[Update January 31,  2010, I have removed the word “fre….g” from the title of this post, cannot change it in the url, I am a rather innocent person when it comes to some words that refer to things that are indecent in nature, and quite embarrassed, so forgive me for the oversight…this post is about an event promoting preserving the earth, “going green”.]

I’ve learned a new European term or two today when reading about the Glastonbury Festival, and have had a bit of fun doing so.  One of those terms is “fag butts”, hmm, I’m thinking, what could that mean?  So I did searches on Google and Bing, and found that they are used butts of cigarettes that can either be nicely disposed of, or thrown on the ground causing an unsightly mess.  One thing leads to another, and I find myself reading about Green Police and looking at pictures like the one to the right.

It’s all kind of funny, the way they are handling the whole “going green” concept in the UK, they are doing it with humor and more through the Save the World Club. The group is an active one! There are lists of events throughout the year, but a big one that is coming up is the Glastonbury Festival which approaches conserving the environment and preserving our natural resources in a fun way. You will need a Green Police application as soon as possible…and if you haven’t a clue about who the Green Police are, you will find a lot to read and learn about that, too. I think this sounds like a cause worth getting behind, and like the idea that it’s done all in good fun.

Reading is not one of my husband’s favorite things to do.  If he has read through even one book in our 30+ years of marriage, I’d be surprised.  He loves working on a computer, but even e-books aren’t his favorite thing.  For a little while, years before there were mp3 players, he took an interest in books on tape, audio books, they are still available that way sometimes.  More often they are in the form of a CD, but the thing that really finally grabbed him was the ability to upload audio books to his new iPod, now he is a listening “reader”.  But I still don’t think an audio-book is something I’d be inclined to buy him for the big day coming up next month, Valentines Day.

So here I am in my usual dilemma as to what to give him as a gift, this time for Valentines Day.  I’ve purchased him watches in the past, and he doesn’t have one now.  He’s partial to pocket watches as he doesn’t like something on his arm unless it’s very comfortable.  I’m guessing that if I were to get him something really nice, it would have to be something like a Seiko kinetic Men’s watches, something with bells and whistles because he does like things with gadgets or extras. I did take a look at the Seiko watches, they were nice, but knowing my husband I looked through the many styles along the left of the page and found pocket watches, then I saw there was one made by the Swiss Army Knife people. That’s one that may interest him. The prices were sharply cut, almost so low that I was suspicious…so I read through the faq and liked what I saw, and think you might, too.

Wishing you fun as you shop for Valentines Day for the special person in your life.

Sponsored, please see my disclosure policy.

It’s the week of Christmas, and I’m looking ahead to enjoying time with family, and to a new year, with ideas to “perk up” this blog.  I have posted a lot of help type posts for writers, authors and publishers, but have been a little short on book reviews lately, resolving to do better at that in the coming year.

With Christmas, like many of you, I’ve been receiving many offers to view gifts, and offers to buy gifts.  One of those was something that caught my eye, because I had just passed a couple of policemen stopped at a telephone pole along the road…they were attaching one of those “things” that measure how fast you’re going…I didn’t know the official title for them until I visited a site about police radar.  As you drive by, you see how many miles per hour you are driving, and the hope is that you’ll adjust your speed accordingly.

What if something like this could be used for something fun, like police radar guns that can be used to measure not just serious things like how fast people are driving past your home, but how fast your son’s baseball is going when “in flight”? There are uses for any sport imaginable…and more serious uses as well. As I looked at the site, I saw gift potential…I’m going to have to explore again and see if it’s still possible to get something for Christmas, but more likely, this might be something to consider for some of the birthdays that are coming up in the next few months if it’s for fun. If it’s for more serious reasons, then any time would be a good time, and there is something for every pocket book…great news when the economy is challenging.

Well, I wish you all a wonderful Christmas, and lets look ahead to the New Year and all the opportunities that it will bring!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Next week we have a book launch, another book tour, and a review or two to look forward to, but today is a popular shopping day, so I have the opportunity to share with you a big black friday and beyond special for this very special holiday season.

This special is offered by Charter, and though the image here states that you receive a $250 gift card when you purchase the “Ultimate Bundle” (see more details below), you can also opt to get the services separately, which include High Speed Internet, Digital Home™, and the Charter telephone service, OR you can purchase as follows, and receive the gift certificate amounts indicated:

• Buy 1 Charter service $25
• Buy 2 Charter services $75
• Buy 3 Charter Services $150
• Buy Charter’s Ultimate Bundle and get the $250 gift card

And as if that isn’t enough, after you make your purchase, along with your gift card you are also automatically entered into a drawing to win 1 of 45 X-Box 360 Game consoles that are being offered this holiday season.

This is the best offer for purchase of internet, etc., services currently available.

Here’s what you receive with The Charter Communications Ultimate Bundle:

• High Speed Internet: 10 Mbps High Speed

• TV: Digital Home, Charter HD, Sports View, Digital View, HBO, Cinemax, Starz, Encore, Showtime, and The Movie Channel

• Phone: Unlimited Calling

• $250 Gift card with purchase
• A chance to win an X-Box 360 game console.

If you would like more details X-Box on the Sweepstakes Rules, click here.

I would click here and look at all the features that are offered, and take into consideration the special holiday gift cards, and see for yourself what a great offer this is.

Everything is bigger in Texas, they say, so if you’re looking for enough office space to spread your wings, there is a site url you’ll want to visit, doncox.com.

Whether you’re looking for a warehouse, a place to operate a book business, or any other business for that matter, if it’s in Texas, you’ll want Don Cox to help you. In fact, this site is generally focused on one area of Texas, Austin Office Space, and because they are so focused, they are experts at finding you the best match for your needs at the best price.