If I decide to call an out of state friend or if I need to make a business call, often times I find myself wondering what time it is in another city. I will be honest and say I'm no good at geography, and I don't want to call someone too early or too late.
I found the perfect site to help me. It's http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/. Just enter the city you want to call, and it will tell you not only what time it is there, but the weather and other pertinant info as well. Please check them out.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Security Tip Saturday
It's rained every day since last Saturday, and rain is in the forecast for the next week here in the 'Ville, with the exception of Monday when I go back to work; it's supposed to be clear and sunny that day. But I digress. With all of the rain we've had there's flooding in a lot of areas in and around Louisville. Here's some tips from the fine folks at the Department of Homeland Security on what you can do to hopefully avoid flooding in your home.
1. Be aware of flood insurance policies already in place, and if no flood insurance is present, consider purchasing a policy that will cover damage related to a flood. Many people are not aware of a lack of flood insurance coverage in existing homeowner’s policies.
2. Fix all leaks immediately. Leaky roofs and cracks in the foundation of a home not only weaken the structure, but also create a breeding ground for dangerous mold. In addition, close all foundation cracks using masonry caulk or hydraulic cement.
3. Invest in a flood alarm. Many alarm companies offer flood detectors as an add-on feature. For homeowners that don’t already have wireless security systems, there are also a number of do-it-yourself security system companies that offer flood sensors. In addition, homeowners may want to consider installing a home automation system. This way, if a flood is detected while a homeowner is away, the home automation company will be alerted. This can be useful not only if a natural disaster strikes, but also if water is left running in a home. Home automation systems can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in damage by preventing an actual flood from occurring.
4. Keep drains and gutters clear and free of debris. This will allow water to drain away from a home, rather than collecting, particularly during a time of heavy rain.
5. All electrical components in a home should be raised to a level that is at least 12 inches above a home’s projected flood elevation. This includes sockets, switches, breakers and wiring systems.
6. Keep an inventory of all valuable household possessions. It’s best to create a catalog using a digital camera or camcorder, because traditional printed photographs can get lost or also be damaged during a flood.
7. Invest in a sump pump. Sump pumps can be a very valuable asset in case of flooding. It’s best to choose either a battery-powered sump pump in case of an electrical outage, or also have a back-up battery-powered pump in addition to an electrical pump.
Stay safe.
1. Be aware of flood insurance policies already in place, and if no flood insurance is present, consider purchasing a policy that will cover damage related to a flood. Many people are not aware of a lack of flood insurance coverage in existing homeowner’s policies.
2. Fix all leaks immediately. Leaky roofs and cracks in the foundation of a home not only weaken the structure, but also create a breeding ground for dangerous mold. In addition, close all foundation cracks using masonry caulk or hydraulic cement.
3. Invest in a flood alarm. Many alarm companies offer flood detectors as an add-on feature. For homeowners that don’t already have wireless security systems, there are also a number of do-it-yourself security system companies that offer flood sensors. In addition, homeowners may want to consider installing a home automation system. This way, if a flood is detected while a homeowner is away, the home automation company will be alerted. This can be useful not only if a natural disaster strikes, but also if water is left running in a home. Home automation systems can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in damage by preventing an actual flood from occurring.
4. Keep drains and gutters clear and free of debris. This will allow water to drain away from a home, rather than collecting, particularly during a time of heavy rain.
5. All electrical components in a home should be raised to a level that is at least 12 inches above a home’s projected flood elevation. This includes sockets, switches, breakers and wiring systems.
6. Keep an inventory of all valuable household possessions. It’s best to create a catalog using a digital camera or camcorder, because traditional printed photographs can get lost or also be damaged during a flood.
7. Invest in a sump pump. Sump pumps can be a very valuable asset in case of flooding. It’s best to choose either a battery-powered sump pump in case of an electrical outage, or also have a back-up battery-powered pump in addition to an electrical pump.
Stay safe.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Flashback Friday
I took some time off from work this week, and it's rained every day that I've been off. Yep, every day. The rains started last Saturday and hasn't let up. It hasn't been continuous, thank goodness, but it has rained a good part of every day that I've been off.
When I was a kid and enjoying summer break, I don't remember having a week-plus of rain. But at least I haven't been at work.
When I was a kid and enjoying summer break, I don't remember having a week-plus of rain. But at least I haven't been at work.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Happy Birthday, America
TWIT would like to wish everyone a very happy Fourth of July today. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the Fourth than by eating hot dogs. Lots of hot dogs. And that's just what Joey Chestnut and Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas did today. Both of them won the men's and women's Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest held annually at Coney Island. During the ten-minute time limit, Joey ate a personal best 69 hot dogs (68 was his previous record) and Sonya ate 36 and 3/4 hot dogs. Sonya Thomas, the "Black Widow" of competitive eating, narrowly secured her third straight title in the women's competition earlier Thursday. She downed 36 3/4 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Last year, Sonya crammed down a record 45 hot dogs.
For years, Sonya Thomas hung with and beat many of her male competitors until Nathan's gave women their own category and prize in 2011. Thomas said her goal this year was to eat 50 dogs. She weighs in at 105 pounds, and she's number 3 in the Major League Eating rankings, regardless of gender.
For a while, it looked like the annual hot dog eating contest at Coney Island would have to be moved elsewhere; the area where the contest is held was under 8 feet of water last October after Hurricane Sandy moved through.
For years, Sonya Thomas hung with and beat many of her male competitors until Nathan's gave women their own category and prize in 2011. Thomas said her goal this year was to eat 50 dogs. She weighs in at 105 pounds, and she's number 3 in the Major League Eating rankings, regardless of gender.
For a while, it looked like the annual hot dog eating contest at Coney Island would have to be moved elsewhere; the area where the contest is held was under 8 feet of water last October after Hurricane Sandy moved through.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Farewell, Don
Today, the 'Rents and I attended the funeral of one of the sweetest, gentlest souls you would ever hope to me, our friend Don. We were in the same Sunday School class, and my only regret is that I didn't join that class sooner so I could have gotten to know him better.
After the church service on Sunday mornings, I always go to my "office" aka the radio room, where I collect the two-way radios from our security monitors and put them back on the chargers. I stand in the doorway, and I'm able to see everyone as they are walking out from church. It was a favorite time of mine because Don and his wife Leila would always stop and give me a hug and thank me for "keeping us safe."
On the way home from the funeral, the 'Rents and I were talking about some of the things that were said about Don during the service - how he was an expert wood worker and mechanic, and how he made a 1/3 size replica of the Sopwith Camel in his basement. I made the comment of how it's sad that you only find out things about a person at their funeral. I thought about that the rest of the way home, and thanks to Don's legacy, I'm going to start learning more about friends.
At the end of the photograph slide show that featured pictures of Don's family, the very last words were "93 years of love." That truly is something to strive for.
After the church service on Sunday mornings, I always go to my "office" aka the radio room, where I collect the two-way radios from our security monitors and put them back on the chargers. I stand in the doorway, and I'm able to see everyone as they are walking out from church. It was a favorite time of mine because Don and his wife Leila would always stop and give me a hug and thank me for "keeping us safe."
On the way home from the funeral, the 'Rents and I were talking about some of the things that were said about Don during the service - how he was an expert wood worker and mechanic, and how he made a 1/3 size replica of the Sopwith Camel in his basement. I made the comment of how it's sad that you only find out things about a person at their funeral. I thought about that the rest of the way home, and thanks to Don's legacy, I'm going to start learning more about friends.
At the end of the photograph slide show that featured pictures of Don's family, the very last words were "93 years of love." That truly is something to strive for.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
You Can Stop Now
I didn't keep exact records, and this isn't a scientific nor meteorologic fact, but it's rained every day for over a week now, and it can stop any time it wants to. Yes, I realize that this same time last year we were in the middle of a horrific heat wave with temps over 100 for a week. Fortunately that's not the case now. But we've had rain instead of the oppressive heat. As I said, it can stop any time it wants.
Last night, it poured heavily for two continuous hours. It will take days for the garden to dry out so the 'Rents can get in to work it over.
As of now, we had only 1 minute of sprinkles here earlier today. Let's keep it up.
Last night, it poured heavily for two continuous hours. It will take days for the garden to dry out so the 'Rents can get in to work it over.
As of now, we had only 1 minute of sprinkles here earlier today. Let's keep it up.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Anniversary Reflections
Yesterday, the 'Rents celebrated their 55th anniversary. Yep, they've been married 55 years. We were too busy partying and celebrating yesterday, but today I though quite a bit about it. On June 30, 1958, they took a vow and fifty-five years later, they still are honoring that vow. In this day and age when one out of two marriages ends in divorce, that is something monumental, regardless of the fact that they are my parents.
I guess I'm thinking more about it because currently, two very close friends are having very difficult times in their marriages. One has been married over twenty years, and the other has been married five years. One friend has already made the decision and filed for divorce last week; the other is not sure what to do and is still trying to figure out what to do.
I know that the 55 years my parents have been married haven't always been perfect. They've had problems to face like anyone. And during the years that they've been my parents, they've taught me by example the value of unconditional love.
For the past year or more, I've felt somewhat helpless when talking to these two dear friends; I have not been married and I don't have kids, so at times I didn't know what to say to help them. All I could do is just remind them that I loved them and would support them unconditionally. I hope that's enough.
I guess I'm thinking more about it because currently, two very close friends are having very difficult times in their marriages. One has been married over twenty years, and the other has been married five years. One friend has already made the decision and filed for divorce last week; the other is not sure what to do and is still trying to figure out what to do.
I know that the 55 years my parents have been married haven't always been perfect. They've had problems to face like anyone. And during the years that they've been my parents, they've taught me by example the value of unconditional love.
For the past year or more, I've felt somewhat helpless when talking to these two dear friends; I have not been married and I don't have kids, so at times I didn't know what to say to help them. All I could do is just remind them that I loved them and would support them unconditionally. I hope that's enough.
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