience.

November 1st Menu

Endive Leaves with Savory Fig Jam

Sweet Potato Pancakes with Crispy Prosciutto and Sour Cream

Hot Crab Dip with Soft Pretzel Poppers

Mini Apple, Roquefort and Caramelized Onion Pies with Honey

Seared Beef Brochettes with Whole Grain Mustard and Garlic Marinade

Parties That Cook designs fresh seasonal menus for each event. Guests do not need cooking experience to attend. The price of admission includes cooking instruction by professional chefs, recipes using the finest, freshest ingredients, hard copies of the recipes for taking notes, electronic event photos, and the camaraderie of cooking with new friends! Water and sodas will be provided. If you'd like to enjoy wine during the class, please bring a bottle to share with the group.

Do you have any dietary restrictions? Most of our menus are designed to include a few vegetarian dishes. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate substitutions. Please contact Parties That Cook in advance of purchasing if you have questions about the menu. Please email Info@PartiesThatCook.com or call 415.441.3595.

On Saturday November 5th HARVEST AND HOLIDAY WREATH MAKING at Common Ground Garden Supply and Education located at 559 College Avenue in Palo Alto. Dru Rivers Instructor.
You will have fun learning how to make a beautiful wreath with all organic plant materials. Bring holiday cheer home with a wonderful wreath made by YOU! Decorate and transform your garden abundance into gifts for yourself and your friends.
2:00-4:00 $30 + $20 materials fee

Or Make a Tamale!
Darlene Tenes of CasaQ and guest chefs will show you how to create a wonderful Mexican Christmas dinner with traditional tamales. During this hands-on workshop, you will learn to make these traditional wrapped wonders from scratch. We will share the history behind these ancient foods and teach you how to prepare the masa and the fillings. Then, you and your classmates will create a family-style assembly line to learn how to properly wrap and fold, then steam the tamales to perfection.

A Chef demo will follow, showing dishes traditionally served on Christmas Eve alongside the tamales, including Ensalada de Nochebuena, a refreshing salad made with a medley of fruits and nuts. Then, the event will end on a sweet note with homemade Mexican Hot Chocolate with hints of cinnamon and spices along with Buñuelos, crispy tortilla-like treats that are a must for the Holiday season.
Tamale Making 101 - November 6 & 12 Veggie Tamale Workshop - November 5 Gourmet Tamale Workshop - November 19

All Classes 12:00 - 4:00pm at San Pedro Square Market at 87 N. Pedro Street in San Jose

On Saturday November 12th Check out J.Lohr Holiday Entertaining Wine, Cheese & Dessert Tasting
Taste samples of three wine paired cheeses with accompaniments while Chef Jaimie Casey will demonstrate the art of creating a simple but tasty cheese platter for the holidays. Next taste three bite-sized holiday desserts and the wines that go with them while Chef Casey explains the recipes and techniques that you can use to reproduce them at home for $45.00 per person ($42.00 for Wine Club Members if purchased prior to November 1.) just call Lisa at 408.918.2176, or via email at sjevents@jlohr.com. Seating is limited. Advance ticket purchase required

Parties That Cook presents a hands-on cooking class focusing on festive holiday appetizers for the next party or potluck. Executive Chef Tanya Rogow will present tips and tricks for stress-free entertaining. Then, guests will break into teams and work together to create such delicious dishes as puff pastry spirals with gruyere, prosciutto and sage, lamb skewers with pomegranate-mint sauce and more. At the end of the class, you'll sample the delicious food and get the recipes

Grey Hair

2011-10-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

It has happened, I was barely thirty when I found one. you know that; that thing that sprouts up as you stare into the bathroom mirror.

Grey hair.

I am not surprised as I have found more and more

and more.

So I accept it but I am going to color my hair.

Plain and simple....

Purple.

Songs I listen to

2011-10-21T01:23:00.000-07:00

Lately its been music this music that so I have a few songs for you too ...hope you enjoy them too

Shake it Out

RockinRoll Lifestyle

Rope

Something to Believe In

Moves Like Jagger

Disease

Rumor

Mayhem

Guess Who

More

Better half?

Talent

Smartest Guy in the Group

Somewhere over the Rainbow