As Americans, we take water for granted. But there are a lot of places in the world where it's a great struggle to get any water, and there's talk about water becoming more scarce. Even in this country you hear about droughts in some parts of the country, usually in the West but more recently in the South. Kind of makes you think twice about all the times you flush, don't you?
And we're certainly not suggesting you cut down in your flushing. But another possibility is seeing what you can do to reduce your water usage. If anything, it can help cut down on your water bill. One way to do that is to get a dual flush toilet. You can cut down from 3.5 gallons a flush to 2.1 gallons. You can see that using a low flow toilet can save water, and it can add up over time.
By getting one of these dual flush toilets, you can save water and help to do your part for the Earth (or at least not feel so bad about using water to flush, given what other people in the world), save money on your water bill, and help conserve your usage of our resources. You feel better doing that than buying offests.

When I was a kid, when we went on a trip and we were looking for a hotel to stay at, I'd want my dad to check to see if they had cable TV. Nowadays when I go on a trip, I want to stay at a hotel that has a hot tub or whirlpool. It's just the thing to sit in and soak after a hard day of travelling. But it's a gamble sometimes since different lodgings have their own definition of what a hot tub is.
And it would be great if you had your own private spas or hot tub, but isn't it too much trouble and expense? Not if you plan it right. And I was glad to find a place that sold hot tubs online based in Indiana. But they sell all over. In fact, you don't have to pay sales tax unless you live in Florida. They even have their own private brand hot tub that they sell exclusively on the internet.
They've got all sorts of spas and hot tubs to choose from. They've got some with the TV that pops out at the end, how cool is that? And you can find some at great savings, and they even offer advice on how to get the best one for you and your home, even anticipating possible future plans. It's a great place to look for deals or something good to add to your home.

I've the feeling just starting this post that it's going to be a long one, so if you'd rather skip it, no hard feelings. There is a moment of self congratulation, and I don't like tooting my own horn about things like this, but it illustrates a point I want to make about something that's been occasionally bothering me from time to time, so hopefully you'll hear me out.
I know the way things are set up around here that it's a pain to leave a comment. You have to give a password and with all the passwords you need to navigate certain plumbing on these internet tubes who can keep track of them all? I just wish it was easier for people to leave comments. For what it's worth it's no picnic on my end from the times I've had to delete trackbacks from companies selling chemicals that will enhance certain parts of your life. But I know you're out there (all 5 of you) and there's enough incentive around to keep me going.
I recently received a comment from someone who need help with something I've talked about here a few times. I thought my reply and his response would be too detailed for this public forum, so I deleted the comment and got in touch with him last night to help him out. Yes, I helped out someone I hadn't heard from before on part of my birthday. Okay, the back patting part of the program was over. Again, I only bring it up because I like to think that I handled it better than how I was treated a while back when I had a problem, I felt so bad I contacted someone for help. Actually called them and everything. And while at first I thought they helped me, they ended up ignoring me and after trying to follow up a few times, I got an e-mail that based on an off-hand comment I made on the phone, that they were fed up with my transgressions that they warned me about repeatedly, and that our friendship was over. I was stunned, and the friendship was such that I couldn't have just said "well, that's that", walked away, and went on with my life. First, it was only the second time they brought up that something I did was an issue. And after the first time, not only did I admit my culpability and apologized (not begged forgiveness repeatedly, as they claimed) but I gave them repeated opportunities subsequent to that incident to let me know if something I did was overstepping any bounds and they said it didn't. Sometimes when people are called on something they did, they'll respond as if the accuser is over-sensitive and not only act the exact opposite, but let everybody know they're acting that way because they don't want to hurt the feelings of the accuser, and try to turn public opinion against them, albeit on a small scale. I didn't want to do that. At my previous jobs, I had been accused of being too strait-laced by management in my everyday behavior and I replied that it was my concern that an off-handed or jovial comment that I would make in passing would be misconstrued and might bother someone and I didn't want to take the chance. I didn't want to be that way here. In fact, when I would take tentative steps "out of my shell" not only would I ask if it was inappropriate, I have explained to outside parties witness to this action that it was based on some previous bad behavior on my part, I didn't want to be a stick in the mud, and wanting to make sure my behavior onward was not inappropriate. So not only did they only say responded negatively about something I did twice (even after my checking with them repeatedly) they decided enough was enough, I had done it too many times, and it was all over. Well, they were no saints either, being too obsessed with being on their computer most of the time when I visited them, and treating me lower than a servant and practically ignoring me on another occasion even after all the trouble we went through to be there for them when they needed us, so it wasn't that much of a problem to walk away. I find it interesting to read their online writings subsequent to this event and read "why do I bother, nobody responds to me" comments they leave from time to time. Maybe it's the fact that you only want comments that agree 100% with what you say, and how quickly you'll turn on them if they imply at the least that everything you say isn't hte gospel truth.
So while this incident bothers me, even after all of this time, this is the most I will address it online. Because I know the person in question wants adoration and attention, and ignoring you is the best way to get back at you. And if any of you reading this think you've solved the mystery, I would ask that you not contact this person and try to impress them with your cleverness. First, they think they're the most clever one there is, and will go into great detail to prove you wrong. Think this post is long? Try reading their response to anything you say to them that isn't total adoration. Second, a couple of you might guess wrong and cause somebody a lot of needless trouble that they don't deserve. Third, I'm sure most of you can figure it out (the other 3 readers) and contacting them would only give them the attention they crave. Fourth, if you are the guilty party and decide to respond, just remember my motto is "don't start none, won't be none". You won't get the accomodating person who was walking on eggshells around you that you've dealt with before. The fight will only be as big as you want it to be.
Also, I feel that living well is the best revenge. If the guilty party is reading this post, just know that not only have things gotten better since you stabbed me in the back, but I made more money writing yesterday (on my birthday) than you've made in years. And there are a couple of opportunities to expand on that that will allow me to even more of what I want. Think about that when the alarm wakes you up to go to that job that you love so much. It's the work you've dreamed of doing. And even if I just got 2 cents for Mah Two Cents, that's still more than what you've made in your dream career. And if by some chance you've hoodwinked someone into buying one of your overpriced vanity press books or online reader version of your dull plodding stories, don't start crowing about you actually did make money. I could make money by finding some old person and robbing them, doesn't mean I would be proud of it.

Thanks to Children In Need, the charity the BBC has the telethon for every year, and our friend Gordon up in Chicago, here's a preview for the next Doctor Who special "End Of Time Part I":

If you're a business looking to protect your data you should check outworkload migration.

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

There's some interesting points in this video. I started online with Prodigy and Compuserve in 1994, so I was there to see the launching of all of the web innovations mentioned in the video. And it is interesting how each of those innovations have helped shape and improve these internet tubes. And I'm glad that I even participated in a couple of them (what do you think I'm doing now, tap dancing?)
And I can tell you that people are ready for some innovations when it comes to searching the web. One of my wife's favorite shows is Gilmore Girls and I remember the time that Lorelei's dad responded to her boyfriend Luke's favorite author being Phillip K. Dick that he would "look up Dick on the internet". I had to explain to her why I was laughing so hard at that. When I've had to search online I almost subconsciously used my different tricks to get a better chance of finding what I was looking for. It was good to see and read that something like leapfish would help a lot in that regard. Putting aside the "new web" hype for the moment, it would be good to see some innovations and be able to get some real time responses for what you're looking for. I remember after the last Presidential debate last year that I wanted to get some more information on this "Joe the plumber" that Sen. McCain was talking about. I did get some responses to my online digging, and it helped me to write a post about it, but some real time integration would've helped me with that. Imagine how much better and easier to be to find what you're looking for online instead of having to dig and figure out how to ask for what you really want.

One good thing about joining Facebook was not only reconnecting with people that I hadn't talked to in a long time, but some of them sent birthday wishes to me. One of them was Alex Robinson. How cool was that? I need to check on some Facebook profiles so that I can return the favor.
And you know those birthday wishes you get from companies that have your information? There were a couple of good things in them. One was from Disney Movie Rewards that is sending me a blu ray for $2.95 shipping. I selected Meet The Robinsons because it was the only one out of the 5 choices I didn't have and wanted. Even though it isn't in 3D, we liked it when we got it from Netflix a while back. And DirecTV is giving me 3 free months of Showtime channels, which includes the Sundance Channel. How cool is that?
Both of these were good surprises that I wasn't expecting today.

As you may know I'm always on the lookout for new things to read online. If I read about a blog or website that sounds interesting, I'll go check it out, and if I think it's good I'll share it with you. You're probably not looking for new stuff as much as I am, but you like to hear about anything good that I come across. And I find any information about dealing with the changing paradigm of people going from the traditioanl media to computers fascinating. I don't think I'll abandon print, but it's interesting to read about it.
And I came across this new blog that touched on such things as Pay Per Click in Philadelphia and more. What was interesting was that it wasn't as dry as that sounded. There are a lot of articles about the changing times and how people are adjusting to ways to communicated with other people. And yes, there was some issues that "the man" would concern themselves with such as Philadelphia Adwords, SEM in Philadelphia and other things. But the interesting thing is, it isn't that dry and technical. Check it out. You may be surprised how interesting it is.

Yes, for those of you keeping score at home, it is the big day. I have contacted a plumber to come out and provide an estimate for the situation at the new address, and he'll be out on Monday.
The plans for the day start when Kathy gets off work. We'll travel down to Dagwood's Sandwiches for a late lunch, then take in the movie An Education playing at the art theatre. Then it's straight on to home where we'll fix steak (hamburger steak for Kathy), baked potato (steak fries for her) and corn on the cob.

The holidays are coming up soon and a lot of people are wondering what to get people on their list. Gift cards are what a lot people think of as gifts. And they can pick out whatever they want as a present. But instead of just picking out a design from the selection at the store, and being limited to using it at just one store, you can design a gift card with your own photo or design that you upload. That will make it even more of a special gift and at least show your recipients that there is thought and it wasn't just something you grabbed at the store. They may even keep the card after they use it.

Have you seen those Coinstar machines? They'll count your change and either give you cash back less a small fee for counting it, or give you a gift card with no fees charged to online merchants such as Amazon and iTunes, and I think brick and mortar businesses like Starbuck's offers gift cards through Coinstar as well. I used them a few months back to get an Amazon gift card to get some blu rays, and I recommend them. I do suggest checking under the dispenser which is where coins go, because some of the ones they reject will go through a second time.
But now they're offering a deal where they'll mail you a $10 gift card if you cash in at least $40 in change. It may be just the thing to help you with your holiday shopping.

There might be a problem with the new address we're moving to. It might be a small problem, it might be a major problem. Won't know until a plumber comes out and gives an estimate. It might something fixable, or it might be something so big that it stops the whole thing. Again, won't know until a plumber sees it. I went on Angie's List and culled some promising prospects for plumbers. Have to call them and see what they can do. But it's the uncertainty that's killing me.

Looking to do some travelling soon? Are you getting tired of the same old hotels and places and looking for something outside of tourist circles to stay at? Maybe something roomier, something unique? Then maybe you should take a look at these luxury rentals for your lodging needs on your next trip. And if you see something you like, you can contact the home owner directly and book your accomodations. Have a luxury home yourself and looking for comparable lodgings in your travels? Then arrange to have any of your homes as a luxury vacation rental to other travellers. You can save on your lodging expenses, maybe even break even or make money from your travelling away from home. Yes, there are concerns and questions, I also thought of that while checking out their website. They've got a FAQ page for vacation rentals that can answer your questions, whether you're a renter or a tenant.
And you know how expensive housing and hotels are in San Francisco? They've got some very good San Francisco bay area luxury rentals that are comparable to hotels. If you're going to pay that much, why not get so much more for your money? My travelling history has never been close to luxury, but there are some properties I would consider staying at if I were travelling there.

Having troubles making some everyday decisions in your life? Not sure where to go to eat, a friend or relative asking you to help them with your computer, or whether or not to buy that girl a drink? Here are some flowcharts to help you with those questions and more.
The one for fast food led me to a blog called Eating The Road, one that at first glance intrigues me. I'm going to check it out some more.

What do you get when you set up your state constitution to not only ban gay marriage, but civil unions, common law marriage, or anything along those lines to teh gays? (But conviently forget to ban taxing them or anything else that benefits the state, just take away their rights) You end up banning all marriages. Some would say it's a step in the right direction. I, like Mark Evanier (who pointed this out in his blog) and many others wonder about the logic that gay marriage will destroy "regular" marriage. They said the same thing about interracial marriage over 40 years ago, and last I checked it didn't affect it at all. As Wanda Sykes once said, nobody is in therapy saying their marriage hasn't been the same since Bill and Ted hooked up. "If your marriage is (messed) up, you (messed) it up."

Are you looking to travel to Australia? Travelling overseas can be expensive, and you want to see if there are any ways you can save money without shortchanging your vacation (or holiday as some countries call it) One way is to take a look at these Car Rental Prices and see if you can get a better deal than the one you have already have, or find out if there are better deals out there. And they wanted me to let you know that say "car" not auto, and their currency is dollars as well. But it's not the same dollar. According to the latest exchange rate, the Australian dollar is about 91 of US money. Something else to keep in mind when budgeting your trip.

Hey kids, did you hear that Sarah Palin has a book out? And she's even going to be close to Mah Two Central, as one of her stops on the book tour is at the Barnes & Noble in Noblesville. Kind of reinforces the town's nickname of "Nobletucky", doesn't it?
Margo Howard weighs in on the book, quoting from this humorous fake memo written by Carl Hiassen about the book suggesting changes and corrections.
The book reveals nothing new, panders to her base, and tries to settle old scores? Say it ain't so, Sarah, say it ain't so!
Reminds me of the Doonesbury cartoon that was published October 26, 2008. I've linked to it before, but at this time, the only source I could find was in a section that requires subscribing to the archives. And yes, I am a subscriber to Go Comics at this time. I transcribe the strip, but between the copyright laws and my own personal feelings, I think it would be better to just provide the main relevant point.
This transcription is copyright 2008 by G.B. Trudeau with no infringement of his rights. The following is for commentary purposes. A man (M) comes home to find his kitchen flooded and a plumber (P) working on it.
M: "Wouldn't it help if you turn off the supply lines first?"
P: "Well, yeah, some elitist licensed plumber might do it that way. But I'd rather use good 'ol (sic) common sense!"
M: "You don't know a thing about plumbing, do you?"
P: "No, but I agree with you on abortion."
W: "He does, honey-- I checked."
End of transcription.

I've talked about jumping the gun and getting Christmas stuff before Thanksgiving, but even I realize there are some things you do now so that you'll be ready for Christmas. Things like taking a look at these personalised christmas cards and placing your order so that you get them back in time to send out for the holidays. This isn't too early to do something like that. And seeing all the different styles and designs will put you in the holiday spirit. And you could choose one that not only allows you to personalize your card, but add a picture to give it even more of a personal touch.