Merry Christmas To All

Christmas is a time for love and fun,
A time to reshape souls and roots and skies,
A time to give your heart to everyone
Freely, like a rich and lavish sun,
Like a burning star to those whose lonely sighs
Show need of such a time for love and fun.

For children first, whose pain is never done,
Whose bright white fire of anguish never dies,
It's time to give your heart to every one,

That not one angel fall, to hatred won
For lack of ears to listen to her cries,
Or arms to carry him towards love and fun,

Or friends to care what happens on the run
To adult life, where joy or sadness lies.
It's time to give your heart to everyone,

For God loves all, and turns His back on none,
Good or twisted, ignorant or wise.
Christmas is a time for love and fun,
A time to give your heart to everyone
Merry Chrixst

Christmas Quotes

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale


Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home. ~Carol Nelson


He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~Roy L. Smith


Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind. ~Mary Ellen Chase


I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens


Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year - and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority. ~W.J. Cameron


The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis


Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! ~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836


There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries. ~W.J. Cameron


A Christmas gambol oft could cheer
The poor man's heart through half the year.
~Walter Scott


Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder


May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! ~Author Unknown


I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. ~Charles Dickens


Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. ~Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas


Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. ~Washington Irving


Isn't it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for - I don't know what exactly, but it's something that you don't mind so much not having at other times. ~Kate L. Bosher


Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself. ~Francis C. Farley


It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. ~W.T. Ellis


For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, home. ~W.J. Ronald Tucker


Even as an adult I find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve. Yuletide excitement is a potent caffeine, no matter your age. ~Carrie Latet


Christmas is a time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell the government what they want and their kids pay for it. ~Richard Lamm


Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! ~Hamilton Wright Mabie


Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. ~Author unknown, attributed to a 7-year-old named Bobby


Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...
~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

National Children's Memorial Day.

Sunday, December 14, 2008 is National Children's Memorial Day.


Some examples of MISS Foundation chapters that are holding ceremonies are listed below.


Please contact your local MISS Foundation chapter or TCF in your area:


I have attended the MISS Foundation Memorial here in Phoenix for the last six years,What a wonderful program Dr.Cacciatore and Staff provide, This wonderful organization has really has had a lot of influence on the daily struggles of grief I have. So if you have an angel like I do ,then please attend this wonderful ceremony


Phoenix, AZ- Sunday Dec. 14 from 6:30-9:00 PM
Unity of Phoenix
1500 E Greenway Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85022
Candles and refreshment provided
For more information contact info@missfoundation.org

San Antonio, TX – Dec. 14 from 7-9 PM
St. Andrews
16320 Huebner Road
San Antonio, TX 78248
(upstairs, second floor)
Contact: Jennifer Soos, 210-487-0367
jennifersoos@missfoundation.org

Los Angeles, CA- Details TBD
Contact: Sari Edber
sari@missfoundation.org

Alexandria, Minnesota
NCMD candlelight service at First Congregational Church starting at 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Trina Charles: misscody98@yahoo.com

Washington DC – Metro Area
Memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, December 14, 2008
7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
Wesley United Methodist Church
8412 Richmond Avenue
Alexandria, VA
Please RSVP by December 3 to tara@missfoundation.org

Dawn Sansone We miss you.............

Seven years ago today we lost our angel, Please visit here with your thoughts AND PRAYERS

This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Dawn Sansone who was born in Illinois on January 02, 1978 and passed away on November 06, 2001 at the age of 23. We will remember her forever.
Those of you who knew Dawn, Knew she was full of life, A sweet and feisty little firecracker who's smile could warm an eskimo. She was taken away from us without warning and has left large holes in the hearts of all who had the chance to see the smile that came from her always. Life will never again be complete without her being a physical part, Her heart will beat among us who loved her forever and ever

Please visit her site and leave your thoughts and wishes....Thank you
http://dawnsansone.memory-of.com/

John McCain for President

Why John McCain

Early on in his life as a midshipman at the Naval Academy, the most important lesson John McCain learned was that to sustain his self-respect for a lifetime it would be necessary for him to have the honor of serving something greater than his self-interest -- service to his country. John McCain has always put his country's interests before any party, special interest and even his own self-interest. He has always and will always do what is right for our country.



John McCain has a strong record of working across the aisle to reform how business is done in Washington. Throughout his career of public service, John McCain has worked across party aisles with Republicans and Democrats alike to reform our campaign finance system, confirm qualified judges like Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sam Alito, and enhance our homeland security. He spoke out against his own party's out-of-control spending, against the Administration to change a failing strategy in Iraq, and against an energy bill that was full of giveaways to Big Oil companies.

To keep our nation prosperous, strong and growing we have to rethink, reform and reinvent: the way we educate our children; train our workers; deliver health care services; support retirees; fuel our transportation network; stimulate research and development; and harness new technologies.

Under a McCain presidency the United States will experience robust economic growth, and Americans will again have confidence in their economic future. A reduction in the corporate tax rate from the second highest in the world to one on par with our trading partners; the low rate on capital gains; allowing business to deduct in a single year investments in equipment and technology, while eliminating tax loopholes and ending corporate welfare, will spur innovation and productivity, and encourage companies to keep their operations and jobs in the United States. Doubling the size of the child exemption will put more disposable income in the hands of taxpayers, further stimulating growth.

Under a McCain presidency the United States will be well on the way to independence from foreign sources of oil; progress that will not only begin to alleviate the environmental threat posed from climate change, but will greatly improve our security as well. John McCain has proposed a comprehensive energy plan - the Lexington Project - that will lower the price of gas while utilizing every energy source to move us toward energy independence. He believes we need to develop advanced alternative energy sources while developing existing energy sources by drilling offshore, expanding nuclear power and encouraging clean coal technologies.

Under a McCain presidency health care will become more accessible to more Americans than at any other time in history. Reforms of the insurance market; putting the choice of health care into the hands of American families rather than exclusively with the government or employers; walk in clinics as alternatives to emergency room care; paying for outcome in the treatment of disease rather than individual procedures; and competition in the prescription drug market will wring out the runaway inflation once endemic in our health care system.

Finally to secure the peace for future generations, John McCain will end the war in Iraq with victory and bring our troops home with honor. John McCain hates war. And he knows very personally how terrible its costs are. But he knows, too, that the course of immediate withdrawal in Iraq could draw us into a wider war with even greater sacrifices; put peace further out of reach, and Americans back in harm's way. John McCain will also win the war in Afghanistan by increasing the size of forces there and adopting a true counterinsurgency strategy, much like the one that has been successful in Iraq that John McCain advocated. He will continue to hunt down al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.

John McCain has the strength to keep America safe and the courage to secure the peace.

There are many public causes where service can make our country a stronger, better one than we inherited. Wherever there is a hungry child, a great cause exists to serve. Where there is an illiterate adult, a great cause exists to serve. Wherever there are people who are denied the basic rights of Man, a great cause exists to serve. Wherever there is suffering, a great cause exists to serve. John McCain has spent his life serving our country and will continue to work with anyone who sincerely wants to get this country moving again. He will listen to any idea that is offered in good faith and intended to help solve our problems, not make them worse. He will seek the counsel of members of Congress from both parties in forming government policy before asking them to support it.

From the day he is sworn into office until the last hour of his presidency, John McCain will work with anyone, of either party, to make this country safe, prosperous and proud.

Print this page to share with your friends!

So You Want To Quit Smoking ???

Well then you have got to check out N JOY !!!

What
is Njoy
all about?
NJOY looks, feels and tastes like a cigarette or cigar. What makes it better is the freedom to smoke anywhere, anytime, no second hand smoke and lower cost. Hear what NJOY customers are saying about this revolutionary product

Sottera, Inc., based in Scottsdale, Ariz., has filed for patents to manufacture and distribute groundbreaking products and technology represented by the trademarked brand NJOY (www.njoy.com).

The name Sottera is derived from Soteria, the Greek God of preservation, redemption and salvation, three words that are the essence of the NJOY brand and products that give tobacco smokers the opportunity to continue smoking with greater freedom, lower cost and more social acceptance.

The centerpiece of the NJOY family of products is a rechargeable battery-powered microelectronic alternative smoking device that, when used in conjunction with NJOY's replaceable cartridges, mimics the process of smoking. The device is offered in three shapes/sizes: a small cigar, a long cigarette version and a common cigarette style. The cigarette style is offered in assorted colors, giving consumers stylish accessorizing options. The re-fill cartridges are offered without (“Zero”) and with (“Light,” “Medium” and “Full”) nicotine, in "regular-tobacco" and menthol flavors, while also offering apple, vanilla and strawberry ("Zero", “Medium” and “Full”) flavors. Additional specialty flavors are under development to add an entirely new dimension to the NJOY alternative smoking experience.

NJOY is currently being sold in all 50 United States and in over 25 foreign countries. NJOY is available online at www.njoy.com and can ship around the globe, and is also available on affiliate websites and at several retail locations across the US.

October is Infant and Child Death Awareness Month

Dear Friends,My favorite Foundation notes:


We take this moment to recognize the month of October as Infant and Child Death Awareness month, and we invite you to participate in any of the activities that many MISS Foundation members participate in to recognize children who died:


1. The Kindness Project is a beautiful way to increase awareness of and sensitivity to the death of a child;


2. Light a candle at a set time every evening beginning tonight and ending on October 31st to remember your beloved sibling, child, grandchild;


3. Volunteer to help others once per week during October to remember your child;


4. Participate in the MISS Foundation's online support forums to help support others, including those who have lost teen and adult children, perinatal loss, and many others;


5. Meditate or pray for all the families experiencing child death each day this month;


6. Create a loss journal of every "remembrance activity" in which you participate this month;


7. Create a work of art that you begin Oct 1 and end Oct 31, such as a clay project, video, scrapbook, or musical composition;


8. Plant a tree this month;


9. Write ten letters or cards of gratitude to someone special in your life between now and Oct 31;


10. Devote yourself to reading one meaningful book during this month about love, life, and loss. One idea is Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning.




As you mourn the death of your precious children this month, the MISS Foundation holds each of you in our hearts.


We hope the month of October is gentle and meaningful and that you find the comfort you so deserve.


In their memory,
The MISS Foundation

www.missfoundation.org

David L. Covill.............In Loving Memory

On September 5 2008 Our loved and respected friend Dave Covill left this life to join his beloved Barbara, Better known to us Sansone kids as Mr and Mrs Covill, This wonderful man was not only a mentor,friend,voice of reason many times in my life.Mr Covill and Mrs Covill are survived by there two wonderful children,Dave Jr and Susie of whom we have known and loved since we were all young kids.I can go on and write a book about the wonderful times spent with Mr Covill and the great times and stories we shared.Many years of working together on the Jade run.David Covill was also a Retired Rosemont Police Lieutenant for over 25 years. Along with playing Santa at our annual Christmas Eve dinners,Dave was always anxious to play the part as he loved our children as they were his own, He also was the person who coined my late daughter Dawns nickname as the Peanut,So many great memories of such a great man.But I should say Great memories of both Mr and Mrs Covill who both were very inspiration to all of us Sansone's, They were that rare friend that only a few of us have the opportunity to meet in our life time.So also knowing that they are with our Dawn makes my heart a whole lot happier.So to you my most respected friend Mr Covill I bid a prayer for you as you touched my life even more than you could have known.From my Family, my children and all who had the pleasure to know you and your wonderful wife Barbara,We thank you for the honor of loving us the way you did Thank you, I WILL MISS YOU!! and may God Bless you Both..............Michael S.


Perhaps they are not
stars in the sky,
but rather openings
where our loved ones
shine down
to let us know they
are happy.

Rock and Roll Fan ???

If you are an avid lover of music as I am, You need to check out this great site about the great Rock and Roll Artists of the 60's, 70's and 80's.It has biographies of some of the all time greats we all rocked with through the ages, And yes still rockin,This site is rockandrollmania.com.It will be a refreshing blast from the past............Another of Chicago Mikes Famous Blogs..!

My Newest Blog/anasaziliving.com

Hello my fellow residents, after much talking, We have discovered in this age of technology that we here at Anasazi Village Condo's had no online place of our own!!This blog will be a great place to keep things going on in our community along with Things to do here, Also a place for opinions of residents, YES a place for you to also vent things that you may think we all can do to improve our community and also our investments as property owners, I have been a Resident and Owner here for just about 4 years and absolutely love my condo and the grounds of which we live on, Also the great help in the office of that wonderful lady we all call "MARIANNE",and without doubt the best staff any homeowner could ask for.A great bunch of men who take care of all our needs, Sometimes 24 hours a day,So make sure to thank them as they pass, as you all know they always wave and have a smile, What a great place to live huh ?? So This blog will be updated often and those of you that would like your ideas, thoughts or suggestions printed here Please email them to webseller757@aol.com
For those of of you new to our community or those looking into moving here, Here is a little about us:

THE COMPLEX:

Anasazi Village Condominiums are located in the prestigious Paradise
Valley and North Scottsdale area. The 22 manicured acres include
walking paths through the shade of mature pines, five pools and spas
and rock-formed waterfalls. The impressive clubhouse has a fully
outfitted state-of-the art fitness room, billiard room, two party
rooms, and a fireplace terrace overlooking an exotic pool of rocks,
waterfalls, and koi ponds.

Gated community with roving guards
Meticulously maintained grounds
Four of the five pools are heated year round.
Gas Barbeques throughout the complex
Reserved covered parking
Assigned reserved and guest parking provided

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION:

You are minutes away from shops, entertainment, sightseeing, and restaurants.
This quiet idyllic setting is an easy walk to the Paradise Village
Mall which features over one hundred shops, dozens of restaurants, supermarkets, and the public library. You are just five minutes from a major freeway with easy access to downtown Phoenix, the airport or a quick start for a day trip to one of the many sites to see in Arizona. On Stone Creek Golf course, adjacent to Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, 20 minutes from everything!




RESORT STYLE AMENITIES:
> GATED COMMUNITY WITH ROVING GUARDS
> 5 LAGOON STYLE POOLS WITH SPAS
> WALKING PATHS THRU SHADED PINES & ALONG GOLF COURSE
> ADJACENT TO GREEN BELT WITH MILES OF WALKING & BIKE PATHES
> WALK TO SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT
> ELEVATOR
> 24 ACRES OF MANICURED LANDSCAPING
> 2 CLUB ROOMS WITH OVERSIZED TV''s , LOUNGE, & BILLIARDS ROOM
> FULLY EQUIPPED FITNESS ROOM
> GAS BARBECUES AT EACH BUILDING
> UNIQUE SOUTHWEST ARCHITECTURE
> EASY ACCESS TO FREEWAYS (20 MINUTES TO DOWNTOWN PHOENIX)
> THE GREATEST STAFF IN AZ

Dreaming of a Gene and Judes

GENE and JUDES

Here in Arizona for Labor Day and thinking of home and a Hot dog!! lol

The greatest hot dog stand in the world serves neither hamburgers, nor polish sausage, nor grilled chicken sandwiches. There is no grill, no char-broiler, no spinning mound of gyros. At the greatest hot dog stand they only need buckets of simmering water for dogs, steamers for steaming buns and Supreme tamales and ever bubbling vats of oil for the fresh cut fries.

You can see the greatest hot dog from far up the street. Beecause the greatest hot dog stand is all glass and harsh flouresant lights and stands as a beacon for all who are hungry. If you see a line, you know it will move fast.

The greatest hot dog stand follows few of the rules laid out by the experts. Their buns are poppy-seedless. They offer few condiments beyond mustard (no ketchup on site). They do not dust their dog with celary salt. Yes, it is a Vienna sausage, but a skinnyish one at that. You really need to eat more than one at the greatest hot dog stand in the world, and many of the customers do (Sample customer, "I'll take seven hot dogs and an [extra] order of fries).

The cooks at the greatest hot dog stand in the world occupy their time in between orders by thrusting fresh idaho potatos through a machine that converts them into perfect sized french fries. These amazing sticks of pure pototo get tossed on top of each offering so that if you want to eat them inside your hot dog bun, well you can and maybe should.

The greatest hot dog stand in the world is a throwback to a world when people ate hot dogs. A throwback to a time when a great stand could keep their buns steamed just right, and their red hots, hot but not limp. So a Gene and Jude hot dog snaps right back at you. Interactive eating. With a side of hot fries, you will know you are at the greatest hot dog stand in the world.

Gene and Judes
2720 River Road
River Grove, IL 60171-1325
708-452-7634

On the corner of River Road and Grand

To My Italian Friends !

To all my Italian friends and family, and a few who are not - Enjoy! ...and if you're from Chicago,
Brooklyn , New Jersey, "The Hill" in St. Louis, or Federal Hill, RI, you'll really appreciate this!


Eye -Talian

Why do Italians hate Jehovah's Witnesses?
Because Italians hate all witnesses.

Do you know why most men from Italy are named Tony?
On the boat over to America they put a sticker on them that said
TO NY

You know you're Italian when . . . . You can bench press 325 pounds,
shave twice a day and still cry when your mother yells at you.

You carry your lunch in a produce bag because you can't fit
two cappicola sandwiches, 4 oranges, 2 bananas and pizzelles into a regular lunch bag.

Your mechanic, plumber, electrician, accountant,
travel agent and lawyer are all your cousins.

You have at least 5 cousins living in the same town or on the same block. All five of those cousins are named after your grandfather or grandmother.

You are on a first name basis with at least 8 banquet hall owners

You only get one good shave from a di sposable razor.

If someone in your family grows beyond 5' 9",
it is presumed his Mother had an affair.

There were more tha n 28 people in your bridal party.

You netted more than $50,000 on your first communion.


And you REALLY, REALLY know you're Italian when . . . .

Your grandfather had a fig tree.

You eat Sunday dinner at 2:00 .

Christmas Eve . . . only fish.

Your mom's meatballs are the best.

You've been hit with a wooden spoon or had a shoe thrown at you.

Clear plastic covers on all the furniture.

You know how to pronounce "manicotti" and "mozzarella."

You fight over whether it's called "sauce" or "gravy."

MISS Foundation/A Wonderful Organization

This is a foundation of Angels, When I met the Founder Dr. Joanne Cacciatore 7 yrs ago at a memorial candle ceremony, I felt like there was others who understood,Such a warm and caring person, Truly a marvelous Women, Please let me share this wonderful organization with you....

The MISS Foundation is a 501 (c) 3, volunteer based organization committed to providing crisis support and long term aid to families after the death of a child from any cause. MISS also participates in legislative and advocacy issues, community engagement and volunteerism, and culturally competent, multidisciplinary, education opportunities.

A Message from Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, Founder

Welcome to the MISS Foundation's online support site. If you are a family member experiencing the death of a child, we extend our deepest empathy. There simply are not words to express the depth of the sorrow...we are here to share the pain and we want you to know that we will walk with you.

There is so much to learn and see in the MISS Foundation website. In addition to the online support site, we also have face-to-face support groups in certain areas. The "Families" section contains current and back issues of our award-winning newsletter, MISSing Angels, as well as our online support groups, a place to find face-to-face support or information on beginning your own MISS Foundation Support Chapter, and even a downloadable funeral planner.

The online "Forums" contain 27 online support groups with thousands of members and we welcome you to join our online community.

In our professionals section,there is information on our workshops and speakers available to present in your facility about many topics relating to child death.

And there is so much more information contained in our pages...take your time and browse. Feel free to ask questions and know that there is no greater tragedy than the death of a child. You do not walk alone.

Joanne Cacciatore, PhD, MSW, FT

About MISS

More than 120,000 children die every year in the United States. Of those, more than 80% die before their first birthday...
The MISS Foundation is a nonprofit corporation committed to helping families discover hope and eventually heal from the trauma of a child's death.

More information on the MISS Foundation visit our information packet link:
http://www.missfoundation.org/news/mediakit/index.html

Vision

That our programs will serve to strengthen families and communities when a child has died, and that through education and research, we will help to reduce the number of child deaths. No family should have to endure the pain of a child family member's death alone: The MISS Foundation is committed to building interdisciplinary communities that provide long-term support to families after a child's death. We are committed to the memory of the children who lived, who died, and who continue- even in death- to matter.


"A community of sorrow is the strongest community of all."

Memorial Donations

You may make a memorial donation in memory of a child. Acknowledgements will be listed in the MISSing Angels Newsletter and acknowledgement memorial cards sent. The monies will be used for our Emergency Services program, which provides free literature, books, and support group brochures to families who have experienced the death of their child. You can sponsor an entire Emergency Packet. We will also include a Kindness Project card signed in honor of your child or grandchild.

Memorial Donations or Emergency Packet Sponsors can send their gift to:

MISS Foundation- Memorial Donations
P.O. Box 5333
Peoria, Arizona 85385-5333

Or Donate Online

All donations are tax deductible

To contact the MISS Foundation:

International Office
1.623.979.1000
1.623.979.1001 fax

Toll Free in the U.S.
888 455-MISS (6477)

Written inquiries:
PO Box 5333
Peoria, Arizona 85385-5333

Email:
info@missfoundation.org

Special Thank You To Mike Tafoya

After speaking with Chicago Rock Legend last week and getting caught up on old times shared, Mike Tafoya of the Lost Boyzz sent me some of there new music just released, But to my surprise and honor they sent me an mp3 of Amazing Grace they recorded for my daughter Dawn who is no longer with us but attended many shows of the Boyzz and Mike Tafoya. But also Mr Tafoya had no idea that Amazing Grace was her favorite.(Must be an Italian thing lol)This was a much appreciated thought and just wanted to thank you again for making another memory. Of which you are responsible for many in "The Day" Thanks again Mr Tafoya

Tafoya's Lost Boyzz

As stated here many times my major music influence was Chicago Rock from the mid 70's to the present,And after working 100's and hundreds of concerts at the Rosemont Horizon (now the Allstate Arena) for the Teamsters Union for 18 trs I have seen my share of music, Now to some of the best of my era, 1st The Boyzz from Illinoizz were our forth right favorites,Honestly seeing at least 500-700 of there shows, which led to a friendship very close with these local heroes, Alomg with bands like The Hounds, Holland,Pezband, The Kind,Chicago was flooded with killer music, As the Boyzz disbanded they broke into some very awesome bands such as Deluxery,Dirts Raiders, The B'zz all of which had that hard Chicago rock sound so loved by this city, Now many years later the verrry talented Michael Tafoya,Who rocked like no other and truly one of the most underrated guitarist in the rock world, Now Mr Tafoya and his Lost Boyzz have unleased a new round of that rock and showmanship only a showman like mike Tafoya can provide!!!! Hope you enjoy this Bio and if in Chicago dont miss this Rock Legend live!!!!!!!!! Thanks Chicago Mike



With an old school, "now sound", a bump-and-grind feel, and a roadhouse zest Tafoya's Lost Boyzz captures and tickles the happy bone in everyone's heart.

Michael Tafoya - Guitar and Vocals

First gained international attention with Epic recording artists, "The Boyzz from Illinoizz", with Dirty Dan Buck and company, releasing their album "Too Wild To Tame" (Epic Records). In the search of greener, creative pastures, Michael forms "The B'zz", also Epic recording artists. "The B'zz", featuring Tommy Holland (Holland "Wake Up The Neighborhood"), Steve Riley, (W.A.S.P. and L.A. Guns), Dave Angel, (The Boyzz) and Anatoly Halincovich, (a.k.a. Tony Hall) (The Boyzz, "America's Most Wanted"), went on to make an appearance on Dick Clark's American Bandstand, making history being the only unsigned act to perform in the show's 35 year run. Then, filmed a video for MTV, "Get Up, Get Angry", toured the country, all while writing music prolifically.

Michael went on later to form his own "Tafoya" band, which evolved into "Raw Dogs" (again with Tommy Holland). He as been rock and rolling for decades with nothing in his bones to slow his creative flow!

Chis McCoy - Drums and Vocals

Chris' life is a true, made for T.V. rock and roll story.

Chris was conceived in the back seat of a '68 Chevy, near Notre Dame University, in LaPorte, Indiana. His father, Terry W., played drums and Uncle Al, played accordion and then guitar professionally for the "Rockin' Riveria's". They scored the MEGA-SURF hit "California Sun", (co-penned by Uncle Al).

Chris has been holding drum sticks since he was able to grab them and actually started learning the drums at 10 and then began rocking at 14 with his first "very own" drum kit from his pop. And, the rest you got itis history!

Erik Osland - Bass and Vocals

Erik started playing Bass at age 7 and by 12 he was playing in various Lake County clubs with his father. He eventually picked up drums and guitar as well.

Erik has played with various local bands, promoted teen concerts and has a recording and sound reinforcement business ("Gadjet Productions"),

This outfit is definitely a diverse bunch, just like the music they play. Also just like the music they converge into a single point of view. Big sound, hip shaking, visually formidable, and zesty old school "now" sound. Michael's search led to

The band has a sound that's been decribed as "two to the mule" like they have six members rather than three players.
DON'T MISS OUR DEBUT CD TITLED 'LIFE'
Due for release Soon!!!
Web site http://www.tafoyaslostboyzz.com
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=31030965

Consumer Confidence With Online Shopping

Consumer Confidence With Online Shopping – On
the Rise Every Year!
The earliest years of e-commerce were met with more than a little suspicion and the pioneering retailers on the Internet were slow to develop customer following because consumers, for the most part not terribly savvy about the workings of the Internet yet, simply didn’t completely trust the technology. Consumer confidence with online shopping took a few years to take off.

Shopping online seemed risky and they weren’t willing to risk sending their credit card or personal information “into the ether” for fear that it would be stolen in transit and used by an unauthorized individual. Visions of the now famous commercial (a middle-aged man with a paunch talking in a giggly Valley-girl squeal about buying a leather bustier) danced through shoppers’ heads. So who’s shopping online?

As banks and credit card companies began assuring consumers of credit protection services, more and more consumer spending trickled into the Net market place. The rise of Secure Sockets Layer servers (SSL) provided added protection that also protected shopper information and buying online began to seem less risky. Online retailers, seeing that consumers needed a sense of security, acknowledged this with opt-in offerings rather than forcing consumers to provide some types of information.

When consumers could choose not to sign up for newsletters or updates and decline to be on mailing lists, they began to feel in control of their online shopping experiences. For Net merchants, this was the vote of confidence they’d been waiting for. By 2003, the Internet had racked up over $52 billion in retail sales!

Retailers Turn to Internet Savvy Home Webmasters

Retailers soon realized that with this influx of sales online there was a new and unique marketing paradigm being created. Confidence was high, Net surfers were in a shopping mood, and advertisers wanted to sell. But how and where to reach the millions of people that were on the Internet every day that had such enormous purchasing power?

LinkShare and Commission Junction were two companies who saw the potential in matching up advertisers with webmasters to the benefit of both. With millions of small, medium and large websites available that catered to special interests from extreme sports to Victorian collectables, partnerships only made sense.

It was the beginning of pay-for-performance marketing partnerships, and was a boon to people looking for a way to work from home and make a good living. By offering guidance and monitoring the process, including collecting all commissions and paying the webmasters with one monthly check, these companies simplified web marketing to consumers for both retailers and website publishers.

Website publishers could work from home publishing a site about a topic they were passionate about and collect income simply by linking to retailers who targeted consumers who fit their profile niche. It guaranteed the retailers they would be seen by consumers interested in buying their products and provided income to the webmasters.

Interestingly, many Internet users felt a sense of trust when they found links to retailers on sites they visited for other purposes. For instance if they visited a gardening website for tips on treating roses or a home improvement website for information on how to refinish a cabinet, they tended to trust any stored linked from these “advice” style websites. Retailers like Home Depot knew loyalty to these styles of sites was strong and responded. Today, nearly every Fortune 500 company in the U.S. has links to millions of affiliate websites to take advantage of that Internet loyalty and build a purchasing relationship on it.

Looking to the future, as more and more consumers turn to shopping in the Internet for its convenience and safety, working at home on your PC will become an option that’s more common as retailers make increasing use of affiliate websites for their advertising needs.

Why Online Shopping ??

CHECK THESE STATS!!!!

Nearly half of U.S. consumers said they planned to increase their holiday shopping online, due in part to high gasoline prices, a holiday shopping survey found.

Forty-four percent of respondents said they planned to do more of their holiday shopping online this year than they did last year, the MyBuys survey conducted by Harris Interactive said Monday.

With growing numbers of people shopping online, "it is more important than ever for online retailers to differentiate themselves," in large part by offering as personalized an online shopping experience as possible, the researchers said.

While 80 percent of online U.S. shoppers buy products Web retailers recommend, 62 percent said product recommendations were rarely personalized to their tastes, the survey found.

To improve sales, retailers should personalize online shopping by recommending brands and categories customers have shown interest in, 53 percent of respondents said.

Sixty-five percent said they would also like retailers to offer e-mail alerts when out-of-stock products arrive, the survey found.

Harris conducted the telephone survey of 2,480 U.S. adults JUNE. 1-5. Figures for age, sex, race or ethnicity, education, household income and other factors were weighted to bring the sample in line with the actual population.

Who is Mr Michael J. Sansone

Mr.Michael J Sansone is a seasoned marketing business leader with direct, traditional and Internet marketing experience as well as proven management skills and strong 9+ year track record. Extensive experience in business management,Heavy Sales Exp and product management, marketing strategy, sales promotion, branding and communications for both business-to-business and business-to-consumer products.




In addition to his marketing experience Mr. Sansone has over 9 years experience in producing Internet/Intranet and Web based technologies, developing comprehensive website business plans and strategy, management of design, content creation and technical development, to pre and post launch site marketing and web analytics expertise. Strong management and analytical skills, experienced in constructing business cases, defining business requirements, managing creative and technical resources, Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing .Michael is the owner of  Blogs for Dollars.Com An innovative Blogsite Design Company.  Also the owner of Worldtimeshare.net, Which is in its 6th year of operation.

Happy Birthday To Me !!

Thanks to all that made it a great day, And yes too many candles to mention !!

Remember Kiddytown at the Harlem Irving Plaza ?

When we were kids there were a score of Amusment Parks in Chicago, This was one you have to try to remember as it sat at the Harlem Irving Plaza, These next few blog articles will be on those 6 amusemaent parks we had here in Chicago Area, Riverview Park, Kiddyland, Kiddytown, Santas village and Adventure Land

Kiddytown operated on the north side of the Harlem Irving Plaza. The roller coaster sat on what is now the rear parking lot of the LaSalle Bank at 4242 North Harlem Avenue.

Roller Coaster: Little Dipper
Amusement Park: Kiddytown (Harwood Heights, Illinois 60706 USA)
Classification: Roller Coaster
Type: Wood - Sit Down
Status: Operated from 1956 to 1966 or earlier
Relocations: Kiddytown as Little Dipper
Hillcrest Park as Little Dipper
Little Amerricka as Meteor
Make / Model: Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. / Junior Coaster
Serial Number: 120
Designer: Herbert Paul Schmeck
Categories: Family

Length: 900'
Height: 28'
Inversions: 0
Duration: 0:50

History: The plans to the Little Dipper were purchased in 1952, but the ride was not built until 1956.

Hillcrest park bought the roller coaster in 1966. It is believed to have been standing but not operating for some years prior to 1966.