Kaypro-My first real computer

Back in the earliest of the early 1980s, I purchased my first real computer made by Kaypro. Kaypro was noted as creating the first portable computer, they did not consider this a "laptop" by no means. Pretty exciting day, but very miserable by today's standards. To think of it, my Blackberry Tour has more power and storage on my hip than this computer. It was classified as "portable", meaning it was the size of the largest airline carry on luggage allowed and was not light at 30 pounds. Some of it's features:Price:US $1595, Weight:26 lbs, CPU:Zilog Z80, 2.5 MHz, RAM:64K, Display:9"green phosphor screen, 24 X 80 text only, Storage: Two internal 5-1/4" SS-DD 195K drives, OS:CP/M, SBASIC.

Above you will find the photo of a young Kurt Harden of Cultural Offering in college with a Kaypro on his desk. One of the features with this computer that most do not have today are manuals, see below.

Sperry Top Sider-75th Anniversary

The original cost $4.50 per pair, today the 75th Anniversary model is selling for $90 if you can find a pair, let alone in your size.

The story goes that Paul Sperry, inspired by the way his cocker spaniel, Prince, deftly maneuvered across a frozen Connecticut pond, went home and created the Razor-Siping sole so humans could enjoy the same kind of traction. The sole's herringbone cuts would open and close as the foot flexed, allowing one to stay upright on such slippery surfaces as a boat's deck.

Which is why the company is celebrating their anniversary by bringing back a true classic: a collection featuring the slightly thicker out sole originally carved by Mr. Sperry, packed in replicas of the shoe boxes in which the shoes were first sold.

Click here for the official Sperry Top Sider site or click here to see what Valet issued on their blog.

Another great company that has affected the style of people celebrating an anniversary.

3M CELEBRATES 30th ANNIVERSARY OF POST-IT-NOTES

I am a Post-it-Note user:

From computer screens to the big screen, the Museum of Modern Art and YouTube, office desks and bathroom mirrors, Post-it Notes have become ingrained in the way people communicate, organize and express themselves around the globe. With even bigger and bolder innovations on the horizon, there’s no telling where you may see Post-it Notes "sticking" next.

“The Post-it Brand has always been about making communication and organization easier,” said William Smith, vice president and general manager, 3M Office Supplies Division.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE.

One thing they did not think about when 3M invented the Post-it-Note, click here.

HANGOVER CURES: MYTH, LEGEND & FACT

Hangovers rank right up there with drunk dialing your angry ex as one of the least pleasant drinking-related side effects. Stave off a hangover with these before and after tips—and skip the hangover myths.

CLICK HER FOR THE COMPLETE STORY & GUIDELINES.

Licking County Board of Realtors Awards Dinner

Andrew Guanciale receives Realtor of the Year Award from

LCBR Executive Officer Mark Evans for his involvement

in the real estate industry and community.

Lisa Stewart with her One Million Dollar Club Award and a big smile. Well deserved and showing you can sell real estate in a down economy. Way to go Sister Mary Lisa! Andrew & Lisa of The Guanciale Group.
Andrew and family.

Andrew and Lisa have both worked very hard for many years to establish themselves in the real estate industry as leaders. The hard work has paid off.

HARD TO BELEIVE ONLY 60 DAYS AGO......

A DIFFERENT DRUG PROBLEM.........

Editor’s note:The following letter has appeared on Steve Layman's Blog, I thought it was very interesting.

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, “Why didn’t we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?”

I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young:

I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.

I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad’s fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood, and, if my mother had even known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today’s children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place. God bless the parents who drugged us.

Thought this was interesting, thanks Steve!

LEGAL MISREPRESENTATION

This morning The Newark Advocate printed an editorial about the Ohio Governor's appointment for the recently deceased Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer.

A major reason why our court system is not exactly what it is suppose to be and a very slow process is because of politics entering the legal system.

Last year for three months I served as the Foreman for the Licking County, Ohio Grand Jury. One of our indictments was issued to a man who shop lifted merchandise from the Kroger store in Hebron, Ohio. After a try at detaining the criminal, an employee ran out into the parking lot where the criminal hit her with his car.

Slow process, almost a year latter he was convicted of his crime and sentenced to ten years. Within a week of his conviction, he attempted to stab a jail guard and quickly received another seven years. I am sure politics did not play a part of a year long process, but it would make sense that appointees are qualified and ready to go work without an upcoming election as in the Moyer replacement.

KEEPING IT IN LICKING COUNTY...

I have lived in Licking County all my life and very proud of our community as many are. Growing up my father worked for a bank, we were never allowed to shop in Columbus. His reason was the people in Columbus never spend money or use our businesses in Newark so why should we go to Columbus.

This past week I came across a blog post indicating one of our local banks issued good returns to their investors and always had a profit because they owned a large amount of real estate. I commented on the blog and the blogger apologized after I made note since the bank has a large trust department that holds real estate for others was the reason. We are lucky to have a couple of locally operated banks and thrifts in the county.

Promoting ourselves to each other is the best way to assure our local businesses will survive. Check out the most recent Image Magazine for information of why we are a good, clean & safe place to live. Visit the Licking County Chamber of Commerce's site to find a healthy list of businesses that support our community as you should. Steve Layman always has good points about our community.

Try and make a practice to keep your dollars here to help make a complete loop in our county's economy.

MANGIA, MANGIA!

Last year our family was invited to eat with the DeCola Family for dinner. The DeColas own the bed and breakfast where we lived while visiting Collelongo, Italy. The DeCola Family had no obligation of serving us such a large and fine meal, then they would not allow us to pay for the meal when we departed for home.

Dinner lasted two hours and like the Italians after a two o'clock dinner we napped, not because we were tired, but just in pain.

My sister Robin sent me an article from the New York Times, reminding me of how lucky we were to know people who like to dine with complete strangers. Click here to read the article "Mangia, Mangia!".

ROBIN HOOD (2010)

YESTERDAY I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE NEW ROBIN HOOD MOVIE TO BE RELEASED NEXT MONTH. I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS PLANNED OR NOT, BUT IT MAY BE A GOOD LESSON THAT HE WAS A HERO AMONG THE DEPRESSED. WE NEED A ROBIN HOOD TODAY TO START THE CHARGE OF CHANGING OUR COUNTRY BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED ORIGINALLY, TO RALLY THE PEOPLE WHO OWN HOMES, HAVE JOBS, PAY FOR THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE AND DO NOT HAVE A PARK BENCH AS THEIR ADDRESS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION.

MY DAY BEGINS...

Yesterday someone watched me during a meeting pull out my schedule from inside my suit coat to make a couple of notes and commented they had seen me do this several times over the years. Every morning I print out from Top Producer my schedule for the day, along with my to do and calls to make list. 95% of all my notes etc. are electronically stored where I can find them on my computer or phone. Over the years I have found that it is nice to be able to make written notes when I don't feel like fumbling around with entering a note in my phone. I have many years of the sheets stored away. At the end of my day (see photo below), I go down the page and enter anything into my computer that needs to be documented or remembered. Kind of throws me back into the day when I would write everything in a thick & heavy day planner.

The reason for the photos to be reversed: I have a note of some one's birthday soon and I don't want to be teased about it in case the enemy would read this post.

Bird took advantage

Freshly stained table, first week on patio
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

THE WEEK AHEAD WITH GUIDANCE

Thank you to Nicholas Bate for the great art work, this will help me start off my week. Naples Girl directed me to a post that is worth while reading: 10 Minute Task Completion which will be tried several times this coming week. Weekly a password needs to be changed Cultural Offering has given us a list of passwords not to use.

THE SECRET BEHIND NIKE AIR

Handsome Chinese Vagrant

The photograph shows a starkly handsome Chinese man walking with a model's measured gait, and wearing a rag-tag but well co-ordinated overcoat on top of a leather jacket. His eyes peer into the middle distance, in what one fan described as "a deep and penetrating way", and he strides confidently forward..........

Web users in China have called him the "Beggar Prince", the "Handsome Vagabond", and, most often, "Brother Sharp".

Click here to read more, I found it very interesting.

Brother Sharp Goes Home article in China Daily, click here.

OPPORTUNITY'S ASSASIN

"Procrastination is opportunity's assassin."--Victor Kiam

Procrastination, like a slow leak under an upstairs sink, can do major damage. But just like that slow leak, you can avoid the damage with regular "maintenance" of those tasks you're tempted to put off.

Get more information. Sometimes, procrastination is a result of too little information. When "I don't know where to start" is the problem, write down a list of questions related to the issue you've been putting off. This way you'll find out what you know and what you don't know, and if you need to consult someone else to help you find answers.

Do it or ditch it. When a lack of information isn't the problem, you may need a deadline to help you decide if the task is worth the mental stress of continuously putting it off. Is there a reason you're putting it off? Do you suspect the task is a waste of time to begin with? Pick a date to pull the trigger or let it pass. Repeating the cycle of planning, procrastination, and the subsequent guilt is counterproductive. Either you'll have the sweet relief of finishing the task, or you'll enjoy the lighter load of letting it go.

Don't sell out your long-term dreams for the short-term pleasure of putting off a little work. You can defeat procrastination today... so don't put it off until tomorrow.

Thank you to Oakley Signs for passing this along.

ALLYCE & QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE

Once again I was able to find a top customer service goal minded business and employees. Newark, Ohio's Texas Roadhouse as many Licking Countians know is busy all the time, service is the key as demonstrated by our server Allyce.

Excellent customer service excites me, especially when it is coming from a young person. If most adults started off early in life giving quality service, the business world would be a lot better off today.

As we walked in Saturday evening, our greeter walked us to our table and ask if we had been to Texas Roadhouse before. After saying yes, she asked if we had a good experience the last time. I am sure if we had said we had been disappointed an extra effort would have been made to make sure we finished happier than the last visit.

Now comes into play our waitress Allyce, she asked the same two questions again. I thought this was a great way to introduce herself and make us feel important. Allyce had a smile on her face during our entire visit, making sure my Diet Coke was filled to the brim and asking Mrs. Guanciale if she would like another Corona. When the Corona answer was no, Allyce asked if she would prefer a glass of water. She never slowed down checking up on us, she knew what it was all about, customer service. Customer service is hard to find, especially when you are serving dozens of people per hour, doing a line dance every 45 minutes and singing Happy Birthday a couple times per hour.

Allyce told me on this evening 19 servers, 15 people in the kitchen, two bartenders and three managers, were working. They all are working hard to make sure the next time I dine at the Texas Roadhouse, I will answer with a positive last visit experience.

Texas Roadhouse has not just won many customers through their customer service, but through their participation in our community. They are active members of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce and have provided food and funds to many charitable events throughout Licking County. They are not just a large company taking dollars away from the community, but giving back and out of all appearances due to quality customer service will be around for a long time.

A COUPLE OF PROJECTS DONE

Cabot's Mahogany Stain, all four chairs and table done. Now to stir up the mulch beds and sprinkle the Preen weed prevention and patch some mini pot holes in the concrete driveway with latex concrete patch.

Lesson learned the expensive way, concrete driveways are attractive, but terrible to maintain.

BIRTHSTONES

Found out something today, a change to the traditional diamond for April's birthstone. Due to the economic conditions in most people's pockets, quartz is an acceptable replacement for a diamond this year. Myself, I think you should buy her a QVC Dimonique and tell her it is a diamond.

The lure of birthstones
The basic human need to own and wear materials we deem "sacred" or special is what drives us to collect rocks and minerals. Perhaps this explains the lure of birthstones; how powerful it is to have our month of birth represented by a beautiful natural gemstone. We can own and display our special stone and feel embraced by its beauty. We hope you enjoy these facts, legends, and history behind each birthstone.


What's the difference between a mineral and a gem?
All birthstones are minerals, but why are some minerals considered gems? Interestingly, there is no geological definition for the word gem, because a gem is a human creation. Minerals are formed by geologic processes in rocks in their natural environment. When we excavate precious or semiprecious stones, cut, and polish them into specific shapes, they become gems. When a gem is set into metal to be worn on the body it becomes a jewel. Several key factors determine the value of a gem: To be considered worthy of jewelry, the mineral must have rarity, durability, attractiveness, size, and color.

Find your birthstone by clicking here.