Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The iPod is Not Just for Music Anymore


Just when you think that every possible use that could be found for the Apple iPod had been found, Natalie Lenhart, a 20 year old Sacramento woman was unwittingly introduced to yet another little known use of the little electronic device, known as bartering. Barter is a type of trade in which goods or services are directly exchanged for other goods and/or services, without the use of money.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is investigating an incident in which Natalie said she was forced to use her iPod as payment for a cab ride. She took a cab to the airport in early December, but her credit card was declined.

The driver called 911, and Port Authority police responded to the call. Lenhart was told by the Port Authority that she had to give the driver some compensation, so she turned over the iPod.

A spokeswoman for the Port Authority said the incident was being investigated by the internal affairs office. The story was first reported by the New York Post.


 


 


 


 

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

History - President Obama 20 Jan 2009

America's Newest Hero

" Is there a hero among you?" Goliath in the form of Big Business and greed, taunts the crowds of citizens and terrorizes the masses with no fear of repercussions. Frightened Americans must have silently asked a similar question. Where is our hero? Who is our David? This country has its share of super villains. Gas prices started to sky-rocket for no apparent reason. They say the market was volatile, but oil companies still were getting record profits consistently. Villain. I thought the country and the world was just going crazy. Everyone fighting each other and no one listening. Big businesses raping their consumers and employees with inflated pricing and creative deception tactics that fooled us all. (ENRON) Villain. Don't let me get on the topic of war. That's an open-ended conversation these days. For now, I'll just leave that beaten horse beaten. The haves started blatantly robbing the dreams of the have nots. No deception needed. And everyone seemed to be content; like there was nothing wrong with the world. I thought of Eckhart Tolle's book "A New Earth" talks about man's mental state bordering insanity. Ok, actually he doesn't say bordering. The country looked just like Gotham City... and then the bottom dropped out.

In one voice, citizens of America looked to the sky and said "Save us". Panic set in. The haves don't have as much. Careers seem more like Temp agency assignments. The housing market is a mess; banks need a loan (are you serious). Business as usual it seems is not very good business. Bonnie Tyler's song "I Need a Hero" plays softly in the background.

Enter America's newest hero. Instead of saying "No, we will not help", like the Watchmen, this newest American hero has accepted that famous Spider man lesson; "with great power comes great responsibility". A new chapter in American history begins today. A chapter of heroes and their valiant battles against evil. A chapter that I am anxious to live, write about, read about and tell about to all.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Happy Birthday Reverend Martin Luther King

Today, while watching CNN coverage of the events happening in Washington DC and celebrating the birthday of Rev. King, my son asked me an interesting question. He asked "do you think if Martin Luther King did not exist, that America would have still changed its position on equal rights for blacks?" I'm paraphrasing of course, but isn't this an interesting question?

I told him that I believe that it would eventually happen. The northern states opposed to slavery and talked of equal rights for all Americans. But America needed a champion to fight this battle and that's where Dr. King comes in. I believe that if there were no Martin Luther King, that I would still be unable to frequent some establishments, legally. I know one thing for sure; without Martin Luther King, there would surely be no President Obama.

Thank you Rev. King for all that you have given and done for the cause of racial equality.


 

See what else I'm thinking at: http://thinking.today.com

Saturday, January 17, 2009

4 Tips for the Casual Casino Slots Player

Written by: L Jones

Most people love to get money; I know I do. Gambling, but more specifically casinos, offers the chance for instant gratification of this love interest. Before you head off to the casino in search of your love, I suggest you first take a look at my 17 January 2009 Blog at: http://thinking.today.com entitled "How to Keep Your Shirt at a Casino".

Tip 1: Max Bet
– When you first sit down at a slot machine, your initial bet should be a MAX BET. You have a greater chance of hitting the jackpot on your initial pull of the lever.

TIP 2: Start Small – If you are new to slots, start off with the penny slots and work your way up. There is no need in blowing your wad so quickly (ladies hate that). As you become more accustomed to and comfortable with slot machine betting, then and only then should you start off with the higher denomination slots.

TIP 3: Keep Your Eyes Open – Don't sit down at a slot that has just paid out a large winning. Also, look for frustrated gamblers who get up from the slot machine without winning. This is an excellent time to employ the MAX BET tip as well. Keep in mind, if the person that stood up stays and watches you play and you hit big, break them off with a few dollars. About 5-10% will suffice, not to exceed $1000. If you do, make sure they sign some paperwork acknowledging the gift. (Tax season is approaching)

TIP 4: Don't Take Winning too Serious – This tip is for the casual gambler. Gambling in most cases relies on large amounts of luck, especially when dealing with slots. If you gamble with the intent on winning, there is the potential to lose big. This is one of those times when "just go out there and have fun" is a very important bit of advice. If you are too serious about winning and you are losing, this will entice you to keep gambling until you win. Unfortunately, winning is not guaranteed.

There you have it. I hope you use these 4 tips and hopefully they will bring you success while gambling. Now, just go out there and have fun.