Sunday, June 29, 2008

Massachusetts State Capitol

Can you believe that the land for the State House was originally a cow pasture? This was many years ago. Today, the State House is one of Boston's famous attractions and the oldest building on Beacon Hill. Designed by Charles Bulfinch, the State House was completed on January 11, 1798. The golden dome is made of copper by Paul Revere to prevent leaks.

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Cisco Certification

If you’re an IT professional and looking to enhance and advance your IT career then Cisco certification is all you need.

There is a growing global demand for IT professionals. The indispensable value of IT experts can be seen in companies of popular household brands, movie studios and fashion and so much more. To expand your possibilities of landing a better job all you need is get certified.

I know of some very inspiring stories of people whose lives were changed because of choosing the IT field. It’s never too late to change careers. Always remember that it’s your future that’s at stake. Cisco certification will bring you the success you’ve been looking for in your career.

Certifications are offered at four (4) levels: entry, associate, professional, and expert.

CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) certification validates the skills required for entry-level network support positions, the starting point for many successful careers in networking.Candidates should have the knowledge and skill to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security.CCENT certification is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.

The first step in general Cisco Career Certifications begins either with CCENT as an interim step to Associate level, or directly with CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate) for network operations or CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) for network design. Think of the Associate level as the apprentice or foundation level of networking certification.

The profesional level in general Cisco Career Certifications such as [Cisco Certified Networking Professional CCNP (Cisco Certified Networking Professional), CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional), CCDP (Cisco Certified Networking Professional), and CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetworking Professional), each fall within a different career paths (or tracks) for meeting varying employment needs. Think of this level as the advanced, or journeyman, level of certification that shows expertise with networking foundations. This is the highest level of achievement for network professionals, certifying an individual as an expert or master in IT. For over ten years, CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert), has identified networking professionals with the highest level of expertise. Less than three percent of all Cisco certified professionals earn their CCIE.

For more information please visit their site.

Sponsored by Cisco

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Saturday, June 28, 2008

Visiting USS Constitution Museum And USS Constitution-Old Ironsides In Massachusetts

If you've been to Boston chances are you did your Freedom Trail trip. If not, well, you can always come back. This trip can be challenging to those who have walking problems but you can always take your time. It's an advantage that I live around here because I can always make weekend trips and start again where I left off. There are 16 official sites of the Freedom Trail and believe me, it's fun. You can start your history walk anywhere you like and ours started with the USS Constitution Museum. Admission is free and donations are always welcome.



In the background is the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides)- the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.

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Sunday, June 22, 2008

Congratulations Katie And Jared!

Yesterday was a very special day. My husband's only niece Katie got married to a good man, Jared. The new couple both have successful careers. The wedding was officiated at Saint Francis of Assissi Church in Medford, the same church where Katie's parents got married. The reception was at the Sheraton Colonial Hotel in Wakefield/Lynnfield. The foods were superb. Whatever the bill was Kathy and Joe, it was worth it. I couldn't believe I finished my prime rib ahead of everyone else in our table.

It was very good to meet most of my husband's cousins, aunts and uncles. They're all very nice and gracious. Uncle John, I hope we can go out together someday and take some pictures. I was happy to met and know someone in the family who is passionate about something that I love doing.



Click here to see the rest of the photos.







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Thursday, June 19, 2008

Lawrence Heritage State Park, Massachusetts

We visited the Lawrence Heritage State Park located at 1 Jackson St in Lawrence, MA last February. Our activities during the winter are limited to visiting museums which I don't mind since I love museums. This museum is only 30 minutes from where we live.

The museum is a walk down memory lane. The exhibits will help you explore Lawrence's industrial, labor, and immigration history. It is a very diverse city thus its nickname"Immigrant City."

I told Antonio to just look...I guess he didn't hear me.

Turn-of-the-century kitchen

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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Cell Phones

There are so many cellphone companies out there like the following reputable providers:

AT&T
T-Mobile

Sprint
Verizon Wireless
Sprint Instinct

Cellphone is a necessity for me. I don't leave the house without it. I find it to be very useful and convenient. It comes in handy especially when we travel. As a matter of fact, you're not considered a smart traveler if you don't have your cellphone with you. I'm using Verizon's Chocolate cellphone in white. I love its silky-smooth slide design. It offers a rich array of features that include V CAST Music, a glowing, touch-sensitive keypad, superlative music/video player, luxury 1.3 megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth capabilities and a microSD memory port for extra storage. Chocolate is LG's newest mobile treat. I bought this cellphone in one of the Verizon stores and I know where to get my next phone when my contract expires. Bestincellphones.com is an online cellphone store which offers the best deals in cellphones. You can browse by brands and features with the best deals possible that you can't get in the stores. Their website is safe so you can shop with confidence anytime. Check them out for your cellphone needs.

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Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Snow Is Fun!

In Massachusetts there's fun in every season. Winter can be cold and it can also get very cold but when the snow comes Antonio is the happiest kid on earth. He loves to make snow angels, play with our dog Trickle (which I swear is almost human) in the snow. I'd like to share some of Antonio and Trickle's snow moments taken last January.

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Monday, June 16, 2008

Another Kind Of Education

Companies like IBM, Panasonic, Hewlett Packard and Raytheon and many more have achieved optimal performance both in operations and in financial results through the help of Six Sigma Education. As a business strategy, it helps increase customer satisfaction, operational efficiencies, and revenue thus impacting shareholder value. To learn more about Smarter Solutions and Six Sigma please call 512.918.0280.

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Seacoast Science Center, New Hampshire

Our very first trip for 2008 was the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire. Antonio loves animals so he was looking forward to that trip. The Center is a popular destination among families and students in New England with more than 60,000 visitors every year.

The Center's exhibitions interpret four themes: the Gulf of Maine, New Hampshire's Coastal Connection, Changes to the Sea and Sky and Working Under The Sea. The Center is located at 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, New Hampshire. Antonio at the touch pool, holding two starfish. The view outside the Center is just simply breathtaking.

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Saturday, June 14, 2008

Nahant Beach, Massachusetts

We went to Nahant Beach a few weeks ago. Nahant is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts. It is the smallest municipality (area-wise) in the state. It is both a residential and resort community. Nahant, which means "the point" or "almost an island", was a name given by the native Americans. Nahant has so many beaches which makes it a popular destination in the summer. Enjoy the photos. For directions going to Nahant Beach, please click here.

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Friday, June 13, 2008

Marblehead, Massachusetts


We visited the beautiful town of Marblehead last month. The town boasts of beautiful houses and finest displays of sailing craft. The Marblehead Harbor has been both the starting and finishing port for numerous international races thus the title "Yachting Capital Of The World."

The photos here were taken at Chandley Hovey Park (also known as Lighthouse Point) on Marblehead Neck. The 3.74 acre park overlooks the mouth of the harbor and the shorelines of Beverly and Manchester-By-The-Sea and offers pavilions, benches, picnic tables, restrooms, swimming and parking. Originally owned by the U.S. government, it was purchased in 1948 by Marblehead resident Chandler Hovey, who donated it to the town. It is also the location of the Marblehead Light Tower.

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The Perfect Picture

I take a lot of pictures and I hope to put them in picture hangers. A friend has recommended to me Trackmaster Picture Hangers. I checked their site HangFrames.com and I was very impressed with how easy features of their products. What I like best is that the hanging kits come with all hardware, bubble levels and the essential bottom rail supports which prevent frames from bowing - exactly just what I needed. The pictures that I took are all memories - our trips, my son’s milestones and much more. So you can just imagine how happy I was when my friend mentioned to me about these hangers.

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Thursday, June 12, 2008

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens

This is probably Canon's cheapest lens selling for $89.74 at Amazon. Also the lightest, it only weighs 4.6 ounces. This lens is excellent for portraits and images that require a natural depth of field. This lens is also good for extreme close-ups, as close as 18 inches.

People who used this lens were very pleased. I have read the reviews and they're recommending it to all. They have summed it up in three words: sharp, fast and inexpensive. I guess I will start with this lens.

(this post is not a paid post)

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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

New Scales For My Kitchen And Bathroom

A friend of mine has mentioned to me about cheap digital pocket scales. I told her that you can’t find cheap stuff nowadays. Upon her insistence, I checked Scalesetc.com and my friend was right. All their products are affordable and most of all the designs are superb and fashionable. I love it because they’re small and they’d fit in my pocket.

I’ve been wanting to replace my bathroom scale because it seems to be not giving me the accurate information. Have you seen the new line of scales of Scalesetc? You should see it for yourself. I love the colors and the chic designs. I’m going to buy the Escali Avia Digital Kitchen Scale in black and the Midnight Blue Round Escali Glass Bathroom Scale.

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George Eastman

If not for the brilliant invention of George Eastman I wouldn't be enjoying photography now. He invented the first film in roll form in 1884 and also the Kodak camera in 1888.

Eastman was also a great philanthropist. He has donated more than $75M in various projects including the gift he gave to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He died on March 14, 1932 in Rochester, New York at the age of 78.

(photo: Rochester University)

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Keep That Romance Alive

If you are currently in a relationship or going to be in a relationship and you want to make it work, Dr. James Matz a famous psychologist- matchmaker is more than willing to help you. Dr. Matz has written The Relationship Affordable Guide. For just $1, it is the most complete affordable relationship guide you can get.

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Monday, June 9, 2008

Meet Canon's Big Boss

Yoroku Adachi was appointed as Canon's President and CEO on April 1, 2005. He replaced Kinya Uchida who is now the Advisor at Canon Inc. in Tokyo. Prior to his appointment, Adachi was named President of Canon Canada in 1998. He was also appointed President and CEO of Canon China and Canon Hong Kong, and Chairman of Canon Singapore in 2001. He first joined Canon Inc. in 1970.

See where he's at now after 35 years?

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Sunday, June 8, 2008

Columbus Pontiac Now Online

Are you looking for Columbus Pontiac Dealers? Look no further! Columbuspontiacdealers.com offers great deals on New Pontiac, new car financing and trade values for your current vehicle. Visit their new website to check on new Pontiac inventory and specials. You can also visit them at 1588 Columbus Pike, Delaware, OH 43015 or give them a call at 866.396.4749.

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Friday, June 6, 2008

My Favorite Photographer: Annie Leibovitz

My favorite photographer is no other than my fellow New Englander, Annie Leibovitz. She was born in Waterbury, Connecticut. It's my wish that someday I'll meet her in person and I'd love to work with her, even for just a moment. I look at her work for inspiration.

Annie worked for the Rolling Stone magazine from 1973-1983. She was the featured portrait photographer of Vanity Fair Magazine since 1983. She took a picture of a pregnant Demi Moore in 1991 for Vanity Fair. I saw her picture of John Lennon and Yoko Ono together which she took 5 hours before Lennon was shot and killed. Most recently, she took a photo of Miley Cyrus which made some parents outraged.

If you'd like to see her work, please click here.


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Thursday, June 5, 2008

Next Is Europe

Instead of throwing a party for MF’s 50th birthday, we are planning to tour Europe.

First in our itinerary is Spain. This country will pose a challenge for us because we speak only a few Spanish words, mostly the ones that Antonio learned from watching Dora when he was younger. But, who cares? I’m sure we can manage with sign language, right? We plan to visit Andalucia, Balearic Islands, Barcelona, Costa Blanca, Madrid, San Sebastian, Seville and Valencia City.

Next stop is Italy. My husband is Italian so we’re all excited to see and enjoy his country. My list of places to see in Italy is so long that we’re staying there for three weeks. I hope that will give us enough time to explore all the beautiful sights of Italy.

Last but not the least is France. We don’t speak French so this is going to be exciting. We can’t wait to see and experience Versailles, Loire Valley castles, Chambord, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, and the Le Louvre Museum and so much more.

We are going to drive around to see these beautiful places. My friend suggested that I use car hire. This is very practical and convenient for us since I need to stop every now and then to take pictures of course. We are going to use ArgusCarHire since their rate is very affordable.

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Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Wordless Wednesday #1

Nahant Beach in Lynn, MA
To view a bigger version please click here.



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Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

Yes, I'm joining the club! I'll be posting my first photo tomorrow so I hope you guys can check out my entry here every Wednesday. I've seen so many beautiful photos in the entries and I'm proud that I'll be joining all these amazing photographers.

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Fight Depression

There’s no denying that we get depressed at some point. We feel depressed when we lost a loved one, when life’s problems are too much to handle or when our pride was hurt. If your depression is more than what you can handle, it’s time to seek professional help.

Depression is a silent killer. It deprives us of a happy life. It is very unfortunate that some people suffering from depression never seek treatment. According to the Institute of Mental Health, nearly 18.8 million Americans over the age of 18 suffer from major depression.

Don’t lose hope. If you’re battling depression, there’s a lot of help. All you need to do is seek them out. Please join psychologist Dr. Deborah Rozman on Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 at 5pm PDT/8pm EDT. Dr. Rozman is the author of Transforming Depression: The HeartMath Solution to Feeling Overwhelmed, Sad, and Stressed.

Dr. Rozman offers simple and effective strategies for treating low-grade depression and increasing energy and creativity to help you reconnect with the world around you and experience a brighter future.

This is a Free Webinar, open to all and can be attended by phone only or computer and phone. Space is limited so reserve your Webinar seat now.

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Sunday, June 1, 2008

Look At This

I was reading my Canon photography guide last night and I saw a very interesting picture which I tried to do the same. It's really amazing what you can do with your camera. Taking this picture was challenging because it was hand-held. Here are the photos.

I printed a picture of a road off the internet and I used Antonio's toy car. In the first photo the road was out focus while in the second picture it's clear.

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