Win An Xbox 360®

Who wouldn't want to get a free Xbox 360®? With Christmas coming an Xbox 360® would make a great gift. A free Xbox 360® would be even better considering the current state of the economy and it's impact on most folks's shopping budgets.

You can maximize the gaming experience of the Xbox by hooking it up to and HDTV. You also will need high speed internet service for the Xbox live service. The HDTV you have to take care of on your own, but the internet, Xbox, Charter HD service can be take care of by Charter Communications. They offer blazing blazing Internet and Charter HD for picture quality 6X sharper than standard TV.

Beginning on last Saturday November 1, 2008, you are automatically entered into the sweepstakes by purchasing online any one of Charter Communications’ products, i.e., High-Speed, Digital Video or Telephone. The contest ends on December 15, 2008. Now you do have to live in an area that offers Charter services, so if you don't you are basically SOL when it comes to this. If you do however here is what you can win.

Prize Pack Details:
XBox 360® Pro Console
XBox LIVE Headset
Wireless Controller
Component HD AV Cable
20Gb Detachable Hard Drive

That is a pretty incredible prize package. The really cool thing about the contest is that they aren't giving away just one prize package they are giving away one EACH DAY! That is right, order and try Charter Risk-Free for 30 days and be entered to win 1 of 45 Xbox 360® consoles. So if you are in the market for great HD service or great high-speed internet head over and enter the Charter Communications Xbox Sweepstakes. For complete Sweepstakes Rules go to https://connect.charter.com/XBox/rules.html

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

A little 5-0 Link Love

I found a really cool site the other day when looking for a new holster for my gun -L.A. Police Gear dot com. They serve the general public, military personnel (yes even deployed active duty!), security professionals, and of course police officers.

They carry top brands like Tactical Assault Gear, Galco holsters, a full line of Under Armour, 511 boots, and Surefire flashlights. They really do have a huge selection. They have everything from lighters to handcuffs, earplugs to gun care products, and more. Like I said they can handle large orders for police departments and security firms no problem. They can even ship to all of you active duty military personel. They can't ship everything internationally, due to customs, but they can ship quite a bit of what they sell so even if you are overseas check them out.

Anyway I just felt like passing along a little love so check them out and buy something ;).

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Buzzfuse Can Help You Drive Traffic To Your Blog

Buzzfuse offers bloggers and all other content creators highly powerful and cost effective marketing tools. How many times have you known that you produced a gem of an article, but just couldn't drive traffic to it? Well BuzzFuse has built a system that helps you get feedback, and uses a proprietary algorithm and ranking system to identify which content people are responding too. They then use this to match content to people based on a system that uses tags, social networks, and our ranking system.

You can also win some money while you are marketing your blog posts or other content like photographs. The basic BuzzFuse service doesn't cost a dime, but they do have a premium service that costs $14.99 and gives access to enhanced features, priority support, and of course the opportunity to make some money. Buzzfuse shares revenues with the top performing content in the system (based on the interactivity around your content). The amount of revenue shared grows each month. Buzzfuse shares revenues with premium account holders only. The February pool is at $3500! The amount will be split amongst the top 100 buzzing items. Plus there are bonuses of $500 to best blog post, $500 to best song, and $500 to best photo.

I think you might want to head over and check out the free service to see if it benefits you. I know it can bring in some traffic as I registered earlier today and have already seen traffic coming in. Also, if you are looking to make some money and market your site at the same time, you could always upgrade later.

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Bill Clinton Has A Dream To Celebrate MLK

As the so called "first black president" Bill Clinton celebrated the great civil rights leader Martin Luther King's dream for America with a dream of his own. Check out this video of "slick willy" taking MLK's dream speach a little too literally. I don't know about you but this is freakin' hilarious.

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

From YouTube To YawpBox

With the rise of reality TV, online social networks, all kinds of people are looking for their 15 minutes and trying to cash in. Now that we have the rise in user-generated video as a source of entertainment the web is awash with all kinds of videos from all kinds of people. You have all probably heard of YouTube but have you heard of YawpBox? User generated video, once just the domain of AFV on TV, has risen to a form of entertainment with people gathered around the computer watching videos on YouTube or the like.

YawpBox is a place to share your life experiences with everyone else in the world, and keep those experiences cataloged on your own personal profile. You can find other people who have had similar experiences, and show all of your fellow "Yawpers" the things you have done.

The cool thing about YawBox is that in 2008 YawpBox TV will take this content and use it in a live television show. YawpBoxTV will be a 30 minute weekly "magazine style" show that will be filmed before a live studio audience! YawpBoxTV will be the first television show where the content is completely generated by the users of a social networking site. The show will be hosted by two guys named Lex and Terry. They will view and discuss popular user uploaded videos from YawpBox.com and introduce the world to the people behind the videos. Are you looking to get your 15 minutes of fame? If so start posting videos to YawpBox.com and find out if yours will make the cut.

Lex & Terry give out a homework assignment, the Lex & Terry Challenge, on the nation wide radio show and TV show directing their audience to create content on a specific topic like tattoos or have you ever had a mullet. These categories can be viewed under the Lex & Terry challenge section of the site and you can upload your videos to the site for the topics.

To me this seems like it is a pretty cool mash up of YouTube and America's Funniest Videos. YawpBox will allow the average person to create footage for huge Internet audiences as well as for TV. So if you are into YouTube you should check out YawpBox and upload and share some of your life. You never know you might just be able to parlay that into your 15 minutes and maybe even become a celebrity.


Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Stop Wasting Money Heating Your Whole House

Almost all the time during the winter when it is just me around the house I turn the thermostat down to 62 from the usual 72-74 setting when the lady is present. I figure I am usually in one room, the family room, watching TV and blogging in the PIP window :) and don't really need to be heating the whole house when I really just need one room. I also close the vents and doors in the guest bedrooms and the guest bathroom. This space is rarely used and so doesn't really need to be heated or cooled.

Despite being around for several decades, few homeowners truly know about or understand vent-free heating. Most have never needed to consider supplemental heating like they do today. As our society is becoming more and more focused on enrgy efficiency home heating efficiency is becoming increasingly important. A vent-free gas heating fireplace or stove is a 99-percent efficient and safe supplemental heating source that allows you to turn down your thermostat without the need for extra blankets and without adding to your energy bill. In fact, even though it’s a gas-reliant heating source, it actually reduces heating bills by 10 percent for every 5 degrees the thermostat goes down. How? These appliances operate without the addition of a chimney or vent, so every bit of heat that comes out goes directly into the rooms in which they’re installed. I have had a vent-free gas fireplace for years and love the look and the energy benefits.


Another great way to save on energy costs this winter is by using gas portable heaters to heat your garage, workshop, or even your basement. Models like torpedo and convection heaters are perfect for workshops, garages and any other outdoor setting. Make sure though that you get a heater with a built in safety shut off.

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Have Some Land Lease It For A Cell Tower

I know coming from the area I am from there are a lot of farmers and other folks that have leased portions of their land for cell towers. I also know of at least two churches in some major cities that lease their steeples for cell towers. Do you already have a tower lease on your property? Are you being squeezed by the cell companies? They have been threatening cancellation across the country due to some of the major mergers in recent years. If you are looking for some help in your cell tower lease negotiations or anything having to do cell tower leases then you need this information.

There is a group, The Wireless Landlord Association (WLA), that offers free marketing and promotional help for association members so they can attract leases for the their cell towers. They will also represent the individual's interests in lease negotiations with cell phone companies such as Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile. They are an advocacy group created solely to support the specific needs of current and prospective wireless landlords and leaseholders.

When you join the Wireless Landlord Association, your properties are listed in our online database and are actively promoted to all major wireless carriers. When your property is selected as a cell site location, we serve as your advocates, representing your interests, not those of the major carriers. We help bring balance to the negotiation by empowering you with the resources and support you need to get a fair and profitable lease. We represent your interests in negotiations with your current tenants and help find you new ones, so you can earn the highest rental income possible.

The website is full of useful information for cell tower leaseholders and landlords. The site is easy to navigate and has a very nice interface. The graphics have web 2.0 style with nice gradients, colors, and shadows. The menu offers easy navigation to the most important information including their about us page, FAQ, and more. If you are already a cell tower landlord or leaseholder then this is the site you need to visit. If you aren't and are looking to get into this industry then you need to stop by this site.


Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Don't Buy Crap Furniture, You Will Regret It

That was some good advice I should have listened to. Well you live and learn. Let me tell when you are in the market for furniture buy the best your budget will allow. Let me tell you, if you can squeeze the budget, avoid particle board furniture. You want solid wood. I have never regretted spending the bit of extra cash up front to get a better product.

Why don't you visit http://www.barnfurniture.com/ and check out their large variety of high end Solid Oak Bookcases in several styles including – Mission, Contemporary and Traditional. They will ship to anywhere in the United States and many of the bookcases include free shipping! They also have Bedroom Furniture and Dining Furniture which is also high quality solid construction.

Now understand these are not your typical particle board bookcases you’ll find at Ikea or Office Depot. You know the kind. Assemble yourself, rickety bookcases that fall apart the minute you move them. These are Solid Oak Bookcases, come fully assembled, and will last for years to come. Now that is much better. This is the kind of solid furniture you Grandma had in her house. The stuff that lasts and can actually be moved and passed on without falling apart.
Bedroom Furniture
Now what is sweet in all this is that Barn Furniture is running a Linkback Contest. Do you have a Blog? Then help spread the word about Barn Furniture Mart for the chance to win a prize. The contest is simple, all you have to do write a post on your blog about Barn Furniture Mart and include a link back to their website. Everyone that participates will be entered in a drawing. One winner will be randomly selected to win their choice of one of some cool prizes: a beautiful Oak & Cedar Hope Chest, an incredible Mission Tiffany Lamp, or a Solid Oak Mission Spindle Bookcase. The prize even come with Free Shipping in the contiguous United States. Head on over and check out the great furniture and enter the contest as well.

Yours Truly,

CmanLong

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Guess What? I Just Wrote An Article About Insurance

HEY! All of my friends across the big water this is a special article just for you. Are you in the market for car insurance? I know that many people purchase cars this time of year and it would follow that some of them would also be in the market for car insurance.

In the UK, like over here in the states, car insurance is a requirement. If you do not have car insurance you are driving your car illegally, and if you get stopped by the coppers the consequences can be severe. For that reason it is very important that you take out car insurance on your vehicle before you take it out on the road. The good news is that there are different levels of car insurance coverage available, so you can find the right cover to suit most needs, circumstances, and budget.

The cool thing is, is that this site also sells home insurance and life insurance. You can get all your insurance needs in one spot and get a discount as well. How is that for a deal. I know for me the discounts for multiple insurances as well as the convenience of a single bill and point of contact are the reasons I always combine my insurances. This has always worked out best for me.


Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

I Thought Online Gambling Was Dead?

I thought online gambling was dead? Didn't the US government shut down online gambling? Well the short answer is, NO! Online gambling, albiet without real money, is alive and well across the states. People are still playing poker, craps, blackjack, and more. Sites are still sponsoring entrants into the World Series Of Poker tournament and others. I personally don't gamble but know a lot of folks that do on occasion for entertainment. I make it to a casino, and there are actually quite a few in the Chicago area, about twice a year.

For all of my readers that do gamble there is an interesting site I came across in my web adventures. Pro360.com is an online casino review site. I never realized there are over 3000 online casinos. Pro360 helps the gambler by provided in-depth reviews and ratings. They provide their ratings, player ratings, a trust score, bonus information, certificates, and more for each casino. So if you gamble and are looking for some gambling action onine I would check out Pro360.com before you use any online gambling site. At least, that is what I think.


Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Guys Get Some Great Free Workout Routines

Muscle&Strength has just upgraded it's awesome free workout routines database. I actually use a slightly modified version of one of their free workout routines for my daily workout routine. I purchase their magazines on occasion and visit their website from time to time. They have a lot of great information on men's health and on strength and fitness.

The new workout routines section allows visitors to easily select a routine that suits their goals. There are workouts to suit all goals from muscle building to weight loss. Routines are separated into categories that can be sorted for easy use. The cool thing about the new database is that Muscle&Strength members can vote up/down on all workout training routines. This gives a social network feel to it and allows you to pick routines that people have tried and been happy with.


Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Traveling For The Holidays? Book Your Travel Online & Save Big

If I have said it once I've said it a thousand times. Before you buy ANYTHING shop around online and almost invariably you will find a better deal. Saving money is almost like a game with me. I'm always looking for angles that save me money. You know the saying, "a penny saved is a penny earned."

Well if you are going to be traveling over the Christmas season you might want to check out HotelReservations.com. Now the name can be a bit deceiving. They offer way more than just Hotel Reservations. They offer flights, rental cars, and vacation rentals and packages. They really are a full service travel site.

I checked their prices compared to other travel sites and the prices were very competitive. They do have a "lowest internet price" guarantee which is nice. Overall the interface and website in general are easy to use. The forms and tables are pretty much like you find standard on most travel. You can book a flight, flight & hotel, flight, hotel & car, just about any combination of those that you need. Another nice feature is that you can book a two destination vacation package. This is a very nice feature that is lacking on some of the more popular sites.

For more than 6 years HotelReservations.com has been providing travelers great prices on the places you want to stay for both leisure and business travel. They know the hotel experience is an important part of your trip. Their are more than 70,000 properties worldwide - from hotels to B&B's to condos to all inclusive resorts. HotelReservations.com offers the information travelers you will need to book the perfect trip and it is all backed by the HotelReservations.com Price Guarantee. So if you are going to be traveling stop by HotelReservations.com and give them a look see and the chance to win your business.



Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Revenge Is Best Served Cold

What do you think about revenge? Is revenge as a concept a good idea? The desire for revenge can ruin a persons life. It can become all consuming to the point where everything else becomes small and meaningless. Life revolves around taking steps toward exacting revenge. The Bible warns against this vengeful attitude and God warn's us that "vengence is mine[God's]."

I would have to say that my favorite revenge scene in any movie of all time is the scene from The Princess Bride.
Inigo "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father prepare to die."
louder
Inigo "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father prepare to die."
Inigo "Offer me money"
Count Rugen "Yes"
Inigo Montoya "Power too promise that!"
Count Rugen "All that I have and more. Please."
Inigo Montoya "Offer me everything I ask for."
Inigo Montoya "Anything you want."
Count Rugen: attacks but Inigo grabs his arm and stabs Rugen in the stomach
Inigo Montoya "I want my father back you son of a bitch."

That is by far my all time favorite revenge scene. It is a very classic depiction of how revenge can drive a life and many times ruin a life. It also shows that once that vengence is exacted oft time the person then is left empty with nothing left to live for.

There is a new movie coming out Sweeney Todd, starring Johnny Depp. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a 2007 film adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler musical of the same name. The film stars Johnny Depp in the title role, in his sixth collaboration with director Tim Burton. In my opinion much of his best work has been with Burton. The film is scheduled for release in the United States on December 21, 2007.

Sweeney Todd returns to London after escaping the life imprisonment of Benjamin Barker, only to find his wife Lucy and daughter Johanna have suffered at the hands of the very man who had imprisoned him, Judge Turpin. With the assistance of his former landlady, Mrs. Nellie Lovett , Sweeney launches a plan for revenge that initially targets the individuals responsible for his imprisonment, but ultimately draws all of society in his sights.

Revenge drives Sweeney Todd. Revenge is exacted. This movie looks really good. I really like Johnny Depp and as I stated earlier think much of his best work has been in collaboration with Tim Burton. I think this movie will be no exception. You can visit Sweeney Todd on MySpace or visit the official Sweeney Todd movie site to get more information on the movie and watch a trailer.

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Bachelor Pad Makeover

All guys, bachelor or not, need a space to call their own. A place to crash, drink beer (or whatever), watch the game, and hang with friends. To me a guys space should be comfortable, functional, and easily maintained. The individual choices made in interior design and home furniture is what gives a home its personality. I think a guys space really needs to reflect his personality. The space really needs to versatile and have pieces that have multiple functions.

In my space I like lots of large comfortable seating. Reclining sofas, chairs, media seating, etc.. I also want functional yet attractive tables to hold all the chips, drinks, and other food while watching sports, movies, or playing cards. I like a large chair or couch with and a couple ottomans for footrests for those without recliners or they can function as extra seating. Stylistic, yet functional, pieces like bar stools, ottomans, storage benches and wine racks can make a guy's space truly unique. Ottomans can be used for benches, seating, storage, as coffee tables, or just for looks.

So guys why don't you ask for a guy's room makeover for Christmas. Ladies why don't you give your guy a space he can truly call his own. You would be surprised how reasonable and inexpensively you can redo a space. What kinds of furniture or accessories are on your wish list? What types of things would you purchase to express your individual personality?

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Is Tutoring A Good Idea For A Child

I have always wondered whether or not to enter my daughter into a tutoring program. She has been struggling this year with math and I thought she might need something new and innovative to spark her interest. She hasn't struggled with math in the past but this year she started a new school and it has been a struggle. I have been looking for an Innovative Tutor and think I may have found the solution. I have visited a Score! facility and am very impressed with the people and the programs that they offer. Score! educational centers are a part of the Kaplan family, They work with children in grades pre-K through 10th grade to help them achieve their goals and reach their academic potential in math, reading, spelling and writing. Their programs include personal academic coaching, positive reinforcement, and a customized curriculum that adapts to each child's pace and learning needs. I feel this could be a great benefit to my daughter and am looking forward to her start in the Score! program here in the Chicago area. Do you think that a tutoring program or center is a good Idea for a child? Have you had a child in Score!? Could you give me your opinion.

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think

Loans For Online Ventures

I have written several posts on loans but today I want to talk about online loans. Shopping around online for a loan is probably the smartest move you can make when in the market for a loan. Your choices are greatly expanded and the chances of the getting the best deal really increase.

I wanted to talk a about a certain type of loan that in many cases, although with high risk but also high reward, can be a great tool in affiliate marketing. A personal loans, or Unsecured loans are not a short term, 2 weeks or less, loan like a payday loan. It is a conventional term loan. Usually the amounts are small, $10,000 or less, and the requirements are less than for a traditional loan. A personal loan can be used for any purpose and are not usually tied to collateral.

There are quite a few types of loans available including Bad Credit Personal Loans available for people with damaged or dinged credit. I feel that in quite a few cases a personal loan is better solution that a payday loan. The fees are much lower, the term is longer, interest is WAY lower and is usually simple interest. Overall a personal loan, in certain circumstances, is not a bad idea.

Of course you can also go with a secured loan such as a Homeowner loans also known as a home equity loan. I personally don't recommend this type of loan online ventures as the risk is high and you put your home up as a target. Well there are a few of my thoughts on various types of loans.

Yours Truly,

Cman

Because You Need To Know What I Think