Fantasy football complete guide

The football season is upon us. My DH loves football and of course, he roots for the best football team in the NFL - New England Patriots. He and his friends also play fantasy football and just recently, they found out about this new website formed by former Wall Street guys called WaiverWire. They’re all excited about the features that are being offered by WaiverWire such as fantasy football draft software, fantasy football news, fantasy football analysis, fantasy football forum, fantasy football research, access to over 100 local NFL team news feeds, fantasy football rankings, fantasy football comparisons and so much more.

I don’t know much about fantasy football but from observing my DH and his friends, I could tell it’s a lot of fun and it’s involves a lot of analyzing. I know that one of the best things to remember is to get a good running back or two. Motivation is also one important factor in playing fantasy football so a little money involve like $20 is not bad.

Fantasy football is all about luck so don’t get upset if you don’t win. Having fun is more important. For more information on fantasy football, check out waiver wire.com.

Pink slips? We need to laugh, sanity is more important

The companies are still in the cost-cutting mode. At least two people I know lost their jobs last week. Two companies have announced that they are handing out pink slips this week. The space systems division of Lockheed Martin will cut 800 employees and audio conferencing company Polycom Inc. said it will cut about 80 positions.

When someone in a family loses a job, things start to change drastically. A lot of people start to miss payments on their mortgages and can eventually result to foreclosure. Florida has the highest number of foreclosure in the country at 12%. Nevada comes in second at 9%.

Whatever happened to the administration's "Making Home Affordable Program"? According to reports it hasn't really made a difference with only 10% of eligible borrowers signed up.

If you only make $120/week and your mortgage is $840/month, you pretty much know what's going to happen next. It's pretty tough nowadays and good for those people who still have their homes and their jobs. But for those of us who are working hard to keep our heads above water, let's not forget to laugh. We need to keep our sanity more than anything else.

Advantages of an online backup

I have tons of pictures and saved school documents in my computer. I don't have any backup for them so if my hard drive crashes, I can see the end of my life coming. My friend who used to be in the same situation as I am recommended an online backup for me which is offered by myotherdrive.com. According to their website, 'Online storage is the natural next step in backup evolution. It eliminates the issues with USB drives - damage, loss, theft, and accessibility. Your data is stored in a safe and secure environment with the benefit of remote access, public and private sharing, and encryption'. Their prices are affordable and based on my need, I'll probably go with the Pro account which starts at $4.99/mo. Cost is a major factor in acquiring this service so make sure you do a lot of research.

An online backup is very important in case of catastrophies like fire, earthquake, or floods. It is also important just in case your computer crashes. Computer theft is also rampant so an online backup is a good protection so you can change passwords or accounts.

Make your life secure

There are so many reasons why one should have a term life insurance. If you want to make a research if a term life insurance is the right one for you, wholesaleinsurance.net is the complete resource. You can compare different insurance companies in the state where you live and getting cheap term insurance is so easy.

Here are the reasons why a term life insurance is important:

• Pay your last expenses, which may include estate taxes and burial costs
• Replace your income and helping to maintain your family's standard of living
• Protect your family's home by enabling them to pay off the mortgage and other debts
• Pay others to do some of the tasks you do routinely, such as caring for an aging relative or a child, maintaining the yard or home, etc., or having the option to take time to do these things him- or herself
• Ensure a child can go to college
• Provide supplemental retirement income for your spouse or partner
• Provide funds to help settle an estate
• Pay expenses incurred to keep your small business in the family

Employer turnoffs

More and more are losing their jobs and this makes job hunting more competitive. So how does one present himself during an interview? An article called '10 Ways to Be Liked in Your Job Interview' by Jonathan Littman and Marc Hershon enumerates the interview blunder that a job applicant should avoid.

1. Don't be a "smiley face."
Excessive smiling in a job interview is seen for what it is -- nervousness and a lack of confidence. A smiley-face person exudes phoniness, which will quickly be picked up by the interviewer. Instead be thoughtful and pleasant. Smile when there's something to smile about. Do a practice run in front of a mirror or friend.

2. Don't be a small-talker.
Your job is to be knowledgeable about the company for which you're interviewing. Random facts about last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars" or your favorite blog will not get you the job. Never feel you have to fill an interview with small talk. Find ways to talk about serious subjects related to the industry or company. Pockets of silence are better than padding an interview with random babble.

3. Don't sweat.
You can lose a job by wearing an undershirt or simply a little too much clothing. Sweaty palms or beads on your forehead will not impress. You are not applying to be a personal trainer. Sweat will be seen as a sign of weakness and nervousness. Do a practice run with your job interview outfit in front of friends. The job interview is one place you definitely don't want to be hot.

4. Don't be a road block.
Interviewers are seeking candidates eager to take on challenging projects and jobs. Hesitance and a nay-saying mentality will be as visible as a red tie -- and seen as a negative. Practice saying "yes" to questions about your interest in tasks and work that might normally give you pause.

5. Don't be petty.
Asking the location of the lunchroom or meeting room will clue the interviewer into your lack of preparation and initiative. Prepare. Don't ask questions about routine elements or functions of a company: where stuff is, the size of your cube, and company policy on coffee breaks.

6. Don't be a liar.
Studies show that employees lie frequently in the workplace. Lying won't get you a job. In a job interview even a slight exaggeration is lying. Don't. Never stretch your resume or embellish accomplishments. There's a difference between speaking with a measured confidence and engaging in BS. One lie can ruin your entire interview, and the skilled interviewer will spot the lie and show you the door.

7. Don't be a bad comedian.
Humor tends to be very subjective, and while it may be tempting to lead your interview with a joke you've got to be careful about your material. You probably will know nothing about the sensibilities of your interviewer, let alone what makes them laugh. On the other hand, nothing disarms the tension of a job interview like a little laughter, so you can probably score at least a courtesy chuckle mentioning that it's "perfect weather for a job interview!"

8. Don't be high-maintenance.
If you start talking about the ideal office temperature, the perfect chair for your tricky back, and how the water cooler needs to be filled with imported mineral water, chances are you'll be shown a polite smile and the door, regardless of your qualifications. Nobody hiring today is going to be looking for someone who's going to be finicky about their workspace.

9. Don't be a time-waster.
At every job interview, the prospective hire is given the chance to ask questions. Make yours intelligent, to the point, and watch the person across the desk for visual cues whether you've asked enough. Ask too many questions about off-target matters and you'll be thought of as someone destined to waste the company's resources with insignificant and time-wasting matters.

10. Don't be a switchblade.
Normally the switchblade is thought of a backstabber, often taking credit for someone else's work. In an interview setting, the switchblade can't help but "trash talk" his former employer. If you make it seem like your former workplace was hell on Earth, the person interviewing you might be tempted to call them to find out who was the real devil.

The real shows are on truTV

When I first got here in the US, I didn’t work for almost a year. I had plenty of time to watch TV and one of my favorite channels is Court TV which is now called truTV. I’d watch until the early morning and I was fascinated with shows about forensics. I’m not the only one who loves truTV. My husband also watches truTV and his favorite shows are ‘The Speeders’, ‘Forensic Files’, and ‘Haunting Evidence’.

Watch this truTV video.


Watching truTV is so real sometimes I forget I have neighbors who might not like me yelling or laughing at the top of my lungs. Some shows are hysterical like ‘The Speeders’ because drivers who are caught speeding give excuses that are so out of this world. Like my husband, I also like ‘Haunting Evidence’ because of its unique approach to solving cold cases.

When I watch truTV, I need somebody next to me. Although my DH complains of my yelling and laughing, he doesn’t really mind because he knows it’s the truTV effect. You should check out trutv.com for its shows and schedules and I’m sure that you’ll be hooked like me. If you’re tired of watching the same news, truTV is the right channel to switch to.

Philippines represents Asia-Pacific in the 2009 Senior League World Series

We were in Bangor, ME on Sunday to cheer for the Philippines team for the 2009 Senior League World Series. I was surprised to see lots of Filipinos in the stadium. The Philippines team played against US West - California on Sunday which they lost 4-1. But the Filipino kids played hard and US West didn't score until the 6th inning. On August 17th the Philippines team won against Maine, 11-3 and today they won again against South Carolina, 4-3. Sports commentators said that the game today was the most interesting game of the tournament.

My son was very happy to meet the Filipino players and see them play. They all signed his ball and had some pictures taken with the players too. For personal reasons, I can't post those pictures here except for a few which I'd like to share here.

Congratulations to the Illam Central L.L., Makati City, Philippines team for representing Asia-Pacific in the 2009 Senior League World Series.

Hot deals at Kmart

It was a hot day yesterday. I decided against going to the beach because I knew it would be packed. Instead, I told my DH to bring me to Kmart to check out what can I avail of their one day only Kmart Bluelight Special. With over 40 great items on discounted prices, I’m sure I’d find one that I need around the house or for myself.

These are just some of the reasons why going to Kmart is better than going to the beach:

* Kids Backpacks (Athletech, Route 66 and Licensed) reg. $19.99 - Blue light $8
* American Fare Vita-Water 2 for $1
* All Patio Furniture 70%! (+an extra 20% off during Bluelight!)
*70 count Notebooks - Buy 2 Get 1 Free
*Diamond Jewelry extra 10% (Diamonds are already 70% off this week!)

I was able to get some notebooks for my son and myself. It was for buy 2 get 1 free and what a great deal for somebody like me who’s trying to save money on school supplies. My son and I are both going back to school this September and we use a lot of notebooks while in school. It’s a good thing that I follow Kmart on Twitter so I get updated with their great sales.

A day at The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

We've finally visited The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in Jamaica Plain, MA. The arboretum was quiet on a Friday. I have observed that the arboretum was very well-maintained, not a single litter that caught my sight. I saw a few people walking their dogs and everyone seems to be friendly.

Here is a description of the arboretum from its website:

"The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is the oldest public arboretum in North America and one of the world's leading centers for the study of plants. Administered by the Office of the Provost of Harvard University and a link in Boston’s Emerald Necklace of parks, the Arnold Arboretum is a unique blend of respected research institution and beloved public landscape. We provide and support world-class research, horticulture, and education programs that foster the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of trees".

And enjoy the pictures I took:

Get your own domain

I've been blogging for a while now and when I first started I was looking for the right webhosting service for my personal blog. It was overwhelming with the many web hosting plans out there. A friend suggested webhostinggeeks.com to me and it helped me find the solution to my dilemma. It helped me compare reliable and cheap web hosting service companies. These top ten web hosting service companies have been selected based on popularity, performance, feature, support quality and price. One doesn't have to spend a lot of money for a web hosting service. With webhostinggeeks.com, you can find the cheapest rate from $4-$10/month. This is one of the reasons why more than 130,000 webmasters are using webhostinggeeks.com. I see that there are a lot of people now making blogging a hobby and are looking to have their own domain. Having my own domain is like having my own identity in the blogger's world and I'd definitely recommend to those who are considering to have their own domain to check out webhostinggeeks.com.

As of August 6, 2009, these are the top 10 web hosting companies:
1.Monster Host
2.Blue Hosting
3.IX Web Hosting
4.JustHost
5.HostGator
6.EasyCGI Windows
7.Yahoo! Small Biz
8.PowWeb
9.LunarPages
10.WHP

My thoughts on burquini suit

If you can’t be a Roman when you’re in Rome, at least respect its rules and policies. This is exactly how I feel on the issue about a Muslim woman garbed in a head-to-toe swimsuit which is called a ‘burquini’. She was barred at a local pool in France following the country’s pool hygiene standards. The woman said she was being discriminated because of her religion. I think that she took the policies as being discriminatory and she has every right to feel that way. However, she has to realize that no matter what our beliefs are, there are some places that we are obliged to follow their rules in the same way that we respect Muslim traditions when we’re in a Muslim place. I think that the decision to ban her from the pool was fair. If she was in a communist country like North Korea, she'd probably been tried in court and sentenced to hard labor by now considering North Korea's strict rules on what to wear and what not to wear. I’m sure if I’d be in Muslim country I will not subject myself to a situation where I will create a misunderstanding or confusion about what is acceptable or not.

I still don’t understand why some people are quick to judge a situation as discriminatory especially if they’re aware of the rules and regulations that need to be implemented and followed. Discrimination has become an abused excuse for people’s failure to respect what is right and acceptable. (Photo by Chris Carlson)

Order your medicines online

Almost everything now can be purchased online including medications. An Online Pharmacy sounds too good to be true but it actually exists. I just checked out onlineushealth.com and I was impressed with the way they presented their company. They have a wide selection of medications and since it's an online pharmacy, you can place your order anytime. They also have available customer service representatives from Monday-Friday, 11am-10pm EST to assist customers with their orders and questions. Their toll-free number is 1-866-678-4314. They accept all major credit cards and all orders are secure.

I like the idea of being able to order medications online because it saves me money for co-pays and I don't have to wait in line at the pharmacy. Onlineushealth.com only uses U.S. Licensed pharmacies and U.S. Licensed physicians. Orders are delivered next day FedEx and it's free.

I look up to her

Ever since President Obama nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court in May, she became one of the women that I look up to. I think she’s a very intelligent person and she gave the Democrats, Republicans and the public a good education when she answered tough questions from the Senate.

Sotomayor’s knowledge and expertise about the law is unmistakable. Her inspiring journey through life is a great example that pursuing one’s dream is the key to success. Sotomayor’s humble beginning from a poor family paved the way for her determination to rise above it.

Sotomayor has supporters and critics as well but as the saying goes, ‘you can never put a good person down’. I watched the week-long Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on TV and Sotomayor’s calm and clear answers demonstrated her deep knowledge of the law and the Constitution.

Today Sotomayor was sworn in as the Supreme Court’s newest justice. She is the first Hispanic justice and the only third woman in the court’s 220-year history. Sotomayor has been a federal judge for 17 years. On Wednesday Sotomayor will attend a reception at the White House and she will be welcomed by the entire court on September 8, a day before the court is set to hear arguments in a campaign finance case.

Kmart's Bluelight Specials are back

This post was sponsored by Kmart. All the opinions are mine.

I made sure that I have the time today to check out the Bluelight Specials at Kmart. I still remember last year’s Bluelight Specials where I bought some stuff for my son’s bedroom at discounted prices. I brought him with me and he chose the bed in a bag that he liked.

There are lots of participating items this year for Kmart’s Bluelight Specials like patio furniture which is 70% off its regular price, women’s Joe Boxer flip flops for $4.00, extra 10% off diamonds already 70% off, and 2 for $1 filler paper. These are really good deals and I couldn’t just turn my head away when I saw this beautiful diamond necklace. After all, I’ve been wishing that it will be included in the Kmart Bluelight specials.

I also got my son some athletic basketball shorts which was only for $3.00. I got him several pairs especially that he’ll be playing for the fall basketball. You can’t find this price at any other stores that’s why people should check out their nearest Kmart store for their Bluelight Specials which is only good today, August 8th.

Kmart has over 40 great Bluelight Specials items and other great offers at kmart.com. Shipping is free for orders $60 or more. Follow Kmart on Twitter for the best deals.

Encouraging unemployment report

I get nervous every time the unemployment report comes out. The unemployment data hasn't been encouraging until today. In July, 247,000 jobs were lost which was 73,000 short of what was expected at 320,000. Still 247,000 is a lot and there are not enough jobs out there. As more and more people become unemployed, the chance of getting a job becomes lesser and lesser.

A lot of investors benefited from the good news today on unemployment. The stock market was up today with 2,700 stocks on the green compared to the 700 which fell. On Wednesday, the Fed will decide if the economy is already on the recovery stage. This is another interesting report to watch out for and depending on their conclusion about the economy, it might continue the strong rally or investors will lose some more money.

Best deals on Branson vacations

I have never been to Branson and I'm dying to see it. I've read lots of raving reviews about Branson. I'm an outdoor type of person so I'd like to visit its lake such as Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals Lake. The Ozark Mountains is another outdoor attraction I'd like to explore with my family. It's good to know that accommodations in Branson are affordable and so are the tickets to the shows which make Branson the 'Live Entertainment Capital of the World'.

Ticket2Branson.com has the best discount Branson vacations tickets for shows like The Jim Stafford Show, Dutton Family Show, Kirby Van Burch and so many more. They also have the best deals on hotel accommodations like 4 days/3 nights for $199 and 3 days/2 nights for $99. When I'm ready to make plans for a trip to Branson, I'll definitely purchase my tickets from ticket2branson.com.

Looking forward to our weekend getaway

I've never been this excited about a trip. Next weekend, we're going to Mt. Adams which is the highest peak in Massachusetts. And for the first time, we're tagging along our dog with us which is the reason why I'm all excited. We haven't been out on trips lately because of so many prior commitments. I was attending school for the summer and my son is playing baseball for charity and it requires traveling to different towns. He has one more game tomorrow and a single game elimination on Tuesday. My DH was also busy finishing a contractual work for my company. We finally found a convenient date for all of us to go away even just for the weekend.

We are traveling next Friday morning and will be back Sunday afternoon. This is a much anticipated getaway after a hectic mid-summer schedule. We all deserve this short break after working so hard on our respective tasks.

Buy XBox online

An XBox would complete my son's collection of video game systems. He wanted to have this when it first came out but he's still too young at the time. Now that he's old enough to have it he asks me about it all the time. Since we just got him his baseball equipment, I told him that if he can wait a few more months then he's going to get it. One thing I admire about my son is his mature understanding that sometimes, you have to wait for what you want. He understands that there are other important things that we need to take care of first, and the rest can wait.

I'm glad that thesource.ca has great prices on their XBox gaming system. I'll definitely order one with them and avail of the free shipping to any of their stores. I'm sure someone will be so happy when he receives the package.

Thesource.ca has more than 750 stores and they offer free shipping on any product to one of their stores. Orders can also be placed by calling 1.866.454.4426. They also sell computers, TV and home entertainment, audio and MP3, gaming, music and toys, cameras and camcorders, GPS and travel, phones, home and office, batteries, power and parts.

I have become thrifty

I can say that the recession has educated me when it comes to managing my finances. I watch closely what I spend now and I make it sure that I remember to put money aside. The reports about the economy are conflicting and so I have remained tightfisted. It was easy for me to adjust my lifestyle to the current economic condition probably because I have always lived within my means.

Economists expect the unemployment rate to rise into the double-digits by the end of the year. Although I feel secure in my job, we can never predict what's going to happen in the future. It's because of this uncertainty that I value my hard-earned money now more than ever. One in three unemployed people takes longer than six months to find a job so it's important that we save more because right now, nothing is permanent with our present economy.

I have learned that being thrifty doesn't only saves us money but it also gives us the feeling of financial security knowing that we're not spending more than we should and we stick to what's important and necessary.

Original and affordable auto parts

Buying auto parts is something I leave up to my DH. Fortunately, it's easy for him to get the car parts that he wants because he just goes online and order them at greatautoparts.com. He's had really good experience with them and he even recommends the website to his family and friends.

I checked the website myself and it's very easy to use. I noticed that they carry car parts for so many vehicle brands. What's most important is their prices are affordable. They have over 28 locations nationwide so it expedites the shipping of your orders and it's even free if you order $50 or more. As a matter of fact, greatautoparts.com offers the cheapest auto parts online with up to 70% off. If you haven't checked them out yet, now is the right time.

Susan Boyle's makeover photos

I can't believe how Susan Boyle's makeover has transformed her simple look to a glamorous and sophisticated one. She playfully posed in front of the camera for the September issue of Harper's Bazaar. She was wearing designer clothes and posing like she's been doing it forever. I'm one of her fans who love her simplicity and her great singing talent.

Fame is something new to Susan as she lived a sheltered life. But after checking herself into the Priory clinic after the "Britain's Got Talent" finale, she's back refreshed and ready to face everything that comes her way.

I hope Susan will stay the humble person that she is and I'm sure more blessings will come her way.

(photo credit: Hugh Stewart)

Win some money

I can definitely use $1,000 right now. With my son and myself going back to school soon, I can use the money in buying school materials for my son and books for me. I just entered the CreditLoan Visa Giftcard Giveaway and hopefully I’ll get lucky.

Joining the contest is easy. There are only two things to do:
1. Follow CreditLoan on Twitter
2. Tweet this message:
“Just entered the CreditLoan Visa Giftcard Giveaway. You can win by following @creditloan and retweeting, http://creditloan.com/twcontest”

As you can see, joining is simple and it only takes a few seconds of your time. By helping creditloan.com reach 10,000 followers, you get the chance of winning $1,000. There will be several winners of the contest so don’t waste any more time and check out this awesome contest. Make sure you refer to the contest rules to make sure you’ve followed the instructions. Don’t forget to share this contest to your family and friends so they too can join in the fun.

Creditloan.com has helped educate consumers about various financial issues for over ten years now. New and fresh financial articles are added everyday to ensure that their customers get the latest in the financial and loan industry.

No more prison camp for freed 2 US journalists

I hope that the release of two US journalists by the North Korean government is a sign of 'deep understanding' between North Korea and the US. The negotiation of the release is a great example that conflicts and misunderstandings between countries can be resolved through diplomacy.

Even with North Korea's nuclear program, I think the Asian country deserves our gratitude for freeing Laura Ling and Euna Lee. Without the consent of Kim Jong II, former Pres. Clinton's efforts would have been in vain.

Whether it's true or not that the women journalists committed a crime, I hope that their plight would serve as a lesson to all of us. While our jobs are important to us, we should always think first of safety and the impact of our actions and decisions to our family and our country, as in the case of Ling and Lee.

The two women escaped the harsh life that awaited them in a North Korean labor camp. According to Chuck Downs, executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, there are at least 250,000 prisoners in a labor camp. According to Downs, North Korean prison camps sometimes have the markings of military barracks, guard units. From the outside, you wouldn't know that it was a slave labor camp, a prison camp, or a political prison re-education center. Only when you're inside do you really know what you're up against. The objective of the labor camp is to work people to death (National Public Radio).

Easy dorm shopping

This post was sponsored by Sears. All the opinions are mine so read on.

In my part time job I work with kids who will be freshman college this fall. They’re all very excited about living on their own in a dorm and making new friends. I can relate to that excitement when I was a college myself some years ago. One day I heard them talking about where to buy appliances for their dorm so I suggested to them to check out CampusReady at sears.com.

Once you’re on sears.com, you click on Sears CampusReady Get Set For Dorm Life and it will bring you to a new page and choose ‘dorm rooms’ which you can pick from funky femme, haute couture, vintage chic, all around athlete or play it your way. To make sure you have everything you need for your dorm room, sears.com has an interactive checklist. To make your shopping even more easy, you can shop by need like eating, sleeping, studying, playing, and cleaning. Clothes are easy to shop at sears.com, just click the ‘fill my closet’ option. My favorite link is the ‘money sense’ because it teaches students how to save and spend wisely.

I also told my co-workers to check out CampusReady on Facebook to help them in their move away from home. College life can be overwhelming and one can’t say he or she has prepared enough for it. I encourage all parents and students to shop sears.com through upromise.com to save money for college. Together, sears.com and upromise.com are giving away $25,000 so make sure you check out sears.com/campusready for details.

Thank you, Cory

I'm deeply saddened by Cory Aquino's passing. When I learned of her death, the first thing that went to my head was, "What will happen to the Philippines now?". Even after she served her term as president, she was always an active participant in upholding the democracy of the country. I'm sure that there are other politicians who have the same ideals as hers but nothing compares to what she believed in and fought for.

As I was reading her daughter's narrative of Cory's last days, I couldn't help but cry. Even on her deathbed, she was a picture of a strong woman. I wonder if how many of us here left are sure where we're going when it's time for us to go. Cory has now joined her Creator in a much better place.

Now that she's gone, I think the Filipino people has realized how important Cory's fight was. It has restored democracy in the Philippines and I hope the Filipino people will always hold on to the freedom that we are privileged to have.

Online store for car parts

Thanks to the Internet, car parts can now be ordered online. The only online store that people trust for their car parts need is carpartswarehouse.com because of their commitment to their products. With over millions of parts in stock, you can be assured that you'll receive your order in a timely manner.

Carpartswarehouse.com carries car parts for most foreign and domestic vehicles and you can be assured that they're top of the line brands. With every order of $50 or more, free shipping is provided. If you have any questions, you can call their customer service at 1-800-565-5021. They'll be glad to assist you with your specific questions.