Not that online chatting isn’t already a lot of fun, but there is a fun little program called SweetIM that you can download for free that lets you add emoticons, winks, sound effects, glitter effects, and nudges to your existing instant messenger programs, as well as web mails, blogs and your spaces on social networking site. I like the handful of extra smileys that Gmail lets me use, but the idea of having a load more at my fingertips is an exciting prospect.

The program is adware and spyware free, and it’s not supported by ads. It’s just a free and clear little enhancement for your online communications. If you already have MSN, AIM or Yahoo messengers on your computer, you don’t have to download a new chat tool. You simply download a small add-on. It also works with Yahoo email, Gmail, Hotmail; and most blogs, forums and social networks. It’s a universal bit of fun and pizzazz that anyone can use. You don’t even have to register to use it, although they have a full featured support forum on their website if you need help or what to see the latest news about new games, nudges, and upgrades.

Sweet IM is free, but you can also choose to purchase premium content, like additional packs of winks, emoticons and audibles, and premium Ringtones for mobile phones.

There was a lot of public support when the state banned Allstate from selling new car insurance policies in Florida this past Wednesday. Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty issued the emergency order in reaction to what he called Allstate’s “blatant disregard” for subpoenas relating to a state investigation focused on how Allstate sets its homeowners’ insurance rates.

The ban was listed today.

The First District Court of Appeal agreed with Allstate lawyers that McCarty did not have authority to issue an order that Allstate says would stop specific immediate dangers to the public health, safety or welfare.

Typical double talk, if you ask me. Looks like Allstate is free to cherry pick in Florida again. I wonder what kind of kickback that judge received.

I heard on the radio that Key West’s Conch Tour Train is 50 years old today! They are celebrating by giving out key lime cupcakes. Yum. I’d like to have that recipe.

I have been to Key West on numerous occasions, especially since moving to Florida. I even had my honeymoon in Key West. The first I went to Key West was with my sister. She already lived in Florida and I had flown down from Maryland for a little vacation. She and I drove down and stayed one night on Key Marathon, took a detour to see the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key and then headed down to Key West for a few nights. We took the aforementioned Conch Train Tour and to this day, most of what I know about Key West I learned on that tour. It was awesome. I highly recommend he tour.

I have so many amazing memories from Key West. One of my favorite is eating at the Blue Heaven restaurant. I sat on the tire swing as we waiting for our table. We ate in the yard surrounded by rooters and chickens, who begged for bits just like dogs. It was a blast. The food was unparalleled, too. You just can’t beat good foot served outside where you are engulfed in tropical air, almonds, Spanish limes, and coconuts. And, if you have a little time after your meal, you can go upstairs and take a peek at the old Bordello. They still have the sliding peep holes.

Actually, there is so much to do in Key West that I would have to write an individual post on each activity. Instead, you can go to sites like Trusted Tours & Attractions and look over their lists. Plus, they have deals on tickets for sightseeing tours. And just in time for your drive down, if you sign up for their newsletter just might just win a handheld GPS.

Our society is pretty much able to embrace people with drug addictions or eating disorders. Alcoholics are hardly even worth gossip anymore. But, when it comes to people who live with mental illness, even just depression, there is still a massive stigma. Most people who take medication for mental issues find out that it is just not worth it to the share that information with anyone.

That is why I am s so shocked that football legend Herschel Walker plans to reveal to the world in his upcoming book “Breaking Free” that he lives with multiple personality disorder, sometimes referred to as dissociative identity disorder.

He’s a brave man.

There is not much information available that provides further detail. I’m looking forward to Walker’s book, though. Here is a man who obviously maneuvered a brilliant football career and maintained relationships with people to an extent that his revelation came as a shock to most who know him. He coped. He adapted. I’m excited to read the details.