Time For New Glasses

My sister keeps saying she needs to go to the eye doctor and get new glasses. Buying glasses at the eye doctor's office can be expensive, so I was looking at some options at www.eyeglasses.com. They have the round styles of glasses she wants.

They have a great selection of name brands at pretty reasonable prices, so she could even get a second pair of glasses to use as a backup. Then she would be able to have more variety and could easily change up her look.

My New Favorite Holiday

The other day as R and I were cooking dinner, the subject of Valentine's Day came up. I asked him what we were going to to for the holiday and he told me not to worry about it.

"That's my job," he said.

It's kind of strange to think that this will be our second Valentine's Day together. I've never spent two Valentine's Days with anyone before, so that in itself is exciting. And I know whatever we do, it will be great. Last year he bought me a dozen roses and took me out for sushi. (Yeah, he's good.)

A couple of days later, I noticed that he had written down some of his recent credit card purchases on the white board in his kitchen. One of them "Roses - $60." I couldn't believe it. I told him, seriously, that he shouldn't have spent the money. Of course, I appreciated the gesture (and I still have the dried flowers), but I told him that was just too much money. He wouldn't hear of it.

"It was Valentine's Day. You have to have red roses on Valentine's Day."

Later, he admitted that he had waited until the last minute and bought them at a pricey flower shop. I hope this year he plans ahead and does some comparison shopping. I'm sure online retailers like 1-800-flowers are already running specials. I love that he was thoughtful enough to buy me flowers, but I don't want him spending a lot of money needlessly.

Mohammed Babangida's Reflections on African Music

When I lived in Africa, I had the great opportunity to experience many different forms of African music firsthand. While Mali has its share of well-known singers who play traditional Malian music, such as Oumou Sangare and Salif Keita, there are many others who borrow from different styles of music, especially reggae. In his blog about music, Mohammed Babangida discusses the influences of African music on other musical styles and famous musicians. Mohammed Babangida is a Nigerian with a great love of jazz music. He examines how jazz’s West African roots are evident in its use of blue notes, improvisation, polyrhythms, syncopations, and swing notes.

To learn more about Mohammed Babangida, visit www.muhammad-babangida.com.

Consolidated Resorts Offers Luxurious Vacation Options

With more than 29 years of vacation ownership development, Consolidated Resorts provides premium vacation destinations at 13 vacation ownership properties in Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Florida. Consolidated Resorts’ owners enjoy many benefits of vacation ownership, including cost savings, vacation flexibility, and access to luxurious vacation around the world. Through the Interval International exchange network, Consolidated Resorts’ owners can trade vacation time for vacations at hundreds of resorts in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, making affordable worldwide travel a reality. Consolidated Resorts properties include the paradisiacal Kauai Sands Hotel located on a mile-long, white sand beach of Kauai, Hawaii.

To learn more about Consolidated Resorts, visit www.consolidatedresorts.com.

United American Insurance Company Offers Affordable Health Care

In business since 1947, United American Insurance Company specializes in individual health coverage, with a special emphasis on health plans for seniors. United American Insurance Company offers plans including health insurance, life insurance, cancer/critical illness insurance, Medicare supplement plans, and Medicare Part D plans. UAIC offers flexible, affordable plans that come with a guaranteed renewal, meaning the policy cannot be cancelled as long as premiums are paid on time. The company has received an A+ (Superior) rating for financial strength from A.M. Best for more than 30 years in a row.

To learn more about United American Insurance Company, visit www.unitedamerican.com.

Amos Tamam Develops Wireless Technology for Cab Drivers

I’ve often wondered why cab drivers can’t accept credit cards. I never carry cash, so if I ever have to take a cab, usually when I'm on vacation, I have to make sure to hit the ATM first. But apparently some taxi drivers are now making use of wireless technology that enables them to accept credit cards. Develop by Amos Tamam, the new technology is now being offered in New York City and Philadelphia. Not only does this make transportation more convenient, but the cab drivers are able to carry less cash, making them less likely to be targeted for robbery. After studying electrical engineering at Tel Aviv University in Israel, Amos Tamam came to the United States and began servicing taxicabs in New York and is now the CEO of Verifone Transportation Systems, Inc.

To learn more about Amos Tamam, visit www.amos-tamam.com.

K Designers Awarded for Excellence in Service

K Designers has been in the home remodeling business for more than 30 years and has received more than 15 national awards for expert design, premium products, and quality craftsmanship, including the Revere Premium Renovator of the Year for Excellence in Service, Workmanship, and Professional Business Ethics for 7 years in a row.

K Designers specializes in siding, windows, and doors — including garage doors, storm and security doors, entry doors, and patio doors. The company also offers a wide variety of flexible financing options in order to make the remodeling process affordable and comfortable for everyone. To learn more about K Designers, visit the company’s Web site at www.k-designers.com.