Neal's Blog

Recent Photos we’ve taken:

Birthday 2010-06-05

Yard Work 2010-05-31

Cooking 2010-05-16

Free Music!

If you know me very well, or if you knew me in college, you know that I have a pretty large music collection.  Recently I starting using Amazon’s MP3 store.  I wanted to share that today, April 30, 2009 there are some Free Christian Music Samplers!

The Back Story

Let’s chase a rabbit, as my sister and I would say.  Last summer I went to Kansas City for a 4 day conference for work.   A few months before that, I was there for a few days of training for a product we use at work.  I was asked to serve on a committee for this company which requires  a couple of trips a year to KC.  The last trip was in January and quick trip.  I flew in, we met that night and the next day and I flew out that afternoon.  Lot of time with the iPod and the ear buds and on a loud plane.

I decided after this trip in January that it was time to find a better solution.  While I would love to by a pair of Bose On-Ear Headphones I really don’t travel enough to spend that much on a pair.

I found web site that gives cash for old iPhones, iPods, and Blackberries, and while that is another rabbit to chase, for another time, I sent in some old stuff and got back about $35 in cash.

I settled on a pair from Sony that were right in my price range ($35).   I’m looking forward to my trip to KC in July to see how good/bad they work on the plane.  The bonus, and the purpose of this “chase” is to share why I’ve been checking out Amazon’s MP3 store daily.  Last week I received and e-mail from Amazon that said:

As a someone who purchased a qualifying MP3 player, accessory, or audio device in the past 3 to 4 weeks, you have automatically qualified for $5 worth of Amazon MP3 downloads.

I will probably be sharing a few more posts with good deals I find.  If you like any of them feel free to comment and I’ll keep them coming!

“State Rep. Hollis Downs will use the realization that Louisiana Tech returns almost $8 for every $1 spent as he argues against cuts to higher education this year.

The rate of return on the investment the state makes in Tech comes as part of a larger study by the eight members of the University of Louisiana System. Tech President Dan Reneau presented the results of the study in a news conference Friday. The university’s spending impact statewide clocks in at $462.5 million.”

Read the entire article at:
http://www.rustonleader.com/news.php?id=5181

Tech’s budget cuts are estimated at being a total of about 12 million this year. I encourage my fellow Tech Alumns, regardless of where you live, to contact the LA Gov.’s office and demand higher education’s funding be restored. If enough of us put pressure on his office, he’ll have to give in. He did on the on the pay raises (see: http://www.nealbreeding.com/blogs/?p=72 for details).

Contact Gov. Jindal’s Office at:

PO Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Phone: 225-342-7015 or 866-366-1121 (Toll Free)
Fax: 225-342-7099
e-mail at: http://www.gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=form&tmp=email_governor

Free Day in the Park: Free Admission to All State Parks on Saturday, April 18

In celebration of 75 years of Louisiana State Parks, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu declared Saturday, April 18, to be a free “Day in the Park.” During this special event, entrance fees will be waived for all visitors to Louisiana’s State Parks and Historic Sites throughout the state.

“For three-quarters of a century, our State Parks and Historic Sites have given locals and visitors a chance to experience Louisiana’s natural beauty,” said Lt. Governor Landrieu, who oversees the Office of State Parks. “We are proud to have one of the finest parks systems in the country, offering recreational and educational opportunities throughout Louisiana. Our parks and historic sites are vitally important to our local economies. I invite you to come see for yourself all our State Parks have to offer.”

For more information about the 75th Anniversary and Louisiana State Parks visit www.lastateparks.com or call 1-888-677-1400.

List of Parks

I recently got an e-mail newsletter from Eureka, the company, not the fictional community, with some useful cleaning tips.  And since I’m slowly making this blog the “bookmark” of my life, it only made sense to stick the tips here:

Rid your home of smelly pet messes

Soak up as much of the mess as possible and then scrub the affected area with vinegar to offset the smell. Lint rollers and hand vacuums should be stored discreetly near your pet’s favorite hangouts for an easy and quick pick-up at any time.

Get a cleaner can

Garbage cans can leave unpleasant odors long after the trash is taken outside. Mix one gallon of water and three cups of bleach to neutralize the smell. Then, let it dry out in the sun where the ultraviolet light will kill the remaining bacteria.

“Shoo-in” cleaner footwear

Running around outside can take its toll on summer sandals or flip-flops. Wipe down each pair of shoes with rubbing alcohol and place them on their sides in a well-ventilated area, followed by a light coat of baking soda, to soak up any excess moisture.

To eliminate everyday odors, use premium allergen vacuum bags by ARM & HAMMER®, which have built-in baking soda to eliminate odors while vacuuming.

credit: Eureka August 08 e-newsletter