I used to be a magazine addict. It’s hard to explain, but I could not go through a grocery checkout without buying several magazines. I would go to the drugstore or a news stand just to look for magazines I did not have. I had dozens of subscriptions. And, for the life of me, I cannot remember why I was like that.

I even fasted from magazines once. Seriously.

I finally got tired of the gossip in the entertainment magazines, the diet pill reviews in the lifestyle magazines, and the fad diets in the women’s magazines. I pared my subscriptions down to a few news magazines. Slowly, I got to the point where I only get a couple of magazines now, like Money and Fortune. I’m looking for more useful input, I suppose.

Last week I took my nephew to see Journey to the Center of the Earth, the new film starring Brendan Fraser. If you love the book, you’ll love the movie. It’s not based on the per, as much as it is centered around the book. It’s an intriguing twist. And, the 3D rocks in this film! I was very impressed. Not only was the movie packed with fun little 3D tricks, like when the toothy fish jump out of the water or smoke swirls off the screen and in front of your face – the rest of scenes also benefitted from the 3D. A simple scene of Fraser sitting in a room talking on the phone had perceivable depth. I enjoyed the 3D the entire time I was watching the movie and when I saw Kit Kitteridge the next day with my daughter, I rather missed it.

Tomorrow night my sister and I are taking my daughter and my nephew to see a promotional screening of Fly Me to the Moon, which also uses 3D technology. I saw a preview of Fly Me to the Moon before Journey and the preview was in 3D, so I can attest to the fact that the effect is used just as skillfully. I’m genuinely excited and hope we can look forward to more film in the near future that will use 3D. Now that technology has come far enough to make 3D look to fantastic, we may as well enjoy it.

The past two movies I have seen in the theater have included previews for the special WarGames 25th Anniversary event that is coming up on Thursday. The first thing that zinged right into my head is how when I first saw WarGames back in 1983 I developed a massive crush on Matthew Broderick that did not let up for the rest of that decade.

There is such a sincerity and purity to the movies made back in the 80s that film makers today are unable to replicate. I think a lot of it has to do with how jaded the youth of today are. They ask for grittier, sexier, more shocking films. I’m not sure they can relate to the simplicity of some of the 80s teen movies the way we did back then, when those of us who were teens then first saw the films.

I’m thrilled that WarGames is coming to the big screen once more, even if it is only for one night. It comes right in time to help with the buzz for the new WarGames: The Dead Code film and I cannot think of a better lead-in than to show the film that began the cycle.

So, if you want to get a good look at what a computer hacker movie made in 1983 is like (and how adorable Broderick looked when he was 20 or 21), make sure you at your local theatre Thursday (that’s July 24) to see WarGames one last time in a bigger-than-life format.

When I saw The Dark Knight on Saturday night, I thought that a lot of the buildings, streets, and skyline vistas looked a lot like Chicago. There is a particularly telling bit of scenery where water and bridges meet buildings.

Now, an Associated Press article is echoing my suspicions. A lot of people will argue that New York City is the model for Gotham, but the AP article points out that DC Comics illustrator Neal Adams has always thought of Chicago when looking for inspiration for Gotham.

The Dark Knight production spent three months filming in Chicago, even though the key location manager for the film, James McAllister, doubles back and says Gotham is based on NYC. Still, the film makers went in and realized they could use Chicago without having to dress it up or disguise it and still evoke the full feel of the Gotham portrayed in the DC Comics.

I can see the wisdom. Chicago has a more sweeping feel, much like I see Gotham in my mind.

It has been almost a year now since my mom and my sister and I packed the kids into the car and headed to West Virginia for my grandmother’s funeral. We all knew she was fading fast near the end, and my mother was even able to speak to her mother on the phone just hours before she passed.

However, my grandmother did not know my mother anymore. She had been suffering the affects of Alzheimer’s disease for years and little by little she lost parts of her past to the illness. She never was able to remember that I got married or that I had a daughter. She still saw me as a being in my mid-20s.

My sister and I had made her collage of pictures of the kids and labeled them and put them in her bedroom. When I would bring my daughter to visit her dear great-grandmothers, she would look at her and tell her that she “knew those eyes.” She was not sure who my daughter way, but she had conjured up a vague recognition based on the pictures she saw daily in her room.

It’s with great conviction that I can ask you, my readers, to consider participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®. It’s the biggest event in the United States to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Over 600 communities play host to the events and you can be a part of a Alzheimer’s Memory Walk in your area. In fact, they still need lots of team captains.

Please, consider getting involved.

When I was little I used to have this recurring nightmare about Ronald McDonald. I would be running from his in this tunnel and he was sort of backlit. He would always be just behind me, almost catching up. He looked just like Ronald McDonald is supposed to look, but in addition to the floppy shoes and the red hair; he also had glistening, long fangs.

It was absolutely horrifying. To this day I am fearful of old Ronald. My daughter, though, loves the guy. She has wanted to meet him for a couple of years now and I have found that is is really hard to track down Ronald McDonald appearances just by searching on the internet. Instead, my sister told me she had taken my nephew one summer to see him do magic tricks at one of the local libraries.

So, I have been tracking Ronald and his appearances at the local libraries and today I finally got up the nerve to take my daughter to see him and his odd little array of magic tricks. I appreciate that he explained that magic only math and science and art and such. I actually learned a lot and will take a good bit of the information into the classroom with me one day.

I think I can say I am no longer fearful of Ronald McDonald, but he still creeps me out.

I went to the grocery store tonight and even though I have been watching food prices steadily creep up and up over the full spectrum of food products, something must have happened in the last week to make them skyrocket. It seemed like absolutely everything was more expensive than ever before. I got in and got out; with just a couple of loss leaders and the staples I needed anyway.

A gallon of milk is about $4.40, but if I wanted to get the name-brand TG Lee, it was almost $6.50 a gallon! Let’s not even talk about those organic milks.

Anyway, my point here is that even with gas and food and real estate giving more Americans a massive headache, there are still some things you can get at an affordable price – if you just know where to look.

ZenniOptical.com has been in the news headlines lately, because in the midst of all the skyrocketing prices, they are selling complete prescription eyeglasses from $8. They keep their overhead low by only selling the frames and glasses they manufacture themselves. And, they put next to nothing into advertising, because it seems that simple word of mouth has gone a long way in introducing people to their great deals.

I looked at the glasses that are available for $8 and there are some pretty cool styles. Remember, that $8 gets you complete eyeglasses – frames, prescription lenses and even extras like non-scratch coating and UV protection. And, shipping is only $4.95 per order, no matter how much you order.

Don’t believe all the hype about Labradoodles.

They are definitely cute, but keep in mind that they are not yet considered a breed and therefore, the puppies that come from the breeders are still coming out every which way but loose. The coats are hard to guarantee when it comes to color, texture, and curliness.

My sister recently got a Labradoodle puppy and she’s an absolute cutie. Honestly, I think she looks mostly like a typical Lab, only with a coat that feels longer and wilder. She is a first generation pup, which means her parents were a Poodle and a Lab, which many breeders feel gives the dogs more genetic diversity. It also means less chance for some of the breed-specific genetic disorders.

Super, the Labradoodle my sister and her family just got from a breeder here in Florida, has a great disposition. Nothing bothers her and she is brave and strong. But, she sheds and the hard sell some of the breeders are giving folks about the non-shedding aspects of the “breed” is what led my sister to choose a Labradoodle.

They absolutely shed. If you really want a non-shedding dog, stick to a full poodle or something like a Maltese.

There are a lot of reasons to be thankful that we live in an age of computers. I still remember some of the first computers. When I was a kid, my dad was on the team that designed some of the initial mainframe systems for the U.S. Patent Office and he would take us to see the rooms filled with roaring, whirling computers, each as big as cars or trucks, sucking up reels of tape and processing punch cards. I can remember the smell even.

Now anyone can run a full business from your home, from a tiny computer, and without the need to even download the software to your computer. For example, Siterra is a fully hosted (meaning you access it remotely rather than downloading software) Asset Lifecycle Management system that gives you all the tools you need for planning, site selection, project management, maintenance and lease administration of sites and assets for property portfolios. Your productivity is streamlined , leaving time for you to do the things you need to do.

Years ago, a company would have to contact a programmer to get access to a software system as specialized and customizable as Siterra.

I went last night with a friend to see the Batman Dark Knight movie. I will skip over the basic synopsis, since you can find that almost everywhere. I will not dwell on the fact that Heath Ledger’s role at the Joker was indeed brilliant, as most critics are exclaiming (though I have to stop and wonder if it would be deemed Oscar-worthy if he were alive right now).

What I was to focus on is what seems to be an ongoing debate about whether this film is suitable for children.

There was an article on one of CNN’s blogs where author Audrey Irvine put forth her opinion that the film is not OK for young children. She complained that the theater was full of children that were talking throughout the movie, babies who cried, and the ongoing chatter of kids asking their parents questions about a film that was decidedly too sophisticated for a younger mind.

Readers basically blasted Irvine, reminding her that the film was rated PG-13, which means that any child under the age of 13 may attend with a parent. What those same readers overlooked is that Irvine was focused on the distraction the children caused in the theater. She reminded parents that a movie like Dark Knight is not appropriate for dropping off your pre-teens and that other moviegoers aren’t here to babysit your kids.

I agree with Irvine. The theater was packed shoulder to shoulder. Everyone was there after purchasing an expensive ticket, standing in line just to ensure a decent seat, and filled with anticipation over seeing the second film in the newest Batman franchise. Nobody was there to listen to a baby crying who should have been home in bed.

I understand the dilemma of the new parent. My daughter was an infant once, too. However, if I could not find a sitter, we just did not go out. That is one of the sacrificed you make as a parent. There is an entire season’s worth of films I missed.

I want to add to that, though. I do not even think it was just about children being a disruption in the movie theater. I think Dark Knight is way too complicated for kids under 13. And, although this is not necessarily a gory film, when Harvey Dent becomes Two Face, the imagery is startlingly realistic and in no appropriate for a young child.

Even a young teen may not be able to fully grasp the motivation of the Joker and Two Face. This film packs so much information into two-and-a-half hours that my head was nearly spinning. You have to do some thinking to keep up with the action. I would never have taken my 5-year-old to this movie. I would not have taken my 6-year-old nephew, either – even though he loves the super heroes. Dark Knight is just not a family film. My daughter was with her dad last night, so I got a rare evening out.

There is a LOT of violence. There are deaths of main characters, emotional scenes with children being held hostage, lovers having to say goodbye before one dies, and the very troubling mental state of the Joker. The themes are just too mature for children. You have to look PAST whether or not a film has fore or sex of language. Children can still be harrowed by things other than the obvious. Our children are only hours for a short time and it is our job to protect them and retain their innocence. It is unwise to expose them to some of the films many parents allow their children to watch.

To answer my initial question – is the firm Dark Knight suitable for children? – I would have to adamantly say that if your child is under the age of 13, keep them at home.

A couple of years ago, I was rear-ended at a red light by another driver when we were on the way home from the airport at night. We had the repairs made to my van and every thing looks OK, but the fact remains that if I want to sell my van there is now an accident report attached to my vehicle and that does nothing but take down the overall value of my vehicle.

The accident was not my fault, but I have to carry the burden of lower value on my own.

Or so I thought. It turns out that you can re-coup the diminished value of your vehicle up to four years after a car accident. I’m looking at the website for Advocate Auto Claims and they offer a free diminished value estimate. Since the accident happened within the last four year, I am allowed by state law to collect on the value loss of my van.

I’d wager that’s not something most people know about.

I always agreed with those who said there were way too many Starbucks coffee stores in the world. At the plaza up near my last house, there is not only a Starbucks in the Plaza itself, there is a Starbucks in the Target store only a few doors down.

Insane.

Starbucks announced that around 600 stores are going to close, beginning this month. In fact, the first wave of closures has already been announced. Surprisingly, not a single Florida store in on the list. I find that odd. The company is in trouble and yet they can still support two stores that are a mere yards from one another.

Anyway, here’s that list. Plan your mourning attire appropriately.

Alabama
#10797 Mobile
#11322 Mobile
#11429 Mobile
#11774 Mobile

Arkansas
#10883 Van Buren
#11864 Lowell

California
#9583 San Diego
#10630 Rancho Mirage
#10710 Hemet
#10813 Riverside
#10888 Montclair
#11029 Victorville
#11896 Hollister
#13745 Laguna Beach

Iowa
#13570 Davenport

Illinois
#13289 Country Club Hills
#13469 Elmhurst

Indiana
#11846 Indianapolis
#13201 Bluffton

Kentucky
#10779 Louisville

Louisiana
#11263 Baton Rouge
#11264 Baton Rouge

Maryland
#11799 Bowie

Minnesota
#9564 Albert Lea
#10456 Blaine
#10457 Coon Rapids
#10642 Red Wing
#10871 Coon Rapids
#11186 Rochester
#11635 Brooklyn Center

Missouri
#10834 Jennings

Nebraska
#11527 Bellevue

Nevada
#6633 Las Vegas
#10393 Las Vegas
#10462 Las Vegas
#10872 Las Vegas
#11647 Las Vegas

New Jersey
#9365 Cherry Hill

New York
#10840 Central Islip
#11280 Staten Island
#11976 Southold

North Dakota
#10459 Fargo

Ohio
#2525 Columbus
#11883 Westerville

Texas
#9675 Brownsville
#10877 Dallas
#11302 Rosenberg
#11565 Laredo
#13332 Waco

West Virginia
#11213 Tridelphia

I’ve had some pretty rockin’ summer vacations. One of the best was right here in Florida. It was the last year I was still with my ex-husband, so it was a family vacation in the most typical of ways. I have some great memories of my daughter on that vacation, too, since she was only 2.

We rented a villa near Disney World, only paying about $100 a night for a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, pool home with a washer and dryer, fully stocked kitchen, every cable station you can imagine, wireless high speed internet, and even multiple video game systems. We got such a good price, because I booked last minute and we planned our vacation around a gap the owner of the villa had in his summer booking.

We got all of our tickets and parking reimbursed at the Disney parks we visited for three of the days we were there, because we did mystery shopping while we were there.

That left so much extra money for us to find a whole lot of other cool things to do in Orlando. Talk about stretching the vacation budget. The fact of the matter is, there are a lot of ways to get discounts at all sorts of attraction in Orlando. You just need to check out the Trusted Tours & Attractions website. They have online travel guides, links to discounted tours tickets, and general travel information. Plus, make sure if you are spending time in Orlando (which is in the middle of the state), you don’t forget that it’s only a short drive to the beaches, Kennedy Space Center, and a whole lot of Florida gems.

You can also sweeten the pot by signing up for their newsletter, which enters you for a chance to win a $150 iTunes Gift Card.

We have not had a massive hurricane in Florida in years. On top of that, home prices have gone down – WAY down! Despite all of that, State Farm) currently Florida’s largest private property insurer) has filed a request with the Office of Insurance Regulations requesting a rate hike that would average 47.1%

Are you kidding me?

The insurance company says they are requesting the rate change simply so they can afford to stay in the market. But, as I pointed out – there have been no massive weather disasters of late. Homes cost less and need less coverage. Nonetheless, State Farm wants us to believe they cannot stay in business here in Florida unless they raise rates almost 50%?

There were computer models that predicted that 2006 and 2007 would be record years for catastrophic storms and hurricanes. Insurance companies immediately responded by hiking prices in preparation However, the storms never came. Let State Farm, and other insurance companies, operate off the price increases they have ALREADY applied.

This is sometimes a technique some insurance companies use to get their current poly holders to drop policies. That way they can say they have offered the coverage to home owners and still get away with mostly just covering car and life insurance here in Florida – something often referred to as “cherry picking”.

And, while I am at it – I take offense that insurance companies want me to take up the slack in a shared risk with homeowners who make a personal choice to live on the beach or in a high-risk flood zone. What good is it doing me to live inland, in a less risky area?

You are not fooling anyone, State Farm. We know you are looking at record profits. We know that infernally you are not operating independently in Florida. We know that the high rates here are funding your upper level employee’s pockets with nice bonuses and pay increases.

Your blog says an awful lot about you. That’s why it’s not only important to make sure you write articles in a way that reflects your style and thoughts, but also that your blog visually represents who you are ands what you want to say. You need to have just the right theme.

I use Wordpress and when I set up a new bog I spend quite literally hours looking for the right style for my blog. I look at themes, tinker around with small changes, consider the colors and layout. I put a lot of time into how my blogs look.

Like Wordpress itself, most of the best Wordpress templates are free. That’s always a huge plus, yes? Topwpthemes.com has a collection of some of the most clever, modern, exciting themes available today. Not only do they give you access to more themes than you could ever want, there is also a step-by-step installation guide (complete with pictures for those of you who are more visually inclined).

Some of the more polished looking templates are by an artist called Zinruss. I’m impressed with the clarity of the designs, the logical layouts, and the clean lines. I can wholeheartedly say, check them out.