New Year 2009 Resolutions

Weight Watchers®, Online weight-loss from the name you trust.

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Well here it is December, Christmas 2008 right around the corner and a New Year 2009 about to arrive. It's that time of the year again, time to make your new year resolution.

Lets review some of the classic New Year Resolutions to get an idea for this year:
(1) get out of debt - Wow, we all could use that one in these difficult times.

(2) lose weight and get in shape - I don't know about you but I had a little too much to eat this Thanksgiving. This is a good one.

(3) spend more time with the family - this is a good one for all you workaholics.

(4) help others - this is definitely the most commendable resolution. You can better the lives of other people by doing some volunteer work.

There are many more good ideas for New Years Resolutions - 2009
Are you planning any resolutions for 2009 out there in cyberland ?

Gift Card - Shopping Procrastination Lifesaver

If you are like me and procrastinate with holiday shopping or shopping for special occasions the perfict gift is a "Gift Card". I am not proud of the fact that I have a hard time deciding what to buy. The gift card is fast, easy, personalized, and surely will please my family and friends since it offers the choice of more than a hundred premier stores, restaurants and experiences.

This seems like the perfect answer for me. I am going to remember this wonderful discovery of mine for other occasions birthdays, weddings, showers and not just Christmas! They are quick, convenient and can be emailed, so perfect for last-minute shopping!
Wow, I am a regular genious.

Do you have Talent - Discover Talent Online

Do you have talent? Well, if you do there are online talent advertiser resources specifically geared towards helping people make their dreams of acting and modeling actually come true! Membership allows you to have your own presence on the Internet to promote themselves on the World Wide Web! This will be their storefront to the acting and modeling world. Casting directors, agents, photographers, prospective clients, friends, and family will be able to access them on the web.

Online resources of more than 20,000 listings for talent related services such as Agencies, Casting Directors, Photographers, Talent Managers, Coaches, Schools Studios, Make-up Artists, Print Shops, Organizations and more.

2008 Tax Time is here - Do it FREE online

2008 Property Tax Deduction for Taxpayers Who Don't Itemize Updated: 11/19/2008
Tax break applies to years 2008 and 2009
Property owners who use the standard deduction, rather than itemize their individual deductions when filing their income taxes, will get a new tax break for tax years 2008 and 2009.

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A chance to deduct property taxes
Prior to 2008, only taxpayers who itemized their deductions – that is, listed certain expenses such as mortgage interest to reduce their overall tax liability – could deduct state and local property taxes. Those who took the standard deduction, or a fixed amount of income not subject to tax, could not.

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Limits set on deduction amount
However, for 2008 and for 2009, non-itemizers will be allowed to take a limited property tax deduction, up to $500 for single taxpayers and up to $1,000 for married couples filing jointly.

A couple in the 25 percent tax bracket would save $250 in taxes, while a single filer in the 25 percent bracket would save $125.

The deduction is determined by whichever of the following is lower:
The amount of property taxes paid, or $500 for single taxpayers or $1,000 for married, filing jointly.

Remodeling or Renovations - get FREE estimates

This is a premium network of remodeling contractors, who carry out bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, attic remodeling and basement remodeling projects. Homeowners use this service to find local contractors for all of their home improvement projects.

They are a referral network providing contractor access to homeowners seeking home improvement goods and services. Contractors are reviewed and approved by Renovation Experts to ensure they adhere to quality standards.

They strongly recommend that homeowners follow at a minimum some basic steps to protect themselves even when they recommend hiring a contractor in their network. The Federal Trade Commission recommends in part the following things:

• Check out the contractor with your local or state consumer protection officials.
• Ask the contractor for customer references who have projects similar to yours.
• Ask for a copy of the contractor's current insurance certificates and licenses, if required.
• Get written estimates from several firms. Make sure bids are based on identical project specifications.
• Get all guarantees, warranties and promises in writing.
Agree on start and completion dates, and have them written into the contract.

Sudoku and other brain games

Sudoku is a deceptively simple game of logic, that will get you hooked and puzzle you as well. It is easy to learn but somewhat of a challenge to master.

Sudoku is played over a 9x9 grid that is divided into 3x3 sub grids called "regions".
Sudoku begins with some of the grid cells already filled with numbers. If you are a first time player here are a few playing tips.

1. The game board starts with several numbers already on it. Every time you start a new game there is a different set of numbers.

2. The object of this puzzle game is to fill the empty board cells with numbers from 1 to 9 according the game rules.

3. You need to determine what numbers can be inserted into each empty cell according to the rules of the game.

4. In summary, the Sudoku rule is: Complete the Sudoku puzzle so that each and every row, column, and region contains the numbers one through nine only once.


Reclaim Your Brain: Improve Memory with Lumosity Games.

Screen Protector for ANY device or gadget

I got a new screen protector the other week for my new iPhone, pretty neat. This invisibleSHIELD is made from a unique material originally created for the military to protect the leading edges of helicopter blades. The company states that it offers protection that the other screen protectors, covers, skins, or cases just can not match. So far so good. They have over 2,000 copyrighted, precision-cut designs for a variety of gadgets, including iPods, smartphones, cell phones and more. This should protect my iPone from scratches.


The invisibleSHIELD is a custom cut full body shield, available for many types of devices. It has a patent-pending full-body contour wrap and should keep my phone looking like the day that I bought it.

If you are not completely satisfied with the coverage of the invisibleSHIELD, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund. Lets hope I do not have to use that. Also if the invisibleSHIELD ever scratches, they will replace it for free, for life. So what do you have to lose other than those unsightly scratches?

Lehigh Valley Attractions - December 2008

• Chirstmas Horse-drawn Holiday Rides in the Country

Ironton
Dec 1 - 31, 2008

Join us in the Country for a horse-drawn holiday ride. Relax and enjoy the Christmas lights in the quiet, small town of Ironton. Choose either a 15 minute or a 30 minute ride. Rides depart every 20 minutes. Rides by reservation, tickets are non-refundable.
  www.irontonlivery.com

• A CHRISTMAS CAROL, the musical

Bethlehem
Dec. 3 - 14, 2008

Based on the book by Charles Dickens.One of the Holiday's most endearing and enduring tales is brought to life for children of all ages in this dazzling musical production. Part ghost story, part parable, this festive show brims with Holiday spirit as a cast of 90 actors, singers, and dancers guides the miserly Scrooge on an unforgettable journey from darkness to light. See Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future in this heart-warming musical based on the Dickens classic. Performed at Bethlehem's Charles A. Brown Ice House, Tickets: $24 Adults, $19 Children/Seniors Groups 12+ receive a $2 discount per ticket

Public Performances: Fri, 12/5, 7:00pm.Sat, 12/6, 2:00 & 7:00pm. Sun, 12/7, 1:00 & 4:00pm. Thu, 12/11, 7:00pm. Fri, 12/12, 7:00pm. Sat, 12/13, 1:00, 4:00 & 7:00pm. Sun, 12/14, 1:00 & 4:00pm.
  www.123pyt.org

• Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem

Bethlehem
Dec. 4 - 7, 2008 and Dec. 11 - 14, 2008

Recognized as one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine, Christkindlmarkt is a family holiday marketplace featuring aisles of exquisite handmade works by the nation's finest artisans, the heart-warming sounds of live holiday music, German and Austrian food, St. Nicholas and more. Admission is $8 for adults, $14 for a season pass and free for children 12 and under. Open 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays.





• Christmas City Cirque

Bethlehem
Dec. 27 - 28, 2008

Historic District, Spring & Main Streets - Experience an unforgettable evening of high-flying circus performers, music, magic, juggling and comedy. Christmas City Cirque is a spectacular showcase of extreme acrobatic delights. Tickets are $25-$50.
  www.christmascity.org

Winter Energy Savings Tips

Heating Tips
Winter Energy Savings Tips

• Try to minimize the number of times that you open your doors to the outside weather.

• When not using the chimney, remember to shut the flue.

• Insulate walls and attic areas properly. Batts of insulation added to your attic is an easy do-it yourself project.

• Lowering your thermostat by 1 degree F. will reduce your heating bill by 2%. Maintaining 68 degrees is an average daily temperature, with lower temperatures at nighttime. Also, lower the thermostat if you will not be home during the daytime hours.

• Use ceiling fans set at slow speed to push the warm air away from the ceiling and move it around your rooms. Everyone will feel the warmth and be more comfortable!

• Try to use the sun when it is out! Open windows on southern and eastern exposures throughout the daytime hours. Remember to close shades before sun sets to keep the heat in the house.

Lehigh Valley Attractions - November 2008

• Bethlehem by Night Bus Tours
Kempton
Nov. 28-30, Dec. 4-6, 11-14, 18-21, 26-30 2008
Presented by the Historic Bethlehem Partnership. Tours depart Historic Bethlehem Welcome Center, 505 Main Street. This is a great way tosee the sites of North and South Bethlehem and reflect on the true meaning of the Christmas season.