Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Swimming in High Winds

Fierce winds have been blowing across San Diego.  A high wind warning was in effect for local valley and mountain areas for the second consecutive day today. The National Weather Service issued the warning until 5 p.m. Thursday, saying peak wind gusts of 60-80 miles per hour were likely Wednesday.

However, we still found a little time for swimming with Reef Indy.  The water was warm and Reef enjoyed the splashing fun.

The water was warm and Reef enjoyed the splashing fun.
 

Saturday, April 26, 2014

SDPD’s Groundswell of Humiliations

Oma tries to stay as nonaligned as possible; however some things just leave her scratching her head in stupefaction and screaming for editorial.

Chief Shelley Zimmerman was just promoted to Chief of Police on March 4, 2014
Chief Shelley Zimmerman was just promoted to Chief of Police on March 4, 2014

 

Current Situation


Since 2005, more than 800 experienced and qualified San Diego Police Officers have left the department. It was also 2005 when the city started requiring police officers to pay more for their pensions.(Hummmmmmm - a clue mayhaps)

Officer salaries have not increased since 2008; further under the current labor agreement, officers are slated to go a full 10 years without increases . . . . . . . (however, they want to raise the minimum wage from $8 per hour to $13.09?)

At the peak of the San Diego Police Officer exodus, 264 officers, or just over one-tenth of the police force, left in 2009. Many retired that year to avoid a significant cut to their retirement benefits.

Requirements for Employment as a San Diego Police Officers
($26.04 to $28.59 hourly)


General

U.S. citizenship or permanent resident who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship prior to application for employment.

Minimum Age

20 years of age on the day you take the Written Test; 21 at time of Academy graduation (No maximum age limit).

Education

Graduation from a high school located within the United States or a U.S. territory OR passage of the California High School Proficiency Examination OR G.E.D. with scores that meet the California standard established by the American Council on Education OR possession of a two or four year degree from an accredited college or university. (Source)

As a comparison the Requirements for Employment as a San Diego
Probation Officer  ($25.98 - $31.57 Hourly)

General Applicants must be 21 years of age by the time of appointment; AND, Must be a U.S. citizen or in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen; AND, A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency; AND, One (1) year of full-time experience as a Correctional Deputy Probation Officer, or in an equivalent position in the criminal justice system; OR, One (1) year of full-time, paid experience providing functions of treatment counseling, criminal investigation, or as a school teacher (grades K-12) or first-line supervisor in the U.S. military.

Is it really such an astonishment that the San Diego Police Department is suffering through such a groundswell of humiliations?


On a side note - the manner in which the New San Diego Police Chief, Shelley Zimmerman dealt with the latest “alleged” misconduct by one of their officer does not instill confidence in this observer.

“We received the information early yesterday afternoon,” Zimmerman said. “We immediately contacted La Mesa Police Department, because it occurred in their city, and within just several hours after that, I revoked his (the SDPD officer’s) police powers and suspended him without pay. He was booked into jail.”

I am assuming that waiting for the facts was just out of the question!  Does the Police Chief even possess the power to revoke an officer's police powers without any due process?

Chief Shelley Zimmerman - How about we recruit the best, pay enough to keep experienced officers, and show our workforce some respect.


Friday, April 25, 2014

"The Show Us Your Heinz" Sweepstakes Winner!

Heinz gave away more than $400,000 in prizes in its “Show Us Your Heinz” sweepstakes this past winter.

Oma entered by visiting www.showusyourheinz.com between Dec. 30, 2013 and Feb. 23, 2014, and submitting a photo showing "my love for Heinz."


Each Grand Prize winner  received a trip for winner and one guest to five (5) major sporting events, in the U.S., of their choice.

Oma won the First Prize:  my choice of either a gas grill BBQ or a 12-piece stainless steel cookware set and Sponsor specified kitchen utensils.  Oma chose the cookware!


 "The Show Us Your Heinz" Sweepstakes Winner! "The Show Us Your Heinz" Sweepstakes Winner! (www.omalovesu.com)
Add caption

 "The Show Us Your Heinz" Sweepstakes Winner! (www.omalovesu.com)


Oma loved the generous prize:
  • Le Creuset® Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set ($750); 
  • Le Creuset Utensil Sets ($75); 
  • Le Creuset VS303 Stainless Steel Revolution Slotted Cooking Spoon ($35); 
  •  Le Creuset VS302 Stainless Steel Revolution Cooking Spoon ($35.00); 
  • Le Creuset VS304 Stainless Steel Revolution Ladle ($35) 
Thanks so much Heinz!

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Scam from "David Jones"

Oma just received a call from "David Jones;" kind of a weird name for someone with such a heavy Indian Accent. 

He stated he was from Windows and that they had received error messages from my Windows computer. I told him I had fourteen Windows computers that I was using (a white lie) and inquired which computer was sending the messages. 

His response was that it did not matter - just pick a computer and he would help me fix my issues. 


Can you say scam?!? Caller Id showed his number as 888-888-8888.   "David Jones" gave his call back number as 888-732-3037. 

Be careful my friends - googled these numbers and they have been reported as costing people $200 to get control of their data back. 


Examples found on internet*

 I too received a call from "Microsoft Windows Technical Support." The caller fit the same profile as the other calls allegedly from this 800 number. The caller claimed my computer was hacked. Since I had dealt with a company with the same call back number in the past, I trusted the caller to take over my machine and demonstrate the problem. He showed me the hacker's IP address--which turned out to be the looping IPA that appears on every Windows computer. Then he showed me a Trojan spyware--which turned out to be the ubiquitous CSRSS graphics module that Microsoft installs on every Windows computer. I did uninstall the team viewer after the call and searched my system for problems. I found a very bad Trojan, CVE 2013 3598, which likely was not on my machine before this call. Beware folks, these people may be up to more mischief than just running a scam. Anthony 10 Mar 2014 

Received a call with ID 888-888-8888 just now. Same experience as described above, with the guy telling me he was from Windows support and my computer had errors. Very heavy accent and said his call back was 888-732-3037 Ethan Hunt, x1010. Told me he needed to access my computer to fix and I said I'd call him back. I told him to take me off his list and he said if he did that he'd revoke my Windows license permanently! Do NOT allow access or even answer calls with blocked ID's like this. Total scam and maybe worse. G 14 Mar 2014 


*Source

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Reef Indy's First Easter

Reef and the Cousins Enjoying Easter 2014
Reef and the Cousins Enjoying Easter 2014

Reef Indy Finds His First Easter Egg!
Reef Indy Finds His First Easter Egg!

Easter Family Portrait
Easter Family Portrait

Reef Indy With Grandma Wendy
Reef Indy With Grandma Wendy

Thanks Auntie Sitara and Uncle Moses for the New Book
Thanks Auntie Sitara and Uncle Moses for the New Book

Check Out Dad’s Easter Hair-do

Happy Easter!
Happy Easter!

Pine Bros. ‘Softish Throat Drops’
Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Pine Bros. ‘Softish Throat Drops’ aids in the temporary relief of minor discomfort and protects irritated areas in the mouth and throat. Created by J. Herman Pine in 1870, Pine Brothers has been soothing sore throats for over 140 years. Their proprietary blend of ingredients combine with the famed soft drop consistency to produce a delicious throat drop.

Oma’s favorite flavor is the Licorice; however Pine Bros. is also available in Natural Honey and Wild Cherry. The Lemon Citrus flavor is scheduled for release in 2015-2016. The Licorice Drops are so tasty that it can be difficult not to chew them (they work best when not chewed)


From Pine Bros. 


The Licorice Pine Bros. ‘Softish Throat Drop’ ingredients: Caramel Color, Carnauba Wax, Corn Syrup, FD&C Lake Colors (Blue #2, Yellow #6 and Red #40), Gum Acacia, Licorice Root Extract, Natural Flavor (Anise Oil), Sugar, Sunflower Oil, Water. 

Packaging Uses: For temporary relief of minor discomfort and protection of irritated areas in sore mouth and sore throat.

Directions: Adults and children 3 years and over: dissolve 1 or 2 drops slowly in mouth. Repeat as needed. Best if not chewed. For children under 3, ask a doctor.

Warnings: Sore Throat Warning: If sore throat is severe, persists for more than 2 days, is accompanied by fever, nausea, swelling, rash, headache, vomiting, consult a doctor promptly. Allergen Statement: Manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts.

Aside from the wonderful taste, Oma is thrilled that these useful drops are only 5 calories a piece and Gluten Free.


The Pine Bros. ‘Softish Throat Drops’ have in two different package options; bags and pucks. The drops are not individually wrapped, however, Oma found the pucks wonderful for traveling. You can keep a puck with you, in your purse or pocket! The puck’s screw top lid prevents it from popping open. 

Get Social with Pine Bros.






I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Reef Attends Skateboarding Rally

Thanks to everyone for making the Valley Center Skate Spot Rally such a fun success. It was a beautiful sunny day to skate and enjoy each other’s company.

Reef Indy watches the skate action from the sidelines
Reef Indy watches the skate action from the sidelines

Damien making it look easy at the Valley Center Skate Spot.
Damien making it look easy at the Valley Center Skate Spot.

Dad (Zachariah) takes his turn
Dad takes his turn

Cousin Kaleb show his skateboarding skills
Cousin Kaleb show his skateboarding skills



The Valley Center Skate Spot (28246 Lilac Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082) had a rally to express their thanks to everyone who has helped and shown support for the project. There was free food, including Hot Dogs and Hamburgers. There was also skate contests for the kids and all around family fun.

The Valley Center Skate Spot Board sent a special invitation to all the Little League Moms, Dads, Coaches, and Board members, for all their patience and understanding throughout the construction portion of the 100 percent donated project!!!

 

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Mom's Lingerie Shower

Opa we have to go - Ladies only
Opa we have to go - Ladies only

The calm before . . . . . .
The calm before . . . . . .

 Ready for the Bridal Shower
Ready for the Bridal Shower

Heather and Jen Jennifer Nation preparing the food table
Heather and Jen Jennifer Nation preparing the food table

Sisters - Bride and Heather

 Toast - Let the Celebrating Begin!
 Toast - Let the Celebrating Begin!

Thanks for the Help Mary.
Thanks for the Help Mary

What do you think Barb and Kathleen were discussing?
What do you think Barb and Kathleen were discussing?

"Pin the Junk on the Hunk" Yup, it was that kind of a party.
"Pin the Junk on the Hunk" Yup, it was that kind of a party.

Bride displaying her party attitude.
Bride displaying her party attitude.

The Toilet Paper Wedding Gown Game.
The Toilet Paper Wedding Gown Game

Rose and Daughter Crystal getting creative
Rose and Daughter Crystal getting creative

Strike a Poise
Strike a Poise

All the Toilet Paper Brides
All the Toilet Paper Brides

Our winners - Kathleen Miller and Barbara
Our winners - Kathleen and Barbara

Hannah won the "Do you know the Bride Game"
Hannah won the "Do you know the Bride Game"

We all had a great time
We all had a great time

The Bride received beautiful lingerie
The Bride received beautiful lingerie

Darling Picture Frame from Sister Heather
Darling Picture Frame from Sister Heather

Mother of the Bride looks on
Mother of the Bride looks on

Beautiful Blue Goblet from Hannah
Beautiful Blue Goblet from Hannah

Barbara and Kathleen
Barbara and Kathleen

The blushing bride cuts the cake
The blushing bride cuts the cake

Opa and Mary clean-up
Opa and Mary clean-up

Thanks Angelina for all your help!
Thanks Angelina for all your help!

Friday, April 11, 2014

Day in the life of Reef

Oma are you sure that Mom said to feed me prunes?
Oma are you sure that Mom said to feed me prunes?

This is an awful big bath!
This is an awful big bath!

It is not easy being this cute.
It is not easy being this cute.

I am in training to be a plumber - like my dad. (4th Generation Plumber in the making)
I am in training to be a plumber - like my dad.
(4th Generation Plumber in the making)

 Really Oma you are still taking photos of me?
Really Oma you are still taking photos of me?

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Off the Edge of the Map: Marco Polo, . . .
Book Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

For as long as Oma can remember, history and non-fiction books have been a passion. It has been said that he who controls the past controls the future. We are the sum of all our bygone events--good, bad, and indifferent!



“Off the Edge of the Map: Marco Polo, Captain Cook, and 9 Other Travelers and Explorers That Pushed the Boundaries of the Known World” is from the #1 bestselling author of History's Greatest Generals comes an exciting new paperback book on the greatest explorers in history and how their discoveries shaped the modern world, Michael Rank.

Whether it is Rabban Bar Sauma, the 13th-century Chinese monk commissioned by the Mongols to travel to Europe and form a military alliance against the Islamic Caliphate; Marco Polo, who opened a window to the East for the West; or Captain James Cook, whose maritime voyages of discovery created the global economy of the 21st century, each of these explorers had an indelible impact on the modern world.

This book will look at the 11 greatest explorers in history. Some travelled for religious piety, such as Ibn Battuta, who travelled from North Africa to China in the 1300s, visiting every Islamic pilgrimage site between. Others travelled for profit, such as Ferdinand Magellan, who wanted to consolidate Spain's holdings on the spice trade. Still others travelled for discovery, such as Ernest Shackleton, who led two dozen men to the bottom of the world in an attempt to cross Antarctica on foot.

Whatever their reason for discovery, these explorers still inspire us today to push the limits of human achievement -- and discover something about ourselves in the process.

Oma found "Off the Edge of the Map: Marco Polo, Captain Cook, and 9 Other Travelers and Explorers That Pushed the Boundaries of the Known World" a very easy book to read which riveted the reader’s attention.

Chapter 11, about Neil Armstrong, was Oma’s favorite chapter for several reasons. However, the most important one was the fact this this was a piece of history personally witnessed. Armstrong, an American Astronaut, was the first person to walk on the Moon. Oma can still remember the excitement of the accomplishment.

If you love the adventure of history, this collection by Michael Rank is well worth your reading time.


 Get social with Michael Rank






I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.