Pray for Surf - We're @thebeach

Latest Reunion this past Saturday

2012-01-23T17:07:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe it's been a year since the last reunion. But it has, and we did it again. Thanks to Emily, Joe, and Eric, a bunch of us gathered once more at Dillworth Billiards in Charlotte to get reacquainted with old friends from bygone days. Jack was there, talking about his new business venture and website, cabinetworksofcharlotte.com, and Pete was there almost seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Tucker and Linda promised to be at Spring SOS, Donna was going to try, and Frank and Sissy and Joe and Sally said no, and no. How are we going to make a reunion video without you guys?

TALKIN’ ‘BOUT TREE TOP

2011-01-10T12:16:00.001-05:00

Just this last Saturday, we had a reunion for a lot of people who used to lived at the Tree Top apartment complex in south Charlotte. Most of us who attended lived there during the 70's. What made this reunion so special? Well, back in those days, Charlotte really had no club/bar or social scene of any real significance, and your apartment complex friends were your social family. We all had other friends, of course, but Tree Top was the first really all singles complex in that part of Charlotte, and it became the mecca (if you will) for young, single working adults, people who liked to socialize and party without having to drive home. The Tree Top clubhouse and pool area WERE the place to gather socially.

During the evening of our special reunion, one of our founding residents, Emily, had composed and read out to all of us there, a special poem that summarizes a lot of everything that symbolized that special time in our lives. It's copied here with her permission (I hope):

" TALKIN’ ‘BOUT TREE TOP

Thank you old neighbors and friends for coming to this Tree Top Reunion in 2011.

Who but us could remember living off Nations Ford Rd as a little slice of heaven.

It was the 70’s when love was in the air along with the sweet smell of marijuana.

You could say no to getting high but if you inhaled at Tree Top…well, you were gonna.

When I told other friends about this reunion they gave me that “I don’t get it” stare.

Is it a high school, college or family reunion? No, it’s Tree Top…you just had to be there.

There’s no explaining Tree Top. We had no common ground other than being young and loving life.

There were only parties and more parties and suffering hangovers was our biggest strife.

Do you remember the parties at the Clubhouse? I can still smell the popcorn and the beer.

It was like Cheers where everyone was welcome and you just walked home…no DUI fear.

We somehow dragged ourselves to work each weekday for whatever jobs we had. Disco’d Friday night in Charlotte. Drove to Myrtle Beach Saturday for shagging at the Pad.

The patriarch of Tree Top was the beloved and truly unforgettable Joe Galyan.

He can be a man of few words but has the heart and spirit of a true stallion.

But you had to guard things around Joe because if he could see it, touch it or smell it

He would back up the Truck of Fortune, load it up and drive somewhere to sell it.

And then there were the beach trips. Sabbash over Easter and Gotcha over Labor Day.

Thank you Chief Gotcha Dick Hale! We still talk about those trips to this very day.

If you walked down a certain hallway at Tree Top and heard the sexy sounds of Barry White

You could be certain that Jack Lemons was entertaining some lovely lady in the night.

Or perhaps the melody you heard on that same hallway was the sultry Donna Summer

Which could only mean Charlie Lavene’s evening was not going to be a bummer!

Many great love stories began at Tree Top and the couples are still together and strong. Frank and Sissy deserve a prize for something. They finally got married…..but they dated for SO LONG!!

And then there were Charlotte Knight’s nights with Dan Pfeifer and they were just the cutest pair in town.

But so were Pete and Myra and all these years later they are still making the “Rounds”.

Gladys and Mike Vaughan were such a sweet couple and they are still sweethearts today. Mimi and Charlie Crisp….how they used to make me laugh with all the funny things they would say.

My first roommate at Tree Top was the cute Mary Hinson who will always have a special place in my heart.

My last roommate at Tree Top was the floozy Donna Reeves, a special friend and I hope we’re never far apart.

I never dated many guys at Tree Top because I was “in love” with Barry Porter …the bad boy with class.

Tucker told me years later he was her prom date….if I had known that then I would have knocked her on her ass.

E-Rack was always a cutie but the atmosphere in his apartment was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Now I know that he was simply a very spiritual person and enjoyed being high on life.

Jill Kinney…I heard she had a party once and had a horse brought in. That girl had class!

I always wondered Jill…was it really a horse or just a horse’s ass?

And sweet Martha Bailey and Linda Tyler were always the parties’ loveliest belles.

We Southern girls say “Bless your heart” so sweetly when we really mean “Just go to Hell”.

Fred Parker was a party animal at Tree Top and could often be quite the rascal

But he had the sweetest roommate by the name of Zissel….we just called him Pascal.

Did you know that Mecklenburg County Sheriff Chip Bailey was a Tree Topper? Yes, he surely was.

In the midst of all the sinning and debauchery at Tree Top, there lived the future fuzz!

Who wins for the nicest guys at Tree Top? Joe Moody, Larry Harmon and Sam Tyler…that’s a slam dunk!

I have never heard them say an unkind word about anyone but I have seen them all drunk.

Did you know that our very own Susan Ratledge was in a movie with George Clooney.

She really is a movie star although until I saw it, I thought she may be a little looney.

Tree Top without Charlie House would be like Santa Claus without his deer.

You could always count on good old Charlie unless he met a floozy and she had beer.

Did you know that today is Elvis Presley’s 76^th birthday? So a toast tonight to the King.

Joe Galyan took me to see Elvis in 1974 along with Shirley Stokes and Larry Springs.

We all moved away from those apartments on Farmhurst Drive & High Meadow Lane.

We moved on with our lives but somehow the Tree Top day memories still remain.

We have lost some dear friends but I think they are smiling down on this reunion from above.

Charlie, Ceil, Doug, Helen, Mike, Patsy, Ted and, Tommy….we celebrate your lives with love.

It’s easy to see tonight that we are all older, life is not as simple and certainly not as much fun.

But for a few years at Tree Top we were all together, we were all happy, we were all young.

If I had to compare those long ago days to something more poetic it would have to be Camelot.

“In short, there was simply not a more congenial spot for happily ever after than there at our Tree Top”.

Written by Emily Stephens Tadlock

for the 2011 Tree Top Reunion

Dilworth Billiards

Charlotte, N. C.

January 8, 2011

I agree with Emily, it was our "Camelot" for the swingin' swingles 70's. May it, and the friends we made there, live in our hearts forever.

Hey you all, please leave a comment, and tell what you thought. This is a perfect venue for that kind of thing. AND, as Emily and Joe mentioned, we're planning an Oct 1-2 weekend Tree Top Reunion here @ the beach, so comment on that as well. That's the weekend after the end of Fall SOS.

TTFN,

Your ex-Chief Gotcha

BTW - whatever happened to Barry (fire-starter) Houston?

History of the Ebook Reader, or EReader

2010-12-14T09:39:00.000-05:00

If you’re interested in any eBook reading device and the role it can play in your life, then you might also be interested in the way in which both the reader - and the eBooks they are designed to display - have evolved over time.

The Book’s Journey Into the Digital World

Books themselves are nothing new, with origins centuries back. However, they were something that most people did not have access to until the development of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century. Since then publishing has gone from strength to strength, and the book made its first appearance in the digital world in 1971, with a digital version of the Declaration of Independence: Project Gutenberg was launched (which now houses many free books available to download right to your reader!)

The First Readers Available on the Market

As the popularity of the eBook started to grow, the first eBook reading device was developed in 1998, and websites first begun selling popular books in eBook format. Though the popularity of downloading and sharing eBooks on the internet caught on, the eBook reader itself wasn’t so quick to follow suit, until recently.

The Evolution of Today’s eReader

When it comes to the modern form of the eBook reading device, Sony led the way with its first release in 2006 - being the first to make use of e-Ink technology. It was 2007 when Amazon launched its Kindle in the US, and popularity of the device began to grow at a rapid speed.

Modern eBook readers make use of technology similar to that employed within a computer, with the main difference being the e-Ink screen: designed for the most pleasant reading experience possible. These screens mean that we don’t experience glare as we would with a traditional computer screen or other handheld device.

The Future of the eBook Reader

Readers continue to evolve, bringing bigger and better features to book lovers. These features include larger screens, as seen in the Kindle DX, and will also, in future, involve color screens and perhaps a larger amount of applications and software added onto the main function of reading eBooks.

eBook readers have received some criticism from those who are worried that the book will lose its purpose. However, the popularity of the eBook reading device shows no signs of slowing down, prompting major manufacturers to get in on the act and release their own models.

To see the full array of Ebook readers, or EReaders, visit:
http://jphvideoventures.com/ereaders/

Till we talk again,
The Beachmiser

Article Marketing - Answering the Three Big Questions

2010-12-03T18:29:00.000-05:00

We are continuing our series on Internet Marketing, with ..... Article Marketing.

The Internet is crying out for content. There are billions of web pages with millions more being created every day. And every single one of them needs to have something to say - some content to attract visitors.

Article marketing is a branch of Internet marketing that focuses entirely on providing that content. Many people make good money online simply by writing a few articles on a regular basis.

So what is article marketing for, is it as easy as they say and what kind of results can you expect?

Big questions, but I'll do my best to answer them as comprehensively as possible.

What Does Article Marketing Entail?

Article marketing can be as simple as writing a series of articles to put on your own blog or website. If you've ever written a blog post that ran to more than a few hundred words, you've done it already. That is fine, as far as it goes, but why go to all that effort of writing something to only use it once?

Article marketing is about leveraging the effort you've put into creating an article in the first place and getting as much benefit from it as possible.

You do that by syndicating your article for other people to use, with the condition that every time they publish it on their website, they also include a resource box that you specify. That resource box will usually include a link back to a website, or product offering of your choice.

Syndication of your work is easy: there are hundreds of article directories on the Internet who are happy for you to post your work. EzineArticles is perhaps the biggest and best known, but there are many, many more that you can use. The article directories serve two purposes for article marketers: they are a central source for website builders to go to to find content, and they are also quickly indexed by search engines so you'll get backlinks even if nobody else uses your work.

Is Article Marketing as Easy as They Say?

For some people, writing articles is very easy, but for others it can be a chore. Fortunately, like any other skill you need to learn in Internet marketing, the more you practice, the easier it gets.

The trick is to discover what kind of articles are the easiest for you.

The best articles for beginners to write are how-to and tips articles. Both formats start out by identifying a commonly asked question, such as 'how can I stop my dog barking?' or 'what's the best way to make money online?' and provides an answer.

The how-to format is very straightforward - the article would start with a paragraph that expands on the question, move on to four or five paragraphs that explains the solution and ends with a paragraph that sums up both question and answer.

To write a tips article, on the other hand, you would first research 3 or 5 solutions and then, instead of the 4-5 paragraphs in the middle of the how-to article that explains just one solution, you'd have a separate paragraph - perhaps as bullet points - for each tip. The intro and finishing paragraphs would be very similar to the how-to ones.

Once you've written your article (allow anywhere from one to two hours for each one until you get more proficient) your main job is then to get it onto as many article directories as possible. Although you can do this by hand, it takes a lot of time so I would strongly recommend using one of the many article submission services who will do the job for you.

What Kind of Results Can Article Marketers Expect?

The answer to this question depends on how much work you are prepared to put into it.

Frankly, if all you do is write one article a month and submit it to just one or two directories, your results will be very poor.

Professional article marketers write a lot of articles and build up a big online presence for their body of work over time. That can bring them a huge number of backlinks to websites of their choice, a constant flow of traffic to their money sites and, most importantly, a stream of income that once started, is almost impossible to turn off.

In summary, article marketing is a very effective branch of online marketing that can bring excellent results for those who have the writing skills and the determination to build a big body of work online. It is unlikely that any individual article will make very much impact on its own, but 200 or more scattered over the Internet can bring many long term rewards.

To learn more about Article Marketing, especially as Netrepreneurs see it, read the Entrepreneurs Guide to Article Marketing!

To help you with your article writing and get over writer's block, use the Instant Article Creator for Article Marketing.

And last but not least, here's a simple step-by-step system that will show you how to break the money code and build a massive list with article marketing. Curiously enough, it's called the Article Marketing Money Code.

Affiliate Marketing - Making Money Online Doesn't Get Much Easier

2010-11-17T18:39:00.000-05:00

This is the start of a series of articles about the different facets of Internet Marketing. We start off with .......

AFFILIATE MARKETING

The idea of one person selling products on behalf of someone else, and receiving a commission in return is nothing new. As a marketing method it has been around for probably thousands of years. The idea of affiliate marketing took a little longer to make it onto the Internet though.

The World Wide Web as we know it came into existence in 1990, but it was not until 1994 that the first company applied affiliate marketing methods to its sales strategy. That company was in the adult industry, which often seems to be at the forefront of marketing innovation. However, soon after that the online music store CDNow began to operate what is generally considered to be the first non-adult affiliate program.

A couple of years later, in 1996, Amazon launched their Associates Program and affiliate marketing really took off.

Affiliate marketing is an alluringly simple idea: you show an offer from a third party company to your website visitors or newsletter readers and if they click through and buy, you get an agreed commission. Those commissions can be anywhere from a few percent, right up to 100% of the products' sales price.

Yes, some vendors will give affiliates the full value of the sale because they know that the lifetime value of a new customer is worth far more to them in the long term.

Affiliate marketing can go under many different names: associate marketing, partners programs, joint ventures and revenue sharing. Some affiliate programs are open to anyone while others insist on pre-approving applicants. Still others are only available to people who have bought the product.

It is very possible to become an affiliate for an individual company or product vendor as many run their own affiliate programs. However, the majority are run through affiliate management companies. Possibly the best known of these for online marketers are ClickBank, who specialize in digitally downloadable products and Commission Junction who represent thousands of companies under one roof.

All affiliate programs have their pros and cons. ClickBank, for example, are blissfully simple to use. You pick a product from their marketplace and they instantly give you an affiliate link to use. You need to sign up with them to become a member, but that takes only a few moments and is free. Commissions are generally between 50% and 75%. The downside is that ClickBank make it almost too easy for customers to get refunds and there is always a question-mark over how efficient their link tracking mechanism is.

Despite the potential problems, many Internet marketers make a lot of money from selling ClickBank products.

Here's an example of a Clickbank affiliate link:
http://c13a0ru6vexnuia-lihgr88uf5.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=BLOG
Pretty ugly, no? That's why we recommend Cloaking your affiliate links.
(That which is underlined is a direct link to the article).
I also made a short video on the same subject: http://dickhale.com/videos/linkcloaker

Commission Junction is great for marketers who don't want to be part of the Internet marketing niche and prefer to sell real products from real world niches. The choice is huge at CJ, but you do have to apply to be an affiliate for each company individually.

As you also have to apply to be a member of CJ initially, the reapplication every time you find something you want to promote can be annoying, and very often the companies concerned will reject your application without giving any reason.

Commission levels at Commission Junction are usually much lower - a few percent of the price, but as the products are often in high demand, you can make up for the lower commissions by volume.

Amazon, as mentioned earlier, run their own affiliate, or as they call it, Associates Program. It is free to join and pays a sliding scale of commissions depending on the volume of sales you make. Expect to start out at around 4 or 5%.

The great beauty of Amazon is that once you've sent them a customer for a specific product, Amazon are experts at building up the value of the sale by offering all kinds of other products ('customers who bought this, also like that'). As you get commission on the entire value of the shopping basket, you can often end up with a lot more than you expected.

Many affiliate programs now offer recurring income products and services, so you could make a sale for, for example, a membership site, and receive a monthly commission payment for as long as your referral remains a member. These residual income streams, as they are known, can quickly mount up and provide you with a regular paycheck for months or even years to come.

If you have a website that gets a lot of traffic, a blog with a regular readership or have built up a mailing list with whom you've established a trusting relationship, affiliate marketing can be very easy money. You hold no stock. write no sales letters, deal with no customer service issues and generally avoid all the hassles that product owners and vendors have to face.

Making money online doesn't get much easier than affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketers simply make recommendations, or put up a few banner ads on their sites, and then sit back and take their cut. There need be no overheads to start and you could be earning commissions in minutes.

As a follow-up to all this, I have an article about how to take advantage of your Clickbank affiliate code called "Saving on Clickbank." You need to read that as well.

The Beach is HOT, and so is this free List Builder.

2010-08-22T16:47:00.001-04:00

Before we talk about the beach, there's something I really must talk to you about. It's all about automating your list building efforts.

Can A Listbuilding System Be TOTALLY Automated? The answer is totally - YES.

I know we're all a bit sick and tired of promises of "automated software" that will make us rich before dinner.

And I'm always the first to be skeptical of these kinds of outrageous claims.

But today I may have to actually eat my words.

Because I just picked up a listbuildilng system that really is incredibly fast...,

And the traffic actually does keeps flow in on auto-pilot.

It's a pretty new tactic on the scene that I've heard of.

But I never really knew how to implement it.

Then I found this:

Free Plug N Play Listbuilding System

At that link 7 figure marketer Bill McRea is GIVING AWAY this listbuilding system totally free...

It's his way of getting some buzz going for his upcoming product launch (apparently he's go another system up his sleeve that's even better than this)

In any case..

I went and got this myself and it's totally legit.

There's nothing scammy about it all.
It's just a way to instantly create a win-win offer that potential JV partners can't refuse.

Bill hands you EVERYTHING you need to make it work. And I mean EVERYTHING.

So if you know the power of having a mailing list..

Do yourself a favor and go get this.

Do it now: Free Plug N Play Listbuilding System

I mean...you can't beat the price, right?

P.S. There is one catch to this...you'll have to help spread the word. But that's easy for me because I've seen this strategy in action and know that it works.
You should get Free Plug N Play Listbuilding System now!

OK - enough about that. The beach right now is HOT - I mean really HOT. So I'm going to delay our latest adventures till next time because it's too damn hot.

Let's Review the Anne Collins Weight Loss Program

2010-05-27T15:08:00.000-04:00

"No Man is an Island" - I've heard that over and over. Well, it's as true today as it was yesterday, and all through these years. We can accomplish a lot more when we work in a group or have the support of our peers to help us reach our goals.

Another thing people often overlook, or are shy to ask for, is, having a mentor. There have been many studies recently that show that people who ask for, and work with, a mentor or coach have a much higher chance for success than those who stubbornly try to 'go it alone.'

Anne Collins is an Irish nutritionist and the beauty and strongest point of her program is the very active forum. All the comments I read by people who use the forum - newcomers and old timers alike - were positive and full of stories of support and encouragement as they walked their path towards good health and weight control.

Anne Collins personally moderates this forum. She will answer your questions and guide you as you progress. It's also possible for members to send private messages. Anne Collins stresses that lack of motivation is one of the biggest obstacles to successful weight loss, and motivation is one of the high points of this program.

Anne Collins doesn't just offer a "one plan fits all" diet program. Her program has nine different diet plans so you can chose which one best suits you and you can move around between the different plans whenever you chose.

Here is a brief description of each of the plans currently available:

* Glycemic Index Diet which is great for diabetics or anyone else who needs to watch their carbohydrate levels. There is also information explaining what the glycemic index is and how it works.

* Balanced Diet - this is a traditional diet that basically follows the popular food pyramid.

* Low Calorie "Booster" Diet - designed to be followed for just fourteen days to jump start your weight loss.

* Cholesterol-Lowering Diet - High fiber for those with a cholesterol problem.

* Low Carbohydrate Diet - quick weight loss.

* 10-Minute Meals Diet for those who don't have the time or inclination to do a lot of cooking.

* Vegetarian Quick Start Diet.

* Diet for Life.

* Vegetarian Diet for Life.

She provides tools to help you figure out your body mass index (BMI), what the best weight would be for your body size, and how many calories you need each day.

The price for all of this: Just a one-time fee of $19.97 for a full year's access to all of the information on this extensive website.

Here's a list of exactly what you will get for this low price:

* The 9 diet plans listed above, downloadable as convenient ebooks

* Access to any new diets Anne may develop as well as updates to any of the existing diet plans

* Shopping lists - very comprehensive and useful to just grab and go! This feature will save you a lot of time and money!

* Access to the exclusive members-only area for a full year

* Access to the private members-only community forum

* Personal support from Anne Collins herself every day of the year

* Massive amounts of motivation tips and advice to keep you on track, not only from Anne Collins, but from the whole community

* Many of the diet plans have fitness and exercise advice and information

* Nutrition and calories explained in detail

Anne Collins program offers you a 60-day risk-free money back guarantee, but notes that if you do cancel, you will pay a $5 retention fee to prevent abuse.

Conclusion: for the price and the massive amounts of information the Anne Collins program provides, as well as the excellent community forum and direct access to Anne Collins herself, you can't go wrong with this program.

http://urlcx.com/acwlp/

Now, it's true that if you buy her book, I will receive a commission. That's only fair. But in all honesty, I wouldn't be recommending it if I didn't also believe in it. It's the real deal.

http://urlcx.com/acwlp/

Snapshots, Lifeshots, and other Ramblings

2010-02-17T11:50:00.005-05:00

SSN and Your Wallet
Perusing an AARP publication, I came across this tidbit. They warn against carrying your Medicare card in your wallet. Why? Because your Medicare ID number IS your Social Security Number, and if your wallet is ever lost or stolen, they've got your SSN dead to rights. And it's your SSN that is most valuable to identity thieves. So take it out, keep it home in a safe place, and don't take it out unless you're establishing an account with a new doctor or medical facility.
Here's the AARP Article - Scam Alert: Your Wallet Is No Place for a Medicare Card

Government Deals via E-Mail
E-Mail scammers are now posing as the US Government. What with all the "free" bail-out money floating around, e-mail scammers have been sending out hoax e-mails trying to get your personal information. Don't believe any of it. The US Government doesn't send e-mails, period.

Here's the full story- Scam Alert: 'Government' E-Mail? Don’t Believe It

The Check's in Your Mail - Yeah Right
Ever get a check in the mail, claiming this is a refund or prize or some such? Lots of times it's an authentic-looking government check for some grant or other. And they want a "finders" fee, or processing fee, for sending you the check. Well, it's a scam. The check's bogus.

Here's the scoop - Scam Alert - the check may look real but it's not

Use Your PIN at the PUMP?
Remember seeing those scams about debit card readers at ATM's? Well, they're back, and this time they are targeting gas pumps. They are usually unattended, don't have security cameras to record goings on. These devices are installed in gas pumps, and when you use your debit card to buy gas, this device records your bank ID and your PIN. Defense? If you must use your debit card, choose the Credit Card option so you don't have to enter your PIN.

Read all about - Scam Alert - No IN at the Pump

First Lady Quotes
Lady Bird Johnson said,
"Become so wrapped up in doing something that you forget to be afraid."

Barbara Bush said,
"You don't just luck into things... You build step by step, whether it's friendships or opportunities."

That's it for this post. Stay happy, health, and well.

My Kindle and Me

2010-01-06T09:45:00.006-05:00

I've been waiting for an epiphany, but that ain't happening. So to get the old creative juices flowing again (like they ever did in the first place), I've decided to relax my publishing standards and just start writing (or typing as the case may be). So here goes .......

I've been spending way too much time on my Kindle. It's become a sort of escapism mechanism for me, but then again, reading always was and has been. But the Kindle is great, because when I finish one book, all I have to do is download another, and off I go into another writer's adventure, mystery, or flight of fancy. It's just too easy. No matter where I am (except 32,000 feet on some flight), I can download a new ebook directly into my Kindle, on the fly, without being connected to my laptop. Plus, I've discovered a whole new way to find out where the free ebooks are. They're not by A+ authors, but they are, for the most part, fairly decent, and highly readable. And when I say free, I mean zip, zilch, nada, free.

Right now the price of a Kindle 2 has dropped., and probably will again. When you buy it through Amazon, you establish a special account, and then when you select a book you want to read, you "buy" it and it download directly to your Kindle, and Amazon charges your account. Most new, popular, releases are around $9.99, but there are a bunch less than that, and like I mentioned above, there are true freebies.

The only downside I've had is not being able to turn the page. Old habits being hard to break and all that. But seriously, if you're a student that needs to highlight passages for reference, or something like that, the Kindle can be cumbersome. It does have highlighting and note taking ability, but it is not as easy as using a magic marker. Did I mention it comes with a full WYSIWYG keyboard; built in, searchable dictionary; internet access (albeit slow because you are on the 3G network); text-to-speech; and (of course) online access to the Kindle store.

If you're like me, like to read, hate the hassle of carrying around dogeared paperbacks (trips, flights, doctor office visits, etc.), and want the convenience of reading the latest whodunit at a much cheaper price than the hardback price, click the following link:
Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation)

OK, that's my 2 cents worth on that subject. As you can probably tell, I LOVE my Kindle. BTW, get the protective leather cover to go with it, about $30. It's done wonders in protecting the Kindle screen.

Now here's another secret I bet you didn't know about. If you are yourself an author, or have access to PLR ebooks, you can become a Kindle publisher, and sell your own stuff via the Kindle library. You can name your own price, write your own copy, headlines, etc., and sell it directly to the ever expanding Kindle nation. This can be really cool if you have a great niche and ebook info to sell. Just follow the Kindle publisher rules (there are already several books out there that can help) and you're all set.

That's it for now. Hope everyone had a great holiday, and we'll see you on the flip side.

Dick

Olga's Unisex Salon

2009-11-16T18:07:00.001-05:00

We're still at the beach, just at Miami Beach, helping Robin do catch up stuff. More detail later, but in the meantime, see the next paragraph.

One more tip - recommendation - before I sign off. My friend Olga in the Miami Beach / Surfside area has a really cool unisex salon you ned to know about if you're ever there. It's called Hair and Body New Dimensions, so go check it out if you're anywhere around there.

Dick, from Miami Beach (for now).

Aging Gracefully

2009-11-04T16:37:00.002-05:00

Aging gracefully

"$5.37." That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bueno said to me. I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and something that used to be a Jolly Rancher. Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change when the kid with the Emo hairdo said the harshest thing anyone has ever said to me. He said, "It's OK. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount."

I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me. "Only $4.68" he said cheerfully. I stood there stupefied. I am 66, not even 70 yet?" a mere child! Senior citizen? Isn't 70 the new 50? Geeze!

I took my burrito and walked out to the truck wondering what was wrong with Emo. Was he blind? As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil. Old? Me?

I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, and there he was waiting with a smile.

Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, like I could be that easily distracted! What am I now? A toddler?
"Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, eh?" I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind. "Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly! It could happen to anyone!"

I turned and headed back to the truck. I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. What now? I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing. That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rearview mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rearview mirror.

Then, a few other objects came into focus. The car seat in the back seat. Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten doughnut on the dashboard.

Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba, I flew out of the alien vehicle. Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. That is when I felt it, deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, only it was nowhere to be found.

I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, and strode back into the restaurant one final time. There Emo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?" All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here?" At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle, and then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits.

Emo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck, and suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention. He was holding up a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in my truck by mistake." I took the food and drink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized.

She offered these kind words: "It's OK. My grandfather does stuff like this all the time."

All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40. Yes, I was racing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius.. And no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast.

As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket. I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blanky (or was it a Snuggles).

The good news was I had successfully found my way home.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Charlie Brown Remembered

2009-10-19T11:20:00.004-04:00

Our very good friend, Charlie Brown, passed away Sunday a week ago. You can read all about it on his Caring Bridge Journal and Back story. The memorial service itself was just this past Saturday in Charlotte. His daughter, Charlotte, had asked me to do the eulogy, so I thought I'd present a synopsis of my eulogy here - as an FYI.

I started with a quote: "God pours life into death and death into life without a drop being
spilled." ~Author Unknown

"The Power of Positive Pessimism" by Charlie Brown.
He was a published author. Not many can say that.
Many read it - a lot identified with it - some even saw them selves in it.

I first met Charlie Brown in Charlotte, at Tree Top, 1974. At that time, he was known as the candy man. We did rafting trips (Chattooga twice), mountain trips, road rallies, pig pickings, and beach trips. We also partied - a lot.

He was instrumental in my connecting with Sally and Susan - I knew CB, Sally/Susan knew CB,
but never all together. The Sunday after I had originally met Sally at the beach, we all had planned to gather at a place called Mancino's, a local watering hole. Having met only Sally, and not Susan, and knowing they were twins, I asked CB how to tell which from which. CB said to look for the one with the biggest smile.

2. He was a sailor, 2 years Navy, knew how to sail (Hobie, single masted), and captain a power boat (single screw, double screw) - owned Snoopy, cabin cruiser.

3. He loved to dance:
- Shag
- Disco
- If you watched him, never knew which was which
- C & W two step, learned in Dallas.

4. Talented Amateur photographer
- Wildlife Photos framed in his house
- Raft Up pictures from the Lake Norman 2003 - 04 raft up gatherings.
- Alaskan Cruise scenic pictures taken on our Alaskan Cruise in 2007.

5. Conservative politically - (I leaned to the right to make my point)
- He could out Rush Limbaugh
- Loved to discuss politics
- Used history and facts
- Could go on forever

6. Renaissance Man
- He built his own house as the general contractor.
- Loved good wine, good food, single malt scotch. and a good Cohiba.
- Man of all Seasons (beach in the winter, mountains in the summer)

7. History buff
- especially the SC Coast and Myrtle Beach and Conway.
- Civil War
- knew a lot about this and that, broad range of history.

8. Widely Read
- From Clive Cussler to Bruce Catton to Joel Osteen and Billy Graham, and his Bible.
- Could recite the Charge of the Light Brigade in its entirety from memory.
- Would read 3 - 4 books at a time.
- Loved to go back and re-read older books

9. C.B. was Gentleman and a Gentle Man
- Ladies Man (?) -I thought not. Lots of his really good friends were women.

10. Spiritual - basic faith that comes from the heart & soul.

11. At that point I brought a cigar and waved it at the congregation saying - here's how Charlie would have celebrated. After all, he considered cigar smoking the "Last bastion of Male Chauvinism."

He was was my friend, and sometimes mentor. He will be greatly missed.

CB's is Really Getting OLD!

2009-09-27T15:35:00.006-04:00

WOW - that's cruel - but true. Actually 71 these days ain't all that old. It just makes getting around a little harder. And unfortunately, CB's in the hospital right now - so read all about it at his Caring Bridge Site so you can get the whole picture.

Sally, Susan, and I just got back from visiting him, and we had to readmit him to the hospital Friday night for extreme bloating caused by, of all things, his pain meds. So he's back in for a few days until they can get several things corrected.

Stay in touch with Charlie's progress by registering yourself with Caring Bridge. You'll receive email updates whenever he updates his Caring Bridge journal.

25 THINGS ABOUT TO BECOME EXTINCT IN AMERICA

2009-09-14T09:19:00.003-04:00

This is a bit different - but I thought rather noteworthy.
My thanks to friend Norman for passing this along to me.

25 THINGS ABOUT TO BECOME EXTINCT IN AMERICA

25. U.S. Post Office
They are pricing themselves out of existence. With e-mail, and
and on-line services they are a relic of the past. (refer to #9)
Packages are also sent faster and cheaper with UPS.

24. Yellow Pages
This year will be pivotal for the global Yellow Pages industry.
Much like newspapers, print Yellow Pages will continue to bleed
dollars to their various digital counterparts, from Internet
Yellow Pages (IYPs), to local search engines and combination
search/listing services like Reach Local and Yodel Factors like20an
acceleration of the print 'fade rate' and the looming recession
will contribute to the onslaught. One research firm predicts the
falloff in usage of newspapers and print Yellow Pages could even
reach 10% this year -- much higher than the 2%-3% fade rate seen
in past years.
(Note: buildng mon-n-pop websites for local businesses is one of the fastest
growing internet related activities today. And not just websites, but related
services as well, like SEO, affiliate based hosting recommendations, etc.)

23. Classified Ads
The Internet has made so many things obsolete that newspaper
classified ads might sound like just another trivial item on a
long list. But this is one of those harbingers of the future that
could signal the end of civilization as we know it. The argument
is that if newspaper classifies are replaced by free on-line
listings at sites like Craigslist.org and Google Base, then
newspapers are not far behind them..

22. Movie Rental Stores
While Netflix is looking up at the moment, Blockbuster keeps
closing store locations by the hundreds. It still has about 6,000
left across the world, but those keep dwindling and the stock is
down considerably in 2008, especially since the company gave up a
quest of Circuit City . Movie Gallery, which owned the Hollywood
Video brand, closed up shop earlier this year. Countless small
video chains and mom-and-pop stores have given up the ghost
already.

21. Dial-up Internet Access
Dial-up connections have fallen from 40% in 2001 to 10% in 2008.
The combination of an infrastructure to accommodate affordable
high speed Internet connections and the disappearing home phone
have all but pounded the final nail in the coffin of dial-up
Internet access.

20. Phone Land Lines
According to a survey from the National Center for Health
Statistics, at the end of 2007, nearly one in six homes was
cell-only and, of those homes that had land lines, one in eight
only received calls on their cells.

19. Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs
Maryland 's icon, the blue crab, has been fading away in Chesapeake
Bay Last year Maryland saw the lowest harvest (22 million pounds)
since 1945. Just four decades ago the bay produced 96 million
pounds. The population is down 70% since 1990, when they first did
a formal count. There are only about 120 million crabs in the bay
and they think they need 200 million for a sustainable population.
Over-fishing, pollution, invasive species and global warming get
the blame.

18. VCRs
For the better part of three decades, the VCR was a best-seller
and staple in every American household until being completely
decimated by the DVD, and now the Digital Video Recorder (DVR). In
fact, the only remnants of the VHS age at your local Wal-Mart or
Radio Shack are blank VHS tapes these days. Pre-recorded VHS tapes
are largely gone and VHS decks are practically nowhere to be
found. They served us so well.

17. Ash Trees
In the late 1990's, a pretty, iridescent green species of beetle,
now known as the emerald ash borer, hitched a ride to North
America with ash wood products imported from eastern Asia . In less
than a decade, its larvae have killed millions of trees in the
Midwest , and continue to spread. They've killed more than 30
million ash trees in southeastern Michigan alone, with tens of
millions more lost in Ohio and Indiana . More than 7.5 billion ash
trees are currently at risk.

16. Ham Radio
Amateur radio operators enjoy personal (and often worldwide)
wireless communications with each other and are able to support
their communities with emergency and disaster communications if
necessary, while increasing their personal knowledge of
electronics and radio theory.. However, proliferation of the
Internet and its popularity among youth has caused the decline of
amateur radio. In the past five years alone, the number of people
holding active ham radio licenses has dropped by 50,000, even
though Morse Code is no longer a requirement.

15 The Swimming Hole
Thanks to our litigious society, swimming holes are becoming a
thing of the past. '20/20' reports that swimming hole owners, like
Robert Every in High Falls, NY, are shutting them down out of
worry that if someone gets hurt they'll sue. And that's exactly
what happened in Seattle . The city of Bellingham was sued by Katie
Hofstetter who was paralyzed in a fall at a popular swimming hole
in Whatcom Falls Park . As injuries occur and lawsuits follow,
expect more swimming holes to post 'Keep out!' signs.

14. Answering Machines
The increasing disappearance of answering machines is directly
tied to No 20 our list -- the decline of landlines. According to
USA Today, the number of homes that only use cell phones jumped
159% between 2004 and 2007. It has been particularly bad in New
York ; since 2000, landline usage has dropped 55%. It's logical
that as cell phones rise, many of them replacing traditional
landlines, that there will be fewer answering machines.

13. Cameras That Use Film
It doesn't require a statistician to prove the rapid disappearance
of the film camera in America . Just look to companies like Nikon,
the professional's choice for quality camera equipment. In 2006,
it announced that it would stop making film cameras, pointing to
the shrinking market -- only 3% of its sales in 2005, compared to
75% of sales from digital cameras and equipment.

12. Incandescent Bulbs
Before a few years ago, the standard 60-watt (or, yikes, 100-watt)
bulb was the mainstay of every U.S. home. With the green movement
and all-things-sustainable-energy crowd, the Compact Fluorescent
Lightbulb (CFL) is largely replacing the older, Edison-era
incandescent bulb. The EPA reports that 2007 sales for Energy Star
CFLs nearly doubled from 2006, and these sales accounted for
approximately 20 percent of the U.S. light bulb market. And
according to USA Today, a new energy bill plans to phase out
incandescent bulbs in the next four to 12 years.

11. Stand-Alone Bowling Alleys
Bowling Balls.. US claims there are still 60 million Americans who
bowl at least once a year, but many are not bowling in stand-alone
bowling alleys. Today most new bowling alleys are part of
facilities for all types or recreation including laser tag,
go-karts, bumper cars, video game arcades, climbing walls and glow
miniature golf. Bowling lanes also have been added to many
non-traditional venues such as adult communities, hotels and
resorts, and gambling casinos.

10. The Milkman
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 1950, over
half of the milk delivered was to the home in quart bottles, by
1963, it was about a third and by 2001, it represented only 0.4%
percent. Nowadays most milk is sold through supermarkets in gallon
jugs. The steady decline in home-delivered milk is blamed, of
course, on the rise of the supermarket, better home refrigeration
and longer-lasting milk. Although some milkmen still make the
rounds in pockets of the U.S. , they are certainly a dying breed.

9. Hand-Written Letters
In 2006, the Radicati Group estimated that, worldwide, 183 billion
e-mails were sent each day. Two million each second. By November
of 2007, an estimated 3.3 billion Earthlings owned cell phones,
and 80% of the world's population had access to cell phone
coverage. In 2004, half-a-trillion text messages were sent, and
the number has no doubt increased exponentially since then. So
where amongst this gorge of gabble is there room for the elegant,
polite hand-written letter?

8. Wild Horses
It is estimated that 100 years ago, as many as two million horses
were roaming free within the United States . In 2001, National
Geographic News estimated that the wild horse population has
decreased to about 50,000 head. Currently, the National Wild Horse
and Burro Advisory board states that there are 32,000 free roaming
horses in ten Western states, with half of them residing in
Nevada . The Bureau of Land Management is seeking to reduce the
total number of free range horses to 27,000, possibly by selective
euthanasia.

7. Personal Checks
According to an American Bankers Assoc. report, a net 23% of
consumers plan to decrease their use of checks over the next two
years, while a net 14% plan to increase their use of PIN debit.
Bill payment remains the last stronghold of paper-based
payments -- for the time being. Checks continue to be the most
commonly used bill payment method, with 71% of consumers paying at
least one recurring bill per month by writing a check. However,
a bill-by-bill basis, checks account for only 49% of consumers'
recurring bill payments (down from 72% in 2001 and 60% in 2003).

6. Drive-in Theaters
During the peak in 1958, there were more than 4,000 drive-in
theaters in this country, but in 2007 only 405 drive-ins were
still operating. Exactly zero new drive-ins have been built since
2005. Only one reopened in 2005 and five reopened in 2006, so
there isn't much of a movement toward reviving the closed ones.

5. Mumps & Measles
Despite what's been in the news lately, the measles and mumps
actually, truly are disappearing from the United States . In 1964,
212,000 cases of mumps were reported in the U.S. By 1983, this
figure had dropped to 3,000, thanks to a vigorous vaccination
program. Prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine,
approximately half a million cases of measles were reported in the
U.S. annually, resulting in 450 deaths. In 2005, only 66 cases
were recorded.

4. Honey Bees
Perhaps nothing on our list of disappearing America is so dire;
plummeting so enormously; and so necessary to the survival of our
food supply as the honey bee. Very scary. 'Colony Collapse
Disorder,' or CCD, has spread throughout the U.S. and Europe over
the past few years, wiping out 50% to 90% of the colonies of many
beekeepers -- and along with it, their livelihood.

3. News Magazines and TV News
While the TV evening newscasts haven't gone anywhere over the last
several decades, their audiences have. In 1984, in a story about
the diminishing returns of the evening news, the New York Times
reported that all three network evening-news programs combined had
only 40.9 million viewers. Fast forward to 2008, and what they
have today is half that.

2 Analog TV (already bye-bye)
According to the Consumer Electronics Association, 85% of homes in
the U.S. get their television programming through cable or
satellite providers. For the remaining 15% -- or 13 million
individuals -- who are using rabbit ears or a large outdoor
antenna to get their local stations, change is in the air.. If you
are one of these people you'll need to get a new TV or a converter
box in order to get the new stations which will only be broadcast
in = 0 A digital.

1. The Family Farm
Since the 1930's, the number of family farms has been declining
rapidly. According to the USDA, 5.3 million farms dotted the
nation in 1950, but this number had declined to 2.1 million by the
2003 farm census (data from the 2007 census hasn't yet been
published). Ninety-one percent of the U.S. FARMS are small Family
Farms.

Both interesting and saddening, isn't it?

Back Again - But for how Long?

2009-08-12T13:30:00.004-04:00

Back from MIA, but only for a sort while, then off (maybe) to VA, then back to MIA. And speaking of that, I just posted a new blog entry on my Shagmiser Blog - check it out.

Paul, Teresa, and the kiddos are due in late today or tomorrow. They need their annual ration of sun, sand, sea and surf (and don't we all). Kendra (sans Steve for now) and the girls are visiting sister Carrie right now, so we'll have a pretty good family group here @thebeach this week. Pretty cool.

Back to MIA in about a week and a half to help Robin and Kathie. Sister Melissa will be joining us this time for the help out while Robin takes on a secret mission to Gitmo. Really hush, hush stuff.

Sally's still fending off the tourons at the aquarium while Susan's spending all her waking hours at Dillard's. Me? I'm just doing my Internet thing, taking Mom to various doc type appointments. The really bad lower back pains she's been experiencing lately are the result of a compressed spinal joint (?). The ortho guy will probably do some outpatient procedure to correct the problem and hopefully relieve the pain. Then it's on to physical therapy, which she ain't too happy about, especially since they denied us getting her one of those power wheelchairs. But it's like the doc said, use it or lose it.

I hear that the SF Hales (Peter, Bekah, and the group) just visited Austin to catch up with twin bro Paul and family. We can't wait to hear all about it.

Oh yeah! Why a trip to VA? Next post I'll spill the beans.

Till next time,
Old Bro

Still at the Beach, Miami Beach

2009-08-01T17:01:00.005-04:00

Well, I'm still in Miami Beach, visiting with Robin and Kathie, helping out, doing this and that, etc. Just laying back, enjoying the MIA summer heat (believe that), and watching the scenery along Ocean Blvd. in SOBE.

It's been awhile since I've been here, but not too much has changed. Here's a picture of the lovely couple and sister Melissa, taken awhile back at Morton's restaurant.

I'm due back in NMB maybe around this coming Tuesday. Back to my beach, with the sand, sun, sea, and surf. Cool stuff. More later, so TTFN.

Oops! I forgot to mention one thing. So if you're on an RSS feed for this, I apologize. Anyway, before I flew down to MIA to visit the younger Bro & Kathie, I bought a Kindle from Amazon.Com, and had it delivered to Robin's MIA address so it would be there when I got there (smart huh?). Anyway, I've been playing with it, and it is fantastic. Not only can I download from over 300,000 ebooks from the Kindle library, I can also download audio books from audible.com and listen to whatever I download. It's a reader, audio player, and all around cool gadget to lay out on the beach with (oops).

But here's the cool thing. The Kindle does NOT need to be connected to your computer to be able to download whatever book it is you want to read. It's got its own wireless network, separate from your computer wireless network. Much like your cellphone. So you can sit on the beach, search the Kindle store, find what you want, then download that book, all while sitting there watching the waves roll in. Pull down your shades, and begin to escape into the wonder of the written word. Now that is too cool.

Get your own Kindle here:
http://sallyhrecommends.com/sallysamazondeals

NOW, I'm finished.

Still at the Beach, just a Different Beach

2009-07-21T14:52:00.008-04:00

Well, I really am still at the beach, just not North Myrtle Beach. I'm actually in Miami Beach with Bro Robin and Sister Kathie. Visiting, checking the sites, cruzing SOBE, all the touron stuff. Haven't learned Spanish yet, but the osmosis is starting to kick in. Hard for it not to.

My good friend Arlene has just (almost) published her first book. It's called Success Mapping, and it's due out Aug 1, but you can sign up for an advanced copy and get a free gift in the process. Check it out at her Sinequanon Group website. We've known Arlene for a long time, been to Cabo with her and Jeanne the Z, and partied around Dallas many times. Her new book is not one I would pass up, 'cause this lady knows whereof she speaks, and can walk the walk.

We were originally concerned that our tourist season would be off because of 1) the economy and 2) the bad precedent the City of Myrtle Beach set with their anti-biker attitude. Well, we look pretty busy, but that's up here in North Myrtle Beach. Don't really know about MB proper, and could actually care less. NMB is doing things right, or so it seems. There's a new free outdoor band concert every month on Main Street now, joing the Mclean Park concerts, a new water slide (see previous post), plans to open a family oriented ride park next month next to the horseshoe, and (drum roll, please) the opening of the Main Street Extension. Things are happening up here, and we're loving it.

Cheers from Miami Beach, pray for surf, and let your suds settle.
Dick @thebeach.

New Slide for North Myrtle Beach

2009-06-20T16:09:00.001-04:00

I'll let the video do the talking. The slide itself is on the beach around 1st Avenue South.

The kids are having a ball, and the area just over the dunes will be the site of the new ferris wheel and other small rides, only increasing the family attraction to North Myrtle Beach.

You all come on down now, you hear?

Born Again American

2009-06-11T15:15:00.005-04:00

This is a special video I just came across, and I thought it was worth posting here. Take a look, see what you think.

Now go to their website at:
http://www.bornagainamerican.org/

Well, tomorrow's the old 66 (and I do mean old). But there is a good side. Social Security says I can now earn as much money as I want without being penalized. Gosh, that sure is generous of them.

So if you'd like to see the sign of the times I grew up in, just click on this link:
http://www.billsretroworld.com/RETROLIFE.HTM

These pictures really bring back memories. Except for the Beatles wig - where did that come from?
That picture above is of the old Beach Movies we shot on Super 8 back in the 70's. Does that bring back any memories? What, me? Nostalgic? I don't think so! Just click on the picture for some shots of yesteryear.

Oh well, it's off to making scads of money now that I know Uncle Sam won't gig me for it. You all take care now, you hear? And visit my other blog over at the Shagmiser's Blog.

TTFN - Dick (the Old Bro, Disco Tricky)

Where in the world are Dick & Sally

2009-05-27T13:28:00.003-04:00

We ain't home, that's for sure. But we were over the Memorial Weekend, and we had visitors. If you'd like a preview of who it was, just watch this video:

Memorial Weekend SHORT Video

I'll maybe shoot some additional video, and see if you can guess where we are. In the meantime, keep your toes in the surf, and your head above the waves. We'll catch you on the next post.

TTFN .......... Dick

The Blue Crab Festival is this coming Weekend

2009-05-13T12:05:00.003-04:00

The annual Blue Crab Festival is this coming weekend in Little River, SC, on the waterfront. Saturday, May 16th from 9am to 8pm and Sunday, May 17th from 9am to 6pm.

Band Lineup:
Saturday, May 16th 12 PM - 4 PMThe Castaways
Saturday, May 16th 4 PM - 8 PMSea Cruz
Sunday, May 17th 12 PM - 4 PMThe Fantastic Shakers
Sunday, May 17th 4 PM - 7 PMCoastline Band

SOS Spring Safari Parade for 2009

2009-05-06T10:29:00.012-04:00

Yep! Here's a teaser video all about the 2009 SOS Spring Safari Parade, right down the middle of North Myrtle Beach, Ocean Drive Beach. I made this using Animoto.Com, a great site for creating videos from snapshots.

If you are seeing this post in an email through an RSS feed, you cannot see the video. If that's the case, just go to http:/beachmiser.blogspot.com to see the video. Overall, there were over 600 entries in this year's parade. It was quite colorful, and had a lot of music, most playing beach music. The Penguins took first place. Look for them. I am going to post the regular video I shot soonest, but that takes a lot more time, and will have to be segmented into multiple parts.

BTW - if you all have ever wondered what I use to shoot these videos, it's a little handheld video recorder that's really compact and handy:
Flip MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)
Try one on for size yourself .....

4 New Video Sites

2009-04-24T14:12:00.006-04:00

I've been doing some gatheriung, and searching, and found some really cool videos that are sweeping the Internet and YouTube. I've gone ahead and posted them to their own sites for your viewing enjoyment:

Swing Dance from St. Louis, talk about Oreo Cookie:
http://digitalshores.com/swingdance

Sound of Music Dance Troupe showing off in Belgium:
http://digitalshores.com/soundofmusic

Dance of a Thousand Hands from a deaf-mute Chinese Troupe:
http://digitalshores.com/thousandhands

Susan Boyle Amazing video on Britain's Got Talent:
http://digitalshores.com/dream

If you haven't seen these videos yet, you owe it yourself to view them.
They will literally lift you up, set you free, and mow your lawn.
Well, maybe not mow your lawn, but at least get you to start thinking about doing it.

Girl on the Beach

2009-04-15T14:26:00.004-04:00

Most of you know we live very near the beach. And, we do like to walk the beach, a lot.
The weather's been kind of nice lately, and a lot of "early" sun bunnies can be found laying out.

Well, just recently, we noticed a girl who was at the beach almost every day. She wasn't unusual, nor was the travel bag she carried, except for one thing; she would approach people who were sitting on the beach, glance around and then speak to them. Generally, the people would respond negatively and she would wander off. But occasionally someone would nod and there would be a quick exchange of money and something that she carried in her bag.

We assumed that she was selling drugs and debated calling the cops, but since we didn't know for sure, we decided to just continue watching her.. After a couple of weeks my wife said, 'Honey, have you ever noticed that she only goes up to people with boom boxes and other electronic devices?' I hadn't and said so. Then she said, 'Tomorrow I want you to get a towel and our big radio and go lie out on the beach. Then we can find out what she's really doing.' Well, the plan went off without a hitch and my wife was almost hopping up and down with anticipation when she saw the girl talk to me and then leave.. I then walked up the beach and met my wife at the road.

'Well, is she selling drugs?' she asked excitedly. 'No, she's not,' I said, enjoying this probably more than I should have. 'Well, what is it then? What does she do ?' my wife fairly shrieked. I grinned and said, 'She's a battery salesperson.' 'Batteries?' cried the wife. 'Yes!' I replied.

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN

!!!!!!!!!OOOOH! You're gonna dislike me for this - but it will make your day

'She Sells C Cells by the Seashore!'

And People Ask Me Why I Like Retirement...

Tidbits, Here and There, Scattershots

2009-04-10T18:16:00.003-04:00

OMG - it's Spring here at the beach, finally. Seems like everyone is out in their yards, pruning and cutting and raking and mowing and stuff. I just love watching them do all that. Makes my heart glad.

Me and the LBO went all the way to the beach today (it's been awhile), and there were just gobs of people there, sunning and laxing and being all touristy. Made my heart feel glad.

Scattershot: What with this BS economy and all, I thought I'd summarize Suze Orman's latest article (January edition of O Magazine):

No Blame, No Shame. Exhale, get on with it. Ain't your fault.
Take a snapshot of your finances
Adopt a foolproof credit card strategy
Try harder to save
Separate savings from investments
Know your credit score
Evaluate your retirement plan
Diversify your assets
Don't obsess over your home's value
Protect your family - and your nest egg.

That's it in a nutshell. Get the magazine edition if you want to learn more.

Want to read my latest review? http://shagmiser.blogspot.com/

Everyone's doing great here. And if you actually read this, leave a comment so I'll know you're out there. Just say HI or something.

When's it Gonna get Spring?

2009-03-23T12:06:00.002-04:00

I know, I know, what lousy use of the language, but hey, when is Spring Gonna Sprung? A lot of Canadians are here right now, as are the Spring Breakers, but it's still pretty chilly, and here these people are walking around in their shorts and t-shirts while I'm freezing my butt off. Even the dog balks at going outside. Until this weather gets warmer, the golf carts going to stay garaged.

I just posted a new blog entry on the IM blog. Check it out:
http://shagmiser.blogspot.com

Mom seems to be taking to her (now not so) new place. Lots more getting up and around, getting more social, and actually doing stuff she never considered doing while she lived on her own. It expensive, but between her EJ account, social security, and VA benefits, she's covering the bases. We just wish the EJ account hadn't tanked so bad (thanks to greedy Wall Street and dumb ass politicians).

Susan's back to work, Sally's at the Aquarium, I'm trying to learn more about mini sites and how to run them correctly (see the blog comment above), so all's right with the world. All things considered, we're better than OK - we're in the place we've always wanted (the beach), I can't be fired since I'm retired, and I'm doing what I really enjoy. So life really is a beach after all.

Our niece Rachael is still really suffering, and they still can't seem top figure it out. If you get a chance, send Rachael some serious get well thoughts and prayers. If you don't now how, check out her ongoing story at:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rachelhale

TTFN, and we'll see you - @thebeach.

Sally and Susan's Birthday Video

2009-03-02T17:24:00.005-05:00

Sally and Susan celebrate their birthday tomorrow by taking a trip down memory lane today. Watch the video and enjoy it with them. They are getting it on - Again!

Wow! Now that was fun!

Flight of Dick's Disco

2009-02-27T07:19:00.004-05:00

This is from the Flight of the Conchords - It's not exactly like I remember "Randy's on a Friday Night."

History of Valentine's Day

2009-02-06T11:12:00.005-05:00

Here's something a little unique for this blog. Martin Avis of Kickstart Daily just posted the History of Valentine's Day on his site, and it's a little unusual in the fact that every time you refresh his page, a reworded version comes up. According to Martin, "You can refresh the page as many times as you like, and each time a different version of the article will be displayed." See for yourself at his History of Valentine's page. In the meantime, here's the article, re-published with his permission.

Be My Valentine

Long before anybody had heard of Saint Valentine to spice things up and bring some passion into the cold winter, mid-February was looked forward to as a lusty occasion for lovers. From 400 years BC, the Romans conducted an annual sweep stake as an act of worship to their god of shepherds, Lupercus. Teenage women had their names written down and put inside a box and drawn blindly by adolescent men. The young people then found themselves legally paired for a year.

600 years later, the warlike emperor Claudius II banned young men from marrying -- because he thought that unattached males could fight harder in battle.

A Christian bishop, Valentine, didn't agree with Claudius and disobeyed the law and performed secret marriage ceremonies until Claudius learned of his disobedience and first imprisoned him, and finally had him brutally executed on February 24th, 270.

While he was imprisoned, Valentine fell in love with his guard's daughter and when he was finally taken to be killed, he sent her a letter which he ended with, 'From your Valentine.'

Valentine's story provided a good excuse, and so, the Church, in AD 496, took the opportunity to get rid of the hated partnership sweep stake held in honor of the god Lupercus and so made some changes of their own to the rules of the event:

From then on, either gender would select a name in the lottery, but now they wouldn't get the expected year of 'marriage' (and often lust), they would now receive the name of a Saint whose character they were obliged emulate over the coming twelve months.

What a crushing disappointment that must have been for the lusty youngsters in Roman days!
The day of the new-style lottery was named after Saint Valentine whose selection, more than two centuries after his death, was aimed at ridding Christian Rome of the old-religion god Lupercus than from any real intention to promote love.

As so often happens, the public's memory was harder to beat down than political will -- particularly when unpopular and Saint Valentine's name continued to be associated with passion and love. Young Roman men, deprived of their lottery, started instead handing paper notes to the girls they fancied on February 14th.

So it was that the modern habit of distributing and receiving Valentine cards was effectively begun over 1500 years ago!

The very first modern-day card that is still in existence is in the collection of the British Museum. It was sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife in 1415. The poor man was a 'guest' in the Tower of London at the time and so his feelings of love were probably quite heightened!
Five hundred years ago the Bishop of Geneva wanted to reinstate the yearly 'live like a saint' lottery, but his efforts were short-lived. February 14th was by then too firmly associated with lovers for the Church to successfully interfere.

In 1797 a British publisher, a man who would have done well in modern times, issued a guidebook called 'The Young Man's Valentine Writer' in which were pages of pre-written love poems for the creatively challenged.

Anonymous Valentines cards began with the Victorians. Those outwardly straight-laced folks privately adored anything sensual and passionate, but outwardly were obliged to maintain an aura of respectful purity. Amusingly for us the words in the cards became more and more obscene, but the authors were able to maintain their respectability from behind their self-imposed anonymity.

The first publisher of Valentine's cards in America, Esther Holland was able to charge up to $35 for a single card. That was a fortune in 1870!

In case you are wondering, we still write kisses with the letter 'x' because in the days before people could generally read and write, your signature was a cross. To make the mark an oath, people would draw their cross and kiss it -- much the same as they would kiss a Bible. Unsurprisingly the hand-drawn X and the kiss became one and the same.

Have a love-filled Valentine's day!

Dick

Again, our thanks to Martin Avis for providing this little ditty and allowing us to share it with you.

http://kickstartdaily.com/

This, That, and Other Things

2009-02-03T09:49:00.005-05:00

Jim Daniels of the Biz Web Gzette just published an informative blog post for all you guys out there wanting to do things right in 2009. It's titled "How to Grow Reliable, Long-Term Income Online..." and he lists it as 8 very solid, fundamental steps. Go read the whole thing for yourself, I think you'll like it 'cause it's right up our netrapreneurial alley (that's a word?).

Well, we've got the Moms moved in OK. You can read all about it on her blog: http://momprogressblog.blogspot.com/. Things have settled down quite a bit what with her moving over there and all, so I now have more time to get things rolling again.

We're still in the winter off season here @thebeach, so there's hardly anything to report.

I am making available a new report called the PLR Process, and you can get your free copy by heading over to The PLR Process. I did not write it, but the guys who did really know what they are talking about. I write about it a little more on my Shagmiser Blog - go check it out. Over there, I also mention 3 new sites I just published. Niche sites. I plan to do more so keep your eyes out. I built all 3 of them in under 2 hours total, using the tools provided by PLR Pro. What a deal. Now if I could just monetize them.

Right now I am looking at Mom's trailer, which I had to put into the back yard for lack of anyplace else. Anybody need a trailer?

More later - and TTFN.
Dick

Off on a Tangent

2009-01-23T06:35:00.003-05:00

I am going to veer a bit today, even though it has been awhile since I've posted. The world is too much with us, as Mom used to say. Speaking of ...... if you want to know how she is doing, check Mom's Progress Blog. I try and stay ahead of it AMAP.

It seems as if the whole world was watching the Obama Inaugural ceremony on Tuesday (the 21st of January), via TV, the Internet, IPhone, smoke signals, whatever. And he assumes office in the worst possible circumstances for his country and the world. But he said something that resonated with me, and I am sure to a lot of people, especially in these days of Wall Street greed, massive ponzi schemes, corporate and media irresponsibility, and world wide tensions. He said,

"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. "

In my humble opinion, that's a pretty good aim.

I've actually been doing a better job of keeping my Shagmiser Blog more-or-less up to date, so check it out for my latest scheme, er, opportunity. AND, the old standby, my Internet Retirement System web site is still cooking along. In fact, if you put that specific term into Google, I rank second. Now that's pretty good.

Not too much doings here @thebeach. Mid Winters just came and went. Jack and Becki came down from Charlotte for a visit, and we all headed to Fat Harold's for some cold beer and hot shag dancing (I'd call it shagging, but too many of you from outside the Grand Strand area would get the wrong idea). Speaking of shagging, I've posted some YouTube videos of some pretty good shaggers on my History of Shag web page. Check it out.

We have our new SC tags, and the one thing it does promote is http://travelsc.com/ right there on the tag itself. I have yet to check it out - maybe you should.

TTFN - We'll see you on the Strand and in the sand.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-23T14:31:00.004-05:00

Yes, the season is fully upon us - and it's about time.

And to honor said season, I've put together a little Holiday Oriented web site, just for all the followers of my little blog.

The Beachmiser's Holiday Memorial Website Thingy.

So that's it for this post - go see the website.

And we'll see you - next year!

Holiday Family Video

2008-12-12T11:09:00.007-05:00

This is just a little video I put together, using the animoto.com site. It really is pretty cool. I tried to get everybody - probably missed a few - and I hope you enjoy this little holiday family video.
If you guys have any shots I don't have and you'd like to see included, send them to me and I'll remix it.

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes to all - and leave a comment.
Old Bro and the Mustang

2008 Christmas Regatta Boat Parade

2008-11-30T14:33:00.004-05:00

This is the 2008 Annual Intercoastal Regatta, a bunch of boats all lit up for the 24th annual Christmas boat parade on the Intercoastal Waterway. Actually, we weren't sure what was lit more, the boats or the crews.

We went over to Sandy's and video recorded this from her dock on the ICW. Great parade, great friends visiting, great munchies. Overall, an eventful event.

Some updates - recently updated!

2008-11-21T12:40:00.007-05:00

I've been really busy lately, updating this and that:

My Shagmiser Blog
My Internet Retirement Site
My Trivia Answers Site
My Shagmiser Projects Page

just to name a few. So I thought I'd post this for the both of you who follow this blog so you can check out my updates. I also updated the recommended links thingy down on the right (Blogger calles them Gadgets). Took out a lot of outdated links, and added some new ones. Pretty cool, eh?

On to fun stuff. Cynthia's headed our way to visit over Thanksgiving, and good old C.B. is also headed "to the beach." We're gonna have a full house for Turkey Day! Yahoo-ie! Also, nephew Keith is due back from Taiwan, filled we're sure with a wild story or 2.

The Little River / North Myrtle Beach Christmas Holiday Boat "in the water on the ICW" Parade is next Saturday after Thanksgiving, so we're all headed over to Sandy's to watch the parade of Christmas lit boats (or is it the Captian and crew who are lit?). Like previous years, I'll video the whole thing, then post if to YouTube and the http://www.digitalshores.net/ pages, so nobody will miss a thing. Be on the lookout.

Actually, you don't have to keep checking here for updates if you use an RSS feed, or just "Follow" this blog. Either way works.

Enough for now - mores courses to keep up with and websites to update. Busy, busy, busy!!!!

TTFN, and AMF
Dick

For S.C. Residents - some health record news

2008-11-09T12:09:00.004-05:00

I just read this in the AARP bulletin, and for those of us in South Carolina, I thought it was worth passing along ........

" Personal records, all in one place. To encourage the use of electronic health care records, which would cut down on medical errors, AARP South Carolina is urging state residents to sign up for My Personal Health Record, a pilot project launched by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicade Services. As of September 2, 700 people had registered, giving them free web access to the previous 24 months of their Medicare records, including information about their medical conditions, hospitalizations and doctor visits. Users can enter their own information as well, including notes about medications, allergies, and services they've received. State residents with Medicare Part A or B can sign up for the project at http://www.myphrsc.com/. To learn more, e-mail questions@myphrsc.com or call 1-888-697-4772 toll free."

Now, for those of you not yet on Medicare or Medicade, there's another free service for posting your medical records online, and it's being offered by (who else?) Google. It's all manual entry (at last look), but it's a great way to keep all your med stuff in one place, online. It's called Google Health. Check it out.

We haven't been doing much these last few weeks, what with the season being over and all. WW came for a short visit, and Cynthia's due in a couple of weeks. Actually, we've all been fighting off flu symptoms and trying to dodge the off colored variants of same. Oh, well!

I thought these worthy of passing along. Hope it helps. That's all for today - keep those comments rolling in.

It's Robin's Birthday

2008-10-14T10:24:00.004-04:00

Yep! You got that right. Today is little bro's birthday (I meant that figuratively). And for the occasion, we posted a special birthday site specifically for him - click on the picture to check it out!

Or if that doesn't work, go here.

It's Been a Month?

2008-10-05T07:59:00.003-04:00

No kidding! I cannot believe it's been a month since I've last posted here. Aaaach! Well, that's probably because there ain't been a whole bunch happening, not counting Mom's minor misstep which you can read about on her blog - Mom's Progress Blog - or Sally's latest fun adventure. And except for the fall bike rally, some really cool local area festivals, our one day trip to Charleston, and the beach replenishment project, just not a whole bunch happening.

I have been doing some extra project work, which you can check out on my Shagmiser Blog. And that's been keeping me really busy.

Right now, we're off to the mountains of Virginia to visit the Bostic / Rasnake clan in Swords Creek and Lebanon. Yep, we're headed to the homestead of Sally & Susan, to see family, friends, and a grit or 2. You all know what grits are right? Girls Raised in the South. HAH!

I also just completed another IM related video, and it's posted on YouTube if you want to check it out. Personally, I think it is really boring, but I'll let you decide. It's part of a learning / challenge I've just started, and it's posted on the Shagmiser Blog.

Now here's a thought. If you want to be notified whenever I upload one of my videos, just join in my friends list on Youtube, or join (for free) Plaxco. Or Twitter. They all work.

Enough for now - we're headed out.

TTFN - AMF - Livin' Barefoot in Paradise
Dick

Sally and I go Parasailing

2008-09-04T08:58:00.007-04:00

Well, everyone. Sally and I had a very eventful, fun filled Anniversary weekend, one we'll really remember for quite awhile. It started that Saturday afternoon when Sally surprised me with our very first parasail out of Captain Dick's in Murrell's Inlet. I've got a video on the whole thing posted on Youtube. Go to http://youtube.com/shagmiser to get your eyeballs on this one. I cannot believe it took us this long to get around to doing this. It was AB FAB! 500 feet up in the air, floating out over Litchfield Beach, and I got the whole thing on video. Wow!

BTW, if you haven't seen the special dancing video I made from our Friday night on the town, check it out HERE. And no, it's not our usual shag dance.

That night Susan joined us for one of the best dinner's ever at UMI's down in restaurant row. We've been wanting to try this place for quite awhile, based on the fact that my sister Carrie recommended it highly, as did our friends Sandy and Brian. It's a Pacific Rim type seafood restaurant that combines the best of Asian cuisine: select offerings of extremely fresh seafood prepared using blends of unique spices. Combine that with a high tech (not deco) ambiance, and wait service more than a cut above, and you've got a 4 star place that happens to be @thebeach.

Sunday afternoon Sally deigned to accompany me to Hoto's to listen to the Craig Woolard band for awhile, standing in the sun on the beach drinking cold beers. It don't get much better. Now that's my idea of a great afternoon.

Sunday night we all went to Bimini's for crab legs. My nephew Keith is headed back out to (guess where?) the Pacific Rim for his job installing steel scarfing equipment in Shanghai and Taiwan, and we wanted to gather with the rest of the family to send him off. It was noisy, filled with Tourons celebrating the end of summer, but well worth it.

Right now we're waiting to see where Hana and Ike are headed (those are hurricanes, Johnnie), and preparing to batten down the hatches. My next post might be from C.B.'s up in Charlotte. Hana might come into or close to Wilmington just north of us, so we will get lots of wind and rain. But Hana might be nothing compared to Ike, which as I write this is a cat 4 hurricane approaching the Caribbean. If there's some great surf, I'll try and get some video to pass along.

That's all I can think of for now - so check out the parasail video, and post a comment or 2.

TTFN - Dick @thebeach.

And don't forget my other blog, http://shagmiser.blogspot.com/

Sailing Over New Year's Part Dos/Deux

2008-08-29T09:53:00.002-04:00

This new video has a lot more pictures of our week long sail! Avast Ye Maties! Them's that Dies are the Lucky Ones !!!!! HAR !

Two new happenings are almost upon us ........

2008-08-27T14:01:00.007-04:00

Short, Animoto Video - just to set the tone and mood (swing)!

Yep! 2 things are about to happen .....

First off, Sally and I are going to be celebrating our 28th anniversity this coming weekend. That's a long time, especially in dog house years, not that I've been there the entire time mind you. But it's still quite a long spell. Maybe we'll party at the 30th mark, but this year we're staying low key. Maybe rent a DVD, pop some popcorn, arm wrestle for the remote. But it's been an eventful 28 years, filled with lots of experiences, travels (lots of travels), and the love and respect that only a relationship that has lasted can endure. Something tells me she's a keeper.

For those of you who know us, you know it's actually been longer than 28 years, but who's counting. I hope that Linda White's prophetic comment that long ago Sunday night in Mancino's still holds true.

Secondly, the Fall Migration is coming up in September, or Fall SOS. We'll be there, of course, especially for Fun Sunday and Fun Monday. Should be a real hoot this year. More on that later, or just check it out at http://www.shagdance.com/.

Well, no more banner planes have fallen from the sky, so we're pretty much back to normal. If you missed our original "man on the scene" video report of the first unscheduled ocean landing, you can catch it HERE, or on www.YouTube.com/shagmiser. It's in there somewhere. Search on rudyboo.

Here's something I found interesting ..................
You know you are living in 2008 when...
1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :)
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

TTFN - from all of us here @thebeach.

And don't forget my other blog, http://shagmiser.blogspot.com/

The Linn Family and other Ramblings

2008-08-21T11:12:00.003-04:00

Kendra has posted quite a few blog entries on Steve's progress and life in general around the their household, especially now that Steve's home and recuperating. You really have to read it to understand, especially since Kendra has such a wonderful way words. James Thurber, move over. Check out Kendra's Blog.

Not too much happening here at the beach. Tourons are still here, clogging the beach. And the new beach replenishment program is underway, dumping sand on the beach dredged up from about a mile offshore and scaring the hell out of the natives. If I get a video of the process I'll post it here, somewhere.

Sally and I have our 28th anniversary coming up next weekend. Go figure. 28 years? Wow! She's now working days at Ripley's Aquarium downtown, and I'm still playing at being an Internet marketer. Had to apply for SS, and the first check just came in. Oh Happy Days now that the End of Days are near. 2008 is turning out to be a rather memorable year.

I keep adding to the NMB for Locals website, so if you're in the area, check it out. I try and come up with places local to our area you might find interesting since they are usually off the beaten track. Remember, NMB stnds for North Myrtle Beach (duh!). So I guess the full name of the website should be North Myrtle Beach for Locals.

Me personally, I am hitting the books again after lo these many years. I've got a PLR membership site I am ramping up for, taking Reese's TS2 course, and building up my MLM mini sites with Grandstaff's guidance. Keeps me really busy, off the streets, and out of the bars. So far. This stuff can be pretty intensive, but it's fun. But it's nice to know Molly Darcy's is only a golf cart ride away.

We hope and pray for Steve's speedy recovery (but with 5 breaks, it's gonna be a long road) and Kendra's sanity. Go check the blog ------ NOW! And leave a comment.

TTFN - we'll see you @thebeach.

Steve's Progress

2008-08-03T10:06:00.004-04:00

I just read Kendra's latest blog post on hubby Steve, and it sounds like he is doing really well, improving, and getting stronger. Check out her ramblings on the Linn Family Blog. And post a get well comment. She and the girls would really appreciate it.

Well, Melissa's birthday has come and gone - another year sailing by-by. Send her a belated b'day card if you didn't do something originally. We've got to continue reminding her exactly how much water has passed under that bridge. She might not appreciate it, but hey - what's a family for?

It's been 6 months in the making, but the video "Attack of the Mud People, or How We Joined the Krippendorf Tribe" is now available at both http://www.digitalshores.net/ (Click on New Year's Sailing Trip) and http://www.youtube.com/ (search for tag beachmiser, mud people). You can post a comment here or on YouTube about the video. Plus, we want to send it viral, so tell your friends, or not!

I am outta here - TTFN!
BTW - New picture on the profile, check it out!

Mel's Birthday Today

2008-07-31T14:15:00.006-04:00

Yep! It's my sister Melissa's Birthday today, and to celebrate the event, we built here a little web page, just for her Birthday:

Melissa's Birthday Web Page

So click on over, and enjoy some really great birthday videos. Who knows? You may even be in one of them.

Of course, I'm not gonna reveal her actual age. But send her some birthday wishes anyway.

The Linn Story, Dallas visit, ramblings

2008-07-27T08:36:00.006-04:00

OMG - it's do or die traffic out there on 17 now. Our season is in full swing, and the tourons are out in numbers. But that's good because that's what our economic engine runs on, touristas.

I just got back from Dallas for a few days and saw lots of folks, but not nearly enough. Just not enough time. But everytime I hit (or even think about) LBJ or Central Expressway, especially during rush hour, I relish our little bit of touron traffic here at the beach, even during high season.

Met with the doers and shakers at the Dallas Dinner Table Friday and Saturday (Chris, Tani, and Tracy) to plan for future directions and web site redo's, then saw John, Susan and Pat by the pool, Tim and Ellen over wine, Blaine and Sheryl over dinner, and the ex-cells over happy hour. In and out. And my profund thanks to Cynthia for her hospitality. Dim Sum never tasted so good.

That recent storm you all probably heard about mostly just passed us by, but dumped a lot of much needed rain. That was a good thing.

Now, I'm off to read neice Kendra's blog and check on hubby Steve's progress. Seems he broke his legs during a boat race just a short while back, but is recovering nicely albeit rather slowly. Check it out and leave Kendra a comment. She doesn't think anyone reads her progress reports. We all want to wish Steve a speedy and healthy recovery.

If you've been recveiving way too much email spam lately, Neil Shearing just posted a video blog about Spam Arrest. Interesting, so check it out at his latest blog post.

That's it for now - and don't forget to send Steve your get well and speedy recovery wishes at Kendra's blog.

The Beachmiser Gets Kicked Around

2008-07-17T08:32:00.001-04:00

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Myrtle Beach, Samantha Brown and the Travel Channel

2008-07-16T15:58:00.003-04:00

What do those 3 things have in common? You'll find out if you tune into the Travel Channel (channel 111 on TWC).

Here's a reminder from the Travelchannel.com. WEDNESDAY JULY 16, 2008 11:30 pm ET on Travel Channel Samantha Brown: Passport to Great Weekends - Myrtle Beach this weekend .

Samantha's heading to sunny Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. It's famous for golf, but Sam's not big on golfing - so what else is there to do? Samantha hits the beach, bike trails and amusement parks, and goes crabbing with the Crab Cake Lady. She also gets some Shag Shoes from Judy at Judy's House of Oldies, and takes a shag lesson from Judy the Shag Instructor at Fat Harolds.

Here's a special link to Sam discussing here 5 fav things @thebeach:
Click >>> HERE <<< to see the video on the Travel Channel.

Senate passes Medicare Proposal

2008-07-11T11:48:00.004-04:00

Well, it ain't about the beach, but it is about a subject very near and dear to my heart (literally). It's about Medicare, and the new proposal the Senate just passed (yesterday, I think) about improving Medicare. Specifically, the legislation that the Senate passed would:
o Ensure that Medicare patients continue to have access to care;
o Improve prevention coverage and services;
o Improve low-income protections; and
o Provide improved coverage for mental health services.

If you saw anything about it at all on the news, it was probably overshadowed by Senator Kennedy's return to the Senate floor. But this is important legislation, and it's about to be run down and over by a threatened Presidential veto.

If you agree with the proposal (it's called the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008), then follow this link to send your personal endorsement to your Congressional leaders:
In solidarity with millions of Americans that rely on Medicare, tell President Bush to Keep Medicare Fair by signing the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 into law TODAY!

In my state, both our Senators voted against it, why I don't know. But I am for it, and hope you would be as well. And if you agree with me, follow the above link and get involved.

That's it for now - Pray for Surf - and TTFN

Plane Crashes in NMB

2008-07-04T12:03:00.003-04:00

My nephew-in-law and good friend Doug comes running in the house yesterday hollering at me to hurry and and come on down to the beach. A small single engine banner plane has crashed into the surf, and is upside down in the waves, about 10 - 15 feet off the beach itself. Well, I grabbed my vidcam and we raced off to the beach. Here's the video of the whole thing:

Now, was that exciting, or what?

Well, today is July the Fourth, and everyone will be celebrating in a myriad of ways. We're off to that most traditional of all celebrations, a knock down drag out pool party. Lots of good food, cold beer, frozen margaritas, and some really good beach music. Can't ask for more. And I think it was my long ago ancestor who said originally, "Give me Liberty, or give me the 2 party system, one on Friday, and one on Saturday."

'Nuff said, let's party. TTFN, and we'll see you at the next post.

Charlie Brown's Gone and Done It

2008-06-26T11:11:00.009-04:00

Charlie has finally put his political money where his mouth is ........ click on the video screen to get started ......
Are you a WAHM? .... BUT .... Look B4 U Leap!

2 New Places to Check Out

2008-06-21T11:33:00.006-04:00

If you consider yourself a local, or an advanced touron, then I've got a couple of new suggestions for places to go and check out for yourself. Wango Tango and Snooky's. In fact, I've just added these places to my North Myrtle Beach for Locals website:

Wango Tango bills itself as a sports bar and cantina, has daily lunch specials, and is really laid back. It's in the same spot as the old McCatz on 17th Ave. South in NMB, but did not carry over the rough reputation the old McCatz had. It's a totally new place, with LOTS of screens with a multitude of feeds. This place is really new, so it will get mostly local traffic in the beginning, untill tourist traffic begins to find it, so for now it's cool. It's easy to find, obviously, being right there are 17. The bill of fare is bar basic but with some builtin special treats. And, they've got Dos Equis Amber on tap. Check with Josh, he'll fill you in.

Snooky's is really off the beaten path up in Little River, on the ICW. Turn towards the ICW off 17 North on Baker Street. In fact, the place used to be called Baker Street. As of this posting, it's only 14 days old, has some really good she crab soup, and a fried green tomato sandwhich that is really intereting. And the view of the ICW is fantastic. Snooky's has an outside deck and picture windows inside. It's owned by the guys who also own Deckerz in Ocean Drive, so the pedigree is there.

We've done lunch in both places, but nothing yet at night. I know Josh told me Wango Tango is planning on some live music and a more grand type opening is July sometime. so check back here when and if I hear about it.

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

2008-06-14T18:55:00.007-04:00

Actually, I feel pretty good, considering I turned official Medicare age yesterday. Had a small backyard party with neighbors that could come over and gloat. Here are some shots. The rest I'll post to my Digitalshores.Net website as soon as I get all the other pix together.

And even though the one of me is kinda blurry, you can tell I was stokin' on a stogie and sipping some single malt. Don't get much better.

Thanks to all who came to help me celebrate, and especially to Sally and Susan who really put the whole thing together. And to all my neighbors who were kind enough to help me celebrate.

Some of the pictures are somewhat put together in a video format. Head over to Digitalshores.net and find the link for the party pictures. Our sincere thanks to Terry and Vivian for taking these pictures. Once I get CB's, I'll post the rest.

Walking the Beach - Early in the Morning

2008-06-06T13:58:00.003-04:00

The Kingston Trio once sang a song about "up, Up. Up she raises, Ear - Li in the mornin'." Well, that was me this morning, checking out the beach at sunrise. Not bad, I must say. I just wanted to share one of the pictures I took, Sunrise over the High Rise.

Well, most everybody's gone (Lonesome Town) and we're working around the house getting ready for some more next weekend. We're doing a little Happy Hour Welcome To Medicare gathering next Friday (for yours truly), and maybe some more folks will be here. But, I've threatened to play beach music on the outside speakers, so that should keep the crowd down.

I'll keep this post short - for now.

OK - FLASH - I've just update the Shagmiser Blog (6/6) and you need to go check it out now. Time sensitive stuff has been posted there.

OMG - It's Memorial Day

2008-05-26T11:24:00.007-04:00

I have just completed a project that's been in the back of my mind for awhile now, and I wanted everyone to know about it. And, it ties in with our Memorial Day savings traditon. I recently went all around North Myrtle Beach photographing all the bars here in North Myrtle Beach. And, I've just created a bevy of T-Shirts with those pictures on my Cafe Press Store. I've included a picture of the montage of bars here, but you need to go check out my Cafe Press Shagmiser Store to really see all the various T's.

And, in keeping with our Memorial Day savings tradition, all the T's have been marked down. I mean, I've really cut my margins way back to where I'm on a subsistance level. How's that?

I've included every bar from Hoto's to Crawdaddy's. Fat Harold's to Dilligaf's, Duck's and Duck's Too. There may be a couple I missed, but not many.

I'm going back to my regular markup June 1, so get your T's of the Bars of NMB while I've got this special going on. The Bars of NMB on Cafe Press.

OK - FLASH - I've just update the Shagmiser Blog (6/6) and you need to go check it out now. Time sensitive stuff has been posted there.

Beach, Bikers and Recent Happenings

2008-05-13T12:44:00.004-04:00

Well, it's Harley Davidson Bike Week right now, here @the beach. We've got an estimated 200,000 (probably more) bikers roaring up and down the highways and byways and creating a lot of traffic. But's it's fun. If you've never experienced Bike Week, you're missing out. For pictures and stuff, go to the Myrtle Beach Sun Times Website and look at the pictures.

Jan and Greg and Jack just left last Friday, and we miss them already. This was the first time in 32 years since Jan and Greg had been to the beach, too busy raising a family in Dallas. Jack? Well, since he lives in Charlotte, he gets down here quite often, but we hadn't seen him since he and Becki lived in Savannah, a ways back. If you want to see a short video I posted of the visit, go to Jan and Greg and Jack Visit the beach.

Next up? Cynthia and Dina are due in around Memorial Weekend, during Black Biker Week. That should be really interesting. Our buddy Billy (WW) will overlap with them, and he absolutely loves (sic) Black Bike Week. Since we're only 3 blocks off Atlantic Beach (where the HQ is), we'll be able to hear some of the music(?).

A bunch of us went to Mayfest on Main Street, downtown Ocean Drive Beach (or North Myrtle Beach for those map retentive), and I made a jumpy, poorly shot, quickie video of most of what was going on. You can see it, along with the J&G&J Video at digitalshores.net by clicking either of the videos in the "Latest Beach Videos" box.

I've started a new website about our local favorites here in NMB. It's called NMB 4 Locals - check it out when you get the chance. It's still growing, and I add to it every chance I get.

That's it for now - so TTFN and all that.

The Rain was the Main Thing

2008-05-03T08:35:00.009-04:00

We really got dumped on Saturday afternoon. While waiting for the Waybacks to start, it started coming down in buckets. Sally and Susan got under a tree under our lawn tarp while I got trapped in the merchant tent with a scowling North Wilksboro policeman trying to control the overcrowding. I think I was the last one he let into the tent.

Well, the rain finally let up, and they were able to get the music cranked back up, especially on the main Watson stage. But it stayed somewhat "rainy" the rest of the day. I was feeling really quesy y this time, so I went back to the RV early while S & S stayed to see Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby. They said that was a really good show.

Sunday afternoon saw us sitting up close because so many people left because of the rain the previous day. We got up close and personal with Alison Brown, then Jerry Douglas. Both these musicians were so very excellent. Check out The Music of Jerry Douglas of Union Station and The Music of Alison Brown. I was lucky enough to get Alison's autograph on her new as yet unreleased CD.

North Myrtle Beach for Locals - a New Website

OK - on to a different subject. I have just posted a new sebsite, NMB for Locals. It's here I'll try and talk about places to go in the NMB area favored by locals. It's brand new, so leave some comments here if you like and or don't like it, or want to add your 2 cents.

MerleFest - The Music, Hot Dogs, and Rain

2008-04-29T15:34:00.005-04:00

And Boy Howdy, did it rain. More on that later.

We picked up our RV in Charlotte that Friday afternoon (after driving up from NMB), checked everything out, then boogied on up to the festival in Wilksboro, NC that same afternoon. We got the RV set up in the VFW campgrounds, stowed what needed stowing, then caught the next 20 minute shuttle ride to the Wilks Community College campus which Merlefest takes over for the 4 days of the festival. This was the 21st year of the festival, and you could tell by the overall organization that their experience had paid off.

We rolled into the actual festival, walked around some, caught an early act on the Austin stage, then went ahead on over to the Watson Stage, the main stage, and listened/saw all the main Friday acts. The setup itself it really fantasic, with something like 10 or more performing stages. The main stage was worthy of a Rolling Stones concert, with a huge sound system and oversized video viewing screen for those of us in the really cheap seats. Because of our lateness and the massive amount of people, we had to set up our chairs pretty far back, so the wonderful sound system and viewing screen made it a no-nevermind.

I'll have some picture in future posts over thenext few days so stay tuned. And while you're here, go on over to my other Shagmiser blog. I try and keep it interesting.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Breaking News News News <<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Here's a note of interest - I've finally started my "NMB for Locals" website. It's brand new, and only has a few listings. But it's there, so check it out (www.digitalshores.net/nmb4locals) then come back here and leave me a comment, especially if you agree/disagree or have an idea or 2 for some places you know about.

Day After Taxes were Due

2008-04-16T07:49:00.001-04:00

Free Ebook: The greatest viral marketing idea of all time

Yep! It's the day after taxes, and we're still here. Major ordeal. But the sun came back out this morning, I found a cool new "beach" show (look to the right), friends and family are starting to book, and life is grand. What could be better.

We're in the process of doing some "spring stufff" to the yard, trying to spruce it up, make it look better and all. I used to hate doing stuff like that in Texas, but this is actually more fun here. Not sure why, maybe it's the salt sea air.

I actually saw those Chinese Carp in the pond the other day. Now we're up to 4, and they are all huge, maybe 3 - 4 feet each. They are really hard to see, and I think I got a video, but it's too hard to tell because of the reflections off the water, and the general all around murkiness. But those elusive little critters are there alright. And since Spring has Sprung, it can get really noisy out there, especially when the bull frogs join the chorus.

The Beach Calendar is starting to fill up, so if you'd like to come visit, just let us know. Since this is primarily a "friends and family" blog, and only you know whereof I speak, you know you're welcome.

Gotta go, feed the fishies and all. TTFN .....................

Some New Things are Happening

2008-04-08T17:20:00.001-04:00

Spring has Sprung 'round these parts. People, mostly Canadians and snow birds, are congregating on the beach, daily temps are in the 70's and low 80's, but the ocean H2O temp is still pretty cold. Just ask Brent Rasnake, he stuck his feet in and they came out blue.

My Shagmiser Blog has a new post that, if you're into techie web stuff and/or an Internet marketer, will find it mucho interesting. It's about a marvelous, brand new product just released called Virtual Smart Agent. It's an exit chat program, so get on over there to check it out.

New restaurants recently explored include Beef O' Brady's, billed as a family sports bar. Actually, it is pretty good. It's in the new Bi-Lo Plaza. I am still working on my "hard-to-find" locals spots website. I'll announce here when I've got it up and running.

The state of S.C. has recently declined to ask for an extension to Homeland's Security new ID requirements. Which means that all of us here in S.C., when we want to fly somewhere, will have to produce a current passport instead of our S.C. driver's license. The also includes entry to federal buildings. Our S.C. drivers licenses will no longer be considered valid ID from the Fed point of view. So I guess customs checks are due next? I wonder how much booze I'll be able to bring back from Texas?

We've got the Beach Visitors calendar up and running. Email Sally to get the link so you can see the "who's when" so far. Late spring is starting to fill.

OK fellow beach lovers - I am outta here.
Remember, we are Barefoot in Paradise.

A New Day - A New Dawn

2008-03-19T14:44:00.000-04:00

Looking out the window here, in my new downstairs office Murphy Bed room, I am reminded that sometimes life is just plain beautiful. The sun is shining, the trees are coming out of their winter shell, the squirrels are rushing about, and the turtles are once again taking over the pond. We've had a huge crane visit us a few times lately, and is he something. Beautiful to watch, too. Makes you want to watch this video:

Check Out SBI! and a FREE EBook!

If you happen to click the video at the end, no worries. I was more interested in the video itself than any promotion it might generate. If you're interested, my Shagmiser Blog has more relevant info.

What's new? Well, I am looking about for and adding to my list of local spot hole-in-the-wall places only we should know about, because they are 1) hard to find, 2) only beach locals (beachols) know about, 3) have great prices and quality, and 4) have local color and ambiance. I'll probably post my recommendations to a private website, so if and when I do publish, I'll be sure and put a mention of it here.

Sneaky Way to get Free Stuff -

2008-03-13T12:11:00.000-04:00

It is unethical, and may be downright illegal, but I just came across a way to get stuff for free, by using a website's "Thank You" page, the page you are usually referred to after you've made an online purchase.

Thank You for you Purchase, is hyperlinked, so you can check it out. But just don't go out there willy-nilly and start downloading stuff because it may be copyrighted, and possibly considered stealing. I just thought it interesting so many sites were so vunerable to this backdoor. Once they see the original post (not mine), a lot of these sites will probably start changing their access to their thank you page. I know I have ........

Well, enough said about that. We've got a beautiful day here in the neighborhood, and I fully intent to take advantage of it. It's off to the beach, out to lunch, or just heading off to where the sun is bright and the beer is cold. Later, all.

OH - one more thing. I am going to start posting a continuing short course on registering a domain and getting set up for a website on my Shagmiser Blog here real soon. So check over there often, or just create an RSS entry in your Google, AOL, or Yahoo personal page. It's real easy.

Are You a Newbie?

2008-03-04T13:09:00.001-05:00

Well I am, and have been now for quite awhile. I know, I know, I usually talk about beachy things on this blog, but I must digress for this one time to talk about Joel Therien's new boot camp course for newbies.

If you are having ANY trouble with one or all of:
1. Making money online
2. Getting a web site live online
3. Trying to get a pro site live
4. Trying to generate traffic
5. Trying to get a proper domain name
6. You don't understand Google adwords or PPC
7. What is FTP or HTML
8. Affiliate marketing
9. How to build a list
OR
You just don't quite get how to make money on the internet at all!
Then please check out this site -- Joel Therien's A to Z Millions.

My friend and mentor, internet Millionaire Joel Therien, has put up a new site where he reveals how he dveloped a massive ... M.U.L.T.I. million dollar residual income business that has stood the test of time. Trust me, he covers the basics AND some of the most advanced techniques I have ever seen!

Folks, this is the kind of stuff I try and do everyday, and I know from experience, Joel knows where he's coming from.

You do not want to miss out as the space is limited in this amazing Home Study course and boot camp! You can visit the site at Joel Therien's A to Z Millions

And not to dwell on Therien's course, my other mentor, Martin Avis has also just started a newbie course, and it's free. I don't really have all the details, but it is worth checking out at his site: Martin Avis's Kickstart Today - The First Video. If you like it (it is free after all), just change the URL to video2, video3, et all, to view the next in the series. It's not as all encompasing as the Joel Therien course, but it's a GREAT way to learn the initial ropes.

OK - 'nuff said that about all that. Let's get on to other things. Besides, I reiterate a lot of this stuff in my flagship site, the Internet Retirement System.

New Place We've Visited:
We just had a new Damon's open here in NMB, and I thought it was pretty good. It's the first place we've found that actually has fried chicken livers on the menu, and that's a rarity here in seafood land. AND, they were really good. Yo BLT, when you get your butt back out here, this here's the place for our favorite Dixie House speciality. It will bring back memories.

There's also a California Dreaming that opened here awhile back, and we finally got to try it as well. I wasn't that impressed, but the bar area for happy hour is definitely worth checking out. They got great prices for 12 oz. curls.

Serendipity and A really good story

2008-02-20T18:18:00.000-05:00

OK - nothing new to report, just a story I thought you'd enjoy.

I’ve just come across a word that I’ve always liked, but could never really, totally understand it’s meaning. I just liked the way it sounded, happy like. Well, the word is 'serendipity', which means the facility of making chance happy finds. Or to put it another way, accidental positive outcomes.

Martin Avis, of the Martin Avis Kick Start ezine, read about a great example of serendipity in New Scientist magazine …... and I thought I'd pass it along. Just good reading.

“During the second world war, government bureaucrats seconded dozens of mathematicians, code experts and engineers to work at the top secret Bletchley Park research establishment in England. Their job was to find a way to decipher the German Enigma codes - a task that was fantastically difficult.

“ One such scientist, a man called Geoffrey Tandy, was ordered to go to work among the high-powered coders and encrypters.

“Nothing strange there, except that Mr Tandy didn't know a code from a lump of coal. His scientific speciality was seaweed. The government functionary who had ordered him to Bletchley Park had confused the term 'cryptogram' - secret codes - with the term 'cryptogam' - an obscure term in the study of seaweed.

“Mr Tandy, no doubt, felt like a fish out of water.

“But our friend serendipity came to the rescue.

“One day some sodden notebooks arrived at Bletchley.
They were German code books that had been rescued from a sunken U-Boat. Reading the books was impossible because of their poor state of preservation, but Geoffrey Tandy had the answer. He knew exactly what to do - he treated the pages like fragile seaweed and knew exactly the right kinds of absorbent material to use to dry them out safely.

“A lot more work was needed to be done before the Enigma code could be deciphered, but without the happy accident that brought a seaweed expert into the company of code breakers, the process may never have even got started.”

Nutin' to sell this post - consider it serendipity ...................

I just had an Epiphany

2008-02-06T13:28:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, the old Air Force Base, where Carrie, Robin and I did some living and growing in the early 60's, has been closed down since about 1993 or so, and a lot of development is going on there right now. Due to open in April of this year is a place called Market Commons, one of those residentail/retail communities (live above, shop ground level) that are really popular right now.

Well, (and Mel can help advise on this) I thought that having a place called the NCO Club might be a very viable venue to open there. Along the lines of the original NCO Club when the MBAFB was alive and well. A lot of NCO's partied there over the years, our Dad and Mom included. This place could have a lot of memorabilia from days past, good cheap beer and booze, basic menu. Whatever. Oh well, it was just a passing idea. Ocifers not allowed.

Here's another idea to stave off creeping Alzheimer's , exercize your brain.

A new book out last month puts forth evidence that "exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain," ........."Some of the myths about the brain—that it was not changeable, that there was nothing you could do about cognitive decline—have really been dispelled in the past 10 years," says Lynda Anderson, director of the Healthy Aging Program at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whose bold goal is "to maintain or improve the cognitive performance of all adults." The potential payoff is enormous. Alzheimer's now afflicts 4.5 million people in the United States—double the number in 1980—and is expected to reach 16 million by 2050. "Statistics show if we could delay the onset of Alzheimer's by five years, the number of people with the disease would be cut in half," says Yaakov Stern, a cognitive neuroscientist at Columbia University.

I've found a site that helps you exercize your brain - it's called My Brain Trainer. Check it out.

Enough for Today - my brain's tired. TTFN!

January is Two-fers Month

2008-02-01T06:30:00.000-05:00

Flying? Around here? Well, we did. Sally got us a deal for a 20 minute fly around the North Strand the other day. That was great. I've never had a chance to see the area from the air. There's a picture posted here somewhere, check it out.

Here @thebeach, January is usually a very slow month. The ocean is cold (duh!) and the golfers are taking the month off. What's a restaraunt to do? Well, instead of closing during the winter doldrums, a lot (and I mean a lot) of the eateries up and down the Grand Strand offer "buy one get one free," 50% off entries, and "buy one get 50% off your second entree" type deals.

For example, the very popular Charaschurria Rioz at Broadway @ the beach was offering 50% off on Sundays during the month of January. The normal fixed price on this Brazilian style restaraunt is maybe $38 or so? Well, at half off, that's a great deal for those of us who live here and normally cannot afford tourist prices. Boy howdy, was that place crowded last Sunday. There were lines to get in lines just to register to get in line to eat. What a zoo, but it just goes to show you how popular these deals for locals have become.

We headed over the Liberty last Wednesday where it one the old "buy one get one free" deal, and our wait was like 1 hour. But in a lot of these places, the wait to try the places is really worth it because it gives us a chance to try places we normally wouldn't.

Some of these place continue their deals into February, so we're still trying our hand. In the meantime, we're also waiting for Hoskins to reopen.

TTFN - I'm outta here till the next time.

The Golden Corral - Here @thebeach

2008-01-25T08:29:00.001-05:00

I would have never believed it, but the Golden Corral in Myrtle Beach North in the Wal*Mart Shopping Center complex is actually very good. I mean, it's one of those all you can eat buffet places, but their veggies, pot roast, and fried chicken are outstanding. I mean, their fried chicken compares with Hoskins, and for me that is saying a lot. We took the Moms there for lunch the other day, and it was very worthwhile. Plus, you really cannot beat the price: less than $7 (senior's price) for lunch.

On another note, a bunch of us gathered at Fire Island in Bare Foot Landing for a 2 for 1 dinner night. I really like this place. They specialize in doing skewers dinners, where you get like 5 or 7 skewers mix and matched among beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, and veggies. Our next door neighbors, Vivian and Terry, organized this outing, and we're hoping for more.

This is a good time of year to hit a lot of these places since it's off season, so I should have some more mini reviews coming up - stay tuned.

C.B.'s coming in this weekend, and the OD Shag Club is doing an Oyster Shucking Saturday night, so we'll be going for some oysters, chicken bog, and shagging. No Tani, it is not the Austin Powers version, it's the state dance of South Carolina. Check it out at the OD Shag Club Website.

We're havin' some fun now. Especially if we stick to plan and hit Rioz on Sunday night for 50% off night.

I might be headed for Dallas this coming Tuesday, but I'm just not sure yet. Depends on timing, flight availability, et all, but it's a possibility. More on that later.

We just finished up on the Dallas Dinner Table website. It's open for business in the Dallas Metroplex. Check it out. My good buddy Pat helped a lot, as did Cliff and Chris. My sincere thanks to them for all there help.

More later .... TTFN

New Years Sail Followup

2008-01-18T12:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I have finally managed to post some more videos. I'm not done yet, but it's a start. The first 3 in the series are all about leaving port, sailing over to S. Barts, the undocumented FLW house at Columbiana, then heading on over to Gustavia harbor, St. Barts for New Years eve.

The last 2 are at the end of the trip. All that's missing are the middle video, especially "The Kripendorf Tribe Battle the Mud People."

Everything is posted over at http://digitalshores.net. Just click on the New Years Sail hyperlink when you get there. That should work.

And feel free to comment on this blog, or over at YouTube, where these videos actually reside. Search on the tag beachmiser. You should find them, I guess.

Also, as part of my ongoing series on Internet Marketing, I have just posted a new entry at my Shagmiser Blog, all about Affiliate URL Cloaking.

WOW! Where Have We Been?

2008-01-10T09:42:00.001-05:00

It's been over 3 weeks since I last posted. That's too long. But I do have an excuse, of sorts. We just got back from a solid week cruise over the New Years Holiday, in a 44 foot catamaran no less. Flew down to St. Maarten, launched our little yacht over to St. Barts for New Years eve, then over to the French side of St. Maarten for a couple of stops, on to Anguilla, then back to Simpson Bay, St. Maarten. What a week.

I don't have time right now to fill you in with all the details. But I will do so, in a post-by-post posting over the next few days. I just might include some short videos. Cool, huh? So put this blog on your RSS reader so you'll be notified when I do post something new, then lean forward to read all about our exciting adventures through the waters of the Caribbean.

A Note From My Sponsor: The Ultimate in Internet Hosting.

More later ....................... TTFN

Are You Potentially Correct?

2007-12-16T14:01:00.000-05:00

I'm Not! I'm not even partially correct. But we are wanting to wish everyone of our friends and family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This marks our first full year in North Myrtle Beach (NMB), and our second Holiday Season. We've got more lights out, both front and back this year, and new neighbors who also believe in doing cools lights and really getting into the season. That makes our 3 houses really light up at night. See the previous post for a short video I made to see what it is I'm talking about.

This has been an amazing year, and Sally and I are going to top it all off by joining 2 of my sibs (Rockin' Robin and the Amazing Mel) and their SO's (Kooky Kathie and Jersey Joltin' Joe) for an "over New Years" sailing trip around St. Maarten, Anquilla, and St. Barts. So get ready for a raft of more videos and pictures when we get back. While you're suffering crappy weather and jalapeno hangovers, we'll be diving the deep, doing our Jimmy Buffet thang on a catamaran built for 8.

Added Extra - Christmas Book Give-Away - from the Shagmiser. Go over to my Shagmiser Site, click on the Christmas Book, and you'll get a couple of free Christmas E-Book Download, just in time for kids and Christmas and I don't know what all.

OK - OK. One more thing. NMB has just opened a brand new Thai restaraunt, and it is very good. Sally, Susan & I just had lunch there. It's called Thai Seasonings, and I highly recommend it, especially if you like Thai food. It's around 9th or 10th Ave South on Highway 17 in NMB.

That's it for now, so TTFN, and We'll Talk Again ....................

See the Lights Along 24th Ave South in NMB

2007-12-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

I just did a walk about with the little handheld vidcam on our little street here in North Myrtle Beach. I wanted to capture the holiday festive lights several of us have put out this season. There's also a surprise cameo appearance by our very own Grandma Hale (Mom to me).

Wasn't that simply inspiring. I want to thank our neighboors for trying SOOOOOOO hard to catch up with our lighted holiday spirit, but class will out don't you know. When you get the chance (and I know you will), drop GH a note to wish her Happy Holidays.

If you'd like to see a floating light show, head on over to my Digital Shores.Net site and click on Beach Videos. I shot video of the NMB, Little River Annual Christmas Boat Regatta Parade on the Intercoastal Waterway about a week ago. Now those are some lights.

Found a great new casual place to hang for lunch, happy hour, or dinner. It's called Goober's 52 on Restaraunt Row, right next to Chestnut Hill. It's brand new and well worth checking out. Sally tried the Lobster Rueben and it was really good. They used real lobster. The Crispy O's are TDF. It's got a beach party laid back theme in keeping with the casual laid back beach style. Their sound system plays Zydeco, but what do they know. When you go, tell them the Beachmiser sent you. It won't do you any good, but it will be interesting to see their reaction.

TTFN - and Happy Holidays. We'll Talk Again.

Carrie's Gone - What's Next?

2007-12-04T08:45:00.000-05:00

That's right, Carrie actually made the move just this past Saturday, and our little beach house is now one less. It's also one less set of couches, dining room table and chairs, bedroom stuff, and some other really important stuff, but the most important of all, we're one less Carrie. And of course Maxwell. Actually, Max is actually still here in small little dust bunnies, his DNA essence blowing in the breeze.

It will be a lot lonelier here with Carrie gone (but not forgotten). She was an integral part of our little nuclear family, and her smiling presence and her "way with a pan" skills will be sorely missed. (Oops, there goes a Max bunny drifting by).

So what did we do to fill the void? Bought new furniture of course. It's being delivered today. So we should be able to fill some of the empty void left by Carrie's departure to mortgaged pastures.

Email Carrie for her new address. If you ain't got it, then you don't need to know because I am not publishing it here.

Don't forget my new other personal/internet/netrepreneur type blog called Dick Hale's Blog. It's less frequent that this one, but it's more slanted towards personal ramblings and thoughts about internet opportunities.

http://dickhale.blogspot.com/

TIFN - and We Wish You Enough

Now Here's Some News

2007-11-25T12:44:00.000-05:00

We went to watch the 23rd annual Intercoastal Christmas Regatta last night over at Ann and Greg's last night, and it was a really good show. Over 30 boats cruising down the waterway, at least by my count (which ain't too good at times). And almost every one was really decked out with lights, music, and funny looking people. If you'd like to see the video, go on over to my Digitalshores.Net site and click on the Beach Videos link.

Bumper sticker as seen at Key West Crazy, "I Don't Dance When I'm Sober." Remind you of anyone?

New place in Restaurant Row just opened we need to check out - I'll let you know later. Also the NMB version of Damon's is about to open soon. We'll check that out as well.

New feature of this blog - as we come across places we really like, I'll post little mini reviews in this space. So if you want to keep up with What's Happening around town, check back here often, or build an RSS feed to your home page so you'll know when a new post has been added.

BTW - did you all know that William's Sea Oats Cafe closed. It's being replaced by a new type beach bar. AhHa - something else to go check out.

TTFN - and we'll talk again.

So What are YOU Doing over New Years?

2007-11-19T08:46:00.000-05:00

Sally & I are headed for the Caribbean, on a sailing ship. Actually, it's a catamaran large enough to sleep 8 people, and we're sailing out of St. Maarten, doing some island hopping, some snorkeling, some rum guzzling, and other aquatic sports. We'll be gone over New Years, probably celebrating the start of 2008 in either Anguilla, St. Bart's, or some pirate's hold on the high seas. Suz, Moms, and the Sis are staying here @thebeach, whilst Sally & I go traipsing across the Caribbean seas. Robin and Kathie and Mel & Joe are also going with, so it should be an interesting and fun trip. Avast ye maties, if you hears the awkward sounds of a Jimmy Buffet refrain off the shores of St. Bart's, that's only Robin and Joe trying to harmonize. More on this later, as we get more finalized as to itinerary, etc. But ........... if you want to check out our sailing vessel and possible itinerary, go to: Promo video for the boat . Also: http://www.festivasailingvacations.com/destinations/stmartinyachtcharter.shtml.

Those 2 sites should give you an idea. What Fun, Eh?

It's time for the workout, so we'll see you next post. And don't forget the Shagmiser Blog. I post to it quite more frequently.

Problem with the Alaskan Videos

2007-11-04T07:11:00.000-05:00

I thought I had everything done. all the Alaskan videos created and edited, and posted. Well, I was wrong. Seems I forgot that YouTube has a max limit size on videos uploaded, and I exceeded that on 2 different videos, unfortunately, the best of the lot because of 1) whales sounding, and 2) the fab Mendenhall glacier. I didn't realize they weren't working for you all until just recently, so now I've got to go back and re-cut/edit those videos into shorted sequences, break them up if you will (or won't).

How could I not realize they weren't working? Easy, I watch them from the original source rather than the posted source at Digital Shores.Net. Which was dumb. 'Nough said. I will now go back and re-cut and re-dit the videos so everyone can see them. I just know you're chomping at the bit now. I can hears the cries, "vid-e-oes, vid-e-oes!" So alright already, I should have them this week at the latest.

Did you all set your clocks back? Don't forget your computers (mine did it automatically a week early). Other places not so evident include thermostat controls if you have a programmed thermostat, portable phones around the house, oven/stove clocks, and of course, your alarm clocks. Car clocks (those are the time pieces in your vehicle, not that kiddie clock on your headboard) but don't reset while you're driving, you're Grandfather's railroad timepiece, and last but not least, The sundial in your back yard.

And don't forget my other blog over at my Shagmiser Blog. It's more Internet Business related, but I do and try to keep up with what's going on, what's being launched, what's new on the horizon, so even if you're the least bit curious, check it out. The Shagmiser Blog.

TTFN - and we'll see you around, but an hour earlier!

One more project to go

2007-10-26T06:50:00.000-04:00

We'd like to complete one more major project before the year's out - and that's to build outdoor stairs off the back deck. It will not only provide an emergency exit at the back of the house (in case we ever need it for some reason), but more importantly, allow us to party both upstairs and downstairs (either deck/patio) without having to go through the house. We'll be able to transport goodies from the kitchen upstairs to the downstairs patio with relative ease, AND let the dogs out to roam free and terrorize the neighborhood with unbridled abandon. We've only got one major requirement. The steps (which will consist of at least one landing) will have to be designed so that anyone can carry a margarita in each hand from the upstairs deck to the downstairs patio without spilling a drop, and without using a tray. Which is why a spiral staircase was ruled out.

Once that's done, it might just be party time. 'Nuff said.

The infamous C.B. is coming to town this weekend. We gonna look at more real estate (probably) and maybe watch some "shaggin' n the boulevard" this Saturday. The Endless Summer final celebration is taking place this weekend on OD Main, with live music, food, people, and all manner of goings on. S/B fun.

Our heart and prayers go out to our friend Candy who's in the hospital right now. She's going to be fine, but it was still scary and we wish for her speedy recovery.

Our business has been picking up somewhat, as people are looking to make that extra buck for the holidays. If you're interested, just check out the opportunities I've posted at both my other blog, my Shagmiser Blog, and at the Internet Retirement System website.

As a side note, Dr. Jon has just released his V5.0 of his "Get Google Ads Free" publication, and for those of you who know anything about Google AdWords, it really is an eye opening read. He uses a concept magazines have been using since the 1800's.

We'll let you know how things go ....... so keep it into the surf, and TTFN.

Alaska's Over, So What's Next?

2007-10-22T18:11:00.000-04:00

Right now, not much. Pretty much all the videos have been posted, at least all that I could find. There have been a bunch of local festivals going on around here lately, and we've been trying to hit a lot of them. For example, Sally and I went to OIB's Oyster Festival this past weekend, did NOT shuck any oysters, and basically sat and listened to the Embers, that band out of Raleigh from so long ago. Said "Hey" to Dee & Lad, greased up the golf cart, and rolled around heaven all day (does that sound familiar or what?). Beach weather here has been great lately, and just about everything is in full swing.

Since a bunch of us family are heading to the Caribbean over the new years, I found these interesting tidbits I thought I'd pass along.

Overseas Travel
Here's a neat piece of information for you. There's some free health advise for international travelers. The Yellow Book, published every 2 years by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, called the CDC Health Information for International Travel 2008, is just out and can be downloaded for free at www.cdc.gov, (click on Traveler's Health). It describes travel related infections and diseases in each region of the world. It includes updates on immunization recommendations, advise for preventing deep pain thrombosis when flying, and more. Pretty cool, eh?

Passport News
Processing is back to normal, expedited service ($60) is now 3 weeks, and for even faster service, Nation Passport Information Service (877.487.2778). Remember, now flying to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean requires a US passport, OR valid drivers license and proof of citizenship (birth certificate, etc.) to reenter the US of A.

The OTHER Blog
OK, OK - don't forget to check my other blog (link's over there on the right somewhere). AND, not to be over drawn on the hype meter, that's what my latest subject was all about.

More later ................. more stuff coming up.

The Sitka Kayak Adventure

2007-10-12T18:33:00.000-04:00

While in Sitka, Alaska, C.B. & I journeyed to a faraway cove to face the rigors of cold water kayaking off the shores of the Alaskan back country. We were in search of fame, fortune, and fowl, but actually all we saw were eagles and salmon. But the scenery? Absolutely fabulous! Shooting this video was extremely hazardous because of the fragile nature of the kayak, and the fact that C.B. kept rocking the kayak trying to light his cigar. Scared the fish away. But it was quiet and serene and really not all that cold (at least according to the natives). Watch closely and first you'll see a humpback sounding, then a couple of eagles high up in a tree. Wildness and wilderness, a oft repeated refrain when in search of Alaskan wildlife. Check it out at the Digitalshores Site.

Don't forget to check my other blog post at http://shagmiser.blogspot.com/ 'cause it's got some cool IM thoughts from Jim Daniels.

This is probably the last video post from our Alaskan Cruise (you wanna hold down that applause) so let us know what you think, or not! It was major fun filming and producing these various videos for "all you all."

TTFN - and CIO

OK OK - So it didn't work!

2007-10-09T18:12:00.000-04:00

I tried to upload C.B.'s pictorial essay of the Alaskan Cruise, but it was way too bulky and long, and I had problems. So where we pointed you to (http://www.digitalshores.net/) is not doing real well right now. But have patience. I'll be breaking it down and reposting, probably tomorrow. Once I get through Neil Shearing's new "Positive Cashflow Secrets" video course. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. It's got everything I needed to help with my site.

My main site, The Internet Retirement System, touts passive, recurring income as THE WAY to go for retirees and work-at-home moms wanting to earn supplemental income. So naturally, Neil's course was an obvious selection for me, so I could learn even more. Once that's done, I'll rework and repost CB's pictures.

Neil's course was originally recommended to me by Martin Avis of the Kickstart newsletter. I really respect his (Martin's) views and opinions. He's a straight shooter and doesn't give out positive testimonials to just anybody.

TTFN - and CIO!
BTW - I expand a little more on Neil's course in my other blog, http://shagmiser.blogspot.com

Two New Alaskan Cruise Videos Posted

2007-10-05T19:08:00.000-04:00

Well, I've done it again, added 2 new Alaskan Cruise videos. One is a deck crawl mixed in with a pub crawl, and the other is of the Hubbard Glacier, as part of the inside passage. Charlie Brown stars in the first, the Hubbard Glacier in the next. One is about jogging and pubbing, the other is about finding ice for your next drink. Go figure.

I am in the midst of trying out 2 new services right now that seem really promising. One is another list builder that I am testng, and the other has to do with sending out actual physical cards for birthdays, special occasions, etc. without leaving the comfort of your home computer. I'll keep playing with both, and let you know how I fare with each, and what I think of them.

I'm hoping the card idea will help me keep in contact with my customer base a lot more effectively. Thanks to Ann Seig and her team for turning me on to this. You all remember Ann, she's the lady responsible for the "Renegade Network Marketer." I'm in the midst of reading it now, and I'll review it next post.Anyway, enjoy the videos, they have been posted at my Alaskan Cruise mini site.

Ciao for Now - Dick
PS - Don't forget to also check in with my Shagmiser Blog - Neil Shearing jusr released a new video course on Passive Cashflow, and it's really good. I've already got a copy.

I've got another video - whale watching

2007-09-20T11:54:00.000-04:00

Well, I think I got this one right. Here's another short video of a humpback sounding off Juneau, Alaska, part of our Alaskan Cruise Adventure. I'll be posting a lot more once I figure how to combine these short clips into a longer video sequence. If you have any suggestions on how I can do that, feel free to comment. Anyway, here's Ahab's Albino:

Thar She Blows! I also will post more videos on www.digitalshores.net. Go take a look.

Check out my income ideas on the right side - especially John Reese's new Blog Post.

Back from the Cruise

2007-09-16T16:37:00.000-04:00

WE'RE BACK! Yep! We're all back from our Alaskan Cruise. And what a trip it was. Great. Way too much food, but I guess we didn't have to eat it all either. Saw whales, Humpbacks and Orcas, Bald Eagles, the Hubbard Glacier, Sea Lions, Seals, Bears (yes, Bears, and up close, too).

We partied, ate, partied some more, ate some more, and visited a lot of places. Oh yeah, and shopped! We were on the Oosterdam, part of the Holland America line, and got up close and personal with a lot of salmon both live, grilled, and baked.

I'll be posting some videos both here and http://www.digitalshores.net/ in the very new future.

And don't forget to check out BlogRush.Com to the right of this post.

We have joined john Reese's new BlogRush.Com

2007-09-16T16:24:00.000-04:00

Yep! We've gone and done it - subscribed to John Reese's brand new (only 1 day old since launch) BlogRush.Com. It is really a great new service, and free. If you have a blog, I highly recommend you join John's new blog service, get your blog out there virally. Just click on the "ADD" link to learn all about it. It is sooooooo cool I can't stand it.

A New Set of Kids are IN - BUT We're in VA!

2007-08-07T11:07:00.000-04:00

Can you believe this? Carrie's daughter Kendra and her 2 beautiful girls are visiting with us @thebeach, but we're in Virginia visiting Bostic Family Mountain. Well, if nothing else, if gives Carrie & Kendra time to visit, and we'll be able to visit once we get back this coming Sunday.

The new golf cart is coming in handy, especially for trips to the beach and back. Video coming up soon, once we get back. In the meantime, everyone up here in the mountains is doing well.

Jason James, one of my favorite "gurus" just launched another project. Click the banner to find out.

If this can happen, we could save a lot, and reduce our dependency!

2007-07-30T07:28:00.001-04:00

If we could utilize these 2 natural resources to provide safe and affordable energy, we're on our way! This is truly a win-win.

Emma and Luke and the Golf Cart

2007-07-28T18:05:00.000-04:00

It's been awhile, I realize, but we'vebeen kinda busy. Anyway, here's Emma and Luke Hale, Paul & Teresa's kids, playing around the Golf Cart before heading out to (where?) the beach (of course).

Hooray for Kids.

The room is open for business

2007-07-04T10:34:00.000-04:00

Well, fellow beachites, the new guest slash office room is now open and ready for business. So get your reservations in early. Email Sally, she's keeps the calendar.

I can now spend more time on my other internet activities, especially the upcoming launch of my new website, The Internet Retirement System. It launches 07-07-07, same time as Mike Filsaime's major new 7 Figure Code launch. I'm not trying to compete, I just like the date.

So go on over to the site and sign-up. Who knows what I'll come up with.

Do you want to know which free "list building" sites I consider the best? I'll be doing my own review and list on launch date, so jump over to my Internet Retirement System so you'll know when I publish it. But right now, List Joe is my fav, especially since he's just revamped it.

Final Walkthrough

2007-06-25T13:34:00.000-04:00

Here's the final walkthrough video of our new guest slash office room on the first floor of our beach house. It's now (almost - sans furniture) ready for use. We're moving the furniture in maybe tomorrow or the next day, and the new patio's going in later this week. Anyway, here's the video.

2007-06-10T08:24:00.001-04:00

Video #3 of the Guest Slash Office being Built

2007-06-05T18:27:00.001-04:00

Here the 3rd installment of the video series:

Enjoy! And leave a comment or 2 or 3.

The Dream is STILL Building

2007-05-31T08:49:00.001-04:00

Well, it is farther along, but stillnot there yet. Here's the next video:

If you want to check it out at my other site, jump over to www.digitalshores.net and click on the logo. That should work.

The Dream is Building

2007-05-26T07:58:00.000-04:00

This is the video of the new room under construction.It was shot May 15th, but I wasn't able to post it till just now. We've progressed quite a bit since it was shot, and I'll get another video ASAP. Hopefully, we'll be up and running by mid June, God willing and the creek don't rise.

We're thinking of calling it The Beachmiser's retreat, But that was too obviousand probably in poor taste, so we'll hold off calling it anything right now. But you'll see what we've named it when you visit.

Next video is due out soon. But while you're waiting for this one to load, visit my Digitalshores Video Site for a taste of the same, and the new video.

We're Getting Closer

2007-05-14T15:38:00.000-04:00

Everything, hopefully, should be complete in about 2 - 3 weeks. The heavy lifting part is almost complete (re-plumbing the lines for the new bath, completing the framing), and interior work is about to start. No pictures yet, but soon. So stay tuned.

Yesterday, being Mother's Day and all, we took the Moms to Brookgreen Gardens down in the Murrell's Inlet / Pawley's Island area. She'd never been there, neither had Carrie. We took her scooter on the trailer, so she was able to scooter-poot around all over the Gardens. Pretty cool day overall.

We're Under Construction

2007-05-07T12:09:00.000-04:00

It's started, the work on the room, I mean. As soon as I have pictures, I'll post a few. We had some initial problems with the City of NMB, but after some heavy arm twisting (by that I mean I had mine twisted) we "got 'er done." A lot of the basic framing is done, and you can see where the windows and doors are going to be. But hey, it's a start.

If you haven't had a chance to get John Reese's latest e-report about the future of internet marketing, then do it now, through his site Income.Com.

I am also still hard at work on my new site, Internet Retirement System.Com, or IRS. Cool huh? Unfortunately, the project list around the house is rather comanding, so the work is slow. But I'll get there. Plus, I am getting some ideas from Reese's new report. It's quite the eye opener.

Enough for now - we'll talk again.

Pray for Surf - We're Going to the Beach: New Site for the Newly Retired

2007-04-25T09:17:00.000-04:00

Pray for Surf - We're Going to the Beach: New Site for the Newly Retired

New Site for the Newly Retired

2007-04-25T08:20:00.000-04:00

In case you've been under a rock, and haven't heard, we're building a new "visitor's room" and office downstairs, between the stilts. It will be an office by day, and a guest room by night (or whenever anyone visits). The contract has been been signed, permits have been filed, and work is expected to start next week. There will be a separate bath, office settings, and a Queen Murphy Bed. This will also free up the current office so we can make it into an extra bedroom.

Check back here often to check on our progress. And let us know if you want to make a reservation. We fervently hope it will be ready by mid June.

Up and coming - http://internet-retirement-system.com/ - my newly devised and ongoing site for all you newly retirees out there. I am going to try and build a system that offers a retiree the opportunity to make some supplemental income for those fun things in life, without taking away from the necessities of life. It will be like a part time Internet job that will be easy to set up, simple to maintain, and make some money; probably not enough to make you rich, but something to shore up those dwindling retirement reserves.

And to help you learn even more, there's various articles on the site pertaining to this very subject, helpful insights on helping you build that Internet business. The Internet Retirement System proposes to be the place to start in learning to build your Internet retirement business, albeit part time. We want to emphasize simplicity and ease, low maintenance, and realistic returns.

Picture from Moving Day

2007-02-20T13:32:00.000-05:00

Yep - That's Us. Two moving trucks packed to the rafters, hauling 2 SUV's, mine and Susan's. It was quite a trip. There are more details about the actual trip itself in an earlier posting below.

This was taken by our next door neighbor, Pat, at the very moment right before we actually hopped in the truck cabs and headed out. TTFN - we'll talk again.

We're finally ALL here @thebeach

2007-02-10T10:14:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's taken me awhile to get back to posting, but here we go.

Sally has finally totally retired from A/A as of 1/31. She spent the final 2 days seeing friends and co-workers, getting very little real work done. Well, what do you expect?

Our special thanks to Cynthia for letting us stay with her. And speaking of, we celebrated her birthday by visiting that special Bodyworks show at Fairpark, then drinking and dining at the W, new hotel just outside Dallas's new version of Times Square and the AAC.

Another special thanks to the BLT guy for helping us celebrate our last days in Dallas by taking us out to dinner an Andrea's in Richardson. That is one cool little restaraunt, and if you're ever on the Beltline west of Central, give them a try.

We left out on Feb 1st headed for the final time back 2thbeach. It was an uneventful trip, just long. It took us 2 days, and now we're finally here @thebeach.

Now that we're totally here, we've started doing domestic stuff, and talking to contractors about building our extra bedroom/office downstairs. Once that's completed, we should have plenty of room for visitors.

TTFN - and we'll talk again.

Back in Dallas for a Spell

2007-01-28T18:17:00.000-05:00

Yep! Me & Sally are back in Dallas for a short spell. Sally has to finish up her last 2 days with A/A and retirement, and I came with so's we can drive her car back 2thebeach.

Check out the video of Mom's new Trailer for the Scooter.

Staying with Cynthia can be a real blast. Plus, Dina's moving to her own place, so we're kinda bowed up with busi-ness.

We'll be leaving Dallas for the final time this coming Thursday, Feb 1, so away we go. As soon as we get back, I'll post another entry on how the trip went. Hopefully better than driving those trucks out (see the earlier post).

New website I just put up Sudokufactor.com. Check it out if you're into learning all about it.

TTFN

New Spot on the Beach

2007-01-14T10:32:00.000-05:00

It has been awhile since my last post. Did not realize it. No excuses, really, just busy. But don't we all say that.

Mom's back, last night. Long 4 weeks for her and she was exhausted. But we did get her that new trailer and hitch so she can "go with" and carry her scooter with her a whole lot easier than before. Besides, I can use it to haul stuff.

I've been helping Jeannie next door get her new bar in place. It's called For What Its Worth, brand new, so be sure you get on the mailing list. Just Click Here and go to For What It's Worth to learn more, especially if you live her @thebeach.

Frank Sousa's new idea I talked about last time for making Clickbank Bucks and viral list building is really starting to catch on. I am just now starting to try this, check it out now .............. http://www.coolwebtips.com/moneymachines.pdf. It's a no-strings-attached pdf you can read without them collecting info on you first - what a concept. I really like this guys idea.

The Dallas Dinner table happens this coming Monday (tomorrow actualy) and the registration is closed. I can't be there but over 1,000 people have signed up to attend at venues all around Dallas, the Park Cities, the Mid Cities, and all points in between. That's a 95% attendence registration, which in itself is pretty impressive. It's been a blast helping these folks out. You really have to check it out for yourself, and get on the reminder list for next year's event.

Our new puppy, Bastian, has really blossomed of late. He's really ALL Male, and he and Maxwell (Carrie's Golden), have really hit it off. No pics yet, will post next time, along with a pic of Mom's trailer.

TTFN - leave a coment or question.