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Well, it's 7:37 Eastern Standard time, and since I have all the time in the world right now considering my ankle is still a bit sore from falling last week, I figured I would write down what I wanted to accomplish for the upcoming year.

1. Lose 100 pounds. Recently I found out I have extremely high blood pressure and my weight is a huge part of the problem. I haven't spent enough time on myself and I know if I don't, something worse it going to happen to me.
   
   
2. I want to get accepted into my school of choice for my Masters in Archaeology. Harvard, Oxford, Yale, or Stanford.
   
   
3. I want to actually save some money this year. I tend to spend my money on other people, and at 32, I should probably start thinking about my future.
   
   
4. Stop Smoking. Not yet, but it's in the works.

So what are your resolutions? What steps are you taking to get accomplish them?

On Monday, I took my mom to Fort Mantanzas in Saint Augustine for a site seeing adventure. We took the ferry over to Rattlesnake Island and the majestic barrier islands along the Mantanza River.

We made our way throughout the soldier quarters and up the narrow wooden ladder, through a tiny hole to the top of the fort. I actually got stuck, or rather my shirt got stuck, as I squeezed myself through the small opening.



As I wandered into the middle room that had 4 beds neatly spaced apart and a roaring fire to keep the Coquina walls warm during the chilly Florida nights, I noticed something odd. I had aimed my digital camera towards a small window in the room and I caught something on film before I ever snapped a picture. I thought it was a piece of lint, but it had a soft light around it, like an orb.

I've never had a firsthand experience with the supernatural, and I certainly never expected anything to happen like this during the day. Even more bizarre is that the guide had alluded to the fact that the fort had never been the site of any mass deaths. Mantanzas means "massacre", so what am I missing in this interpretation?

A few days ago I received my scholarship for the upcoming semester. I figured, I'm a straight A student and I never miss a class, ever! So is this what is takes to get some of the most coveted college scholarships? I think not!

There’s nothing like free money – especially when it can be applied to something as productive as college tuition. However, the best free college money – scholarships – can often be difficult to obtain because of their strict guidelines.

But before you decide to give up on the idea of getting your own scholarship, take a look at 45 of the weirdest college scholarships out there. With scholarships as strange as these, you may be eligible for more free college funding than you think! Check out some of the wackiest college scholarships around.

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Under the dense lands and frigid terrain of some of the most spectacular locations in the world you can find a world of unimaginable beauty. The movement of the ice and the formation of one of kind structures exist in a state of supreme perfection.

R J Evans explains that where you have lava tubes or limestone passage ways below the ground, occasionally a rare form of cave evolves – the ice cave. Strange, mysterious and often dangerous they are often difficult to get to and so not seen by huge amounts of people. Take a short tour in to the magical world of the ice cave. Read and see more about ice caves

Tis the season to laugh your shorts off. After a long and stressful week of shopping and a house full of family members that drive me absolutely insane, I needed a break. Sit back and grab a tissue bcause the tears are going to run for hours after seeing these hialarious bloopers and funny dances.

It's been several months since I've actually sat down and watched a television show that I actually enjoyed. I tend to stick to the shows that illustrate the real side to criminal profiling and forensic anthropology, you know the ones. There's a criminal, a fancy, highly educated profiler, and a talented and ruthless Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney that gets the job done all within an hour. So no, they may not exactly be all that real, but there are aspects of the shows that relate to what investigators really go through to catch the criminals.

As far as what I have gathered, profiling was set up several years ago by the police department in an attempt to increase their budget. There really was no structure or planning, and there was certainly no qualified individuals to gather enough information to solve crimes.

However, over the years with the implementation of new methods of research, and the addition of highly trained and educated individuals, profiling has become an evolutionary science.

Geographical profilers, professionals that are highly admired and trained in that particular area, have been able to pinpoint specific areas where criminals were most likely to be found. In fact, with the use of this technology, they were able to finally solve the location of the home of one of the most notorious murderers of all time, "Jack the Ripper".

If you'd like to learn more about some of the new profiling techniques being used, check out my article Technology Catches Famous Serial Psychopath: Jack the Ripper and Gary Ridgeway

So what is your favorite criminal show on television? Do you think the process is accurate?

Thanks so much for the wonderful year everyone. I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year! There are so many wonderful and interesting things to come for all of you, so stay tuned.

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One of the most difficult issues emanating around the country is the lack of public attention to the current state of many adoption agencies. It's a shame that so many children must succumb to such a horrible existence.

By banning birth control, the notorious Romanian communist leader, Nicolae Ceausescu did nothing to help the already over populated orphanages. He dictated and ruled over the country for over twenty five years. Years of hell for the majority of citizens. The institutes were state run and not funded sufficiently, if at all. Children were left at the doors of the full buildings, staff were over worked, under paid and there were only a handful to care for hundreds of children. Read more about the Romanian Orphanages By Glynis Smy

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of DiscoverLosAngeles.com. All opinions are 100% mine.

Planning your celebration for New Years in a daunting task, and I should know, I try to do something different every year and I'm sure you have your traditions as well.

However, sometimes you want to shake it up and go ultra chic, spending your time in a one of kind, luxurious atmosphere that rivals any New Years Eve you've ever had before.

If you do tend to travel out of the state to celebrate the new year, I suggest looking into LA new year's eve hotel specials. If I was closer, and yes (Florida is pretty far from LA), I know exactly where I would stay and what I'd be doing.

Avalon Beverly Hills is a combination of old century charm and modern extravagance, with the added benefits of boutique shopping and pet friendly accommodations. You will find me at the pool, reading a book, and sipping one of those fabulous umbrella drinks while I work on my tan. I love this place and I'll tell you the truth as to why.

The hotels in los angeles are much more open and accepting to alternative travel practices, and when I mean alternative, I mean some of us can't go through the holidays without our precious pooches and kittens. There's a one time charge of $50.00 to bring your favorite furry companion with you, so it's a reasonable charge in my eyes and well worth it.

The Avalon is one of those los angeles hotels that's going above and beyond this holiday season offering a New Years Ever Dinner Package that includes a special dinner for two in Oliverio then you'll relax in your room on New Year's Day or spend the day shopping and check out late at 2pm.

If you're not ready to go so soon, you may as well look into the Winter Getaway Package that brings the lovely blue skies and sunshine of Southern California to you during one of my favorite seasons, winter of course. Save up to 20% when you stay two nights or more from January 1st through March 31st.

Los Angeles, a fabulously accepting alternative travel destination, also boasts some of the most popular TAG approved properties in the nation. The Belamar in Manhattan Beach is one of my favorites. One of my best guy friends came back from his anniversary with his partner and he showed me the pictures of the hotel. What can I say, I'm usually not into such a hip, retro, and earthy like hotel, but this place is hot! The mix of earthy colors, strips on block painted floors, oh so chic and trendy.

Their Bed and Breakfast Package is hard to beat. You spend the day in Manhattan Beach, dine at Second Story, their phenomenal restaurant serving up comfort foods with a twist. Or you can have their friendly Room Service Team deliver culinary delights to your guest room-so romantic. You even get milk and cookies in your guest room. Hey, I don't even get that at home!

The rooms start at $187 for Friday-Saturday stays and $239 for Sunday-Thursday stays.

There are so many amazing hotels and resorts in LA, so why not start experiencing them on one of the most amazing nights of the year.

Happy New Years and I'll see you in LA.

You know those days that nothing seems to go your way? Well, I had one of those last night. I plummeted to the bottom of the stairs outside my home last night after slipping on some wet leaves. My left foot is purple after breaking some blood vessels and my right butt cheek is bruised, and I think my pride is a bit damaged.

However, considering I have been laying in bed for the past 12 hours, I figured I would look to the youtube blooper gods to make me feel a bit better. And while I'm a huge accidental blooper fan, this hilarious take on a more dramatic film made me smile. Enjoy!

A couple years ago, when I went back to Ohio to visit, my sister had purchased tickets for a home show, you know the ones that you can't possibly afford, but you get so many great design ideas while you're there. I saw one of those stainless steel kitchen sinks that as a chef I just drool ever.

I also saw some painted glass sinks with double spouts and waterfall like affects. My sister, after her husband finished building her a dream home, put in a blue glass dome sink. I think he was inspired from the home show as well, however I was so jealous I went home to Kelly to tell him I wanted one as well.

Now keep in mind, right now we are in an apartment since we sold out house 2 years ago to be closer to the school. However, we have found some older homes to renovate, with the help of my dad of course, and I can't wait to finally get some of these super fab and artistic sinks installed. I mean, you can't go wrong for 79.00.

What do you think? I love them both!

It's been close to 14 years since I've been back to South America, however I've always wanted to go back and experience a different side of the country, and quite possibly a location I'm not at all familiar with. That's why I was looking into Punta Del Este for my next excursion.

It's important, however, that I plan my trip according to my strict limitations, and when I say strict, I mean on a tight budget. I am a huge supporter of budget travel writers that assist me along the way with economical choices, as one of my best friends owns a Budget Travel Blog based in Australia. He's also a avid Stumbler, so I value his expertise on the matter.

If you've never heard of Punta Del Este, you're missing out. This island is one of South Americas largest and popular beach towns in Uraguay. It had 20 miles of pristine beaches, giving visitors a different view of various seascapes/.

La Playa Manza is located on the bay and exhibits calm waters which is perfect for water sports. La Playa Brava faces the east and the Atlantic Ocean, so it's a hub for extreme sport activity like surfing and body boarding.

If you're an avid shopper, and let's face it you know I am, the island is filled with luxurious shops and a great nightlife. However, if you're bringing that special someone, there are yacht and fishing clubs and golf courses to keep them entertained the entire week.

If you haven't checked out this site, start checking for budget travel deals. That's where I found some amazing packages for the upcoming summer holiday.

Have you been to Punta Del Este before? If you have, what did you like the best?

Feedback is always welcome.

Thanks so much and have a wonderful day everyone.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

There's nothing more beautiful or picturesque than waking up on the morning on Christmas Day and overlooking a serene view of the Ozark Mountains and Lake Taneycomo in Branson, Missouri. This is a one of kind experience, one that I was able to enjoy when I stayed at Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing many years ago while living in Missouri for several months.

What I enjoyed and appreciated the most was the location in the Town Square that placed me walking distance from the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and close enough to 110 different shops and entertainment venues.

It's a world apart and an incredible location for all that seek to enjoy the wonders of the holidays. It's the perfect mix of tradition and culture, with the added addition of supreme accommodations and competitive holiday packages.

This year the Hilton Branson Convention Center is offering:

A Wonderful Life Package

• Deluxe, overnight accommodations at our hotel Nov. 23, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2009
  from 349/night USD
• Full breakfast for two
• A spa treatment for two

New Years with Style

• Deluxe accommodations Dec. 31, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2009 from 299/night USD
• A five course meal including a champagne toast*
• Party favors
• A Bloody Mary Brunch on New Year's Day

The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is offering

Santa Claus in Coming

• Deluxe, overnight accommodations for four people Nov. 23, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2009 from 209/night USD
• Two children's gifts
• Full breakfast for four
• A portrait with Santa
• Milk and cookies

Welcome 2010

• Deluxe accommodations at our hotel Dec. 31, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2009 from 219/night USD
• A five course meal for two

And that's not all. Branson does it right during Christmas and New Years, offering so many events for guests and residents. At the Branson area Festival of Lights you'll experience fabulous shows and dazzling lights to spectacular shopping and breathtaking scenery. At the Old Time Christmas you'll venture into the park which is transformed into Winter Wonderland with millions of lights and festive decorations! Dickens' "Christmas Carol", Frosty The Snowman, The Living Nativity, Holiday Light Parade, the Tree Lighting Celebration, the 7-story Special Effects Christmas Tree, rides, shows, and attractions.

It's a one of kind opportunity so start planning your trip now, if you haven't already, to the Famous Winter Playground in Branson, Missouri.

I just finished up my last final 5 minutes ago and I can finally relax and take joy in the fact that today is a day to just reflect. This is a perfect example of the kind of view I desire for a lifetime.

Picture compliments of by Ryan McD

Do you remember all of the bubble wrap you use for Christmas every year? Well this gives wrapping a whole meaning!

Now that the holiday season is upon us and my mom is visiting in a couple of weeks after not seeing her for two years, I started to reminisce about the time we spent together in Florida while on vacation. We shared a lot of firsts together including a trip to Seaworld to swim with dolphins and see Shamu in one of his first appearances.

She even picked up a stuffed dolphin which I proceeded to place in the toilet because I figured it would be able to swim in water no matter what. Boy was wrong! I spent many afternoons crying over the loss of my sleeping buddy, however I still had the memories captured in photographs that my mom has archived for my viewing pleasure.

It's amazing how times have not changed, and how I still take joy in seeing my kittens splashing around in the bathtub. It's the closest thing I have to a stuffed animal, only this time, they can actually be dried off using a blow dryer.

The older I get, the more I start to realize that those types of memories are the ones to cling to tightly. They remind me that a moment is not without hilarity, and memories with your parents are forever.

I leave you with an amusing and entertaining dance of the dolphins.

Heres a video that will brings tears to your eyes, especially if you're a college student. Too funny!


Student Brings Typewriter To Class - Watch more Funny Videos

Remember those days when you were a kid and there was just nothing at all to do? Although, there were plenty of things to do that didn't involve getting into a situation that you shouldn't be in. In my situation, I did take some chances and I paid heavily for them. However, there were moments that I can remember with my friends that I would go to public places, act as obnoxiously as possible-ok, maybe my friends did this, and poke fun at innocent people.

Now that I'm older and I see kids doing this now, I recognize that this type of behavior is neither acceptable or humorous. However, when I read the article by Cmofield on Purpleslinky, I couldn't help but crack up.

Assemble a piece of furniture in the aisle with tools you borrowed from the hardware department.Read more ways to Get Kicked out of Walmart

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bidazzled. All opinions are 100% mine.

I'm an enormous fan of online auctions and penny auctions ever since I started selling antiques on auction sites many years ago. In my experience, it's a wonderful and convenient experience that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home, all while sitting in pajamas and drinking your morning coffee.

Bidazzled is one such auction site that offers customers 90% off of name brand merchandise, all while donating the proceeds to the Ruch Foundation which promotes awareness about treatment alternatives and resources for Small Cell Lung Cancer.

The process is easy and reasonable, and it usually only starts with a few pennies. You place your bids in advance, so if you can’t be present, the price increases for you by a few cents with each bid placed. There are a few seconds added to the countdown clock to give others a chance to bid. I’ve been on sites that work in this manner and just watching the entire auction unfold is so much fun.

The auction ends when no other bids are placed. So if you have a bid of just one dollar on a computer, then you win the laptop for a dollar!

Here's some highlights about the program:

*Auction winners usually save over 80% off retail. This means that if a computer costs $350.00, you pay only $70.00. You can not beat that price!

*Also, if you don't win, and we all know you will, you receive up to 50 Bonus Bids as a thank you for participating. Just remember that you can't purchase the item for less than what your investment was.

*If you win, Bidazzled typically makes an offer to buy the item back for either......
-cash (paypal or check)
- cash and bids
-bids

Now, here's a special offer for all of my loyal readers.

If you use the code mentioned below before January 15th, you will receive an additional 15 bids (all they have to do is enter it on the registration page, there is no obligation or cost of any kind)

* Blog: BBP1202A
* Twitter: BTP1202A

The Registration Process

The Registration process is super simple and easy.

• Just enter a User Name and Password
• Enter Your Promo Code to the Right
• Enter Your First and Last Name
• Email Address
• Enter Your Home Address
• Agree the Terms and Conditions
• Receive Your Verification Code Via Email and Confirm it on the site.
• Your Off to the Races
  

Bids only cost $1 at Bidazzled and are available for purchase in packs as low as $25. You also receive bonus bids when you purchase a bid pack.

I already put my first bid in for a Wii Console for only $.36. Wish me good luck!

Christmas in Europe is a unique and distinctive holiday where people from all cultures share a diverse, yet paralleled enjoyment for legend, food, and spirit.

England Traditions

My great love of the Middle Ages brings me to one of my favorite countries in the world. Around the 6th century, individuals called mummers would wear masks and act out plays, which are still performed in villages today.

Father Christmas comes bearing gifts the night before Christmas dressed in his long green or red robe, filling children's stockings and pillowcases with presents. The presents are not opened until the following day, usually in the afternoon. That special day is called Boxing Day, simply for the reason that young boys go around collecting money in their clay boxes. When the boxes are full, they break them open. Read more about the Traditions in Europe during the Christmas holiday on Factoidz

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Yamaha. All opinions are 100% mine.

Several years ago, after I had the restaurants, I accidentally lost my razor phone to the ravenous Atlantic during a hurricane party at the beach. It was almost funny, yet I was left without a cell phone which I didn't replace for years after, until I actually decided to purchase the ultimate Iphone. What can I say, I finally broke down, but I'll tell you why.

For me, I'm a slave to technology, ok...maybe some technology. I need a phone that doubles as a stereo and an information center, and that's why I use the Yamaha PDX-60 at home. My fiance and I do not have a stereo, nor do we have the room for one, so any product that can produce music and help me with communication is perfection. Not only that, there are no sound delays on this system and you can use it wirelessly. My entire home is on a wireless network, so this type of technology is a huge plus when I'm outside drinking a coffee and listening to some classical music, or my fiance is watching a movie with the puppies.

When I take my iPhone to school, I listen to music while I'm writing papers outside, and when I'm in my history class I actually use it as a recorder for lectures. I've never actually had a device that could do all of these, never lose signal, and never have technical issues. I was pleasantly surprised, and now I know why Apple is revolutionizing technology. There's just no comparison. Especially when I can return home and transform my phone into a stereo system using my Yamaha PDX 60.

The PDX by Yamaha creates a rich and dynamic sound which is perfectly synchronized between sound and video when watching movies on an iPhone or iPod. It's simple, easy to use, and it's easy to transport to school or on a trip.

If you already have an iPhone or iPod, you have to get this system, or maybe even ask for it for Christmas. It's convenient and versatile!

Evolution, as characterized by Darwin, states that under ordinary circumstances favorable traits would tend to be preserved and unfavorable ones would be destroyed within animals. Therefore, these traits would allow the species to reproduce successfully and the negative traits would eventually be removed from the gene pool. This process of elimination is what causes the formation of a new species.

However, what happens when a trait that may have been unfavorable doesn't actually disappear, therefore creating a new sub species. Does this mean that Darwin was wrong?

In the case of the blackcaps found in Britain, they have begun to split into two separate species because of kindly British bird-lovers, all because of some innocent bird feeders.

Our study documents the profound impact of human activities on the evolutionary trajectories of species,' said Dr Schaefer. 'It shows that we are influencing the fate not only of rare and endangered species, but also of the common ones that surround our daily lives.

'This is a nice example of the speed of evolution. It is something that we can see with our own eyes if we only look closely enough. It doesn't have to take millions of years.'

My concern is that we are beginning to play god in the evolution of species, therefore natural selection has been completely thrown out the window.

When this species of blackcaps took on new traits, they were forced to deal with their new environment, and as nature states, the species must adapt on their own. As humans, we have chosen to play creator, and as history has already told us, this never ends well.

Read the entire write up on the evolution of the blackcap cause by bird feeders

Whether an illustrious trail of intrigue or mystery, Patrick Bernauw delivers once again with a bizarre tale of two lovers that come ashore on an island of evil spirits in Newfoundland. For years, historians have not been convinced that the island ever existed, blaming mental incapacity as the reason why sailors and explorers had seen such things.

Located at the savage northern extremity of Newfoundland, Isle of Demons was reputedly inhabited by wild beasts, mythological creatures and evil spirits. The first to give a detailed description of it was a French Franciscan friar, André Thevet. Sailors had told him tales of how they had heard there "a great clamor of men’s voices, confused and inarticulate"…

Read more about the Isle of Demons

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

USC first opened its doors in 1880 to 53 students and 10 teachers, and now it has become a world renown research university that specializes in higher education for aspiring educators. In fact, their program information for the Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC offers Master of Arts in Teaching, with all of the conveniences and flexibility of studying online.

As a student myself, learning online allows you to gain a new perspective, as well as introduce you to other students who are following the same path you are. In the case of USC, their program is revolutionary and highly advanced, offering aspiring teachers highly interactive online learning combined with field-based experiences, groundbreaking tuition reimbursement programs, an accelerated program you can complete in as little as 12 months, and the opportunity to become a part of the elite USC Trojan Family.

The educators at USC have seen and experienced an important aspect of our history, gaining the ability to reach a point of change and accomplish goals like the many resourceful teachers before them. The lineage is impressive, and some might say revolutionary, including such educators like Simon "Si" Ramo, Irving S. Reed, T. Coraghessan Boyle, Susan Estrich, and Aimee Bender.

If you are seeking your Masters in Education, I guarantee you that if you had the opportunity to learn from a distinguished faculty recognized for their contributions to modern education, you would leap at the chance.