The Limey Report

Can Cape Cod survive Hurricane Earl?

thelimey — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:28:19 +0000

After scaring the locals with winds over 140-miles an hour, Hurricane Earl is now approaching the vacation choices of millions – Nantucket and Cape Cod – at a more sedate 85mph. But things could still get pretty bad.

When Hurricane Pete dropped by the East Coast in 1991 it caused $1.4-billion in damage in less than 48-hours. Earl’s potential for leveling houses has now thankfully weakened but the residents of what may be Massachusetts’ most scenic areas are worried for sure.

Once a hurricane finally passes, reconstruction is often a worrying need. Thousands of people can be homeless and in need of some shelter. A steel building as a temporary home is one modern option, but for now all those in the flight-path can do is board up, head out and pray.

We all wish them luck!

Photo: Alpoma/NASA

Is Memphis finally losing its tune?

thelimey — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:21:48 +0000

For decades the musical hub of this wondrous country has been Memphis, Tennessee. The mere mention of Elvis proves that. But lately there has been a new challenger in town – Branson, Missouri.

This tiny town of just 6,100 people has been draining Memphis’ title as musical capital for several years, and Branson vacation packages are now a big business – especially among country music fans, with such names as Ann-Margret, Gladys Knight, Barbara Mandrell, Wayne Newton, Charley Pride and Andy Williams now calling it home.

I’m no fan of country tunes myself, but any town that can lay claim to so many former stars must have something special. If you feel the same, maybe that’s the place for your next vacation?

Linux solves most PC problems

thelimey — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:51:38 +0000

In July, after flirting with the idea for almost two years I finally took the plunge and converted to Linux. And the speed, reliability and freedom that has since been my reward is amazing.

The snag is, most PC makers only sell machines with that other operating system installed. And paying $150+ for software you’ll never use is just crazy. A few makers, however, have machines at more affordable prices that soften the blow – You can buy a stunningly attractive and fast Asus PC for less than $600 – with a screen.

I’m not advocating Linux for everyone – but if you like the idea of an operating system that is faster, safer, impervious to spyware and adware, and does not cost a dime, you might check it out. Meantime, give Asus a look…

Spend Labor Day in the Sun

thelimey — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:42:37 +0000

With so much distance to cover and such glorious scenery, owning a car in this country is essential. There is no feeling on earth like cruising along a deserted road way out in the wilderness with the wind in your hair and not a care in the world.

Of course, things don’t always run smoothly – even the best cars can let you down once in a while, but a few minutes of some skilled roadside assistance puts you back in the driving seat, and ready to be stunned by the glories of nature all over
again.

Summer may be almost behind us, but fall in New England rightly a legend. And if you’re lucky enough to live among such glorious views don’t waste the chance – there’s a three-day weekend approaching. Get a map and go get some air…

That sinking feeling

thelimey — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:08:07 +0000

People say all the best parties end up in the Kitchen, and the reasons are simple – Most people are greedy and the rest are all nosy. Kitchens are where all the food is, and they also give an unsettling picture of who lives in the house.

The biggest give-away are the sinks. Clean and shiny means you want those people as friends, while five pounds of mold may mean you need to stop eating. And run.

If you often have parties, this is wise to remember. People will judge you, and the state of your kitchen is your best defense…

Your venue’s safety is job #1

thelimey — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:23:22 +0000

If you run a club, a bar or any public accessible building you know how many steps are involved in obeying the laws.

One rule is that all public places must display exit signs. But unless your property came with them already in place you have no guarantee they are working correctly, or comply with the rules.

It may surprise you that there are companies who know all these fears. And they have the tools. Modern materials can offer you over 80-years of reliable service just from the bulbs, and designs that can clearly be seen but won’t look out of place.

If you run a venue, you need to be safe. Start at that link and see how easy it is…

Photo by: Rudolf

If your car insurance is costly, read this…

thelimey — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:18:57 +0000

Cars are an indispensable part of our lives. But so is money. And if you’re finding that insurance is leaving a hole in your cash-flow you need to plug, there is now a way to find better cover.

Insurance rates vary depending on age and the driver’s history, but the cost of good coverage can even vary wildly from one firm to another. But researchers have now compiled a list of car insurance companies which can make having your own personal transport a lot less of a drain.

If you love you car but you need to save money, that is one link you need to browse now…

GOP spells the end for reform

thelimey — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:26:35 +0000

When President Obama assumed control of this glorious country it marked the finale of roughly18-months of non-stop electioneering, and the sickening, saturation coverage of all that by the media.

Which intellectual giant it was who decided the country should grind to a halt every two years so the politicians could play ‘musical chairs,’ I’m not sure. But one thing is increasingly clear – Our wonderful President could lose several seats in the next round.

The GOP has stalled, lied and even sided with BP in an endless and indefensible effort to retard the repairs to this nation that are clearly and desperately needed after eight years of their rule. And their latest bone of press-seeking contention is immigration reform.

Arizona’s xenophobic ‘SB-1070′ law is one of the most repulsive examples of legalized bigotry anyone could imagine – but Republicans love it because hating ‘illegals’ gets them lots of attention – and votes.

Most of those in this country without their documentation are law-abiding, hard-working types would love to get legal – but they dare not step out of the shadows for fear of imprisonment, deportation or both.

If those in D.C. declared amnesty and let them be legal, the tens-of-millions of dollars of new tax revenue this would create would make a large dent in the horrifying deficit the GOP caused with two ‘wars’ and tax cuts.

But does the GOP see this or help it to happen? Of course not.

The President wants comprehensive reform, but the GOP blocks it. And if – as some sources predict – they win control of the House and / or the Senate in November, any reform would be prevented for years.

And when [if] that happens, three things will follow – Those without papers will continue to suffer poor housing, low wages and no access to healthcare, this wonderful nation will slide deeper in debt – and the GOP will preen for the media, purring about how they made the country ‘more safe.’

I would dearly love to have been born an American. But to then be the peer of people so mentally frigid, maleficent and driven by ego would scare me to death.

Mens fashion is no oxymoron

thelimey — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:10:11 +0000

Many women will spend hours choosing their wardrobe, while the average guy will slip on a t-shirt and jeans and declare themselves dressed. But creating a sharper, more upscale appearance for guys is really not as tough as it seems.

Most department stores sell enough women’s clothes to fill six city blocks, while their menswear range is a closet. But that imbalance is slowly correcting and the range of men’s clothing now offers far wider choice.

If you have a yen to upgrade your appearance, the retail world could now meet your needs. Try that link to see some truly excellent options. Then try out your couture and prepare for some fun…

Photo by Travis

Radar Detectors could save you from jail

thelimey — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:03:00 +0000

Speed limits save lives. That’s easily proven. But there will always be those daring souls who need to live on the edge. This glorious country offers countless of miles of quiet country road where this largely harmless addiction presents little problem,

But you never know what’s around the next bend.

To ensure this need for speed doesn’t end in a bright-orange jumpsuit, technology once again has come to our aid – Buy a really well made radar detector and your odometer needle can flirt with the red zone in relevant safety.

Try one and see how it feels…

Photo by: Amanda