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It's a horsey weekend...(part I)
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The 136th running for the roses, the grand daddy of all horse races, The Kentucky Derby will be held tomorrow around 3:00pm. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Cute as a bug and...
Be prepared to smile and say "Awwwww" when you see these pictures...
A very small horse born in New Hampshire could lay claim to the world record for lightweight foal. The pinto stallion named Einstein weighed just 6 pounds and measured 14 inches tall when he was born Friday in Barnstead, N.H.
Those proportions fit a human baby just about right but are downright tiny for horse, even a miniature breed like Einstein.
Dr. Rachel Wagner, Einstein's co-owner, says the Guinness Book of Records lists the smallest newborn horse as weighing in at 9 pounds.
Breeders say that unlike the current record holder, Thumbelina, Einstein shows no signs of dwarfism. He's just a tiny horse, he's so adorable!
Check out the rest of the photos!
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31¢ for 30-wonderful flavors...
Baskin Robbins is selling ice cream for 31 cents a scoop. You're allowed 3 scoops per person...
The discounted ice cream is being served from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. tonight at participating Baskin-Robbins locations.
This event is to help honor America's firefighters in cooperation with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
To find your local Baskin-Robbins
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Somewhere over the rainbow
(I pulled off the road)
to capture the moment...
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Plant a tree on your lunch hour
Join Walking Tree Tour
and help make San Jose State campus a prettier, greener space!
Wed., April 28 ⢠12:00 - 1:00 PM
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Dining out for Life - This Thursday April 29th
Hi Everyone,
Just a reminder that I'll be celebrating 'Dining Out For Life' on Thursday, April 29th at one of the fabulous choices here in SF.
It couldn't be easier! We go out and have a great meal and the restaurant donates 25% of our food bill to the fight against HIV/AIDS!
You have to eat, so why not do it on April 29th help make a difference. It will be the most satisfying meal you ever eat.
I hope you can join me. Call one of the participating restaurants and make a reservation today. Let's see if the foodie capital of the world (self proclaimed!) can beat last years total of over $220, 000!
Bon Appétit!
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Give Something Back!!!
If you haven't switched your office supply company, you should give it some serious thought...it's easy, competitive in price and helps right in your community!
Watch and listen...
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Bart wants to make a star - for FREE!!!
Are you a regular BART rider? Want the glitter and glamour of being apart of their new marketing campaign?
Then BART has a job for you. The Bay Area transit agency is looking for a few good people -- two in fact -- who use the service and would be willing to lend their image to the "BARTâ¦and youâre there" marketing campaign.
BART is looking for a regular rider, who commutes using the train, between the ages of 25 and 50 and a casual ride who takes BART "socially."
Filming will last a whole day and take place on June 10 and 11 in some fabulous Bay Area location. If you're interested, you have until April 30 to fill out an online questionnaire and send in a recent photo.
Of course you'll get paid nothing for the campaign by the financially strapped transit agency "but you will gain instant fame and the satisfaction of knowing you're helping get people out of their cars and onto BART!"
Priceless.
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Fred "Curly" Neal is in the House
269 games in 216 cities -
I had the opportunity to chat with the legendary Fred 'Curly' Neal...
hear an exclusive snippet of my chat...CurlyNealblog
Here is the link to purchase tickets directly - HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
The Bay Area dates:
Cow Palace â Daly City â Friday, April 23 at 7p
HP Pavilion â San Jose â Saturday, April 24 at 1p
Haas Pavilion â UC Berkeley â Saturday, April 24 at 7:30p
If you are taking your family the kids can talk to the players and get a signed autograph immediately following the game!
When the buzzer hits :OOÂ head down to the floor...the Harlem Globetrotters will be available for 30 minutes.
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Free admission to National Park
Here's where you can enjoy free admission during National Park Week
| Alcatraz Island - San Francisco, CA | |
 | Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations |
| Channel Islands National Park - Ventura, CA | |
 | Close to the California mainland, yet worlds apart, Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara) and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere ...Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations |
| Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site - Danville, CA | |
 | America's only Nobel Prize winning playwright, Eugene O'Neill, chose to live in Northern California at the climax of his writing career. Isolated from the world and within the walls of his home, O'Neill wrote his final and most memorable plays; The Iceman Cometh, Long Day's Journey Into Night, and A Moon for the Misbegotten. Reservations are required to visit this site.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations |
| Fort Point National Historic Site - Presidio of San Francisco, CA | |
 | From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point protected San Francisco harbor from Confederate & foreign attack during & after the U.S. Civil War. Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of the master brick mason from the Civil War period.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations |
| Golden Gate National Recreation Area - San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||
 | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) chronicles two hundred years of history, from the Native American culture, the Spanish Empire frontier and the Mexican Republic, to maritime history, the California Gold Rush, the evolution of American coastal fortifications, and the growth of urban San Francisco.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| John Muir National Historic Site - Martinez, CA | |||||||||||||||||
 | John Muir was many things, inventor, immigrant, botanist, glaciologist, writer, co-founder of the Sierra Club, fruit rancher. But it was John Muir's love of nature, and the preservation of it, that we can thank him for today. Muir convinced President Teddy Roosevelt to protect Yosemite (including Yosemite Valley), Sequoia, Grand Canyon and Mt. Rainier as National Parks.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail - Nogales, AZ to San Francisco, CA, AZ,CA | |||||||||||||||||
 | "Everyone mount up!" This became a familiar call from Spanish Captain Juan Bautista de Anza. In 1776, as Americans fought for their independence in the East, Anza led almost 300 people over 1200 miles to settle Alta California. It was the first overland route established to connect New Spain with San Francisco. Walk in their footsteps from Nogales, Arizona to San Francisco, California.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Kings Canyon National Park - In the southern Sierra Nevada in Tulare and Fresno counties, CA | |||||||||||||||||
 | This landscape testifies to nature's size, beauty, and diversity - huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world's largest trees! These two parks lie side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of the San Joaquin Valley. Activity varies by season and elevation, which ranges from 1300' to 14,494'.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Muir Woods National Monument - Mill Valley, CA | |||||||||||||||||
 | "This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world," declared conservationist John Muir when describing the majestic coast redwoods of Muir Woods.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Old Spanish National Historic Trail - AZ,CA,CO,NV,NM,UT | |||||||||||||||||
 | Take a journey across the Southwest on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail between Santa Fe and Los Angeles for history, culture, and scenic beauty.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Pinnacles National Monument - Paicines, CA | |||||||||||||||||
 | Rising out of the chaparral-covered Gabilan Mountains, east of central California's Salinas Valley, are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and talus passages define millions of years of erosion, faulting and tectonic plate movement.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes, CA | |||||||||||||||||
 | From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches through its open grasslands to its brushy hillsides and forested ridges, visitors can discover over 1000 species of plants and animals. Home to several cultures over thousands of years, Point Reyes preserves a tapestry of stories and interactions of people. Point Reyes awaits your exploration.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Pony Express National Historic Trail - Various States, CA,CO,KS,MO,NE,NV,UT,WY | |||||||||||||||||
 | The Pony Express NHT was used by young men on fast horses to carry the nation's mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only ten days. The relay system became the nation's most direct and practical means of east-west communications before the telegraph, and it played a vital role in aligning California with the Union in the years just before the Civil War.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial - Concord Naval Weapons Station, CA | |||||||||||||||||
 | On the evening of July 17, 1944, residents in the San Francisco east bay area were jolted awake by a massive explosion that cracked windows and lit up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were instantly killed when the munitions ships they were loading with ammunition for the Pacific theatre troops blew up. Reservations are required to visit this site.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Presidio of San Francisco - San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||
 | For 218 years, the Presidio served as an army post for three nations. World and local events, from military campaigns to the rise of aviation, from World Fairs to earthquakes, left their mark. Come enjoy the history and beauty of the Presidio. Explore centuries of architecture. Reflect in a national cemetery. Walk through an historic airfield, forests, or to beaches, and admire spectacular vistas.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Redwood National and State Parks - Del Norte & Humboldt counties , CA | |||||||||||||||||
 | Stand at the base of a coast redwood and the huckleberry bushes tower over you. Watch statuesque Roosevelt elk grazing in the prairies. Observe the tail of a female Chinook salmon heave skyward as she makes a nest for her eggs. Whether a morning or night person, you can hear the endangered marbled murrelets' keer across the treetops as they fly from sea to mossy nest.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park - Richmond , CA | |||||||||||||||||
 | Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, located in the wartime boomtown of Richmond, California, preserves and interprets the stories and places of our nation's home front response to World War II.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park - San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||
 | Stand on the stern of Balclutha, face west to feel the fresh wind blowing in from the Pacific Ocean. Located in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Pacific Coast maritime history.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - In the southern Sierra Nevada in Tulare and Fresno counties, CA | |||||||||||||||||
| This landscape testifies to nature's size, beauty, and diversity - huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world's largest trees! These two parks lie side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of the San Joaquin Valley. Activity varies by season and elevation, which ranges from 1300' to 14,494'.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||||||||||||
| Whiskeytown National Recreation Area - Whiskeytown, CA | |||||||
 | The Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Abandoned Mine Lands Safety Installations and Crystal Creek Rock Quarry Site Reclamation has been released for public review and comment. The open comment period is from April 7 to April 27, 2010. Click here to view the EA Click here to view the press release for the EADirections, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||
| World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument - Honolulu, HI,AK,CA | |||||||
 | Spanning nearly all of the Pacific Ocean, World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument preserves and interprets the stories and key events in the Pacific Theater leading up to the U.S. entering World War II, its impacts on the mainland, through to the Peace Treaty in Tokyo Bay, Japan ending the war.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations | ||||||
| Yosemite National Park - the Sierra Nevada, CA | |
 | but a shrine to human foresight, strength of granite, power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.Directions, Operating Hours & Seasons, Fees & Reservations |
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Sluggie night out at the coliseum!
A's vs. Orioles tonight in Oakland...
1st 10,000 will be stylin'
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Now, I'm REALLY a "Gleek"
This is hilarious, I can't wait to see the episode next week!
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Cara, Colby...pose nude for Allure magazine...
click thru on the photo below....
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See Giants Baseball from a birds eye view here in the Bay Area!
Click on the photo above to find out how you can watch a Giants game from a truly heavenly vantage point!| (1) Comments | |
A new designer for "Project: Gumway?"
Elizabeth Rasmuson made her dress - and matching vest for her date - out of blue and white wrappers from Wrigley's "5 gum."
The high school junior says she got the idea after hearing about someone making a dress out of duct tape.
She and her boyfriend began collecting gum wrappers last August. Rasmuson says she quit counting after 200.
Since the wrappers break easily, Rasmuson finished her dress with a vinyl top coat.
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A huge new addition to 7th and Townsend
Google Maps
San Francisco painter Brian Barneclo is setting out to paint the City's biggest mural on a building at 7th Street and Townsend.
The piece will cover the entire wall, which is viewable from both I-80 and Caltrain. Once completed, the mural will be 600-feet long and 40-feet tall, totaling 2,400-square-feet of figurative illustration of city life and personal connections.
"Treat it like a 'Boom! Welcome to San Francisco,'" Barneclo said.
The artist is still trying to raise the necessary money to complete the project. Adobe has already pitched in $10,000, and if all other funding is secured, the piece should be done by June.
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Ready, set - ZIP!
People have been waiting hours to climb up a scaffold tower, get belted into a harness and cruise past the Ferry Building while looking off to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
Riders walk up about 100 steps to the top of an 80-foot-tall launch tower where they are strapped into the zip line and sent on about a 30-second trip across the plaza to a landing tower that is about 30 feet off the ground.
Going off the platform is "a bit like you're walking the plank on a pirate ship," said Carol Nelson, the director of marketing for British Columbia's ministry of tourism. "But once you step off, it's just gorgeous."
Trips on the on the zipline will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until April 18.
Check it out!
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For crying out loud
This could be a bad allergy season in the Bay Area, as the recent wet weather is causing trees and plants to bloom at the same time.
Itâs not unusual in the Bay Area to see a coating of pollen on cars, but in other places its worse. For example, some statistics in Roseville show tree allergen levels at more than 2,800 pollens per cubic meter. Last year, the figure was less than 1,000.
The biggest culprit this week? Oak tree pollen.
It only takes 10 particles to trigger an allergic reaction.
The pollens are often locally affected in different parts of the region at variable times. So there may well be places in Northern California where theyâre seeing a high pollen count,â said Kaiser Permanente physician Dr. Randy Bergen in Walnut Creek.
So far, the regional call center has not been swamped by calls.
Angel Waldron, a spokeswoman for the Washington, D.C.-based Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, said that allergy seasons have been getting longer over the years, with six to eight weeks of suffering expected this year in some areas.
Topping the list: Knoxville, Tenn., followed by Louisville, Ky.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Dayton, Ohio; and Charlotte, N.C.
Tree pollen season should subside within a few weeks, but experts say some will continue to suffer because grass and weed allergies rise in the summer months.
Click below to sign up for pollen alerts...
POLLEN ALERT
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Watch out for the Monday Meat Police
Here's the story from AP...
SAN FRANCISCO â Besides approving rules against using plastic grocery bags, mixing recycling with compost, and smoking in sidewalk cafes, San Francisco supervisors have passed a resolution asking residents to observe meatless Mondays.
San Francisco supervisors passed the resolution Tuesday for no-meat Mondays in their latest legislative endorsement of healthy, eco-conscious living.
It cannot stop the city's residents from eating meat. Instead, it is meant to call attention to the relationship between diet and climate change.
To some, the resolution is a welcome reminder of the small part that residents play in solving a larger problem. Others, however, were left asking for Board of Supervisor-Free Fridays.
Most shrugged it off as another one of those "only in San Francisco" initiatives that many forget about soon after passage.
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Big night for Big Mike on American Idol
Thank Goodness for the Judges sacred save...
They used their one and only save of the season, and IMHO rightly so to keep Big Mike one more week...
The judges decided to keep "Big Mike" Michael Lynche from leaving the competition.
The 26-year-old personal trainer from St. Petersburg, Fla. was surprisingly the contestant with the fewest votes this week.
Andrew Garcia and Aaron Kelly joined him in the bottom three.
Big Mike chose to perform Maxwell's "This Woman's Work" to sway the judges to keep him on the show -- and it worked.
Make sure you vote, next week 2 contestants WILL be voted off!
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Back from a few days of R and B
I love how it feels like you can see forever...
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Smiling Riley
I can tell when they are happy, sad, curious, upset etc. They can smile, but nothing like Riley.
It's definately a "Mona Lisa" smile...click on the photo for the complete story on this delighted doggy!
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Molly and McGee - feathered friends
A nesting barn owl in San Marcos, California, has become a world-wide sensation. Molly Royal, as sheâs called, has been viewed by over one million people around the world through videostreamed from cameras just outside her nesting box. During the day and especially during âprime timeâ evening coverage, as many as 17,000 people have tuned in to watch her and her mate, MaGee, and now that their first chick has arrived, that number is expected to increase significantly.
During the day, viewers get extraordinary close-up glimpses of a nesting barn owl via a color video camera. At dusk, Molly-cam streaming switches to a night vision video camera. Molly spends her time sleeping, turning over her four remaining eggs (as of March 22nd), snacking on leftover rat and rabbit, and occasionally stretching her legs and wings. Since her first chick, Max, arrived on March 21st, she has touched a lot of viewers by her gentle tending of her tiny offspring, keeping it warm under her brood patch, teaching it how to eat little strips of rabbit or rat meat, and charming her fans with gentle clucking sounds directed to her chick. And Max has a healthy appetite; in 24 hours, he â or she â has more than doubled in size!At dusk, Molly-cam streaming switches to a night vision video camera that provides black-and-white thermal images of nest box happenings. During the day, MaGee, Mollyâs mate, rests in a nearby palm tree. Barn owls are nocturnal; after darkness falls, owl-cam viewers get to watch MaGee as he visits Molly several times during the night, usually bringing a fresh catch of mice, rats and rabbits. The timing of the first visit is fairly predictable, which is a bit after 7:30 p.m. PST, during which he stops by to say âhello.â As MaGee approaches, Molly hears him and starts making loud chattering sounds. When MaGee enters the box, thereâs much screeching (barn owls donât hoot) and wing-flapping. They greet each other with a bonding ritual that looks like rough mating except thereâs no mating going on and Molly, her eggs, and chick never gets hurt.
The owl-cam started out as a hobby project for retired real-estate broker, Carlos Royal, 67, and his wife Donna. Being nature-lovers, they have turned their one-acre property in San Marcos, southern California, into a wildlife sanctuary of sorts, attracting a wide variety of animals. About two years ago, Carlos set up an owl box, perched above a 15-foot pole. This year, he was delighted to find a pair of Barn owls showing an interest in his box, and quickly got his cameras ready to roll before Molly moved in for the duration. She laid her first egg on February 13th. Unfortunately, it was not viable and started to rot, so Molly ate it. The second egg was laid on February, 16th, followed by four more eggs, each laid about two days apart.
Carlos installed the camera so he and Donna could watch Molly and MaGee raise their chicks. Then, they decided to stream that video feed so family and friends could watch it online as well. But word of the owl-cam started spreading; the Royals watched in amazement as simultaneous viewership went from a handful of people to 50, to 500, to 1000, to 10,000 ⦠and on March 22, more than 18,000 people tuned in to listen as Carlos answered questions sent by elementary school students in Redmond, Washington. Over one million separate IP addresses (that is, individual computer addresses) have accessed owl-cam at one time or another since it started streaming online, and that number is growing. Almost 3,500 fans have joined Mollyâs Facebook page, where updates and the latest photos are posted. âOwl-aholicsâ from all over the US and the world have also gathered in a chat room (next to the owl-cam stream window) thatâs being kept children-friendly by a vigilant and protective team of volunteer moderators; in fact, one sleep-deprived coffee-fueled moderator diligently tends to the chat room all the way from The Netherlands!
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I felt like the Queen of Station #1
Former Captain Rescue 1 SFFD, currently Board Chair San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation and he returned the favor today by inviting me to have lunch with the guys at the Firehouse...
Sandwiches, homemade chicken pasta soup, fruit salad, chips, and the greatest company a woman could ask for...
Everyday they cook and prepare meals for up to 25 guys...they all try to sit down at the same time...but just as we did - duty called...
So we only had a few guys left for the photo!
They cook AND they clean!
I got a tour of the firehouse, it reminds me of what you might see in New York!
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The hills are alive....
I enjoyed an afternoon of horseback riding up on Pleasanton Ridge in Sunol, my youngest horse, KC agrees!
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Give Something Back
Well, here's a habit that's easy to break, it can help you save money and help feed people in your county...all you have to do is start buying your office supplies at GIVE SOMETHING BACK
I had the pleasure of working with the production coordinator, Lori Hope and the audio/video genius -Â Shane Mario on their TV commercial...listen carefully...you'll hear me...(my way of giving back)
I also did an interview with the c0-founders of the innovative role model for business of the future - Sean Marx and Mike Hannigan. You can hear it - as a podcast on our webpage - Today's World.
KOIT and the Entercom family of stations here in San Francisco utilize this business to buy all of our office products...when you think about it...it's a no-brainer, help the community when you buy your office supplies...
Paper = Food
check it out...either online or call them for a catalog
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Don't open THAT!!!
A new cyber threat is making the rounds on the Internet, as the email virus is specifically targeting people on Facebook.
Users may get an email that appears to be from the social networking site, but itâs actually a spam-scam trying to steal your personal information.
âThey tell you that Facebook has reset your password and that if you will just open the attached document, youâll be able to log into your Facebook account directly,â said Dave Marcus with McAfee Labs. âFacebook certainly never sent the email in the first place, and if you open the attachment, you just got malware installed onto your machine.â
Marcus said over 400-million Facebook users worldwide could be affected by this virus.
You should never click on a link asking you to change your password.
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I learn something new each and every day!
Saint Mary's pulled away from Richmond to win 80-71 today in the first round of the South Regional.
It was the first NCAA win for Saint Mary's in six tries since 1959. The 10th-seeded Gaels (27-5) will play Saturday against Villanova, a No. 2 seed that escaped from the first round with a 73-70 overtime victory over Robert Morris.
My question was, what's a Gael?
At first I thought it was a strong wind (then I checked the spelling)
Gael, according to Wikipedia is:
In the strictest sense of the word Gaels are speakers of the Goidelic (or Gaelic) languages â Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Manx. The Gaelic languages are a branch of the Insular Celtic languages, the other branch of Insular Celtic is Brythonic.
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It's Girl Scout Cookie Time
But over the weekend when I traveled to Placerville and there outside Wallyworld was a gaggle of Girl Scouts...and since I had not packed my stash of Samoa's I thought I would patronize these darling children...
But lo and behold, they were not called Samoa's!!!!
Apparently this group changed bakers due to the price hike...and the original company had the name licensed! So these cookies were called -
Caramel DeLites!
Same cookie, same taste...but why is the box bigger?
I don't know...hmmmm I think I need to study the mystery further...
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Freebies for your Birthday...and more
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Spring, is springing!
I got a chance to ride in the hills at East Bay Regional Park's Pleasanton
Ridge, and the almond trees are in full bloom...I hope we don't get a frost!
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Calling all filmakers
To read the complete story...click here
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Did you know that "The City" was fighting to keep the Niners?
I was wrong...way wrong...now I'm wondering why the Niners are chomping at the bit to stay in the City by the Bay...
a look for yourself...you decide...
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My work is so much fun...
"Honey, what did you do today?"
and you get to respond...I learned the Bug dance with the artists from the latest creation of Cirque du Soliel's - "OVO" and they said I have a really good bug face!
The amazing artists from the Cirque show - "Ovo"
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A Charlie Brown Christmas in Concord?
Concord has decided to be frugal and more  environmentally  friendly this yearâ¦so in lieu of spending $20,000 for a cut, city Christmas tree, the officials of Concord decided to use what was already there in Todos Santos Park⦠The tree was scraggly to begin with, but at least it was green. It's since turned an ugly brown.
You see, the well water the city is using is causing the tree to turn extra brown. Well water has a substance called boron in it and, while that is great for grass, it is bad for this particular tree. The experts say it will recover, but not until spring.
From a Concord press release, the city sounds proud of using an existing tree.
"We had to consider the City's budget situation, and using a tree in the plaza is both less expensive and environmentally preferable," Â said downtown program manager Florence Weiss.
"Although the tree in the plaza is smaller in size than a cut tree and has been compared to a Charlie Brown tree, it's large in spirit."
Downtown Concord kicks off the holiday season at Todos Santos Plaza on Saturday, Dec. 5 beginning at 4 p.m. with Santa's Grand Arrival, followed by holiday entertainment, the Mayor's Sing-Along, and Concord's Official Holiday Tree Lighting.
Charlie Brown's Linus would be happy to hear that the City is sponsoring a companion blanket drive. The drive will benefit the STAND! Â Against Domestic Violence shelter for women and children. New, washable twin-sized blankets and comforters can be dropped off any time through Dec. 11 at Sonoma Bank, 1900 Grant St. at Willow Pass Road.
Merry Christmas Charlie Brownâ¦.
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Don't Text and Drive...
Research from the Cellular Telephone Industries Association indicates that Americans send more than 110 billion text messages each month.
AAA reports that 21 percent of all drivers admit to text messaging while driving.
The Pew Research Center finds that a quarter of all teenagers say they send text messages, e-mails, or Tweets while driving;
A 2002 study showed that talking or texting on a cell phone while driving was the cause of at least 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries annually.
Motorists on cell phones or texting exhibit the reaction speed and coordination of drivers with blood alcohol levels exceeding 0.08 â two drinks for most women, four drinks for most men.
A Virginia Tech study of commercial truck drivers show they were 23 times more likely to crash while texting.
And, sadly, more than one-third (34 percent) of 16- to 17-year-olds with cell phones admit to texting while driving, while just under half (48 percent) say that they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone "that put themselves or others in danger."
Brain research shows that when drivers hold a cell phone, they âlookâ but they donât actually âsee.â They believe they are paying attention but are not.
The evidence is clear. More studies show that cell phone use while driving, especially by young people and especially texting, imperils the motoring public, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
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It all adds up...and you can help
What started out as a MBA graduate project has now, 20 years later blossomed into a full blown charitable organization that provides Christmas to families and children around the Bay Area...and I'm asking you to help...
I would like to take a moment to remind everyone that even though your company may no longer get the physical gift cards to sponser a child thru the Family Giving Tree ... you can sponsor a child online ... it's easy and very much appreciated. Their goal is to (match last years total) make sure 60,000 children here in the Bay Area are remembered at Christmas.
If you'd like to make a gift donation in someone's name, it's a lovely way to share the spirit of the season.
And if you have warehouse space that can accommodate the Family Giving Tree in the other months of the year to help them store their supplies, PLEASE contact them...
I would like to take a moment to remind everyone that even though your company may no longer get the physical gift cards to sponser a child thru the Family Giving Tree ... you can sponsor a child online ... it's easy and very much appreciated. Their goal is to (match last years total) make sure 60,000 children here in the Bay Area are remembered at Christmas.
If you'd like to make a gift donation in someone's name, it's a lovely way to share the spirit of the season.
And if you have warehouse space that can accommodate the Family Giving Tree in the other months of the year to help them store their supplies, PLEASE contact them...
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H1 N1...I'm the guinea pig...
I also broke a molar todayâ¦I feel like Iâm falling apart!
Do you FB? You know, Face book? I love itâ¦you can keep up with close friends and acquaintances with a brief look â I feel as if I know whatâs going on without having to invest a 20 minute conversationâ¦Is that bad? I hope notâ¦
What do you have planned for the weekend? Hmmm, not sure yet, so much to choose from. This is my favorite time of year...
I've yet to make it up to the Placerville area and Apple Hill. You can pick your own apples, eat apple fritters, buy apple pie...hmmm, I can smell it now.
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The mother of all mazes!!!
Pumpkin Mazeâ¦and it is amazingâ¦
This farm is jam packed with a dayfull of activities that will put a smile on your kids face, wear them out and enjoy a day in the countryâ¦
Check out their website for directions and everything from their petting zoo to zip lines, corn mazes to the tractor ride!
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Humor for a good cause....
I found this story on OMG! .com...watch the video...glad to see that men are just as aware of breast cancer as women... Kudos to all involved in this project...
"Men for Women Now"
Funnyman Jack Black -- along with several other celebs such as George Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Bob Saget to name a few -- has joined forces with the Noreen Fraser Foundation's "Men for Women Now" campaign and SocialVibe to raise funds for groundbreaking women's cancer research.
Although breast cancer is no laughing matter, leave it to the silly "School of Rock" star to create a video that not only raises awareness for the cause, but makes you chuckle at the same time.
Paging Dr. Jack Black!
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Paying it forward
Never take for granted random acts of kindness, we found this story in the SJ Merc and talked about it on the air this morningâ¦and look at all the good thatâs come of itâ¦
Trader Joe Angelâ¦SJ Mercury News Story
You can follow the story and contribute on Facebook
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Worlds oldest dog passes...
Chanel, the wirehaired dachshund who held the Guinness World Record for oldest dog, died Aug. 28, PEOPLE Pets has learned. The pooch celebrated her 21st birthday on May 6 â that's 147 in dog years, according to the Guinness Web site. ..
Click on Chanelâs picture for the complete story.
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Whitney's back, or is she?
When I first heard Whitney Houston was going to record again, I felt an inner joy. This womanâs voice has been a part of my world here at KOIT for over 17 yearsâ¦Whitney is a mainstay - an anchor of pop music with her touching, soaring ballads and her breezy upbeat dance tunes. What were we going to be treated to? With Clive Davis, her mentor back at the helm and a bevy of prolific songwriters giving her their gems I felt that all would be right in the music world, but sad to sayâ¦when I heard the 1st single and pre-viewed her new album I felt something was missing. And the only word that I could come up with was âpassion.â
When I read Ann Powers review in the LA Times, she summed it up very wellâ¦
âCertain voices stand like monuments upon the landscape of 20th-century pop, defining the architecture of their times, sheltering the dreams of millions and inspiring the climbing careers of countless imitators. Whitney Houston owns one of those voices.
When she was at her best, nothing could match her huge, clean, cool mezzo-soprano â not Madonna's canny chirp, not Bono's stone church wail nor Bruce Springsteen's ramshackle growl. No, it was Houston who best embodied the feminine but gym-toned, black-inspired but aspirational post-racial sound of global crossover pop. Like a Trump skyscraper, Houston the singer was as showily dominant as corporate capitalism itself.
Then, like many a glorious edifice, Houston's voice fell into disrepair. Drug addiction and a rocky marriage to Bobby Brown made her a tabloid staple. More tragically (for listeners, at least), her excesses trashed her instrument, which age and normal wear and tear would have imperiled anyway.
The pain and, frankly, disgust that so many pop fans felt during Houston's decline was caused not so much by her personal distress as by her seemingly careless treatment of the national treasure that resided within her.â
Preview the album, make your own opinionsâ¦Itâs good to have her back, but itâs a shame that weâve lost this treasure, but I will always love youâ¦
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Zen of Taste...an invitation
Iâm happy to extend an invitation for you to join me at this exclusive eventâ¦nestled in the vintage vineyards of
Appreciate the Music
Respect for food â a respect for Life
Taste the Wine
A grand tasting event is coming up on September 8 features the Asian fusion molecular cuisine of
âBo Innovationâ of Hong Kongâ¦
one of the hottest restaurants in the worldâ¦
2 Star Michelin chef, Alvin Leung brings his Xâtreme Chinese cuisine to Napaâs distinguished Robert Mondavi Winery for this once in a lifetime gastronomic experience.
Pairing his amazing menu with delectable Mondavi and Opus One wines, it will be an evening youâll be talking about for many years to comeâ¦and if good food and great wine isnât enoughâ¦click thru on the below picture to the event page to see what else we have in store for youâ¦
It will be a memorable night under the starsâ¦I hope youâll join me -September 8th, Robert Mondavi Wineryâ¦
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Urgent...BART STRIKE
BART Workers To Strike |
| OAKLAND, Calif. -- BART workers will walk off the job this weekend, a union official said today, because the transit agency's management voted unanimously to impose a contract rejected by one of the unions. The strike will begin at midnight on Sunday, said the head of the Amalgamated Transit Union, Jesse Hunt. Hunt said he welcomed further negotiations, but the decision by BARTâs Board of Directors to force pay and work rules on the ATU left them with no choice. The ATU represents about 900 station agents and train operators. It rejected a four-year contract with concessions approved by two other unions. Those unions have said they would honor the ATU picket line. Either side could also ask the governor to declare a cooling off period. BARTâs ridership has grown 35 percent since the last transportation strike in 1997. |
And just in case, consider reviewing these options if a service interruption occurs:
· Adjust work hours
Ask your employer about adjusting your work hours to avoid commuting during peak traffic periods.
· Telecommute
Ask your employer about working from home during some of the time you'd normally be in the office.
· Carpool
Join a carpool and take advantage of "high-occupancy vehicle" (HOV) lanes. Get more information and a list of carpool lanes and other Park and Ride lots on your commute route. Carpool contacts are available through a511 regional rideshare program and also in the Craigslist Rideshare section. For information on casual carpool stops in San Francisco and the East Bay, visit the Casual Car Pool News.
· Alternate routes
You know which roads and freeways will be congested:Â check drive times before you leave home or work and go another way. Get FasTrak to minimize your wait at the tollbooth.
· Ride a BART charter bus
In the event of a strike, BART will provide limited charter bus service between East Bay BART stations and downtown San Francisco. More information will be available soon: Sign up for official BART news updates or check back here.
· Bicycle
Ride your bike to work, the bus stop or the ferry. The East Bay Bicycle Coalition and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition have helpful information available on biking to work, maps of bike routes and safety tips.
· Take public transit
Transit operators will have very limited capability to expand service, but many are keeping their websites up-to-date with changes and updates as they become available:
AC Transit
Alameda Harbor Bay Ferry
Alameda-Oakland Ferry
Caltrain
County Conection
Golden Gate Ferry
Muni
SamTrans
TriDelta Transit
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Music still has a sense of humor
Itâs one of those rare moments during a live performance that you realize that something special is about to happenâ¦or at the very leastâ¦extremely funnyâ¦
Taylor Swift pulls out all the stops to pull a prank on Keith Urbanâ¦Taylor Swift and her band play a hilarious prank on Keith Urban during their concert last night at the Sprint Center on Saturday (August 8) in Kansas City, Missouri. Heâs about to sing his latest hit, âKiss A Girlââ¦
as Taylor writes to Gene Simmons of KISSâ¦
âSaturday night on our last night opening for Keith Urban, we played a prank on him. During his hit song, "Kiss a Girl", Taylor (Ace), myself (Gene), Amos (Paul), and Grant (Peter) came out in full KISS regalia.
Our backup singers Caitlin and Liz along with our FOH engineer Russell were dressed up as Hershey kisses and tossed them out into the crowd. It was a lot of fun and it was captured on this video from YouTube.
Thought you might enjoy it.â
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The Attitude of Gratitude...
The past 4 years have really been trying for me, divorce, the death of my brother, mother, my very 1st horse â Sophie, my cat, friends and family being laid off due to the economic downturn, my home in foreclosureâ¦let me tell you â itâs been a roller coaster ride.
Because of this constant barrage of situations that could be deemed negativeâ¦I should be curled up in a fetal position, but every day that I wake up I have an attitude of gratitude.
I thank God that I still have a home, friends, a great job/career, horses, live in Northern California (the most beautiful place in the United States)
Itâs the only thing that helps me get through the day. You canât see it, but there are days when Iâm sobbing behind the microphone, overwhelmed by the life Iâve created. But I pick myself up and realize that nothing else matters in this world, really matters except the relationships I share with othersâ¦
Material things come and goâ¦experiencing lifeâ¦being awake to the possibilities, is what keeps me going.
Itâs not the mountain off in the distance to conquer, itâs the climbâ¦
This article in the USA Today on August 6, 2009 really touched a soft spot in my heartâ¦
Enjoyâ¦
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She's baaaaaack...
Britianâs âYouâve Got Talentâ runner-up Susan Boyle is currently being featured in the new edition of Harpers Bazaarâ¦
She looks great (a superb makeover!) she feels greatâ¦and is ready to recordâ¦read the story â
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This is why I love all of you that REALLY listen....
A friend of my boss found this on You Tubeâ¦
After over 17 years working here at KOIT, this still gives me a warm fuzzy.
Thanks for always sharing your lives with usâ¦I feel like part of your familyâ¦
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Cars for Clunkers - confusing?
The concept sounds greatâ¦drive a gas guzzler get big bucks back on a newer more efficient carâ¦while that is trueâ¦you have to do your homework to make sure both vehicles qualify for the programâ¦and to make matters worse the EPA just today readjusted the combined mileage figures for some vehiclesâ¦so if you think you qualify, you should check againâ¦some mpg has gone up, some downâ¦
So here are some links to help you navigate the sites youâll need to help you determine if and what you can purchase. Happy car hunting!!!
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Make mine an A positive...
I fell in love with HBOâs âTrue Bloodâ seriesâ¦I know that vampires are all the rage, with the Stephanie Meyer âTwilightâ series being an overnight hit with tweens.
But this is actually a series that I look forward to watching in real time on Sunday nights. What will happen to the romance between human -Sookie Stackhouse and vampire - Bill Compton now that Bill has to parent his progeny? Why is Sam Merlotte trying to leave Bonn Temps and where is he headed? What is MaryAnne? Will Lafayette never come out of the house after dark? And Tara? Only time will tellâ¦
I also understand that Comcast will be streaming HBO and Cinemax shows, movies and other content online to 5,000 subscriber households in a national trial set to start in coming weeks. It is the first time the two premium movie channels will be offering their programs over the Internet to computers. Downloads to mobile devices may come in the future.
Unveiled last month, the venture dubbed "TV Everywhere" by Time Warner and "On Demand Online" by Comcast began with TNT and TBS.
The cable channels will be available through Comcast.net and Fancast.com, Comcast's video aggregator site supported by advertising. About 750 hours of programming a month initially will be available and expected to increase over time.
Critical to the trial is authentication of viewer as a paying subscriber. Users will be asked to log on with a user name and password. If they are paying for the five cable networks, the system will authenticate them.
The trial includes only Comcast customers of both video and Internet services. In the future, deals will be made with other ISPs, even Comcast rivals such as phone companies.
The HBO and Cinemax trial will include full-length episodes of "Entourage" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" as well as movies including "Kung Fu Panda" and "The Dark Knight."
Subscribers can watch the programs online right after they are shown on television. They also can access a library of older programming.
I canât waitâ¦Vampires on the goâ¦
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Can you imagine?
I had the pleasure to interview Barbara Becnel Executive Director of Neighborhood House of North Richmondâ¦
And I urge you to support all the good that they do in the
East Bay by being a part of their
How would you like to win a $4.3 million dollar home
in the Oakland Hills ⦠Or $2 million in cash?
Then support them by buying a raffle ticketâ¦
BTW, the earlier you buy a ticket the
more chances for you to win early bird prizes                                Â
as well as the grand prizeâ¦
Raffle tickets are priced at $175 each.Â
But for a limited time only the early-birdÂ
discounts listed below will be in effect.Â
Â
Early-Bird Discounts
As of July 1, 2009, the following Fourth-of-
July discounts will be in effect untilÂ
July 5, 2009:Â
 (1) You can purchase three tickets for onlyÂ
$175. NHNR will donate $25 from thatÂ
$175 purchase to any one of the CaliforniaÂ
social service agencies listed on the
Dream Big Raffle 2009 Entry FormÂ
or click on "Rules" to see the list.Â
Â
You can decide which organization receives the $25Â
donation; let us know your choice at the time of purchase.
Â
Check out their website and get in on your chance for a
Dream house and helping a wonderful community partner!
Neighborhood House of North Richmond!
Â
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America's got talent...
What a pleasant surprise watching âAmericaâs Got Talentâ to see a young girl, a LOCAL young girl sing an amazing song.
Iâm talking about Thia Megia from Tracy. Sheâs been singing since she was 4 and now 10 years later, you might consider her a veteran of the music business, making her way around the Bay Area singing for the the 49erâs and Giants gamesâ¦
Check out her video from last night...
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The world has lost an incredible talent...
My first thought was...he's my age...what in the world happened? Now, TMZ.com is known for it's celebrity gossip, but could they have gotten it right?
I immediately called Larry Ickes here at KOIT and told him to look into the story...
Sure enough 45 minutes later, while still unofficially confirmed, Michael Jackson was dead at the age of 50 of unknown reasons...
With Farrah Fawcett, an icon of angelic proportions passing earlier in the day...and Ed McMahon earlier in the week leaves us all feeling a bit vunerable, human, mortal.
Celebrity's we grew up with, passing, leaving their mark on our hearts with their talent.
You can remember Michael's amazing talent through YouTube.
What is your favorite song of his?
Did you know that he was one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice?
13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo careerâmore than any other male artist in the Hot 100 eraâand the sales of over 750 million albums worldwide, made him a part of popular culture for almost four decades.
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American Idol musings...and more
All in all it was a very entertaining showâ¦did you notice the star studded A-list of performers were predominately Lite Rock artists? Hmmm, familiarity breeds contentâ¦
After that heatwave we had over the weekend, the strawberries and blackberries are sweet and tastyâ¦I picked some up at my favorite little farm stand on the corner of Byron Highway and Highway 4. The sweet corn is not far behind, already knee high in some fields.
I live in the Tri-Valley area and have seen the devastation that the economy has taken on small business. I want give kudos to Lou and the crew working at Taqueria Azteca in Dublin. They have some of the best local Mexican food in the areaâ¦they were hit hard by all the businesses in the area going out of businessâ¦Good Guys, Circuit City, Meryvnâs, a car dealership, Home Expoâ¦AND a national Mexican franchise moved in across the streetâ¦and they are only off by 30%. Stop in and try the shrimp quesadilla and tell them Laurie Sanders from KOIT sent youâ¦
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Rockin' the Mint...
There is a star studded event coming to the U.S. Mint here in San Francisco at 5th and Mission.
It's called Standing Ovation: Rockin' the Mint .
It's to honor San Francisco's elcetic music and musicians that have made their mark in music and San Francisco's history. And it's to benefit the renovation and restoration of the U.S. Mint!
Talk about star-studded...
the 7 honorees are:
Carlos Santana
The Grateful Dead
Huey Lewis
Booker T.
Jefferson Starship
Boz Scaggs
and Tower of Power.
The mint is becoming a living musuem dedicated to the stories behind the artifacts and the company - Wolfgang's Vault is helping to supply of never see artwork and recorded concerts from the late Bill Graham.
So if you miss or can't afford to attend the gala on June 4th...The Mint is hoping to be open the 5 days following the event to let you come in and enjoy and delight in all the memorbilia...
This is a first...because the Mint is techinically not officially open...so as we get closer, I'll be reminding you on the air to head over to 5th and Mission.
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soon, it will be one...
I'm originally from Wisconsin, my sister Suzy, still lives there, Danny Gokey, American Idol is from Milwaukee...well, come to find out that my brother-in-law, Jim works with and is friends with someone named Noel who gets to hang out with Danny and his family.  So Jim's only 2 degrees of separation.
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Where’s Laurie this weekend…
If youâve been looking for a new camera and all the trimmings, Iâll be out at the Ritz Camera on Sunday from 1pm-3pm here in San Francisco at Halidie Plaza at 5th and Market Street.
Iâll be giving away tickets to the Marin/Sonoma Concours dâEleganceâ¦Stop by and say hi.
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Just call me, Lead foot Laurie
Not reckless, just fastâ¦and last Thanksgiving as I was trying to rush up to UC Davis to visit my horse coming out of surgery, I was issued a speeding ticket.
Fast forward to February 2009, I was coming home after doing mornings for Jackâ¦and bam! The trusty CHP hands me a pretty little yellow slipâ¦ok, OKAY! I get the message ⦠SLOW down Laurieâ¦
because I donât want these tickets to affect my car insurance, I opt for Traffic school, except you canât take it twice within 6 monthsâ¦(there is an 18 month waiting period)
So if youâre wondering who the slowpoke is in the 2nd lane from the rightâ¦it will be me, behaving myselfâ¦
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Another singing sensation out of Wales
Last week it was 47 year old Susan Boyle from Scotland...now a followup with an unflappable 12 year Shaheen Jafargholi from Wales.
Britain's Got A New Sensation
Tonite 2 on American Idol make their way to the aisles...headed for home...after the magnanimous save by Simon and the judges...let's see who...
Another hot day here in the Bay Area...how do you keep cool?
Hydrate, sunscreen and stay out of the heat if you can't take it...
funny, I come to work to escape the heat during the day, and today at 5am the studios AC (temperature controlled building) was not working...
86 degrees...it was like working in a sauna with Julie and Lisa!!!
Have a great cool, day!
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What a weekend!
First of all my cocker spaniel Emily alerted me to the fact she must of picked up a foxtail when we went out to the Las Trampas park on Thursday...ok, quick trip to the vet, $230
- Emily with her cone head
Then, out to the the City for the Sugar Bowl Bakery Brownie Bite competition with the monies being raised help the Willie Brown Jr. College Prep School on Silver Aveune here in San Francisco.
- The Judges,
Super Bowl left guard SF 49'ers -Guy McIntire,
Former Mayer - Willie Brown,
SF Chef of Police - Heather Fong,
Sugar Bowl Bakery - Kevin Lee, and
SF Fire Chef - Joanne Hayes White
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Not only a British sensation
grab a Kleenex and be prepared to be humbled by our next contestant,
Susan Boyle
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Play ball!!!
For real...
Take a peek at Swish pitching...
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Something new...
Laurie's Loves...
Baseball season is back! Go A's, Giants!
Simply Beautiful - had another wrap yesterday and they always make me feel terrific!
Daffodils - Trader Joes has quite the supply!
American Idol
A good night's sleep...
See you next week...
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I feel pretty, oh so pretty...
I'm not a chemist/doctor, and I can't begin to tell you exactly how all this works...but it does...I lost another 14 total inches again today...and my skin always seems to glow and feel so soft the days after the wrap...I go to the San Ramon salon and Janelle always wraps me (she's fabulous!)
So if you've been thinking about it...please tell them you heard about it from me...ask for the Laurie Sanders wrap (the mini fat burning and the excellerator body wrap) and I know that Michelle and her lovely staff will take care of you!
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I love government offices....
How's that for being welcomed into the courthouse! Somebody give that man a raise!
Standing in line, waiting to schedule my court date was another story...
Ciao ~
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American Idol...duh...
My heart and prayers goes out to the family of Sandra Cantu of Tracy. My heart just sunk when I heard the news yesterday...she was so close to home.
Spring break and you are out and about with the kids...and Easter is this weekend...have fun!!!
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The light at the end of the tunnel...
What I've learned is patience and faith and living in the now...savoring every moment with what I have, feel gratitude for what I've been blessed with, and realize if everything falls apart it only means that something greater is coming my way.
So keep the faith, I believe in something greater that has it's own divine plan...I wish you peace.
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Idols, brackets and other curiosities...
Paula's girlie giggles and Simon's directness.
Like everyone else, I fell for Adam Lambert from his 1st Bay Area audition...but I'm also enjoying Alexis and Matt Giraud...so far (for me)
those are my top 3 that always seem to take it to the next level...
sad to say I think that Scott MacIntyre and Michael Sarver will be gone...
What is with the brackets? So many teams so little time...I love sports...but I can't seem to wrap my head around all of these college teams...so I'll go with one that I always grin at their name...Gonzaga...did I spell it right?
With the economic freefall...we all are cutting back...and usually it's on fun things like entertainment...so a few artists realize this and have cut their concert ticket prices...
Keith Urban is selling his lowest ticket for $20 without any transaction fees.
No Doubt - hits the road May 16 in Las Vegas and is selling $10 and $25 tickets in some arenas
U2...their hug U2 360 stadium tour will offer about 10,000 seats per stop at $30.
So don't think you can't afford it...check the prices before you rule out a night out.
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In these troubled times....
We're all drained in some form or fashion, weary from the headlines...gosh I can't even get away from it in the elevator...they have monitor there telling all the bad news of the day...
Then I read something today in the Chron...that gave me hope...
an article about being able to give without it costing you money...
Check out this website...
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Wow....finally some blue skies
One thing I know for sure...I will be cutting my lawn twice next week when we have sunny skies!!
What's on my radar?
Been looking forward to the season finale of Glen Close in "Damages"
Enjoying Steven Speilberg's "United States of Tara" I think Toni Collette should get some acting accolades next year at the Emmy's. She's incredible in the mulitiple roles...
and of course - American Idol - season 8...we now have the 12 finalists with the extra 8 wild card contenders..
....the judges unveiled the eight wild-card round contestants who will vie for the final three spots in the top 12 on Thursday night (March 5): Von Smith, Jasmine Murray, Ricky Braddy, Megan Joy Corkrey, Tatiana Del Toro, Matt Giraud, Jesse Langseth and Anoop Desai. . . no offense, but I hope the drama queen - Tatiana doesn't go thru...
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Happy Anniversary to Me!!
.
I've been here on 96.5 KOIT for the past 17 years...it seemed just like yesterday that I stepped in to the studios on Maiden Lane.
I started doing a dedication show called "Nightlight" from 7pm until midnight...playing lovesongs and dedications for all the hopeful romantics here in the Bay Area.
.
Then in 1997 the powers that be thought I would be better suited to taking you home in the afternoon...and I've been driving the bus for the past 12 years doing 3pm - 8pm.
.
The reason for my longevity? YOU...pure and simple. You embraced me with open arms and encouraged me to share your commute home every weekday. And for all your support and love...
I thank-you from the bottom of my heart...
.
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Hello world!
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She's baaaaack...
What can I say...it was an interesting holiday season, my first alone and perhaps thats why I chose not to talk about it. I was in the holiday spirit, just not part of it...and I guess I felt a bit self conscious about sharing that here. I promised myself it would be different from the last one...and it was, and that's what counts.
None the less, it's the new year, with new possibilities a chance to make new plans, new friends - a new life.
So with your help - we'll make whatever trials and tribulations of 2008 a bittersweet memory and move forward.
Speaking of that...we're walking, we're walking....
What's new with Laurie?
Dogs - Emily and Oliver doing ok...funny little cocker spaniels that entertain me beyond belief...just ask me someday about squirrel TV.
Dolly - the mare with the injured leg has healed but still extremely lame...but it's expected. We still have another 20 days to go before we start handwalking.
Starting to date again....how DO you do it? It's been an interesting new venture so I'm making it up as I go. I figure I'm no longer a teenager, so those old dating rules don't apply to me...so it's a new adventure!
Well, I caught up on the HBO series - "True Blood"
the new FX series "Damages" is back on...Glen Close at her best!
and American Idol starts up again next week...I can't wait.to see what talent or lack thereof auditioned here in SF!
Stay tuned! I'm back...sorry that I took a break, but it's a new day...a new world...
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Where have I been?
I have been made Executive Director of KOIT's pulic affairs program - Today's World, so I've been getting up to speed on all of my new responsibilites ...and meeting new people! What fun! I can't wait to see what the future holds.
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My Dolly...
Also, one of my horses - Dolly had serious injury to her leg, with life or death consequences with a septic joint infection. She's in the care of the terrific equine teaching hospital- UC Davis. Monday I finally received a glimmer of good news, that the bacteria was not spread and she is eating better. We're cautiously optimistic, but she's not out of the woods yet, your prayers and positive thoughts are greatly appreciated.
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Also, with Christmas right around the corner...here's something to think about if you're sending out Christmas cards...
When you do your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.
When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001
Please pass it on.
When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001
Please pass it on.
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Happy Howl O Ween
Here are some photos of the Howl O Ween Doggy costume contest for the Furry Friends Rescue in Fremont last Saturday.
I had the pleasure of being the celebrity judge...some of my favorite photos...
Enjoy!
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I had the pleasure of being the celebrity judge...some of my favorite photos...
Enjoy!
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Now that the rain is here...Winter isn't far behind
If you are a homeowner...something to think about...I know I already have...as soon as I heard it was going to rain I moved firewood, pulled in patio stuff that I didn't use or want to get wet, believe it or not, cleaned the gutters and replaced the filter in my furnace...
still plenty more to do...
Enjoy the article:
1. Check your heating system including filters, pilot lights and burners. Have the system serviced by a qualified professional. Cleaning and servicing now can save you money later. Learn steps to boost your furnace's efficiency and how to replace your furnace filter.
2. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold-air returns. Dust build-up in ducts is a major cause of indoor pollutants and can increase incidences of cold-weather illnesses. Consider hiring a pro to clean hard-to-reach ductwork.
3. Paint interior rooms while it's still warm enough to leave windows open. Ditto for shampooing or replacing carpets. Give a fresh start to your interiors just in time for fall and winter parties and family gatherings. Learn painting steps to success -- how to choose the right paint, how to solve paint problems and more.
4. Caulk exterior joints around windows and doors. Caulking helps keep your house weather-tight and lowers heating and cooling bills. It can also help keep insects and other "critters" out of your house. When you caulk before painting, it eliminates edges where the paint may start to peel.
5. Protect your home from uninvited critters. As urban limits expand, more and more homeowners have to contend with wildlife in their yards and houses. Installing grates, securing trash containers, even humane traps may help.
6. Start to put away tools and equipment left outdoors during the summer such as play equipment, lawn mowers, barbeques, gardening tools and hoses. It may be time to winterize your pool, too.
7. It's time to think about the condition of your roof. Be proactive and prevent emergency -- and expensive --repairs. Find out about common trouble spots and how to locate a leak from inside.
8. Next to checking your roof, insulating your home is one of the most important tasks to accomplish before the onslaught of winter. Insulation goes beyond simple weatherstripping and caulking (see #4) and may be a job for professionals. The money and energy you'll save will make the job worth it. Learn more about insulation...
9. You insulate and weatherstrip and think that you have your home all sealed up for winter. But there are some inconspicuous spots through which heat can escape. Learn how to seal these gaps too.
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Happy Halloween!
Well here we are already...Halloween 2008
Here's a way to be green and save a pumpkin, without the mess!
Here's a way to be green and save a pumpkin, without the mess!
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Where's Laurie this weekend...
for more information - click here
Here's one the dogs up for adoption....one of my favorite breeds - Cocker Spaniels!
Isn't Brian adorable?
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Happy Bosses Day!
Today is the day you can show your gratitude and thanks to your boss...here's a bit of the history on this day...
Patricia Bays Haroski registered "National Boss's Day" with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1958. She was working as a secretary for State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Illinois at the time and chose October 16th because it was the birthday of her boss, who happened to be her father.
Four years later in 1962, Illinois Governor Otto Kerner backed Haroski's registration and officially proclaimed the day.
National Boss's Day has become an international celebration in recent years and now is observed in countries such as England, Australia and South Africa.
Hallmark did not offer a Boss's Day card for sale until 1979, but increased the size of its National Boss Day line by 90 percent in 2007 by creating collections of new and innovative cards.
National Boss's Day is usually celebrated by presenting one's boss with a small gift or greeting card. It is also customary to treat one's boss with extreme kindness, very similar to a birthday.
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Where's Laurie
I'll be there from noon until 2 and you could win a $200 gift card to the Outlet...
It's easy to get to, just click on the photo to find the Napa Premium Outlets...
See you there!
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What's going on?
I got a flu shot last week. The CDC says that they are well prepared to handle this flu season and that just about everyone, including children should get a flu shot. My doctor told me it should cover 12 of the worst strains they think might be a problem this season.
I hope they are right!
I love Sho-times "Dexter" I've been a fan for the past 2 seasons, I've read the novels by Jeff Lindsey and we're into episode 2 and things are moving pretty quickly. I read the article by Tim Goodman of the Chronicle and we the TV viewer is so accustomed to having plots and story lines dragged out thru the season and then some, that we almost get lulled into thinking that a TV show will live on forever, can we say "The Simpsons?" Anyway with that said...Dexter is in a whole lotta trouble and it's only the 2nd episode. I'm so glad someone had the brains to cast Jimmy Smits in this show. Good to see him working again...he's brilliant and perfectly suited to his role....can't wait to see where this goes...
I promised you a link for a video that won the Cannes Festival Award. I love things like this....makes you take stock in what you have, what you believe and how you believe in it....be careful, your words are very powerful and can make a difference in your life!
The Sign
Enjoy!
Laurie
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Save a buck...
retailmenot.com
you can also check
currentcodes.com
keycode.com
The new TV season is underway...and my DVR is working overtime...
Dancing with the Stars
Desperate Housewives...and
Dexter...
I love Michael C. Hall...
I watched the season premiere of Showtimes "Dexter" It's gonna be another year of cat and mouse for Dexter with the brilliant Jimmy Smits on board with a major role in this years cast...hmmm, the clot thickens!
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My trip to Italy..
Laurie's Italy Trip 2008
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It doesn't add up...
My 11 year old's math is more complicated than this...
I didn't write this, it came to me as an email from a friend...and I can see the logic amongst the chaos!
I’m having a hard time with the $85 BILLION bailout of AIG.
Instead, I'm in favor of giving 85 Billion dollars to America in a 'We Deserve It' dividend.
To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200 million bona fide U.S. citizens, aged 18+.
Our population is about 301 million counting every man, woman, and child.
So, 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.
Now, divide 200 million, 18+ adults into $85 billion - that equals $425,000.00 each!
Yes, this plan is to give that $425,000 to every adult as a 'We Deserve It' dividend.
Of course, it would NOT be tax free.
So, let's assume a tax rate of 30%. Everyone would pay $127,500.00 in taxes.
That sends $25.5 billion right back to Uncle Sam! It also means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket.
A husband and wife would have $595,000.00!
What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00?
· Pay off your mortgage – housing crisis solved
· Repay college loans – what a great boost to new grads
· Put away money for college – it'll really be there
· Save in a bank – create money to loan to entrepreneurs
· Buy a new car – create jobs
· Invest in the market – capital drives growth
· Pay for your parent's medical insurance – health care improves
Remember - this is for every adult US. citizen, 18 and older (including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehmann Brothers and every other company that is cutting back) and of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.
If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U.S. citizen!!
As for AIG – liquidate it.
· Sell off its parts.
· Let American General go back to being American General.
· Sell off the real estate.
· Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.
We deserve the money and AIG doesn't.
Sure it's a crazy idea, but can you imagine the resurgence in faith in America?
How do you spell Economic Boom? W-e D-e-s-e-r-v-e I-t d-i-v-i-d-e-n-d!
And remember, The plan only really costs $59.5 billion - because $25.5 billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.
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I'm back home....
I apologize for not blogging while I was gone, but my wi-fi internet connection was sketchy at best, so I gave up after the 2nd day. But I did take plenty of pictures...
I've been sifting through all my photos, all 642 of them and trying to write captions for a quick photo re-cap of my amazing trip to Rome, Ischia and Florence...stay tuned as we say....I'll have the link up in a day or so...PROMISE.
(Where's Waldo?)
So I come back home to give away money...how nice is that?!
The "KOIT $25,000 Workday payday song" is back!
I feel like it's Christmas everyday where I can put $1000 in your pocket...and in these uncertain times, a thousand dollars or even $25K can really make a difference...I hope you're on the other end of the phone when I give the money away. I wish I could make you all winners!
What's on my radar? The new season of "Dancing with the Stars, "
the political race, stock market, the economy, the beautiful weather here in the Bay Area, and walking...
I was doing 15+ miles away when I was wandering the streets of Rome - I would like to maintain something healthy from my gelato filled vacation!
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I made it!
Here's the hotel....just out of the way, about 2 blocks from the Colosseum
We ventured out after we got settled, and this is what I saw....AMAZING!
Be looking for ALL of my photos when I return...
Ciao!
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some last minute thoughts....
My 1st European trip! I know I'm behind the times, but I've never had the time, the opportunity or the traveling companion to make this trek to Italy with me ... Until now, so NOW is the time.
I'm hoping we bring along his Mac so I can blog my daily adventures...
I'm bringing my digital camera to document this...
Rome - 1st, all the museums, Forum, Colosseum, Borghese Gardens and museum,
the Vatican on 9-11 (I thought that would be an appropriate venue for that day)
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, Trevi fountain...
then down to the island of Ischia off of Naples, it's considered the "Catalina Island" off Italy...
then up to Florence, more musuems to see the real "David" at the Galleria dell'Accademia
(You may have seen the copy at Cesaers Palace in Vegas...)
(photo has been altered to be "family friendly")
So much to see, so much history...keep your eye here to compare notes and my personal photos
Ciao!
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Time to catch up...
On August 31, I was in San Mateo for the grand re-opening of Lenscrafters at the Hillsdale Mall..
I met so many wonderful people like - A loyal long time listener to KOIT
It's a week away from my Italian vacation. Most of the plans are firm...and now I'm nervous, yet excitied...
Mi scusi...
My life lately has taken so many twists and turns...squamous skin cancer...which was removed in it's entirety and I had the stitches out this morning...I'm a-ok...
Time is quickly slipping through our hands (again) It's already past Labor Day...which means the holidays are just a stone's throw away, I'm not ready - I'm not ready
My personal life is in shambles...I'm not very good at either being single or relationships involving self-absorbed, self righteous men...
Maybe in Italy...
I finally saw "Mama Mia" the sing along version. What fun...and can Meryl Streep sing! I would love to live on an island that beautiful.
I've been watching the Democrat convention and now the Republican convention to get in insight into the 2 men and their entourages...these men who WANT to be President of the United States...too big of a job for me...
Now that kids are back to school, a friend of mine sent me this link...please click on it and help if you can...what a fun way to put money back into our schools!
Great American Dineout.
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Oh, BTW...
It's my birthday week...and we, Leo's love to celebrate our special day!
But, I'll be taking my Staycation right here in the Bay Area...(mostly cleaning up around the house and yard!)
But I will be at the new Lenscrafters in San Mateo in the Hillsdale Shopping Center on Saturday August 23 from noon until 2pm...
Stop on out and say Hi if you're in the area...
Have a great week, and be good to each other!
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How do you take difficult news?
I wanted it checked out, just to be sure...
Well, we're sure, squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer. There, I've said it. Just a weird little bump on my nose, where my glasses rest...something that really doesn't LOOK like anything...except that it was different...and I wanted it checked out. I'm glad I did.
My Doctor wants to do surgery...Mohs microscopic surgery, can I be available on the 26th? Wear comfortable clothing, bring a lunch and plan on the whole day, just in case...in case of what?
I'm still dealing with the word carcinoma...wow, you never think it will happen to you...
What I have is not "life threatening" - yet...what if I didn't have it checked out? So many unknowns...
All I can say is wear sunscreen, protect your kids in the sun and have skin cancer check if you're older.
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Am I on Candid Camera?
yep, there are the keys, right where I left them...in the ignition - along with my wallet, cell phone and everything else on the passenger seat.
How did that happen? Now what? I walked into the store and explained what happened...they were kind enough to let me use their phone. Hmmm, who do I call?
Nobody home...and I don't know any other phone numbers...their all on my cell phone...which is locked in the car. So I decide that I'll be late to my appointment and walk home to pick up my 2nd set of keys...it's only a mile and I need the exercise, so 15 minutes later I find my other keys, make a few phone calls and go back up to pick up my car.
So, okay, a weird situation but everything worked out...I'm only a half hour late and I'm on my way into work...so I'm coming off 3rd street to wind around the alleys to take a shortcut to get to my parking garage on Hawthorne. I have to cut through the parking lot of the Restaurant 2 and they have one of their gates to the street closed. Nobody around, no valet, no construction workers in the street to open the gate, so I get out and do it myself - no problem, except when I go to get in my car - it's LOCKED, AGAIN! But this time with the engine running! I actually said out loud - "I can't believe this is happening!"
It's now 2:20pm, I'm within 100 yards of my building and my car is running with the keys locked in it...no cell phone, no money, no second set of keys this time....a young woman offers me her cell phone and I decide to call Triple A...my favorite question they ask is. "Would it be possible to call someone from home to bring you a second set of keys?" Ah, no, because they're locked inside the car...
Well, long story shortened, they said it would be an hour before someone would be out...and did I have a number where I could be reached...no, because my cell phone is locked in my car and this wonderful kind stranger is letting me use her phone, and I don't know her or her number!
So, I begin to wonder how thieves steal cars....what can I use to perhaps "pop" the interior handle of the door. I wander into "2" to find a wire coat hanger...nope, none...I walk down to "Thirsty Bear" and strike gold!
For a moment I thought what a cruel joke it would be for me to return to my car and to have it be gone! No such luck! I can get the hanger in the window and down around the lever, but it's not strong enough to pull open the door...then Luis from "2" comes out with some pastry knives and various kitchen tools to see if they will reach...nope. Then he thinks of the perfect item...a poultry skewer! it's about 2 feet long, about a half inch wide and very slim...the perfect tool to "jimmy" open the door. SUCCESS! Just in time for me to get in - park it and be on the air...
Thanks for everyone who generously gave of themselves to help out in my moment of challenge!
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Well, it was bound to happen
I know, who cares? He's not a 49er or Raider... Well, I'm one of the original "cheddarheads" I grew up with Vince Lombardi's Packers...and have been a fan ever since Bart Starr...
Yes, I love Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Howie Long, Marcus Allen...but my current fave has been Farve!
Quite frankly, I was devastated when he chose to retire back in February...but I thought, hmmm, it's been a great run...and he was absolutely a joy to watch play the game....talk about a gamer!
But I just won't be able to wrap my head around Brett wearing a different color green...
(I got a chance to see him in his last game against the 49ers in December of '06...)
I will miss Brett Farve as a Packer!
I guess I can now start cheering for Aaron Rogers from Cal...
Change is always a hard pill to swallow...
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Where has July gone?
I say the same thing every year, practically every month...August, (my birthday month - Hey, Leo's LIKE their birthdays!) is almost here... look forward to it ...my favorite time of year...August, September and October...right before the big holidays...days are still warm and long...and being here in the Bay Area, well, it's a paradise onto itself...I love it...
That said...I'm doing my best to keep a positive attitude, yes even KOIT air personalities have low moments...so many people around me have lost their job, including my significant other...and just like you, my paycheck just doesn't go as far as it used to...so you make adjustments to accomodate the $75 a tank of gas you need 5 times a month...and eat plenty of Mac 'n Cheese.
How are you coping? How do you stay positive?
I read alot of various articles and books to help maintain a sense of balance in this crazy world we live in...here's an example: "How to be Happy in the next 30 minutes!"
I find that if I have an "attitude of gratitude" for ALL things in my life - the good and the bad, knowing that all things have a purpose in moving you to a new direction...it takes alot of stress and pressure off my mind...perhaps this is just wisdom that comes with age...
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Where's Laurie?
I have so much fun playing in the morning with Sherry Brown and Lisa Daley. Truely, what you hear on the air is just an extension of how we are off....just a couple of gal-pals sharing thoughts on pedicures by toothless fish (see story), how our "A's" and "Giants" are doing, Candy Spellings $47 million dollar condo in Los Angeles, the fact that any little glitch in our schedule causes us to break our exercise regime. Just another 20 pounds...that's all! I relish the moments that Jack goes away and I get to come and play with the "girls" of KOIT!
Saw the new "Batman" movie - "The Dark Knight" 7 out of 10 ... Something was missing tho,
Heath Ledger was terrific...scarey makeup, and a twisted "tic" of licking his lips...Didn't like Maggie Gyllenhaal, but I didn't like Katie Holmes either...Christian Bale...ok...not as convincing as the 1st - "Batman Begins"
Just too hot to go out and do some horseback riding...my kids will have to wait until the weekend...
I'm going to have to make a video of my cocker spaniel, Emily...she is such a hoot in the morning, whether I wake up at 3:15am or 8am she's ready to play...
Until tomorrow....ciao
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La Dolce Vita
It's a 13 day trip when it's all said and done, from September 8 - 21...and we've chosen Rome, Florence and perhaps Naples (because of friends and family here in the States)
Yes, we're going to do all the touristy things...Vatican City: St. Peters Catherdral, Sistine Chapel, Vatican museums, Colosseum, Forum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Uffizi - Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and Raphael's Madonnas.
But my question to you is, where to stay? I don't need nor want a high end hotel, but something comfortable, with character (if possible) easy to get to the train station or at the very least, not get lost!
What are somethings that nobody mentioned that you found useful on your travels in Italy?
What one thing that you should have taken, but either forgot or didn't know to take with you?
I'd love to hear from you...on your "do's and don'ts" for traveling to Italy...
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Time to catch up....
Speaking of the Mountain Winery, they're undergoing some major renovations...all designed to make your concert experience even more enjoyable and to coincide with their 50th anniversary! Due to the restoration their 1st 2 shows are being moved.
The Styx performance orginally scheduled for July 2nd is been moved to September 17...and all tickets for the orginal date will be honored, you don't have to do a thing.
And the Wynton Marsalis performance on July 6th will now be held at the Flint Center in Cupertino (21250 Stevens Creek Blvd) with a showtime of 8pm.
Click here for more information on what to do for the July 6th concert with Winton Marsalis.
Independence Day is fast approaching...hmmm, what to do...
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You have the find the beauty in the moment...
Enjoy!
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Where's Laurie
I'll be back to my regular slot on Wednesday from 3-8pm
Then on Saturday I'll be in Palo Alto at McRoskey Mattress Company in Palo Alto from 1 - 3 pm.
You can stop by, say hi, and enter to win concert tickets to the Mountain Winery in Saratoga.
I'll be drawing winners every 15 minutes...so your chances of winning will be terrific!...
Peter Frampton, Chris Isaak, The Doobie Brothers, Donna Summer and Chicago.
A wonderful evening of music surrounded by the beautiful vineyard.
Stop by 220 Hamilton at Emerson in Palo Alto this Saturday...
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North Beach Festival and Happy Fathers Day!
I'll be at the 54th Annual Precious Cheese North Beach Festival this Saturday, June 14th
from noon until 2pm...
Stop by and say hi! For more information on the festival which runs both days
this weekend...check out their website:
North Beach Festival
...and if you're a Dad, Happy Fathers Day! Enjoy this day off...one of the few without the "Honey-do's!"
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I can hear the bells...
well, sort of...what I mean is - "Good Morning, Baltimore!" Going to see "Hairspray" at the Orpheum Theatre tonite, I'll let you know how this production is...
I have a funny feeling my daughter and I will be singingand dancing in our seats!
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Seal Photos
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Miscellaneous stuff..
It could make a terrific Father's Day gift...
I just wanted to thank everyone involved in the Black and White Ball 2008, Patricia Sprincin - chairman, Jill Deitch - Marketing Consultant, Laura Knerler, the stage manager (thanks for always pointing me in the right direction!)
Thank-you all for a fantastic evening!
Pictures to come when I get them...
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Happy Memorial Day!
For me, Memorial Day is a time to think about the sons and daughters of our great nation who are far away from home, their families and the courageous and fearless sacrifices of those who have given their lives so that you and I might live in freedom.
The brave men and women who have left behind their families and friends to fight for our country deserve nothing less than our highest appreciation and deepest gratitude.
Will you join me in thanking those men and women who are fighting today, their families and remembering the sacrifices of those who have given their all for our freedom?
I encourage you go to a local parade or other memorial service to seek out a veteran and take a moment to stop and say thank you.
IWithout veterans and their commitment to fighting for our nation, you and I might not be celebrating with our families and friends this weekend.
So to those who are fighting for our country and those who have fought for our nation, I say thank you.
I am truly honored to be able to call myself an American.
Happy Memorial Day.
God Bless America,
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Fresh!
Brentwood is coming alive with the fabulous freshness of the fruits of the season and region.
Strawberrys abound, blackberries are succulent. Peaches are starting to come in. Bing cherries are turning ruby red.
And I noticed that the sweet corn was in tassle, so it's only a matter of (short) time before we can slather butter and salt on these beauties.
Of course you can find this produce in our local supermarkets, and even better, your local farmers market, but there is something magic about getting it from the source. On Saturday, I actually helped the farmer pick the blackberries I later turned into jam - how's that for a hands on experience!
For your own experience many local growers have a pick-ur-own fields...for a map/list of local growers in the Brentwood area check out "Harvest Time In Brentwood"
Happy "fresh" eating!!!
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You just never know
"Fieldtrip," I surmised as I approached them on the trail. They were playing bingo and were extremely excited to see me...or at least my horse...it was one of the characters on their bingo card.
"It's okay Sadie, just 10 or so pre-schoolers out for a hike on this beautiful Thursday...easy girl...you'll be fine." As I rode closer I noticed someone with a camera, filming this expedition...
"How cute" I thought, "Daddy's recording this for posterity!"
Actually, it was the camera crew from channel 5 - KPIX's "Eye on the Bay"
they were out filming a story for future use, so if you see this segment and you see a woman on a horse - That would be me!
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American Idol - Dancing with the Stars
but it was not meant to be...
Mario went home, I think a week or two too soon...Jason, is just too stiff and...well, awkward?
What was that I heard on American Idol last night! Egads! For these performers at this point in the game to be singing like that...I don't know if any of them really wants to be the next American Idol.
My bet is that the other Jason (Castro) goes home tonight. Can someone hire him as an underwear model? He's got great eyes!
My favorite contender has been David Cook, since his take on "Billie Jean"
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Losing a week of my life...
I did get a chance to test the waters yesterday with an outing for the San Francisco SPCA!
It was their 4th Annual Dog Day on the Bay!
Oliver, my 2 year old red and white parti Cocker Spaniel had a grand time aboard Hornblower Cruise ship - Belle, making friends, sharing doggy kisses and stories of our beloved pets - all in the name of a good cause.
The proceeds from their 2 hour champagne brunch cruise benefits the homeless dogs and cats at the San Francisco SPCA. What a howling good time for a great organization!
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How much do you talk to your infant?
Well there's new evidence out that says parents need to say at least 17, 000 words a day to their child from the time they are born until they are at least 3 years old. Watch the video and find out surprising results!
ABC's Good Morning America
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I Believe
I believe ..... That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue,
it doesn't mean they do love each other.
I believe... That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I believe .... That no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe.... That true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I believe .... That you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.
I believe ..... That it's taking me a long time to
become the person I want to be.
I believe..... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them .
I believe . That you can keep going long
after you think you can't.
I believe ..... That we are responsible for what we do,
no matter how we feel.
I believe .... That either you control your attitude
or it controls you.
I believe ..... That heroes are the people who do
what has to be done when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.
I believe.... That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe..... That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I believe..... That sometimes the people you expect
to kick you when you're down,
will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe....... That sometimes when I'm angry I
have the right to be angry, but that doesn't
give me the right to be cruel.
I believe..... That maturity has more to do with what
types of experiences you've had and what you've
learned from them and less to do with how
many birthdays you've celebrated.
I believe..... That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe...... That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I believe...... That our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are, but we
are responsible for who we become.
I Believe ....... That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.
I believe ...... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe....... That your life can be changed in a matter of
hours by people who don't even know you.
I believe...... That even when you think you have
no more to give, when a friend cries out to you -
you will find the strength to help.
I believe...... That credentials on the wall do not make
you a decent human being.
I believe .... That the people you care about most in
life are taken from you too soon.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
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American Idol - Dancing with the Stars
With "Dancing witht the Stars" I find Kristi Yamguchi amazing to watch...I think if she had this kind of training while she was still competitve with ice skating, no one would touch her. She's learning the emotional side of the dance, and it 's starting to show. I know that she's a national treasure - but I find Priscella Presley at bit creepy at times...plastic surgery? perhaps...
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Confessions of a Perfect Husband...
Confessions of a Perfect Husband
Ladies, I'd like your feedback on this...Does the author of this article speak the truth or are their any other secrets that men can keep us happy?
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20 Movies that make men cry ...
Million Dollar Baby, Rudy and Love, Actually...but do you guys actually admit to crying?
Enjoy the list...
I did...
20 Movies that make Men cry
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Spring is Springing!
Here's a local Bay Area Day trip that's worth your while...Stop and smell the flowers at nearby Daffodil Hill.
Save an upcoming weekend for an amazing blast into Spring!
Four hundred thousand daffodils. That is what brings over 4,000 people to Daffodil Hill in Volcano year after year.
The ranch, privately owned by the McLaughlin family, has become a premiere destination for
Best of all, there is no admission fee, although bright yellow kettles are positioned around the entrance for donations (all donations received are spent on purchasing bulbs for the following year).
Several red dirt paths lead to over 300 different cream and lemon colored varieties. Daffodils are showcased in raised flower boxes, on rolling grassy lawns, among antique farm equipment, and in flower pots around some of the old, wooden shacks. Peacocks strut through the flowers, craning their necks with every step. Wood benches and picnic tables are scattered around the property, inviting visitors to sit a spell.
Mary Ryan, trustee of the ranch and granddaughter of Arthur Burbeck McLaughlin and Lizzie Van Vorst McLaughlin who established the ranch in 1887. She spends most days seated in a green patio chair at the welcome area.
Ryan has been part of the Daffodil Hill tradition all of her life and she continues to staff the ranch along with her three sons and several good friends during the few weeks that Daffodil Hill is open to the public.
Daffodil Hill is open mid-March to mid-April, 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. To get to Daffodil Hill, take Highway 88 to Pine Grove. Turn north on
Admission is free. For more information, call (209) 296-7048.
They will give you updates on when they will be open, and the flowers in bloom.
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So, you had a bad day...
If you work in an office I think you'll be able to relate to this video...
Enjoy!
Bad Day
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Gung Hay Fat Choy
Happy New Year!!! Time to celebrate the year of the RAT!
Sun Neen Fai Lock Laisee dau loy!
You can do so by giving a traditional Red Packet - Hong Bao (Red Envelope) is simply a red envelope with money in it, often decorated with lucky symbols, which symbolizes luck and wealth.
Lucky money for kids and singles...to be put in your piggy bank and saved...Laisee money...the more red packets the more money to save.
Traditionally red packets are handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. They are also popular gifts for weddings and birthdays. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular.
How Much to Give
It depends on the situation. If you give red packets to kids for the New Year, age will be an important factor and how well you know them. For a kid of five years old, one or two dollars will be fine. It will be better to have enough money in the red packet for a 15-years old to buy something himself.
Useful Links
How to Make a Chinese Gift Packet
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Angels are everywhere!
I would like to solely blame this on peri/post menopause but, I figure I need to take some responsibility sometimes. Anyway, the other day I couldn't find my brand new iphone. I remembered the last time I had it
(I think) and then tore apart my truck, my office, my kitchen and my laundry searching for it...I even dug through the garbage, just to make sure. No such luck.
The next day, I thought perhaps I left it out at the ranch...so I loaded up my 2 cocker spaniels and took a quick trip to see if that's where it was hiding. No phone.
I swear, I was only out of my car for less than 60 seconds only to return to a running, locked SUV with 2 very happy, wiggly dogs looking at me, wondering why we weren't going to the dog park....At that moment, I knew that God was purposely getting in my way...forcing me to slow down. While it was a frustrating experience, he was right. The only other consequences were that I would probably lose my mind. I pondered this as I waited for Triple A to unlock my car. So rather than rushing around trying to finish what was on my list for Tuesday, I just went to the dog park and let my furbabies play.
Well, I tried not to make myself crazy wondering about the mysteriously missing iphone. Essentially, I let it go. It was just a thing...if I'm meant to have it back, I'll find it....
When you let go and let God it's amazing what miracles, both large and small can happen in your life.
Today just after my riding lesson out at Las Trampas, I was introduced to Valerie Matlock, she was hiking out on the trails of the East Bay Regional Park with her friends - Suzy Mcreary, Suzie Shepard, Britt Jensky and Jenny Jensen when they found my phone out on the trail. They turned it on and played "Columbo" to figure out how to get the phone back to it's rightful owner.
They noticed that the "wallpaper" had a photo of my horse Sophie and deduced that the owner might be an owner of a horse.
"Divine intervention" and the rest they say, is history...
You know, we are all in this together and are truly each other's "everyday angels," responsible to and for one another.
The actions of each and every one of us, no matter how seemingly insignificant, have a profound effect on those around us. Becoming aware of this, and actively exercising our ability to create positive change is the first step to a better world for all of us.
Thank-you for kindness - May you all be blessed with angels in your life!
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Home Depot Yardbirds Concord 2/2/2008
Meet my new buddy - Dominic. He stopped out to the Yardbirds-Home Depot on Saturday, and rushed up to meet me. His Mom and Dad told me Dominic loves to sing the KOIT jingles. "He'll be coloring and singing...Light Rock, Less Talk, 96.5 KOIT!" And Dominic indulged me by singing my favorite tune.
What a Doll...Thanks Dominic for making my day!
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Come join me this Saturday in Concord!
Home Depot/Yardbirds in Concord - 5424 Ygnacio Valley Rd.
from 12 noon until 2pm
I'll make it worth your 'while if you stop by and register for a
$250 Home Depot gift card...I'll pick a winner at 2pm!
Stop by and say hello!
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I wish you...
~Laurie
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger .
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess .
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
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Elf Yourself!!!
they are so much fun, and help to make you feel like a kid again....
Please check out my Christmas message as one of "
Have a great day!!!
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'Tis the Season to...
Here's my recipe for keeping your tree alive and not be a fire hazard!
Greetings!
Christmas Tree Recipe
#1. At the tree lot have them make a fresh cut of 2 inches or more to the trunk of your Christmas tree. This will allow water to move up the trunk of the tree. Even if they say itâs a fresh cut have them cut it again in front of you!
#2. At home quickly bring a gallon of water to boil. Add ¼ cup of Karo syrup and 1 teaspoon of bleach.
#3. Immediately pour the hot mixture into the tree stand. Keep the kids away and be careful not to burn yourself.
Wait several hours (or overnight) to see if the tree is drinking the mixture. If the tree does not drink the tree is already dead. Return it and get a new one. If the tree takes the mixture itâs alive. Check the water level at least every other day. If water is low repeat step # 2 and #3 and your tree should stay fresh the entire month. I've had mine last until February one year!!!
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Lights!
Every year you can count on certain homes in your area that always seem to bring the North Pole right here to the Bay Area...to find out where these little gems are hidden, there is a website that I'd like to share with you....
You've got to check out "Lights of the Valley"
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Happy Thanksgiving!
In the spirit of gratitude here's the information I promised you from earlier today!
If you'd like to send gifts to our troops overseas, the American Legion out of San Mateo is accepting your donations - cash is always welcome, but if you'd like to drop off cotton socks, jerky, books - of any sort, and goodies they will happily send out your contributions.
American Legion
130 South Blvd.
San Mateo, CA
650 345 7388
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Are you ready for the Holidays?
Christmas...Are YOU ready? I'd like to know...
Are you the type that has all their shopping done, with brightly wrapped gifts already hidden in the attic? Or so stressed out that you can't possibly think about the holidays until it's right there in your face. Or somewhere in between?
Me, it feels like I'm gearing up for a marathon race that I haven't conditioned myself for, but I'm in it, nonetheless - raring to go, hopeful at my chances, and this year, really looking forward to the journey of these 26.1 miles...
I'd like to hear from you...how you do it, how you get thru it, and what you look forward to...
...we're in this - together!
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Happy Halloween!
Ghosts, Ghouls, and Goblins! It all comes out tonight as we celebrate this ghastly holiday!
Keep your kids safe as you go door to door trick or treating!
Don't forget about your pets. Lock your kitties and dogs in a back bedroom where it's quiet,
(and they can't hear the doorbell!)
and remember chocolate is a BIG "No No" for your dogs.
It's poisonous to their system.
So be mindful where your children leave their "trick or treat" bags of candy!
Have a safe and spooky holiday!
Keep your kids safe as you go door to door trick or treating!
Don't forget about your pets. Lock your kitties and dogs in a back bedroom where it's quiet,
(and they can't hear the doorbell!)
and remember chocolate is a BIG "No No" for your dogs.
It's poisonous to their system.
So be mindful where your children leave their "trick or treat" bags of candy!
Have a safe and spooky holiday!
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Indian Summer
As a kid growing up in Wisconsin, weather was a constant concern - my father was a farmer, so he worried about the animals, and when would it be good time to plant the corn or cut the hay...and after all these years, I still find myself interested in what the week will be like weatherwise. Funny, what we take with us from our childhood...regardless, it just doesn't get any better than these past few days.
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