September 24, 2008

Enjoying the great outdoors in comfort and style

Living in Hawaii means I get to use my patio furniture year-round. We don’t call them patios in the islands, of course. The word here is lanai, and everyone has one, even if it’s just a few square feet. I enclosed my big lanai a few years ago and turned it into a screened room. I had to leave my wicker furniture in there because wicker doesn’t do well in our tropical sun, especially after exposure to our monsoon-like winter weather. If I’d had any sense at all I’d have bought wicker resin instead. Have you seen it? You can’t tell the difference between wicker resin and real wicker to look at it. It’s got all of the beauty and charm of wicker, but can stand up to the elements so much better. If your lanai (or patio) isn’t covered and you love the look of wicker, this is the way to go.

In addition to my screened-in lanai I also have an outdoor relaxing/entertaining area. I like to sit out there and read or play with my bubble gun or just chill for a while. (Yeah - I have a bubble gun and I play with it a lot. Wanna make something of it?) When friends come over we ususally end up relaxing out there, sipping iced tea and sometimes sharing an outdoor meal under my huge sun umbrella. It’s essential to have good outdoor furniture when you live in paradise, and we all use it so much that we don’t mind spending a little money on quality. Some of the pricey homes I inspect have lanai furniture that probably costs as much as all the furniture in my home, but here’s the thing: you don’t have to spend a fortune to have an upscale patio set. OudoorFurnitureOnline carries some pieces that are a little out of my price-range, but they also have a nice selection for those of us who have to keep an eye on our budgets. And get this: they’ll negotiate with you if you find the same furtniture at a chaper price on another site. Shopping online frequently boils down to comparison pricing. Go ahead - surf around online and check out the other guys. If one of them has what you want at a cheaper price, let OutdoorFurnitureOnline know and they’ll work with you to make the deal. They’re all about providing quality outdoor furniture, but their knowledgeable and friendly customer service staff wants it to be an enjoyable experience for you. Go look a their furniture, give them a call, then come back and tell me if it isn’t so. I think you’ll like what you find!

[tags]furniture, outdoor furniture, outdoor living, patio furniture[/tags]

The porn-for-pay offer that wasn’t

Yesterday I got an email that began:

We’ve seen your website at http://skeetsstuff.skeeterbess.com/2008/01/16/skeet-porn/
and we love it!

The writer then offered to pay me up to $4800 a month for links on my blog. $4800 for links on skeet’s stuff? Okay, that got my attention. Then I re-read the first line and noticed which post they were referring to. Uh-oh! That one, hmmm? Okay, they found a link to Skeet porn and they want to pay for space on my blog. That can only mean one thing, right? They’ll pay big bucks if I let them put porn links in my sidebars and on banners splashed all over the blog. I get offers like that all the time. It was only the payout amount that made this one unusual. Can there really be that much money in porn, that they can offer who-knows-how-many bloggers $4800 a month to advertise it? Whatever amount was being offered, I wasn’t interested, but I was greatly amused. I tweeted the news and started a tempest in a teacup. Everyone wanted details, but since I hadn’t followed up on the offer I had no details to give. In fairness to my tweet-peeps I had to investigate.

It didn’t take me long to confirm that it was a scam (if it seems to good to be true …) and that it had nothing to do with porn. Why the author of the letter chose that link remains a mystery, but I’ll speculate on it. I think that, having found a link flagged “porn,” he decided I might be lacking in moral fortitude and willing to help perpetuate his scam. Guess again, buddy! That post is about how having the word “porn” on my blog brings me all kinds of creepy traffic from folks looking for actual porn. Read my lips, sweetie … skeet don’t do porn. I’ll take your money to talk about Phentermine. If the offer is good enough I might be persuaded to blog about erectile dysfuntion or plastic surgery (in a tasteful manner, of course.) But porn? Nope! Not gonna happen!

For those of you who really want to know, here’s what he was touting. I was to put four block ads on my blog, then send out 100 emails daily encouraging others to do the same. If X-number of those people signed up X-number of people, who also signed up X-number of people, well, then I’d be rolling in money! There’s a catch of course - there’s always a catch. Once I’d reached the third level of sign-ups I’d need to pay a montly fee in order to advance in the scheme. The first two levels would actually be easy to reach, because there are plenty of fools in the world who would see that $4800 offer and sign up without finding out what they were getting into. The entire program is designed to pull people into the third level, where they would have to pay to continue. It’s a classic Ponzi scheme, aka: a pyramid scheme, in which each successive level of dupes is paying the previous levels for the right to join the scheme. Want to know the dead giveaway? The ads are all for the scheme. There’s no product or service being offered. You’re selling ads to encourage other people to sell ads that don’t sell anything except a spot in the pyramid. Those who sign up early will probably make a little money with it. That money will come from the fees of later sign-ups. Ponzi schemes always implode from their own weight. The early recruits will make money for a while, but the payouts get slimmer and slimmer as more folks sign up and only work the first two levels. When they don’t make any money because a saturation point has been reached, they won’t sign up for the third level, won’t pay the fees and the pyramid will collapse. Here’s a tip: any program that can only pay investors from money brought in by later investors is a Ponzi scheme and is predestined for failure. Don’t buy into it.You’re smarter than that.

[tags]fraud, Ponzi Scheme, porn, pyramid scheme[/tags]

September 23, 2008

Meet Lily!

I finally got pictures of my great-niece from my sis today! Lily was born on June 5th, the day before her dad’s birthday. I’ve lived “away” for twenty years, so part of me still thinks of my nephew as the teen he was when I knew him better. Yes, of course we’ve been in touch, but there’s an ocean and most of a continent between us and it’s been about nine years since we’ve seen each other. Somehow, seeing the beautiful Lily crystalizes it for me, though. My youngest nephew is all grown up and a daddy. How cool is that!

Here she is again with her guardian (whose name I don’t know, but he/she seems adequate to the job.) These first two pictures were taken during Lily’s first week. Tiny, beautiful, perfect!

Oh, alright! Since you insist, here’s one more. She’s about a month old in this picture and Mommy (whom I haven’t met yet) & Daddy (who is looking more & more like my son) still haven’t quit grinning. Well, now - seriously - would you?

Welcome to the world, beautiful Lily! I hope to meet you soon!

[tags]baby, baby pictures, family[/tags]

Green pest control

I’ve been a pest control operator for almost thirty years. I entered the industry on the cusp of great change. The term integrated pest management was, I think, fairly new back then, but it’s the only pest control I’ve ever practiced. IPM involves coordinated use of many means of eliminating problems, with reliance on toxic controls minimized in favor of such things as mechanical barriers and sanitation programs. My very first mentor was fond of saying “Never turn to the traditional pesticide solution first. Look at all of the ways a pest can be controlled and try the least toxic solution first.” I was never indoctrinated into the “old school” way of doing pest control, the one that historically identified our industry as providers of poisonous chemical applications. I learned, instead, to practice “green” pest control, long before “green” came to be the identifying word for minimizing our impact on the environment. I’m glad it worked out that way. I didn’t have bad habits to unlearn like some of the older guys (they were almost all men back then.) I’ve applied pesticides, but only as a part of an overall program designed to solve pest problems in ways that have the softest possible impact on health, safety and the environment. Educating the public is a huge part of IPM. Pest control is no longer something we do for you, it’s something we do with you.

The bookmarks I lost when my computer bit the dust included dozens of links that have helped me educate friends, family and readers on responsible, participatory pest control methods. I’m slowly rebuilding the list and today I bookmarked a great resource for all of you. The Havahart Critter Library contains a wealth of information, is easily navigable and will teach you everything you need to know in order to deal with furry critters invading your domain. I was using Havahart® live animal traps to capture and release squirrels and raccoons back in the eighties, so I know the company well. Today their website is as much about educating the public as it is about selling products, so it’s a great go-to for anyone who has chosen to live in an enivronment that first belonged to creatures with more than two legs (that would be all of us, in case you’ve never thought about it that way.) The library will guide you through identifying the pest and then point you towards solutions. As an example, many of you are growing at least some of your own food these days. You’re doing it organically, which means you’re not interested in spreading around poisons to keep rabbits from decimating your lettuce crop before it’s mature enough to bring to the table. The Havahart Critter Library will help you confirm which pest you’re dealing with (moles and squirrels and rabbits behave differently and require different controls) and will then provide you with some good choices for control methods you can live with. To save your vegetable garden from bunny invasion they suggest trapping or rabbit repellent as practical and green solutions. Organic gardening can be a little more labor-intensive than reaching for toxic chemicals to control pests, but it’s the responsible thing to do and what you want for your family. Bookmark the Havahart Critter Library. They’ll help you keep your garden green.

Necessary disclaimer, lest you think I’m steering you away from turning to an expert for your pest problems: The Havahart folks are professionals - genuine, dues-paying members of my industry. They’ve been providing alternative pest control solutions for sixty years and their products are widely used by the pros. Effective, green pest control involves partnerships between providers and end-users. Havahart is a great partner to invite into your team!

[tags]alternative pest control, green pest control, integrated pest management, organic gardening, rabbit control, rabbit repellant[/tags]

Tuesday Teaser photo verification

I did about a dozen slices from the photo above before I decided I had the right one to use for Tuesday Teaser this week. Perhaps I should have done two dozen, because I didn’t offer you much of a challenge, did I? I thought for sure there would be guesses of industrial clamps and window fan cages and paint mixers, but none of you went down those roads. At least half of the players knew at first glance that they were looking at the wire guard on a utility light. We can only have one winner each week, though, and Scott got here first. Congrats Scott! You’ve won a linky love review of your blog and will be entered in the monthly gift card drawing. Mahalo to everyone who played. I’ll try to give your brain a better workout next week, so add me to your feeds if you haven’t already. Sometimes the first answer wins, so getting the post in your feeds could give you the edge you need! See you next Tuesday!

[tags]contest, contest winner, photo puzzle, Tuesday Teaser, utility light[/tags]

Tuesday Teaser for September 23, 2008

Can you identify the item depicted above? Take your best guess and post it in the comments below. If your guess wins, you’ll get a nifty prize. Here’s how it works:

1. Write a comment giving your guess as to what the item is. Be as specific as you can. For instance, indoor “lamp” would be too general as an answer if you needed to identify a lava lamp. Sometimes the brand will need to be specific, as when you identified the Enregizer Bunny and auto company logos. Guess as many times as you want, but put each answer in a separate comment, please!
2. First person to identify the item wins. If more than one person provides the correct answer, time and date stamp will determine who was first.
3. The author of this blog will be the sole judge as to what constitutes a correct answer. Sorry - no hints will be given. I will attempt to respond to your answers at least every few hours, but I am not continuously at the keyboard so please be patient.
4. The contest will end in forty-eight hours, whether or not a correct guess has been submitted.
5. Skeet’s Stuff is a do-follow blog, so you get some link value just for commenting.

What will you win?

1. The author of this blog will write a LINKY LOVE POST (review) about the winner’s blog (commercial sites ineligible.) The LLP will contain the url for your blog plus at least two deep links and will be posted here on Skeet’s Stuff, a PR4 PR2 PR0 (bah google!) Ha! PR3 blog. Skeet writes good reviews.

2. The weekly winners will be entered into a monthly drawing for a $10.00 gift card from Starbucks or Amazon or a ten dollar payment through PayPal so they can start saving for those great franchise opportunities that seem to be springing up all over the place.

3. Drawing for the monthly prize will be held on or about October 1, 2008, and will include all weekly winners for the month. There are five Tuesdays in September, thus the maximum number of people who will be eligble is five.

Comments submitted with commercial links will be deleted. If you would like to market your product, service or website through skeet’s stuff I’ll be happy to discuss your needs and my prices. Please submit your request via email.

[tags]contests, photos, photo contest, photo puzzle[/tags]

September 21, 2008

Missing my PC

I’m getting used to working at my desk from a laptop that is hardwired to my modem and printer. It’s not very comfortable, though. I’d much rather have my PC back and save the laptop for on-the-road stuff. My beautiful HP desktop computer has been riding around in my car with me for the last week instead. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that Trojan Viruses are “relatively harmless.” They can replicate like mad (like viruses!) and take over your hard drive. My computer geek has been sick, so I haven’t had the chance to deliver my poor, battered PC to him, but we had a long talk on the phone yesterday. He thinks, from what I’ve told him, that he can rescue my computer. He thinks that recovering the data from it is not going to happen. He thinks that he will have to wipe my hard drive completely clean in order to remove the virus. In his words, it would be like having a completely new computer by the time he’s through with it. I want all the files and photos and data I’ve lost, but having my desktop back would be a second-best scenario, even if it comes back as a blank slate. It’s all speculation at this point anyway. There’s a remote possibility that he may be able to bring my old programs and files back intact. There’s a much stronger possibility that the PC is a complete loss and I’ll never use it again. Knowing this, I’ve been shopping online, just in case I need to buy a new computer. Having just spent a small fortune on my new laptop, I’m not going to have much money to work with. I found the bargain linked and pictured above at Buy.com. It’s an HP Pavilion almost identical to the old computer. Transition to working with this computer should be almost seamless because it’s so similar to the computer I lost. You know me - I hate change, so minimizing its impact is important to me. Price is important too, of course, so this refurbished computer immediately caught my eye. It’s on sale for only $399.99, a very sweet price. Actually, Buy.com has sweet prices on everything they sell. The HP Pavilion laptop I just paid $799 for? Buy.com has it for $599. I’ve been lusting after a digital camcorder and thought I couldn’t afford one, but Buy.com has several top brands that I could squeeze into my budget. They aren’t just for electronics, either. They’ve got some great bargains on everything from clothing and jewelry to sports equipment and home appliances. I’ve added Buy.com to my bookmarks so I’ll remember to check them out first the next time I want to do some shopping online. Go check them out and you’ll see why.

[tags]bargains, computers, discount shopping, electronics, online shopping[/tags]

Self Portrait Sunday for September 21, 2008

Do you remember when you were a teeny-bopper going to concerts and living a rich fantasy life that involved the lead singer in your favorite band? You just knew that one day he would scan the crowds of adoring fans, your eyes would lock and he’d be yours. You wove an entire life together: you’d travel with the band, living the glamorous life, the envy of women everywhere. He would worship daily at your feet, showering you with exquisite gifts, making passionate love to you, never straying from your side. With you as his inspiration, his music would soar to the top of the charts. Your future revolved around making beautiful music, beautiful babies and a beautiful life. The dream brought escape from the reality of teen angst, acne and lonely Friday nights babysitting bratty siblings. Somehow you got through it all and found a life quite different but fulfilling and satisfying nonetheless. And when it was less than satisfactory, well … you could always return to the dream, just for a little while.

Yesterday our eyes locked across the crowd of his adoring fans. Me! He singled me out, sang just for me, told them all that it was me he wanted! I am the chosen. The dream came alive! Nevermind that the encounter was brief. Forget for a moment that we’re over the hill and won’t make beautiful babies together. It matters not that I won’t be swept away on a European concert tour. Who needs a personal dedication in liner notes, declaring you to be the sweetest of inspirations? Yesterday I lived the dream and life is good!

I’m not the only one who posted a self portrait today, but I’ll bet I had more fun with it than anyone else. Go visit the others and see what you think!

[tags]fantasy, “I’m with the band”, meme, photos, self portrait[/tags]

Posted by skeet @ 11:55 am • Photos, Meme • 8 comments  

Farmer’s Market fun

The last time I went to the Farmer’s Market I arrived late in the morning. I had a good time, but there was very little fresh produce available. I’ve been meaning to go back and finally managed it today. This time I went at around ten in the morning and found an abundance of beautiful fruit and vegetables on display.

Many things that are availabe only seasonally in other areas grow year-round in Hawaii. The fall root vegetables are some of my favorites and were featured today, but were by no means the only selections on display to choose from.

Locally grown bananas, papayas and mangoes were displayed alongside farm-fresh eggs. Most of our eggs are shipped over from the mainland and may be two weeks old before they appear in stores, but there are several egg farms here on the Waianae Coast. The difference in taste is remakable.

I bought some honey a few days ago. Local honey contains local pollens and can help build resistance to allergies, so I consume a lot of it. Even though I didn’t need any today, it was nice to see that a bee-keeper from Molokai is now selling his honey here.

Despite the early hour it was quite warm and bubble drinks and other cool beverages sold well today. There were seveal orchid vendors on hand, too.

I don’t generally eat early in the day, but omelette breakfasts were sold in addition to plate lunches this time.

Music is a part of every gathering, of course. Danny remembered me from last month. He spotted me in the crowd, announced to one and all that the next song was for his mistress and proceeded to sing Daytime Friends and Nightime Lovers for me. What a tease!

I remembered to bring my mesh green bag this time. I packed it with beets, some honeycomb and a package of butter mochi. I grew up eating honeycomb, but have never found it in Hawaii before, so I’m looking forward to enjoying this taste treat from the past. I’m also looking forward to finding whatever surprises show up next time the Farmer’s Market comes to the Waianae Coast.

[tags]farmer’s market, fresh produce, Hawaii, Waianae Coast[/tags]

September 19, 2008

Four Foods on Friday #47

Today is Friday. I know that. Surely I knew it late yesterday afternoon when I noticed my neighbor dragging his rubbish bin to the curb for pickup. I must have known it when I spent an hour cutting up palm fronds and plumeria branches and bagging them up, right? And when I dragged my own bin to the curb before going to bed, I did that because I knew it was Thursday night and rubbish pickup comes early on Friday, didn’t I? So can someone explain to me why I only just now realized that today is Friday and I haven’t done a Four Foods on Friday post yet? Siiiiigh! Nevermind. I don’t think I really need the answer to that. Let’s just move right along to the FFoF questions instead.

#1. Share a recipe for something Italian.

It’s late and I need to get this published. I’ll try to insert a recipe here later.

#2. Jam, jelly, preserves, marmalade, fruit butter or butter. What’s on your toast or bread?

I eat a slice of plain whole wheat toast every morning for nausea control. I rarely think to eat toast any other time, but there’s grape jam and apple butter in the fridge. Love them both on biscuits!

#3. What’s your favorite Kellogg’s product? (Since they’re multinational I’m hoping everyone can answer this one. If you don’t have Kellogg’s products, what’s your favorite cold breakfast cereal?)

I’ve never outgrown Frosted Flakes. They’re grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!

#4. Do you like liver? What about liverwurst?

I love the stuff. I can’t find calves liver in Hawaii, but I make liver & onions with beef liver frequently and I love deep-fried chicken livers. Liverwurst & bacon make a wonderful sandwich, especially when constructed on an onion bun with melted cheddar. Primo!

[tags]food, meme[/tags]