<![CDATA[FreelanceCompanion.com - Blog]]>Tue, 22 May 2012 18:37:08 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Dear Mr. President]]>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:23:10 -0800http://www.freelancecompanion.com/1/post/2012/03/dear-mr-president.html_Here's an idea Mr. Obama. Instead of using all of your campaign money on negative attack ads, take a good portion of that money and apply it towards lowering fuel costs NOW to help ease the stress on the average American and thus increase our economy in the process. You can advertise at every fuel outlet in America and countless other places by doing this. Do you really need to blow a billion dollars in negativity attacks when helping Americans positively will for sure win you the election? Politics as usual is the problem. You promised change, well here's an idea towards change. Change in the average American pocket is better than dollars in a politicians.
]]><![CDATA[Nana]]>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:54:53 -0800http://www.freelancecompanion.com/1/post/2012/03/nana.html_ Nana

There was a day back in 1928, October 4th it was and a baby was born that would change our fate.
From cotton fields to factory strife to the North Carolina hills living the retired life.
Betty Jean, our Nana, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, mother, and wife.

Today I give thanks for that day, because through her life mine was definitely changed.
I gained a Nana, son, daughters, sisters, mother, and wife.
All these things and she was so much more to me.
A Storyteller, jokester, and teacher of history.

I have wept and wiped my face.
I now choose to remember all the happier things.
I celebrate her life and cherish every memory.
Our Nana, Betty Jean.
]]><![CDATA[Thanksgiving Message to My Friends]]>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:45:57 -0800http://www.freelancecompanion.com/1/post/2011/11/thanksgiving-message-to-my-friends.html_ Here are some issues that just popped in my head: do you scroll to the bottom and that is the end? Or do you click More Stories to read more on your Friends? Do those Older Posts still like to be read? Or is it too late because the conversation is dead?

Facebook is part of all our daily routines, but sometimes the so called etiquette still confuses me. I play, I prod, and I joke endlessly. I do this in fun because it’s sort of my specialty. Life is too short and we are all here for but a while, so lighten up and use Facebook with a smile.

As Thanksgiving approaches, this message is for my Friends. My thanks go out to you for understanding what you can. I am difficult and obnoxious as a beast, but I am thinking of you and I hope you all enjoy your feast…

]]><![CDATA[A Tethered Mind]]>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:22:08 -0800http://www.freelancecompanion.com/1/post/2011/04/a-tethered-mind.htmlA Tethered Mind
Jeffrey A Moore
4-12-11

A tethered mind cannot fly
no matter how hard it tries.
But with clear thoughts and open eyes
we can sever the ties that bind.

With clear thoughts and open eyes
the world is a much better place.
Soaring minds set free to fly
might even mend the Human race.

If you look inside what will you find?
Bound thoughts, closed eyes, and a tethered mind?
If so, sever the ties that bind
with clear thoughts and open eyes.

A tethered mind not allowed flight?
Well, that is just a waste… ]]><![CDATA[Can't Hold Me Down]]>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 14:48:34 -0800http://www.freelancecompanion.com/1/post/2010/12/cant-hold-me-down.htmlCan’t Hold Me Down

The more I’m told I can’t
The more determined I become
Keep expecting me to fail
Hoping I come undone
But what it is that you must not see
I am a better man than that, Destined to succeed

So hold me down you can try
I’m experienced, Mountains I can climb
Nothing has ever been easy
At least not in my life
But I have the one thing that matters most
The love and support of my children and wife

So hold me down you can try
I’m experienced, Mountains I can climb
]]><![CDATA[When its good, its good]]>Sun, 10 Oct 2010 13:26:19 -0800http://www.freelancecompanion.com/1/post/2010/10/when-its-good-its-good.html

Credit must be given where credit is due. I have spent the past four weeks bashing the Lions for poor coaching, poor Linebacker/Corner play, and most notably Louis Delmas and his many missed tackles. Today I will point out what has drastically changed in one week’s time and what hasn’t.

Offense

I question Linehan’s play calling on the opening drive when he went for two long post plays on third and short, but after that his play calling was excellent.

Shaun Hill is the perfect replacement for Matthew Stafford. Hill is the primary reason why the Lions have kept the first four games even close to respectable and why the Lions were able to pull off a win against the Rams. He is definitely a leader on the field and you can see his control in the huddle, even if he does come across as awkward at times in his scrambling. The outcome is what matters and he does far more positive than negative.

The O Line is always going to be a concern as long as Jeff Backus remains entrenched in his starting left tackle position. Raiola is never going to be able to play as big as his heart is, but this is nothing new to Lions fans.

Pettigrew dropped a couple makeable passes, but still made several good plays. After he develops more dependable hands he will become one of the better Tight Ends in the league. He already leads the NFC in receptions to date this season. I’m curious what his drop totals are, though.

The running game is questionable ever since Jahvid Best hurt his toes. Kevin Smith still looks lost out there to me when he gets a hand off, but he does pick up the blitz well and makes the catch when thrown his way. Best is the answer to the running game for certain. He just needs to get healthy.

Calvin is Calvin; a mystery to me. My thoughts still lean toward trading him while value is so high. Speaking of trade, the Lions should consider trading Jason Hanson to a playoff contender like New Orleans. Hanson should be applauded for his tremendous efforts and tolerance of losing through the years, and should be given a shot at going out in style. Besides that, he is going to be replaced at the end of the season anyhow.

 

Defense

I am not at practices or in the locker room so I cannot speak about a players importance or presence in those areas, but I do watch every game closely and I can tell you that on the field, when it really matters, Corey Williams has been a far better off season pick up than Vanden Bosch. Williams does jump off sides too often, but I attribute that to poor coaching and not preaching discipline enough.

 

Cliff Avril had a monster day. Suh is a beast (tip it to yourself INT!). Let’s hope the Lions do as well in obtaining LB’s and Corners next offseason as they did building the D Line this season.

Linebacker and Corner play stepped up in a big way against the Rams. Julian Peterson stood out the most from the Linebacker position for his effort and the Corners didn’t stand out much for their effort, which is a good thing. Jonathan Wade and Chris Houston both stepped their games up in a desperately needed way. I noticed a few should be Interceptions but they play on the defensive side of the ball for a reason, I suppose. Alphoso Smith showed me once again why he should be out there starting every week.

 

Special Teams

Special Teams deserves special mention. Stefan Logan had a 105 yard Touchdown return and immediately went out and made the tackle on the ensuing kickoff. That is effort that Lions fans have not seen in years and I believe that to be the spark that ignited a winning attitude against the Rams. Jason Hanson gets a second mention for being Jason Hanson of old.

 

Time to get ready to kick some Giant tail…

]]><![CDATA[How To Grow A Fresh Veggie Garden]]>Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:54:12 -0800http://www.freelancecompanion.com/1/post/2010/04/how-to-grow-a-fresh-veggie-garden.htmlHave you ever wondered how to grow that ripe, juicy tomato? Or have you ever been in need of vegetable gardening tips? Well, there are some pretty basic principles to growing a vegetable garden. Allow me to offer these three letters of wisdom before you venture off into your own vegetable gardening: P.P.T.

What is P.P.T. you ask? Planning, Planting, and Tending. These are the three main steps to growing vibrant, flourishing vegetable gardens.

Planning:
Planning is always the most important step to any successful vegetable garden layout. There are some important things to consider before you fire up that rotor tiller and start digging in.

~~How much time can you dedicate to your vegetable garden?

~~What type of vegetables are you planning to grow?

~~Are you starting from seed or plant or both?

~~What size vegetable garden do you plan to utilize?

~~Where do you plan to situate the vegetable garden?

~~Does this area get enough sunshine?

Logically thinking things through and patient planning will produce great reward. It is recommended that you start small your first year to get a handle on things. Fifteen feet wide by thirty feet long is plenty of space to keep you busy and produce sizable results.

Digging the Garden
After you determine a place to put the garden you need to prepare the area. Sod removal is required in grassy areas. It is helpful to outline your garden with stakes and twine to keep it more uniform.

Once you have outlined the garden area you will need to take a flat edged shovel and dig at an angle outside the twine line to loosen the sod. Removing the stakes and twine after you loosen the sod will make it easier to maneuver the rotor tiller at the edges.
After the garden’s edges have been established, dig and turn the rest of the inner area. The larger the garden, the more dirt there will be to turn, so do yourself a favor and either use a rotor tiller or find someone you can hire the tilling out to. (Hiring out this part of the job will save a lot of back-breaking work.)

Testing the Soil and pH LevelWhatever you decide about the dirt turning, you may want to get a soil sample. This will tell you what kind of soil you have and if it is necessary to till additives into the soil in order to make your plants thrive. You can purchase soil tests at your local garden center. Follow the directions and the test will tell you exactly what you need to know about your soil. Just remember that the soil needs to be dry when tested.

The amount of acidity or alkalinity of the soil is pH. Vegetable gardens ideally should be around 6 to 6.5 pH. If your pH is lower or higher it is recommended to put some additives into the soil. Your local garden center can usually help you decide what to add. Be prepared to give them the dimensions or the square feet of your garden. If the soil needs to be more acidic you can add sulfur. To raise the acidity you add lime. There is a multitude of other additives and the staff at the garden center will be able to assist you with any specific situations.

Planting:
Before planting a vegetable garden you need to consider where you live. Planting times vary throughout the United States due to weather conditions. Consult your local Farmers Almanac for optimal spring and fall planting times.

During the planning process you decided on an assortment of vegetables. Different vegetables are required to be planted at different depths and distances apart. Here are a few depth and spacing recommendations for your common kitchen garden:

~~Bush Snap Beans-1"-2 inches deep, 2 inches between plants, and 18-30 inches between rows.

~~Sweet Corn-1"-2 inches deep, 12 inches between plants, and 30-36 inches between rows.

~~Slicing and Pickling Cucumbers-1 inch deep, 12 inches between mounds, and 4-6 feet between rows.

~~Sweet Peppers-1/2 inch deep, 18 inches between plants, and 3 feet between rows.

~~Tomatoes -1/2 inch deep, 2 feet between plants, and 3-5 feet between rows.

When planting from seed you can usually get all the required information on the seeds package. Look for planting times, depth to plant, distance between plants, distance between rows, best soil ph, and days to maturity. However, the first year gardener might find it more convenient to purchase plants from the local gardening center.

Tending:
From pulling those tedious, never-ending weeds to picking a ripe tomato or cucumber, if you are a true gardener, you will find enjoyment and peace of mind in tending to your vegetable garden. Most weeds and bugs just look ugly; they won't really do much harm if you keep them away from the immediate area of your plants. Avoid weed killers and pesticides if at all possible. There are old remedies, like putting Epsom salt around the base of your plants to help keep bugs away, which are much healthier than chemicals. A nice compliment to your vegetable garden is to plant marigolds around the perimeter in a U shape. This gives it a nice colorful border.

Happy gardening!]]><![CDATA[The Art of Advertising-Simple First Steps]]>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 08:39:10 -0800http://www.freelancecompanion.com/1/post/2010/04/the-art-of-advertising-simple-first-steps.htmlAdvertising for your own small business is a steep hill to climb, but with patience and a little time, climb that hill you will.

Some simple first steps you can take to start your advertising empire are:

1. Write some credible content that reflects what is happening now and publish them through Helium or HubPages or some other free publishing site. Then place your links strategically in the articles and pages.

2. Build a Website or two or ten. There are free services out there. Like anything, with a little research you are sure to find a few.

3. Post your links any and everywhere you can. Forums and messageboards are good places to start. Topix is another place you might try.

Posted above are three FREE tips to get you started. While I try to promote free opportunities, some things in life just aren't free!...]]><![CDATA[Post Title.]]>Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:44:39 -0800http://www.freelancecompanion.com/1/post/2010/04/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit1.htmlI forgot that I had a Hub Pages account. Check it out if you get a chance. Mis says I have too many irons in the fire. She might be right, but I will soldier on with my desire to make that almighty dollar through my own efforts and not make someone else rich off of my back...
]]><![CDATA[Post Title.]]>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:40:30 -0800http://www.freelancecompanion.com/1/post/2010/03/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit.htmlGames Free for You is off to an awesome start! I've put a few more games on there and this one is hilarious! http://gamesfreeforyou.weebly.com/the-black-house.html
Even Republican's will laugh out loud at this one!]]>