Hahaha, how cute!

OK, now that we have embarked on a new year, what is your new year resolution that you want to achieve?

Amazon has a Top 10 Resolutions Promotions going on right now, you can review and search for the products that will help achieve your resolution faster and easier, blast through your resolutions here..

Their Top 10 Resolutions are:

1. Lose weight
2. Get your finances in order
3. Go greener
4. Curb your vices
5. Get in shape
6. Relax more
7. Pursue a new career
8. Upgrade your technology
9. Organize and optimize
10. Start a new hobby

Many of them are on my list too

They also have discounts on many of the products featured so you can get a head start on the resolution.

Again, blast through your resolutions here.

To your success!

At Grandparents.com, we’ve scoured the news for grandparents, famous and not-so famous, who have affected the world, leading through example or changing the way we think. As the year comes to a close, we celebrate these extraordinary individuals who embody the finest attributes of today’s grandparents — love, strength, and bold new perspectives — with our first Top 11 Grandparents awards.

11. Paul McCartney
The former Beatle proved that the birth of a grandchild never gets old — even if it’s your sixth. The call of the American open road and the celebration of his 66th birthday with new love Nancy Shevell couldn’t keep Sir Paul from flying back to England to meet his new grandson, Sam, born to daughter Mary.

10. Sarah Palin
Despite the controversy surrounding her teenage daughter Bristol’s pregnancy, the vice-presidential nominee stood strong in support of her child. Nary an excuse flew out of her mouth, nor did she give a cold shoulder to the baby daddy. Instead, Palin embraced the situation and declared that her first grandchild will grow up in a loving family.

9. Sonia Briggs
Armed with her medical bag, weapon, ammunition pack, and her laptop (to keep in touch with the family), Sonia Briggs, 50, left the trappings of regular life to assume her role as a corporal nurse in Britain’s Royal Auxiliary Air Force in Afghanistan. The grandmother of three humbly told the The Mirror she wanted to do “her bit,” giving patriotism a new face along the way.

8. Dolph Overton
Serious collectors seek out the most beautiful and rare examples of the objects they love. For the North Carolinian, Korean War ace, 82-year-old Dolph Overton, it was a 1929 Ford 4-AT-E Tri-Motor airplane hit by bullets during the 1941 attack Pearl Harbor. Overton restored the plane and then decided it was time to sell, saying some things are more important than possessions. The funds will pay for the education of his ten grandchildren.

7. Louise Stoll
Watching her pregnant daughter awkwardly exit a plane carrying a toddler on one hip, a car seat on the other, and a diaper bag, Louise Stoll, 69, of Vermont, had a simple idea — ditch the car seat. Stoll designed the Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES), a harness for children between 22 and 44 pounds, making it easier for little ones to travel. With nearly half of all grandparents living 200 miles or more from a grandchild, according to an AARP survey, Stoll’s invention helps bring families together safely.

6. Jacilyn Dalenberg and Crystal Sirignano
No parent wants to watch a child suffer through the pains of infertility but Jacilyn Dalenberg, 56, of Ohio, and Crystal Sirignano, 52, of Michigan, showed an uncommon level of support by acting as surrogates for their daughters’ children. Dalenberg gave birth to three granddaughters and Sirignano to a girl and boy. Sirignano called it, “the best experience of my life.”

5. Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg
The three-day terrorist siege in Mumbai over theThanksgiving holiday claimed the lives of 163 people, including Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife, Rivka, who ran the city’s Chabad-Lubavitch center. Rivka’s parents, Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg of Israel, won’t let an act of hate destroy the couples’ legacy. They are raising their two-year-old grandson, Moshe, and said they will rebuild the center.

4. James Lewin
James Lewin, 65, was walking his newborn granddaughter in her carriage after a holiday celebration when a pickup truck came careening toward them. The Colorado grandfather pushed the carriage to safety but sustained life-threatening injuries that he continues to battle in the hospital. Lewin’s heroics have become a symbol of the unconditional sacrifices grandparents make for the youngest generation.

3. Pope Benedict XVI
Okay, so he’s not a grandpa, but the rock-star pontiff ingratiated himself to our cause when he said grandparents are “a treasure which the younger generation should not be denied.” Speaking at a conference last April meant to highlight grandparents’ roles in families, the Pope called grandparents “a precious resource … to be better valued.” We couldn’t agree more.

2. Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade
Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, the West Virginia, housewife who lobbied for the creation of Grandparents Day, passed away this year at the age of 91. Her work serves as a national reminder to take the time to honor everyday heroes who make the world a better place for their grandchildren.

1. Marian Robinson
Her son-in-law Barack Obama got the lion’s share of ink this year, but Marian Robinson, 71, is truly the “unsung hero,” as the President-Elect referred to her on 60 Minutes. As the First Granny, Robinson is likely headed to D.C., at the behest of her daughter, Michelle. So far, grand-parenthood has been hectic, with Robinson putting her own needs second to those of her granddaughters, Sasha and Malia, by devoting herself to maintaining their daily routine during the campaign. An extended Obama family proves the importance of grandparents in raising strong children. Now might be Obama’s time, but the future is Sasha’s and Malia’s, as far as Robinson is concerned.

source: grandparents.com

I join in saluting Madelyn Dunham and all the well-deserving grandparents who make this list and at those who didn’t.

At this special time, I remember fondly my late grandma who is hardworking, independent and holds the highest integrity in every day of her life!

Here are a few amusing ones:

Bad recycling: Pay stub used as bank robbery note

CHICAGO – The robber’s threatening note made a Chicago bank job easy to solve: The FBI says the suspect wrote it on his pay stub. An FBI affidavit said the man walked into a Fifth Third Bank on Friday and handed a teller a note that read “Be Quick Be Quit (sic). Give your cash or I’ll shoot.”

The robber got about $400 but left half of his note. Investigators found the other half outside the bank’s front doors. Authorities say that part of the man’s October pay stub had his name and address.

The suspect was arrested at his Cary home. A judge ordered him held without bond Monday. If convicted of bank robbery, he faces 20 years in prison.

Researcher says Jell-O may eliminate lake trout

BOZEMAN, Mont. – A researcher at Montana State University said Jell-O, ultrasound, microwaves and electroshocking are among the possible solutions to eliminate lake trout in Yellowstone National Park.

Lake trout were introduced illegally into the park and threaten native cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake. To find the best way to destroy lake trout eggs, Al Zale received a grant from the National Park Service. Zale heads the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit at MSU.

He and his collaborators will analyze several potential solutions and recommend the best.

If Jell-O is chosen, Zale says it would probably be unflavored. He says workers could spread it over the fish eggs to smother them.

Zale adds that it would seem efficient to get rid of the eggs during spawning season, which occurs primarily during late fall.

Had a bad year? ‘08 memories get shredded in NYC

NEW YORK – Should auld acquaintance be forgot? Or maybe shredded?

In an event that organizers hope will become a New Year’s tradition, New Yorkers and tourists were invited to bring bad memories from 2008 to Times Square on Sunday and feed them to an industrial-strength shredder.

“This is the perfect way to move on from a bad year, from a bad experience,” said Kathryn Bonn, of New York City, who shredded a printout of her boyfriend’s e-mail breaking up with her.

The event, the second annual “Good Riddance Day,” was sponsored by the Times Square Alliance, organizers of the New Year’s Eve ball-dropping celebration.

Some participants wrote “the stock market” or “cancer” on a piece of paper and shredded it, while others shredded bags of bank statements and check stubs.

Kate Anello, a Yankees fan from New York City, destroyed a poster of the city’s longtime rival, the Boston Red Sox.

“I hate them,” she said. “It felt good.”

City resident Jay Ballesteros won a $250 prize for the most creative object to be shredded: a sock representing all the socks that emerge from the laundry without their mates.

“I’m hoping to use the prize to buy some brand new socks,” he said.

Almost unheard-of: Boy Scout earns all 121 badges

NEW YORK – A Long Island teenager has earned all 121 merit badges offered by the Boy Scouts of America. It’s an accomplishment the local arm of the organization calls “an almost unheard-of feat.” Oceanside resident Shawn Goldsmith earned his final badge — for bugling — in time for his 18th birthday in November. He far surpassed the 21 badges required to achieve the elite rank of Eagle Scout.

He said he took about five years to earn his first 62 badges and then nearly doubled that number in a matter of months. He did it with the encouragement of his grandmother, who died shortly before he reached his goal.

The Binghamton University freshman was awarded his final badges on Dec. 19. He said he hopes to become a businessman and politician.

Utah store has bone to pick with shoplifting dog

MURRAY, Utah – A thief remains at large after pulling off a daring heist — in the pet food aisle.

Surveillance video at a supermarket in this Salt Lake City suburb caught a dog shoplifting, KSL-TV reported Wednesday.

The video showed the dog walking in the front door of Smith’s Food & Drug in Murray, and heading straight to Aisle 16, the pet food aisle, where it grabbed a bone worth $2.79.

The thief wasn’t even perturbed by a face-to-face confrontation with store manager Roger Adamson.

“I looked at him. I said ‘Drop it!’” Adamson said. “He looked at me, and I looked at him, and he ran for the door and away he went, right out the front door.”

Here are a few from the very talented artiest and actress, Faye Wong:

Ambivalence

Undercurrents

Fragile Woman

“According to Guinness World Records, Faye Wong had sold 9.7 million copies of her albums as of March 2000, giving her the title of Best Selling Canto-Pop Female.”
enjoy,

Well, I do have a case of acrophobia. I feel uneasy on top of a ladder and I sure know that I will feel nausea high up on roller coaster rides even although I am not afraid being inside a skyscraper.

“Acrophobia is a severe fear of heights. Now being afraid of heights is a common and sometimes appropriate feeling. But the phobia part kicks in when you feel afraid in a safe environment such as inside a skyscraper. Acrophobia is treated with graded exposure therapy.”

And once you know you are afraid of something and it is only natural that you don’t go near that thing or do that thing. So, that phobia sticks with you and the more you think of it, the more you are afraid.

Last time I was in Vancouver my friend took me to Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge not knowing that I have acrophobia.

Well, the sights and the surrounding are pretty amazing, but as I am walking up to the edge of the bridge, my fear just kicks in. My palms are sweating, and I think, oh no, no way am I going to step on that bridge!

My friend keeps encouraging me saying “that’s safe” while I stand hesitating and thinking how am I going to retreat and avoid this?

At about the same time, there was a young guy who is like me scared while his friends nudge him on.

As you can see from the pictures, the sides of the bridge are open, and it seems there are only ropes that tie it together, and I don’t have to look down the creek below to smell fear.

My face must have turned white with the goosebumps because I just cannot muster the courage to take my first step.

My friend keeps urging me to go on.

Finally, I say “what the heck”, and take that bold step to move forward.

When I am on the bridge, it is really, really scary because the bridge jiggles so much with every step of my and others. There are some kids who playfully make stronger steps so the bridge sways even more so to the sides.

I hold onto the rail as tight as I could. I dare not glance anywhere but the way ahead until I make it across to the other side.

Phew. I catch my breath and stand on my shaking feet.

Fact about the bridge:

It’s pretty narrow too, and it is just wide enough for two people to pass each other. The bridge was built in 1912, so instead of solid steel, you’ve got narrow wooden slats under your feet. And that’s all that’s separating you from a 166 foot drop to Lynn Creek below.

The bridge, they say, is 100% safe–although I sure don’t feel like it.

Nobody has ever fallen off it although people have jumped. Every summer at least one daredevil loses his life jumping off either the bridge or the rocks into the beckoning blue pools below.

The view from the bridge is spectacular if you have the nerve to stop and look at it.

Now getting over to one side is just half of the ordeal. I have to do it again to make it back.

But the return journey is not as bad and I swiftly move until I reach over to my friend.

That young guy also overcomes his fear and walks across.

That day, I pat on my shoulder for having made a very bold step forward.

So do you have any fear, phobia?

Do you have any endeavor that you want to do but are afraid of the unknown or the challenges ahead?

Well, my friend, just make that baby step.

Just say, “What the heck”, I can do it.

Don’t think too much.

Just do it.

1. Avoid alcohol in flight. Alcohol affects the body clock by not giving you a full and refreshing sleep.

2. With the pressurized air in the cabin your body dehydrates substantially, try to drink as much water as possible.

3. Move around when in-flight: walk up and down the plane, stand up and do dome stretching exercises That will keep the blood circulating and stop the joints from stiffening.

4. While seated, swirl your ankles around from time to time. Also, move the toes outward and inward.

5. Listen to some relaxation music. I have found that when I listen to hypnotic training programs like the one from Wendi.com, I tend to fall asleep pretty fast while following.

6. When you arrive at your destination and it is day time, try to stay awake by going outdoors and into the sunshine. That will help alter your body clock, while your body can adjust to the other time zone more quickly.

7. If you eyelids are drooping and you feel more and more sleepy, then set you alarm for two hours time. Nap for that period of time to keep yourself refreshed.

Happy Traveling!

One afternoon a few days ago, I suddenly felt my right foot very painful.

I thought, “What on earth happened? I didn’t bump into something or hurt myself, what could be the case?”

So, I take a look and find to my amazement that my middle right toe has been all red and swollen to 1.5 of its regular size. Moreover, as I examine further I saw to my horror, my nail instead of somewhere in the middle of my toe has now moved to the far left because the right side has ballooned so much.

My right big toe is also swollen as well.

Wow, I didn’t go outside and still because of the freezing weather I have my first “frostnip.”

Can you believe it?

Being a natural therapist, I consult my books to seek remedies.

I found two easy ones when frostnip first starts:

1. put some pork oil (made from frying the fatty part of the pork, leave the oil cold before applying), this will prevent the affected area turns into open wound

2. gently rub with chili sauce mixed with cooking wine

Now before I find out these solutions, the night before I go to bed, I applied some Oronine H ointment to my toes, and next day indeed my foot feels less pain and less swollen.

Curiously, I look at the applications and alas indeed this ointment is beneficial to frost bite.

Oronine Ointment, made in Japan , is an excellent cream used for all types of skin conditions. It can be used as an everyday moisturizer, acne and pimple remedy, for insect bites, pain caused by burns, athlete’s foot, psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, frost bite, aftershave and even for diaper rash!

So after two applications, I almost feel no pain although the swell is not all gone yet.

You can get the Oronine H ointment in some Chinese and Japanese grocery stores, and if you want one, you can get it online here.

If you live in any below-zero region and if you enjoy skiing or other winter activities, it might be a good idea to carry a jar with you just in case.

Own Tissue from Scarlett Johansson & Sam Jackson

During her 12/17/08 appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Scarlett Johansson blamed her cold on The Spirit co-star Samuel L. Jackson, saying she caught it from him. She believed that for this reason her cold had some “value.” During her appearance on The Tonight Show, she blew her nose into a tissue provided by Jay Leno. All proceeds of this sale will benefit USA Harvest, the charity of Scarlett Johansson’s choice.

There are currently 79 bids standing at $4,050 with 2 days and 21 hours to go.

Wow, I can’t believe it…

And, would you fork out $4K for a 2 ply Kleenex brand facial tissue that some star had blown her nose into?

Even for charity?

As a fashion lover for decades, I sure agree that fashion is an art form. It never fails to delight me when I see something ingenious and beautiful. Whether they are unexpected details, mix of different textures, ord even some amusing but totally surprising form.

As opposed to Armani whose style is more refined and elegant, another one of my favorite talented couture designer, Christian Lacroix, whose style is more opulent and luxurious. His impeccable attention to details and the mix of embellishments are simply divine.

Enjoy,

$3750 New GIORGIO ARMANI Black Silk Lace Dress 44 10 US $599.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Wednesday Jan-07-2009 12:51:02 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

SILK STUNNER! $4,650 GIORGIO ARMANI NWT Tiered Dress 6 US $359.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Wednesday Jan-07-2009 19:20:25 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

$2525 GIORGIO ARMANI Brown Ombre Dyed Silk Dress 44 10 US $499.99 Auction Ends: Wednesday Jan-07-2009 19:25:10 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

$4150 GIORGIO ARMANI Blue Gray Floral Silk Dress 38 / 4 US $749.99 Auction Ends: Thursday Jan-08-2009 18:48:06 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Glamor Original Silver Silk Dress Tie by GIORGIO ARMANI US $99.00 Auction Ends: Friday Jan-09-2009 7:57:29 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

GIORGIO ARMANI Black Silk Long Dress Pants Slacks Sz 48 US $49.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Saturday Jan-10-2009 12:56:04 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

GIORGIO ARMANI CRAVATTE Men's 100% Silk Italy Dress Tie US $14.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday Jan-11-2009 16:05:08 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

NWT Giorgio Armani Collection Silk & Velvet Dress 2 38 US $394.99 Auction Ends: Sunday Jan-11-2009 18:43:06 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

$3750 New GIORGIO ARMANI Sheer Overlay Silk Dress 42 8 US $699.99 Auction Ends: Sunday Jan-11-2009 18:51:17 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

GIORGIO ARMANI CREAM SILK FLORAL SLEEVELESS DRESS 10 44 US $184.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Jan-12-2009 6:10:11 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

NWT-$2,650 GIORGIO ARMANI "Italy" Lavendar Silk Dress 6 US $199.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Jan-12-2009 18:56:38 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

$3750 New GIORGIO ARMANI Sheer Overlay Silk Dress 40 6 US $699.99 Auction Ends: Friday Jan-16-2009 18:51:11 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

$3150 New GIORGIO ARMANI Pink Tan 100% Silk Dress 8 42 US $519.99 Auction Ends: Wednesday Jan-21-2009 18:54:09 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

$4275 GIORGIO ARMANI Magenta Silk Runway Dress Gown 10 US $699.99 Auction Ends: Sunday Jan-25-2009 17:50:19 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

GIORGIO ARMANI Silk-Velvet Dress Pant Slack 50 XL $2275 US $745.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Jan-27-2009 13:00:08 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Delightful GIORGIO ARMANI Black Silk Eve Dress 12 NEW US $890.00 Auction Ends: Thursday Jan-29-2009 5:09:56 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Luxurious Silk GIORGIO ARMANI Eve Dress Sz6 Rt$2595 NEW US $770.00 Auction Ends: Thursday Jan-29-2009 5:48:15 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

$515 Giorgio Armani Collezioni Silk Dress Pants 14 50 US $139.99 Auction Ends: Friday Jan-30-2009 13:08:28 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

$4275 GIORGIO ARMANI Magenta Silk Runway Dress Gown 6 US $699.99 Auction Ends: Monday Feb-02-2009 19:13:05 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

$4150 GIORGIO ARMANI Blue Gray Floral Silk Dress 42 / 8 US $749.99 Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-04-2009 18:46:08 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

$3895 New GIORGIO ARMANI Black Silk Flare Dress 8 / 42 US $649.99 Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-04-2009 18:52:05 PST Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item