Chuck Says

Denton County

2009-04-07T23:25:00.000-07:00

Pictured is my grandfather – this photo of him was taken around 1900 in Texas. My grandmother Grace Brown married James Curtis Allen on October 3, 1904, in Denton County, Texas. At the time of his death the family was living in Clearwater, Florida. James died in 1913. After the death of her husband, she with her three small caught a steam ship from Tampa, Florida to Galveston, Texas. Once arriving in Galveston she caught a train to West Texas where she and her three children visited with her late husband's relatives. Once widowed, Grace returned to Kansas and for a period of time she and her three children lived with her mother Ann Agrelius (who was the widow of Archie Brown). Ann resided at 915 North Street, Hutchinson, Kansas. To earn a living and to support her three minor children Grace had build & opened a rooming house in Pratt. While the new house was being build my Dad along with his two sisters, Marguerite and Maureen, would dig up buried Indian arrowheads.... A childhood treasure!

1942

2009-04-06T00:36:00.000-07:00

Yep - that's me in 1942 guarding our home.

JOLIN

2009-04-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

I don't know what their saying but it looks like fun!

Our star boarder

2009-04-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

Sweet Home in the Philippines – Well, its summer here and Junior is on his summer school vacation. Now if his Mom and I could get him to do some work around our house. At times he acts as if he is the “star boarder” in a boarding house. Lately whenever his Mom and I ask him to help his stock answer is, “Ah man!” Sometimes I remind him that one day he’ll find out the toilet paper and toothpaste won’t come with the rent. Ah yes, to be a teenager.

The perfect winter

2009-04-02T00:55:00.000-07:00

I remember the perfect winter, with soft billowing snow and crisp cold. Always there were the delightful smells of home cooking—pies, cakes, fried chicken, roasts, homemade gravy, cookies, and fluffy rolls. The sound of laughter and the buzz of voices rolled around in my Grandma's house where we lived for a time before WW2. Where old family stories were told and re-told at the kitchen table followed by the sounds of laughter. I remember those times as it warms my heart.

Joe DiMaggio where have you gone?

2009-04-01T00:05:00.000-07:00

I remember in my boyhood I collected baseball cards of Joe DiMaggio and all the baseball heroes of that day. I stored my treasure collection in a shoe box under my bed. As we readied to move from Salem, Oregon to Seattle, Washington one day after school I discovered it was gone. It was no longer under my hiding place! My treasure collection had been given to the son of a neighbor. Oh, Joe DiMaggio where have you gone?

Our visit to Bohol Island

2009-03-31T00:06:00.000-07:00

A few years ago we spent a pleasant day with friends and toured Bohol Island. It’s a short ferry ride from Cebu City to the ferry dock in Bohol where we were met by a friendly driver with his SUV and then we all settled by as he drove us around sightseeing. It’s a very clean and peaceful place to visit with charming old world church and lay back people. I wanted to share these few pictures with you all and if you ever get a chance do go there.

The crack of the bat

2009-03-30T00:10:00.000-07:00

Well soon we’ll hear the crack of the bat as it hits the baseball over the center field wall. Which brings me to this photo of my Dad with his baseball coach back in Pratt, Kansas. He must had been around 10 or 11 years old when it was taken so long on a hot dusty summer day.

An-An becomes a businesswoman

2009-03-29T02:36:00.000-07:00

We’re so proud of our niece An-An who I sometimes post about…. Last Wednesday my twenty something niece An-An was here baby sitting me as my wife was in Cebu with friends/visitors flying in from Hong Kong. I knew An-An had opened and started a sari-sari store about 5 or 6 months ago near her home so curiously I asked how was her business. I found out she works long hours and that every day rain or shine …. She opens for business at 4:00 AM and closes at 1 AM and after she opens she does her daily shopping at Danao's wet market while her boyfriend watches her store. With her gross profits she reinvests in the store. An-An is doing it right I can see her going far, onto bigger businesses. As far as security she locks up every night and sleeps in her tiny sari-sari store. Then with a smile I told her, she didn't much time for romance… she then answered me with a giggle.

I am impressed with her work ethic and how she takes out as little as possible for herself!

Mrs. Sunshine

2009-03-29T02:31:00.000-07:00

My wife Belinda is the sunshine of my life… some days when I’m not feeling very good - unfortunately lately I take it out my aches and pains on her. Since I have gotten sick this past year I find I am deeply worried about her future. Nevertheless she is my ray of sunshine. She helps me get through the days and nights too.

Shameful behavior followed by embarrassed laughter

2009-03-28T00:13:00.000-07:00

My Mom, Dad and me with their 1939 Dodge Coup - Photo was taken in 1942 World War 2, near Vallejo, California.

It's so awkward, isn't it when you’re growing up? I can still remember as a kid when I had done something terribly embarrassing… That evening everybody at the dinner table would be clearing their throats, hem-hawing, trying to find something safe to talk about. At other times then too there was lots of nervous laughter, and questions concerning a family relative who had done something incredibly embarrassing. And then at other times the table’s gossip would turn to a current topical of a relative’s shameful behavior followed by embarrassed laughter.

GOOD TIMES

Antelope Canyon

2009-03-28T00:11:00.000-07:00

The most visited and photographed slot canyon in the American Southwest, the Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo land near Page, Arizona. It includes two separate, photogenic slot canyon sections, referred to individually as Upper Antelope Canyon or “The Crack” - and Lower Antelope Canyon or “The Corkscrew.”

Hard Times

2009-03-27T01:21:00.000-07:00

With the economy picture now is so tough and people hurting and struggling to meet make ends met I decide to add a job search on the side bar for you readers. I know things are hard for most since I’ve been there too. Should you have a particular job in mind please let me know and I will go my sources and see if I can find it.

Look on the sidebar

Family disaster struck

2009-03-27T00:09:00.000-07:00

My great-grandfather, Archibald "Archy" Brown was born in Antrim County, Ireland (now Northern Ireland) and at the age of 19 years old immigrated to the U.S. in 1868. He lived for one year in New Jersey and later for awhile in Texas before moving to McPherson County, Kansas. Where he homesteaded some land and then worked to become a successful farmer. By 1885, their farm consisted of 240 acres, and they raised corn, oats, Irish potatoes, and wheat. They also had chickens, horses, cattle, and hogs, and an orchard of apple and peach trees added to their holdings.

And then family disaster struck. Their entire homestead including their home, barn and out buildings was wiped by out a tornado. My grandmother, Grace then a young girl along with her sisters and their mother Annie (who is my great-grandmother) hide frighten in the storm cellar. My Dad's uncle, Archy Jr. then just a boy was down the road crouched under a nearby bridge.... Meanwhile my great-grandfather, Archy, Sr., was out in the yard, holding onto a tree for dear life as the tornado passed. The only untouched was the family rocking chair. The rocking chair still exists by a distance family member somewhere in Kansas. As of today the only thing left of the Brown's homestead is a marble stepping stone with my great-grandfather's name "Archy Brown" inscribed on it. The rings were used to tie horses to. The location of this marble stone is where the family homestead had been at in the late 1800s.

A family farm on the prairies of Kansas.

Two interesting guys

2009-03-26T01:44:00.000-07:00

These two interesting guys I recently found on the Internet and since I know my niece An-An is on the prowl looking for her future husband I decided to show her their picture. Right away without any pause she told me they weren’t her type. I then asked her why. And with a serious look she replied “her future husband had to be Filipino and very-very RICH.” After a moment or two had passed I ask her about her famous Mr. X – known as the man about town here in Danao City. She only laughed and giggled then a smile said “maybe!”

Big feet Big Shoes

2009-03-26T01:04:00.000-07:00

Pictured here is my cute five year old great-nephew; he was here yesterday with his grandmother who is my wife’s sister Neng-Neng. I showed him this picture and told how his feet were getting REALLY BIG. In fact I said to him they are as big a two battleships. Then he looked at his feet and then back to the picture and then to me. I told him after that his feet should stop growing or I won’t be able afford to buy him shoes any longer. Did he believe me? Naw.

Yesteryear

2009-03-25T01:47:00.000-07:00

A glimpse of my Dad’s aunts and uncles on the prairies.

Wind, blazing sun and harsh winters have etched faces of my Dad’s aunts and uncles on the plains of Kansas in this picture. I believe this photo was taken around 1890s in or around McPherson County, Kansas. As I look at their faces I wonder how their lives turned out.

Living on the Edge: A cliff top town

2009-03-25T01:44:00.000-07:00

At the southern tip of the island of Corsica, Bonifacio is the largest commune of the island. This fragile looking citadel sits precariously at 70 meters (230 ft) over the white limestone cliffs, eaten away by the wind and waves of the Mediterranean Sea. A naval haven throughout the century, Bonifacio is now a small marina for expensive yachts from around the world. (photos by jacob metcalf and clivestanley)

Junior

2009-03-24T02:44:00.000-07:00

I am an American ex-pat living in the Philippines. It strikes the cords of my heart whenever I see our Junior helping his Mom and me – his old Dad. Yesterday while Beng was away tending to some business for a few hours I became very sick and headed to bed with stomach pains. He stayed with me in the darken bedroom until his Mom came home to take charge. Some of his classmates call Junior “a Mommy’s Boy.” Since I cannot help much any longer he does what he can with his Mom, whether it’s marketing or doing everyday chores that I can’t help. He stands up to plate like a young man that he is.

Tata’s $2,000 Nano Car Hits the Market Next Month

2009-03-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

Tata will start taking orders shortly for the world’s cheapest car, the Nano. The car retails for just over $2,000 and will be accessible to people living in India. The cars will actually begin shipping in July. Why is the car so cheap? There is no air conditioning, the steering is manual, the car doesn’t have any airbags, the body of the car is made of sheet-metal and plastic, and the engine is a 624cc two-cylinder. The car maxes out at about 43MPH.

Tata is hoping that people would rather buy this car than motorcycles.

Back to Basics

2009-03-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

My wife Beng and I have talked often how often people generation lacks patience which has led to a lot of bad spending decisions. You and I have purchase something that we cannot afford. Even though we had been careful with our spending before the economy took a turn for the worse, this has made us even more determine to get back to the basics, to focus on what is important to us - our faith in God, love for others and focus on family. I am not one who believes that God is a “mean dictator or a genie in a bottle” however I believe that He allows for situations to happen to teach His people and grow them as individuals. Now we all have to admit that spending and luxuries had gotten out of hand. There were times in my life that the lines between needs and wants are blurred. I think He wants us to focus on the important things in life and this may have been what needed to happen to get us there. I also believe that this time we bring about an era of compassion and giving. As a society we need to get a way from the notion of “get rich schemes” by any means necessary, even if it hurts or oppresses people. My heart goes out when I hear about job losses and struggling families. It is easy when you start to realize that it could be you or someone you love down the road struggling.

Evolution of my Blog

2009-03-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

Originally I thought this Blog was going to be another Political Blog. That was the reason URL is listed as “therottweilernews.” However since there are hundreds if not thousands Political Blogs on the Internet and most are darn right mean spirited I then decided against the whole idea. After that I tried several different approaches for my blog but not seemed to hit a homerun. Finally after several months had passed I settled on what is the dearest to me. My Blog is about my family, love ones, good friends I’ve met along the way and my journey through life. Please enjoy my posts since after all it’s my 73 year old journey. Mr. Chuckchuck

Britney Spears Miami Tour - Vido

2009-03-22T01:26:00.000-07:00

Belinda

2009-03-22T00:38:00.000-07:00

I love my wife and I think she is the best out there. When I look back and think how blessed I am that she wanted to marry me. Until we were married in 2002 I really never realized what unconditional love was until she taught me. Belinda is so patient and loving, through both the good and bad times. Now that my life has taken a turn to the worst my wife sees to my all needs and comforts met. And know what, the best part is I'm thankful that I get to go to bed and wake up with her every day.

Do these mysterious stones mark the site of the Garden of Eden?

2009-03-22T00:18:00.000-07:00

For the old Kurdish shepherd, it was just another burning hot day in the rolling plains of eastern Turkey. Following his flock over the arid hillsides, he passed the single mulberry tree, which the locals regarded as 'sacred'. The bells on his sheep tinkled in the stillness. Then he spotted something. Crouching down, he brushed away the dust, and exposed a strange, large, oblong stone. The man looked left and right: there were similar stone rectangles, peeping from the sands. Calling his dog to heel, the shepherd resolved to inform someone of his finds when he got back to the village. Maybe the stones were important. They certainly were important. The solitary Kurdish man, on that summer's day in 1994, had made the greatest archaeological discovery in 50 years. Others would say he'd made the greatest archaeological discovery ever: a site that has revolutionized the way we look at human history, the origin of religion - and perhaps even the truth behind the Garden of Eden. FYI read.

Ranj, wishes everyone a happy St. Patty's Day!

2009-03-21T01:42:00.000-07:00

Better Late Then Never.

My extended family

2009-03-21T00:57:00.000-07:00

When I think back to my boyhood, some of my fondest memories with my Mom and Dad were our visits to our extended family that lived throughout the western US. Since we were not a close knitted family - I always looked forward to seeing my aunts, uncles and especially my cousins. To be honest I was impressed that my cousins lived in houses and their families had taken roots somewhere because we lived a 12’x50” trailer and my little family moved from town to another nameless town since my Dad worked in heavy construction we moved whenever the job was over. Now that I’m retired to Philippines I found how much I missed out.

Hot Rods & Me

2009-03-20T00:19:00.000-07:00

Ah those were the days! I remember back to 1954 I when I took Betty Lou on her first date in my custom supped up hot rod. We drove to the nearest drive-in-hamburger joint where the girls were all about the same age as us, they waited on their customers wearing roller skates of all things. We put a nickel in the portable juke box hanging on the driver’s door window and listen to the latest popular song called “Earth Angel.” She was a sly sixteen year old and I wasn’t much older. On occasions we’d hear the roar of hot rod engine followed by a loud tooting of a horn as the driver announced he was there to all. I remember she wore a pink sweater with her hair tied in off a pony tail and I was soon to leave for the navy and the trials of boot camp. Ah yes, those were the days.

Spam

2009-03-19T01:17:00.000-07:00

I’m sure others have grappled with spam. I really hate spam email messages and I wish there was a why to eliminate them from my email box. But in today’s digital world how can an average person do away with these electronic messages wanting to sale anything from a to z. Should a person has bad breath they have an answer, if a guy needs Viagra they have an answer for that too. So it goes on and on. Me I never cared for spam I’d rather have bacon for breakfast.

Spam - video

2009-03-19T00:25:00.000-07:00

Whether you love it or hate it - it's here to stay!

My extended family

2009-03-18T01:09:00.000-07:00

My Dad "Wid Catting" For Shell Oil in east Texas around 1938.

ST Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin 2009

2009-03-17T23:40:00.000-07:00

Happy ST. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

My Great Grandfather in the late in 1880s.

They say St. Patrick's Day is serious business in many Irish families, which often involves a big dinner with extended family, lots of traditional cooking and excessive shamrock decorations and maybe a toast or two to their Irish ancestors. St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone in our household so far from America and so very far from the emerald island across the sea. Here’s a toast to my great grandfather who came to America without a penny in his pocket, worked as laborer with pick and shovel in hand building railroads across the plains of Texas in the late 1860s and then he arrived by horse homesteading in western Kansas. One can only imagine the hardships his family went through as he built his homestead into a large thriving farm. Bless you Archy Brown wherever you are. Your great grandson, Chuck

Meghan McCain On "The View": "Kiss My Fat Ass!"

2009-03-17T00:55:00.000-07:00

This video says what I feel about Mr. Edward Liddy, chief executive officer of American International Insurance group (AIG).

American International Group

2009-03-17T00:47:00.000-07:00

MR. GREED

"Out-to-lunch" Edward Liddy, chief executive officer of American International Insurance group (AIG).

How to Open a Beer with a Pen - CHOW

2009-03-16T03:24:00.000-07:00

"Everyone has a trick to opening a beer bottle when you don't have an opener handy, even CHOW's staff photographer, Chris Rochelle. Here he shows how to open your beer with a pen."

President Norris?

2009-03-16T03:13:00.000-07:00

Amigos; Proving he's bitter about Mike Huckabee's electoral demise than we ever imagined, the action movie star Chuck Norris declared in a radio interview recently that he is prepared to become president of an independent Texas. Norris added that his home state is free to secede at any point, due its exceptional state constitution and original agreement with the Congress upon joining the US. The state and Norris, he claims, might choose such an unprecedented divorce if the current administration way up north in Washington, D.C., continues on its path of pissing him off. I’m going have to accept the martial-arts action star's secession half-baked idea, since I’ve a standing policy against arguing the details of the American Constitution with a man who knows judo. Mr. Norris being the president of a breakaway republic is hard work! Think twice!

Who is An An's Mysterious Mr. X?

2009-03-16T00:24:00.000-07:00

Yes who is my niece An An’s boyfriend the mysterious Mr. X? We’ve had family gatherings, Filipino festivals and An An always shows up with a smile but never with her boyfriend Mr. X. Or maybe he’s hovering not to be seen by me. Is the photo shown is he or possibly not – who knows for sure. I’ve yet to meet him or to see his face which makes me think is there really a Mr. X?

Violencia Doméstica - Violence Domestique.

2009-03-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

Puerto Rico Celebrates Win over USA / World Baseball Classic / Miami

2009-03-15T03:17:00.000-07:00

US so big PR so little – what happen? VIVA PUERTO RICO!

David Archuleta: Como La Flor (San Antonio-3/12/09)

2009-03-15T01:33:00.000-07:00

A fan requested that David Archuleta sing a little something in Spanish at his San Antonio concert on Thursday night. The American Idol alum happily obliged, offering up an abridged version of slain Tejano legend Selena's Como La Flor.

Patrick Swayze Continues To Fight! Denies Reports He Is Close To Death

2009-03-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

Patrick Swayze in Ghost

Patrick Swayze Continues To Fight! Denies Reports He Is Close To Death “Patrick Swayze wants you to know that he is doing well! After spotting the cover of a tabloid claiming the actor is reaching "The End" of his struggle with stage IV pancreatic cancer, Swayze has taken the time to release a statement on the true condition of his health. "It's amazing to me that the tabloids such as the National Enquirer print such negative stories about me and my health when there are so many positive things going on in my life right now. I've started a new chemotherapy and, one again, I am one of the lucky ones with pancreatic cancer that is responding well to the treatment," says Swayze.”

The “F” Word

2009-03-14T00:42:00.000-07:00

I for one for am sick and tired of Hollywood’s loose use of the F word in their movies. “Sonsofabitches” is bad enough why can’t the money-making studios and poor liberal actors think something better word then using the F word I ask. There is no way anyone can tell me its freedom expression. Open-minded Hollywood goes too far! Chuck

The African Horn and the Japanese Navy

2009-03-13T00:40:00.000-07:00

Japan Maritime Self Defense Force 2006 CM

Earlier this week I posted concerning the sailors facing the Somali coast. Since I am retired to a sea faring nation in S.E. Asia my concerns are real. Today I read on Yahoo that Japan moved ahead Friday with its plan to send two navy ships to the Somali coast to join an international anti-piracy mission. Furthermore, Japan's send-off marks the first policing action overseas for Japan's military, whose mission has been largely restricted to refueling, airlifting and other humanitarian activities. The two Japanese destroyers, Sazanami and Samidare, which are also carrying two SH-60K patrol helicopters and a pair of speedboats, are expected to reach Somali waters in early April. Japan has been conducting a naval refueling mission in the Indian Ocean since 2001 to support U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan. Three cheers for the Japanese Navy!

PARIS IN JAIL: The Music Video

2009-03-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

I love Mexican Music

2009-03-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted Selena YouTube video since I have always liked her energized signing – I plan to post a musical video from time to time of her. Although I’m not Latino I love the music from Mexico because it’s so spirited and it’s a delight for me to listen to. Chuck

Some thoughts

2009-03-12T02:59:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends; Some ask me, “Do you miss the states?” Yes sometimes I do to be honest but this is where my love is and the Philippines has been my home since 2002. My life would be terrible without my wife and my youngest son Junior. I remember as a kid how much everything was then; the air we breathed, the water we drink, the earth we live on was pristine. Now it seems we can’t drink the water from our water tap but instead we drink sparkling water that comes from bottle. The air we take for granted is polluted from god only knows where. Chuck

Be Alert to the warning signs of a work at home scam

2009-03-11T01:56:00.000-07:00

While the Internet has opened up a world of opportunity for people seeking to work from home, I'm hearing more and more stories lately of people being scammed out of their hard-earned money by some Internet huckster. It's unfortunate, but even as the Web has created a telecommuting boom, it has also spawned a new breed of cons. It pays to be cautious and do your homework before jumping into any potential job or business opportunity. You should always check the company's history with the Better Business Bureau. And it never hurts to Google the company's name and see what pops up. But what if the company is new and relatively unheard of? There are some warning signs you can look for when answering an online ad for a home business or employment. Some of the hallmarks of a work at home scam are:

First: Promising the moon. Exaggerated claims of income, earnings, or profits. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Second: No Experience Necessary. Most jobs - well, most good jobs - require some experience.

Third: Asking that you send money for instructions or products before fully disclosing what the business is about. If the person you're communicating with is not upfront about the name of the company and the type of business it is, back away.

Fourth: They assure you there is a huge demand for the product you'll be selling or promise to provide leads.If you've been scammed while looking for employment or think you've come across a scam, report it to The National Fraud Information Center at 1-800-876-7060. You might just save someone else the heartbreak.

Selena - Amor Prohibido

2009-03-11T00:23:00.000-07:00

She was full so much of life.

Sleepy Bear Can't Stay Awake

2009-03-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm 73 years old I seem to have to have more naps! Chuck

African Horn

2009-03-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have been reading and watching T.V. with interest about the pirates off the coast of Somalia over the past several months. It's not just because the neighboring seas of S.E. Asia have traditionally been infested with pirates, but also because I have long wondered about how we can counter this nasty threat. Every year, pirates in Asia kill dozens of people and steal goods worth billions of dollars. Ships passing through the Strait of Malacca or around the Java Sea have to extremely cautious.

Today there seems to be little help to the poor sailors having to risk the Somali coast. Perhaps maritime nations should work-in-hand and patrol the African Horn on a rotation basis. Me, I'd love to hear what you think the world should do to make shipping safe. Chuck

73 and still kicking

2009-03-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

Dear friends, This past Monday I turned 73 years old. I can’t believe I’m 73 years old. I remember the sweet days I was the youngest in any crowd and now, well I’m the oldest. What happen? On Sunday evening my wife Beng had a celebration marking the big event here at our home. No big Filipino festival but we had family and some dear friends. Of course being that I live in the Philippines there was immoral roasted pig. Chuck

I'm back!

2009-03-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, after almost one month absent from my blog because of illness I’m back. I have retooled the forum to meet reader’s insights. So please leave your comments, whether they be good – the bad – and so-so. Thanks, Chuck

Missing and Exploited Children

2009-02-17T05:56:00.000-08:00

I recently up graded one web site to include Missing and Exploited Children, Internet Safety and what any parent finds their kid is missing. The reason was not to bring up sales but I wanted to give something back since life has been good to me. I plan to do so on my three web sites because I hate to see so much hate and abuse towards kids in the world today. It breaks my 73 year old heart to see kids go hungry or be abused or be kidnapped for any reason. Should you know of any kids missing please feel free to contact me and I’ll post the information you give me on my three web sites. Take a look at Nutrition 4 U on page entitled Community. Thanks, Chuck

Pictures of our Big House part 2

2009-02-15T23:01:00.000-08:00

Pictures of our Big House

2009-02-15T22:56:00.000-08:00

2009-02-13T16:41:00.000-08:00

VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIALS - including “Fine Jewelry.” Please go to Chuck’s Little Bookstore.

Take a look

2009-02-12T01:59:00.000-08:00

If you haven’t had a chance yet check out my web site Chuck’s Little Bookstore.

Beautiful Russian Women 4 U

2009-02-12T01:53:00.000-08:00

Check at my new web site Heart 2 Heart where Russian women are waiting for the right guy. “True love does not come by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.”

Mr. Innocent’s takes the money

2009-02-12T01:41:00.000-08:00

Ah yes, the rich and crooked – “The wife of accused Wall Street swindler Bernard Madoff pulled $15 million out of a brokerage account only days before her husband was arrested, Massachusetts' top securities regulator said on Wednesday. Secretary of State William Galvin said Ruth Madoff withdrew $5.5 million on November 25 and $10 million on December 10 according to reports produced by Cohmad Securities, a firm co-owned by her husband. Madoff is accused of masterminding a $50 billion Ponzi scheme. He was arrested and charged with securities fraud on December 11. In a Ponzi scheme, early investors are paid with money from later investors.” (Yahoo) I wonder who tipped them off.

Fiesta time is coming

2009-02-10T02:03:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is fiesta time at our house. The annual fiesta has rolled around once again. Every year in the past we had the yearly celebration in our older house but this year it’s like the allies getting ready to invade Normandy in World War two. Me, I’m hiding out, I’m the banker but my wife Beng is the macro manager. I know one thing for sure it’s best for me is to stay out her way. It’s a Filipino culture thing and as they say, “When in Rome do as the Romans.” I hope the weather stays nice for our fiesta since if it starts to rain and based on past experiences no one will show up and that would Beng’s heart.

Playing the Lotto

2009-02-10T01:19:00.000-08:00

Every day I try to find some work to be done. As some of you know I’m working on several ecommerce web sites. I know that in these terrible economic times that most of my web sites will not be a best seller. But that’s okay since it gives me “the old man” something to do – and just maybe I’ll make a few dollars from my efforts. Anything is better then wasting my time on idle things. Am I right? It’s sort like playing the Lotto.

Does this make any sense or is it the Federal Reserve at work?

2009-02-09T01:11:00.000-08:00

You have two cows. John Paulson borrows one cow so he can sell it for $100. He gives you $10 as collateral. You buy your neighbors cow for $100, which you finance by taking out a $90 loan from the bank and use John's $10 to make up the rest. You brag to everyone about your financial health. You have assets--two cows you own, plus one Paulson owes you--worth $300, and liabilities of just $100.A third of the country goes vegetarian. You thought your two cows were worth $200 and now they are worth $140.You express confidence in your financial health. Your assets are now worth only $200--your two cows plus the one John owes you--but your liabilities are still only $100. If necessary, you could sell the assets at this distressed price and pay off all your loans. You hold onto your cows because you are sure the market is "dislocated." Some day someone will want to eat beef again.The rest of the country goes vegetarian. Your two cows are now worth $2 each to guys who want to make dog food. John Paulson buys a cow in the market for $2 and he gives it to you as repayment of the loan. You now have three cows worth six bucks.John wants his $10 back. The bank calls. It wants its $90 back.You call the Federal Reserve and ask for a bailout.

Not a good day for some

2009-02-08T04:29:00.000-08:00

Though job losses accelerated last month, the United States has not yet hit bottom. In a bleak report on Friday, the Labor Department said that almost 600,000 jobs disappeared in January. Now, couples employed by the same company are learning a similar lesson, the hard way. As layoffs mount across the country and in all sectors, couples who are co-workers are increasingly vulnerable to losing their families' twin sources of income at once. The lack of variety in job skills can also make it difficult to bounce back, especially in a struggling industry. Take a minute to browse through the employment tools we have available.

Would you believe it?

2009-02-07T01:22:00.000-08:00

We’re on our way in 2009. This past week I graduated from walking with crane to a “walker.” In my younger days I use to think walkers were for old people – I guess that includes me now! I thank God with every breath that I take because I’m still alive and kicking since it could be much worst with my down sized lifestyle. In the past years I’ve seen or experience so much – it’s unbelievable to me. The worst I seen today there so much hatred in the world and the best is when people work together. The most amazing event I ever witnessed was watching on my black and white television on warm spring day was when man landed on the moon. Now was amazing to me!

Unemployed?

2009-02-06T01:52:00.000-08:00

Unemployed or about ready to lose your job – it’s no laughing situation. I have experienced the lost of my job so I know how you feel. Take a few minutes and browse Jobs, Etc. to see the jobs we have listed. Or do you need help making a resume to fit your job description? We have offer Internet tools to help you. If you see something that meets your fancy just point and click.

God's Love

2009-02-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

As pictured the ice cream treats are over with for me. Soon I’ll be 73 years old and I’m wiser, well most of the time, I’m – I’m - who I am. Al yes, the dreams of my youth – the days of no diets, no regrets but the future. In yesterdays I prayed for money, treasures and whatever my needs were but now days I find myself praying not for personal gain but for peace, good health, a good mind and for God to fill my heart with His special love.

Valentine’s Day Gifts

2009-02-05T15:40:00.000-08:00

Don’t blow it. Check out our site for Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

A Good Day

2009-02-04T17:18:00.000-08:00

One good thing about being retired I have no boss to tell me what I have to do or at least my wife let’s me think so. Another good thing I wake up every morning to hear the birds singing outside our bedroom window. Another good thing every morning as awake listening to the birds singing their love songs I can feel a gentle breeze on my face. And the most important thing I thank God above for my wife and three sons.

From Russia with love

2009-02-03T15:16:00.000-08:00

No these young ladies are not from my web site but you can check out the beauties from Russia on Heart 2 Heart.

Beating Drums and Fiesta Time

2009-02-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

With drums beating, sky rockets shooting into the evening air and celebrating people marching in a fiesta parade today was the kick-off of our village yearly festival. Within a few days I know from past experience our house will be invaded by family members, friends and folks we have no idea where they come from… All to celebrate fiesta time and partake in the food my wife Beng has prepared. Fiestas are a big event here in the Philippines and Beng is excited since it will the first fiesta held our new home “The Big House.” Me I’m going to do my best to hide out.

2009-02-01T05:02:00.000-08:00

For the ladies - Hello we added FragranceX’s Valentine’s Day Specials to our WEEKEND SPECIALS. Take a peek.

Roller Coaster Ride

2009-02-01T04:59:00.000-08:00

This past week has been like riding a roller-coaster at neck breaking speeds. On Tuesday I slipped in our bathroom and since then I have operating on six cylinders not on my usual eight. And those remaining six cylinders don’t always work. In between times and when I felt up to it I launched three web sites, which you may have seen on my blog. We added a new helper from Camotes Island yesterday. He is a recent high school graduate; I hope he works-out because we’ve had so many helpers that just couldn’t make the grade. We have a house of full teenage boys – Junior who is 14, his friend Roger who is also 14 and now Le Roy our new helper who is 18 years old. And then there is Aaron Junior’s 12 year old cousin who drops by for a visit. God help me! The way Filipinos love basketball I almost have enough guys to start my very own team. Every evening Junior is practicing and working out for the upcoming high school basketball tournament – he loves sports but so does his Mom. Which reminds me Beng hasn’t been playing badminton because the construction going on here at our big house. Now that everything has stopped I hope she will start playing once again. Well I guess that’s all for now – take care.

Weekend Specials

2009-01-31T00:16:00.000-08:00

From Chuck’s Little Bookstore - we have weekend specials and discounts see page WEEKEND SPECIALS.

Heart to Heart

2009-01-30T17:21:00.000-08:00

Having a hard time being single? My new Online dating web site could well be the answer to your dilemma. If you’re single, and own a pc with an internet connection you’re already half way there. So if you’re feeling lonely, and are indoors with a pc you have nothing to lose looking for some online romance. Visit Heart 2 Heart.

Can you believe it! Or your tax dollars at work.

2009-01-30T16:49:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama issued a withering critique Thursday of Wall Street corporate behavior, calling it "the height of irresponsibility" for employees to be paid more than $18 billion in bonuses last year while their crumbling financial sector received a bailout from taxpayers. "It is shameful," Obama said from the Oval Office. "And part of what we're going to need is for the folks on Wall Street who are asking for help to show some restraint, and show some discipline, and show some sense of responsibility." The president's comments, made with new Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner at his side, came in swift response to a report that employees of the New York financial world garnered an estimated $18.4 billion in bonuses last year. "We're going to be having conversations as this process moves forward directly with these folks on Wall Street to underscore that they have to start acting in a more responsible fashion if we are to, together, get this economy rolling again," Obama said. "There will be time for them to make profits, and there will be time for them to get bonuses," Obama said. "Now is not that time." (Yahoo 1/30/2009) CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

Fit your budget

2009-01-29T05:07:00.000-08:00

Besides providing our customers fine-looking jewelry we have exciting new fashions for you ladies and hot deals for a cruise vacation to the Bahamas to fit your budget. http://cmebooks.bravehost.com/index.html

Sore but still here

2009-01-29T04:52:00.000-08:00

This week has been a roller-coaster for me. Last Tuesday afternoon I fell on a slippery bathroom floor. Ever since then I’ve been pretty much crippled up. Thank God nothing was broken…. But otherwise I’m banged-up from head to my toes. Ah yes, the life a 72 year old who’ll be 73 in a few months. Meanwhile whenever I had a chance I continued on two web sites and launched both on this blog and my other blog. So it keeps me out trouble you could say. Beng went to Cebu and renewed my one year Philippine residence today with RP Immigration. So I’m here for another year – I can’t believe I’ve been in the Philippines since 2002. How time flys! It’s quiet here because there is no construction going on at our house, which reminds me yesterday I chatted on yahoo with Thomas who lives on Orcas Island and he sweating out whether he has a job week to week; the reason that the house construction business such as it is has gone in the dumps along with the economy. It’s no honeymoon for the average working family! At the rate its going soon everyone will have empty pockets – I’m sorry to say.

2009-01-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner Chuck’s Little Bookstore has special for you. Please go to http://cmebooks.bravehost.com/index.html and then click on HOT DEALS. There you will find deals on cruises, jewelry, fashions, watches, fragrances and much more.

Federal Reserve is to help borrowers

2009-01-28T16:50:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON – The Federal Reserve is taking steps to keep some distressed borrowers in their homes, but it may not make much of a dent in the nation's housing crisis. Looking for a job search no more and start your job hunting at WASHINGTON – The Federal Reserve is taking steps to keep some distressed borrowers in their homes, but it may not make much of a dent in the nation's housing crisis. Looking for a job search no more and start your job hunting at http://jobsetc.bravehost.com/ http://jobsetc.bravehost.com/

JOBS, ETC.

2009-01-28T05:48:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Unemployment spiked in all states nationwide in December for the first time as companies shed hundreds of thousands of positions, federal data released Tuesday shows. The unemployed whose future at times seems so gloomy we can help you find a job. Our hope is we can help our customers. We can’t bring you hot and delicious pizza to your door step but we can help you find a job. Take a minute and look at our web site and browse through the jobs and employment tools available. C’mon on and see us at http://jobsetc.bravehost.com/

The little bookstore

2009-01-28T04:53:00.000-08:00

Set back and welcome to our little bookstore – the home low-priced books & merchandise. A quiet place for good books and a place to browse through our selected merchandise items... a place to shop from the comfort of your own home. We offer friendly service and an excellence selection as we grow. Every day we plan to offer you our special customers something new… We are dedicated building a web presence to market products to you our customers and “Chuck’s Little Bookstore and Merchandise” to be built dedicated niche sites. C’mon on and see us at http://cmebooks.bravehost.com/

Roger looking for buried treasure

2009-01-26T15:43:00.000-08:00

Beng talked with her sister Mrs. McGoo last evening – she and Roger arrived back home in General Santo safe and sounded – tired yes but happy to be back home. Last week when Mrs. McGoo was here I asked if she would move back to Danao City her reply was only a grunt. When I gave Roger my metal detector I suggested to him that he uses it at some sandy beach where the tourists gather to search money, etc. and just maybe he’ll find some buried treasure. Yesterday went to the first floor and saw what our construction crew had done – it really looks nice, I have no complaints. It was nice them working and hearing the sounds on-going work but I have admit its nice to know its all done. And appreciate the peace and quiet now. Where did this month go to? It went by fast, didn’t it?

JOBS

2009-01-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

The other day I had a seeming moment of genius and thought of an unconventional approach to finding work that I wanted to share with you and I wanted to put it into action and I did. Whether a person live in a small town just right the main street or they live in the sounds of a large city or somewhere in between, I know there are people searching for work because of these hard economic times. When I was job looking which was days long before the Internet and today’s technologies and I always felt uncomfortable. Why not the Internet I asked myself, so I chose to start this web site which I named JOBS, ETC. Take a minute and browse until you find a list of jobs that are right for you and then simply point and click to narrow down the results. Please go to: http://jobsetc.bravehost.com/

Left hand or right hand who cares?

2009-01-25T01:53:00.000-08:00

Well, like almost everyone I guess, I like watching movies on my free time. And if it's an action/thriller movie, my wife often likes to watch too. So far I never caught anyone writing with the right hand in a movie… whenever there is writing going on in the scene, people are always using the left hand. Of course it's nothing unusual for actors to be left-handed, just that it would be a strange coincidence if they all were in those scenes, since there are far more right-handed people in the world. Could it be that people who use their left hand are more creative thinkers while those using the right are more analytical?

Yak-yak-yak another vast conspiracy hits the dust

2009-01-25T01:50:00.000-08:00

So now that the former President Bush is out of office, now what. So many on here predicted he was going to declare martial law, the he wasn’t going to relinquish his presidency, he was going to round up citizens and put them in make shift prisons, etc.. etc.. etc.. So what now? Are you the same ones who are going to say President Obama is bringing in the New World Order? Let’s quit with the presidential predictions because they are never right. Except for the people who stated that Bush wasn’t going to declare martial law or pull some make believe executive order that was going to keep him in office indefinitely.

Mrs. McGoo goes to Mindanao

2009-01-24T15:36:00.000-08:00

I realize of late I’ve been ignoring my blog – my only excuse when not resting I’m building three ecommerce web site, which by the way is by trial and error. The last of our construction crew left yesterday at quitting time. We still have the outside work to be done such as exterior painting but that will have to wait for now. We kept “George” through next Tuesday to do some ends and odds jobs for us but otherwise we’re finished inside. Hooray! Beng got her sister Mrs. McGoo and her husband Roger off yesterday at the ferry boat pier – so by now their on the high seas back to Mindanao. Since they have been living for about 25 years or more in Mindanao I almost can bet their looking forward to be back home in General Santo. They were such a big help here in our big house by cleaning and organizing the first floor.

2009 SINULOG PARADE CEBU, PHILIPPINES

2009-01-22T05:05:00.000-08:00

Sinulog Parade 2009 - Cebu Philippines

2009-01-22T04:52:00.000-08:00

Recession?

2009-01-21T00:52:00.000-08:00

Recession is when a neighbor loses a job. And depression is when you lose yours. I hope and pray that every one is secured with their jobs. Neither do I want any of my neighbors to lose their jobs. Since its one of the hardest things when everyone has to support their family...

President Obama during inaugural parade

2009-01-21T00:47:00.000-08:00

Before a jubilant crowd of more than a million, Barack Hussein Obama claimed his place in history as America's first black president, summoning a dispirited nation to unite in hope against the "gathering clouds and raging storms" of war and economic woe. On an extraordinary day in the life of America, people of all colors and ages waited for hours Tuesday in frigid temperatures to witness a young black man with a foreign-sounding name take command of a nation founded by slaveholders. It was a scene watched in fascination by many millions — perhaps billions — around the world.

Sinulog Parade and Kevin Costner

2009-01-20T01:04:00.000-08:00

As you can see I included a picture of the Sinulog Parade which Beng took last Sunday. Please enjoy them since they were taken in the spirit of Filipino festivity. I forgot to mention when Beng came home that night she was all smiles – Filipinos love fiestas! Just like us Americans who love a good old fashion baseball game. I love the smell of a hotdog at a baseball game. There nothing like having a mouth of an appetizing hotdog while hearing the roar of stadium crowd as my favorite player hits a fly over the center field wall. Oh Babe Ruth and Shoeless Joe Jackson where are you? Are you guys in a corn field somewhere in Iowa playing a couple of endings? And maybe - just maybe Kevin Costner is pitching….

Sinulog Parade

2009-01-19T01:29:00.000-08:00

Leaving around 5:00 am yesterday Beng and most of her family viewed the Sinulog Parade held in Cebu with 2,000,000 plus people crowding together. Me I stayed home and watched some of the events from the comfort setting in my living room chair. And with so much color, pageantry and impressive performances of the dancing contingents, the parade was impressive as always. My little family arrived home some time after dark – tired, hungry and excited. Beng took a few pictures of the spectacle pageantry which I’ll post tomorrow. My only question is: How did my wife fit all her immediate family, friends and relatives into our family pickup?

The yard is sparkling clean

2009-01-17T01:36:00.000-08:00

Today I ventured outside and looked around where Mrs.McGoo and her husband Roger had been working and I found the entire yard to be now sparkling clean. The old bunk house is gone, the construction debris is gone and rubbish collected over the past four years is gone. My wife’s sister put herself and others from Mindanao hard to work over the past two days. All the junk is gone! In past days whenever I’d mention to guys who were suppose to be care keeps when our big house was either vacate or under construction – to clean up the yard nothing was ever done – now they too are gone just like the rubbish is gone! While downstairs today I teased our painter Thomas by telling him, “Since paint was costing far too much to start adding water to the paint.” He stood there for a minute thinking over what I had just said and then smiled and shook his head all the while probably thinking to himself “crazy old American!” Soon President Elect Obama will be president and I wonder if he’ll be the next Captain America.

Worry wart

2009-01-16T04:51:00.000-08:00

Today wasn’t a good day since I was in bed for most of it because of some old age health problems. My wife gave me TLC throughout the day which I’m really thankful for. Our teenager Junior came home limping since he played after school some basketball games so for now he’s back being a normal 14 year old kid. Me, I hope it last for a while. Since I hadn’t heard from Thomas for some time I called him and found everything was okay with him. That was a relief to me because at times I become a big worry wart which by the way drives my wife crazy and I guess Thomas too.

A day in my life

2009-01-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

Today my wife drafted her sister Mrs. McGoo and her family to tear down a storage shack we have had on our property for several years – I’m glad it’s gone since the weather beaten shack was an eye sore. Since I can no longer use it today I gave Roger my brother-in-law my ‘Radio Shack’ metal detector which is from the states. Maybe he can find use with it since he and the family live in Mindanao; and just maybe he can find some hidden treasury! (LOL) When not resting or just kicking back I worked on and off on my new eCommerce web site – it’s my hope to generate a little money for Junior’s college fund which he’ll start in two years. Robert who is the same age as Junior has been a big help around the house us. He has been a good influence on our boy. Of course Junior is beginning to spread his wings like an eagle and thinking he’s 14 going on 21! Ah yes Teenagers!! One thing we stress in our family is “family valves.” Meanwhile I hope and pray to God he doesn’t get involve in drugs or he pursue a teenage romance and fathers a child which seems to be the norm here in Danao City. However in the interim Beng and I will sweat it out.

Such is Life!

2009-01-14T01:27:00.000-08:00

This morning my wife Beng took her two sisters for a day of shopping in Cebu so all three could do a little shopping at one of the major malls. As I’ve said so many times before women love to shop. Yesterday everyone pitched in to help unpack and begin organizing the first floor – which was much appreciated by us. I have to say no one loafed and everyone worked hard – my two nieces, An-An and Young-Young both wanted something from Jolly Bees. There much work yet to be done once the construction crew is finished their work – such as cleaning and putting everything in its right spot. Me yesterday I sort of supervised and then took a long nap afterwards. Such is life! Today we reduced our crew by one carpenter leaving us two painters, one carpenter and one laborer. It’s coming to a point we’ll soon be finished inside with the outside to be done at a later date. I’ve found lately as everyday passes I can do less then the previous day but who’s counting – in my old age I have admit my life isn’t all that bad!

If the world market fails

2009-01-13T01:30:00.000-08:00

If the world market fails gold will be the only recognized metal of value. So will I keep my 800 troy ounces I have saved over the past thirty years close to the vest? I know one thing for sure - I’m gonna sit in my survival bunker with my H2O, food, ammo, and my sack of gold including tasty MRE'S, portable water, my 9 MM, and M16. Oh yeah and my wife. When the dust settles I'll venture out and see who is left.

$20 and some women

2009-01-13T01:24:00.000-08:00

Some women never change no matter where they live... which reminds me that once I had a daughter-in-law who lived in Portland, Oregon and if I gave her $20 she would immediately disappeared and become the “Queen of the Mall” for the rest of the day.

Politicians dancing

2009-01-12T04:21:00.000-08:00

I’ve observer over the years that most politicians (not all) are a slimy, slippery bunch, aren’t they? No wonder no one trusts them. Most are a master deflector even though it is obvious to everyone; and they probably think they are telling it like it is. It must be difficult deluding themselves every day that they are actually on the people’s side.