Archive for Lifestyle Stuff
05.25.08
Posted in Lifestyle Stuff at 10:04 pm by admin
Finding the perfect gift for your car mad dad on father’s day
can be quite an ordeal. Okay, so your dad has had a few years
head start to collect the stuff he really likes and you probably
can’t afford to buy the car of his dreams; the model probably
changes every six months or so anyway. So what’s the answer?
What do you get your car mad dad for father’s day? April 2005 –
If you really haven’t a clue about what kind of car-related
gifts to buy him, don’t worry because your life just got a whole
lot easier.
Here are 5 gift ideas to really make your car mad dad’s day a
memorable one.
1. Limited Edition Car Art Photography - Your Dad’s eyes are
bound to pop wide open with a piece of Christina Cornish’
limited edition car art photography. Check out artistic shots of
his four-wheeled pride and joy, or even his dream car. With
prices starting around the £50.00 mark they make a sensible
investment too.
2. An exceptional personalised gift for car lovers! An original
fine pencil drawing - photo realistic image - by fine pencil
artist John Hayes who is an Associate of the Guild of Motoring
Artists AGMA. He can capture the image of your dad’s favourite
car and for good measure include his mug shot as an inset
portrait. This is a stunning gift for any car enthusiasts; go on
really treat your old man. (around £300.00)
3. V8 Gasket Photo Frame: This larger more powerful V8 version
(a V6 is also available) is strictly for lovers of fast cars and
Meccano sets. These stunning picture frames feature laser cut
acrylic fascias with precision etched stainless steel cylinder
head gaskets. The frames come flat packed in ultra-cool foil
bags for self-assembly using socket head screws (around £35.00).
Why not add that finishing touch and put some great photos of
yourself in the frame. Mind you, if you owe him money, it might
be best if you don’t, you’ll only remind him!
4. Gear Stick Bottle Stop: The only STOP serious car enthusiasts
could ever want for. On those occasions when you need a lift
somewhere, and you don’t want you dad to drink, you can get him
to put a stop in his favourite tipple so that he can help you
out (around £12.00).
5. F1 Surprise: If your dad’s an F1 fan then a portrait of his
favourite driver may just be the perfect gift. Set in a bronze
grain effect frame and black mount with white sight edges, these
terrific gifts feature a photograph of top F1 drivers such as
Michael Schumacher and Jenson Button. They come complete with
action shots and are accompanied by a printed metal plaque
featuring a side view of the F1 car and the drivers name (around
£30.00).
Well there you have it kids; there are no excuses not to get
your car mad dad a great gift; there are some excellent
affordable gifts out there.
And Dad’s, if you’re reading this why not send a copy to your
kids to help them make your day great?
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05.12.08
Posted in Lifestyle Stuff at 11:36 pm by admin
Being environmentally friendly is something that is going to influence us all in the future. We have Environmental Travel, Electric Cars and Biological Fuels to look at now.
There are several types of Biological Fuels. Bio Diesels are many basically plant based substitutes to oil- based fuels such as petroleum, diesel & heating oil. Burning biodiesel emits C02, yet this is counterbalanced with the fact that the plants used to produce it uses C02 from across the surroundings to grow. But the climate advantages of Bio Fuels are hotly disputed, with some climate friendly authors maintaining that Bio Diesels cause more damage than good. There is 2 prime kinds of Bio Diesel and Ethanol. Get green and environmentally friendly with co2 emmission free Electric Cars.
As the type implies, biodiesel is intended for use in diesel tanks. Biodiesel is really comparable to veg oil and is produced from the identical sorts of plants- oil rich sources such as sunflower, palm, rapeseed and groundnut. Biological Diesel can often also be generated from chicken fat or oils reused from Malaysian cuisine restaurants. Biodiesel and fuels might be tried smart in some diesel motorcycles, but at this current time it is much more traditionally reflected in a mix with regular diesel- typically nine % biodiesel with regular diesel fuel. This mix will often be used by any normal diesel car.
Ever thought about obtaining an eco car? There are many two forms the G WIZ and the Mega City. The above are genuinely green travel machines; in fact the electric cars is an environmental vision. Electric automobiles do not construct any C02 emissions in fact more to the point electric cars don’t even have an emission pipe. Because if you power an eco friendly car from renewable energy, it fabricates zero CO2 emissions. Even if this eco friendly car has plentiful pros it does have some cons as well. The noticeable one being it is an electric car and it should only do one hundred and two miles before you have to top up the car battery & all this generally has to be charged over night, if you are arranging on doing an extensive tour, this may have to be concluded over the course of quite a few trips.
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05.11.08
Posted in Designers Network, Lifestyle Stuff, World Of Home Improvement at 2:58 am by admin
Wrought iron is a common metal in our households today and even in some business premises. Most metal products in houses are made out of it. It has also been used as part of security systems. The iron is used to secure windows, doors and other entrances to prevent people to gain unauthorized entry. If you were to walk into town today you would find out that most shop entrances are covered well with burglar bars. The burglar bars are usually made of this iron. It is quite a strong metal that is very difficult to break and cut thus it being used to make burglar bars.
If you take a look at the household furniture you will find out that most of it comprises or wrought iron designs. These household items may include coffee tables, television stand and a lot more others to mention. It is interesting to note that most of these products are widely accepted by many home decors and are available at cheap cost. Not only is this iron used for home use, its uses vary for example it is used to make beams during heavy constructions. Many people have found this iron as a necessity and it can be reused over and over again by smelting it then remolding.
More about wrought iron here
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05.10.08
Posted in Lifestyle Stuff at 3:41 am by admin
If you’re looking for back support with the comfort of
traditional high end coil mattress, then a memory foam mattress
is what you’re looking for. A memory foam mattress has the body
contour forming like a mattress but with the support you would
find if you were lying on the floor. The difference is it forms
to the contour of your spine giving you the best of both the
floor and a high end coil mattress.
It regulates were you body will get support. The memory foam
mattress helps with the bodies’ circulation giving you a good
nights sleep and feeling great when you wake up.
Now before you run out and buy one there are differences.
Quality, thickness can be different. The more expensive foam
mattresses are denser, require better material and a more
expensive production process. These mattresses are firmer and
respond better for some. So you must consider your body
structure as to whether you would want a firmer or softer
mattress. Also, if you move around in your sleep, that can make
a difference as well. Sometimes just having the right mattress
can even stop the tossing and turning because in most cases it’s
the mattress that’s causing the problem.
A good memory foam mattress can cost between $475.00 for a twin
to $1400.00 for a large king. If you’re looking to save money
look for a manufacturer that has less density mattresses. The
quality may be less but I’m sure the sleep will be much better
than a coil mattress.
For More Information Visit: Foam Mattress Info or
www.bestfoammattresses.com
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05.04.08
Posted in Lifestyle Stuff at 7:02 pm by admin
Too many parents consider play as simply a means of diverting
and distracting their children. Playthings are often seen as a
means of keeping children happy, rewarding them, keeping them
out of mischief, and giving parents free time.
Not often enough do parents think of play and toys as
fundamental aspects of a child’s education, as a means through
which children learn to understand the world around them, and as
the primary method by which children acquire many basic skills.
Parents can help make their children’s play stimulating by doing
three things.
First, they can adopt an attitude of conscious, deliberate
planning in which play is regarded as one of the most important
aspects of their children’s environment.
Second, they can see to it that their children are provided with
the kinds of toys and playthings that will help develop the
widest possible varieties of skills and abilities.
Third, they can assume a direct, participating role in their
children’s play.
Planning a child’s play does not mean planning each activity for
every moment of the child’s playtime. On the contrary, children
should have maximum independence in choosing their own
activities. And, within the limits of the daily routine of the
home, a child should also choose the time for their activities,
as well as the duration of each. Good planning makes sure that
play is as varied and stimulating as possible.
A child should play at different times, with friends, with
parents, and by theirself. This play should include, within a
period of about a month, all or most of the following types of
activities, each geared to the age level of the child.
Here are 5 of them:
#1. Games Games are perhaps the most basic of all forms of play.
>From peek-a-boo to chess, from pat-a-cake to baseball, games
occupy a central role in the lives of most children from infancy
to adolescence. Games may be physical or mental. In general they
involve the development of skills, although some lead to the
acquisition of information.
#2. Arts and Crafts Arts and crafts give children many
opportunities to express their desire to make things. Crayons,
paints, clay, construction paper, scissors and paste, wood,
leather, felt, and cardboard are among the materials that help
children develop their creative imaginative, and aesthetic
abilities. Arts and crafts also develop skills in manipulation,
perception, and analysis.
#3. Construction Play Construction play involves assembling
objects from what are usually prefabricated parts. It is less
creative than arts and crafts, but is also useful in developing
many skills. Putting together a set of railroad tracks and
trains is a form of construction play, as is play with erector
sets, Tinker toys, blocks and the like.
#4. Projective Play Protective play is play in which a child
adds dramatic and emotional meaning to activities with
representative toysdolls, trucks, soldiers, homemaking sets,
and doctor kits. Its great value lies in the role playing done
by the child rather than in the development of specific skills.
#5. Hobbies Hobbies which cannot be otherwise classified will
generally fall under the heading of collecting activities.
Collecting stamps, coins, rocks and minerals, butterflies and
insects, sea shells, and leaves are all common and popular
hobbies. While some help in the development of certain skills,
their greatest value is in the considerable knowledge a child
can acquire in pursuing them.
Most play can be classified in one of these five groups, and,
ideally, play should include all of these types. Also, as skills
develop, the activities should move to a higher, more mature
level.
However, a child does not automatically vary his play or develop
in it. This is where the parent’s planning comes in -
continually making the child aware of the broad opportunities
available to him in play; initiating certain activities during
playtime; making suggestions when the child needs and wants
them; buying toys that will, in themselves, lead to new
pursuits; stimulating new interests and ideas in any of a
variety of ways. The parent should not manage the child’s play,
but should try to nudge it in the right directions.
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04.17.08
Posted in Lifestyle Stuff at 3:37 pm by admin
“The mind is everything; what you think you become.”
- Guatama Buddha
Do You Have What It Takes to Take It?
Without the strength to deal with the stresses in life: pain,
sickness, disappointment, missed opportunities, bad business
decisions, and more, you can easily be discouraged.
Whenever something hits you and you don’t have what it takes to
overcome it, your means of coping will be undermined.
To overcome minor or major setbacks, recharge yourself spiritually.
Give yourself a God-like power to react and reverse any mental
picture you may be holding of weakness. With God’s help you know
you can take anything that comes your way.
Are you a Positive Person?
Always in life there are times when the going is rough, tough,
and downright too much. Coming out of it on top takes a
positive attitude.
To maintain a positive attitude when everything around you is
crumbling takes an inner power beyond anything you can imagine.
To do so depends on how and what you are thinking at the time
it is happening to you.
If you can smile when you’d rather complain, you will find
strength in your weakness. And if you can endure and overcome
your fear, you make way for the best possible outcome to any
trying situation.
Are You Strong Enough to Face Your Problems?
Some sources of strength to develop and keep are:
To maintain positive thoughts at all times.
Practice seeing yourself as strong and you will be strong.
Seek God’s guidance and be ready to accept the experiences,
ideas, and directions when they come to you.
If your life is extra hard for you, be honest with yourself
and find out where the trouble is.Are you making your life
hard? There is always a reason when something in your life
does or does not go well. This can be traced to what you’ve
already created in your mind prior to when the situation
happens.
When faced with a troubling situation, take control of your
thoughts–this influences your attitude. Don’t ever let your
mind control you. Choose healthy, spiritual, and positive
thought patterns that will supply you with unshakable
strength.
So create happy thoughts and your problems will be tiny ones.
Gerri D Smith, Publisher and host of an online
Personal and Business Improvement network, tailored for women
business owners and entrepreneurs. Visit:
http://www.distinctivebusinesswomen.com
Mail to: gerridsmith@msn.com
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04.16.08
Posted in Lifestyle Stuff at 6:26 pm by admin
Natural Baby
The skin is the largest organ of our body - a barrier between us
and the “outside”, and our first line of defense against
pollution, chemicals, and the germs and dirt of everyday life.
Our skin is also a delicate filtering system, allowing
substances to enter our bodies and even our bloodstream (as an
example, think of the many medications that are adminstered
transdermally, or through the skin), and helps us eliminate
toxins from our systems. Babies and children have delicate,
sensitive skin, newly exposed to the harshness of everyday life,
so it’s especially important to consider what products we use on
them. Babies and children also love to put their hands (and
feet!) in their mouths, so remember that any moisturizers,
powders or lotions may be ingested by your child. It’s important
to make sure that the lotions, soaps, creams and powders that we
use on children are as natural and healthy as possible.
Many babies and children have dry skin, and most baby lotions,
salves, and oils contain high percentages of mineral oil or
other petroleum products. Unfortunately, mineral oil does not
absorb well into the skin, and in fact clogs pores and makes it
difficult our skin to eliminate toxins. Mineral oil is also a
non-renewable resource; it is a byproduct of the distillation of
gasoline from crude oil. Given these facts, it’s preferable to
use natural vegetable oils as the base ingredient in natural
lotions, salves, and moisturizing oils.
Many baby products also contain colorants, fillers, and
fragrances that unfortunately do little except irritate
sensitive, delicate skin. Synthetic fragrances can also
exacerbate baby eczema, acne, and diaper rash. Unscented,
all-natural products are the safest things to use on our
children.
One way to ensure the purity, freshness and quality of the
products we use on our children is to make them ourselves.
Making your own all-natural powders, salves, and bath products
is a wonderful way to care for your children. The recipes given
below are simple and use common, yet effective all-natural
ingredients to create exquisite formulas that pamper and soothe
your baby.
Moistuizing Milk Bath Milk is a soothing, moisturizing, yet
non-greasy bath additive that gently soothes and cleanses your
child’s skin. If your child is allergic to cow’s milk, powdered
goats milk makes a wonderful substitute in this recipe.
1 cup dried milk 1/2 cup cornstarch 2-3 drops lavender or
chamomile essential oils (optional)
Combine all ingredients and stir. Chamomile and lavender
essential oils are soothing, calming, and relaxing - a warm
lavender aromatherapy bath does wonders for a fussy baby or
toddler! (Please use essential oils only on babies 6 months or
older). To use: sprinkle a small amount in a warm bath. This
makes a wonderful gift, especially when presented in a pretty
recycled shaker jar or bottle.
Baby’s Bum Powder This talc-free powder utilizes the power of
nature’s finest herbs and to gently soothe and heal irritated
skin.
1 cup arrowroot powder 1 tbsp. dried ground chamomile 1 tbsp.
dried ground lavender
Combine all ingredients well - an easy method is to place all
ingredients in a plastic sandwich bag, seal it shut, and combine
the ingredients by kneading the bag with your hands. Pour the
powder into a recycled shaker jar or powder tin. Use as needed
on the diaper area. Arrowroot powder can be found at health food
stores - it gently helps soothe and dry damp areas, while the
powdered lavender and chamomile are soothing, healing, and help
prevent bacterial growth.
(Helpful hint: grind chamomile and lavender into a fine powder
using a clean coffee grinder, food processor, or blender).
Better Baby Oil Vegetable oils are far more nourishing,
soothing, and moisturizing than mineral oils. This makes an
excellent after-bath or anytime moisturizer, and also works well
to gently loosen and heal cradle cap or eczema. The benefits of
infant massage are many and well-documented; this oil also makes
a wonderfully soothing natural massage oil.
1 cup grapeseed, almond, sunflower or olive oil 2-3 capsules
vitamin E
Cut open or pierce the vitamin E capsules, and squeeze the
vitamin E oil into the base oil. Stir or shake the oils until
they are combined. Place in a recycled squeeze bottle and use as
needed in the bath, as a lotion, or massage oil. Vitamin E is a
natural antioxidant and has many healing properties. It’s an
excellent moisturizer, wound healer, and is extremely soothing
to dry, chapped, or irritated skin.
Herbal Baby Balm The healing powers of the herbs in this salve
are safe and gentle, yet powerfully effective. The healing
powers of the herbs are transferred to the oils, and then
beeswax is added to make a creamy balm. Beeswax naturally helps
seal moisture into the skin, while still allowing it to
‘breathe”.
2 cups oil (olive, sunflower, grapeseed or almond) 1/3 cup dried
comfrey 1/3 cup dried chamomile 6 capsules vitamin E 2 ounces
(approximately 2 tablespoons) beeswax
Combine the herbs and oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place on
the lowest possible heat - the oil should be warm, but not hot
enough to “fry” the herbs! Let the oils and herbs infuse for at
least three hours. Let the oil cool, then strain out and compost
the herbs. Gently re-warm the oil, and add the beeswax. Cut or
pierce the vitamin E capsules and squeeze the oil into the
beeswax/oil mixture. Stir together until the beeswax is
completely melted, and then remove from heat. Pour the salve
into clean jars or tins. This gentle salve can be used to help
relieve diaper rash, to heal any cuts or scrapes, or act as a
moisturizer or lotion for very dry skin.
Hopefully you will enjoy creating your own natural baby
products. There are many excellent natural baby products on the
market, also. Unscented, handmade soaps (especially castile or
goat’s milk soaps) can often be found at your local farmer’s
markets or natural foods stores. These are also excellent for
the care of your baby. Please read labels and look for
all-natural products free from petroleum products, mineral oils,
synthetic colors, and synthetic fragrances. You and your child
will both be happier and healthier!
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03.29.08
Posted in Lifestyle Stuff at 5:58 pm by admin
There was a time people thought the world was flat. At another
point in history it was believed that women didn’t have the
know-how to run a business or change a tire. Then there was the
one about man not being able to fly. Over time all of these
fairytales have proven untrue.
So it is with interior design. Until recently, many people held
the belief that having their home decorated by an interior
designer was reserved for the rich and famous. Nothing could be
further from the truth.
Fact is, many people of average income who live in a middleclass
neighborhood are frequently surprised to learn they can easily
afford the services of an interior designer. In other cases,
many folks prefer to learn tips about design so they have the
flexibility to redo a room on a whim. Either way, you have more
choices today then ever before.
It is not uncommon to completely redo a room for a one time
social event such as a birthday celebration, a graduation or a
wedding. With some simple tips, even the most inexperienced
person can easily spruce up a room.
Before you begin, think about the style you are interested in.
Is it art deco, traditional, Mediterranean, western, modern, or
contemporary? These are only a few of the multitude of choices
you have. Think through how functional the room will be with
what you have in mind. Avoid rugs and chairs that stain easily
if there will be a lot of traffic in the room.
Be very careful to scale your furniture to the size of the room.
If you have a very large space you can break up the area into
little sitting groups or area groups. You can easily shift the
“feel” of a room with the use of lighting and/or plants. Area
rugs are another tool many designers use to break up large
spaces. A variety of paint colors and wall textures can make
even the most mundane room come to life.
Small space decorating is fast becoming a favorite topic for
many people as real estate prices rise. Think priorities when it
comes to small spaces. Do you need to use an area of the room
for more than one reason? In some cases you can easily convert
the kitchen table to your workspace provided you have cabinet
space handy for supplies. A chest of drawers can easily serve
this purpose by holding office supplies, linens, or even
computer components.
If you are considering utilizing the services of a designer, do
your homework. Check their portfolio and references. Find out
how they are to work with, did they deliver on time, were they
easy to work with and did they listen to the homeowner. If you
get an affirmative answer on all of these and their fees are
suitable to your budget, then take the leap. Often, interior
designs services are provided at no additional cost to you, and
will give you the extra edge you need to create exactly the
feeling you want for your home.
A great designer can make recommendations you may not have
thought of. Ultimately, their goal is for you to be ecstatic
with what you were able to accomplish together. After all, you
are the one that has to live in the space long after the
designer has done their magic.
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03.28.08
Posted in Lifestyle Stuff at 8:19 am by admin
Our webmaster wants articles on tattoos. Here is his request to help fill a great void: Tattoos - Articles about tattoos, tattoo removal, and body art as it relates to tattoos and tattoo history. See, he does look after you.
When sailors came home from World War II many had tattoos. Usually they were acquired in San Diego. They liked to show them to us teenagers and hide then from adults.
I don’t have a tattoo. I was raised in Tattoo Tabooville, Utah. One mustn’t deface the Temple of God.
Well, let’s face the truth here. Getting a tattoo is not painless and I’m a coward when it comes to pain. I’m not self-conscious about this. My wife says that all men are cowards when it comes to pain. She says this whenever she cuts my hair. (She uses the clip and jerk method.)
I would not be accepted in parts of society because I don’t have a tattoo. This is called peer pressure. I wouldn’t be accepted anyway because they don’t accept bearded old geezers either. Anyway, I understand why teenagers get tattooed.
I like to look at tattoos as an art form. Not all tattoos; the ones done in Japan and by certain “true” artist in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and of course, San Diego..
Last night, my wife and I were watching Fear Factor. One rudely-treated contestant had a new tattoo that said “Fear Factor.” It was very decorative and covered his forearm.
He pooped out on the first daredevil task which was swinging on a rope from one elevated platform to another and then to another. He was left hanging dry between the first two platforms and didn’t have a clue as to how to get out of his predicament. He was booed away by the Los Vegas crowd.
That brings us to the first consideration on whether you should have or not have a tattoo: Tattoos may bring you bad luck and undesirable publicity.
He was just a clueless kid with an arrogant attitude, piercings, and tattoos. That is why he was booed. His failure was disheartening to him, more than I suspected it would be, but he promised to become arrogant again “tomorrow.”
So today, I guess he is back to normal.
I was giving some counseling to a youth in detention years back. His mother had asked me to look after him. (I’m not talking about school detention here. This was what we use to call “Reform School.”)
The boy was having his tattoos removed.
That brings the second consequence of having tattoos. It hurts like hell to have them removed by a medical professional.
Having the tattoos removed helped this boy get out of the “joint” and back to his single mother.
If you’ve got ‘em, you’d better keep ‘em. Is that a motto for you tattoo guys and gals? It could be if you want to avoid removal pain.
The reason that some people would like to have a tattoo removed is this. They sometimes change with time.
Joe Fleet got a tattoo of a dinghy on his chest when he was 19 years old serving in the United States Navy. He got his tattoo in San Diego, “Tattoo Heaven.”
On the side of the dinghy it read, “Mary,” in tiny letters.
Now Joe Fleet is 76 years old and weighs 240 pounds. What was a dinghy is now an aircraft carrier and the little word, “Mary,” now looks like a billboard spread.
Joe’s wife’s name is Joan.
Now Joe Fleet is not going to have this tattoo removed. The chest is a tender spot. That brings us to another facet of tattoos: Sometimes you just have to live with them.
Joe finally got around part of his problem by getting a puppy. He said to his wife, Joan, “I’m going to call her “Mary” after my childhood puppy dog that fell out of my little boat and died by drowning in the irrigation ditch.”
Joe’s wife, Joan, forgetting that puppies can doggy paddle, felt awful that she had been badgering Joe about “Mary” for 55 years. She begged Joe for his forgiveness.
This technique used by Joe, and at times by other tattoo-bearing people, is called lying.
I was on business in San Francisco back in the 1970s. I went into a theater in Chinatown. The movies were Japanese. One was about a tattoo artist covering a young woman’s body with beautiful, masterful tattoos.
She moaned with every prick of his ink needle.
I don’t know how the movie ended because my mother taught me not to stick around in any movie that is “not of good report.” When the girl got excited, I had to leave.
Now days I see right here in Idaho a lot of what are called “Tattoo Freaks.” That means the whole body is covered with tattoos like the Japanese lass.
Of course these folks are not freaks.
I’m going to look “freak” up in the dictionary.
I’ll be right back.
Okay, I guess I was wrong.
I talk to these heavily-tattooed young folks at times. They all seem very normal to me. They just like tattoos.
I don’t hear people here in Idaho complaining about tattoos unless they are combined with piercing. Folks here complain about triple-ear piercing, nose piercing, lip piercing, navel piercing (umbilicus piercing), and tongue piercing. There may be other piercing in undisclosed locations.
Our church leader say that a single piercing in each ear is just right. That does not apply to boys. The number there is zero.
We members of our church frown on new tattoos but accept old ones; especially if you were in the Navy and stationed in San Diego.
What would tattoo artist do if tattoos went out of style? Some of these artists do piercing too. What if both procedures were no longer wanted? What would happen to these artist? (Okay, they are not all artist. Some are copyist.)
Well, they might take up Slindogging when it’s invented.
John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com, a retired VP of R&D for Lenox China, is author of detective & western novels, nonfiction (business, scientific, engineering, humor), poetry, etc. Former editor of Ceramic Industry Magazine. He calls himself “Taylor Jones, the hack writer.”
More info: http://www.tjbooks.com
Business web site: http://www.dumbincome.com
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