What's done is done! Quality-of-life? Euthanasia? Murder? Human or Pet? Who the hell knows?

It's taken me a few days to clear my thoughts.

She's gone now - They call it euthanasia - not letting the living thing suffer ( she suffered terribly during the last few days). No matter what the hell they call it, it's the murder of a loved one.
Perhaps the ability to legally kill a living, breathing organism -no matter what level of love -if any, we feel - elevates our fragile egos, or infuses some grandiose illusion, or delusion.
I accept the fact that her so-called quality-of-life had deteriorated to unabating pain and discomfort.
She was my friend, my companion in these, my later years. She understood and trusted me. I understood and trusted her. She depended on me. She knew that I depended upon her.
We went everywhere together, shopping, visiting, hiking and walking. She got upset with me if I left her home. We shared our meals and she had fun doing it. When I left her alone, she wouldn't lay down near me (after her walk - of course) for almost 2 hours after I returned home, even if I was eating. But she always forgave me and returned to wherever I was sitting to lay at me feet.

I learned as much about character, and forgiveness, loyalty and love, determination and sheer courage, from my shepherd as I have ever learned from another human - with the single exception of my mother.

Admittedly, the mutual trust and trusting did not exist from day one. Without question, she had the feral capability, not to mention strength, to attack anything or anyone at any time, and even to revert to that stage if given opportunity, at least at the start of our 'merger.' That facility exists in virtually any pet, especially dog, or cat.

But as the relationship grew, she learned what she could and couldn't get away with.
The mutual respect and trust evolved from the consistency and repetition week after week and month after month. It wasn't automatic. It was replacing natural canine instincts with the education that to please others and to survive, she had to do, or not do, certain things. It was using her natural pack instincts to serve and co-exist with homo sapiens as the leader.
Sound familiar.

Perhaps, some day, we humans will really learn from our beloved pets that grudges, and anger, and revenge and retaliation and unprovoked aggression most often accomplish the exact opposite of what was intended.

Yes, it's time to move on. Life must go on.
We must again learn from our canine companions. We can't live in the past.
We must live for today -just as our 4-legged friends do - while we try to plan for tomorrow.

But God help the ones who would put aside the wonderful years and memories shared with a dear friend and companion without pausing, reflecting, remembering, appreciating, just because it's time move on to their next challenge.
God help those who dismiss the demise with "it's just a dog."

Those people, in my mind, have no soul. They are callously incapable of feelings of profound joy, of deep-rooted love and devotion: the same exact emotions needed for human bonding. Yes - we sure can learn from our dear pets.

We all must move on; and so shall I. But I will also appreciate and learn from what was.

I started this weblog some months back with several goals and objectives in mind.

1- By citing Murphy's Law (anything that can go wrong will go wrong) - which is a clean way of saying "_hit happens" - I could poke some fun at, perhaps even laugh off, my troubles and show how I kept trying to pick myself up (and as the old song goes - dust myself off and start all over again).

2- Perhaps I could help or inspire someone else;

3- I hoped to also avail myself of some of the income producing possibilities so prevalent on the 'net. By the way - the sites listed on the right of this blog link to some excellent income producers, as well as money savers. I do hope you'll look at them.

4- If none of the above occurred, at least I would be doing something I really enjoyed - writing. Frankly, if it were not for a company known as 'Web Colleagues' - whose link is on the right, I might not have again started to write, not having done it for over a generation. Of course writing what no one is reading is not very different from talking to yourself, but I've been doing that for years anyway.

I had several 'outs', i.e. things I could rely on, or draw from, to help me, like 'windows shopping', which usually helped get my mind off my problems, which in turn helped me get a better grip on everyday life.
My kids and grandchildren always helped elevate my mood and turn my thoughts to more positive pursuits.
But the principal resource I relied upon was my very dear, friend, my loyal and trusty - trustworthy - trusting 24 hr/day companion - my German Shepherd.

She kept me in shape, on my toes and much more aware of my surroundings than I might ordinarily have been.
When I was ill and late in either feeding or walking her, she always lay, patiently at the side of my bed. I never allowed her on the bed since the first two days I got her. I just couldn't see the sheet or pillow through all of her shed fur coat.
When she couldn't wait any longer to go, she just started to lick my face to tell me - ok - stop feeling sorry for yourself and let me go 'pee.'
Somehow, she knew when I felt really good and could take a little more advantage of me.
Amazingly, she always knew when I felt like 'crap' and to give me a little more space.
Our multiple daily walks, almost always totalling 2 miles/day (it was always a little difficult for me to give her all of the exercise she really needed), our visits to the neighborhood children who all knew that as soon as she was finished sniffing them, she would roll over on her back to get her belly rubbed - funny but she wouldn't let too many adults do that, and our frisbee and stick throwing in the back yard, all kept her mood positive and alert.

She woke me numerous times when a deer came near the house (which was often)or a bear crossed the rear of the property (only 3 or 4 times) but wasn't she supposed to do that?

Funny, but I could never get her to announce a visitor walking up the driveway and stairs, until the bell rang or there was a knock at the door. - That was my fault.

I could go on, but as you surmised, she is gone.

She suffered from advanced cancer and arthritis for the last few months and was euthanized.
The loss has devastated me for a while.
I hope you'll go to my blog about her illness

http://mydogmyfriendmygermanshepherd.blogspot.com/

I intend to post the last few columns from that blog here for the next few days. - I hope you'll forgive me for the repetition. It's for me - I need it.

Thank you

Internet Job Shopping

Job Shopping on the internet is akin to looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Nevertheless, I have listed a few very popular sites that have proved successful for a substantial number of people. So why not link to them?
As costs soar and coping with daily life gets ever more difficult, millions of us will be looking for some extra income.
Take advantage of all the help you can get.
My favorite money-maker is still Web Colleagues, but if you like what any other opportunity looks like and you know you'll stick to it - go for it.
I'll have more to say on the others later.
Good hunting!

Scam, or Score

You're looking for THE work-at-home job!

How do you know if it's a scam, or a score?

How do you find the right business for you?

Is there anything out there to help you pay the bills?

There is, and you can find it!

But you've got to ask yourself some questions!
1- What do you like to do?
2- How much time do you have to do it in?
3- Have you researched the deal?
4- Are you just looking at how much you can make, or
5- at all the requirements?
6- Do you know how much now? How much later?
7- Are you remembering 'Murphy's Law', (anything that can go wrong, will.)

If you like what you're doing - the opportunity your taking advantage of - you'll stick with it, just as long as the upside exists. You'll spend the time learning the whole program, whatever it is. You'll already know how much more -if anything- you'll have to put into the program, and approximately how long it will take to start getting some money back. You'll do the work.

Then, you take the plunge.

You can score, if it's not a scam.

It's not What You Say, but How You Say It, AND WHERE

Have something to say?
Know what you're talking about?
Want people to listen to you?
Have a computer?
Know how to type?
Internet Connected?

SO SAY IT. In fact, PUT IT IN WRITING !
Blog it.
Get your thoughts out for all to HEAR, and READ !

You'll get some great ideas on how, what and where to LET YOUR FINGERS DO THE TALKING with WEB COLLEAGUES !

Shopping for Work at Home Jobs, #2

What ever you choose will involve Google in one way or another:
i.e. - if you go the route of having a web site made up for you to which prospective buyers can go - there must be a way for them to find you, ; that almost always involves search engines, because for you to be successful - prospective buyers must be looking for and thereby searching for the product; when you use search engines that means 'Google'.
Using Google means finding the right 'keywords' or 'adwords' to get you to the front of the search engine with its very long list of people selling products. Folks - that's gonna cost you - A price that's almost always based on a PPC or PAY PER CLICK rate.
You may also need to buy some mailing lists to e-mail people. You cannot succeed unless people know you're there or can find you.

The businesses which would have you 'drop-ship' -which means people would buy from you, and you would then pay the wholesalers to send the product out -require your own web-site to make any money at all. Those few who have been successful doing it (and they are very few) all have multiple web-sites, so that the chances of someone clicking on one of them are greatly increased. These are all additional costs to you, after you have paidd your money and gotten started.

Auction sites are very similar. If you can buy a new car for $100.00 and resell it for $15,000.00, you'll make some money.
But how realistic are you being?
We agree that there's a customer out there for just about everything (P.T. Barnum -of circus fame- rephrased it saying "there's a sucker born every minute"). So let's say you know a particular market, e.g. you're very familiar with the cost of women's cotton shirts and blouses (there is a difference) and you buy a dozen blouses for $10.00 each that you have seen selling in stores for anywhere between $60.00 and $75.00. If you could turn them over (resell to someone else) immediately, you would have the beginnings of a wonderful, new and very lucrative business. But who knows about the blouses you want to sell for, say $35.00 each. And there's the problem - you have to somehow let people know about you and your products, and where to find you or the product, so you have exactly the same considerations as before: web-site, advertising, e-mailing etc.
As for me - I like to write - I don't know how good I am at it but I really enjoy it. Because I enjoy it I stay with it. I do it with the help, support, encouragement and direction of Web Colleagues. It cost me less than $50.00 some months ago and not one cent more since. I don't pay Google - they'll pay me.
Web Colleagues shows you how to use the search engines most effectively, in a different way. Just the information in this one work at home job is worth ten times the cost.
I've already learned 100 times the price of the program.
Check them out.

Shopping for Work at Home Jobs

Here are a few suggestions from someone who searches lots of 'make a lot of money working from home' claims.

Pick what you know you like to do, just in case you aren't immediately successful. Doing something you like or deeply believe in will keep you DOING it even when the going is tougher than you thought, or you want to quit.
Make sure the offer includes a money-back guarantee (most such offers will give u a full refund within 60 days)
Allow some extra time to fully understand all of the instructions and directions;
The only shortcut to becoming an overnight millionaire is STILL the inheritance route or lottery.
Don't forget that over 90% of the 'opportunities' are scams, and 95% of the people are not successful at the first, or even second work at home job.
Be prepared to spend considerably more for advertising or mailing lists.
Know or learn all you can about Google.
Shopping for work at home jobs ain't easy.
More tomorrow - I promise.
I must take care of my wonderful shepherd now.

Searching Work-at-Home Opportunities

Finding the right work-at-home opportunity for you can too often be compared with finding a good partner. Sometimes you have to go through an awful lot of garbage to get to the tasty treat.

Some questions for your consideration:

• what can you do?
• what do you like to do?
• what do you hate to do?
• have you really researched the offer?, or
• are you grabbing the first thing that comes along?
• how much time do you have to do it in?
• do you need instant gratification?, or
• can you proceed step by step towards success?
• how much money do you have to invest in the program?
• do you have all the information on the program? or
• will you find yourself having to pay for advertising and mailing lists;
• do you know the downside as well as the upside?

Merchandise sites which don't require you to stock anything, but only to sell and keep the profit (hopefully there will be one - not guaranteed) will almost always require additional advertising costs (how else will anyone know to buy it from you) or additional costs for mailing lists (for the same reason). And - when you buy mailing lists you'll usually have some auto-responder costs. If you go that way - make absolutely sure -in advance- that all shipping costs will be paid by the final purchaser, or you could find yourself being billed for them.

If you go the auction and resell route, you will have similar problems to resolve. Because there is a buyer out there for almost everything, the bidding, or auction sites do offer chances to make some money. You will, of course, have some of the same advertising or e-mail costs in addition to your initial investment and the cost of the merchandise you have bought.
It can happen big, or it may not happen at all, at least until you get lucky and find a buyer.

Research the work-at-home program as carefully as you can. It could help you keep, or get the right partner.

Roll with the Punches, OR, Pick Youself UP, Dust Yourself Off, Start all Over Again

When life kicks you in the rear and you stumble, what do you do?
You stagger until you can straighten up, turn around and face the problem head on. When a serious setback or ponderous problem puts you on the floor, what are your options?
When Murphy's Law (which states "anything that can go wrong will") goes into effect, what can you do?
Every single one of us experiences countless obstacles every day that we have to try to deal with. Sometimes they set us so far back it seems almost impossible.
But we try.
We may make yet more mistakes, but we try again.
If we don't try, if we don't hope to heal ourselves, the alternative is unappealing. We really cease to live. We die.
To keep on going, we, each, develop our own methods of getting around these roadblocks.
1 - We do any activity to change our perspective;
2 - We focus our energy on someone or something we love;
3 - We clear our minds, for as long as we can;
4 - We attack the problem from another angle>
5- We try again!
Fortunately, I am blessed with an absolutely wonderful German Shepherd that has been a true friend and trusty companion for a good number of years, and wonderful supportive children.
No matter how 'down in the dumps' I get, and no matter how long I'm there, my beloved Shepherd always manages to pick me back up. The one or two times she didn't, my kids came through.
The moral is, we all need something or someone to help us recover and try to move on. I have my dog - my German Shepherd- and my kids.
I have the internet, where 'windows shopping' has taken on a whole new meaning. I'll keep trying until I'm gone.
What about you?

Working-at-home, your home-business, you need D to the 5th Power

Looking, or shopping for the right 'work-at-home' opportunity can frequently be a time consuming and tedious task.
Every web site you click on tells you (with countless comments from 'satisfied success stories') how wonderful that particular program is.
"You'll start earning money in 1 hour, or 1 day or 1 week." That could conceivably happen, but in 1%, or less, of the new sign-ups.
So what do you do?
As you explore the myriad of 'opportunities' available on the net today, ask yourself: -what do you like? - what can you do? -not what have you done but what do you know in your heart you can really do if you set your mind to it?
Notice that I did not mention how much money you could make. Notice that I did not mention how long it would take to master the instructional material.

When you find an opportunity that you really like, when you know you'll enjoy doing it -today, tomorrow, next week and next month - YOU WILL MAKE MONEY.
Why? - because you will keep at it. You will not let temporary set-backs and frustrations stop you from continuing on with the program you have selected.
You will have D to the 5th power. -
Desire,
Dedication,
Diligence,
Discipline,
Direction
The last you can get from the program you select.

The program may not offer, initially, the same huge potential that so many of the others will, but - if you like it you will stay with it. You will continue to apply yourself to that particular work-at-home plan.
You'll feel good doing it.
Thus, in the long run, your bottom line will out-perform 99% of the other opportunities.

If you're going to work-at-home, if you're going to have your own home business, research it until you find what you really like, not what sounds too good to be true.

Work-at-Home, the Choices are Staggering

Being technologically challenged, as I am, (I mean I really miss my horse and buggy -finding whale oil for my lamps is futile - and ball and powder for my trusty ol' flintlock is out of the question) I have to think, not twice, but at least a half dozen times about these earn-extra-money-from-home 'opportunities' that are virtually saturating my e-mail, my pop-ups and the internet as a whole.
First - I'm not sure I can follow the instructions. I really don't know the difference between a Java script and HTML. It took me 6 months to learn what a URL was.
Second - My cynical nature constantly asks - how long it took for these people to actually start making any money at all?
Third - What are the odds of my success, considering that well over 90% of work-at-homers are unsuccessful the first time or even the second timethey try?
Of course the internet directories and search engines, not to mention the web site hosts, are making some money from these ads.
But the big question, how many everyday 'Joes' and 'Jacks' and 'Toms' and 'Dicks' and 'Harrys' are even getting out what they invested?

I don't know the answers. I do know that none of us will really be deterred from continuing to try to earn some extra money, and that's really good.

We all have to keep on trying!

So let's look for the right one!

Maybe I can offer a few do's and dont's.

Making Money from Home - No Instant Gratification

When you choose a program to help you make extra money from home, do not expect instant riches. It will take time and some effort. I do think it will be worth it further down the road.

As you know, I have been diligently following and applying myself to the Web Colleagues work-at-home, make-extra-money-from-home program.

The how-to's, where-to's, ins and outs of blogging, and getting paid for it, are extensively covered.
Frankly, I'm not the quickest learner, so it took me a little more time than I had hoped to understand and implement the really huge amount of instruction, all explained in step-by-step guides. Nevertheless I believe this to be one of the finest 'earn-extra-money-from-home opportunities available.
Again I strongly recommend them to anyone who is looking to make money from home and who has something to say.

I am looking into another opportunity - 'My Data Team Global Data Entry,' also under $50.00, and also not promising to make you rich over-night, but which can give you a reasonable income in return for a reasonable effort, which - bottom line - is all anyone can ask for.

In addition, after you get going with Web Colleagues, you should strongly think about a new, powerful money-making, sister site - 'Blogging to the Bank'. Also under $50.00 you should pick up enough information to have it soon pay for itself.

However, please do not look for any quick fixes. These programs will work, but you really have to put the time and effort in to them and keep on going even if you don't see immediate results.
There's no instant gratification in making money from home. But you will.

Work-at-Home, Earn-Money-from-Home, no Murphy's Law

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The discovery of "Web Colleagues" has given me a renewed appreciation and inspiration for entrepreneur endeavors, and the efforts needed to make them succeed.

I referred, earlier, to my trials and tribulations with MLM and internet marketers, mentioning that I had signed up for five. Of those five, three went bankrupt, the owner of the fourth took the money and ran, and the fifth is doing real well. By the way, it's my understanding that each of the first four is now offering work-at-home opportunities.

I did not succeed in the one solid opportunity simply because I did not investigate thoroughly enough. The price was right and I said to myself - "this is a snap; I can do it with my eyes shut." And that's what I did - I shut my eyes and took the plunge.

What was needed that I was neither capable of doing or would not do under any circumstance? OK - here goes: I am not a 'party sales' person. I would not invite anyone to my home so that they might buy something from me. When I ask someone in to my home, it's 1-because I like them, 2- I want to have a beer and snacks with them, 3- I want to give them a good dinner, 4- if it's a she, she knows why I invited her, and, finally, 5- if that person bugs me I will ask them to leave.
The alternatives to hosting parties were to invest in advertising or hand out circulars or go from house to house soliciting business. None of them appealed to me, nor did I have the physical energy for the latter two.

As you search for the right opportunity for you, you'll probably have similar problems.
None of those problems exist with Web Colleagues. Yes - it will take time to get it off the ground. It took me 3 readings of the instructional material to finally get started, and I still haven't read it all. The material is extensive; but it is uncannily accurate. The opportunity is boundless.

It's all up to you. And that's the way it should be.

Web Colleagues know what they're talking about.

By the way - I have no interest in the company other that the opportunity it gives me, nor do I even know the people - but I like them.

They've left no room for Murphy's Law.

Make Money Working at Home

As I continue to explore a few of the current 'make-money-from-home' opportunities, I'm thankful for finding at least one that meets my personal stringent and demanding requirements.

1- It doesn't promise overnight millions;
2- It has a very reasonable fee;
3- That fee is a one-time only submission;
4- There are no phone calls;
5- There are no e-mails + thus anti-spam problems;
6- There is a substantial growth opportunity.
7- There can't be even a hint of scam, or dishonesty.

In today's internet world, most people can do some typing. With this in mind - if you have something to say outloud, you can write it. When your write it however, you do have to get used to omitting the 4-letter words (which was my biggest problem.) Yes - this is a writing opportunity. And please believe me - these people provide you with everything, I repeat everything, you need to get started.
And then, besides the encouragment to go further -they show you how.

They are Web Colleagues; their one-time fee is under $50.00; their knowledge of the industry and the research they have done in laying the ground-work for your eventual success is absolutely mind-boggling.

Web Colleagues have dedicated themselves so that you can earn extra income from home.
Do you have the inner desire to work from home and the dedication to earn that income?

Earn, or Burn Money from Home, Murphy's Law

As the economy continues its downward dive, as business and personal bankruptcies inversely soar upwards, as millions of folks world-wide take a look at their monthly bills -especially the credit card debts - a seismic avalanche of good people trying to do the best for themselves and their families will descend upon the work-at-home, or earn-money-from-home companies now advertising on the internet. As you recall, a Google search found some 35,000,000 (that's right) listings. Again, there are some good ones, but the goal is to earn new money, not burn what you have left in your pocket right now. Remember Murphy's Law.
As you search for the right opportunity for yourself, you must concern yourself with certain considerations requiring the utmost care and scrutiny:
1- initial investment, how much just to get started;
2- how long, approximately, to learn the new information and actually get started;
3- what additional costs will I incur as I get deeper into the program
a) for mailing lists
b) for web site development or hosting or domains
c) for advertising
d) etc (Murphy's Law)
4-will e-mailing or personal phone calling, or both be necessary.

There are many other considerations but the above are the most immediate. Be assured that there will be additional costs, although many advertisers glibly assert that these will come out of your profits.
If you hear or see the phrase 'warm market', run like the wind, away from the offer -as far away as you can get and as quickly as possible. That refers to your immediate family, all relatives, all friends, associates, club or church members; and you better believe very few of them will even talk to you again after you give them your sales pitch.
E-mailing, with today's stringent 'anti-spam' laws will yield minimal results and have gotten many would-be earners in considerable trouble.
I won't even discuss the aggravation and increased stress associated with telephoning prospects, even if they placed their name on a 'call me' list.
There are many other perils and pitfalls, but on the very positive side, I have discovered, and am now participating, in an absolutely super opportunity.
Tune in tomorrow! Oh, sorry, come on back tomorrow and find out about a great chance to make money from home

Personal Perspective, Work-At-Home, Earn-Money-From-Home

My windows shopping frequently explores work-at-home or earn-extra-income-from- home, or 'let your computer do the work' while you go on vacation, etc. etc.
I've had five (5) experiences with five (5) separate, different such offers, ranging in initial investment cost from $50.00 to $200.00, not by any means a staggering sum but, nevertheless, money that could be well used on other things (like 2" thick rib steaks -with bones - for me to share with my beloved German Shepherd.) Of course, with prices soaring as they are, that may only buy one or two steaks soon, but I digress.
Since almost all internet purchases are done by credit card, we all too frequently never think twice about clicking on an enticing offer to increase our incomes so that we, too, can soon live like kings.
The internet marketers offering these 'make-money-from-home' chances know:
1- the economy is weak;
2- most American families are in debt;
3- millions of people will try to earn extra income, somehow;
4- that people who have been unsuccessful at one 'home-earning' opportunity will try another, and another;
5- that they have little to lose and very much to gain.
Almost every offer is automated with very little personal interaction involved. I do intend do explore for some of the better possibilities and tell you about them.
I also will tell you about my personal experiences. The more you know about work-at-home opportunities, the better your decision will be.
Right now I must take care of my dear dog, my shepherd.

35 Million Work-at-home Opportunities

Yes - that's what I said. I just ran a Google search and found listed 35,000,000 ( 35 Million) work at home opportunities.

No! I did not count them.

Of course, these lisings include MLM (multi-level marketing) and earn money from home listings. Also, there are numerous repeats and cross listings for the same sites. Most of them will bring into force -Murphy's Law (i.e. -anything that can go wrong, will.)

Every one of them has a number of things in common:

1. They will cost you money.
   
2. They will cost you money time and again.
   
3. With a 95% certainty, you won't get out even what you put in.
   
4. The only people making real money are those hosting the sites.
   
5. You will not reap what you sow for at least a year, probably two, and that only with very diligent application to your endeavor.
   
6. You'll get tired, disgusted, and probably try something else.

Are there legitimate 'earn extra money from home' opportunities?

Of course, and quite a few, but it will take a good deal of research to reduce or eliminate the impact of Murphy's Law

The Shepherd Shines

Lately, I have not been taking my dear dog shopping as had been the case. Since she became 'sick as a dog' I've left her at home. I'm rarely gone more than 2 hours, so it's never been any kind of problem. Today, I decided to try to take her. Her arthritis makes it a little difficult for her to get into the car.
It did take her a few minutes to get in. Instead of just jumping up on to the seat, she hesitates, then, not wanting to disappoint me (and not really wanting to stay home alone) first steps on to the car floor, and then up to the seat.
For all the years we've been together, whenever I reach the first destination, I always walk her; and she always has plenty of 'business' to do. It was refreshing and comforting to hear her tell me she wanted to go, and even more so when she jumped out and performed as well as ever. I think it's something about being confined in motion that stimulates her bladder and bowels.
Some kids were skateboarding outside the supermarket, and just as she had always done before, she pulled me over to them so she could nuzzle them and be petted in return. The kids were appreciative of her show of affection also, and reciprocated in kind. If this is an example of 'going to the dogs', perhaps it should be forced upon all humans.
Yes, the dog was tired by the time we got home - she actually slept for an extra 2 hours - but it felt really good having her with me during a shopping trip. She never waits in the car for more than a half hour (and the window is always open, with a small bowl of water on the floor.)
That great German Shepherd of mine really shined today.

Free Speech, Personal Opinions, Have Fun, and Make Money Too?

I must take, and make, this opportunity to really thank Web Colleagues, not only for giving me the chance to air my feelings and opinions on the internet (frankly, anyone can start a blog with no instruction or know-how) but for the instruction, attention and follow up. Tim Perez has patiently answered every one of my questions within 24 hours.
Being able to freely say what you're thinking about virtually any subject is the right of every American and I hope, one day, will be the right of every human, anywhere. Receiving instruction on how to say it, where to say it, even to whom, and then being shown how to post it on the 'net with the greatest chance of being seen and read makes this group as wonderful as any and probably one of the truly best anywhere.
Thank you Web Colleagues (go here and you'll thank them too),Thank you Tim Perez!
I'm having fun, and I also have the opportunity to make a buck.

Dog chases deer, Murphy's Law is invoked

A little while back, I went to the local hardware store to pick up some wood and hardware to make a gate on the deck to keep my trusted friend and companion -my German Shepherd - from chasing after the deer, and maybe going up to meet some of the neighborhood dogs too. And we have a lot of deer up here.
As we were trying to load the wood I took dog out of car to lower seat (she can sit in the front -she'll probably drive it one of these days) and forgot to give her any command as I went to help hardware clerk load up.
Off went dog into the woods behind the store (gate was open) and last I saw, it was after a deer. Talk about Murphy's law (i.e.-anything that can go wrong will)
anyway she remembered where I was, or heard me calling, and came to me about a half hour later.
I was too tired to make the gate.

My German Shephed is 'Sick as a Dog'

Like most people, I'm not fond of needless and too frequently over-used cliches. But I am being educated right now as to where they originated; and my shepherd is indeed, sick as a dog. The vet is not giving her much time, certainly 6 months max.
She has arthritis, diagnosed over a year ago, and, with her 'dogged determination' she continued to struggle, and fight, and take my friendship and love, and give me hers.
Her desire to walk never waned, and we continue to walk three, sometimes four times a day. Despite the pain she's in, she'll pull like a horse to go over to a playing child to lick his face and then sit down to be petted. She only occasionally lays down now, rolling over by that child to get her belly rubbed. That, folks, is unbridled trust. We do walk a little more slowly than before. She gets 'dog tired' more quickly now, gives me her big eye pleading for forgiveness, then, after a couple of minutes rest, gets up and goes on, moving forward.
She knows she's 'sick as a dog.'

Spring, my shepherd and Murphy's Law

Spring is finally here, and a young man's fancy - or a young woman's' - or an old man's, or an old woman's - or a dog's (oh well - you get the drift) turns to love or sex or mating or dating (oh well - you get the drift). But you better work on it right after you finish making the list of chores needed to clean up after winter's ravaging onslaught, because you're gonna be too tired once you actually start doing the chores themselves.

I made a starting list of repairs, things to be done first, not including basic cleaning inside and outside. By the time I got to the second page I was too tired to even think of any more chores, so shepherd and I set out for a mid-morning walk. We both needed the exercise and a good walk does get the old mind churning again. We got about a mile into the woods when the snow started and an inch was on the ground by the time we got back home.

This was the first time Murphy's Law worked in my favor in a long time. As I told you earlier my dog absolutely loves the snow, and frankly, so do I. Actually it was the 7 or 8 ice storms we had that did most of the damage around the house, to tree limbs, decking, molding and the caulking. But as we re-entered the house I was able to put thoughts of Spring out of my mind. After all, if it's still winter, who has to worry about Spring's things.

So back I went to my mouse, shopping and Best Buy. to look for great values on the newest hi-tech products. Since shipping costs can really add up I like to check for free shipping special offers. I hope you do too. Let me know.

Bouncing back; LCD TV vs Plasma TV

Trying to pick myself up from news of the illness of a loved one just has not been easy for me. Whether it's God's will or another example of Murphy's Law, something I did not want to happen will, indeed, happen. Because I have made it a practice to divert my attention from serious problems by going shopping, for whatever length of time I can, I 'went shopping.'
I've been contemplating purchase of a new TV (when I do get it I will buy it from 'Best Buy' so I know I'm getting the best price) for a little while now. They have an unbelievable selection of both plasmas and digitals (LCD's).
To my unsophisticated eye the picture was very similar when viewed at a shop, and frankly, with the plasma being slightly less expensive and the LCD being lighter and easier to wall mount, I'm still debating with myself which one to get. I'm not thrilled with the mercury used in the LCD (although very slight, and although virtually all high efficiency fluorescents also use mercury) while the plasmas use a neon - xenon inert gas mix to carry the electron charge. Also, at least for the moment, the plasmas are available with 65" screens.
When you're ready to make your decision , click here, and you won't be disappointed.
Whatever you decide, perhaps you'll let me know.

Illness, Death Sentence, Guilt

Guilt can be a paralyzing problem, its power completely preventing a person from doing not only what he likes, but even what is necessary. When illness invades either the individual or his/her loved ones, it can virtually immobilize the person. Our best intentions and efforts can become pure drudgery, requiring Herculean labors to again perform them.
So it is with this blog as I try to 'come to grips' with the 'death sentence' of a loved one, while continuously asking myself if I did anything wrong, or if I could have done anything more to have prevented the problem,
I'll keep you all posted on the outcome.

A Vacation when Murphy's Law messes up the Weathermen

It's time to think about a little Get-away; a Vacation if only for a few days, just to get in the right mood.
February is 1/3 gone - the days are getting longer (almost 11 hrs of daylight); Spring is steadily approaching, Baseball begins (pitchers + catchers training) in less than 2 weeks, and the meteorologists are getting about 1 in 3 predictions right. They predict occasional snow flurries, I get 3 inches; they predict snow showers, total accumulation of an inch; I get six inches and a coating of ice; they predict clear and sunny and I get an inch of snow; and another coating of ice. So do we need more weather satellites launched, some more training for the current crop of meteorologists or what? WE NEED MORE DOGS!
My German Shepherd lets me know when and approximately how much snow we're going to get. Before it snows, she tells me to let her out. She prefers to stay out while it's snowing. If there's either an approaching change to sleet or ice, or the snow has already changed to ice she barks for me to let her back in. Now THAT'S A GOOD WEATHER FORECASTER!

These meteorologists are totally controlled by Murphy's Law. Anyway - right now it's snowing like crazy - 4 inches so far -the prediction was for slight flurries, but my shepherd did not want to come in so I knew it would snow for a while. Isn't this a great time to think about going down to Disneyworld? By using "The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide" , Beth Haworth says:

"You can have a Disney World vacation every bit as enjoyable and rewarding as the family who spends 2, 3, or even 4 times as much money!
Learn my tips, tricks, and secrets of how to fit a memorable Disney World Vacation info your budget. My Disney Savings Guide will pay for itself many times over. Share it with your friends, relatives and neighbors and everybody will thank you." Click Here!

I could not say it better myself. The extra vacation planning will also help you avoid 'Murphy's Law.' And no meteorologists!.

The Perfect Politician

The campaign is in full swing. Super Tuesday has come and gone, those delegates committed (on the first ballot only) and the importance and advantage of NAME RECOGNITION over issue resolution once again benefits the early entrants in the race and the very big spenders.
AH HA - I have discovered how to use Murphy's Law (at least in this instance) against these would be political party nominees.
As you recall, Murphy's law states that anything that can go wrong WILL go wrong. Expounding upon this fact because of the delirious amount of enthusiastic support (I've never had so much garbage thrown at me in my life) we have received when my Shepherd (Nir Nir Nit - now where could I have gotten that pseudonym from?) declared her Candidacy I have decided to rename her: Roosevelt-Truman-Eisenhower-Kennedy-Carter (he's just a really good man)-Reagan-Gore (let's face it - he really won that election) ; (ed. note- would you let your dog be name 'Nixon;' Ford was not Elected and Clinton might already be taken) which renaming transcends, totally, any party partisanship, any deal-making, any PAC {political action committee} shenanigans, and -most significantly- creates instant widespread name recognition and represents very real reliability. Now what more would you want in Your Candidate?
So, those who complain that our Country is going 'to the Dogs' are silenced. Those who believe the government is 'Raining on their Parade' and they're not getting a fair shake will whistle a different tune watching Roosevelt-Truman-Eisenhower-Kennedy-Carter-Reagan-Gore (see - you're ready to vote for her already) shake off every shower and shadowy shred of shrapnel shot in her direction and vibrate away any and all vitriolic vagaries and varied vicissitudes proffered by her polarized protagonists.
My shepherd will 'Doggedly' ( pardon the pun) plow onward and forward in the direction indicated. She will ignore the jabs and jibes of the media critics. She will extend her hand (ok - paw) in friendship to any and all; but if set upon or attacked outright, will demonstrate for all to behold the size of the fight in the dog.
This election campaign will unquestionably be a 'dog eat dog' battle. Who better to get in the fight than my shepherd?
Our friends abroad are doubting our abilities and character. Who better to sit beside them in friendship and loyalty?
If we don't Learn from History we're Doomed to Repeat it. Who better to keep making the same mistakes?
And finally, with so many of today's leaders "Biting off more than they can Chew" who better than my shepherd?
Yes, folks, my German Shepherd, soon to be Roosevelt-Truman-Eisenhower-Kennedy-Carter-Reagan-Gore will indeed bethe Perfect Politician.
Murphy's Law says she will win the election., if only by a whisker.

Campaign '08 - my shepherd is running!

Murphy's Law assures us that anything that can go wrong - will go wrong. It affects every single one of us- our only remedy to help keep our sanity, smile and try again.
My shepherd - NIT NIT NIR - has mastered this wonderful way of 'shaking off'' her aches and pains.
She'll never let any negative nonsense dissuade her from plowing straight ahead, right into the 'meat and potatos.'

She has decided to run for office. I think she's a shoo in. She's faster than any other candidate, endears herself to everyone who meets her, she's the best fund raiser around (has her nose up every derriere) and almost never barks up the wrong tree. She's an environmental champion having fertilized more trees and plants than any other politician in existence. If she should decide to sling some mud at the other candidates, you can bet they'll really be covered with it. She's completely satisfied with herself and has no need to pass a law for the sake of having her signature on it. And - she'll keep any campaign promise she makes.

Send a write in vote for NIT NIT NIR, in each primary, at the conventions and for the election. A paw print will suffice.
Murphy would approve.

THE football game falls under Murphy's law

I love to watch football - 50 + guys on each side trained almost to the breaking point to inflict as much pain on any player on the opposing team in a split second of contact - and repeated a couple of hundred times per game. So there I was Sunday night, snacks ready, all prepared to watch the Giants -Packers try to kill each other within the RULES; and indeed it was a hell of a game.
They played to a 20-20 tie in regulation time and I said to myself -wow- sudden death overtime. But my beloved German Shepherd, ears straight, heard every word and started her low BARK-WHINE-GROWL ritual as she circled rapidly -bouncing ever-so-slightly to let me know that she really had to go -and now- or we'd all pay the penalty.
Shoes and coat quickly donned, I grabbed her leash and off we went - the short walk this time for obvious reasons. We returned just five minutes later, to a commercial. Game over. Murphy- I hate you. I re-leashed the dog and took the slower, longer exercise stroll, returning about 20 minutes later - and after my blood pressure dropped - and saw the winning Giant field goal kick 1/2 dozen times. OK So how did they get within range?

When I'm really PO'd I have two great outlets - I literally 'windows' shop, or I write about it. The people who have helped me so much, and continue to help me are located here. Why don't you pay them a visit??

Shopping, my Shepherd + ugh, Murphy

Brought home some groceries, was carrying them upstairs - didn't want to make an extra trip so I took all six bags at once- my shepherd was glad to see me back (she had to go - you know how that feels) so she started licking my face two stairs from the top (yeah, she's got a long tongue) and raised her paw for emphasis, but brought it down on two of the bags in my hand, tearing them just enough for the sour cream, eggs, milk and a six-pack of soda to cascade the whole flight, breaking open with evil intent as they caromed from stair to stair. The dog forget her basic urge and darted past me to partake of the feast. OK - so was I just being a clutz or was it the law of Murphy (when I find him I'll let him have it - unless he's bigger than me in which case I'll just mutter). Now that was a real mess to clean up with my pet standing in the center of the hodge-podge slurping away. I walked her first of course. Good thing the washing machine was downstairs - saved some steps.

So what turns your mood around ? Shopping does it for me. I was too tired to hit the mall so I hopped on my mouse - just jumping here and there and I found this site to fight speeding tickets. Now this is something I wish I knew a few months ago when I lost my case. Anything that helps beat the system interests me. Go visit Jeff at his site if and when you have a speeding ticket to fight; you don't need the fines and you don't need the points on your license. This site will give you some power.

I strongly recommend the 'sit-stay-fetch' package mentioned before - the price is great for what it does - helping reinforce what most of us already know we're supposed to keep doing, and reminding us of the necessity of continued repetition and reward for our loved pets.

Is it Mother Nature?? or is it really Murphy's Law?

Now, in the middle of January in the northern part of the country, you come to expect some really bad weather systems. I've always looked forward to the pleasantry of 3 inches or more of pristine white snow blanketing the entire landscape bringing pause to the pulse of the entire area, however temporary. The neighborhood shovels pop out of the winter seclusion all about the same time with the playful laughter of the kids sleighing, and snowballing. That's great - until Murphy passed the ruling - the snow will only sporadically fall, a half inch here, a half inch there; never enough to enjoy; just enough to be a real pain in the butt (which is where I keep landing). My shepherd, who also loves the snow, loves to walk with me along the road following a few inches of the white wonder. But when you get a dusting here and a dusting there, the dogs can't gobble up the snow (as they love to do) without getting a mouthful of gook, and walking on an unplowed, unsalted road where the earlier dustings have been backed down and frozen over can be problematic. To me, Mother Nature would let it snow, and let it snow. No - this is definitely Murphy's Law at work - upsetting the beauty of bountiful snow.
So, I think I'm going to fight Murphy by checking out a trip to Orlando; you know what's there. Last time I went, it cost a fortune. Now I'll be able to afford it because I found THIS SITE. WON"T YOU JOIN ME?

Murphy's Law, Shopping and a Shepherd

Have you ever heard the expression "anything that can go wrong will go wrong?" That is 'Murphy's Law,' and I believe it is as irrefutable as the Ten Commandments, the Constitution, the Magna Carta or any body of statutes ever passed by any legislature or governing group.

Not long ago I decided to give my living room a bit of a face lift. I carefully measured ceiling and wall space, laid out brushes, rollers, corner paint pads and visited the local hardware store, buying the ceiling paint (latex of course,) two colors for the walls and some extra plastic tarpaulins to protect windows, blinds and my modest furnishings.

I carefully covered everything with the tarps, opened up the ladder, the ceiling paint can, re-stirred, and started along the edges (where ceiling meets wall.) I successfully painted six feet on either side of the corner and about 10 inches from the wall when the phone rang (Murphy's way.) Paint pad in hand, I carefully stepped down from the ladder and pressed the speaker phone button to - 'Hello, we're offering a special this month on any home improvements including carpentry, painting or bathroom remodeling.' Declining and disconnecting (only one small paint smudge on the phone button - probably not more than 10 points added to my blood pressure - not bad) I prepared to resume my project, reclimbing the ladder, and actually got two more feet (this over my big window) painted before the door bell pinged away.

Now I have a wonderful female German Shepherd, usually calm and relaxed, wonderful with kids and people, but who goes bananas, and nuts (and anything else edible), etc on two occasions: 1- any other female canine; 2- when the doorbell rings, regardless of who it is (I'm still trying to get her to bark before the bell rings, or someone knocks for which (I'm using a great training package) which I hope you'll try too)) I yelled out to the caller to wait just a minute, carefully set the paint pad straddling the paint tray, climbed down, grabbed a rag and wiping my hands, opened the door to my neighbors bearing a delicious smelling apple pie and their equally wonderfully friendly male German Shepherd. Although both dogs had romped and stomped, smelled and gelled, worked and perked together a few dozen times, the initial meeting - mating ritual is, as you know, always the same. They each started their circling, checking out and playfull chomping directed at the other, both oblivious to any and every thing and person but each other. OK - So use your imagination! The bumping and jumping crescendoed as they bounded around through the entire room.
Alas, I was but an instant too slow -the savory anticipation of home-made apple pie goes right to my reflexes.

Down came ladder, flying went 3/4 full paint can, off came the tarps and up probably another 10 points went my blood pressure (forget about my cholesterol.) Have you ever seen two shepherds - usually black and beige in varying degrees ( with some white on their coats) - now coated substantially with white paint, not letting their greeting ritual alter in any way. 'Cutting to the chase' it took almost 3 hours to clean up house and hounds - you had to see both of them shaking that paint off (although the paint on the carpet was actually a bit of an improvement), restore relations with the neighbors and, of course, take just a small bite of the pie.
Please , please tell me how a German shepherd can invoke Murphy's law.

That is Murphy's Law at it's full meaning and magnificence. Don't ever doubt it. And when this law impacts like a judicial decree, going shopping (on the 'net or at the mall) repeals the law however temporarily by giving me that diametrically opposite, positive mind set.