A Night to Remember

A Night to Remember

Last Friday night, April 21st, 2006, I attended my first Father/Daughter Dance.  The Dance was called “Me and My Guy.”

I am not much of a dancer.  My wife can verify that.  So at first I thought, “Oh boy, my daughter is going to be embarrassed at my dancing.”  Then it dawned on me, “My daughter is only 7.  She’s not going to care.”  

She was talking about this dance ever since she brought home the information from Brownies.  I wish you could take a picture of the sparkle and excitement that was in her eyes.  This was going to be her night with her dad.  My oldest daughter is all about spending time together.  ALONE!  

Every other day she would ask me, “What are you going to wear, Dad.”  Each day I received the count down to the dance, “Five more nights till the Dance, Dad.”  “Two more Nights till we go out, Dad.”  Friday morning she was so excited, I thought she was going to hyperventilate.  

At 5:00:01 PM, she comes running down to my office and says, “You better get ready, I don’t want to be late.”  

I work from home most of the time and Friday I was.  I go upstairs and hear her in the bathroom getting ready.  I went and took a shower, shaved, and put on some cologne.  I throw on some nice pants and a sport coat.  

I come out of my bedroom and there is my little princess for the night.  She has her hair done, a nice hair bow in, and a sweet dress with flowers on it.  My daughter tells me, “You look very handsome.”  The compliment was returned.  Her cousins were over (all of which were girls) and tell her to have a good time.  

I escorted my little 7 year princess out to the car and opened her door.  She climbed into her booster chair and off we went.

We were one of the first few “couples” to show up.  When we got there, she handed me a chocolate bar.  The words, “Number 1 Dad” were on it.  We then took our picture together.  I haven’t received the picture back yet, but I am looking forward to it.  

My daughter and I walked into the decorated gym with tables set up and several girls chatting with each other.  Several Dads were all together talking as well.  I really didn’t know many of the other dads, which worked out pretty well.  Eventually the gym was full of Dads and Daughters.  Dinner was served and we had Hot Dogs and chips.  Of course my girl wanted to have the desert before the meal, which was fine with me on her special night.  

I didn’t know how they were going to handle the dancing part.  I didn’t know how my daughter would react to having to dance.  Those thoughts quickly were a past thought in the far distance when the DJ says, “Okay girls, grab your Dads and get him on the dance floor.”  She took my hand and told me we had to go dance now.  

I took her hands and showed her how to hold my hand and where to put her other hand while we slow danced.  She was having a great time.  I like to sing and so when the song was one I knew I would sing it.  She would sing alone and giggle every once in a while.  I told her stories of her mom and I dancing and how I would step on her mother’s toes.  Her mom never got mad at me, but would act as if it didn’t happen.  

We danced a few dances, and then we both went down to enjoy some more goodies at the table.  You could tell she was really enjoying herself and I knew I was having a blast.  After a bit the DJ announced a contest.  My little girl loves contests.  This contest was who could do the twist the best.  Have I already mentioned I’m not a good dancer?  This little girl of mine informs me, we need to go out on the dance floor and win.  I taught her how to do the twist and we had a great time adding little new twists to the dance.  We didn’t when, but we had a fantastic time.  

The DJ decided to move the music toward Swing Dancing.  Now my wife and I did take lessons for this, but again I must say I’m not much of a dancer.  I played Football, Wrestled, participated in Gymnastics, and played Baseball throughout my junior high through college years.  I’m not a dancer.  My daughter didn’t care that I wasn’t a dancer, nor did she think I was a bad dancer.  I showed her how to twill and all that other stuff that I can’t remember the real names for the moves.  

She then asked me if I could throw her up in the air.  You know, shot her through my legs and then pull her up and throw her in the air.  I thought this would be a really fun time for her if we can do something that she is really going to remember.  So, I did it.  The excitement was something else for her.  She wanted to do it again right away.  We waited a bit longer till it was “appropriate” for the timing in the dance.  We did it again and she tells me how Mommy isn’t going to believe we did that.  

We continued to dance till the dance was completed.  She ran around and told her friends’ good bye, but for the most part it was just the two of us together the whole evening.  The few times we were not together were when she wanted to do the Electric Slide and the Macarena (spelling?).  I was not going to do those dances, but I’m sure she would have thought I was the best at it.  

We walked out to our car and decided to go to DQ and have some ice cream.  We bought our ice cream and talked for a while.  She told me she had an awesome time and I told her I really had a great time too.  I also told her she was a really good dancer.  

Last night she told me she hasn’t written about it in her journal yet, but she planed on it.  I acted as if I was disappointed she hadn’t done that yet.  She looked at me and told me, “She is never going to forget it.”  That made me so very happy I decided that my daughter didn’t care if I was a good dancer.  This was a night she was going to remember and that was all that mattered.  By the way, she told me I was a good dancer too.  

Watch the Bowl Games on the Dish Network

Want to watch all the bowl games on your new tv?   I found a great place to get the Dish Network.  They will install into 4 rooms, with digital video recorders, HDTV receivers, and give you a lifetime warranty.  They will give you the DVR/HDTV receivers for free. The have a #1 Customer Satisfaction ranking.  Dish Network Order by 10am and have the Dish Network installed tomorrow.

Happy...

Does anyone else find it strange to say, "Happy Holloween."

I was told that several times yesterday. It just doesn't sit right with me.

For the kids, it's all about the candy. For me, I think about evil: Dracula, Satan worship, witches, etc...

w.Bloggar

I just upgraded to the latest version of w.bloggar. This is a great tool to use for blogging. Another cool feature is the ability to ping ping-o-matic and others.

They sould add www.pingoat.com. In my opinion the fastest pinging tool on the net.

FOXNews.com - Views - Junk Science - Wilma Is Not Global Warming

I have been hearing more and more about Global warming causing this and that. I haven't heard that it causes loss of hair so I can't blame my hair loss on it yet.

Steven Milloy has written a great article disputing the claims of these Tree Hugging Extremist have claimed. Well maybe they aren't tree huggers, but they are extremist.

Scientist from Purdue created a mathematical model of global climate to come to some conclusions that severe weather is on its way because of the greenhouse gases building up. The problem with this model is this...The Mathematical Model hasn't proved to be accurate in previous real world data.

I think Chicken Little maybe working with this group.

NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB ACTIVE IN HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORT

I received this email today. It's great the Professional Sports world is getting involved. It would be nice to see Terrel Owens doing his part, especially if he believes he is the greatest.

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WorkInSports.com has announced that it will be donating 5% of all new membership sales through the end of the year to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and 25% for each member that uses the REDCROSS reference (see below for details).

With the massive devastation left behind by Hurricane Katrina, leagues, teams and players in the sports industry are rallying to support the Hurricane Katrina Relief effort.

The NFL, NHL/NHLPA, MLB, NBA have each pledged to donate $1 million to the American Red Cross.

In Thursday's announcement, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said that through the help of fans, MLB employees and business partners, baseball hopes to ultimately raise as much as $3 million.

The NBA's commitment is in addition to the National Basketball Players Association announcement that the union will raise $1 million to assist in procuring and delivering supplies, including food and clothing, to the hardest-hit areas of the devastating storm that ripped through Louisiana, Mississippi and surrounding regions.

For the first period of each team's home opener, NHL players will wear a jersey bearing a special patch confirming the Clubs' and players' commitment to the people and communities impacted. The jerseys will be collected and then auctioned by the NHL and the NHLPA to add to their initial donation.

The NFL will be filming a public service announcements to air in stadiums this weekend featuring Commissioner Paul Tagliabue that encourages fans to contribute to relief organizations. As well as working with its licensees and teams to contribute needed product, the NFL and company sponsor Campbell's are working with NFL teams to redirect all product from the Tackling Hunger promotion (32,000 cans of soup) to relief areas.

Individual teams and players throughout sports are aiding the relief effort by, among other things, donating money, hosting food drives and auctioning memorabilia. The Dodgers, for instance, raised about $200,000 in the Dodger Stadium parking lot on Wednesday, while the Yankees donated $1 million to the American Red Cross.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre and his team loaded the team plane with relief supplies and have partnered with Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair, who has arranged to have a truck meet the plane in Nashville. The goods will then be driving to hard hit areas in Mississippi.

Aid has come in many forms including providing jobs for displaced sports industry staff. The Orlando the Magic volunteered to hire 11 New Orleans Hornets employees and house them for free at the Marriott Vacation Club.


TESTIMONIAL

"My name is Greg Boyd and I am excited to let you know that I have accepted a position with the Iowa Stars as their Director of Game Operations. I want to make you aware that this job was found because of your great site. I would recommend WorkInSports.com to anyone interested in obtaining a career in sports. Thanks again for helping me discover this wonderful opportunity."

Greg Boyd
Director of Game Operations
Iowa Stars

WORKINSPORTS.COM PROMOTION

When you buy a One (1) Month Membership to WorkInSports.com, you will receive an additional month at no extra charge. WorkInSports.com will be donating 25% of this membership fee to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to help the people affected by Hurricane Katrina.

In order to receive this offer, you must use the 'Reference Code' REDCROSS Take advantage of this offer.

(NOTE: You must use the corresponding reference code to take advantage of this offer!)

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Google Desktop Download

Google Desktop Download

Google is my favorite Search Engine and they have some awesome tools. I have been using Google Desktop for several months and today they launch Version 2. This version is even better. I really like the desktop tool because there are so many times that I can't remember the name of a document that I wrote or read on my PC, but I can remember some of the content. I just type in a keyword and bam, there is a list of references on my machine that contain the word.

Now they have added some other awesome tools to it. A Sidebar that can display RSS Feeds, News, Stock Tracker, weather and more.

I have used Copernic as well, but I like Google.

PayPal Competition? GreenZap?

Have you heard of GreenZap? They are an online payment site (similar to PayPal), except much more rewarding.

Their website doesn't officially launch until this summer, but you can pre-register now and earn some great rewards. Plus, if you open an account now, you'll get $25 from me!

Just click the link below:

www.greenzap.com/instantgreen

Marriage Savers - To: those threatened by divorce

Another interesting fact about Living together.
Marriage Savers - To: those threatened by divorce: "Cohabitation is a double cancer of marriage. The first cancer is that for millions, cohabitation is a substitute for marriage. A quarter of unmarried women aged 25-39 are currently living with a partner, and an additional quarter have done so in the past. Yet what many call a 'trial marriage' should be called a 'trial divorce.' The only question is whether they break up before the wedding or afterward. Of 100 couples who begin living together 40 break up before a wedding, according to the University of Wisconsin. One result: the number of never-married couples has doubled from 21 million in 1970 to 46.5 million in 1998, diverting 25 million from getting married at all. The second cancer is that cohabitation before marriage increases a couple's odds of divorce by 50%. So of the 100 cohabiting couples, 60 will marry, but 45 will divorce. That leaves only 15 couples still together after a decade!"

Prevent Disease.com - Living Together Pre-Marriage May Lead to Divorce

Here is an interesting article about Living Together before marriage. Many people are under the impression they are preventing themselves from marrying someone they would divorce by basically trying them out before they buy.

Prevent Disease.com - Living Together Pre-Marriage May Lead to Divorce

Terri Schaivo Passes on to Eternity

Terri pasts away today (Thursday, March 31, 2005). Thirteen days after her feeding tube was removed.

My prayers go out to the families. We all know that Terri is in a better place.

Read article...

Internet Marketing Software Sale - Last Day

I received this letter from Mike Chen Today. I have purchased the software and believe anyone that is trying to market their product on the Internet should have it. Mike explains the software better in his email to me.

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Subject: Warning: Last Day

Hi Dave,

Many people have been asking me if today really is the last day
I'll be selling my Secret Weapon.

The answer is yes, it is.

The truth of the matter is, I never really intended to sell this
software in the first place. Although I sell a lot of the
programs I make, this was one I wanted to remain a closely
guarded secret.

Because I'm going to college, however, I decided to sell a
limited number for two weeks only.

Today is the last day, and that is final. After this, I predict
it will be extremely hard for anyone to find a copy of the
rare mathematical algorithm I coded into this software.

People have also been asking me to explain to them in a nutshell
exactly what my Secret Weapon does. To put it simply, it
is a software program which will allow you to improve the
response rates on your web site scientifically.

A typical use of the secret weapon would go something like this:

1. Place two variations of a sales letter on your web page.

2. Start driving traffic to your web page.

3. Run the secret weapon at the end of every day, and plug
in statistics gathered from your site.

4. The secret weapon will tell you exactly when and how to
select the better version and continue testing, so you
can constantly make improvements in your marketing, and
scientifically increase your response rate.

(some have called the Secret Weapon "artificial intelligence,"
others have called it a "virtual marketing consultant.")

Essentially, it takes the gambling out of marketing. As I like
to say, if you want to gamble, go to Vegas. If you want to
improve your response rate scientifically, then test your
marketing, and use a statistical algorithm to make your
decisions.

I spent weeks creating virtual models and simulations of web
sites and sales, to verify that my formula worked. For the
curious, I've included the simulation test files along with the
Secret Weapon, so you can see exactly how I put it to the test.

Perhaps more impressively, I used it to dramatically boost
my sales and signups for Make Your Own Software and Instant
Buzz.

I would strongly recommend that you purchase today if you
are interested in scientifically improving the response rate
of your web site.

Much to my surprise, people are buying the secret weapon just
for the bonuses I've included with it. They've told me that
if I was just selling the bonuses without the weapon itself it
would be worth far more than the price I'm charging.

Have a look for yourself. It's the last day it's available:

Grab your copy today, before it is gone.

Mike

P.S. I haven't mentioned this until now, but there are some
unadvertised bonuses included with the Secret Weapon package
which will shock everyone when they receive them.

---

As you can see March 30, 2005 will be the last day for anyone to buy it.
Internet Marketing's Secret Weapon by Mike Chen

Sleep over for Kindergardeners

My wife decided to have a sleep over for my daughter who is in kindergarden. She is pretty smart to do this while I was away on a business trip. The chaos a bunch of kindergardners can create is amazing. I called her tonight and she told me there was 15 kids over there. Luckily for her most of the kids are not staying over night.

My wife is an awesome mother to my three kids. My daughter is having a great time tonight and making real memories.

things Christian

things Christian

Here a site to join and share your opinions related to the Christian world. The posts have to be approved. Come by and help it get started.

FCC Decides to Overlook NFL / ABC trist.

The FCC decided to not punish ABC for this prime time display of garbage. (read article)

Personally, I find this very disappointing. This now gives "license" for other programs to promote their programs in the same manner. This little spot is going to look timid compared to what is going to evolve because of the FCC's decision.

What does this tell the young people? This kind of behavior between two people is okay.

Let's take it to the extreme. A young athlete sees his favorite professional athlete dropping his responsibilities to chase after a woman who wants to give herself away to him for a few minutes of self gratification. This young athlete now feels that society has approved this type of behavior and therefore, it is alright for him to act in a similar manner.

This spot showed a couple of stereotypes: 1. Black Athletes are sexual predators looking for a score anyplace they can get it. Which isn't true. Yes there are black and white athletes that are sexual predators, but they are the minority. 2. Blonde women are stupid sex objects. Which again, isn't true. Yes there are some blonde, red and brunette women who make poor choices. Yes some do promote themselves as sex objects (i.e. Jenna Jameson,) but again they are the minority.

The FCC needs to get their act together.

Ryan's the Biggest Loser!

Can you believe how much weight Ryan lost? I knew he looked much smaller, but I didn't think he would have lost that much weight.

The other unbelievable thing is how close it came at the end. Gary had a score of 54 and Ryan had a score of 55. Kelly looks great as well. This was a reality show that everyone who tried, won.

All three of them will have great opportunities from just being on the Biggest Loser. Look for each of them to have endorsements.

Next week, the other competitors get a shot at $100,000. Hopefully they put what they learned on the Fat Farm in action. I know a few of them are kicking themselves. Next week they all will again weigh in to find out who the Biggest Loser is between the Bounced Biggest Losers.

Blogs are huge in 2004

Banner Year For Blogs
Yes, it has been a banner year for blogs. I started my own blog this year. Actually, I started one that I split into three. I am now planning another blog using WordPress as the base program.

I was very active during the Presidential election and haven't blogged much lately. By the way, the right man won!

It's great to have a place to post my thoughts. There are so many times that I want to express my opinion, but have no one to tell them to. Now, I can log into my blog and let anyone who may be interested read my thoughts. Yes it does sound like a diary online. You know, I believe it is an online diary. Many people write in their diaries with the hope that someone may read it some day. Right? Maybe not, but why would anyone write down their most inner thoughts on paper unless they wanted someone to read it someday?

The word Blog was the word of the year. People want to give their opinions. People want people to read what they have to say. I know I'm not an English major and everyone can tell that by reading my posts. I do like giving my opinion though.

I guess this is just another blog post of my thoughts.

Making Life Easy for Kids

I receive a daily quote from the Napoleon Hill Foundation. Todays quote is awesome. Sometimes as parents we don't want our kids to have the same struggles we had, but some struggles are good and it is up to us to decide which ones will be character building and which ones will are to be avoided.

MAKING LIFE "EASY" FOR CHILDREN USUALLY MAKES LIFE "HARD" FOR THEM IN ADULTHOOD.

Del Smith, the millionaire founder and chairman of Evergreen International Aviation, has often said, "Thank God I was born poor; I learned how to work." Like many others who made it to the top on their own, Smith believes that the greatest gift that can be given to a child is to teach him or her the value of work. It is a gift that can never be lost or stolen. It’s a natural desire of parents to give their children material things they didn’t have as children. Such generosity, however, often deprives children of the greatest gift you can give them: confidence in their ability to take care of themselves. When you make life "hard" for your children by requiring them to learn the value of work, they will have a far greater likelihood of success as adults.

A few thoughts

ABC's Monday Night Football and Desperate Housewives

ABC Apologizes for MNF Opening.


This is another example of Network publicity. You can't tell me ABC didn't see, or know, about the opening of the Monday Night Football Game before it aired. They didn't know it would be shown in Prime Time when young people are still up watching television?

ABC knew well what they were going to do and I guess the apology was already for Tuesday morning. This is the new way to advertise programs without spending the AD Money on it. ABC new it would pass FCC guidelines so they went forward with their plan and aired it. They felt they may be fined and they will chalk it up as advertising dollars spent well.

All the news organizations have run stories about the apology. This is creating curiosity for people to tune into this ABC program. I'm guilty as well of falling into the trap to promote the program due to the "Whoops" of ABC on MNF.

Terrell and other Stars using God

On another note about the same incident, Terrell Owens! After the game Terrell is thanking God for being able to accomplish what he did that night. Which was a great game for him. But for those of you who don't know what happened that ABC is apologizing for. Desperate Housewives star Nicollette Sheridan approaches Terrell Owens wearing only a towel in the locker room and tries to persuade Owens to miss the game to do other things. At the end of the intro, she drops her towel and jumps into Owens arms. Owens has the look of pleasure on his face as she does this.

How can he promote adultery and fornication and then promote God after the game? I'm sick of Athletes and Stars saying, "I thank God for this and that," and their lifestyles are so not in support of God. Wearing the Cross on their necks and doing everything not in support of God.

I'm guilty of not always portraying a Christian lifestyle and making errors in my life, but I realize it is wrong. Sure, I don't know the hearts of these stars. After seeing the same actions over and over by the same stars, you can pretty much see their true selves.

I'm back!

Slight break from blogging.