Get `Er Done

Edmund's Community Corner

Last year I decided to challenge myself by giving up soda for the year. I wanted to see if I could really give up something I loved for an entire year. I'm proud to say that I did it; and as a result I don't drink as much soda as I used to; and thus, I've lost a little weight. Nothing to write home about, but it's interesting how much cutting out soda benefits you. I found just labeling it as a personal challenge rather than a New Year's resolution worked for me. So for 2012 I decided to up the ante by adding a "positive" with a "Negative". I am challenging myself to losing 40 lbs by Dec. 31, 2012-"positive" and I am also giving up ice cream for the year-"negative"; LOL. Currently, I am 248 lbs. My goal weight is 190 lbs but I'll save those extra lbs for the following year. I'm going to take some inspiration from my wife (check out her blog: Talula Steps Daily) I'm going to ratchet up the accountability factor by posting my current weight every Saturday to my Facebook page and Twitter feeds. Given my network of friends, colleagues and acquaintances, I believe this will help me to stay on track and bolster the fact that no one man is an island. I thank you in advance for all of your encouragement, feedback, and support as I begin this journey into making my life better and ensuring that I am around when my son becomes a grandfather. Godspeed to all of you and your endeavors and Happy New Year!

So in the words of Larry the Cable Guy, let's "Get 'Er Done!"

Ellison a.k.a. Edmund Starbanks

Edmund's Community Corner

Companies have prepared for these dates already; but have you?

BLACK FRIDAY: November 25, 2011
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: November 26, 2011
CYBER MONDAY: November 28, 2011
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Smartphones have invariably changed the way we interact with each other, access information, and even shop. Unless you have been stranded on the moon, you are aware of the boon in mobile coupons or deals. They come in many flavors such companies that deliver deals to your phone such as: GroupOn, Google Offers, and Living Social, or loyalty offerings such as Four Square, and lastly baked in options such as American Express' Link, Like, Love. You do not have to rely on these options alone, there are plenty of websites that offer a way for you to take advantage of coupon codes for online shopping: RetailMeNot and Mfet are great sites.

So this holiday season, spread joy, goodwill, and hope; and when you shop, be sure to get the best deal possible. Look for my annual top 10 gift guide next week.

-Edmund

Edmund's Community Corner-Don't Forget Caylee

Edmund's Community Corner

Don't Forget Caylee

As a father of a two year old son, I cannot fathom any harm coming to him. I share the shock and disbelief that many people have felt over the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial. Although emotionally, I believe in my heart that Casey murdered her child and morally, she will have to answer to God for her atrocity; I want to focus on the fact that an innocent child has been deliberately taken from this earth. Regardless of how you feel her mother should have been punished, I ask that you pray for Caylee. Pray that her soul is at peace and move away from anger and dismay and towards solidarity for an innocent life. Casey knows the truth about what happened to her daughter. She knows that her daughter trusted her and she betrayed that trust. She took the unconditional love for granted and reacted selfishly and reprehensibly. We do not need to seek out judgment for Casey; that has been taken care of, and she will answer for that on her death bed.


Honor Caylee by spending more time with loved ones. Reach out to family members you have not spoken to due to petty arguments. Hug your children more and tell them you love them, and how proud of them you are. Recognize their accomplishments and praise their efforts in their endeavors. I end this post with a promise to pray for Caylee and all of the other lost children of the world.

-Edmund

Edmund's Community Corner

Edmund's Top 5 Holiday Gifts for 2010

Check out my 2010 Top 5 for Men!

Check out my 2010 Top 5 for Ladies!

The end is nigh. 2011 is just around the corner and you probably have not completed your gift shopping. Hopefully you have at least started! Below are my top 5 gifts for 2010. Always try and find an alternative if you feel some may be beyond your price range. Enjoy!

1. Apple iPod Touch: $229-$299

Apple's flagship music player has come a long way. The installment we have all become familiar with is basically an iPhone without the horrendous AT&T network! Retina display, built in camera, video shooting with video editing, a robust App Store and plays music and videos! C'mon what are you waiting for?! http://www.apple.com/

2. Microsoft Kinect Sensor: $149Microsoft's Kinect just might be this year's Wii as far as popularity goes. Team Redmond out did themselves with this unique take on motion gaming. Anyone who uses this is bound to lose weight and get in shape while inevitably having fun. http://www.xbox.com/

3: HTC Evo 4G: $449 Unlocked, $199 2yr Sprint Contract

Personally, I feel buying an unlocked phone is much more beneficial than being tied down by a two year contract. Regardless, HTC's Evo 4G is in my opinion the breakout smartphone of 2010. What does it have going for it? The first 4G phone to market, the most economical data plan on a very reliable Sprint network, 8MP camera, Video Chat over WiFi and 3G/4G, Android OS, and all the great things that comes with a Google device. Find out more at http://www.sprint.com/

4. Barnes & Noble Nook Color: $249

Barnes & Noble's updated e-reader is a welcome change to this already crowded space. The Nook Color obviously packs a display with vibrant colors, it is also backed by BN's vast library of available titles, and features all of the great  perks that make the Nook franchise a buy. The Nook Color also has animated children's books, magazine and newspaper subscriptions, MP3 player, and the ability to read any book in BN's catalog for free within an hr when you visit any store. Top it all off with its unique book lending option and you have great device made for a specific function. The only caveat is that the Nook Color is currently only available with WiFi-perhaps that is a plus due to battery drain. Pick one up at your local Barnes & Noble store or go to http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ to order online.

5.  Samsung 7000 Series 3D LED HDTV: 40"-55" $1,999-$3,299

Samsung is one of the market leaders when it comes to HDTVs. The 7000 series offers an immense lot of features including Samsung's own library of apps. Key options are 4 HDMI ports, DLNA Networking, WiFi Capability, BD Wise, and Skype Built in. Imagine Skyping on a 55" HD screen! Don't take my word for it, find out more at http://www.samsung.com/.

Now stop wasting time, you don't have much time left!

-Edmund

Edmund's Community Corner

Edmund's Top 5 Gifts $100 and under for Ladies

Take a look at my Top 5 Gifts $100 and under for men!

Listed below are my picks for great gifts for the special woman or women in your life. Happy holidays and don't forget to look for deals.

1. Victoria Secret Miraculous Lace Garter Slip: $58

Every woman loves to feel sexy. The best part is that this is also a gift for you! Add to the experience two fold by including the stockings and sending your special woman to Victoria's Secret to get a proper bra fitting (Bra fitting is free). Now she feels sexy and comfortable. Enjoy your Christmas! http://www.victoriassecret.com/

2. Coach Gramercy Patent Small Wallet: $98

This wallet is a great gift for those who want to add classic style to their repertoire. It comes in various colors and is the perfect accent for your woman on the go. Take a closer look at http://www.coach.com/.

3. Fandango Bucks: $10-$100

Everyone loves movies. With the cost of movies averaging $13-$18  per person, Fandango Bucks is thoughtful and economical. Partner it with a card that says all the movies purchased with the Fandango Bucks are her choice! That way it's a double gift. http://www.fandango.com/.

4. Tiffany & Co. Hearts Pendant: $100

You can never go wrong with Jewelry; especially from Tiffany & Co. Exemplifying classic style and elegance the Hearts pendant is great way to show your love without busting your budget. Don't forget to keep it classic by getting a silver cleaner. For more details go to http://www.tiffany.com/

5.  LG Optimus T-BLACK: $0

Don't fool yourself, women love technology too. Right now the LG Optimus T in Black is FREE. This is up until 2pm December 20, 2010. The catch? This is only via the web, but shipping is free and overnight! Here are some key stats on the Optimus T: Swype Keyboard, 3.2 MP Camera, Google Voice Actions, and of course Android. If the lady in your life prefers a color other than black, then you have a choice of three others at $29.99. For more info go to http://www.t-mobile.com/

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

Edmund