Book Review: Ghost Huntress The Guidance by Marley Gibson (Book 2)

Kendall Moorehead, a Chicago transplant, is still coming to terms with living in the small southern town of Radisson, Georgia.

And her psychic abilities.

In this second book of the Ghost Huntress series by Marley Gibson, Kendall will have her "gifts" put to the test; plus some she's not even ready to explore!

Kendall's classmate and arch nemesis, Courtney Langdon, can't stand the attention Kendall's receiving for being "gifted."

Not to mention, she's jealous that Kendall is now dating her ex-boyfriend Jason Tillson.

In an attempt to draw attention from Kendall, Courtney decides to dabble in the psychic world; unfortunately, she doesn't know that she's actually opening similar to Pandora's Box.

Will Kendall and her ghost hunting team help the popular cheerleader or leave her to own device?

The decision isn't an easy one, but Kendall's spirit guide Emily is there to help her, as well as her team, her priest, and her mentor.

But making the decision is the easy part; following through will entail much more than Kendall could have ever imagined.

The references to actual ghost-hunting equipment and techniques makes these awesome books! (Especially the bibliography in the back that provides links for more information.)

It may seem a bit crazy that a 35-year-old woman is reading Young Adult Fiction, but I love the Ghost Huntress series! Once I start one, I find myself so engrossed that I can easily read the 300 page (average) books within a couple of days.

The only thing I'm not too fond of is the use of such colorful language. I'm by no means foolish when it comes to teen language - I was once and I have two teen boys - but I think the book would be just as interesting without it.

With the sexual content of this book and the language, I wouldn't recommend it for anyone less than high school age.

Buy It! Ghost Huntress: The Guidance will release September 2009; but you can pre-order this book for only $8.99. And don't forget about the free shipping with qualifying purchases of $25 or more!

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Your Thoughts On Pregnancy and STD Testing In Schools

Beginning this fall, schools (elementary, middle and high schools) in Port Chester, New York will be administering pregnancy and STD testing to requesting students.

If the child tests positive, s/he will be referred to a nearby off-campus medical clinic.

The policy was put into place by Port Chester school officials after realizing that 19 of 525 (roughly 4%) high school girls were pregnant or parenting in 2008.

Parental notification is not required prior to testing. However, the board did election to require notification of parents before pap smears or the dispensation of the "morning after pill" although New York state law does not require such disclosure for a minor.

My question for you this week:

Do you agree or disagree with this new policy by the Port Chester school board?

My Answer:

I do not agree with any legislation (federal, state, or local) that permits a kindergartner to be tested for such serious matters as pregnancy and STDs.

Quite frankly, if you have a child in elementary that needs testing for these potential "ailments," you've got bigger problems than for what they are testing.

Some have argued it is a good thing because children are afraid to approach their parents on these subjects. Well, in my opinion, when children did have to go to their parents because they were pregnant or needed to be treated for an STD, there was a lot less of it going on.

So maybe the government should butt out of raising our children for us, because all of their "efforts" to decrease is only resulting in drastic increases.

Maybe letting parents be responsible for their children would be a nice "change."

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Product Review: Planters Big Nut Bar (YUMMY!)

I confess. Even though I've sworn off sweet treats, sometimes a craving gets the best of me.

I could eat little snack cakes, cookies, some extreme-chocolate ice cream, but I choose for something a tad bit on the healthier side: Planters Big Nut Bars.

Sure, they have 220 calories, 12 grams of fat, and high fructose corn syrup, but they also offer 7 grams of protein to help balance (out (somewhat) the "nasties."

Something that snack cakes and other junk food I crave doesn't.

And the Planters Big Nut Bars taste good - something you generally won't find is a treat that offers some nutritional value.

So when the sweet tooth kicks in and I've got to satisfy it, I eat a Planters Big Nut Bar or a Planters Triple Nut Bar - so I don't have to feel as guilty when it's over.

Only wish they were actually BIG as the name implies; yet only the size of your average candy bar.

But they do satisfy a BIG craving so I'll deal with it.

BUY IT! Purchase a 10 pack (5 bars per pack) of Planters Big Nut Bar at Amazon, with FREE shipping, for only $28.29. That's only 57¢ per bar!

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13 Commonly Used Idioms, Their Meanings and Origins

I've lived my entire life hearing phrases and cliches, just taking them at face value and never trying to figure out what originated such a saying.

Now I'm going to dig a little deeper into easily tossed about phrases and find out just what they mean.

And if I ever want to use them again.

1. Deader Than A Doornail: Since ordinary nails aren't used in making doors, perhaps the 'nail' in this phrase, which can be traced all the way back to 1350, was a small metal plate nailed on a door that visitors pounded with the knockers attached to it when announcing their arrival. Life would eventually be pounded out of the 'nail' in that way.
   
   Then again the 'nail' could be the heavy-handed decorative nails outer doors were studded with, though why these doornails would be regarded as any 'deader' than say, coffin nails is a mystery.
   
   It has even been suggested that since nails were ordinarily used for doors, the phrase means 'dead as something that never existed.
   
   
2. A Stick In The Mud: Something that was stuck in the mud, especially a vehicle of some kind, went nowhere fast, just as a person who came to be known as a stick in the mud - he or she was "helpless or unprogressive". The earliest recorded instance of the figurative phrase comes from 1733.
   
   
3. Raining Cats and Dogs: Used in reference to heavy rains.
   
   The probable source of 'raining cats and dogs' is the prosaic fact that, in the filthy streets of 17th/18th century England, heavy rain would occasionally carry along dead animals and other debris. The animals didn't fall from the sky, but the sight of dead cats and dogs floating by in storms could well have caused the coining of this colourful phrase.
   
   
4. Pull The Wool Over My Eyes: To deceive, hide the truth.
   
   The natural assumption is that this phrase derives from the wearing of woollen wigs, which were fashionable for both men and women in the 16th and 17th centuries. The phrase itself is of 19th century American origin.
   
   
5. Graveyard Shift: In America, the Graveyard Shift is more commonly known as 3rd shift or the work hours between midnight and sunrise.
   
   Current popular explanations for the origin of the phrase "graveyard shift" reference the 19th century problem of accidentally burying people who were still alive. To prevent this from happening, the story goes, caskets were equipped with a bell-ringing device enabling a waking "corpse" to notify the world that they were no longer dead. The graveyard attendants who remained vigilant throughout the day and night worked the graveyard shift.
   
   According to Michael Quinion at World Wide Words the above explanation is merely a story and nothing more. He explains that the "graveyard shift is an evocative term for the night shift between about midnight and eight in the morning, when - no matter how often you've worked it - your skin is clammy, there's sand behind your eyeballs, and the world is creepily silent, like the graveyard. The phrase dates only from the early years of the twentieth century."
   
   
6. Don't Throw The Baby Out With The Bath Water: Meaning not to throw the good out with the baby.
   
   In the 1500's, a large metal tub was filled with water that had been drawn and heated, then family bath time began.Bath time started with the man of the house, then the sons and any other men in the household. Then the women and children got their turn in the bath water, and lastly the babies were bathed; all in the same water.
   
   Because baths were only taken once a year, the water was so dirty by the time the babies were bathed, it would have been easy to lose someone in it.Hence the phrase, or saying, 'Don't throw the baby out with the bath water'.
   
   
7. Fall Off The Wagon: This phrases is used in association with an alcoholic that was sober but returned to drinking.
   
   In the late 1800s, many Americans campaigned for a government ban on liquor (crazy, we know). Those who chose to live the sober life were said to be "on the wagon." Mavens' Word of the Day explains that in this case, the "wagon" was actually a water cart used to hose down dusty roads on hot days.
   
   Basically, saying that a person was "on the wagon" was shorthand for "they would sooner climb aboard a water cart to quench their thirst" than have a drop of liquor.
   
   
8. Nothing To Shake A Stick At: Shaking a stick at somebody, of course, is a threatening gesture, or at least one of defiance. So to say that you have shaken a stick at somebody is to suggest that person is an opponent, perhaps a worthy one.
   
   Its recorded history began—at least, so far as the Oxford English Dictionary knows—in the issue of the Lancaster Journal of Pennsylvania dated 5 August 1818: “We have in Lancaster as many Taverns as you can shake a stick at.”
   
   
9. His Name Is Mud: There's an old story that the expression derives from Dr. Samuel Mudd, who unwisely took pity on Abraham Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Mudd treated the broken ankle Booth suffered in his leap to the stage of Ford's Theater; for his trouble, he was sentenced to life in a federal prison.
   
   So, to say that someone's name is mud is to imply that they are no good or worthless.
   
   
10. Waiting For The Other Shoe To Drop: This phrase is commonly used when someone is expecting something to happen following a specific occurrence.
    
    Some sources indicate that waiting for the other shoe to drop derived from an old tale of a traveler who stayed at an inn. The innkeeper informed the weary traveler that he would be in a room next to a very light sleeper.
    
    When taking off his shoes, he would drop one on the floor; which, in turn, awakened the light sleeper in the room next door. He then waited 'for the other shoe to drop,' knowing then he could return to his peaceful slumber.
    
    
11. Bent Out Of Shape: The most common context is to tell someone not to get bent out of shape, or upset, over a problem. Getting bent out of shape is the same as getting worked up, aggravated, or overly annoyed at something that usually can't be helped.
    
    The phrase "bent out of shape" is also common when referring to broken or bent objects, which is where the phrase was originally used. If a nail is bent out of shape, it is useless. That is why the phrase encourages people to not get irrationally upset about small problems.
    
    
12. Shoot From The Hip: This phrase means to act without much forethought. General used in reference to speaking, meaning to be honest.
    
    It is believed that idiom was derived from the days of the old West where most men carried guns and were quick to react in volatile situations with their weapons; without much thought into other ways or resolution.
    
    
13. Fly By The Seat of Your Pants: To decide a course of action as you go along, using your own initiative and perceptions rather than a pre-determined plan or mechanical aids.
    
    Aircraft initially had few navigation aids and flying was accomplished by means of the pilot's judgment. The term emerged in the 1930s and was first widely used in reports of Douglas Corrigan's flight from the USA to Ireland in 1938.
    
    That flight was reported in many US newspapers of the day entitled 'Corrigan Flies By The Seat Of His Pants', in The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 19th July 1938.
    
    Two days before this report Corrigan had submitted a flight plan to fly from Brooklyn to California. He had previously had a plan for a trans-Atlantic flight rejected (presumably on the grounds that the 'Spirit of $69.60 wasn't considered up to the job). His subsequent 29 hour flight ended in Dublin, Ireland. He claimed that his compasses had failed. He didn't openly admit it but it was widely assumed that he had ignored the rejection of his flight plan and deliberately flown east rather than west.

Find More Fun Lists at Thursday 13!

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Aren't They Beautiful?

This photo was taken this past Sunday at my parents house. The (obviously) oldest baby is our Princess A. The two little ones are my Aunt's granddaughter and great-grandson; and they are exactly one week apart in age.

The really funny thing about taking this photo was that my husband had to literally hold Princess A's hands to keep her from grabbing a bow and a tuft a hair. So just as I was ready to snap the shot, he moved his hands back.

I'm not sure if you can tell or not, but only the flash of the camera distracted her long enough to save the tiny ones. :)

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I Won An Award!

Shana at Blaze 'n' Crochet has bestowed me with a wonderful award: Superior Scribbler Award.

If you haven't visited her blog, be sure to do so! She's the mom to an cutie pie named Blaze, and the pics she post of him will just tickle you!

And I've gotta love her...I can always count on her to leave me a comment, even when I'm nagging about something. We have the same opinions on so many things! :)

Here are the rules of the Superior Scribbler Award:

1. Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
   
   
2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
   
   
3. Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.
   
   
4. Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit This Post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we’ll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!

Pretty simple, huh?

So now I must pass it along to 5 deserving bloggers. That's hard, because there's so many that I love to read but, for now, I'll choose:

• Deb at The Crabby Lady. After all, you gotta love the name of the blog alone. And anyone with four teenage kids who can find any time to blog deserves acknowledgement.
  
  
• Angie at Annie's Home. Aside from running tons of great giveaways, you get to feel like you know her family personally through her postings.
  
  
• Harriet at I Am Harriet. When I need to read something with quick wit and sarcastic answers, this is where I go. She just cracks me up!
  
  
• Bonnie at Where Did All This Come From? You gotta love reading her blog because she just gives the impression of having it all together. Even when things aren't hunky dory, she still seems to take it in strides. I could learn a lot from her!
  
  
• Anissa at Our Chaotic Life. If ever you want to count on someone to comment and let you know you are being read, this lady is the one! Reading her blog gives you the impression of Fun and can really give you a boost!

Congrats ladies! Enjoy your award! :)

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When The Going Gets Tough

...take a nap!

Find More Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes For Mom, Mom Dot, and The Mud Bug.

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Randomly Thinking About Back To School

I can't believe it's almost back to school time.

At the beginning of summer, I was counting down the days until they returned. Because, you know, children are always riled up when school first lets out.

But now that they'll be returning in just a couple of weeks, suddenly I'm thinking about having to get up early, fix breakfast, homework in the evenings, and bedtime routines.

Ugh!

And then let's talk about that school supply list.

Fortunately, the middle school my second child attends has finally decided to be reasonable with supply lists.

In years past, I had to wonder, "What the heck?!" as I was requested (we all know it's not a request and if you don't buy it, your child will be singled out) to purchase things like toilet paper, light bulbs, copy paper - yadda, yadda, yadda.

Um, I'm pretty sure I've been paying a $50/year wheel tax for the past 19 years plus property taxes and local sales tax; all of which, supposedly, goes to the schools. Not to mention that schools receive state and federal funds.

So why do you want me to buy this fluff?

As far as I'm concerned, I want to opt out of buying "the extras." Here's why:

1. My kid refuses to "go" at school, if you know what I mean, and instead saves it up all day so that he can turn our bathroom into a toxic dumping ground. Being a boy, this means he requires no toilet paper; just a hand that can shake it off.
   
   
2. Last time we checked, he had 20/20 vision. The school has BIG windows in each classroom. The mix creates a decent seeing ability. Use that.
   
   
3. Are those boring PTA updates really necessary? If I cared what went on at those sleep-inducing social events, I would attend. If I'm not there, I don't wanna know. So, save a tree will ya - go green - and use the copy paper for the important stuff.

I really like the high school years. When they get to be that age, it's pretty simple: pencil, paper, a pen, and a folder or two.

And the best part: you can hand the kid a $10 bill and tell 'em to get there own.

I'm such a good mom! ;)

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Getting Ready For The Consignment Sale

Every season I swear I will have my consignment items long before the drop-off dates of the sale arrives.

Every season I fail miserably.

Once again, here I am waiting to until the last minute to get it done. So, I decided to make it my project for the week! :)

I couldn't believe how much stuff I was able to cram into one small closet of our house!

It took about 6 hours to finish hanging clothes, putting miscellaneous items into bags, and tagging.

But...it's finally done. And, thanks to Brian, loaded into the van and ready to go!


The exception is the Spring/Summer items which I swear I'll have done long before it's time for that sale.

Yeah, okay. I don't even believe myself. :)

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Book Review: A Cold-Blooded Business by Marek Fuchs

Melinda Lambert Harmon was a devout member of the Nazarene church in Olathe, Kansas.

Growing up the daughter of a highly respected Nazarene church official, Dr. Wilmer Lambert, and later marrying her teenager sweetheart David Harmon, Melinda's life appeared to be one of many blessings.

Yet something was apparently lacking.

Not long into the marriage and while working at the Nazarene College in Olathe, Melinda was introduced to and began working closely with Mark Mangelsdorf; an up and coming young man in charge of organizing concerts on the campus of the MidAmerica Nazarene College.

It wasn't long until Mangelsdorf found himself in a tight-knit friendship with the newlywed Harmons.

Although all three appeared to be zealous in the practice of their strict religion, friends and neighbors would come to question the possibility of an adulterous affair between Melinda and Mark.

Then on a cold, dark night in February 1982, Melinda beat on the door of her next door neighbors claiming that David had been brutally attacked by two black men before the intruders fled the Harmon apartment in possession of the keys to the bank where David was employed.

Yet the police wasn't buying what Melinda was selling. Unfortunately, between limited evidence and the interference of Melinda's powerful father, homicide detectives were at an impasse on solving David's murder.

For 20 years, "the buckle of the bible belt" would be divided between those who supported Melinda and Mark and those who felt disgust at the two getting away with murder.

Then in walked two cold case detectives, a district attorney looking to take the next step up the political ladder, and friends and family still seeking justice for David Harmon.

What follows is the story of reopening a case considered colder than a Sunday in hell, hours of tireless detective work, and the amazing toe-the-line confession and accusation from Melinda.

Author Marek Fuchs crosses over from writing about the corporate world into the business of cold-hearted murder.

Well written and full of detail, plus a one-on-one interview with the accused, A Cold-Blooded Business is a tale of true crime that will make you question the validity of believing the old adage that you reap what you sow.

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Products And Reviews Makes Traveling With Baby Easy!

Having a six month who is very much a creature of habit made my husband and I seriously reconsider our plans for a vacation this year.

However, having an older son who will be graduating high school this next year leaves us feeling the need to take a vacation. After all, it could easily be our last "family" vacation.

Fortunately, there is plenty of helpful websites out there on traveling with a baby; including Baby Safe Travel.com.

First and foremost, Baby Safe Travel.com offers a large assortment of baby travel accessories to make your trip easy and pleasant.

In browsing this site, I found numerous items that I could use not only on vacation, but everyday - running errands, doctor's appointments, etc. For example, I love the Baby Food Dispensing Spoon - what an ingenious idea!

Baby Safe Travel.com doesn't focus only on products, however. Visitors can also book a family vacation armed with parent reviews to aid in making their travel decisions; including parent-rated hotels based on their baby friendliness.

If you planning a vacation or just looking to simplify your baby's needs, visit Baby Safe Travel.com.

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What's Your Reading Preference?

Thanks to one of my Twitter followers, Reading Upside Down, I found a fun meme that avid readers, like myself, will enjoy: Booking Through Thursday.

So, I decided - even though it's Monday and that makes me 4 days tardy - to jump in with this week's challenge:

Which do you prefer? (Quick answers–we’ll do more detail at some later date) Reading something frivolous? Or something serious? Paperbacks? Or hardcovers? Fiction? Or Nonfiction? Poetry? Or Prose? Biographies? Or Autobiographies? History? Or Historical Fiction? Series? Or Stand-alones? Classics? Or best-sellers? Lurid, fruity prose? Or straight-forward, basic prose? Plots? Or Stream-of-Consciousness? Long books? Or Short? Illustrated? Or Non-illustrated? Borrowed? Or Owned? New? Or Used? (Yes, I know, some of these we’ve touched on before, and some of these we might address in-depth in the future, but for today–just quick answers!)

Okay, well, let me see just how "quick" of an answer I can give.

Reading something frivolous? Or something serious? Since my favorite genre is true crime, I'll say something serious.

Paperbacks? Or hardcovers? No real preference, although paperbacks are typically what I read.

Fiction? Or Nonfiction? Nonfiction, but love fiction too.

Poetry? Or Prose? Prose.

Biographies? Or Autobiographies? Autobiographies.

History? Or Historical Fiction? History. Only.

Series? Or Stand-alones? Either is great. Series are very fun though.

Classics? Or best-sellers? Best sellers.

Lurid, fruity prose? Or straight-forward, basic prose? Straight-forward, please.

Plots? Or Stream-of-Consciousness? Plots, hands down. I've got enough of my own random thoughts.

Long books? Or Short? Either or.

Illustrated? Or Non-illustrated? Does "16 pages of shocking photos" in true crime books count as "illustrated."

Borrowed? Or Owned? Don't care as long as I can read it.

New? Or Used? See above.

What about you? What's your reading preferences?

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Weekly Highlights: July 19 - July 25, 2009

• Play the "Master Lock Secret Vault" Facebook Application for a chance to win $5,000.
  
  
• Have you seen the new Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Movie?
  
  
• Read some of the most hilarious, outrageous and unbelievable lawsuits.
  
  
• What's your thoughts on illegal immigrants being given free health care?
  
  
• If you were a child of the 80's (or just wish you were), check out the Rock of Ages Original Broadway Cast Recording!
  
  
• I won Tupperware! You can too, find out how!
  
  
• What's the best life lessons you've ever learned?
  
  
• Recipes: Sweet & Sour Slow Cooker
  
  
• Enter for a chance to win a Pillsbury Prize Pack!
  

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Nah Nah Boo Boo! I Won Tupperware!

Recently I received a notice from Meghan Calhoun of Twitter Moms alerting me to the Chain of Confidence essay contest hosted by Tupperware.

The first 20 to submit an essay and post about their experience on their blog, would receive the free gift pack (above photo) from Tupperware.

Never, ever do I win anything - but I did this time and I am so going to brag about it!

Here's what I got:

• Chic new reusable floral-print Lunch Tote bag
  
  
• CrystalWave® Soup Mug
  
  
• 2½-cup/600 mL CrystalWave® Container
  
  
• 16-oz./500 mL Tumbler with seal.

A total value of $30.00! FREE to me! :)

When I first got it, I thought to myself, "Hmm, since I'm a full time mom who does not get a lunch break most days (*giggle*) - where exactly will I use this?"

Fortunately, this is the one (and possibly only) area I'm creative in. I decided to use it to transport baby and little people meals and snacks.

Talk about being SUPER HANDY...and I feel so organized. And, dare I say it: chic!

I think it goes without saying, but I'll shout it out anyway, THANK YOU TUPPERWARE! I LOVE MY GIFT!

Tupperware's Chain of Confidence essay contest is still open. There are some awesome prizes to win: $1000 in Tupperware for you and your nominee each plus $5000 donated to the charity of you and your nominee's choice.

So get on over there, submit your nominee and essay on how they inspired you, then keep your fingers crossed that you win some Tupperware....like me! ;)

P.S. If you enter, or have already entered, the Chain of Confidence Essay Contest; leave me a comment with a link to your submission and I'll be more than happy to go vote on it!

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Kimmie's Got Talent (Or Not)

If I think really hard, about the only real talent I have is the gift of gab.

And I don't really see that a talent, but more of a nuisance.

If, by some magical blessing, I were to choose what talents I could possess, I think would pick these:

1. Speed Reading: I always have a ton of books to read for reviews, and sometimes I get a little behind. Of course, I want to have speed reading capabilities and still be able to immensely enjoy the book - which generally doesn't go hand-in-hand.
   
   
2. Flexibility: When I was younger, I had so much of it; at 35, not so much. I've notice a lot less of it since I stopped coaching cheerleading. It would be nice to get out of bed each morning without at least one thing hurting.
   
   
3. Singing: If I had this wonderful talent, maybe I could use it to earn a lot of money...or at the very least keep my kids from begging me not to do it and the dogs from howling.
   
   
4. Sewing: I would, at the very least, like to be able to sew buttons back on. Every now and again, I see a cute pattern or something similar that I would like to try out, but I'm not even sure I know how to turn my sewing machine on! (My mother got me one for my birthday one year, think she had high hopes?)
   
   
5. Floral Design: This one should have probably been closer to the top. I love to have vases of (fake) flowers throughout the house. It just makes a house look so....cheery! If I had this talent, I would have a house full of vases and flowers!
   
   Of course, then I would have to keep them dusted; which I really don't like doing. So I guess this shouldn't be on the list at all. ;)


6. Gourmet Cooking: This one isn't so much for me as it is for my husband Brian. He really enjoys a good meal, and he's always so appreciative after I fix a meal; which only encourages me to do it (well, most of the time anyway). I wish I had the talent of gourmet cooking so I could give him an even wider variety of dishes.
   
   It'll never happen. I've tried. I sucked.

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Rock of Ages Original Broadway Cast Recording Review

I am a (proud) child of the 80's. Big hair. High top tennis shoes. Killing the ozone layer with Aquanet. Parachute pants.

Every last bit of it. And I loved it!

Especially the music!

I remember "jamming out" (that's we called it then) to songs such as We Built This City, Wanted Dead or Alive, Every Rose Has Its Thorns, I Wanna Rock and so many, many more!

Now, all those awesome 80's tunes have been reunited as the foundation for the five-time Tony Award nominated Rock of Ages, a new bodacious Broadway musical starring American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis.

Set in 1987 in a legendary Sunset Strip rock club, a small town girl meets a big-city dreamer and they fall in love to the greatest metal songs of the 80's. The musical is an arean-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar,Foreigner, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and more.

The Original Cast Recording CD features 22 songs from the Broadway show. In the spirit of the original musical, the Cast Recording defies Broadway conventions, with jams mixed and engineered by seasoned hard rock musicians and producers.

If your memory is filled with fond memories that feature boom boxes, neon shoe laces, cassette tapes, or loving St. Elmo's Fire, then you'll enjoy reminiscing the "good old days" with this oldies-but-goodies remixed CD.

Listen to clips from songs from the soundtrack that includes:

Just Like Paradise/ Nothin' But A Good Time Sister Christian We Built This City/ Too Much Time On My Hands I Wanna Rock We're Not Gonna Take It Heaven/More Than Words/ To Be With You Waiting For A Girl Like You Wanted Dead Or Alive I Want To Know What Love Is Cum On Feel The Noize/ We're Not Gonna Take It (Reprise) Don't Stop Believin'	Harden My Heart/ Shadows of the Night Here I Go Again The Final Countdown Any Way You Want It/ I Wanna Rock (Reprise) High Enough I Hate Myself For Loving You/ Heat of the Moment Hit Me With Your Best Shot Can't Fight This Feeling Every Rose Has Its Thorns Oh Sherrie The Search Is Over

Thank you to the One 2 One Network for this Totally Awesome Opportunity!

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Master Lock Gets Inventive for Back To School

It's that time of year again! Time for paper paper, pencils, new clothes, backpacks, and locks for your locker.

What?

That's right, don't forget about the locks for your locker. And Master Lock has created two awesome styles:

• The Speed Dial Set-Your-Own Combination Lock opens on up-down-left-right directional movements, instead of the traditional rotary dial, and can be customized with letters, shapes or numbers, depending on how students most easily remember their combination
  
  
• The Set-Your-Own Combination Lock is a traditional rotary dial for students more comfortable with that method, but with a new reset feature that allows them to choose their own combination using, letters, numbers or both

Simply put: what makes them so great?

• Kids love them because they come in vibrant colors (always the most important thing, right?).
  


• Both lock styles are more secure than traditional locks - which Mom and Dad will appreciate!
  


• Faster access - which is super important depending on the time allotted between classes.

The best part of this post?

"In addition to keeping kids’ text books and gym clothes safe, Master Lock is also helping kids keep their secrets safe and secure online with the 'Master Lock Secret Vault' Facebook application. After installing the application, participants have a chance to win a cash prize in the “Master Lock $5,000 Secure Your Future Sweepstakes.”

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Tell Me About The Best Life Lesson You've Learned

I used to be extremely judgmental of people. I was horrible! It seemed that there was constantly critizing someone for the things they did; how they reacted to situations.

I never really believed I was better than anyone, but my thoughts and actions sure didn't show it.

I guess more than anything I thought I was smarter than others; or maybe I thought things could never happen to me and, if they did it wouldn't be nearly as bad. Because I, the all-knowing one, would handle it perfectly.

Boy, was I ever setting myself up to be taught some horrendous life lessons. Lessons that would come with heartache and headache and leave me in a position to be judged myself.

I made it through those difficult times; and surprisingly mentally and emotionally intact (although at times that is questionable).

I wouldn't trade what I experienced for anything in the world. By walking the proverbial mile in someone else shoes, I have learned to be a better person, mother, and wife. I also learned to think before you speak or act because, at some point in life (whether it be sooner or later), it will come home to you.

My question for you this week:

What's The Best Life Lesson You've Learned?

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13 Outrageous, Unbelievable, and Frivolous Lawsuits

I loved Harriet''s Thursday 13 last week of dumb criminal stories. So I going to take a cue from her and this week list 13 insanely outrageous and frivolous lawsuits.

We've all heard about the lawsuits that make us want throw bricks at the idiot jurors and judges; like the $2.86 million award to the woman who spilled her hot McDonald's coffee (and created the need to put "Caution: Coffee Is Hot" on coffee cups...duh!).

Well, here is a few more that will make you wonder about the IQ of the litigant and his/her attorney:

1. In 1991, Richard Overton sued Anheuser-Busch for false and misleading advertising under Michigan State law. The complaint specifically referenced ads involving, among other things, fantasies of beautiful women in tropical settings that came to life for two men driving a Bud Light truck. In addition to two claims of false advertising, Mr. Overton included a third claim in his complaint in which he claimed to have suffered emotional distress, mental injury, and financial loss in excess of $10,0000 due to the misleading Bud Light ads. The court dismissed all claims.
   
   
2. A West Bend man is suing the cable company that he feels made him addicted to TV, caused his wife to be overweight and his kids to be lazy. Timothy Dumouchel is asking for $5,000 or three computers, and a lifetime supply of free Internet service from Charter Communications to settle a small claims suit. Dumouchel told Charter that he plans to sue because his cable connection remained intact four years after he tried to get it canceled. "I believe that the reason I smoke and drink every day and my wife is overweight is because we watched TV every day for the last four years," Dumouchel stated in a written complaint against the company. He stated that he called Charter several times to get the service disconnected for good because he felt it was addictive, but they reportedly never did.
   
   
3. A guy was stealing the hubcaps off a car in a driveway. He was hidden in some shrubs, removing the hubcaps on the blind side of the front door to the home. When the home/auto owner came out, the guy kept working on stealing the hubcaps. The owner, got into the car, cranked it, the thief dropped down so the owner wouldn't see him as he backed the car out. The thief's hand was run over by the automobile. He sued and won $28,000.
   
   
4. A couple leaves their home for a weekend out of town. The thief breaks in through the back door of the home and gathers his loot in the kitchen for when he starts to leave. He goes through the entire house, gathering stuff, sticking valuables into pillow cases, ram shacking the house as he goes. Dumping drawers, dropping pictures off the wall checking behind for a safe, etc. The last place he enters to steal is the garage. He steps into the garage from the kitchen, and the door locks behind him. The family had locked the garage door so he couldn't get out that way. He spends 2 nights and 3 days in the garage until the family returns and catches him. He'd been living off a large bag of dog food in the garage and a couple cases of sodas. He sued and wins over $100,000 for inhumane treatment.
   
   
5. Robert Lee Brock, a prisoner at the Indian Creek Correctional Center, filed a handwritten, seven-page $5 million lawsuit in federal court naming himself as Defendant."I partook of alcoholic beverages in 1993, July 1st, as a result I caused myself to violate my religious beliefs. This was done by my going out and getting arrested," wrote Brock, who is serving 23 years for breaking and entering and grand larceny. Brock asked that, if a judgment was awarded, that the state pay on his behalf since his status as a ward of the state leaves him unemployed.
   
   
6. A California woman brought false advertising, misrepresentation, and other consumer protection claims against PepsiCo (which owns Quaker), for allegedly making her believe that the "Crunch Berries" in the cereal are actual berries. The filings alleged that she ate the cereal for four years before learning the fruitless truth. Her complaint was dismissed May 20, 2009.
   
   
7. In March (1999), a federal judge in Syracuse, N.Y., rejected the latest lawsuit by Donald Drusky of East McKeesport, Pa., in his 30-year battle against USX Corp. for ruining his life by firing him in 1968. Drusky had sued "God . . . the sovereign ruler of the universe" for taking "no corrective action" against Drusky's enemies and demanded that God compensate him with professional guitar- playing skills and the resurrection of his mother. Drusky argued that under the federal rules of civil procedure, he would win a default judgment if God failed to show up in court.
   
   
8. Lawyer Alfred Rava announced a $500,000 settlement of his lawsuit against the Oakland A's baseball team for "discriminating" illegally against men when it gave away 7,500 floppy hats to the first women through the turnstiles on a 2004 Mother's Day breast-cancer-awareness promotion. Rava may get about half ("attorney's fees"), and any man who swears he was among the first 7,500 fans through the gates that day, and who wanted a hat, will get $50 cash plus other premiums.
   
   
9. Emoke P. Adams, 53, filed a lawsuit in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in April 1992 against neighbor Theresa Bartlett for $25,000 for negligently squirting her with a garden hose. Adams cited "permanent" physical problems and emotional trauma resulting from the incident.
   
   
10. In September 1992 in Chicago, Frank D. Zeffere III filed a lawsuit for $40,000 in lost dating expenses against a woman who had broken off their engagement. However, Zeffere, who is a lawyer, wrote her an offer of an out-of-court settlement, beginning with "I am still willing to marry you on the conditions hereinbelow set forth" and ending, "Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the matters addressed herein. Sincerely, Frank."
    
    
11. Patricia Frankhouser filed a lawsuit in Jeannette, Pa., in November 2004 against the Norfolk Southern railway as a result of being hit by a train in January as she walked on railroad tracks. Frankhouser, who suffered various cuts and a broken finger, claimed in the lawsuit that Norfolk Southern should have posted signs alongside the tracks warning people not to walk on them, that trains might be coming.
    
    
12. James Samuel Steward, then 22, suffered severe brain damage after he took an overdose of methadone that someone had smuggled into jail for him while he was an inmate in Goulburn, Australia. In May 2004, Steward's parents filed a lawsuit on his behalf (because he is now unable to care for himself), claiming that it is the government's fault that their son got tempted, in that it did not smuggle-proof the jail, and the Stewards are asking the equivalent of US$2.7 million.
    
    
13. Donald Johnson sued a West Palm Beach, Fla., Shoney's restaurant for $55,000 because he thought its clam chowder was potato soup, and the chowder left him with nightmares; in January, he won $407 in damages.

Can I Sue Someone For The Stupidity That Surrounds Me?

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